If you believe your suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D), also known as 'Holiday Blues', the following video shares information that will help you cope during this season:
Joy: A Very Real Force
"Joy. It's not a warm, happy feeling you're supposed to have now and then when things are going well. It's much more than that. Joy is one of the most powerful spiritual forces in the world.
Look again at Nehemiah 8:10 and I'll show you why. If you were to diagram that scripture and remove the phrase, "of the Lord," you would find what it's truly saying is this: Joy is strength. The two are interchangeable.
That's what makes joy so crucial. You can't live a life of faith without being strong in the Lord--and when God wants to make you strong, joy is what He uses to do the job!
Joy is not just a state of mind. It is not a fleeting emotion. Joy is a very real force, and the devil doesn't have anything that can stand up against it. Just as fear has to yield to faith, discouragement has to yield to joy.
Since joy is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit, you already have it residing within you. But you must develop it, confess it, and live by it if you want to enjoy its power.
Whatever circumstances you are facing today, you can be full of joy. You can be strong in the Lord. You can draw on the supply of the Holy Spirit within you and come out on top. "
Rejoice!
Article from Faith to Faith devotional
by Kenneth Copeland
www.kcm.org
"Joy. It's not a warm, happy feeling you're supposed to have now and then when things are going well. It's much more than that. Joy is one of the most powerful spiritual forces in the world.
Look again at Nehemiah 8:10 and I'll show you why. If you were to diagram that scripture and remove the phrase, "of the Lord," you would find what it's truly saying is this: Joy is strength. The two are interchangeable.
That's what makes joy so crucial. You can't live a life of faith without being strong in the Lord--and when God wants to make you strong, joy is what He uses to do the job!
Joy is not just a state of mind. It is not a fleeting emotion. Joy is a very real force, and the devil doesn't have anything that can stand up against it. Just as fear has to yield to faith, discouragement has to yield to joy.
Since joy is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit, you already have it residing within you. But you must develop it, confess it, and live by it if you want to enjoy its power.
Whatever circumstances you are facing today, you can be full of joy. You can be strong in the Lord. You can draw on the supply of the Holy Spirit within you and come out on top. "
Rejoice!
Article from Faith to Faith devotional
by Kenneth Copeland
www.kcm.org
"...then take note, you have sinned against the LORD; and be sure your sin will find you out." Numbers 32:23
WHAT'S IN YOUR CLOSET?
Stealing? Adultery? Homosexuality? A double life? Pedophilia? Alcohol? Drugs? Eating disorder? Bribes? The lists goes on and on. We all have secrets we don't want anyone to know about. Sometimes, we're trapped because someone found out about our secret and threatens to expose us if we don't... We live in total fear of the day, which we know is coming, when everyone knows our secret. We lie to ourselves. Sometimes, we lie so much until our lies become the truth and the truth becomes a lie.
Days, months and years go by as we try to juggle all of our lies. Lie after lie after lie, we try to remember, dreading the day when all of the lies will fall and we lose everything. We wake up in the middle of the night unable to sleep because of the stress we feel when we are deceiving others. "But I can't tell. I just can't", we say. What was so fun, what felt so good, what made us so happy has now turned against us and it is a nightmare!
The guilt we feel as our walls start to crumble is unbearable. We can't take it any more. Slowly but surely, the 'good' areas of our lives (job, wife/husband and kids, parents, friends and other family members) begin to suffer. What if the church finds out? "I'm a pastor. How can I tell my wife or my husband I'm in a homosexual relationship?" I need a way out! I need a way out!! We try to stop what we are doing wrong. It works for a few days, maybe even a week. But before we know it, we've gone back to our secret love.
"I'll just leave. I'll go far away where no one can find me. Then I can do what I want and not feel so guilty. But I can't. My family needs me." So we search, and search, and search for something that will make us 'feel' better. We found something that helps take the stress and the pain away. "Now, I can handle this. I can keep my 'lives' together as long as I have 'this'." Sooner or later, we find ourselves in another bind. What helped us deal with keeping the secret has now turned on us. Now, we have three problems: the truth, the secret and what we used to help us deal with them isn't working anymore.
"What do I do?" "I feel so hopeless." "No one can help me." "I can't help myself." "Why don't I just end it all?" "Why don't I make everyone's life better by taking mine?" "Yes, that way everyone will be free. I will be free of the guilt and pain. My true life won't have to ask what's wrong with me. My secret life will go away and no one will know. Yes, that's what I will do. I will end this!"
