July 31, 2010 "Reveal Me; not you"

Triumphant Victorious Reminders

Inspired by the Holy Spirit

Written By: Teresa Criswell

"Then Jesus answered and said to them "Most assuredly I say to you the Son can do nothing of Himself but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does the Son also does in like manner."

~ John 5: 19 ~

"Reveal Me. Reveal Who I Am.

I have not called you to reveal who you are.

Revealing yourself only causes others to stumble."

When I heard those words, at first I folded my arms, scowling with a frown as my lips and nose contorted as a spoiled child. I remember saying to myself, "That's not nice!" Now if you're reading this, please realize this all happened very fast when conviction came upon me as a 'suddenly'. Immediately fear and trembling set in of Whom I was attempting to manipulate with my little tantrum. As repentance was made available at that very moment, I am glad to say that I did turn very quickly as a child being disciplined and said, "Yes Lord...Truth."

At that very moment, I was reminded of my Savior Jesus. Jesus revealed the Father God. Everything He did upon this earth walking in compassion, mercy, forgiveness, healing, deliverance, setting free; He did it all with great purpose; to reveal the Father God (John 5). He never boasted in who He was; He boasted in His Father.

The day I heard, "Reveal Me. Reveal Who I Am" made such an impact and freed me from performance and led me into action with gladness. I had no idea I was performing. My intentions were to obey; yet I found that the motives of my heart were still about 'me'. This revelation has been a simultaneous grieving yet joyful moment. The grieving or sorrow that led my heart to repent, caused transformation (II Corinthians 7:9). I didn't grieve because I had to let go of that which was being revealed; I was grieving with sorrow over unintended disobedience.

This revealing was another beginning of the process of the life He has called me to; not what I think it should be. I turned from that thing that was supposedly good and turned to God who is awesome all the time. My Father God loves me so much that He is willing to take the time to excavate and explore the hidden places within my heart. The grime and the dirt of pride He is beyond willing to continue and hold my hand; lovingly showing forth His everlasting mercy upon me through this process.

In this time I have been reminded Who is within me. He is reminding me that His Divine Nature is within me. The world is in need of His Divine Nature to be revealed; not my sin nature. I am reminded that I am only the container; and what flows forth is what others will be enamored by. Just as the cliffs spill forth the glorious waterfalls; the amazing sight is what comes billowing forth from the mouth of the cliffs. It is not the mouth of the cliffs that is amazing; but what comes flowing forth with such power and majesty!

July 30, 2010, "Excerpt from my first post, March 20, 2009"

Reflecting on the greatness of God, an excerpt from my first post on Triumphant Victorious Reminders,

dated, Friday, March 20, 2009.

Triumphant Victorious Reminders

Inspired by the Holy Spirit

Written By: Teresa Criswell

I ask myself the following questions:

When I woke up this morning, did I intentionally think on the Lord?
Or, did I unintentionally think of the concerns of my day?
When my feet hit the ground, did I run to praise the Lord?
Or did I immediately "praise" the problems of the world?

Have you heard of the 'religious' cliche?
"They're so heavenly minded; they're no earthly good";
but there is this one also...as I thought about it, I wrote:
"We can be so earthly minded; we're no "heavenly" good".
So with these two statements, it tells me that there must be balance, correct?

How do we live a balanced life?

I'm sure we could come up with many answers to this question.
As many people there are; I am sure there are as many opinions to that question.

Well, let's look at the Word in which we are called to live by:

"Rejoice in the Lord always; and again I say 'Rejoice'!"
~Philippians 4:4~

"I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall be continually in my mouth."
~Psalm 34:1~

"Count it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations. Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience. But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing."
~James 1:2-4~

When you read the scripture that relate to praising and rejoicing in God and declaring His greatness, it is usually associated with a trial or tribulation.

We "rejoice in the Lord always"...it doesn't matter what our concerns are, what has happened to us or what is presently happening to us...we rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS!

It doesn't say to rejoice in what you are going through,
it says to "Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say, 'Rejoice'"

As we have been going through some rocky times, which let me say, some are self-induced 'rocky times',...we are realizing that praising God is a mighty weapon against the enemy. Have you tried it? You won't feel like it, but when you choose to utilize the weapon of praise, despite your feelings, it's amazing how the problem is demagnified and God is Magnified, which is where He is to be at all times!

When we rejoice in Him, it causes Him to be magnified in our sights! No matter our sights; He is Magnified above all, yet then we give Him place even in our hearts and minds, we agree with what He already is! I love what I heard in 2006 when things were really rough. I was outside, checking the mail, when I heard in my spirit which ministered to my mind, "Look up!" Then, as I looked up I heard, "The sky is as the train of My majestic robe, even the heavens cannot contain Me...so why do you try to contain Me?" Soon after I heard that in my spirit, I recognized subtly the power of praise. I'm not just talking about singing songs of praise, but truly declaring the praise which belongs to God and God alone (Example: "I praise you Lord for Who You are; I declare as the heavens declare your amazing glory! You are eternally just and merciful. Thank you for your Love and your Power to endure, persevere and most of all TRUST in YOU at ALL times!

