Posted by: judyhitson | July 6, 2021

Power to be Steadfast

Power to be Steadfast
Growing Together in Love
by Brenda D. Flowers

Col. 3:12-15 NKJV  Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all of these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. . . .

On June 17th, my husband, Eric, and I celebrated our 43rd wedding anniversary. Judy, co-writer and dear sister in the Lord, recently celebrated her 55th anniversary with her beloved Jack. Our marriages have lasted through the power of God’s grace and through our choice to remain steadfast, trusting God’s faithfulness to complete what he began in us when we said our marriage vows. God has been good to us!

Have there been testings along the way?

Yes, but there also has been growth through these times of challenge.Sometimes, it seems even more testing comes to those who profess to be Christians.

 I believe God allows testing to refine us in our faith.

When we profess our faith in Christ, we are entrusted with God’s good news, His mysteries.

Each of us as followers of Christ, married or not, is given a responsibility to steward the gospel message.

Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful. 1 Corinthians. 4:1-2 (NKJV)

Marriage is often God’s refinery, a place of preparation and purpose. It is in marriage and in church fellowship, we learn to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.  In Ephesians 5,  we can read more about the powerful mystery of marriage.

God is faithful and He gives us the steadfast power to be faithful in our marriages. Those who are led to marry are given the great responsibility to be a picture of unity, displaying the unity of Christ and His body, a picture of love in action.

Thankfully, God provides the power for us to love as only He can, fulfilling His great commandment.

If any of you reading this post are struggling in your marriage or in your daily walk, come to the One who can help you. Jesus is faithful and true. He will give you the wisdom and strength to carry-on, as you put your trust in Him.
We can be faithful to our  marriage vows and to our calling with Christ’s help.

Reflection and Prayer

May we remember to acknowledge the One who gives us strength to be steadfast, abounding in love. We enter His presence with thanksgiving and praise.

Lord, thank you for what you have taught me in my marriage and in the observation of strong Christian marriages.

 I want to love everyday like You love. May I be sensitive to Your guidance as I yield my will to Your will.

In Your mighty name, Jesus, I pray.

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Posted by: judyhitson | June 21, 2021

Power in Jesus Name

Power in Jesus Name
by Judy Hitson

John 20:31 NLT But these things are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name.

Amazing is the revelation and understanding to know and experience power in the name of Jesus.

Do you practice your faith with power in the name of Jesus?

Consider Phil.2 especially verses 9-11 as written here from the New Living Translation:

Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor
and gave him the name above all other names,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

Come on Church!

Let us believe and live by the power of His name, knowing Him as our Lord and our God who will come again as King of kings and Lord of lords.

Let us be good soldiers of Jesus Christ. We will endure suffering but He is worthy.

Let us be God’s army rising up to break every chain of bondage.

Let us walk in victory in Jesus, experiencing freedom as He intended for us, to live on earth as it is in heaven.    

Consider the song, “Break Every Chain – There is power in the name of Jesus to break every chain.”
This was originally written and recorded by Will Reagan in 2009 and later recorded by Tasha Cobb and Jesus Culture. Perhaps you have also heard it sung by other artists.

Bottom line is to rise up with the army of God to break every chain in the name of Jesus. Let us not be silent but make declarations in the name of Jesus and not fear persecution or suffering. He is coming again. Let us prepare and be ready for Him, Jesus Christ, whose name is above all other names.

Prayer: Father in heaven anoint us by Your Holy Spirit to break every chain by the power in the name of Jesus in our own lives and in the lives of others who hunger for You. Amen.

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Posted by: judyhitson | June 7, 2021

Fan into Flame the Gift of God

Fan into Flame the Gift of God

by Brenda D. Flowers

2 Timothy1: 1-3, 6-9  Amplified Bible

1 Paul, an apostle (special messenger, personally chosen representative) of Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed) by the will of God, according to the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus, 

2 to Timothy, my beloved son:  Grace, mercy, and peace (inner calm and spiritual well-being)  from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 

3 I thank God, whom I worship and serve with a clear conscience the way my forefathers did, as  I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day, …6 That is why I remind you to fan into flame the gracious gift of God, (that inner fire—the special endowment) which is in you through the laying on of my hands (with those of the elders at your ordination). 7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but (He has given us a spirit) of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline (abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control). 