I know this was hard for some of you to read. But facing the truth always is. God sees the suffering we're going through. He feels the pressure and knows the damage of how this life-style has hurt us. "So why won't He stop all of the 'wrong' in our lives? If God loves us, then why won't He just take this mess away and let us start again?" I've asked this these questions so many times. But that's not the pathway to our freedom. Taking away the mess we've caused is not the answer. Let's say God does take it away; leaving us with no consequence for our wrong. We will shout for joy and say, "oh thank you Jesus. I feel so much better!" It won't be long before we find ourselves back into another situation. Only this time, it's worse! Allow me to give you a glimpse of the freedom you can have and the steps God established to get you there.
Days, months and years go by as we try to juggle all of our lies. Lie after lie after lie, we try to remember, dreading the day when all of the lies will fall and we lose everything. We wake up in the middle of the night unable to sleep because of the stress we feel when we are deceiving others. "But I can't tell. I just can't", we say. What was so fun, what felt so good, what made us so happy has now turned against us and it is a nightmare!
The guilt we feel as our walls start to crumble is unbearable. We can't take it any more. Slowly but surely, the 'good' areas of our lives (job, wife/husband and kids, parents, friends and other family members) begin to suffer. What if the church finds out? "I'm a pastor. How can I tell my wife or my husband I'm in a homosexual relationship?" I need a way out! I need a way out!! We try to stop what we are doing wrong. It works for a few days, maybe even a week. But before we know it, we've gone back to our secret love.
"I'll just leave. I'll go far away where no one can find me. Then I can do what I want and not feel so guilty. But I can't. My family needs me." So we search, and search, and search for something that will make us 'feel' better. We found something that helps take the stress and the pain away. "Now, I can handle this. I can keep my 'lives' together as long as I have 'this'." Sooner or later, we find ourselves in another bind. What helped us deal with keeping the secret has now turned on us. Now, we have three problems: the truth, the secret and what we used to help us deal with them isn't working anymore.
"What do I do?" "I feel so hopeless." "No one can help me." "I can't help myself." "Why don't I just end it all?" "Why don't I make everyone's life better by taking mine?" "Yes, that way everyone will be free. I will be free of the guilt and pain. My true life won't have to ask what's wrong with me. My secret life will go away and no one will know. Yes, that's what I will do. I will end this!"
I know this was hard for some of you to read. But facing the truth always is. God sees the suffering we're going through. He feels the pressure and knows the damage of how this life-style has hurt us. "So why won't He stop all of the 'wrong' in our lives? If God loves us, then why won't He just take this mess away and let us start again?" I've asked this these questions so many times. But that's not the pathway to our freedom. Taking away the mess we've caused is not the answer. Let's say God does take it away; leaving us with no consequence for our wrong. We will shout for joy and say, "oh thank you Jesus. I feel so much better!" It won't be long before we find ourselves back into another situation. Only this time, it's worse! Allow me to give you a glimpse of the freedom you can have and the steps God established to get you there.
"The thief (devil) does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I (Jesus) have come that they (you) may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. John 10:10 (emphasis mine)
"As for me, I will call upon God; and the Lord shall save me." Psalms 55:16
"As for me, I will call upon God; and the Lord shall save me." Psalms 55:16
THE MIRROR
Have you ever realized that we have never seen ourselves without the help of an outside source? We need something outside of us to reflect the truth about ourselves. So lets look into the Word of God (our true mirror) and find out what truth actually is.
"You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free". John 8:32 One of the most amazing things I discovered is that it is the truth about ME that sets me free.
Never be willing to believe a lie for fear of the truth. We must be honest with ourselves. What is happening to us is no one's fault but our own. We made the mess we are in right now. We tried to have it all, on our terms, and that never works. (Proverbs 14:12) God wants to give us the desires of our heart but we must do things His way in order to receive it. (Joshua 1:8)
"You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free". John 8:32 One of the most amazing things I discovered is that it is the truth about ME that sets me free.
Never be willing to believe a lie for fear of the truth. We must be honest with ourselves. What is happening to us is no one's fault but our own. We made the mess we are in right now. We tried to have it all, on our terms, and that never works. (Proverbs 14:12) God wants to give us the desires of our heart but we must do things His way in order to receive it. (Joshua 1:8)
RESCUE ME!
God wants to see you free from what has you bound and He has prepared a way of escape. (I Corinthians 10:13) However, the way to escape isn't a private one. (Psalms 90:8) You will need help!
