In HiM we live and move and have our being Part 1

“In Him we live and move and have our being”

There is no way getting around God! You can  try to ignore Him. You can choose not to believe in Him. You can have a surface relationship with Him that makes you feel  comfortable?   You can have a weekend relationship with Him and simply   just attend Worship Services every Sabbath Saturday or Sunday and just go right back to living however it is you please all during the week.   But you will not experience his abiding inner peace.  Or, you can make it your goal to draw closer to Him everyday and  really invite Him into the messiness of your life. This is how we can build a strong secure solid  intimate relationship with Him.

God will and can give you His peace that surpasses the understanding of man.  It is your choice!  God does not force Himself into your life. Everywhere you are God is there.  He is The Most High God. He is Omnipresent!

“The GOD who made the world and everything in it is The LORD of Heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands.  And He is not served by human hands,  as if He needed anything, because He Himself gives all  men life and breath and everything else.  From  one man He made very nation of men, that they should inhabit  the whole earth; and He determined the times set for them and  the exact places where they should live.  God did this so  that men would seek Him and perhaps  reach out to Him and find Him though  He is not far from each one of us ‘For in HIM we live and move and have our being.’ As some  of your own poets  have said. ‘We are His offspring.”  Acts 17

Christianity is meant to be an ever growing daily life long lifestyle! It means that we are supposed to learn, embrace and implement the principles of His Word within our lives  everyday.  Remember HiM = Him in me!

“God is Love!” God is eternal and  so is His Love.  He created us so we could learn how to love, grow spiritually,  enjoy life  His way and extend His love that begins to  flow through us  naturally when we are connected to Him. His love draws others to us.  With love comes much responsibility this is why we must learn to become disciplined.  There is much deception about us due to spiritual warfare. It is important to know that you cannot fool GOD.  Not everyone understands what true love really is.

“GOD IS LOVE!” True love does not manipulate!  God’s love is patient, kind, it does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud, it is not rude, it is not self seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record  of wrongs.  His love does not delight in evil but rejoices in truth.  (See  Corinthians 13)

God’s love does not suffocate. Nor does it make you comfortable in sin. It protects not out of insecurity but out of concern. Sin is anything that separates you from God.  It was Moses’ Mother who loved him enough to allow him to float down the Nile River in “an ark of bulrushes” to safety. The King of Egypt had given an order for the Hebrew babies to be killed. This is one of many examples of the power of God’s protection. Moses is known as one of the greatest Biblical leaders. He spent many years encouraging the children of Israel to live lives pleasing to God.  For more details See Exodus 2. Take some time to learn more about God’s love in His Word.

Society gets confused between love and lust.  God’s Love is Eternal. There is a worldly love that mimics His love. It is selfish not sincere. This is what I call “intoxicating affections.”  It is important to be able to distinguish between the two.  One should pray for spiritual discernment.

God created us in His image for a purpose.  It is God’s desire for us to continuously build an ever increasing up close and personal growing relationship with Him through His Son Jesus Christ.  During our fellowship and personal devotion time with Him we are being transformed.  God has placed a void in all of us that only He can fill. The more we become like  Him we learn how to  better properly love.  God’s love is eternal.  God’s spiritual gifts begin to grow and multiply within our lives as we stay connected to Him who is the ultimate source of love.

 

Know that God is totally aware of; where each one of us are or where we are not.  He knows our strengths and weaknesses. As we grow in His Grace and the knowledge of Him our weaknesses diminish as we wholeheartedly embrace and apply the Truth of His Word within our daily  lives. He gives us the power to over come them.  He continuously shapes and mold us in His image as we embrace and apply His Word to our lives.

 

God has given each one of us an inborn unique  natural temperament.  He did not create us to be like anyone else. He extends His grace and love to us daily. He wants us to have better home lives, better marriages, relationships and better families.

 

He even wants you to have better lives if you are single. He wants all of us to have better relationships with one another as the family of God. He does not want us to conform to the ways of this word. Nor does He want us to compromise HIS principles. Many of the ways of the world have nested themselves within the midst of God’s Church. He wants us to have better  healthier worship services, work, school, play  and recreational environments as well. God did not create us to become puppets. He wants us to become whole!  Becoming whole means to be complete in Him. God wants what is best for us in every area of our lives. But all too often He is left out of the equation when deciding what we want and what really is best for us.

