Penitence

Penitence can be a life sentence we shackle on our self when we realize the wrongs we have committed and in our own opinion are punishable with emotional chains.  Penitence can be good and bad, but for the most part it is very bad.  When you are feeling down because of guilt when you have committed atrocities, crimes, disrespected others, or abused others or yourself, then your judgement skills are usually less affective than the act you committed.  So I have to ask you:

Who are you to judge human imperfections?  Matthew 7:3 says "Why do you look at the speck that is in someone else's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye"?

When we view someone with a guilty conscience we say "Why can't you see past the log in your own eye?"   But you find that person reprehensible just like the one's who can't forgive you, so you form your own court and condemn that person as they obviously are deserving of a life sentence.  At least we're doing something right when we agree with the unforgivers....right?

Well that's wrong thinking, all you are doing is agreeing with satan that hell is better on earth and that you are deserving of it. 

Penitence originates with remorse and guilt and are designed by God to raise a red flag for us to take notice. That's all!  If we don't see past the flag then we are doomed to live under it.  Remember the flag is not the destination.  It's time to lower the flag with the Word of God 

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%207&version=NASB

Fear

When you don't know whats' coming next, when you see a facade that looks soo threatening standing in front of you, when others you love and admire are in trouble of some sort, those are some of the times when we experience the greatest amount fear.

So when we hear statements like "Fear the Lord", what goes through your head?  When I was 10 or 12 years old I always thought to myself, "Why do I need to fear Him".  He is a loving God!  So I was confused.  But over the years I've come to realize that if people are living a questionable lifestyle then that fear is a very present factor in their lives and something I've experienced personally.

Deuteronomy 6:13 Fear the Lord your God, serve him only and take your oaths in his name.

So what I've learned is that that "Fear" we are talking about for me personally, is that I fear not doing His will, so I fear the outcome of my wayward thinking and I fear how that will affect my relationship with God.

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Living in the Spirit

It's a hard thing to try and see if your own walk with the Lord is the way it should be.  It's hard to look at yourself when you're always looking away from yourself.  This requires some serious reflection time, a time when nothing else matters except your relationship with God.

God requires that time too, so that He can download what He needs you to hear, the places He needs you to go, and the next task He has for you.  We may be completely unaware of that download and will only realize that it happened when we are in that unusual place and something miraculous happens.  Something that we could have never orchestrated on our own.

1 Corinthians 2:13  This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words.

This is when we are speechless, when we see miraculous events taking place around us but have no control over it or input to make it happen.  That's called living in the spirit.

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Relief

Relief from our personal destructive behaviours only comes after we hit a wall and simply can't do this any longer.  The reasons behind the wall is God giving us the opportunity to stop and look at ourself and see just what we look like to others.  It's not a mean thing, it's just a glimpse of what we need to do next.

Galatians 5:17  For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.

This is the reason we run into trouble when we are doing things and keeping God at a distance.  When we live like hell and want to do that, then God steps out of the way so we can enjoy ourself . . . .but . . . do we really enjoy the outcome?   If so, then why do we need relief to begin with?

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Trickery

Have you ever been forced into a tricky situation where you have no options but to do the evil plots presented to you?  It's either do it or face the consequences and the consequences are dire.  What would you do?  Would you give in under the pressure, would you try and negotiate a way out?  Would you run or fight back?

Those are not easy answers to some tough questions especially if you are trapped in a place where you will lose everything.  We can all say that we would stand up for ourself if it has never happened to us, but would we really?

These are the trials in life that can lead to compulsive and addictive behaviours.  These are the sticky situations that can just be enough to allow us to break down and fall into a bad habit.  Keeping your faith is the only thing you can do when nothing else seems like its going to work out.

James 1:12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

This is the other alternative to falling into a substance abuse problem.

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Responsibility

What is our responsibility as individuals in our neighborhood and greater community?  Why are we faced with so many challenges in life?  Why does life appear to be so difficult and unpredictable?