Cry out to God. Tell Him your wrongs. (Jeremiah 14:7) Ask for His forgiveness. Ask Him to show you the way out. (I John 1:9) Reach out to a counselor and/or a pastor. (James 5:1) Confess your wrongs and commit to making amends. It's the confession that begins the healing process. (Acts 26:18) However, the reconciliation process may not be as easy as the confession.
Unfortunately, we can't escape the consequences of our decisions. (Galatians 6:7) It may just get worse before it gets better. But it will get better! God has promised to give us beauty for the ashes of our lives. (Isaiah 61:3)
Do you want to sleep well at night? Do you want the relief of honesty in your relationships? Do you want your life restored? Then make the choice that leads to life. Tell the truth and reach for help. Above all else, start the process with God. When God is for you, it makes the world against you less overwhelming. (Romans 8:31)
Be Courageous. You can do it. Come clean and embrace the life God created for you. Once you are free, you can turn around and help someone else find the way of escape. (Luke 22:31-32)
Praying for you,
Michelle
TO MUCH 'MIND-TIME':
I had such a hard struggle with evil and judgmental thoughts about others. I still do, from time to time. So much until it seemed to consume me. I constantly cast down the evil thoughts, but they came rushing back as if I’d said nothing. I asked God, "why am I having such a hard time with this?" He simply said to me, "you have too much mind-time".
Time is life. If we are willing to give our life away, focusing on others instead of ourselves, we’ll find ourselves fighting negative thoughts less and less. (Matthew 16:25) If you have too much 'mind-time', then you’re not making the best use of your time. Ask God to show you what you can do for someone else. (Galatians 5:13) When those thoughts come, we still have to cast them down, but find something to do as well. (2 Corinthians 10:3-6) Watching TV doesn’t count. Clean the house, rake the yard, go for a walk, call someone and see how they are doing—anything positive to help you break this negative thought pattern.
Continue to pray and believe God for change in every area of your life. Don’t depend on yourself. (Galatians 5:17) You will be disappointed every time. Depend solely on Jesus. (John 15:5) He will not stop the good work He began in you. (Philippians 1:6) Continue to thank Him for progress, even if you can’t see it. (Psalms 100:4) Eventually, you will. (Romans 4:17)
Be encouraged.
Michelle
Time is life. If we are willing to give our life away, focusing on others instead of ourselves, we’ll find ourselves fighting negative thoughts less and less. (Matthew 16:25) If you have too much 'mind-time', then you’re not making the best use of your time. Ask God to show you what you can do for someone else. (Galatians 5:13) When those thoughts come, we still have to cast them down, but find something to do as well. (2 Corinthians 10:3-6) Watching TV doesn’t count. Clean the house, rake the yard, go for a walk, call someone and see how they are doing—anything positive to help you break this negative thought pattern.
Continue to pray and believe God for change in every area of your life. Don’t depend on yourself. (Galatians 5:17) You will be disappointed every time. Depend solely on Jesus. (John 15:5) He will not stop the good work He began in you. (Philippians 1:6) Continue to thank Him for progress, even if you can’t see it. (Psalms 100:4) Eventually, you will. (Romans 4:17)
Be encouraged.
Michelle
Improve Your Thought-Life by Studying the Bible:
We have the mind of Christ. What is Christ's mind? His Word. We have to read and study the Bible everyday. When we do, we will begin to think the way God thinks. Our negative thoughts will decrease while His desires and plans fill our minds.
So make sure your spirit is full of God's Word. The truth of His Word will set us free!
"Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up". James 4:10
IS THERE ANYTHING GOD HATES?
What will cause a hungry man to starve when there is a plate of food before him? What will cause a person to become homeless when they have a loving family to care for them? Pride! The American Heritage dictionary defines Pride as "arrogant or disdainful conduct or treatment; haughtiness." God hates pride! (Proverbs 8:13) Why? The Bible says, "at the name of Jesus, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord".(Philippians 2:10) But pride stands up before God refusing to submit. (Jeremiah 49:16) Although God loves us, He takes a hard stand when it comes to pride. (Proverbs 16:18) God has promised to always meet our needs and He will never break His Word. (Philippians 4:19) But we must understand that if we are disrespectful in our approach and response to Him, it will definitely impact the outcome of that response.