Part 2

Spiritual Food For Thought & Spiritual Growth 5

Spiritual Food For Thought & Spiritual Growth 5

~ “…For the WORD of the LORD IS RIGHT; and ALL HIS WORKS ARE DONE IN TRUTH. HE LOVETH RIGHTEOUSNESS AND JUDGMENT; THE EARTH IS FULL OF THE GOODNESS OF THE LORD. By the WORD of the LORD were the HEAVENS MADE; and ALL THE HOST OF THEM BY THE BREATH OF HIS MOUTH.

HE GATHERETH THE WATERS OF THE SEA TOGETHER AS ONE HEAP; HE LAYETH UP THE DEPTH IN STOREHOUSES.

LET ALL THE EARTH FEAR THE LORD; LET ALL the inhabitants of the world STAND IN AWE of HIM!

For HE SPAKE, AND IT WAS DONE; HE COMMANDED AND IT STOOD FAST.

THE LORD BRINGETH THE COUNSEL of the heathen to NOUGHT; HE MAKETH the devices of people of NONE EFFECT.

THE COUNSEL OF THE LORD STANDETH FOREVER, THE THOUGHTS OF HIS HEART TO ALL GENERATIONS.

BLESSED IS THE NATION WHOSE GOD IS THE LORD; AND THE PEOPLE WHOM HE HAS CHOSEN FOR HIS OWN INHERITANCE…” PSALM 33 ~ WORD FOR TODAY! ~

 

~ THOUGHT FOR TODAY ~

“GOD IS LOVE!”

Truly we are living in perilous times.

We must or should begin to consider the Lord & His Word in all that we say and do.

The only way to Salvation is though Christ Jesus our Lord.

It is so very important to know the Lord & His Word for yourself. The Lord knows us all from the inside out! The Lord knows all our hearts, thoughts, intents and motives. He knows when we are sincere. Readily REPENT whenever necessary and turn to the Lord. Bountiful Blessings await us as we walk in the Light of His Word. In times like these we need a Savior!!!

Truly God is Faithful

Whatever is happening or not happening; God will & can get you through it.

It is important to spend some time in His Word today and everyday. For we know not; what a day may bring. There is so many tragic things taking place all around the world. Draw closer to the Lord everyday. Live each day as though our Lord were going to return.

The Lord did not create us to worry. He wants us to trust Him in every area of our lives.

“PRAY WITHOUT CEASING” all throughout your day. This is how we stay connected to the Lord. PRAY for your spouse and future spouse (if you don’t already have a spouse) children, family, love ones, neighbors, coworkers & friends. PRAY for our country; this world at large and GOD’S UNIVERSAL CHURCH. LORD HAVE MERCY! PRAY for yourself and seek the WILL & WAY of the LORD everyday.

BELIEVE GOD & HIS WORD. HAVE FAITH & TRUST IN GOD. HE IS THE EVERLASTING FATHER. HE IS THE GREAT; “I AM” IN THE LORD WE CAN BE CONFIDENT. GOD KEEPS HIS PROMISES..

FOREVER I WILL WORSHIP & PRAISE THE LORD! THE LORD WANTS TO BE THE JOY & STRENGTH OF OUR LIVES! “THE LORD IS MY LIGHT AND MY SALVATION; WHOM SHALL I FEAR? THE LORD IS THE STRENGTH OF MY LIFE; OF WHOM SHALL I BE AFRAID?”

I ASSURE YOU THAT IN HIS WORD YOU CAN DISCOVER EVERYTHING THAT YOU WILL EVER NEED FOR LIFE, LIVING & ETERNAL LIFE! LIVE EVERYDAY: “TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!! THANK & BLESS HIS HOLY NAME!!!

Did You Grow Up In The Church? Part 1

Did you grow up in the Church but; the Church did not grow up in you? Did you regularly attend Church and regularly participate in all the auxiliaries yet, you did not or do not really have a real relationship with the Lord? Do you just go to Church and the moment you are behind closed doors you abandon all of God’s principles for living? Do you live Monday thru Saturday conforming to the world? Do you go to Church, study God’s Word but don’t really understand how to apply it to your own life? Have you or do you truly live a Godly life before your spouse and children or friends and relatives? Are you obedient to your pastor but disrespectful to your spouse? Are you a great Pastor who is a lousy husband? Do you really know what it is to have a personal relationship with the Lord? If the Lord was to return today can you truly say you will be “caught up in the air to meet Him?” Do you know that Jesus really does make a difference in your life? I am not talking about some religious experience. I am asking you these questions to provoke thought.

