Faith Archives — Page 2 of 6

10 Victory Tips of Dealing with the Lion as the Enemy

Introduction

Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [^[a]in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour. 1 Peter 5:8 Amplified bible, classic version.

#1 Be cautious at all times

As a rule, lions hunt mostly at night and rest during the day but are often active at dawn and dusk and on cooler days. Ephesians 5: 15 – 17 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. We are children of the light who have been called from darkness into God’s marvelous light. Take caution NOT to go back into the darkness, for there the enemy is lying in wait for it’s prey. Stay in the light for here we are promised safety and protection.

#2 Be sober minded

Interestingly lions hunt by ambush. Being sober minded means be carefully reasoned. An ambush is a trap in which one or more concealed attackers lie in wait to attack by surprise. The advantage gained by surprise depends on the degree of surprise and the enemy’s ability to adjust and recover. The devil remains quiet and still in the ambush location as to not give away his surprise. The christian needs to carefully reasoned to be alert so as not to give the enemy any advantage over your soul.

#3 Be Vigilant

The lion stalks its prey during daylight hours, but mostly waits until after dark before launching an attach. To be vigilant means to be alertly watchful especially to avoid danger. To be vigilant you need to do the following: 1) be aware of your surrounding ; 2) be knowledgeable of your threats; 3) walk with purpose; 4) know your limits; and 5) fix your eyes on Jesus.

#4 Be Temperate

During the heat of the day, the lions position themselves near the watering hole. Enough cannot be said about controlling our appetites. Temperance means being moderate in action, thought or feeling. Whatever your watering hole, you need to be moderate to avert an attack. If you get carried away by your appetite and stay longer than you should in the watering hole, you are in danger the lion is watching and can pounce any time. 1 Corinthians 9:25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

#5 Be Prayerful

More than anything, lions rely on their sight to help them with hunting. You need to sharpen your eyesight, but this is not physical eyesight but spiritual eyesight. Spiritual eyesight is basically the ability to see beyond what you can see with your natural eyes. Using spiritual eyesight helps you look through the eyes of faith because we live by faith not by sight. You need to have a sharp spiritual eyesight to help you spot the enemy. 2 Corinthians 4:18 we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen since what is seen is temporary but what is unseen is eternal.

#6 Be Armed

Sometimes the lion goes for its prey strategically corners it’s prey and meets it head on for a fight. There are times when you will have to fight the enemy head on, and you cannot do it alone. Ephesians 6:12 “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Christian we need to put on the full armour of God and we have put on the armor and stand, for the battle belongs to the Lord.

#7 Be Courageous

Lions often roar to mark their territory and their roar can be heard about 5 miles away. Do not fear when you hear the enemy roar. The bible says ” the enemy like a roaring lion”,note he is not the real lion. 1 John 4:4 “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” God is all powerful, he is on your side no matter how loud the roar is, the Lord is for you and you will be victorious as long as you remain faithful to Him.

#8 Be Obedient

Did you know that lions hunt most during storms? Yes, they do it makes it harder for the prey to see or hear them. We all go through storms in our lives, whatever the nature of your storm remain anchored on Jesus for when you are anchored the enemy cannot get you. When we are going through storms we are weak and broken, the enemy knows that so he comes for us when we are down. 2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

#9 Be Wise

Lions that live in areas with thicker cover are able to do more of the hunting in daylight hours. If you think that the enemy only attacks in the night you are dead wrong, the enemy can also attack during the day. He looks for a thick cover and waits. Wisdom is having discernment. Discernment means acuteness of judgment and understanding. By a well-ordered life and a godly conversation, we become lights in the church and in the world. Spiritual things must be spiritually discerned. Those who drink most deeply of the waters of salvation will reveal most fully the meekness and lowliness of Christ. To perceive the presence of the enemy lurking around you we need to be wise.d to be wise.