One of the many miracles Jesus performed was Lazarus's resurrection. (John chapter 11) The Bible says after Jesus was told Lazarus was dying, he stayed in the city where he was for two more days. Lazarus was His friend and Jesus loved him. So why did Jesus wait? That is a question only He can answer. But lets take a look at Lazarus' sisters, Mary and Martha. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet Him. When she reached Him, she immediately said, "Lord, if you hadst been here, my brother had not died". After Jesus explained to her that He is the resurrection and the life, He asked her if she believed Him. Martha agreed and returned home. Now, when Mary received the news that Jesus was coming, she ran out to meet Him as well. Mary fell at His feet and with tears, she said, "Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died". Jesus was moved with compassion and cried with her. His response to Mary was, "where have ye laid him"? Both sisters asked the same question. Why did they receive different responses? Why was Martha told to believe and Mary received comfort? Could it have been the approach?
God is all knowing and all powerful. He is familiar with all of our ways. (Psalms 139:1-3) God can handle our responses to life issues. He understands our response to Him will be wrong at times due to pride. But God is committed to us and loves us enough to teach us His ways and how to honor Him.(Philippians 2:13) Our God is loving, kind and compassionate. But we must never forget that He is a King. The King of kings and no one or nothing is higher than He is. (Revelations 17:14) He requires and deserves our respect.
As we live through life's highs and lows, we will feel many things. But Jesus learned obedience through the things He suffered. (Hebrews 5:8) The challenges of life are no surprise to God. He wants us to take comfort in the truth. What truth? That He is in control and He loves us. He will never do anything to cause us harm. (James 1:13) God only wants to love us. It's okay to share your feelings with Him.(Isaiah 1:18) But take Mary's approach. Humble yourself in His awesome presence and He will lift you up.
Allow God's love to lift you through the hard times in life.
Michelle
One of the many miracles Jesus performed was Lazarus's resurrection. (John chapter 11) The Bible says after Jesus was told Lazarus was dying, he stayed in the city where he was for two more days. Lazarus was His friend and Jesus loved him. So why did Jesus wait? That is a question only He can answer. But lets take a look at Lazarus' sisters, Mary and Martha. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet Him. When she reached Him, she immediately said, "Lord, if you hadst been here, my brother had not died". After Jesus explained to her that He is the resurrection and the life, He asked her if she believed Him. Martha agreed and returned home. Now, when Mary received the news that Jesus was coming, she ran out to meet Him as well. Mary fell at His feet and with tears, she said, "Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died". Jesus was moved with compassion and cried with her. His response to Mary was, "where have ye laid him"? Both sisters asked the same question. Why did they receive different responses? Why was Martha told to believe and Mary received comfort? Could it have been the approach?
God is all knowing and all powerful. He is familiar with all of our ways. (Psalms 139:1-3) God can handle our responses to life issues. He understands our response to Him will be wrong at times due to pride. But God is committed to us and loves us enough to teach us His ways and how to honor Him.(Philippians 2:13) Our God is loving, kind and compassionate. But we must never forget that He is a King. The King of kings and no one or nothing is higher than He is. (Revelations 17:14) He requires and deserves our respect.
As we live through life's highs and lows, we will feel many things. But Jesus learned obedience through the things He suffered. (Hebrews 5:8) The challenges of life are no surprise to God. He wants us to take comfort in the truth. What truth? That He is in control and He loves us. He will never do anything to cause us harm. (James 1:13) God only wants to love us. It's okay to share your feelings with Him.(Isaiah 1:18) But take Mary's approach. Humble yourself in His awesome presence and He will lift you up.
Allow God's love to lift you through the hard times in life.
Michelle
"When thou saidst, seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee,
Thy face, Lord, will I seek. Psalms 27:8
Thy face, Lord, will I seek. Psalms 27:8
WHATEVER IT TAKES!
It is so easy to start something new filled with zeal and energy and lose that drive when the new thing has become familiar. We can fall into this same mindset in our walk with Christ. We experience the joy of salvation when Jesus comes into our lives. But, if we are not careful, our walk with Christ can become mundane, boring and a struggle rather than a joy. We are commanded to build ourselves up on our most holy faith (Jude 1:20). It is only through Christ that we can remain charged, active and ready for service as we were when we first met Him.
We have heard many times that Jesus is the vine and we are the branches (John 15:5). I believe we've heard this verse so many times that it has lost its meaning. Jesus is our power source. If you unplug a cord from the electrical socket, whatever it is connected to will have no power to operate. It is the same in our lives. If we allow life circumstances to lessen our time with God, we run the serious risk of being disconnected from the Vine (John 15:4). How is this so? The Word clearly states that "if anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned" (John 15:6). To make sure we remain connected with Jesus, the Word instructs us to examine ourselves (I Corinthians 11:28).
