Custom Search

There is so much turbulence and conflict about us in the world today and within our country as well. Few will readily admit it, but it is a great deal of conflict going on also within the Church. This is, resulting in further conflict surrounding many families, marriages, friendships, on the job and in the schools. Quite often many of the unhealthy dynamics simply go unaddressed. Guilt, blame and shame take the forefront. Therefore anxiety levels, anger, resentment, depression, addictions, numerous stress related illnesses and health concerns are on the rise. Due to the increasing awareness of the unfortunate declining economic status within our nation, there has been an overwhelming trickle down global effect on the world at large. There have been strings of layoffs, numerous companies closing, rapidly falling stock prices, decreasing values of 401K’s and other retirement accounts, we are in a “recession”. It has been said that the United States has been consuming more than it produces for years. It has been quoted that just in the last eight years we lost $40 Trillion of our economy. The Washington Times quotes; “Paul Volcker, former chairman of the Federal Reserve and an economic adviser to President Obama, told a congressional committee Wednesday that massive trade-related imbalances in the U.S. economy were the source of the financial crisis that has produced an ugly recession.”

There is a growing concern as to the overall quality of life worldwide. Ongoing wars, terrorists threats and due to global warming, the threat of more hurricanes, famines, floods, earthquakes and more natural disasters are all becoming of a greater concern as well. Broken families, divorces, suicides and escalating crime, all these and more factor into the overall quality of life as we know it. But should we really be surprised? In spite of it all there is still hope! If you are a believer then you must know that the Truth of God’s Word is being affirmed. Jesus has said, “You will hear, of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed, such things must happen, but the end is still to come, Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains. Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of many will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.” It is so very important to know God’s Word!

God’s Word is so wonderfully amazing! Our attitude and perception have a lot to do with how we cope in any given situation. Conflict is inevitable. The Lord really is, can, and will be a refuge in times like these. Although a growing concern is warranted. God is able! “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear.” God’s people should always look to Him, especially when it seems as though the world is coming apart. On many occasions even within His Church the ways of the world have been embraced. But this is nothing new. Things may even get worst before it gets better. There is much spiritual warfare about us. But don’t blame God. Our security and significance must be in Him alone! His weapons are not carnal. One must seek to not compromise His Word. During adversity with balanced faith, families grow stronger, healthy relationships are fortified when the armor of the Lord is embraced. His Word prevails! Just know God will never lead you to do anything contrary to His Word. Man from the very beginning has quite often chosen to disregard what God has said. What we are experiencing is a direct result of those consequences. But remember, “The earth is the Lords and the fullness thereof, the world and them that dwell therein…”

Begin to consider looking to God and His principles for the solution to whatever you may be going through. In Him there is always hope! When conflict arises it is so very important to consult Him. More often than not when conflict arises He is the last resort. God has given us various illustrated methods to utilize healthy confrontation. But too often pride is at the forefront and carnal methods are employed instead. I would like to share with you a tidbit from the narrative on Joseph. It is one of the many exhilarating examples you can find in the Bible: There was a “famine” or should I say “recession” in the land? Joseph was favored by the Lord and was also his father’s Israel’s favorite . Joseph had many brothers. “Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because he had been born to him in his old age; and he made a richly ornamented robe for him. When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him.”Joseph had several dreams. In one of his dreams, “the sun moon and stars bowed down to him.” His brothers were jealous of Joseph so they plotted together and sold Joseph into slavery, they called him a “dreamer.” They then slaughtered a goat, put the blood on Joseph’s robe, went home, lied and told their father that Joseph had been killed…
While a slave Joseph’s master Potiphar favored him and put him in charge of all he had. His master’s wife tried to seduce him, she in turn lied on him and he was put into prison. While in prison the Lord’s favor was with Joseph. The warden was impressed by Joseph, even here he put him in charge of everything! Joseph was able to interpret dreams. While in prison, many things happened to Joseph… One day, Pharaoh the King of Egypt was troubled and had a dream. Joseph was called; he was able to interpret his dream. The Pharaoh realized that Joseph was wise and discerning. “So Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I hereby put you in charge of the whole land of Egypt…”
A great famine came upon the land. Joseph had planned wisely and because of it there was ample food in Egypt. Joseph’s brothers lived in Canaan were there was no food. They were sent to Egypt by their father to buy grain. Guess what? When they arrived in Egypt they had to bow down to Joseph, he was now the governor. God knew way in advance what was going to take place. In spite of all Joseph’s mistreatment and adversity the Lord was still with Joseph… He finally revealed himself to his brothers. “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry for selling me here, because it was to save the lives that God sent me ahead of you. For two years now there has been a famine in the land, and for the next five years there will not be plowing and reaping. But GOD sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance…” (For the details of this amazing narrative, read Genesis 39-47) Look at God!

