Blueprint to your life…

Do you realize you were God’s idea? Yea, you were. Matter of fact, you were designed and equipped for a unique purpose in life. God created you and I for Him; for us to love, serve and worship Him in all things. It was for this reason as sin entered into our life through Adam and Eve, God gave His only Son to die on a cross for you and I. He wanted to pave a way back to Him, get all the “stuff” and junk out of our lives so that we could find Him. The only way was to send His Son as the Redeemer, the Savior and sacrificial Lamb of God, to save us from our sins and die on a cruel rugged cross. Yet, the bill has been paid, the ticket punched, the accused found-not guilty yet here we are.. We still lack that yearning feeling on the inside of us which eats away at our very soul and well-being. It’s that emptiness alcohol, pornography, materialism, pride and gluttony tries to fill on a daily basis yet, they only seem to be a temporary fix. Truth be known, our lives were designed to live out a wonderful life and accomplish things which are bigger than ourselves yet doubt fills our troubled mind and spirit. The good news however, is we still can. We have to be willing to open ourself up, expose our inner sinful being and hand control over to God. We need to understand our purpose and discover how to obtain it. The hole in our heart was put there very strategically by God, because He wants to be the one to fill it. It’s tailored made just for you, unique, crafted and designed by God on purpose. Basically, until we understand what God made us for, we’ll always be trying to fill the hole with anything and everything we can. When we realize what we’re here for and for whom we’re here for, it changes everything.

Ephesians 1:11:

“In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will.”

Notice how it says “with the purpose of His will,” not our own, or society, or our grandparents or parents. We seem to want to ride the coat tails of our parents/grandparents to justify our behavior or who we are now, circumstances in our life has caused us to be the way we are. Yet we forget, Joseph didn’t have the best of life: mother died while Joseph was young, father chose Joseph as the favorite, brothers hated him, threw him into a hole and sold him. Joseph was continually caught up in various situations and circumstances which tested his faith, trust and love for God. In the end, Joseph was able to save his brothers from the drought which had gripped the land. What character. What faith and love for God to endure all the trials and tribulations of what he went through, only to end up as King and save the very men who sold him away out of jealousy! Geesh, I’ll be honest, I don’t know if I could do that but Joseph is a prime example of what can be overcame through Christ if only we trust in Him, love and rest upon His word. Let’s face it, we say we do but do we really? Truly?

Let me ask you something..

1. If life gave you everything you asked for and hoped for, what would it be like?
2. Do you live reactively or do you respond to things that come your way?
3. If you could paint a portrait or picture of your life, what would it look like?
4. Are you developing a closer walk, clearer picture of what God’s will for your life truly is?

You want to know what your purpose in this life is? I can tell you: to have a true, close, uninhibited, all in, relationship with God. You see, if you’re not on the same page with God, if you’re not seeking Him and understanding He has a purpose for your life, there will always be something missing. Let’s be honest, if we truly understood why we’re here, our lives would look completely different. Our perception and vision for our life would be dramatically changed according to God’s perception and vision. Our whole reason for living would be a positive outcome changing our heart from the inside; therefore changing our outward expressions and actions.

What is the blueprint to your life right now? Looking at your life, what can be changed in order to get into the will of God and what He has planned for your life? What changes can be made to the blueprint of your life to better suit God’s will and His purpose? It starts with you. It starts on the inside with your heart and ends at the foot of the cross. Every blueprint I’ve ever known, heard or observed has always had an alteration or some type of change; so what’s yours? What can you change to make things better and to fit the plan? I know there’s a lot to change in my life and I’m working on it piece by piece. I don’t know about you, but I want my blueprint of life to match up with the God of my life.. What do you want??

Sickness-Envy

Have you ever thought about a sickness in your life? What does that sickness do to your life, your job, your plans etc? Sometimes the sickness can be fatal while other times it comes and goes. Sickness though consumes our body and our life at times and slows everything down; re-routes your plans temporarily. What if I told you there are some sicknesses we live with we don’t even realize we have? Anger is a sickness we often justify as something we’ve “always had or that’s just the way I am.” Then there’s Envy. Hmmm, I don’t envy anyone or anything? I’m content and happy with what I have and who I am. What about Cain and Abel, Joseph and his brothers, Saul and David, satan and God.. These are examples of those who envied but it didn’t start out that way-it never does. At first you have a friend who let’s face it, isn’t what you are or maybe where you are with God or in life. That person finally gets saved after all the talks you’ve had with them, countless nights up crying and sharing. That friend receives a position in church or in Sunday School that you think you should’ve had. All of a sudden, you become angry and bitter, lashing out at the friend and others around saying they “just got saved, you’re going to place them in that position?” Never happy for them and if you are, it’s superficial. There’s other examples but the best example I can think of is between David and Johnathan. Saul’s son Johnathan was in line to become King of the land yet God had other plans. Now, if anyone has reason to be mad, upset, hurt and even envious, it would be Johnathan. However, Johnathan listened to God speak to him and David-therefore no envy or jealously was entered into their relationship. Look at what God says about Envy in James 3:14-16:

“But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.”

Envy doesn’t come from God or the Holy Spirit-it is earthly, unspiritual and even of the devil. There’s disorder in envy because it creates chaos, no organization and causes feelings to arise in you which are of the devil.  You could resent God’s movement in someone else’s life or even ignoring God’s movement in your own life. These types of resentment are prevalent in today’s society and almost welcomed. There’s always a “reason” and it’s ok to feel that way. In actuality, this is not the way we should feel and how we should act.  Look at what Proverbs 14:30 says about envy and boy, it gets down to the core:

“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”

See, most of the envy we feel, encounter, bring into our own lives is due to comparing us to others and their lives, profession, success etc. We love to compare ourself to others to (1) make ourself feel better or worse (2) gain empathy and sorrow and (3) get attention; from the other person or situation. Make sense? Of course and you may be thinking right now you don’t do things like that. I think if we’re totally honest with ourself, we’ll realize we do it more than we admit. God tells us in Galations 6:4-

“Each one should test his own actions…without comparing himself to somebody else.”

We need to start celebrating with others especially when it comes to God and His blessings. In Romans 12:15 Christ tells us in the first part of that verse to rejoice with those who rejoice; in other words, be happy for them and celebrate the goodness God has brought into their lives. Quit spending time discouraging the ones who need encouragement the most, each other. What would our world be like if we just encouraged people and those around us, celebrated when things went well, cried when things went wrong and laughed when life brings those moments into our life?

We can’t celebrate with others until we embrace God’s love and celebratory moments first in our own life. We have to celebrate what God does in our own life-no matter how big or small it may be. Just because we don’t get recognition for something we did yet someone else gets lifted up…celebrate! Just because you said the right thing in the meeting but it was perceived in a different light or by someone else?? celebrate. Know inside your heart God is doing a wonderful work of humbleness and graciousness right then. It may not be evident at the time but I promise you if you’ll pray for it, accept it and give it to God, you’ll see. Celebrate in the fact you have a Savior who loves you, given you the family, spouse, children, people, job etc. in your life you need to survive and when a new chapter opens, an old one closes-celebrate! Celebrate in all things-be happy and joyous knowing God has His hand all over it.

I leave you with 2 wonderful verses which I hope, can help turn your paths to clarity and truth. I Thessalonians 5:16-18 encourages us to “Always be joyful” and no matter what happens we should always be thankful-check it out..

Always be joyful. Keep on praying. No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

Titus helps us understand what God did for us, offered His mercy to us yet we don’t give mercy to others? Why -because they don’t deserve it? Who are we that we deserve it? Who are we to not offer forgiveness to those who have hurt me, abused me, neglected me or sexually hurt me? We can’t-but God can.. That’s the point, we must die to Envy and the other things which keep us separated from God-no matter the cost. Sometimes we endure the pain for a time while other times, we endure it from here on out. Maybe we endure it to remind us what we should do, help others who are struggling with the same issue or remind us to stay close to God? It’s between you and God and you have to decide. God already paid the price for your sin, your short-coming-by giving up His one and only Son to die on a cruel cross. Then we don’t offer mercy, grace or forgiveness because someone doesn’t deserve it? We don’t deserve what we have yet Christ gave us His mercy anyway. Look at Titus 3:3-5 and allow it to talk to your heart, clear up some paths which have been fuzzy or undefined in your life-allow peace to overtake your heart.

…”Our lives were full of evil and envy. We hated others, and they hated us. But then God our Savior showed us his kindness and love. He saved us, not because of the good things we did, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins and gave us a new life through the Holy Spirit…”

 

Fake or real?

