Getting Your Joy Back Part 4
October 30, 2019 by DeBorrah K. Ogans
Filed under Behavioral,Emotional, and Spiritual Health
HALLLELLLUJAH THANK YOU JESUS!!!
You can call upon Jesus 24/7. So if you are going through; You have to learn how to TRUST GOD! Life may try to take everything that you have, but TRUST GOD! It may try to take your health or take the health of your love ones, But TRUST GOD! It may attempt to divide your home, your marriage and your family and to uproot your children, But TRUST GOD! The enemy may even try to take your life, But TRUST GOD! Always remember who you are in the Lord!
The prince of the power of the air can not do anymore than God allows. Keep your focus upon God! Know this; when you are God’s child know that when its all said and done in the end WE WIN! God did not say it will all be good. He did say “ALL things will work together for the GOOD when you LOVE HIM and are called according to HIS purpose.” So come what may; PRAISE GOD & SAY HALLLELLLUJAH ANYHOW!
Spiritual warfare is all around us
Think about this the enemy wants to steal your JOY! He will use any and everything to attempt to do just that. He wants to pull you down emotionally, physically and to lower your standard of living by tempting you to compromise your principles. Praise be to God, for He has given us His Holy Spirit, His Comforter. Our God given principles are some of your most invaluable possessions. They are bestowed to help discipline and empower you. Through our faith and trust in the Lord we gain access. We never become the power but realize that “Greater is He that is within us than he that is in the world. “
While going through you must open your spiritual eyes and ears. Quite often some of those you have helped will often get selective amnesia. I often wondered where were all those people that Jesus helped when they crucified Him. God always knows. There truly is much spiritual warfare about us. Our world and our country is in trouble. But our weapons are not carnal. Stay prepared. Is your armor together? Our true help is only in the Lord.
The Peace of God can sustain you
Know God intimately! Pray daily for His Precious Holy Spirit to fill you with His presence. Then whatever comes your way as it gets too heavy give it to the Lord. Do all you can do, as you give it to Him and then simply STAND! TRUST GOD! Regardless of what happens the enemy can’t take your JOY unless you let him. He will try so do not give it to him.
Allow the peace of God to sustain you. When you know God intimately His Word becomes woven and deeply embedded into the fabric of who you are. “Your WORD have I hidden in my heart so I may not sin against YOU.” Trust His Holy Spirit who will bring it to your remembrance.
If you have let the shade be pulled down over your life and the enemy has inserted, regrets, depression, anxiety, stress, eating disorders, compulsive behaviors, addictions, manipulation, and anything else in as your daily companions know that they are not of God. Begin to let it or them go! Reach to the Lord. Call upon Him who is always near. When needed or necessary You can also pray with someone who is on one accord. You have the authority within you through Christ Jesus so use it and shift your focus to the Lord. You will be strengthened as you discipline yourself to praise and daily thank God!
Practice makes Permanent!
God is the Ultimate Father, readily accessible to ALL who call upon Him sincerely and believe and accept His Son Jesus Christ into their heart as their Lord and Savior. Continue or begin implementing His principles within your daily life. Practice makes permanent! His gift to you is His Precious Holy Spirit that nurtures us and is His GIFT that assures us of Eternal life with Him! No one or nobody can change that.
God teaches us the importance of faithfulness and loyalty! It is paramount to always take your commitment to the Lord seriously. There is nothing more important in life. “Whatever you do, do it as unto the Lord.” You can call upon Jesus 24/7!
Don’t try to be like someone else. Be the best you, you can be! Everywhere you are God is. So if you have let your JOY go because…. Take it back. “Though you have not seen Him, you LOVE Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious JOY, for you are receiving the goal of your FAITH, the SALVATION of your souls.” I PETER
God is Omnipresent
You can always and forever count on God knowing He is everywhere you are. The question is do you invite His presence? Did you know that it really is “in Him we move and live and have our being.” To better understand this it is important to daily begin building your very own ongoing personal relationship with Him. Just think when something happens; don’t you prefer to talk to someone you know? Always remember; You can call upon Jesus 24/7! So don’t just wait until something happens. God is not far away. He in fact is so close that you do not even have to say a Word for Him to hear you. He even knows your every thought! Our little finite minds cannot really conceive of GOD and all His fullness. “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” But through FAITH we can develop an ever growing TRUST in HIM.
