The Truth About Some Fears

As many of us have, I have been battling fear of various things, almost at every turn. There are many things to fear in our society today, and it's not getting any better, as the Bible predicts. Couple this fact with the many fears in our personal lives, and you have a scenario of relentless and increasing torment.

I began to reach out to Christian friends for prayer, without burdening them with details.

I had begun to seek an answer, through consistent and specific prayer, to eradicating this unhealthy fear. I also began to reach out to Christian friends, without unloading and burdening them with too much detail, for help through prayer. I woke up this morning with an interesting revelation.

I already understood that casting down imagination is vital to freedom from fear. My revelation was that there were other things that I had not been casting down, because I did not understand them to be thoughts that needed that. We think constantly, so may feel that if we cast down every jot of thoughts, we would be mentally lobotomizing our brains. We would become vegetables, therefore we know that we have to pick and choose which thoughts to cast down. This sounds like an easy task, but that is why we need God. It is not always as cut and dried as all that. Sometimes there can be a thin line.

Some fears are extensions of real occurrences, and mask themselves as preparation.

I was shown this morning that there were thoughts that I allowed to flourish because I had identified them as highly-likely future occurrences, whether that future is today, next month or next year. We usually see fears as imaginary, or in the mind, or made up. The most damaging fears that I have been enduring are extensions of real occurrences.  Because of this, I did not see them as thoughts that needed to be cast down. My mind had labeled them as highly likely, leading me to allow them to flourish so that I could devise a plan to stop or circumvent them.

My inner man saw it as preparing myself, or being wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove. The resulting fears were running rampant because technically and realistically, I could not control nor prevent these possible developments, no matter how small or large they might be. It seems very simple and that I should not have needed revelation to understand. It seems a moot subject, a given, elementary, but that is why we need God. It is not always as cut and dried as all that.

Even as reborn spirits that have a direct link to God, we still have blind spots. We currently live in a fallen world and exist in fallen bodies, so we enter blind spots often. To not understand the revelation of this and to not accept it is to be continually plagued by failures in our lives, and to be confused by our lack of advancement in some areas. Ignoring this knowledge also means that we will not be able to receive God's answer when we ask, seek and knock.

Though God sometimes removes bad circumstances, the answer to freedom is often within.

The answer is not always in the changing or removal of outward circumstances, no matter how difficult, challenging or horrific. How many times have we heard or read that? It is a hard pill to swallow, depending on what you are going through. Though God certainly changes and removes bad circumstances for some, and sometimes for us in his timing, the answer to freedom is often within. There are times that we cannot find it though, without Him.

God removes the dark glasses, raises the blinds and strips off from our eyes and minds the gauze of each gossamer veil that we could never find or remove. About the simplest things, He reveals deep answers that are too confusingly deep and simple for us to ever dig out. Time and time again He has shown me that though the answer was right before me, like a pebble in my path, and simple in comparison to what I was thinking, I would never have found it had He not revealed it to me.

We need God to help us find the answer that is a pebble in our path that we kick to the side, or step over and go on our way.

When we pray, we think that we already understand. This is why my consistent prayer is for him to make my eye single, make my crooked paths straight and order my steps in His word. The battle is certainly not over, but I have advanced.

The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. 

(Matthew 6:22 KJV)

 I will bring the blind by a way they did not know; I will lead them in paths they have not known. I will make darkness light before them, And crooked places straight. These things I will do for them, And not forsake them.

(Isaiah 42:16 NKJV)

  Make my steps secure through your promise, and do not let any sin control me. 

(Psalm 119:133 GW)

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Roger Laidig: Finding Purpose and Joy, It's A Journey

Learn how to find purpose and joy in life.

Finding Purpose and Joy: It's A Journey, is an 81-page guidebook written by Purdue adjunct professor and Christian counselor Roger Laidig.  It is written in easy-to-read layman style, and printed in large text. Throughout the volume are simple, strategically-placed line drawings that support the life-changing lessons that Professor Laidig presents.  He outlines his case for the necessity of finding purpose and joy in about 14 short chapters, labeled as "steps". There are many profound points shared in this peacefully-written and quietly motivating book.

Finding Purpose and Joy

One point that Roger discusses is The Four Quadrants Time Management System. This is an effective way to corral our schedules, and he details it on pages 27-32. His explanation on page 34, of victimization, shows just how much insight he has into one of the significant origins of victim mentality, and how it manifests. If you want to get a spiritual handle on your memories of enduring mistreatment, you need to read this revelation. It will help you work with God to obliterate some negative effects of your past. You can believe that the truth always sets us free, one way or another. Professor Laidig has spoken a truth here that hit home for me. There is so much more in this book to help us grow towards healing and fulfillment.

Learn about the "white page" and "black dot" concept in personalities, and how it can help you to value and appreciate others.

In step 4, he explains how holding on to hurt and anger, as a result of mistreatment, causes us to continue to lose twice. I like how he reveals, in Step 5 a different understanding of what really happens when we insist on winning in every encounter that we have with anyone. In step 7, I enjoyed learning about the "white page" concept regarding personalities, and how it relates to the one black dot that can be present. Each time that I picked up this short book, I read something that my spirit quickly absorbed.

