“Teacups and Teddy Bears.” That’s what did it. That’s what pushed me to make this promise: I will never, ever, ever accept another speaking engagement where they require me to speak on a goofy topic. And girl, I have kept that promise.
It’s been many years since my awful “Teacups and Teddy Bears” talk, and I’m very relieved to report that no one has even come close to asking me to speak on anything that lame. Usually, event coordinators and Women’s Ministry leaders ask me to speak on one of the topics from my list. And I love that, because those are biblical topics that I’m passionate about sharing. Occasionally, however, they will offer a topic for me to prayerfully consider.
For instance, one time I was asked to create a retreat series entitled, “Who’s Grace, and How Do I Find Her?” Wonderful topic! I loved it so much, that it’s now part of my list.
Today I’m heading to California to speak on another fantastic topic submitted to me by a couple of godly Women’s Ministry leaders at Calvary Chapel Chino Hills: Lisa Hibbs and Judi McDaniel. And it will definitely be added to my list. Take a look:
Is that a great topic or what?! And if you think that’s great, you MUST watch this amazing promo video they created for the retreat:
OK, even if you’re not a Lord of the Rings geek like I am, you have to admit: that video makes you wish you were on this plane with me right now headed to the retreat, right?
Spiritual warfare has never been my favorite topic to teach. It’s kinda like — no, it’s exactly like — sending Satan a personal invitation to war. But I am so pumped about teaching it this weekend. As I have studied and prepared, God has not only reaffirmed to me the importance – the imperative, really – of being “strong in the Lord and in the power of His might (Eph. 6:10), He’s also encouraged me that HE is my strength. And He’s YOUR strength, too.
Girl, you’re not just a woman. You’re a warrior. And judging from the honest, heartfelt comments many of you left on my Facebook page recently, the enemy is working overtime to keep you from the truth. The truth about who you really are: the King’s daughter, a princess. And not just any princess. A Warrior Princess.
So this is my challenge to you today: Read Ephesians. It’s just six short chapters. The first three will remind you about who you are in Christ (and no surprise, it’s the opposite of what the enemy has been telling you). The last three will teach you how to walk and live like a princess — a Warrior Princess to be exact.
Hope lots of you will leave your comments and tell me how God speaks to you through Ephesians. And I’d especially love to hear how you’re using the truth – the “sword of the Spirit, the word of God” (Eph. 6:17) – to defeat the enemy’s lies.
Today, don’t give Satan an inch. Dress for battle. Get into the Word. When the enemy attacks, stand firm. And by the authority of God’s Word, I can promise you this: You will win. Because you, my sister, are a Warrior Princess.
“You have armed me with strength for the battle; you have subdued my enemies under my feet.” Psalm 18:39 NLT