8 So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord or about me His prisoner, but with me take your share of suffering for the gospel (continue to preach regardless of the circumstances ), in accordance with the power of God (for His power is invincible), 9 For He delivered us and saved us and called us with a holy calling (a calling that leads to a consecrated life— life set apart—a life of purpose), not because of our works (or because of any personal merit—we could do nothing to earn this), but because of His own purpose and grace (His amazing, undeserved favor) which was granted to us in Christ Jesus before the world began (eternal ages ago), … 

Recently this scripture passage spoke to me in a very personal way. I felt like God was telling me to read this letter aloud, putting my name in place of Timothy’s and receive His exhortation and encouragement to me. 

When the Apostle Paul wrote this letter to Timothy, he was in prison and knew his time on earth was short. He was intentional in the words he chose to beloved Timothy. Holy Spirit guided him in writing this exhortation, passing the baton of an empowered faith so to speak not only to Timothy, but to all of us who trust Jesus as Lord. We are all called to great purpose and we all must allow God to strengthen us in the face of difficult circumstances.

As followers of Christ, His Image-bearers, we are all challenged to live holy lives becoming more like Jesus each day. But the sanctification process is not to be done in our own strength. We are given God’s Spirit to empower us to change and to become who God created us to be. 

We are challenged to fan into flame the faith in the calling God has given us.

By faith, we are called to be sons and daughters of the King of kings…learning to trust and obey Him fully with our lives, even in the face of persecution or a harsh culture. 

Next time you read words of exhortation in the Bible, try substituting your name in the place of the believer receiving the challenge. Remember, our Lord (All Sufficient One…He who was and is and is to come) loves us so much He gives us His presence to complete us. 

All powerful Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith. We may feel timid in our flesh, but when we feel weak, He is strong. 

Share how God has strengthened and encouraged you. Let us rejoice together.

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Posted by: judyhitson | May 15, 2021

The Power of God’s Word

The Power of God’s Word
by Judy Hitson

Hebrews 4:12 New Living Translation For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.

Let us take to heart God’s word and the power available to us to apply His word to our daily lives.

One way God speaks to us is through His word. There are two songs on video that I am soaking in the lyrics, “Word of God Speak” by Mercy Me and “Word of God” by Brenton Brown. Check them out if you are not familiar with them.

When I came to know the Lord, the two most powerful ways God spoke to me was through Contemporary Christian music on radio and through His word. By the power of His word, He saved me from religion to a personal love relationship with Him. Thank You Jesus! I think of Hebrews Chapter 6  and titles in different translations that pierce my heart to mature in Christ. For example,
“The Danger of Falling Away,” “The Peril of Not Progressing,”  and “Moving on to Deeper Truth.”

The word  of God is alive and powerful.

Have you experienced reading the Bible and at times it is like the words are lifting off the page speaking to you? That to me is the power of God’s Word speaking to us by His Spirit. Thank God for speaking to us through His word for a time is coming that God will send a famine for hearing His word (Amos 8:11).

We are familiar with the term “Activities of daily living.” For spiritual application, apply: Ps. 119:105 NLT Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light to my path.

  An illustration of this verse was used by a former Sunday school teacher. He had us stand outside the classroom. Opening the door from inside, he had us file into a pitch black room. We could not see a thing. A sudden flash of light blinded me;  I had to close my eyes. When I opened them, the light was shining on the floor like a path to follow. He taught the importance of God’s word for our lives and how to share it with others, not to blind them like a flashlight in their eyes but like a lamp to follow God’s path for their lives.   

Prayer: Thank You God for Your written word, preserved through the centuries, for men to have opportunity to see You, to hear You, to know You. Amen.

