Turning on the Power

You know something that I've been thinking about today? I've been thinking about why it is so easy to doubt instead of believe. How is it that we'd rather believe the negative things about ourselves, the things the enemy tries to plant in our heads; INSTEAD OF believing what God said about us? The very one who created us? That would be a pretty stupid thing to say to God, "Hey, God, you were wrong about me. I'm not who you said I was, I'm not brave, I'm not smart, I can't do anything right...etc." Those are all blasted things Satan tries to tell us, so we accept them, and then result in being them. Why would we want to settle for less?? Another lie of the enemy is that we're not good enough to be all the things we've dreamed; the things that we've longed for.  Because who are we to be more than dirt? Who are we to want to be more than a sinner who deserves nothing but hell? I'll tell you who you are; who you really are! You are the sons and daughters of the most high God. The very same God who sent his son to set you free from sin and death, so that you could be truly free! If you are a believer, you are not damned to hell anymore. If God set you free, then why would you only expect to receive the very same crap that comes from hell?? Not being good enough. I don't deserve to be healed because I'm a sucky person who can't do anything right. Well you know what? You are what you believe. Why put yourself back into the very same shackles that the King set you free from? He stole the keys from the enemy, and unlocked your shackles; so walk away. You CAN do ALL THINGS through CHRIST who strengthens us. (Phil 4:13) Guess what? Christ lives in you. Because he lives in you, that means you're plugged into him whether you like it or not. When you plug in a computer, you have to turn it on to use it. This is the same thing. You're plugged into the power source, now are you going to turn on your belief systems, so you can do all things? It is a matter of knowing and believing you can; because of HE who is in you. He has won the victory for you, now turn on your power and surf that web! See all the things you can do through that power source. When you are online there are thousands of different websites, and you can access them all if you know their name. Same with Christ, when you're plugged into him you can do anything, now starting naming off every possible thing you wish to do, and do it. It's all a matter of typing it in, and  hitting one little button called, "Enter." Enter into God. His word will show you all that you can do. Heal the sick, raise the dead, live life to its fullest. When you hit enter, you go wherever you wanted. Enter into the presence of God and you will get to know the beautiful heart of the King. Turn on who you are, don't hide it because you fear what you can do; because if you're scared, all you're feelings is the enemy's fear of you're getting ready to take down the darkness. Are you afraid that the person you pray for will actually be healed? Or are you afraid that they won't be? It is the very thought of the enemy coming into your head saying, "You can't do that! Who are you to think you can heal someone? Did God really tell you to heal the sick? Ha, he meant the people who are older then you. There are people who are better than you." Tell Satan where his butt belongs! In Hell, that's where. Hell was created for Satan and his demons, it was never intended for people. You are not the creatures of hell, and you are not the people of Earth. You are the children of the most High God who has empowered you to do all that you set your mind too.
You're plugged in, now turn on your power, go to the web pages you've been wanting to see forever! (aka, your dreams/goals) And hit-Enter. Live it up, people! You're God's kids, he set you free, so go be free! And don't be afraid, because God is your firewall. He's got your back, and he loves you just the way you are! He is your security, know who you are in him, to truly know who you are in this world. In Christ alone; he is the way the truth and the life. Just to make my point, I'm turning on my computer. So, I'm turning on D-delivered, E-excepted, L-loved, L-liberated. DELL, is my computer type ;)
Love you guys!
~Wren
Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Freely (without pay) you have received, freely (without charge) give. Matt 10:8 Amplified Bible.

