Triumphant Victorious Reminders

Triumphant Victorious Reminders Inspired by the Holy Spirit Written by: Teresa Criswell I leave you with a a few thoughts this Christmas... "Jesus chose the womb of a teenage girl over heaven." ~ Joy Dekok Jesus, The Word, gave up His right to what was His ~ uncommon and divine royalty. The surpassing understanding of Jesus' amazing sacrifice, would be one of many more uncommon sacrifices that Jesus lived out; revealing the incredible, indescribable, majestic compassion of our Father God Who SO loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son; that whoever believes in Him should not die in eternity but have everlasting life. As we tear open gifts, give gifts or ponder this day whether it be with sadness or gladness...may we be quick to lift our eyes and intentionally gaze with incredible awe upon the Father's heart and being truly humbled by His great majestic love toward each of us. Therefore, as we are reminded of the Triumphant Victory that is ours thro

Triumphant Victorious Reminders Inspired by the Holy Spirit Written by: Teresa Criswell "This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it!" ~ Psalm 118:24 ~ In a hurry to get ready for the day, thoughts of gratefulness sped through my mind. Suddenly, what seemed random, was truly the cataclysmic reminder of Who intentionally and on purpose made this very day! Captivated by the reminder of Psalm 118:24, the writer of this Psalm was overwhelmed by the reality of what surrounded him...his present moment; the moment he was awakened to the reality of being allowed to be a part of God's eternal calendar. Compelling intentions of God led the writer, who could have very well been Abraham, to not only rejoice, but passionately proclaim to his people, "Right now! This very moment is the day that our Yaweh, our Jehovah, our God has made! We WILL rejoice!" Notice he didn't say, "If you want to rejoice then go ahead. Instead, with the purpo

Triumphant Victorious Reminders Inspired by the Holy Spirit Written by: Teresa Criswell "The King is enthralled by your beauty." ~ Psalm 45:11 ~ God Is Enthralled By Your Beauty , is a book that I have self-published and getting to promote. Although some may think I am promoting myself, be assured, this is not the case. I truly believe in the message of this book while God continues to do an excavation of my heart; I have been awakened to the mandate and responsibility of rising up in that place of beauty knowing that not only I, but the other daughters who have been declared, 'Worthy' by the King of kings! This awakening has compelled me to not only rise up on my behalf, but also to see and to be moved with incredible passion to awaken the many daughters who have fallen asleep to their own cries of hopelessness, shame and thoughts of unworthiness. If you are looking for a gift that will not only bring the reminder of significance but also bring to ligh

Triumphant Victorious Reminders Inspired by the Holy Spirit Written by: Teresa Criswell "Call unto me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty (remarkable) things which have never seen before." ~ God, as recorded in Jeremiah 33:3. You may be going through grief caused by divorce; an unexpected death of your precious child, or beloved spouse, a beautiful family member and friend. Maybe you have just found out you have been betrayed by your spouse, friend or family member. Or it is possible that you are the one who has betrayed someone and regret overwhelms you, you even feel that your life is over. Perhaps you are torn with knowing that the relationship you are in is destructive, and you know you need to pray for that person, but you also know that you need the courage to leave. Others may have experienced a job loss and with that, your identity unknowingly was wrapped up in that position you held. You may feel stripped, exposed, naked and unclothed by any of these

Contributing Writer for Family Fa ce Ministries The Deceptive Battle Cry is Truly an Outcry Written by: Teresa Criswell "Women Rule! " When I saw this slogan a few months ago in a news article, my heart sank. I shook my head in sadness. If I would have seen this slogan ten years ago, I know I most likely would have held my head up high, arrogantly sniffed my nose, clearing my throat and saying, “That’s right! Women rule!” Although, I am blessed to be a woman and I LOVE being a woman; this is a slogan I do not want to be associated with. For when we see a woman ruling alone, versus ruling with man, most of the time this is a sure sign that a man has relinquished his role and right as ruler. This deceptive slogan, “Women rule” is an outcry not a battle cry. This unknowing outcry reveals the neglect of man’s rightful role not standing in their God given abilities to be Protector, Conqueror, Provider and King. Have you walked in the power that we as women

Triumphant Victorious Reminders Inspired by the Holy Spirit Written by: Teresa Criswell "Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in prayer with thanksgiving." ~ Colossians 4:2 ~ Gratefulness. Thankfulness. Appreciation. These words reveal the state of thanksgiving allowing us to be reminded of what we do have; versus what we 'feel' we lack and don't have. Thanksgiving is a great tool that alleviates the temptation to compare, however, complaining fuels the fire of comparison which leads to the thwarted reminders of what we don't have and what we uselessly long for. On this beautiful day of Thanksgiving; let us do what this day is set aside for, which is living a life of giving thanks. God bless you and keep you in all your ways. May your day that is set aside with your friends and family be joyous, filled with forgiveness, love and extended mercy as we have freely received from God; so we must freely give to others. A gre at applicable way to live a