This is why it is important to “Be Still and know that He is God.” Knowing God and His Word helps us to discern and recognize when something is not of Him. This is why we must daily ask for the infilling presence of His Holy Spirit. God does not have to manipulate, operate undercover, nor utilize false witnesses. God is aware of everything. He is Omniscient! It is very important to know the Lord’s Word for yourself and develop an ongoing, growing, trusting, personal intimate relationship with Him. It is important to learn to, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.”

We must learn to invite God into all areas of our lives. God has a way in which to resolve conflict and confront issues that is quite different from that of the world. Remember He is a SPIRIT of TRUTH! His Word is full of seemingly impossible situations that resulted in a favorable outcome. Many who claim to be Christians continue to embrace very carnal ways to remediate behavior and seek resolutions. Many subscribe to a dual lifestyle one way at home and another way is present before the Church Community. It is important to keep in mind that God is aware of everything. He knows us from the inside out. Many really do not know nor believe that His Holy Spirit really does have Transformation power! He can and is more than able to bring about a true Metamorphosis in your life. Praise God!

Jesus Christ came so that we might live differently. Throughout His Word you will find all sorts of situations that are profoundly unfathomable. Yet He saw and will see His people through. There is a wealth of wisdom found in the Word of God that is priceless. The Pharisees was the established religious order that sought to discredit Jesus. They were intimidated by Him because He did not adhere to their legalistic practices. Spiritually they were blind. They too wanted to continue to resolve things their own way. Jesus was a living example as to what one can expect when you truly dedicate your life to Him! God knew way back then what would be going on now. “Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies: nothing you can desire can compare with her…”

Some things just will not be understood on this side of heaven. From the very beginning God had a plan for our lives. God is so gracious, loving, kind and patient. Few know what it truly means to love. God is love. Can you really love without knowing Him? He sent His only begotten Son so we could be redeemed from the power of sin. We have been given an Eternal Comforter an Internal Teacher! Even in the midst of all the turmoil that is about us His plan is still the same. If you are burdened down by the pressures and stressors of life, I have some “Good News” for you. “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30). God may not remove every burden, every difficult person or situation in your life, but you can find comfort in His Word. It is important to know His Promises! I assure you, He will and does keep all His Promises! Even in these difficult days, His Word will be “A lamp unto your feet and a Light unto your path. I have sworn and I will keep your righteous judgments…” To GOD be the GLORY!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

DeBorrah K. Ogans is a Marriage Educator, licensed Christian Counselor, Life Coach and ordained Minister. She is certified through the Sarasota Academy of Christian Counseling in Creation Therapy and holds a Master’s Degree in Biblical Clinical Counseling. She is the author of a pre-marital guide “How Do I Love Thee: Things You Need To Know Before You Say I Do,” and just released her second book “Holy Matrimony: Now That You’re Married”. DeBorrah has written extensively and has a plethora of columns and commentaries on life subjects that are widely published.

Custom Search

Custom Search

WISDOM – The Principle Thing

The Bible is full of Wisdom like no other book. Its content is alive and powerful! So much so that Hebrews 4 says “It is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to the dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight…” Now that is heavy! Wisdom is to know how to apply any acquired knowledge properly. Wisdom helps us to make better choices. Did you know that wisdom is a gift from God? Self discipline comes along with applied wisdom. The wonderful thing about God is that He always gives us the right to choose. This is why it is so important to know His Word. Before you make a choice you must first realize that there are always consequences for your choices. I wonder if we thought more about the consequences first would we make better decisions. Or would you manipulate less or not at all, just for the sake of getting your way? The Word of God talks a lot about fools and foolishness as well. There is really no need to manipulate things in order to get your way. There is no guarantee that you will still not end up with the undesired results anyhow. To desire God’s will in all things is supreme. God really does have a better way. God’s Word is simply not just something you say or repeat. It was provided for us to actually do and apply. Remember it’s active! It points us to His Way of living. God wants His Word to be “A lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path.” What does a lamp do? It brings light to the darkness. It helps us to see!

