Friday, March 30, 2012

The Case of the Double Mind (Part 2)

Voices, thoughts, emotions: each of these are culprits that play a huge role in your double-mindness. James 1:2-8 speaks about perseverance in faith and being careful to not become double-minded. Whenever, we hear these voices, many times it is the enemy or sometimes ourselves that aim to discourage the paths that God has forged for our spiritual growth. It is through these "trials of fire" that our true character will shine. Voices may say many things but determination and perseverance of your faith and what the Word of God says requires trust, awareness of what is happening, and simple but blind hope in God's works. Do not allow your emotions and thoughts guide your ways. Choose to be stable and consistent in the Lord.

Thursday, March 22, 2012

The Case of the Double Mind

It is a dark night and you are alone. Suddenly, you hear a voice (it is your voice) speaking near your ear. The conversation is upsetting yet convincing. It tells you that those looks from your co-workers earlier that day were directed towards you. The voice says that no one at work likes you, that everyone thinks you don't amount to anything, and that you will be alone and disrespected for the rest of your life. As a Christian you claim "In Jesus's Name, get away from me Satan!" In an instant, the voice stops but not for long... This time, new voices appear and all voices state that "no one loves you", "you are not good enough", "you are not pretty enough", "you are not smart enough", "you don't deserve God's forgiveness".

You become desperate, you begin to sweat and anxiousness creeps in. It is almost as if you are running out of air. You try to reach out to God but you are overwhelmed. What do you do? Who do you confide in? In this new blog series, we will be solving the case of the double mind.

Friday, March 9, 2012

Wounded Healer (Part 4)

Wounded healer...hurt and healer; wounded soldier....tired and strong. These oxymorons are a perfect example of the contradictory meaning to these words. At a glance, they don't make sense but as you look more deeply, the truth slowly unravels. Towards the process of healing, we need to know the truth. We can't simply pray about healing if we don't know what the Word says about healing.

If you are looking for a good resource about healing, read "Healing Promises" by Kenneth and Gloria Copeland. It is a small book with really powerful messages and testimonies about healing. Healing is not only physical; it contains an emotional, mental, and spiritual element as well. Another important resouce is your pastor. He/she are great resources and can help guide you in the right direction. Truth of the matter is that if you want healing in your life, you need gain wisdom about healing through the Word. Be proactive.

Thursday, March 1, 2012

The Wounded Healer (Part 3)

In the last blog, we left with the notion that the first step for a wounded Christian to heal others is to attain stability. Stability in the Spirit is something that is very challenging to maintain, especially if you are not firmly planted in the Word. It means that whatever you bind on Earth, you will bind in the heavens (Matthew 18). Simply stated, it means that we need to speak positively about our lives despite our situation.

The best example that I can think of is from a friend in Georgia. This man owned a large church in Rhode Island for many years. Everything was going well. He met his wife-to-be. He had a large congregation and everything involving the church was in order. One day, God spoke to him and prompted him to move with his new wife and baby boy to Colorado. They knew no one there. So, he found a transfer and they moved. Once in Colorado, he found out that his job would be terminated at the end of the month. Imagine, you just moved cross-country, you are trying to find normality and stability and now you have to worry about money!

For a few months, he worked on and off through several temporary agencies, hoping to find a stable job. In the midst of all of this, he had a strong desire to plant a church. His wife and him invited his friends to attend church in a little hotel room he rented weekly. Week after week no one showed up. Yet, when you spoke to the man, he always praised the Lord for their blessings. Three years later and 4 more children later, God prompted him to move to Georgia. Upon receiving confirmation in His Spirit, he once again moved knowing no one. He is just settling into the state but his desire to start a church has not ended. He still hosts church in his home to his church members, his family. He always has a positive outlook about his church and speaks as if the church was already settled.

I am simply amazed at the level of stability and determination this man has to serve the Lord. Despite the uncertainties, his situation, and his economy, he strives to please God in any way he can and not only that, he speaks of his blessings openly. Therefore, to attain stability, we need to speak positively about our lives despite our situations.

We can all learn something from this man of God. Try it this week. When you feel tempted to complain, control your words and speak of the blessings you have in your life. Think of one thing that is positive during each day and keep tabs. You may find that your life is not as bad as it appears to yourself and to others.