DUE PRAISE

Four Generations:

Grand-daughter, daughter, me and my mother.

Let us praise our God above,

for He is God, God of Love.

Let us give the glory due His name,

yes, He is Worthy, worthy of our praise.

Let us speak of His holinesss

He is Holy so let us be the same;

"Be ye Holy as I am Holy,"

this is not an option, it's how we

win the game.

Do take time each day and

be sure to give Him praise;

It is due Him for the Life He gave...

He gave so we could live,

He gave so we could give;

praise brings His Presence

down to our earth.

Praise causes demons to be in a lurch -

to flee, to leave, a reminder of

Jesus's birth.

So, do give Him praise,

the praise He is due -

It makes Him happy and

it extremely blesses you!

(c) 2008 Rosalind M. Stanley

Thank you to you out there who read my blogs and forward them to others. Your reading and responses serve as an encouragement. I'll be shooting them out all of 2009 as the Lord prompts me with a thought, a word, etc.

Trusting that Christmas was full of fun and love and the joy of the Lord! Though, some are reminded of the absence of a loved one at this time, some a very recent loss. Others have problems and issues that did not go away with Christmas day. And many of us are seeking to know God's direction as we quickly approach a new season in time/2009.

My suggestion is what I am focusing to do, and hopefully you, too, is to give God regular praise, to look for the good and be grateful regardless as to what a day brings. I encourage you and me to keep your perspective clear; to allow the vision of eternity present and future to lead your decisions, relationships, actions, and attitudes. Our job here on earth (for those of you who have received the free Christmas Gift of salvation) is to "represent" as slang goes. To represent our Lord being real in our humanity while living out our faith.

I wish you a HAPPY NEW YEAR FULL OF (the recognition) GOD'S GRACE to you!

LOVE: Let's Preach it, Let's Be it

One of the problems that I have noticed over the past almost 20 years of counseling is people who want emotional healing and who want a deep relationship with God, however have not come to experience the love that God has for them. Not because He isn’t making His love known. Not that He has not already demonstrated His love through Jesus’ suffering, death, burial and resurrection (Romans 5:8).

But, partly because many ministers are not teaching about this Great Love. Many sermons don’t focus on the power of the gospel, leaving people to live out Christianity in their own strength. Or, to see Christianity as just another club, activity or gathering.

Another reason is that the hurts and pains of life keep people in bondage, unable to experience the inner freedom that life in Christ provides. To receive emotional healing, requires that we be vulnerable. To be vulnerable we need to feel safe and protected. True safety and protection comes through an accurate knowledge of God and a revealed knowledge of His love for you. When we know God’s love for ourselves we can trust Him with our hurts and pains knowing that He is our Healer and desires to bring healing and freedom to us (Isa 53:4,5; I John 1:2).

The main problem area comes about though when people do not have a healthy or clear understanding of love as God intended it. Much of media leads us to think of love as what the Greeks term eros, a sensual, romantic, surface love which tends to be fantasy like versus the love that God has given the world through Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection to save the world from ultimate destruction (John 3:16, 17). The Greeks term this love agape.

Agape love is the love that comes from God to us and through us to others. It is covenant love; love that loves because it wants to love you and is full of commitment. Love that says “I will never leave you or forsake you; I will always be with you and will have your best interest in mind.” It is a forever love. Us humans can engage in it by an act of the will; that is, choosing to accept God’s love. Then choosing to show agape love and being loving regardless as to the disagreements, challenges and storms of life. It is a love that is determined to work all things together for ultimate good (Romans 8:28).

It is a selfless love. It cares to give love more than the desire to get love, though through covenant/commitment it will receive love. It is a healthy, godly love that never quits and bears much fruit (I Corinthians 13:4-8; Galatians 5:22). Agape love can be learned and applied; however, the ultimate of agape is recognizing God’s love extended to you, receiving it, and then choosing to allow His way of loving to flow from you. This happens by the work of the Holy Spirit who moves upon us inviting us to partake of God’s love or moving upon us as we seek after God (Psalm 42:1,2) .

So how do we begin to know this Great Love, Agape? Begin by finding a church that has discipleship classes, classes that help you to understand the Bible and in developing a relationship with God. Accepting Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord is #1 in importance and opens your heart and mind to understanding and knowing God. If you attend church regularly and have accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior, start praying on a regular basis. Ask the Lord to reveal Himself to you. Tell Him that you want to know His love. Read the Bible on a regular basis. Ask God to reveal Himself to you as you read and as you pray. Choose to obey His Word. This obedience says to the Lord that you love Him. The more obedience, the more He will reveal and the stronger in Him you will become.

Then when difficulties of life come your way (we all have them), or if memories of the past that produce hurt and pain present themselves, you can trust that the One who loves you so much that he died for you, will be there for you and will bring you through!

God's Message Through A Homemade Sign

As I drove down a busy street toward an even busier intersection, I noticed a lady standing on the corner with a homemade sign. The sign read,

IT'S PRAYING TIME

As tears flooded my eyes I honked the horn at her and gave her thumbs up. She acknowledged with a smile. It seemed that my response gave her fuel to turn into the intersection with her sign a bit higher. I could feel the Presence of the Lord upon me as I held back my tears (I had my stepson and a few grandchildren in the car with me-which the oldest reminded me of stating “grandma you can’t cry now, you’re driving.”:)

Why in the world did a homemade sign touch me to tears? Because I knew that the sign was for me, if for no one else. This is a message that the Lord has been speaking into my heart for some time now. It served as a confirmation that God is speaking loud and clear. It also served me notice that I need to follow through on my pursuit to increase my level of prayer and intercession. I am grateful that in this season the Lord has lead us to a church whose focus is relationship with the Lord, living it out, and prayer & intercession as a lifestyle. This is helping me to recharge and to deepen my Christian walk and prayer life. Not there, yet, but joyfully and sometimes painfully, on the road.

But, back to the sign: “It’s Praying Time.” I am sure that many would agree with this sign. Some because of the upcoming election. Some because of the war that our country is currently engaged in. Others because of the economic crisis that our nation and world are facing. Many others have relationship problems or sickness or other personal crises that they would like to be resolved. But is this what God’s message about prayer is all about? Perhaps yes to all of these. However, the truth is that everyday of the life of a Christian is praying time since prayer is one of the main channels of a sincere relationship with our Lord.

Also, though on another level, we are in the time of the end (or endtimes) that requires much prayer in order to know the daily and moment by moment will of the Lord. If we don’t pray we will not have the staying power that comes from God, which is so needed in this time. Our spirits (the inner man that will live for eternity) need the connection and communication with the Lord to stay strong.

