~ Parental ALIENATION is Real! ~
December 31, 2021 by Elder/Minister DeBorrah K. Ogans
Filed under Behavioral & Emotional Health, Christian Living, Featured Articles, For The Youth
” Live Out Loud The Gospel! “
~ Parental Alienation is Real! ~
Ladies if you did not have a good relationship with your father, or did not know him, and now you do not have a good relationship with your husband, now your ex-husband, or father(s) of your children; you can “Break the Cycle of Cognitive Distortions!”
Don’t allow the same void to exist within their life. Do not pass down generational trauma. If you are a single mother, please do not hinder or prevent your children from having a good relationship with their father. If you are a single father the same also applies, please do not hinder or prevent your children from having a good relationship with their mother. You both should want better for your children. You both should have what is best for the children as a top priority. Remember you both are responsible for them being here. Keep in mind your children are entrusted to you as a parent(s) but they actually belong to God.
GOD IS MORE THAN ABLE!!! With the HELP of the LORD you can break the cycle! God can meet you right where you are and get you where you need to be…
Of course, you want to always be concerned about the well-being of your children. Therefore, make it clear to them as well as the father/mother you want them to develop a safe healthy relationship. You cannot change what has been. If necessary tell them you want to move forward and start anew.
There is much spiritual warfare to alter God’s original design for marriage and families… Parental Alienation is real! Allow GOD to bring PEACE, to your heart, home and children!
Sad but true there are some instances where places of worship have also been the catalysts for abetting division among families. Not fully knowing what is happening in the relationships assumptions are made. They have on occasion fostered environments that acrimoniously embrace one parent over the other. And often unknowingly actually support divisive parental alienation.
Everyone is not qualified or able to give wise healthy family counsel. Be careful and PRAYERFUL who you allow to speak into your life as well as the life of your children.
Parental Alienation Defined
“Parental alienation is a theorized process through which a child becomes estranged from one parent as the result of the psychological manipulation of another parent. The child’s estrangement may manifest itself as fear, disrespect or hostility toward the distant parent, and may extend to additional relatives or parties. The child’s estrangement is disproportionate to any acts or conduct attributable to the alienated parent. *Parental alienation can occur in any family unit, but is claimed to occur most often within the context of family separation, particularly when legal proceedings are involved,[6] although the participation of professionals such as lawyers, judges and psychologists may also contribute to conflict.[7]
Proponents of the concept of parental alienation assert that it is primarily motivated by one parent’s desire to exclude the other parent from their child’s life.[8] Some assert that parental alienation should be diagnosable in children as a mental disorder.[9] Some propose that parental alienation be recognized as a form of child abuse or family violence.[2][10] They assert that parental alienation creates stress on the alienated parent and the child,[11][12] and significantly increases the child’s lifetime risk of mental illness.[13][14][15]…( See more on Wikipedia ) *This is true in many counties in some more than others.
It is important to know that children belong to God and are entrusted to their parents! They need good role models. It is becoming more and more difficult to find balanced wise role models in this day and age for children. A good parent knows that their well-being is always a top priority. You should always consult GOD and HIS WORD for direction. God holds all of us accountable for how we raise and influence our children as well as others.
~ Parental Alienation is Real! ~
Know this; You cannot take the place of their father. Nor can the father take your place.
GOD IS MORE THAN ALBE TO DIRECT & HELP YOU! Truly having the LORD in your daily life will make all the difference in the world. If this not the caste start now!
God from the beginning of time has designed life in such a way that reproduction/procreation of life takes a man and a woman to produce a child. Together strive and thrive to help them become secure and whole in who they are. They need to be loved, nurtured and given healthy boundaries. They need to know that they have the right to speak up for themselves! They also need to know that God is everywhere and is always with them. Teach them that they can call upon Him at any time & anywhere. Allow GOD to bring PEACE to your heart, home and children!
A healthy family is important! Dysfunction does not have to be the norm…
After marriage the family is the greatest institution that God created. Read carefully throughout Genesis and all throughout GOD’S WORD the high priority He has for healthy spiritual relationships within the family. God is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent, as well as our Creator and Maker. He is the Giver and Sustainer of life. He always knows what is best for all of us. But He has given us the freedom to choose His will and way over the ways of the world. He knows what has been, what is happening now and what will be in the future. It is wise to humble yourself and commit to submit to Him. Invite Him into your situation and allow Him to direct your path from here…
God can keep you on the Narrow Path that leads to Him. Or if you have strayed, He can get you back wherever you need to be. Salvation is all about getting a grip on sin. Sin is anything that separates us from God. Let NO ONE take the place of GOD within your life. Look to God to help you see clearly wherever you have gone astray. REPENT!!! WHICH SIMPLY MEANS TO TURN FROM SIN AND TURN BACK TO GOD! He has given us our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to save us from allowing the power of sin to reign within our daily lives. As well He has given us HIS precious Holy Spirit and Comforter to lead us to all TRUTH!
The well-being of your children should always be a top priority! Give up your insecurity, hurt as well as resentment… ALLOW GOD to bring healing to you, your children, your home and your hearts. GOD is the ULTIMATE FATHER above Him there is NONE OTHER! Truly He can heal, lead, guide, direct, protect and provide a far better life for you and your children. He will meet you wherever you are and can get you wherever you need to be. Yes, with God, you can become whole!
Always keep in mind that God is omniscient, and He knows absolutely everything that has happened will happen and what is going on now. It is in the best interest of all that are concerned to work towards building a better future for the children. To circumvent less turbulence in their formative teenage years…
Parental Alienation continues to grow all over the world. It is part of the overall spiritual warfare designed to get your life off track. It persists especially in high conflict relationships and divorces… This world is on a “slippery slope.” It is not going to get better. Today you can find a support group for just about anything, even support for the things that go against the WORD of GOD. PRAY FOR DISCERNMENT! Many of the carnal ways of the world have nested themselves in the amidst of God’s Church. LORD HELP US!!! As believers, “We are to be in the world but NOT of the world!” GOD HAS A BETTER WAY! Do seek HIS WILL and HIS WAY above the ways of this world. Yes, with the HELP of GOD you can “BREAK THE CYCLE!”
LORD HAVE MERCY!!!
STOP the madness!!!
“DRAW NIGH TO GOD AND HE WILL DRAW NIGH TO YOU!”