In every chapter Professor Laidig reveals at least one pertinent and interesting principle that will help us to find purpose and obtain joy in our lives.  You will find this candidly and insightfully written, self-help book to be easy to comprehend and enjoyable to read. Additionally, you can use it as a workbook by referring to the "Points To Ponder" at the end of each chapter. This makes "Finding Purpose and Joy" a practical book for Christian healing and growth.

Roger Laidig, writer

About his book Roger shares:

Most of us spend the first half of our lives trying to build our lives, grow in our careers, make more money, strive to live in nicer homes, and drive nicer cars.  At the same time as we have children, we want to make sure that they achieve and so we get them involved in many activities so that they can keep up with or do better than their friends.  And yet, something seems to be missing.

If this describes your life at least to some degree, does life seem to feel like somewhat of a 'rat race' filled with anxiety?  Or maybe you're experiencing relationship challenges, your job situation is uncertain, or you’re struggling with debt.  In the depths of your soul are you wondering, "Is this all there is to life?"  If so, there is reason for hope.  Where you are at today is not your destination.  Rather, it's just the first day of the rest of your life.

So as you move forward on your life journey, this book was written with the desire to help you find purpose and joy in your remaining days.  And it can and should be the greatest season of your life.

Learn more about Roger at 

His Website
 
Finding Purpose and Joy: It's A Journey is available, in various versions, at:
 
Amazon

Lulu

Barnes & Noble

Lift Your Mind Above Defeat

"No one can ever overcome anything until his thoughts are creative and positive. It is important that you lift your mind to a higher level.

Mentally, as you raise your mind above the defeats and conflicts you face, your personality will receive help from God in the form of clear thinking, resolute reaching out toward happiness, deeper understanding, and renewed strength.

When your thoughts are in confusion, you live in an unreal world, and you cannot see your way up and out of it."

I think the resolute reaching out for happiness is one of the most critical abilities that we need help with. It is during those times of severe discouragement and depression that we feel that we simply cannot make any effort. We can't try anymore. We can't pray. We can't have hope. We can't believe. We just can't make it anymore. Happiness is a choice that we sometimes feel we just can't make, but we can. We can learn how to do this under any circumstances. It will release great blessings for us, and for others.

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, which is where my help comes from (paraphrased).

(Psalm 121:1)

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Excerpt from How To Handle Tough Times, A Guideposts Outreach Publication ©1990 Peale Center For Christian Living

Image Credit: Pixabay.com Free Images

The Pocket Power Prayer

The effective prayer that Jesus modeled has traditionally been seen as The Lord's Prayer. It's actually a prayer model that Jesus suggested to his disciples to use when they prayed (Matthew 6 NKJV). He also admonished them to not use vain repetitions, which raises a question. If we pray this prayer regularly, aren't we using repetition?

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The answer is in Verse 9, where Jesus encourages them to pray "in this manner."

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He does not tell them to pray that prayer. In this manner means that he was providing a template, a format for them to use in creating their own prayer to God the Father

It is easy for man to get in a rut and to perform actions without thinking or feeling. Man also faces the danger of performing to receive glory from others, and to make a good impression. Jesus says that the only value that is received for that kind of behavior is what is gotten from others at that moment. There is no long term, spiritual benefit from performing vain repetitions to impress others. If we perform for others, it is easy to use vain repetitions because there is no heart in our display.

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If we pray in private, making our prayer session between us and God alone, it is easy to use his prayer model to construct our own prayer, because our innermost feelings are drawn out.

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It would be beneficial for you to create a prayer in your own words, using Jesus' model. I call it the Pocket Power Prayer, because it packs a lot of power in its small size. You would then pray it often, adding extra thoughts and feelings to it whenever they come up in your spirit. In this way, you will reduce the chance of making it repetitious.

This prayer model is useful when we don't know what to pray, but want to commune with God. I was on my knees and wanted to pray once, but just felt tired and uninspired. I decided to pray The Lord's Prayer, because I had heard that it covers everything.

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I prayed it from the heart, carefully pronouncing each word and thinking deeply about the meaning of each phrase.

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The most interesting thing happened! When I finished, I wanted to continue praying, adding more to cover all of my concerns of that moment, but I could not pray anything else. When I began to say a statement, it felt like I'd already prayed it. I felt that it was already covered. So it is true that when Jesus spoke this prayer model to his disciples, he presented a perfect prayer format.

This is my prayer rewrite. You are welcome to use it whenever you would like, but I encourage you to write your own. Just rewrite each phrase of The Lord's Prayer in your own words. There are no perfect or right words or sentences. Just follow Jesus' format. As long as it makes sense to you God will understand and commune with you, because as Jesus said, "For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him" (Matthew 6:8 NKJV). This does not replace our open lines of communication with God, or our short or long prayers to God at any time.  It's an additional tool. If you look closely, you can see how I have followed Jesus' model for praying to God.

Dear Father, who lives in heavenly places that we can't yet see. May we respect your name continuously. May your inner glory fill us and your outer glory consume the world in due time. We embrace your daily plan in our lives and all around us, and throughout the world, just as your plans are carried out in the heavenly places. Thank you for providing food today, in whatever way it shall come.

