At One With Yourself

Our distractions are eroding our relationships, time management abilities, and success and productivity. Our society is overlooks what important and failing to honor what matters most. We sacrifice time with our families to be so social media, and television. We give up too many things to keep our minds busy, so we won’t have to focus on ourselves. When do we acknowledge we are distracted and aren’t paying attention to the important things? Our world is suffering greatly because of it.

It seems like there’s a war going on against our alone time and our hearts. I believe all of humanity’s problems stem from our inability to sit quietly in a room alone.

When we are not comfortable with the quiet times, there is usually something in our heart that we are running from. We are we filling our lives with everything we can to keep from thinking about reality.

Isaiah 30:15 says,

“You will be saved in returning to rest. Your strength will be quietness and in confidence.“ You refused.”

The speed and roar of the world makes our inner voices difficult. Satan is seeing to it that our world is embracing more and more noise.

“Jesus cannot teach us anything until we quiet all our intellectual question and get alone with Him“ – Oswald Chambers

Every day I’m in a battle. My enemy is the world, My time, my attention my loyalties, and most valuable of all my heart. Satan is cunning and crafty with many tried and true weapons at His disposal. His favorites are stress, conflict, busyness, social media, news, peer pressure. Each of these he knows well and wields skillfully.

My weapons are the Word of God, and my stillness of sitting alone praying because satan knows all his weapons are of no use against me. When I begin to feel overwhelmed by everything around me, I know I can run to my Savoir and stop being distracted by satan’s evil schemes.

Change Your Perspective

What change, big or small, would you like your blog to make in the world?

I started this blog for a couple of reasons, one is to share my insights with others. The other is with the mentality that if I could help one person’s life. Change someone’s perspective and improve their life by sharing what experiences I’ve had and what I’ve learned through then then this blog would be worth it.

Changing Your Perspective Changes Your Experience

Wake Up Sleeper

“Awake you who sleep, and arise from the dead, and Messiah will shine on you” – Ephesians 5:14

Often in the Bible believers are exhorted to awake. They are warned of dangers of spiritual sleep, that such a slumber is like a coma that will result in death unless the believer awakens.

In Proverbs they are called the sluggard. He is the slothful man who sleeps while others work and God casts on him a pitiless gaze. The great prophet Isaiah said, “Arise, shine for the light is come!” Jesus the light of the world has appeared, what are you doing lying down in the dark? Amos addresses the laid back church of his day, “woe to them that are in ease in Zion.” Or you think of the mighty storm threatening death to all aboard a ship while the prophet Jonah sleeps through it all. “What do you mean O’ sleeper?” cries the captain. “Arise and call upon you God.”

In the New Testament, there is the same. This is the era of the new covenant, but Christians can sleep. They can hear the gospel preached with the Holy Spirit sent down from heaven but they sleep. These were times of successful evangelism and revival but Christians could still sleep. They see mighty miracles but still sleep. Jesus told His disciples to watch and pray. There were a number if parables Jesus used at the end who He called “wicked and slothful servants. The risen Jesus addresses the church in Sardies and tells them, “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.”

Paul is constantly exporting churches to take up. He tells the congregation in Rome, “The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber. Our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. Let us not be like others who are asleep, but let us be alert” (1 Thessalonians 5:6).

It is possible to be a true believer in Jesus and become a sleeping Christian to fall asleep. When this state falls upon anyone we cannot say it is because of God.

I remember a young man who came to our church a few years ago and saw us praying in small groups and told the group I was in that he never learned how to pray like we were praying. He grew up in a church, and has been going for over 30 years he never learned how to pray. Sadly he returned to the church he grew up in because that was all he knew and was comfortable there. I urged him to open his noble and start praying straight off the pages of the Bible. Although I don’t know if he did. If you are at a church like that, please don’t stay there because that’s where you are comfortable. There is so much more out there for you to learn and many blessings to be obtained.

God is saying “Wake up!“ and all that God commands he enables us to perform, it is not for us to cry, “We cannot wake up. We are too deeply asleep. Don’t fall into to the “can’t-help-mysel-ism. Listen to what God is telling you and depend on His grace and trust in the power of His Holy Spirit.

Human Frailty And Divine Power

When things are going well, it’s easy for us to think that we are in control. Then small things hit us and we are on our knees.

I was talking with the woman who does my nails. And she was telling me how the coronavirus affected her life. This is what got me to thinking about this.

I think back to the coronavirus. A small microscopic virus hit and everyone was in a frenzy. It’s surprising to me that something so small can disrupt the world. Entire companies shut down, concerts and sporting events were canceled, and the world was quarantined. And we think we are in control.