As you exalt the Lord, watch what will happen. Even if you don't feel like it, just triumph over those feelings regarding someone or something and praise the name of the Lord. The peace of God will rule and reign in our hearts when we do so! It's an automatic! You praise God, He will raise you through it!

No wonder when Jesus said, "I have come that you may have life and life more abundantly". For as God has given us life and then life more abundantly; that abundance is to be given to others so they may also experience life more abundantly and they 'pay it forward' as the abundance of God effects them with great triumph! The abundance is not for us to hoard; it is to be utilized as a tool to reveal to others the unfailing, abundant love of God!

When we start exercising the power of praise by faith in God every day, no matter what our situation or concerns are, when the day comes that we need to praise Him even more, as the giants of concern, worry, anxieties shout at us...we can shout back by faith in God, knowing who our God truly is! In the praise He will reveal Himself in ways that we could never imagine, hope for or dream of.

Be encouraged today to know that if you suffer for the cause of loving Jesus Christ...that is the wealthiest life and most fulfilled life to live! I pray the grace of God over each of our hearts and lives so we will walk in boldness for the glory of God, which is our rear guard (Isaiah 58, specifically referencing, Isaiah 58:8).

God bless us all, as we allow Him to reveal Himself over our life, through our life and most importantly upon the lives of others!

July 28, 2010, "Song of Angels, Freddy Hayler"

I want to encourage you today with the following songs by Freddy Hayler. When listening to the songs, I believe that the mountainous giants you face; will immediately crumble upon hearing the beautiful descriptive revelation of our Awesome God, revealed so powerfully in this song, "Celestial Odyssey'.

Most likely, like most of us, you may not have time to sit at your computer and listen; however, if possible, may I suggest that you play it as you get things accomplished! This is so powerful. My husband and I came upon this CD back in 2006 and it is partly a Revelation of John through this song. This song so powerfully reminds me of the powerful angels in their great power; constantly singing of God's Awesome Glory, declaring constantly God's Awesome, Indescribable Holiness!

This song is another awesome song; sung by Freddy Hayler, sung in Italian and English.

"The Day The Angels Cried", this song I would love to see a 'skit' done during Christmas and Resurrection Day:

July 28, 2010, "Are they delightfully surprised?"

Triumphant Victorious Reminders

Inspired by the Holy Spirit

Written By: Teresa Criswell

Video excerpt from youtube.com

"For You, O Lord, have made me glad by Your works: at the deeds of Your hands I joyfully sing."

~ Psalm 92:4 ~

As we go through difficult or joyous times, do we forget about others?

Do we lose sight of the most beautiful commission? The commission of The Amazing Savior, Jesus Christ who came to give life and life more abundantly, rescuing us from eternal damnation into eternal relationship with our Heavenly Father.

Do we delightfully surprise those around us, as seen here in this video?

(Please note: To pause the background music, please scroll down to the bottom of the page and pause 'playlist' before watching video).

As I watch this; yes! Tears stream down my face as I wonder who in that crowd needed a 'pick me up'? What if there was a someone in the crowd who felt all hope was lost? What if someone in the crowd was riding the train to see a loved one who was dying? The 'what if's' are endless, aren't they? Yet, that moment of surprise must have provided such hope to those individuals; even to the ones where things are going great.

Watching this video leads me to this question, "Do I reveal the Father God with great delight, bringing hope to a hopeless situation?" Or do I reveal myself? Bringing little hope, if any, to an already hopeless situation? I am reminded that I am not called to reveal myself; I am called to trust in God revealing a glimpse of His Awesome, Indescribable Glory!

July 25, 2010, "Pursuit of Holy God"

Triumphant Victorious Reminders

Inspired by the Holy Spirit

Written by: Teresa Criswell

Excerpts from: Pastor Stephen Behrman

"...And one cried to another and said, Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!"

Isaiah 6

"Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy; so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, "Be Ye Holy; For I Am Holy"."

~ I Peter 1:13-16 ~

The Holiness of God.

The pursuit of God.

The pursuit of God's Holiness.

In the pursuit led by passion, I become more aware of God's Awesome, Majestic Holiness.

No wonder when Isaiah saw in a vision, as recorded in Isaiah 6, the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, seeing and hearing the declarations of God's holiness; Isaiah said, "Woe is me for I am undone and ruined, because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!"

Our pastor exhorted us by the power of The Holy Spirit in clothing our minds; being sober; being aware. He asked us, "What is the opposite of sober?" Some answered, "to be drunk" another answered, "intoxicated". He said, "Yes; but it is necessary to remember that the opposite of soberness is be unaware." When someone is under the influence of alcohol or another form of drug, it causes them to be unaware of the things around them, causing awareness and alertness to slip away.

He then gave us a simple example of someone driving under the influence. The one under the influence becomes unaware of the things around them which results in a disconnect or impaired thinking. However, when we become aware of our God and His Holiness it causes the former influences or lusts to go away. He said, notice the word 'former' as stated in I Peter 1:13-15. When we lust after something, we go after it with passion. Those former lusts equipped the emotions with such a passion which hinders enduring temptation. However, there is a lust that we must be driven by and that is a lust or desire after Holy, Almighty God.