Living In An Upside Down World Part 2
May 4, 2020 by Elder/Minister DeBorrah K. Ogans
Filed under Society & Culture
Whenever any scene or situation presents itself on our life’s canvas we must seek God’s direction to properly apply and paint the intended strokes. Having the proper attitude about God is necessary to deal with any present injustices. Persecution and misunderstanding will attempt to take a dominant position to etch insecurity and doubt onto the forefront of your life canvas. Yielding subdued hues and shades of gray to subliminally overshadow the main theme. But as you always keep in mind that God knows you. His Light will shine forth brightly in the midst, even when darkness tries to impose itself upon you.
Yield not to temptation
We cannot predict the future precisely. However, we can always look to God for direction. At any given moment He can reveal to us whatever we need to know and do to accomplish His will within our lives. However, we must learn to keep focused, humble ourselves, pray, trust and put our faith in God. He is our Creator and Maker who knows us and will watch over and protect us living in and upside down world.
God allows both good and bad times for all of us. “He is not a respecter of persons.” But he always has our best interest at heart. We must learn to consistently lean and put our faith and trust in Him. We are to “Walk by Faith!” In order to not be pulled into whatever is suddenly hurled into your direction even though intended to snarl, derail, discredit our credibility or entrap us, our focus must always be upon HIM! He will direct us through, over it or around it. Better yet, He will remove it when necessary or even demolish it. We must learn how not to allow insults, injustices or any storm or seasonal moment in time define the totality of our existence.
Spending time with God in His Word is important
When you spend time in His presence you can abide under the shadow of The Almighty because you know that He knows and this is what ultimately truly matters. Ecclesiastes tells us that, “There is something else meaningless that occurs on earth; righteous men who get what the wicked deserve, and wicked men who get what the righteous deserve.” The point that I am trying to make is that life has a much deeper meaning than what man sees. Many seek first as a top priority to be affirmed and followed and being recognized in the eyes of man. Momentarily this may satisfy an inner longing, life on this side of heaven is short, there really is a much deeper meaning to life.
If all the wisdom, prestige or power that the world has to offer were available it would be but a minute particle in regards to the infinite wisdom and power of the Lord. Perhaps this is why Jesus Christ made Himself of no reputation? Yes we are in the world but; ” it is Him we live and move and have our being.” Acts 18. Although often unrecognized or whenever accepted by the masses Christ Jesus did not deter from His life purpose. He remained faithful and committed to the will of His Father in and often, cruel, harsh upside down world.
“Walk in the Light!”
God sees and knows it all. It is not merely how things appear or seem. We all will have to stand before an all knowing all wise omniscient God who knows where our hearts and minds are as well as our intentions. Man can do no more than God allows… Know the Lord and His Word so you are not towed along with the “false teaching” of anyone. Ephesians says “have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything is exposed to the Light becomes visible, for the Light makes everything visible…”
God tells us to live as children of the Light. When you are truly walking in the Light you know without doubt that whatever darkness tries to overshadow your life’s canvas, that your Creator, your maker, our Heavenly Father is absolutely aware. In all things trust God for in His time He will always make a way for us when we are committed to His will. You can surely trust Him to keep you right side up, living in and upside down world.
Notice how most animals walk on all fours. God Created us as His children to walk uprightly. Our hands should be readily available to reach up and Praise Him! It is important to always be aware of what is going on about us. To be cognizant of our environment wherever we are. We do not want to live in denial, neither is it healthy. We are forever growing as long as God has us on this side of Heaven. Keep in mind, Jesus did not come to depress nor oppress us, but to correct and enlighten us to a better way of life. Life without God is futile and meaningless.
Spiritual food
God’s Word is our life manual and the most incredible essential intrinsic tool to help us successfully navigate through life. It is our marvelous spiritual food. It is also our spiritual sword and it cuts both ways when used properly. It cuts, carves, enhances, molds and shapes us like nothing else. We can find hope in the midst of sorrow, joy in the midst of sadness, comfort in the midst of pain, encouragement in the midst of persecution and peace within our awesome God. This remains true within the midst of this upside down world!
Embracing the Fruit of the Spirit within your marriage “Self- Control” Part 9 No. 3 of 3
January 2, 2020 by Elder/Minister DeBorrah K. Ogans
Filed under Marriage & Relationships
Embracing the Fruit of the Spirit within your marriage “Self-Control”
Part 9 No. 3 of 3
Trust and good communication are crucial values within a great marriage. Transparency and intimacy are built upon trust. It is really important to not rush into making any decisions that will impact the rest of your life. Being focused is important. Take time and first consider the consequences! There is always much to learn about one another. Keep your marriage exciting. Progressively work on building good communication skills. You can maintain the spark that brought you together. Or if you have allowed it to dwindle you can rekindle it.
Here are few final things to keep in mind
Make it a point to have some good healthy quality discussions before you jump heart first into marriage. If you are already married take the time to find out how your spouse feels, thinks and processes their thoughts and emotions. Being focused is important. Please don’t just assume how they are feeling. Feelings need to be validated.
Have some deep heartfelt discussions. You need to really know what one another values.
You are two different individuals who must learn to walk together. Remember your vows you made to one another. Were they just words? Remember the love, emotions and feelings that brought you together. It is possible but it takes commitment and transparency to keep those precious moments. Emotional intimacy is important in marriage.
Each marriage has its own unique dynamics. Here are a few suggestions and questions to ponder and discuss.
What are your likes and dislikes? How do feel about having or not having children? What are your beliefs in regard to discipline? How do you feel about the manner in why or how you both handle discipline? How do you both resolve conflict? Who or what do they believe in? How do they feel about God and prayer? What are your spouse’s moral standards or convictions or do they have any at all… Is faithfulness important? What does it really mean to be faithful? What about the finances? Are there any abuse issues that need to be addressed? Are there any addictions? Is divorce an option? These are a few of the many things you want to discuss and ponder in order to build a better marriage!
When you both share the same values, morals and goals it helps to build a healthier emotional bond. You have the needed components necessary to build a strong foundation for your marriage. This also accelerates your marriage to a higher functioning level. If you have very little in common at least now you know this. As you go forward in order to build a strong marriage you want to continue to be transparent with one another.
If you do not have much in common you really need to have some serious discussion about what you are expecting from one another. What are your goals for your marriage? How do we decide whose perspective is right or better? You need to at least have some idea as to the direction your marriage is headed. You want to make sure that the feelings you have are not just “intoxicating affections.” Why? Because they won’t last. being focused is important. You really want to make sure you are on the same page about true godly love and commitment. So where do we go from here.
