"Christ brought to the world a new conception of royalty. He rules by love and not by force. That, as he expressly said, is the difference between His kingdom and the kingdoms of the world." Author Unknown
Showing posts with label royalty. Show all posts
Showing posts with label royalty. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Reigning Real from your Throne: Part II
Reigning Real: Part Two: Receive His Resources
Written by Carol Van Atta
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. (1 Peter 2:9 NKJV)
As Jesus’ beloved, you have received the following:
Resources: "All that belongs to the Father is mine…the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you." John 16:15 (NIV)
In the last article, we discovered a Princess who had just realized there is a whole lot more to reigning real than looking pretty. Serving the King of Kings is a position available to each and every woman who walks this planet. For this all-powerful King has more than enough crowns, and love, to go around. He seeks imperfect women, women like you and me, to rule and reign for eternity as His Princess Warriors. Jesus has made certain that we are provided with everything we need to live successfully in this often confusing and sometimes very wicked world.
As His daughters, we have been given all the required resources to walk boldly, with integrity and confidence, as godly royalty. We can reign real from our God-given thrones.
Does it sound too good to be true?
Depending on the day, the hour, even the minute…our answers will vary. When life is proceeding as we desire, it’s much easier to claim our royal heritage. We tend to base our identity on our feelings, which is a big mistake. The Bible tells us that our hearts are deceitful above all other things. In other words, we can easily be led astray by our fickle emotions.
As a writer, I am always more than a little pleased when my words are published for others to read. However, writers have one thing in common besides their love of the written word — rejection. Yes, rejection. Just the other day, I saw the envelope —an envelope with a return address that I immediately recognized. A certain publisher had responded to my newest book-proposal. I took a deep breath, attempting to calm my heart that was now beating like a stampede of wild-horse-hooves pounding across the desert. Opening the letter, ever so carefully, my eyes feasted on the bold print: Sorry, but your project is not right for us…
That stampede of horses skidded to a halt, and I thought I might go into cardiac arrest. Disappointment and a barrage of negative thoughts clouded my vision, and immediately affected my state of being. I went from knowing I was a Princess Warrior to thinking maybe my King had forgotten I existed. I’ve had rejections before, and I’ve been honored to have my work published on a number of occasions. Yet, in this moment, I’d fallen into a deadly trap that the enemy of my soul had so diligently prepared. I allowed my feelings to determine my worth. My identity, for those few minutes, was not based on what God my King says about me, but instead on my lying emotions.
In order to have a fruitful reign, we must be continually reminded of who God created us to be, and what He planned for us to do. Will we experience rejection? Undoubtedly, we will, on more than a few occasions. Our goal is to stand steadfast in the truth of who we are. There is a war raging around us, and an enemy who wants us to give up, lay down our swords, and toss away our crowns. Thankfully, our King has provided us with heavenly resources. The Holy Spirit will make these resources known to us in a variety of ways.
There is a treasure chest of gems and jewels available to every royal daughter. It is up to us to open the chest … His Word. The Holy Bible is our primary resource. The treasures we will discover within its pages are just what we need to stand in victory.
No matter what your circumstances might be, no matter what rejection you have experienced, God’s Word explains that He will never reject those who follow Him. He promises to never leave or forsake His chosen ones. That means us! When we accepted Christ as our Savior and Redeemer, we were welcomed into an eternal Kingdom where our God and King will rule and reign for eternity with us by His side. When we can grasp that amazing truth, our whole outlook on life will change.
Yes, there are battles we may lose, rejections we will experience, and pain that seems unbearable, but, if we utilize the resources He so generously provides, we will overcome.
Written by Carol Van Atta
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. (1 Peter 2:9 NKJV)
As Jesus’ beloved, you have received the following:
Resources: "All that belongs to the Father is mine…the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you." John 16:15 (NIV)
In the last article, we discovered a Princess who had just realized there is a whole lot more to reigning real than looking pretty. Serving the King of Kings is a position available to each and every woman who walks this planet. For this all-powerful King has more than enough crowns, and love, to go around. He seeks imperfect women, women like you and me, to rule and reign for eternity as His Princess Warriors. Jesus has made certain that we are provided with everything we need to live successfully in this often confusing and sometimes very wicked world.