Another reason that “it is praying time” is that we have an automatic adversary whose tactics, schemes, and attacks are intensifying and becoming more targeted and openly visible and in some cases, accepted. We know that when the enemy comes in like a flood, God raises up a standard against him. However, we, the people that God works through, need God’s power (which comes through prayer and revelation of the Word) in order to stand against the adversary with confidence and authority that we have in Him. So, for me, definitely, and probably yes for you, too:

“IT’S PRAYING TIME!”

…DELIVER US FROM EVIL

These words are a part of The Sermon on The Mount better known as The Lord’s Prayer. Most of us who can recite this prayer learned it from the King James Version of the Bible (KJV). Other translations say “deliver us from the evil one.” The point of the prayer is that the Lord God, whom is All Powerful, would take us away from that which is evil; the influence of evil and the actual involvement with evil.

For most of us, this word evil is a strong word and carries with it a scary meaning. Like the cartoons that emphasize the pretty person versus the sinister looking person or the super heroes whose continual assignment is to conquer the evil one and/or deliver the people from hurt, harm, or danger. Usually the evil person is portrayed as some very wicked villain or some monster like creature that intimidates and puts great fear into people. The evil one, in most of theses scenarios, is visibly discernable because of its hard, scary, or abnormal look and/or sound.

This word evil is not as deep and unattached to us as it has been

made to sound to us.

But this word evil is not as deep and unattached to us as it has been made to sound. Like the word, wicked. When we hear that word, it too, causes us to tremble in fear or picture some fairy tale witch like creature invading us or our homes. This perspective of evil or wicked is what causes many of us to categorize our wrongs. Of course, we are not evil or wicked when we do something wrong. In truth, we have all done wrong. As Christians especially, when we do wrong (sin), most of us know that in our heart of hearts, we do not consider ourselves evil or wicked. The truth about this word is that it simply means “that which is not like God.” That is the RStanley dictionary definition (smile). The word wicked and the word evil in the Bible, both mean that what is being done or said is against the way of God. It is opposite of what is godly. It is false verse Truth, right versus wrong, or good versus bad. When we talk specifically about what is right versus wrong, or good versus bad, sin, evil, wicked, or false versus truth, everyone has their own opinion. As followers of Jesus Christ, He becomes our standard for what is right versus wrong, evil, sin, wicked, or false versus truth, etc., instead of human opinion or demonic ways (Devil led or influenced). As followers of Jesus Christ, He becomes our standard for what is right versus wrong, what is evil, sin, wicked, or false versus truth, etc., instead of human opinion or demonic ways. So, back to my thought which is found in the Bible, Matthew 6:13 and Luke 11: 4 which reads, “…but deliver us from evil” (or the evil one meaning the Devil), is a prayer that we must look at more closely as we attempt to live lives pleasing to our Lord. If our aim is to please Him, if our aim is to be like Him, if our aim is to be witnesses of Him, then He must be our focus.

We must get our ministry from Him so we can recognize when we are engaging in evil or being influenced by evil. Our ministry from Him comes through seeking Him; reading His Word, hearing the preached word, praying (having conversation with Him), singing songs that praise and worship Him, and by having fellowship with people who proclaim Him. As we involve ourselves with God we must allow His Words (and His Spirit) to penetrate our hearts and minds so that we become more and more sensitive to Him. The more sensitive we are to Him, the less we will engage in or be influenced by evil (See John 10:4, 5).

Let me reiterate my thought in different words. Evil is not a big bad monster. Evil is not only the Mafia or a corrupt government or a robber, thief or a liar. All of these represent evil in action. However, evil is a way that is not like God and is in opposition to His Word. It is in the heart and starts with our thoughts moving to our attitudes then to our words and actions. It is not always some scary, monster like being, or some Hilter like person.

Evil is a way that is not like God and is in opposition to His Word. It is in the heart and starts with our thoughts moving to our attitudes then to our words and actions.

Unfortunately, being born into this imperfect world through an imperfect being causes us to have evil within us. (I don’t want to be too preachy, but take a look at these verses: Psalm 51:5, Jeremiah 17:9). This is why we need Jesus Christ to be our Lord and Savior. He made the way for us that we do not have to (because of our nature) live doing evil. The entrance of Him and His words into our hearts is what produces real change in us, causing us to focus on Him and His Way. If our goal/focus is to please ourselves rather than seeking to please God, we have begun a subtle track toward evil. Evil is a power that opposes God and His way of doing things, aka, righteousness.

And let the truth be told, all of us want to please ourselves or be pleased. Actually, God takes delight in the pleasure of His saints! The key is that God is the One who ordains the Way. He, who created man, knows what man is made of and what man requires for true pleasure. Evil wants to trick us into believing that pleasure will come through some man made way, material things, a person, power, position; essentially, through our own righteousness (aka, way of doing things) then we begin to focus on and pursue this.

In and of ourselves, we do not have the power to take ourselves away from evil or evil influences (naturally-in the world or spiritually-the devil and his cohorts). We need the power of God to deliver us from evil.!

We need the power of God to deliver us from evil!

And when we believe that God is All Powerful, when we seek Him, and receive His way by allowing it to become our way through our willingness, words and actions, day by day we will walk in deliverance from evil. That is, from all those ways that oppose Him, that are contrary to His Truth, that don’t look or sound like Him, or that are counterfeits of Him. Our intimate relationships will change for good and we will begin to take pleasure in pleasing God. Then in God we’ll find true satisfaction, contentment, and joy that evil ways can never give us.

So let's begin to include in a part of our daily prayer, first, remembering that our Lord is the All Powerful God, who knows us well, and who is able to do exceedingly above all that we can ask, think, or even imagine. Then, asking Him to deliver us from our individual evil allowing Him to show us evil that might be present with us in our thoughts, attitudes, words, or actions, at work, at home, at school, at church on the football field, or wherever we may find ourselves.

As we do this, yielding to His Way, we will begin to see that living our lives God's Way overshadows evil and that God is always at work on the behalf of them whose hearts are turned toward Him!

Living our lives God's Way overshadows evil.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC MISSION

When He (Jesus) had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, "Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch." Luke 5:4 (NKJV)

Today is somewhat of a free flow blog. My daughter, her husband and my eight grandchildren are moving forward to fulfill God's assignment given to them. For many years we have discussed, considered, figured it wasn't God's time, discussed, considered and waited. Until now.

The Lord has given them the go ahead!

