Copyright Millie Plastaras 3/2002
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, He is a new creation,
old things have passed away; behold; all things have
become new. Now all things are of God who has
reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ,
and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.
That is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world
to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them,
and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.
2 Corinthians 5:17-19
We have been discussing how broken relationships
can alter all of our other relationships, as we pick up
qualities that can embitter us, make us defensive,
or build a pattern of avoidance of future relationships.
Basically we become crippled, emotionally and
spiritually. New relationships don't change that
because we are carrying around baggage from the old ones.
It would stand to reason that as Christians we would
want our life to shine as a light, a witness of Jesus
Christ and his teachings for loving others, and forgiveness.
Unconditional. No excuses.
This requires releasing the prideful, clinging to the past
thinking that we as humans tend to practice when we
have been hurt.
Let us look at some positive ways to overcome this
disease of the heart and emotions.
For there to be reconciliation, or a healing in a relationship
we must first of all be willing to sit down and listen.
My husband and I once went to counseling many years
ago, when he was really dealing with some anger issues.
And the counsellor would have each of us say one
sentence about how we were feeling. And the person
we told it to, would have to repeat it back word for word.
At that time, my husband could not repeat it at all. Why?
Because He was not listening. He had closed ears.
And at times, I know I did too. It was amazing to me
that he actually did not hear any word I said, but filtered
it through what he THOUGHT I said.
Imagine the communication problems this causes.
Do you think this problem is happening in your life and
relationships?
This is one of the main downfalls in relationships.
We would rather blame the other person and have them
be at fault, than admit our own faults and work together
to heal the situation. Everyone wants to be right, and no one
wants to be wrong.
If we persist in that kind of reasoning, there can be no
reconciliation.
1. Recognize good communication is key.
Both people must be willing to sit down, and talk, and
open their ears to what is in the other persons heart.
It is not important for you to be right.
It is not important for you to get the last word in.
It is not important for you to feel better than the
other person.
It is not important to cling to what others have done
to us. What is done is done, what will we do to make
today a better day, and this relationship a better one?
Heal it or sit around and be angry and hurt?
2. Recognize the importance of forgiveness in
the eyes of God and in healing your own spirit.
The word of God tells us if we do not forgive others,
God will not forgive us. He considers it that serious!
It would stand to reason that we better take it seriously.
Remember the other person is hurt too, they need healing too,
they are human too, they need love too, they have faults
too. You are both … in need of healing, and must find a
meeting place, where you can talk in a peaceful manner.
3. Recognize the other person's humanness, that they
also have burdens, and pains, and flaws.
Common Ground. A place to meet. We are human and
flawed, let us forgive and stop looking at each other's faults.
We should always try to put ourselves in the other
persons situation or viewpoint. Try to figure out where
they are coming from and see how that might feel if
you were them. This helps us to have more compassion
and understanding, rather than the prideful position that
everything is their fault.
Basically, we are looking beyond their faults, and their
flaws, into their needs and personal desires for their lives.
4. Recognize how you speak to others, and make
it filled with discretion and wisdom.
Use words in your discussion that are not accusatory.
In other words, say I think I understand how you are feeling,
and repeat what you think they are saying. Then tell them
how you are feeling, without telling them how bad you
think they are. Fault finding and finger pointing do not
lead to reconciliation, they lead to anger.
5. Recognize that you need to change yourself.
This is the
only thing you have power over. It is not your job to change,
fix, point the finger at or otherwise judge someone else.
That is God's job. We just need to work on our attitude.
6. Recognize that when you seek healing, and forgiveness,
you are following Jesus concepts.
This should bring
a peace to your spirit, knowing you are humbling yourself,
and seeking to grow spiritually by learning to forgive.
Unconditionally, no excuses.
7. If all else fails get a mediator.
Sometimes when we do all of these things, we find that
we are still at an impasse with this person. Sometimes,
no one is willing to back down. In this particular instance,
a mediator from the church would be scriptural.
Ask someone who is loving and objective to pray with you
and try to help resolve this. Both parties should be willing
to do this. If someone doesn't try to solve the situation,
you will both be in a position of unforgiveness and that
is not healthy. Someone has to be the mature in
the situation. Someone has to have compassion.
8. Set healthy boundaries. Sometimes we need to forgive
but it may not be healthy to be close to that person for a time.
WE must also recognize that sometimes people do
things that are very hurtful and destructive. WE must
still find it within our hearts to forgive them. But we
must also use wisdom, and set boundaries in our
relationship with them. This means we should be loving
and kind to them, but not give them opportunity to take
advantage of us again. We have to set standards
in a loving, gentle manner. We still want Jesus to show
through in the way we treat others.
9.Apologizing is vital.
Even if you feel you might not have
been wrong.
Recognize that you cannot make excuses.
Don't try to justify your actions.
Don't blame the other person.
Accept responsibility for your own actions.
This is how relationships begin to heal.
When people are brave enough to admit their
own faults, rather than feeling the need to point
out everyone else's faults.
Forgiveness starts in the mind, works its way to the
heart, and then, goes to the throne of God,
where we find healing for our own mind, emotions
and spirits.
It is literally a choice.
What choice are you making tonight?
How long are you going to hold on to that hurt?
And is it working for you?
I am sure it is not.
Then you have a choice. Go on in this pain,
or forgive them.
I hope this helps you face your own internal pain
and actually do something about it. You will never
regret it.. you will feel so free and unencumbered in your
spirit... it is a gift.
love always
millie
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Monday, July 13, 2009
Healing Broken Relationships Part 1
copyright 9/22/2002
Millie Plastaras
Sometimes in our relationships we run into a situation
that is so hurtful, or strife filled, or we just don't seem
to be able to compromise. When this happens we have
2 ways to go, the right way or the wrong way.
We choose the way of the spirit of offense or a prayerful journey
into wisdom. This is the true test of a Christian, because
it shows the desire to please God and treat others correctly
by following the teachings of Jesus. Which clearly
teaches us to love one another, no matter what.
So today we are going to discuss some of the symptoms
we can experience when our heart turns towards
incorrect decisions about relationships and inner
healing.
When you have heart problems, you go to a cardiologist
so he can give you tests to see what is happening
that is making your heart not work correctly.
When your heart is hurting, we go to the one who
created it, so He can show us how to heal ourselves
and our relationships.
Please read this prayerfully, carefully, with
an open mind, and seek God's wisdom. Because
the day we shut God out, when we get hurt, is the
day the devil gets a foothold in our minds and spirit.
And it mushrooms, and takes root, until it becomes
a root of bitterness and the spirit of offense.
It will thereafter change every relationship,
every decision and every thought you have.
This is your checklist.. if you see these symptoms,
Truly, you must address them, and go to the Lord in
prayer for guidance and wisdom.
1. Pride.
Do I focus on how much I have been wronged?
This is a common problem. We have someone say
something hurtful, or they neglect us, or forget to
include us. Our feelings get hurt and we spend days
rehearsing what was said to us, or what we should have
said to others. Or how we should have told them off.
Or how dare they? Then.. it becomes our focus.
Rather than prayer.
Pride is the downfall of a Christian. Pride comes before
a fall. Pride, does not enhance relationships, or you.
It defeats your purpose in having a servants heart before
God.
2. Faultfinding.
Do I rehearse and look at the faults of others constantly?