Comic books v.s reality

Almost every super hero has a side kick. All books have side characters, that come in and make your plot turn out they way you had planned it. The side kick comes in handy to either completely ruin the super hero's scheme or rescue him out of the most impossible situations at last moment scenarios.  Have you ever felt like, just a side character? Never feeling like you play a bigger part in the story than what you were written to do? I feel like that sometimes. But here's a newsflash for you...you are the main character of your story.
You may play parts in other people's stories; but you, you are always the main character of YOUR story. You aren't the annoying little side kick, or the random character that passes the good guy on the street. With every comic, there is always a villain. And each time it is a different villain or the old bouncing back for a big comeback. That is what Satan tries to do to you, the same spirits try to torment you, and you can kick their butts; POW! And they leave. But then, they always try to come back only repackaged in a different form. What do you do? BANG! Take e'm out. You don't have to let the villain win; you can over come him by just saying, be gone in Jesus name! And then resisting the coming thoughts he tries to plant in your head. So, what do you do as the main character of your story? You can live it up any way you choose. As you are the main character, you are also the writer of your story. As I have said in previous articles I do believe in a God given destiny. But, I also believe that you have the power to live up that destiny with everything you've got by creating and making it interesting. Don't you dare ever let anyone tell you that you are insignificant to life, or that there is not reason for you to live. You are being called to a higher calling than what this world could ever begin to see. Satan doesn't know everything you're supposed to do. However, that does not stop him from trying to knock you out of the ring, because there you wouldn't be a danger to him anymore. Take that opportunity to rub it in his face and say, I am a son or daughter of the High King! I am no giving up; especially not to a scum like you. We often times make Satan out to be this big scary monster; with horns and a tail. We as humans, often times make 'everything' out to be a bigger deal than it really is. Why must we do this with a villain? I love the part in the, "Wizard of Oz," in the end, where one of the characters discover a normal every day man, hiding behind a bunch of machinery trying to intimidate all those around him. And he said to them, "Ignore the man behind the curtain!" That is what Satan does. He hides behind darkness to try to catch you off guard, when really, the only thing you're afraid of is powerless blackness. Turn on your light, you'll expose him for who he is. What light? you may say. The light that is in you. You can't turn it off, but you can sure hide it. Remove whatever it is that is blocking it out and expose fear for what it really is. Just the man standing behind the curtain. In this case, just a fallen angel hiding behind the darkness because he can't stand the light, because God IS light. Satan is afraid of our God. Why should we fear something that is afraid of our God, who lives within us? Don't be fooled by the scary masks or the illusions he projects. I'm a huge fan of, "Stargate Atlantis," it is a sci-fi show. And these supposedly big and scary bad guys can project images around you to fool you into thinking they're all around you. When really they're nowhere in sight. They do it to catch the good guys off guard. Don't let the enemy catch you off guard, recognize him when you see him. I like to think of the enemy as, the stupid old Joker, from the old Batman cartoons. Not only acting ridiculous, but looking ridiculous.
Therefor, peace out! And live life freely! FOR HE WHO THE SON SETS FREE IS FREE INDEED!!!!!!
"So if the Son liberates you [makes you free men], then you are really and unquestionably free." John 8:36. And the son has set you free, from all things; by using a really, really, really big stick! Aka, the cross.
Love you guys!

~Wren

Life has been just a little crazy lately.
I just can't get enough of God, he's too awesome! I love how we can ask him anything at anytime, and he always, I mean, ALWAYS knows the answers.
This blog is something that is so very personal to me, because I am fighting for my own dreams as we speak. Everything I ever tell you guys is something that I'm learning, or learned and still getting the hang of it...even after several years later! I know I'm supposed to be in a band someday; God has called me also specific leadership in the band, and I believe in other areas as well. If I didn't give those dreams all I have, my faith and my hope, they would be lost in the imaginary world forever. I give into doubt as well, and I know I shouldn't. Because doubt is the very thing that can screw up your dreams in the blink of an eye.
However, I choose to keep following in my God destiny and hold onto him. (see, The keys to life) He knows what he's doing. However, the enemy comes to not only just kill and destroy, but to steal. He can kill your dreams by stealing them if you let him, by doubting. Doubt are thoughts that are brought on by Satan himself, God is not he God of doubt, but of Faith. You're not good enough...those people can do it but you can't, just because you're you...you're stupid...what gives you the right to dream, when you're nothing in the eyes of the people? Came the quiet voice that sounds like your own thoughts. When really, they're being whispered into your ear by lying and deceiving spirits. The Holy Spirit, will not deceive you, nor lie to you to get his way or make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. He tells you that he's with you through and through. Jesus said that through him you could do all things, and that nothing is impossible for those who believe in God. Jesus said that you're the apple of God's eye!! Holy buckets, that's cool! It can get extremely difficult on me to not give into doubt and fear of not being good enough. But, in God's eyes I am good enough. I am the bride of Christ, YOU are the bride of Christ. Don't limit God by not believing in the very things he planted in you to do. Why do you think those deep desires of dreams lie within you? God put them there. Why would he put them there if he didn't think you were good enough? Smart or even pretty enough? Don't give in. Why fear when God says there's no point in fear. One of my FAVORITE quotes is this, "Fear is only a cowardly thought."  Keep holding on, keep dreaming, and anything that pops into your head that is not of the things of God, throw them OUT! Things that do not focus on things that are true, lovely, kind, excellent, or of good report, cast it out. Because you know if anything that pops into your head that contradicts those things is not from God. Such as fear, anger, depression, hate, self-pity, envy, etc. You have the very power to just say, "No, I refuse to believe or do any of those things, be gone with you in the name of Jesus!" Even if you have to battle with telling it several times a day, keep doing it. And it will soon start running with its tail between its legs.
I hope this encourages you guys! Love you!
~Wren.

