From Pity to Praise

Run Towards The Roar

Ready!

“Be sober! Be on the alert! Your adversary, the devil is prowling around, like a roaring lion, looking for someone he can devour” -1 Peter 5:8.

I have a relative the trains for marathon’s he tells me that before the marathon he gets pre-run anxiety. A variety or things come into his mind -whether or not he will finish, if he will have enough energy.

Set!

I once heard an analogy, that tells when male lions get old, their teeth will begin to rot, and they are unable to kill animals as easily. In order to get food, they recruit female lions and younger stronger makes to help them. When the lions get ready to hunt, the effective killers go hide on one side of the herd while the big old lion goes to the other side. Once he’s in position, he lets out a massive roar that send the herd running in the opposite direction…just where the female and younger male lions are.

According to Scripture, our enemy is like a “roaring lion.” But that says to me. He is a deceiver who has bad teeth, and a big roar. All he can do is lie to us, just like an old lion. And in fact, we would actually be better off running towards the roar -that very thing that frightens us – rather than away from it.

Over and over, Jesus told His followers “do not to fear.” It is one of His most popular commands. The Bible further tells us that any spirit of fear we experience is not from God at all (2 Timothy 1:7). While we should pay attention to what our fears communicate to us, that there is a need for caution, that we need to trust the Lord, that we need to pray. If we believe what God says in His Word, we don’t have to let those fears determine our direction.

Try to “towards the roar” and face what the enemy wants you to fear. You have God’s strength, power and victory locked in you already, so rest in knowing that He’ll take you beyond the empty threats of the enemy – that old, tooth decayed lion.

Go!

What scares you?
While some fear is of the Lord, much of it is from our enemy. Is it from God or from Satan?
What do you need to do in order to be able to “run towards the roar” today?

John 8: 42-48 (NIV). “I have not come on my own; if God were your Father, you would love me, because I have come to you from God. I am not here on my own; God sent me. Why is my language of clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I’m telling the truth, why don’t you believe me? Whoever belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear me is that you don’t belong to God.”

That’s a tough one to read. But, Jesus never mixed his words, he said it like it was.

Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT). Don’t worry about anything; Instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He does. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

It’s A Secret

What’s something most people don’t know about you?

I can be friends with almost everyone I meet. They will be treated kindly and with respect. But I find trusting anyone, they have to prove themselves to be sometimes more than once.

I blame La vida loco (The crazy life) I’ve had. I’ve be screwed over more times than not. I learn by observation. Because I’m a quiet person I think more people think they can take advantage of me.

When I find someone who has screwed me over, I will do one of two things either tell them that I know about their distrust they’ve shown or what they have done, or I walk away and don’t let that person have a place in my life.

I generally have no patience for anyone I cannot trust.

Why Is Obedience To God Important?

From Genesis to Revelation the Bible has a lot to say about obedience. In the account of the 10 Commandments, we see just how important the concept of obedience is to God. Deuteronomy 11:26-28 sums it up like this: “ obey and you will be blessed. Disobey and you will be cursed.” In the New Testament, we learned through the example of Jesus, that believers are called to a life of obedience.

8 Reasons Why Obedience Is Important To God

1. Jesus Calls Us To Obey

In Jesus, we find the perfect model of obedience. As His disciples, we follow His example as well as His commands. Our motivation for obedience is love,

“If you love me, you will keep my Commandments” – John 14:15

2. Obedience Is An Act Of Worship

When the Bible place is a strong emphasis on obedience, it’s critical to remember that believers are not justified (made righteous) by obedience. Salvation is a free gift of God, and we can do nothing to Merit it. A True believer’s obedience flows from a heart of gratitude for the grace we have received from the Lord.

“Therefore, I urge you brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service” – Romans 12:1

3. God Rewards Obedience

Over and over again, we read in the Bible that God blesses and rewards obedience.

“And through your descendants all your nations of the earth will be blessed -all because you have obeyed me” – Genesis 22:18.

Jesus replied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice” – Luke 11:28.