The growing trend today is to simply just change partners when you are not happy. Some people are quite shallow in their idea of commitment. Infidelity is a big No! No! It is vaguely possible, but few marriages ever really recover from continued infidelity. Which really is not marriage; but it is really a revolving door. This breeds distrust and insecurity. Many proceed in denial not resolving the present void or distrust. When trust has been broken it must be restored or this will become a destructive relational pattern. As adults you have the right to decide, but you always should consider the long-and short-term consequences. Divorce or continued conflict is inevitable when not fully confronted and addressed.
Let’s begin to get rid of the baggage!
I recommend taking some time to rid yourself of some of the baggage that you have been carrying before jumping into another marriage or relationship. All too often it is just pushed to the side only to rise and cause even greater problems the second or even third time around further down the road. If you are already married work with what you have. Revisit your vows. Take inventory and then set some goals together. Recapture the good tender moments that brought you together. It’s important to make plans together. Your marriage won’t just work itself out.
The grass looks greener on the other side of the fence. The TRUTH is, its greener because they water it consistently, they maintain, feed and take care of it. Your marriage will be what you both make it.
Now is the time to begin to exercise self-control as well as fervently embrace all the rest of the benefits of earnestly seeking the Lord for the “Fruit of the Spirit.” After all you have or did make a Covenant with one another and to God… This makes your marriage a Holy agreement. Or perhaps just words you repeated? Being focused is important. Setting and reaching goals together is important. Therefore, seek quality Holy Help from God whenever necessary. Humble yourself before the Lord. The Fruit of His Spirit is produced within us only by God’s precious Holy Spirit. What is so beautiful about God is; God cannot ever be manipulated. However, He is always omnipresent with us and always knows absolutely where we are coming from. GOD is The SPIRIT of TRUTH! This is why it is so vitally important to establish an ongoing genuine relationship of Trust with Him. You do not even have to speak aloud a word. He hears and knows all that is spoken or unspoken. What an awewonderful powerful God He is for He truly is; “THE MOST HIGH GOD!”
“Praying without ceasing” is a meditative state of mind that keeps us focused upon staying connected to GOD!
Know this, marriage is only for this side of Heaven. We are bestowed with the opportunity to experience the ultimate human oneness in marriage while we inhabit the earth. Your marriage will be whatever you allow it to be… There is no marrying in Heaven. So, if this is your choice for here on earth give it your best. Reach for a life of quality! Always trust God to lead you not only in your marriage but in all areas of your life for in Him rests complete understanding and wisdom. In God you can be whole!
Praying together is important as well! Praying without ceasing” all throughout your day keeps you connected to the Lord. It is an intimate personal wireless communication connection with God. This is a cognizant healthy state of mind clarity when you practice being focused upon God. This is how you become whole. Your desire should always be to please God. “Perfect Love casts our fear.” Trusting God is one of the most important things that you can ever learn to do. For God always has our best interest at heart. He is our endless source of love and wisdom. God will never leave nor forsake us! This can and will keep you from being depressed or fearful. “FATHER GOD ALWAYS KNOWS BEST!”
Happiness is a choice, so you both need to decide to make this a mutual goal. There will be highs and lows. Unhappiness does not have to be the theme of your marriage. So always make love deposits of care, concern, love, respect, romance and thoughtfulness to your marriage. This will help you weather the storms of life. It leaves less room for anxiety and unhappiness to dominant your lives and marriage. Strive and thrive to create a nurturing safe haven. This also helps you to rise above the storms of life. You cannot change one another. But you can create a healthy atmosphere that fosters change. There is always room for improvement in all of us. “We are forever becoming. We never arrive.” Well that is the case until Christ Jesus comes for us. You can help bring out the better qualities in one another. Or you can bring out the worst in one another. Take note of your personal progress. Work on becoming the “Best You.” Your marriage should always be a priority. Working together will have definite amazing results!
Exercising self-control is a choice. If you are weak in this area. Get right! Rather than tearing one another down all the time build one another up! Chastise one another in love instead to encourage self-improvement. Correction is a part of love. Challenge one another. Do withdraw from nagging. Abandon dysfunctional ways of living. Check yourself! Don’t allow carnality to rule your life. Uphold healthy boundaries. Self-control is helpful in all areas our lives. Love attracts. So, make it a goal to keep your love alive! Have some good healthy dialogue and let whatever has hindered your marriage to this point go and move forward as partners. Never take one another for granted.
No, you do not go forward in denial. Forgiving does not mean forgetting. You want to remember, and you also want to get over the pain. It means that you have decided to let whatever it is go and move forward not holding the offense against them. The past becomes a reminder of your decision to let go and move on. Or make it a point before you go down that road to minimize making pain a major component in your life and marriage. You make a point to consciously let go of the old offenses and make way for the new awaiting life. This is a lifestyle change for a better future! This is possible when you don’t allow the not so good large or small things of the past to become the present… Each day now becomes a new day for building a better life and marriage. If your marriage is great Hallelujah Thank God!
“LIVE BEFORE AN AUDIENCE OF ONE!”
Welcome embracing all the “Fruit of the Spirit” in your life every day. Life is a precious gift from God. I assure you that in the long run, you will be much happier. Since God has given us all free choice make it a goal to continuously make better choices even if you already do. The spiritual warfare about us is real and continues to want to hinder us sometimes in the slightest ways. When you daily apply and practice godly principles you and your spouse will also benefit greatly. You both can become stronger together. “Iron sharpeneth iron” Come what may, be encouraged! You can do this; because remember happiness is a choice!
By the way, if you are divorced, in the process of a divorce married or remarried make a sincere attempt to not involve the children in your disputes. If you have; STOP! DON’T TRY AND MAKE ADULTS OUT OF YOUR CHILDREN. They are already suffering because of the disharmony that they see or sense between you. They too also have their own challenges dealing with growing up since we live in a very complicated complex world. Please don’t use them as message carriers. It is selfish to use them for your emotional support. You both are supposed to be their caregivers… After all, your first priority should be for their emotional well-being. Please do not go on a guilt trip about what has been. Stay on the Narrow Path with God. Seek now to make life a pleasant journey. Do remember and embrace the lessons learned from it. And yes, continue to press forward.
