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Mind Set

Post courtesy of  AmazinglyBrash

 

We wake up to challenges daily. Our mood can be based on how well we slept, whether or not we look forward to our schedule, or waking up to the reality of yesterdays’ actions. When we combine that with actually encountering several others with the same internal challenges, it can be overwhelming; that is when optimism comes into play. Understanding that we have the ability to see further than the problem and embrace any joy allows us to flourish in every situation. We may get victimized, but we don’t have to be victims. When something negative occurs, it didn’t happen to you but for you. The belief that “everything happens for a reason” and “God is very reasonable” is all we need to work towards solution. Fired, behind on payments or grieving the loss of a loved one are all tests to see how much you truly want to live. Are you ready to grow or wither away because the sun isn’t shining? Are you going to ask for help or remain helpless because you’re a product of your pain? When fired, see yourself getting hired; behind on payment, see yourself getting ahead: lost a loved one, find love through others. The problem is present but it doesn’t have to be your future. If you carry it around, it will infect you and everyone you wish to affect. One can’t promise you freedom of stress, but they can assist you with ways of coping so that it isn’t stressful. Life will always suck the air out of you but if you remember to take a deep breath you won’t get suffocated!!!!

Why is it that a person is in your life at “that time” on “that particular day” connecting with you at “that moment”? Some say it’s a coincidence. What is this word “coincidence”? Was it coined to change the perception that a spiritual fact exist, or is it another attempt to control the uncontrollable? We spend more time sweeping the dirt under the rug than actually clean up the mess. We see what is happening but fail to investigate why. We take so many opportunities for granted because we’re sure we will be granted another. We don’t maximize on moments because we feel they are minimal. Guess what? It isn’t a coincidence that they entered your life; and the only way to get clarity is understanding why. There is a reason hidden and a lesson to be found. It may be to enhance an ability, increase a tolerance, or to find a half that makes you whole; maybe it’s all of the above. Ultimately, the powers deemed it necessary for us to intersect; we can crash, stop and allow the moment to pass, or park our cars and watch faith be realized!!!!

The Power of Prayer (Forgiveness)

Recently I found myself very disappointed in someone I considered a good friend. They did something to me that I felt (and still feel) was totally unacceptable and it was hard for me to swallow. I knew that I needed to forgive them and let it go but I just couldn't wrap my head around it at the time.

Not wanting to hold a grudge, I began to quote any and every scripture I could remember (and maybe a few I made up) on forgiveness. But it seemed the moment I stopped quoting scripture, I got mad all over again.

Throughout that week, I kept rehearsing what happened and when I shared it with my husband and my sister, I got even angrier - it was like every time I told the story, the fire was being fueled. So I decided that I needed to stop talking about it because that was not helping the situation.

I'm sure you have all been there before ...maybe it wasn't a friend, perhaps it was a sibling, a co-worker, a neighbor or even someone at church. Whoever it was, they crossed you in some form or fashion and raised your blood pressure. You found yourself on this never ending cycle of anger because you couldn't quite let it go.

In time, I realized that forgiveness is very hard in our own power... and at some point, I cleared my head and took it to God in prayer ...and yet again, God amazed me with his ability to bring an inner peace in the midst of any situation.

Prayer is by far the greatest weapon we have. Prayer causes you to change your perspective on things.

While in prayer, God reminded me of the many times I had turned my back on Him. The many times I had disappointed Him. Yet, not once has He held back his forgiveness towards me.

He also reminded me that no one except Him is flawless, so I must not put people on a pedestal or expect them to never let me down. Yes, we expect certain things like respect from our friends, however at some point, we have probably all disrespected someone we cared about. How is it that we expect people to always be willing to forgive us but when the tables are turned - watch out!

Through prayer, I realized it was alright for me to be hurt by the situation, but it wasn't alright for me to dwell there. God healed my wounds and gave me the courage to step back out and not allow this situation to dictate my mood, attitude or behavior towards the person who offended me.

There is something to be said about the power of prayer ...next time I won't wait so long to use it!




Written by Tanya James, Founder and president of The Master Plan. Tanya James is the author of From Promiscuity to Proverbs 31: Getting Off the Fence of Sexual Immorality. For more information about Tanya, log onto www.armedanddangerous.biz or www.themasterplan.biz.

Our Men Are Under Attack

During my Bible study we were discussing the events that will occur during the last days and it's evident that we're living in the last days now but what’s interesting is the devil knows his reign is coming to an end so he's trying to get as many people as he can to turn against God. During our discussion I can’t remember what lead me to the thought something made me think about all of the marriages that are falling apart. I know that the family unit within marriage is something ordained by God and because of that holy covenant it is one of the sure things the devil tries to tear apart and with that he always goes for the weakest link. Usually it seems to be the children but here lately it seems that he is targeting the men. That is so sad when from the beginning God positioned the man to be the head and to lead his family TO Christ but at this point things are so backwards that it's the women trying to lead the families to Christ and hold the families together because that devil is really on the men's backs. 

I really feel for them because the devil is in full on attack of them and they don't see it.  For those that have an intimate relationship with Jesus there is a chance they will wake up and realize what's going on and put on that full armor of Christ and not let the devil win but for those who do not know or who don't open their eyes my goodness I feel so bad for them.

