Oh, what a weekend!
They traveled in from all over the nation. One woman drove from Canada. Others flew and drove from every corner of the nation. They came to the rustic, beautiful ranch on the OK/AR border because they want to walk with Jesus into the deep.
We rode horseback on a gorgeous, rugged trail. We zip lined. We kayaked and canoed and hiked. We worshiped, prayed, and laughed.
On Friday night, I shared a message. Afterward, I wanted them to know this truth:
For some of you, the enemy is messing with you. You feel the presence of Jesus so close, and yet he tells you that it’s not for you. He tries to convince you that you aren’t worthy. He brings up old wounds or tries to inflict new ones. He throws obstacles in your path, hoping to distract you.
When that happens, I want you to tell him:
Not today.
Not tomorrow.
Not ever.
Greater is He who is in us than he that is in the world. That’s our truth. He doesn’t have ultimate authority. That authority was given to you as you follow Jesus.
Tomorrow, as we are hiking and kayaking and walking through this beautiful ranch, when he dares to steal this beautiful gift God is giving you, I pray I see some of your fingers wagging in the air.
Not today, satan.
Not tomorrow.
Not ever.
These words were unplanned. Yet even as I type them today I sense the sweet presence of God. We aren’t obligated to embrace the words of the accuser as truth. His lies are not our identity. They cannot distract us, because scripture has unmasked them and the truth shows us who we are, where we are going, and what we are capable of or not.
“I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 16:19 (NIV)
I wish you could have been at the weekend Living Free Together retreat with us, but today as you and I sit with our Bibles and our hearts open, I want you to hear these words.
Not today.
Not tomorrow.
Not ever.
Shut down those lies.
You are worthy, because Jesus makes you worthy. Ephesians 2:4-7.
You are capable, because the Holy Spirit equips you. Hebrews 13:21;
You are loved, because God says it is true. John 3:16; Romans 5:8.
Your past is not held against you. 2 Corinthians 5:17.
This is our truth. We walk in it as we follow Jesus, wherever he leads, whatever he asks, whatever miracle he wants to do in us, or through us.
Suzie
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Come With Me Devotional is a yearlong adventure in following Jesus. It’s short and power-packed as you hear his words five days a week and then soak them in over the weekend.[bctt tweet=”Not today. Not tomorrow. Not ever. Those are the words we speak to the enemy, for greater is He that is in us. #livingfreetogether #ComeWithMeDevo ” username=”suzanneeller”]
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I love these words that you shared. Thanks for this reminder of truth!
I needed this…. Thank you
This morning, as I sit at His feet, the enemy is trying to shout in my ear. I am going today for cancer follow-up tests. This Nov 2 marks 7 years since cancer was removed from my body. I’ve had some concerns-a lesion that won’t heal, a cough that won’t go away, fear starts to well up. What if……. All I have to say, as I wag my finger in the air, NOT TODAY…NOT TOMORROW…NOT EVER. God goes before me and HE didn’t and still doesn’t give me a spirit of fear but of power, love and self control.(2 Timothy 1:7) No matter the results God walks with me and this is the truth I choose to live by.
I love you, Sweet Nancy. You know you are in my prayers. Keep that finger waving at that fat liar and do not allow him to overtake your thoughts. Guess what? The scripture you quoted was our conference theme scripture. So true…no fear only the power of God. Love you. Keep marching on, friend.
Praying for your appt today Nancy and for you to feel His peace!
Praying for you.
Suzie, I have used that phrase several times since you spoke it at the retreat. In my thought-life, where the accuser has often had too much influence, I am already seeing a big difference. God spoke powerfully through you, and I pray more women will be blessed by the message today!
Rejoicing with you in this glorious Truth!
This past weekend was awesome. A step out of my comfort zone. Thank you for this.
You are brave and AWESOME, Jem! What a privilege it is to be a part of your tribe!
“He brings up old wounds or tries to inflict new ones. He throws obstacles in your path, hoping to distract you.” YES! This was my battle. I’m so forever grateful that women were praying for me, and that I chose to follow Jesus into new, unchartered, uncomfortable, exciting, brave, wonderful territory. It’s blessed my life forever. I went there as one person. I left as a member of a powerful tribe! So thankful for my Come With Me tribe. xoxoxo
Oh, I love that last line, Rebecca! Grateful to be a part of your tribe!
this is me today.
Lord, speak these warrior words over the heart of “k.” It’s not that we won’t face hard situations or be in battle, but our heart and soul is protected as we step into the authority you so willingly gave us as your followers.
Cover our friend. Wrap close around her. Launch and unleash your Holy Spirit power in and through her, amen.
Love this! And loved meeting you in person Rebecca. I felt the same way last year, I went “alone”, but did not leave alone. I, too, love this tribe!
There is no doubt in my mind that those words were annointed. Perhaps, the Holy Spirit’s segue into your next adventure of teaching and mentoring with regards to the work (and power) of the Spirit. All I really know is that I’m grateful. Seeds were planted in so many who attended this weekend (including me). And now? It’s time to go shake some salt!
BOOM! I have used this phrase more times than I can count since the retreat. And you know what? It’s working! I am not entertaining the devil’s schemes anymore, and I’m so grateful for a tribe of women who have my back in any and all of his attempts. Thank you, Suzie, for allowing God to continue to use you in such powerful ways!
Sounds like a power-filled weekend. Sweet! I’m still bummed a bit to not have joined you gals, but the change continues to resonate as the right decision. So I’m going to package your words here on the blog today as a very personal message to moi. It’s been a week, and these words hit the spot. “Not today. Not ever.” Praise God. Thanks, Suzie. xo
So very blessed by your anointed words this past weekend Suzie. And so honored to be a part of this amazing tribe of women. Thank you Suzie for pouring your heart into every single word you write and speak. ❤️
Goodness, how I love and needed these words!! So many lies that I have believed about myself, but NO MORE. Not today. Not tomorrow. Not EVER. Not anymore. I wish I had been able to truly connect more with all of the amazing and incredible ladies at the retreat, but I know that God placed me right where He wanted me to be. A little nudge of encouragement here, a prayer over my life there, a ride in (and out of) a kayak in that little time slot, laughter and love throughout… I have returned to life absolutely full to the BRIM with encouragement and peace. I prayed over things I hadn’t even realized would come out but have been seriously hindering my walk with Christ. And God showed up in such a BIG and MIGHTY way in my life and in my family’s life while I was at the Ranch. I will treasure these memories and these words for a long, long time.
Suzie, how I wish I could have been in two places at once. I thought of you and the attendees often over the weekend and prayed for you all. Your words today right loud and true in my head, in my heart, and through my life. Thank you. Much love to you, friend.
Just ordered book, devotional? And dvd this morning. I’m a friend of Jodie Barrett! Thanks in advance I know it’s going to be good.
Thank you Suzie. Indeed, Not today,
Not tomorrow,
Not ever!
Suzie -I too wish I had been with you. It looks like a beautiful place and wonderful company. Your words will ring in my mind today.
Not today.
Not tomorrow.
Not ever.
Thank you – Maree
Dear Suzie, Thank you for your words of encouragements, This is a wonderful reminder for all. I just returned home a week ago from “LIVE YOUR FAITH Bold And Brave” Women’s Conference. You would have loved every moment! Michele was amazing in sharing that we need to find our purpose and your words add to what she and Nicole Unice shared. God bless, Kathee