When NOT To Give As Good As You Get

How many times have I returned a harsh communication with a harsh answer, I wonder? How often have I responded in like kind when someone snapped at me or made biting comments towards me? What is the number of times that I've repaid spiteful conversation with spite, or gave a person as good as the negative attitude that they gave to me?

If you've ever in your life been an average person, you too would not be able to count the number of times that you responded in the way that an angry person responded to you.

This bad habit, however, can be converted. Learning to replace this flesh-based, useless behavior with useful, spirit-filled responses is the key. We can learn the value of and utilize the spiritual tool of replying to wrath with soft words. What usually happens when we react to strife-laden attitudes? We usually experience more of it, from the person and within ourselves. The opposite of this, says a quiet little scripture in Proverbs, is "A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger."

I don't know what led me to consider this scripture early this morning. In doing so, I found one answer as to why this principle works: We often possess the insight or knowledge needed to respond to a stressful remark with an soft answer. When we do, our answer shows the person that we care about him/her.

Because we are able to perceive something about the person or the situation, we are able to address that in our response.

Sometimes the person knows that we have spoken to something unsaid, sometimes not. It's similar to looking beyond the outward appearance into the spiritual realm. There is often something else behind the words that are being said and the harsh manner. When we respond in like kind though, it shows that at that moment we are self-centered, or centered in our flesh, rather than in our reborn spirit.

One reason that we often give as good as we get, rather then utilizing a soft answer, is because spiritual evil influence can target our flesh and hit it's mark. Evil influence, whether towards someone else or towards ourselves, cannot target our reborn spirit. It hurts when someone yells, or snaps, or bites our heads off. It is not fair when someone speaks to us in a disrespectful manner, or treats us like we are unimportant. It can be damaging to our self-image, self-worth and self-esteem to be talked to with disdain, disregard and a lack of compassion. All of this warfare takes place in the flesh.

Recognizing these facts, however, and continuing to react in kind will not improve our ability to build our spiritual self-image, self-worth or self-esteem.

Reacting in kind harms our ability to improve. It accomplishes little, if anything. This is because our fiery, flesh-based responses rarely address real issues or change circumstances. When we understand this truth, we are able to allow our responses to be transformed.

When we see value in becoming humble enough to ignore verbal slights and attacks, and move beyond them in that moment, our responses will change. Often, it takes allowing what you know about the person, and maybe a situation, to rise to the surface of your consciousness at that moment. It takes peering into the response and the person, which is the same as moving beyond self. But how in the world can I do all of this in the short space of time when I am attacked, you ask?

All of this can be done in a split second, just as a biting response can be formed and made in a millisecond.

In order to reply with a soft answer, we may have to sometimes appear as if we are not fighting for our rights. When we allow that and use the soft answer, often the anger, stress, annoyance, snippishness and fear that motivated the person is disabled and disarmed. In that moment, we will find the person responding with a lot less malice than before, if not without any.

Walking in the spirit can become habitual, just as reacting in the flesh has been. We can re-learn how to respond with soft words, and enjoy more peaceful communication, and peace within. When we receive and understand valuable truths, we change the way that we think. When we change the way that we think, our behavior follows suit.

The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.

(Proverbs 15:7 KJV)

    The lips of the wise spread knowledge; Not so with the heart of fools. 

(Proverbs 15:7 WEB)

A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

(Proverbs 15:1 KJV)

 A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.

 (Proverbs 15:1 WEB)

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind,....

(Romans 12:2 KJV)

 And be not conformed to this world: but be reformed in the newness of your mind,....

 (Romans 12:2 DR)

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Image Credit: http://wallpaperswide.com/autumn_landscape_5-wallpapers.html
Scripture Taken From Bible Study Tools: http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?q=wrath&c=pr&t=kjv&ps=10&s=Bibles

Am I Growing As A Christian?

This morning I was watching Charles Stanley, who rarely if ever has a non-interesting lesson. When he began to introduce his subject about how to tell if we are growing as Christians, my ears perked up. I picked up my pen and pad, because I knew that I was going to receive useful info. I am always ready to evaluate my Christian position and growth.

The first sign that he shared of Christian growth is when we become increasingly aware of things in our lives that just don't feel right. Whether habits, issues, our environment, possessions, etc., we suddenly begin to see non-Godly things for what they are. His #2 point automatically follows the first revelation. As growing Christians we swiftly respond to this knowledge. We are anxious to remove ourselves from this undesirable circumstance, or remove the offending thing from our lives.