In the case of divorce, the truth is you two were not able to resolve your own conflicts. This may be the case of one or both of you. Children are more observant than you think. You have been in an emotional battle, and it has spawned some residual hurt feelings. Their resentment will surface in many ways due to the collateral damage they are experiencing. This may not have been your intention but there is a residual of resentment. Give your children the opportunity to express themselves. But it is important that they are always encouraged to be responsible and respectful. Seek to break the cycle of dysfunction. Allow their reactions to be the catalyst and motivation to want to build an even heathier environment for them. Keep in mind they have their own natural stresses and growing pains to manage through… You want to help prepare them for whenever they decide to marry. They still need to learn how to develop healthy coping skills and so do you as parents. Let this encourage you to model to them the “Fruit of the Spirit” as you all move forward together or separately. Always focus on how to improve your quality of life and building a healthy environment in and around you mentally, physically as well as visually.
Be careful of who you receive counsel from or who you allow to speak into your marriage or your life. Experience is not always the best teacher. But it is always wise to welcome godly wisdom. When someone says something that you do not like or agree with it does not necessarily mean that they are being negative. Loving others is not telling them what they want to hear. If its true ponder and accept it or if not have exit ear and keep progressively moving forward. Be accountable to God for your own behavior. Make sure that you own up to your contribution of whatever problems or issues your marriage is experiencing. Marriage is supposed to be a team effort. Not all spouses naturally embrace teamwork. But it does not necessarily take a team to destroy your marriage. By one spouse’s own willful behavior divorce can result. It does take both of you working together not against one another to make it work.
Diligently daily seek the Lord’s direction. Make it a priority to take time to; “BE STILL and KNOW”
Psalm 46
As a believer it should always be more important to you to please GOD. This does not mean getting caught up in all the local Church activities to the degree you neglect your home life. Know it also pleases God when you keep your vows you have made to Him and your spouse. Ministry starts in your home. In this 21st century some of everything goes on within the many places of worship. So stay focused and also be aware of what is going on about you. Establish a mode of sincerely worshipping God. You must commit to spend time with the Lord in His Word and draw closer to Him. Your own personal Bible Study and studying together is important as well. This is where and how you will gain healthier spiritual strength. Remember we the people are God’s Church.
There really is nothing more important than growing closer to God. He is the quintessential essence of everlasting life. I assure you, all that you will ever need for life, daily living and eternal life you can discover in an ongoing healthy personal intimate relationship with God.
Remember our relationship as Believers with God is eternal. For there is life beyond earth. Be certain today without a doubt where you will spend eternity. GOD IS OMNISCIENT! When you seek HIM above all else there are marvelous unlimited benefits. Know that your body is the Temple of God. You need to feed and nurture your body and soul spiritually and physically. Know when and how to eat and know when to fast. Think and ponder upon this for a moment; God is the Creator of Heaven and earth. He is the Creator of man and woman. No one knows better than He about anything. He can and will direct you in every area of your life. He will never leave nor forsake you. To truly know this you must believe this without doubt.
Marriage God’s way can and does work. God has ordained marriage so do not leave Him out of it. But you both must be willing to mutually embrace His godly principles and actually implement them within your marriage. God wants to be a part of every area of your life. God does not want you to spend your life unhappy, bitter or broken. God does not have to break you to use you. He can meet you right where you are. But He does want you to take seriously the vows that you both made to Him. You can recover from this. But recovery takes hard work!
Every day is a precious “GIFT” from the Lord. What you do with your life is your gift to Him. Strive and thrive to be better helpmeets to one another. So, lets get busy building a life and a marriage that lasts. This way everyone benefits. May your efforts in Holy Matrimony prevail!
“But the Fruit of the Spirit is Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self Control…” Galatians 5. May they all by God’s marvelous grace manifest, multiply and abound within your lives, homes and your marriage!
May God’s Eternal Everlasting Love begin to flourish and abound between you now and forever!
Getting Your Joy Back Part 4
February 6, 2019 by Elder/Minister DeBorrah K. Ogans
Filed under Behavioral & Emotional Health, Uncategorized
HALLLELLLUJAH THANK YOU JESUS!!!
You can call upon Jesus 24/7. So if you are going through; You have to learn how to TRUST GOD! Life may try to take everything that you have, but TRUST GOD! It may try to take your health or take the health of your love ones, But TRUST GOD! It may attempt to divide your home, your marriage and your family and to uproot your children, But TRUST GOD! The enemy may even try to take your life, But TRUST GOD! Always remember who you are in the Lord!
The prince of the power of the air can not do anymore than God allows. Therefore keep your focus upon God. Know this; when you are God’s child know that when its all said and done in the end WE WIN! God did not say it will all be good. He did say “ALL things will work together for the GOOD when you LOVE HIM and are called according to HIS purpose.” So come what may; PRAISE GOD & SAY HALLLELLLUJAH ANYHOW!
Spiritual warfare is all around us
Think about this the enemy wants to steal your JOY! He will use any and everything to attempt to do just that. He wants to pull you down emotionally, physically and to lower your standard of living by tempting you to compromise your principles. Praise be to God, for He has given us His Holy Spirit, His Comforter. Our God given principles are some of your most invaluable possessions. They are bestowed to help discipline and empower you. Through our faith and trust in the Lord we gain access. We never become the power but realize that “Greater is He that is within us than he that is in the world. “
While going through you must open your spiritual eyes and ears. Quite often some of those you have helped will often get selective amnesia. I often wondered where were all those people that Jesus helped when they crucified Him. God always knows. There truly is much spiritual warfare about us. Our world and our country is in trouble. But our weapons are not carnal. Stay prepared. Is your armor together? Our true help is only in the Lord.
The Peace of God can sustain you
Know God intimately! Pray daily for His Precious Holy Spirit to fill you with His presence. Then whatever comes your way as it gets too heavy give it to the Lord. Do all you can do, as you give it to Him and then simply STAND! TRUST GOD! Regardless of what happens the enemy can’t take your JOY unless you let him. He will try so do not give it to him.
Allow the peace of God to sustain you. When you know God intimately His Word becomes woven and deeply embedded into the fabric of who you are. “Your WORD have I hidden in my heart so I may not sin against YOU.” Trust His Holy Spirit who will bring it to your remembrance.
If you have let the shade be pulled down over your life and the enemy has inserted, regrets, depression, anxiety, stress, eating disorders, compulsive behaviors, addictions, manipulation, and anything else in as your daily companions know that they are not of God. Begin to let it or them go! Reach to the Lord. Call upon Him who is always near. When needed or necessary You can also pray with someone who is on one accord. You have the authority within you through Christ Jesus so use it and shift your focus to the Lord. You will be strengthened as you discipline yourself to praise and daily thank God!