Why is it when someone is different from us, we look
at that difference like it makes them a failure or not as
good as us? You see my friends, we were all made different!
This was God's plan. Wow. Why are we fighting it then?
Do we expect everyone to be a clone of us? Do we expect
people to meet our expectations or rescue us? Do we
expect constant attention, or they are not our friends?
This is a sign of immaturity emotionally and spiritually.
And we must learn to accept people wherever they are
emotionally or spiritually. And if we disagree, or are
unhappy with it. We need to be loving and kind and pray
about it. And ask God to give us wisdom about what
WE are doing wrong. Not about fixing the other person.
If the person has been cruel or unkind, we need to pray
for them. Jesus said pray for your enemies. That
takes courage and a servants heart. Not thinking
about me, me, me. But what would Jesus want me to do.
3. Avoidance.
Do I avoid being around people with whom I have conflicts?
This is a human and natural reaction. But it is not healthy.
And so many people do it now, they do not know how
to overcome it. People write each other off as if they
were nothing. AS if their feelings did not count.
We must reach out, love them, and let go of whatever
has hurt us. We have to move on. If we do not move on,
it doesn't hurt the person who hurt us.
IT HURTS US. Make no mistake. You are being
robbed spiritually! You are in slavery to unforgiveness!
4. Silence.
Do I refuse to share my feelings in a healthy way?
Do you shut people out when you have been hurt?
For a time, perhaps that is normal. But I think withdrawing
to pray, seek guidance, or give yourself a bit to cool off
is OK. What is not OK is to withdraw and become reclusive
surrounding yourself with a wall to protect yourself
from getting hurt again.
It's normal to feel hurt for a time when we have been
let down or seen disappointment in the way others treat us.
This is just the reality of life and relationships.
But.. as Christians.. we are to be focusing on the positive,
kind forgiving side of life. Not on holding grudges, and
counting old hurts like stacks of coins. This is so
self defeating. And it keeps us from having one healthy
relationship. We have to learn to move past the hurt
into healing.
Just move on! Don't cling to that which hurts you
and others. Its not a treasure... its a bondage... LET GO!
5. Isolation.
Do I withdraw emotionally?
Almost everyone I know anymore does. This is so
prevalent, that we actually see whole families avoiding
each other forever. My friends, this ought not to be so.
God has called us to a spirit of reconciliation. WE cannot
reach anyone for Christ if we hide every time we get hurt.
WE have to look at the bigger picture. WE have
one life. WE can spend it on licking our wounds,
or we can spend it seeking ways to heal them.
What choice are you making?
6. Unfaithfulness.
Do I share unnecessary information about my opposer?
Do you feel you need to tell others how badly someone
hurt you, so you look better than the offender?
This is really a problem that keeps the relationship from
healing. We go behind someone's back, and talk about
their faults. Yet, hey.. we all have them.
I have at least 22 faults, don't you? Let us rather laugh
about it.. and say.. you know what. I have done things
wrong too. Let us forgive one another, and love each
other while we have time.
7. Hopelessness.
Do I lack faith that God can work in any situation?
Do you give up on people? Do you give up on your
situation? What next? Sit around and feel defeated,
alone and a victim the rest of your days?
What next?
If we give up, there is nothing next! WE have created
an impossible situation in our minds. Our minds
being the spiritual battlefield of our souls.
We must be vigilant about fighting hopelessness.
The next step is poor me, and a feeling of being a
permanent victim in life.
God said we are victorious. And we become that
way by receiving what he has for us. By dwelling
in His presence. By building our faith in Him, by
reading His word, by reading the testimonies of
others and how they have overcome things.
Nothing is impossible with God.
We must walk in faith.
Not in defeat.
8. Resentment.
Do I hold on to my anger until it turns to bitterness?
This can be so common in relationships, and marriages.
When you fight, unless you have the courage to talk
through it, forgive others, you never move on. For the
rest of your days, you stay in the same place emotionally.
Crippled by hurt.
This is not where God called us to be.
And it does not reflect Faith.
It reflects a lack of time spent with Him, growing in Faith.
We cannot allow resentment to become part of our
arsenal to use when people hurt us. It is not important
to resent someone.
It is important to forgive them.
Because.. if we don't we get hurt more, and do not forgive
spiritual life comes to a standstill.
Then things can only get worse.
We must fight this. And fight the spirit of offense that
comes from being hurt.
The Bible tells us to pursue peace, actively.
Are you pursuing peace?
Are you pursuing hurt?
What is your daily agenda?
Be honest.
Who is your master today?
And...wouldn't you love to be healed of all this
pain and hurt?
We will continue this tomorrow.
As we discuss some constructive ways of healing
our relationships.
Spend time in prayer tonight my friends.
God has big plans for you. Allow Him to work in your
heart. Let go of the past. Today is a new day.
WE must be transformed from the ways of the world,
into Godly thinking.
Forgetting those things which are behind,
and reaching forward to those things which are ahead.
I press towards the goal for the prize of the high calling
of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13b, 14
remember
Only one life, will soon be past
Only what is done for Christ will last
Millie Plastaras
Sometimes in our relationships we run into a situation
that is so hurtful, or strife filled, or we just don't seem
to be able to compromise. When this happens we have
2 ways to go, the right way or the wrong way.
We choose the way of the spirit of offense or a prayerful journey
into wisdom. This is the true test of a Christian, because
it shows the desire to please God and treat others correctly
by following the teachings of Jesus. Which clearly
teaches us to love one another, no matter what.
So today we are going to discuss some of the symptoms
we can experience when our heart turns towards
incorrect decisions about relationships and inner
healing.
When you have heart problems, you go to a cardiologist
so he can give you tests to see what is happening
that is making your heart not work correctly.
When your heart is hurting, we go to the one who
created it, so He can show us how to heal ourselves
and our relationships.
Please read this prayerfully, carefully, with
an open mind, and seek God's wisdom. Because
the day we shut God out, when we get hurt, is the
day the devil gets a foothold in our minds and spirit.
And it mushrooms, and takes root, until it becomes
a root of bitterness and the spirit of offense.
It will thereafter change every relationship,
every decision and every thought you have.
This is your checklist.. if you see these symptoms,
Truly, you must address them, and go to the Lord in
prayer for guidance and wisdom.
1. Pride.
Do I focus on how much I have been wronged?
This is a common problem. We have someone say
something hurtful, or they neglect us, or forget to
include us. Our feelings get hurt and we spend days
rehearsing what was said to us, or what we should have
said to others. Or how we should have told them off.
Or how dare they? Then.. it becomes our focus.
Rather than prayer.
Pride is the downfall of a Christian. Pride comes before
a fall. Pride, does not enhance relationships, or you.
It defeats your purpose in having a servants heart before
God.
2. Faultfinding.
Do I rehearse and look at the faults of others constantly?
Why is it when someone is different from us, we look
at that difference like it makes them a failure or not as
good as us? You see my friends, we were all made different!
This was God's plan. Wow. Why are we fighting it then?
Do we expect everyone to be a clone of us? Do we expect
people to meet our expectations or rescue us? Do we
expect constant attention, or they are not our friends?
This is a sign of immaturity emotionally and spiritually.
