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How to Deal with Chronic Fear and Anxiety

How to Deal with Chronic Fear and Anxiety

Fear is something that we will all experience in our lives, but fear is actually an emotion that we can control.

Fear is an emotion that brings on a reaction of fight or flight. Fear can manifests itself in all areas of our lives. When fear comes, we generally choose one of two pathways; we either stand and battle out whatever is causing the fear, or we run away from the fearful situation. Fear is the most powerful weapon that the enemy can use against us. Living in fear can absolutely can kill, steal, and destroy. Isn’t this the scheme of Satan?

As I am watching the latest on the school shooting here in my home state of Florida, many thoughts are running through my mind. I wonder how many parents are thinking they need to homeschool their children.

I wonder how my daughter and son would react in the same situation if it happened in their schools. Would they give in to fear, would they be able to react in time and overcome their fear to survive? How many teachers are thinking they need to resign?

Last night one of the schools in a nearby small town cancelled school today because of a potential threat. This morning, I watched my kids walk out the door for school, and worry did run through my mind, but I also know that I cannot give into fear. I lived in fear for many years of my life as a result of an abusive childhood.

It took a long time for me to learn how to control my fear but once I did my life changed dramatically. First, I had to accept that there are some things in life that I am not going to be able to control. I have to live my life, and stop merely existing. Fear can paralyze even the strongest of person, and the grip is so tight it’s almost impossible to get out of its hold. Fear would give me overwhelming anxiety and take over all of my senses. Understand that fear is a product of the evil in this world and that evil uses fear to control. Once you allowed fear to enter into your mind you are already suffering.

There are a lot of things going on in the world right now and we can choose to be afraid, to send our kids to school and or we can teach them to speak up when they see questionable Snapchats, texts, or whatever.

We can equip our children to live in their generation without being afraid. Our kids will emulate our actions and reactions so we need to learn how to deal with fear first and foremost.

One of the ways that I battle fear is to control my mind and it’s thought processes. Satan can do a lot of things but he cannot control your thoughts. The mind can occupy just one single thought at a time.

So, in order to keep fear at bay, I have learned the key point to getting out of the emotion of fear is to stay positive. I have learned to make positive statements to myself almost repetitively. I have found that when I think on the positive aspects of my life or the positive things around me, my conscious mind eventually accepts my subconscious mind. I have learned to make positive statements to myself almost repetitively. I have found that when I think on the positive aspects of my life or the positive things around me, my conscious mind eventually accepts my subconscious mind.

One other thing I hold on to keep me calm is reading my favorite passages in the Bible. The Bible holds a wealth of comforting words to keep me calm and serein, so, often I go to the Bible to read passages that hold fearful situations back.

Fear is the opposite of faith, and as long as I have God in my life I trust in His plan for me and my family. The Bible says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear”¦” (2 Timothy 1: 7a NKJV) Because I know that fear is not of God, I choose to not let fear control me. Satan would have me to doubt and fear, God would have me to trust Him and live a happy fulfilled life despite what terrible things happen to me and around me. God didn’t give us the Spirit of fear. We can’t control what is going on in the world, but we can control our emotions and how we allow fear to play a part in our lives.

 

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Idle Words

Idle Words

A verse in Matthew 12:36 says that men shall give account of every idle word they speak.   Some may focus their thoughts on how God is keeping tabs on every word we speak. Others may wonder how our words will be played back before us on the day of judgment (2 Corinthians 5:10), that is, the Bema Seat for the redeemed, which is a day of rewarding. But one thing we ought to reflect on is how God desires us to act responsibly in the area of our speech life. God holds us accountable for what we say. Clearly, He does not want us to be thoughtless about the words that come out of our mouths.

The New International Version translates the original word used to “empty” instead of KJV’s “idle, while the ESV translates it as “careless”. The Amplified Bible explains the original word as “inoperative and nonworking.” From these translations we get a better understanding of what idle words are.

Idle words are careless words.

Careless words are spoken with little or [no] thought for avoiding error or harm. You may have the best intention but if you do not put your words together with care, you may end up causing more harm than good. If you speak carelessly, conflicts may deepen rather than become resolved. Avoid speaking idle words by considering how to better get your ideas and opinions across. Consider the feelings and the state of mind and heart of the person you are talking to. No matter how good your words are, if someone is not ready or prepared to listen, nothing good will come out of the conversation. Time your words and seek not only to impart truth but to impart understanding. Also, fact check first before forming opinions and drawing conclusions. Then, speak your mind.

Idle words are unprofitable words.

Some have the habit of speaking their mind constantly. Well, speaking one’s mind is a necessity. There’s nothing wrong with that. But to be on a constant, unrestrained habit of speaking your mind can be irresponsible. It is important to get things off of your chest, but you shouldn’t abuse your right to do that. A Christian who seeks to be responsible with his speech life must learn to choose words that benefit others, not just oneself. A growing Christian understands that even in talking, one should not be selfish nor self-centered. The thing you want to speak about must benefit both you and the person you are talking to, otherwise, it’s not a helpful matter to discuss. Information, correction, teaching; these are all profitable. How about gossip, plain criticism, shaming. Are the people involved in the conversation made better after talking and hearing these?

Idle words are meaningless words.

Fluff, fillers, exaggerations, and at times, flatteries; these types of speech are in danger of being meaningless. Meaningless words have no purpose, no reason, and no significance. Often, it’s only the foolish who like fluffy words, exaggerations, and flatteries. The thinkers, the no-nonsense non-time wasters, prefer the actualities all the time. Simple flatteries can boost esteem. They can fan the flame and encourage people to do better. But a mountain full of flatteries can weigh a person or a project down. When people fail to see where things really stand, needful changes are hard to discern. Growth slows down, nothing gets better.

There is a way to “not mince words” yet to speak your mind with tact, respect, and concern. There is a way to speak the truth in love and it’s not about honey coating your words. Speaking the truth in love is not having words made artificially sweet. There’s no need to do that. When you speak the truth in love, you come from a place where the intention is pure love; you come from a place where there is a careful consideration of the person’s feelings; you come from a place where the words chosen are most beneficial. Come from a place like that and your words will be naturally sweet and pleasant to a willing listener. What you say may even hurt, but to the right listener who knows and trust your character, what you say will bring fruit.

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8 Powerful Healing Plants from the Bible

8 Powerful Healing Plants from the Bible

During some of the earliest Bible times, people are recorded using plants for healing. Recent trends have begun to swing away from pharmacy and back into the direction of natural, homoeopathic medicine. Sometimes we think that something is a new discovery when it is, in fact, thousands of years old!