Practice makes Permanent!
God is the Ultimate Father, readily accessible to ALL who call upon Him sincerely and believe and accept His Son Jesus Christ into their heart as their Lord and Savior. Continue or begin implementing His principles within your daily life. Practice makes permanent! His gift to you is His Precious Holy Spirit that nurtures us and is His GIFT that assures us of Eternal life with Him! No one or nobody can change that.
God teaches us the importance of faithfulness and loyalty! It is paramount to always take your commitment to the Lord seriously. There is nothing more important in life. “Whatever you do, do it as unto the Lord.”
Don’t try to be like someone else. Be the best you, you can be! Everywhere you are God is. So if you have let your JOY go because…. Take it back. “Though you have not seen Him, you LOVE Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious JOY, for you are receiving the goal of your FAITH, the SALVATION of your souls.” I PETER
God is Omnipresent
You can always and forever count on God knowing He is everywhere you are. The question is do you invite His presence? Did you know that it really is “in Him we move and live and have our being.” To better understand this it is important to daily begin building your very own ongoing personal relationship with Him. Just think when something happens; don’t you prefer to talk to someone you know? So don’t just wait until something happens. God is not far away. He in fact is so close that you do not even have to say a Word for Him to hear you. He even knows your every thought! Our little finite minds cannot really conceive of GOD and all His fullness. “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” But through FAITH we can develop an ever growing TRUST in HIM.
Healing Begins In Your Heart and In Your Home! Part 1
July 20, 2018 by Elder/Minister DeBorrah K. Ogans
Filed under Behavioral & Emotional Health
~ Healing Begins in Your Heart and Your Home! ~
Part 1
CHRIST CAME TO SET US FREE!
“It is for FREEDOM that CHRIST has set us FREE. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened with a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5
Seven IF’s to healing your heart and home!
IF You really want healing to begin seek the LORD above ALL else. You cannot change what has been, but YOU CAN start afresh TODAY.
IF You want to start healing this next generation think about what you do and say in front of them. Apologize for what has been and help them get to a better place. It’s never too late to start anew.
IF You raised, or are raising your children by yelling, screaming and cussing at them guess what? They will probably do the same thing. They will seek to dominate and control others…
IF You hit them upside the head and slap them in the mouth; guess what? You are instilling anger within them. You are making them a slave to sin. This is not all appropriate or necessary. It is more a reflection of your lack of self-control than their behavior.
IF You are beating them to death; guess what? You are really, actually beating the natural life out of them. You are replacing it will stress, anger, hate, insecurity, and rage. You are actually shutting them down and causing them to become violent and pushing them towards seeking physical hitting and abusive ways that create even more inner conflict. This further serves to give them poor coping skills which makes them feel unloved. It sets up an inner unhealthy emotional environment that welcomes addictions and very little self control. To name a few; Addiction, Alcohol, Drugs, Overeating, Undereating, Promiscuity, Homosexuality, Adultery, Fornication, Unfaithfulness, Stealing, Lying, Fighting and Violence. These are just a few of the results… Their way of being is now obsessing and learning to dominate and control rather than exercise Self-Control and become FREE!
IF You are calling them out of their name, talking bad about everyone else and constantly putting them down: guess what? You are helping them have an identity crisis as well as low self-esteem… They will see themselves as you express yourself to them. They will have poor opinions of others as well. They also will feel lesser than, rather than equal too. Children are NOT your slaves or possessions and should not be treated as so regardless of race, creed or color… Teach them respect by being respectful.
The Good News is;
You can become FREE! You can begin to heal your heart and home!
IF You have done none of the above; guess what? There is still room for self improvement. As long as the Lord has us on this side of heaven it is to grow in His Grace. God really can help you build and establish a healthy, loving, safe, balanced as well as fun secure living environment. A place for all to grow and flourish. But, you just have to be willing to put in the time and effort. Always invite the presence of the Lord all around you. Your home enviroment will be whatever you make it. When you are truly willing to make some changes there are unlimited possibilities… Get busy!
Christ Jesus overcame, sin, death and the grave so we could live better well-rounded lives. True success is inclusive of obeying God and daily embracing His principles.
Know God and His Word for yourself. God really does have a purpose and plan for each of our lives. But it is your choice to daily seek him above the ways of this world. “DRAW NIGH TO GOD AND HE WILL DRAW NIGH TO YOU!”
There IS ALWAYS HOPE in the LORD! Together you can move forward towards healing. You really can be healed, delivered, restored and set FREE!
“Greater IS HE that is within you than he that is in the world…”
http://alpha7.org/2018/07/20/healing-begins-in-your-heart-and-your-home-part-2/
Healing Begins In Your Heart and In Your Home Part 2
July 20, 2018 by Elder/Minister DeBorrah K. Ogans
Filed under Behavioral & Emotional Health
~ Healing Begins In Your Heart and In Your Home! ~
Part 2
STOP THE MADNESS
GOD really does have a better way.
Should children be corrected? Yes indeed! But think before your buttons are pushed like a remote control. Proper correction is always done in love. Learn to correct and control yourself before you try to correct them. If not don’t expect them to do any differently. For they will simply model your behavior. Do you treat them the way you want to be treated? Think about how You would feel if it were you, being treated the way you treat them… To break a cycle you must do something differently.
IF you don’t have self-control yourself; simply remove yourself momentarily from their presence unto you can discipline them properly. Afterall you are supposed to be the responsible adult. Begin to set yourself and them free at the same time. Admit you need to develop healthy boundaries. You become what you practice. Yes, please do correct them and also correct yourself. REPENT!
LET’S STOP the VIOLENCE! Violence begats violence. There is too much violence going on all throughout this world. Get BETTER, not bitter. Get real, this does not have to be. Many have lived wrong for so long this is all that they know. Get aware and make it a point to lessen the frequency of emotional, mental & physical, abuse and really EMBRACE LOVE! Remember; LOVE IS PATIENT! Not the distorted worldly definition of love but GOD’S LOVE that corrects, protects, makes, awakens, shapes and molds us in HIS IMAGE! GOD’S LOVE allows the FRUIT of HIS SPIRIT to flourish and abound within us. GOD’S LOVE lasts through ETERNITY!