Getting Your Joy Back Part 3
October 30, 2019 by DeBorrah K. Ogans
Filed under Behavioral,Emotional, and Spiritual Health
Know that You are not alone for God is Omnipresent!
How are you when you are alone? Know that you are never really alone because everywhere you are God is present. God’s omnipresence is wonderful! Spending time alone with God can be refreshing. This is a time to build spiritual intimacy and grow in His Word. A time to pray and release your burdens to Him. But most of all a time to Thank Him for being GOD! This also is a great time to get your JOY back!
If you are lonely you need to connect more with the Lord. God really is everywhere you are. He can fill the void in your life. He has placed in each of us a space only He can fill. You can reach out to the Lord wherever you are. Momentarily lay aside whatever is distracting you. Become cognizant of what is happening around you as you then invite the presence of the Lord all around you. Take this time to pray and seek His direction.
“Praying without ceasing” is a state of mind. You do not even have to utter a word. You simply discipline yourself to shift your focus upon the omniscient God. This is also what keeps you connected to Him as well. God is the Creator and Sustainer of life.
There needs to be a balance in your life
The point here is that there needs to be a balance in your life. For all this to happen you must begin to relate to the Lord differently. GOD is a SPIRIT! As you develop an intimate relationship with the Lord He reveals Himself to You more and more.
All the books in the world cannot totally explain GOD and HIS infinite wisdom and knowledge. The Word of God gives us a factual spiritual account of who He is. God has given us His Holy Spirit who can and will open our spiritual understanding. He will bring His Word to our minds as we study and embrace it within our hearts. We can continuously grow in His grace. KEEP IN MIND GOD KNOWS ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING! In the Lord you really can discover everything that you will ever need for life, daily living and eternal life.
Worship the Lord in Spirit and in Truth!
There is nothing I enjoy more than a marvelous Spirit filled Worship service. God should always be the main attraction in and during worship. Some come to be entertained, socialize and need an escape? Some because they need a quick fix? Some often simply come out of habit? Some will come because they do not know God and are searching? Some sincerely come because they want to worship and praise the Lord. They know that God really is everywhere that they are.
It is important to always be aware of what is going on around you regardless of where you worship. Too much has entered into worship from the world. Worship is no longer sacred to many. GOD KNOWS why we all do what we do as well as why we worship Him. Think about it for a moment. Is the objective of worship to make everyone feel good? Or, Is it to make them want to give? God is continually revealing Himself to us. As we diligently worship Him we can better understand and realize that life and living really is all about God.
I Thank & Praise God for His Living Word Christ Jesus and His Holy Spirit! Truly God is the Most High God! God deserves the Preeminence! He is due our sincere worship and praise. God will provide whatever it is we need in order to fulfil His purpose within our lives. Have Faith in God we can forever trust him. To please the Lord we must always worship GOD in SPIRIT and in TRUTH!
Life is full of many experiences
Life brings about a plethora of experiences. But through them all the Lord is present. Yes, at some time we all are going to experience a degree of anxiety, conflict, sickness, disappointment, grief or turmoil at some point in our lifetime. A little anxiety is actually healthy because it helps you to put yourself in check. As followers of Christ Jesus God has told us that we are going to have tribulations while in this world, but through Christ Jesus we can always emerge victoriously! Not because of who we are, but because of whose we are.
Get to know God intimately
You should want to daily develop a closer walk with the Lord. It is important to get to know God intimately especially since you say you want to spend eternity with Him in Heaven. God is able to keep us in any situation. Knowing this in advance will help you to prepare for what’s ahead. Everyday on this side of Heaven is a precious GIFT from the Lord.
It is important to acquire some preventative coping skills, so you can become better prepared as you go through any turmoil and not become stagnated. See this as a time to allow the Lord to strengthen you. There is much spiritual warfare to undermine the importance of growing in the grace and knowledge of the Lord. To oppress, depress and distract you from daily drawing closer to the Lord. Reach out to the Lord. God has promised to be with us always! This is a promise you can believe and stand upon. God is willing and able to help us in every situation.
