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 5

God’s Joy Can Sustain You!

When a trial comes you can still experience God’s Joy! As a matter of fact Isaiah says; “God will keep you in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on HIM.” In order for this to be so you must learn to Trust Him. This trust grows as you continuously develop an intimate personal relationship with God. As you begin to think about God as the ultimate Father your possibilities are limitless. This is why it is so important to have the Lord in your life. As you focus upon Him while going through God will then give you His peace to go through the conflict. God is a God of PEACE and JOY!

God really is able to keep you from falling. But if you are on the brink or simply disappointed or even a tad frustrated I think this song speaks in different ways to many. There is always room for improvement in all of us as long as the Lord has us on this side of Heaven. Regardless of where we are in our walk with the Lord, taking a Spiritual Bath in His Word is refreshing and exhilarating. It has marvelous miraculous cleansing power!I think you will be inspired. God can meet you wherever you are.

Let the Lord put a song in your heart

God can meet you wherever you are!

Wherever you are God knows. I know that He can get you wherever you need to be.  So, If you are ever down and need a pick me up! PRAY! Then begin to actually put HIS WORD into practice. Praise and worship God consistently and regularly all through the day. I am beyond grateful for the Lord keeping me on the straight and Narrow Path.

God has uniquely designed each one of us. Everyone has a different testimony. But I am sure that there is some elements here in this song that is relatable. There is a song that I want to share with you. If you don’t have the strength ask Him for direction for He knows.   The Words here  are so profound and I am sure that wherever you are you will find some of  the words helpful. This is one of the worship songs from the “Gospel Music Workshop of America”

“I Got My Joy back.”

I got my Joy back. I got a new lease on life. I got my Joy back, down in my soul. Since I let Him have full control. I’ll will let nothing separate me from His Love again. He restored my Joy and revived my soul again! Just like the prodigal son. I found myself in the hog pen. Oh, you know how satan can dress up sin, satan will make wrong seem right. That’s why we’ve got to stay Prayed up, and Focused, and keep looking to the LIGHT!

GOD’S JOY CAN SUSTAIN YOU!

God has been so good to me. I thought I was exempted from trials and tests. From a little child I’ve been abundantly blessed. Every materialistic thing, I wanted, My Mother had it for me there. But I Thank God she NEVER forgot to lead me to the House of Prayer. But when my test came, I stumbled, but I did not fall, I had the Holy Ghost, embedded within me. In God I did REJOICE. That He would lead me, and guide me, when I couldn’t see my way. Yes, He restored my JOY, and He revived my soul again!”

Through Christ Jesus you can do all things

I can truly say; “THE JOY of the LORD IS MY STRENGTH!” I know and realize that without the Lord I/we are nothing but just walking, breathing shaped formed dust. But Praise be to God He tells us through our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus “we can do all things.”

GOD truly can give you; “HIS PEACE that surpasses the understanding of man!” Patience is not a hallmark of our society. Tolerance is, but this is not the same thing as patience. Patience comes from God. “BE STILL & KNOW!”  God’s grace is sufficient. Exercise your Faith knowing that; He is more than able in any and every situation. Yes, sometimes we will have to wait; Then like an eagle we can soar high above the clouds!  We can always and forever trust God & His Word!   Its time to move towards getting your JOY BACK!  Remember;  GOD IS FAITHFUL & HE ALWAYS KEEPS HIS PROMISES!

GOD’S JOY CAN SUSTAIN YOU!!!

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

Getting Your Joy Back Part 2

GOD’S TRUTH will always prevail!

You cannot change what has been, but you can move forward now seeking God’s Will for your life. You can discover the Perfect Peace that only exists in Him. God says if you seek Him with your whole heart you will find Him. As a matter of fact He is right there wherever you are. He daily gives us the freedom to invite Him into every area and all situations of our lives.

To know the TRUTH you must know GOD and HIS WORD! Do you not know that as a believer your body is the Temple where GOD resides.  His Word is what cleanses us from all unrighteousness. It sustains our souls. His Holy Spirit His Comforter can lead us to all TRUTH!

Today in these “Last Days” this is prime time for the Word of God to be shouted from the roof tops, inside, outside,  on land, by air,  by sea and the internet!  I am grateful that the Lord has allowed us  to “GO Ye Therefore…” in  as well as throughout the world. On many occasions in many different places we have been able to go forth as HIS Elders/Ministers & Ambassadors! GOD’S  WORD was never meant to just be confined to a brick and mortar building anyway. GOD is not coming back for a building. Please don’t misinterpret what I am saying. There is nothing more that I enjoy more than a spirit~ filled Worship Service… There are some beautiful fabulous sanctuaries, cathedrals, temples, worship centers and meeting places for the Church to congregate worship and assemble. 

