copyright Millie Plastaras 11/24/2008
I have read recently about the increase in
depression and fear in people. More people
are being treated for depression than ever before.
I thought this morning, we could talk about some
ways to defeat this. It is simplistic advice, but
something I have implemented in my own life to a great
degree of success. Most of my life I suffered
from great bouts of depression, and it was a waste
of my time. It robbed me of relationships, joyful
times with family, and even enjoying holidays or
getting out of the house and enjoying life.
What a waste!
Each of us probably watches a great deal of TV.
I would love for you to analyze what you are watching.
Get a pencil and piece of paper out. List the shows
you watch on a regular basis. How many of those
shows have positive input?
If you are a news junkie and watch a lot of news,
chances are you are getting a lot of negative input.
Fearful, and intimidating. Because right now it
is predicting financial chaos in the world. Terrorism.
Loss of jobs. Fear, fear, fear. All of this seeps
into your spirit and fills you with dread.
Let me tell you something... what you put into your spirit
feeds you. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT. You must be
careful what you allow in your spirit.
Be careful what you watch,
what you read,
and who you get around.
Find something inspiring and hopeful to watch and read
daily. This does not mean you are in denial, this means
you are feeding your spirit. A very vital function.
In Philippians 4:8,9 we find some very sound advice.
For the rest, brethren, whatever is true,
whatever is worthy of reverence, and is honorable and good,
whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely
and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious,
if there is any virtue and any excellence, if there is anything
worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of
these things (fix your mind on them).
Practice what you have learned and received and heard and
seen in me, and model your way of living on it, and the
God of peace (of untroubled, undisturbed well being)
will be with you .
I once wrote a series on our focus. I made up a
sign and gave it to everyone for them to put in their house,
on their refrigerator, on the wall, someplace it would
be visible. The sign said "Where Is Your Focus?"
Each time we pass it it would remind us
to self check our attitude and focus, and correct
ourselves if we were allowing worry, or fear
or sadness to rule our spirit.
This is very important. Wherever your focus is, whatever
you feed your spirit, what people you allow to speak into
your life, affects your moods, your outlook, your hope level
and your actions.
My friends, don't let the naysayers, the fear mongers,
and negative people rule your spirit. We all have trials
and tribulations and sadness..but what we do next
is what counts. We can seek to dwell on that or we
can keep our focus on God. Trusting in Him, relying
on Him, clinging to Him, seeking and putting Him first.
We can also fill our lives with useful activities,
positive people, positive input and wise counsel.
Daily start your day with the word of God. Fill your spirit
with his alive, powerful, hopeful, inspirational word
that will go into your spirit and sprout hope and strength.
Paul also said in Philippians 4:12-13
I know how to be abased and live humbly in straitened
circumstances, and I know how to enjoy plenty and live in
abundance. I have learned in any and ALL circumstances the
secret of facing every situation, whether well-fed or going
hungry, having a sufficiencey and enough to spare
or going without and being in want.
I have STRENGTH FOR ALL THINGS in CHRIST who
EMPOWERS me (I am ready for anything and equal to
anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me;
I am self sufficient in Christ's sufficiency.
My friends if you cannot say this, you are focusing
on your sorrows, your weakness, your negative spirit
is overiding your hope. This is not good and you CAN
do something about it.
Rebuke that which is negative, evil, fearful and
receive that which is good. Here are some pointers
to help you start a new course.
1. Focus on good things, and hopeful things.
2. Get around people who inspire you.
3. Start your day with prayer and the word of God,
it infuses strength and hope in you.
4. Avoid shows and books that make you sad
and make you feel hopeless or afraid.
5. Find useful things to do daily. Set short
term goals for small projects to keep you
busy and feeling productive.
6. Do something for someone else everyday,
even if it is only a word of encouragement.
7. Forgive everyone, even if they don't ask.
Never carry a burden of unforgiveness into
the next day. LET IT GO.
I know that together in Christ we can make each day
exciting and new inspite of our circumstances,
because we choose to dwell on things that uplift, bond us
to good, strengthen our spirit and hope in Christ.