“Do not merely listen to God‘s word, and so deceive yourselves; anyone who listens to the word, but does not do what it says it’s like someone who looks at his face in the mirror; and after looking at himself, goes away, and immediately forget what he looks like; but whoever looks intently into the perfect law, that gives freedom, and continues in it not forgetting, what they have heard, but doing it they will be blessed in what they do” – James 1:22-25.

4. Obedience To God Proves Our Love

The books of John 1 and 2 clearly explain that obedience to God demonstrate love for God. Loving God implies following his commands.

“By this, we know that we love the children of God and obey His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments“ – 1 John 5:2-3. “Love means doing what God has commanded us, and He has commanded us to love one another, just as you heard from the beginning” -2 John 1:6.

5. Obedience To God Demonstrates Faith

When we obey God, we show our trust and faith in him.

“And we can be sure that we know Him if we obey His commandments. If someone claims, ‘ I know God,’ but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person is a liar, and not living in the truth. But those who obey God‘s word truly show how completely they love Him. That is how we know we are living in Him. Those who say they live in God should live their lives, as Jesus did” – 1 John 2:3-6.

6. Obedience Is Better Than Sacrifice

The phrase “obedience is better than sacrifice,” Has often perplexed believers. It can only be understood from an Old Testament perspective. The law required that Israelites to offer sacrifices to God, but those sacrifices and offerings were never intended to take the place of obedience.

But Samuel replied, “What is more pleasing to the Lord, your burnt offerings, and sacrifices, or your obedience to His voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fact of Rams. Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols. So because you have rejected the command of the Lord, He has rejected you as king” -1 Samuel 15:22-23.

7. Disobedience Leads To Sin And Death

The disobedience of Adam brought sin and death into the world. This is the basis of the term ‘ original sin.” But Jesus’s perfect obedience, restores, fellowship with God for everyone who believes in Him.

“For as by one man’s (Adam’s) disobedience the many were made sinners, so by one man’s (Jesus’s) obedience the many will be made righteous” – Romans 5:18

“For as in Adam, all die, so also, in Christ shall all be made alive” -1 Corinthians 15:22

8. Through Obedience, We Experience The Blessings Of Holy Living

Only Jesus is perfect, therefore, only He could walk in sinless, perfect obedience. But as we allow the Holy Spirit to transform us from within, we grow in holiness. This is the process called sanctification, which can also be described as spiritual growth. The more we read God’s Word, spend time with Jesus, and allow the Holy Spirit to change, us from within, the more we grow in obedience and holiness as believers.

We don’t learn obedience, overnight; It’s a lifelong process that we pursue by making it a daily goal.

Lazy Days

Do lazy days make you feel rested or unproductive?

Lazy days allow your brain to do nothing. It allows us to stop obsessing over the news, or social media.

Being lazy helps our exhausted minds slow down. It keeps us from experiencing both physical and emotional burn out. Having a lazy day actually improves strategic thinking..

Some people think that having lazy days is a bad think. But having a few days of laziness has some good benefits. Laziness resets our minds, and helps us create more ideas and actually improves our emotional intelligence. The idea is that laziness causes some financial problems can happen if we over indulge in too many lazy days which make us feel unproductive.

The key to anything in the world that is good is simply not to overindulge on it. Gambling is not a sin if you do it and don’t destroy your family life -unable to pay bills and feed your familie

. Drinking if done to much can destroy your life – if done in moderation doesn’t cause problems. 1 Corinthians 10;31 says, “So, whether you eat of drink, whatever you do, do all to the glory of God”

God told His followers to take a day of sabbath which means to cease or stop, so they could rest, refresh, and refuel.

Lazy days are not supposed to make us feel unproductive, but make us feel, rested up, refreshed, and refueled to we can focus on our jobs the rest of the week successfully and without burn-out.

Being Successful

When you think of the word “successful,” who’s the first person that comes to mind and why?

While ideals are subjective, the chosen act, and for filling lifestyle with which others, I disagree, can be considered a success.

Our particular criteria for success will closely relate to our social, political, educational, and religious values or ideology.

Success to me is when you’ve accomplished in my what you want to accomplish. After I pondered this question. in modern society, most peoples idea of success, having a college degree, and focuses from a business model.

For many people, success made reaching a goal, accomplishing a task, or other wise accomplishing what I’ve sent out to you.