FRUIT OF HIS SPIRIT
“But the FRUIT of the SPIRIT IS LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS and SELF-CONTORL. Against such is NO LAW. Those who BELONG to CHRIST JESUS have CRUCIFIED the sinful nature with its passions and desires, Since WE LIVE BY THE SPIRIT, let us KEEP IN STEP WITH THE SPIRIT. Let us become NOT conceited, provoking and envying one another…”
GALATIANS 5
WORKS OF THE FLESH
“THE ACTS OF THE sinful nature are obvious sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, discord, jealously, fits of rage, self-ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn You, as I did before, that those who live like this WILL NOT INHERIT the KINGDOM of GOD…”
GALATIANS 5
There is no power that even comes close to our OMNIPOTENT GOD!!! Aways keep in mind that GOD is also OMNIPRESENT so you can call upon him 24/7. He can help you. It is by HIS marvelous grace we can become more and more disciplined… He is able in any and every situation to help you rise above anything that attempts to make you focus or lose control. It could be something as simple as pushing away from the table. Or knowing when to speak softly or yes when to speak firm & strong. Healthy boundaries keep us in line and teach us to exercise self-control… PRAY FOR DISCERNMENT! Know that there are those who will attempt to test you far beyond anything that they themselves could ever endure. Remember we access GOD’S POWER. But we never become the power. This is why we ALL are forever dependent upon our LORD & SAVIOR CHRIST JESUS.
Learn to trust GOD!!!
Live to Please the LORD in all that You do. DON’T just go to CHURCH. “BE GOD’S CHURCH EVERYDAY & EVERYWHERE!” Scripture is powerful. It is our necessary essential Spiritual Food. It is required in order to properly grow spiritually. “DO NOT CONFORM to this world! “Therefore, I urge You, brothers, in view of GOD’S mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, HOLY and pleasing to GOD ~ this is your spiritual act of worship. DO NOT CONFORM any longer to the pattern of this world, BUT BE TRANSFORMED by the RENEWING of your mind. Then you WILL BE ABLE to TEST & APPROVE what GOD’S WILL IS! HIS GOOD, PLEASING & PERFECT WILL.” ROMANS 12 (NIV) Be led by the Spirit of God!
GOD does not ask us to do something that is not possible. It is through HIM we are able to do what seems impossible to man. Whenever we solicit HIS HELP we should first desire that whatever we are asking for is in HIS WILL! GOD always knows what is best for us!
WALK IN THE LIGHT
It is very important to KNOW the difference between; THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT & The works of the flesh. To every problem GOD has a solution. We just need to seek HIS WILL & HIS WAY above the ways of man/woman. Look all around you and see with your spiritual eyes. Things have gotten out of hand. Think globally and look universally; See what is happening to families, marriages, relationships, governments, cities, nations, countries, life, within the Church and living life as a whole…
No doubt the horrendous impact of the Coronavirus plague and pestilence, is a resulting consequence of what has been going on all throughout the world. All have been impacted one way or another. Remember it is still here. God’s Word is being fulfilled right before our very eyes. We have to continuously learn how to live safely & wisely as the Word of God continues to be fulfilled all around us. Time out for foolishness. Things have gone too far… The “Latter Days” are upon us.
There is always HOPE in the LORD!
God is speaking we must get better at listening. Therefore, we ALL need CHRIST JESUS as our personal SAVIOR and LORD and HIS HOLY SPIRIT; HIS COMFORTER. HIS HOLY SPIRIT WILL LEAD US to ALL TRUTH! As we walk in TRUTH we allow the LORD to bring healing to our hearts, minds, bodies, souls as well as our homes… GOD IS THE GOD OF ALL COMFORTS! Begin to really TRUST GOD & HIS WORD and “WALK IN THE LIGHT!”
Healing Begins In Your Heart and In Your Home Part 3
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
January 15, 2018 by Minister/Elder DeBorrah K. Ogans
Filed under Society & Culture
One of the most Honorable and Praiseworthy qualities admired most about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., was that He was a Diplomatic Ambassador of Peace! Dr. King was a PEACEMAKER, and a strong man of FAITH, INTEGRITY, JUSTICE, BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES and VALUES! In His avid quest to fight for equality and justice he gallantly embraced non violence. Dr. Martin Luther King was a Baptist Minister born at noon in his family home on January 15,1929 in Atlanta Georgia. How ironic his Queen Anne style home was in what is known as the magnificent “Sweet Auburn District.” He was an avid and dedicated prominent leader in the “Civil Rights” movement! However it was because of his gallant efforts he was violently assassinated in 1968 at the age of 39.
DR. KING WAS A TRUE DRUM MAJOR OF PEACE!
Dr. King fought long and tenaciously for the equal rights for people of Color. He wanted the same rights that were extended to Whites extended to all people! He was especially instrumental in ending legal segregation that plagued African Americans in the South. Dr. King led many powerful and peaceful demonstrations. For his many efforts he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.
Dr. King came from a ancestral lineage of Baptist Ministers. His father and his grandfather were ministers. They both became pastor’s in succession of the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia. He was raised in a very comfortable, loving and stable middle class Christian home. He was a brilliant, well educated and gifted Man of God. He excelled prolifically in his studies and skipped both the (9th) ninth and (12th) twelfth grades. He was admitted to the impressive Morehouse College at the early age of only (15) fifteen years old.
Dr. King was aware from a very early age of the obvious discrimination that existed against Colored people now often referred to as African Americans. There is an interesting little story of when he was only 6 years of age, his white playmate told him that they could no longer play together since they were now going to segregated schools. Before King’s going off to college, he first went to work on a tobacco farm in Connecticut. It is here he realized that the same discrimination was not apparent that he had experience in the South. He took note of the many activities that both whites, blacks, reds, yellows, browns and all colors shared. Here basically all Colors participated together. They went to worship together they could eat out publicly together, it was an eye opening experience.
Admirable Man of GOD
King enthusiastically entered Morehouse College and initially his desire was to study medicine and law. However he became impressed with the marvelous oratorical skills of Benjamin Mays. He was an activist, was educated and an intelligent man who was pursuing equal rights and racial equality. Mays really made and indelible impression upon his father, Martin Luther Sr. The young budding Martin remained impressed as well.
Martin Luther King Jr. graduated from Morehouse College in 1948. King then attended Crozer Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania. King early on had a charismatic personality and was elected student body president of the predominately white student body. He eventually earned his Bachelor’s of Divinity in 1951. King then went on to Boston University, it is here he earned a Doctorate. Here in Boston is where he met the love of his life Coretta Scott. She was studying at the New England conservatory of Music. They married in a beautiful lawn ceremony at her family’s home. The ceremony was officiated by Rev. Martin Luther King Sr., his father in 1953. From their beautiful union was born 4 wonderful children.