No easy answers to some serious questions.  But here's a thought, why not focus on other things rather than the negative things that seem to consume our thinking and energy?  In all actuality that's what we are supposed to do.

Philippians 4:8  Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Why waste your time thinking and worrying about garbage most of which you can't do anything about anyway?  Focusing on junk like that can very easily drag you into compulsive and addictive behaviours.  So lets think about things that will help change one of those negatives and gradually others will join in with you...as long as you don't quit in the meantime.

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Fearless

Do you know the difference between being fearless & smart v/s fearless & stupid?

The 2nd one shows a person who is fearless by their own might, where they are determined to do things their own way, force their way through, create their own world.  That's fine you can do that, but the longevity factor is a bigger hindrance to all that you do.

Fearless & smart is having a plan, bringing it to God to ask if it falls into the way God wants you to live your life.  You can still be determined about it and continue to pray to God for his blessing over it.  When you believe that it fits into God's word, and believe in your heart that it is so, then God will grant you the desires of your heart.

God isn't a mean God, he's not looking for ways to destroy your creativity.  He wants you to excel, just bring it to Him first so He can bless it!

1 Corinthians 12:31 Now eagerly desire the greater gifts. [ Love Is Indispensable ] And yet I will show you the most excellent way.

Happy Easter Jesus Has Risen

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Consistent

It's nice to know that when you are experiencing hard times and you turn around to see someone who has your back, someone you never knew was there but was brushing aside deceitful work raged against you and stamping out flaming arrows aimed at your back.  Someone who consistently has your better interests in focus and can see your future and knows the full plan for your life.

Psalm 5:11  But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

When you are living a pure and clean life and show your commitment to God and then put your complete trust in that premise, it releases you to do your best work.  Just knowing that expands your thinking capacity because now you don't have to worry about anything except what your good at. 

It's true: your creativity, freedom of thought, and your love of God all expand with the more He gives you.

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Calling

Most people these days are furthest from spiritual teaching and for the most part lack any real direction in their life.  Oh they know their career choices and retirement needs or their next meal, but spiritually they are dead.  They buy a wooden thing or hang a picture on the wall of an ideology and claim that is their belief system, but truly lack any depth or meaning.

Luke 10:42  "but few things are needed - or indeed only one.  Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken from her.” 

 But 2 verses earlier Martha says, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

Mary was absolutely taken by Jesus' teachings and couldn't get enough, whereas Martha was so overwhelmed with protocol that she couldn't stand taking the time to hear Jesus until the deeds were done.   Isn't that like us with our spiritual life most of the time, only talking to God when we are hurt or want something or when we have time? 

Mary realized the urgency in getting that teaching while she could and craved something better in life, while Martha was burdened with obligation and political correctness.

Let me ask this question; if Jesus came to your house only once, would you spend your time trying to please Him through service to Him, or please Him with your undivided adoration towards Him?  It's a difficult mix to find the balance between service and adoration.

Basically, are you the prize or is He?

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Hidden

It's very easy to hide objects, the truth, or even our self when we need to. We can do it out of greed, envy, hatred, pride, or even fear.  When, where, how, and what, are less important as who.  But the most important reason is why!  Why defines who you are as a person, which labels you as the type of friend you are, if you are a confidant or bully, trustworthy or a schemer, liar or depressed person, excessively happy, or uncontrollably selfish.   One day everything will be revealed.

Ecclesiastes 12:14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.

The truth is, hiding is only a band-aid approach to a false sense of security.  One that will fade away as quickly as does any "fix" associated with an addiction.  Yes hiding is an addiction, but being alone is not hiding unless you are trying to avoid something: being caught with legalities, victimized, exposed, hurt emotionally, or taken advantage of is the short list of why people use the tactic of hiding themselves and things. 

One thing for sure: whatever you hide right now will be exposed when Jesus comes back, so confessing your sins now is the only answer!!  JUST DO IT.