I wonder if it was really our goal to do things God’s way would there be a different outcome? Of course there would be! There is much discontentment and confusion about us. But “God is not the author of confusion.” Just look, there is plenty of preaching; teaching and seminars, yet the masses are still living in physical, mental and spiritual bondage. Sunday for many is a retreat day from their real lifestyle. Is this why God says, “Wisdom cries aloud in the streets, she raises her voice in the public squares, in the head of the public streets she cries out; in the gateways of the city she makes her speech.” Look at our cities our towns our streets our schools and yes even some of our churches. God help us! God is always speaking we just have to get better at listening. If you truly allow the Word of God to inhabit your being your desire will be to please Him. You will desire Godly wisdom in lieu of immediate self gratification. You will exercise patience rather than tolerance. God tells us to be “as wise as a serpent and as harmless as a dove.” Wisdom is necessary in order to acquire a prudent and disciplined life. Discipline will teach you to respond properly rather than to merely react. Wisdom will make you desire to do what is right, just and fair in the eyes of God. God really knows who His children are! Proverbs tells us “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.” Fools really do not respect or fear God. Actually they do quite the contrary. God always leaves a remnant of His people whose desire is to please Him. To embrace Truth rather than accept half truths and innuendos. As His child your inner desires are to be governed by His precious Holy Spirit.

Proverbs 2 tells us that “if you turn your ear to wisdom and by applying your heart to understanding and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and look for it as for silver and search for it as a hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds victory in store for the upright…”

Did you know you stop short of wisdom when you accept things for how they appear?
rather than how they really are? Don’t be deceived.

To have insight is to look beyond the surface. God’s Word tells us that “Discretion will
protect you, and understanding will guard you. Wisdom will save you from the ways of
wicked men. From those men whose words are perverse. Who leave the straight paths to walk in dark ways, who delight in doing wrong and rejoice in the perverseness of evil.”

God is so awesome! He allows things to take place for a season. But when you
truly love Him He will always work it out for your good. He says not some things but
“All things work together for good if you love Him if you are called according to His
purpose……” But is your purpose really His purpose? Are your ways really His ways?
Do you really “let this mind be in you that was also in Christ Jesus”? God really knows
and that is what really matters! Remember absolutely nothing gets by Him!

The biggest misconception today that permeates our world is that many simply do not
believe nor embrace the Truth and power of God nor His Word. In fact, today there is a right to do or say just about anything except; what God has to say. You now are
bordering on infringing on someone else’s freedom. Or better yet a rebel. When and if
you do make a sincere attempt to take a spiritual stance. You are thought of as anything but a child of God. In the eyes of your challengers, be that a believer or non believer. This is why it is important to apply Godly wisdom. Wisdom applied will give you the proper prospective and motivation. Patiently allow the Lord to direct you. You have as much time as you need to do whatever it is He requires of you. Wisdom will lead you to the path of Truth and God’s direction. Wisdom will yield peace in the midst of any and all situations when your focus is on Him.

Jesus gave up His heavenly existence with God to come live here on earth. He adorned a sinless earthen body for us! He disciplined Himself and conquered sin in the flesh for us! He lived an exemplary life for us! He died for the sins of the world for all of us! Why? So “We might have life and have it more abundantly.” He came so that whatever happens good or bad that we know that an abundant life is accessible through Him on this side of Heaven! What does abundant mean; it means plentiful. Plenty is relative. This passage of scripture is not just talking about having plenty money or things it goes much deeper. In Colossians Paul tells us that everything was spoken into existence throughJesus Christ. Did you know you really have everything you could possibly ever need once you have God in your life? He has even promised to supply “all of our needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus…” Just know that you are going to have plenty of everything, including trouble. But just remember that whenever trouble knocks; just remember to let wisdom answer. Remember to have your loins gird with Truth! Nothing is too hard for God! This is why His Word says “To trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.” Remember “the earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof the world and them that dwell therein.” God is a good God. He is truly worthy of our praise daily.

How do we get from here to where God wants us to be? We must begin to really embrace the principles of God Word. Ask your self how many times do you actually seek to resolve things God’s way? Can you say that you have really applied His principles? Or again have you simply opted to manipulation so you could have your way? No wonder things are so messed up? Or maybe not? You can have all the knowledge in the world and still not know how to come to a resolve. God wants us to have wisdom. Godly wisdom teaches you how to properly apply knowledge. Wisdom will help you to make wiser and better chooses. Life is full of many situations and scenarios. Knowing God for yourself will make all the difference in the world. There is absolutely nothing that can come between you and God, when you truly choose Jesus as your personal Savior? It’s a personal decision! Remember, God really has a better way. Trouble or nothing else can get to you unless God allows it. God’s wisdom cries aloud. God’s wisdom is not hiding somewhere over on the sidelines where we can not find it. God wants us to access His wisdom. God wants us to live a better way. God disciplines those that He loves. Remember He says that if you accept Jesus Christ as your personal Savior? Have you accepted His way? Or have you conformed to the world’s way. God wants us to walk in the light of His Word.