A year or so ago, Ruben and Vicki went to the DR, along with their pastor, Brad Weir of City Church International, their oldest son and youngest daughter, to scout out the territory. But, it wasn't time to move. Much prayer and waiting and doing what was the assignment at the time continued. (Ruben serves as an associate pastor at City Church International (www.citychurchintl.org) The Lord has put in their hearts to establish an orphanage for the many homeless children that that live in the DR. The land is rich and beautiful, however also rich with many villages so much poorer than our poorest poor in America. Parents are overwhelmed trying to feed and cloth their children. The average income is $3,600. 00 per year, however the majority of the people live below the average income, so providing the basics is a financial burden. Many of these villages do not have access to indoor water, some bathing in dirty streams that they use for cooking and drinking. The Lord has given Ruben a tremendous burden to serve the poor families of his country. In practical ways that are spiritual, as well as sharing the Word of God with them. many of the people tend to be religious, not fully understanding relationship with God. Others live out worldliness, increasing crime and drug traffic in the country. Ruben and Vicki have a burden to bring biblical instruction that will help people of the DR to develop a relationship with God and His Word. They will eventually establish a school for the children and a missions center where people and organizations can help the people through short-term missions trips. Thanks to many who have given financial support, Ruben and the family will travel to the DR this month on a short-term missions trip so that all of the children can make a connection with their future, and to visit village families, provide them some food, clothing, school supplies, etc. (that many people have donated), check out the land to determine where they will begin the work of ministry to children and families, locate potential housing (for their intended 2009 move), and to visit family that most of the children have only seen via Internet or photos.

We are all so very excited about this trust that the Lord has given them to reach The people of the DR for Him!

Hopefully, you too will be excited and engage with them in this mission through your prayers, donations and financial gifts, and maybe in the future through a short-term missions trip. Please let us know if you are interested in joining them through one or more of these ways that you can help. As you consider, please keep them in your prayer as they proceed into the deep waters of God's plans for their lives. Ruben can be reached at Email: ruben.d@citychurchintl.org

*Above picture is Dominguez family minus the youngest

TIME IS NOW TO MOVE FORWARD

Let this word speak to your heart. Receive what God wants to minister to you; because it is time now for the people who know God to fill the earth with His glory: "You have to move forward. You cannot allow the circumstances in your life or the people around you to have negative affect on what I called you to and in what I am doing through you. It is time for you to arise and move forward in maturity. If no one goes with you, if no one follows you, you must still go and do what I have called you to. Let go of your attempts to keep everyone around you happy or at peace.

Choose this day whom you will serve!

Serving Me means being willing to allow others not to be pleased with you. It means dying to your need to be approved, accepted, and applauded by others. You must move forward! Get back into the swing. My anointing is upon you to do all that I have called you to and to fulfill my every plan and purpose for your life. I will handle the strife and contention that comes from your obedience to Me. I will smooth the crooked places. I will stand on your behalf and turn evil intentions to good for My Kingdom. Trust Me. Know that I Am with you, that I Am for you. Go forward. Do My will. Touch My people with Your gifts. Let Your confidence be in Me. Go forth, don't look back, no matter what go and do what I called you to." I asked the Lord, "tell me again, what am I supposed to do (for You)? His response, "I have already set you up. You are in place and in position to fulfill My plans. You know what to do. You know how. Time now to do it. I will bless you with the people who will help you to pursue all that I have put in your heart to do. But do not count on them, count on Me. Keep looking at Me, putting your hope and trust in Me. I will supply your every need. I am your Provider. Have I ever left you helpless? (selah-pause and think on this) Have I ever left you without a resource? (selah) I Am your Resource. Lock into Me for everything. This is the day that I have made. Rejoice and be glad in it. Go forward. Now is the time!" Isaiah 30: 18 Therefore, the Lord will wait that He may be gracious to you. And therefore He will be exalted and he will have mercy on you. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all those who wait on Him. (who put their trust in Him- Psalm 34:8) Note: Whatever you do, do it by faith operating in love knowing that God's grace is with you. Consider what this means if you are married, a minister or a caregiver. Love is always the answer. Love gives. (John 3:16). Always to give love is what God is calling His children to. Giving love will sometimes hurt you (dying to self); or it will hurt someone who requires tough love for the sake of their edification to come (refusing to sin for them). Love is not codependency. Love is according to God and His Word. Love and do. God will intervene for you.

TRUST IN THE LORD

I cannot believe that a month has gone by without a blog! Well, after the last blog, actually, at the time of the last blog, my family had to live out what I'd written about. That was, to be a godly example during times of illness. I learned that I had been walking around with pneumonia (I guess that is why it is called walking pneumonia-smile). One of my grand babies became very ill and a few other challenges with illness requiring us many interactions with doctors and other medical professionals.

I thank God for His grace that operated on our behalf and for those docs and other medical professionals that He used on our behalf! I believe that God received glory through our attitudes and behaviors (even when we had to apologize, repent and/or regroup) and the evil one's attempts to keep us from completing God's will were cancelled out.

Many folks were praying with and for us, and hopefully still are. "The effectual fervent prayer of the righteous avails much!" Thanks so much to all of you who prayed for us!

My husband woke up my writing passion by assigning me the teaching/preaching responsibility this past Sunday. I taught/preached what the Lord was ministering to me. I'll only brief you.

If you'd like the notes from the message, please email me at christiantrngctr@aol.com and on the subject line put: Send Notes from 7/20/08.


TRUST IN THE LORD

with all your heart:

Proverbs 3 chapters 5 and 6 are well known verses:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. (NKJV)

It can easily become like a cliche', something that we say without full revelation, understanding, or compassion. As we take the time to prayerfully meditate upon the words of this passage, revelation and understanding will come that will cause the passage to actually become a part of your everyday life.

Trust, this is a word that all good relationships bank on, and that not so good relationships crave. To have a good relationship, trust is high priority.

Other words for trust are:

Rely on, depend on, lean on, believe in - to love (love and trust must work together for relationships to be healthy).

In order to trust, we must know something about the other person that gives us the sense that we can trust them. To trust in the Lord, means that we already have an understanding as to who He is, that is what “Lord” means, to even begin to decide to trust Him. What does the Bible mean when it uses the term Lord?

Lord means the One True God and speaks of God's unlimited power and authority. God, who revealed Himself as Jesus in the NT (read John chapter 1), is the Creator and made us in His image and likeness and knows our lives from the end to the beginning and is Present with us always (Emanuel, God with us) to help us live out this earthly existence according to His plans and purposes for our lives.

To trust with ALL of our heart indicates that we are to trust the Lord with all of who we are- with our whole being; with our mind, will, and emotions, with our inner man, with our life. Everything about us is to show that we trust in the Lord.