We choose to forgive everyone who has misused, damaged or failed us. We know that in return we have your forgiveness, through your Son Jesus' sacrifice, for our sin state and all that it entails. Thank you for providing a way out of cowardice when we are tried, so that we can hold on and endure the testing. In this way, we know that we will be delivered from the evil of faithlessness and fear.  We know that you own everything, Father. You possess power over all things, and all glory belongs to you. Amen

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Image Credit: Wallpapers Wide
Scriptures Taken From: Bible Study Tools

With Faith

If you have received this week's post via email or maybe feed, you may not be able to see this video by Kutless, titled What Faith Can Do.

Follow the link to the blog so that you can be inspired by this great song, which has the lyrics displayed also.

Just another reminder that it is your growing faith that will carry you through to all of the wonderful blessings that you are believing God for.

Without faith you cannot stand firm and wait, expecting what he has already sent your way.

Faith is necessary to obtain what you have asked God for.

You can tell what you have faith in by what you do each day.

If you say you have faith that something great is going to happen in your life, and you don't find yourself doing little things to prepare for it, you don't REALLY believe it. If you don't REALLY believe it, you can't receive it. So the question to ask yourself is this, If I have asked and confessed that I believe that God has heard me, and that this thing is done in God's spiritual world, why am I not preparing to receive it in my natural world? Why am I going about each day as if nothing is coming? Why am I having to ask God for the same thing over and over again, if I really believe that it is done?

It is easy to grow your faith. Ask God to increase it, and then obey as he prompts you. He will make sure that you will feel the prompting when he does it. It will be up to you to respond and obey.

Without faith it is impossible to please God, because God is pleased when our lives reflect health, wealth, happiness, joy, peace, compassion, love, long-suffering, goodness and meekness, under all circumstances. These things bless us and elevate us above the darkness of this world. God is happy and pleased when we are living with his best and growing into more of his best, every day, no matter what our circumstances are. These things can be received only through faith.

Jesus said to him, If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes. 

(Mark 9:23, NKJV)

Belief is the same as 

F * A * I * T * H.

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Scriptures taken from: Bible Study Tools

Good Thinking For Good Things

I read this encouraging devotion in a Guideposts booklet titled Courage: Finding Your Strength In Troubled Times:

One of the most powerful traits in human nature is that when you maintain a mental attitude of trust and faith-when you hope, dream, believe, pray and work toward God's assurance-you will create conditions in which every good thing can come to you.

It reminds me of the popular belief that 

like attracts like.

It is also the inverse of misery loves company, Murphy's law and garbage-in-garbage-out. There are many passages in the Bible that encourage the growing Christian to surround himself with positive-thinking people, in other words to be equally yoked. The Bible also teaches us that within the realm of faith, Murphy's law does not and cannot exist. It is not true that anything that can go wrong will go wrong.

Another important principle that the Bible promotes is that in studying and thinking upon good things, we input them into our hearts. From the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks, or

good-things-in-good-things-out.

Our words always get their cue from what is in our hearts.

The Bible also alerts us that in determining to think good, positive, healthy thoughts, we are maintaining a mental attitude of trust and faith in God's ability and love for us. As a result, our thoughts and words will create the future that we desire; whether tomorrow, next week or next year. In essence, we will be opening the door and paving the way for God's goodness to come in and flourish.

Keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life.

(Proverbs 4:23 KJV)

Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.

(Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)

 

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Resources:

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Quote Credit: (c)2008 Peale Center for Christian Living Guideposts Outreach GuidepostsFoundation.org

Scriptures Taken From: Bible Study Tools, http://www.biblestudytools.com/proverbs/4-23.html

Seeing The Ducks For What They Are

We serve a Good God, the Most High God, the Only Wise God, the One True God. No matter what is looks like and sounds like, God is in control of our lives, if we've given him that. It is said that if it looks like a duck and quacks like duck, it is a duck. The world, the flesh and the devil would have us believe that the struggles, difficulties, challenges, trials and tribulations that we are experiencing is just the way it is, and will always be. There is another way, though, to think upon this.

The negatives in our lives that look like ducks and sound like ducks are not ducks. They are not what it is. The only thing that IS is our God. He has our very best interests at heart. The Heart of God IS. The Heart of God IS alive. The Heart of God IS caring.

If you are challenged today or tonight; depressed, downtrodden, disturbed, disabled, devastated, dislocated, discombobulated or demeaned, remember what God can, will and IS doing in your life.  He IS the Great I AM. He's not just some shadowy, idealistic vapor in our imagination, and way up there somewhere. He is here. Let go. Believe. Submit to his loving care, his instructions, his prompting, for he IS: the RESTORER, the RENOVATOR, the REVEALER,  the REPLENISHER, the RENEWER, the REVITALIZER, the REJUVENATOR, the REFUELER, the RESTOCKER and the REDEEMER!


Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.
(I Chron. 16:34 NIV).

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Image Credit: http://newlaunchout.com/bartley-ridge/
Scripture Source: http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?q=give+thanks+to+the+Lord.