It amazes me how people who live in relative isolation from God can blame God when something bad happens as if He were a celestial nanny who helps when we call on Him and then stays in a broom closet when we don’t. But that isn’t the God of the Bible.

Being a child of God, however, is a totally different situation. I have removed all trust in myself and placed my trust for all things in Jesus. We are not only forgiven, justified, sanctified, and redeemed, we are adopted into His family. If we believe in His name, He gives us the right to become children of God.

“But as many as received Him, to then He gave the right to become children of God to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, not of the will of flesh, not of the will of man, but of God” – John 1:12-13

The benefits of being His child instill a confidence that no matter what happens we know He is our firm anchor in the stormy seas of life. He is so much in charge that He promises to work in all situations to achieve good in His children.

When I see someone ridiculing God and His child, I see people who think they are in control -the matter of their own fate and the captain of their souls. Psalm 2 gives us a message of human frailty and divine power.

Psalm 2 speaks to the nations and about the coming of Jesus,

“Why do the nations rage, and the peoples plot a vain thing? The kings and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against His Anointed, saying,

God responds:

“The One enthroned in heaven laughs, the Lord scoffs at them.“

He warns the people:

Therefore, you kings, be wise, be warned, you rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear and celebrate His rule with trembling.

But to His children, He promises:

“Blessed are all who take refuge in Him.”

It’s sad to me that it takes catastrophic events like 9/11 and the coronavirus to remind us that God is our Father (if we are in fact His children ), and that He had made wonderful promises to us, not to keep us from all harm, but to walk us through the dangers of this world and to usher us safely into His kingdom. To the victorious of those who remain faithfully His children.

Revelation 2:10 tells us,

“Don’t be afraid of the things which you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested; and you will have oppression for ten days. Be faithful to death, and I will give you the crown of life.”

We you understand all human security is an illusion. The only thing that is certain is that nothing can separate us from the love of Jesus. “His children know for sure, in perilous times, that neither “trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword can loosen us from God. In these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” (Romans 8:35 -37)

In Romans 8:38:39 Paul says,

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels not demons, neither present not the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, will be able to spectate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

And that is more than enough.

In A Alternate Universe

Describe your life in an alternate universe.

In my alternate universe, there will be no evil or pain. No tears or sadness. No greed or hate. With streets of Gold, and precious stones laid in the foundations. Waterfalls and rivers of life to drink from. Everyone would live in their dream house and have plenty to eat and drink without gaining weight. There would be no sickness and joy abound. All the creatures of the world would get along with one another. Beautiful beach and sand within walking distance. That is what I see as my alternate universe.

Stop And Think

Before we speak or act out we need to stop and think. Is it possible we misunderstand or misjudge a situation?

James 1: 19 or Jacob 1:19 depending on your Bible. says,

“Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger.”

Don’t jump to conclusions there may be a perfectly good explanation for what you just saw. My father always told me, not to assume anything, because you will make an ass-u-me. You will make an ass out of you and me.

Proverbs 29:20 tells us there is more hope for a fool than for someone who speaks without thinking.

It’s always better to stop and think. What will your words and actions accomplish? Will your words hurt or will they help? Will you build others up or tear them down?

Ephesians 4:29, tells us,

“Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but only what is good for building others up as the need may be, that it may give grace to those who hear.”

Before we speak or act, we need to stop and think. Are we rushing to say or do something we might deeply regret later? Are we focused on the good or the bad?

Colossians 4:6 tells us to let our speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt so that we will know how to respond to each person.

Before we think stop and think, is it wise to speak right now, or is it wiser to be quiet? There is a time to be silent and a time to speak.

Another thing my father used to say is, “If you can’t say anything nice don’t say anything at all. We really need to take this advice today.

I have a few three questions I keep in the back of my mind before speaking

1. What do I want them to know?

2. What do I want them to feel?

3. What do I want them to do?

Questions I ask myself before I speak,

1. Is it true? Do not speak based on assumptions, speak only what you know is true.

2. Is it kind?

3. Is it necessary?

There’s a golden rule that says, “Treat others how you want to be treated.” think about others the way you want to be thought of. Feel about others the way you want others to feel about you. Speak to others the way you want to be spoken to.

Always ask God for help. God is eager to help us speak wisely.

Holy Rebels

If you follow God in our culture today you are a rebel. It’s not about drugs and partying anymore -that’s the status quo. It’s not about doing what every one else does. It’s not about conforming to a preexisting culture that’s changing before our eyes,

It’s about being a world changer -someone who believes in the Bible and lives by what it says. Today if you want to be a rebel it’s about standing for good and standing for God, not the world. Not being a part of the evil chaotic values the world is trying to force on us.