#10 Be Faithful

The lion sometimes hunts in prides, sometimes the lion hunts in collaboration with lionesses. The devil has vessels that have submitted to him that he uses to help him meet his objectives. Any heart that is not submitted to God becomes a territory for the devil to use to hunt others. “The soul that is yielded to Christ becomes His own fortress, which He holds in a revolted world, and He intends that no authority shall be known in it except His own. A soul thus kept in possession by the heavenly agencies is impregnable to the assaults of Satan.” You cannot overcome the attack of the pride unless you are fully surrendered to Jesus, only He can overcome all the attacks of the devil.

Conclusion

The lion marks his territory which can be as small as 20 sq km and as large as 400 sq km. We need to be careful to keep from getting into his territory is to keep close to Jesus. James 4:7 “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

10 Breakup Principles for Christian Relationships

Introduction

A breakup is the end of a committed romantic relationship between dating partners.A breakup will often occur when at least one member of the couple no longer wishes to honor these commitments.A couple might mutually agree to end the relationship, but sometimes only one partner wishes to end the relationship. Psalms 147:3 “He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds.”

#1 Do Not Postpone a Breakup

Putting off the inevitable will only cause the relationship to decline further.

#2 Breakup in Person

It’s essential to be physically present to show that the relationship was important to you. Breakups by text may be common these days, but they hurt terribly and leave confusion in their wake.

#3 Be honest about your feelings.

It will hurt your partner more if you don’t acknowledge the real issues involved. (At the same time, it’s also important to recognize when too much honesty can be hurtful.

#4 Be clear and certain about your reasons for breaking up.

Avoid vagueness. Show your partner the respect inherent in closure.

#5 Allow Yourself to Be Sad/Angry/Upset but Don’t Judge or Blame Anyone

Emotions are healthy and normal. Even negative emotions are healthy and normal. But judging and blaming people, whether it’s them or you, doesn’t get you very far.g it on circumstances, or on your partner.

#6 Take responsibility for your actions

Assess your part in the breakup of the relationship. Even if your partner cheated on you or hurt you in the worst way possible, you are likely guilty, as well. Ask yourself what you may have done to contribute to your ex’s bad treatment.. Answer any questions as honestly as you can.

#7 Carefully consider the breakup location

You’ll need to offer your partner the opportunity to experience an honest emotional reaction, and privacy will help with that. Choose a neutral venue for the breakup.

#8 Don’t Devalue the other person

Feeling challenged, threatened, or disappointed can quickly cause you to devalue the other partner whom you formerly idealized.

#9 Make a Clean Break

A clean break definition when it comes to relationships is called a breakup, where a couple or a person decides to end a relationship and focus on moving on and healing.

#10 Invest in yourself

This is why the best and most important post-breakup advice on the planet is to invest in rebuilding your personal identity. Rediscover your old hobbies. Focus double on work. Start that new project you’ve been putting off for months. And most of all, spend time with your friends.

Conclusion

Letting go of a bad relationship can be complicated. Reachout for Support from others is critical to healing after a breakup

Podcast Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/814151/episodes/10580389

7 Lessons From The Prayer of Jabez

You are before the Lord; let your words be few, but let your heart be fervent.

Introduction:

The Prayer of Jabez is recorded in the book of 1 Chronicles 4:10, ‘ Now Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that You would greatly bless me and extend my border, and that Your hand might be with me, and that You would ^[a]keep me from harm so that it would not hurt me!” And God brought about what he requested.” Today we have 7 Lessons we can learn from this prayer.

#1 Understand your limitations

The name Jabez means “one who makes sorrowful”. His birth was difficult hence his mother passed her experience over to him. A name connects a person to a key moment, a memory or a pray. There is a great significance between your name and your destiny.

#2 Know who to turn to

Jabez understood that God invites us to present to Him our perplexities and necessities, and our need of divine help. He bids us be instant in prayer. As soon as difficulties arise, we are to offer to Him our sincere, earnest petitions. By our importunate prayers we give evidence of our strong confidence in God. The sense of our need leads us to pray earnestly, and our heavenly Father is moved by our supplications.

#3 Trust in God Totally

God is a very present help in time of need. If you will put your trust in Him, He will make His goodness pass before you; He will lead you by His counsel. His Holy Spirit, His providences, the teachings of His word—all will be agencies in instructing you and leading you in the way of the Lord. God’s promise to you is, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5). Therefore you may say with humility, yet with firm confidence, “This God is my God forever and ever.”

