A Postive Relationship

What relationships have a positive impact on you?

Having a personal relationship with God, has been very positive. God loves us and wants us to have a personal relationship with Him.

“In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, -1 John 4:10.

My own efforts to earn God’s acceptance are inadequate.

“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us; through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit” -Titus 3:5.

Putting my faith in Jesus has brought many positive things in my life that have come to pass. I would be a fool if I didn’t have a personal relationship with God. The Positives outweigh the negatives in every way.

Testing The Spirits – What Spirits?

Whenever we have been taught to believe an idea or concept that most people accept as truth, but without testing it, without looking at the concept on it’s merits, then we are no doubt what God told us to do.

“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have done out into the world. But this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses the Jesus Christ had come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world“ -1 John 4:1-6

John was fighting against those false teacher of the 1st century AD who were teaching that Jesus was only a man, or only had the appearance of a man, and was not actually from God. So John was speaking of men who taught error, the spirits and minds of men.

The souls of men, the breath and the word of men, the mind of men as opposed to the breath and word of God. The context of 1 John 4 contrasts the spirits of false prophets with the Spirit of God, or the Holy Spirit. False prophets are people who speak falsely, spreading untruths.

People and their words are the spirits to test. We are to test, prove and examine the words of God’s Spirit. But how many times do we do this, or just take their word to heart as truth.

“The Lord of Hosts says, Don’t listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They teach you vanity. They speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the Lord” – Jeremiah 23:16.

Jesus said they come in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravening wolves. (Matthew 7:15). Peter said they were already among them in the 1st century AD (2 Peter 2:1. And Paul called Elymas the sorcerer a child of the devil, full of deceit and trickery, perverting the right ways of the Bible in Acts 13:6-10.

We cannot rely on what men say. Especially false teachers and prophets that use God’s name to lend err to truth to their words, stealing God’s word (Jeremiah 23:30).

So, whatever we hear, we have to test and Prove what men say against what God says. There is only one way to do that, find out what God says about it. Examine everything to see if it’s the truth.

There are too many people who are content to let the other “spirits” tell them what to believe, and what to think. They are following the broad way that leads to destruction (Matthew 7:13-14). Don’t become so indoctrinated in your own creeds that when shown what the Word of God actually says that you will deny it and deny Christ.

We can only do this by learning the Word God, and by going directly to the source to see what God Word says. And that means we have to be willing to clear our minds of every other thought we might have or we might believe and only focus on what God’s Word says.

Setting Goals For The New Year

Every New Year’s many of us think about a New Year’s Resolution. This year I am not doing that. It’s something that i think should just happen or I forget about it altogether.

This year is the year I start setting goals. Realizing I am going to think about it, but do something about it. Goals can’t be achieved by just hoping they will happen some day. It requires work on

I recently heard about a group that connected to a thing called “My One Thing.” Every week they would meet either on an internet platform or in person.

The first step before you can set goals for the future you have to reflect on your past and where you are right now.

It might help to grab a notebook and write down a few life categories.

  • Relationships (friendships, romantic relationships, families)
  • Health (physical and emotional )
  • Career
  • Finances
  • Home/ environment
  • Fun and leasure
  • Personal Growth

These are a few areas that you can choose to make a goal. But it can by anything you choose. But being honest with yourself is key.

Your set goal can be something that can be done every week of every month. It doesn’t matter as long as you are working to reach that goal.

It can be as simple as de-junking an area in your house or memorizing your favorite scripture as a weekly goal. It’s important to set measurable goals. Something that can be looked at and see a remarkable improvement.

For example, if I chose the goal of memorizing a scripture from the Bible and I gave myself 7 days -one week to accomplish this goal. I can measure it by weather I have learned all of it, or just half.

If you set a goal and choose to accomplish it in 7-days and you’re unable to do it, don’t beat yourself up, you can choose to work harder to accomplish it or move on to another goal.