Holy rebels are thermostats, not thermometers. A thermometer just tells you the temperature, but a thermostat changes it.

In Hebrews 11 tells us about the “Heroes of Faith.” Abel, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Sara, Joseph, Moses, Rehab, Gideon, Samson, and David. These are remarkable men and women whose lives stand out and encourage and challenge our faith. They lived incredible lives and trusted God.

The world is engaging in a battle between good and evil, light and darkness and between the Lord of Hosts and the prince of darkness. The stakes of this spiritual war are the highest they have ever been.

So, like it or not, wanted or not, we are the objects of war and in a battle of our life. Many are overwhelmed by the forces of darkness. However, God is raising us up to be Holy Rebels. A group of believers that will stand up and answer the call to be thermostats. We need to become Holy Rebels to take a stand against satan’s schemes, not against people, but against “rulers, authorities, powers of darkness and forces of evil” (Ephesians 6:11).

Our dry bones need to come alive and become holy rebels in God’s army.

When God spoke to Jeremiah in 1:17-19 He said, the will fight against you, but will not overcome you, for I am with you.

Told the principalities and powers want believers to cower, and retreat and run away. But God is calling us to stand in the face of the enemy and trust Him. We need to hold our ground, a day may come when our courage may fail, but now is not the time.

When we feel surrounded, we can stand firm on the Word of the living God, and God will give us the victory.

“Don’t be afraid, Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will work for you today; for the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you shall never see them again. The Lord will fight fir you, and you shall be still” Exodus 14:13-14

The message is clear today, If we do not stand firm in our faith, we will not stand at all. If we don’t take our stand in faith, we won’t have a leg to stand on.

The forces of darkness, waves of wickedness, and a flood of evil and impurity are raging in our world today. Satan is trying to bully God’s people because when we make our stans against the kingdom of darkness, all hell turns loose against us.

But God’s Word is true,

“No weapon that is formed against you will prevail, and you will condemn every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the Lord’s servants, and their righteousness is of Me” says the Lord. – Isaiah 54:17

When we make our stand on the Word of God, Satan will attack, but God will use those who prevail to change the world.

We may be overwhelmed but we will not be out faithed

Lion Of Judah

Scouring The News

Scour the news for an entirely uninteresting story. Consider how it connects to your life. Write about that.

I do not watch mainstream news. Most of it is propaganda and is taken out of context to try and make you believe lies of doom and gloom. They spread fear and hate. That’s not what I’m about. I focus on the good and God.

Understanding God’s Purpose In Hard Times

Affliction

Affliction is a common experience in this journey called life, and one that often leaves us questioning its purpose and meaning. A biblical understanding of affliction takes on a deep significance as it is intertwined with God’s plan for our lives and spiritual growth. There is wisdom and comfort that can be found in the scriptures.

The Bible offers guidance and solace during times of affliction and reminds us of God’s presence and purpose in allowing us to go through tough times. God’s Word teaches us that affliction can be a refining fire, molding and shaping us into people of greater strength and faith.

“Wherein you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been put to grief and various trials, that the proof of your faith, which is more precious than gold that perishes even though it is tested by fire, may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Yeshua the Messiah” – 1 Peter 2:6-7

Affliction serves as a reminder of our need for God’s grace and reliance on Him. Through our struggles, we are humbled and reminded of our dependence on God.

God told Paul in 2 Corinthians,

“Concerning this thing, I begged the Lord three times that it might depart from me. He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.’ Most gladly I will rather glory in my weakness, that the power of Messiah may rest on me“ – 2 Corinthians 12:8-10

If we explore the biblical meaning of affliction, we uncover the profound lessons and insights that can be gained from experiencing and understanding this part of our human journey. In God’s Word, we can find strength, hope, and a greater understanding of God’s purpose in our lives.

The Biblical Meaning Of Affliction

Affliction in biblical terms refers to the experience of hardship, suffering, and adversity that we face in various aspects of our lives. The concept of affliction is deeply rooted in the teachings and narratives found in the Bible and offers insight into the purpose and significance of our trials and tribulations.

Throughout the Bible, affliction is often portrayed as a test of faith and character. It serves as an opportunity for individuals to demonstrate their trust in God and grow spiritually.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance, – James (Jacob) 1:2-3

These trials can come in various forms, like physical illnesses, emotional turmoil, or challenging life circumstances. However, the Bible encourages us to persevere and find strength in God’s promises, knowing that our faith will be strengthened through these tests.

