Learn How To Overcome Bitterness – Part 3

What’s Happening? What’s EATING YOU!

Lately life has presented some real challenges. In other words, some of everything is going on everywhere. Have you noticed? As a result, anger, discrimination, injustices, disappointment, insecurities, fears, sadness and bitterness abounds. However, don’t fret. You can learn to overcome bitterness.

Desire to live a happier life.

First don’t be alarmed. Second be wise and stay alert. Third know, the Word of God is being fulfilled right before our eyes. We are in the midst of the “Perilous Days.” Jesus said that this would all happen. Therefore, it is imperative to know God and His Word for yourself. Disobedience against His Word is sometimes ignorantly encouraged by many… God has a better way.

ALL GOD’S WORD IS TRUE!

So consequently; whatever you do, please don’t panic. Instead, take control. How? First you must begin to take time to; “Be Still and Know!” Take some time away from the noise of this world to hear from the Lord. Then diligently Seek God’s direction in everything. For God is more than able in any and every situation.

Begin to incorporate praising God into your day as well. Take praise breaks all throughout your day. Keep in mind each day is a precious gift from the Lord. As a result you make it a priority to be thankful. This also will help you to stay more focused on your goals.

LEARN HOW TO Overcome Bitterness

GOD SAYS REPENT!

God wants to be a part of every area of our life. It is true; “He will never leave nor forsake you!” Neither does He force His way into our lives. It is your choice to invite Him in.

Life becomes a marvelous journey when you allow the Lord to lead you. You really can overcome anything with the Lord. When God is at the helm, you will not let bitterness take root. Your conscious becomes enlightened. As you make happiness your choice you will become happier. Yes, there will still always be trials and tribulations. They are a part of life. But you must learn that; “GREATER IS HE that IS IN YOU than he that is in the world.”

Now is the perfect time to get better and not bitter. This is a great season to begin to refresh your mind and start anew. It’s cleansing and renewal time. Begin to lean and depend on God. Trust Him for better days ahead.

Once you make happiness your goal; it won’t just happen. Be mindful of the many distractions.

How to transform your mind.

Think for a moment. God made the mind. You really cannot transform your mind apart from the Lord. So, who do you think knows best how to heal it? His Word emphatically teaches us; “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”  God’s Word truly can renew and cleanse your mind. However, you must learn to sincerely embrace His principles and hold them dear to your heart.

What’s eating You? 

Is something bothering you? Do you want to experience the transforming power of God’s Word? Believing, knowing, trusting God, embracing and daily implementing His Word is key. Bitterness, will not be able to stay rooted. If it has it will have to flee. It’s time for some spiritual gardening. Rototill your mind. And then fertilize it with the Word. The results will be; A lighter load and brighter spiritual horizons.

You can be angry and “sin not!”

Ask the Lord to “Create in you a clean heart and renew the right Spirit within you.”  Invite him into you day. As the Holy Spirit within you is activated you are cleansed from the inside out. As a result deliverance emerges. You will begin to think differently. Each day as you invite His infilling presence within you to fill you, you can become transformed from the inside out!

When you desire peace.

“God can give you His peace that surpasses the understanding of man.”

This is not a manufactured peace that is displayed just for others. Nor is it overturned by emotional outbreaks. It is a genuine inner contentment that is from the Lord. You become more balanced. The reassurance of His omnipresence brings much comfort. You are inwardly provoked to be inwardly transformed rather than to outwardly conform. You seek the will of God over the will of man.

The Fruit of His Spirit then begins to take root instead. “But the Fruit of HIS SPIRIT is Love, Joy, Peace, Longsuffering, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control!” Galatians 5  

Your actions, words, thoughts and emotions can be transformed.

Strive to live a life of peace. This world is on a slippery slope.

God is the God of peace. He can give you peace in the midst of a storm. This is why it is important that you regularly spend time with Him in His Word. Attending Bible Study is also a good idea. Especially if you don’t regularly spend time in the Word on your own. Studying together with your spouse or a friend is also good. But, personally learning how to depend and trust in the Lord should always be a top priority.

What you eat is important

The Word of God is necessary Essential Spiritual Food for your mind, body and soul. You need to partake in eating; “at the table” often. It is just as important as your regular meals. As a matter fact you will begin to eat and enjoy them better as well. Learn moderation and practice self-control. You will learn how to better relate to food. In turn, you will see how what you eat impacts how your body functions. Be mindful of when, what and how you eat. Finding a right balance is key. You want to eat to live rather than live to eat.