Your Tears Speak: Scott David Buckley Ministering To The Fractured Mind

Do you ever feel that no one hears your cry or acknowledges your suffering? Does your faith waiver under the burden of difficulties and challenges? Have you ever wondered if anyone even cares about what you are going through? Do you feel lonely, deserted, ignored or alone? Well, you are not alone at all, though it may sometimes or often feel that way. Let this skilled, Christian poet take you out of yourself and into the arms of The Christ who cares for you. This gentle, soothing free verse poem will remind you that your advocate is even now at the right hand of God speaking on your behalf, and giving to you a hope and a future.

YOUR TEARS SPEAK

by

Scott David Buckley

 

I can hear you.

Your tears speak to me.

Voiceless words only I can understand.

Can you hear me?

I cry too.

I am right there with you.

Holding you.

I know you.

I know who you are.

I care about you more than you know.

I see everything.

I feel everything.

My heart breaks for you.

If only you could see.

The love that comes from me.

You need not suffer.

No, suffer no more.

I'd wipe away those tears from those eyes.

Be silent no more child.

I am listening.

You don't need to say a word.

Your tears speak to me.

I can hear you.

©2012 Scott David Buckley

Scott David Buckley is a fellow Christian writer and friend who lives in Newmarket, Ontario. In addition to his blog, he manages several Google+ Christian and mental health communities. He generally writes poetry that bores into the deep well of psychological trauma and despair. He often then flips it and offers the healing balm of spiritual knowledge and faith in Christ.

This minister through verse calls himself, "an 'Alternative Christian', meaning I seek a personal, intimate relationship with God through Jesus the Christ, minus all the trappings of religion & man." If you've noticed in the image, he has a large, short-haired, cream-colored companion named Somewhere, who is always with him. Though Scott is journeying through healing from mental illnesses, he emphatically states that he is not his diagnosis. Here is some of what he shares about his challenges, victories and ministry.

"I must mention though, with my illnesses and all I have never been closer to God than I am now. He has even used me and my illnesses to reach out to the silent, those without a voice. Those who, like I did for so many years, suffer in silence for fear of ridicule and judgement. Which I have experienced and still do." 

"Now, I'm not saying God wants me to have these illnesses, that couldn't be further from the truth. But there are those who need to know that they are not alone, nor are they the only ones who feel as they do and experience that which they do. That there are those like-minded (excuse the pun) and share the same experiences and feelings and do actually understand to a point."

"So, I have become that voice to others that need to hear and see. That's why this poetry blog exists and my other writing blog, Broken Mirror, and my two Google+ communities, Alternative Christian Community and Mental Health & The Christian. These are all ministries that God has given to me and are the means for me to reach those who maybe otherwise wouldn't be touched."

"I must add that it is the Holy Spirit that guides me in everything, in the words I write and so on. I seek only to follow God's perfect will for my life, I seek to use the gifts He has ordained me with, one being the gift of encouragement. I am sitting here punching on this keyboard solely because God gave me life instead of letting me die all those years ago and many other attempts since."

"By God's grace alone I have been saved and I have been chosen, as are all God's children, not by any merit of mine, not by any choice I made, only by God's, and His alone, grace and love I have been chosen. I write because there are so many people out there that have no voice. I hope to empower people, to inspire people, to encourage people. I hope to offer some kind of hope, however that may be. And remember no one is alone in anything. God surrounds us all with His grace and unfailing love."

Visit Scott's blogs and G+ Communities here:

The Poet Mind - http://fromthesoulofapoet.blogspot.ca/2012/12/your-tears-speak.html

Broken Mirror - http://intothebrokenmirror.blogspot.ca/

Alternative Christian Community - https://plus.google.com/u/0/communities/109458177123629843395

Mental Health & The Christian - https://plus.google.com/u/0/communities/102380271241160144764. This is a private group. You must be a member to view the posts.
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Image Credit: http://surl.me/4445

Ask For Courage To Hold On

Some challenges and trials just seem to be too severe to continue enduring. We're not sure how to handle a particular situation that is unfair, depressing, painful, distressing or even devastating. We wonder why it is happening. Like with Job, some may come to say that we've done something wrong, or offended God in some way, but Job had not committed any wrong that justified his suffering. When we honestly can't think of an offense that we may have done, we are once again puzzled and depressed about why this agonizing situation is happening to us.

Sometimes, we feel guilty about past thoughts and deeds, and wonder if we are being punished for them. If we believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ and all that He did to pay the price of sin for us, we know that God does not punish us. When we remember the absolutes of the Gospel, we again wonder why we are going through this. We again ask why is it happening.

We understand that though we've been forgiven by God through Jesus' sacrifice for us, often we have to live with the consequences of past deeds. Sometimes we can make them right and enjoy smooth sailing regarding those deeds, and sometimes not. God does not always prevent or alleviate the reaping in this earth of what we sow. If this is not the case, reaping for sowing, regarding a particular trial, then what is it?

The truth is that there is often no answer, that we could ever find in this world, for what we are suffering through. Sometimes we are not given an answer when we ask God why. It has been said that some answers will not come until we are with God. Of course, ironically it probably won't matter then.