I’m not suggesting that we should completely throw out modern medical advances and cures in exchange for only herbs and tinctures. But I do advocate taking a look at the powerful healing plants God put on the earth for our benefit. After all, God gave them to us for a reason!

Here are some of the healing plants mentioned in the bible and suggestions on ways they can be effectively used today:

Frankincense

While Frankincense is closely identified as a substance brought as a gift to Jesus after his birth, it’s not likely that Mary was slathering this oil on the bottom of his feet! At the time, Frankincense was a precious and valuable perfume and was used in priestly rituals as well as indicating prosperity and wealth. Thus, the gift of the Magi to Jesus.

Biblical References: Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, 1 Chronicles, Nehemiah, Song of Solomon, Jeremiah, Matthew, Revelation

Modern Uses: Frankincense essential oil is known for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immune boosting properties. Many people use it in the winter to protect against colds and other germs, as well as to relieve stress and anxiety.

On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Matthew 2:11

Myrrh

Extracted from the resin from the Myrrh tree, this oil was prescribed by God as a crucial ingredient in the holy anointing oil used on priests. It was also offered to Christ, mixed with wine, in order to dull his pain while on the cross in order to dull his pain. But he refused it.

Biblical References: Genesis, Exodus, Psalms, Proverbs, Song of Solomon, Matthew, Mark, John

Modern Uses: Today, myrrh is readily accessible (although a bit pricey) as an essential oil. Its benefits include boosting the immune system, fighting infection, improving digestion, and stimulating circulation. It also has a tendency to promote positive feelings as well as working well against skin diseases.

All your robes are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia; from palaces adorned with ivory the music of the strings makes you glad. Psalm 45:8

Garlic

Used medicinally as well as for food, this pungent bulb was likely introduced to the Israelites when they were in Egypt. They were recorded as longing for this tasty ingredient during their time in the desert when they were eating only manna.

Biblical References: Numbers

Modern Uses: Garlic is used today as a dietary supplement to help with heart problems such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and hardened arteries. It also can offer a boost to the immune system and may even help to protect against the development of cancer.

We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost—also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic.   Numbers 11:5

Aloe

Related to Bible times, aloe is broad term in the bible for a family of plants from which the centre can be extracted particularly for its healing properties. Symbolically, aloe was related to provision and abundance, as well as being used as an embalming ointment to honour the dead.

Biblical References: Numbers, Psalms, Proverbs, Song of Solomon, John

Modern Uses: Today we typically use the term “aloe” as a shortened version of Aloe Vera, which is a popular plant that resembles a cactus and contains a gel-like substance in its leaves. The gel extracted from the leaves is known to soothe skin rashes, treat burns, heal cold sores, reduce inflammation, aid in digestion, and boost antioxidants.

Like valleys they spread out, like gardens beside a river, like aloes planted by the Lord, like cedars beside the waters. Numbers 24:6

Cedarwood

Commonly burned ceremonially because of its scent, Cedarwood is linked with purification and cleansing. It was also extracted into an oil and used as a purifying agent as well as an embalming substance. The wood itself was used prolifically in the building of the temple, considered to be sacred and holy.

Biblical References: Leviticus, Numbers, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, Psalms, Song of Solomon, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Ezra, Zechariah

Modern Uses: As an essential oil, Cedarwood is often used in association with reducing pain, inflammation, spasms, and fungal infections. From a mental standpoint, the scent is believed to increase focus and promote wise thoughts.

The inner sanctuary was twenty cubits long, twenty wide and twenty high. He overlaid the inside with pure gold, and he also overlaid the altar of cedar. 1 Kings 6:20

Cinnamon

While we now often associate cinnamon with yummy baked goods, that wasn’t the case during bible times. In fact, this spice was once considered to be more valuable than gold because of its medicinal properties. Cinnamon oil was extracted from the bark and used for perfume and anointing.

Biblical References: Exodus, Proverbs, Song of Solomon, Revelation

Modern Uses: Cinnamon is powerful for supporting the immune system, promoting circulation, relieving achy muscles and joint pain, and maintaining oral health. Some people use Cinnamon essential oil, diluted with a carrier oil, by massaging it into the skin over sore joints and muscles.

I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon. Proverbs 7:17

Cassia

Another sacred perfume extracted from the bark of the Cassia plant, the scent of this oil is similar to the more familiar cinnamon and would have been used in anointing oil. During Bible times it was also used in powdered form during commerce and trade.

Biblical References: Exodus, Psalms, Ezekiel

Modern Uses: In the form of an essential oil, Cassia is often used to help as a treatment for diarrhoea, relief from arthritis pain, improvement in circulation, reduction of inflammation, and relief from menstrual cramps and other symptoms.

All your robes are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia; from palaces adorned with ivory the music of the strings makes you glad.   Psalm 45:8

Mint

Mentioned specifically only in the New Testament, mint was commonly grown herb. It is suspected that mint may have been included as one of the bitter herbs which were used in the Passover celebration. Mint may have been scattered onto dirt floors or hung in houses to cover over foul smells and create a welcoming scent. Mint may have also been used as a seasoning for foods and

Biblical References: Matthew, Luke

Modern Uses: Now there are more than 1000 hybrid varieties of this herb, some of the more familiar including peppermint, spearmint, and pennyroyal. Its health benefits include help with digestion and tummy discomfort, freshening breath, opening up breathing passages for asthma or colds and even reducing memory loss.

You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. Luke 11:42

Some of these healing plants might be growing in your backyard while others are a bit more obscure. Many of them are available in the form of essential oils or nutritional supplements. As with any type of homoeopathic medical treatment (no matter how natural) be sure to check with a medical professional about whether these are safe to use for your specific needs.  

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Feeling Anxious? Beat Anxiety with 3 Biblical Steps

Life is filled with all kinds of reasons to be afraid and anxious. War. Disease. Politics. Poverty. Death. Failure. Rejection. Clowns.

Some fears are specific and reasonable. Others are generic and unfounded.

We don’t have to read the bible very long to notice fear cropping up. Repeatedly the characters in the Old and New Testaments are commanded not to fear. When the phrase “Do not fear” so often appears, we get the idea that God doesn’t want us to be afraid.

But in the context of our world filled with so much anxiety and fear, does the bible give anything more than simply a command not to fear?

Yes, it very much does!