Recent scientific studies report that the heart functions as an intelligence center and communicates with the brain. The premise is that the heart has a belief system that is in communication with the brain. The belief system of the heart affects the bodies’ chemical makeup leading to a healthy being or destructive being.

When we read: Prov 4:23 , "Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life," in light of these scientific studies, we see that God, the Creator, knows all the details and functionality of the heart. If we do not keep our hearts, our lives and bodies are negatively affected (see Proverbs 3:8)

To capsulate, to trust the Lord with all of our heart, literally means to depend on, rely on, believe the Lord, the One True God who has unlimited power and authority, with all of who we are; for what we believe, or rather who we believe will show itself in our mental, emotional, physical and spiritual functioning.

Lastly, to trust the Lord with all of our heart means that we cannot lean on, that is trust in our human understanding. We must totally trust God’s Word to be the basis of our understanding. To acknowledge Him in all of our ways means that the Lord’s Presence in our lives, our real time relationship with Him, (which includes a desire to please Him/to do what He says), will be evident in all that we do, say, and involve ourselves in, to such a degree that He is actually directing our paths.

We do not have to figure out our next step if we trust the Lord with all our heart!

HEALING IS THE CHILDREN'S BREAD

Healing is His Children's Bread. I know this. I suffered longer than the woman with the issue of blood. My blood count lingered around 6.9 on many occasions. The year I received a letter telling me I was no longer anemic I was speechless - God is GOOD. Now my blood count stays above average and better than most men - according to the doctor!!

They are just practicing physicians but they need us to remind them of who is really in control. So when we become ill and have to visit them and they tell us they don't see a way past our issues. Just smile and tell them it's not up to them and God is in control. Sooner or later when they have given up on their limited knowledge they'll see God's hand at work when we are healed. But remember, if we don't go see them how else will they know - A Candle hidden under the bed does no one any good.

So go, let them spin their wheels, keep the faith and let God get the glory!! It's what we do that blesses the world, not what we say. Jesus' actions is what has allowed us salvation. He constantly mingled with those of little or no faith and showed them how to stand on the word of God. Love conquers all - I'm learning more and more everyday.

Edna, your friendly neighborhood Realtor Century 21 Town & Country 175 Cady Centre Northville, MI 48167 Office 248-349-5600 Fax 248-349-5828 Office 734-455-5600 Cell 313-418-9826

This blog is a note from my cousin in Michigan. Since my intention was to write a blog of the same title (unbeknowst to her), I thought to just publish hers.

Just to add to it: God many times uses physicians to bring healing. He allows many of them to be used in His healing process, so we don't have to be afraid of them. We must continue to know Who is in control, keeping our faith in God and pray for the medical professionals. Those who are not His will come away perplexed as He uses them to help in the process and/or as He does it without them! All doctors are not bad, though many of us have had some not so good experiences. We, however must use godly wisdom, trusting God with our lives, not man. Second opinions are good. Working with the doctors, (who are the experts in their field), is good. Unless, you suspect otherwise, then seek the Lord for direction. How we behave through the process, if godly, brings more glory to God and opens the eyes of those who don't know Him, more than the miracle of healing. While things are tough and we behave in a godly manner, exhibiting belief in God, with His love flowing through us, others will be touched. And who knows who will come to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior because of our lifestyle witness when under pressure? God will get the glory and we will please Him. On the other side of Eternity, we will receive a sure reward!

Note: Not going to the doctor, or not taking your children, when you should, is not faith and is not good. If we trust God with our lives and listen to Him, we will be okay, even through the tough times of sickness and infirmity.

He promises to never leave us and never to forsake us!

Believe what His Word says: HEALING IS THE CHILDREN"S BREAD!!!!

LIFT UP THE STANDARD FOR THE PEOPLE: Says the Lord

Go through,
Go through the gates!
Prepare the way for the people;
Build up,
Build up the highway!
Take out the stones,
Lift up the banner (or standard) for the peoples!
Isaiah 62:10

God has always had concern for the people. The reason that Salvation (Jesus) came to earth to dwell among men, to be crucified, buried and resurrected, was for the people! The Lord spoke this Word to me not so long ago. I have read it, meditated and listened to hear His voice speak further regarding it.

This is what He shared with me and for me to share with you. Especially, you who are leaders; those of you who have received a call from God to help others come into a walk with Him and/or to come to a closer more developed relationship with Him.

God wants the people to be able to fully and freely worship Him. It is up to those He called to minister to the people, to make the way for the people that they then can put their focus on Him. He wants the people to be led to Him, with no obstructions or distractions, with no heavy burdens or protocol that may detain them from giving Him the praise and adoration that they tend to give to ministers (human representatives) who only work for God.

The Lord is calling the people back to Himself!

I have sat on this Word, listening to hear more clearly, I have recently heard other representatives of God proclaim the same or very similar message. God is speaking more directly to those He called to minister to the people saying,

“You have the responsibility of helping My people see Me. You must show them My ways and the Way to Me. It is not about you or your ministry growth. It is about My people knowing Me and growing in My love! How will they know lest I send them a preacher? And if I send a preacher who will not lead them to Me, then what is the purpose of your call?

Is it not to sacrifice your very own life and lifestyle that others can know Me in truth? Is it not about you and your family living for Me as a witness for others to see Me? Is it not about My Word, My Son who died to set the captives free? And rose that they might live a free life in Me?

I will snatch all that you have gained and garnered if it keeps you from the purpose for which I have called you! You will never lack if you fulfill My will for your life/for why I called you! My will for you is not how much you can gain in worldly possessions or attention. My will is that you proclaim Me, not just by words, but with your life – how you live it, and that you bear Kingdom fruit!

Fruit that says that the captives have been set free. Fruit that causes outsiders to recognize their need for Me. Get out of the circuits and the cliques; stop using all the clichés; it is time for My people to take Me and My Word more seriously and to move into a new way of being! To repent, (turn from…) and learn of Me that they, too, will bear fruit that represents Me!” (5/14/08)

Personally, I trust that the Holy Spirit will speak more clearly to you, that you will know specifically what this means for you, and that you will do whatever He says.

Lastly, another Word, also, He gave to me. Not just for me, but for you reading this, too:

Take heed to yourself
And to the doctrine.
Continue in them, for in so doing this,
you will save both yourself and those who hear you.”
I Timothy 4:6

Many are called, but few are chosen. Those called indicate that they are chosen by what they do with the call God has given them. Will you do what God says to you or will you get caught up in this temporary life letting it lead you? I am still in a listening mode but as I write, am in the doing mode. With fear and trembling, doing what He has told me to do; fulfilling this assignment and moving forward to grow in representing Him in exactly the ways that He intends.