#4 Obedience

Jabez was defined as an honorable man. An honorable man is one who is honest, fair and worthy of respect. All true obedience comes from the heart. It was heart work with Christ. And if we consent, He will so identify Himself with our thoughts and aims, so blend our hearts and minds into conformity to His will, that when obeying Him we shall be but carrying out our own impulses. The will, refined and sanctified, will find its highest delight in doing His service. When we know God as it is our privilege to know Him, our life will be a life of continual obedience.

#5 Faith

Faith, then, is an union with Christ. Take care you have it; for if not, cling to your works, and there you go floating down the stream! Cling to your works, and there you go dashing down the gulf! Lost because your works have no hold on Christ and no connection with the blessed Redeemer! But thou, poor sinner, with all thy sin about thee, if the rope is round thy loins, and Christ has a hold of it, fear not!

#6 Cry to the Lord with a Sincere Prayer

Jabez cried to God in Prayer “Oh1”. He knew to ask, then; ask, and ye shall receive. Ask for humility, wisdom, courage, increase of faith. To every sincere prayer an answer will come. It may not come just as you desire, or at the time you look for it; but it will come in the way and at the time that will best meet your need. The prayers you offer in loneliness, in weariness, in trial, God answers, not always according to your expectations, but always for your good.

#7 Wait on the Lord

Jabez called upon God, and spread his case before him; telling Him this difficulty, and pleaded for his promise of aid. In dilemmas between one duty and another, it is sweet to be humble as a child, and wait with simplicity of soul upon the Lord. It is sure to be well with us when we feel and know our own folly, and are heartily willing to be guided by the will of God. But wait in faith. Express your unstaggering confidence in him; for unfaithful, untrusting waiting, is but an insult to the Lord. Believe that if he keep you tarrying even till midnight, yet he will come at the right time; the vision shall come and shall not tarry. Wait in quiet patience, not rebelling nor murmuring because you are under the affliction, but blessing your God for it.

Podcast link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/814151/episodes/10500953

Come Alive on God’s Great Dance Floor

Introduction

2 Samuel 6: 14- 15 says “And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod. So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.” Have you ever been so immersed in worship that you completely forgot about yourself, that is, you lost all sense of self-consciousness? If you have, then you have experienced true freedom!!! True freedom is to dance before God in such a way, with such enthusiasm that everyone you meet sees the glory of God, in you.

David Danced

David had been soaring up on eagle’s wings. Perhaps never in his life before had he so enjoyed the public worship of God. He had forgotten everything in the delight of bringing the ark of the Lord home to his own city, where he had prepared a tabernacle for its resting-place. He had thrown himself into the gladsome service of the Lord that day.

Come Dance

David that day worshiped God in spirit and in truth. Often people sit in the house of prayer, and profess to worship, but they are noticing who is there, and who is not there; and any little slip in the preacher’s language is a welcome diversion to them. They think of anybody and anything rather than God. It was not so with David: to him the Lord was all in all in worship. He said to himself, “I am King of Israel, but that I may avow myself to be the true servant of Jehovah I will put on a linen garment to-day, like a common Levite.” This he did “before the Lord.” The Lord, who searches the heart, knew what David meant by his dress, by his playing upon the harp, and by his leaping and dancing in the midst of the people.

Go On Dance

Stand up and dance for the Lord. David recollected the dangers and troubles he had experienced. Oh that some persons who talk so proudly could but know a little of the rough side of life! Hunted like a partridge on the mountains, bearing his life in his hand for many a day, David had at last passed out of persecution, and had become the accepted king of all Israel! Because the Lord had chosen him, he had helped and saved him from the hand of all his enemies. His bitter experiences made him wear his honours meekly.

Conclusion

O my friends, let us praise the Lord. “Come, give all the glory to his holy name,To him all the glory belongs; Be ours the high joy still to sound forth his fame, And praise him in each of our songs.” David felt so exultant that he wished everybody to know of his joy in God. He told all the crowd around of his delight in God; and he sang that day, “Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people.” Come alive on God’s dance floor!

