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/

True Beauty Comes From Within Part 3

Your true innate beauty is a marvelous gift from the Lord. It comes forth from a cavernously vast inner depth. Here you are encouraged to live life to the fullest with purpose. God has placed within our souls a void that only He can fill. So, make it a top priority to get to know God intimately. Life with the Lord becomes a wonderful journey. Always strive to be the “Best You with God by your side!” Then whatever comes your way instead of crumbling when adversity arises, life will thrust you to delve deeper in the Lord.

God is utterly amazing. I can never say enough God things about the Lord! He can provide a marvelously blessed sure unshakeable sound “Solid Rock” foundation.

When you have God in your life and a crisis arises you are better able to momentarily journey within and ponder. When you seek him diligently He will reveal your path forward. Always seek the “Will & Way” of the Lord above all others. Be patient, because this requires a walk of faith. Your faith will help you shake off any doubt, anxiety or fear. Trust comes to the forefront. ( Be prayerful and selective from whom you receive your spiritual counsel… ) You won’t have to act happy; because you can be happy. You can also be disappointed at times but this does not become the theme of your life. You assess the situation and are able to bounce back… The LORD will HELP you to become resilient! Your desire to respond properly then naturally emerges. You will then embark upon a quest to rise to the occasion and seek a favorable resolve to persevere. Self-control is a marvelous virtue.

True Beauty goes far beyond the surface. Yes, we can wear beautiful clothes but that does not make us beautiful. It is merely a preferred style of clothing we select to cover our bodies. It’s your choice but be mindful of the message you are sending… Ladies not everyone needs to see your jewels. So be mindful of those low necklines as well as those extra short hemlines. Be mindful how tight you wear your clothes as well. This is true regardless of your size.

What message are you sending in wearing your clothes extra skin tight? Now if you are going deep sea diving of course that is quite appropriate. Of course it is always your choice? Being classy and discrete is far better. As you age do so gracefully… This varies depending on the individual. Classic designs don’t tend to be trendy. There is a vast assortment of fabrics and styles to cover yourself tastefully… That allow you the freedom to express you. In this day and age people wear some of everything everywhere. To be fashionable nowadays some even buy torn up clothes to wear. Go figure? So don’t dress for other people.

Nor should you live for other people. If you really want to truly be happy, live each day to please God. Then you will not so readily jump to conform to everything and everyone. The Word of God is powerful it transforms your mind from the inside out. Learn to be comfortable in your own skin. It is wise to dress for the season, the weather or the occasion and how you feel. Each of us have or should develop our own personal style.

Our body is a human temple that temporarily houses our souls. We have the freedom to artistically express ourselves outwardly and inwardly. What is really most beautiful is when we are adorned with the spiritual armor of the Lord regardless as to what we put on. It helps us to protect who we are in the Lord from the environment and others. Instead of conforming to this world our minds are renewed and transformed by His Word. Your senses are sharpened. This then reflects His presence within our lives. It also helps to deflect all the fiery darts that are often thrown at us. Always be aware that God is totally aware of what’s going on…

Guess what when people talk behind your back? They are talking in front of God! Be willing to stand upon God’s principles regardless as to what they say or don’t say. God does not consult people to determine how He wants to bless us… Always keep in mind who’s you are; we serve and omniscient God. He will show you what to do and what not to do. Listen more to Him and less to them. God is true to His Word. Know without doubt; God always takes care of His own.

True beauty is not worn it cannot be put on nor taken off. It is from this rich place deep inside from which a wellspring comes forth. Here one discovers and retrieves the veiled beauty that has been pre-positioned in one’s soul.

I believe as a woman you should remain strong yet feminine. There should be no confusion to your gender or identity in the Lord! Men and women are different yet of equal value.  Yet there is a unique inner beauty in both. It is a wonderful thing being a woman or a man who knows the Lord! There is nothing to compare to it. It is within the depths of our soul one can encounter this precious internal, eternal spiritual fountain. From here springs forth godly wisdom and understanding which emits the deeper beauty that has been coded into our souls by our Creator. It was knitted into us before we were even in our mother’s wound.

