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

Learning The Art of “Being Still” Part 3

God wants us to learn the art of “Being Still”God is absolutely awesome!  He wants all of us to  receive the precious gift of His Holy Spirit,  who is His Comforter.   Once we accept Jesus Christ into our hearts, His Holy Spirit internally resides within us.  His now abiding Holy Spirit  becomes  our Spiritual Teacher. God is a Spirit of Truth. It is our daily choice to observe, learn, listen and take heed.

Know the benefits of the Blood of Jesus

“How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offer Himself unblemished to GOD, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the LIVING GOD! For this reason Christ is the mediator of a New Covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance-now that He has died as a ransom to set them free from…” HEBREWS 9

 

 

There is so much more I cannot tell it all. So  You must begin to diligently seek the Lord for yourself. Spend time daily in His Word.   Taste and see  in His Word for yourself that the Lord is GOOD!   Did you know there truly is cleansing power in “The Blood?”   Take some time and learn to “BE STILL”.

 

Life is quite interesting. It really can make one ask  at times, “How did we get here?”  To know   one must believe His Word.  You see it is not,  nor has it ever been popular to really “Believe” in God.   The idea is still quite abstract to many.   There are consequences for living as a true believer.  Your spiritual eyes must be open to discern the spiritual warfare that is about you.  His  disciples were, misunderstood, rejected, abandoned,  and  treated horrendously on many occasions.   We as believers are really supposed to be  faithful modern-day disciples.

 

The masses have always ignored what God has to say,  from Genesis to Revelation.  The scriptures record over and over that “man did what was right in his own eyes.”  Or simply went along with whatever was trendy or popular.   When you decide to “stand up” for what is right  many  will sit on the fence……..  It was one of Jesus disciples that betrayed Him.  Have you ever thought about where were all those people Jesus helped, and healed when they crucified Him? Look all around, we are in a crisis.  Look at the scandalous political race for the President of the United States.  The news, the economy, immorality,  the world  at large in which we live has reached  catastrophic   proportions on many levels.   Crisis always brings about a change.   “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof the world and them that dwell therein…” Yet in the midst of it all God has a way of getting our attention and showing us ALL He can use who and whomever He pleases to bring about “CHANGE!”

 

 

Throughout His Word you will find spiritual warfare involving, nations, countries, families, relationships,  personality conflicts, false teachers, misunderstandings, manipulation, sexual sins, slander, you name it and it’s there. If you are looking for a case history to profile  or  evaluate it’s there.  God did a  marvelous thing when He allowed man to record His Story. His splendid, spectacular, awe-inspiring Word is the Greatest Story ever recorded.  God’s Word is priceless!  He has also given us the Promise that “He would never leave nor forsake us.”   We can always & forever TRUST GOD!!!

 “…Thine is the KINGDOM & The GLORY!”  For LORD YOU are “GLORIOUS!  For YOUR KINGDOM will reign FOREVER!

In life, God genuinely makes all the difference in the world!  Getting to know God helps you  to incredibly  cope with what has gone on, is going on and is to come. It is in HIM that one can rest and find comfort and “BE STILL” even within the most difficult situations.  But I must warn  you it is not always an easy thing to do.  Stay alert!  God is near.

Wherever you are or whatever your situation good or bad know it can change at anytime.  We are living in some very interesting times.  Year in and year out, know that  “Jesus is the reason for the season” whether you are a believer or not!  Know that wherever you are Jesus knows.  You can call on Him 24/7 anytime, anywhere and in every situation.

When you accept Him as your Savior, Lord and Shepherd, He will and can take you through this valley of the shadow of death.  Whenever  necessary He will lead you to the still  peaceful waters.  This is a special place of contentment in His presence.  God wants  to lead us on the righteous path that leads to eternal life with Him.    He gives us the freedom to choose. The peace of God does surpass the understanding of man. Know  some  things will not be understood on this side of Heaven. But always keep in mind absolutely nothing that comes your way gets by Him.  “It is in Him we move and live and have our being.”  God is always speaking we just have to get better at listening. This is why discipline  becomes so very important.