It is through one man Adam that sin entered this world. It is through one man in the person of Jesus Christ that sin lost its reigning power. God wants to give you His wisdom. He wants us to discipline ourselves to His way and His will. It is only by His magnificent drawing power of His precious Holy Spirit that one truly comes to Him anyway. You have a choice. You do not have to shovel His Word or His way down someone’s throat. But yes, we do have a right to present what He has to say boldly and adamantly. Know God and His Word for yourself! Psalms 19 tells us that “The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The statues of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey dripping from a honeycomb.” They warn us away from harm and give success to those who obey them. God really does answer prayer! His wisdom cries loud in the streets……… He that has an ear let him hear!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

DeBorrah K. Ogans is a Marriage Educator, licensed Christian Counselor, Life Coach and ordained Minister. She is certified through the Sarasota Academy of Christian Counseling in Creation Therapy and holds a Master’s Degree in Biblical Clinical Counseling. She is the author of a pre-marital guide “How Do I Love Thee: Things You Need To Know Before You Say I Do,” and just released her second book “Holy Matrimony: Now That You’re Married”. DeBorrah has written extensively and has a plethora of columns and commentaries on life subjects that are widely published.

Custom Search

Custom Search

Trapped In Addiction

When a person has an addiction it can be totally devastating. It not only affects the addict but anyone they come in contact with. It causes fear and insecurity to dominate the lives of their family and often friends as well. It often paralyzes them in a cesspool of co-dependency, inhibiting them from taking a lawful stand.

Intervention when properly initiated can be a catalyst for repentance in the addict. You see we don’t really like to confront problems. We tend to take the ostrich approach, burying our heads in the sand. Guess what? The problem won’t just go away. We often think of love as not making someone feel bad. (Except when it comes to punishing children) But we must be careful not to unconsciously support any wrong behavior. An addict is a devotee to whatever substance they are controlled by. They surrender their will and allow themselves to be habitually, obsessively controlled by the proclivity of their desire. Their addictive need is compulsive and they will do whatever is necessary to fulfill that need.

Buried underneath the layers is really a diamond in the rough! How ironic? God can take their faithfulness to what ever their desire is (alcohol, drugs, food, sex, dirt, etc.) and turn it too good. The process is really miraculous to watch. But it will never happen as long as we keep our head in the sand. God will not force His way. Remember their allegiance is just inappropriately designated. Do you know why it’s easy to abet them in there slow but sure death? They can appear so loving and talk about the life of the party! Who needs a party? They are a party all by themselves. They can be so compliant and giving. But right around the corner lives Mr. or Mrs. Tyrant. . They can embrace the reigns of violent and destructive behavior like sugar to an ant. Talk about a roller coaster! Except this ride is not very amusing. Living on the edge is their theme.

The deepest emptiness and a gulf of shame awaits the departure of each subsequent binge. But don’t be in total despair. There is hope. You see God really does make the difference. Just know you can’t change them. But you can and should abandon providing them a security blanket in any form. Begin to shift your focus to God. He’s the ultimate COMFORTER. He will direct your paths as you truly learn to trust HIM. Begin to develop your role as their faithful prayer intercessor. The chronic abuser allows freedom to his love ones. Freedom to know you can’t depend on them. This freedom can cause you to take on their responsibilities. Oftentimes this can cause one to reach for situations and people they can dominate just as the addict controls their life. To the other extreme, it can also cause them to look to someone who will stroke their insecurities. What a cycle! One can become enmeshed in a sea of burdens. But I’m glad there is a burden bearer. The scripture says: “take my yoke upon you and learn of me for my yoke is easy and my burdens are light”. Easier said than done huh! But it is really possible. Begin to transfer this burden to the Lord. Embrace the scriptures daily to spiritually equip you for warfare. Ephesians is a book that let’s the child of God know that you have been sealed and deliverance is at hand. The mighty weapons of God are not carnal.

You cannot change anything that has happened. Don’t overindulge yourself in a guilt trip. But don’t jump in the quicksand of denial. The noose of addiction can be broken. Jesus did not die in vain. He can resurrect any life. He can peel away the layers of sin by the cleansing power of His BLOOD. It takes only a little light to dispel the darkness. We all have sinned and fallen short of His glory. That’s’ why we need a SAVIOR. TO SAVE US FROM THE POWER OF SIN. Reach out to the Lord. He can and will be there for you TWENTY/ FOUR / SEVEN.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

DeBorrah K. Ogans is a Marriage Educator, licensed Christian Counselor, Life Coach and ordained Minister. She is certified through the Sarasota Academy of Christian Counseling in Creation Therapy and holds a Master’s Degree in Biblical Clinical Counseling. She is the author of a pre-marital guide “How Do I Love Thee: Things You Need To Know Before You Say I Do,” and just released her second book “Holy Matrimony: Now That You’re Married”. DeBorrah has written extensively and has a plethora of columns and commentaries on life subjects that are widely published.