Triumphant Victorious Reminders Inspired by the Holy Spirit Written by: Teresa Criswell "Those who love to talk will experience the consequences, for the tongue can kill or nourish life." ~ Proverbs 18:21 NLT ~ "I never do anything right." "Just when I think everything is good; I'm broadsided with something else." "If things are good now; I just know something bad is about to happen, I better brace myself." "I can never get a break; people just don't understand me, and I don't understand them." "It would have been better if I just didn't get out of bed this morning." "When will I ever catch a break?" Have you caught yourself confessing such things? I know I have caught myself in this vicious, cynical rhetoric. However, there is hope even in the midst of the circumstances. Really! There is! Do you suffer with issues of wanting control? I know I do...well, we are in store for a cure...are you ready

Triumphant Victorious Reminders Inspired by the Holy Spirit Written By: Teresa Criswell Excerpt from online magazine, November 2011 Issue-Life Lessons Sanctified Together , an online magazine publication, consisting of articles filled with inspiration and applicable ways of living life has allowed myself and other writers the opportunity to contribute our nuggets of lessons learned through faith in God in this month's issue called, "Life Lessons" . It is an honor to share an article I wrote for November's issue, titled, Teachers of Life : Interrupting her father's counsel, Catherine scooted her chair out from the table with indignation, stood up with frustration and said, "Dad, I already know that!" Catherine's father replied with the rhetorical, "Are you sure you already know? Do you know what I was about to say?" Ignoring his question as her voice became a shout, "Dad, why do you always treat me like a stupid child?"

Triumphant Victorious Reminders Inspired by the Holy Spirit Written by: Teresa Criswell "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything that is praiseworthy - meditate on these things." ~ Philippians 4:8 ~ A cloudy day embraces me as I imagine being accompanied by the fresh, steaming apple cider that bolsters from my favorite coffee mug. Fresh baked pie, cooling down on a metal rack and Sweet Cake candles burning as the grey lit sky pierces through my windows. I imagine sitting with you as we breathe in the moment of fresh, right now, today's present moment. The gift of today. The gift of right now. The beauty of the present moment. With all that life and time within our life tries to suck out of us like an 'all you can drink' straw; what is it that we are truly gr

Triumphant Victorious Reminders Inspired by the Holy Spirit Written by: Teresa Criswell "...I have come that they may have life, and that they may have life more abundantly." ~ Jesus Christ, as recorded in John 10:10 ~ You are an answer to someone's breakthrough! Does that seem arrogant? It may for the religiously minded...for I am reminded that as our spirit is possessed by the Holy Spirit of God, Who is the Answer, we are able to lavishly reveal The Answer through us! Lisa Bevere said it best, "We are NOT a problem; but an answer to a problem!" Now the question is, "Am I willing to walk in this truth?" Instead, let me say it like this, "I know I am willing but am I able?" This is so freeing to realize that it is not about my ability; but God's ABLE POWER through me to accomplish the ability of being an ANSWER...not just 'having' an answer...but BEING an answer! What does it look like to be an answer? Here are some ideas: *

Triumphant Victorious Reminders Inspired by the Holy Spirit Written by: Teresa Criswell II Timothy 2:14-19 I think on a potential scenario, that has likely happened... "I can't stand her." "I know! Who does she think she is?" "You know what? The only reason she got that job is because of her favors!" With their 'hyena like' gasps, it was followed by the ugly, head shaking judgement placed upon another person. As I imagine the women's hateful words spewed out in a low whisper, revealing the sharp knife of hate, which permeated the atmosphere revealed this dark cloud of disgust and disdain for another human being. The choice of their theoretical conversation causes me to lose my once roaring appetite...but then it brought me to a place of looking at my own life and asking myself, "Do I do the same thing?" Today, as I read II Timothy 2:14-19, verse 15 stood out like it had never before, as I read in the context that Paul had wr

Triumphant Victorious Reminders Inspired by The Holy Spirit Written by: Teresa Criswell "I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old." ~ Psalm 77:11 ~ The constant wind within my heart that stirs the fiery passion for God is consuming. I remember that specific day in 2004 being in a women's bible study. Every woman was asked to share a brief testimony of how they encountered a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The testimonies were incredibly amazing, revealing the power of God in ways the greatest novel could not romanticize. I think back upon that moment. It was my turn to share God's testimony in my life's story. I had just surrendered my life to Jesus a year prior and there was a fiery zeal for the Lord that was exceedingly overwhelming. I can still remember that moment when one of the ladies I highly respected said, "O Teresa, that is so amazing. I remember when I had a zeal like that for the Lord. Just emb

