Grief – (Grieving Is Emotionally Painful) Part 2

 

GOD’S JOY IS AVAILABLE!

There is always “HOPE” in the Lord! For our Lord is available 24/7 wherever you may be. God’s joy is not contingent upon the approval of others or on our situation. God is omnipotent therefore He is more than able. It is written: “Draw nigh to GOD and HE will draw nigh to you!”  James 4 We can always and forever  depend upon God and His Word. “And you shall know the TRUTH and the TRUTH shall set you FREE!” John 8 Always remember; GOD IS THE “SPIRIT OF TRUTH!”

 

You can experience GOD’S  JOY!

 

Joy runs deep when you know that God is your source of strength. Joy is a by product of focusing on God which will or can give you a wonderful peaceful sense of well-being. When you spend time daily in prayer, praising and studying God’s Word I guarantee you, you will experience great joy! It will give you a different perspective in your time of need.

 

You can overcome any adversity

The Apostle Paul endured many adversities. Yet he chose to use those adversities to develop a deeper relationship with the Lord. Paul did not seek to be elevated by a title although he had every right to pull rank on the religious hierarchy. God’s grace was fully sufficient for Paul. Paul grasped something that few people ever really understand or attain. Paul delighted and found joy in the Lord regardless of what was going on about him. From an outward appearance this was not always apparent to his onlookers. Paul and Silas together sang and prayed so fervently that even the doors to prison were opened for them. This is one of the many examples of the difference God makes when we invite HIM into our lives.

 

We serve an Omnipresent Almighty GOD!

God’s presence and comfort is near and dear. God is never far from any of us. Believing, knowing and actually applying God’s Word will transform your mind to think spiritually when faced with grief or any trial or situation that comes into your life.   Now this does not mean being in denial; quite the contrary. Knowing the Truth is so very powerful. It increases your discernment!

 

Man looks on the outside. God looks at the heart. According to God’s Word spiritual things can not be understood by the natural or carnal man. There are those who think so carnally you have to proceed with caution. There is a reason why the Word says; “lay your hands on no man suddenly…” There is a spiritual transference when laying on hands. Be careful who you let lay hands on you. Anger begats anger & Peace begats peace. The Laying on of hands is NOT for show. The power of suggestion is real and some will respond simply because they are easily led.

 

It is so very important to KNOW GOD & HIS WORD for yourself! Seeking the Truth brings Light into our lives. Quickly release the things that are not true. This also allows less room for any darkness to penetrate the Spiritual Armor. Allow God’s Light to shine in your heart, mind and soul in the midst of grief.  Know that the The Kingdom of God resides within the committed believer. Luke 17  Therefore regularly take some time to;  “Be still and know!”  Let God direct and comfort you. His Holy Spirit is the Awesome Comforter. God’s Word will be a Light unto your path in every situation. Through Christ Jesus we have been blessed with the opportunity to overcome life as we live to please God.

 

It is written;

God’s Word says; “Now this I say, brethren that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I tell you a mystery: we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has out on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: Death is swallowed up in victory…” Revelation 15: 50-55.

 

CHRIST JESUS conquered life, sin, death and the grave!

Yes we all will experience grief to some extent within our lifetime.  But remember when a believer dies he/she goes to Heaven. As a believer although it is an enemy, death is not to be feared. Nor is it  something anyone should choose as an option.  Our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus conquered life, sin, death, and the grave for us.  He sacrificed His life and atoned for the sins of the world.  We are to reach to HIM! We have been given the gift of “Eternal Life.”   We who truly believe and have  accepted Jesus into our hearts have been blessed.  We will  transition this  earth to live with God in Heaven throughout eternity.  Romans 8 emphatically teaches us, there is absolutely nothing that can separate us from the love of God, not even death. God is awesome!

 

We will never fully understand many things. There are daily many world wide tragedies about us. God said that before the end of time many will be deceived and believe a lie. That many would take pleasure in unrighteousness.