And we must learn to accept people wherever they are
emotionally or spiritually. And if we disagree, or are
unhappy with it. We need to be loving and kind and pray
about it. And ask God to give us wisdom about what
WE are doing wrong. Not about fixing the other person.
If the person has been cruel or unkind, we need to pray
for them. Jesus said pray for your enemies. That
takes courage and a servants heart. Not thinking
about me, me, me. But what would Jesus want me to do.
3. Avoidance.
Do I avoid being around people with whom I have conflicts?
This is a human and natural reaction. But it is not healthy.
And so many people do it now, they do not know how
to overcome it. People write each other off as if they
were nothing. AS if their feelings did not count.
We must reach out, love them, and let go of whatever
has hurt us. We have to move on. If we do not move on,
it doesn't hurt the person who hurt us.
IT HURTS US. Make no mistake. You are being
robbed spiritually! You are in slavery to unforgiveness!
4. Silence.
Do I refuse to share my feelings in a healthy way?
Do you shut people out when you have been hurt?
For a time, perhaps that is normal. But I think withdrawing
to pray, seek guidance, or give yourself a bit to cool off
is OK. What is not OK is to withdraw and become reclusive
surrounding yourself with a wall to protect yourself
from getting hurt again.
It's normal to feel hurt for a time when we have been
let down or seen disappointment in the way others treat us.
This is just the reality of life and relationships.
But.. as Christians.. we are to be focusing on the positive,
kind forgiving side of life. Not on holding grudges, and
counting old hurts like stacks of coins. This is so
self defeating. And it keeps us from having one healthy
relationship. We have to learn to move past the hurt
into healing.
Just move on! Don't cling to that which hurts you
and others. Its not a treasure... its a bondage... LET GO!
5. Isolation.
Do I withdraw emotionally?
Almost everyone I know anymore does. This is so
prevalent, that we actually see whole families avoiding
each other forever. My friends, this ought not to be so.
God has called us to a spirit of reconciliation. WE cannot
reach anyone for Christ if we hide every time we get hurt.
WE have to look at the bigger picture. WE have
one life. WE can spend it on licking our wounds,
or we can spend it seeking ways to heal them.
What choice are you making?
6. Unfaithfulness.
Do I share unnecessary information about my opposer?
Do you feel you need to tell others how badly someone
hurt you, so you look better than the offender?
This is really a problem that keeps the relationship from
healing. We go behind someone's back, and talk about
their faults. Yet, hey.. we all have them.
I have at least 22 faults, don't you? Let us rather laugh
about it.. and say.. you know what. I have done things
wrong too. Let us forgive one another, and love each
other while we have time.
7. Hopelessness.
Do I lack faith that God can work in any situation?
Do you give up on people? Do you give up on your
situation? What next? Sit around and feel defeated,
alone and a victim the rest of your days?
What next?
If we give up, there is nothing next! WE have created
an impossible situation in our minds. Our minds
being the spiritual battlefield of our souls.
We must be vigilant about fighting hopelessness.
The next step is poor me, and a feeling of being a
permanent victim in life.
God said we are victorious. And we become that
way by receiving what he has for us. By dwelling
in His presence. By building our faith in Him, by
reading His word, by reading the testimonies of
others and how they have overcome things.
Nothing is impossible with God.
We must walk in faith.
Not in defeat.
8. Resentment.
Do I hold on to my anger until it turns to bitterness?
This can be so common in relationships, and marriages.
When you fight, unless you have the courage to talk
through it, forgive others, you never move on. For the
rest of your days, you stay in the same place emotionally.
Crippled by hurt.
This is not where God called us to be.
And it does not reflect Faith.
It reflects a lack of time spent with Him, growing in Faith.
We cannot allow resentment to become part of our
arsenal to use when people hurt us. It is not important
to resent someone.
It is important to forgive them.
Because.. if we don't we get hurt more, and do not forgive
spiritual life comes to a standstill.
Then things can only get worse.
We must fight this. And fight the spirit of offense that
comes from being hurt.
The Bible tells us to pursue peace, actively.
Are you pursuing peace?
Are you pursuing hurt?
What is your daily agenda?
Be honest.
Who is your master today?
And...wouldn't you love to be healed of all this
pain and hurt?
We will continue this tomorrow.
As we discuss some constructive ways of healing
our relationships.
Spend time in prayer tonight my friends.
God has big plans for you. Allow Him to work in your
heart. Let go of the past. Today is a new day.
WE must be transformed from the ways of the world,
into Godly thinking.
Forgetting those things which are behind,
and reaching forward to those things which are ahead.
I press towards the goal for the prize of the high calling
of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13b, 14
remember
Only one life, will soon be past
Only what is done for Christ will last
Sunday, July 05, 2009
He Is Still In Control! Trust!
copyright Millie Plastaras 3/3/2003
My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure;
I have spoken it,
I will also bring it to pass;
I have purposed it,
I will also do it!
Isaiah 46:10b,11B
Recently our family has faced new challenges,
and from the mail I get, I see many of you out
there are going through your own struggles in
many areas. Sometimes we can feel overwhelmed
when it all comes to mind. So when things were
on my mind a lot.. I know I need to pray.
So as I sat praying, and seeking the Lord,
I heard Him say, I am still God.
Do you doubt me, is there anything too hard for me?
I have not changed. I am still in control.
I still am with you when you go through deep waters.
I am still with you in the night watches when illness
closes in and pain overwhelms. I am there with you
even then. I am with you when there is not enough
money to go around, I see your need, and will supply.
There is nothing too hard for me.
No matter what need shall arise, I am there.
I was there before the foundations of the world,
I shall never leave you nor forsake you.
I am still God!
I kept thinking all day about that phrase.
I am still God!
How quickly we tend to forget. We let the cares of
this life, guilt or hurt from the past rob us from the
presence of God, and from enjoying today.
I ask you this my friend, Is He not still God?
What does that mean to you? Is He a 9/11 God you
only pray to in emergencies.. just in case he might answer?
Or do you recognize the God of the Universe who is
all powerful and created all things, yet is mindful of
every hair on your head, and every need you have,
every place you have ever been, every word you have
ever said. Yet his love and mercies are new every
morning. Who else loves you like this?
Are you making God too small?
Fear not, for I have redeemed you,
I have called you by your name.
You are mine!
(hallelujah)
When you pass through the waters, I WILL be with you,
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be
burned. Nor shall the flame scorch you.
For I AM the Lord your God.
Isaiah 43:1-3
So why do we forget He is still God.
Why do we try to put Him in a little box
of predictability? Why do we try to control our
own situation? And why do we not seek to
control our thinking?
God is God, nothing is impossible with Him.
His promises are endless to those who seek
His face and do His will..
For the Lord God will help me, therefore I will not
be confounded; therefore I have set my face like a flint,
and I know that I shall not be ashamed.
Isaiah 50:7
God will help us. If we do not feel His provision and
promises, if we feel we are in a desert, we need to
go to prayer. If you pray. And then you are still
and just sit in His presence, He is there. He will
speak to your heart. But you have to be listening.
And you have to be His. In the stillness of those
moments we find refreshing and comfort.
Our Abba Father is on the throne.
Even when we feel utterly alone, and abandoned.
He is there. His mercies are new every morning.
This alone should refresh us! Each day is
bright, clean and new. Yesterday and
it's hurts are gone. Yesterday' s sorrows are gone.