Triumphant Victorious Reminders Inspired by the Holy Spirit Written by: Teresa Criswell "Father to the fatherless, defender of widows- this is God , whose dwelling is holy. God places the lonely in families; he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy..." ~ Psalm 68:5-6a ~ She stood before the mirror, staring at her saddened reflection. The thoughts entering her mind, whirling about at catacosmic speeds as she was on the brink of making the biggest decision of her life. Torn by the news of her pregnancy, her mind led to the unknown experience of adoption. The thoughts invoked fear, which led to the 'quick fix' lying thoughts of abortion. The more she allowed that destructive thought to burrow into her mind, it dangerously became a 'logical' option. She would not only have to experience seeing her baby at the appointed birth, but she would not have to feel the aching pry from her arms as she delivered a beautiful gift into the world. The turmoil haunted

Triumphant Victorious Reminders Inspired by the Holy Spirit Written by: Teresa Criswell "The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, because the Lord has appointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to announce that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to announce the captives will be released and prisoners will be freed." ~ Isaiah 61:1 ~ The sadness overwhelmed her. Yet, she arose out of her depression. The heavy dark cloud that consumed her for way too long; in a suddenly moment, disappeared. The result was from the whisper she heard. The rescuing still small voice which beckoned her to come. With hesitancy, yet with humbleness, she was brought to her knees. In that moment, she heard the freeing words of victory: "When you need encouragement...go and be an encouragement." "When you want someone to smile at you...go and smile at someone.&qu

Triumphant Victorious Reminders Inspired by the Holy Spirit Written by: Teresa Criswell "Such love has no fear because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of judgment, and this shows that His love has not been perfected in us. We love each other as a result of His loving us first." ~ I John 4:18-19 ~ "How dare you!" followed by the sound of a heavy slap across his face. The quietness became louder than the disturbing slap. His whole countenance slumped over as though he died. All that remained was a zombie of 'going through the motions'. Her loud cries of offense revealed the distorted perspective of her past betrayals. His quietness of frustration and at his wits' end, followed by the continual thoughts, "I can't do this anymore. No matter what I do or say, she is not convinced that I am true to her; that I love her." Every attempt to cover her with his love; she rejects with hateful words, belittling him. She wa

Triumphant Victorious Reminders Inspired by the Holy Spirit Written by: Teresa Criswell This was written to a friend of mine; and when I wrote it out being led by the Spirit of God, O how it ministered to me BIG TIME! I Corinthians 13:13, Proverbs 17:9, I Peter 4:8 Imagine a little boy...scared. He knows what he is suppose to do...but the distractions of 'right now' blind him. He feels alone. He needs help. But, doesn't ask for what he needs because of the fear of "What if they think I'm weak?" Surprisingly, many times this can be our husbands. They are the provider, the conqueror, the one who extends the boundaries, the one who is the husband, the father, the one who others work with. They feel the pressure of splitting their time among so many people and things as so much is required of them. We must cover our husband with the same love we have so lavishly received from our awesome God. Praise the King of kings, so that you can encourage the king of y

Father God in the Name of Jesus, the One Who Was, Who Is and Who Is To Come, we pray your uncommon protection over Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani. Father God, I thank You that Your angels heed Your Word as they keep Pastor Youcef in ALL His WAYS! Father, we know that the prayers of the righteous avail much...we are not righteous on our own; BUT because of WHO YOU ARE! Lord Jesus we pray as He is an Ambassador of Truth, that He shall not be touched...for we know the rights of any ambassador...their EVERYTHING is taken care of...if anyone touches an ambassador of this world, it is an international incident ...so Father God, Pastor Youcef is much more than an ambassador of this world, he is an ambassador of Your Kingdom....so in this Truth, we thank You Lord that He shall LIVE AND NOT DIE, declaring the Works of You Lord! Father, we thank You that as the eyes of the world watch...may YOU INTERVENE...a thousand may fall at Pastor Youcef's side and ten thousand at his right hand, but it

TRIUMPHANT VICTORIOUS REMINDERS Inspired by the Holy Spirit Written by: Teresa Criswell (A re-post from May 1, 2009) "So when they continued asking him, He lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her." ~ John 8:7 ~ This is the scene played out in my mind: The door swings open by FORCE as they are caught in the very act of adultery. She screams in horror as she not only knows her demise of death at this very moment but they are dragging her outside like an animal being led to the slaughter. As she screams she does everything in her power to hide her frail naked body. She kicks and screams, weeping with little dignity she had. As they drag her, she tries to defend herself as the men pull her by the hair, and beat her, cursing her. She experiences one of the lowest blows of disgust upon a human being as she is spit on. I can just hear the 'stone' blood thirsty voices shouting at her, "You no