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Instruction

Following instructions should be a way in life as long as the directives are in the best interests of everyone concerned.  However when those requests lack substance or virtue then problems arise.  People fall victim to teachings and doctrines that do not have their best interests at heart, but more over only acknowledge their shortcomings and actually promote them as a completely acceptable way of life.  We are then told, "as long as it doesn't hurt anyone then its okay".  The Bible warns us that we are treading on thin ice when we fall for that.

Proverbs 13:13 Whoever scorns instruction will pay for it, but whoever respects a command is rewarded.

The things the Bible tells us about life are focused around the truth and are all based on whether its  legal, moral, and ethical.  If you notice, the world's interpretation always leaves out moral and ethical, because without out those 2 directives then absolutely anything is legal to do.

If all we do is just accept what somebody tells is okay to do then we are blinding our self to the truth. Because that's really all the Bible does; is tell the truth.

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Recompense

Life can be tough some times, heartaches, rogue emotions in us and others, even acts of harm against us, for no reason.  People scoff at that like I did, but the reality is that when you avoid someone because their lifestyle no longer fits in with your new life based on the teachings of Jesus Christ, they can become very offended.  You still respect them but they cannot handle it with you living a clean life and them still struggling and being overwhelmed with their sin life.  If only they would realize that complete surrender to Jesus is the only way.

Proverbs 12:21 No harm overtakes the righteous, but the wicked have their fill of trouble. 

No matter what they say about you or do to you, you always have the relationship with Jesus, as long as you don't slide back into that old lifestyle.  Sharing Jesus' teachings with them works, but if their guilt is greater than their will to come clean then the carnage in their life becomes greater and unfortunately they can take that out on you.  

Their anguish is probably heightened when we continue to display the peace and joy awarded us through Jesus Christ, a perk when you have a personal relationship with Him.

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Protection

We all have grievances and misunderstandings, hurt feelings and heartaches.  That is the way of this world!  The more important question is; what is it we are doing to create those abnormalities and how do we go about correcting that unjust thinking in us and others?  

First off, it is impossible to live in a society and not offend someone at sometime!

Secondly, we can't control what others think about us so all we can do is approach them with the spirit of love and respect.  If they'll let us, we can present our concerns and hopefully alter the way they think about us by giving them a vulnerable piece of us.  It doesn't have to be a juicy tidbit rather  just sharing their effects on us.  If that person has deeper emotional concerns and uses that information against you, then the problem remains, but you are free from condemnation because you tried to correct it!  God likes that!

Prov 2:11  Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.

Praying to God first is a way to let God work in other peoples hearts so that when you approach them they have already been thinking about it and the response is usually more receptive or they will avoid you completely due to overwhelming guilt.  Either way, if you spend time praying for others and trying to mend bridges, you have won God's heart.  God protects those who love Him.

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Appreciate

Here's a topic that we never really learn the answer to until we are in a place where we have to.  That usually follows right after a separation or ending of something or someone in our life.  But before we can appreciate it we have to miss it, and before that we have to take advantage of it, or some sort of  continuous disrespect.  It's kinda funny when you think about it, when we expect something then we really don't respect it, and when we assume we can control it then it fly's away.

The problem is, we let our emotions get in the way, we haven't completely forgotten about our past as Jesus said we should, and our pride overshadows all of the teachings we have received.

Hebrews 13:8  Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. 

When we model Christ then petty differences, judgmental moments, and condescending spirits do not block our vision when it comes to appreciating others for who they are.

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Peace

It's not something that can be manufactured or created, but it is something that can be believed.   The very act of having peace is so ethereal that the only real way to experience it is through a quiet mind.  You can experience it through someone else and that can rub off on you, but that usually only lasts as long as that person is around.  Some people think that when a stressful situation goes away that you can finally experience some peace, which is true in a superficial way, but if the problem happens to  return the peace is replaced by the stress.