Our circumstances do not control us, our hope in
Christ and him dwell with us THROUGH all things infuses
us with his strength and makes us aware of his abiding
presence. How then can we lose hope. Our hope
comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth.
By the way, for those of you who are sitting there
saying you have no idea what I am going through. Let
me say this.. you have no idea what I am going through.
I am in severe pain most of the time now.. and have
many other challenges. I practice what I preach.
I do not give you advice, I cannot follow or implement in my
own life. We all have problems, the secret is
how we face them, and what we do next.
You can be a success or failure by your
own thinking. Which are you choosing?
My focus is on... Lord, what would you have
me do today, and what difference can I make in
my corner of the world. Rise above your circumstances,
savor life, and be a light. Make a difference!
You can only do this when you rise above
negative emotions and reach out and be full of
strength. Just do it.. even when you are weary.
For me to live is Christ.
love always
millie
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice,
of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but (He has given us
a spirit) of power and of love and of calm and well balanced mind
and discipline and self control.
2 Timothy 1:7
Monday, November 24, 2008
Sunday, November 09, 2008
The Luxury of Defeat
copyright Millie Plastaras 11/9/08
Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery
trial which is to try you, as though some strange
thing has happened to you!
But REJOICE, inasmuch as you are partakers
of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory may
be revealed you will be glad also with exceeding joy.
1 Peter 4:12-13
In each of our lives some rain must fall.
No one is immune to trials, tribulations,
death, disease, and hard times. But there
is a dramatic difference in how we see people
cope with these issues.
I think that those that always win, or always
seem to be lucky and have everything go right,
soon feel they can do nothing wrong. That life
is all about them, and they soon believe somehow
that makes them better. They take it for granted,
not realizing each victory and good thing is a blessing
and a GIFT!
Defeat can be a good thing. When we lose
we have the luxury of seeing what we did wrong,
how to fix it, and it can give us the courage to get up
and try, try again.
When we win, we go on to the next thing, without
a glance back, often not looking at our mistakes and
altering our course or goals for the better.
Defeat brings about reflection, and this can be used
for the good.
Attitude is the key. Truly, you and I and everyone
you know will face something we don't want to.
We can face it as a victor or a victim. We can let
it forever defeat us, or we can pick ourselves up,
learn from it, become stronger, more sympathetic
with others going through similar things, and we
can change our course.
The trials of life are the reflective, and growth times
that define and strengthen our character. And
when we are too weak to go on, Christ will hold us
until we are prepared to do so. Our sufficiency
and strength comes from time spent in prayer
releasing our burdens and cares to Him, and waiting
for that still small voice to guide us and lead us the
next step.
And He said to me, MY grace is sufficient for you, for MY strength
is made perfect in (your) weakness. Therefore most gladly will I boast
in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest on me.
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs,
in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak,
THEN HE IS STRONG.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
If you don't have that quiet time with Him, you will
hardly be able to hear his voice. And your course of
life will suffer for it.
We can have power, strength and wisdom
even in the hard times. Never let it be the end of the story.
Let it be a new chapter in your thinking and life.
Love always
millie
Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery
trial which is to try you, as though some strange
thing has happened to you!
But REJOICE, inasmuch as you are partakers
of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory may
be revealed you will be glad also with exceeding joy.
1 Peter 4:12-13
In each of our lives some rain must fall.
No one is immune to trials, tribulations,
death, disease, and hard times. But there
is a dramatic difference in how we see people
cope with these issues.
I think that those that always win, or always
seem to be lucky and have everything go right,
soon feel they can do nothing wrong. That life
is all about them, and they soon believe somehow
that makes them better. They take it for granted,
not realizing each victory and good thing is a blessing
and a GIFT!
Defeat can be a good thing. When we lose
we have the luxury of seeing what we did wrong,
how to fix it, and it can give us the courage to get up
and try, try again.
When we win, we go on to the next thing, without
a glance back, often not looking at our mistakes and
altering our course or goals for the better.
Defeat brings about reflection, and this can be used
for the good.
Attitude is the key. Truly, you and I and everyone
you know will face something we don't want to.
