Triumphant Victorious Reminders

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....

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...