Lust must be a tool to passionately seek after Holy God! When the passion for our God is active; our passions are transformed, changed. The ways of the world are no longer a seductive tool; but the lusting passion for our God becomes ever growing. This passion which is ignited for Holy God causes change in the way we speak. The passion for Holy God causes change in the way we live. The passion for Holy God causes change in the way we look at ourselves. Furthermore, the passion for our Holy God changes the way we see Him; which is High and Lifted up! The mountains, the valleys, death, obstacles of every kind attempt to seduce us from seeking His face; yet the passion for Him will be the influencing motivator as we are moved with great action towards The Immovable, Holy, Indescribably Awesome God! As we are moved by holiness because of our God who Is Holy we will see the reward of walking passionately in pursuit of God.

The pursuit of passion will remove the disabling stumbling blocks of our former lusts as we deeply disdain and despise those former things. As we despise those former lusts we see that it is due to securing ourselves to the Truth of Jesus Christ who made the way to have a relationship with Holy God. In this sobering awakening we become more aware of truth and by default ignorance slips away. The hindrances of ignorance or not knowing Truth is dispelled because we have girded our minds with the awareness of Who He is, revealed by Jesus Christ!

I am passionately reminded of why we must passionately pursue our Holy God: "For everything that I'm capable of doing, everywhere I am capable of walking is directly related to what has been established in my mind. The 'all manner of conversation' in I Peter 1:15 is referring to how life is walked out - directed by the passions and beliefs of the heart." ~ Pastor Stephen Behrman.

"Hear, my son, and be wise, and direct your mind in the way of the Lord."

~ Proverbs 23:19 ~

"For each tree is known and identified by its own fruit; for figs are not gathered from thornbrushes, nor is a cluster of grapes picked from a bramblebush. The upright (honorable, intrinsically good) man out of the good treasure [stored] in his heart produces what is upright (honorable and intrinsically good), and the evil man out of the evil storehouse brings forth that which is depraved; for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks."

~ Luke 6:44-45 ~

"For the rest, brethern, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them]. Practice what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and model your way of living on it, and the God of peace...will be with you."

~ Philippians 4:8-9 ~

Be blessed as we our reminded that as we rely on Holy God; our awareness of Him will change our mundane ways; and into His purposeful, advancing ways!

Also, check out the following blog it is a new blog that a dear friend who is my pastor's wife just started yesterday. I believe you will be blessed as I was. There is great insight from the Lord through her as she passionately pursues our God.

July 23, 2010, "The Power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ"

Triumphant Victorious Reminders

Inspired by the Holy Spirit

Written By: Teresa Criswell

"The simpleton believes every word he hears, but the wise man looks and considers well where he is going. A wise man fears and departs from evil, but a fool rages and is self-confident...The simple inherit folly (the trait of acting stupidly or rashly), but the wise are crowned with knowledge."

~ Proverbs 14:15-16, 18 ~

Tears drenched the pages of my journal. I could not stop weeping. My husband tried to console me but the weeping came from within. The faces of the many people were in the forefront of my mind of those who do not know; especially within the 'church'. This weeping that took place is so hard to explain to someone who may not know about the deep reservoirs within our spirit.

I cried out to God yesterday and wrote my prayer to Him, so that I would not forget those heart prickings of the Holy Spirit. The evil, wicked scheme of the enemy himself is doing everything in his deceptive power to overcome the throne of God. The enemy, formerly known as Lucifer, now known as Satan is doing everything to try to stop the prophetic Word of God. Yet in his own deception, everything that Jesus said would happen in Matthew 24 is coming to pass in ways we could never imagine. The greatest deceiver is being deceived by his own lies. He actually believes that he can somehow overturn the Word of God and yet he is the one who is revealing the prophetic Word of Jesus Himself by his evil, thwarted, twisted plans of destruction. The manifestations of Matthew 24 are truly event driven, more so than time line driven.

Today, with great triumph, my husband and I listened to a radio interview that we listen to quite often. This interview annihilated the lies that are all around us. In the last hour of the two hour interview (a miracle of God that there were no interruptions and that we had no plans), I realized with greater understanding the Victory Whom we have been rescued by! This truth revealing Almighty God by the strength of Jesus Christ through the watchmen on the wall will either obliterate you into freedom in Christ; or you will allow the religious philosophies to sink their teeth into you; causing you to reject that which you will hear; the truth and the light revealing the darkness.

Be prayerful to Jesus Christ as you listen to this particular interview. Please know that the Holy Spirit of God will lead you into all truth. Truth is not appreciated until the lies are exposed! Today, my appreciation for my Savior Jesus Christ became so much more real as I cried with tears of joy the authority that we have through and because of Him. But more than rejoicing in the authority that we have because of Jesus Christ, we must rejoice more that our names are written in heaven (Luke 10:17-20).

I am learning that to the degree I seek His face is to the degree His glorious face is revealed! The revealing is always there; but the seeking is that gas pedal of our vehicle as we stay on the road of revelation in Who He is. We can accelerate revelation of Who He is by our hunger and thirst for His righteousness, which fuels us into Truth!

