Growing and maturing beyond resentment Part 3

Growing and maturing beyond resentment

Part 3

The Word of God teaches us that “We are more than conquerors” When we conquer something we master it! We become better because of it, rather than letting it overtake us. The Word is “Alive & Powerful!” It is a mighty spiritual weapon that cuts and yields healing! It is effective when we believe it, embrace the intended principles and actually implement it within our daily lives. As we trust God the fear of whatever it is, diminishes and there goes the resentment. You can at times even smile at well learned life lesson. We are then able to begin to step out on Faith and trust God to lead us through whatever it may be differently.

How will I know that I have given up the resentment?

You will realize that you have been delivered from the resentment once you do not let it unfavorably trigger your emotions.

You no longer hold unto it like a useless security blanket that is full of holes.

You now elect to respond or not respond by instead embracing self-control.

You do not let the situation or incident dictate your feelings.

You do not allow it to trigger your emotions by remote.

You do not allow your pride to take the forefront and govern your actions. Nor do you reach for something outside of you to numb and dull your senses.

You are now committed to moving forward. Once you have genuinely let the resentment go you accept that you have constructively confronted the issue(s) head on. It is no longer acceptable to once again allow yourself to be pulled into despair.

One must commit to take the higher road and focus upon the Lord by; Shaking yourself loose & put yourself in check!

God has no grandchildren. He is the ultimate Father that always knows what is best for us. He is the Most High God. So at whatever age you may be, know that you will always need to be willing to humble yourself and submit to His Will & His Way! We submit as an obedient child does to an honorable parent but we are not to be childish. We daily strive to growing onward towards spiritual maturity. Healthy boundaries are important. You should begin reprogramming your mind to reach to God first. We must be willing to eat more “humble pie” as we embrace humility which is a part of the Fruit of His Spirit.

In these “Latter Days” many of the ways of the world have nested itself among GOD’S CHURCH. Instead of the CHURCH setting the examples they embrace and pattern a lot of their activities after the world. They allow a secular influence to take center stage. Then justify whatever they do because it is done in the Name of God. LORD HELP US! Fewer and fewer really take personal time in the WORD of GOD. The Sacredness of God is often left in the shadows. It is so very important to KNOW GOD’S WORD for yourself.

We can better build stronger benevolent character within ourselves as we submit to God’s way and relinquish our own way. This is a lifelong process. God calls us to separate ourselves from this world. It is evil and sinful to think that we know better than God. Sin is what separates us from God. There is no true inner peace apart from God. We are totally transparent to God. He knows us all from the inside out. The goal is to seek to please the Lord every day. NOT to follow the ways of this world. When You do I assure you that you will be a lot happier!

“HAVE FAITH IN GOD!” For without FAITH it is IMPOSSIBLE to please GOD!

See Part 4

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!