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!”
PRAY
May 1, 2014 by DeBorrah K. Ogans
Filed under Religion & Spirituality
Always pray sincerely! God knows your thoughts, motives, desires and intentions. He even knows why and what you are praying for before you make your request known! God’s omniscience is often overlooked. Omniscience means God has universal awareness, understanding and insight. There is nothing that is said, thought about or done, anywhere or any place that He is not aware of. Omnipotent means God virtually has infinite unlimited authority or influence. He in fact is the Ultimate Power above Him is no other! Omnipresence is another attribute that solely belongs to God. God is everywhere at all times.
How do I access the Father? By humbling ourselves in earnest genuine prayer. Remember; He is amazingly everywhere we all are all around the world; 24/7. WOW! Christ Jesus is the door to Heaven. Jesus is the way to the Father! It is through prayer we communicate with Him. Once you truly commit your life to Christ Jesus you are adopted into the family of God. His Holy Spirit; the Comforter comes and abides within us. He is the one and only Almighty Sovereign God! Miraculously we know by Faith that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are One and the same!
Did you know that prayer is the key to your relationship with the Lord? Prayer is simply communication with God. Prayer is a supplication or expression that should be expressed earnestly and sincerely. Prayer is often sometimes inaudible. God tells us in His Word that we should “pray without ceasing.” Prayer in this circumstance is essentially a state of mind. God even tells us to go into your closet and close the door and pray to your Father who is unseen. “Then your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.” He can open doors no man can close. Truly GOD is always GOOD! Prayer time with God will give you a healthy and clear conscience. Prayer is not always asking God for something. We should readily thank God regularly and consistently for all He has done when we pray. “It is in HIM we move and live and have our being!? God is truly worthy of our thanks and praise!
If you are a child of GOD you should relish your personal prayer time with your Father. God is aware of what we need as well as what we do not need. Having and ongoing growing intimately relationship must be a top priority! This is why it is so important that we are honest and sincere when we call upon His name. Remember prayer is not always asking God for something! It is not something we just do in the presence of others to get their attention. But when others are in attendance you should include them in prayer. Prayer is not just mere words we utter repetitively. Prayer is not a time to just let those who are present know how you feel. The effectiveness is not determined by the cadence, tone or volume of your voice. It is not just a time to just emotionally charge others.
It really is the content and posture of your heart that concerns God. To humbly and sincerely usher oneself into the presence of the Lord one must relinquish self. Any unconfessed sin hinders your prayer encounter. With God you must be real! When you truly enter into the presence of the Lord it can change the unchangeable. Prayer can heal a broken heart, mind, body, soul, life, home or relationship. The things that are impossible with man are absolutely possible with God! This way He gets all the credit. “Oh give thanks unto the Lord for He is GOOD and His mercy endureth forever!” It is important when we pray, that we pray, God’s will be done in our lives.
We must yield to His Will and His Way!
The prophet Jeremiah kept in constant prayer with the Lord. Jeremiah was called to remind Israel of the consequences of disobedience. Jeremiah fervently reminded them of their immoral behavior. The religious establishment plotted to silence Jeremiah. Jeremiah was discouraged and in much despair. So much so, to the point he began to wonder why he was not allowed to just die in his mother’s womb. In his despair Jeremiah cries out to the Lord. He tries to keep quiet since he is constantly mocked for proclaiming God’s Truth. The Word of the Lord is so vehement in his soul that he can not contain it. This is when he says “His Word is in my heart like fire. A fire shut up in my bones.” Jeremiah knew that they were waiting for him to slip.
Jeremiah was maturing as a prophet. He knew that the Lord wanted him to continue. He even went so far to tell them if they put him to death that his innocent blood would be on their hands. We can be encouraged by Jeremiah! When the Lord gives you an assignment it is very important that you keep in constant communication with Him. Remain attentive and discerning as the unction of His Holy Spirit moves upon you. Whenever pressured to conform it is important to be transformed by the renewing of your mind by the Word of God. God in His time will bring everything to the light. God will never lead you to do anything that goes against his principles. Jeremiah’s life demonstrates how important it is to remain faithful to God. Sometimes we must forego the support of others rather than disobey God. Prayer is the key to help you stay focused if you are ever faced with such a situation.
Did you know God can not be manipulated? There is a big difference between uniformity and unity! It is not necessary to manipulate situations or people to get your way. This is why it is important to pray and ask God if something is in His will for you. God allows many things. He did not create us to be robots. Proverbs tell us that there is a way that seems right to man? But the end will eventually lead to destruction. Did you know sometimes your way may be out of the will of God? You only hinder the ultimate plan that God has for your life. God wants us to be disciplined. Daily worship and prayer is crucial. This will strengthen your daily spiritual walk. It will also sharpen your ability to discern!