Take a good look at your life. Every area of your life. Are you still believing? Have you grown cold to the things of God? Have you lost your enthusiasm? Are you working mindlessly in your local church because it has become habitual instead of keeping your focus on God? (Colossians 3:23-25). If any of these answers are yes, run back to the Father. Repent and ask Him to change your heart (Psalms 51:1-12). Ask Him to stir up His fire in your heart again (Jude 1:20-21). If we ask anything in His name, the Father will give it to us (John 16:23).
Make the commitment to stay connected. Settle in your mind that you are willing to do whatever it takes to remain close to your heavenly Father (Philippians 3:8). Jesus says in John 14:23, "Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him". Isn't that EXCITING?! If we do what God says, He (including Jesus) will come to you and I and make their home with us. How's that for staying connected to the Vine!
Come with me and take the step of re-commitment today. Let us be filled with determination to do what our heavenly Father has commanded us to do. I know you want His presence manifested in your life as much as I do. We can make a brand new start today. Let's run with endurance the race that is set before us (Hebrews 12:1). The awesome reward ahead and the gift of His presence is more than enough to keep us motivated.
Be encouraged,
Michelle Grovner
We have heard many times that Jesus is the vine and we are the branches (John 15:5). I believe we've heard this verse so many times that it has lost its meaning. Jesus is our power source. If you unplug a cord from the electrical socket, whatever it is connected to will have no power to operate. It is the same in our lives. If we allow life circumstances to lessen our time with God, we run the serious risk of being disconnected from the Vine (John 15:4). How is this so? The Word clearly states that "if anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned" (John 15:6). To make sure we remain connected with Jesus, the Word instructs us to examine ourselves (I Corinthians 11:28).
Take a good look at your life. Every area of your life. Are you still believing? Have you grown cold to the things of God? Have you lost your enthusiasm? Are you working mindlessly in your local church because it has become habitual instead of keeping your focus on God? (Colossians 3:23-25). If any of these answers are yes, run back to the Father. Repent and ask Him to change your heart (Psalms 51:1-12). Ask Him to stir up His fire in your heart again (Jude 1:20-21). If we ask anything in His name, the Father will give it to us (John 16:23).
Make the commitment to stay connected. Settle in your mind that you are willing to do whatever it takes to remain close to your heavenly Father (Philippians 3:8). Jesus says in John 14:23, "Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him". Isn't that EXCITING?! If we do what God says, He (including Jesus) will come to you and I and make their home with us. How's that for staying connected to the Vine!
Come with me and take the step of re-commitment today. Let us be filled with determination to do what our heavenly Father has commanded us to do. I know you want His presence manifested in your life as much as I do. We can make a brand new start today. Let's run with endurance the race that is set before us (Hebrews 12:1). The awesome reward ahead and the gift of His presence is more than enough to keep us motivated.
Be encouraged,
Michelle Grovner
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JESUS IS MY ANSWER
The car won't start! My kid got kicked out of school! My spouse asked me for a divorce! I have cancer! I broke my arm! I have to move back home with my parents! I lost my job! I don't have enough money to pay my bills this month! This list can go on, and on, and on. The Word of God says, "the rain falls on the just and the unjust" (Matthew 5:45). It doesn't matter if we do everything right, a little rain must fall.
I was, and still am at times, the type of person that examined everything that happened in my life and tried to trace it back to an origin. If my car broke down, then I did something wrong to cause it. If I got a promotion, there had to be something I did to get that promotion. Sometimes, there is no origin. Believe it or not, some things 'just happen' (Ecclesiastes 9:11). God told us to pray without ceasing (I Thessalonians 5:17). He told us to be anxious about nothing (Philippians 4:6). But how can I do that and the technician is outside disconnecting my lights because the bill wasn't paid? Prayer is your answer. Well Michelle, that just sounds religious! Prayer is not going to stop this person from turning off my lights. Well, lets look at this situation together.
You don't have the money to pay an important bill. You need money. Remember, pray about everything (Philippians 4:6). So let's pray; 'Lord I need money to pay this bill. Show me what to do to meet this need. Lead me to what you have already prepared for me to meet this need, in Jesus name I pray, amen'. Okay, I've prayed, now what? Let's keep going.
The Word of God says, "Ask and it shall be given. Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened" (Luke 11:9). Is there someone you can call for help? Let down your guard. Humble yourself and ask someone for help. This is a faith step--acting on the Word of God. But Michelle, I did that and I can't find anyone to help me. Keep moving.