So many of us go through life and accomplish nothing but work and having a family then aw time passes we realize our lives could be so much more by setting a few attainable goals.

The Three Trees

The tree of the knowledge of good and evil, the tree at Calvary, and the tree. Of life in eternity: these three trees sum up the entire history of the world. To understand the impact these trees have on humanity is to understand the good news.

To fully grasp the impact of the first tree on the world, we must first understand Adam and Eve’s position in the garden relative to God’s. We know from Ezekiel 28 that the Garden of Eden was a place in which heaven and earth met, and was in many ways a sanctuary to God.

It contained the mountain of God, and Adam was placed in the position of priest and king over the garden. As king, he was in charge of the administration of God’s creation; as priest, he was to walk with God, commune with His daily in a perfect relationship, and minister from that relationship to the works around him.

Adam and Eve were placed in the garden for highly honorable roles and not of anything they did themselves but purely ás an act of God’s grace. Adam did not earn his position in the garden, nor did he work his way into the garden. He was placed by God’s grace into a position of favor and intimacy.

In return, he and Even we’re totally reliant on God to provide for them in every way, including their ability to discern good and evil. Although Adam was placed by grace in a position of favor, he was still subject to God’s final authority and sovereignty, as a condition that included his understanding of good and evil.

Eating of the tree of knowledge of good and evil was not just an act of simple disobedience, it was a removal of God from His rightful place in their lives and the rightful place of God in the earth, in one act humanity had removed God as the supreme authority over the created order and implemented a system in which humanity was free to do what was right in their own eyes.

The natural outcome of this decision was that man placed himself in a position of God, which God reversed by putting Himself in the position of man.

The real lie of Satan was that Adam and Eve could be more like God -when in truth, they were already made in His image. They were made to believe that God was stealing from them, and that were not equal with Him. The second is that Adam (who was already made in God’s image) did not consider it robbery to be equal with God (Philippians 2:5-6) and corrected this unnatural imbalance back to the designed working order of the universe. The sad reality that is still reflected today is that the fruit of this tree removed God’s authority from their lives, which diminished the divine image in themselves and the works around them. The single decision resulted in countless repercussions which the second Adam (Jesus) was sent to reverse.

The fruit of this same tree is still being eaten in a thousand different ways to this day. Today we come up with more sophisticated, enlightened ways to describe its fruit, like “moral relativism” or personal ethics. Humanity still says in their hearts that they are merely perspectives of the truth: “What’s right for you is right for you and what’s right for me is right for me,” the only problem, however, it that we are brazen enough to say it to God.

We want to enjoy beauty, music and love and place high value on goodness, Justice, and hope. But we want them to exist outside the reality of good and evil, and certainly not in concert with moral absolutes. We want absolute freedom through perspectives of truth and personalized morals enforced as individual rights. This personally defined freedom, however, only results in pseudo liberty because our own brokenness and fragility enslaves us to broken and fragile versions of moral humanity.

We want His way without His direction. His truth without His boundaries and His life without His existence. Simply put “we want God’s goodness but not His definition of good.”

The first tree bore fruit that we could not bear to taste and should not ever have tasted. It permanently brought a harvest of the curse upon all that God called good.

The Second Tree

The second tree that plays a pivotal role in the history of humanity -the tree of Calvary.

Relations 3:13 says, “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us. It is written, cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree.

As destructive as the first tree was, the second tree mended everything that had been broken or separated from its original place in the perfect working order of God’s universe. And just as Adam and Eve were placed in a perfect garden as kings and priests due to nothing that they had done we now have been placed in the wholeness of God’s perfect plan of redemption. It was undeserved but freely given, received as amazing grace, and applied in never-ending mercy and love.

The fruit of this tree is highlighted by Ephesians 2:4, a verse with a simple message but colossal ramifications,

“But God is do rich in mercy, and He loved us so much.”

There are so many times in my life I have needed a verse that starts out “But God is so rich in mercy, and He loved us so much.”