As His daughters, we have been given all the required resources to walk boldly, with integrity and confidence, as godly royalty. We can reign real from our God-given thrones.
Does it sound too good to be true?
Depending on the day, the hour, even the minute…our answers will vary. When life is proceeding as we desire, it’s much easier to claim our royal heritage. We tend to base our identity on our feelings, which is a big mistake. The Bible tells us that our hearts are deceitful above all other things. In other words, we can easily be led astray by our fickle emotions.
As a writer, I am always more than a little pleased when my words are published for others to read. However, writers have one thing in common besides their love of the written word — rejection. Yes, rejection. Just the other day, I saw the envelope —an envelope with a return address that I immediately recognized. A certain publisher had responded to my newest book-proposal. I took a deep breath, attempting to calm my heart that was now beating like a stampede of wild-horse-hooves pounding across the desert. Opening the letter, ever so carefully, my eyes feasted on the bold print: Sorry, but your project is not right for us…
That stampede of horses skidded to a halt, and I thought I might go into cardiac arrest. Disappointment and a barrage of negative thoughts clouded my vision, and immediately affected my state of being. I went from knowing I was a Princess Warrior to thinking maybe my King had forgotten I existed. I’ve had rejections before, and I’ve been honored to have my work published on a number of occasions. Yet, in this moment, I’d fallen into a deadly trap that the enemy of my soul had so diligently prepared. I allowed my feelings to determine my worth. My identity, for those few minutes, was not based on what God my King says about me, but instead on my lying emotions.
In order to have a fruitful reign, we must be continually reminded of who God created us to be, and what He planned for us to do. Will we experience rejection? Undoubtedly, we will, on more than a few occasions. Our goal is to stand steadfast in the truth of who we are. There is a war raging around us, and an enemy who wants us to give up, lay down our swords, and toss away our crowns. Thankfully, our King has provided us with heavenly resources. The Holy Spirit will make these resources known to us in a variety of ways.
There is a treasure chest of gems and jewels available to every royal daughter. It is up to us to open the chest … His Word. The Holy Bible is our primary resource. The treasures we will discover within its pages are just what we need to stand in victory.
No matter what your circumstances might be, no matter what rejection you have experienced, God’s Word explains that He will never reject those who follow Him. He promises to never leave or forsake His chosen ones. That means us! When we accepted Christ as our Savior and Redeemer, we were welcomed into an eternal Kingdom where our God and King will rule and reign for eternity with us by His side. When we can grasp that amazing truth, our whole outlook on life will change.
Yes, there are battles we may lose, rejections we will experience, and pain that seems unbearable, but, if we utilize the resources He so generously provides, we will overcome.
Consider Paul. He was locked in a filthy Roman prison. Beaten and shackled, this ancient warrior sang songs of praise to his King. In spite of the pain and rejection that he experienced on a regular basis, he continued to use the resources available to him. Praise and worship in the midst of trials and temptations showed others that he never forgot who He was in Christ.
Rahab, a prostitute who probably felt degraded, ashamed, and rejected, overcame her feelings and trusted the spies who she’d hidden in her home. She trusted that their Hebrew God would rescue her and her family from destruction. Mary, a young virgin girl, chosen to be the bearer of our Lord in the flesh, risked rejection, even death, by embracing God’s purpose for her life. The list goes on and on. Other men and women, fallible just like us, embraced their royal heritage and trusted in the resources provided by their King.
You may face horrendous trials today. Your marriage may be shaky, your kids out of control, your job unfulfilling, your body sick, but if belong to the Royal Court of Christ; there are supernatural resources available to you in every situation. Sometimes the best we can do is cling to who our King is and what His promises say. We may feel so rejected that we’ve accepted the lies our enemy has strategically fired our way. It’s time to raise the Shield of Faith and fight back. God’s Will and His Way will prevail … always. Your life may not make sense now, but God will take everything that the devil intends for evil and destruction, and He will somehow, someway, someday, turn it around for His good and glory.