 

The Perilous Days are upon  us

In these “Latter Days” the Scriptures are being fulfilled. Many all throughout the world are grieving the loss of love ones daily.  Due to the Coronavirus and other pestilences and plagues,  death, diseases, suicide, violence, crime, terrorist attacks, war, hurricanes, floods, fierce monsoon rains and furious tsunamis. Millions have died.

 

Just imagine what the original flood was like. God is speaking. WE all must ge better at listening.  Keep in mind we know through God’s Word that the end of time as we know it will not be via water. It will be by fire!

 

God sets the rainbow in the sky as a reminder of His promise. He reminds us by this that He will not destroy the world again with a flood. We also know that God is fully aware of everything that ever happens everywhere in the world. We serve a miracle working God!  He is more than able. God has promised that He would always be with us.

 

Knowing and focusing on God during your grief or any other difficult situation you may be going through will result favorably. It may not always be easy for you. But, by exercising self-control and reaching out to God it is possible. This does not mean you will not be hurt, saddened, cry or feel abandoned. It is how you feel that let’s you know you are alive.  You may even  choose to walk away from God. But please know: “God will never forsake us!”  So come what may; hold on to Him.

 

Wherever we are we can always reach out to God 

God already knows our hearts.  He is well acquainted with grief. Therefore, daily begin to partake in His spiritual fruit. The fruit of God’s Spirit are accessible. Self control will help you not to be controlled by your thinking, despair, others  or feelings. God’s Word tells us we can even be angry yet not sin. We must yearn to yield to God’s way of reacting and responding. One never knows what a day may bring. But we do know that GOD is OMNIPRESENT! We can always and forever reach out to HIM anywhere 24/7! It is in HIM lone can we always & forever find true “Security & Significance!”

 

Every Word of God is true. One must only learn how to use and properly implement it and  apply it wisely.  It is our spiritual sword that is sharper than a two edged sowrd. It cuts both ways. Wisdom comes from God.

 

I thank & Praise the Lord that we have the victory even in death. How is that? Remember; Christ Jesus has overcome death and the grave. He atoned for the sins of the world upon the cross. He was crucified, died and was buried. Then He miraculously rose with all power!

 

Begin thinking and looking at life  from a spiritual perspective. God’s children are the “apple of His eye.” God loved us so much that He allowed His only begotten Son to die for us. God is so much more than our little finite minds can imagine. God wants to walk with you through this valley of the shadow of death. He always wants us to be victorious when we are walking in TRUTH!

 

We serve an Omniscient  Almighty GOD

Nothing ever happens in any of our lives and in the world that gets by God. God our Father and Creator ultimately  always has everything under His control! Carefully read the biblical history of Job. This is why it is so very important to accept “Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior!” Jesus is the only door to heaven. God’s Word tells us that there is no other name by which you can be saved.

 

“It is written;

“As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has on those who fear him; for He knows how we are formed, He remembers that we are dust.

As for a man/woman his/her days are like grass, he/she flourishes like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it  and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. 

But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear Him, and His righteousness with their children’ s  children- with those who keeps His Covenant. and remember to obey His precepts.  The Lord has established His throne in Heaven, and His Kingdom rules over all…” PSALM 103 NIV

 

However, you must accept Jesus into your heart if you plan to spend eternity with God.  He is the only  Door to God and there is no other way to heaven. Living out loud His Word daily will give you the strength to go through this valley of the shadow of death. We can be or become confident in God’s Word!  You can learn to “Walk by Faith!” God has showed us what is good and what He requires of us.  And that it is the whole  duty of man/woman to; “Do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.”  Micah 6

 

 

Grief is natural

Life here on earth is just a mere passage way to our soul’s eternal resting place. Grief is natural. You have a right to be sad. You have a right to cry and grieve.  But you do not have to live here. You can  find comfort in the Lord.  The Valley of the Shadow of death is real. But allow the Lord to take you through  your grief not stay there forever.  Stay in touch with all your feelings.  But, don’t let them rob you from embracing and reminiscing upon the precious memories  you shared with your love one.  Allow room for joy and peace. Let this motivate you to live life to its fullest in an even better way.