Whatever the cause of what you are going through, if you believe God and His Word, you will want to hold on through it all. You'll want to endure until the end of the trial; because often there is a special blessing in it for us. There is often the growth to be had that we need in order to receive the higher up blessings that we desire. And the end will come, one way or another. God has ordained an end to suffering I once heard someone say. I believe that. Whether your trial is mental, physical, emotional, social, financial, etc., it will not go on longer than God allows. It is to the Christian that all things work together for good. It is to those who believe that God takes hard and difficult things and turns them in to something good.

Dear Lord: Bless this reader with courage to hold on to faith and to endure what you have allowed. Help him to stand firm and obtain the blessing that this trial will provide. Give her the wisdom to discern between what you have allowed and what circumstances are not of you. Bless him with the knowledge to end any trial or challenge that is not ordained by you. In Jesus' name I ask. Amen.

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Background Image In Graphic Credit: hdwpapers.com

Keep Growing And Flowing

I know that you are committed and faithful about seeking God's face. You are faithful in drawing nigh to him. You don't seek counsel from those who don't love the Lord. You refuse to practice the un-Godly ways of unbelievers. You don't socialize with those who scorn the Kingdom of God.  You delight in the things of God, and you meditate in his Word day and night. You work out your salvation with fear and trembling every day. Because of this lifestyle, you are like a tree planted by the rivers of waters, that brings forth fruit in it's season. Your leaf shall not wither, and whatever you do shall prosper. You are on a roll, in God and for God.

 

You will run across others who desire for you to be bound, as they are, because they have not advanced as you have. They will want you to be fearful, as they are, because they are still living in fear. They will want you to draw back, as they do, because they can't move forward in their faith, or lack of faith. Don't buy into it. Don't receive it. Allow your faith, your God-given insight and your power through freedom in Christ to reign. Don't turn back. Don't be drawn back. Keep pressing forward in studying and learning. Rivers of living waters flow from your belly, but that water is only for those who will partake of it, as God ordains.

As you continue to be filled with blessings, you will bless. Flowing waters of blessings from God in to you. Flowing waters of blessings from God out to others who are ordained to receive. Don't allow those who can't receive from you to stop your flow. Get wisdom. Get understanding. Protect your relationship with the Lord.

Dear Lord: Send anointed friends and associates to those who are growing in you everyday. Close the hedge of protection around your servants who obey you, and who prove daily what is your good and acceptable and perfect will. We thank you for only allowing the appointed ones to get through to close fellowship with them. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Psalm 1:1-3

Romans 12:2

Philippians 2:12

John 7:38

Proverbs 4:5,7

Proverbs 16:16

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Image Credit: loewus9_photos
Scripture References: Bible Study Tools

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Paul's Letter Of No Condemnation

Paul grabbed hold to the essence of his salvation.

Because of his past persecution of Christians, Paul elaborates in Romans on the great state of grace that we are under. This grace that we are free to receive was bought for us through Jesus Christ's sacrifice. Paul's agenda can be seen as an ultimate sin by some, to harass, persecute and murder those who choose to accept The Christ as Savior. Paul must have felt a great burden when his past came to mind. I believe it came to mind often.  How could so infamous of a past not torment the perpetrator. Through his torment and his desire for relief, Paul was able to quickly grasp hold to the spiritual truth of salvation.

Paul's ministry, after he encountered Christ on the road to Damascus, is a large part of the story in Acts. However, though the bulk of Paul's life figures heavily in Acts, he did not write it. At times as we read, we would think that he had. Luke penned Acts, which some feel should have been named The Acts of Paul. If you have read Acts, you may have felt a natural flow to proceed into Romans. This is because Paul wrote Romans, which is actually a letter to friends in Rome. This letter is full to overflowing of the wonderful fact that we are saved by grace, not works. Scripture upon scripture reminds us of this, and is there for whomever will drink of The Living Water of The Word.

Paul grabbed hold to the essence of his salvation. Because of that he was able to obey God and to hold on until the end. God infused him with power and might. The only thing that mattered to Paul was to be able to preach and teach the gospel, whether bond or free, in Jerusalem or Rome, in a jail or hired house, before kings or peasants. He was on a mission on which he could have never conceptualized that he would be. Never would he have dreamed that he would endure a burning and driving desire to speak on behalf of God. He advanced to instant faith, as in scripture, Acts 28:3-6, and he practiced the laying on of hands. He ran headlong into the conflicts which God presented to him with determination and consistency. He never tried to save himself.

Grab hold to the real essence of your salvation, that you therefore do not have to live with a feeling of condemnation about your past, because you are in Christ Jesus. Since you choose to live by the Spirit of God and not according to your fleshly existence, you enjoy freedom from guilt about your past actions, whether they were yesterday, last week or 10 years ago. When those evil memories surface, cast them down with The Word in Romans. Paul  wrote it so that you could live free, just as he did.

Dear Father: Bless this reader with a dynamic understanding of your words of freedom in Romans, and in other places in your Word. In Jesus name I pray. Amen. 
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Image Credit: vincenthteh

The Fullness Of All Three: Don't You Want It?

No matter what you call them, we need all 3.

There is great debate about whether or not there is just one God, or three beings, and whether or not the Godhead should be called a Trinity. No matter what you call them, we need all 3. Many of us need strong comfort, and we need it everyday. God sent His Holy Spirit into this lost and dying world to comfort us. (John 14:16, 26). He fills us positionally, and additionally whenever we ask for a fresh refilling. Without the ever-abiding work of the Holy Spirit, there would be much more worldwide chaos and suffering than there is.