When David stood up against Goliath, he faced the giant. He ran to Goliath, unafraid (I Samuel 17:26, 46-50). So, lets face this giant together. Call the company and/or person you owe. Don't run. You can answer your phone. Humble yourself and ask, 'is there an arrangement I can make with you for payment'? Can you give me more time? Is there an organization or program I can get in contact with for help? Many times, God will give us favor with the company or person. Remember, we prayed for the need to be met. Well Michelle, that didn't work either. Now what? Let's keep moving.
The technician is outside ready to disconnect your lights. Go to the technician. Let the person know you are trying to get the money for the bill. Ask the technician, 'Can you give me more time in your work schedule'? More times than not, the person is understanding. If they don't offer, ask, to be put at the end of the list to give you more time. Do you see what we are doing? We are doing all that we can do (Ephesians 6:14). We have believed God's Word and acted on it. The Word of God says, 'having done all, stand'. Lift your hands and say, 'God, I've done all I can do' there is nothing left for me to do, so I am standing, believing that you will take care of me'. The Word of God says, "I have been young and now I am old, but I have never seen the righteous forsaken, nor their seed begging for bread" (Psalms 37:25). God will not disappoint you. Sometimes, we have to take the attitude of the three Hebrew boys in the fiery furnace (Daniel 3:11-27). They declared that God was able to deliver them, but even if He didn't, they would not compromise their belief in Him. They were thrown into the fire and they were not consumed. They didn't even smell like smoke when they walked out. Jesus was there.
If you've ever felt that you couldn't connect what God says to your everyday life, then here is an example. A life experience that you can use as a map to learn how to walk in God's Word. God can answer a problem supernaturally or through a process like the example you just read. In either case, HE WILL ANSWER.
You are not forsaken. You are not alone. God is always with you and He will 'PERFECT THOSE THINGS THAT CONCERNS YOU' (Psalms 138:8).
In His name,
Michelle G
Article written by site author
Prayers below were written by the site author.
I was, and still am at times, the type of person that examined everything that happened in my life and tried to trace it back to an origin. If my car broke down, then I did something wrong to cause it. If I got a promotion, there had to be something I did to get that promotion. Sometimes, there is no origin. Believe it or not, some things 'just happen' (Ecclesiastes 9:11). God told us to pray without ceasing (I Thessalonians 5:17). He told us to be anxious about nothing (Philippians 4:6). But how can I do that and the technician is outside disconnecting my lights because the bill wasn't paid? Prayer is your answer. Well Michelle, that just sounds religious! Prayer is not going to stop this person from turning off my lights. Well, lets look at this situation together.
You don't have the money to pay an important bill. You need money. Remember, pray about everything (Philippians 4:6). So let's pray; 'Lord I need money to pay this bill. Show me what to do to meet this need. Lead me to what you have already prepared for me to meet this need, in Jesus name I pray, amen'. Okay, I've prayed, now what? Let's keep going.
The Word of God says, "Ask and it shall be given. Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened" (Luke 11:9). Is there someone you can call for help? Let down your guard. Humble yourself and ask someone for help. This is a faith step--acting on the Word of God. But Michelle, I did that and I can't find anyone to help me. Keep moving.
When David stood up against Goliath, he faced the giant. He ran to Goliath, unafraid (I Samuel 17:26, 46-50). So, lets face this giant together. Call the company and/or person you owe. Don't run. You can answer your phone. Humble yourself and ask, 'is there an arrangement I can make with you for payment'? Can you give me more time? Is there an organization or program I can get in contact with for help? Many times, God will give us favor with the company or person. Remember, we prayed for the need to be met. Well Michelle, that didn't work either. Now what? Let's keep moving.
The technician is outside ready to disconnect your lights. Go to the technician. Let the person know you are trying to get the money for the bill. Ask the technician, 'Can you give me more time in your work schedule'? More times than not, the person is understanding. If they don't offer, ask, to be put at the end of the list to give you more time. Do you see what we are doing? We are doing all that we can do (Ephesians 6:14). We have believed God's Word and acted on it. The Word of God says, 'having done all, stand'. Lift your hands and say, 'God, I've done all I can do' there is nothing left for me to do, so I am standing, believing that you will take care of me'. The Word of God says, "I have been young and now I am old, but I have never seen the righteous forsaken, nor their seed begging for bread" (Psalms 37:25). God will not disappoint you. Sometimes, we have to take the attitude of the three Hebrew boys in the fiery furnace (Daniel 3:11-27). They declared that God was able to deliver them, but even if He didn't, they would not compromise their belief in Him. They were thrown into the fire and they were not consumed. They didn't even smell like smoke when they walked out. Jesus was there.