For many accepting Jesus Christ is a public experience. For many it is a procedure. For many, accepting Jesus Christ means to have your name on a membership role. Go through a basic initial training; decide what auxiliaries you would like to participate in then, jump right in. (I say auxiliary because there was a time when it was unheard of to say ministries.) If you attend regularly, pay your tithes, don’t make any waves, nor question the process, you have achieved conversion in the eyes of your trainers? In many cases you are expected to give in and yield to those who are in charge regardless. If you are related to or accepted by the established inner circle it is quite possible that as long as you conform to their wishes you can pretty much do whatever you desire. You do not really have to make any major changes in your personal life. Why? Because you love them and they love you, you have proven successfully that you are teachable, obedient and that you respect authority. They also are heart readers and can determine who is who? Hooray! You are now accepted in to what a very good God given friend of mine calls “the club”. Does any of this sound familiar? Did you grow up in the Church but the Church did not grow up in you?

What is the Church? Webster defines Church as; a building of public worship and especially Christian. A body or organization of religious believers. The clergy of a religious body. The Word of God teaches us that HIS people are actually His Church! The Christian Church is really a family of believers who have truly accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Lord. Who earnestly and faithfully have committed to being governed by God’s principles. As long as we remain on this side of heaven there is room for improvement.

Commit means to; put in trust. To cosign for preservation, disposal or safekeeping, to obligate, bind to and live by. When you commit to live for the Lord; you agree to surrender to His will and His way. You really should live your life from the perspective that God really does see everything. His Holy Spirit becomes your inner guide. You consistently study His Word. As you walk in faith and obedience to God’s principles you are strengthened spiritually. You don’t conform to the world neither do you disrespect the laws of the land.

The Lord loves us so much He gives us the freedom to choose. In His Word He tells us if you abide in Him He will abide in you. His Divine and Holy Spirit will take up residence in your soul. His Holy Spirit is also known as the Comforter. The Comforter will become your inner guide; The Comforter will make your conscious sensitive and aware of Godly instruction for life and daily living. The Comforter will let you know that Jesus Christ is the “Bread of life” John 6:35. That He is the “True Vine” John 15:1. That He is the “Light of the world” John 8:12. That He is “the way, the Truth, and the life.” John 14:6

God will give you a mentally sound mind. It is your choice to continue to sharpen it with His Word. PRAY FOR DISCERNMENT!

Ask yourself have you really chosen God’s way? Have you changed or just outwardly conformed to be accepted? If this is the case you will have very little self discipline. Nor will you have true inner peace. If you have truly changed there is an inner metamorphosis. You will begin to walk in the fruit of His Spirit. Do you really seek the truth? Or do you seek to prove and accept what is false? Is Jesus truly important in your home, job, career and life? Did you grow up in the Church but the Church did not grow up in you?

See Part 2

The Narrow Road

It is through God’s plan of salvation we are given the gift of eternal life. Once we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior we embark upon a spiritual journey. His precious Holy Spirit comes to reside within us. The Holy Spirit is there to comfort, protect, lead and guide us. To help us understand what the Word really means. His Word is there to be a “lamp unto our feet and a Light unto our path.” In Galatians 5 you will find the Fruit of His Spirit and the works of the flesh. This will help you to know the difference between, when you are walking in the Spirit or walking carnally in the flesh. This is also another reason why it is so very important to know the scriptures for yourself. God will never lead you to do anything contrary to His Word. His Word tells us every now and then you will find a true believer. The scriptures actually say “Enter through the narrow gate, for wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life and only a few find it.”

God loves us so much that He allowed His only begotten Son to leave heaven and take upon Himself a body of flesh. Jesus conquered sin in the flesh for us. So we might have the gift of Salvation! He was born, lived a sinless life was crucified dead and buried. Then he arose with all power! We never become the power, yet we are allowed access. Jesus truly demonstrated His love to us by actually showing us what it is to travel on that narrow road. If you study the life of Jesus Christ you will find that He encountered many things. He was persecuted, mistreated, lied upon and maligned. He was called evil. He was betrayed, misunderstood and abandoned by the very ones He came to help. The scriptures are not just some mere stories written to amuse us. They are there to show us the way. To help us grow spiritually mature and encourage us on that narrow road travel.