JEALOUSY… ANOTHER SIDE TO LOVE

Over the past few years, we have had the unfortunate opportunity of hearing and/or viewing sound bites of different people speaking. Sound bites are used to have others hear only a portion of what another person may be saying. These sound bites can be used to portray something negative about what the person has said, or positive. It all depends on the perspective or intention of the person presenting the sound bite.

If we do not research the sound bite, we will accept what was said as the end all commentary by that person. However, often when we do engage in further investigation of the sound bite, we learn that there was more to what the person said and that what they said did not come near to the understanding or surmise that we walked away with.

This happens, I find, with preaching the Gospel. Many of us church grown people hear and have heard statements about God, His Word or how we are supposed to be, for so long, that we accept them at face value. What I mean, is that we tend not to research what has been said or read. We develop our own conclusion about what was said or heard, which is often based upon someone else’s slant or our own life experiences and/or family and environmental background.

Many times these conclusions are false. Some walk away with thoughts about God and/or Christianity that are more negative than positive. But, dare not say this aloud to anyone else, especially a fellow Christian. What happens though is that our attitude, behavior and sometimes lifestyle show that we have a conflict with what and Who we say we believe.

You may still pray, continue as a churchgoer and doing the “Christian thing,” however carry with you bitterness and resentments toward God because you think that He has given you a hard Way to follow. Or, that what you have heard or read is just really so wrong of God that you are afraid to fully trust Him. Others walk away altogether, concluding that they will not serve a God who is so humanly negative.

This has happened with the following verse (sound bite) that we so often hear, but do we really understand?

One of the Ten Commandments:
(also found in Deut 5:1-22)
And God spoke all these words, saying:
"I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt,
out of the house of bondage.
"You shall have no other gods before Me.
Exodus 20: 1-3 NKJV
And
Exodus 20:5-6
…you shall not bow down to them nor serve them.
For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God,
visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children
to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me,
but showing mercy to thousands,
to those who love Me and keep My commandments. NKJV

If we do not further investigate, we can leave these verses thinking that God has the human way of jealousy whose outcome is usually negative. The bigger problem that I see with the potential conclusions regarding these verses, is this:

If we do not see God as the One and Only God and
the CREATOR of everything or
if we do not believe that the Bible is True (a literal believing)
than we can only relate to God as being like a human being

and mainly because the unspiritual cannot understand spiritual matters (matters pertaining to the True and Living God). It is our belief (our heart of faith) in God that opens our eyes, hearts, minds, wills, and ears to greater understanding and revelation of God and His Word. We receive the power of the Holy Spirit that allows us to understand.

God being jealous is because He created us and everything else, so knows what is best for us and what will and will not work for us. What is good for us bringing us benefit and what is not good for us bringing destruction (our adversary’s goal is to kill, steal, and destroy, as many people as he can in order to keep them from serving Almighty God; and he will do so by using us against ourselves if he can).

God’s jealousy is actually another side of His awesome love for us.

God gives us every opportunity to know Him which we do not often realize. Knowing Him leads us to understanding His loving concern and care for us. People, and especially some of those who are supposed to represent our God (parents, preachers, teachers, etc.), or at least lead us to seeing Him in a good way, at times, act out the negative. These negative acting out incidences cause many of us to think that God is like that, too.

(And please, don’t misunderstand me, I don’t say this to demean anyone because we all have done negative things…sinned and fallen short. What I am referring to is a consistent lifestyle of negative, even though sometimes done in ignorance of what is God’s way of doing things.)

However, if you make a decision to further investigate God and His Word, with even an ounce of faith, He will reveal Himself to you allowing you to have a personal experience with Him. You will never walk away! And you will never again settle for a “sound bite!” You will develop a hunger and thirst for Him, for His way of doing things and a love for Him that motivates your life. You will also receive a new perspective, a good and positive one; a perspective that will fill you with righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost! (Romans 14:17)

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR YOUR SOUL

This song, Can't Give Up Now sung by Mary, Mary serves as an encouragement to anyone weathering the storm of trials, temptations and other difficulties that life on this side presents. It helps us to remember that God is a God of love and He does care for us. However, it presents realism; we will have to face struggles that will test our faith and hope and cause us to have to choose whether we will allow the tough places in life to make us bitter or better.

Better is always a better choice.

The words follow. Go to the You Tube link noted below to hear the song being sung. Sing along. Think about your situation and allow the Holy Spirit to minister to you. The joy of the Lord is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10), that is, if you choose to face your problems turning them over to the Lord and seeking Him for His way of handling them (I Corinthians 10:13).

There will be mountains that I will have to climb

And there will be battles that I will have to fight

But victory or defeat, it's up to me to decide

But how can I expect to win If I never try.

I just can't give up now

I've come too far from where I started from

Nobody told me that the road would be easy

and I don't believe he brought me this far to leave me

Never said there wouldn't be trials

Never said I wouldn't fall

Never said that everything would go the way I want it to go

But when my back is against the wall
And when I feel all hope is gone,

I'll just lift my head up to the sky

And say help me to be strong

I just can't give up now

I've come too far from where I started from

Nobody told me the road would be easy

and I don't believe He brought me this far to leave me

Hook:

I know you didn't bring me, out here to leave me lonely

Even when I can't see clearly

I know that you are with me(so I can't)

I just can't give up now

I've come too far from where I started from

Nobody told me the road would be easy

and I don't believe he brought me this far to leave me

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNk2whMMWiI

Do your best to give God praise and and put your focus on Him and His goodness in your life. No matter what your circumstance, trust Him. Keep your hope in Him, no matter what it looks like. Renew your mind as you examine whether you are in the faith (2 Corinthians 13:5). Is your faith based only upon what God does for you or rather upon Who He is? God is with you! He will never ever leave you or forsake you! Connect with Him in prayer or in praise in worship, or reading His Word. Choose God. He is the only One who has the power to help you and see you through. And beside all of this, He loves you with covenant love!

CRY ALOUD FOR THE CHILDREN

My heart, once again is being touched for the children. From age newborn to early 20’s are those of my concern. And my hope and prayer is that it is yours as well. As I listen to children and young people talking, especially those without a foundation in Christ, the reality of a very different mentality and mindset is evident.

Many of these children have very loose morals. They tend to value today and don’t recognize that their today’s make up their tomorrows. Many of them have been bruised and broken in their souls at very early ages. Some have had adult responsibility since kindergarten. Often the adults that they live with or live around seem not to understand the precious life, initial innocence, vulnerability and gullibility of children. So, are exposing them to things and experiences that they are not emotionally or mentally equipped to process in a logical, healthy manner.