Of the many protests that was led by King it was the infamous Montgomery Alabama bus boycott that received acclaimed nationwide attention. Here the lovely intelligent Rosa Parks a hard working gentle natured Black woman who was tired after a long honest day at work, as an excellent and skilled seamstress decided not to give up her seat to a white passenger. Mrs. Parks was in turn arrested under the segregation laws. A concerted effort was made by the Activists they strategically planned and implemented a strategic and successful peaceful bus boycott. No doubt this was a great injustice that was made towards Rosa Parks. There were numerous marches and “sit ins”…
I have seen the “Promised Land!”
It was on his way to support a group of sanitation workers in Memphis, Tennessee that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated! Senator Edward Kennedy chartered a plane to bring Dr. King’s body home to Atlanta. At least (30) thirty buses and (100) one hundred planes were used to bring mourners for his “Homegoing Celebration.” Sympathy was generously poured out from all over the world! The night before King had delivered a most prophetic message. He made this statement: “I’ve seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight that we, as a people, will get to the promised land.” It was the very next day while standing on the balcony of the Lorraine Hotel, he was brutally killed by a sniper’s bullet!
King’s loyal supporters throughout America were quite upset and 100+ riots ensued in various cities across the country! After much uproar and ongoing media attention; his white assassin James Earl Ray pleaded guilty. He was then convicted and sentenced to 99 years in prison. He later attempted to recant his confession of guilt and said that he was coerced by his attorneys. Ray dogmatically held to the stance it was a conspiracy! Dr. King’s family came to his aid and support of Ray’s defense and embraced him. Ray died before he could be acquitted. Coretta Scott King, Dr. King’s widow made this statement upon Ray’s death; “America will never have the benefit of Mr. Ray’s trial, which would have produced new revelations about the assassination…as well as establish the facts concerning Mr. Ray’s innocence.”
Dr. King’s legacy lives on…
Dr. Martin Luther King has been compared and contrasted to some of the greatest! To name a few; George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln. The fact remains that he was martyred has further served to keep his memory alive. His legacy lives on in the hearts of many as well as in the history of America’s historical corridors and the world at large. His legacy has a life of its own!
It was after his death that he was accredited with an overwhelming international status. There are roads, highways, buildings, schools and institutions named in his honor throughout the United States. In 1986 he was honored with a national Holiday celebrated on the 3rd Monday in January. In 1991 the Lorraine Hotel where he was assassinated became a Museum. In London they have a sculpture of him over the door to the west front at West Minister Abbey in his honor. Dr. King’s “I Have A Dream” oratorical famous speech is well remembered and often quoted by many universally.
Infamous excerpt from Dr. King’s speech: “And when this happens, when we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God’s children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, “Free at last! free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!”
Dr. King was a wonderful inspiring Man of God whose voice in the midst of the prevalent and tumultuous prejudice harnessing America opened the pathway to more equality for all colors! His eloquence, charismatic style, self sacrificing, courageous and arduous commitment will forever be ingrained in the chronicles of America’s History as well as the hearts of many!
Dr. King was kept under surveillance
Dr. King lived under the microscope of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (F.B.I. ) the ongoing surveillance was spearheaded under J. Edgar Hoover. Many unfounded allegations were made to attempt to undermine his credibility. But none of them could serve to tarnish his incredible, impeccable, accomplishments as a committed Man of God and strong ardent peaceful contributions as a Civil Rights Activist. Nor his infamous merited accomplishment of receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo Norway! Upon His acceptance he stated “I accept this award today with an abiding faith in America and an audacious faith in the future of mankind,” said King in his acceptance speech. “I refuse to accept the idea that the ‘isness’ of man’s present nature makes him morally incapable of reaching up for the eternal ‘oughtness’ that forever confronts him.
Indeed there is so much more that could be said about this dedicated Man of God; Dr. Martin Luther King Jr… He made many gallant advances towards diminishing discrimination in a peaceful manner. Yet it still remains on many levels… Much of it continues to persist in the background. He no doubt encountered many injustices for the cause of Civil Rights. Few have been able to take up the baton as elegantly, intelligently and astutely as Dr. King.
EXCERPT; I HAVE A DREAM
There is more that persists today; Yet, I close here with another memorable excerpt from “ I Have A Dream!”
“I say to you today, my friends, so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.
I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.”
Spiritual Food For Thought & Spiritual Growth! 3
May 5, 2017 by Elder/Minister DeBorrah K. Ogans
Filed under Christian Living
Spiritual Food For Thought & Spiritual Growth! 3
“Make every effort to live in PEACE with all men and to be HOLY; without HOLINESS, no one will see the LORD. See to it that no one misses the GRACE of GOD and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. See to it that no one is sexually immoral or godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as an oldest son.” Hebrews 12 ~ WORD FOR TODAY ~
~ THOUGHT FOR TODAY! ~
Sin inhibits our spiritual growth. Many do not like you to talk about sin. They feel that you are judging them and or negative. How interesting because this is exactly what the Prophets did and were called for. They constantly called sin out for what it was. As you spiritually grow you realize that it is important to confront any sin in your life as well as the lives of others. Sin keeps us in darkness separated from GOD!
As you study the WORD of GOD you will see HIS Prophets, Priests, Apostles, Disciples nor HIS SON JESUS CHRIST were not always readily accepted. They suffered persecution, mistreatment, as well as a multiplicity of mental anguish and sometimes even physical abuse. They were often misunderstood yet pressed onward living for the Lord. They steadfastly proclaimed, and preached about the importance of living for the Lord. Their mission to share the marvelous GOSPEL of JESUS CHRIST remained their primary focus.
We who profess to be believers are to walk in the Light!
Today in this 21st century just about anything goes… The Word of God is often set aside to encourage satisfying the desires of the flesh. Most want to feel good rather than; REPENT! God really does have a better way. Know there are healthy ways to feel good without our conscience being convicted. There is a tendency to subliminally enable rather than seek to set free and make whole. We should always encourage self-control. It is part of the Fruit of His Spirit. God loves us and always wants what is best for each of us. God’s Love has been so terribly misunderstood.
Holiness for many is a mere option.