Podcast Link:https://www.buzzsprout.com/814151/episodes/10005466

Faint Not!

Introduction

Proverbs 24:10 “If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.” Testing time comes to all men.

A Time to All Men

When the sky is clear above us, when loving friends stand round us with protecting care, when privileges abound on every side, it is comparatively easy to maintain an equable and obedient mind. We can all row with the stream and sail with the favouring wind. But the hour must come to us that comes to all in time, when we have to face difficulty, or to bear obloquy, or to sustain heavy loss, or to go on our way with a lonely heart, or to suffer some keen and all but crusading disappointment. When we are moved to say with Jacob, “All these things are against me;” with Elijah, “Lord, take away my life;” we faint and fall in the day of adversity.

Do Not Quit

Without adversity, how would you show faith or strength? You could talk about it, but talk is cheap. You could believe you were strong, but that is even more deceitful. You could tell the Lord you would never deny Him, but until the trial is passed your words are vain. It is adversity that exposes false professions of stony-ground hearers, so take heed.

Test of Strength

Strength is not tested or demonstrated in days of ease; rather, it is in times of adversity one finds out just how strong he is. According to scripture, a man who faints in the day of adversity is a man who already possessed little strength. God does not require man to always be at the peak of strength, but God does ask that man stay in the fight and refuse to quit (Galatians 6:9). Only those who endure hardness and fight through adversity will enjoy the rewards.

God will strengthen you

God also brings adversity to increase your strength through trials, much like boot camp in the military. Faith is not built by prosperity, but rather by adversity, when you must have God’s help. Because His purpose is your perfection, you should appreciate difficult times when they come. We will not be able to meet the trials of this time without God. We are to receive daily supplies of grace for each daily emergency.

Conclusion

Christian, your adversity is not the result of Fate or Chance, but the wise counsel of your Heavenly Father. Not a sparrow falls without His providential oversight, and even the very hairs of your head are all numbered (Matt 10:29-31). His chastening rod should be seen as proof of everlasting love and fervent desire for your perfection (Heb 12:5-8).

Podcast link https://www.buzzsprout.com/814151/episodes/10291079

Seeing the Unseen

Introduction

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:17, 18.

Fixing our Eyes on the Eternal

If our minds are fixed upon the things that are eternal, and not on the things of earth, we shall grasp the hand of infinite power, and what can make us sad? … Take the Word of God as the man of your counsel, and humble your doubting soul before God, and with contrition of heart say, “Here I lay my burden down. I cannot bear it. It is too heavy for me. I lay it down at the feet of my compassionate Redeemer.” …

When Tempted

When Satan tempts you, breathe not a word of doubt or darkness. You may have your choice as to who shall rule your heart and control your mind. If you choose to open the door to the suggestions of the evil one, your mind will be filled with distrust and rebellious questioning. You may talk out your feelings, but every doubt you utter is a seed that will germinate and bear fruit in another’s life, and it will be impossible to counteract the influence of your words.

Conclusion

Trace the inspired record from the days of Noah to the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, and see what it will prove to you. Hath he said anything, and has he not done it? Hath he promised, and then has he ever failed to keep his word? Hath he threatened, and has he not carried out the threatening? No; there is no such case, and there never shall be one. The whole roll of the past confirms the faithfulness of God.

Podcast Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/814151/episodes/9998633

True Love, the Principle

Introduction

“I Love You!” How special are those words between two people! But even more wonderful they become when spoken to us by our saviour who wants us to be happy and find joy in our relationship with each other.True love is not merely a sentiments or an emotion. It is a living principle, a principle that is manifest in action. It is a high and holy principle. True love is not a strong, fiery, impetuous passion. On the contrary, it is calm and deep in its nature. It looks beyond mere externals and is attracted by qualities alone. It is wise and discriminating, and its devotion is real and abiding.

What is True Love?

