Fool

The Bible is pretty strong when it talks about that;  Matthew 5:22, "And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell."
When was the last time you were treated like one?  Your response reveals pride or wisdom.
When was the last time you felt like one? Your response reveals pride or wisdom.
When was the last time you called someone that?  Your response reveals pride or wisdom.
Ecclesiastes 7:9 Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.
Fool seems like a very simple word but the connotations that it presents are damning for yourself and an outright curse to others.  Apparently God doesn't like that. 

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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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Variables

Looking at a very deep spiritual life with Christ is a daunting endeavor and filled with variables.  You need to strip away anything that doesn't magnify the message that He gives you.  You need to remove all aspects of the world in order to increase the depth of the relationship that He so desires.  You need to understand that when He calls you that there can be no hesitation in your step, no pondering whether it is worth the risk.  When you speak, you must be in full adherence to the doctrine and teachings in the Bible.

Titus 2:1 You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine.

Avoiding that commission, teaching anything that is false, and trying to steer clear of a single truth is only a path that leads you away from that relationship with Christ. 

The hardest thing in the world is to say yes to a truth, something that will drag you through pain and hardship, but the reward is so much greater when you surrender to that truth, all the while walking away from those things that will trap you in the past. 

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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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Accuracy

Accuracy is one of the things that is so easily forgotten about or missed all together in the heat of a confrontation  and we sometimes blurt out misconceptions or even lies when we are put on the spot.  We some times encounter the well of resentment rising up in us when we feel the least bit slighted or challenged in the image of our self.  We can even get agitated and very aggressive when talking about religion!

If you feel that you are bested or corrected when ever you try to share the word of God and feel like giving up, then the only thing you can do is just keep doing it.  God loves our determination and cares much less about our mistakes.

Phil 1:18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.

Last time I looked in the Bible, I didn't read anything about Jesus condemning people for saying the wrong thing, but I have read about him encouraging everyone to just do it.  Besides if you're talking about Jesus then you're not really focusing on your problems.

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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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Young Adult

When I was young; I knew everything, my ideas were all original in my mind, my actions were necessary, and I was the most just person I knew back then.   Nobody could tell me I was making a mistake because I wasn't. . . . at the time!!  It's funny how the older you get and the more kicks you take in life, the more you realize that wisdom is just a collection of hurt feelings, black eyes, cuts and bruises.  

Ecclesiastes 11:9,  "You who are young, be happy while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth.  Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment."

Every questionable action, frivolous thought and comment, are all necessary in order to be judged for our actions.  So why would we purposefully do that, when we know full well that we will be in trouble later for it?  Because we don't have enough emotional damage in order to think clearly about things.  Our carnal desires have NO consequences . . . right now, but they will and its going to hurt!!  

Best to clear the air right now by confessing your sins so the damage will be less later.  It's time to think ahead.

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Plateau

Whenever something doesn't go our way we can assume it is defeat, but in reality it is just a change in our direction.  Our plans morph over time as we live our life and most times we don't even notice the change.  Or maybe we do and think everything will be fine.  Then the bottom falls out of our world and we are devastated.  At least that's our view....

But it's just a plateau!  God sees the whole picture of our life and knows when it's time for us to move on.  To grow in our thinking, expand our small world, meet new people, & experience greater things.  If we can't stand change, then it can be tough to take, and if we don't know God then it can be hell.

Psalm 71:14 "As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more."

A series of unfortunate events is not a curse and certainly no reason to fall off the rails into addictive and compulsive behaviours.  It's simply designed to get us off the plateau and onto greater and higher  things.  But more importantly, to teach us how to stay secure with God.

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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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Projection

We all have a past that can haunt us if we let it, but there's another side to this where we can become so over confident because we think we know it all because of what we went through to the point of projecting our biased opinions on others.  This can happen with a traumatic event, our job, raising a family, or anything we become very proficient at.

Projection is the belief that because of what we experienced, then we are the ruling authority.  This may be true but we can unknowingly project all those beliefs on others, even when it doesn't fit the situation surrounding that person.

Hebrews 10:22   let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.

This is how False Profits start, but the bigger concern is that we are still sinning by judging others through our own hurts.  All this means is that we haven't let go of our past and haven't accepted the forgiveness that God has granted us.

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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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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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Fruitless

Knowing that we should be clearing out the destructive idols, habits, and thoughts in our life, and not doing it are basically slapping God in the face. Each of us cannot deny that we are prompted consistently to live an upright Godly life.  That some of the things we are doing, we know are wrong, but we do them anyway.  We may even trick ourself into feeling good about our erroneous decisions saying, "I did it my way".   This is fruitless and will not last!