Although scripture doesn’t often provide step-by-step instructions in the form of a “How-To” guide, this is one case where it does. And it’s one of my favorites.

It’s right there in the letter Paul wrote to the Philippians — a veritable recipe for beating anxiety!

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

Let’s break it down into three easy steps: the Command, the Action, and the Promise.

The Command: Do Not Be Anxious

If this command was a stand-alone, then I would be out of the game before even getting started. Because I can’t just manufacture peace and calm on my own! Thankfully, Paul gave the command but he didn’t just leave it there. He gave a “what” (do not be anxious) and then he gave the “how” that follows.

The Action: Present Your Requests to God

If you’re thinking that presenting requests to God is like presenting a wish list to Santa at Christmas, then you’re a bit off track. We first need a relationship with God in order to earn the right to start a conversation with him. And that comes through Jesus.

By prayer”¦.

Once we believe in Jesus as the one who saves us, God becomes our Father. And our relationship with him happens through prayer. Prayer is simply a conversation with God.

Often our prayers are one-way—we ask him for stuff. But prayer ideally goes both ways. One synonym for prayer is “devotion”. Take time during prayer to declare your devotion to God and praise him just because he is.

And petition”¦.

Here’s where the asking part comes in. Petitioning is asking God for something. In this case, ask God to meet a specific need that is causing anxiety. Ask him to help you trust him to provide. Ask him to remind you that he loves us and will not leave you alone. Ask him to take your anxiety away.

It’s absolutely okay to ask God for help. He knows that we need him and he is happy to hear us connect with that.

With thanksgiving”¦.

When someone asks you for something and you give it to them, how does it make you feel if they don’t thank you? Remember, God also likes to be thanked for the good things that he give, generally and specifically. If you’re not feeling like there’s much to be thankful for, look around and find something. Life. Breath. Sunshine. Rain. Grass. Your job. A carrot. Whatever. Be thankful.

When we take a posture of gratefulness, we avoid repeatedly coming to God as spoiled children. He doesn’t mind that we are needy. But he does mind if we are ungrateful.

The Promise: Peace

Once you’ve walked through praying, asking and thinking, it’s time for peace.

Even if the world around you doesn’t make sense and your friends tell you that you should be panicking, you have this promise:

The Peace of God

which Transcends All Understanding

will Guard your Heart and your Mind

in Christ Jesus.

 

This means that your family might not get it or your financial advisor might be telling you the ends just won’t meet. But if you’ve walked with God in prayer, petition and thanksgiving then you’ll receive his peace.

At first, you might experience peace for just a moment until you need to take a deep breath and start the whole process over again. Sort of like the “Lather. Rinse Repeat” instructions listed on your shampoo. But it will get easier and become more natural. The action of taking everything to Jesus is critical in order to receive peace.

Anxious thoughts popping up? Pray with petition and thanksgiving. Peace doesn’t last very long? Pray again.

Pray. Receive Peace. Repeat.

It’s really rather simple. Because with as many times as the Bible is confusing, Paul gave clear instructions on where to find peace.

Pray. Receive Peace. Repeat.

Not sure if you believe it? Try it out. Maintain a continual dialogue with God that includes prayer, petition, and thanksgiving. See what happens.

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Can A Christian Be Angry and Not Sin?

Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments" (John 14:15). And one of his Scriptural commands is, “Be angry, and do not sin."

To get angry is normal. Like love, it is a human emotion. Like love, it is an emotion that God also feels. Scriptures share instances where God Himself got angry. Yes, God who cannot sin got angry. That means anger is not inherently wrong. That means that God’s anger is always rightly caused and rightly managed. God became angry with Solomon because his heart turned away from God. God got angry with Moses in the wilderness because he took the glory away from God.

A Christian can get angry for the right reasons.

It is normal to get angry when an offense is committed when boundaries are overstepped, and when principles are violated. It’s right to be angry when there’s disobedience or a breaking of trust. These are all valid reasons.

Scriptures tell us that getting angry easily and at the slightest of reasons is wrong. Ecclesiastes 7:9 tells us not to be eager in our heart to be angry, For anger resides in the bosom of fools.  Patience must be afforded when needed. Rebellion or repetitive abuse towards you rightly causes anger but first-time offenses may be unintentional and need only your loving rebuke and redirection.

You should also be careful not to get angry when your expectations aren’t met. There are reasonable expectations and there are unreasonable ones. Just because somebody doesn’t measure up to your standards doesn’t mean they are deserving of your anger.

Our Father is angry when we sin and do wrong because no good thing ever comes from a life of sin. But God never gets angry about our weakness or shortcomings. He never chides us or belittles us for our failings. No. He encourages us and empowers us towards betterment.

Right Anger is Anger Managed Rightly

Throughout Scriptures, we see a God who deals with sin yet loves the sinning. We see consequences but we also see mercy. We see broken fellowship but we also see restoration.

The Bible coaches us on how to rightly manage anger:

  1. Do not prolong your anger.

Ephesians 4:26 says, “In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.” We should never let our anger turn into something else. If we are able to deal with the issue then confront it. If there is no way to directly settle the problem, then we prayerfully wait and seek God’s help for an opportunity to right the wrong that has been committed against us.

  1. let anger control you.

Proverbs 29:11 says, “Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end”. No matter how valid your reason for anger is you must not allow it to dominate you and steer you into an uncontrollable outburst. Even if the hurt is too much, remember that a Spirit yielded life will exercise control.

  1. Do not let anger drive you to unwholesome talk.

In our anger, we must keep in mind the purpose of our rebuke; to point out wrong and to warn the offender not to repeat the same mistake again. Ephesians 4:29 tells us not to allow foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk to come out of our mouths, but only what is helpful. The world lashes out in anger. The world curses belittle and shames. But we are not the world. We are the church. While some may even say it feels better to speak out like that, in the end, what profit does corrupt talk really bring? Does it better how people look at you? Does it solve your problem? Does it help the offender?

  1. Do not let anger make you bitter and vengeful.

Ephesians 4:27 warns us that prolonged anger gives the enemy a foothold. It gives him an opening for manipulating us into thinking and doing the wrong things. Anger is often prolonged when it remains unexpressed and undealt with. It is actually healthier to express and explain your anger early on. When matters are dealt with, resentment and bitterness will not creep in.

Some offenders may refuse to change. When someone hurts us repeatedly, anger may build up. So if we are able, we should remove ourselves from any situation that will allow the offender to do us wrong again. We should not allow wrong to continue.