The Bible is supposed to be the final authority for the child of God. It is supposed to be our road map for life. As His children we are His Church. The Church is His Bride. One must remain watchful and prayerful. Life will allow many thorns and thistles in order to derail the child of God. That narrow road often appears to take the form of a roller coaster? For some taking a detour onto wide road traveling becomes an alternate route. Regardless as to what is going on about us we must strive to sincerely live each day keeping in mind that Jesus is going to return for His Church. This also helps you to be prepared for whatever obstacles are put in your path. One must learn to lay aside the things that attempt to distract or derail your path. So much of the world has been allowed to creep into the Church. For many it is hard to tell the difference. You must know the Word for yourself in order to not be deceived. Remember the Word tells us that the wheat and the tares are growing together. On many occasions evil is called good and good is perceived as evil. In many cases the world and its way has really become the final authority. Learn to trust God!

Lord help us! Don’t be dismayed! Absolutely nothing gets by God! God knows who are His. Rest assured. When you truly know His Word, you would know that nothing or no one can change that! God’s Word is TRUE! Jesus stood on the Truth. God knows what has happened, is happening and what will happen! We can rely on the Truth! People have an amazing ability to twist the truth in order to suit their purpose. To take things out of context in order to make things appear and seem a certain way. Some people will believe anything and anybody. You never have to force yourself or God’s Word upon anyone. Just be patient. Learn to “be still and know.” You do not have to stoop to their level. Just know in the long run it will only backfire. When anyone tries to oppress you, you never have to be afraid especially when you know that Psalms 27 is true! “The Lord is my Light and my salvation, who shall I fear….” Truth erases doubt and will give you a sure footing. It takes the Truth to bring things to the Light and dispel lies. God does not operate in the dark. There is nothing hidden or uncovered to Him! “Wait on the Lord.”

Study the life of Jesus. You will find that He was there in the very beginning and will be there through eternity. Many consorted together to derail Him. False witnesses were even hired to justify their case against Him. Simply so things could appear a certain way and cast doubt upon His credibility? To undermine His good intentions, perhaps with man but certainly not with God! Just to prove their case against Him. Jesus never sinned. He remained focused and faithful. We too must learn to keep our focus on God. You can rest assured when you know God knows the intentions of your heart. He knows everything. Romans tell us “Therefore there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus…” You do not have to walk after the flesh. Yes, we have all “sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” But as you grow stronger spiritually we are to sin less. This is why we need a Savior. To help us stay on the right path. It is so important to know the Lord and His Word intimately. The Truth really can set you free! You can rely on the Truth! Not to just read it for the sake of reading. But to consistently study, embrace and digest its contents and seek your path forward. Get off that wide road traveling it leads to destruction. The Truth will untangle a multitude of opinions it will free you from a swamp of uncertainty. It is able to keep you on the right path. God really is able to keep you from falling!

The word scripture comes from the Greek word graphe, which means; what is written. The scriptures are truly the inspired Word of God. They were written to help us navigate through this maze of life. Many times Jesus said nothing. There were times He simply said “It is written.” God does not intend for us to be mislead. Narrow road traveling is possible. Difficult situations and suffering are a part of life. But so is His joy even in the midst of sorrows! He wants us to hide His word in our hearts. It is very important that you remain patient and be prayerful! Jesus wants us to be consistent and stable. Not to let how things appear sway you from what you know is right. In John 17 you will find another one of Jesus’ wonderfully recorded prayers; “I have given them your Word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the TRUTH, your Word is TRUTH.” When you place your trust in Jesus you become sanctified. He will protect and keep you. You can rejoice and praise Him knowing He has a plan for you as well as each one of His children.

You can depend on God’s Word. It is here to help us through this maze of life. To nourish, feed, water, protect and cleanse us. It is there to keep us on the path that leads to Him! But there are some things that you need to know and expect, to help you live your life seeking His purpose. It really is not about how things look to others. Know who you are and who you belong to! Always be ready to give and answer for the hope that lies within! What is important is what God knows! Do you really know what it means when you say Jesus is your Savior? It means that you are now a child of God. I must tell you, you should know as well, you also become target practice for a lot of spiritual warfare.