Today is a new day, a new day to seek God,
and see what He can do in our lives.
Do not dwell in the pit of sorrows, or the
anguish of your problems. Do not allow your
head to be downcast. Look unto the clouds.
From whence comes your help.
Your help comes from the Lord God
who made heaven and earth!
Therefore you are my witnesses says the Lord,
That I AM GOD.
Indeed before the day was , I AM HE.
and there is no one who can deliver out of my hand.
I work, and who will reverse it?
Isaiah 43:12-13
My friend. Is He not still God?
Are you trying to make him small, by your
doubting and Fears?
He is almighty God.
Praise Him saints.
He is still on the throne.
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength,
they shall mount up with wings as eagles;
they shall run, and not be weary, and
they shall walk and shall not faint.
Isaiah 40:31
It is good that a man should both hope and quietly
wait for the salvation of the Lord.
Lamentations 3:26
But if we hope for that we see not,
then we do with patience wait for it. (this is called faith)
Romans 8:25
Hallelujah. He is still God.
JUST TRUST.
remember
Only one life, will soon be past
Only what is done for Christ will last
My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure;
I have spoken it,
I will also bring it to pass;
I have purposed it,
I will also do it!
Isaiah 46:10b,11B
Recently our family has faced new challenges,
and from the mail I get, I see many of you out
there are going through your own struggles in
many areas. Sometimes we can feel overwhelmed
when it all comes to mind. So when things were
on my mind a lot.. I know I need to pray.
So as I sat praying, and seeking the Lord,
I heard Him say, I am still God.
Do you doubt me, is there anything too hard for me?
I have not changed. I am still in control.
I still am with you when you go through deep waters.
I am still with you in the night watches when illness
closes in and pain overwhelms. I am there with you
even then. I am with you when there is not enough
money to go around, I see your need, and will supply.
There is nothing too hard for me.
No matter what need shall arise, I am there.
I was there before the foundations of the world,
I shall never leave you nor forsake you.
I am still God!
I kept thinking all day about that phrase.
I am still God!
How quickly we tend to forget. We let the cares of
this life, guilt or hurt from the past rob us from the
presence of God, and from enjoying today.
I ask you this my friend, Is He not still God?
What does that mean to you? Is He a 9/11 God you
only pray to in emergencies.. just in case he might answer?
Or do you recognize the God of the Universe who is
all powerful and created all things, yet is mindful of
every hair on your head, and every need you have,
every place you have ever been, every word you have
ever said. Yet his love and mercies are new every
morning. Who else loves you like this?
Are you making God too small?
Fear not, for I have redeemed you,
I have called you by your name.
You are mine!
(hallelujah)
When you pass through the waters, I WILL be with you,
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be
burned. Nor shall the flame scorch you.
For I AM the Lord your God.
Isaiah 43:1-3
So why do we forget He is still God.
Why do we try to put Him in a little box
of predictability? Why do we try to control our
own situation? And why do we not seek to
control our thinking?
God is God, nothing is impossible with Him.
His promises are endless to those who seek
His face and do His will..
For the Lord God will help me, therefore I will not
be confounded; therefore I have set my face like a flint,
and I know that I shall not be ashamed.
Isaiah 50:7
God will help us. If we do not feel His provision and
promises, if we feel we are in a desert, we need to
go to prayer. If you pray. And then you are still
and just sit in His presence, He is there. He will
speak to your heart. But you have to be listening.
And you have to be His. In the stillness of those
moments we find refreshing and comfort.
Our Abba Father is on the throne.
Even when we feel utterly alone, and abandoned.
He is there. His mercies are new every morning.
This alone should refresh us! Each day is
bright, clean and new. Yesterday and
it's hurts are gone. Yesterday' s sorrows are gone.
Today is a new day, a new day to seek God,
and see what He can do in our lives.
Do not dwell in the pit of sorrows, or the
anguish of your problems. Do not allow your
head to be downcast. Look unto the clouds.
From whence comes your help.
Your help comes from the Lord God
who made heaven and earth!
Therefore you are my witnesses says the Lord,
That I AM GOD.
Indeed before the day was , I AM HE.
and there is no one who can deliver out of my hand.
I work, and who will reverse it?
Isaiah 43:12-13
My friend. Is He not still God?
Are you trying to make him small, by your
doubting and Fears?
He is almighty God.
Praise Him saints.
He is still on the throne.
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength,
they shall mount up with wings as eagles;
they shall run, and not be weary, and
they shall walk and shall not faint.
Isaiah 40:31
It is good that a man should both hope and quietly
wait for the salvation of the Lord.
Lamentations 3:26
But if we hope for that we see not,
then we do with patience wait for it. (this is called faith)
Romans 8:25
Hallelujah. He is still God.
JUST TRUST.
remember
Only one life, will soon be past
Only what is done for Christ will last
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
The Urgency of Prayer
copyright Millie Plastaras 7/1/2009
Before you read this, let me premise it with this thought:
We are to sharpen one another spiritually. If something
challenges you spiritually to change, and grow, and
recognize your flaws spiritually, it is a help.. to grow
in Christ. We should not neglect such concepts
even if we feel ashamed, or defensive or angry someone
would dare challenge us. A servant of Christ
has to be open to growth, and change.
Recently I was in a chat room, which I rarely am anymore,
and a person I had known for a while inquired as to my health.
Looking back now.. I wonder if it was a polite question
and a honest response was not particularly welcome.
I expressed that I had chronic pain and some other problems,
but that I was in good spirits, and was at peace with my situation.
But then I mentioned my daughter who has developed
some very severe symptoms, and she is in my heart and
prayers constantly. In the last two years she has
developed neurological problems, very unexpectedly,
and at 44 she is now using a walker. Before you stop
reading now.. the point of this whole devotion is how
often we neglect prayer and the need for compassion
for others. Please don't stop reading now.. this is a
timely and important message for us all.
When I asked in the chat if anyone would pray.. out of
36 people fighting over religion...only 2 offered to pray for
my daughter. I repeated it again, and got 1 more offer.
Astounding to me. Here we are fighting about God,
churches and having this need to persuade people
over our "religious" way of thinking and yet we
are neglecting the most basic of our duties. To love
one another as God loves us. Are we our brother's keeper?
Absolutely! We are to be pray for the needs of one another
and carry one another's burdens.
Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will
fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2
How many of you can say you are carrying anyone
else's burdens for them? My guess is one out of 100.
Honestly. We have become detached, uncaring,
far too busy to be ministering to the personal needs
of one another.. and to be honest.. some don't want
to be bothered and don't want to hear it!! (At this
point, please review your own attitude, and see
where you fit in this)
How many people did you pass by today,
or know were going through something but you were too busy?
Towards the end of conversation, a lady came
in the room, and said why are you always worried?
You should be praying. Here she had just come in,
and honestly, I am not sure she wanted to know the
full scope of what I was talking about. Does anyone?
Does anyone care about those who are hurting
or suffering, or is it too heavy for you to bear?
Was it about me worrying, or having a heart
that is turned in compassion for those whose
suffering I see. My heart is constantly lifting
them in prayer. They need comfort and hope!
What if Christ had felt this way when He was asked
to bear all our filthy sins and diseases and illnesses
upon himself upon the cruel cross? What if he had said "sorry,
I am too busy, you can die in your sins." Sorry, I am too
busy I cannot bear your burdens, or listen to your heartaches.