Time with your Creator should always be a priority. Get to know God in an up close intimate personal way. Because, His Word is alive and it imparts life. It helps you become a better you! As long as the Lord has us on this side of heaven there is room for improvement. Make way for healthier living. Learn to overcome bitterness.

After all, you are going to live throughout eternity with the Lord? Well, you do not want him to be a stranger whenever you see Him face to face.

So, don’t just read God’s Word for quantity. But to actually partake in spiritual fine dining in order to yield a greater spiritually enriched understanding of who the Lord is. You should strive to learn how to embrace and implement what you are learning within your daily life. Daily nourishing our soul is important. You will become spiritually strengthened and better able to release any bitterness as you actually digest His Word.

GOD REALLY CAN HEAL YOU EVERYWHERE YOU HURT!

We can always and forever count on God to be God. It is absolutely true; “He will never leave nor forsake You!” Learn to trust God. For He truly is the ultimate healer.

You really can overcome anything with the Lord when you make happiness your choice. His joy will be your strength. But you must first believe and know without doubt that; “GREATER IS HE that IS IN YOU than he that is in the world.” There is ” VICTORY in CHRIST JESUS! “

Once you have decided to make happiness your goal; it won’t just happen. Start by setting realistic expectations you can achieve. This will give you a sense of fulfilment. Responsively exercise self-control. It is important to keep focused. Therefore, initially make small goals that you can achieve. This will also help you to build confidence.

This transformation process is lifelong.

Change takes time. In the Lord we are forever growing in His grace. If you are impatient? In the process you can progressively learn how to become patient. This is key in learning to not react impulsively. First remember: As you exercise discipline you get better at it. Second, Don’t make excuses for shortcomings. Take responsibility for your actions. Third, Believe God and His Word. The results; With Christ Jesus as your personal Savior & Lord you will begin to see life differently.

Remember the worm in the apple. And don’t let anyone lay eggs on your blossoms.

Your goal is to now; release any residual bitterness and embrace your happiness. How? Firstly you must yield and submit yourself to the Lord. Secondly you learn to; worry, less and PRAY more. Thirdly, you embrace and implement the truth & principles of God’s Word within your daily life. As a result you become delivered and set free. In the final analysis you actually are becoming a better ” Designer’s Original! “

Learn How To Overcome Bitterness Part 2

What’s EATING YOU!

Let go of what’s been eating you. This is a healthy step in the right direction. And it will actually free you. Learn how to overcome bitterness. First of all, as you release it you will become stronger. Second, you gain strength and learn to better discipline yourself. Third, this allows hurt to flee and brings forth cleansing. The results are; healing starts to comes forth.

God really does want us to be happy!

Let’s move towards healing

Please, DO NOT regurgitate your pain over and over again. This does not mean you go into denial. No, you consciously choose to embrace beginning to move towards healing. And no, you don’t want to have a pity party. You do want to confess and admit that this has bothered you.

Your feelings are important. They need to be validated. But you will no longer let the issue invade your peace. Now let’s move towards getting better and not bitter. Learn how to overcome bitterness.

How? Acknowledge it for whatever it is. But then you must also commit to make some changes. You must accept taking responsibility for your well-being. Periodically check yourself. Police yourself and take note of patterns or triggers. When you find yourself in the wrong direction, unfocused or with a bad attitude; pause. Don’t stay stuck or allow pride to keep you in bondage. Shake yourself and simply shift and; Reset!

Learn how to overcome bitterness

God does have a purpose and a path for your life. Now, seek the Lord above all others. Allow yourself to be placed on the potter’s wheel. Let Him begin to mold you and shape you into a usable “vessel of honor” for His Glory. He can help you become a better you. Don’t simply enlist in a support group that will keep you tethered to your pain. God really does have a better way. The Word of God is so powerful! You can be “transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

YOU REALLY CAN BE HAPPY IT’S YOUR CHOICE!

Once you admit that life is difficult it becomes easier. Sin is pervasive and has taken root in this world. We live in a spiritual warzone. So many things have become greatly impacted. Everyone wants to run and start a support group for something? But what is it supporting? This only further serves to nurture any bitterness you are harboring. Don’t be deceived! If you desire support there is nothing wrong with this. Just make sure and very sure it does not consist of continual rehearsals to help you sustain your pain.