It is true the saying that “the moment we admit life is difficult it becomes easier.” II Timothy 3 tells us, “In fact everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But for you to continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know from who you have learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” For the child of God what makes it easier is knowing that the Lord is there 24/7. “He will never leave nor forsake you.” His Word is there to comfort you, help and sustain you, guide you and see you through it all. Whenever you become burdened you must learn to take responsibility and then shift your load to Him. God will never fail you! He promises to “supply all of our needs through Christ Jesus” You must read, know, continuously study, trust and allow His Holy Spirit to illuminate His Word for your path forward. The Word of God is our road map for narrow road travel. Life is a quest. Jesus is the only way to the Father.

Quite often when you find your self in a difficult situation if you are not prayerful your first response will be to respond carnally or in the flesh. To impulsively respond and seek to gratify self or to blame others rather than take your part of the responsibility. This is again when it is important to know; “That the Truth does set us free.” God always has a remedy. One just has to be open and willing to take heed to His way. Remember that narrow path I’ve been talking about? Always remember the Fruit of His Spirit is available. Remember God has a plan for your life. His promises are true! Nothing is too hard for God. Keep your focus! Mediate on the Lord’s Word. The WORD of God tells us to “Do not be anxious about anything but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians gives us additional insightful words to ponder when going through, “Finally my brothers, whatever is TRUE, whatever is NOBLE, whatever is RIGHT, whatever is PURE, whatever is LOVELY, whatever is ADMIRABLE, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy think about such things. Whatever you have earned or received or heard of Me, or seen of Me put into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” God is awesome!

What Does It Mean to Love? Part 1

What does it mean to love someone? Does it mean you give them everything they want? Does it mean letting someone run over you? Does it mean you tell them what they want to hear? Does it mean you never make them angry? Does love ever end?

Webster defines love in this way; strong affection for another based on kinship ties.

Example: maternal love for a child. Attraction based on sexual desire. Admiration or benevolence. Warm attachment, enthusiasm, or devotion. A beloved person: Darling. Brotherly concern for others. To hold dear. To feel a lover’s passion, devotion, or tenderness. An unselfish concern of God for man.

 

The scriptures tell us that “God is Love.”

 

Tell me can you really truly love someone and not know God? Or better yet to the degree you know God; does it help you love in a profound way? According to I Corinthians 13 LOVE…….is PATIENT…….is KIND…….does not ENVY……. does not BOAST……. Is not PROUD…..is not SELFISH. Keeps no record of wrong doings…….does not DELIGHT in EVIL….but REJOICES in TRUTH. Always protects. Always TRUSTS. Always HOPES. Always PERSEVERES.

Does your definition of love encompass Biblical principles? Guess what? Well, whenever the above are not in operation it is not love. We all should seek to improve how we respond in love. Guard the Love the Lord Blesses you with!

 

 

I have found that love is a term that many people use loosely.

If you listen clearly they usually base love on doing or not doing something for them. Love is not giving someone what they want. Love is not letting people run over you. Love is not telling people what they want to hear. If you love them you will speak the truth in love. Just know when you truly love people they will get angry with you sometimes! Learn to be “angry and sin not!”

I am eternally grateful that the LORD has bestowed His Love upon our lives and our marriage. I can say we genuinely love, appreciate and respect one another as husband and wife. It is not something we take for granted. We both are able to stand firm as individuals in what and who we believe in. Together we have faithfully allowed the Lord Center Place within our marriage.  We have traveled the world together and thoroughly enjoy spending quality time with one another.

 

 

We are thankful to Abba Father God’s Holy Spirit His Comforter. There is never question as to His Divine intervention in bringing us together. This was confirmed by our late Elder Pastor/mentor. He told us it was important to not let anything come between the “circle” of our God given love. We have held his godly wisdom dear to our hearts for many decades…  We have always appreciated and respected the spiritual “One-ness” that is attainable in “HOLY MATRIMONY!” It has helped us to weather the storms of life as well as the plethora of mountaintop experiences. We enjoy, genuinely love, respect, trust without doubt and care passionately for another. Know this in God’s eyes “The marriage bed is undefiled!”   By God’s grace we have raised our children in a balanced, loving, healthy, stable, safe environment. This is something our children can also attest to. Christ Jesus is our best witness.

 

 

I am most thankful for God given coping skills.