 

Time is precious!  Therefore moving forward it is important not to take it for granted. Yes initially there is a period of heaviness that might dwell with you.  But daily learn to give your heavy Lord over to the Lord.  Yes, you may still sometimes or annually experience this grief  as well.  Grief is experienced differently by  each individual. At times it comes in waves.  It can creep up on you. It happens randomly. But allow the precious moments in as well. 

 

 

Invite the presence of the Lord all around you

When your heart is heavy freely cry and release your emotions.  Get you a soft comfy pillow and turn on some good Gospel Music and let it rip. Let the tears go.  But, also try singing, praying, praising and or giving thanks to God. Try just being still.   Don’t run! Invite the presence of the Lord around you.  Now take some time and  meditate upon  the Word.

 

Now you are ready to freely dwell upon the great moments and happy times you have shared with your love one. People do not belong to us they are not ours to keep. When the appointed time comes to transition this life we must release them back to the Lord. Remember how God has blessed you. Be Patient. Know with the Lord there will always be more time with them who believe in Him on the other side of Heaven. There will be a ” Sweet Heavenly Reunion.” They are in fact; ” absent from the body, but present with the Lord.”  But know; This is only true  if they accepted Christ Jesus into their hearts as their Lord and Savior.

 

If your love one did not believe grieve and intercede for their soul perhaps in those lasts moments they actually accepted Christ Jesus into their heart.  You  never know how your life impacted their life.  This will also help you to stay focus on Him instead of your grief or situation at hand as you place them in the Lord’s hand. Your security and significance must rely upon God who is the amazing incredible  “Solid Rock Foundation!” For He is greater than anything that will ever happen within our lives.

 

We never know what each day may bring. We are living in perilous times and some of everything is happening and will happen. Living for God is not just a Sunday thing. It is a daily lifestyle. We the people are His Church. Our body is the Temple where HIS HOLY SPIRIT  resides. We are supposed to live each day as though we are really expecting our Lord to return. Daily welcome His infilling presence within you and all around you!

 

Salvation is truly God’s wonderful plan for us. God extends salvation to all that sincerely accept Jesus Christ into their hearts as Savior and Lord.  One must truly believe, for Jesus Christ is the “Door ” to heaven.   “JESUS saith unto him, I am the WAY the TRUTH ad the LIFE: no man cometh unto the FATHER; but by ME.”  John 14  This is key to unlocking your faith & trust in the Lord.   For this secures our heavenly residence with the Lord. He can give us hope in the midst of grief, death, persecution and longsuffering. Truly deliverance from all evil is possible.  YES LORD! THANK YOU FATHER GOD FOR YOUR  PRECIOUS HOLY SPIRIT!

 

“But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, but beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you to salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ…” Thessalonians 2: 13-14.

 

 

GOD WILL GET YOU THROUGH THIS!

This is why His Word says in everything give thanks. God di not say that life would always be easy.  Regardless how things look; there is always & forever HOPE in the LORD!  GOD is strong, sovereign and mighty.  Above HIM there is no other. GOD CAN bring you through this. Lean on the Lord and keep believing and trusting in Him.  Let Him lead you upon the Path of Righteousness for His Name sake.  For He is more than able. Again do invite the presence of the Lord all around you.  Spend time with the Lord in His Word. FOR ONLY GOD CAN GIVE YOU HIS PEACE THAT SURPASSES THE UNDERSTANDING of Man/Woman.

 

GOD IS HOLY! HE IS A GREAT GOD.  “PRAY WITHOUT CEASING” all throughout your day. This helps you learn how to keep your focus upon GOD.   CALL UPON JESUS &  YES EVERYDAY; PRAISE HIM & BLESS HIS HOLY NAME!