Custom Search

Custom Search

Spending time with God is one of the most important things you can do. If you read the Scriptures you will find that even Jesus often took time alone to spend with the FATHER! Spending time with God will help you how to respond properly or not to respond at all to others. Spending time with Him yields patience and understanding. The wonderful thing about God is that He has provided so many ways to continually enhance our personal relationship with Him. He has given us His Holy Spirit to lead and guide us to all truth! He has given us His Holy Word to teach us and equip us to do whatever He has planned for our lives. He has even provided spiritual armor to protect us from evil. To even tell us when we are right or wrong! His Word also gives us directions as to what not to do! His Word teaches us how and when to stand in the midst of spiritual warfare! The scripture tell us “trust in the Lord will all thine heart and lean not to your own understanding, in all thy ways acknowledge Him and He will direct our paths.” He has given us His precious Son Jesus, who will be your personal Savior once you truly invite Him into your heart. It is in Him you will always find victory!

The book of Galatians clearly tells us; “Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh, and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.” Christ lived a sinless life! Christ became flesh! He conquered sin in the flesh so He could be our example! He died for us! He did not die for us to continue to make excuses for our shortcomings. When we accept Him as Lord and Savior we are able to rely on Him to “save us from the power of sin in our life”. A truly dedicated life to God will result in an increased ability to exercise self-control! Spending time with God will help you to discern between good and evil. To be as “wise as a serpent and as harmless as a dove!” God is aware of everything. He is omniscient! It does not matter how things appear or seem. Neither does it matter when everyone else pretends everything is okay when something is terribly wrong! God knows how things really are! In the midst of a declining world you can still enjoy a wholesome clean life. Spending time with God will also teach and direct you how to be a good steward of the things and people He entrusts to your care! His Word also tells us “He will supply all of your needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus! God is a Spirit of TRUTH!

Paul also warns us of false teachings. Spending time with God will help you recognize those who pervert the Gospel of Christ! He even goes so far to tell us that they use it for a license of licentiousness. Which merely means to excuse their loose behavior? He tells us to not receive the message regardless of the person or position. I encourage you to study God’s Word. Listen closely when some one says they have a message from God. Allow the Holy Spirit to sift its contents and validate its Truth. Just ask yourself how often did Jesus talk about how many horses or chariots someone had? How many suits of clothing did Joseph, Priscilla and Aquilla or anyone else for that matter possess? How much money it took to feed the multitudes? I don’t think that Jesus told the woman at the well that He “loved her and all of her faults”. He told her “TO GO AND SIN NO MORE!” Furthermore are you spiritually enriched by the message? Have you been provoked to good works or spiritual growth? Or do you just continue to feel content in disobedience?

Jesus said “If you abide in My Word, you are my disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and truth shall make you free.” Jesus also tells us in His Word; “whoever commits sin is a slave to sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free you shall be free indeed.” The point that I am trying to make is Christ died to make us free! Spending time with God will give you freedom! We must commence embracing a Christ centered life! Christ took back the power the enemy stole! God’s Word really is “a lamp unto our feet and a light unto out path.” Paul goes further to say “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let Him be accursed.” There is much spiritual warfare about us! This is really not a game! We are living in the perilous times that the bible talks about! Please do not settle for a life that pleases man. Commence to really put God first in your life! Man’s approval is not necessary to accomplish God’s will in your life. He will and can make your path straight! God is the source of everything you possibly need to accomplish whatever He has for you to do.

Spending time with God will yield much peace. It will also consecrate your heart and your conscious! God will teach you how to guard your heart! You see God is a Spirit of Truth! I am thankful for His presence in my life! The devil is the father of lies! Deception and trickery are not a part of God’s fruit. Many are greatly deceived. I encourage you to spend some time reading Exodus. It is fear-provoking to know how much time they spent consecrating themselves for worship. They had reverence and deep respect for God. Worshipping God was sacred! Today it is not necessary for many. Many see worship as a time for them to “stand up for their gifts.” In times past God’s presence was earnestly welcomed. God is all knowing! God is truly Holy! God said that the true worshippers “worship Him in Spirit and in TRUTH!” I thank Him that I can freely lift my hands to thank and praise Him for the freedom He has given me.