How many times do we ask ourselves this question. Is God fake or real? Is that person rich or not? Is religion and church real or fake? Those people are so “fake.”  We’ve been there before right, we all have.. Well, before I embark upon the financial journey I’m going to discuss today, let me clarify one thing. Money is not a bad thing, it’s the love of money according to God’s word. So do not think I’m saying money or having money is a sin or otherwise. Please keep this in context and allow God to work in your life..

One man pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be
poor, yet has great wealth. Proverbs 13:7

They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served
created things rather than the Creator — who is forever praised.
Romans 1:25

See, money promises only temporary things. It’s not everlasting because as soon as the money runs out, we’re struggling, unhappy and fall into depression.  It tries to bring us happiness but the happiness is only short-lived, temporary if you will. It offers security. As long as we have enough, then everything will be ok-secure.. Truth be known, there’s no security in a monetary and tangible items. The last thing it tries to offer, is significance. You’re someone if you have enough money, you can have and be all you want. The world however, has taught us this in very subtle and in-subtle ways. Look how we treat famous singers, baseball, football and basketball players, cyclists, religious figures and many more. Just pay attention and notice how they treat people who are famous and have money; there you have it.

**WE TRUST MONEY FOR HAPPINESS..

–WE DON’T KNOW WHAT WE HAVE IN CHRIST.

**WE TRUST MONEY TO MAKE US SIGNIFICANT..
– WE DON’T KNOW WHO WE ARE IN CHRIST.

**WE BELIEVE MONEY WILL MAKE US SECURE.

–WE TRUST IN MONEY AND NOT IN CHRIST.

However, look at what God says about where you find happiness and peace:

–TRUE HAPPINESS, SIGNIFICANCE AND SECURITY
ARE FOUND IN CHRIST ALONE.

     I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish that I may gain Christ.
Philippians 3:7-8

Better to be a nobody and yet have a servant than pretend to be
somebody and have no food.

Proverbs 12:9

I found these two verses which are interesting. I have lost ALL things. I consider them rubbish so that I may gain Christ-we have to consider all things rubbish. Not saying we give away all things, or neglect the things we do have, but we must get over treating the things of this earth as our “gods.” We must stop worshiping our jobs, money, boats, cars, lifestyle and put all that aside to gain Christ. We can’t place all of these things in the forefront of our life and expect God to squeeze in whenever we “call upon His name” or we “need Him.”

Look at the second verse, isn’t it interesting? It’s better to be a nobody yet have a servant, than pretend to be somebody and have nothing! Wow, some strong statements but God is referencing to the sheer ability to be humble. To be humble means to be in the back and working in the front-yet receive no acknowledgement. Sometime not saying something was yours while someone else is lifted high in that position. That may mean not speaking up at times you think you should and speaking up when times you think you shouldn’t. It’s tough I know, but sometimes the real you must come out-despite what everyone else says. Being a Christ follower is tough, against the flow of “normal” traffic and different than anything you’ve ever done or will do in your life.. The payoffs however, is worth your life.

So what is real or fake in your life? Are you busy pointing out others who are fake that you fail to recognize your own? God says to bring things to the light, be honest and seek Him. Seeking Him is the only way you’ll find peace and joy, nothing else will do or will fit in your life. Jesus my friends, is the REAL thing-do you believe it??

 

 

Habit-something every has in their life…

Habit:

1.  an acquired behavior pattern regularly followed until it hasbecome almost involuntary:

2. an acquired mode of behavior that has become nearly or completely involuntary

3. a behavior pattern acquired by frequent repetition or physiologic exposure that shows itself in regularity or increased facility of performance

So, pick out the definition which you can apply. The commonality of all three of these definitions, are there are more depending on how the word is used, is the word behavior. So now that we know what a habit is, how do they come into our life and in some cases, dominate our behavior, our mannerisms and our life?

The basic purpose of habits is to assists us in our daily lives. Imagine if all of us have to consciously think and direct our intentions when doing and going through every single thing in our daily lives. We don’t have to remind ourselves to breathe, to sit in a chair, to lift our fork-all of these are habits. They assist us in our everyday life to make things easier and to direct our lives. What happens when those same habits which are positive, become negative? Drinking, smoking, obsessed with our job, money, others, food; place your “habit” in the blank.