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Posted by: judyhitson | May 3, 2021

Transformational Power

Transformational Power

by Brenda D. Flowers

Since I was a child, I have been intrigued by amazing transformations in nature.  A tadpole changing to a frog, a caterpillar becoming a butterfly, and an acorn growing to be an oak tree are three examples of transformations that captured my attention.

 Innately, I knew these mysteries pointed to an Intelligent Designer. I trusted God as Creator at an early age.

The mysteries of creation still capture my attention.

Looking at an acorn and knowing it has the potential to become a massive oak tree is still mind boggling to me.

What is even more amazing is realizing God’s transformational power abides in me. God’s Word is clear:

17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new…. 21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. (2 Corinthians 5:17 & 21)

When we trust Jesus as our Savior and Lord, we become new creations. Think about His power that transforms us.

God intentionally designs us and empowers us for great purpose. His power transforms us through our life circumstances to become more and more like Jesus.

How is God’s transformational power evident all around and within you?

We can trust His Words to us regarding our transformation:

Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. (2 Corinthians 3: 17-18)

What a beautiful mystery!

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Posted by: judyhitson | April 21, 2021

God’s Power for Believers

God’s Power for Believers
by Judy Hitson

Ephesians 1:19 NKJV and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power

Two car accidents, look at the contrast, one illustrates the power of God in my life, while the other displays a fleshly reaction.

It was a crisp, cool December morning in 2006, my husband was driving on the Natchez Trace toward Hohenwald, TN for an appointment. I was sitting in the backseat writing Christmas cards. Suddenly, the car was swerving, my husband fell asleep at the wheel. I shouted, “Jesus, Help!”

The car veered off the left side of the road down a steep, sloped hillside. Cards flew in the air as my startled husband attempted to maneuver the car in a safe position. Thank God there was no oncoming traffic as we crossed the lane of traffic that would be coming in the opposite direction.

Two men stopped to help us. As Jack and the men stood  with their backs to the front of our car discussing how they would get us back on the road, another man stopped his truck and came down the ravine to the driver’s seat of our car. Frightened at his presence as I was still in the backseat, he said, ”I can get your car back on the road.” He did! This was a miracle! Surprised, stunned and afraid, I looked at him as he got out of the car and said, “You are going to be OK. I have got to be on my way now.” He left in his truck.

My husband and the two men must have been startled when they looked up hearing me call Jack and see the car back on the road.  The car made strange noises but we made it to the appointment and back home an  hour away. We thank God for keeping us safe that day and providing help in our time of need. There was extensive damage to the car but a mechanic repaired it that we still use it for short distances.

On February  2, 2017 Jack was driving us home from a visit with family in Sweetwater, TN. We were on the interstate in the left lane of traffic going 70 MPH. I saw from the front passenger side of the car, a car attempting to pull in front of us at a high rate of speed. I shouted, “Jack, he is going to hit us!” He did! He sped away after he slammed our car against the center, cement divide. As I prayed, there was a realization, it was a miracle our car didn’t flip over and that we walked away from the accident. The man with a tow truck came on the scene and told us the axle rod bent preventing us from moving the car away from oncoming traffic. I still wonder what would have happened had I first shouted, Jesus, Help!

The experience of these two accidents remain fresh in my mind with the profound lesson that God’s power is readily available for believers to access.

I close with Paul’s prayer and words for believers from Eph. 1:19 The Passion Translation,
I pray that you will continually experience the immeasurable greatness of God’s power made available to you through faith. Then your lives will be an advertisement of this immense power as it works through you! …..

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Posted by: judyhitson | April 7, 2021

It is Finished

It is Finished 
by Brenda D. Flowers

After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, “I thirst!” Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth. So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit. (John 19: 28-30 NKJV)

Do we recognize the full implications of these words and the power hidden within them?