Ephesians 5:11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.

What will happen when it all comes down to the decisions you make on a moment by moment basis?  If you can't see it already, this world is coming to an end!  We will each be held accountable for every decision we made, for every questionable action we committed, and for every person we led astray by ignoring those promptings. 

We don't know the time or the hour when we will face our life of questionable choices, but the time is coming, so give your life to Jesus Christ now.

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Cover Up

When you live a life of questionable behaviour, going against societal norms, in defiance to others, breaking the law, and putting yourself first, you are the opposite of truth.  Truth exists to guide us in the right ways, but by living those ways and professing to be the opposite is like simply covering over filth with a beautiful rug.  Eventually the filth will stain and ruin the rug.

When you live like that you become critical of others.  Your own guilt becomes the filth under the rug.  You try incessantly to heap guilt on others in order to avert other peoples gaze on your own debauchery.  And occasionally you can trick others into seeing that you are an angel of light and they will willingly do your dirty work for you.

Exodus 23:1 “Do not spread false reports. Do not help a guilty person by being a malicious witness."

False prophets must cover over everything about them because their life is usually a sham.  This is why the Bible talks about wisdom and to test everything.  It doesn't say heap guilt and ask others to lie for you.

But soon the veil will be torn.

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Condemnation

Something we receive, give, and occasionally believe.  It's no better than cancer.  Cancer rots your flesh, but condemnation rots your soul if you let it.  If you're a person who struggles with faith, religion, God, or even believing that you're not good enough, then condemnation can sink you if you're not strong enough. 

Some people wield condemnation or guilt as a way to control others, in order to make themselves feel better.  Passing judgement, hurling insults, or magnifying your mistakes are common ways they beat you into the ground.  They may even try to convince you you're not worth anything.

Acts 15:11  No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.”

The Bible tells us that each of us are God's masterpiece.  If we choose to listen to others when call us  trash then we will always carry that burden, but if we denounce all condemnation against us then their words become pitiful in our eyes! 

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Layers

We can believe in the existence of something and still not believe it could be real in our small world. Recovery exists, but not all people believe that it exists for them. They don't see a way out of their trauma-style life so they don't put any faith in release from their own bondages.  This is the second layer that prevents people from true healing.

The layers we heap on ourselves that tell us that we cannot be released from our addictive and compulsive behaviours are barriers that keep us from dealing with our real problem.  We find ourselves wasting valuable time trying to fix the layers rather than the underlying problem.  A lot of people give up entirely because it's too hard to fix the layer, when all they have to do is look under them to find the real problem.

Proverbs 12:15 The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice

I know it's comfortable to not look under the layers.  But if our behaviour causes more trouble than we can bear, then all we need to do is find enough courage to look and we will find our real self.

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Deceptive

When we step away from the virtues in the Bible we are left with the opposites of that way of life.

Bible               World
Purity           -   Lust
Abstinence   -  Gluttony         You have to be brave to display the ways of the Bible known as Grace.
Generosity    -  Greed
Ethics            -  Sloth
Forgiveness   -  Wrath            You have to deploy deception to display the ways of the world.
Kindness        -  Envy
Modesty         -  Pride

Deception is exhausting as you always have to cover your tracks and plan all the details of your next attack.  You have to try to anticipate your victims reactions, set traps for the unsuspecting, and manipulate innocent bystanders to do your dirty work for you. 

Grace is resting in the Lord knowing full well that He has your back covered, that traps set for you  will be sprung on those who plan them, encourage others, and pray for those who are locked in the beliefs of the world's deceptions.

The greatest correction to take place is to realize what you really are in the eyes of God.

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Genuine

It's something quite a few people know nothing about.  It's not a skill you learn in school, or something to purchase over the counter.  Unfortunately, through tough life experiences we learn to avoid being genuine because we can be taken advantage of.  For some reason we think a tough uncaring outer skin is appealing! Really??

1 Corinthians 4:7   For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not receive it? 

In reality it all stems from being prepared for the next attack, the next attempt by someone to hone in on our territory.  I'll show them!!

The Bible does carry with it; ways of communicating, ways to disagree nicely but firmly, and solid ways of leadership that win others over, rather than beating them down to defeat. Only problem is, you say you don't have time to read it.  That's a missed opportunity!

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