The Keys to Life

Destiny. Hope. Dreams. Faith.
These are all very, very important to God. 'Why' you may ask.
Because they are an extremely important key to your life. The kind of keys that if you only have one set of them, and then you lock them in your car, you're probably screwed. Through dreaming, God created. Created what? Everything you see, including you. He didn't just sit there and quickly dream up human beings for the sake of being bored. God was lonely. He wanted someone to love, and to love him back. He wanted that desperately. He dreamed us up, and then spoke us into being. Romans 4:17 talks about God calling, "Those things that are not, as though they were." Now, that is Faith right there. And God has the most faith in the world. Now, in Mark 11:22-25 it says,"Have faith in God," Jesus answered. "Truly[f] I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. 24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. 25 And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."
　
In a previous verse Jesus cursed a fig tree and the next day they came back and the disciples were astounded that it actually died. How often are we astounded that God's power 'actually' works?? Ehem. Yup. Dreams and Faith are very connected. Dream it up, speak it out, and then believe in it. And I believe that why he says that you need to forgive people if you've been wronged, is because you actually create an invisible block between you and God, thus limiting God to what he can do in your life. Along with a lot of other things; but I dont' want to rabbit trail too much here. Did'ja know that Faith and Hope are connected too?? The Hebrew word for faith is, "emunah." It means, "certainty and faithfulness." Interesting. God tells us to put our faith in the unseen. By holding our faith that makes us certain in our God. So if we put faith in the unseen objects does that not mean we are to be 'faithful' in believing that our dreams will come true someday? Staying faithful. Loyalty. Stay loyal to your dreams no matter what. The Greek word for hope is elpis; the definition is this, "favorable and confident expectation." Hmm. Stay confident and BELIEVE in those things that are not as though they were and stay FAITHFUL to them. Then expect while believing. Don't just cast it down the moment you don't see it happening. Stay faithful, stay loyal, trust your God. Have FAITH in GOD constantly. Okay, so where does Destiny fit into all of this. God has a path that he planned out for this creation he dreamed up. But he also gave you these tools to be creative and to help you along the way. God can't do everything he needs to all the time because we can actually limit him by our unbelief. Again, have faith in God constantly. God has so many special surprises on the road you walk. And you can either choose to walk on his road or not. Just because God has a destiny for you does not mean you have to follow it. You can choose not to do it. I choose to follow that destiny. If you're walking in his path and something comes up, like let's say an illness or a tragedy, it is not from God. I do not believe that at all. I believe those are attacks from the enemy. God did not allow it, nor did he want it to happen. But, by living in a fallen world bad things happen. However, if you are truly walking in God's destiny and you know the gifts and the true power he's given to you, you can resist the enemy and he HAS to flee from you. James 4:7. And, John 10:10 plainly states, "
10The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it [a]overflows)." And it says that God only comes to do the exact opposite of Satan. I find it histerical that even when the enemy tries to overthrow us, God can still take what he is doing and flip it around and backfire. Romans 8:28 says, "We are assured and know that [[a]God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose." Again, I do not believe that any sort of bad thing is caused by God. He is Light, not darkness. If you are not walking with God I do not believe in the slightest that he would use sickness, diseases or tragedy to bring you back into his will. I believe that is also attacks from the enemy. I believe that when you're not walking with God, it opens the door for the enemy to work in your life. You allowed it, not God. The Hebrew word for salvation is, "soteria," which means, "deliverance, preservation, salvation." And the Hebrew word for deliverance is, "nathan," which has many meanings but two of those mean, "to pay or to loan." Jesus PAID the ultimate price dying on the cross, and then loaned his life to death for three days, before rising with full confidence and overcoming the enemy. Jesus overcame the flesh, sin and death so we wouldn't have to be bound by its power anymore. Deliverance doesn't always mean to be delivered from demonic influences, it also means being delivered from sickness and diseases. The word tereo, means to preserve, "spirit, soul AND body." I believe it is a Greek word but don't quote me on that. Nuff said. So, use these gifts that God has given you. Be faithful, expect knowing you have favor, dream bigger than you've ever dreamed before, and call those things that are not as though they were. Dream it, speak it, believe it. You can either take up your keys, or lock them in them in your beautiful sports car, only to end in never driving it. This is choice, as with anything and everything else you face. So, you can either take your keys or lock them in your fancy sports car, and never be able to drive it.