Sorry, I have to go visit with my disciples.. maybe next week,
make a appointment ok? Let's keep in touch.
Would He have done this? No.. He had a servants heart,
a call from God on his life, and he was obedient unto death.
What are you obedient unto? Who are you putting first in
your life? What is your first priority?
Is this important? ABSOLUTELY. It affects every
area of your life and ever relationship you will
ever have or ever have had.
If our gospel is hid.. it is hid to the lost and dying... and
if you cannot take the time out for them.. your christianity is
in vain. You are not about your Father's business.
It is that simple.
My friends, each of you has burdens, each of you
has heartaches, a past, each of you is lonely, or hurting.
How can we neglect each other and be so busy?
What could be so consuming we would forget about
basic human needs for prayer and compassion.
For any of you who care to know.. this is what
is happening to my daughter.
Click here: YouTube - Bad Episode
This is not her, but it is exactly what she is going through.
If any of you finish this video and are not moved to
compassion I would be shocked. There is suffering
in this world, beyond what anyone should bear.
Let us be about our Father's business, let us love
one another and carry burdens, and pray for each
other daily, and keep a open heart and listening ears
for those in need. How can we do less than the best for
the master?
love
millie
Before you read this, let me premise it with this thought:
We are to sharpen one another spiritually. If something
challenges you spiritually to change, and grow, and
recognize your flaws spiritually, it is a help.. to grow
in Christ. We should not neglect such concepts
even if we feel ashamed, or defensive or angry someone
would dare challenge us. A servant of Christ
has to be open to growth, and change.
Recently I was in a chat room, which I rarely am anymore,
and a person I had known for a while inquired as to my health.
Looking back now.. I wonder if it was a polite question
and a honest response was not particularly welcome.
I expressed that I had chronic pain and some other problems,
but that I was in good spirits, and was at peace with my situation.
But then I mentioned my daughter who has developed
some very severe symptoms, and she is in my heart and
prayers constantly. In the last two years she has
developed neurological problems, very unexpectedly,
and at 44 she is now using a walker. Before you stop
reading now.. the point of this whole devotion is how
often we neglect prayer and the need for compassion
for others. Please don't stop reading now.. this is a
timely and important message for us all.
When I asked in the chat if anyone would pray.. out of
36 people fighting over religion...only 2 offered to pray for
my daughter. I repeated it again, and got 1 more offer.
Astounding to me. Here we are fighting about God,
churches and having this need to persuade people
over our "religious" way of thinking and yet we
are neglecting the most basic of our duties. To love
one another as God loves us. Are we our brother's keeper?
Absolutely! We are to be pray for the needs of one another
and carry one another's burdens.
Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will
fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2
How many of you can say you are carrying anyone
else's burdens for them? My guess is one out of 100.
Honestly. We have become detached, uncaring,
far too busy to be ministering to the personal needs
of one another.. and to be honest.. some don't want
to be bothered and don't want to hear it!! (At this
point, please review your own attitude, and see
where you fit in this)
How many people did you pass by today,
or know were going through something but you were too busy?
Towards the end of conversation, a lady came
in the room, and said why are you always worried?
You should be praying. Here she had just come in,
and honestly, I am not sure she wanted to know the
full scope of what I was talking about. Does anyone?
Does anyone care about those who are hurting
or suffering, or is it too heavy for you to bear?
Was it about me worrying, or having a heart
that is turned in compassion for those whose
suffering I see. My heart is constantly lifting
them in prayer. They need comfort and hope!
What if Christ had felt this way when He was asked
to bear all our filthy sins and diseases and illnesses
upon himself upon the cruel cross? What if he had said "sorry,
I am too busy, you can die in your sins." Sorry, I am too
busy I cannot bear your burdens, or listen to your heartaches.
Sorry, I have to go visit with my disciples.. maybe next week,
make a appointment ok? Let's keep in touch.
Would He have done this? No.. He had a servants heart,
a call from God on his life, and he was obedient unto death.
What are you obedient unto? Who are you putting first in
your life? What is your first priority?
Is this important? ABSOLUTELY. It affects every
area of your life and ever relationship you will
ever have or ever have had.
If our gospel is hid.. it is hid to the lost and dying... and
if you cannot take the time out for them.. your christianity is
in vain. You are not about your Father's business.
It is that simple.
My friends, each of you has burdens, each of you
has heartaches, a past, each of you is lonely, or hurting.
How can we neglect each other and be so busy?
What could be so consuming we would forget about
basic human needs for prayer and compassion.
For any of you who care to know.. this is what
is happening to my daughter.
Click here: YouTube - Bad Episode
This is not her, but it is exactly what she is going through.
If any of you finish this video and are not moved to
compassion I would be shocked. There is suffering
in this world, beyond what anyone should bear.
Let us be about our Father's business, let us love
one another and carry burdens, and pray for each
other daily, and keep a open heart and listening ears
for those in need. How can we do less than the best for
the master?
love
millie
Monday, June 15, 2009
Table Manners
copyright 6/15/2009
When I was young my mother spent a good
deal of time trying to teach me proper manners.
Table manners and attitude were important.
At that time people spent dinnertime together
at the table, discussing the days events
and enjoying one another. When we went
outside the home and had dinner with someone
else my mother wanted to be assured I could
know what was proper manners so that I could
present myself well wherever I went.
There is a distinct difference however in having
good table manners and being gracious. Sometimes
when people think they have it all right they tend
to look down on those who they think do not come
up to their standards.
The reason I am writing this is because I think there
is something Christians need to be reminded of.
You and I are not perfect!
Let me further explain:
My brethren, pay no servile regard to people
(show no prejudice, or partiality). Do not (attempt to)
hold and practice the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ
of glory together with snobbery!
For if a person comes into your congregation whose hands
are adorned with gold rings and who is wearing splendid
apparel, and also a poor man in shabby clothes comes in.
And you pay special attention to the one who wears the
splendid clothes and say to him, Sit here in this
preferable seat! While you tell the poor man,
Stand there or sit there at the floor at my feet.
Are you not discriminating among your own and becoming
critics and judges with WRONG motives?
James 2:1-4
My dear friends, a church is a hospital, a place for wounded,
hurt, lost people who come as they are to God to worship
and gather before him to be healed and to learn of Christ
and grow in Him. If one comes and they do not dress
correctly, who are you to look at them with judgment?
So often I have seen people enter church and be
treated poorly. They would go up to someone and
be judged by their appearance, or by the way they
talk, or perhaps they didn't come up to the standards
of the people they talked to. And as soon as they
left the conversation people gossiped about them.
This should not be so!
What if someone has not attended church in a while
or been hurt, and they come in church and are
greeted with coldness, aloofness and judgment?
Will that draw them to God? Will they see the love
of Christ in you, or aloof snobbish people?
Who among us is perfect? What are you going to church for?
To feel better than others? To tell others how much better you are?
To put on a show? Are you not a sinner saved by grace?
Are we not to be a community of believers working together
for Christ, in his name for his glory? How can we work
together as team if we fault find with those around us?
It is impossible!
How can snobbery please God? It cannot!!
Let us go further. If indeed you fulfill the royal law in
accordance with the scripture, you shall love your
neighbor as yourself, you do well.