With different perspectives on what it means to be successful. I could think of no one person that comes to mind. Whether I look at Warren Buffett Who struggled his way to get up being a young Farm boy, or Elon Musk, who has no college degree. They both set a goal, and that goal was accomplished. I think it’s about the goals you want to accomplish in life, that makes someone successful.

Crowns In Heaven

Scripture describes our eternal rewards in terms of a inheritance and responsibility. These rewards are symbolized as Crowns. Believers will be awarded crowns as their rewards for what we do on earth -waiting for Christ’s second coming to establish His Kingdom on earth.

The Bible says these crowns will be our badges of honor reflecting glory upon Christ, who worked through us to achieve the good works in their lives. believers will acknowledge His sovereignty by casting their crowns at His feet while they worship Him in heaven,

“And when the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, to Him who lives forever and ever.“ -Revelation 4:9

“The twenty-four elders will fall down before Him who sits on the throne, and will worship Him who lives forever and ever, and will cast their crowns before the throne, saying,“ -Revelation 4:10

“Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and we created.” – Revelation 4:11

Altogether, the Bible mentions five crowns promised to believers for their obedience to Christ while on earth.

The Crown Of Life

“Blessed is a man who perseveres u dear trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord had promised to those who live Him” -James 1:12.

“Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about o cast some on you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life“ – Revelation 2:10.

At first glance, it will appear that the “crown of life” refers to eternal life. But, the scriptures contradict that. Scripture clearly state the eternal life comes by faith alone in Christ alone, and which is given as a gift and not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9). Instead, this crown is given to those who faithfully persevere trials the Lord puts them through. We only persevere such trials and tribulations by God’s power in us (1 Peter 1:5-7).

The Crown Of Righteousness

“In the future there is laid up from me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have lived His appearing” – 2 Timothy 4:8.

This verse does not refer to righteousness we achieve by works, as scripture makes it clear that our righteousness is found only in the imputed righteousness of Christ-Romans 5:19. Rather is award is given to those who eagerly await the appearing of the Lord. As believers, we should always be expectantly looking for the return of the Lord.

“This crown He employs in describing believers, who’s faith is strong, it will not permit their minds to fall asleep in this world, but will elevate them to the hope of the last resurrection. This means all who are so much devoted to the world, and who love so much this fleeting life, as not to care about the coming of Christ, and not to be moved by any desire of it, deprive themselves of immortal glory. Woe to their stupidity, that never think seriously about the coming of Christ,to which they ought to give their attention” – John Calvin

The Crown Of Glory

“Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the suffering of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is revealed” – 1 Peter 5:1

“Shepherd the flock of God among you,exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily according to the will of God; and not sordid gain, but with eagerness;“ – 1 Peter 5:2

This is a crown for the elders the Lord has placed in authority in His church. It’s an exhortation as well as an incentive for the elders to rule as the Lord had directed.

The Crown Of Rejoicing

“For who is our hope or joy or crown of exultation? Is it not even you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming? For you are our glory and joy” – 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20.

“Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, My beloved” – Philippians 4:1.

This crown will go to those who have witnessed to others and who have built up the church by teaching.

The Crown Incorruptible

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one received the prize, Run in such a way that you will win” – 1 Corinthians 9:24.

“Every man who strives in the games exercises self- control in all things. Now they do it to receive to receive a corruptible crown but we an incorruptible” – 1 Corinthians 9:25.

“Therefore, I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air” – 1 Corinthians 9:26.

“But I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified” – 1 Corinthians 9:27.

This crown will be given to all believers who run the race to win. Who Discipline the flesh and make it their slave so they will be able to serve the Lord. We can only achieve this by the power of the Holy Spirit, so the crown is ultimately accomplished in God’s power, not our own.

A Good Neighbor

What makes a good neighbor?

A good neighbor is friendly and considerate. They respect your space and privacy, considerate and are approachable.

They are trustworthy, it’s always nice to know if you have a package on your front porch and it will be safe. Being a good neighbor means having peaceful communication with them, knowing they will have your back.

In my neighborhood we watch out for any illicit activities on other people’s land. It’s bringing meals to neighbors who are sick and can’t cook for themselves.