Paul, that great converted Christian-hater, said that he kept nothing back "that was profitable" from those whom he taught. He testified equally to the Jews and the gentiles that we should have "repentance towards God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ" (Acts 20:20-21).

Some declare that they worship God, but vehemently reject Jesus Christ of Nazareth as the only avenue to God, and label Him as just a prophet and a good teacher. Jesus said, "He that hates me hates my Father also" (John 15:23). In the 14 and 15 chapters of the Gospel of John, Jesus talks extensively about His position as being the One through which we are able to reach, connect with and commune with God. He establishes that He is the way through which God has chosen to forgive each individual who chooses to walk through that door.

Some swing in the far opposite direction, choosing to idolize Jesus when Jesus himself declared that only God is good. Jesus consistently pointed to God as the source of love, and the provider of The Comforter and The Sacrifice, which was Jesus. Jesus sacrificed His earthly life for us because God provided Him as a sacrifice. Jesus' sacrifice is Our Hope. Sure we have a lot to be thankful to Jesus for, but Jesus was obedient to God. Jesus also said "the Father that dwelleth in me, He doeth the works" (John 14:10). Additionally, he did not say no man comes unto himself, but "no man comes unto the Father but by me" (John 14:6).

Repentance to God puts us in a position of forgiveness. Faith in the atoning Blood of Jesus puts us in a position of remission. Receiving the Holy Spirit puts us in a position of reception. God forgives us. The Blood of Jesus releases us. The Holy Spirit helps us to receive the goodness of God, and comforts us each day as we wait for God's avenging of our Savior Jesus Christ.


Don't be taken in by the battle over words and titles. God is in Heaven. Jesus is at his right hand. The Holy Spirit is in this world. Decide for yourself that you will live in the fullness of the Godhead. Give them a name, or not. Receive all that God has to give, through all of His avenues. He loves us so much. Love originates with Him. Don't forget WHO it was who gave us Jesus.

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Scriptures taken from the KJV.
Image Credit: joahkim2375

The After-Prayer: The Most Effective Of Them All

Have you ever had a good prayer session, and then as you were getting up you made another statement to God? Has that statement been asking or pleading with God? Has it been a statement of praising him? Have you ever made a quick and unplanned statement of thanks to God after your intense prayer session? These quick, barely discernible after-prayers are wrung from our spirits and offered up, without planning, guile or deceit. Just what are these after-prayers?

They are the prayers after our prayers and are the most pure and impassioned, because they are not contrived. They are spontaneous and natural. The striking, intensely emotional prayer of a righteous man is of much advantage, profit and assistance. There is nothing wrong with the long, constructed prayers that help us to organize our thoughts and come before God with confidence. These types of humble offerings can also be capable of producing the intended result. After-prayers, however, come closer to communing with God.

These authentic, powerful and ardent prayers are the simple statements that are birthed from us in unintended devotion. The length is not important, because they are often one, two or three sentences. They are cast up unawares to God. When you recognize that you have offered up an after-prayer, be thankful and rejoice. They are like whispers, like the Holy Spirit. They are uncluttered with superfluous words and thoughts. They are petitions and thanksgivings that are truly fervent and effectual. They are honest and deeply-felt, a sweet incense to God, whom we can only really worship in spirit and in truth.

The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

James 5:16 KJV

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Word definitions taken from: The Free Dictionary by Farlex
Scripture references taken from: Bible Study Tools
Image credit: FunkyMonkeySnacks07

Why Am I Feeling So Annoyed?

 

As I bent to wipe up the small water puddles on the floor, I thought how once again I have to stop and do extra work as I make my way through each day. God has me in a place to help my mom, but it does add extra responsibilities. I'm able to be at home each day, but I always have so much to do to make a living for myself. It seems like most blessings are accompanied by stress.

As I straightened up, I asked myself Why are you annoyed?  You see, there's usually a reason behind the reason. The surface ripples are caused by a deep stirring underneath. It is said that addictions are the result of a deeper problem, and not the problem in themselves. So often is annoyance fueled by other things, not the annoyance itself. The biggies are concern, anxiety and fear. Jesus said Fear not for I am with you. Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness. (Isaiah 41:10)


As I turned inward and delved deeply into my emotions, I saw that I was not annoyed that I was having to wipe up water that someone else had unknowingly spilled. It was just one thing among the many that whittled at my precious time each day. Combined they bit off big chunks of the time that I devote to schooling and creative pursuits. My hours are precisely layed out for these activities, and it's critical for me to be able to support myself. Anything that I have to do outside of caring for myself, my space, and my schedule is a reminder of how much I have to do. If it was just me, I would not have had to do this. With persistent annoyance there is usually an underlying cause.

I had always thought that one of my 7 sisters and brothers would help mother into her old age. I was establishing my life out of state, and never expected to return. I was finally free from my poor family dynamics and free from the dysfunctional relationships with which I grew up.  I was free to build a positive life, away from the crippling negative influence with which I've lived my whole life. I was glad to be gone, but God had something else in mind. He brought me back here to assist my mother as she ages. It was not against my will that I returned. Through a series of occurrences God brought me to a position where I could say yes when his Spirit bore on me. With persistent annoyance there is usually one or more underlying causes. Resentment.