Affliction is also seen as a pathway to enlightenment and spiritual growth. Through suffering, we can gain valuable insights about ourselves and our relationship to God, and the world around us. This deeper understanding can lead to a personal transformation and a stronger connection with God.

The last two weeks I’ve had a rough time, from food poisoning and low electrolytes, to bladder infections and migraines. But I feel after everything I’ve just went through I have a stronger connection to God.

One notable example of affliction leading to enlightenment is the account of Job in the Bible. Job was a righteous man who experienced immense suffering and loss. However, through his trials, he gained a profound understanding of God’s sovereignty and wisdom. Job’s account teaches us that even in the midst of affliction, we can find wisdom and a deeper appreciation for God’s ways.

“Then Job answered the Lord, I know that You can do all things, and that no purpose of Yours can be restrained. You asked, who is this who hides counsel without knowledge? Therefore I have uttered that which I don’t understand, things too wonderful for me, which I didn’t know” – Job 42-1-3

Although affliction can be challenging, the Bible assures us that God provides comfort and healing in the midst of our sufferings. The presence of God is a source of strength and solace offering hope and restoration.

“Blessed be the God and Father or Lord Yeshua the Messiah, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, through the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” -2 Corinthians 2:3-4

The Bible teaches that affliction is temporary and that God will ultimately bring about deliverance and restoration. By placing our trust in God we can find solace and hope even in the darkest times.

The Biblical meaning of affliction goes beyond suffering and hardship. It empathizes the importance of perseverance, personal growth, spiritual enlightenment, comfort and compassion. By embracing affliction as an opportunity for spiritual development and reliance on God’s promises, we can find strength, hope, and a deeper understanding of ourselves and our Creator.

Things That Bring Joy To My Life

List 30 things that make you happy.

Happiness is a choice that has to come from the heart. We can choose to love, be thankful, and give thanks. Which are powerful human emotions. I do not get my happiness from things I do, or from external sources. But I choose to have joy in my life.

Things that bring joy to my life are practicing gratitude, performing acts of kindness, spending time with my immediate family, building positive relationships. and not watching news, which limits negativity.

True Repentance

No one can pursue two paths in life at the same time. Repentance means “to turn,” and “a change of thinking. Repentance involves adopting a new perspective on reality and includes a new view of sin.

An emotional response of remorse or regret goes along with repentance. The feeling itself is not true repentance. True repentance may start with remorse but also includes a decision to forsake sin.

Repentance is a sort of over sin, coupled with a sincere commitment to turn from sin and live to honor God. It is not motivated just by the consequences of sin, but a realization that our sin does not please God whether anyone catches us or not.

Along with faith, repentance is an indispensable condition for salvation. No one can be forgiven of sins without repentance. A person must turn away from their sinful self-directed life and turn to God.

In Mark 1:15 Jesus taught,

“The time is fulfilled, and God’s kingdom is at hand! Repent, and believe in the Good News.”

In Acts 17:30 Paul told the pagans,

“The times of ignorance therefore God overlooked. But now He commands that all people everywhere should repent.”

True repentance demonstrates that a person understands God’s good news and message of salvation. When people come to grips with the reality of sin, its seriousness, and its power they can truly appreciate what Jesus accomplished on the cross and how amazing God’s saving grace truly is.

Repentance from sin and trusting in Jesus are two sides of the same coin. No one can say they have true saving faith without any repentance for sin at the same time.

Genuine repentance takes place the minute a person understands the evil of their sin, and is truly sorry for it, and chooses to turn away from it. True repentance comes from the heart.

Repentance will eventually result in a life that honors God. People will continue to sin. But repentance places a person on a new path leading in a new direction.

Paul preached in Acts 26:20, that all must repent of their sins and turn to God and prove they have changed by the good things they do.

Repentance us necessary for a person to enter a relationship with God, it doesn’t end there. After this initial defining moment, the same attitude toward repentance makes our entire life a true believers.

In Revelation 3:3 Jesus called His followers to repent in Sadis,

“Remember therefore his you have received and heard. Keep it and repent. If therefore you ain’t watch, I will come as a thief, and you won’t know what hour I will come upon you.”

Every day believers should experience heartfelt repentance for any sins we have committed. We should continually place ourselves on the right path by owning our sins and turning from them as the occur.

One Habit That Brings Me Joy

Describe one habit that brings you joy.

One habit that brings me joy. Honoring God in Worshiping Him, praying, and living my life to please Him brings me joy. God promises protection, provision, and peace if we choose to follow Him. He has never let me down.