Looking out for one another’s children, and property and be willing to call the authorities if necessary. Being a good neighbor that don’t tell people what they should feel.

If a new neighbor moves into your neighborhood go over with a batch of freshly baked cookies or something to welcome them into the neighborhood.

It all comes down to showing hospitality and welcoming people into your home. It’s not about appearances,or where they lived before or whether they are able to help us in return. It’s about loving your neighbor.

Stupid Laws In Utah

Utah is home to many famous landmarks, among them the incredible red rocks cliff’s in Zion National Park, and eye catching ski resorts like Snowbird, and Alta. With such elegant sites to explore, Utah is the home of many stupid laws.

Are Your Kids Unruly? Hotels in Utah have the right to charge extra fees for individuals whose kids seem excessively unruly during check-ins. Thr charges cover the losses sand damages incurred after check out. Parents with unruly children may be required to pay a deposit of $500 in the beehive state.

Bury Your Pet Promptly: If your pet dies, you may want some time to mourn and make proper preparations to give it a decent burial. In Utah, pet owners can bury their deceased pets properly but you have to do it within 48 hours. Burying of pets in the backyard is allowed, provided you do it on your own property. The law also recommends burying them three feet apart.

No Selling Alcohol In An Emergency: Utah has some stringent alcohol regulation laws. Some cities prohibit the sale of alcohol altogether. If you often run to the pub at the first hint of a problem, Utah may not be the ideal state for you. The law states that an individual may not sell, supply, offer to sell, or furnish alcoholic products in an area, during an emergency whose existence is proclaimed by the governor.

Whale Hunting Is Not Allowed: Capturing a whale in Utah is illegal. The law protects the whales and promotes conservation efforts. In a real sense, whales are unlikely to survive in the Great Salt Lake since whales live in the ocean and Utah doesn’t have oceans.

Strictly, No Weather Modification: It’s illegal to modify the weather in Utah without a permit. Yes, this is an existing law in Utah. If you are caught tampering with the weather, there are serious consequences. Weather modifications can include cloud seeding, which increases snow or rain, and helps enhance the local water supply.

Do Not Cause A Catastrophe: Causing a catastrophe due to recklessness make you guilty of a case C misdemeanor. What constitutes as a catastrophe? The code reads that as a use of weapons of mass destruction, fire, avalanche,explosion, or collapsing a building, flood, or destructive force, or harmful substance that can lead to widespread damage or injury. They can be ordered to pay for damages or health care for the injured victims.

A Waiting Period On Prescribed A Schedule 2 Pain Medication: In the State of Utah if a doctor writes a prescription for a controlled substance after a surgery there is a 3-7 day waiting period before you can get your medication.

Every Day Problems And Solutions

“I am so stressed out!”

I’m so tired!”

“Why isn’t this relationship working?”

“I’ve got to lose some weight!“

“I’m so broke all the time.”

Do any of these phrases sound familiar? How many times in the last week do you think you have used one of these phrases how many times in the last week have you heard someone else vocalize any of these thoughts?

Kansas are you here phrases like these or even use phrases like these yourself or more than you would like to. Despite the fact that America is referred to as the “greatest nation on earth,” Recent polls have discovered the Americans are among the most stressed out, unhealthy, financially insecure people on the entire planet. Throw into that mix that the divorce rate is about 40 to 50% and it does make you wonder what the definition of “great” we are using.

The next time you hear someone use one of the above mentioned phrases, ask them very sincerely, “How do you hope to change that?” If you get a blank stare, don’t be surprised. If you take a moment to really think about the above questions that echo around in your head each week, but don’t know how to change the situation, or don’t even know where to start. You’re not alone.

It’s easy to chalk up these questions up to “life’s mysteries” and comfort yourself with the myth that know one knows the answers. But, that’s not exactly true. We do have the answers and solutions to these types of problems, but they are waiting for us in an unlikely place. They are waiting somewhere where more modern people would rather not delve into the Bible.

The word of God is often kept in a cubbyhole of religion, and so people do not think about seeking answers to every day practical problems there. You may ask, how could the Bible deal with my very human problems like being overweight? The word of God is sacred. How could it help with the dirty details of my mess up relationships? The word of God is full of deep, spiritual secrets. How can you help me balance my checkbook?