Be encouraged!  We can “do all things through  Christ  that strengthens me.”   But first we must trust Him and surrender our will to Him. Oh taste and see  that the Lord is good.   Today begin your life  to live each day to please the Lord.   His TRUTH is everlasting  throughout all generations and yes; “BE STILL” and know that He is the Great “I AM” who always was, has been and always will be.  He is worthy of  all the praise.  Everyday; “To GOD be the Glory!”

SPIRITUAL Eating Disorders

SPIRITUAL Eating Disorders

Anorexia and Bulimia are very serious eating disorders that occur when one does not properly relate to food. Eating disorders are serious. They can and do result in physical and emotional turmoil. There are a lot of control issues related to eating disorders. An unbalanced spiritual diet will result in a spiritual eating disorder. If you go without spiritual food; you will lack the proper skills to navigate through the spiritual maze of life. Jesus came to this world to redeem us from the penalty of sin. He overcame sin in the flesh for us. He came so that the world would not be condemned but saved. It is through His love we have obtained grace.

To find out more about your purpose and the plan God has for your life it is important that you explore God’s Word. The Word of God is food for the soul. Have you ever thought about the side effects of a Spiritual eating disorder? When you do not have a consistent healthy spiritual diet it is difficult to comprehend spiritual things. Did you know that you can actually forever be in a learning mode and still not comprehend the spiritual things of God? In fact you will have a tendency to be misled. It is vitally important that you regularly read, study, digest and apply God’s Word in your daily life. You do not want to develop a spiritual eating disorder. It will result in serious spiritual consequences.

In order to grow properly one must consume a nutritious balanced daily diet. It is often said “we are what we eat.” Eating is a natural normal everyday occurrence. Without a proper daily diet one can become malnourished. It is a well known fact that in many third world countries thousands literally starve to death daily due to a lack of a proper balanced diet. It is difficult to reach your full potential when your body does not have its proper nutrients. Food for your body is what gas is to a car. Think about it? How far will your car go without gas? How can you make the journey? Food is fuel for the body.

God created a marvelous thing when He created man. We are created in His image. We are body, mind and soul. God has also provided the necessary resources for us to live healthy lives. In order to grow physically we need food. In order to grow intellectually we need to study and stimulate our brain cells. When we study we assist the building of dendrites. Okay what are dendrites? They are nerve cells that send impulses to the body. Intellectual growth without spiritual development is futile. You will never fully understand life and its true meaning without knowing God. Remember He created us with a soul. Our soul also has needs. We need to spiritually feed our mind and soul with the Word of God. The Word of God is spiritual “bread from heaven”. It is essential to our spiritual growth and development.Did you know that the Scriptures are considered “The bread of life?” They are essential for the proper growth and spiritual development for the believer. Just as food is necessary for the body; so is God’s Word for our soul. A proper spiritual diet is required if you truly desire to grow spiritually. A constant diet of religious junk food is unhealthy. Yes, it is possible to grow without God’s Word. But, you will not grow spiritually. You will grow carnally. It is even possible to grow religiously. This will cause you to be misled as well. You will be tossed to and fro by the various doctrines of man. Please know growing religiously is not the same thing as growing spiritually. Many people talk right and walk left. Remember Jim Jones and his followers? If one does not regularly participate in studying and applying the principles of God’s Word to life’s circumstances it is also possible to become stagnated. The Bible clearly tells us that God is a Spirit of Truth. When you know the Truth the Truth will set you free. This type of freedom leads you to be free to become who God wants you to be. It will give you a new lease on life.

