The Two-Edged Sword

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intention of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)

The word of God is a book that is readily available at our fingertips and yet some of us don’t realize the power that’s behind it. Perhaps you see it as a duty to check off a list every day, or if accrues dust on a bookshelf. Yet some of us have seen the living powerful tool work miracles in our lives providing freedom and direction, and we have learned that it’s a weapon we don’t leave home without.

We all have the choice to pick up the sword that is freely given to us, or we have the choice to allow the enemy to continue to wreak havoc in our lives. We all have a tool at our fingertips to begin using to our advantage to break the enemy’s plan along with the strategies he has ready to fire at us as he plots against us. He wakes up every day and has an agenda to come for us as he comes to “steal, kill, and destroy” (John 10:10) anything and everything in our lives in an effort to take us away from the peace and purpose that the Lord has given us freely.

Every day I meet people on the street that are so, beaten down by what’s going on in our world today. And many don’t know that God has a plan. We are all so powerful when we choose Him and flee from the devil. The devil has surely fooled many people into living a life of pain, and torture.

With the Sword of the Spirit, we have the advantage to use this tool as it was designed and no longer letting the enemy defeat us. This tool was not meant to be on a bookshelf or in a box somewhere gathering dust. It was meant to be a tool that is living and active as it moves to you, through you, and is shown out of you in your life. It is powerful that is sharper than a two-edged sword that pierces through your soul and spirit freeing us of things that have held us captive as it helps us discern your thoughts as we navigate through this world. It has the power to “break and pull down all strongholds, casting down arguments and every high that exalts itself against the knowledge of God…” (2 Corinthians 10:4-5).

With the gift and tool the Lord left us with while we walk this earth.

We need to use our sword as the true weapon it is, just as Jesus did. He used the sword of the Spirit as His weapon against Satan. Like 4 shares the account where satan came to tent Jesus while He was in the wilderness for 40 days, and the way Jesus overcame the enemy was with the Sword of the Spirit. Every time Satan tempted Jesus, Jesus fought back and ultimately won the Bible with the Word of God in the Scriptures – the weapon of living and powerful Sword of the Spirit.

Give God’s word a try and navigate the enemy in this dark world with the greatest weapon at our fingertips and dive into the Word so we can use it too our advantage.

Ask God to give you wisdom so that the next time the enemy attacks so you will have the words to fight back.

Happiness Is A State Of Mind

Understanding that happiness is a state of mind rather than something to be obtained is a key life lesson.

Happiness is the ultimate quest, something all human aspire to. You would think that after thousands of years we would have become better at figuring out a way to be happy and stay happy. So why is it so hard to achieve and why does it sit out of our hands so easy?

Personally, I always wondered why some people seem to be happier than others, or why does it come easier cause them to have a positive mindset. As we go through life, we all have positive and negative,experiences, so why do we act react so differently to that input?

As it happens, science shows that happiness is partly determined by our jeans. Researchers claim that happiness is 50% dependent on our genetics and 10% on personal circumstances like financial position, where we live, and family ties. That means that the remaining 40% is down to us, and that happiness is a state of mind that can be reached through the right choices and attitude.

Happiness is a state of mind, a choice, a way of living, it is not something to be achieved, it is something to be experienced. So, let’s look into how you can better, or just your way of living to find happiness in things you experience.

Steve Maraboli

True happiness is not a temporary feeling that comes and goals, but rather something that guide ours thoughts and our reactions to what happens in our lives. Many of our choices are automatic. This is how our brains work, and thank goodness for that, because otherwise, we wouldn’t be able to function. But it in our power to make a conscious choice is to ensure happiness is a state of mind in our every day lives. Here are some ways to make that happen.

1. Trick your brain

You can trick your brain, and you’re thinking that happiness is a state of mind with one finger gesture. A smile indeed there are several studies show that smiling sends positive feedback to the brain, even when you’re forcing it. This is because our brain can pick up cues from our body to generate certain moods are releasing a bunch of feel good hormones. Studies have shown that smiling calms us down by slowing our heart rate. So, simply putting on a grin can improve your mood at times when you need it the most.