We can face it as a victor or a victim. We can let
it forever defeat us, or we can pick ourselves up,
learn from it, become stronger, more sympathetic
with others going through similar things, and we
can change our course.
The trials of life are the reflective, and growth times
that define and strengthen our character. And
when we are too weak to go on, Christ will hold us
until we are prepared to do so. Our sufficiency
and strength comes from time spent in prayer
releasing our burdens and cares to Him, and waiting
for that still small voice to guide us and lead us the
next step.
And He said to me, MY grace is sufficient for you, for MY strength
is made perfect in (your) weakness. Therefore most gladly will I boast
in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest on me.
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs,
in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak,
THEN HE IS STRONG.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
If you don't have that quiet time with Him, you will
hardly be able to hear his voice. And your course of
life will suffer for it.
We can have power, strength and wisdom
even in the hard times. Never let it be the end of the story.
Let it be a new chapter in your thinking and life.
Love always
millie
Monday, November 03, 2008
Pulling Down Strongholds
copyright Millie Plastaras 9/13/2003
For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in
God for pulling down strongholds.
2 Corinthians 10:3
According to websters dictionary a stronghold is
1 : a fortified place
2 a : a place of security or survival
A stronghold can also be a place we have allowed satan
to take hold of our thinking or life. This comes from a time
when we were weak, tempted, or caved in to thoughts,
desires, or temptations.
A strong hold upon our life. A place that
has taken root in our heart and spirit and become
a spiritual bondage within us. Basically enslaved us
spiritually until we may not be able to see it or
overcome it in our own strength.
We want to change that from a strong hold of satan the
loser upon our lives to a strong Hold of God upon our
spirit. A refuge, a place of comfort, away from the
enemy surrounded by God's angels, and fought by
mighty warfare.
So how do we change this?
1. Recognize the areas of your life that are not dedicated
to God. Perhaps you have become addicted to something,
or perhaps you are committing adultery. Perhaps you
have been thinking or doing things you know are not
right, but you continue. It can even be a way of
thinking, such as negativity, or gossip, or even
unforgiveness. All of these are negative, satanic strongholds.
2. Recognize that God is greater than any of these.His might is not limited by our thinking. He is able to
pull down strongholds and defeat them forever.
Do not limit his ability by your thinking or unconfessed sin.
Recognize your need, confess it, and allow His
mighty spirit to overcome the strongholds within you.
3. Learn to fight back. We fight back several ways.
We learn to think differently -- righteously. We get into
the Word, and plant it in our heart, speak it to our problems.
The word of God is powerful and sharper than any two
edged sword, it goes forth to accomplish God's will and
no demonic force, power of satan or satanic assignment,
bondage or curse can stand against the word of God and
the atoning blood of Jesus Christ.
As the kingdom of heaven advances, we fight the conflicts
of the powers of darkness with violent spiritual warfare..
According to Jack Hayford: The upheaval caused by
the kingdom of God is not caused by political provocation
or armed advance. It is the result of God's order
shaking relationships, households, cities and nations by
the entry of the Holy Spirit's power working in people.
And from the days of John the Baptist until now,
the Kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it
by force.
Matthew 11:12
Next we get into praise.. remembering God is worthy of praise
and inhabits the praises of His people. WE get into
fellowship, and learn to find encouragement and
wisdom from a Pastor and Teachers that God sends to us.
Speak the word, often, powerfully, it is alive and
will go forth and accomplish God's purpose. Nothing
can stop it!
So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth.
It shall not return to Me void!
But it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper
in the thing for which I send it.
Isaiah 55:11
I am reminded of that popular saying now..
when one doesn't want to hear what someone else is
saying. They hold up their hand and say "Talk to the hand".
Basically because they are emphasizing they won't listen.
(A common problem now)
But.. I thought about this, and thought this is what we should
be doing to satan the loser every time he comes in with
a negative thought, or temptation, or lust, we should hold
our hand up and say, NOOOOOOOOOO!
Say out loud:
I am a child of the King of Kings. I am covered by the
blood of the Lamb. You have no place in my life.
Greater is He that is in me, than He that is in the world.