I am truly thankful

I am thankful that the Lord has allowed us to be able to worship Him in many  magnificent man made  places both large, small and mega large… But God never intended that they be full of people who are unhappy, hopeless and full of despair.  There has even been a shift in  the tenor of worship. A lot of it is about what I can get from the Lord. Or all about all of the issues one has experienced. God needs to be adored and exalted about anything that is happening. The Holy Spirit is never unaware of what is happening. God should always be our main focus in worship!  God  never intended for us to just go to church and go right back to another way of life.  Nor did He want us to live legalistically rigid  unhappy lives.

Christianity is a Daily Lifestyle! It is living by actually embracing the principles of God and applying them to your life everyday!

Do You want your JOY back?

We the people are GOD’S CHURCH! “When two are three are gathered together in HIS NAME; HE IS IN THE MIDST!” Matthew 18. GOD wants to be in all areas of all of our lives everyday! NOW through eternity you can live and be in the presence of GOD. This is NOT contingent on how many people are around you. It is your choice to live before HIM as “AN AUDIENCE of ONE!”

Do you really want to get your JOY back? Believe GOD and know and embrace the principles of HIS WORD! When GOD says HE can keep you in PERFECT PEACE; HE CAN!  Daily adorn yourself in the Armor of the Lord.

Christ Jesus came to show us a better way to live. He came to show us that GOD really does want to be the Center of our daily lives.  He intended for His Church to be an international universal family of believers  from all walks of life embracing and  daily living out loud His Living Word!  Jesus came to fulfill the law.   He sacrificed His life so we could be free. FREE to WORSHIP HIM! “In SPIRIT and in TRUTH!” To Praise Him everyday through whatever trials, tests, obstacles, distractions or land mines the enemy tries to put in your path.

CHRIST JESUS is the effulgence of GOD’S GLORY:

We live in a spiritual warzone. Why is that? For a season the earth is where the prince of the power of the air throne is. Who is that? “The prince of the power of the air” =  this refers to the devil as the leader of superhuman powers which, according to a widely held notion at this time, dwells in the earth’s atmosphere.”  (he is not in a pit) Know that he is also an imposter that lives to seduce many… No need to worry but to just be more cognizant of the things that are not of God!

CHRIST JESUS IS; The Head of HIS Church!

“And He is the Head of the Body, the Church; He is the Beginning, the Firstborn from the dead, that He Himself might have first place in all things. For in Him all the fullness was pleased to dwell and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the Blood of His Cross ~ through Him, whether the ‘things on the earth or the things in the Heavens…” Colossians 1

“Who is the image of the invisible God the First Born of all creation, Because of Him all things were created, in the Heavens and on the earth, the visible and invisible, whether thrones or lordships or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and unto Him. And is before all things, and all things cohere to Him.

Thank You Holy Father for Your Living Word which is our Daily Bread!

KNOW THIS; ONLY GOD IS OMNIPOTENT there is no greater power than HE THE FATHER, SON & HOLY SPIRIT! They are ALL ONE and same TRIUNE GOD. They are universally known as the HOLY TRINITY!

If you really want to know more draw closer to the Lord. Therefore, daily spend some time in His Word and give God His place within your life, home and heart: BLESS WORSHIP & PRAISE GOD &  “PRAY WITHOUT CEASING!”

See Part 3

http://deborrah-k.com/2019/10/30/getting-your-joy-back-part-3/

Getting Your Joy Back! Part 1

More often than not in the past the people did not want to hear what God had to say. As a result they conformed more to the ways of the world than to the ways of God.  Right now in this 21st century things really are not TOO much different from what was going on then. Therefore, some of everything is going on. What we are seeing are actually the results of man’s choices down through the generations. Many look to the ways of the world to resolve conflict and problems rather than to God.  No wonder that there are so  many unresolved issues.  Taking into consideration what God has to say about daily living is not as much of a priority.  Think about it for a moment. God is omniscient. He knows everything  about everything and everyone, past, present and future.