Many times I ask myself while we're driving somewhere, or in my room alone, or just chilling out on the Internet: is this it? Is this all I have to live for is boredom on line when my friends aren't available and there seems to be nothing happening in my life?
I'm sure everyone has asked themselves these same questions. There is an answer, no. No this is not all there is to it, no there is more to life, and no you are not a failure.
Too many times we go about our lives without knowing who we are, who we truly are.
You of course know your name, your height, weight, looks, and your social security number, but that is not it.
I heard a sermon last summer that changed my life. I couldn't figure who I was, I was so irritated with the things that I did and I felt like I was chasing people away from me. The pastor who was preaching that day said this, "Christ is your identification." Click. Everything in my head suddenly made sense, I had accepted Jesus into my heart, and I knew who he was, but who could he be inside of me? It is still Him. He is the one who will empower you when things get tough, he is the one whose healing power will flow through your hands when you lay hands on someone to heal them. He is the one who knows every little detail about your life and will use other people to encourage, uplift, and cheer YOU up by showing you that he truly cares.
You were born with all kinds of talents, gifting, loves, passions, and all those things truly come to life once you accept Jesus and recognize who he truly is. God made you to be who you are for a reason. You were not a mistake, let me say that again, NOT a mistake. God formed you from inside out, he has a very special purpose for you. One to be his child, for him to love and adore, and he wants you to love him back because you want to! He wants a relationship with you, to talk with you, love on you, just be with you. Two, he has a very special purpose for you in life, to go about his business. And he will show you what he wants you to do in life, just ask him. Whether to be an Evangelist, Prophet, Healer, Intercessor, etc. You are the sons and daughters of the High King. That makes you Princes and Princesses! You have a royal seal on your heart, one that marks you as the King's kids.  If you feel like there are things in your life that needs to change, then change them. But don't change who you are, we all have little things we need to take care of. But we are no longer a part of this fallen world, we have been redeemed from the curse! You can get rid of whatever junk you feel you need to loosen. God will help you, he'll help you get through whatever you're going through.
Don't change who you are because some people might not like who you are, they're just insecure themselves or don't see the plank in their own eyes. You were made very extra special, and God loves you SO much! I can't even begin to tell you how much God loves you. Everything you've been gifted with is there for a reason. Everything you are is there for a reason. I do not count sickness and diseases, those were not put there by God and God wants to take all of that crap away if it is there.
The things you love, was a desire that God put in your heart for a reason as well.
This is my tid bit, let God take you to the higher levels. I can only encourage you, you must be the one to walk in the foot steps of the High King.
Love you guys so much!
Wren