If you want to know and understand what true love really is, here are signs, qualities or characteristics of a genuine love according to the verses in the Holy Bible these are mildness, gentleness, forbearance, long-suffering, being not easily provoked, bearing all things, hoping all things, enduring all things–these are the fruit growing upon the precious tree of love, which is of heavenly growth. “If a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would utterly be scorned.” — Song of Solomon 8:7. That is a general truth, applying to all forms of real love; you cannot purchase love. If it is true love, it will not run on rails of gold.

The Power of Love

Love is power. Intellectual and moral strength are involved in this principle, and cannot be separated from it. The power of wealth has a tendency to corrupt and destroy; the power of force is strong to do hurt; but the excellence and value of pure love consist in its efficiency to do good, and to do nothing else than good. Love is of God. The unconverted heart cannot originate nor produce this plant of heavenly growth, which lives and flourishes only where Christ reigns….

Blind Love

Blind love means loving someone regardless of physical, material, spiritual and behavioural shortcomings, (but) love should not be so blind as to lead one into crime, emotional/physical abuse or away from God. Love is blind means “absolute disregard for the weakeness of the loved party”,Love is blind when infatuation is mistaken for true love. Attention is absorbed, reason is blinded, and judgment is overthrown. Submission to any advice or control is feigned at and all insist on their own way, regardless of consequence.

Conclusion

True love is of God—in fact, He is love (1 John 4:8)—and He’s the One who put the need to love and be loved in us. Therefore, understanding His design for love is crucial. True love, according to the Bible, is rooted in sacrifice, commitment, and an impulse to benefit the loved one (see John 15:3). God’s love for us took Him to the cross. Love is an essential quality of God, and He shows us in the Bible how real, true love works. Redefining love or trying to find it outside of God’s design is asking for frustration and disillusionment. Surrendering our desires to God, submitting to His will, and finding our fulfillment in Him are the keys to finding true love.

Podcast Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/814151/episodes/9998603

The Secret of a New Year…

Introduction

The new year is here! A brand new page. It’s old year with it’s burden of record, has passed away. This new year with all its possibilities has been ushered in. We stand with twelve new months ahead of us. Let us enter upon the new year with our hearts cleansed from the defilement of selfishness and pride. Putting away every sinful indulgence, and seek to become faithful, diligent learners in the school of Christ. A new year opens its unsullied pages before us. What shall we write upon them? Isaiah 43:18 -19 says Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.

Remember Not the former things

Another year of life is now in the past. A new year is opening before us. What will be its record? How will the inscription upon its spotless pages be? The manner in which we spend each passing day will decide this question…. We seem to breathe in the very atmosphere of that better, even the heavenly country. As we are soothed, we are comforted; we are more than this, we are joyful in God.

The Blessed Promises

We draw from God’s promises all that peace, that comfort, that hope that will develop in us the fruits of peace, joy, and faith. And by bringing these promises into our own life we bring them always into the lives of others. Then let us appropriate these promises to ourselves.They are to strengthen us in trouble and teach us precious lessons of trust in God. Day by day we are to return to the Lord that which He has intrusted to us. And we are to ask Him, not only for temporal blessings, but for spiritual gifts. He who asks in faith, believing that God will fulfil His word, and who acts in accordance with His prayer, doing God’s will in all things, will receive rich blessings from on high. And as he receives, he is to impart to those who need help.

Conclusion

Begin this year with right purposes and pure motives. Bear in mind that day by day your words and acts are recorded in the books of heaven. You must meet them when the judgment shall sit and the books shall be opened. If we connect with God, the source of peace, and light, and truth, His Spirit will flow through us, to refresh and bless all around us. This year may be our last year of life. Shall we not enter upon it with thoughtful consideration? Shall not sincerity, respect, benevolence, mark our deportment toward all? May this year be a time that shall never be forgotten,—a time when Christ shall abide with us, saying, “Peace be unto you.”

Podcast link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/814151/episodes/9761777

10 Reason Not to Get Married!

1. You Feel Lonely

Marriage can never be the solution to your loneliness. Loneliness is something every human being has gone through or will go through. The loneliness status might definitely be changed once you get married but the responsibilities, awareness, sacrifices and consistent love which are synonymous to marriage walk along. There are several people in marriages who are lonely at different times in their marriages and for often short periods.