None more important though, than when I was living in the curse of the first tree. The fruit of the second tree removes that entire curse from my life and allows me to eat permanently from the fruit I the third tree.

The Third Tree

The tree of life is waiting for us in eternity. In Revelation, we see the heavenly reality of the earthly shadows highlighted in Ezekiel and Proverbs.

“In the middle of it’s street, and on this side of the river and on that was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruits, yielding it’s fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. There will be no curse any more. The Throne of God and the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will serve him” – Revelation 22:2-3.

This tree was also in the Garden of Eden but it was removed when Adam and Eve are from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Now because of the tree at Calvary, we will be able to freely eat from the tree of life, which produces fruit for the healing of the nations. It’s the provision of everything the nation and we could ever need. The Tree of Life yields a new harvest of fruit every month, perfectly providing all of God’s goodness and perfection to those who eat from it.

Some of the fruits of life that are indicated in the Bible are, wisdom, righteousness, happiness, hope, wholeness, healing, abundance of job, and of course eternal life in the with God.

This third tree is the culmination of all that God had planned from the beginning: Humanity living in a perfect relationship with Him, under His perfect provision and in His perfect love forever.

Not because of anything we have done but because “God is so rich in mercy and He loved us so much.

This is the story of humanity’s past, present and future, the story of the three trees.

Political Views

How have your political views changed over time?

The issues of the day may change. Political parties and platforms change but God never changes. No matter the candidate I vote with biblical values. My political views have not changed. I have always voted on my values.

I am equipped with the ability to see any issue or candidate through the lens of Scripture and to use wisdom to make the best judgment based on the option with which I am presented.

I have inserted a guide to voting with biblical values. America was founded on Godly values. It seems that many have lost touch with that truth.

I believe when you vote with biblical values you can never go wrong.

My guide to Biblical voting

Has God Removed His Blessing From America?

Does the recent chaos in America mean God has removed His blessings and protection?

After God had established Israel as a nation, He warned them about the national blessings of obedience and curses for disobedience. God warned them that, if they rejected Him, He would reject them and would end up in bondage to other nations. They refused to listen to the many prophets God sent, warning them to repent of face the judgment of God. God’s words apply to any nation of the world, that,

“If you faithfully obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all his commandments that I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth” -Deuteronomy 28:1.

However, these blessings are conditional. There must be obedience and if there is “ All these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice if the Lord your God” – Deuteronomy 28:2

There will be blessings of livestock, agriculture, supplies, protection prosperity, and health, but only if you obey.

Today it is hard-pressed to find any nation that is living in obedience to God. Many who live in these nations are God’s own children, and they are living in obedience, but they too may suffer someday because of the depravity and sinfulness found in those nations.

I fear we are headed for “times of trouble” that many of us have never seen in our lifetime. I do know that you cannot abort (murder in God’s eyes) over 60 million babies and not have judgment come upon a nation.

America is the weakest we’ve ever seen. And growing weaker every day. We are living in a time of trouble where even the nations will tremble and live in fear (Matthew 24).

Cursed for Disobedience

All of the blessings I’ve written about above in Deuteronomy 28:1-14 will be turned into curses. If we choose not to obey the nation will be undone by the Lord our God because we have turned away from Him and forsaken Him. I know this because today in our society, what used to seem good, is now bad, and what used to be bad is now seen as good.

It’s very similar to the people and the nations that Isaiah declared, “Woe to those who call level good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, whoop put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter” – Isaiah 5:20

Did you know that New York City has erected a statue that is called a “Satanic golden Medusa.” according to the artist who created the statue it’s a symbol of women’s empowerment and an expression of support for abortion. The Statue of Moloch the god of child sacrifice stands in New York City.

Innocent Victims

If you are a true receiver in God you and I may also suffer because if someone else sins or national sin, where a nation turns it’s back on God. Daniel the Prophet was loved by God, but he also was taken away into captivity because of the national sins in Judah.