Dr. Stanley shared that when our spiritual battles intensify, though we may feel distress we are still able to rejoice in the Lord. This is more than trying to convince ourselves that we are okay, or that everything is alright. Instead, when we are growing, we find ourselves being so confident in God's love for us that we are able to praise Him and glorify in His plan and purpose for us. We are able to see the direction in which he is leading us, so we feel joy unspeakable and the peace that surpasses all understanding. We don't have to strive to feel these things when we are advancing as Christians. They are there, within.

Other points that Dr. Stanley shared include:

• We are able to view all things as coming from Him. His emphasis was on VIEW, whether all things are from Him or not. He also shared that this point was vital in his life, especially when he was being harassed and hindered by others.
• We worship and praise God more.
• We more often want to share what Christ is doing in our lives.
• It is not a burden to perform service to Him, but an honor. He stated that sometimes we say that we don't have time to serve in the church. He further said that God can arrange for us to not have time for anything, job, home, recreation, etc. His point was that the time we spend doing all that we do is allowed by God to continue. We wouldn't be able to live the life that we do without God. We should be happy to devote some of it to Him. He said that though we all can't do the same things, we can find out what we can do.
• We recognize His presence more.
• We have a desire to give more.
• We become more hungry for God.

Dr. Stanley shared very effective barometers for measuring our spiritual advancement. You can view his video of the lesson by clicking the link below.

God bless you to grow more in Him each day!

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Source: "The Second Step - Growth". InTouch Ministries. http://www.intouch.org/broadcast/this-week-on-tv

Image Credit: http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2013/02/20/refining-the-kite-rules/#prettyPhoto.

4-Point Prayer Day: Extra Communication With God

Today is 4-Point Prayer Day for me. I'll get on my knees 4 times today, in addition to my regular Open Line of Communication with God. Why am I doing this? Because the additional actions of reverence and submission to God go a long way to boost my faith and reception.

I believe that one of the main reasons that we feel that our prayers are not answered is because we don't know how to receive. Practicing a day of getting on my knees 4 times is a jump-starter and rocket-infusion of spiritual positioning. I am making an extra effort to get into position to communicate with and receive from God. I am readying myself to grab hold of whatever it is that I need in order to advance to the next level of my spiritual walk. This puts me in a position to also receive into the natural, that which I've asked for and am believing God for in the spiritual.


Like fasting and other special activities before the Lord, 4-Point Prayer Day is not something that I will be doing often, or every other day. I want to preserve the power of this event, and not allow it to become a stagnant and boring habit. I'll do it as I feel the need. This process was given to me in my spirit a few weeks ago. I'm excited to now begin practicing it.

God bless your prayer life to reach

new heights of effectiveness!

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Image Graphic Credit: Wake Up To Jesus http://wakeup4jesus.blogspot.be/

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:

Image Credit: Trip Advisor, http://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotos-g34172-w1-Daytona_Beach_Florida.html

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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loewus9_photos

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

Feel Depression Coming On Today?

Begin to thank God for anything and everything, around you, and on you, and in you, that you deem as good. It's like praising God (though you don't feel like it), and it will help lift you up.

Be strengthened the rest of this day, and receive God's presence throughout this week. It is not over. God is still working on your behalf.

Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God.

Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth .

 (Romans 14:22, KJV)

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Both Images Credit: Gary Lerude
Scripture Taken From: Bible Study Tools

Meeting God In The Morning

 

Spending time with God early in the morning has become such an important part of my life that I talk about it a lot; like now. No matter where I have lived, I've tried to find a park nearby, where I can walk and enjoy God's presence along with nature.  If there's no nearby park, I'll find a quiet street, preferably with nice foliage along twisting and turning sidewalks.

I've found that business and office parks offer a serene and lovely walking experience, with their professionally landscaped environs. On Saturday, and especially on Sunday mornings, I can walk in these areas without having to avoid the disturbance of traffic and people.

Meeting God in the morning sets my day for success. I didn't say that my day necessarily goes the way that I want it to when I meet God in the morning. When I fellowship early with my Lord, I am, however, able to handle, with confidence and spiritual strength, whatever may come. On days when everything goes well, my joy is magnified through knowing that I spent time first thing that morning, with the Author and Finisher of my faith.

God In The Morning

by

Ralph Spaulding Cushman

I met God in the morning
When my day was at its best,
And His presence came like sunrise,
Like a glory in my breast.

 

All day long the Presence lingered,
All day long He stayed with me,
And we sailed in perfect calmness
O’er a very troubled sea.

 

Other ships were blown and battered,
Other ships were sore distressed,
But the winds that seemed to drive them
Brought to us a peace and rest.

 

Then I thought of other mornings,
With a keen remorse of mind,
When I too had loosed the moorings,
With the Presence left behind.