If you’ve forgotten, or still don’t understand who you are as a Princess Warrior, as a daughter of the Most High King, please read the following truths aloud. God’s Word is our greatest resource. It is our Sword. The Sword of His Spirit. The Sword of Truth. Speak it. Believe it. Live it. No matter what you might be feeling in this moment … you are created for good things. Remember, you belong on a Throne. So, go ahead, reign real … one step and one prayer at a time. God will do the rest.
Who you are in Christ:
I am God’s Child (John 1:12)
I am Christ’s friend (John 15:15)
I have been justified (Romans 5:1)
I am united with the Lord, and I am one Spirit with Him. (I Corinthians 6:17)
I have been bought with a price. I belong to God. (I Corinthians 6: 19, 20)
I am a member of Christ’s Body. (I Corinthians 12:27)
I am a Saint. (Ephesians 1:1)
I have been adopted as God’s child. (Ephesians 1:5)
I have direct access to God through the Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 2:18)
I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins. (Colossians 1:14)
I am complete in Christ. (Colossians 2:10)
I am free forever from condemnation. (Romans: 8:1, 2)
I am assured that all things work together for good. (Romans: 8:28)
I am free from all condemnation. (Romans 8:31)
I cannot be separated from the love of God. (Romans 8:35)
I have been established, anointed, and sealed by God. (2 Cor. 1: 21, 22)
I am hidden with Christ in God. (Col. 3:3)
I am confident that the good work that God has begun in me will be perfected. (Phil. 1:6)
I am a citizen of Heaven. (Phil. 3:20)
I have not been given a spirit of fear of but of power and a sound mind. (2 Tim. 1:7)
I can find grace and mercy in a time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)
I am Christ’s friend (John 15:15)
I have been justified (Romans 5:1)
I am united with the Lord, and I am one Spirit with Him. (I Corinthians 6:17)
I have been bought with a price. I belong to God. (I Corinthians 6: 19, 20)
I am a member of Christ’s Body. (I Corinthians 12:27)
I am a Saint. (Ephesians 1:1)
I have been adopted as God’s child. (Ephesians 1:5)
I have direct access to God through the Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 2:18)
I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins. (Colossians 1:14)
I am complete in Christ. (Colossians 2:10)
I am free forever from condemnation. (Romans: 8:1, 2)
I am assured that all things work together for good. (Romans: 8:28)
I am free from all condemnation. (Romans 8:31)
I cannot be separated from the love of God. (Romans 8:35)
I have been established, anointed, and sealed by God. (2 Cor. 1: 21, 22)
I am hidden with Christ in God. (Col. 3:3)
I am confident that the good work that God has begun in me will be perfected. (Phil. 1:6)
I am a citizen of Heaven. (Phil. 3:20)
I have not been given a spirit of fear of but of power and a sound mind. (2 Tim. 1:7)
I can find grace and mercy in a time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)
Don't forget to visit my other Blog, too: http://princesswarrior.bravejournal.com/
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Reigning Real from your Throne: Part I
Out of all the peoples on the face of the earth, the Lord has chosen you to be his treasured possession.
Deuteronomy 14:2 NIV
Tentatively, the woman approached the massive wardrobe. Its intricate design work showcased a multitude of dazzling jewels. The words impressive, inspiring, even remarkable fell short of sufficiently describing the workmanship of this majestic creation that now housed an array of colorful gowns — her gowns.
In the far right corner of her vast, new closet, she spotted what looked like armor…several armors. Some silver, others bronze, or gold; they shone with an unearthly brilliance. Who could they belong to? Why were they placed in the midst of her royal attire? Surely, there must be some mistake.
She vaguely remembered reading about “fighting the good fight of faith,” but she’d assumed that statement applied specifically to men who resided in the Kingdom. Her King wouldn’t expect her to battle, or, would He?