I've been thinking lately, about what an awesome life that we as Christians have to live.
We serve a great God! We are constantly taken care of, and loved beyond measure.
I find it interesting that when I talk to people they are worried about the economy and how scary things are; people losing jobs left and right, people can't get work left and right, people keep complaining up and down.
Jesus lived in an even crappier time than we are living in now, and he was well taken care of. Fish coughed up coins, (the fish must have had an interesting time trying to digest a random coin, right?)
A little boy bringing what all he had, which was three fish and a bread loaf (man, there's that fish again)
Jesus turned that into leftovers for over five thousand people! You may say, well he's God and he can do whatever he wishes. Well, that same God that you just said could do whatever he wishes is living, guess where? in you! But, Jesus didn't make those fish come out of thin air, a little boy came to him and gave him what he had, then Jesus was able to use what he was given and turn it into a plethora of food! Jesus also told the rich man that if he gave up everything he had, he could be one of his disciples, and yet the rich man walked away sad because he didn't want to give up what was dearest to him. Now, Jesus wasn't saying that we all have to give up our lap tops, jewelry, ipods, etc. What he was doing was seeing if the man really wanted to follow God. Would he really trust God to be happier then he was with his present money? Or see the even bigger riches that would come in future because he would lay down his life and let God take control. Sadly, this wasn't the case for the rich man. Did he love God more then the food in his belly or the watch on his wrist?
We as God's children are completely taken care of, yes we may have to work a job, but God will exceedingly bless you through that because you are following him with your heart instead of following the dollar. By not following the dollar and giving God all you have Jesus can take that and multiply it by the tenth power. I am NOT saying sell your stuff, but give it to God, just say: Hey God, my life is yours, my things are yours, I'm willing to lay them down for fifteen minutes a day to see what you have to say to me. God will take what you were able to give to him and spoil you rotten because you first gave it to him, you gave him a little bit of a bubble! Jesus is not going to make you poor to follow him, that is not what I am saying at all. What I am saying is that are we really willing to lay down the things that are most dearest to us, at his feet and say you matter more, I give you room in my life to really work. I trust you, God has the most out of this world faith in us, why can't we just say: God, I have faith in YOU that you will supply me with all my needs. God already knows everything we went through, going through, and will go through, He already has a plan set in motion to help you, now will you LET him help you by letting him work in your life. Don't let the words of doubt fill your head. The enemy wants to try to keep you in shackles by trying to make you think you messed up, so God wants to hurt you or you have to be poor to follow him. No, Jesus will bless your socks off if you are willing to trust him and let him do so. For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome." Jer 29:11 There was also the time Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was resurrected, and he told them to cast their line on the other side of the boat, and it was LOADED with fish. I think it is time we start listening to God and where he wants us to cast our line, if we do that, he'll be able to bless us because we obeyed and allowed him to work in our lives. You know? I'm really starting to think Jesus had a thing for fish....I'd hate to be a fish when he's around. However, I wouldn't mind being a fisher of men for Jesus. Now that would be cool! To be able to bring people to God as easily as Jesus captured fish! Bring it on.

Love you guys!
~Wren

Expectations

Standing up, rising above, shake the dirt off your sandals.
These three things share something extremely important; going beyond what the world says you can or can't do.
I have put myself in my little colorful box one too many times! I call it a colorful box because people don't want to step outside of their safe zone, so they make themselves comfortable in their own little world, so they decorate it with all the things they wish to do instead of going after it.
I wanted to do so many things and I quit because I either lost interest or thought it was too hard to accomplish, because I'm just me. I'm not Miley Cyrus, Vanessa Hudgens or Leona Lewis. But, should I give up wanting to follow one of my dearest dreams of all time because I'm not any them? No. Yes, I want to be a singer, am I willing to go after it? Yes. I've had different opinions said about my voice, I know I need training, but that doesn't mean I'm a failure; we all have to learn. I almost gave up that dream about two years ago, because I let thoughts of doubt fill my head. There are still many times I struggle with it. So, I sought God over the entire ordeal, and now I have full confidence that he wants me to be a singer.
Not following expectations isn't always denying that your Mother wants you to be a dentist, or your Father wants you to be an athlete. No, expectations are the things you set up for your life. Will you set yourself up to fail or will you set yourself up to succeed? That's the important question, "will you or will you not?" What are your expectations in life? The things that you would love to do and then you turn and say: I can't do that, I'm not good enough. You are only as good as you let yourself be. God knows you, and who you are, he believes in you. Obviously, the God who created you, would know what you can or can't do; he put you together in the first place. The thing is that He believes you can do anything you put your mind too. Phil 4:13 says, "You can do all things through Christ who is the strength in you." Christ is your strength, it doesn't matter if you 'look' weak, or don't 'look' the part. The thing that matters the most is the heart behind it all. Knowing that my God is with me, then who could be against me? Trust me, people such as Cyrus or Hudgens did not get where they are because they had it easy, they had heart. I fully intend to live my life to its fullest, and not discard the idea of I can't do that because I'm not smart enough or pretty enough. No, I will keep walking with my head held high and my God in my heart. Supporting me with all his strength. He's supporting you, his strength will hold you up because he believes in you. My best friend believes in me to the fullest extent, her support helps strengthen me; God will be there for you like that too.
Set up your own expectations and go after it with all your heart!  
Don't be afraid to be you, if people think you're weird or unacceptable because you don't meet their expectations then they can get over it. You are so special! Be who God made you to be, because He made you for himself. It only matters what he thinks of you, not what the world does.
Love you guys!
~Wren
Ps 139!