What does the Bible say about habits? The Bible does not specifically speak of “habits” as such. However, much is said about the meaning of the word: “a thing done often, and hence, usually done easily; an act that is acquired and has become automatic.” For example, in Romans 12:2 Christ tells us we are to be transformed by the “renewing of our mind.” Phillipians 2:14 tells us to “Do all things without grumbling and complaining” which may mean we have to change a current habit in order to stop or minimize grumbling and complaining.  In the book of Mark I believe says it best:

Mark 7:20-23

And he said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”

So while the Bible doesn’t address “habits” in specifics, it does address the behavior in which leads to habits; both good and bad. So what can we do to defeat these habits if they are bad?

1.  Admit. Admit you have a habit which you desire to see changed. You must be willing to admit you have a habit which needs changing and come to the point in which change is needed. Christ tells us in 1 John 1:9,

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

Let’s face it, a habit whether good or bad is a sin-it rules our life, takes over our time and consumes our life. So we must admit we have a habit which needs changing.

2.  Honest. We must be honest about our habit and release the “whole story.” For example, if you struggle with smoking and you admit it, then you lie about how many packs you smoke a day or the wonderful line: “I can quit anytime”, then you’re not honest with yourself or honest. Satan loves to leave out “part, some or even a majority” of the truth. See, when part of it is held back, that part remains in the dark and therefore satan still has his grip on your life and your “lie”. You can fool yourself and become upset, but until you’re honest with yourself, it’ll always resurface in your life. Christ tells us in Luke 12:2:

“There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.

Johnny Hunt stated it this way: “If you try to hide or cover things, God will uncover them and your lies will be found out. If you uncover them for God to take them upon Him, then they will be covered-NOT by man-by God. So that means you must be honest about what habit or sin that’s in your life that you wanna change.

3.  Let Go. You have to be ready to let go of it and truly let go. More than words, but with actions. You must realize it’s going to come at a cost, a sacrifice and it’s not going to be easy. You’ll have to change your habits, where you go sometimes and who you go with. This may or may not cause a shift in your friends and family while angering others. Look at what the Proverbs say about not letting go:  Proverbs 28:13:

“Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”

This is just the beginning of a new life and new beginning. There are others steps we will discuss in the future such as prayer and accountability which are critical to maintaining your walk and freedom of your habit/sin. For now, I think if we admit it, we’re honest and let go of what has us captive, we can start a new life full of freedom the way God intended.. What habits could you break or do without? Do you truly want to break the habit or is it words which we say but never act upon? Let Go and Let God have it, He’s the ONLY one that can break it for you.

Hidden. Concealed. Revealed.

It’s a terrible ordeal when secrets which were once hidden, concealed-are revealed. So many people have been caught up in scandals: Tiger Woods, Jim/Tammy Baker, Bill Clinton, Mark McGuire-next door neighbor, pastor at your church, music minister in your town, parents…YOU.. I bet if you were to sit down and speak with these people, you would realize all of them was under the same impression; if I hide it well enough, it’ll never come to the surface. Obviously, they and we are often wrong as it will be revealed.

What if we’re already there, hiding secrets and in fear it will come out? There are two things you can do, conceal it or confess it.

He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy. Proverbs 28:13

There is nothing you can hide from God, nothing under, on or around the earth-it will be found. Christ even tells us it’s much better to confess your sins to others so that you may be lifted up, encouraged. As we confess our sins the burden of the secret or the darkness is lifted, revealing the truth and light. No more bondage by the secret and it no longer runs your life.

For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open.
Luke 8:17

… you may be sure that your sin will find you out. Numbers 32:23

There’s just no way to hide it so what can you do? How can you take this secret and turn it around to a positive experience? We must realize we have to CONFESS our sins to God. We have to tell God about it, repent and receive FORGIVENESS.

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin…10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Psalm 51:1-2, 10-12

Along with the Confession and Forgiveness, we must finally accept and begin HEALING. It’s a long, arduous and difficult journey, but at the end, we find peace and joy.

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed… James 5:16

For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:3

We must realize, our life is in God’s hands. He loves us-no matter what secret you’re trying to hide, your past or whatever you’ve done-there’s forgiveness for you. There’s healing within Christ Jesus, there’s forgiveness through His blood and life more abundantly than you can ever imagine.

Question: What are you hiding? What thing(s) are you hiding within yourself, marriage, friendships, money, job….What are you turning a blind eye to, justifying your behavior but deep inside, struggling with yourself. Stop struggling and receive God’s grace and mercy, allow the things that is in the dark in your life, to come out and into the light. There’s so much more revealed and enjoyed when brought to the light. So, what are you hiding??

 

Floats are made for fishing..

