Spiritual Food For Thought & Spiritual Growth! 1

~ SPIRITUAL FOOD FOR THOUGHT! & SPIRITUAL GROWTH! 1 ~

 

~ “IF you have any encouragement from being united with CHRIST, IF any comfort from HIS LOVE, IF any fellowship with The SPIRIT, IF any tenderness and compassion, then make my JOY complete by being like-minded, having the same LOVE, being one in Spirit & Purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others!” Philippians 2 ~ WORD FOR TODAY! ~

 

 

~ THOUGHT FOR TODAY! ~

The real purpose of life is to daily draw closer to the LORD. To diligently seek HIS WILL & HIS WAY above everything & everyone. We know not what tomorrow may bring? But we can have complete confidence in the Lord as we grow in His Grace & Love.

 

We can build a strong firm foundation upon the Word of the Lord! Believing His Word and embracing His principles in our daily life are key. As we Trust Him we walk by Faith. We also continuously grow in His Grace. His wisdom, knowledge, love  and peace will manifest and multiply within us.

 

Here in Philippians we find the Apostle Paul giving us further insight into what is very important. Spiritual unity was the desired goal. GOD knows where each of us are coming from. HE KNOWS why we do what we do or do not do. His Word teaches us that; “Whatever you DO, DO it as unto The LORD!”

 

Sometimes we as Believers need to show a contrast to whatever the world is doing. Many have conformed.  God’s Word is being fulfilled right before our very eyes.  Know this; “the wheat & the tares are growing together.“   It is GOD who will eventually do the separating. Christ Jesus is coming back for His Church. Nowadays it can be hard to distinguish on a surface level between the world & GOD’S CHURCH.  Therefore  PRAY for increased DISCERNMENT! 

 

 

WE MUST DAILY WALK BY FAITH

 

It is not the broad crowded road that leads to the LORD but the NARROW PATH where there are fewer travelers.  Remember; It was the majority that opted to kill CHRIST JESUS.   Many of the  religious leaders were spiritually blind and even  joined together with some of the worldly leaders in their attempt to control and hinder Him.  They were threatened because He did not comply to their ways. Many simply sat on the fence. Notice how JESUS was  misunderstood, mistreated, persecuted as well as rejected…   All along He knew exactly  what was going on. God is so amazing.  Jesus was never not GOD! He always had the power to overcome what was happening to Him. Yet He remained humble, faithful and loyal to the will of our Heavenly Father. 

 

It is important to be aware of whatever is happening all around you wherever you are.  For we are living in a spiritual war zone. As we walk by faith, we are to stay daily adorned in the Spiritual Armor. It is  GOD we worship led by His precious Holy Spirit! We are  always supposed to “WORSHIP  THE LORD IN SPIRIT AND IN TRUTH!” whenever and wherever we worship.  It is marvelous and comforting  to know we daily serve the  Almighty Omniscient God! 

 

 

Humility means at times taking a back seat. Humility means at times others will misunderstand you. Humility means sometimes we have to wait.  Humility also means you will have to take a stand. While we are waiting we can acquire more patience. Patience is a virtue few understand.  Yes, sometimes you will have to encourage yourself.  But know also God asssures us; “For where two or three are gathered together in My Name; I am in the midst!”  Matthew 18  God is forever faithful!  Know GOD keeps all His promises. We must resist responding hastily and learn to trust God. For He will lead us all the way as well as, “supply all your need according to HIS riches in GLORY by CHRIST JESUS.”    Philippians 4.  Truly, God is our forever Good Shepherd! 

 

 

When we compare ourselves to JESUS we ALL fall short! Therefore there is always room for improvement.  It is only by HIS GRACE we are SAVED! Each day is an opportunity to grow in His grace, wisdom, knowledge nd understanding.  As we spend time with the GOD in HIS WORD and embrace and implement HIS TRUTH within our daily lives we become stronger. Our faith & trust in Him is also strengthened.  Our desire  should always be to please Him and daily seek His Will and His Way above the ways of this world. For this world is on a slippery slope. 

 

 

Humility is not a position of weakness. Yet, many will  often mistake humility for low self esteem. It is a position of strength. It is a position of self control. Yes, a place of meekness.  It is always important to seek the approval of GOD over that of man/woman.  Many live for others to validate them. DO NOT let the world determine your fate or your lifestyle. Live each day before, “An Audience of One,” knowing that GOD is everywhere you are. You can be certain of GOD’S CALL upon your life as you walk in accordance to HIS WORD. For; “It is a LAMP unto our feet and a LIGHT unto our PATH.”  HE will never lead any of us to do anything that goes against HIS WORD! This also why it is so very important to know God and His Word for yourself. We can be certain of  God’s marvelous omnipresence.  For He will never leave nor forsake us.

 

THANK YOU LORD for YOUR LIVING WORD JESUS CHRIST & YOUR HOLY SPIRIT YOUR COMFORTER! ~

Spiritual Food For Thought & Spiritual Growth 2

The Journey Of Life – By Julian M. Ogans

The Journey Of Life By Julian M. Ogans II

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grief – (Grieving Is Emotionally Painful) Part 1

GRIEF!

Whenever you or a love one experiences a traumatic situation, significant loss, serious illness or death it is normal to experience grief.