2. All Your Friends Are Getting married

Are all your friends getting married? Are you the only one “single” among your friends? Some people only marry because their friends have got married. Making a life-long commitment to another person is far too important to be influenced by peer pressure. Take time to consider whether, if you were the first among your friends to get married, you’d still choose this person as your partner for life.

3. You have differences that you cannot leave with

If your morals and beliefs also don’t line up, then again, you are not ready to get married.There’s always a balance of similarities and differences in a relationship. Having fundamental differences in your beliefs, morals, and ideas will also cause continued issues in your relationship. So, if you feel that your disputes can be resolved, then resolve them before the wedding. But if there is no way to fix them, then better leave the idea of marriage with that particular person.

4. You keep secrets from each other

Some people believe they need to keep secrets or lie to survive in a relationship. They lack confidence in their ability to confront unpleasant topics, such as money troubles, or issues related to past or present errors in judgment or mistakes. Certainly, keeping secrets from a partner is a common dilemma that needs to be addressed on many levels.However, finding healthy ways to honestly express yourself to your partner is the best way to build a trusting relationship that endures the test of time.

5. Your values don’t line up on the important issues

Aligned values are one of the most important things in any relationship. Values play a critical role throughout your life. In simple terms, values are the line you draw where you feel something is either right or wrong — the beliefs that define your priorities and drive your decisions. Whether it is with your life partner or business partner, aligned or misaligned values will define the success or failure of a relationship from day one. Being in a relationship with mismatched values doesn’t make either person a bad sort. It just means you’re not a match.

6. You have a wandering eye

The “wandering eye” is defined by merriam-dictionary as “a tendency to look at and have sexual thoughts about other people while already in a relationship“. Infidelity is a major cause of relationship breakdown, and so understanding why some people cheat is an important area of research. Those who are able to still their wandering eyes are less likely to cheat in their marriages. Do you have a wandering eye, if yes are you willing put it in check, if no then you are not ready to settle down.

7. You Are Not Ready To Compromise

Long-term relationships require negotiations. With a healthy compromise, two people will be trying to figure something out. With an unhealthy compromise, one partner will be asked to give something while the other won’t. A relationship based on one person’s sacrifice won’t continue to work in the long run. However, a relationship based on healthy compromises will. It is important to find a balance between our sense of self and live in a way that lines up with our core values, while also compromising out of love and mutual respect for the other person.

8. You Think Your Partner will change

Time and time again, we see couples who think that “things will get better” once they get married, have a kid, or move in together. Although we can make improvements in our lives, the core of who we are likely won’t change. If there’s something your partner does that you’d like to change and you know that’s deal breaker for you, it’s time to pause rather than take a step forward. Know that if the change happens, the motivation has to come from your partner and not from you. a step back.

9. Guilt or fear are Pushing You to Commit

Of all the reasons for staying, guilt has to rank as one of the worst. It is a terrible thing to stay in a relationship simply because you feel guilty for leaving it. Of all the reasons for staying, guilt has to rank as one of the worst. It is a terrible thing to stay in a relationship simply because you feel guilty for leaving it. It takes a lot of strength to really look within and feel worthy of asking for something more for ourselves. It takes a selfless person to walk away knowing that your partner deserves more than what you know you yourself are willing to offer.

10.You Are Pressurized

Pressure to marry may come from many places, but pressure should not be the reason why you should get married. People will start dropping hints about wedding bells. But you shouldn’t get married to please other people – this is about you, your partner and God. Marriage is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make, so ensure it’s what you want, not what everyone else wants!

Listen to the Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/814151/episodes/9164631

Lord Help Me Loose My Emotional Baggage!

Introduction:

I remember a few years back when I was coming back home from a long period away, I had the difficult task of packing all my luggage which was threatening to be heavier than I expected. How did I get here? Over the many weeks I had not been aware of the many items I had added to my already bursting luggage. This is physical baggage but we all have emotional baggage of pain and bitterness varied in size and number. Lets begin by unpacking the contents of our emotional baggage, when we know what we are dealing with, then we are better able to know how to deal with them.