Tasting the indescribable fruits of God’s Word is like putting on 3 D glasses. Meaning you will see things on a deeper level. God really is awesome! Spiritual warfare is at hand. Despite everything that goes on there is nothing that happens He is not aware of. Just think about that for a moment. That is really deep. Look around you and see all the things that are going on. The further we move away from God’s principles the worst things get. Many choose to live a life of misery and despair. Life presents many challenges.

God intended for His Church to carry on His Son’s mission. He Loved, trained, developed, nurtured and became a living example to His disciples. He even died and rose from the grave so they would see the scriptures being fulfilled. This was the ultimate demonstration of love. Did you know that He and His disciples were persecuted, misunderstood, lied on and mistreated by those He came to help? They even plotted secretly to discredit Jesus in spite of all the good He had done. The Bible tells us there were places He went that due to unbelief His power was not manifested. These are a few of the important facts you will discover when you study the scriptures.

Today we have the Word of God in Book form. His Word is our source ol food. Did you know that there is nothing written in the Bible that is less than 1800 years old? That fact is awesome in itself. The Bible’s Truth will forever be alive. It will and has stood the test of time. In Jesus’ time they did not have the Bible like we do. It had not been compiled into the Biblia 66 books as we have today. God really does supply all our needs. He did not leave us Comfortless. He left us His precious Holy Spirit as our internal Guide that we receive on the profession of our faith. We must daily ask for His infilling presence. We need His Holy Spirit to help us understand His Word. God does not want us to be spiritual anorexics. He wants you to know Him through His Word. How is your spiritual diet? How much time do you spend acknowledging God in your daily life? Do you ask Him to give you your daily bread?

This column is for you if you are reading this. Just take a personal inventory and see if you are really ingesting a balanced spiritual diet. You know and God knows. You should feed yourself spiritually in addition to being fed physically. When you attend a worship service it is the time for you to become spiritually nourished and energized as well. To praise God from whom all blessing flow!

God has given many gifts to HIS Church. The gifts were given to spiritually mature the body of Christ. (See Ephesians.) When junk food is served in lieu of the Word of God; many become spiritually codependent. This often makes it difficult for them to deal with life’s everyday challenges. When you attend service the pastor, preacher, evangelist, teacher, minister or appointee, are all charged to deliver a message from the Word of God. When one truly lays aside their own agenda this is possible. It is also very good when the messenger let’s the listeners know when they are using illustrations to make a point. This is helpful for those who are not as familiar with scriptures. This time should be consecrated; instead of used to personally say something to someone you do not have enough courage to confront. Only after praying and sincerely meditating on God’s Word this is possible. Some even see this as an opportunity to get someone else to say, what they can not say themselves to someone. What happens when you eat junk food? The proper delivery of a spiritual message will feed your soul. It will enlighten, convict as well as encourage you to grow spiritually. The Word is like a two edged sword it cuts both ways. There is something for the messenger or deliverer as well as the recipient. God has left no stone unturned to see that His children receive proper spiritual nourishment.

It is an arduous task to deliver God’s Word. But how will you know if something is from God? Good question. This is why you need to study. You need to be like the Bereans in the book of Acts, they knew the Word of God for themselves. This is why it is important that we too develop our personal relationship with Him. A healthy Spiritual diet is one of the most important assets you can acquire. As a Christian it should be a necessary priority. How important did I say spiritual food was? Life can be difficult. A proper balanced spiritual diet will help you weather the tempestuous storms of life. It will give you keen insight. When everyone is saying it’s alright when you know its all wrong, let His Word guide you. God never tells us to support something that is not right. A proper spiritual diet will help you to stand for what’s right when the majority falls for what’s wrong. A proper spiritual diet will allow the Fruit of God’s Spirit to flourish in your life when spiritual warfare is about you.

GOD KEEPS HIS PROMISES!