Our Heavenly Father loved humanity so much that He was willing to send His Son on a great mission to reconcile humanity back into right relationship with Him. But His Son had a choice of whether to accept the mission or not. Before coming to earth to take on human flesh, God counted the cost. 

Jesus willingly accepted the mission to be humanity’s kinsman Redeemer. 

His mission to save lost humanity involved great humility and sacrifice. He had to leave his heavenly Home, be born in human flesh as a baby and grow up in a sinful world, tempted in every way as we are …yet without sin. 

To restore humanity to God’s kingdom, Jesus had to fulfill the will of His Father. 

 Each word written of the coming Messiah had to be completed perfectly in His actions and words. Jesus knew he would have to diligently pray for guidance and strength. He had to depend upon Holy Spirit during His mission. 

Before the Son of God came to rescue us, He knew He would have to die as a perfect sacrifice as the Lamb of God. He had to take all the sins, sicknesses, iniquities of mankind in His body, suffering unimaginable agony and shame.

Jesus loved mankind beyond our comprehension to willingly accept this mission. 

It would have been an impossible mission for anyone but God. 

When we read John’s Gospel account, we gain the great revelation of who Jesus truly is, the Word of creation, fully God who became fully man. Jesus came to earth sacrificially for you and me. 

Did Jesus succeed in His mission?

The words Jesus proclaims on the cross were spoken with authority, the authority God the Father gave to Him. The Greek word tetelestai is translated “It is finished” but its root meaning is “paid and continuing to pay in full.” Jesus paid the full price for our redemption. He paid our sin debt.

Jesus’ life was not taken from Him. He gave His life willingly.

 Are we willing to lay down our lives and follow Him daily? 

Prayer:  Lord, thank You for fulfilling Your mission on earth. Help us to daily take up our cross and follow You. We praise You for the power to complete the work you’ve called us to do. In Your mighty name, Jesus, we pray.  Amen

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Posted by: judyhitson | March 22, 2021

Fire and Power of God

Fire and Power of God
by Judy Hitson

Matthew 28:18 KJV And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

Quiet down a moment.
Consider now as a Christian, “Christ in you the hope of glory,” Col. 1:27.
Think about it. With Christ in you, all power is given to you through Christ in heaven and in earth.
Let that sink in.
Getting hold of this spiritual truth is powerful, for you and for all of us in the body of Christ.

Recently, I was startled to walk in the kitchen and find flames of fire rising from an iron skillet with burning bacon and grease. How foolish of me to think I could leave the room and return to turn over the bacon. I screamed out, “Jesus! Help! Fire! Have mercy on me!”

I heard the word, “Smother!” 

In a flash, I placed the closest thing, a plastic plate, to cover the skillet. I reached in the cabinet under the stove to get a lid big enough to cover the skillet. The plastic plate was burning, flames were escaping.

This experience was frightening and a challenge to smother the fire with a lid while pulling out the burnt plastic plate. All the while I drew close to the Lord, crying out for His guidance.

Smoke filled the kitchen and went through the house with the foul odor of burning plastic and grease.

Praise God for His mercy and power to help me and spare us of a house fire.

My husband and I cleaned the mess and cleared the air with fans and open doors. In a few hours the smoke was gone. However, our grandchildren arrived to spend the afternoon with us and asked what smelled so bad.
We didn’t notice it, but realized the foul odor lingered for others to notice.

It came to mind that we may have spiritual fires to put out. Examples in my life are fires of anxiety, fears, doubts and anger. Each time, by faith, I call on the Lord for His peace. He answers by His Spirit of power, love and sound mind to put these fires out.

By the Holy Spirit, we can experience the power of God in our lives day by day, moment by moment. Let us keep our focus on our Lord and God, Jesus Christ. He hears and answers our prayers.

Prayer: Father in heaven, praise and thanksgiving to You in Jesus name for Your power to put out fires in our lives by Your Spirit. Amen.