Don’t allow your issues to become the repetitive focus of your worship. Learn how to overcome bitterness. Begin to worship God from a place of joy!

I have counseled with many bitter people. When you truly realize God is omnipresent you will live differently. It is important to learn to live your life in the presence of the Lord!

Set some time aside and have a quality private worship service with the Lord. Make it a point to thank Him for all that He has done and for all that He has brought you through. Emerge refueled, refreshed and joyful! Now rejoice in Him and trust the Lord to take you to another level. Make sure you are daily adorned in your spiritual armor. As a matter of fact keep it on. Let peace & joy come forth!

Be Alert and Be Aware!

Today, anything goes. But, you do not have to get on board? The desire for acceptance often becomes an enabler. Tolerance and acceptance have often been labeled unconditional love. Don’t compromise your morals or principles. If you have don’t make excuses; REPENT! God knows everything about everyone. Don’t let any sin keep you from moving closer to the Lord.

These days; TRUTH more and more has been pushed to the background. The LOVE of GOD misconstrued. If the Truth were told ultimately GOD is the only source of unconditional love. Why is that? I am glad you asked. BECAUSE HE IS LOVE! HIS LOVE IS EVERLASTING!

Love people enough to speak the Truth in Love! The TRUTH really does set you FREE!

Lord Help Us! Thank You Lord for the life we have in You!

Always want the best for you as well as others! Allow the JOY of the LORD to be your strength!

Sin is anything that separates you from God. Like the worm in the apple sin begins to grow and works its way out. Time to take a spiritual bath in the Word. It will cleanse you from the inside out.

A temporary band aid is unacceptable

All too often only part of the truth is told to receive sympathy or to be accepted. Some will literally help you to death. It is sad that many do not seek to really want to resolve inner or outer conflict. But seek a support to justify irresponsibility.  A temporary band aid is not acceptable. No, you don’t have to shout it from the top of your lungs. Nor do you have to join the “woe is me club!” It is important to know that this will not lead to your freedom. Learn how to overcome even the slightest bitterness.

This will result in; “True Deliverance!”

Daily meditate upon the Word of God. “rejoice in the Lord daily. For, the Lord will always make a way for His Will to be done in our lives!

The last days the Word talks about are now.  “The Perilous Days” are here! This is why we have some of everything going on in the world. And yes, also happening inside, outside  and all around God’s Church.

See Part 3

Getting Your Joy Back Part 3

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 need according to HIS riches in GLORY in CHRIST JESUS!” Philippians 4

Always be willing to receive correction from the Word of God. Always be willing to readily repent whenever necessary.

See Part 4

How Important Is Discipline In Your Daily Life ?

Webster defines discipline as a training that corrects. It molds and perfects the mental faculties and moral character. A control gained by enforcing obedience or order. Orderly or prescribed conduct or pattern of behavior. To discipline means to train or develop by instruction and exercise; especially in the area of self control.The development of discipline is essential to our overall personal growth and spiritual maturity. One of the fruits of the spirit is self control.

Due to Adam’s sin mankind has inherited a sin-based nature. The appetite to fulfill the desires of the eyes and the lusts of the flesh is quite often first and foremost. The appetite of each individual varies. Your desire could be overeating or under-eating, alcohol, drugs, immoral sexual behavior, lying, envy, idolatry, covetousness, etc. In order to overcome this proclivity towards sin one must continually learn to surrender their yearnings toward self-gratification.

How can we accomplish this? To the believer deliverance from an undisciplined lifestyle is quite attainable. Paul tells us: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:19. The key factor in that verse is the strength has to come from the LORD.

God is quite aware of our shortcomings. Our shortcomings are what alerts us to the fact we need something other than ourselves to overcome our human frailties. God has created us for the purpose of fellowship. We must continuously develop a life in accordance with the instructions He has left in His WORD. The first step to accept Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way the truth and the life: NO man cometh unto the FATHER but by me.” John 14:6. There is no other way to GOD.

Our perspective on life greatly affects how we deal with certain situations. Envision with me if you please a house. Everyday you would pass by this house. After a while you become very familiar with it’s exterior. You then begin to even make assumptions about the house. You eventually come to admire it for it’s surface beauty, but only from an exterior point of view. You’ve seen the front door day after day but you have never stopped and taken the time to knock at the door. You are aware of where the house is; you even think you have a general idea of what it’s like inside. But do you really?