I have an assignment that is very challenging, emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually. With persistent annoyance there is usually an underlying cause. Resentment. Fear. The resentment is all of the accumulated burdens in life, plus this one. Do you feel that? The fear is that I won't be able to do what I need to each day because of this assignment that I did not ask for. This will result in me not passing my classes in school, which is a huge challenge as it is, or not selling my creative products and services fast enough. If I don't do everything perfectly, I won't be able to pay my bills and plan for the future.

I feel that my life is now more precariously balanced than ever. This viewpoint causes me to exist in constant annoyance. I'm sure you know what I am talking about. You view your life as being precariously balanced in some way. Maybe it is not balanced exactly like mine, but you do feel, like me, that you are a circus performer, spinning several plates on sticks. One wrong move and they all come crashing down to shatter around your feet.

When Jesus says rest in him, how is it that we exist in annoyance, fueled by fear? Is it because we haven't reminded ourselves of the scriptures that we know? Is it that the Holy Spirit can't get through to bring these scriptures to remembrance? Is it because we are trying to do God's job? Are we trying to do what it is God's responsibility to do? Are we trying to make things happen or control the outcomes instead of leaving that to God?  Are we trying to heal our ownselves from past damage that is too devastating to manage? Are we feeding resentment and fear?

It's time to re-evaluate in what it is that we believe. Returning to the scriptures is always an answer, but the Holy Spirit can only bring sustaining scriptures to remembrance when we're in a receiving spirit. Allowing God to help us get to the root of annoyance opens our spirit to receive. Prayer is always an answer, and when we don't feel like it, the Holy Spirit will do it for us, when we put forth our desire to pray.

Are you in a cold place because you are annoyed. Are you existing in annoyance? Does it take very little for you to fly off the handle inside? Do you find yourself speaking within and saying things like I knew this would happen. I expected that. I'm not surprised. Why would anything happen differently for me? Things will never get better for me. God does not love me. Do you often feel hopeless, or that your life struggles are hopeless?

Jesus said to rest. Period.

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden , and I will give you rest. (Matt. 11:28 KJV)

Then He said to His disciples, "Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will put on. (Luke 12:22 NKJV)

And which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? If you then are not able to do the least, why are you anxious for the rest? (Luke 12:25-26 NKJV)

And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind.
(Luke 12:29 NKJV)

For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. (Luke 12:30-31 NKJV)

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden , and I will give you rest . Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Luke 12:28-30 NKJV)

He wants us to rest every single day. 

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Image Credit: hanka-muffin-angel   

If You Believe It’s A Miracle, Then It Is

Recently, when space became available for me to participate in an educational program, I felt that it was a miracle from God. As I shared it with others, some said that openings came every day. Some said that someone was always leaving the program and making an opening available. The implication was that my chance to enter the program was nothing unusual, but was a common occurrence.

At first, I started to adopt this attitude about my blessing, but my spirit rose up and said, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of Lights..." James 1:17. "Commit thy way unto the Lord, trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass...” Psalm 37:5.

I believe with all my heart that the way into this program was paved for me by God. I believe I could have easily missed the opportunity by an hour, or by a day. I believe that God placed me in the right place at the right time, and that I could not have done that myself; not regarding this circumstance anyway. I chose to reject the idea that my blessing was commonplace. I chose to continue to embrace the conviction that it was a special gift from God.

I believe that to allow my faith to flourish like this is to “...draw 'nigh to God and he will draw 'nigh to you..." James 4:8, to become deeply rooted and grounded in Christ Jesus, and to become more sensitive to the Holy Spirit. For me it keeps the door open for His power to work in me and through me for others.

If someone wants you to believe that your miracle is an everyday, common occurrence, cast that attitude down as “…a high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God...”  II Corinthians 10:5, the knowledge of what you know God has done for you.
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Image Credit: whsung

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Reject Revenge, Receive God's Blessings

Taking revenge cheats us.

Have you ever thought about what scathing comments you would return to make to someone who angered you? Ever planned what to do to someone who hurt you? Do you entertain thoughts of revenge, because of mistreatment, unfairness and maliciousness? Do you replay the imaginary scenes of revenge over and over? In your anger and suffering, you have no difficulty justifying these thoughts and plans, right?

The truth is, revenge is never justifiable, because God said in his Word, Vengence is mine. I will repay (Rom. 12:19 KJV). When we reject meting out revenge, and even go so far as to repay evil with good, we heap glowing coals onto the heads of those who spitefully use us (Prov. 25:22 KJV), especially for those who are not repentant and who continue in their behavior. But God's revenge and the heaping coals should not be our focus. They are facts that give us comfort, as we choose a higher path.

God is grieved, not because we plot revenge, but because in doing so, we cheat ourselves out of his blessings. This is what taking revenge, whether physically or mentally, does. It's based in the flesh, and we know that in fleshly behavior dwells NO good thing (Rom. 7:18 ESV). To be carnally minded is death. There is no useful thing in thinking on revenge. To be spiritually-minded is life, and peace.