 

My father and I use to go fishing all the time down at the “creek” and at the lake near our home. It was so peaceful, nice and relaxing at times and as my dad would tell you, I just wouldn’t hush! He said it would scare away the fish so I guess that’s the reason why we never caught too many fish. What can I say, I didn’t realize the value of the “time” we were spending until I became older.. Now that I have a son and another child on the way, I want to have the same impact on them as my father did on me. So as I was cleaning the garage this past Saturday, I ran across one lonely fishing “bobber” or float lying in the floor. As I picked it up, the memories of my father and I flooded my mind and a smile came to my face. My mind began to think of what a float is created for and why it’s created. It’s purpose is to be attached on the line of your fishing pole, float in the water and let you know when a fish or other water dweller has attached itself to the end of your line. You pull, set the hook and reel your catch in unless something happens. Then it dawned on me, is this what I do with God? Is He like a fisherman hoping to “catch” me, and every now and then I latch on to God, hoping He’ll reel me in and save me from my problems? Is the float thrown out by me, in hopes to catch something in life that will satisfy me?

What are you looking for in life that will satisfy you? Is it drugs, alcohol, your job, money, wife, kids, yourself or maybe it’s pornography, lust or speaking with that man/woman at your job a little closer than you would if your significant other were there. There’s something that we try to fill the void in our life and it’s tough to keep it all in balance. When we engage in the activity there’s a sense of “ahh” or a rush we experience. The fact we often forget is the rush only last for a small time and then we’re back trying to fill the void once again. Christ tells the lady at the well in John 4:13-14:

13 Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

That void isn’t going to be filled nor was it meant to be filled by anything other than Jesus Christ Himself. Christ loves us right where we are and we’re not suppose to be “bobbing” for any other thing to fill the void in our life. Floats are created to let you know when something is attached to the end of the line-yet in our life, we should never let go therefore the float is unnecessary. We don’t need a float in our life because we are the fishermen of life, His hands and His feet to tell others. We’re not suppose to love the things of the world but just live in the world to serve His purpose; giving Him honor, praise and glory. God doesn’t want anyone to be without Him, but He’s not going to force anyone against their will. In II Peter 3:9 Christ tells us:

9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

What are you “bobbing” for in life? What’s your hurt, hang up or habit? The only way to fill that void is Jesus Christ, He can wipe away your cares, give you strength when you are weak, show you the way when you’re unsure and life you up when you’re down.. Place your trust in Him today and hand over the things in this life which are driving you to unhappiness, giving you no peace and causing you stress and worries.. Floats are made for fishing, not for things in our life. Give up your float and allow God to control your life.

Laughter…It IS the best medicine, God says so..

Proverbs 17:22:

22 A cheerful heart is good medicine,
but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Proverbs 15:13:

13 A happy heart makes the face cheerful,
but heartache crushes the spirit.

Psalm 32:11:

11 Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous;
sing, all you who are upright in heart!

So, of all the posts I do on here, I realized I have no “funny” clips or no funny advice.. Well, tonight is a little different-here’s a funny clip and some verses above to help you “laugh” your way through life when you can..

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Fireproof…Is your marriage Fireproof?

Let’s face it, if we knew when a fire would consume our home, we’d prepare. We would get everything of “value” out and placed in a safe spot; then we’d wait. We’d wait until it almost comes and then we’d seek shelter so we wouldn’t get overtaken by the flames. All is well, everything is out and now we can re-build…Well, it doesn’t happen like that and neither does our marriage fall apart overnight or become successful overnight. As we see in this clip, when we only place half our heart into anything, we get half or less back. Caleb has taken his father’s love dare only half-serious but as things are getting worse and he can’t cope, he returns to his father only to find, he has to surrender it all. He must surrender not to his father, but his Father in Heaven..

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Maybe you’re not this far off the beaten path as of yet, maybe you’re struggling and can’t find your way but you’re barely hanging on. Maybe everything is going well and you think it’ll be ok and I won’t have to worry about it.. Usually this is the time the “fire” of our lives tend to become hotter and before you know it, we’re surrounded, suffocating and have no way out. Don’t let it sneak up on you, take preventative measures with your marriage, friendships and family. Give them all to Jesus, allow Him to be the driving force behind your relationships. As a fire begins with the smallest of an ember, our marriage can crumble with the smallest window of opportunity.