Quite often we develop the same type of relationship with God. We know where His instructions for daily life are found. We have access to the Bible. But how often do we really devote time to actually seek His spiritual direction for our day to day living? We must go beyond the exterior and delve into the WORD and embrace His principles and apply them to our lives consistently. When we embrace His principles we embark upon a life of freedom. This freedom will free you from the appetites of the flesh and the clutches of the world. When you develop an intimate relationship with Him He begins to fill that deep endless void THAT ONLY HE CAN FILL.The Christian life is not an unattainable idealistic lifestyle. When we begin to walk in the Spirit we can overcome the weaknesses of the flesh.

Christians are to live lives that are dependent on God. It is through this spiritual dependency the strongholds that satan has on your life will begin to dissipate. This spiritual walk includes a life of discipline. Remember it is through discipline we are able to harness and control the lusts of the flesh I mentioned earlier. Christ lived, suffered, died and arose from the dead for a reason. He sacrificed His life to redeem us from the curse and endowment of Adam’s sin. It is by the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives we can overcome and partake in the victorious life he has prepared for those that truly love Him. “Greater is He that is in you then he that is in the world.” The scripture is not just for memorization to impress others. It is an edible delicacy that will nourish your spirituality and quench your unquenchable thirst as you truly embrace and live out it’s intended principles.

We must seek and learn to discipline our life to His standards. We must begin to relinquish the desire for man’s approval and conditional acceptance. We can never please man. I must warn you! The closer you draw to GOD the less man will understand you. You will be persecuted and greatly misunderstood. Guess what ? So was Jesus! He was maligned and accused of many things by those who should have known better. It was those who were thought to be spiritual that treated Him exceedingly wrong.

Man looks from the outside in; this is the opposite of God’s perspective. He looks from the inside out. He knows all about you. Your innermost thoughts and desires are fully known by Him. The key to a peaceful and contented life filled with true JOY is available. “God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness (appetites of the flesh) we lie, and do not tell the truth. But if we walk in the light, as He is light, we have fellowship one with another, and the BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST HIS SON CLEANSETH US FROM ALL SIN.” How important is discipline? It is very important!

PAINT ON THE CANVAS

PAINT ON THE CANVAS 

God not only knows the very hairs that are on our heads. He determines how long we inhabit the earth. He is the ultimate Master Creator and Designer who weaves everything together in His magnificent canvas of life. When we grow in His grace, truth and knowledge He gives us the ability to spiritually discern. Spiritual discernment lights the foreground of our canvas as we venture out in life.

Quite often many adapt to the world and employ its principles for traveling   through this valley of the shadow of death. However, it is GOD’S wisdom that ultimately grooms our being. As children of Light our life’s canvas commences to reflect the light of His presence whenever we embrace HIS principles within our daily lives. Personality traits that are in general socially acceptable tend to make us conform in order to be accepted. God has created each of us as individuals with varying temperaments & personality traits. Personality is used in typical dictionary definition to distinguish behavioral, emotional and attitudinal tendencies, character traits and habits. It is by these traits that one is uniquely recognized. We as people are fundamentally a complex integration of physical and non-physical dimensions and attributes.

The spiritual facet of us should reflect the God like qualities within our nature. Interpersonal dynamics and environmental influences are primary, but not exclusive to developmental determinants of our personalities. As human beings we are living, learning and growing organisms. When parents have properly nourished us by providing sufficient freedom and are generous in positive reinforcement, children will achieve a sense of personal autonomy. On the other hand if parents have modeled much faulty behavior themselves, were too overprotective, demanding, too permissive or critical, children will learn to have doubts about themselves. They will become harnessed with feelings of shame. In God’s eyes we are all ageless children. His Holy Spirit’s presence in one’s life is able to override any inappropriate learning experiences which we all have to a certain degree. God who is the ultimate Sovereign Creator can paint new life onto our life’s canvas. There is miraculous cleansing & healing POWER in the BLOOD of JESUS CHRIST! HIS Holy Spirit HIS Comforter works within believers to give us a new nature.

When I studied “Art Appreciation” in school I acquired a respect for the various art forms. When I saw an original Picasso Abstract, my first reaction was “I don’t like it. After studying Picasso’s work I learned he was able to paint with a childlike simplicity. He was able to go inside, vicariously share and interpret on canvas the depth of his feelings. From an exterior posture for one to understand his work, a surface summation would not properly render what he was trying to relay. Despite the possibility of no one understanding he did not allow that to hinder His work. Whether he was aware of it or not He was given a God-given talent. It was largely after his death that the world really began to appreciate and understand his unique gift.