There is a Joy and an unexplainable Peace that is present even in the midst of sickness, sorrow, contention or spiritual warfare. The HOLY SPIRIT is a wonderful  SPIRITUAL COUNSELOR! GOD’S TRUTH is POWERFUL. It will not allow you to freely move in denial but rather seek TRUTH. (ABSOLUTELY NOTHING ANYWHERE IS HIDDEN TO THE LORD) A lie will keep you in bondage. There is no place in truth for delusional illusions to persists. I/we Thank the LORD for “Sound Minds!” And an undoubtable constant awareness of GOD’S OMNIPRESENCE everywhere you are. Always seek the TRUTH above all else… I fully realize without the Lord I am nothing but walking breathing shaped formed dust. Yet in Him I am confident knowing that within me His Holy Spirit resides.

 

As we submit to the “WILL & WAY” of the LORD HIS HOLY SPIRIT leads us to ALL TRUTH!

It is important to readily strive to resolve conflict. It only serves to limit your own “Walking in the Spirit!”  Feelings need to be validated. Discipline needs to be embraced when responding or not responding. Confrontation exercised from the perspective; “this is how you feel” Be willing to “REPENT” whenever in error. Choose freely the path of spiritual growth Move forward allowing the Lord to build your character. Don’t let life make you bitter always strive to “BECOME BETTER!” Life is so very precious and you do not want to spend the majority of your marriage and your relationships in “much ado!” You get stronger in this as you practice it.

 

 

There are those who have lived with much turmoil.

Rather than seek to resolve their inner turmoil they tend to continue to create it. They will often project how they are feeling upon you. Pray for Discernment!

 

Whenever you are dealing with someone who does not really understand love they will often misinterpret your intentions. Their perspective of you will fluctuate. They base everything on their feelings. Not usually looking at what they have done or said to make the relationship go south. Yet, you suddenly are no longer the kind wonderful person that they thought you were? All of a sudden you will be perceived as being cold, uncaring, and selfish. But yesterday you were the greatest… But now since you won’t let them have something or do something you are cold. Yet they have done little or nothing.

 

Go figure? Watch the double mindedness. They will accuse you of not really loving them when you don’t give them what they want. Know they are hurting and want you to hurt too. This is not the case in a healthy marriage or relationship.  Even when you disagree you will reinforce your love for one another. You know one another and don’t try to reduce one another to a lower standard. You can disagree respectfully. Patience is key!

 

Don’t fret! God knows your heart. Pray for them. (In a trusting relationship you don’t go here…) Stand fast. Be patient and allow the Lord to bring what is really happening to the forefront. Don’t manipulate or don’t allow anyone to manipulate you. Seek the Lord fervently for direction. In the meantime pray for them. Begin to practice healthy boundaries with them. Or you will engage in a continuous cycle of dysfunction.

 

 

Many people are angry about life in general

There are many angry people who will chew you out at the drop of a hat. They have oodles of pent up unresolved anger. Cancer, high blood pressure, eating disorders, temper tantrums and depression are just a few results of stored anger and or unresolved conflict. It’s okay for them to have a tantrum. Its okay for them to vent and rant. Its okay for them to do very little. Like a spoiled child they want what they want right now. Usually at your expense.  You are of course prideful yet they are justified.  You are expected to appease them.

 

Anger is natural. It takes discipline to combat anger. Encourage them to learn to be patient and find healthy ways to express their anger. Suppressing anger is unhealthy. Just know it takes more control to not respond than to throw a fit. Did you know you can be angry and sin not?

 

By the way you must let go of some people you love. I am not talking about letting go like in divorce. Divorce occurs because two adults are not able to work through whatever problems they are experiencing. They are not able to keep the commitment they made to each other for whatever reason. Often this is because they really didn’t think things through first. The responsibility to nurture the marriage is not mutual.

 

 

Live and Thrive to build a lasting marriage

Many couples are unaware of the necessary tenacity for building an enduring marriage. There are also those who come to marriage to get rather than to give. They have been so hurt that they remain insulated from learning how to really love and keep the vows that they made. Sometimes they will exit selfishly living behind a wall of shame… (But that’s another column/sermonette). When I say letting go I mean putting them in hands of the Lord. Allow Him to intervene.