If you've ever felt that you couldn't connect what God says to your everyday life, then here is an example. A life experience that you can use as a map to learn how to walk in God's Word. God can answer a problem supernaturally or through a process like the example you just read. In either case, HE WILL ANSWER.
You are not forsaken. You are not alone. God is always with you and He will 'PERFECT THOSE THINGS THAT CONCERNS YOU' (Psalms 138:8).
In His name,
Michelle G
Article written by site author
Prayers below were written by the site author.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
While most of the world is busy making new year's resolutions, we are fortunate that we don't have to. As Christians, we experience new resolutions everyday because Jesus died on the cross for our deliverance from sin (John 3:16). Everyday is New Year's Day! Try not to be so hard on yourself when you experience hard times or trouble. Because we have a Savior, we can always start again! (Isaiah 1:18)
My prayer is that you will be thankful and live thankful this year.
Peace to you,
Michelle
My prayer is that you will be thankful and live thankful this year.
Peace to you,
Michelle
"But you shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you..." Acts 1:8a
IS IT REALLY ALL THAT?
When it comes to living the Christian lifestyle, have you wondered from time to time, 'does it take all of that to be seen as a Christian? The Word of God says that He has given us everything pertaining to life and godliness.(2 Peter 1:3) I used to think, 'if I am good enough and do everything just right, then the pain of my life will go away; I will finally be happy'. God has already provided our right standing (righteousness) with Him through Jesus Christ. (Hebrews 13:12) There is nothing left to 'work' for.
It is very easy to look at someone and the 'good deeds' they have done and think, 'if I do the same thing then I will be blessed with no trouble like they are; I will be happy too'. So you mimic their behavior and become frustrated when you do not have the same results. Anger and frustration comes in and it hinders your growth and your recovery from depression and anxiety.
God is an awesome God and His power is far beyond what we can understand. (Isaiah 55:8) You can observe two people who are performing the same duties and one person's work is acceptable and the other is not. How is this possible? God is the righteous judge and He sees beyond what we can see. He sees the intents of the heart. What motivates us plays a big part in our progress and growth.
I remember when I was younger, I was always concerned with whether I was doing things right. I was so hard on myself when I made the slightest mistake. My punishment to myself was far more than any punishment that I might have received. I still struggle with this issue. God has brought me a long way; but the road ahead is still long. When I would put these impossible expectations on myself, I would hear within myself, "Michelle...just be". I didn't know what that meant, "just be". I'm finally learning that God doesn't want me to be anything but myself in His presence. He accepts me for who I am, mistakes and all. (Ephesians 1:6) God was trying to take the heavy yoke of perfection off of my shoulders. Whether I do everything right or everything wrong, I know that God loves me. (Romans 8:39)
When we relax and accept all that God has done, we will receive power and inspiration to do all of the wonderful things God has called us to do. But we cannot do what He desires in our own strength. We must look to Jesus, who is the Author and the Finisher of our faith. (Hebrews 12:2) All of the wonderful things God has planned for us is given to us in, by and through Jesus Christ. Without Him, we maybe able to mimic some of those 'righteous' behaviors but we will see no progress; we will have no joy. If you are burdened with the yoke of perfection and trying to do things right to receive God's blessing and you want to be free, repeat this prayer:
"Father, I come to you in the name of Jesus. Lord I have depended on myself and looked to myself and my own strength to try to please You. I understand now that You have already provided everything I need to be in right standing with You. Please forgive me. Lord, You are the Author and the Finisher of my faith. You said that You would not stop the work you have begun in me. You call me perfect, in Christ. You call me your friend, in Christ. You said that I am clean and holy, Through Christ Jesus. You said that I am strong, in Christ. You said that I have everything I need, in Christ. I receive what you have done for me by sending your Son Jesus to save me. I choose to let go of this heavy burden, and by faith ,I receive Your yoke which is easy and light. Thank you Father for setting me free. I declare that I am free. Show me how to live life without demanding perfection from myself and others. Help me to 'just be' in Your presence, knowing that I am accepted and loved. I ask that You would give me power to live the life You have called me to. And, when I begin to see how You are changing my heart; when I see my life improve, I will give You all of the credit. God, I love you and I thank You for loving me. In Jesus name I pray, Amen".
Imagine this new way of living and thinking as if it were a huge semi-truck. If you have ever seen a semi-truck make a U-turn, you will notice that the head of the truck turns first. It appears that the back of the truck is going in the same direction. But this is not true. Once the head of the truck has turned, with a little time, the back of the truck turns with it. Eventually, the entire truck is going in the right direction. Keep believing, even when it seems that nothing has changed. You have chosen the most important part of the process--repentance (change). The Holy Spirit is the One who gives the power in making the rest of your life match your confession.