The Scriptures clearly tells us that the prayers of the righteous are powerful! Life is full of snares for the believer. Wide road travelers are plentiful. Fewer desire to travel the narrow way. When we lift Holy hands to Him we acknowledge and invite His presence! We serve an all knowing and wise God! Denial will keep you in the dark. Honesty really is the best policy! God’s angels encamp around those who have committed themselves to His will and His way. This is why His Word is so marvelous! God will direct you through His Word! He will even warn you. God is faithful! He is the ultimate Father He will provide a way out of no way. Personal as well as corporate “Prayer Time” are essential to the body of Christ. We must learn to relinquish our will and strive to choose God’s way.
Did you know that Jesus withstood great persecution and mistreatment? They even called Him a devil. The enemy is the father of lies. He always cloaks or distorts the truth! He always mixes Truth and error. That is when you know that something is not of God! But don’t be dismayed it will only last for a season. Oh! But remember “What a Friend we have in Jesus!” We are to carry everything to Him in prayer. Remember Jeremiah? Sometimes not responding at all is a good idea. Exercising your spiritual muscles will strengthen your walk. God never tempts us to do anything. As you take time daily for your personal worship you will begin to respond differently. Practice “praying without ceasing!” To be a disciple means you actually learn how to discipline yourself to respond in a way that pleases God. You embrace repentance in lieu of accepting denial.
You must begin to exercise self control! You cannot please God and man! God’s way is always the best way. God’s weapons are not carnal. God tells us to “pray for them that despitefully use you!” You see it is really not about how things appear to others. What is important is what God knows! He knows the posture of our hearts. Remember He knows the TRUTH! He also knows when something is not true! He knows everything!
The time we spend here on earth is relatively short in comparison to the time we spend in eternity with God! There is no need to be afraid. But you must be aware evil is about us. God can and will protect you from all evil. Remember the disciples sample prayer? God can and will deliver you from evil! You can genuinely smile or not respond improperly in the midst of trials and persecution. This does not mean that you are in a delusionary frame of mind. Quite the contrary. It just means your focus is on God rather than the situation. Your character will be strengthened and your Faith and Trust will be renewed.
Remember with Jesus as the conductor life becomes a symphony! God will free you! Jesus really did die for us to live differently. This is why His Word tells us “Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead be filled with the SPIRIT! Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
The majority of the work of God’s Church is “Beyond The Walls.” Yes, the work within the walls is important. Many work within the walls. Many live to please those within the walls rather than live to please God. I want to share something with you it is a lot easier to please God. God positions His children in different places. “The earth really is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof the world and them that dwell therein.” It is not necessary to jockey for a position when you know that God has a place in the body for you. We must continue to pray for those who are shackled by sin within and without the walls. Who really do not know that the gates of Hell will not prevail against God’s True Church. This scripture is not talking about the physical structure. There is not one iota of doubt in my mind that I am God’s child. If you really know Him you should feel the same way. It is an inexpressible comfort when you have a real personal encounter with the Lord. God is so great! Praise God for His Word.
Did you know that there is only one true Church? If He came to your home would He be welcomed? If He came to your job or your place of business would you acknowledge Him? Honestly ask yourself if Jesus came to your church service would He really be welcomed? Perhaps, only if He were to tithe? Perhaps if he dressed how you think he should? Are you sure of what kind of heart you have? Perhaps if he would conform to your order of service? Only if He sits where you think He should sit? Would you betray Him like Judas? Remember when he threw the money changers out? Jesus said that His Church should be a house of prayer! Did you know that Jesus can provide and will provide for everything you need without manipulating others to give out of guilt? I believe He did say that “HE WOULD SUPPLY ALL OF OUR NEEDS….” Not some but all!
God welcomes repentance! Repent means to change. To turn your mind, heart, body and soul in the direction God is leading. To abandon the prideful direction of having to do things your way and humbly move towards God. You must be willing to admit it when you are wrong. To embrace Truth pleases God! God really wants us to live victoriously. Remember He is omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent. God is there for you. God has a plan for the lives of each of His children. So there is really no need to be jealous. Your position in the body is the capacity in which you function. Who you are is God’s child. By the way “He is not a respecter of persons”. God really does know and see what we do. It is much better to just want the things that God wants you to have, to desire to live out HIS WILL in your life!