The Bible is it just something to pick up on Sunday morning and talk to church so you can follow along with the message. It doesn’t just get special attention around Christmas time or when you share the nativity story with your children grandchildren. If this is the extent to which you interact with the Word of God, you are missing so much. Got his folder in the pages of His Word, answers and solutions to some of our most human questions and problems. The word of God is not to holy to help us with our numinous. That was the entire point, to help humans.

Whether you’re dealing with stress, financial issues, relationship issues, or health issues, God has shared biblical solutions to these practical problems in His Word.

For example, money problems look different for each individual or family. What may seem like many problems one person or family would seem like an abundance to another. So, it is important to understand that when we use the term “money problems” that is relevant to your particular situation. But regardless of your particular situation, your money, problem is a problem to you, and therefore a source of stress and worry.

Financial help is determined by income to debt ratio and savings or both emergencies and retirement. Most money problems can be traced back to the lack of savings or heavy debt. So what could the Word of God possibly have to say about our money problems today?

One of the first issues that must be dealt with anytime we are looking into money problems is the weakness of greed. Greed is the ongoing desire for more even after needs are met. Read comes in many forms and always has a negative impact on the situation. Greed is often a hidden corporate at the root of many many issues.

Look at what Luke 12:15 says,

“He said to them, beware! Keep yourselves from covetousness, for a man’s life doesn’t consist of the abundance of the things which he possesses.”

When our needs are met, what we get above, and beyond must be considered carefully. God does in many instances will for us to have things that we want above and beyond our needs. The key is too pray fully, consider these things, and only move when we have peace from the Holy Spirit. Problems arise, when I want our chased after recklessly without mindful, prayerful consideration.

Putting money into its rightful place will help us better understand its purpose. Ecclesiastes 5:10 says,

“He who loves silver shall not be satisfied with silver; not he who loves abundance, with increase; this also is vanity.”

Money is not an entity of itself which we should desire. Money is simply a tool which God has given us to accomplish other things. When we look at money this way, we can better understand it’s rightful place. It is not something to be desired for itself, but rather for what we can accomplish with it. Money is a tool.

If money is a tool which we need to accomplish tasks, then the next natural question is what is the task? You will need to ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in knowing what the money’s purpose is for you or your family. The tasks that need to be accomplished will look different for each of us for God’s will. He should show you exactly what He wants you to accomplish with the money He has given you.

Financial stability has never been achieved without a plan. Whether it is a business, a person, or a nation, no one has ever attained financial stability without a plan.

Here are a few scriptures that finances in the Bible,

2 Corinthians 9:7. “Every man according as he purposed in his heart; so let him give, not grudgingly, or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” (Giving to God’s house)
1 Timothy 5:8. “But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house,he has denied the faith and is worse than an infidel.” (Household maintenance)
Romans 13:8. “Owe no man any thing, but to love one another; for he that loves another has fulfilled the law.” (Pay your bills)
Proverbs 21:5. “The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.“ (Save for emergencies)

The particular details of each of these categories will look different for each person, but the principles are the same for every one. With prayerful, mindful consideration, God’s word can help you solve money problems.

Relationship problems:

Generally when we think of relationships we think of romantic relationships and marriage. Although marriage and romantic relationships are some of the most important relationships in our lives, the biblical principles can help us govern our romantic relationships are the same principles which can help us nurture and protect all of the relationships in our lives. Our relationships with our friends, our children, siblings, parents, co-workers and peers are all important to our overall happiness. These relationships are also important to God.

Kindness

Some of the most complicated relationship issues have a root in lack of kindness. There’s no doubt, the reasons that can contribute to divorce can be deep rooted, long standing, and destructive. But even the most tangled situations of adultery and abuse have a root in a lack of kindness.

People look for mind-blowing revelations from therapists and scientists to tell them how to make relationships work, but the truth is when we return to the biblical principles of kindness, much of these issues can resolve themselves. Ephesians 4:32 says,

“And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Messiah forgave you.“

Regardless of how tempted you are to say, “This is oversimplifying. My relationship problems are much more complicated than that,” if you really stop and think think about it for a minute. If you were hurt by someone else, it was because they were not showing kindness. This first part of this scripture because that is the starting place for all relationships. Kindness, regardless if you have been hurt or you were the one that the other, both situations can be healed with the second part of that verse; forgiveness. This is what saved my marriage. Kindness and forgiveness. It was at the root of all our problems. God does understand relationships and the answers are not complicated.