Triumphant Victorious Reminders Inspired by the Holy Spirit By: Teresa Criswell "To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He might be glorified." ~ Isaiah 61:3 ~ From yesterday's devotional, I ponder the woman that encountered Jesus as she received her pardon from the sentence of death by stoning. I would like to wonder what became of her? The touch of the gentle, strong hands of The Word made flesh; Jesus Christ. I sit here and wonder, "Was she grateful beyond her wildest imaginations?" I imagine that never before seen love that overwhelmed her as He held her close to his chest.  Gorgeous, attractive love forever changing her destiny. Can you imagine that moment in which Jesus perhaps wiped the dirt from her tear stained cheeks as she uncontrollably wept. Ex

Triumphant Victorious Reminders Inspired by the Holy Spirit Written by: Teresa Criswell Feedback comment by: Kristen Eggers "In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation (atonement) for our sins." ~ I John 4:10 ~ Need to be inspired? Then, you're right where you need to be... You are an inspired thought from God as He placed into this earth to reveal His glorious beauty! Do we need inspiration? Then, we must inspire ourselves to inspire someone else because God first inspired us! Do you need encouragement? Then, we must encourage ourselves to encourage someone else because God first encouraged us! Do we feel the need to be loved and appreciated? Then, we must love and appreciate the gifts within us that are from the Lord so that we can love and appreciate the gifts of God within others because God first loved us! Please go to the following link that inspired me this morning. It is feedback from a very dear sister in

Triumphant Victorious Reminders Inspired by the Holy Spirit Written by: Teresa Criswell "The Peter said, "Silver and gold I do not have. But what I do have I give you, in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk." ~ Acts 3:6 ~ Beginning in verse 1 of Acts 3, the setting brings us to a man who was born lame. He was carried daily to the gate of the temple called, Beautiful. The purpose for his being carried by others to this place was to collect alms from those who entered in. As this man saw Peter and John entering into the temple, he had also asked them for alms. Peter then said, "Look at us." As the man turned to face them, he expected alms when Peter said, "Silver and gold I do not have. But what I do have I give you, in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk." This story leads me to what the words I awoke to this morning, "Nurture only warts the problem..." I was stunned and quite frankly upset. I thought, &

Triumphant Victorious Reminders Inspired by the Holy Spirit Written by: Teresa Criswell Micah 6:8 This morning, I have been reminded of the call within each of our destiny's. My destiny must be assisted by The Holy Spirit and what is recorded in Micah 6:8, "What is it the Lord requires of us? To do what is right (no matter the wrong that has been done to us), to love mercy (as though it were the air we breathe), and to walk humbly before our God (the Awesome Alpha and Omega, The Beginning and The End. As I am reminded of Who He is, there's no room for pride or haughtiness. The reason is because of His glorious Majesty puts me in my place of my nothingness without Him! We are His beautiful daughters. The King's daughters. What a powerful knowing...WE ARE HIS. HIS DAUGHTERS! As His daughters we must reveal the King! Not the peasantry life we were rescued from. Let us allow this reminder to lead us in doing what is right, to love mercy and to walk humbly before our God;

Triumphant Victorious Reminders Inspired by the Holy Spirit Written By: Teresa Criswell Romans 8:38-39 Ann had a great thought, "Go into the store and you will find some great deals." She warred with her thoughts, thinking, "Yeah right", yet walked in anyway...and as though she had a shopping epiphony...there they were...confirmed deals galore! She found three beautiful necklaces; $1 each...yes...$1 each! The price and the necklace were a beautiful contradiction, to say the least. Ann thought, "Wow! I know if I received these necklaces as a gift, I would really like them. These will make great gifts!" After making her gorgeous, yet, more than affordable purchase, she walked out of the store, and began to crave an ice cold frappucino, filled with java chips and a pump of rasberry topped with whip cream and chocolate syrup. The very moment she craved it, she knew it was meant to be...LOL! Right there before her, stood none other than...you guessed it...a Sta

Triumphant Victorious Reminders Inspired by the Holy Spirit Written by: Teresa Criswell "You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, whose thoughts are fixed on You! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock." ~ Isaiah 26:3 & 4 ~ I believe this scripture as recorded in Isaiah says it all. Verses 3 & 4 are part of a song of praise unto the Lord that was prophesied would be sung by everyone in the land of Judah. Our God is so Awesome! We are surrounded by the walls of God's salvation as stated in verse 1. I do not have words to articulate such power as I am humbly awed by God's glorious, incredible presence. The only words that come forth, are words that form sentences of powerful questions. Do I truly know Who I am allowed to worship? Am I enamored by the One who bids me to come into His glorious embrace? Does this knowing move me to a place of humbleness? Does that place of humbleness move me to reach out to othe