There is much peace when you really know you are walking in the path of RIGHTEOUSNESS! How will you know when God is leading you? This is why it is so important to pray and obey! This will help you not get sidetracked by what others say or do! Know that God has power over darkness. Again it is during your prayer time you can be refueled and prepared for the fiery darts. God let’s nothing come our way that He is not aware of. It is our responsibility to respond in a manner that pleases Him! This will give you a clear conscious. Remember God’s weapons are not carnal. If you don’t stand for God you will fall for anything! When you are adorned with God’s full spiritual armor the shield of faith with extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one! Just exercise patience and pray. God is the author and finisher of our faith. He has given each of His children a measure of faith. “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.
Click to listen to “Somebody Somewhere Was Praying For Me”
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Why All The Hoopla About “VALENTINE’S DAY!”
January 12, 2012 by DeBorrah K. Ogans
Filed under Holidays & Celebrations
There is much Hoopla about Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is legendarily known for being the most romantic day of the year. Wow! This is a Day that couples desire to wonderfully express and celebrate their love for one another. This day of love is now further extended and expressed in many different ways between friends, families, classmates, teachers, co workers and many more…
It is a great and marvelous day to annually commemorate your union of “the two becoming one.” Marriage was designed to be a loving, spiritual, committed and pleasurable fulfilling experience.
A little history about Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is said to have originated from amongst the ancient chronicles of ancient Roman history within the early Christian Church. Not all agree; some believe its origin is that of a pagan nature … However this narrative goes as such;
Once upon a time, years ago somewhere in and about the 3rd century AD., many couples who were in love were forbidden to marry. It is said that Emperor Claudius II who was an austere, ambitious and controlling ruler requiring vast armies of men denied them the privilege to marry. He trained his soldiers well yet brutally. He was a hard taskmaster. The soldiers had to be on the road for long extended periods of times and he did not want them engaging in sexual intercourse. This left the lonesome lot of soldiers homesick and half-hearted… Still, the Emperor felt it drained the soldier’s strength and interfered with his goal for them to be victorious on the battle field. So he subsequently banned marriages altogether.
But one bold, compassionate, defiant priest in Rome named Father Valentine did not agree. He thought that the Emperor Claudius II was unjust and unyielding in this belief. He heroically came to the aid of many couples and secretly married the young lovers anyway. Well, when the furious Emperor got wind of what was happening he was livid and he had him beaten with clubs and arrested. It is alleged that the Emperor himself began to grow fond of Father Valentine. He came to really like him.
Father Valentine eventually tried to no avail to convert the Emperor. In turn the Emperor wanted and attempted unsuccessfully to make Father Valentine renounce his Faith. They reached an impasse in their relationship. Father Valentine remained incarcerated and was eventually sentenced to death.
It is believed that the secretly wedded blissful couples that Father Valentine had married were so very thankful. Filled with elated gratitude they clandestinely visited the imprisoned priest. No doubt that they had pledged their love for one another but for Father Valentine as well. With thankful hearts filled with gratefulness and appreciation they surreptitiously brought him gifts, flowers and notes of gratitude. The couples would secretly pass the notes to him through the bars of his cell.
Father Valentine himself being loving, kindhearted, caring and compassionate supposedly too fell in love. How ironic for it was with the jailer’s daughter. Some say she was blind and he healed her… On the day of the condemned Father Valentine’s execution of February 14th around 269, he wrote her a note confessing his love for her and signed it “from your Valentine.” He however was still beheaded and martyred. From here amongst the varied accounts originates our tradition of “Valentine’s Day.”
Millions Celebrate Valentine’s Day
Today in this modern 21st century “Valentine’s Day” is one of the most celebrated days on the calendar. It has been festively celebrated by billions of people ever since the days of Father Valentine.
Here in our beautiful country of America alone over 180,000,000 people celebrate by purchasing and showering roses upon their loved ones. Red is the most often selected color. It is a most prosperous day for retailers! Over 36,000,000 heart-shaped boxes of candy and chocolates as well as thousands of diamonds, dinners, cards and other gifts ranging from extravagant to simple in lavish expenditures collectively totaling billions of dollars are purchased.
Hershey the infamous chocolate maker employs 13,000 employees. Located in Hershey, Pennsylvania they make over $5,000,000,000 in revenue per year. They use over 600, 000,000 million pounds of chocolate per year as well as using over 200,000,000 million pounds of nuts and 700,000,000 million pounds of milk and an exorbitant ridiculously extravagant amount of sugar! Hershey Inc. vast quantities of chocolate is made from cocoa plants from all around the world.
Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate LOVE!