So many parents have unresolved hurts and pains from their past, then pass their misperceptions and distorted reality to their children. These destructive thoughts, attitudes and behaviors become what their children believe to be the norm. Unfortunately, this includes many churchgoing Christians. Children are seeing and experiencing things in their own homes that are infecting and influencing them toward ungodly living to a detrimental degree.

Like the increase of STDs amongst teenagers. And sexual involvement at very early ages because that’s what everyone does. Teenage pregnancy amongst minorities and/or the low income is continuing to be the norm, and an acceptable norm to have a “baby daddy” to be like some of their peers. Drug use is a recreational sport for many, firstly marijuana, being smoked in some cases between parents and their kids as an okay thing to do, with the ungodly belief that “it won’t hurt you.” It doesn’t matter that it is illegal.

In some cases, teachers are not always the best example either, as we have seen many news reports of teachers engaging in sex or drugs with students or sharing with them their ungodly mentality of life and living (and I choose to believe that the percentage of teachers like this is low; my sister and some dear friends are public school teachers who are are very godly and passionate). Those teachers whose passion is for students to learn, be healthy and become a success are not always able to teach and connect with the children as they once did, in this way serving as godly role models, because public education is often focused on a single test or so much paperwork that the teachers ability to fulfill their very passion is curtailed.

What saddens my heart is when you attempt to share the reality (statistical and otherwise) and the Truth with many of the children, because they have been so inundated with the lie, with ungodly attitudes, behaviors, and mentality’s of some of the adults around them, media or peers, many of them refuse to consider that there is another way that is good for them. Bad is good and good is corny, old, out of touch, or antiquated.

Reading Lamentations Chapter 2, verses 18-21, my soul began to weep:

"Their heart cried out to the Lord, "O wall of the daughter of Zion, let tears run down like a river day and night; give yourself no relief; give your eyes no rest.

"Arise, cry out in the night, at the beginning of the watches; pour out your heart like water before the face of the Lord. Lift your hands toward Him for the life of your young children, who faint from hunger at the head of every street." (NKJ)

Though in many ways we (adults) have done wrong, God's grace and mercy are still waxing strong.

We must repent and cry out to the Lord for the protection and "Life" of our vulnerable children.

To save their lives from destruction and woe. That they may have the opportunity to also know the Lord and walk in His ways, that their hearts may be touched by God’s love leading them to repent, too. We all must be willing to repent of our sins and wrong ways, and be willing to let go of the wrong ways and sins of our parents, family members and ancestors and turn to the Lord for guidance and strength! That the Lord who is God would be glorified! (Repent means “to turn from” and includes soul remorse that leads to humility).

The children are hungry! In every city, in every state, throughout this nation, and the world. Our children are hungry! Looking for food to feed their souls. Looking for the person, for the plan, for the way that will bring them peace of mind and make them whole. They are hungering for Jesus, the Word that will give them the "Life" that their inner self knows is out there, somewhere, to be had.

They are seeking, they are searching, they are experimenting, and they are yielding, in their innocence, to the counterfeit, to the false, to the unreal. They are sad. They are given over to zeal without knowledge and zeal without true power because they have been obstructed from The Holy One. The One who knows them and will meet their need. And that only if we and they heed.

Woe, to him who would cause the children to stumble! Woe, to him who leads them astray! Woe to him who destroys their innocence and leads them along a wicked way! Is it not enough that you are destroyed that you have allowed your life to be consumed by ungodliness, drama and destruction? Are you so darkened that you can no longer hear? Are you so blinded that you no longer fear?

Have you lost the fear of the Lord?

Do you no longer tremble at His words? You men, you fathers, you brothers, you sons, do you not understand that the victory has been won? You women, you mothers, you sisters, you daughters, do you not know that God sent His Son?

Wake up, oh, people, you adults who can think and see what is happening to our children and youth! Awake from your sleep!

God the Father wants you to weep! To cry aloud to Him. To repent of your sins. To turn to Him in earnest, to make amends!

The children are waiting for you to arise. The children are waiting that they no longer die!

The time is at hand. Get into God's plan. We must save the children from the destruction of this land! Give up your lies, your comforts, your ties! Turn to the Lord! For through the children He will give you much more! Your life and theirs and that in abundance, too. He is standing. He is waiting for you to do what you must do! (see Ephesians 3:20)

©2005 Rosalind M. Stanley

BECAUSE OF GRACE

©2008 Revised

Christians Especially: What Has Happened to “For Better or For Worst, til Death do Us Part?” (Part 1)

Recently, a dear friend and I were having a conversation about marriage, particularly of those in the church. We expressed sadness and disappointment regarding a number of marriages of other Christian friends or family who have divorced or are in the process of divorce. As we talked, we both acknowledged that marriage isn’t always easy and agreed that marriages go through seasons.

Seasons meaning that there are times when married life is like fall, winter, spring, and summer. Depending on what you are accustomed to, one or two of those seasons are not fun to you and you cannot wait until they pass. The fact of the matter is that the season does pass. The older you get, the better you become at handling the season you don’t like that much.

My friend and I talked about how important it is for couples to learn how to walk through the rough seasons of marriage (which are usually growth opportunities). We both exclaimed how appreciative we are of being in relationship with the Lord. His Presence in our lives keeps our marriages stimulating, alive, loving and godly.

My friend, Joyce Linyear, has been the only wife to her husband Dwight, for over 30 years! These are two faithful people. Their commitment to God and His way of living and being and doing, to the ministry, to their marriage, and their love for each other and family and friends, is a model for many!

My spiritual dad, Dr. Zin White, and his wife, Irma, have been married almost 50 years! To this day, they are partners in business and in ministry and companions who continue to learn a little more about one another as each year passes. They have a testimony about what it means to truly stick with each other, no matter what the circumstance.

These couples have deep and continually growing relationships with Almighty God that directs the course of their marriages including their love life with each other.

Faith in God, the love of God, and being led by the Holy Spirit are the main spiritual ingredients in a Christian marriage. Love for each other, of course, is absolutely essential.

However, love, God’s love, is a choice. It takes each person to choose daily to walk in the Spirit (versus the flesh-the part of our humanity not interested in God's ways), to speak and act with love and to but your hope and trust in God (this is faith) when the relationship is challenged.

It is very important to show affection to one another, with kindness, no matter what. And at all costs, avoid the tricks of the enemy set up to get you to turn your affections toward someone else! His aim is to divide and conquer… to kill, steal and destroy!

But God has given us everything we need to live this life and to live it in a godly way! Your marriage can last like these two marriages, if you choose to make it work. Seek godly counsel to help you work through troubling issues.