Please know that the evil schemes that will you hear about are not more powerful than Almighty God! Also, please remember before you listen to this interview, the information in regards to wickedness can be overwhelming. However, I love that Steve Quayle reminds the listeners so powerfully of the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This reminder fueled the firey passion for our Awesome God! It was a great reminder of Whose side we must choose. When we take the doctrine of man and make it our source of information; this is when we are led astray. We must ensure that our Source is God and God alone revealed by Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. If the resources line up with the Source; then that is awesome...but we can never replace resources with The True Source of Truth. This is where we have stumbled and fallen as a 'body' in many parts of our country. The feel good message has replaced the message of transformation that leads us to repentance. The feel good message has numbed us to the truth by unknowingly living in the lies. As recorded in Revelation 18:4 we must,"Come out of her, my people, so that you may not share in her sins, neither participate in her plagues."

When you hear and listen to this interview, please remember that we get to worship The Supernatural God! Don't let the 'weird' stuff catch you off guard...we must remember that the spirit realm is more real the physical realm. If you have had a stirring that something just isn't right in our country and in this world we live in; I believe this will bring to light that stirring on the inside. The necessity of The Gospel to be presented to everyone we come into contact with will become more real than ever before!

If you don't have time, just listen 15-20 minutes at a time; but get to the reminder of our Jesus Christ (which is the top of the 2nd hour of the interview)! This message must spread throughout the Body of Christ to cause us to awaken out of our sleep of 'surfacy shallow' messages! We must awaken into the power of Jesus Christ knowing the authority we have in Him! Hallelujah! I pray we continue to weep with great action for those around us who need to hear the message of hope which is Jesus Christ!

The world is crumbling around us and to understand the manifestations of what we are experiencing, allows us to see the power of the weapons of our testimony and the Blood of the Lamb as stated in the Book of Revelation! For "blessed is the man who reads aloud in the assemblies the word of this prophecy; and blessed are those who hear and read it and whom keep themselves true to the things which are written in it, for the time is near."

Here is the interview link, please click on 'Standard Player', for July 22, 2010: Steve Quayle...after you click on 'Standard Player' then click on 'Launch Application':

http://soundwaves2000.com/survive2thrive/

July 22, 2010, "Prayer to reveal truth"

Triumphant Victorious Reminders

Inspired by the Holy Spirit

Written by: Teresa Criswell

"I will lift up my eyes to the hills - from where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth!"

~ Psalm 121:2 ~

Lord, I thank You for You are excellence!

How excellent is Your name in ALL the earth.

You are awesome and marvelous!

You are Holy!

Thank You for every breath I breathe.

Thank You for the permission to live at this very moment!

Father there are so many things coming down upon the many in our country. The evil, thwarted plans of wickedness 'runs amuck' throughout the world. I have been awakened from a deep sleep from my own life and now see; no longer ignoring those who serve You. For the many who serve You are being persecuted to death or by torture and imprisoned. I must proceed with the unction to pray for my brothers and sisters in other nations and our own nation as they face circumstances that my mind could never comprehend.

Lord to see the deception all around us from the so called 'news' through the tel-'a-lie'-vision and the constant barrage of distractions. Father, I am thankful to You that my husband has asked You for wisdom to know what to do in this time. We are realizing even more that this is no longer the time to continue doing the things like we have. We must be more vigilant, more sober and more watchful than ever before. We must be prepared as we listen to Your voice. Some things You are calling us to do seem crazy; yet, we must do these things as You provide protection for our family so that we can also provide for others.

Lord, we are beginning to see the lies that are being exposed. Father, I know even more now the necessary prayers that must be prayed out on behalf of those who have lost their jobs, finances, homes and vehicles. There are many who do not have other family as they are forced to live on the streets or in the growing tent cities around our nation alone. It is hard to imagine that at one time not long ago they had a roof over their head, doing the normal things of life and then a 'suddenly' hit them like a baseball bat and as they fell, they fell hard and unconscious.

Lord, as You prepare us, may we and those around us listen to the 'watchmen on the wall'. It isn't about the doom and the gloom of what the watchmen see, it is about what Your Word has already said would happen and the watchmen are only seeing them from afar, yet what they are seeing is attempting to advance us. For long enough I have ignored the watchmen, but no longer can I do so. I don't want to be distracted by what we have been told our life should be like. Being concerned with things, our status; O how I have fallen short in this area.

Are we ready and prepared for action to stand? We as the church must awaken out of the anesthesia of the 'we won't be here' mentality; and we must realize that we are here in this very moment that You have given to us to awaken those who do not yet know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. I am reminded to do it for the Lord on behalf of my brothers and sisters in Christ who are imprisoned. They are imprisoned for the very precious things that I have taken so lightly.

Lord, I realize even more now than ever before not to take the mandate of Who You are lightly. This is what I am called to do, to spread the gospel of peace! The Gospel of Who You are! Who are You? You preach good tidings to the poor; You heal the brokenhearted, You proclaim liberty to the captives, and You open the doors of the prison to those who are bound (Isaiah 61).

I get to love you and if I love you; I will show Your Love through my actions; especially upon those who may reject The Truth, which is You, Jesus Christ. I must and will not give up; but allow others to experience giving their broken hearts and lives to Jesus Christ as He makes them whole in the midst of a world that is coming apart.