When couples are in love it is both emotional and physical! The brain produces a neurotransmitter called dopamine. It is a natural stimulant that carries messages from nerve cells to other nerve cell muscles. It is sent to many brain regions creating intense feelings often associated with romantic love. There are also physiological responses that occur by another closely related neurotransmitter called norepinephrine that often creates and intense craving… This explains why kissing for some can be intense because the hormone testosterone is passed between the two when kissing. Hopefully this explains why some can tend to be a bit irrational initially when in love. Love is wonderful when properly and lovingly expressed.
There is much more to Love than the physical. In a good nurturing healthy marriage; respect, care, loyalty and concern are evident components. Many are committed to many other things and their marriage is secondary. You want to take time to really get to know this person who you have committed to love. You both made not only a commitment to your spouse but you both made a vow to the LORD or did you? Remember this all throughout the year and not only on Valentine’s Day.
The Beauty of LOVE in SONG OF SOLOMON
“HOW beautiful are thy feet with shoes, O prince’s daughter? The joints of thy thighs are like jewels, the work of the hands of a cunning workman. Thy navel is like a round goblet, which wanteth not liquor, thy belly is like a heap of wheat set about with lilies. thy two breasts are like two young roes that are twins.
Thy neck is like a tower of ivory; thine eyes like the fish pools in Hesbon, by the gate of Bath-rabbim, Thy nose is as the tower or Lebanon which leadeth towards Damascus. Thy head upon thee is like Carmel, and the hair of thine head like Purple, the King is held in the galleries. How fair and pleasant art thou, O love, for delights! This thy stature is like a palm tree, and thy breasts shall be as clusters of grapes…” SONG OF SOLOMON 7 Example of; I and my beloved.
Marriage is sacred in the eyes of GOD
When you truly embrace His principles of Love within your marriage you both will experience an ever-increasing fulfilling union. (Together you have the freedom to privately express your love to one another in a physical manner.) God is Omnipresent meaning; He is absolutely everywhere. Invite Him into every area of your marriage and everyday life. God is Omniscient meaning; He is totally cognizant of all things and knows everything. Remember it is He that has created us. He is the creator and originator and knows what is necessary to have a great marriage. It is always your choice to allow Him His place within your life. It is important to keep GOD in the Center of your marriage. If you have not it is never too late to start… I assure you, you both will be or become a lot happier.
Suggestions to celebrate Valentine’s Day
There are many ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day as a couple. Here are a few suggestions:
Start the day off with a nice hug
A relaxing bubble bath or soothing shower is a good way to start your day.
Slip a romantic expression of love note in his pocket or her purse
Compose or read poetry to one another, for starters try, The “Song of Solomon” it is a fabulous book of inspiration and love
Plan a nice Candlelight dinner and or a Romantic picnic lunch
Treats of: Cakes, Cookies, Cupcakes, Chocolates, Popcorn and assorted candies
Flowers & Cards
Fruit Baskets
Take in a matinée or evening movie
Select in advance a great movie you are excited about sharing at home
Plan a spa couple visit for the mud baths, mineral springs and for massages
Play nice enjoyable music to relax
Before retiring take a nice temperate, peaceful, tranquil candle light bubble bath
A nice added touch is a scented comfy and pillow puffy rose petaled bed…
All the above are simply suggestions. Each couple is quite different. You might even have some better suitable suggestions. So do what personally works for you.
Everyday all throughout the year it is always good to Kiss your spouse whenever you part. You never know what a day may bring.
Genuine Love continues to flourish
A suggested gift to one another that continues the celebration throughout the year. Remember be creative! Simply write colorful to do “IOU’S “on note cards… Fold and place them in a nicely decorated jar or basket.
Here are a few suggestions; This is your day to do as you wish; An Impromptu no questions asked date, A together Car Wash, No arguing today, Dancing, Golf Pass, Couple shopping fling, Back rub & neck massage, Foot massage, Night on the town, Walk in the park, Let’s exercise together, Event of choice or Evening of Elegance…
When you do partake in some of the above consistently they will occur naturally
GOD defines LOVE in HIS WORD
When you SAY that you LOVE someone here are some things to KEEP in mind! Here the TRUE meaning of LOVE is defined.
Love is best described herein I Corinthians 13: “LOVE is patient, Love is kind, it does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud, it is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. LOVE does not delight in evil, but REJOICES in TRUTH. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always preserves. LOVE NEVER FAILS…”
Remember this; “GOD IS LOVE!” and His Love lasts through eternity! God Bless You Both. ENJOY & CELEBRATE the one you Love! Seek out ways to encourage more and complain less. Stay committed to your vows you made to God and to one another. Keep God in the Center of your marriage.
Always remember; “Love is patient, Love is kind, Love is felt most when it is GENUINE!”
GOD BLESS YOU ALL!