Each of us are uniquely created

God has made us tri-dimensionally. We are body, mind and soul. We are created in His image. God has given each of us an innate temperament. No two of us are alike. So don’t be a chameleon. There is a reason why we are not comfortable just any and everywhere. Please don’t follow the crowd. God did not make us to fit in everywhere and with everybody.

“For you created my inner most being, you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. ALL the days for me were ordained…” Psalm 139

Yes, there is also a surface beauty that one can see but sometimes you will find that it does not always go very deep. Learn to spend some quiet time in the presence of the Lord. Momentarily from time to time deny yourself spending time in the world. This will increase your objectivity as well as sharpen your discernment. Then notice how when you are in the world, look around and you will see things more clearly that you had not paid much attention to.

Don’t let others control you by remote and push your buttons. Learn to respond rather than to impulsively react. When you do this, you are not suppressing how you feel. You are simply putting yourself in check. You are exercising self-control.

In times like these you do want to be cognizant of what is going on around at all times. Truly we are in the “Last Days” and some of anything and everything is going everywhere. Nothing is no longer sacred to many… You also want to be aware of what is being said to you or around you. Proceed with caution whenever necessary.

The hardest thing for some people to do is be quiet and still. They will often speak without thinking it through. Or purposefully say things to attempt to set you off. They can at times even get physical… This is the case when discipline is not yet embedded into the essence of one’s soul. They have to work harder at learning how to discipline themselves. But praise be to Christ Jesus with HIM; “ALL things are possible!”

I Peter says, that in order for our beauty not to fade away it has to come from our “ inner self, the unfading beauty of a quiet gentle spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” This does not mean one has to become silent or passive, nor a doormat, but rather it is a quite proactive mode. Nor does it mean that as a woman you have to be loud, argumentative and abrasive.  Know, that quite often under those tough harsh, hard  exterior veneers there is a very fragile soul.

Yes, the Lord wants us to be observant of what is going on around us. HIS WORD teaches us “to observe all things…” But know without doubt; we don’t have to fear when we know HE IS WITH US.

Your true  “security & significance”  comes from a deep place that yields natural discipline and self-control. It is a gift from the Lord. As long as the Lord has us on this side of Heaven it is to grow. Although we must suffer and be misundertood from time to time know that God is always working in our favor. It is when we put our hope and trust in the Lord we can discover the true beauty that is deep within us. This beauty yields an inner glowing resiliency. God always wants to take us to deeper depths and higher heights in Him. Grace, Joy & Peace are a part of the “Fruit of His Spirit!”  

Reflected within our lives and upon the countenance of our faces is the hope of assured Victory in Christ Jesus! “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are attentive to their prayers…” Occasionally take some time away from everything and look deep within. Seek God’s approval over the approval of others… Your best rewards will always come from Him. God knows absolutely everything about all of us. It is utterly amazing what God will show you. It is important to learn to yield to the will of the Lord. He will never ask us to do anything that goes against His Word! God is infinite our finite minds cannot fully comprehend the depth of His vastness. He truly is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He is the Alpha & Omega the Beginning & the End. Above Him is no other. In Him you can discover everything that you will ever need.

Always remember; “it is in Him we live and move and have our being…”  WOW!!!

Each day is a precious “Gift” from the Lord! “Draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh to you…” Live and strive to become all the Lord has created you to be. God is absolutely “AWEWONDERFUL!” God truly wants to be a part of every area of our lives. Embrace His Word with passion continually pressing onward and upward. God’s Word will make you think spiritually. He is the Sustainer & Giver of life. Seek to live to patiently grow in His grace and thrive knowing that He will never leave nor forsake you.

Life is but a vapor. Time is valuable. So spend less time in foolishness or in regrets. Make spending time with the Lord a priority. Learn to; “… Be in the world but not of the world …” Take a Spiritual bath in His Word regularly. This is how you get clean from the inside out. This way you can realistically live each day prepared for life as though you are expecting Christ Jesus to return at any moment. Begin to genuinely embrace and apply the Truth of His Word daily within your life.  God will  in turn continuously marvelously make mold and shape you from the inside out into all He has created you to be. “Rejoice in the Lord Always!” Praise and thank the Lord daily. Truly; He can and will keep you on the “Narrow Path” that leads to Him.

Yes indeed, always remember: “True Beauty Comes From Within!”

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/