Some offenses may be overwhelmingly hurtful and tragic and thus have no remedy. While a desire to hurt back may arise, settle your heart and mind onto praying for and seeking justice. Romans 12:19 reminds us not to take revenge but to allow God to work out justice for us. Wait on God to move and allow Him to heal you as you wait on Him.

  1. Do not let anger make you unforgiving.

In Matthew 18:21,22 Jesus tells us to forgive without taking count. Colossians 3:13 tells us to exercise a forgiving spirit just as we have been recipients of God’s forgiveness. Forgiving is not always easy, it is a supernatural act. It is something we allow the Holy Spirit to prepare and empower us for. We may not immediately be ready to forgive, but if we are willing; the readiness will always come.

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Worldly Peace Vs. God’s Peace

Worldly Peace Vs. God’s Peace

Foreknowing His coming crucifixion, aware of how troubled His disciples would become, Jesus, utters the following words: “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.” In meditating on His assuring words, we learn that the world’s peace is different from God’s peace. We also learn that God’s peace is far more sustaining. It exceeds all that worldly peace can offer. Why would there be a need for Jesus to present it to His disciples if it wasn’t so?

Worldly peace falters; God’s peace remains constant

Worldly peace rises and falls to the occasion. There can only be peace of mind when things are going well when one is secure and life is smooth sailing. A man who relies on this world for peace will crumble in times of struggle and uncertainty.

God’s peace is steady. It is undisturbed in times of hardships. The man who relies on God for peace will rise above struggles and uncertainties. It is because the heart and mind know not to trust in circumstances but in the very nature of God Himself. He will work things out for my good. (Romans 8:28)

Philippians 4:6 and 7 tell us not to be “anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving; we are to present our requests to God.” When we entrust all our difficulties to Him, God’s peace will come and steady our hearts.   It may seem strange to others or even hard to understand. But regardless of the turmoil around us, God’s peace keeps our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus our enabler and strengthener.

Worldly peace disintegrates; God’s peace remains whole

Worldly peace breaks down in times of need. There can only be peace of mind when needs are met and when one’s desires are fulfilled. A man who relies on this world for peace may reach desperation in times of lack and shortage.

God’s peace is sustainable.   It satisfies in times of want. The man who relies on God for peace will always feel sufficiency. It is because it trusts the God who will come to our aid in our greatest time of need.

Hebrews 4:16 tells us to “approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

When we entrust all our needs and insufficiencies to Him, God’s peace will come. We will feel his mercy and grace deepening us, maturing us. We may not find immediate solutions. We may not find quick provisions. But we will find ourselves less panicky and more trusting. We will be less despondent and more patient as we await answers. It is because the heart and mind know not to trust in one’s capacity to solve problems but in the very nature of God Himself.   He will supply what I need. (Philippians 4:19)

God’s peace is yours for the taking

God’s peace is ours to enjoy. It’s not like a magic potion that causes all problems to disappear. It’s not like a magic genie that grants all our wishes and desires. If anything, God’s peace is like a blanket. It comforts. It warms us up when we feel down and out. It shields. It covers and protects us amidst varying situations and conditions. In Isaiah 26:3, God promises to keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast and trusting in Him. In John 16:33, Christ promises that while in this world, we will face trouble; in Him, we may always have peace. Let’s claim God’s peace. Let’s not trade it for what this world offers.

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Being Brave: A 40-Day Journey to the Life God Dreams for You

Part 1 of an interview with Kelly Johnson,Author of Being Brave: A 40-Day Journey to the Life God Dreams for You

The world can be a scary place, and the fear it produces can spiral us into a sort of paralysis that keeps us from speaking truth, living boldly, and encouraging others. To spur us back into action, life coach Kelly Johnson has written a devotional, Being Brave: A 40-Day Journey to the Life God Dreams for You  (Abingdon Press), to help fan the flame of bravery that lies in wait within everyone.  

Q: How did your daughter first start you on the journey to study about being brave, and what role did she play in encouraging you to write this book?

When my youngest daughter was nine years old, she was having a particularly tough day. She had worn me out with her growing list of worries, complaints, aches, pains, and fears, and I told her I didn’t know what else I could do for her. I had depleted my reservoir of mommy tricks in my efforts to help her get to the other side of her increasing angst and finally said to her, “Brooke, I don’t know how to help you.” She looked up at me with tears in her eyes and said, “Mommy, I just need you to tell me that I’m a brave soldier.” Her response to me that day began our family’s journey with the power of naming one another brave.

When Brooke left for college a few years ago, she wrote me a letter inviting me to step out and be brave in this new season of my life. Through my curiosity around the word brave, I started writing, reading, and wondering about what being brave meant for women like me who wanted to live lives of meaning and purpose but were sometimes scared to step out of their comfort zones. In October 2015, I offered my first Being Brave retreat where we explored God’s vision for our life, the barriers to fully embracing that braver life, and the part our connection to one another played in hearing God’s voice more clearly. This book was originally created as a resource and follow-up for my retreat attendees to go more deeply into the concepts we covered at the retreat.

Q: How is being brave tied into our faith and identity as Christians? Why is it powerful to be called brave?  

The most often repeated command in scripture is “do not fear.” God knew we would need encouragement to help us deal with our tendency to be sidetracked by our fears, so we find hundreds of scriptures about fear and courage in the Bible. Every exhortation to set aside our fear includes a reminder of God’s presence. Because of God’s presence, we can defeat the power of fear in our life and live in the fullness of who God made us to be. Because of God, we are brave. The theme verse for our journey is found in 2 Timothy 1:7:

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity,but a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline.

Remembering we are brave reminds us of our identity as children of God and sets us free to do the next right thing with confidence. Naming one another BRAVE, calling out the brave soldier in each other, is a powerful way of speaking out loud the following message of solidarity and inspiration: “I see your struggle. I see your brave, hard work. I believe in you, and I’m here if you need help.” When we are reminded of our inherent, God-given courage, we can turn down the volume on the voice of our inner critic and turn up the volume on God’s voice. Remembering we are brave helps us tap into the part of ourselves that is creative and resourceful.

Q: You describe part of being brave as being bold, confident, and resilient. What encouragement do you have for the woman who doesn’t feel like she is any of those things?  