Know God and His Word for Yourself
Once the enemy knows and realizes that you “GET IT” that you are aware of his many entrapments, he will do all he can to harness and undermine your good intentions and influence and solicit others to try and help disrupt your life. You become a treat as well as a target. He will use those who are not believers who are weak to try and pull you down. He will also use believers who have been misinformed. Pray for Discernment!
Remember he loves darkness. Therefore he slips around behind you in the dark lurking to undermine your sincere efforts to shed LIGHT to a world that is ignorant of his many devices. But get this; he can not do anymore than the Lord allows. “Resist the devil and he will flee…” Fear not keep your focus upon the Lord and remember He can keep you in perfect peace. It is important to know God and His Word for yourself.
Put yourself in check and daily adorn yourself with God’s Spiritual Armor.
There is VICTORY in CHRIST JESUS!
CHRIST JESUS has the VICTORY over life, living, death and the grave! He did not die for us to live unhappy lives. Wherever you are and whatever you have been through the Lord knows. Our Lord wants us to have abundant lives in every way. He wants to daily multiply and manifest the Fruit of HIS SPIRIT within us who believe. We are to “Walk by Faith!” His Word is the necessary spiritual food to help us and His Joy is available to strengthen us. God wants to “supply all of our needs according to HIS riches in CHRIST JESUS!” Philippians 4
Always be willing to receive correction from the Word of God. Always be willing to readily repent whenever necessary.
True Beauty Comes From Within Part 2
March 26, 2019 by DeBorrah K. Ogans
Filed under Behavioral,Emotional, and Spiritual Health
Life itself takes on a form of beauty when you access your heart’s wellspring. You slowly begin to blossom like a rose. Your true beauty is unlocked from within. When you have learned to “Hide the WORD of GOD within your heart” it will automatically spring forth. You will perceive things differently as you embrace the Truth of God’s Word. As you grow spiritually your soul is revived as well.
You now desire to live to daily embrace the truth of God’s Word! You do not just go along with the majority in order to be accepted. You realize the value in self-discipline. You are confident in who you are, realizing that with God ” we are forever becoming…” There is always room for improvement in all of us. You really can be content in the Lord. Your desire now, is also to live each day to please the Lord. Your increasing spiritual growth comes from consistently spending time with God. Knowing His Word and then actually applying it to your own life daily has marvelous benefits.
You realize that your soul is the essence of who you really are. It is the
part of you that will live with the Lord forever; if you are a believer. God can and will give you a strong sound mind. You never have to be harsh, loud and obnoxious. But you can be strong! “When you take care of a rose properly it will bloom longer…” Just know you will quite often be misunderstood and at times persecuted. Therefore, you make it a goal to “Walk in the Light.” For you know the Lord is with you wherever you go. God can keep you on the Narrow Path. This is central at the heart of your desires. Yes, it is here where TRUE BEAUTY lies as you remain focused and connected to the Lord!
Beauty of Prayer
Prayer is a genuine vitally important part of our life. Here we intersect and bond with God. Our body as His Temple becomes fortified. It is a place of safety being in an intimate up close conversation with God the Father our Creator. You can pray out loud. You can pray without even uttering a word. Or you can simply sit, stand, kneel, lay down prone flat with outstretched arms, or even walk about while praying.
Learn to daily practice “Praying without Ceasing” which is being in a spiritual God Centered mindset. This does not mean you are not at all oblivious to what is happening around you. It means you can pray all throughout your day as you are working and or going about your daily tasks. God is more concerned with the posture of our hearts than where we are physically whenever we pray. Make an altar upon your heart. Truly the Lord is absolutely aware of everything that is going on in, around and about us. The Lord has an amazing way of alerting us when something is not right. Prayer sharpens our discernment.
God knows who we are and who belongs to Him. He always leaves a remnant of His people who live for Him. When you are truly His you can expect much spiritual warfare on this side of heaven from just about everywhere. Yet, we don’t fight like the world does… Because “our weapons are not carnal…”
Do not compromise your principles and standards to get back at others. Give them to the Lord. This is why it is so important to get to know Christ Jesus as your personal SAVIOR! He has given us His Holy Spirit to help us 24/7. But is your choice to call upon Him.