We all need prayer but right now I really feel the men of this world need a special prayer because we are all in a spiritual war but the odds seem to really be stacked against these men. We always seem to focus on bettering women and children but it seems we do more complaining about the men. So I’m asking that you please stop and say a prayer for them.  I have included a prayer below that you can say and or use as a guide.  I thank you and the men of the world thank you.

Father in Heaven,

By the power that you have granted me I take authority over the enemy’s attacks on the men of this world. Please enable all men to put off the old nature in their lives, and be renewed in the spirit of their minds, so that they may put on a transformed nature of holiness.

Grant all men to perceive the image of strength and love that You have bestowed on them, Father. And grant them the will to use these gifts for the benefit of their wives and families and for the greater good of the whole Body of Christ.

I ask this in Jesus Name,
Amen

Accept One Another

 "Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God." Romans 15:7

 Acceptance sets the tone in a trusting relationship. It ascribes value by making a friend feel special, especially if someone struggles with wounds from past rejection and hurt. Acceptance is an antidote for guilt and regret. It looks to bring meaning in the moment, not dwelling on former failures. It creates a non-judgmental, safe environment. Like a sympathetic nurse, it listens with empathy. Acceptance feels no discrimination or bias.
 
Who is hungry for your approval and acceptance? Is it a child, a parent, a friend, a co-worker or fellow Christ follower who needs to feel your warm words of delight in them? To not be an included team member is emotional torture. Passive rejection can be worse that blatant rejection.   Indeed, an accepting attitude says, "I believe in you", "I need you", "I am for you". You give others the benefit of the doubt. A person who feels your approval has nothing to prove.

"To the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved." Ephesians 1:6 NKJV

Acceptance from Almighty God is found in Christ. He accepts the rejected. He invites those who wander from the faith to come home. Christ calls His children back from embarrassing situations and embraces them with open arms. His acceptance is unconditionally based on His love and grace. The Lord is looking for those in need of approval. He can't wait to bless and believe in His own. Jesus accepts back those who have turned their backs on Him.

Therefore, accept others as Jesus has accepted you. Even sinners, you may ask? Yes, you can accept the individual without compromising your integrity. You grow in Christ's character when others, who are unlike you, know you like them. You love those who love the world, without your loving the world. When you serve someone with competing standards, they tend to ask "why me". Lovingly say, "why not you"--in order to bring praise to God!

"The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them." Romans 14:3

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for accepting me in Christ, so I can accept others in the same way.


Related Readings: Psalm 101:3; John 6:27; Acts 15:8; 1 Thessalonians 2:13 

THE WORLD IS MINE

Today, upon a bus, I saw a very beautiful woman
And wished I were as beautiful.
When suddenly she rose to leave,
I saw her hobble down the aisle.
She had one leg and used a crutch.
But as she passed, she passed a smile.
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine.
I have two legs; the world is mine.

I stopped to buy some candy.
The lad who sold it had such charm.
I talked with him, he seemed so glad.
If I were late, it'd do no harm.
And as I left, he said to me,
"I thank you, you've been so kind.
It's nice to talk with folks like you.
You see," he said, "I'm blind."
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine.
I have two eyes; the world is mine.

Later while walking down the street,
I saw a child I knew.
He stood and watched the others play,
but he did not know what to do.
I stopped a moment and then I said,
"Why don't you join them dear?"
He looked ahead without a word.
I forgot, he couldn't hear.
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine.
I have two ears; the world is mine.

With feet to take me where I'd go..
With eyes to see the sunset's glow.
With ears to hear what I'd know.
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine.
I've been blessed indeed, the world is mine.

~ Arthur Unknown~

This is just a simple reminder that we have so much to be thankful for! Give the gift of love. It never comes back empty!

Build Your Trust

(REBUILD YOUR THINKING BY STUDYING GOD’S WORD AND TRUSTING HIM)

In the book of Exodus chpt 7-12 Moses listened to God over and over again (11 times to be exact) and did exactly what He had told him. Even though each time he went back Pharoah’s heart was just as hard, Moses did not give up and He continued to listen to what God had told him. God never told Moses in the beginning how many time he would have to go to Pharoah, so I’m sure after like the 5th time it must have been VERY DIFFICULT, but Moses trusted God and he kept going back, he kept on believing.

I think of how many times I’ve given up and gotten weary because the things that God has told me to do seem to not be working. The people he’s told me to minister to don’t seem to hear me or give me the time of day. Yet, the burden remains for me to help them.

In my relationship with God there has not always been a great level of trust. So over the years I’ve had to learn that although He doesn’t give me everything I want, He’s always given me much more than I’ve needed. And the fact that He hasn’t given me everything that I’ve asked Him for is so good! I’ve asked God for many things that would harm me and the calling on my life not being aware of the fact that it would.

I’m so sure I’m not the only one. So what I’ve done and continue to do is build on my relationship with Him and trust Him more and more. With trust come peace. That peace that people do a double take and look back at you, like “Why isn’t she/he falling apart right now?”

So has God given you very specific instructions, and a very unique assignment? Do people laugh at you or ignore you when you go to them with it? I want to tell you to never give up! Do what He has commanded you even if you never get to see the results! Martin Luther King Jr. never got to see President Obama in the white house, yet he marched and he marched didn’t he?

MARCH, GO, and may God’s plans always be yours.

Shared by The Relationship Stuff