My experience both personally and in my interactions with friends and clients tells me many of us would have trouble describing ourselves with those words most of the time. While we might be willing to acknowledge confidence, boldness, or resilience in ourselves in some areas, many of us are much quicker to see those qualities in others. We tend to compare our insides with other people’s outsides and reach the conclusion that others possess something we just don’t have. I would encourage the woman who struggles to identify those qualities in herself to ask a trusted friend or family member for help in the discovery process. We are always more connected to our courage in the context of community. Find the people who encourage you to step out and exercise your confidence muscles and offer them the gift of encouragement in return.

I would also encourage her to determine what she thinks being bold, confident, and resilient looks like and act that way until she begins to feel that way. One of my favorite quotes about being brave is from Aristotle. He says, “We become brave by doing brave acts.” I believe scripture tells us that God created us to be brave, bold, confident, and resilient. Until we remember what that feels like, we need to encourage one another and practice doing brave things. Do one thing that scares you every day, no matter how small, and catch your friends being brave.  

Q: Who was Being Brave written for?

The Being Brave journey is for women who feel stuck and want to get un-stuck. This book is for the woman who dreams of a life of deeper purpose and passion, even though she isn’t sure she has anything significant to contribute. This book is for the woman who feels lonely, even though she has 750 friends on Facebook, and for the woman who loves Jesus, even though she doesn’t always feel like she fits in at church. This book is for the woman longing for deeper connection to God and to other women like her. This book is for the woman who needs someone to tell her she is brave, her story matters, and the party won’t be complete without her.

Q: Tell us a little bit about the format of Being Brave. How did you intend for the book to be used?

The book is formatted as a forty-day devotional journey. Using our theme scripture from 2 Timothy and an acronym of the word BRAVE, we explore six facets of being brave. On this journey, being brave includes being Bold, Resilient, Authentic, Vulnerable, Engaged, and Empowered by the Spirit. Each day explores one of the six facets of bravery with two scripture verses, an illustration, three thought-provoking questions, and a prayer. Along the way, we take inspiration from Jesus and His brave followers during the final weeks of His ministry, in addition to examples of courage from my own community.

My prayer is that readers will find an accessible guide to thinking about being brave in a new way and be willing to consider the idea that our Creator is willing and able to accompany us on the journey. I hope Being Brave is a book that both seasoned devotional enthusiasts and those who have never used a daily devotional before will find meaningful. In less than thirty minutes, most readers will be able to explore the daily offering and consider ways to incorporate the various facets of bravery into their day.

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Is God Calling You?

Is God Calling You?

Worthless, reject, loser, hopeless … the words played over and over in her head. She tried to ignore them but they had awakened something deep inside her. An overwhelming sense of inadequacy and despair washed over her. These were words she had heard many times before. She felt trapped by them. No matter how hard she tried to escape them they sat there deep inside like an anchor. They weighed heavily on her. The truth was, somewhere along the line she started to believe them.

Words have tremendous power. We can use them to call out the best and inspire strength. Alternately, we can use them to plant distortion, limitation and shroud others with a crippling sense of incapacity. Before Jesus was crucified and his disciples were tested he choose to call something out of them. He called out hope, restoration, purpose, identity and promise. His exact words were:

“…You are my friends when you do the things I command you. I’m no longer calling you servants because servants don’t understand what their master is thinking and planning. No, I’ve named you friends because I’ve let you in on everything I’ve heard from the Father.”

“You didn’t choose me, remember; I chose you, and put you in the world to bear fruit, fruit that won’t spoil.” (John 15:15-16, The Message Bible)

Jesus removed the labels that limited and restricted. He uproots them and plants life. He secures what he seeds in their hearts and minds with a reminder. “You didn’t choose me, I chose you,” he said. These words remind them that there is no dependency on them. Who they were or what they did had no influence on his choice. Their identity was solely dependent on him. The fact is nothing they would or could ever do had the power to uproot what he established in them. He called them his friends. That declaration inspires awe, humility and deep gratitude.

What are you letting others call you? What identity have you adopted that is not your own? Let it go and let God’s declaration take root in your heart. He calls you chosen. He calls you friend.

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How to Stand With God Through the Storms of Life

How to Stand With God Through the Storms of Life

A lady was driving along with her father. They came upon a storm, and the young lady asked her father, what should we do? He said to keep driving. Cars began pulling over to the side of the road as the storm was getting worse. What should I do, the young lady asked? Keep driving, her father replied.

On up a few feet, she noticed that eighteen wheeler lorries were also pulling over to the side of the road. She said I must pull over as I can hardly see ahead. It’s terrible, and everyone else is pulling over. Her father told her not to give up, just keep driving!

Now the storm was horrendous, but she never stopped driving, and soon she could see a little more clearly. After a couple of miles, she was again on dry land, and the sun eventually came out.

Her father said, now you can pull over and get out. She said but why now father? He said because when you get out, you’ll be able to  see that all the people that gave up are still in the storm and because you never gave up, your storm is now over.

Have you ever been in a serious thunderstorm or maybe even a hurricane or tornado? This is a testimony for anyone who is going through “hard times” right now. Just because everyone else, even the strongest, gives up. Doesn’t  mean you have to. If you keep going, soon your storm will be over too and the sun will shine upon your face again.

This story touched us! We hope it touched you too and feel free to pass it on to people you know and tell them the following:

  1. “Dig deep & pull the roots of confidence from the ground of your being, standing firm in the raging storm until sunlight blossoms inside you.” ’- Curtis Tyrone Jones
  2. In our own strength, we lack sufficient resources and abilities to meet life’s challenges. so God provides what we need. ’- Unknown
  3. “I am not what happened to me. I am what I choose to become.” –Emma Watson
  4. Do not fear when the waves are dashing high against your soul, simply say, “Devil, if my ship goes down, I’ll just walk on the water.” ’- Unknown
  5. “Faith can keep you alive in any storm.” ’- Lailah Gifty Akita, Think Great: Be Great!
  6. To never give up, because God will never give up on them.  ’- Unknown
  7. There are times when God will not get you out of the fiery furnace, but like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, God will keep the fire from burning you. ’- Daniel 3.16:27*
  8. That there are times when you will end up in the lion’s den, but, like *Daniel*, He will shut the mouths of the lions for your sake. ’- Daniel 6:16-23
  9. Still, there are times when He will not keep you out of prison, but, like *Joseph*, He will shower you with immeasurable favour in the prison walls.  ’- Genesis 39:20-23.
  10. And there are times when He will not take the cup away but, like *Jesus*, God will give you the strength to drink from the cup.  ’- Unknown
  11. “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain. ~Vivian Greene” ’- Sandra Kopp, A Dark Moon Rises
  12. “There are some things we learn on stormy seas that we never learn on calm smooth waters. We don’t look for storms but they will surely find us. The “God of the Storm” has something to teach us, and His love always drives His actions.” ’- Danny L Deaub
  13. But in all these situations, there’s a *calm assurance* as Jesus said, “l am with you always, even to the very end”. ’- Matt 28:20.
  14. “You cannot forever escape from the storm; you must learn to stand up to it!” ’- Mehmet Murat ildan
  15. “I have both the violent turbulence of the storm and the quiet promises of God in the storm. And what I must work to remember is that something is not necessarily stronger simply because it’s louder.” ’- Craig D. Lounsbrough

 

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Is a Thorough Knowledge of the Bible Really worth More than a College Education?