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Posted by: judyhitson | March 8, 2021

Power Perfected in Weakness

Power Perfected in Weakness
by Brenda D. Flowers

During this past year from March, 2020-March, 2021, we all experienced new and very challenging circumstances in our world. We had to navigate uncharted territory. It hasn’t been easy facing the unknown.

We needed strength to persevere.

For many years, I have journaled. I love writing my ideas, creative thoughts, and special memories. I enjoy keeping prayer journals, too, where I record my prayers and the answers I receive from the Lord.

But this past year, my journaling was different.

God encouraged me to express my honest questions and struggles…to be real with Him.

This is what Paul did as recorded in 2 Corinthians 12: 8-10 (NKJV):   

Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me
And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.   
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

My Prayer Journal this year was a safe place where I recorded my prayers and what God was teaching me through difficult circumstances and times of waiting. It was also a place where I listed the ways God met my needs and blessed me.

I daily expressed my heartfelt thanksgiving in a special section of the journal.

When I am willing to honestly write down my struggles or questions, giving them to God in prayer, I discover the truth of God’s leading. He provides comfort and answers in the scriptures.

I am impressed by the timeliness of God’s words to me.

 He prepares me to face today’s challenges by His guidance.

In the natural or physical realm, we often gain power by what we do. For example, when we exercise, we strengthen our physical bodies and build our stamina. We grow in the ability to tackle physical challenges through discipline and exercise, gaining power in our physical bodies to accomplish greater feats. Exercising our bodies improves our physical strength.

Daily spending time in honest communication with God is key for building the strength or power to overcome. As I am willing to humbly express my weaknesses, casting them on Him in the pages of my prayer journal, I grow spiritually.

Recently, I asked this question, “What have I learned this past year through the difficult circumstances I experienced and what have You taught me, Lord?”

He showed me… I learned to depend more and more on Him each day and not on myself. I  learned when I am weak, He gives me strength. These are not just words I read in the scriptures, but they are words I experienced. God gives me power to carry on with joy in my heart. He is transforming me to be more like Christ.

Prayer:  Thank You, Lord, for Your strength as we trust You with our weaknesses. Amen

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Posted by: judyhitson | February 26, 2021

Rivers of Living Water

Rivers of Living Water
by Judy Hitson

John 7:37b-39a NASB ……..37b Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. 38 The one who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.'” 39a But this He said in reference to the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive;

The power of the Spirit with Rivers of Living Water are words the Lord confirmed to my heart to write. A visual contrast came to mind of a river with a constant flow of water and a Colorado lake with a standing body of water. This gave a perspective of the Spirit flow in and through us who believe in Jesus Christ.

How can this be except by the power of God in us?

Jesus said, “for apart from Me you can do nothing,” John 15:5c.

 Years ago longing to walk and live in the Spirit, John 15:5c was part of my Bible reading. I said, Jesus apart from You I can do nothing? How can I abide in You for a fruitful life in the Spirit? Many times I feel my words are void of Your Spirit. I come to You, my Lord and my God, for You also say,” I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” (Phil. 4:13)

From that time until now and beyond, I continue to learn of our vital need of the Holy Spirit in our lives. The Holy Spirit is powerful.

A river needs a continuous flow of water for nourishment. Yet, in seasons of drought, there can be dry river beds.  As a river needs a continuous flow of water, we need a continuous flow of the Spirit from the river of life to nourish our spirit and soul. There can be spiritual seasons of drought. If we fail to come to Jesus and drink when we are thirsty, the river of life will not flow through us by His Spirit. 

 We need God’s word, His Spirit and fellowship in Christ. Think about the following lyrics from the hymn, Spring Up O Well by Phil Wickham:

“I’ve got a river of life flowing out of me
Makes the lame to walk and the blind to see
Opens prison doors, set the captives free…. “

These lyrics reveal how the river of living water can flow through us by the Spirit’s power resulting in  miracles.

Prayer: Lord, give us words of life to speak with those we encounter. May the rivers of living flow from our spirit to their spirit. We long for the evidence of Your miracle working power. In Jesus name. Amen.

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