James 2:8
Can you love the poor person who comes in your church,
and maybe dresses poorly or speaks in slang or even
upsets you? Can you love them and pray for them,
or do you feel a need to set them straight every time you
see them? I am wondering who should take the liberty
of setting you straight then? If all of us had this attitude
of being better, the church would no longer be a place
to minister to people but a place of judgment and rebuke.
Jesus never taught this my friends. He never taught
us to be distant and judgmental and unkind. Certainly
we are to discern who is of him and who is not, but not
for the sake of looking down on them, but the sake of prayer.
The church is a hospital, not a courtroom. No one appointed
you or me judge or jury of other people's lives.
We are to minister to the needs of others, pray for them
when we see flaws, and then pray for our own flaws, that
God will forgive us and help us to be right before Him.
I am reminded of what Jesus said about the woman who
had been committing adultery and was about to be stoned.
Let He who is without sin cast the first stone.
Go out in this world and be a light for Christ.
Pray for the needs of those who are hurting, and lost
and unable to afford good clothes or food.
There for the grace of God... go you and I.
Be thankful for what you have and abundantly give
to those who do not have. In humility, love and kindness.
Never again spend time looking down on anyone.
It is not of God.
love always
millie
10 Little Christians
10 Little Christians standing in line
1 disliked the preacher, then there were 9
9 little Christians stayed up very late
1 overslept Sunday, then there were 8
8 little Christians on their way to Heaven
1 took the low road and then there were 7
7 little Christians chirping like chicks
1 disliked music, then there were 6
6 little Christians seemed very much alive
but one lost his interest then there was 5
5 little Christians pulling for Heaven's Shore
but one stopped to rest, then there were 4
4 little Christians each busy as a bee
1 got his feelings hurt, then there were 3
3 little Christians knew not what to do
1 joined the sporty crowd, then there were 2
2 little Christians, our rhyme is nearly done
differed with each other, then there was 1
1 little Christian can't do much 'tis true
brought his friend to Bible study -- then there were 2
2 earnest Christians, each won one more
that doubled the number, then there were 4
4 sincere Christians worked early and late
Each won another then there were 8
8 splendid Christians if they doubled as before
In just so many Sundays, we'd have 1,024
In this little jingle, there is a lesson true,
You belong either to the
building or to the wrecking crew!
- Author Unknown
When I was young my mother spent a good
deal of time trying to teach me proper manners.
Table manners and attitude were important.
At that time people spent dinnertime together
at the table, discussing the days events
and enjoying one another. When we went
outside the home and had dinner with someone
else my mother wanted to be assured I could
know what was proper manners so that I could
present myself well wherever I went.
There is a distinct difference however in having
good table manners and being gracious. Sometimes
when people think they have it all right they tend
to look down on those who they think do not come
up to their standards.
The reason I am writing this is because I think there
is something Christians need to be reminded of.
You and I are not perfect!
Let me further explain:
My brethren, pay no servile regard to people
(show no prejudice, or partiality). Do not (attempt to)
hold and practice the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ
of glory together with snobbery!
For if a person comes into your congregation whose hands
are adorned with gold rings and who is wearing splendid
apparel, and also a poor man in shabby clothes comes in.
And you pay special attention to the one who wears the
splendid clothes and say to him, Sit here in this
preferable seat! While you tell the poor man,
Stand there or sit there at the floor at my feet.
Are you not discriminating among your own and becoming
critics and judges with WRONG motives?
James 2:1-4
My dear friends, a church is a hospital, a place for wounded,
hurt, lost people who come as they are to God to worship
and gather before him to be healed and to learn of Christ
and grow in Him. If one comes and they do not dress
correctly, who are you to look at them with judgment?
So often I have seen people enter church and be
treated poorly. They would go up to someone and
be judged by their appearance, or by the way they
talk, or perhaps they didn't come up to the standards
of the people they talked to. And as soon as they
left the conversation people gossiped about them.
This should not be so!
What if someone has not attended church in a while
or been hurt, and they come in church and are
greeted with coldness, aloofness and judgment?
Will that draw them to God? Will they see the love
of Christ in you, or aloof snobbish people?
Who among us is perfect? What are you going to church for?
To feel better than others? To tell others how much better you are?
To put on a show? Are you not a sinner saved by grace?
Are we not to be a community of believers working together
for Christ, in his name for his glory? How can we work
together as team if we fault find with those around us?
It is impossible!
How can snobbery please God? It cannot!!
Let us go further. If indeed you fulfill the royal law in
accordance with the scripture, you shall love your
neighbor as yourself, you do well.
James 2:8
Can you love the poor person who comes in your church,
and maybe dresses poorly or speaks in slang or even
upsets you? Can you love them and pray for them,
or do you feel a need to set them straight every time you
see them? I am wondering who should take the liberty
of setting you straight then? If all of us had this attitude
of being better, the church would no longer be a place
to minister to people but a place of judgment and rebuke.
Jesus never taught this my friends. He never taught
us to be distant and judgmental and unkind. Certainly
we are to discern who is of him and who is not, but not
for the sake of looking down on them, but the sake of prayer.
The church is a hospital, not a courtroom. No one appointed
you or me judge or jury of other people's lives.
We are to minister to the needs of others, pray for them
when we see flaws, and then pray for our own flaws, that
God will forgive us and help us to be right before Him.
I am reminded of what Jesus said about the woman who
had been committing adultery and was about to be stoned.
Let He who is without sin cast the first stone.
Go out in this world and be a light for Christ.
Pray for the needs of those who are hurting, and lost
and unable to afford good clothes or food.
There for the grace of God... go you and I.
Be thankful for what you have and abundantly give
to those who do not have. In humility, love and kindness.
Never again spend time looking down on anyone.
It is not of God.
love always
millie
10 Little Christians
10 Little Christians standing in line
1 disliked the preacher, then there were 9
9 little Christians stayed up very late
1 overslept Sunday, then there were 8
8 little Christians on their way to Heaven
1 took the low road and then there were 7
7 little Christians chirping like chicks
1 disliked music, then there were 6
6 little Christians seemed very much alive
but one lost his interest then there was 5
5 little Christians pulling for Heaven's Shore
but one stopped to rest, then there were 4
4 little Christians each busy as a bee
1 got his feelings hurt, then there were 3
3 little Christians knew not what to do
1 joined the sporty crowd, then there were 2
2 little Christians, our rhyme is nearly done
differed with each other, then there was 1
1 little Christian can't do much 'tis true
brought his friend to Bible study -- then there were 2
2 earnest Christians, each won one more
that doubled the number, then there were 4
4 sincere Christians worked early and late
Each won another then there were 8
8 splendid Christians if they doubled as before
In just so many Sundays, we'd have 1,024
In this little jingle, there is a lesson true,
You belong either to the
building or to the wrecking crew!
- Author Unknown
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Clutter - How To Be Free of It
copyright Millie Plastaras 10/5/06
You will guard him and keep him in perfect
and constant peace whose mind (both its inclination and
its character) is stayed on you, because he commits
himself to You, leans on You and hopes confidently in You.
Isaiah 26:3
Have you ever had problems keeping your home clean?
I mean things piled up to such a degree that you couldn't
decide where to start and you felt overwhelmed by
the task? Daily, you watch the piles around the house
grow and soon you feel powerless to make the house
orderly again.