Many times I have heard unbelievers say after a national disaster, or accident, “Where was God?” I feel like saying, “Don’t you remember, you kicked Hin out!”

When you kick God out of the government, the schools, and the public squares and experience disruption, don’t ask where was God. If there was ever a time for repentance, it is now, because soon, God will remove what little covering we have from Him.

I do not believe that America is the only nation God has removed His blessings from. There are several nations that are no better. If not worse, than the United States. Several nations have long ago abandoned God. Some nations worship false gods. God will not leave undone for other nations what He has done in America by chastening it for its evil ways, having forsaken Him.

God will not treat America any differently than any other nation. God is no respect of persons or nations, although we know God is not finished with His chosen people, Israel, but even they at this point have turned their back on the One true and living God. They have rejected Jesus as the prophecies Messiah for 2000 years, but the day is coming when everyone will bow their knee and submit to Him as their great king.

Has God removed His blessings from Americs and allowed us to be cursed? I don’t know, but I do know that God will not punish America alone and remove His blessings and curse this nation alone. He will be against any nation that continues living in wanton disobedience.

Just look around you. It seems like the whole world needs to repent, fast, pray and seek God.

God’s judgment is sure to come and it will be swift and severe. Unless this nation or any other nation turns back to God, He will turn His back on them. If i’s not done, God will completely remove His hedge of protection, and once this happens just about anything is possible:

Economic depression, inflation, plagues, natural disasters, droughts, disease, floods, fires, earthquakes, and famine. No one knows what tomorrow will bring, but as the world grows darker, we must show the light of Jesus more.

Today’s Struggle Brings Strength Tomorrow

“The struggle you are in today is devolving the strength you need tomorrow” – Robert Tew

We set high goals and we pursue an elite vision for the future. We pursue our passion for growth with the core belief, which is supported by our values, that we build skills and develop the strength to grow every day

Each and every day is “training day.” We are training today to push ourselves further tomorrow. Today’s lessons are tomorrow’s successes. The process leads to a life of continued learning, growth, and development.

The edge of our abilities today is the core of our abilities tomorrow. Life is growth. As you struggle today, do so with the confidence that you are growing, building skill, and developing strength for greater successes.

One thing I have learned to do during a struggle is to ask God, “What do you want me to learn from this struggle?” Every struggle in live involves a learning experience. If we focus on learning from it, instead of complaining about it, not only will the struggle be less stressful, but the learning experience stronger.

“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. Let perseverance finish it’s work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when we ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do” -James 1:2-8 ( NIV).

My Space

You get to build your perfect space for reading and writing. What’s it like?

I would definitely take a window seat that is spacious and stand in for a comfortable couch and side table for tea or coffee. I little room within z room, that is flooded with light. Below the couch would be built-in shelves of books.

Reading is essential for those who seek to rise above the ordinary.

Stepping Forward In Life

With all that is going on in the world today, have you ever thought about what I would be like yo go back a year or two with what you and I know now?

I have and i would make a few changes. But the past is what makes us who we are today. Our past shapes our present and helps us identify who we are and where we are headed.

It’s natural to use our past experiences as a point of reference for our current situations. The choices we make for ourselves today are often influenced by our past. If we are using healthy judgment to guide our choices, then we can use past regrets, mistakes, and pain to be used as markers for what we do not want in our lives.

For some people the past is not seen as a place of reflection but as a destination. People who struggle with letting go of the past pain or regret – for those that feel trapped by there situation and unable to move forward in their lives, there is a solution. It’s called faith.

Romans 10:17 tells us, “So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

We can go and look for all kind of answers to help us through the pain of life, but the best solution and the only real one is faith.

The pain in our past and in our present life has a way of making us feel stuck. In times of emotional pain, we may find ourselves thinking back to when we felt happier which can help motivate us in the present.

If in the past we were proud of an accomplishment we achieved, thinking of our past successes can help motivate us in moving forward in life.