2. Count your blessings

When we feel down, it’s easy to focus on what we don’t have, and think we’ll be happy when we get it. Instead, think about things you already have, and make life precious. And don’t just think about them. Write them down if you haven’t started a gratitude journal, this is the time to do so. Writing therapy can help solidify your appreciation for the good things in life and make you more aware of thought patterns that interfere with a happy mind set. Happiness is a state of mind when you feed your brain positive thoughts.

3. Start your day the right way

Instead of starting the day, in a rush, set your alarm, can do 15 minutes before your usual wake up time and get in the habit of meditating. With some practice, this will give you a greater clarity, so you can appreciate the best things in life and become stronger in the face of adversity. There are many useful techniques, but mindfulness. Meditation is particularly good at training your brain to perceive that happiness is a state of mind.

4. Change your perspective

I went through some rough patches in my life and hated everything. And the lack of sunlight during the winter months used to put me into a depression. all I had to do was meditate and think of being in a beautiful place and they gave me a different world to gain attitude.

Looking at things from a different attitude, can make us perceive the world in a whole different way. It may take lots of practice, but once you get good at it, Your realize that happiness is a state of mind that relies on your perspective.

5. Find and give support

Isolation and loneliness are all around us and it can make us feel miserable even when we reasons to be joyful. We may not feel like socializing when we feel down, but don’t shut the door to those who care, but about you. Improving the quality of your interactions with others is a crucial step if you want to truly experience how happiness is a state of mind.

Sharing feelings can help build, stronger bond and feel supported and create positive feedback loop in yourself, and in others. why not plan exercise or meditation session with your friends, or take up a new hobby together?

6. Do a kind app every day

When we are kind to others and difficult situations, Even when we don’t feel like leaving the house. A simple hello or asking someone if they need help, can really boost your mood. You are mental, help improve massively, and no wonder. Scientist chose that the power of kindness is real, Being nice is proven to boost your mood, lower stress, and reduce anxiety among other benefits,

7. Find meaning and purpose

Many people go through life doing what they’re supposed to be doing. Do you the things that bring you meaning and purpose. Volunteer at something that you are interested in. I used used to volunteer at a thrift store, Where all the proceeds went to helping people that were addicted to drugs go to rehab. Listening and uplifting people who are struggling to get their life in control gave me joy. There’s nothing like seeing other people succeed in such difficulty. Now, I volunteer at a organization that helps veterans in time of need. Cooking meals, cleaning their house and just listening to them. Some of these people just need someone who listen to them and give them hope. I found it listening to their stories was very interesting. And I learned a lot about what people go through. There’s nothing better than helping a person who signed a blank check not knowing whether they would come back alive, or seriously injured, to protect a country that doesn’t even respect them or care what they went through for us.

8. Cut down your sources of unhappiness

Happiness in a state of mind, that must be nourished with good habits, and spending too much time on social media is not one of those. For many people, social networks, or a source of unhappiness and insecurity, and can contribute to feelings of depression. Research shows that the constant need to compare ourselves to other peoples lives creates a deep sense of dissatisfaction and make us lose track of the blessings we already have.

I won’t deny it, life is not easy and sometimes it’s just tough and frustrating. The work towards a happy way of being is constant. It won’t happen overnight, and she should be ready to fight sit back. Racing obstacle along the way doesn’t mean there’s no hope or you’re losing your battle.

Even in tough times, you can build resources you need to experience that happiness is a state of mind it isn’t what you have or who you are or where you are or what you were doing that make you happy or unhappy, it’s your perspective and reaction in life. Think about it.

How To Protect Your Peace From Negativity

Protecting your piece is not something that you can accomplish in one day. It’s a lifelong journey, removing things from your life, making changes, and developing skills to make yourself more at ease in your life.

There are four ways that you can begin to cultivate your safe space internally and externally.