I believe many know Jesus as Lord and Savior; but do they have a relationship with Jesus as THEIR Lord and Savior? Father, many believe that you are God; but so do the demons; and in their knowing they TREMBLE! This is the time, like never seen before, where we must advance the Throne of Grace; for You sit on that Throne and we must approach You with boldness knowing Who You are! We must go out and proclaim that grace that has been received by us through Jesus Christ revealed by the Holy Spirit! We have the Holy Spirit of God within us to reveal who You are seeing the captives set free!

Lord, as You grace us, it is revealed that You care for us and You revealed that indescribable care by giving Your only Son, Jesus. Your love is so powerful that not even death could hold You in the grave! Lord, we know we have the Victory because of You! We must awaken ourselves in this nation especially so that we as a church know what to be prepared against, what to be prepared for and reaching out to a world filled with souls that need God revealed through Jesus Christ!

I am also reminded that if I knew beforehand that there was a 10.0 earthquake about to hit our area, I know that we would make sure a plan would be put into place; the first plan to fall on our knees before You in prayer asking for wisdom and understanding. Then, running and warning as many people who will hear the message of Who You are, which is Truth, being led by Your Spirit where to go as we are covered by Your peace that surpasses all understanding.

July 20, 2010, "Humility"

Triumphant Victorious Reminders

Inspired by the Holy Spirit

Written By: Teresa Criswell

Excerpt from Pastor Stephen Behrman's message.

"My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad."

~ Psalm 34:2 KJV ~

I wanted to encourage each of you today as I was encouraged on Sunday by our pastor. Almighty God has a message for each of us in regards to humility. Below is in part the message that came forth from our pastor:

Gladness From The Humble Perspective

By: Delivered by the power of the Holy Spirit through Pastor Stephen Behrman

There is a way of seeing others that will bring gladness and joy at news of their acknowledged blessings from above.

Humility is required in order to be on God's side.

Humility doesn't require putting yourself down.

Humility finds fulfillment and purpose in lifting others above self.

Humility is a requirement of life. Being on God's side where victory is certain demands removal of both pride and the embracing of sin.

"God resists the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble." ~James 4:6

Humility is something that has to take place in the heart on purpose out of a strong motivation for forgiveness and healing.

Humility does not look down on anyone including self.

The small child's perspective sees everyone as above them and yet thinks no less of himself.

"Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, is greatest in the kingdom of heaven." ~Matthew 18:14.

There is a kingdom principle where the one who lifts the most above himself is the most effective, the most humble, the most honoring and the most rewarded.

"Whoever exalts himself with pride shall be humbled, and whoever humbles himself shall be raised to honor." ~ Matthew 23:12.

Humility is others focused and motivated for their lifting. I must add to this that humility's focus is on others. Pride is focused on self; whether it's higher than it should be or lower than it should be.

True humility thinks so highly of every other person that fulfilling your own potential for their benefit becomes a high priority. Who does this sound like? None other than Jesus Christ who revealed the Father God!

Finally, Here is the challenge that has been presented to each of us by our pastor:

1.) Refuse and replace degrading thoughts and words about anyone.

2.) Think of someone you've looked down on and pray for specific ways to see them with honor and in need of your sacrificed life and gifts in order to be lifted even higher.

3.) Find three scriptures about the excellence that is yours in Christ. See these scriptures as yours with a purpose of promoting and ministering to another person. Promote and minister especially to the ones that may be considered lowly in our standards of society.

This has led me to the reminder of the requirement of humbling ourself. To get to the place of humbleness is not about praying to God for it. God calls us to humble ourselves. He doesn't say, "Let me humble you." No, He calls us to do it ourself. But how? A huge part is realizing the awesomeness of our God and seeing our God high and lifted up; which allows others to be seen with awesome potential, the way they must be seen...through the eyes of God. Our awe unto God made available to us through Jesus Christ relinquishes the focus on self, which is a result of pride. Whether we look at ourselves as low and no good or if we look at ourselves as high and lifted up; it is still the same...we are looking at self which is pride. I am reminded that when my eyes come off myself and are placed upon The Lord, this is the beginning of humbleness in action towards others for the glory of God.

July 18, 2010, "For God so loved..."

Triumphant Victorious Reminders

Inspired by the Holy Spirit

Written by: Teresa Criswell

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son. Whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life."

~ John 3:16 ~

I tried to make excuses in my head as to why I couldn't make the treats. Yet, the strong prompting and leading could not be ignored. Losing the battle to the thoughts to ignore; I finally yielded to the prompting. As I did so, it became more clear and exciting as willingness was becoming evident overcoming the grudging efforts of something so small resulting in unwillingness. As the willingness to obey was chosen, we prayed over the treats; praying that every bite taken would reveal a glimpse of the Loving Father God over each of their lives; to taste and see the goodness of God. Finally, the treats were finished baking. I allowed the cookie bars to cool and cut them into small squares placing them into a gift box.

Making our way out the door to our car; there was a confirming peace to not 'feel' stupid or awkward; but to just do it, relying on the Holy Spirit to give me the words to speak; if He so chose me to speak with my mouth. Walking into the bank my daughter asked excitedly, "Mom, can I please give it to them?!" I was more than thrilled to say, "Yes"!