 

There are many other types of losses that occur in life that can result in grief as well. Recovery issues,  divorce, relationship issues, addiction,  disappointment, financial harships, relocation, career change, natural disasters as well as a miscarriage or abortion can all trigger one to experience a significant degree of grief. We are experiencing worldwide a plethora of adverse climatic weather conditions, pestilence & plagues. This has resulted in a multitude of personal loses. Lives, homes, businesses, possessions, and mental wellbeing has been greatly impacted. The initial reaction to any of the above is usually shock accompanied by a feeling of numbness.

 

 

Find solace in GOD while you are grieving

Grief can often result in one feeling a deep sense of overwhelming depression, anger, fear, anxiety, hopelessness and or abandonment. It is also possible to ask “why me?” Anger and resentment may result in feelings of ambivalence. Initially the above symptoms are natural. The passing of time is a partial salve that can and will eventually anesthetize your deep pain.

 

If you are a Christian, finding solace in God’s Word during grief is a great resource to help you maneuver through a plethora of emotions. It is during grief you can actually learn to embrace God’s spiritual comfort. The deep void that one experiences during grief is often unexplainable. So if you don’t feel like talking try spending some quiet time with God. Truly the Lord can help you rise to a level of Joy despite the grief that besets your soul.

 

Make it a point to not intrude upon the privacy of others. 

 

As you truly and earnestly seek God who is the ultimate “Comforter” you can experience His abiding presence. If you are a believer you should know that God’s Word is true. Not some of it but all of it. His promise to “never leave us nor forsake us” must be faithfully embraced in your hour of need. Only He can give you; “His Peace that surpasses the understanding of man.”

 

 

 

Grieving is an emotionally painful process

 

Allowing the one that is grieving to talk freely about how they are feeling is healthy and consoling. Many become depressed and can have a deep sense of guilt. There are two types of guilt; normal and neurotic guilt. Neurotic guilt is based on unrealistic expectations or situations. Deep depression is actually disappointments, and or unresolved anger turned inwardly.  This has begun to burden down their soul. It must  be faced in order to begin the healing process… 

 

It is healthy to allow yourself or  them the freedom to talk about their love one, issue or situation at hand.  It is a choice to move towards healing.

 

Enabling is never healthy. Allowing them to work through their emotions by being there for them or encouraging them to be  active is a good thing. Timing and sensitivity is key. Taking a walk, run or  go jogging may even be relaxing and release some inner tension. During an opportune moment try telling them a humorous story or a funny joke can help lift their spirit momentarily.

 

 

Encourage them in their walk with the Lord

If they don’t already have a relationship with the Lord seek appropriate moments to introduce them to the Lord. Helping them to freely express their feelings and concerns are healthy. Remember everyone is different. Just because you do not see them crying does not mean they are not grieving. Some people elect to privately grieve. Sometimes just doing nothing momentarily is good.

 

Just being there helps. There are times they prefer to just be alone. Don’t force yourself into their private moments. Check in on them when led. A good friend will be patient, sensitive, caring and compassionate and understanding at this time.  Again, just knowing you are there for them can be a great sense of comfort.

 

During the holidays when there are many festive celebrations this can also be a reminder to many of their time of loss. After the holidays pass and all the seasonal excitement has dissipated there may be a resurgence of grief. This too is a natural response. Again try to allow yourself to think of some of the happier times you shared together.

 

Freely cry when necessary yet do not become overwhelmed and allow it to pull you in a deep depression.  The tears will help to naturally  relieve your soul of pressure. Reach out to someone you trust when you feel yourself going in a deep dark place. Depression and sickness can be spawned in the midst of grief. Emotional pain when not dealt with properly can trigger physical illness. Where, what and whom you focus on will make a world of difference.

 

 

GOD still has a purpose for you 

In spite of all the painful things that can happen or has happened in life, there is always something good to think about. God still has you here for a purpose. Some days you might have to take it a moment at a time. Again, please allow yourself to think about some of the cheerful experiences you shared with your love ones. God tells us in Ecclesiastes that there is a time for everything. Although painful suffering is a part of life.  You can make it though this. Just think if we did not know sorrow how would we know joy?

 

 

Life can be difficult at times

This may be the last thing you want to hear. But their time on this side of Heaven has expired. They have lived their life here on earth.  Your love one is really in a much better place. They have actually transcended suffering. They have moved on to Heavenly Eternal Life to experience ultimate healing  if they are believers.  If not pray fervently for their souls…  Just maybe in their lasts moments they choose to accept Christ Jesus into their hearts.  When you focus on God you can have joy even in the midst of your grieving. This is why it is so important to develop an intimate daily ongoing personal relationship with Him. This way you can be sure of where you will spend eternity. You can also ejoice knowing; You will see them again. 

 

God does not take pleasure in seeing us suffer. He too knows the ultimate suffering. Remember when HE allowed HIS sinless SON CHRIST JESUS to die on the cross for the sins of the world?  So yes, cry when sorrow besets your soul. But look to the Lord the “Author & Finisher of your Faith” to help you through it. He can help you do what seems impossible.

 

Grief and sorrow are a result of Adam and Eve’s disobedience. When they disobeyed they chose sin, death and grief as a way of life for mankind. This is why it is important to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. Because of His death and resurrection we now have direct access to the Father. 

See Part 2