 

There are those who just enjoy a habitat of tension and confusion. They will often go the mile with a coworker or a friend and their spouse receives the leftovers. Therefore their relationship suffers. Or as a friend you will have to carry the load the majority of the time. They tend to participate in just about everything at their place of worship, or work related activities, yet their home life suffers and takes secondary place. Their need for acceptance by others is their main priority. This should not be. It is clear that they don’t perceive  or understand God’s Omnipresence.

 

Anger and dysfunction need to be confronted. Avoiding conflict is not healthy. Did you know you could break unhealthy cycles by employing better ways to resolve conflict? Allowing a cooling off period before discussing the problem may be helpful. Always seek direction from the Lord He will never lead you wrong. He will help you to humble yourself. Learn to walk in meekness. Which is power under disciplined control.

 

Sharing a one sided account of what has happened to your friends will not help your relationship. It may get you some momentary support. But it won’t help you to grow spiritually. Words spoken in a fit of anger can be very damaging. Taking responsibility for your actions is always a step in the right direction. Letting go and allowing them space to feel the consequences for their actions can be beneficial to their spiritual maturity.

 

 

 

The world is a very inconsistent place.

God’s standards are not often respected nor appreciated by many. This is true in ministry as well. God must be the central focus of your life and  relationships for true successful living as a believer. Life will present challenges. But with the help of the Lord; He can and will deliver you through it all. The prophets pleaded over and over with God’s people to return to His principles. But many still preferred to do their own thing. Knowing the WORD of GOD for yourself is important. God wants to be first in your life. Remember after all you claim you belong to Him?

 

As believers we have been grafted into His family. He wants us to know Him through His Word. God has instructed us to; “Hear O Israel: the Lord our God is one Lord. And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thine soul, and with all thine might. And thou shalt teach them diligently unto they children and talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest……. (Deuteronomy 6) God loves us and is faithful. ALL HIS WORD IS TRUE.

 

 

“GOD IS LOVE!” HIS LOVE LASTS THROUGH ETERNITY

Love will help you weather the storms of life. Love must be balanced. The term “unconditional love” is often misused today. I often hear SOME SAY; “I can do without your kind of love.” Well, “your kind or my kind of love” is not love at all. This is really more about how you are feeling in the moment. Remember, God sets the standard for love, for “God is Love” Unless we measure it by His standards it’s merely subjective opinion. For example; the more I don’t rock your boat you love me. Once you rock my boat I tell you to get out. Now all of a sudden you cry, “You don’t love me anymore.” As long as I let you rock my boat it’s thought of as love. This does not have to be. WRONG! This is immaturity. How can something as important as Love be reduced to such insignificant terms. This is what I call “intoxicating affections.” It mimics love and doesn’t last.

 

Don’t get love confused with how you feel in the moment. You can not like what someone does and still love them. It is love that actually helps you to respond properly or not respond to them despite the way you feel. Somethings will not be understood util we reach Heaven. Remember God’s love rejoices in the truth! Although it can be painful shift through what someone says to you and see if there is any truth in it. Make an adjustment whenever necessary. This is how you shape your character. Beware of counterfeit love. When you have been truly loved you will know the difference.

 

In a healthy marriage or relationship you do not seek to reduce the love you have for one another. You take responsibility for your actions and how you are feeling.

 

 

There are only a few that find genuine LOVE.

 

But God really wants this for all of us. Love is precious! It is never too late to seek GOD’S LOVE! This is true if you are married or single. “Be ye perfect because I AM Perfect” God really does wants us to become perfect in HIM. Which means to become complete in HIM who IS LOVE! No one is flawless but JESUS. This is why we all need HIM as SAVIOR & LORD! HE says; we ALL CAN BECOME PERFECT in HIM! Scriptures tells us that love covers a multitude of faults. This does not mean we ignore or condone sinful habits. Don’t be deceived. There are consequences for sin. This is why it is so very important to know His Word for yourself!

 

Growing your love in a healthy marriage or genuine relationship should be a mutual priority!

We are living in some interesting times when some of everything is happening all over the world. The Spiritual Warfare in these “Last Days” has heightened. The devil’s agenda is to reek extreme havoc upon the children of God as well as those in the world. He will use whoever he can. He knows that time is winding UP!

Now is a good time to seek the Lord above all else. In the Word, God says; “Is anyone of you in trouble! He should PRAY!” James 5 Humble yourself before the Lord. Be encouraged for GOD always has a way to HIM 24/7…

See Part 2