Looking back and remembering our past positive experiences can be a healthy option for setting goals for focusing on our future. While a little reflection can be healthy and even foster creativity, too much reflection or ruminating on past negative experiences can drift into depression and leads to feeling stuck.

This is where Faith comes in to help us through the trials for the day.

Remembering the past and seeing God at work in our lives is something that we need too put as the best habit to have.

Our past experiences can affect our current mindset and our choices in how we interpret our lives. If pain or trauma has been experienced in our past, it can impact how we view our current circumstances or even prevent us from living in the present.

There is research that exists that says, how past negative experiences are often associated with in increased incidences of anxiety, depression, impulsivity, low self-esteem and poor changes. For example if we have suffered betrayal from a loved one in a relationship, we may re-live the traumatic experience as it plays in our mind.

Certain smells, foods, places, or songs may “trigger” re-experiencing the pain. Which often results in trying to push away the intrusive thoughts or feelings. This can head to other symptoms including social isolation, distrust in others, self-sabotaging behavior and an inability to move forward in our lives. In other words, still living in the past.

But we can ask and receive from God in our daily walk, the new life He has given us freely when we put Him at the center of our daily living.

My Pastor always says, to pray and ask God before you make a decision, and then obey what He tells you and you can’t go wrong. But, how many times do we just act and not ask God first?

When we take the step to have a true relationship with God, the past in something we can talk back on as a learning experience to get he in the direction that God had for us in life.

Healing from the past or traumatic experiences is not something that happens overnight. It is a process that requires patience, dedication, and a strong commitment to change. Humans are wired to want to feel good and minimize feeling bad, which often triggers self-sabotaging behavior in an attempt to avoid pain. When we experience a painful event such as betrayal or other traumatic experiences, it can re-wire us for self-preservation. We may live in fight, flight or fawn mode, constantly anticipating more pain in our lives which can be unconsciously welcomed through our actions.

Or we can put the past in the past and live with the for Jesus.

To live in the present,

Establishing boundaries, this means something different for everyone, but the main point is to give yourself time to heal and to move ahead at your own pace. Maybe establishing boundaries for you is being more selective about who you welcome into your life. With boundaries, consistency is let in helping let go of the past and living in the present.

Step Forward Not Back.

Accepting that the past is a done deal. We can’t change it. And being stuck in the past is only hurting your potential in the present. By accepting that the past is over, it allows us to grieve and release the pain that we may be carrying with us a long time. Be honest with yourself in your acceptance and take the time you need to grieve. You don’t have to do it alone. Do it with Jesus. Isaiah 41:10 says,

“Fear not, for I am with you. Be not displayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Practicing mindfulness. Which is teaching ourselves how to stay in the present and to calm our minds when experiencing emotional triggers that come along during the healing process.

It’s important to have a “reset button.” We are human, and that means we are perfectly imperfect. As with any new skill, they take time to develop and master. Be kind to yourself if you slip up and find yourself removing the past or reverting back to old behavior patterns. Use the reset button to help gauge where you are in your personal development. The reset button can be reading the Bible, practicing mindfulness, or anything that breaks up those old behavior patterns.

Work on developing new habits to move on in life. Try being a light in our dark world,

Balance is key when working on self-improvement. Being okay with being disconnected from social media or from friends or family for a while as you work on healing yourself and focusing on self-care. When we are alone, we are able to get to know ourselves and give ourselves the attention and love we need to stop living in the past.

Spend time with Jesus, not only praying but listening. Each day is a new day in our lives, let the old pass and the new be on its way.

Benefits Of Trusting In The Lord

When we trust in the Lord He will give us the desires of our heart. Psalm 37:3-5 tells us, “Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwelling in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Also delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord. Trust also in Him, and He will bring it to pass.”

God’s ways are not our ways. When we begin to trust in Him, things change for the best.

Trusting in the Lord brings greater happiness and joy into our lives. Proverbs 16:20 says, He who heeds the word wisely will find good. And whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he.