Many of us do this with our minds. Little by little
mental clutter builds up in our hearts, minds,
and spirit, until our thinking is a cluttered mess
of rejection, the past, unforgiveness, broken
relationships, self hatred, and recriminations.
We just fill it with the most negative things possible,
until we become very depressed and feel like we
have no control over our thinking.
Well, at one time we did, but we surrendered that
control, little by little to the spirit of discontent.
We surrendered our freedom to the spirit of
unforgiveness. We held on to grudges and past
hurts as if they were treasures, putting them in
a non-hope chest and counting them daily until it
became a worry chest. We have spoken the
most negative things, until we have believed them
as gospel.
If you say you are worthless long enough,
if you say you are a failure long enough,
if you feel rejected long enough,
if you feel hopeless long enough,
soon you will buy into these lies,
they becomes a way of life, and you don't know
how to get rid of that mental clutter and free yourself.
My friends, this is not only a mental issue it is
a spiritual issue.
Many who are reading this tonite, are very troubled.
They feel despair, and often great hopelessness.
They hate that they feel it, but they feed it, and may not
realize that is what they do.
From the time they rise out of bed, they gather
the past in their arms and feed it, remembering,
rehashing, and beating themselves up over it.
They remember hurts and slights, and live them
over and over again, endlessly, powerlessly,
until they are defeated and weary, a victim
of their own thinking.
Is there any hope for this? Oh yes.
To live victoriously one must keep their eyes
on the goals ahead, and not the pain of the past.
If there never comes a place where you release
the past, forgive everyone in it, and find healing
in your own spirit, your life will be a constant battleground
for depression, despair and many other heavy things.
God wants us to be free of the past. He said
Cast your burdens upon me, for I care for you.
1 Peter 5:7.
When we cast our burdens, we throw them far
away from us.. and leave them there. This is a habit
we must form of letting them go. And each time
we feel ourselves picking up the negative thinking,
the unforgiveness, the depression, the victim thinking
we must run back to the throne of God and lay it at
his feet.
This is a habit anyone can form.
Athletes know how to focus and work hard at their
sport until they see victory.
Bodybuilders stay focused and work on their task
day after day relentlessly until they achieve their goal.
People who set goals, stay focused on them, work
towards them, do not allow defeat to be in their
vocabulary, and daily work towards these things
and will reach their goals!
It is a mental choice we make.
We choose to succeed or fail.
We choose to be a victor or a victim.
We choose to be happy or sad.
We choose to forgive or remember all hurts.
We choose to savor life, or regret it.
MY friends, those heavy feelings are not your friends.
They are destroying the fabric of your life, your
relationships, your hope, they are destroying
your thinking. Let them go. They are unimportant.
They are the weapons against your mind by the
dark powers of this world that want to paralyze your
thinking until you cannot enjoy your life.
Don't allow it. Fill your mind with hopeful things.
Fill your heart with a sense of duty, and set short
and long term goals to work towards.
Leave your burdens at Christ's feet, allow Him to Be
Lord and you be the child.. and leave those burdens
there.. You have things to do!
Paul knew what mental battles were, he faced
a lot of persecution and torment in his time,
and even physical problems he never overcame,
but in his letter to the Philippians he offered this sage
advice.
Be anxious for nothing (let it all go)
but in everything by prayer and supplication (pleading
before God) with thanksgiving (learn to be thankful),
let your requests be made known to God.
(pray often, fervently, tell God everything,
if you don't ask, he cannot answer).
And the PEACE OF GOD, which surpasses all
understanding will guard your hearts
and minds through Christ Jesus.
God will guard your heart and mind, and bring you
peace.. now this is a promise you can cling to!!!
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true
whatever things are noble,
whatever things are just,
whatever things are pure,
whatever things are lovely,
whatever things are of good report,
if there is any virtue and if there is anything
praiseworthy, meditate on these things!
Philippians 4:6-8
Friends, Paul was telling you to be a positive thinker!
He believed whatever you focused on what was
very important. So should you. Do you want
to be happy? Do you want to be set free from
the past? Do you want to enjoy life?
You have to change your focus
You have to change your goals
You have to change your thinking
You have to surrender the past,
You have to let God be God, and in control
and you have to go out and live life,
and take your thoughts captive one by one,
and replace them with the joy of the Lord
and the peace that passes all understanding.
It is a process. We clean out the clutter of our
mind, and fill it with clean, fresh new beginnings.
Praise God who makes this possible.
Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits
Psalm 68:19
(have you taken time to count your blessings)
Tonite, go to your heavenly Father, ask Him to
help you change your thinking patterns, ask Him
to forgive your sins, and help you forgive others,
and ask Him to help you clean the clutter in your
mind and spirit and to set you free from the past
and show you what He would have you do.
Ask Him to free you from the bondage that has
weighed your weary heart down. He promised
He would, if you will leave those burdens and
trust in His ability, not your own.
Life is short, choose your battles carefully,
and don't waste your mind, heart and time on despair
or one negative thing.
One final thing, if God can forgive you and me,
we must forgive ourselves, and move on from
our mistakes and past, for His glory and honor
to show in our lives like a light and beacon to
a lost and dying world.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13
Remember
Only one life, will soon be past
only what is done for Christ will last..
You will guard him and keep him in perfect
and constant peace whose mind (both its inclination and
its character) is stayed on you, because he commits
himself to You, leans on You and hopes confidently in You.
Isaiah 26:3
Have you ever had problems keeping your home clean?
I mean things piled up to such a degree that you couldn't
decide where to start and you felt overwhelmed by
the task? Daily, you watch the piles around the house
grow and soon you feel powerless to make the house
orderly again.
Many of us do this with our minds. Little by little
mental clutter builds up in our hearts, minds,
and spirit, until our thinking is a cluttered mess
of rejection, the past, unforgiveness, broken
relationships, self hatred, and recriminations.
We just fill it with the most negative things possible,
until we become very depressed and feel like we
have no control over our thinking.
Well, at one time we did, but we surrendered that
control, little by little to the spirit of discontent.
We surrendered our freedom to the spirit of
unforgiveness. We held on to grudges and past
hurts as if they were treasures, putting them in
a non-hope chest and counting them daily until it
became a worry chest. We have spoken the
most negative things, until we have believed them
as gospel.
If you say you are worthless long enough,
if you say you are a failure long enough,
if you feel rejected long enough,
if you feel hopeless long enough,
soon you will buy into these lies,
they becomes a way of life, and you don't know
how to get rid of that mental clutter and free yourself.
My friends, this is not only a mental issue it is
a spiritual issue.
Many who are reading this tonite, are very troubled.
They feel despair, and often great hopelessness.
They hate that they feel it, but they feed it, and may not
realize that is what they do.
From the time they rise out of bed, they gather
the past in their arms and feed it, remembering,
rehashing, and beating themselves up over it.
They remember hurts and slights, and live them
over and over again, endlessly, powerlessly,
until they are defeated and weary, a victim
of their own thinking.
Is there any hope for this? Oh yes.
To live victoriously one must keep their eyes
on the goals ahead, and not the pain of the past.
If there never comes a place where you release
the past, forgive everyone in it, and find healing
in your own spirit, your life will be a constant battleground
for depression, despair and many other heavy things.
God wants us to be free of the past. He said
Cast your burdens upon me, for I care for you.