Listen closely

If you listen closely to the prophets in the Bible they often forewarn the people about things that are going to happen. They candidly proclaim God’s Word. The word prophet in Hebrew means; spokesperson. God’s people were quite deep into sin, disobedience, civic confusion and rebellion. Isaiah reminds us that our actions really do have consequences!

Whenever I read Isaiah, I can feel the anguish and heart wrenching despair that intensively emits forth from his soul.  The Prophet Isaiah fervently speaks forth the  oracles of God.  Isaiah had a very difficult mission. Quite often when you speak Truth you can expect to be labeled as “negative” or the bearer of “bad news.”   Along with a lot of other unflavorful words that I do not subscribe to.  Usually because it shows a contrast to what someone wants to do. 

Isaiah was a true visionary! He had great spiritual insight.  It was an arduous task of speaking to a group of despondent people.  Isaiah passionately shares of the purity of God, how powerful and loving God is and that God is a righteous Holy God! He informs us that God is also a God of wrath. But  most of all God definitely is a God of Justice! God will in His time deal with those who oppose His principles.  “God will not acquit the wicked.” Isaiah vehemently proclaims to the community at large the pitfalls of evil. Isaiah always exalts God! Yet in return he is called everything but a child of God. He told them that the land was becoming a desolate wasteland. He constantly pleaded with them to turn back to GOD!

There is a desire to bring about change

Isaiah did not have some morbid desire to make anyone unhappy. He did not try to tell them anything just for the sake of making them feel bad. He had no desire to be popular among the people. He was not a lunatic, neurotic, narcissistic, uncaring, self centered or mentally challenged in any way.  There was absolutely no hidden agenda. He was focused upon His God given mission. He simply wanted to do the will of the Lord. Isaiah could see that they were suffering.  It was because he was obedient to the “Call” God had placed upon his life, he said the very things they did not want to hear…  Although hurtful at times he did it to bring about good. To promote change and encourage the people to REPENT and move towards God’s Way of life.

Look at what has been happening around us!

Today our country is slowly still recovering from the last recession.  Our government even “SHUT DOWN” because President Obama and Congress were not able to agree.  It “SHUT DOWN”  for and extended period of time  again because President Trump and Congress could not agree. Has anyone every really considered what God would say. Is not America a country under God with liberty and justice for all?  Well there have certainly been a lot of decisions made that go contrary to His Word! LORD HELP US!

We are always on alert for terrorists both foreign and domestic.  Yet notice that those who make decisions in the political arena  often  cause much havoc in the lives of the people as well. They themselves bring much division. As a result because they could not come to an agreement the people have suffered greatly. There needs to be more focus on resolving the inner conflict between all parties. It really usually boils down to someone wanting more power. Someone wanting the people to be at their command and think and respond like them.  It behooves us to also become even more aware of the many things that are happening. Really it’s because the principles of God have been laid aside. 

All one has to do is gather together a mass of people to support whatever their cause is. Their shared issues or grievances then become the priority. They feel because they are the united majority they rule. It does not matter what it is? Just the fact that you can get many to agree and join with you to do whatever does not mean you are right. Sad but true, some are simple minded and will follow anyone. Man often advocates freedom without God. This really  will not lead to true freedom but eventually to more  dependency and chaos.

During the recession; Properties values fell drastically and are now on the rise, homes were lost, corporations were closed, careers lost, many relationships broken, unemployment rates were at an all time high, stock devalued and  pensions lost. This is more results of man’s decisions that impacted many. We can now see the aftermath. What has really been learned? Overall we can expect more of the same until Christ Jesus returns.  Now  divorce is at an all time high, families are being pulled and torn apart,  murder, crime you name it is on the rise.  Many things were tremendously impacted.  Some things will never be quite the same.

There has been a moral decline

The moral decline is unspeakable as well.  The astronomical percentage of abortions continues to increase. The plethora of mass shootings continue.  One must now be daily concerned for the safety of their children in school. Let’s not forget the continual fight to making  “Marriage God’s Way” the same as same sex unions. This is man’s design for relationships not God’s. God has not changed.  Marriage God’s Way is “Holy Matrimony” which is  between One Man & One Woman!” Now today no wonder we have many also confused about their gender?  This should not be?

It is important to seek the will of God Almighty above the ways of the world. God has made it clear in His Word about what constitutes marriage. He also teaches us about traveling on the broad road. This is the frequent road of the majority… As a result this will only lead to more destruction.  God’s Way is the road less traveled, which is the; “Narrow Path” But what does that matter? Check it out for yourself in His Word!