Satan wants us to think that our problems are unsolvable. Then he can keep us trapped in a sense of anger, anxiety, worry, stress and victim mentality. We move through our lives thinking that everyone else has it better than we do and everyone is doing us wrong. God’s plans for our relationship are simple. Start with kindness.

Faithfulness

Another element lacking in many relationships, no matter who the relationship involves, is faithfulness. We give up on people. We give up on endeavors. We give up on goals. We see the same from others. The result is that others do not trust us, or we do not trust others. This mutual distrust between us and the people we interact with shades all of our relationships.

Faithfulness is not just a trait which God looks for in our spiritual lives, but it is also crucial to our practical, every day lives as well. Luke 16:10 says,

“He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much; and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.”

Faithfulness means we are trust worthy and dependable. It means that we will keep believing in a cause even when the going get tough. It means others can count on us.

The miraculous thing about faithfulness is that it generates more faithfulness. When others see they can depend on you, trust you, it inspires hem to be mor dependable and trust worthy as well. This cycle keeps growing, helping all of your interactions operate in a more healthy way.

Wisdom

You may be thinking of relationships that are exceptions to these rules. Some relationships do not react to kindness and faithfulness. Some relationships do not fall into healthy cycles no matter how many Bible verses you read. Some relationships are just toxic. What can you do about toxic relationships?

God is His wisdom understands about this too. God does not offer us Pollyanna clinches and tell us to slap them on all our problems like bandages. God knows that His ways only work for those willing to go His way. We all know that everyone is not on the same path. So what does the Word of God say about these types of relationships that are causing our problems?

God shows us what to do with toxic people too in Romans 16:17-18,

“Now I beg you, brothers (and sisters), look out for those who are causing the divisions and occasions of stumbling, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and turn away from them. For those who are such don’t serve the Lord, Yeshua (Jesus) the Messiah, but their own belly; and by their smooth and flattering speech, they deceive the hearts of the innocent.”

Having the wisdom to know when to leave a relationship is just as important as having the wisdom to know how to work on a relationship. These scriptures tells us plainly that God does not will for us to work on all relationships. When you mindfully, and prayerfully evaluate relationships through the leading of the Holy Spirit you will be led in wisdom concerning relationships to work on and which relationships to leave behind.

This is not a easy thing, but it is sometimes a necessary think. Many people find themselves in relationship difficulties because they neglect to nurture the relationships they should be nurturing and instead pour themselves, their time and energy into toxic relationships which they should have left a long time ago. The leading of the Holy Spirit will help us to know the difference.

Health

Another practical aspect of our lives which God longs to help us with is our health. Very few people consider their health as part of leading a biblical life. Again, we put different aspects of our lives in different cubby holes, and then we are confused and stressed when cannot connect the dots. It is God’s will that our lives weave together seamlessly. Each aspect of our lives will affect the other aspects. Our relationships can affect our finances. Our health can affect our relationships. All of these can affect how spiritually minded we are. It flows together in one way or another. Thinking of your health as part of the whole, will help you to understand why you feel the way you feel and what you can do to feel better.

Despite the fact the America had some of the best health services on the planet, the most readily food and water supply and plenty of support services for underprivileged individuals, we are still considered some of the most unhealthy people on earth. Why? In the end it all boils down to choices. Outside of the exceptions such as chronic illness and genetic problems, the average American deals with a lack of personal health simply because of their choices. The Bible tells us how to what to eat, yet many ignore this (including me).

Rest

The foundation of human health is not a gym membership. It is not supplements. It is not even a healthy BMI. The foundation of your health as a human is rest. The human body can go without food for 7 days before we start to experience severe symptoms of starvation. We can go 3 days without water before severe dehydration symptoms impair our cognitive and motor abilities. However, if the human body goes 36 hours without sleep we can begin to lose cognitive and motor abilities which can impair a persons from completing normal every day tasks.