Getting Your Joy Back! Part 1

Do you want to hear what God has say?  Spend some time in His Word! 

 

 

Wise Prophets

 

If you listen closely to the prophets in the Bible they often forewarn the people about things that are going to happen as well as vociferously 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 have consequences.

 

More often than not the people did not want to hear what God had to say. They conformed more to the ways of the world than to the way of God.  Right now in this 21st century things really are Not TOO much different from what was going on then. Some of everything is going on. What we are seeing are 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, past present and future.

 

 

Whenever I read Isaiah, I can feel the anguish and heart wrenching despair that intensively emits forth from his soul.  The Prophet Isaiah 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 flavorful 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.  He had the 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 Holy God! That God is also a God of wrath. But  most of all God is a God of Justice!  Isaiah exalts God! He vehemently proclaims to the community at large the pitfalls of evil. Yet in return he is called everything but a child of God. He told them that the land was becoming a wasteland. He 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 was not a lunatic, neurotic, uncaring, self centered or mentally challenged in any way.  He did not have a hidden agenda. He could see that they were suffering.  It was because he was obedient to the call God had placed on 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 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” again  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?  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 those who make decisions in the political arena  often  cause much havoc in the lives of the people because they cannot come to an agreement.   We should also be 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 their cause. It does not matter what it is? Just the fact that you can get many to agree and join with you to do whatever. Man often advocates freedom without God. This really  will not lead to true freedom but eventually to more  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. We can see the aftermath.  Now  divorce is at an all time high, families being pulled and torn apart,   murder, crime you name it 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. Let’s not forget the continual fight to making “Marriage God’s Way” the same as same sex unions. Marriage God’s Way is “Holy Matrimony” which is between One Man & One Woman!” Now today we have many also confused about their gender?

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. But what does that matter? Check it out for yourself in His Word!

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 coming to the Light! We are seeing the influences of the prince of the power of the air.  Some of everything is happening.  PRAY FOR DISCERNMENT! Ask the LORD to open your spiritual eyes.  In these “Latter Days” the Word of God is being fulfilled.

 

There really is HOPE!

But wait there is Hope! And yes there is still Joy! GOD HAS NOT CHANGED. Ultimately He 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. Always  keep in mind that there are consequences for the choices we make.  Seek the will of the Lord daily. Life is learning how to make better decisions. God teaches us in His Word.   “Those that wait upon the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles.” Isaiah 40.

Trust the Lord!

http://alpha7.org/2019/02/06/getting-your-joy-back-part-2/

A Very PRESENT HELP, In Times of Trouble

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. Many of the ways of the world have nested itself amidst God’s 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, diseases and health concerns are on the rise.

Due to the increasing awareness of the unfortunate declining economic status many places throughout the land many are living in fear and insecurity. Our nation has begun to gradually come back from a very difficult era in time. However, 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, were in a terrible “recession” that we are still trying to recover from. 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 that massive trade-related imbalances in the U.S. economy were the source of the financial crisis that produced the ugly recession.”

There is a growing concern as to the overall quality of life worldwide. Ongoing wars, continued escalating terrorists threats and due to global warming, the threat of more hurricanes, famines, floods, tsunamis, earthquakes and more natural disasters are all becoming of a greater concern as well. There has been an extreme plethora of sinless horrific mass shootings by disgruntled foreign and domestic terrorists. Let us not forget the continuing saga of scandalous political elections. All this further leading to more 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.” Matthew 24 It is so very important to know God’s Word!

God’s timeless 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! God’s 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! Whenever 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. This called much conflict. 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 that he possessed. His master’s wife tried to seduce him, but Joseph would have no part of it. She in turn lied on him and he was unjustly put into prison. While in prison the Lord’s favor was with Joseph. The warden was so 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 stresses 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 your 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!