Our life can be quite like an abstract painting. Especially by those who really don’t know us. People usually fear what they don’t understand, or tend to label it negatively. Webster defines Abstract as; difficult to understand. Insufficiently factual. Expressing a quality considered apart from an object. Impersonal having only a generalized form with little or no attempt at precise representation. Quite often as Christians we too must risk being misunderstood. We must learn to tenaciously pursue our God given talent(s) with a steadfast devotion.

Each day that passes what we say and do and how we respond paints an array of events on our personal canvas of life. Much of our life’s paint is applied erroneously when we wander aimlessly about. When we stray from the narrow path that God has designed. God’s world is awesomely vast. A marvelous abstract spiritual venture awaits those who are obedient. Faith and Trust in Him are required companions that confidently paint the unseen path before us! It is easy to deter from our course because God allows us so much freedom. He has given us the power to choose. Other wise each individual canvas would yield a duplicate reproduction!

But once we really discover that life has purpose the strokes on our life’s canvas should be guided by our Creator. There is nothing in our life that has transpired that we can unpaint. When we find ourselves somewhere we don’t want to be or saying or doing something we don’t want to do what do we do? Do we continue to allow pride to lead us anyway? No, it will only lead us somewhere we don’t really want to go.

The hues of pride darken the spiritual path. It keeps the light of our direction deep in the background. So do we just waste precious time and continue to stumble around? Do we employ passages of scriptures to justify our sometimes wrong position? Do we erroneously mislead and gather others to support us in our wrong position? Ask yourself, do you hear a faint unspoken voice beckoning you to change your direction? Although painful, it is far better to move towards the Light. God knows your true motives. Do you know it is more important what God knows rather than what people think!

God our Creator knows all of our faults, shortcomings, misunderstandings and insecurities. His arms are wide open. But too often, pride, guilt and shame keeps us at His arm distance. It keeps us in the dark away from His marvelous Light! Too often we just don’t want to admit that we are possibly wrong or were wrong to ourselves especially not someone else! We are so reluctant to tint our canvas with the magnificent brilliance of humility! We would rather allow pride to paint our canvas and take us to a place that we will eventually dread!

If you are at a point in your life you don’t want to be, or if your life seems to be headed in a direction of uncertainty; If you have done something or said something you should not have (and we do from time to time) seek God’s direction. Really dedicate some time to being still and sincerely do some deep soul searching. Have your self a Gethsemane experience. Get quiet enough so you can actually hear what God is saying. Now that you have gotten His attention. Sincerely render to Him what is on your mind and in your heart. Remember He knows anyway. Once you have lightened your load. Ask Him for direction. Admit and repent (not repeat) of anything that is hindering your spiritual path.

Allow God’s yoke to be spiritually connected to lighten your burdens. I assure you He will direct you! Just know it may not be in a direction you want to go. You may just have to apply some humility to your life’s canvas. Humility can harness anger and impulsive rage will have to flee! Instead each painful step in His direction will be accompanied by His unexplainable peace! Did you know that when we are at our weakest point it gives God the opportunity to create a great work in us? Proceed cautiously knowing that anger and pride wants to darken disobedience. They only want to suppress and cover up the Light that wants to shine on your life’s canvas!

Once we humbly admit to God we are wrong, a flood of Light appears. It opens the door for the cleansing power of His Word to wash us thoroughly. God in His infinite wisdom is totally aware of the minutest speck of sin on each of our individual canvases. “All of us have sinned and fallen short of His glory”. But this does not give us the right to continue in sin. Christ did not die for us to be slaves to any sin in our lives. He even told us except we become as children we will not enter into His kingdom! He is the only Sovereign Master Designer! He can make each stroke of circumstances whatever they may be; mold and shape us into a vessel of beauty and honor in His sight. Commence to allow His Holy Spirit to guide you as you paint your personal canvas. Our life truly is “A work of art in progress.”

Learning The Art Of “Being Still” Part 1

Whenever you are amidst spiritual warfare or when a crisis arises, it is important that  you  seek and learn to “BE STILL.” Being still does not mean that you are unconcerned or oblivious to what is happening. You  are not  simply just doing nothing.  Nor is it a delusional state of  unconsciousness  rendering being in denial.  You are not having   erroneous illusions of  grandeur. You are not being self-centered.  Quite the contrary.  You are God centered!  Your spiritual awareness is  actually  heightened.  It is a non combative state.

