Released

Jesus opened the prison doors and let you out, but a lot of times we just don't feel the love as a result of that, so we contain ourselves where we are the strongest, and that is usually back where we are the most vulnerable.

Questionable behavior sprouts out of what we plant.  If we are given grape seeds and throw them away in favor of planting thistles, then this is a replica of our life.  The grape seeds are anything to do with the Word of God and the thistles are anything to do with the world.

Matthew 7:16  By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles?

Thistles may have beautiful flowers but you have to approach them carefully, whereas grape vines are very approachable and the fruit is very nourishing.   When we lock ourselves back up in our selfish thinking then we are telling Jesus that what He did for us just doesn't matter.  So we lose out out on a magnificent gift.  

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Graceless

What is the purpose of us being on this planet? Why are we supposed to live a law biding life and always follow the rules?  Why can't we just do what makes us feel good and forget about everyone else?  Lets look at life in a Petri Dish for a moment.  Mold and bacteria grow in there because there is something to feed on, and there's enough sweetener or Agar in the dish to allow the micro organisms to flourish.  When the sweetener is gone the organisms die.

Our spiritual life can be just like that too!   We can take on these sweeteners that seem to make us a better person and spiritual person, but in the long run they are spiritual anchors.

Matthew 5:19  Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven

That's not the kind of people God wants in Heaven, one's that only feed on sweetener.  God wants people that can flourish on the word of God without the sweeteners, the one's with bravery to withstand the world's taunts for choosing what is right later instead of cheap immediate sweeteners.

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Grace

When you are void of grace, the world appears to be your own personal canvas, a place where you can change and manipulate anything and anyone without recompense.  Others emotions are simply an action of their own doing and not related to anything that you're doing. People appear 2 dimensional and if you wreck one then "its okay because they are not real anyway".  You basically have no feelings for others except what they can do for you only.

It's when we suddenly become aware of this, how we have been treating others and then our conscience is activated that we experience grace for the first time.

Romans 6:14 For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.

Grace grants us peace in the midst of turmoil, gives us patience when we see ourself reflected in others, and opens our eyes when the real truth finally breaks through the dichotomy we have been surviving in.

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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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Transparency

What is the fear about being transparent with people?  I've heard that it is a flaw of character when you reveal your weaknesses to people, I've heard that it is a private matter and shouldn't be revealed, and I've heard that it means that you can be taken advantage of.

Transparency reveals the truth about you, it shows that you can be trusted because. . . yes . . .you too have mistakes in your life.  We all have mountains of mistakes that we can spend the rest of our life covering up and losing ourself in those onion-skin wrappings, to other people it stinks and we spend money, effort, and self worth spraying it with pretend deodorants to try to make it smell pretty.

John 3:21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.

Just knowing that you don't have to carry all of those facades around with you for every situation, releases you to be a much happier relaxed person.

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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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Memories

Every memorable event in our life is capable of building a beautiful picture book that we can feel good about as we peruse through our past, as long as the events were worthy of a pleasant memory.  But not all memories are pleasant, some are injurious enough to leave scars on your soul, some are so damaging to you that you wind up repeating those injuries on others.

Mark 7:6  "These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me".

When you allow bad memories from the past to control your actions today, then Mark 7:6 applies to you.  Twisting the word of God can keep you frozen in a compulsive or addictive pattern that is very hard to break.  

Not reading and studying the Bible is an open ticket to absolutely anything you want, except God's saving Grace.  

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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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Petri Dish

What is the purpose of us being on this planet? Why are we supposed to live a law biding life and always follow the rules?  Why can't we just do what makes us feel good and forget about everyone else?  Lets look at life in a Petri Dish for a moment.  Mold and bacteria grow in there because there is something to feed on, and there's enough sweetener or Agar in the dish to allow the micro organisms to flourish.  When the sweetener is gone the organisms die.

That's not the kind of people God wants in Heaven, one's that only feed on sweetener.  God wants people that can flourish on the word of God without the sweeteners, the one's with bravery to withstand the world's taunts for choosing what is right later instead of cheap immediate sweeteners.

Matthew 5:19  Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

You can blindly fall for the fake worldly sweeteners RIGHT NOW and get nothing later, or you can wait for the best Heavenly sweeteners you could ever imagine when you finally meet God IN HEAVEN.

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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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Conduct

Poor conduct is lying, stealing, revenge, infidelity, dishonesty, neglect, gossip, sloth, injustice, self hatred, and many more!  By incorporating these in your daily thought life & activities, you are worsening your final state.  Addictive & compulsive behaviours live in that group of traits.  The more of these you do, the less good you will be inspired to perform, and the less people want to be around you.

Psalm 112:5  Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice.

Living a life free of the above behaviours gives you more time to focus positively on the individuals in your life.  It gives you more rest, peace of mind, energy, and over all happiness.  People don't mind being around you because you make them feel good about themselves.

Chemically speaking, if you put acid into acid, it only becomes more acidic and damaging, and much harder to get rid of!

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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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Gaslighting

Ever worked with someone who found fault with everything you did?  Tried to condense you and your efforts into a smaller container?  You are the victim of something called gaslighting!  If every addict was to look deep into their history they would probably find traces of this behaviour that was manipulating them due to their open honest lifestyle.

People with little sense of a societal norm prey on the unsuspecting as it bolsters their confidence that they are truly in control of their ever-so-small world.  In reality, they are small children in big people shoes.  School yard bullies!  The Bible tells us about them in:

2 Peter 2:9 ...the Lord knows how to rescue the Godly from trials, and hold the unrighteous accountable... NIV

Realizing that gives the open and honest person who may have compulsive or addictive behaviours the power of knowledge to defeat those who try to impose their compulsive and addictive behaviours on you.  You are no longer the victim of a victim.

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Consistency

Being consistent in our thoughts and actions can be a challenge with our life the way it is right now.  Not knowing that consistency is an important building block in a person's life is one thing, but when you mix shady or questionable behaviour with that confusion, then all hell breaks loose.  There's suddenly no standard, every day is a new concoction of other people's control over our life.  Addictive and compulsive behaviours start and can completely control us .  Then every unstable thing you do becomes your new personality, and people question your validity.

Colossians 1:21  Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. ²² But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— ²³ if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel.

When you give your life and all it's quandaries over to Jesus Christ, He sorts out the trash from you and your most valuable attributes.  Our mind is washed clean of our past and He polishes our best features.  Now the biggest concern is for us to avoid the detriments of the past and stay grounded in the word of God.

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Rebellion

Causes us to be taken captive by the negative things we let into our life.  Why do we keep having problems in our life over and over again?  Without God, we have to willfully not do the crazy things we do and constantly fall back into it.  With God's help we give it away and He takes it from us...buuttt... occasionally we choose to go back to the filth we left.  We are supposed to live guilt free once He takes our sinful behaviours away.

Ezekiel 21:24   “Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: ‘Because you people have brought to mind your guilt by your open rebellion, revealing your sins in all that you do—because you have done this, you will be taken captive.

Captive by our habits and others who are stronger in their sins than we are in our resistance of it.  That's why we need God in our life. 

Think about how small our stupid habit would look to God who created the world!

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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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