Trapped In Addiction

When a person has an addiction it can be totally devastating. It not only affects the addict but anyone and everyone they come in contact with. They actually are an accident or a serious mishap waiting to happen. They irresponsibly put many others in danger at the risk of satisfying their own selfish desires. Their addiction often 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. Many will talk around and about rather than confront the issue. This does not lead to resolving the problem. Look around addictions are at an all time high! There ia a tendency to take the ostrich approach, burying your 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. Even if it means placing others in harms way.

Buried underneath the layers is really a diamond in the rough! How ironic? God can take their faithfulness to whatever their desire is (alcohol, drugs, food, sex, dirt(pica), etc.) and turn it to good. He can work it out! The process is really miraculous to watch. But it will never happen as long as you keep your head in the sand. God will not force His way. Remember their allegiance is just inappropriately designated.

Think about the impact on your physical health!

Do you know why it’s easy to abet them in their 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 are under the influence and out of control. They can be so compliant and giving one moment. But right around the corner lives Mr. or Mrs. Tyrant… They become loud, verbally abusive and obnoxious and yes often physically abusive. They can abruptly without warning 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. Danger lurks!

Think long and hard about what kind of message you are giving to this generation. What about the children? What image do you have of yourself? Take a good look in the mirror and see what you see looking back at You! Can you even remember what it is like to NOT be under the influence? You are missing the treasures of life. You may not realize it; but your heart is troubled, and your body is stressed. Your very health is at stake.

The addict has a distorted view of Love!

The deepest emptiness and a gulf of shame awaits the departure of each subsequent binge. You feel unloved and don’t really know how to love at this point. You really need a change not a distraction. But don’t be in total despair. PRAY! There is hope. You can change. You see God really does make the difference. Just know you can’t change them, they have to want change for themselves. But you can and should abandon providing them a security blanket in any form. PRAY! Begin to shift your focus to GOD. He’s the ultimate COMFORTER. HIS HOLY SPIRIT will direct your paths as you truly learn to TRUST HIM. Begin to develop your role as their faithful prayer intercessor.

The chronic addict/abuser allows distorted freedom to his love ones. Freedom to know you can’t depend on them for anything. Freedom to know that they care more about satisfying their addiction than they do for you! This erroneous freedom can cause you to take on their responsibilities. They need to feel and experience the consequences for their decisions. Oftentimes this can cause one to reach for situations and people they can dominate just as the addiction controls their life. This is where the children suffer most. They can see something is wrong! But instead of correcting yourself you try to correct them. GO figure! Since the addict has no backbone they have a false sense of their strength. Which is in fact zero. Face it this is an extreme weakness. You cannot control what you allow to go into your body or your mouth! To the other extreme, it causes them to look to someone who will stroke their insecurities. Make them feel good temporarily. They are unable to face themselves alone!

YOU REALLY NEED SOME HELP!
Tomorrow is NOT promised! You need to make whatever call is necessary to get you some HELP!

What a dysfunctional 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 spiritual 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. Yet; they are Mighty!

You cannot change anything that has happened. But you can change going forward. You can STOP being so selfish and think about those you are imposing your addiction upon. You are not the life of the party. You are actually draining the joy out of those around you and slowly killing yourself. You are actually dying little by little, moment by moment, day by day… You need to reach out for HELP NOW! Your life is not your own. You do not have a right to destroy your life or anyone else’s life! You have made some commitments that you need to keep. Don’t continue to overindulge yourself in a guilt trip. Don’t jump in the quicksand of denial as well. The noose of addiction can be broken.

You need to muster up some strength to fight for your life! If not for your sake for the one’s you say you love. You can be healed. You can be DELIVERED! You can become WHOLE! You can be set FREE! Jesus did not die in vain. He can resurrect any life. But it is your choice. He can peel away the layers of sin and wash you 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. Therefor there is always room to grow and improve. GOD CAN GIVE YOU HIS HOLY SPIRIT! You must first yield to Christ Jesus. He CAN & WILL HELP you overcome your addiction or anything else. This is why we ALL need JESUS as OUR LORD & SAVIOR. TO SAVE US FROM THE POWER OF SIN. Don’t waste another minute hour or day! Reach out to the Lord today. He can and will be there for you TWENTY/ FOUR / SEVEN. There is VICTORY IN CHRIST JESUS!