1. Living with shame:

According to Brené Brown, a researcher at the University of Houston, shame is an “intensely painful feeling or experience of believing that we are flawed and therefore unworthy of love and belonging.” It’s an emotion that affects all of us and profoundly shapes the way we interact in the world. The definition says we believe we are flawed, the Oxford English Dictionaries defines a character flaw is ‘a fault or weakness in a person’s character‘. A character flaw can be defined more fully as an undesirable quality in a person. Isaiah 50:7 Because the Sovereign LORD helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will not be put to shame. Isaiah 54:4 “Fear not, for you will not be ashamed, be not confounded, for you will not be disgraced; for you will forget the shame of your youth, and the reproach of your widowhood you will remember no more. Pray today “Father, i declare today that i am lifted above shame, in the name of Jesus!”.

2. Living with Loss:

f you have ever lost a loved one, a great job, a thriving relationship or anything of great value in your life, then you have experienced grief. Grief is the natural response to loss in our lives, and each one grieves differently. Some grieve deeply while others are able to quickly recover and seemingly move on with their lives. Grief can be painful and uncomfortable, for some it takes longer than others. The bible says in Psalms 34:18 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Lift up this prayer to God ““Be merciful to me, Lord, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and body with grief” (Psalm 31:9, NIV). My heart is broken, my mind exhausted. I cry out to you and hardly know what to ask. All I can do is tell you how I feel and ask you to “keep track of all my sorrows. . . . [collect] all my tears in your bottle. . . . [and record] each one in your book” as I pour them out to you (Psalm 56:8, NLT). Amen.

3. Living with resentment:

I remember once glancing in the papers at an interesting picture of a man lying on the doctors chair, and the doctor standing next to a spinning wheel that had the name of his parents, his nursery school teacher, his siblings, his boss and his siblings, the doctor said who is to blame for what you have become? The doctor was just about to spin the wheel. How many time do you meet people, if not yourself blame others for your circumstances? The bible says Psalms 37:8 Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil. Prayer, O’Lord I confess all my anger and bitterness and know that when I allow this to surface in my heart it breaks the fellowship we have together deliver me from all resentment, anger and bitterness in Jesus Name.

4. Living with anxiety:

Anxiety is a familiar emotion because it is part of everyone’s experience. Its natural function is to alert us to potential threats, allowing us to evaluate and respond to them in appropriate ways. This heightened state of readiness can also help people perform better and stimulate creative impulses. For some people anxiety triggers inappropriate or disproportionate responses to perceived threats, leading to persistent and intrusive symptoms associated with anxiety disorders, such as panic, phobias and obsessive behaviours, which often have a debilitating effect on their lives. Phillipians 4:6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

5. Living with guilt:

Guilt according to the Cambridge dictionary is a feeling of worry or unhappiness that you have because you have done something wrong, such as causing harm to another person. Guilt isn’t necessarily bad. Sometimes it’s even productive. Feeling bad after making a mistake can lead to change, such as an apology or a decision to make different choices in the future. Bible verse Isaiah 1: 18 “Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.

6. Living with trauma:

This is the by far the most harmful of all emotional buggage. According to the American Psychological Association is Trauma is an emotional response to a terrible event. The event may a natural disasters such as fires, earthquakes and hurricanes; interpersonal violence like rape, child abuse or the suicide of a loved one or friend and finally involvement in a serious accident. Unpacking this bag is not easy and for most will need the guidance of a professional. It takes time and commitment to go through the contents of this luggage. Sometimes, you will even close the bag from weeks without touching it because of the memories you are not able to deal with at the time. Isaiah 6`:1 – 3, The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me, to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy, instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his.

Conclusion

We can put our emotional baggage at the foot of the cross and ask God to take care of it. Jesus died so that we could heal our wounds, including the harmful effects of our dysfunctional past (Isaiah 53:5). We need to leave our past behind us and move forward (Isaiah 43:18-19). Sometimes, we take back a suitcase or two and may not even realize it. Healing is a process that takes time. Sometimes we stumble and fall back into our old ways, but that is OK. If we are genuinely trying, God promises to rescue us and renew our minds.