Spending time with God will teach you how to properly navigate through this world of sin! Spending time with Jesus allows you to be calm in the midst of spiritual warfare. Jesus quite often did not respond to His accusers! You see many times just enough detail was omitted to prohibit the real truth from coming out. They sought to discredit His sincerity. More often than not a one sided story was and is embraced as truth! God is Light in Him is no darkness. “Perfect Love casts out all fear!” Just know it is more important what God knows rather than what others think! We must stand for the TRUTH! Jude tells us to contend for the faith! We must measure what is being taught against the Word of God. There are many false teachers who are misleading those who really need to hear the Gospel! He tells us “ these are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts, and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage. But you beloved remember the words which were spoken before the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; how they told you that their would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts. These are sensual persons who cause division, not having the Spirit.” Jude ends telling us “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding JOY!”

It is very easy to become attached to a spiritual leader. When one has helped you it is natural to feel loyalty. Especially when you have confided in them. Paul warns us against having such pride in our favorite leaders that causes divisions in the church. The Corinthian Church for an example was a very carnal church. It continually indulged in the immorality that was practiced culturally. The culture of that day embraced a temple of prostitution. The Corinthians needed specific instructions because of their immoral standards. Paul tells us “the body is not meant for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.” It was because of their carnality that Paul continuously warned them! It is spiritually dangerous to create an environment that embraces sin and labels it unconditional love. That really worships God in flesh and half truths!

Paul encourages us to imitate Christ because He himself spent time with God and walked closely with Him. I would like to encourage you to commit to spend at least 10 minutes of time alone with God each day! Just you and God with no distractions! Learn how to “ Be still and Know”. Start your personal devotion with prayer & Thanksgiving to give you the proper focus. Then just quietly discipline yourself to listen. To be still. Watch how someone or something tries to distract you. Please do not give up. (You see the enemy is so clever at distracting you.) Remember the idea is to exercise discipline. Increase your time gradually with God. This will also enhance your personal Bible Study time. I assure you any burden you might have will begin to lift. You see God really is a burden bearer. Honoring God by spending time with Him will give you direction. You cannot change anything that has happened but you can begin to really “walk in the light.” End your time Thanking Him for all He has done. Remember when you pray you must obey. To Love God is to obey Him! God’s Word is true!

We too must stand on the Word of God even when we are called anything but a child of God! Spending time with God and obeying His commandments will free you from sinful strongholds! I am thankful that God has provided us with many gifted men and women of God who are committed to spreading the true Gospel! They take seriously their responsibility to present Biblical Truth. A true spiritual leader is a representative of Christ. and has nothing to offer that God has not already given him or her! Loyalty should not cause strife, or slander. The truth can disable slander! God really is a Spirit of Truth! Our deepest loyalties should be to Christ and not to human agents! Those who spend more time debating the importance of church leadership than declaring Christ’s message don’t have Christ as their first priority. God’s Word clearly tells us “that we should not go beyond what is written. Spending time with God will cause you to attach yourself to God, rather than a spiritual leader. Commence to spend time with God “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not to thine own understanding in all thy ways acknowledge HIM and HE shall direct your path”. When you spend time with God you shall know the TRUTH, and the TRUTH shall make you free!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

DeBorrah K. Ogans is a Marriage Educator, licensed Christian Counselor, Life Coach and ordained Minister. She is certified through the Sarasota Academy of Christian Counseling in Creation Therapy and holds a Master’s Degree in Biblical Clinical Counseling. She is the author of a pre-marital guide “How Do I Love Thee: Things You Need To Know Before You Say I Do,” and just released her second book “Holy Matrimony: Now That You’re Married”. DeBorrah has written extensively and has a plethora of columns and commentaries on life subjects that are widely published.

Custom Search

Just say you are saved. You don’t really have to mean it. If you just say it, this will be sufficient. We just say things all of the time. We go through the formality. “Good morning!” “Good evening!” “How are you?” Is it really a good morning or evening? Do you really want to know how the person is doing? We often adopt behaviors that appear to be socially accepted. But they are often quite superficial. No, I’m not saying that every time you see someone just give them an in-depth historical oration of your current list of woes. The point I’m trying to make is that just saying something doesn’t mean it’s so! When we accept Christ as our personal Savior it means we invite Him into our lives. His presence of light shines on the darkness in our life and allows us the opportunity to draw close to Him or to choose to stay in darkness. Often we establish unhealthy patterns in our lives. We don’t really want to change we just want someone or something to make us feel good. “Behold the Lord’s hand is not shortened that it cannot save, neither His ear heavy, it cannot hear; But your iniquities (sins) have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you, that He will not hear. For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness.” (Isaiah 59:1-3) Breaking patterns can be painful.