Be Anxious For Nothing

Be Anxious For Nothing

Have you been waiting on the Lord to answer your prayer? Are you uncertain as to what direction to go? Are you physically sick, mentally disturbed or depressed or just at your wits end? Are you worried, discouraged or confused? Are you experiencing anxiety or restlessness? Are you caught up in some type of addiction? Or are you just plain tired of the same ole….? Are you looking for something different in your life? Do you know if you are really walking in the will of the Lord? God is always speaking we just have to get better at listening. Have you ever thought about what to do as you wait on His response? What ever your situation may be good or bad. How about just try thanking God daily for who He is! Try embracing abiding in the fruit of His Spirit! God is truly worthy of our praise. God already knows what is going on. Yes, it’s okay to talk to Him anytime? He tells us to “pray without ceasing.” But while you are waiting for a response how about listening to some of the things He has already told us? Just try spending time delighting your self in His Word. Rest assured you will begin to see clearer, feel better and experience His peace. What ever the case may be the Word of the Lord says; “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

God tells us not to be anxious for anything? This does not mean that you can not get excited. But if you continue to worry why pray? If you are still heavy laden. Guess who is carrying your burden? You are. “Oh ye of little faith.” Yes, God wants you to be concerned. But first He wants us “to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.” So if you are feeling anxious. It means that it is important to check yourself. Check yourself by what someone thinks about you? By what someone says about you or by whatever …………? Of course not! The point is we are to take everything to God and be thankful whatever the outcome. Trust God and know He really does know what is best! If you have truly done this you will not be anxious. The peace of God will keep you. It will guard your heart and your mind. Not because I say so. But, because He says so and His Word is true. There is power in truly knowing God and power in knowing His marvelous Word. His Word is true!

God wants to be in every aspect of your life. But He does not force Himself on you. He does not have to. God is not like us that He has to go somewhere. He is already everywhere! “It is in Him we move and live and have our being.” There is nowhere that you can go where He is not. God is not like man, whatever our little finite minds think of Him, He is so much more! His Word says “if you make your bed in hell He is there.” If you have truly accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior you do not even have to worry about going to hell. Ephesians 1 tells us “Having believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession- to the praise of His glory.” There is peace and joy when you know that you truly belong to God! It is so very important to know God’s Word. God does not want you to walk in the flesh. Ephesians 1 also tells us God wants to “give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and His incomparably great power for us who believe.” Do you really believe? This is why He says to be anxious for nothing! Jesus, Birth, Life, Death and Resurrection really does make all the difference in the world. It guaranteed Eternal Salvation for the true child of God. God’s Word has power! Only God is Sovereign! His Holy Spirit will illuminate His Word. It will be a “lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path.”

God says His peace will transcend the understanding of man. This does not mean it will take you out in a mystical never never land. Although we are in the world we are not supposed to be of the world. For example John the Baptist was a fore runner for Jesus Christ. John lived to please God! He went about telling others to “prepare for the coming of the Lord.” To “Repent!” The Word also tells you that they thought that he was strange. He dressed strange. He ate strange food. John even told the king he was wrong to marry his brother’s wife. John was aware that they did not understand him. But he was not looking to be understood. He knew that understanding really comes from God. When someone does not understand guess what? John knew where he was with the Lord. It is more important that you know where you are with the Lord. When this is the case you will experience His peace that surpasses the understanding of man. He will also guard your heart.

God’s Word is so precious. It is full of scenarios and situations to let us know that He has everything under His control. There was much division and strife within the Church then, just as it is now! Earnestly begin to study the Old Testament. You will find that there is nothing new under the sun. God truly is the Great “I AM” Meaning He is and always will be! Is anything to hard for God! If you really know His Word you should know better.