During spiritual warfare or a crisis, usually there is much stress.

People often respond in ways that are counterproductive.  One will tend to make hasty decisions and  become easily angered.  Over indulgence in drugs, alcohol, or  some other substance  or unfavorable activity is not advised.  You may even become passive since there is a  lack of  coping skills.  Instead it really is very important  to be responsible.  Instead strive  to  be  more attentive.

Be alert  to your surroundings as well as  those about you.  Learn to become flexible and resilient,   so you will not get towed along.  Being still is a state of mind that helps you remain focused. Staying in a cognizant preferred  chosen calm state of  tranquility.  Not walking  in  weakness,  but  making a sincere attempt to submit to a disciplined practice of walking  in “meekness.”   Here your faith and trust is rooted and grounded in the Lord.

Seek to be led by the Spirit!

It helps sometimes to also keep a  sense  of  humor about you.  Just know, a bit of  appropriate  laughter is a good antidote for the soul.  Laughter helps to keep things within a healthy responsive balance.  Readily enlist earnestly the opportunity to “pray unceasingly.”  To be aware that the often orchestrated  situation at hand, really wants you to “act out”  or respond in an unseemly, improper or inappropriate  carnal manner.  Which  really only  wants to cast you in an unfavorable light to simply mar your testimony.

Take a few moments of  personal Worship and Praise!

Having the Lord within your life truly does make all the difference in the world.   It is  quite splendid.  As we grow in His grace we learn to respond or not respond by embracing the Fruit of His Spirit. You care more,  but impulsively react less. You instead consciously respond  Your desire is to please god increases.  Your commitment to Him increases as well. You learn to daily  incorporate “Praying without ceasing” into all areas of your life.  This conscious state of being  keeps you connected to the Lord. You choose to focus on the Lord rather than get pulled away from your center.

Know that there is always  spiritual warfare all about us even in the midst of corporate worship!

One must learn to depend and call upon the Lord. This is possible  wherever you are. This can be done in an inaudible way, momentarily and meekly  inwardly bowing, knowing that your heart becomes an immediate altar.  Since we cannot avoid crisis learn to invite God into the messiness about you. It is possible as the Word says; “to be angry and sin not.”  Trusting and knowing that God knows your heart and  always hears your cries.

Remember Psalm 27; “The Lord is my Light  and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid…”  In His time He can and will deliver you from any and all evil!  Ephesians clearly tells us to  “Finally be strong in  the Lord and in His mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  Therefore put on your spiritual armor of God so when the evil day comes, you may be able to stand your ground…….” Ephesians 6

The Greek word for crisis is krinein, which means “to decide.”   Crisis and spiritual warfare can come at unexpected moments. Usually the decisions that you have to make are life changing.  decide  to  take some time and “BE STILL.”  Know that God is always near.   See this as an opportunity to put in  practice what it means to exercise “patience.”   His  Blessed Assurance can truly be experienced, once born of  His Spirit! Always  keeping  in mind that God knows and has everything  under His complete control  really helps.

Your relationship with the Lord is very important

Once you become a child of God   it is important to get to know Him. Draw close to Him.   Your ongoing  up close,  personal and intimate relationship with the Lord is more important than anything or anyone!  Absolutely nothing  or no one  can take God’s place in your life     He has embedded deep within  each of us a place that only He can fill. One must  avidly  commence to daily   seek to grow in the grace and  knowledge  of  our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Without Him we are merely  walking breathing shaped formed  dust.

God has a plan and purpose for each of our lives. We are  to read, ponder, digest,  and dwell upon His Word and implement the principles therein.  Our  desire  should be to strive to respond in a way that pleases Him. To know the difference between the  “works of the flesh”  and the “Fruit of His Spirit” that is discussed in Galatians 5.   We need not make excuses for sin but readily repent.  Sin separates us from the Lord. His Word truly is meant to be our Life  Manual.

It is essentially, imperative to keep in mind that the people, situations and scenarios presented really did happen.  He has given us fabulous examples.  There is a plethora of wisdom in the Scriptures.  So much so to a degree, that it can boggle your mind.  This is why it is important that we ask for His promised Comforter  to fill us, to illuminate our understanding while journeying through its tasty, appetizing, palatable pages.

See Part 2