1 Peter 5:7.
When we cast our burdens, we throw them far
away from us.. and leave them there. This is a habit
we must form of letting them go. And each time
we feel ourselves picking up the negative thinking,
the unforgiveness, the depression, the victim thinking
we must run back to the throne of God and lay it at
his feet.
This is a habit anyone can form.
Athletes know how to focus and work hard at their
sport until they see victory.
Bodybuilders stay focused and work on their task
day after day relentlessly until they achieve their goal.
People who set goals, stay focused on them, work
towards them, do not allow defeat to be in their
vocabulary, and daily work towards these things
and will reach their goals!
It is a mental choice we make.
We choose to succeed or fail.
We choose to be a victor or a victim.
We choose to be happy or sad.
We choose to forgive or remember all hurts.
We choose to savor life, or regret it.
MY friends, those heavy feelings are not your friends.
They are destroying the fabric of your life, your
relationships, your hope, they are destroying
your thinking. Let them go. They are unimportant.
They are the weapons against your mind by the
dark powers of this world that want to paralyze your
thinking until you cannot enjoy your life.
Don't allow it. Fill your mind with hopeful things.
Fill your heart with a sense of duty, and set short
and long term goals to work towards.
Leave your burdens at Christ's feet, allow Him to Be
Lord and you be the child.. and leave those burdens
there.. You have things to do!
Paul knew what mental battles were, he faced
a lot of persecution and torment in his time,
and even physical problems he never overcame,
but in his letter to the Philippians he offered this sage
advice.
Be anxious for nothing (let it all go)
but in everything by prayer and supplication (pleading
before God) with thanksgiving (learn to be thankful),
let your requests be made known to God.
(pray often, fervently, tell God everything,
if you don't ask, he cannot answer).
And the PEACE OF GOD, which surpasses all
understanding will guard your hearts
and minds through Christ Jesus.
God will guard your heart and mind, and bring you
peace.. now this is a promise you can cling to!!!
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true
whatever things are noble,
whatever things are just,
whatever things are pure,
whatever things are lovely,
whatever things are of good report,
if there is any virtue and if there is anything
praiseworthy, meditate on these things!
Philippians 4:6-8
Friends, Paul was telling you to be a positive thinker!
He believed whatever you focused on what was
very important. So should you. Do you want
to be happy? Do you want to be set free from
the past? Do you want to enjoy life?
You have to change your focus
You have to change your goals
You have to change your thinking
You have to surrender the past,
You have to let God be God, and in control
and you have to go out and live life,
and take your thoughts captive one by one,
and replace them with the joy of the Lord
and the peace that passes all understanding.
It is a process. We clean out the clutter of our
mind, and fill it with clean, fresh new beginnings.
Praise God who makes this possible.
Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits
Psalm 68:19
(have you taken time to count your blessings)
Tonite, go to your heavenly Father, ask Him to
help you change your thinking patterns, ask Him
to forgive your sins, and help you forgive others,
and ask Him to help you clean the clutter in your
mind and spirit and to set you free from the past
and show you what He would have you do.
Ask Him to free you from the bondage that has
weighed your weary heart down. He promised
He would, if you will leave those burdens and
trust in His ability, not your own.
Life is short, choose your battles carefully,
and don't waste your mind, heart and time on despair
or one negative thing.
One final thing, if God can forgive you and me,
we must forgive ourselves, and move on from
our mistakes and past, for His glory and honor
to show in our lives like a light and beacon to
a lost and dying world.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13
Remember
Only one life, will soon be past
only what is done for Christ will last..
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Empty Hands, Renewed Heart
Good Morning Everyone,
I love drinking tea out of beautiful cups. Somehow it
makes the tea taste better, and makes it seem
like a happy little ceremony.
A interesting note about a cup of tea. Until it
is emptied you cannot refill it.
The same is true of our heart. Unless we give away
we have no room to refill it. If we cling to our love,
our possessions, our time, and our emotions.. they will
remain stuck within our heart, withering on the vine,
unused, unappreciated, uninspiring.
But if we open up our heart and reach out to others,
we find ourselves feeling better about ourselves. We will
see relationships blossoming around us, and we will find
we have room in our heart for the love of others.
Our heart is growing, and so are we spiritually and emotionally!
Maturing because we took time to give without thought
of receiving in return.
I think the same thing applies to suffering, burdens and
hardships. Until we have suffered or carried burdens, or lost
those we love, how can we understand the heartache of others?
Each thing we go through is a lesson, a growing time, even in
the hardest of things, we learn something valuable and true
and very fine for our hearts and spirit.
Only through hardship, suffering and burdens, and then
coming out on the other side of them do we understand
the struggles of others, feel empathy and reach out
to minister because we understand what people are
going through. What a gift!
Life is a investment. We only have this one. Empty your hands
out, give unto others, of your time, energy, emotions and love.
Make the investment of your life a testimony to Christ abiding in you.
love always
millie
ps.. please read the poem below.
Empty Hands
Author: Martha Snell Nicholson
One by one He took them from me,
All the things I valued most:
Until I was empty-handed,
Every glittering toy was lost.
And I walked earth's highways, grieving,
In my rage and poverty,
Till I heard His voice inviting,
"Lift your empty hands to me."
So I held my hands toward heaven
And He filled them with a store
Of His own transcendent riches
Until they could hold no more.
And at last I comprehended,
With my stupid mind and dull,
That God could not pour His riches
Into hands already full.
"Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again." - Luke 6:38
I love drinking tea out of beautiful cups. Somehow it
makes the tea taste better, and makes it seem
like a happy little ceremony.
A interesting note about a cup of tea. Until it
is emptied you cannot refill it.
The same is true of our heart. Unless we give away
we have no room to refill it. If we cling to our love,
our possessions, our time, and our emotions.. they will
remain stuck within our heart, withering on the vine,
unused, unappreciated, uninspiring.
But if we open up our heart and reach out to others,
we find ourselves feeling better about ourselves. We will
see relationships blossoming around us, and we will find
we have room in our heart for the love of others.
Our heart is growing, and so are we spiritually and emotionally!
Maturing because we took time to give without thought
of receiving in return.
I think the same thing applies to suffering, burdens and
hardships. Until we have suffered or carried burdens, or lost
those we love, how can we understand the heartache of others?
Each thing we go through is a lesson, a growing time, even in
the hardest of things, we learn something valuable and true
and very fine for our hearts and spirit.
Only through hardship, suffering and burdens, and then
coming out on the other side of them do we understand
the struggles of others, feel empathy and reach out
to minister because we understand what people are
going through. What a gift!
Life is a investment. We only have this one. Empty your hands
out, give unto others, of your time, energy, emotions and love.
Make the investment of your life a testimony to Christ abiding in you.
love always
millie
ps.. please read the poem below.
Empty Hands
Author: Martha Snell Nicholson
One by one He took them from me,
All the things I valued most:
Until I was empty-handed,
Every glittering toy was lost.
And I walked earth's highways, grieving,
In my rage and poverty,
Till I heard His voice inviting,
"Lift your empty hands to me."
So I held my hands toward heaven
And He filled them with a store
Of His own transcendent riches
Until they could hold no more.
And at last I comprehended,
With my stupid mind and dull,
That God could not pour His riches
Into hands already full.
"Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again." - Luke 6:38
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