God is for your marriage… to Him, it is like Christ and His church!

©2008 Rosalind Stanley
BECAUSE OF GRACE
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Christians Especially: What Has Happened to “For Better or For Worst, til Death do Us Part?” (Part 2)

The last thing that Joyce and I talked about was the following verse:

“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:
For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal,
despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather
than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power...”
2 Timothy 3:1-5 (NKJV)

Unfortunately, there are those Christians who are unwilling to yield to God concerning their marriages so are falling prey to the spirit of the time that we are in. A number of married individuals are more in love with themselves than with God or their spouses. Some are far from being loving or holy in their attitudes and their way of life. And, unforgiveness, this is probably a key reason for the almost 50% of divorces experienced by Christians. (Forgiveness & repentance are not options of the Christian faith, these are commands of Jesus, our Lord and Savior!)

Self control is the area where many marriages fail, due to one or both engaging in adultery, i.e., cheating on their spouses. Adultery is having an emotional, romantic, or sexual relationship with another person who is not your spouse. Ususally, the relationship is carried on without the spouses knowledge (or a deception of the true relationship is known by the spouse). Adultery begins in the mind. It interrupts the sincerity and fullness of the marriage.

Eventually, the adulterer has a yoke that almost renders them helpless (no self control). As my mother says…”but God!” But God can intervene and even turn this around. If the couple decide to maintain the marriage, the adulterer has to be willing to completely sever all forms of contact and communication with the other person. Honesty, accountability, humility, a decision to turn toward your spouse, a willingness to work on building trust and waiting for the offended spouse to trust again, is the cost and the process.

Pleasure seeking, that is, “I’m just not happy,” are the words that convince many (who are consumed with "it's all about me" thinking) that ending the marriage is okay, rather than working hard to restore it. And, the very act of divorce, in most cases, denies God’s power, His ability to turn things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

With that said, I still have high hopes for marriages, especially Christians, because Christ is in you, the Hope of Glory! The key is to remember:

you can make it through whatever difficulties your marriage

may be facing, because NOTHING is too hard for God!

And WITH GOD, (not relying on yourself alone) all things are possible!

But, it is up to you to:
1) Call upon God (as MC Hammer says, “you’ve got to pray just to make it today!":)
2) Be willing to patiently wait for the turn around,
3) Walk by faith and not by sight (continuing to show love & respect for your spouse when the feelings are not as great as you’d like them to be), and
4) Study the Bible to understand and apply it; be doers of the Word, not just hearers only.

Marriage is a test of faith in God, self and our spouse. The rewards, however, are greater love, joy and peace, and a lasting lover and friendship, when you choose to answer every questioning moment or season with faith in God following His every word!

©2008 Rosalind Stanley
BECAUSE OF GRACE
Consulting & Training Services

RELATIONSHIP CHALLENGES...LET'S FIX THEM

I thought that I would publish an Ask Roz article that I wrote for Tamars House (www.tamarshouse.org) in 2006. Hope it blesses you or someone else you know.

ASK ROZ

Roz,

I seem to get into these relationships that at first seem just right, then turn out to be so wrong for me and full of drama. By the time I realize that the relationship is not good, I am attached to the person and feel guilty for even thinking about getting out of it. This happens often with men, in romantic relationships, but also often with friends at work and even some family members. Even though I see the problem, it keeps happening. What is wrong with me? And how do I fix it?

Shavon

Shavon,

Your problem is one that many people have. It is a problem of low self esteem that leads to codependency. I’ll explain both and also provide a way to fix it. Consider seeking help from a counselor to help you process through your past relationships and serve as accountability for you as you choose to change your self talk, self perception and the way that you relate/communicate with others.

My response is based on a biblical passage that serves as a command to us from God, a command meaning something we must do in order to have a successful life. It says:

"He answered: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.” Luke 10:27.

Loving ourselves is very necessary in relationships with others. If we do not love ourselves, our love for others is not real. Our ability to love ourselves is tied to our self concept. Our self-concept (which controls our self-esteem) is largely formed by what others think of us. Because of our humanness and human need to belong, to be accepted, to have the approval of certain others, we tend to give them more liberty in the development of our self-concept than what God intended.

Initially, we look to have our parent’s approval. We want to know that we are accepted by them and acceptable to them. We want to have the sense of belonging. As we get older and begin to interact with siblings, then extended family, neighbors, friends, then boyfriends/girlfriends, co-workers, etc., we tend to look to them for our sense of okay-ness. We sometimes act in ways that we’ve learned will please them or that we think will please them.

We sometimes do certain things just to win their approval because we want to belong, to be accepted and acceptable, and to have their approval. Normal growth brings people to a place of maturity and a positive sense of satisfaction with self to a degree that others influence is minimal.

However, When a person comes from an abusive background, the need for approval, feeling accepted, and the sense of okay-ness is more intense. But even more difficult, is the ability to discern healthy relating versus unhealthy relating. It becomes blurred.

A person who has been abused carries a longing that is difficult to fill because it is encased with layers of shame and confusion. “Who am I?” is cluttered in by the distortion that abuse brings. Often, an abused person looks for the answer in others and/or in others response to them. This is a tricky matter.

If the person being looked to for approval is healthy, they can be a blessing to helping the abused person grow in a healthy manner, as they learn to see and appreciate themselves for who they are. However, and unfortunately, many people who have been abused tend to connect with unhealthy people who only perpetuate the cycle of abuse, though very subtlety.

The person then enters into a lifestyle of approval seeking which is met on a temporary basis. Then the cycle begins again, repeating itself with the same and/or different faces. Let’s look at codependency? Codependency has a lot to do with approval seeking/ the need to be accepted, belong, and having the sense of okay-ness based upon what others think. Codependency is an unhealthy way of relating to another person. It is an action to reaction, act/react cycle.

One needing approval may do something that they think will please the other. The other reacts in an unhealthy manner. The approval seeker feeds into the other persons unhealthy ways then reacts in unhealthy ways. Even though it does not feel good or brings about the kind of approval that is being sought, the attention that is given is the fuel to keep the codependency going.

The problem is that it causes resentment, bitterness, rejection, guilt, shame, anger, and so forth, to become a part of the relationship (s) as well.

How do we pay attention to what others think

only receiving what is healthy and good for us?

These three steps, Shavon, will help you to begin to “fix it." Taken from: Codependency: Breaking Free From the Hurt and Manipulation of Dysfunctional Relationships by Pat Springle ISBN 0-945276-12-51)

1) Begin to identify unhealthy behaviors. (and codependent relationships)

2) Take a moment to detach from it to think about the situation and determine how you can respond in a healthy way instead of the way you usually do.