 

So I think I know the secret,
Learned from many a troubled way:
You must seek Him in the morning
If you want Him through the day!

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Image Credit: largeprime at flickr

Poem obtained from BibleReadingSchedule.com 

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

Removing The Blinders

It's good to see what has always been there, whether it is something good or bad.

Pray for the clearing away of the fog in your mind, for the truth to come to light regarding something about which you've deceived yourself for a long time.

Experience the beginning of a new freedom, today.

The weapons we use in our fight are not the world's weapons but God's powerful weapons, which we use to destroy strongholds. We destroy false arguments;....

(2 Corinthians 10:4 Good News Translation)

Your Power Is In Your Privacy

If you are a Bible-reader, and choose a place in the Bible where you've never been, and read there one day, you'll be pleasantly surprised.  If on the other hand, you've never read in the Bible, and would be ashamed for someone to know if you did, no one has to.

Pick any place you want in the Bible, and read a sentence or two.  You can read one short paragraph, and only you need know.  How can I say you'll be pleasantly surprised, whether a Bible reader or not?  Because along with what you've heard about in the Bible, there is much more of which you've never heard.  There are statements there that have been misquoted for decades.

What you will find will be interesting to you.  It may even be helpful.  I know that you may not feel that you need help with anything.  That's why you're reading my blog on hope, right?  Well that's okay, because I don't think I need help with many things either.

If you're afraid that the Bible will be Greek to you (no pun intended), don't let that stop you.  There is a comprehensive site that I use that offers the Bible texts in many versions.  You can search from the beginning of the Bible, using a word, phrase, or scripture like the 23rd Psalm, or Psalm 23.  You don't have to sneak a Bible into your house.  Just visit Bible Study Tools .

Remember:

If you're a Bible reader, read something that you've never read before.

This is where your new power is.

If you've never read any of the Bible, or very little, pick something to read.  No one has to know.  Your power is in your privacy.

No matter what our situation, our needs or lack of, or our frame of mind, we all can recognize the value of power.

He gives me new strength. He guides me in the right paths, as he has promised.

(Psalm 23:3 Good News Translation)

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Image Credit: Outburner 

What Difference Does It Make, If Any At All?

Obey the prompting, in faith, and it'll all work out.  God promises to replace, in this world, in our present lives, what we feel we may miss.  I know because it has happened to me several times.

Once when I threw away a paperback book because some of the content would turn my mind away from the good things of God, an amazing thing happened.  I think the book was a Christian romance.  The main character had a flashback about erotic details of a previous relationship.  Because of that, there was the potential of similar flashbacks occurring in the story.  I had read about 1/3 of it, and wanted to learn the end.

I felt in my spirit that I didn't need to know the end.  I tried to convince myself that I could finish the book, glossing over any more flashbacks, but decided to toss it anyway.  It was not easy since my curiosity was so strong, and it almost stuck to my hand as I tossed it in the round file.

Satisfied, I still lamented that I'd have to find and start a new book right away.  The very next day, as I walked into the foyer of the community outreach where I helped out, there was a pile of hardback books on the donation table, where clothing usually was.  Loving the written word, I advanced to the table and saw that the dust jackets were similar paintings of town scenes. I'd never heard of Jan Karon and read on the back of one that it was a Christian novel, and that this author was a Christian.

The seven volumes were a series, with the first one titled At Home In Mitford.  I felt excitement rise, and feeling that it was too good to be true, I asked anyway.  As I held my breath, because I wanted them so badly, I was told that they were free, that I could take what I wanted.  I almost tip-toed to the table, nervous that someone would rush out and prevent me from claiming such a wonderful gift.  As I piled them into my arms, I knew that they were a reward from my God, for my obedience, not sacrifice, to his Spirit.

Ms. Karon had written 2-3 more in her wonderful series about Pastor Tim.  They are about a clean Christian romance, with comedy and drama, and spiritually encouraging.  I would say that I got a seven times return on my investment, wouldn't you?  I eventually checked the others out at the library.

The thing is that God didn't need me to give up that book, but it strengthened me.  It also helped me to understand a little more about who God is.  He does not take things from us, and jerk us around.  If his Spirit nudges us to do or not do, it will help us, not cheat us. 

Obeying the prompting of the Spirit is vital in every area,  regarding associations with others, things, thoughts, circumstances, plans, pursuits, everything.  Spiritually, and therefore technically, we cannot accurately choose of what to deny ourselves.  The Holy Spirit pinpoints the things which daily should be denied.