Why is God’s Word important? What difference does it make? If God has not spoken. His promises are replaced only by our wishes. If God has not spoken, His truth is replaced by our opinion.

My journey through life has been a difficult one. I have seen things happen in life that can only be done by God Himself. That is why I trust in the Lord.

Your mind stays in peace when we stay focused on the Lord. Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep whoever‘s mind is steadfast in perfect peace,because he trusts in You.”

You will be fruitful, not anxious in the year of drought or famine. Jeremiah 17:5-8 tells us, “Thus says the Lord, cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength. Whose heart departs from the Lord. For he shall be like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see when good comes, but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land which is not inhabited. Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is in the Lord, for he shall be like a tree planted by the waters. Which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes. But its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit.”

Those who trust in the Lord will be delivered from wicked schemes and plans of evil people. Psalm 37:39-40 says, But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their strength in time of trouble. And the Lord shall help them and deliver them. He shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in Him.”

Those who trust in the Lord will be prospered. Proverbs 28:25-26 says, He who is greedy stirs up strife; but one who trusts in the Lord will prosper. One who trusts in himself is a fool; but one who walks in wisdom is kept safe.

How Do We Trust Him?

With all your heart trust and do not focus on your own understanding. -Proverbs 3:5-6

Learn to dwell in the secret place of prayer and worship and His presence. -Psalm 91

Learn to say with your mouth, and heart that you really believe. It’s in the fire of what you believe that comes out of your mouth. -Matthew 15-11

Learn to trust Him as a Father with humility. -1 Peter 5:6-7

Favorite Automobile

What is your all time favorite automobile?

More than one million people bought the Toyota Corolla models in 2022 making it the most automobile. But as for me until recently I was a General Motors Chevy gal. I’ve bought Chevy vehicles since I was 20 years old. I don’t particularly have a favorite.

Recently I bought a jeep which is a Chrysler model. And have to say I am quite impressed with the way it drives. I pretty sure it can get me out of mess I could put it in.

In reality I don’t have a favorite automobile, I just want it to last me a while. I could get excited about a Dodge Hellcat if I could ever afford one, meaning I would be paying speeding tickets. That thing is made for speed.

Unmasking The Ego

A mask of ego prevents us from being our true selves by trapping us in a false self. If you wear that mask long enough, you begin to forget who you are beneath it.

We all have an idea of who we are. It’s often our ego that defines our identity rather the our true self. Our egos can be mistaken for our personality. It’s our mind-altered state that makes us believe that we are what we think we are. But that’s rarely the truth.

“The ego, however, is not who we really are. The ego is your self-image. It is your social mask; it is the role you are playing. Your social mask thrives on approval. It wants control, and it is sustained by power, because it lives in fear.” -Depak Chopra

Although that may be true in parts when we become attached to this false sense of self we try to live our lives as this “version” of ourselves, unconsciously trapping ourselves in the prison of ego. This mask of ego that we wear makes us persuade others that we are this person we are not. The problem with that is we become unable to be genuine selves.

Being validated and approved is what makes the mask so powerful, and well-fitted. It provides us with a predetermined role and a script that we follow to feel and appear valuable and successful. It gives us a false sense of satisfaction.

“These false masks are by their nature unrealistic. We can’t live up to them. This can leave us feeling like fakes. We become terrified that we will be ‘found out.” So we do even more to look like we’re perfect.” -Cindy Wigglesworth

The false self that originates due to the mask of ego can result in stress, anxiety, depression, fear, anger and other negative emotions. So our mask of ego give is a greater sense of identity, security, and importance to protect ourselves from the pain of our past.

Taking off the mask of our ego would leave us feeling increasingly frightened, out of control, uncertain, and isolated. And while all of these emotions are surfacing, there comes a time when we become tired of pretending to be someone else. Which can lead to nervous breakdowns, and our true self being exposed.

“For all that is secret will be eventually be brought into the open, and everything that is concealed will be brought to light and made known to all” – Luke 8:17 (NLT).