When we are wronged, our battle is not with flesh and blood, or persons, groups, companies, etc. These are the entities that we see when we plan revenge. Spiritual thinking and taking on the spiritual weapons of God causes us to look past these entities, and see our real enemies, principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this world, spiritual wickedness in high places (Eph. 6:11-12 ASV).

When we take our pain, our suffering, our fears, our angers and channel them through the spiritual principles in God's Word, we become empowered to receive His blessings. His blessings, while they manifest in the physical world, originate in the spiritual world. If we don't choose the spiritual path when we are treated unfairly, we cheat ourselves out of spiritual blessings. We receive from God by relating to him in spirit and in truth. The truth is that the warfare is spiritual, not physical, not fleshly, not carnal.

I know that it is hard. It is difficult. It is not easy to not at least think on revenge, if not being determined to do it. When we can't change our situations, and are subjected to unfairness and hostility, revenge seems the only way out, at least temporarily. While we receive temporary, fleshly relief when we choose revenge, it has no lasting significance. It also eats away at self-esteem and we really don't feel good about ourselves. Don't do it. Don't think on revenge at all, if you truly want and need help and blessings from God.

If we deal in revenge in any way, God won't be cheating us, we will be cheating ourselves. We can't walk in the flesh and receive from the spirit. Oil and water don't mix, and we can't plant orange seeds and harvest apples. We can receive the strength and courage to turn away from relying on the flesh to make things right. All things are possible to him who believes (Mark 9:23 CEB).

Reject revenge and choose God's spiritual weapons, directed at the real enemies. When we do, all things work together for good, we are kept in perfect peace, the Lord becomes our light and our salvation and we don't fear anyone (Psalm 27:1 KJV), and we overcome the world. As Max Lucado said recently, when he was speaking on Daystar, You can make it through this. If we actively take on God's weapons of warfare against spiritual wickedness, we will win God's blessings, with flying colors.

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Image Credit: sringler

sringler

sringler

sringler

Scriptures Taken From: BibleStudyTools

740 Golden Street

Years ago, I was planning to forward my current address at my son's request. I later emailed and told him that it would be changing in the spring, and I would forward it then. As I reflected upon how disillusioned my son must be with the moving around that I've done, I felt that some of his bitterness about his upbringing stems from that.

Then with the chin up, cheer up, buck up pep talk, that we are sometimes able to give ourselves, when we feel uneasy about others' perception of us, I encouraged myself. I thought well one address that I give will be permanent for all time. When I move to 740 Golden Street my address will never change again. You see, seven is God's number, the number forty is significant to God, and somewhere in eternity the streets are paved with gold.

There is much that has been said about where we will be when it is all said and done. When time is no more, when there is no more sea, and when I know God as I am known, I know that I will be somewhere from which I will never have to leave (Revelations 22:5). I won't have to worry about rent payments, property taxes or homeowners fees since Jesus paid it all in advance, forever.

I won't have to worry about making do with cramped quarters, or poorly located quarters. Jesus said in his father's house are many mansions, and that he was going to prepare a place for me (John 14:2). Whether that scripture is figurative, or literal, or both matters not to me. Jesus said it. I believe it. That settles it.

When I move to 740 Golden Street I won't have to be concerned with obtaining electric service and keeping it on (Revelations 21:23). I will exist in eternal light.

I've been packing for a while, sending my things on to Heaven for my final relocation (Matthew 6:20-21). At my final address I won't need fire, flood, tornado insurance or insurance against Acts of God. It is the act of God (John 3:16) which allowed my name to be written in the Lamb's Book of Life. Jesus Christ is my permanent insurance for my final dwelling place.

I do look forward to having a more permanent worldly address. Depending on how much longer God will allow the world to stand, or how much longer I will be here, I may have 1, 2 or 10 more addresses. I don't know. However many more there will be, and where ever they may be, none will equal the address I am most looking forward to. That address is and will always be my permanent one.

The most reliable forwarding address I'll ever be able to give you
is 740 Golden Street.

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Image 1 Credit: tlj515 
Image 2 Credit: BowenMurphy       

Such As It Is

I walked briskly out onto the boulevard, then made a right onto the drive, and then another right onto the side street. I was having my usual morning walk, talking to the Lord and enjoying nature.

The same old troublesome thoughts began to insinuate themselves into my mind as I prayed along my peaceful journey. Turning it all over to God, I said

Thank you God for happiness and health,

and as the depressive thoughts tried to reenter, I added,

such as it is.

Though some things in my life are not as I want them to be, I don't allow that fact to prevent me from thanking God. Such as it is means that I have in my possession all of the good things that God has created. I may be waiting for the manifestation of many things, but I thank God for those things now. Such as it is dis-empowers the thoughts that will ask do you really have that, do you really feel that, do you really mean that. I always want my answer to be a wholeheartedly YES! Such as it is declares that what I currently have is worth thanking God for, and I also have the increase that is coming.

And so I am filled with gladness, and my words are full of joy.

And I, mortal though I am, will rest assured in hope,...

(Acts 2:26, GNT: Good News Translation, BibleStudyTools.com) 

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Image Credit: OCVA