1. Pay attention to your triggers

Does a certain person always call you anxiety? Do certain topics spike your blood pressure? You certainly environment make you feel overwhelmed and irritable? It’s important to pay attention to the things that make you feel bad. If a person, topic, or place, makes you feel crazy or out of sorts, limit your exposure to those things, or stay away from them completely.

You may also find that you have certain bad habits that are disrupting your peace. Take an honest look at your life, acknowledge what’s working and what not, and start working to make necessary changes in the name of peace.

2. Let go of negative people

While this point relates to the tip above, it deserves its own highlight. As other people are hands-down the biggest threat to your inner peace. Start paying attention to how people in your life behave and make you feel. Are you around people who do nothing but complain? Are you in a relationship with someone who always put you down? Do you have a friend that is gossipy and self-absorbed having people in your life that constantly focused on the negative or treat you poorly is a sure fire way to destroy your peace and potentially affect the direction of your life. Choose your company wisely, and do not be afraid to cut someone out of your life that bring you down. If you can’t completely stop contact with a specific person, find away to limit how much time you spend around them or confront them about how they make you feel.

3. Reduce your media consumption

A big source of negativity comes from social media and the news. It can be easy to fall into a comparison trap and so from social media that can increase levels of anxiety, depression, and feeling of insecurity. News, is another piece of zapper that essentially is a never ending stream of mostly bad or threatening things that we have a little or no control over. How could you possibly feel at peace when you’re constantly tuned in to these types of media sources? Limit your media consumption to a couple short sessions today (10 minutes or less each), or try cutting it out altogether for a week or two. You’ll be amazed at how much more peaceful you feel.

4. Make time for yourself

Sometimes, we simply can’t control who or what surrounds us. If that’s the case for you currently, be sure to prioritize making time for yourself. Find some alone, time away from the busy world or something else that Soothes and releases stress. You could go for a walk or run, do you know your thoughts and feelings, go for a bike ride go to the gym, take a nice bath, cook a healthy meal, watch your favorite TV show, meditate, or even take a nap – whatever puts you at ease and lifts you up.

Make Changes Where You Can

While we can’t control what people do or what happens in the world, we can’t control how we react to it, and handle those things, and how we choose to spend our time. Put your peace first, no matter what that looks like. Letting go of people or things that are source of negativity won’t be easy, but your peace and well-being come first and the serenity with be well worth it.

The Dark Side

How can you heal after being wounded emotionally or psychologically? No matter what type of trauma you have endured your soul has extraordinary resilience and powerful resources to help you rebuild yourself. You were born a beautiful child with a pure soul and inherent dignity. No one – not even someone who was hurt or violated you – can take that away from you. Your majestic soul is always remains intact. And provides you with the spiritual strength and light that comes from pain and darkness is even deeper that regular light.

Many have suffered horrific pain, some feel completely unloved and unwanted. And many don’t know anything but struggle. I’m here to say, that no matter what we’ve experienced. The pain and struggle we’ve endured. There is one who loves us beyond anything you can even imagine. We are individually made on purpose.

In Psalm 139, David’s praying to God and he says. “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Yes, speaks of the care and attention which God has made us. By now, God has made billions of human beings, but we are not mass produced. We are not churned out in a mechanistic way. Each one of us individually handcrafted, and there is something fearful about how we’ve been made.

When a mother first gets to hold her child as being born, there is a sense of awe. The baby is not intimidating,and certainly not better that them in anything yet. But there is a sense of awe and fearfulness because they are suddenly aware of how precious and awesome this bundle of joy is in their arms.

There’s something fearful about us, and that actually doesn’t change when we grow up and we’re no longer a baby as we once were. There is something so intricate and meaningful about how God has made us that we really should be in awe of the fact. David goes on to say, “I praise you or I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

It’s actually worth saying something of God’s unique creative capabilities in how each of us has been made. We should not take one another’s existence for granted. The human body is not the human body. Is an extraordinary work of art by the God of all creation. It’s a unique work of art. However, we might be tempted to see ourselves, God actually sees us in a very different kind of way.