A thorough knowledge of the Bible is worth more than a college education. - Theodore Roosevelt

“It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible.”
– George Washington

No other study will so ennoble every thought, feeling, and aspiration as the study of the Scriptures. No other book can satisfy the questionings of the mind and the craving of the heart. By obtaining a knowledge of God’s Word men may rise from the lowest depths of ignorance and degradation to become the sons of God, the associates of sinless angels.

“Nobody ever outgrows Scripture; the book widens and deepens with our years.”
– Charles Haddon Spurgeon

As an educating power, the Bible is without a rival. Nothing will so impart vigour to all the faculties as an effort to grasp the stupendous truths of revelation. The mind gradually adapts itself to the subjects upon which it is allowed to dwell. If occupied with commonplace matters only, it will become dwarfed and enfeebled.

“Reading through the entire Bible provides an opportunity to better understand Scripture’s “big picture.”

In its wide range of style and subjects, the Bible has something to interest every mind and appeal to every heart. In it the most simply stated truths are involved – principles that are as high as heaven and that encompass eternity.

There is no position in life, no phase of human experience, for which the Bible does not contain valuable instruction. Ruler and subject, master and servant, buyer and seller, borrower and lender, parent and child, teacher and student – all may here find lessons of priceless worth.

“The first and almost the only Book deserving of universal attention is the Bible.”
– John Quincy Adams

But above all else, the Word of God sets forth the plan of salvation: shows how sinful man may be reconciled to God, lays down the great principles of truth and duty which should govern our lives, and promises us divine aid in their observance. It reaches beyond this fleeting life, beyond the brief and troubled history of our race. It opens to our view the long vista of eternal ages – ages undarkened by sin, undimmed by sorrow.

“The American nation from its first settlement at Jamestown to this hour is based upon and permeated by the principles of the Bible.”
– Justice David Joseph Brewer, Supreme Court Justice

Don’t forget to spend time in prayer. Thank God for giving you eternal life and His Word. Ask Him to teach and guide you so that you will become even more faithful in following Him.

If you have questions about the Bible, we would love to talk to you about this book, and what it can mean as a part of your life.

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Let’s Talk About “Biblical” Discipline

Let’s Talk About “Biblical" Discipline

The Bible calls it discipline, sometimes chastening. Society calls it hitting, spanking, and by its legal term, corporal punishment. As of Time Magazine’s 2014 tally, 43 countries have now declared child corporal punishment illegal. Worldwide, the debate goes on about the rightness of spanking one’s child.

Biblical Discipline is not about inflicting pain.

While biblical discipline may necessitate spanking, it is a temporary measure to instil discipline and learning. Proverbs 13:24 says, “He who spares his rod of discipline hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines diligently and punishes him early.” Proverbs 22:15 says, “Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him.“

Spanking is needed when a child is too young to understand his wrongdoing  and when no length of explanation will cause him to understand or remember that his act is wrong. Remember the saying, “No pain; no gain“? People learn more from painful experiences. Experiences and learning accompanied by pain have a more lasting impact and effect.

From the verses just quoted, we learn that discipline must be gentle. The goal is not to inflict pain but for the child to understand and refrain from his wrong behaviour. It goes without saying that as the child gets older, talk must always precede physical punishment. Once your child can be reasoned with, physical punishment may be suspended. Godly discipline will take fruit in due time and you may happily find your child at age 6 (or younger) easy to talk with about correct behaviour.

Biblical discipline is not about releasing anger.

Discipline is not hitting. Discipline is not verbal abuse. A parent should take no satisfaction from physical punishment and nagging or shaming  of a child. That is not loving; that is revenge. Biblical discipline is about what’s best for your child, not what would appease you. The focus is not on how embarrassed or upset you are with the misbehaviour, the focus is on how your child will develop good values and habits.

Biblical discipline is not about having your way.

During the formative years, children are dependent on you for life and direction. They need to learn trustful obedience. As a child grows older, he begins to gain maturity. His mental, spiritual, social, and financial capacities get stronger. He must then gain the freedom to make decisions and to act independently. When it is about right or wrong, as parents you may intervene. But don’t discipline just because your advice was not followed. Don’t say, “I gave you this car and I’ll take it back if you don’t do what I say.” Remember, alternative actions are not necessarily wrong. Let children make poor choices and learn on their own.

Biblical Discipline is about clarity.

Biblical discipline does not hurt the innocent. It corrects the erring. Parents must establish a clear offence. Sometimes, we mistakenly discipline our child for an offence that somebody else committed.

Biblical discipline does not punish the unaware or ignorant. Children need to have a clear understanding of the offence. Take time to explain. Don’t lazily resort to “Just because I said so.“ statements.

Biblical discipline deals with current offences. It does not rehash old ones. Physical or verbal discipline should be appropriate and sufficient for the offence presently committed. Don’t perform a monologue or nag your child over past wrongdoings.

Correction and rebuke is a blessing. Discipline can be beautiful if you do it right.

Scriptures say, “Blessed is the one whom God reproves; therefore despise not the discipline of the Almighty. For he wounds, but he binds up; he shatters, but his hands heal.” When God disciplines us, He blesses us with growth. When the discipline causes pain and wounding, God Himself brings healing. Let us learn from His example and start disciplining our children rightly. May we never leave a child broken and shattered. May we actively bring healing and growth. And may we always assure them of our unconditional love.

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Everyday Miracles

Everyday Miracles

Many, if not most, of Jesus’ miracles, were ordinary things done for ordinary people in very ordinary ways. There was no lightning bolt, no visible sign of angels flying around in the sky, no long speech preceding the miracle, no singing from heavenly hosts.   Instead, there was a quick prayer, conversation, mud, spittle, touch or a breath.