Approaching the tellers, we were greeted as usual with a welcoming smile by the Branch Manager. He noticed the box in my daughter's hands and said with a smile, "Is this for us?" Tristin said, "Yes" and she bashfully yet willingly extended her gift to him. As he received it, he told her, "Thank you". With a smile he placed his hand on her head and patted her head as he asked her a couple of questions. She answered him softly while squirming uncomfortably. As I waited for the teller, the manager and I continued our conversation and I was excited to share with him how it was the Lord's leading to drop the cookie bars by. I explained how our family was led to show our gratefulness for the excellent customer service that they give to us each time we visit.. Through this gesture, I was able to find out that we had a commonality in Christ...and realized that he fellowshipped at a nearby church in the area. He asked where I fellowshipped in which I excitedly told him and let him know that our card was also on the box of where we fellowshipped. As a customer was leaving, one of the sweet ladies, a teller, was ready to assist me, when the branch manager approached her, he gave the box to her. She opened it and a few of the tellers gathered around and were 'oohing and ahhing'. It was such a treat to see them so happy over something so small. As the young lady proceeded to open the box, she said, "I'm going to start crying"...and then she softly cried and said, "You couldn't have picked a better day to bring these in." Her response led me to the opportunity to tell her that it was not my idea, but the leading of the Lord, so consider it a 'God Kiss'. After she heard my response, the tears continued to flow as she pressed her lips together as if she were attempting to stop the crying.

Pondering with awe; this testimony of God reminds me of the smallest acts revealing His Infinite Love. His love is revealed in so many different; so simple, yet profound. Then, there are other acts that are so profound and great, yet even in that, in comparison to our God, they are small efforts as He did the most difficult...He went to the cross for each of us...and like I have seen it said best, He proclaimed with His actions, "I love you THIS MUCH." As His arms were open wide, willingly yet in agonizing, excruciating pain revealed Amazing, Indescribable Matchless Love! To much is given; much is required. I have been given much love; now much is required of me to reveal that which was given to me...the Indescribable Love of God...this is truly revealing whom we have accepted as Savior and Lord. Transforming power revealed because of Jesus Christ!

The Measured Woman: A Gospel Study

How have you been tempted to measure yourself? What metric system do we as women measure ourselves? How do we measure other women? Do we measure them by their job title or career? Is it the metric system of the world? Is it the metric system of success? Or is it according to the metric system of our Holy God according to His Immeasurable Word?

The woman of shame who had sinned greatly; humbled herself before the beautiful feet of Jesus. Her value was no longer contingent upon the sin she had committed or those who considered her an outcast; rejected by society. Her life was an action revealing the transforming power of her Redeemer, Jesus Christ.

In the new edition of Sanctified Together, a small study that I was led to write is based on this woman who was so greatly touched and transformed by the love of Jesus, revealing the love of our Father God. The title is, "The Measured Woman; A Gospel Study". I pray you are greatly encouraged by the measure in which this woman finally realized her value. I also pray as she realized her value, that you too will realize your value because of Who our God is!

May we as woman lavishly display our immeasurable gratitude unto our Amazing, Immeasurable, Awesome, Holy God by revealing Who He is onto others! May we be reminded that criticism is not the motivator to repentance; it is the Goodness of God!

July 13, 2010, "Trust in the midst of Disqualifying Doubts"

Triumphant Victorious Reminders

Inspired by the Holy Spirit

Written By: Teresa Criswell

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me and gives me strength."

~ Philippians 4:13 ~

My daughter nervously sat on her bike. The doubts were annihilating her beautiful mind. The ugly doubts were being revealed as she spoke with tears streaming down her face. She quietly said, "Mom, I can't ride my bike, I'm scared." "Mom, can we go home?" With great love towards her, I said, "Tristin, we can go home when you ride your bike around one time." She cried, "Mom, I can't do it, I'll fall." I looked at her sternly, knowing what she was able to do and said, "Tristin, you are a bold, brave warrior; it is not about what you can't do, it's about what you're choosing not to do. Now show yourself what I already know that you can do! You just rode your bike the other day, I know you can do it!" The tears streamed down her face.

I wanted so badly to say it was ok, pack it up and leave, however, there was that something on the inside of me that would not allow me. In love and as her mom, I knew it was necessary to see that she overcome this fear that attempted to hold her back. The fear was attempting to stop her, resulting in regression. Because of my love for her, I couldn't see this happen. If she wasn't willing to persevere, I was willing to persevere with and along side her.

After I had her declare, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." She slowly but surely started pedaling and before we knew it, she was not only riding her bike, but she was riding it around more than what she had ever expected for herself. She even went further than the agreement we made in order to go home. Through her perseverance, she was able to see through the doubt and fear and with action saw what I already knew she could do. In that moment of great doubt, she had to rely and trust in what mommy said it had to be true.