Peace is simply a byproduct of something greater, having complete joy in your heart is the only way to defeat stress and maintain peace.  There are thousands of ways to get stressed out, but only one way to have peace in stressful situations, and that is to have a peaceful mind.

You can try it on your own, but giving your problems and your life to Jesus Christ is the simplest way to release all that stress at least from your mind.  The problem may still be there but you view things differently now and are at peace with it.

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Stubborn

You can try and deny it, but addictive & compulsive behaviours are a part of everyone's life.  They are not restricted to drugs and alcohol, and can be as heinous as anything you can imagine.  Or as miniscule as doing nasty little things behind someone's back to try and get even.

From God's perspective, one act is no worse than the other, but rather is the motivation in someone's heart that is the deciding factor.  By this perspective; spitting in someone's coffee is no worse than physically putting them in hospital.  Anything you have in your heart to harm someone is an "Addictive & Compulsive" behaviour.  That's what we'll be judged on; "not the physical act, but the intent to do wrong". 

Psalm 81:12 So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts to follow their own devices.

The Bible says that the only way to stop this addictive & compulsive behaviour is to forgive and then you'll forget.  Lets be addicted to forgiveness instead.

Simply put, the behaviour remains because you refuse to stop trying to get even with others.

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The Start

A defining point in a person life where you have finally had enough of the supposed better life, one of addictive and compulsive behaviours, where you do things out of anger, revenge, gaslighting, theft, sex, substance abuse and the list goes on. 

This is the point when life starts to improve, you sleep much better, not looking over your shoulder, mealtimes with friends and family, relaxing and having fun during the evenings instead of a dark sinister lifestyle.  The greatest thing is your past is forgiven completely and you have a new start from today.

Ezekiel 33:12   If someone who is righteous disobeys, that person’s former righteousness will count for nothing. And if someone who is wicked repents, that person’s former wickedness will not bring condemnation.

When people fall back into a debaucherous lifestyle you are also given a brand new start, but in the wrong direction!  The whole point of living free from all those things, is to avoid them.

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Legal

Everyone has a theory about the Bible, people on both sides say either the Old or New Testament no longer apply or cancel each other out.  Reality is, those people that avoid religion are judged by the Old Testament and those that accept the New Testament want to live their life by the Old Testament.  If you're avoiding it, then you've heard about it!

Galatians 5:18  But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

If you live under the Old Testament only then you will never live up to the list of rules in it, so you are under the law.  If you accept Jesus Christ & the Holy Spirit as the head of your life then Grace fills your world and suddenly living according to the Old Testament becomes much easier, simply because you want to try, not because you have to.  Then, if you fail any of the laws, you know you are forgiven.

Incidentally, those people who have never heard that there is an Old or New Testament cannot be judged, because they have never had the opportunity to accept or avoid the Holy Spirit.

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Expose

We judge others, others judge us: but its always from wrong motives.  God has a wonderful way of allowing us to come to grips with our own shortcomings.  Occasionally though, we need correcting because our actions are a bit off base. A Godly friend can gently bring our faults to our attention, which is much better than a harsh encounter, because hard resets hurt.

1 Cor 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.

There's a big difference between correcting and judging, correcting means you actually care about the person.  Judging, you may or may not care, but you lack compassion and understanding to relay an important life saving message.  That's what God will judge.  Spending your time talking about someone instead of talking to them has long standing effects on God's day of judgement.

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Thoughts

Our thought life is the GPS for the next action we take.  GPS is wonderful when its accurate and they are getting better all the time.  But we don't have to follow the direction it tells us to take which can land us in difficulty.  Getting through life is much like that, our GPS conscience tells us things and if we ignore it, then we wind up in difficulty.

Jeremiah 17:10 “I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.”

When you say "NO" to everything, you become stuffy, old, and miserable before your time.
When you say "YES" to everything, you become gullible, weak, and exhausted before your time.

God wants you to take everything to Him and find out what thinks.  The Bible is our GPS to get us through life.

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