3) Then decide to put that behavior or response into action; apply it. ( Includes: making independent choices, setting limits, surrendering the need to control others or the need to have others approval, and choosing to enjoy life)

When making the change to allow for a healthy self-concept and accepting only healthy views of what others think of you, you may experience emotions of fear, grief, and sometimes anger as others may respond to you negatively. It is important that you plan your responses in advance, because you know the kind of responses you generally get from the people or person you seek to please and you know how you usually react.

On 3x5 cards, list changes that you intend to make when in your next encounter with the person or people who you are in codependent (or unhealthy) relationship with. Write down the healthy changes in what you will say or how you will respond. These are changes that will make the relationship better or at least make you better. You may need to carry the cards with you at first, to remind you of your decision to change your self. Start the card by stating “With God’s help I will____________.”

Your self-concept/self-esteem, when rooted in God and in what He thinks of you, changes you from the inside out and changes your relationships from unhealthy to healthy. Use this month to pay attention to your relationships. Check yourself out to see if you are spending most of them on approval seeking. Start making healthy changes. Pray for God’s guidance.

Remember, this is a good time to seek out a counselor for guidance and support or talk with your mentor or some one more mature than you are whom you can trust to help you in deciding what you should change and/or how. As you do these things your self concept/self-esteem will begin to improve, and so will your relationships.

© 2006 Rosalind M. Stanley

GOD’S IS REAL

God wants us to know Him, not just about Him, and know that He is real. He wants us to receive His promises and wants us to be healed. Sometimes life challenges us and hurts us in ways that cause us to wonder if God is really real. Is He here for me? Will He help me or am I in this by myself? The truth is that God is always with us. He is always with you! He said that He will never leave you and will not forsake you. And, that He will never leave you helpless. Regardless as to how things look or how you feel, God is real!

Wherever you may find yourself, recognize that you are not alone. You may be depressed and sad. You may be distraught over a recent loss or betrayal. The hurt you feel is so painful that you don’t know what to do. Constant thoughts of the problem you are experiencing or the situation that occurred has consumed you. You may be in a transition, in that uncomfortable place of uncertainty. Or you may think that life is just not on your side.

God is real and He is there for you!

He loves you and desires the best for you. This walk through life on earth is indeed that, a walk. We walk from one challenge to another or from one pleasantry to another. Sometimes we live right in the middle of life’s challenges and pleasantries. Often, we really believe that we are to tell God what to do and He is supposed to do it, rather than the other way around. So end up being disappointed when what we want or hoped for is not found.

What is important for you to do is make a choice to choose God even though you can’t naturally see Him and in those times that you cannot feel Him. Recognize that God’s Word is true and that when you can’t feel Him His Word can bring you through.

As you read it day by day, God will surely make a way. He will reveal Himself and heal you, too. Only a few things that you must do: Read the Word, trust and do what it says, pray to God everyday. Stay far from negativity, whether it be people, thoughts, behaviors or places.

The biggest thing that will get you through is to have faith in God; trust Him to do what He said He’ll do.

He’ll order your steps and direct your path. He’ll bid His angels to watch over you. He’ll intervene in ways we can’t beforehand conceive. What the devil intended for evil, He will work for your good. His Holy Spirit will guide and teach you, showing you the way to go. He will warn and alert you to keep you from harm. While in your weakness, in Him, you’ll be strong.

This may not happen overnight, but little by little things will be right.

Most of what will happen for you is deep in the inside, His peace and joy will come to you. Trust in God, He’ll see you through. Plant this Truth in your heart and mind, God is real and He is real for you!

© 2008 Rosalind M. Stanley

BECAUSE OF GRACE Consulting & Training Services

GET THE RELEASE!

So many people today cannot seem to find inner peace or contentment. Many are caught in the trap of unfulfilled or unrealistic desires. Not always realizing that the desires are unrealistic, however, definitely recognizing that they are unfulfilled. Often, becoming sad and depressed or distressed and despairing thinking that something is wrong…either with themselves or some other whom they are looking to for fulfillment.

Craving things that are way beyond their ability to reach, yet receiving the lie that says, “what I want, I should have.” Or thinking that the way we think our life should be, is exactly how is should be. Often, not realizing that we tend to have an upside down mindset. That we are in a world that cannot provide the peace and contentment promised or expected from things it proclaims are necessary in order to have it, i.e., to be satisfied or to have success.

So how do we find inner peace and contentment? How do we actually “get the release”? It is a matter of Romans 12: 2, the Bible verse that talks about renewing the mind. We have to be willing to take an honest look at what we think and believe to see if it lines up with what is true, The Truth. The Truth comes from The Word of God (Jesus Christ, is The Truth).

Often, we have accepted lies that seem to make sense, so we give them the place of truth. Like the way a certain sex treated you proves that they are dogs or are gold diggers, so you believe that to be a truth. However, if you investigate, you’ll learn that every member of that sex does not behave that way. What you have received is a lie because of an experience that you have had.

Or perhaps, a thought that all the people of a certain nationality or ethnicity are a certain way. You hold on to this perspective when engaging with them often getting the same result. However, once developing a decent relationship with a person from that nationality or ethnicity, you understand that your truth was actually a lie.

The Truth exposes the lie for what it really is. Once exposed, it is up to the individual to choose the truth or keep the lie.

To choose the Truth requires that one let go of the lie.

Letting go can be painful. To actually accept that something that you have believed or held on to is actually a lie can produce remorse. However, letting it go will eventually produce a peace and contentment that you are unable to experience until you choose to let it go.

The lies that we hold on to, actually keep us in bondage!

We are in bondage, that is, oppressed by the lies we hold on to. Often, unknowingly. The fear of not having what we have had or believing what we have believed to be true can cause one to choose to go into a state of denial (deceiving oneself) in order to maintain it. Therefore, not letting go.

Get the release by letting go of the lie!

Be brutally honest with yourself and face the truth about your situation, relationship, beliefs, or your expectations of yourself and others. Think it through. Take some time to meditate on the Truth. Be willing to let go of the lie (s). Acknowledge it, forgive…repent, let it go! Take hold of the Truth. Get godly counsel if you need to.

Do what you need to do so you can have God’s peace. Peace and contentment come when we accept the truth about our lives and believe that God does work things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

Purpose to love God and to live according to His plans. Take courage in the Lord, who is your Advocate and Comforter, and let go of the lies! This brings inner peace and contentment because in so doing, you have allowed The Truth to become a part of you… the Truth you know does set you free!

© 2008 Rosalind M. Stanley