Why do we need a Savior? The world is full of evilness. It wants to pull you in anyway it can. We are in the world but we are not supposed to be of the world. When Jesus Christ is Lord of your life you can access His power. He has the power to save us from the unhealthy patterns and pitfalls of sin that besets us. Let’s get it straight! The Comforter is not to keep us comfortable in sin. It is not a blanket (excuse my pun) to cover any abject behavior. So help me understand why it is socially acceptable within the Christian lifestyle to say anything, do anything and live any kind of way and still say “I’M SAVED”. Well I am sorry, but the scripture says “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Romans 10:9-10). Webster says to believe means to have a firm conviction as to the goodness of something. Romans says with the heart man believeth unto righteousness. I guess doing what I think is right is righteousness? WRONG!

We sing that we are soldiers. But what kind of armor does the Lord tell us to wear that you may be able to withstand in the evil day? Your loins are to be girded with truth. No it’s okay to believe anything anybody says especially those who say and do anything anywhere! You are to wear the breastplate of righteousness. But you hold it up with adultery and fornication. Your feet shod with peace. But I will cut you up or punch you out anywhere anytime. But above all that I will take the shield of faith and hide, alcoholism, drug addiction, covetousness……and trust I can quench the fiery darts of the wicked. Then to top it off I’ll put on the helmet of salvation. When I say I have salvation I’m safe. I don’t think so! This may seem a bit sarcastic but it’s frightening to think one supposes he can prepare for spiritual warfare and not adorn the true spiritual armor. After all just say you are saved. The word of the SPIRIT which is the WORD will clean you up and prepare you for spiritual battle. It is only through a personal relationship with JESUS and He is the WORD wrapped in flesh; that you can overcome sin, anything or anybody that comes against you in the world. Don’t think for a minute you are not vulnerable to the attacks of the enemy. The enemy in this battle is so clever that he will try to make you comfortable in your sins. He will try to tell you loving you is giving you what you want and making excuses for your shortcomings. This kind of love (which really isn’t love) will kill you. By the way he never takes responsibility for his actions. He always tries to distract you by saying, if you just give me this or if you would just do that I wouldn’t be in this mess. Spiritual warfare is about taking a stand. But for assured success it must be on the WORD of GOD!

Jeremiah was a prophet who stood amidst some dark days. The Lord told him; “Be not afraid of their faces; for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord. Then the Lord put forth His hand and touched my mouth. And the Lord said unto me, Behold I have put my words in thy mouth. See I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.” Jeremiah 1:8-10) Did you know Jesus was mistaken for the gardener upon His resurrection? (John 20:15) We must address the garden of sin in our lives. We must root up the things that GOD does not consider righteous. Our belief in Him (according to Romans) should result in righteousness. Jesus is coming back! But we won’t be able to mistake Him for the gardener. He has provided us HIS WORD to clean us up. Don’t be safe, be SAVED. He is coming back for HIS church without SPOT OR WRINKLE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

DeBorrah K. Ogans is a Marriage Educator, licensed Christian Counselor, Life Coach and ordained Minister. She is certified through the Sarasota Academy of Christian Counseling in Creation Therapy and holds a Master’s Degree in Biblical Clinical Counseling. She is the author of a pre-marital guide “How Do I Love Thee: Things You Need To Know Before You Say I Do,” and just released her second book “Holy Matrimony: Now That You’re Married”. DeBorrah has written extensively and has a plethora of columns and commentaries on life subjects that are widely published.

Custom Search

Prescription for How To Be Blessed

Did you know that a physician could write you a prescription for just about any type of medication? It could be for anything as slight as a minor headache. Perhaps you cannot sleep at night. Maybe you are depressed or just stressed out. Then again perhaps you need pain medication that will soothe you after major surgery. There’s nothing wrong with doctors or medicine. They are often used as tools in part of the Lord’s healing process. But they can’t heal your soul. We often say that God is a doctor in the sick room, a lawyer in the courtroom, He is water…God is much much more than we in our little finite minds can ever conceive! Do you want to be blessed and I mean really blessed? I want to share with you the prescription that will help you weather the tempestuous storms of life. I often recommend the 1st Psalms as a prescription to be blessed by. God’s Word actually is water to your soul when you truly thirst after righteousness. Doctors practice. God heals! God’s Word is the only sure thing in this world. I urge you please take a full dosage of His Word. It does wonders for the soul!

“Blessed is the man that walked not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners nor, sitteth in the seat of the scornful.”