Colossians tells us that through His Son Jesus Christ He spoke everything into existence.
Now that is power! We never become the power. We have access to His power. Not for our own use, but to fulfill whatever His will is in our life. How do you even know what His will is? Just know, God will not direct you to do anything contrary to His Word. God loves us so much that He has given us His Son as our Savior. He has the power to save you from allowing sin to reign in your life. How do you do that? By being strengthened in your inner being. God’s LOVE surpasses the knowledge of man. Remember what He says about being anxious for nothing, through everything with prayer and thanksgiving……. Jesus Christ even became flesh for us. He was the Word of God wrapped in flesh! Now how can this be? It is by faith we know without a doubt His Word is true! Well what is faith? “Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” He tells us “it is through faith that we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.” God’s Word is so profoundly deep. It is through the faith that God has instilled in us we know that His Word is true. It really isn’t about us. It’s all about Him! He even tells us that it is “impossible to please Him without faith.”

How can you be sure if you have true faith? Faith is not just some magical force. It is a gift from God. There is much crime, deception, tragedy and natural disasters about us. This is just the beginning. Hold on, God has everything under His control! God has done so many wonderful things for us. He has given us a plethora of examples to enhance our trust and faith in Him. God even knows your name. Remember He is everywhere! Faith will help you to persevere, to endure, to not allow anything or anyone to take your eyes off the Lord. It does not mean that you will not go through some things. Quite the contrary. Jesus is our ultimate example. He is the only one who lived a sinless life. Look at all the things that they put Him through. He overcame sin in the flesh for us. To redeem us from the curse of sin. This does not mean that life will just be a bed of ease. No, you will have to go through some things. The key is what you do while going through. If you want His peace you have to do things His way. If you want Him to guard your heart? Guess what? You are going to have to do things His way.

God gives us an example of life akin to a race. Great spiritual rewards await us when we do things God’s way. But in this spiritual race we do not run for the rewards. It also goes far above and beyond earthly merits or recognition. God knows why you do or do not do some things. He sees beyond the surface. Our eternal rewards cannot be altered by man. Hallelujah! Let’s look at a few of His examples. His Word tells us that Moses parents hid him through faith. Moses persevered because He saw Him who was invisible. His focus was on God. By faith Jacob blessed both of Joseph’s sons. By faith Abraham offered His son Isaac as a sacrifice. (By the way Isaac was not a little boy at the time. He was a full grown man.) We no longer have to offer blood sacrifices. Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice. Now we offer Him the sacrifice of our PRAISE! By faith Noah warned the people of the upcoming flood. (Guess what? It had never rained.) Through faith only Noah and His family were saved. By faith Abel offered a better sacrifice than his brother. I believe that Cain’s gift came from the ground that God had just cursed? This is really deep. His Word even tells us that Enoch walked so closely with God he did not experience death. Enoch was commended as one that pleased God. God took Enoch. Not because he was so good. Only God is good. God does not need our permission to do anything. He is God all by Himself! Hallelujah! God tells us that when we walk in the Spirit there is no condemnation. Furthermore He says “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.”

Have you been waiting on the Lord to answer your prayer? Are you experiencing any of the things I mentioned earlier? Try delighting yourself in God’s Word. Repent! Try doing things His way. Sincerely draw near to God. Guess what? He will draw nigh to you. God’s Word has cleansing power. God’s Word is true. He knows if your heart is genuinely sincere. Hebrews says; “We are sure that we have a clear conscious and desire to live honorably in every way. I particularly urge you to pray so that I may be restored to you soon. May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that Great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ to Him be glory for ever and ever, Amen.” Do you want the peace that surpasses the understanding of man? Just remember to be anxious for nothing, in everything by prayer and petitions…….. Cast your cares and burdens upon the Lord. He will sustain you. “He will guard your heart and your mind. All praises be to the King of Kings and the Lord of lords! Let’s give Him the sacrifice of our PRAISE! To God be the GLORY!