Ministry was never meant to make us comfortable with the ways of the world. God has created each of us with a purpose. It is our choice to seek Him daily. Keep your focus upon the Lord. Seek HIS WILL & HIS WAY for your life each day above everything. Allow Him to daily lead you in the Path of Righteousness for His Namesake. Only GOD can give you HIS PEACE that surpasses the understanding of man/woman.
Once we truly accept Jesus Christ into our hearts as Lord and Savior, His Holy Spirit abides within us. In Him you can discover everything for Life & Living that you will ever need! As we embrace the principles of His Word into our hearts and implement them into our lives we grow spiritually. Our LORD & SAVIOR is here to HELP us. To set free and save us from the power of sin reigning within our daily lives. We live to become more aware and walk in the Light!
PRAY!!!
FATHER, May YOUR KINGDOM COME & YOUR WILL & YOUR WAY be done in my life…
We must learn to Trust God! “WALK BY FAITH!” God has promised to put HIS laws within our hearts and write them upon our minds. We can learn so much from HIS Word. PRAY for DISCERNMENT! Whatever you are in need of today God already knows. It is our choice to submit and ask Him to fill us with the presence of HIS HOLY SPIRIT which is always available to lead, guide, direct and protect us 24/7!
HIS HOLY SPIRIT HIS COMFORTER will lead us to ALL TRUTH! In GOD’S time; “ALL things work together for the GOOD for those who LOVE HIM & are the called according to HIS PURPOSE!” Romans 8. You must hide the Word of God within your heart. This helps you to learn how to live to sin less…
“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 8:38-39).
We must or should daily begin to embrace godly principles for life and living as believers. God has chosen us to live God centered lives. Daily take a spiritual bath in the Word of God! There is POWER in the BLOOD JESUS! “What can wash away my sin, nothing but the BLOOD of JESUS! What can make me whole again. Nothing but the BLOOD of JESUS!” Through the POWER of HIS HOLY SPIRIT we CAN live HOLY lives for the LORD! We are to be “in the world but not of the world!” Grace, Joy & Peace to you. Live each day to please the Lord!
We the people who BELIEVE in JESUS CHRIST and have accepted HIM into our hearts is HIS CHURCH! There is; VICTORY IN JESUS!
“The gates of hell will NOT prevail against the CHURCH of GOD!” PRAISE GOD! & BLESS HIS HOLY NAME! ~
Spiritual Food For Thought & Spiritual Growth! 2
April 26, 2017 by Elder/Minister DeBorrah K. Ogans
Filed under Christian Living
SPIRITUAL FOOD FOR THOUGHT! & SPIRITUAL GROWTH! 2
“Your attitude should be the same as that of CHRIST JESUS:
Who, being in very nature GOD, did not consider equality with GOD something to be grasped, but made HIMSELF nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, HE humbled HIMSELF and became obedient to death ~ even death on the cross! Therefore GOD exalted HIM to the highest place and gave HIM The NAME that is above every name, that at The NAME of JESUS every knee should bow, in Heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that JESUS CHRIST is LORD, to The GLORY of GOD The FATHER!” Philippians 2 ~ WORD FOR TODAY ~
~ THOUGHT FOR TODAY ~
JESUS CHRIST is our ONLY PERFECT example. He was both miraculously divine and yet still a sinless human man. He never did, said, or thought anything wrong. How amazing! He died upon the cross & rose with ALL POWER to SAVE us from eternal damnation… He overcame sin in the flesh for mankind. For this we should be eternally grateful. He was RIGHTEOUSNESS personified in the purest highest form ever. It is because of HIM we too are able to overcome sin in the flesh as we submit to HIS WILL & HIS WAY. He truly is THE GLORY of GOD!
Many serve the Lord to be served. Many serve to have power and authority over others. A dedicated committed servant of the Lord is willing to serve the Lord with gladness. They realize that absolutely nothing is hidden to Him. They also know that the Church belongs to God. He or she seeks above all to be pleasing to the Lord. We all are accountable to the Lord for our actions. It is so very important to build a strong sure foundation upon the Word of God! Whenever we stand upon His Word He stands with us.
Serving the Lord does not mean that we are to make others or ourselves feel comfortable in sin. Sin actually separates us from God. We are supposed to “Walk in the Light.” We can choose to call upon our Lord and Savior to Help us anytime, anywhere 24/7. HIS WORD is necessary Essential Spiritual Food for our body, mind and soul. His Word is alive and it quickens our souls. It is important to hide His Word within our hearts. This is what keeps us from practicing sin. As we embrace and implement its Truth in our daily lives we becomes spiritually stronger. God wants us to be whole!
“Therefore whoever HEARS these sayings of MINE, and DOES them, I WILL liken to him to a wise man who built his house on The ROCK; and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it DID NOT fall, for it was founded on THE ROCK!” MATTHEW 6
We should make a sincere attempt to live in anticipation each day as though our Lord were going to return. Our main focus in life should always be the Lord. This actually is what helps us to better navigate through the maze of life. God is Omniscient. His Word lights our path. Make it a point to regularly and consistently spend time with the Lord in His Word. This is how we continuously grow in His grace, love, wisdom and understanding. We should daily seek the direction of the Lord in all areas of our lives.
We should not want our Lord to be a stranger whenever we see Him face to face. Therefore Live Everyday; “To GOD Be the GLORY!”
Serve the Lord because HE deserves to be served. “For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord’s freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ’s servant.” I Corinthians 7
Upon the profession of our FAITH HIS HOLY SPIRIT becomes alive within us and HELPS us to rise above sin. God has created each of us with a purpose in mind. It is our choice to discover His Will for our lives. We All need Him as Savior and Lord. It is a BLESSING & a PRIVILEGE to be able to call upon HIM as our Personal Savior. “For ALL of us have sinned and fallen short of The GLORY of GOD!” Romans 3.
Let’s not continue to make excuses for any sin or shortcomings. Instead learn to call upon JESUS! Whenever sin beckons, allow the Savior to help you rise above it. God wants us to be complete in Him. This is how we become better people. This is how we become whole. When we live to please the Lord we will always eventually become victorious! Always remember;“What can wash away my sin; nothing but The BLOOD of JESUS! What can make me whole again; nothing but the BLOOD of JESUS! O precious is the flow that makes me white as snow. No other HELP I KNOW nothing but the BLOOD of JESUS!”
Spiritual Food For Thought & Spiritual Growth 3
Spiritual Food For Thought & Spiritual Growth! 1
April 22, 2017 by Elder/Minister DeBorrah K. Ogans
Filed under Christian Living
~ 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! ~