He said He will never leave you nor forsake you. I can bear witness to this He won’t! He said He will supply all of our needs? He will! (This does not mean just getting or having what you want) He said He will be peace in the midst of a storm. He will! His Word tells us that “God is Love” He truly is! Love is a wonderful thing. Having someone to love and knowing others truly love you is a wonderful thing. Many really do not know what Love really is. Love really is a beautiful ever unfolding gift from God. In the midst of trials, tests and wickedness God’s love will be an anchor. But you must always remember that spiritual nourishment is essential. His Word tells us that, “God is Love.”

When you read, study, deliver or share God’s Word please be prayerful. There are so many that have gone shipwrecked. So many casualties due to an unbalanced spiritual diet. Much too much junk food and not enough substance. If I tell you to come to my house for dinner you are expecting a balanced nutritious meal, right? What if I give you a plate of raw carrots? That’s okay if you are a rabbit. You might even think its funny, but, when you get home how do you think you would feel? My point is. As human beings we need more that just carrots. Some foods are a little hard to digest. We need both balanced spiritual and rich nutritious diets for our spiritual and physical growth. God wants us to continuously grow spiritually. “Let this mind be in you that was also in Christ Jesus.” What does that mean? We must learn to embrace the Truth of God’s Word. God wants to be in every area of our everyday lives. He wants us to have a rich full spiritual diet, healthy marriages and sincere loving families.

I want to encourage you to make it a priority to spend some time with God. Really digest His Word. I assure you whatever is going on in your life He already knows. God wants you to live out the promises of His Word. God can and will make a way out of no way. He heals and He delivers according to His Will. Did you know Jesus also used very unconventional methods? The religious establishment was quite often opposed to His methods.

What are you saying? God will supply the road, direction, vehicle, people and resources when and if necessary for you to accomplish whatever He wants you to do. All you must do is step out on faith! Do not be surprised when someone does not understand you. Always keep in mind that what matters is that God knows and sees everything. Nothing can come our way unless He allows it. This is why He tells us to do whatever we do as you do it for Him. Remember His Church is supposed to be the pillar of Truth. The enemy is the father of lies. God is awesome. God is a “rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” He is truly worthy of our praise. Remember it is more important what God knows rather than what others think. Why do you think Jesus spent so much time getting away and spending time with His Father? Jesus remained constantly spiritual nourished. Did you ever think about the fact Jesus could have just said everyone be healed. He could have completely done away with poverty and famines. He had the power to do so. But that was not the plan. He was faithfully obedient. It is important to know that Jesus was terribly misunderstood, called evil and blacklisted too.

God also has a remedy for any case. God tells us to be happy when persecuted for righteousness. God really does have everything under His control. Knowing His Word is vitally important for your well being. Jesus really is coming back for His true Church. Some things will just not be understood on this side of Heaven. God will never lead you to do anything that goes against His principles. Really get to know God for yourself. You do intend to spend eternity with Him? This will prevent you from developing a spiritual eating disorder. Allow His Word to be “bread from heaven.” Let Him truly be your Shepherd. His Word has a bountiful table of blessings prepared for our spiritual nourishment. God will move or take you over any mountains or through the rough terrains of life when and if necessary. Begin to feast on the delicacies of His Blessed Word. This will result in you experiencing the fruit of His Spirit. Just remember you need a balanced spiritual diet to make the journey!

Be BLESSED & ENCOURAGED knowing that our LORD is ALWAYS near, HE is just a prayer away!

Tags: anorexia, balance, bulimia, diet, Eating disorder, emotional healing, Food, grace, hope, joy, navigate, nourishment, peace, prayer, proper, redeem, spiritual, walk, world

Learning The Art Of “Being Still” Part 1

June 19, 2009 by DeBorrah K. Ogans  
Filed under Behavioral,Emotional, and Spiritual Health

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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

Tags: being still, crisis, delusionary, discipline, fruit, fruit of the spirit, grace, Joel Osteen, Joyce Meyers, love, Paula White, peace, pray without ceasing, salvation, sin, spiritual warfare, strength, T D Jakes, Word Of God, works of the flesh, Worshp