There is an inner peace that comes from knowing who you are in Christ Jesus. Yes, you are His Child, but you are not to be childish. Nor do you have to tolerate foolishness from anyone regardless of their title or position in life. You should always seek to respond responsibly. This is actually how you become empowered! You continually seek ways to grow without conforming to the standards of this world. Yet you strive to have an interesting, fulfilling, balanced, realistic spiritual God Centered life.
The importance of having Jesus in your daily life!
Know this about Jesus. “He was born of the Virgin Mary He lived a sinless, life and was crucified, died and was buried, but he AROSE with ALL POWER!” Yes, He is alive and so is HIS WORD! It is our SPIRITUAL SWORD; and it is sharper than any two edge sword. ( not like two edged swords are used by man) GOD’S SWORD is sharper and much more powerful! When you use it properly it cuts both ways. It always pertains to the yielded vessel as well as to the recipient. So don’t just say anything in the Name of the Lord. It is important to learn how to use His Word wisely!
Whenever a trial comes our way we must learn to stand on the Word of God. Our Lord is a strong tower and an AWESOME solid rock foundation!
God Will Fight Your Battles
Whenever necessary “GOD WILL FIGHT YOUR BATTLES.” Remember; “His weapons are not carnal.” You must practice praying wherever you may be. This keeps you prepared for the unexpected. Staying connected to God has its benefits. As a believer you are to daily adorn yourself within the spiritual armor of the Lord. We on the other hand also must KNOW HIM and the POWER of CHRIST JESUS through HIS WORD! For they are one and the same. We never become the power we just merely gain access as we walk in obedience.
During a battle you want to make sure your inner beauty is not suppressed. By keeping your faith and trust in the Lord it is still possible for it to shine through… This is why we meditate, pray and ask to be filled daily. As learned disciples of Christ we are to become increasingly disciplined. God has given us the precious gift of His Holy Spirit as our Comforter. He keeps us and comforts us. His Holy Spirit also is what helps us to discern what is of Him. God is true to His Word. Remember, He is also the God of comfort. We can always and forever trust Him to be God He has promised to “never leave nor forsake us!”
Do You Need Stress Relief ? Part 2
October 14, 2017 by DeBorrah K. Ogans
Filed under Behavioral,Emotional, and Spiritual Health, Health & Diet, Holidays & Celebrations
Healthy Ways to relieve stress.
Private and Personal
Are you stressed? It is important to spend some quiet time to unwind. Writing a letter to anyone who has hurt you is good. Get it out. Express exactly however you feel. This validates your feelings. Release any anger and let go of the hurt. This is for your eyes only. Now tear it up in little pieces. Bury it and or simply throw it away!
If necessary do this whenever a past issue resurfaces until you have exhausted your pain. You are learning how to take better control of your emotions.
You can also get an empty chair; imagine that the person is sitting there, and say to whomever has hurt you how you feel. Take control and release any anger, hurt, shame or disappointment! You are now beginning to take out the trash that has begun to weigh you down.
Listen to some relaxing music, exercising, or just taking a walk helps. You now have decided to no longer let what has happened to sit on the shelf of your mind and ferment! You are now beginning to move towards letting it go. This also helps you move towards wholeness.
Family
Whenever your family is stressed? Set aside some quiet time aside from the television or any outside distractions and have a family “pow wow.” Allow those concerned to briefly talk about how they are feeling. Then have them talk about how things can be improved. It is helpful to alternate taking turns having one of the children to be the moderator. You will be surprised. This helps them to acquire leadership and management skills. It is also great family bonding time. Your objective is to create a healthy, loving, open, nurturing, safe environment.
Marriage
Is your marriage stressed? You need to set aside some quiet time where the two of you can calmly discuss what are the issues at hand. Rekindle that love that brought the two of you together. Revisit those marriage vows you made to one another. Restore the JOY of just being together. When two together row a boat it gets to the desired destination faster. Having a weekly date night is great as well! Remember you cannot change what has happened. However, you can decide to go forward. Yes, you will probably have to revisit where you have been. Respect, concern and truth should be welcomed. Keep your focus on your goal to resolve the conflict rather than create more. This time is to remind you of where you do not want to stay or continue to go.