Rejoice in your freedom and be patient. If you have been living under the burden of perfection, it will take time to see the change. It is an impossible demand to expect to see ten, twenty or sometimes thirty years of wrong behavior turned all at once.
Peace to you and strength from on high,
Michelle
It is very easy to look at someone and the 'good deeds' they have done and think, 'if I do the same thing then I will be blessed with no trouble like they are; I will be happy too'. So you mimic their behavior and become frustrated when you do not have the same results. Anger and frustration comes in and it hinders your growth and your recovery from depression and anxiety.
God is an awesome God and His power is far beyond what we can understand. (Isaiah 55:8) You can observe two people who are performing the same duties and one person's work is acceptable and the other is not. How is this possible? God is the righteous judge and He sees beyond what we can see. He sees the intents of the heart. What motivates us plays a big part in our progress and growth.
I remember when I was younger, I was always concerned with whether I was doing things right. I was so hard on myself when I made the slightest mistake. My punishment to myself was far more than any punishment that I might have received. I still struggle with this issue. God has brought me a long way; but the road ahead is still long. When I would put these impossible expectations on myself, I would hear within myself, "Michelle...just be". I didn't know what that meant, "just be". I'm finally learning that God doesn't want me to be anything but myself in His presence. He accepts me for who I am, mistakes and all. (Ephesians 1:6) God was trying to take the heavy yoke of perfection off of my shoulders. Whether I do everything right or everything wrong, I know that God loves me. (Romans 8:39)
When we relax and accept all that God has done, we will receive power and inspiration to do all of the wonderful things God has called us to do. But we cannot do what He desires in our own strength. We must look to Jesus, who is the Author and the Finisher of our faith. (Hebrews 12:2) All of the wonderful things God has planned for us is given to us in, by and through Jesus Christ. Without Him, we maybe able to mimic some of those 'righteous' behaviors but we will see no progress; we will have no joy. If you are burdened with the yoke of perfection and trying to do things right to receive God's blessing and you want to be free, repeat this prayer:
"Father, I come to you in the name of Jesus. Lord I have depended on myself and looked to myself and my own strength to try to please You. I understand now that You have already provided everything I need to be in right standing with You. Please forgive me. Lord, You are the Author and the Finisher of my faith. You said that You would not stop the work you have begun in me. You call me perfect, in Christ. You call me your friend, in Christ. You said that I am clean and holy, Through Christ Jesus. You said that I am strong, in Christ. You said that I have everything I need, in Christ. I receive what you have done for me by sending your Son Jesus to save me. I choose to let go of this heavy burden, and by faith ,I receive Your yoke which is easy and light. Thank you Father for setting me free. I declare that I am free. Show me how to live life without demanding perfection from myself and others. Help me to 'just be' in Your presence, knowing that I am accepted and loved. I ask that You would give me power to live the life You have called me to. And, when I begin to see how You are changing my heart; when I see my life improve, I will give You all of the credit. God, I love you and I thank You for loving me. In Jesus name I pray, Amen".
Imagine this new way of living and thinking as if it were a huge semi-truck. If you have ever seen a semi-truck make a U-turn, you will notice that the head of the truck turns first. It appears that the back of the truck is going in the same direction. But this is not true. Once the head of the truck has turned, with a little time, the back of the truck turns with it. Eventually, the entire truck is going in the right direction. Keep believing, even when it seems that nothing has changed. You have chosen the most important part of the process--repentance (change). The Holy Spirit is the One who gives the power in making the rest of your life match your confession.
Rejoice in your freedom and be patient. If you have been living under the burden of perfection, it will take time to see the change. It is an impossible demand to expect to see ten, twenty or sometimes thirty years of wrong behavior turned all at once.
Peace to you and strength from on high,
Michelle
FURTHER STUDY:
We are continuing our focus on MATTERS OF THE HEART. The prior lessons from the prior month can be found in the Archives files.
Read and think about the following scriptures. Think about what God is saying to you as you read.
1. HEBREWS 12:13 -- Where does our right standing with God come from?
2. Read ROMANS chapter 8. What is God saying to you in this chapter. Think about the first two verses. What is it saying to you?
3. What steps will you take to apply these truths to your life?
PREVENTING A RELAPSE:
When you begin making behavioral changes to come out of depression and anxiety, you may experience stumbling blocks along the way. This includes a relapse. Here is a wonder video sharing information on how to come out of a relapse and get back on the road to wellness.