Samuel, a prophet, priest and judge, knew that obedience is always better than sacrifice.  Sacrifice is generally something we have chosen to give up, so we don't feel very much tension about it.  We feel pious.  When we obey God's prompting, it may feel uncomfortable, or even painful at first.  It is certain however, that we'll be strengthened and righteous, rather than pious.  Our sacrificial choices bring fleshly joy and no lasting significance.  What God asks us to do/not will result in spiritual joy and eternal significance.

 
Allow God to daily chose the sacrifices, obey the prompting of the Spirit and choose strength.  You'll be storing up valuables in heaven, where they will not become obsolete or stolen.  Your heart will be for things of God, helping you to lose your attachment to non-beneficial things in this world.

Don't focus on denying, because often failure comes through denying.  It's founded upon our fleshly strength, which is weak.  The spirit of man is willing.  The flesh is weak.  Just listen, and obey.  That's founded upon the power of God through his Spirit, which is strong.  If we can remember that God always has our best interest at heart, we'll listen and obey much more often, and not waste time on picking what to sacrifice.  Jesus Christ was the ultimate sacrifice for everything.  We don't have to do that anymore.

Luke 9:23

I Sam. 15:22
Matt 6:19-21
Col. 3:2 
Luke 9:24

Books by Jan Karon at Amazon
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Image Credit: midnightlounge

Can You Say A Prayer For Your Tormentor?

This is a difficult thing to consider.  It can be an obscene question depending on what terrible thing is being done to a praying person.  Praying for our tormentors is always possible, because prayer is without respect of persons.  All things are possible through prayer.  We can even pray for the strength and humility to be able to pray for our persecutors, harassers,  oppressors, and others who may afflict us.

Some torment is absolutely horrific , and I am not minimizing the suffering of those in those situations.  Often the suffering of children is unspeakable.  If I was facing a child who had lived through an extended, monstrous situation, what could I ever say to him or her?  What could I say to help that child feel that God cares, as he or she lay suffering near death?

My message comes back to me, and it is always the same: if possible find the strength to pray as good a prayer as possible for a tormentor.  It doesn't have to mean that I agree, accept or condone what is happening, or what happened.  It means that there was a price that was paid, both for the tormentor and  the tormented.  Jesus Christ paid the price equally for everyone, and this life is often unfair at various levels, for many of us.  Some suffer in diverse ways their entire lives.  Eventually though when it's all over, we will experience the rectifying of all injustice, including any injustices which each of us may have done.  God is a very fair God, and he has provided for it all to be made right.

So whether the torment is light or heavy, moderate or intense, brief or extended, mental, emotional or physical, God can give us the strength to pray for our tormentors.  When our first thought may be to curse our tormentors, and even to curse God, we can find the strength to pray for the afflictors.

Have you ever considered that you may have tormented someone unawares?  Maybe a word or action that you did, without forethought or plan, hurt someone deeply in some way.  Maybe your attitude towards someone has always been demeaning, degrading, or even offensive.  Did you hurt a child to such a degree that that adult has never recovered?  If you learned of it wouldn't you want that person to pray on your behalf?  If you never became aware of it, wouldn't you hope that one day that person had the strength to pray on your behalf?

You may never see a change, in this world, after your prayer.  It is possible that, before you breathe your last breath, that you may never be delivered from the circumstance of your torment.  The person you pray for may never know that they did or are doing something that is causing you great pain.  He or she may be intent on purposely  oppressing you, and may not ever  care how you feel.  Praying for your tormentor does not bring with it the promise of proof that the tormentor has changed.  You will have peace though that you've done the right thing.

Our prayers for our tormentors will  matter one day, if we continue to believe.

Bless those who persecute you; bless, and don't curse.  (Romans 12:14 World English Bible)

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Image Credit: NCBrian

What's Good Is Relative

I like being around people who talk positive.  According to The Free Dictionary by Farlex, the word positive means measured or moving forward or in a direction of increase or progress....Tending to emphasize what is good or laudable; constructive.  I'd say that choosing, whenever possible, to be in the presence of positive-speaking people qualifies as holding fast to what is good, wouldn't you?

Sometimes we can't remove ourselves from the presence of non-positive people.  For various reasons, we are forced to endure their presence temporarily, or even permanently.  We can still hold fast to what is good by speaking a positive word in the face of negativity.  We can choose to be conscious of the words that they speak, and conscious of our response.  Being swift to hear and slow to speak helps us not to join in with non-positive conversation.  Not commenting at all can also help us to hold fast to our good thoughts and attitude.

You may consider being non-positive, cynical and critical to be something good.  You may feel that it is being realistic.  Does it lead you towards progress and improvement?  Does it really inspire you in a beneficial direction?  It's all up to you what you regard as constructive, because what's good is relative.    

Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good;....(Romans 12:9 Revised Standard Version) 

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Image Credit: Mr. T in DC