Job or Work Environment
Is your job stressing you out? You need to make an appointment to talk to your supervisor, boss, employees or co workers and let them know how you are feeling. Make sure you are not angry when you do this. Find a neutral spot if possible. Writing down what you want to say will help you stay focused. If you feel that you may lose your thoughts or say something inappropriate reschedule. Graciously delay it until you are ready. The point is you want to take control not loose it. If they are not willing; it may be better to begin looking for employment somewhere else. If you don’t, at some point your health will become affected working continuously under such poor conditions. Your health is more important. You don’t want to spend the majority of your life full of anxiety, depressed or stressed.
Spiritual Renewal
Incorporating prayer and meditating upon the scriptures will yield much inner peace in your life. The WORD of GOD IS ALIVE. it is the only written work where the author is always present. Pray for understanding as you read its marvelous content. Actively implementing the principles are key to resolving inner conflict and stress. The scriptures were meant to point us to a better way of life. To abet developing a personal relationship with God our Creator. God has provided a wonderful plan of salvation for all who are willing to accept Jesus Christ into their hearts as their personal Savior. Jesus is able to save you from the power of sin reigning within your life. Jesus came to show us that better Way! To help you discover your true purpose in life and keep us on the Narrow Path
The “Gift of Life” is priceless. Therefore you want to make and effort to find better ways to cope in the midst of the unexpected. Your home environment should always be a priority. It should be your haven from the world. Invest your time energy and resources in building a safe healthy living environment.
Stress is a normal part of life. Taking the time to communicate your feelings in a healthy manner means you care. When a problem arises; Adopt and embrace “Redemptive Confronting!” Facing whatever the problem is or however you are feeling is always much better for you and those around you. Don’t live in denial. Don’t allow others to pull you from your center. If you aren’t centered get busy learning how to keep more focused. Everyone has a not so good day from time to time. Don’t major in the minors! Just make sure that stress has not become the theme for your everyday lifestyle.
Staying focused and discovering alternate ways to readily relieve any stress is a viable goal.
Life is too short and precious to spend the majority of your time stressed! It is important to begin to work towards having a healthier balance in life. Begin moving towards creating a warm, more peaceful, safe and loving environment. Learning coping skills and ways to manage stress will also result in a healthier outlook as well as becoming healthier spiritually, physically and emotionally.
TRULY WITH THE LORD YOU CAN BECOME WHOLE!
Book Release: “A HOUSE of PRAYER (Not a Hospital)”
June 2, 2017 by DeBorrah K. Ogans
Filed under Religion & Spirituality
In this 21st century it is believed by many that the Church is a hospital. It is often said that it is a place for the sick. Does this mean that no one ever gets well?
The Lord did not come to build hospitals. He came to restore us back to the Father and for us to have an abundant life in every way. The House of the Lord is a House of Prayer.
What is your place of worship? Is it a place of worship or a place of hospitality? What is its main objective? Is it a social place where many simply seek to find refuge with those they have much in common? Is it a place where you can come to take part in the activities and have a good time? A place to simply feel comfortable and accepted? A place where you can feel good, but not necessarily become transformed by the renewing of your mind by the Word of God!
THINK and ponder for a moment. Is your place of worship simply a hospital for sinners or a museum for saints? Is it here you can simply remain sick sinners for a lifetime?
The next time you are in an actual hospital look around and see all the hurting people. Take notice and see how crowded it is in the emergency room. How long the lines are, waiting for prescriptions to be filled. How long do you have to wait. Notice the many specialists, doctors, nurses and technicians scurrying about. Yes, it is serious business, how sad so many are ailing. They are all there for a multiplicity of reasons.
All things considered, is this really how you think “A House of Prayer” should really be?
All of these questions and more are addressed in my new book. Pick up a copy and go with me to my Father’s House, “A HOUSE of PRAYER (Not a Hospital).”