The experience with my daughter led me to the beautiful reminder of our God. He has placed His purpose and His desires for us to walk out with great action through Jesus Christ, for others to see a glimpse of who He is. There are times when we feel we are not ready. Sometimes we are even disqualified by those around us who do not see the potential that God has placed within us. In that disqualification, comes great doubt and even causes us to cease in going forward in what God has called us to. When God says, "You're ready; trust in ME." We must believe that we are ready; as the Trust in God is what will lead us to great action and in that action will touch many in the process for God's great purpose; not just for the one, but for the many, because of the one.

You may be going through a situation similar to this at this present time. Take your step of faith closer to God through Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. That step in going forward is revealing your belief and trust in the One who has called you to come.

In this reminder, we must also remember, that when we take that step towards unbelief, we fall back, going backwards, regressing and in turn we reveal the unintentional trust in the enemy who desires to consume us; attempting to consume the purpose of God.

Victory is yours; not because of what you have done, but because of what Jesus Christ has done! Jesus said, and I quote, "It is Finished". If He said, we must choose to believe it! Do you believe what He said? Do I believe what He said? Whether I believe or not, does not change what He has already done! So let us believe in Him and what He has Finished and obtained...VICTORY!

July 12, 2010, "What are we wearing?"

Triumphant Victorious Reminders

Inspired by the Holy Spirit

Written By: Teresa Criswell

"“…To give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified."

~ Isaiah 61:3 ~

Imagine this scene, mirrors in front and on the sides; treadmills, elliptical machines and weight machines throughout the room. My peripheral vision leads my head to turn as I watch a woman get onto the treadmill. My second glance is quick, yet my eyes will not allow my head to turn away as I stare saying to myself,

“But wait? Is she…?”

“No!”

“Wait!”

“Yes! No! Yes!”

“O no! Please no!”

“O, bless her heart, does she know?”

She’s wearing none other than a bikini. You may ask, “Are you kidding?” I must say. “I don’t kid about things like this.”

Panic strikes me as I’m on my treadmill. My eyes cannot believe what they are seeing as I continue to walk on my treadmill. O no!
Some parts of her are truly flapping in the wind!

The initial shock, finally wears off when I come back to my reality of working out. Seeing her in this attire, motivates me even more so to continue working out. As I look back up, she’s running quite hard and quite fast. She even looks like she is getting closer to the edge of the treadmill. I look down at my monitor to see how many torturous minutes I have left.

I look up to find she’s not there.

Wait! I look again!

She’s in midair!

O! Wait, her bottom side just hit the floor and as she hit the floor she bounced and came back and bounced again and came back when suddenly her bottoms were literally coming off. I must say it was like watching a skipping stone glide across the water; so it was with her bottom side skipping upon the floor of the gymnasium, I might add, not so gracefully. Finally, she lands so violently into the wall; the look on her face was of: confusion, embarrassment and laughing in great pain.

I know this is a funny story, and what makes it more hysterical? It is all true! Now I will say on her behalf, the reason she wore a bikini was because in our apartment complex where we had lived many years ago, the gym was connected to the pool grounds.

This story although funny, brings me to a great reminder. Many times, without knowing, what we think we can wear because we ‘feel’ like it, does not benefit the other people around us…at all! The stare of disbelief and shock due to, for example, what we ‘feel’ like behaving as we wear a bad attitude is not beneficial to anyone; and it surely does not bring glory to our God. Furthermore, we can become a stumbling block; tripping others up and ourselves causing undue shame in the process of our focus on what we want or feel, versus what God has called us to do. We have been called to do all things, if possible, not to offend another brother or sister. We must become more sensitive to the presence of our awesome God, desiring to reveal glimpses of Who He is! I am reminded that I must display the compassionate love of God as we receive the oil of joy, replacing our sadness and mourning that God has provided. Let us give God our ashes as He desires to lavishly place His glorious beauty upon your head. Most importantly, let us take off that spirit of heaviness and put on the garment of praise; praising Almighty God for Who He is!

July 7, 2010, "Desperation; Philosophies; Truth"

"...Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common..."

~ Acts 4:31-37 ~

Desperation. Loss. Hopelessness.

There are many circumstances annihilating many people and families more frequently than ever before. We are seeing that the rain is truly falling on the just and the unjust. Difficulty is here and among many right now. The difficult circumstances are preying not on only the weak but also the strong. In this time of difficulty may we as an assembly and church not find ourselves separating from one another because of offenses. If there is separation among assemblies called churches, may it be because of traditions of man that have led us astray.

We must not cling to anything but The Truth of our God. Not for one moment can we be sidetracked. This is the time for crucial action. We must be actively studying the Word of God asking for God's insight. Books written by man are good, however, may we not forsake the 'one on one' time of truly relying on The Spirit of God for direction and His revelation of understanding.

The well-intentioned books that we read and have read should offer confirmation to that which has already been revealed in the secret place with the Most High God! We cannot seek for answers in books or the philosophies of man. Books can be beautiful tools but it is not the main tool that provides life and transformation. If we are not directed by the Lord but by man to do something that has not been established in our hearts by the Word, we must be very careful with great trembling toward our God, not to do it! No matter the many who do, we can not do it, unless revealed by the Spirit of God! I must remind myself and carefully remember that God's Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path (Psalm 119:105). The philosophies of man do not provide that which the Word of God provides. God's Word gives direction and by the Spirit of God we are led to know how to execute rightly and justly that which we have learned being transformed mightily and powerfully. We must never minimize the power of the Holy Spirit in wanting to guide us in all Truth! The size of our desire for God's Truth is a determining factor in what we get to see revealed.