Jesus showed extraordinary love in very ordinary ways. Someone needed healing and Jesus healed them. They asked; they got.

In the Gospel of John   (Chapter 14) Jesus tells his apostles, essentially, “you’ve seen, what I’ve done, you can do this yourself.   In fact, you can do even more because from now on, you’ll be asking me and then I’ll go to my Dad (he’s awesome, by the way) to make sure it happens.”

Yet still, offering miracles seems a tall task for us non-apostles. Unless, perhaps, we consider the ordinariness of the miracles.

When we do things in Jesus’ name, we heal others: We heal when we reach out to someone who’s hurting. We give sight to the blind when we use scripture to teach. We help the lame walk when we walk with them in the ways of Christ. We talk, we touch, we breathe, we pray, we love.

And others offer miracles for us as well.

The key is, as is so often the key to Jesus’ teaching, to recognize the miracles – those we perform and those that are performed for us. We need to take care not to miss the miracle while looking for the “sign.”

Then say “thanks!”

Here’s the kicker. It’s up to us to know when people need (and when we need) a miracle – the ask part.   It’s not always concretely evident. And it takes faith. And courage.

We need to be sensitive to our opportunities to heal, to give sight, to help walk. Thanks be to God!

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The Key to Breaking Habitual Sin

The Key to Breaking Habitual Sin

It is impossible for any human mind to exhaust one truth or promise of the Bible. One catches the glory from one point of view, another from another point; yet we can discern only gleamings. The full radiance is beyond our vision. As we contemplate the great things of God’s Word, we look into a fountain that broadens and deepens beneath our gaze. Its breadth and depth pass our knowledge. As we gaze, the vision widens; stretched out before us, we behold a boundless, shoreless sea. Such study has vivifying power.

The mind and heart acquire new strength and new life.

This experience is the highest evidence of the divine authorship of the Bible. We receive God’s Word as food for the soul through the same evidence by which we receive bread as food for the body. Bread supplies the need of our nature; we know by experience that it produces blood, bone, and brain.

Apply the same test to the Bible; when its principles have actually become the elements of character, what has been the result? what changes have been made in the life? —

“Old things are passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

In its power men and women have broken the chains of sinful habit. They have renounced selfishness. The profane have become reverent, the drunken sober, the profligate pure. Souls that have borne the likeness of Satan have been transformed into the image of God. The change is itself the miracle of miracles. A change wrought by the Word, it is one of the deepest mysteries of the Word.

We cannot understand it; we can only believe, that, as declared by the Scriptures, it is “Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

A knowledge of this mystery furnishes a key to every other. It opens to the soul the treasures of the universe, the possibilities of infinite development.

As we pursue freedom from the entanglements of sin, here are a few practical, plain-folk strategies that can help us get there.

1. Be willing to take radical steps.

Maybe you’re not as free as you thought. Recognise the behaviour as a problem that needs to be dealt with.

2. Recognize your triggers.

There are particular life events and circumstances that trigger your problem. The time, the way and the place are all to be cautiously considered and avoided if they lead to sinning.    State the behaviour as wrong. Consciously label it “wrong” in your mind

3. Believe you can change. We mean, really believe.

This is probably the most important point. If you don’t believe you are capable of change, you won’t change. Refuse to entertain – consciously decide not to give it any room in your thoughts any longer.

4. Take care of your body.

Stop watching Netflix until  2 am in the morning. It’s remarkable how much exercising, sleeping, and eating right affect your perception of the world. Fasting and abstinence are also important disciplines that train the will to say no to the body and yes to God.

Take care of your body. You will need it to break your habit.

5. Re-define normal”¦right now.  

“I must re-define normal.” The word “sin” is out of fashion these days. However, realise how this behaviour makes the heart of God sad and furious.  That’s powerful.  Bad habits, just like good ones, enjoy normalcy.  Your ultimate goal is to stop dipping out of the same toxic well.

We love you all. To God be the glory forever. Amen!

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The Greatest Christian Actors Aren’t Necessarily the Ones We See on TV

The Greatest Christian Actors Aren’t Necessarily the Ones We See on TV

She had many friends.   Many Facebook friends, too.   She had joined the biggest church and volunteered wherever they needed extra help.   Her family loved her cheerfulness and her grades were flawless!

However, for months, for years, she was only able to face things after her knees hit the bathroom floor.   This woman put on the mask, every day.   The mask so many of us wear,   consciously or subconsciously.   No one had any idea.   In fact, she was the one most came to for sound, biblical advice.  Inside, though, her Lord knew her ache.   He saw her pain. So, why the mask?

Can I   transparently come to you, confessing that I am giving up on my marriage and do not want another prayer to convince me otherwise, yet still  receive the same love and attention from you?

If I told you I struggled with abusing drugs, would you still want me to come to you and your family?  If I confessed to cheating, would the downfall of the relationship automatically become my fault?   If I confessed to beating on my wife and did not appear to seriously want any help, would I be rejected after a couple of attempts?

Would you see me in a different light?   Would you no longer see Jesus?   Would you no longer see my knees hitting the ground, asking for release?   Would a mask you can control, a mask that can be taken off at the end of the day, be a lot easier to wear than dealing with reactions you cannot control?

Sadly, masks are everywhere nowadays.   Photo filters, sound effects, therapy sessions, medicines, and vacations (just to name a few).   They can be anything.   But, if we are told to come as we are, what are we missing?

That woman could be missing a Friend. She needs to hear that she is not the only one struggling.   She needs to hear that some days you think about tossing the dirty dishes out the window, instead of washing them.   She needs to hear that you are on your last dollar and have no idea where your next meal is going to come from. She needs to hear that she is not alone. That the expectation is not for her to be perfect. That the expectation is to fall, knowing that the strength of the One who is perfect will catch her each time, even when we fail to.

Maybe, just maybe, she needs One that stands closer than a brother.   Maybe One that can bring her to the place where she can see the light; the huge dream that she let go of years ago.   That One Friend alone has the power to do so much more.

Are you wearing a spiritual mask? Understand that your masks prevent you from experiencing intimacy with God. Know that your masks prevent you from pleasing God. If we truly want the character of Christ, we must expose our weaknesses, shed our hypocrisy and stop pretending. God calls us to BE TRANSPARENT.    Now is the time to take off your mask and let the love of the Lord shine through.

 

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Dear God, Why Me?

Dear God, Why Me?

“Why Me?” is the first question we ask when tragedy strikes and I have struggled with this question a lot throughout my life.

Why did I have to have parents that were abusive in every sense of the word?