Resting is one of the simplest ways we can build our health and yet it is one of the most overlooked aspects of health. Normal adults need 7-9 hours of sleep a night, but most people rarely get this. It is not that we don’t necessarily have time to sleep, but rather the majority of people live lifestyles which discourage good sleeping habits. Extended hours of screen time late into the evening, large amounts of caffeine consumption, as well as bad bedtime routines all contribute to poor sleep. Chronic insomnia zaps you energy level and affects your mood and your health.

Think it’s your doctor who cares about how much sleep you get? Psalm 127:2 says,

“It is vain for you to rise up early, to stay up late, eating the bread of toil; for he gives sleep to His loved ones.”

It is vain. That means it is pointless. Bread of sorrow. That means that this habit, not sleeping enough, will bring you troubles. When you consider that the most common symptom of sleep deprivation is irritability and poor decision making, it is no wonder that other aspects of our lives are suffering. Our relationships will suffer when we are irritable and making bad choices. Our finances will suffer when we are not thinking clearly enough to make good money decisions. Sleep deprivation even has an effect on our immune system, making us more susceptible to infections and disease when we are tired. Those all sound like “the bread of sorrows,” don’t they?

The foundation of health can be improved by creating a bedtime routine. Cut off caffeine early in the afternoon and cutoff screen time earlier in the evening. Set a priority on sleep and your health will improve.

Hydration

If there were a pill available that could improve your mood, brighten your skin, increase blood flow in your entire body thereby increasing your metabolism, help you lose weight, and create an improvement on the functionality of every system in your body would you take it? Would if it didn’t even cost any money? It’s available i your kitchen right now.

We don’t need this magical pill, because God has already provided for us a substance that provides all of these benefits. Yet, many people walk around dehydrated every day. Me included, I hate to admit it, but I would rather drink coffee than water every day. I reason with myself saying “well, coffee is made of water, but I know it’s not the same.” It’s another example of a simple thing that can complicate other aspects of our lives. Remember, God intends for our lives to work toad a seamless whole, not as dis-jointed parts.

Signs of dehydration often include muddled thinking, irritability and lack of energy. Think about how these symptoms can affect our relationships, or money decisions in our work life. If we are irritable, we might find ourselves being unkind to those around us. Even something as simple as staying hydrated has an effect on our lives as a whole.

Lack of ongoing proper hydration can also lead to physical issues such as constipation, joint pain, and decreased heart function.

You might be thinking, “Well, should I drink more water, but God doesn’t actually say anything about that in the Bible, God has all wisdom and James 4:17 says,

“To him therefore who knows to do good, and doesn’t do it, to him is sin.“

God gets us humans. Remember, He made us in our mother’s womb. He knows how we are always looking for a loophole (like my water-coffee excuse.M

Making even small health changes such as adding more water and less sugary drinks can have an impact on our lives. And brings the parts of our lives into more harmony.

Exercise

The same logic of, “if you know to do good…“ can be applied in the realm of exercise as well. This is a area that many of us would like to avoid if possible. The truth is our bodies cannot it be used efficiently in the service of God if we are not strong and healthy.

Timothy 4:8 says,

“For bodily exercise has some value, but godliness has value in all things, having the promise of the life which is now, and of that which is to come.“

We must keep in mind, however, that this scripture was written in a time period where just daily life provided almost all the exercise anyone could ever need to be healthy and strong. In Paul’s day, people walked everywhere, literally everywhere they went. It was a manual labor rule, not an exception. Everyone worked hard physically from sun up to sun down. Even the rich and privileged would have exerted more physical activity in one day just going about there normal lives than we do. So, more than likely the word exercise in this scripture is relative to the time period. Most likely, Paul is referencing Roman athletes who performed for entertainment. These people would have had exercise regiments that were above and beyond the normal exercise that everyone was getting.

Today, our lives Domitian provide the amount of physical activity needed to be strong and healthy. It must be supplemented with planned intentional exercise.

Exercise improves all systems of our body, elevated our mood and helps us sleep better. Once again all these things work together to keep the parts of the whole us working best.