This leads me to what took place by the people in the Book of Acts. We must come together as they did, powerfully led by the Holy Spirit! The people were led by the Holy Spirit to come together with one heart and one (soul) mind for one cause...Jesus Christ! They were led by the Spirit of God to come together, everyone bringing something; resulting in coming against the tyranny of the oppressors who persecuted many followers of Christ. The outcome of their coming together provided for all...and it is recorded that none lacked for anything.

If there has been a time for the church to arise and put away opinions; purposefully and violently taking down the walls of dividing denominations, needless offenses, and dividing doctrines, this is the time! We have walked in the philosophies of man revealed in tradition long enough! We have misinterpreted and misused God's Compassion for accepting immorality. We have misinterpreted and misused God's provision for selfishness.

I am so convicted at this very moment to finally take hold of the commission of Jesus Christ. In this great commission, we must seek in and out of season those who repent and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. If they say, "No", we must remember; they are not rejecting us, they are rejecting the Savior who has saved us. We cannot allow the "No's'"to hinder or stop us from our mandate. We must keep persevering for the one's we will meet that will say, "Yes" to Jesus!

I am convicted that the meetings and fellowship time in the Lord must be productive with action. We must be given to hospitality in these times. No matter if we have much or little; I must realize in the end that everything I have is not mine but tools from the Lord to share with others. I must make sure that God's tools are utilized as I am being actively obedient to The Holy Spirit's leading.

We can no longer be concerned with filling the seats and the pews...we must be more concerned about the people who fill the seats and the pews. Is it easier said than done? It sure is! May our difficulties constantly lead us to our knees as we seek the guidance of our God. Our agendas must cease and we must take hold of the Agenda of our King!

I am reminded yet again, that The Kingdom of God must not be our main focus....our primary focus MUST be upon the King who reveals The Kingdom!

July 2, 2010, "Prayers"

Triumphant Victorious Reminders

Inspired by the Holy Spirit

Written By: Teresa Criswell

"Accept, I pray, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O Lord, and teach me Your judgments."

~ Psalm 119:108 NKJV ~

Prayers.

Proclamations of Thanksgiving and Praise unto Almighty God (Psalm 100:4).

Spoken words.

Declarations of hope.

Revealing voices of the despairing.

Mumbling voices of not knowing what to say.

The cries of hopelessness assisted by the clenching words of anger and pleading.

More than anything revealing humbleness as the pride of control is finally relinquished, showing forth the incapability to control the circumstances at hand.

Prayers.

What about the stillness of mind and knowing without a shadow of doubt that God is God

(Psalm 46:10)!

Not the passivity of mind, but the stillness thereof.

'Stilling' the vicious and vain imaginations.

Captivating every thought and placing them under the authority of Christ (II Corinthians. 10:5).

Every thought that comes in, immediately being able to discern the thoughts of righteous judgement versus the thoughts of the criticizing spirit.

God is Awesome ALL the time (Psalm 47:2)!

Do you hear the Voice of God speaking to you?

Realizing that the monologue is truly a dialogue if we truly listen (I Thess. 5:17).

Realizing the thoughts of despair and speaking out Truth.

Reminding ourselves of Truth.

Declaring over ourselves Truth.

Notice the word Truth, replacing the voice of lies.

When we believe the vicious lies of our mind; we reveal to whom we trust.

In the revealing of trust may we be led to repentance and passionately follow the Voice of Truth. The Voice of our Shepherd is Who I long to follow and anyone else I long to have a deafened ear to (John 10:27).

Prayers.

Faith to see the Healing of God manifest upon the physical bodies.

Faith to see the Restoration of God manifest upon the minds of those who are barraged with depression.

Faith to see the Redemption of God manifest upon the spirit of those who have not yet received Salvation through Jesus Christ.

Faith to see through facts. Faith assisted with great hope to see through the real life circumstances of death.

Faith to be moved by the Immovable God, rather than the temporary things of this world.

"Dear Heavenly Father, my Lord in the Name of Jesus I thank You for the power of Who You are as we pray. Lord, I am reminded that prayer is not what changes things. It is You Almighty God that utilizes the tool of prayer to change things. Everything goes back to YOU. Everything! It is not the voices of the human race that change things; it is YOU! It is YOU! Lord, I am grateful for the opportunities to sow seed of great Truth as by faith we declare what we see in the eternal realm, instead of being moved by what is before us. I pray that I utilize the tool of obedience and see a glimpse through Your eyes. I don't want to pray 'prayers of manipulation', but I want to echo what You have already said revealed by Your Majestic Word! You are Awesome God! Thank You Lord that we do not pray to anyone but through our Mediator Jesus Christ who also intercedes on our behalf. Thank You Father! Thank YOU!"

In Jesus Name. Not anyone else's name...but the Name of Jesus I pray to You Lord. So be it according to Your Will and my will of obedience. Amen!"