Why did I have to be born into a dysfunctional family?

Why did I have to spend most of my childhood in foster care?

Why did I have to get sick?  Did I do something wrong?

Why did I have to lose my job?

Why can’t I go and do as I please like so many other people do in this world?

Dear God, Why Me?

Life is not always fair but I do believe that everything happens for a reason and God always has a plan, even if I don’t see it. I know He did not cause me to have the past that I have had and He did not cause me get sick. That is just a product of living in a fallen world.

Where Does God Fit into the Grander Scheme of life?

He is my source, my rescuer, my comforter and healer. God heals in many ways, that is something that I have come to realize. Not so long ago, I had been going through a particularly tough day and I had come to a breaking point. It felt like an avalanche was coming down on me since I had found out that I was sick with Lupus. It was one thing after the other and the bad news wasn’t letting up. I was tired of the unfairness of life in itself.

Why the Answer to “Why Me?” is Not Satisfying

That day, I asked, “Dear God, Why Me?” What did I do to deserve this? and didn’t expect the answer that I got back, “Why not me?”  I had been so wrapped up in the unfairness of life, that I had forgotten that God can use every situation in my life to show His power.  When I asked the question, “Why me?” there was an assumption that suffering was not supposed to affect me, that it was not appropriate or fair.

Paul states in 2 Corinthians 12: 7-9 ESV,

“A thorn was given to me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

Paul wanted this torment to end but Jesus told Him “My power is made perfect in weakness.” Then Paul says something very strange and foreign to our intellect, “Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12: 9 ESV) Paul actually considered himself to be in the right place at the right time with an infirmity that was going to make him stronger. In fact, Paul goes on to say,

“For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12: 10 ESV)

Although I cannot equate everyone’s situation and illnesses to mine, I can say for me that God’s grace is sufficient for my needs.

When I am faced with the “Dear God, Why Me?” I will now stop and ask; Why not me?

How far would I be willing to go, to share Jesus with others? I could choose to stay in the why me? or I could move forward and be in the, why  not me?  I am not signing up to be sick, but since these things are a part of my life, I am willing to use my weaknesses as a testimony to share my heavenly father’s love with the world.

I am willing to be open and real about my life experiences and share my daily struggles as I go through this life journey. I am far from perfect, I stumble and I fall just like everyone else, but at the end of the day, I remember that I have a Savior no matter what I am facing.

Every day is a huge cross to bear for me, but I can either ask  “Dear God, Why Me?” or I can take up my cross and follow Jesus. And that is the song I will sing until I go to meet my Father in a perfect place, where there is no sickness or death. His grace is sufficient for me, for His power is made perfect in my weakness.

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Who’s Pimping Who…?

Who’s Pimping Who…?

A man and a woman coo over each other. A bystander turns to another and says, “What does she see in him?” Or, conversely, “What does he see in her?”

She’s tall, he’s short, shes from the city, his from the country, she  talks a lot, he’s quiet, he likes Australia, but she likes New York, he’s a Hill-song gospel music fan, she’s a Marilyn Manson fan. She also loves the bright lights and big options, shes unholy, she’s not righteous, she’s impure, she’s been around the block. People know her by what she does, not by her name. There the ‘odd couple’.

Now it’s been said that “Men marry women  with the  hope they will never change. but that “Women marry men  with the  hope they will  change.”

But not in this case. God has told this holy man to marry an unholy woman, a woman which will not be faithful, a woman by her wicked nature is sure to commit adultery, a woman that will cause endless frustration and monumental grief.   Hosea is a prophet, his wife is a prostitute. He’s a man of God, she’s a woman of the night, he is faithful, she is unfaithful, he peaches the power of the living God, she provides ungodly considerations for cash. The story of Hosea puzzles even the devout and zealous Christian. There an ‘odd couple’.

Why did God ask his own prophet to marry a prostitute?

An immense allegory can be interpreted from the depths of Hosea’s life.  The prophet Hosea was commanded to marry an unfaithful wife, and this set up a model of our broken relationship with God.

Hosea’s wife: an allegory of God’s undying  love

The LORD is the husband of Israel, and Israel’s passionate, chronic attraction for idols was like the lust of an adulterer. His people were as unfaithful as a prostitute.  For the land had committed great whoredom by forsaking the LORD.

Could you imagine Hosea’s, groomsman – you’re respected, a wise man, but your decision making is in question? Your wife is a disgrace. Why on earth are you married to a woman like that?

The reply, why on earth is such an awesome, good and powerful God married to a people like you?

Young people and self-esteem

Self-respect is perhaps the most essential quality for young women, especially in our generation.

We live in an era where girls as young as middle school are posting provocative things online. It’s a cry for attention being sought from boys or anyone else who will listen.  The story is told of a young girl who had a male friend who came to her with an article  in the classified section of a newspaper. The proposal was, if you have sexual relations with a stranger for 1 million dollars there are three things you are guaranteed:

  1. Nobody will ever know
  2. No disease
  3. No baby

1 million dollars, no questions asked, out the door, he asked her, would you do it? She thought about it, like some people reading this article.

The girl the said, are you kidding me, nobody will ever know, no disease, no baby, sure i’ll do it. Well then he said, would you do the same for $10?

She replied, “What, do you think I’m a prostitute?” To which he replies,  “We’ve already established that — I’m just haggling over the price.”

However, young ladies, you don’t have to lower your standards or provide ungodly considerations for cash. Tell that young man, I’m not for sale and because you’re not for sale, take off all those for sale and on sale signs.  Hug appropriately, speak appropriately.  Text appropriately, stop posting  barely-clothed photos, sexual innuendos, and explicit language. Be honest in your motivations for being  in a relationship.

Young ladies, if he can’t take care of himself now,  how is he going to take care of you later.

So the question today is who’s Pimping you?

Sorry boo-boo”¦ hate to burst your bubble, but you have been bamboozled, conned, led astray , run amok, dupe, tricked, fooled, swindle, hoodwink; you have been deceived”¦

You see, Satan has been pimping from the third chapter of the Bible onward and is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. The pimp of all pimps and you want to hang out with him!

But he has no power in the life of a believer unless we give it to him. That’s right! Regardless of how you’ve been thrown out to the trash,  we want you to know that Jesus loves you.  Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made you free, and do not be entangled again with the yoke of bondage. (Gal. 5:1) Refuse to make deals with Satan, no matter how attractive the trinkets. Refuse to be a commodity that is for sale to the highest bidder.

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