Getting Your Joy Back!

WoW!   Everybody knows it and no one wants to say it.  GOD IS SPEAKING in many ways!  You can only ignore Him as the Creator and Sustainer of life  for so long. No wonder pandemonium and mayhem have really set in.  What has been happening in the dark is now coming to the Light! We are seeing the influences of the prince of the power of the air.  Some of everything is happening all over the world.  PRAY FOR DISCERNMENT! Ask the LORD to open your spiritual eyes. In these “Latter Days” the Word of God is being fulfilled. Know this; God can still help you get your joy back! 

There really is hope!

But wait there is Hope! And yes there is still Joy! GOD HAS NOT CHANGED. We can STAND FIRM in HIS WORD against the things we know are NOT of GOD! Ultimately GOD has everything and everyone under His control.  The battle has already been won.  God is patient. He has given all of us the freedom to choose. As we grow in His grace we learn to make better decisions. Always  keep in mind that there are consequences for the choices we all make. Always remember that GOD is also THE GOD of WRATH!  Seeking the will of the Lord daily will result in becoming more patient. You will not seek confirmation from the masses. You will instead seek to please GOD above all others… This yields marvelous spiritual benefits and inner peace. God teaches us in His Word.   “Those that wait upon the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40.

Trust the Lord!

See Part 2 http://deborrah-k.com/2019/10/30/getting-your-joy-back-part-2/

Why most marriages don’t last! Part 2

Why Most Marriages Don’t Last!

Part 2

There has been a shift in the atmosphere!

Many marriages in this 21st century are in crisis. On the News, on the internet and all across the United States of America you see couples in distress. Marriages within the church, in your neighborhood and those on your jobs are also struggling. You can find many unique interesting stories about couples that can’t seem to work through their issues. What you read, see and hear are indicative of what is happening everywhere all over the globe!

This does not have to be.

A great marriage really is definitely possible. Marriage requires love, commitment, patience and lots of teamwork! Counseling is an alternative that helps and it can enhance your marriage. But your goal must be to work through the kinks in the marriage rather than let them persist. If you wait until your problems are seemingly insurmountable it will take some time to plow through your relationship dynamics. It is also and indication that you two have gotten slack. You have allowed your marriage to become secondary.

Yes, many couples all over the world are going through. But don’t be discouraged. Help is on the way! This does not have to be. You both need to get busy shifting your priorities. Time to look at some viable options.

Hmm perhaps counseling?

There are times when counseling is sought just as a last resort. You simply attempt to appease one another and are trying to buy some time… When this is the case; by the time the couple goes to counseling the problem is so bad that they just want to find out which spouse is responsible for their marriage problems? They are often just seeking support and approval to justify why they act or behave in the manner in which they do? The fact of the matter is your communication skills are lacking to the point you have lost some of your objectivity.

You now need or desire a neutral third-party to help you see if you can revive the marriage and get it back on track?

How can we get back on track?

The Truth of the matter is each spouse is not always equally responsible for each problem. Quite often a lot of old baggage has not been addressed and it becomes a recurring theme. Instead of getting discouraged get actively busy resolving your issues and the issues at hand. This is really a great time to further develop your communication skills.

Let’s see what God has to say!

You can and should also incorporate the Bible as wise counsel in your marriage. Not in a rigid legalistic manner but in a way to enhance your marriage. It is important that you marry someone who values the same life principles! However if this is not the case you can still consult the Lord’s Word. There is some superb, really great “stuff” in the Bible that many are not aware of. I mean this in a complimentary way. Try doing a word search on Marriage and see where it takes you. There are some great love stories as well as excellent examples of tests and trials. The Lord never intended for any of us to be unhappy and disappointed all the time… I suggest that you also go to Galatians 5 and learn the differences between the works of the flesh and the Fruit of His Spirit!

Remember those vows you made to God and your spouse! Well the Bible has a wealth of wisdom to help you in any and every situation. The Bible is like no other book. It is alive! Pray for direction from the Lord. Ask Him to speak to your heart.

Please, don’t just read the Bible you must actually implement the principles into your own personal life and marriage. It is not wise to use the Word to manipulate or hurl insults upon your spouse. After all the Lord KNOWS what He is talking about.