Turning away from the wardrobe, she nearly stumbled over a scroll tied with a gold ribbon. Goodness, how could she have missed that? Without hesitation, she eagerly grasped the rolled parchment and hurried to a chair by the fireplace. Hopefully, she’d find the answers she sought. She read…
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. (1 Peter 2:9 NKJV)
As Jesus’ beloved, you have received the following:
- Resources — “All that belongs to the Father is mine…the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you” (John 16:15 NIV)
- Friendship — “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you” (John 15:15 NIV)
- Love — “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.” (John 15:9)
- Joy — “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete” (John 15:11 NIV)
- Glory — “I have given them the glory that you [Father] gave me” (John 17:22 NIV)
- A Risen life — “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. .When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory” (Colossians 3:1,4 NIV)
- Inheritance — “If we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory” (Romans 8:17 NIV)
- The Right to Reign — “To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne” (Revelation 3:21 NIV)
- Protective Armor — “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the whiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:10-12 NKJV)
The delicate inscription explained everything. She had indeed become a princess for Christ, but it wasn’t all about frilly ruffles and priceless perfume. No, her new identity involved living like a princess and a warrior, who on occasion might have to lift her royal ruffles to launch a swift kick of truth at a relentless enemy. She had been given a belt, breastplate, special footwear, helmet, and even a sword to use against her King’s sworn enemy. Indeed, the armor she had seen…was hers.
***
When I first accepted Christ as my Savior, I was immediately wrapped in a glorious gown of His grace and seated on spiritual throne next to my beloved King.
Life was good.
My sins had been forgiven and I was flying high on the understanding that I had traded my filthy rags for a heavenly destiny. I’d turned from a pauper to a princess. The old “me” was gone and a new Carol stood ready to reign as Christian royalty. Well, almost.
I excitedly opened myself to God’s Spirit and soon discovered there was a hope-filled future for those of us who believed and belonged to Christ’s family. Wow! This life far exceeded my previous existence of pain, shame, numerous addictions, and chronic hopelessness. God had chosen imperfect me to follow perfect Him…forever.
The first months of my new, royal- reality seemed to dance by like a graceful ballerina. A few spins and stumbles, but no major falls. Then something changed. Something happened. I tripped and fell…hard. Getting up was difficult, and wearing a fluffy tutu in light of my blunders seemed silly at the very least. Standing in a silky gown, while a brutal battle raged around me became increasingly foolish, and incredibly difficult. Although I tried to maintain my perfect princess identity, it was apparent I’d missed some critical information in my previous review of God’s plan of action.
I had been floating along on a cloud of God’s incredible grace, all the while, forgetting there was another pertinent, palace-protocol that I had completely missed — the importance, actually, the complete necessity of God’s powerful truth.
Without a more complete knowledge of God’s Manual for Living, the Holy Bible, I had failed to utilize the armor my King so generously provides for all of His royal subjects. Without the this protective covering, I had left myself wide open for the King’s sworn enemy, Satan, to trip me up, leaving me battered, bruised, and quite frankly bewildered by the ferocity of this feral beast’s attacks. Apparently, this otherworldly creature was none too pleased to have lost yet another one of his former, sinful slaves to Christ’s love.
Thankfully, I discovered sooner, rather than much later, that over my fancy princess attire, I needed to add a Garment of Praise and Prayer and a warrior’s full body armor, including:
· The Belt of Truth
· Breastplate of Righteousness
· Sandals of the Gospel of Peace
· Helmet of Salvation
· Shield of Faith
· Sword of God’s Spirit
I also needed to consume the proper nutrients to remain spiritually and emotionally strong and agile, The Fruit of God’s Spirit… “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law”— (Galatians 5:22 NAS)
By embracing all God has for His Princess Warriors - us - we truly are able to reign real in an often wicked world without succumbing to its tantalizing temptations. We can be totally and completely satisfied with who we are…daughters of the King. There is no better position, is there? After all, anything less leaves us reaching for more.
Join me next month as we continue to discover the joys of reigning real from our thrones as precious princesses and worthy warriors. God bless you until then.
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