You may think God only cares about your church attendance, and maybe if we give a little to the church once in a while. But, God cares about every aspect of our lives. That is why He has provided, in His Word, answers and solutions to problems which we face in every aspect of our lives.

If you think you’ve found a problem that the Word of God doesn’t address, dig in and see if God has skipped anything that is relevant to the human experience.

What principles I Live By

What principles define how you live?

The principles I live by are guidelines to follow in order to please God and grow in faith. Some of these principles include:

True repentance of sins and asking God for forgiveness.
Asking for God’s grace to deny any ungodliness and shun worldliness
Abstaining from all appearances of evil and following righteousness
Developing a habit of thanking God for big and small things throughout the day.
Seeking the Wisdom of God. And having a fear of the Lord.
Avoiding foolish or ignorant disputes
Always being willing to accept advice.

I have a view that every Word in the Holy Bible is the true way of living. It’s brings wisdom for having a blessed life. I use the Bible as my instruction book.

The Destructive Power Of Unforgiveness

What is your first response when someone hurts you? Maybe you immediately become angry and want to retaliate. Or perhaps you outward expression doesn’t change, but inside you begin to quietly nurse bitterness. Being nurt by someone, particularly someone you love and trust, causes sadness and confusion. The more you dwell on hurtful situations or event, grudges filled with resentment and hostility can take root.

Unforgiveness can be defined psychologically as the emotional imbalance due to delayed response towards a transgressor. However, the expression of anger, hatred, frustration or violence depends on the mental state of a person. Studies show that unforgiveness is a type of stress response that has a direct impact on the mental and psychology of a person. unforgiveness provokes a person to respond intensely with ultimate impacts on social and cognitive behavior. People who have delayed expressing to trauma cannot interact with other people well. Trauma caused by unforgiveness impacts communication skills, abilities thinking, and decision making power.

It is thought to believe that the negative effects of unforgiveness are similar to those of interpersonal mental trauma. The human brain when suffering from a trauma goes into a hyperactive state when can cause hormonal imbalance.

When Unforgiveness goes unaddressed delayed negative emotions can cause a number of long term mental health problems. Depression is one of them. unexpressed emotions that are formed from Unforgiveness causes this type depression to be more dangerous than other forms. Studies show that Unforgiveness not only causes mental problems but physical problems as well.

Unforgiveness almost cost me my life, my marriage, my children, and my health. I attempted suicide many times, suffered from horrible depression, had stomach problems, unbearable headaches, joint pain, and cancer.

When we choose Unforgiveness it doesn’t hurt the person/people who hurt us, we hurt ourselves.

It took me over 15 years to realize what I was doing to myself and those closest to me.

Unforgiveness is spiritually destructive because it’s contrary to God’s will and effects our emotions, thoughts, and relationships. Scripture is clear that we are to forgive anyone who causes us harm, because we ourselves have been forgiven by God. The grace God pours out on each of us should be our motivation to extend grace to others.

Forgiveness involves a total change of attitude and action. When we give up resentment toward someone and relinquish the desire for revenge, we begin to heal from the inside out. In our own strength it is impossible, but if instead of rehearsing our hurts, we ask the Lord to change us and forgive us, He can begin to fill us with the power to forgive others.

When I did this, God transformed my heart. While I have no more stomach issues, and was cured of cancer after a long battle. I still suffer from joint pain, and reoccurring headaches. My life has improved tremendously. But looking back I am regretful I didn’t realize any of the issues that Unforgiveness caused me. I have had to come to grips with the years I’ve wasted by not forgiving my mother, and all that I’ve lost because of my refusal to do so. But, I am thankful for my time I have left. And looking forward to a beautiful life ahead.

My advice is not wait to seek a life of forgiveness. Unforgiveness is a destroyer of life, and life is too short as is it. Don’t waste it.

What I’ve Been Putting Off

What have you been putting off doing? Why?

I have been putting off a surgery I need to have, not because I am scared, but because I have an allergy to nickel.

I need a total knee replacement. I’ve need it for probably 10 years now. I am an active person and I know this will slow me down.

I am having this surgery tomorrow. And am trusting God. I found an orthopedic surgeon that I’m sure I can trust, and have been praying.

It’s time to take this step and move on to new things.