If you have a friend that is having marital conflict encourage them to seek helpful ways to resolve it. It is important to respect your marriage as well as the marriage of others. When asked for advice make it a point to be objective. Don’t experiment on their marriage and suggest things that are harmful rather than constructive. If you don’t know, tell them you don’t know. Help them look at the situation from all angles. Sometimes a listening ear is all that is necessary to sort through the problem. Never support abuse on any level in or from anyone… Learn to be a better friend by encouraging them to do what is right.

What is so interesting is that as adults you can do as you please. That is, unless you simply have no self-control yourself and are rather compulsive. In that case you just cannot restrain or discipline yourself and you freak out at the slightest little thing. The problem won’t just go away on its own… If this is the case you really need to put yourself in check and seek out getting some professional help! By the way prayer really does work!

Please if you know that your spouse has a short fuse don’t try to purposefully set them off. This does not mean that you are to be a doormat. Choose your battles wisely don’t encourage abuse or dysfunction in yourself or anyone else. Don’t be or become an enabler.

So why can’t you make a decision to work out your problems? It’s because you have opted to go the way of the majority or just “do your own thing!” You can simply do what makes you feel good instead at the expense of your spouse? Live together and really be miles apart. But is it really good for you or your marriage? No! That’s called being selfish! At this point, the marriage has become more about “you” rather than about “us!” It’s my house, my car, my money, my furniture my name, my way or the highway, my… Somebody has a bad case of “Me”ness! No wonder you are in such a quandary.

You have now or will be joining the not happily ever after club soon! That is unless you decide to make your marriage a priority. So get busy doing something different; like making some improvements. Take a good look at what is going on or not going on. Reposition yourself and change the direction and get back on track. Sincerely work at reconciling your difference.

The first step for getting your marriage back on track is taking responsibility for your own actions. Stop behaving as though you are in the relationship by yourself. It is called being considerate. Your spouse is neither your servant nor parent! They are supposed to be your partner… Start treating your spouse the way you would like to be treated for starters. Life is precious. So humble yourself and let pride take a backseat. Take the wheel and take your marriage to a higher level.

Celebrate your marriage! Encourage one another and if necessary encourage yourself like King David. Don’t let anyone steal your JOY! If you have get busy getting it back!

See PART 3

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!

The Journey of Life – A Promising Writer and Poet

I recently attended a “Marvelous” poetry reading! The Library in Lincoln sponsored a “VOICES OF LINCOLN POETRY CONTEST!” It is an annual affair! There was a very good mixture of poems from a plethora of categories. There were poems about mysteries, to make you laugh, about people in the news, about relationships and poems to make you think? There were poets of all ages from (10) ten to (90) ninety. There is something special when all ages, cultures and colors are able to come together and share…

It was a beautiful afternoon and truly a delightful treat!

I want to share with you one poem in particular! Sharing this means a lot to me because;This poem was written by my grandson; Julian M. Ogans II. Writing is becoming a growing passion for him. I/we are so very proud of him and believe that he is on the right road to discovering his life purpose(s)… He is an editor for his school newspaper! Here he writes an ongoing column as well… This poem was selected for the “DREAMS & FANTASIES” category! He was quite encouraged and well received by all ages. Presenting…

The Journey Of Life By Julian M. Ogans II

I hike my way up the mountain of self-confidence
Fighting through the bitter cold blizzards of brutal honesty
Wondering what awaits at the top

But very quickly do I lose sight of the trail and fall down into the river of disappointment
The water reflecting nothing more than my past sins

I slowly drift into a cavern of darkness
The pitch black enveloping me in a dark cloth
Suffocating me with the toxic smell of failure

Whispers from my past slowly invade my mind
Growing louder and louder echoing inside my head
A ray of hope cut through the darkness
But it didn’t reach me
For a dark hand pulled me under the water
And drowned me in self pity

I open my mouth to scream, but the black water rushed down my throat
Choking me with all my fears
I gave into my self pity and allowed it to pull me into its deep dark depths where all my broken dreams lie
Each one shattered into a thousand pieces

The gravity of my self-doubt pushed me further down towards the bottom
While carnivorous nightmares ate away at my body and feasted on all emotions

They tore away my eyes, preventing me from seeing any sign of hope
Ripped away my ears, stopping me from hearing words of encouragement
And cut out my tongue so that I couldn’t scream for help

Little did I realize that not all of my forgotten dreams were broken
Blind, deaf, and muted to the world I grab on to one fragile dream
And use the one weapon that no man, monster, or rushing water can’t take away
My faith
My hands began to grow warm as the dream came to life and sent confidence shooting through my veins

I felt the water rise and part as it shot up in the air
Breaking a hole in the ceiling of the depressing cave
I felt a brilliant ray of hope come down from the sky
Restoring my vision, hearing and my voice!