To be blessed refers to a deep peace, joy and contentment that only comes from God. True Godly counsel is rooted in scripture. When anyone encourages you or makes you comfortable in sin be careful. Misguided Christians can sometimes give ungodly counsel. John as Jesus’ forerunner did not continuously cry Repent! Repent! for no reason. When someone chooses to continue in sin don’t stand in his or her way. In your sincere attempts to help them there is a great chance they will only begin to blame you for their unhappiness. Remember them in prayer.

“But His delight is in the law of the Lord and in his law does he meditate both day and night. He shall be like a tree that is planteth by the rivers of water bringing forth fruit in His season. His leaves shall not wither but whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”

God’s Word is the absolute truth. The Holy Spirit will lead guide and direct you when you sincerely desire to understand His WORD. You should find delight in God’s Word even it shows you that you are in error. Be thankful! The truth really does set you free! Allow His Word to quench your spiritual thirst. The tree that is planted close to the river has deep roots. Although the winds may toss it to and fro it can weather the storms of life. Faithfully allow His Word to flow through your heart. The Lord promises that in the proper season fruit will be brought forth. You will prosper in whatever you do.

” The ungodly are not so but are like the chaff that the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgement nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous and the way of the ungodly shall perish.”

The chaff is the stalk of the grain from which the kernels have been beaten out. Study God’s Word to the point that you are secure in your relationship with Him. Don’t just settle for what someone else has to say. Develop an intimate personal relationship with him. Once you are saved it is to righteousness. You are no longer a sinner. You have been declared righteous through the grace of God. Did you know that Christians are the saints of God? “For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin: that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.” II Corinthians 5:21. You are now a child of God! Your body is the temple of God He dwells within His children! We as His children are His Church. The Church is His Bride! Sinners won’t be able to stand in the congregation of the righteous. Don’t be conformed to the ways of the world! Be transformed by the renewing of your mind. This will allow you to prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. God is totally aware of everything that goes on. God tells us to avoid those who cause contentions. God will teach you how to guard your heart. Let Him be your defense. What is hidden in the dark will eventually come to the light. We live in a time when evil is called good and good is called evil. Don’t fret because of evil doers. Just know in God’s time he will take care of the ungodly. Just know there are no ungodly people in heaven.

God is our Creator. The world is our temporary place of habitation. It is literally a cesspool of sin. God has given us His Word that has every prescription to heal whatever ails your soul. If you need guidance he will lead you. Just trust Him with all your heart. Jude tells us to contend for the faith. Sodom and Gomorrah really were destroyed because of their immorality. God is able to keep you from falling. Did you know that with God nothing is impossible?

Just know that there is nothing new under the sun. Noah and his family were provided an ark for safety during the flood. When Moses was still just a little babe God provided a basket that delivered him to safety. He lived in the palace for 40 years this prepared him to lead God’s people. The Lord’s presence in the form of a cloud guided Moses when he led the children of Egypt in the wilderness. David slew Goliath with a few smooth stones. Ravens fed Elijah. Jesus fed over 5,000 with a two fish and five loaves of bread. The disciples lacked nothing! This is just a few of the plethora of examples in the scriptures that illustrate that God will take care of you. Don’t’ you want to be blessed?

Jesus is preparing a place for us after we leave here where we will live with Him forever. I recommend you begin to make it a point to allow God’s will to be done in your life. Get to know Him now don’t let Him be a stranger. Especially if you plan on living with Him eternally! Did you know your life belongs to Him? Do you think you are fulfilling His purpose for your life? What we do with our life is our gift to Him!

God’s children are supposed to be the light of this dark sinful world. We must stop compromising. It only takes a little light to dispel darkness. I encourage you to feast on the delights of His Word. Don’t just read for the sake of reading. Read to satisfy whatever longing your soul craves. Commence to praise Him everyday and seek His direction! Allow the Holy Spirit to prescribe a daily prescription of His Word. It is guaranteed that you will be blessed if you meditate on His Word day and night. By the way don’t forget to not walk in the council of the ungodly.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

DeBorrah K. Ogans is a Marriage Educator, licensed Christian Counselor, Life Coach and ordained Minister. She is certified through the Sarasota Academy of Christian Counseling in Creation Therapy and holds a Master’s Degree in Biblical Clinical Counseling. She is the author of a pre-marital guide “How Do I Love Thee: Things You Need To Know Before You Say I Do,” and just released her second book “Holy Matrimony: Now That You’re Married”. DeBorrah has written extensively and has a plethora of columns and commentaries on life subjects that are widely published.

Custom Search