Manipulation…

Have you ever been manipulated? Have you ever manipulated others? Let’s be honest, whether it’s selling something or buying something, manipulation is a factor. However, when people are manipulators, it’s not always pleasurable. From the Bible we see many examples:

Jacob manipulated Esau (Gen. 25:29-34)

Women manipulated Herod (Mark 6:21-26)

Delilah manipulated Samson (Judg. 16: 15-16)

Then she said to him, “How can you say, ‘I love you,’ when you won’t confide in me?…16 With such nagging she prodded him day after day until he was tired to death. Judg 16:15-16

…couldn’t stand it any longer…NLT
…vexed his soul unto death…KJV

Let’s face it, we all know someone who if given the chance, would control us if they could. Well, manipulators have some great weapons in order to manipulate and they’ve become experts.

1) Threat:

If you want to work here, you’ll do this…

If you don’t do this, I’m leaving you….

If you don’t tell me, I’m hanging up or leaving.

If you don’t pay more attention to me, I’m gonna tell you what I’m          gonna do.

If you don’t do this, you are not getting what you want.

If you love me you’ll do this or that….

2.)GUILT:

If you love me, you’ll do what I’ve asked or what I want you to do..

After all I’ve done for you, you won’t do this one thing??

Silent treament.

Thought we were better than this or were closer but I guess not..

If you don’t do this, your not as good as I thought you were.

***If someone else has control, you are committing the sin of idolatry.

3.) Redefine the Relationship

Jesus allowed Peter to fail. Look at what Christ says in John 21:16:

“Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”

Let’s face it, sometimes we avoid conflict and we become people pleasers. Look at what Christ said in Galations 1:10 (NLT):

“Obviously, I’m not trying to be a people pleaser! No, I am trying to please God. If I were still trying to please people, I would not be Christ’s servant.”

Basically what it boils down too is, “If you don’t meet my needs, then I’ll find another way to get them; at any cost!”

So how do we break the power of a manipulator? Do we push them away, “pray” for them or even judge them? Christ says we have to BREAK the power of the manipulator and manipulation.

1.) Recognize when someone is trying to control you.

Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem…and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. 22 Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!” Matt 16:21-22

Peter took Jesus aside-manipulators lose power in groups. Sometimes when someone begins to “control” someone, it’s a lot easier when they can get you by themself. Some people are predators, they’re calculated yet some are unintentional. Ex: Peter didn’t mean any harm, he just wanted his plan for Jesus’ life. But HOW do you know if you’re being manipulated? Well, look for these signs:

1-You can’t say no to a certain person.

2-You always feel guilty. (Can’t have fun, exclusive loyalty.)

3-You feel ultimately responsible

4-You compromise your values to please others…

2) This is NOT going to work on me.

In Matthew 16:21-23, Jesus says: “Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”

If it’s not going to work on me-then, call them Satan!!

So, make the point to find out who your true friends are and cherish those people in your life. Kick out as many people as you can and make the point now to not allow another person to control your life. No one wants to be manipulated as it’s NOT what God wants nor His intentions. Who do you have to do a double take with? Who’s manipulating you or better yet-who are YOU manipulating??

 

Busy..

Ok, so I’ve been busy enough to not be able to blog since Thursday..I still have one last message to bring from the last series and then I’ll be starting on a new series, (no name yet) dealing with “Forgiveness.” I feel a lot of people are hurting and are holding on to their past, not letting go and not forgiving so they can move on. So, what better way to include some of my own struggles to get us kicked off and then talk about what the Bible says about Forgiveness.

SO.. This is your chance.. If you would like to know something specific about Forgiveness, speak about a certain topic pertaining to it or just know some more about the subject, please leave me a comment and you don’t have to leave your name if you don’t want.  Just let me know and I’ll do my best to address it the best I can BUT dont’ forget to leave me how to get in touch with you. If you’d like, shoot me an e-mail with a question instead of on this blog, andygoswick@yahoo.com is a great start. I won’t reveal any names or revealers to know who you are, it’ll be just between you and I.

I’ve also corrected the “comment” issue I’ve experienced…Now, you can leave a comment if you’d like WITHOUT signing up with WordPress or anything like that.. So, give it a shot and let me know what you think..

I’ll be back later this week to finish up my series and keep our family and my sister Amy in your prayers tomorrow and Wed. She goes in tomorrow to have another surgery to remove the 3 cancer cells they’ve found and hopefully rid her of this awful enemy she has in her body. So, join with us tomorrow as we pray for healing, doctor’s eyes to be opened and for her complete recovery. Thanks so much!