I rose up from the ground and entered a valley of happiness
Where dreams grow on colossal trees of endless imagination
However, my days here are numbered in this land of prosperity
For I am just one soul, embarking on the journey of life!!

*His poem won first place in the Young Poets division!

BRAVO!!!

Learn How To Overcome Bitterness Part 1

What’s been  eating you?

Is there something that is bothering you? Are you bitter? Something that you can’t talk about?  Has someone hurt you that you can’t forgive? Did someone say something to you that you can’t shake loose? Has someone taken something away from you; or wronged you in some way? Do you crave acceptance? Do you feel rejected? Are you, impatient, frustrated, fed up, and just plain angry? Does the slightest little thing set you off?

What’s eating you now?

Whatever the case don’t let it continue to hold you a prisoner. If you don’t do something about it, you will only allow the seed of bitterness to become rooted and develop deep within. Slowly but surely it will cultivate and grow. Think for a moment the chances are great that whomever has wronged you has probably moved on and not even given the matter a second thought. However you are stuck.

Time to let bitterness it go!

Each time you dwell on whatever it is without letting go, it grows. The longer you hold on to it, it will slowly but surely begin to eat at you from the inside out. Unattended it will cause you to become depressed, physically ill, have much anxiety, depression, panic attacks, cancer, high blood pressure or migraine headaches.  The end of possibilities goes on…

When you allow whatever it is that is bothering you to grow, fester and internally aggravate you, it will eventually make you bitter. It will continue to impact you, your marriage, your friendships as well as your working relationships.

Stop Reacting!

Although you have tucked it away for no one to see. Pushed it to the back of your mind only to silently gnaw away at your joy. As each year passes it is still there. The bitterness surfacing from time to time like a virus. The slightest little thing will trigger it. Someone will be able to push your button like pushing a remote control and set you off! You in turn loose control and impulsively react.

Learn how to responsively respond.

 Did you know how the worm gets into the apple?

Did you think it gets in from the outside in? Well it doesn’t. It has scientifically been proven. What happens is an insect actually lays an egg on the apple’s blossom. At some point the egg then hatches within the apple. As it grows, it  eats away the apple and burrows its way to the outside. When you allow bitterness to nest, it like the worm begins to grow and erode the fiber of your being.  It will eat away your happiness. Inside it will grow and tunnel its way out and manifest itself as sin.

TRULY GOD IS GOOD!

How do you stop what’s eating you from eating away at the core of your being? Periodically take a personal inventory. First keep in mind you cannot undo what has been done.  Second, allow whatever bitterness that  has been sitting in the warehouse of your mind, to come to the forefront. As anything resurfaces hold it up to the Light of God’s Word.  Third, Meditate upon the Word of God. For it is a marvelous Library of Essential  Spiritual  Wisdom.

By the way you can read all day long but if you don’t implement it, then its just mere words.

Ask the Lord to help you and to open up your understanding. Begin to acknowledge any ill will or bad feelings you are having. Move towards letting go of the pain by; forgiving the offense, the offender, and forgiving the deed. By the way forgiving does not mean forgetting unless you have amnesia. 

What does it mean to forgive?

Forgiving does not mean that you have to overlook what has happened. Christ Jesus forgave those who crucified Him.  “Father forgive them for they know not what they do…” But we must never forget the penalty He paid.  Nor do we have to  continue to allow anyone to crucify us, nor disrespect us!

GOD says; REPENT!

Forgiving  means that you give up the resentment. Resentment means to feel the pain of the action over and over again. When you hold on to the resentment it  turns to bitterness, that only continues to further hurt you.  So, learn to become ” Strong in the Lord! ”   Daily nurture your heart with the WORD of  GOD!

Don’t allow anyone to lay eggs on your blossoms!

God can teach you how to properly guard your heart.  However; You must also surrender your right to get even.    Each day is a day to grow in God’s grace.  Give it, your issues, her, him or them to the Lord!  Life and time is precious. God can handle them all  a lot better than you can…  He says;  “Vengeance is mine I will repay…” Allowing any anger to slowly come to the surface helps you gain self control, you can then rise above it.  Focus and reset!

God’s Holy Spirit; His Comforter is more than able to help you…

See Part 2

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