And the God of peace shall bruise satan under your feet
shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
Romans 16:20
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that
has exalted itself against the knowledge of God, and
bringing into CAPTIVITY every thought to the
obedience of Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5
We have power in the name of Jesus to overcome
the powers of darkness! Take charge and fight back.
We are His warriors. Never forget that. Never cave in.
And never let defeat be spoken to you. Take every
thought into captivity in the name of Jesus and by
the blood of the Lamb.
And the seventy returned again with joy, saying Lord, even
the devils are subject unto us through your name!
and Jesus said to them, I beheld satan as lightning fall from
heaven.
Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and
scorpions, and over ALL the power of the enemy;
and NOTHING shall by any means hurt you.
Luke 10:17-19
Claim it, believe it, receive it, cling to it, live by it
and hold up that hand and tell satan the loser you have
power over his demons and domain by the blood of the Lamb
Put on the armor of God daily, and fight back my friends.
We will not lose.. we will win.. and God is still on the throne.
HALLELUJAH
Hallelujah! Power in the blood of the Lamb!
Praise God saints, and fight back!
Ephesians 6:10-18
´°`·.,¸¸,.·´°`·.,¸¸,.·´°`·.,¸¸,.·°°´·.,¸¸,.·´°`·.,¸¸,.·´°`·.,¸¸,.·´°
Tell the Devil - speak it out loud
Tell the devil today, he is a liar! He will not take your joy, your peace or disturb your spirit. Tell him he cannot sleep in your bed-there's not enough cover.
Tell him he cannot sit in your chair-you will not give him a cushion of comfort.
Tell him he can't touch your body-its covered with the blood of Jesus!
Tell him he cannot audit your finances-you've changed accountants!
Tell him he cannot enter your home-the locks have been changed.
Tell him to leave your workplace-he's not on the list of things to do today.
Tell him to take his hands off your children-because you've had hands laid on them.
Tell him you have no time for nonsense, criticism, or fears-you are on a mission, and you walk by faith.
Tell him no more tears, heartaches or headaches-because there's another, He that restores your soul.
Tell him. Tell him. Tell him. Tell him. Tell him, today, you have a gentle, powerful inner peace within, that consumes you and leaves no room for confusion.
Tell him, today you will respond soothingly to a crying child, a tense spouse, or impatient friend.
Tell him, today, you will find no fault with a relative, friend, or colleague.
Tell him to leave your tongue alone-for today you will not talk of anyone, before placing God at the beginning of your thought.
Tell him, whereever you are, that God is. Tell him, God said, "My people will abide in a peaceful habitation..and in quiet resting place." (Isaiah 32:18) Today, tell him he is a liar!
"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" (John 16:33)
While you are making these statements of faith and fact, try reading the devil his rights just like the police do for anyone they arrest!
(1.) You have the right to remain silent.
(2.) You have the right to a fair trial-to be given you by the saints of God right before we collectively drop-kick you into the pit of hell forever.
(3.) You have the right to know that not only anything you say but anything you do CAN and WILL be heald against you.
REMEMBER WHO IS IN CONTROL OF YOUR LIFE!
Romans 16:20 and the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
Amen.
For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in
God for pulling down strongholds.
2 Corinthians 10:3
According to websters dictionary a stronghold is
1 : a fortified place
2 a : a place of security or survival
A stronghold can also be a place we have allowed satan
to take hold of our thinking or life. This comes from a time
when we were weak, tempted, or caved in to thoughts,
desires, or temptations.
A strong hold upon our life. A place that
has taken root in our heart and spirit and become
a spiritual bondage within us. Basically enslaved us
spiritually until we may not be able to see it or
overcome it in our own strength.
We want to change that from a strong hold of satan the
loser upon our lives to a strong Hold of God upon our
spirit. A refuge, a place of comfort, away from the
enemy surrounded by God's angels, and fought by
mighty warfare.
So how do we change this?
1. Recognize the areas of your life that are not dedicated
to God. Perhaps you have become addicted to something,
or perhaps you are committing adultery. Perhaps you
have been thinking or doing things you know are not
right, but you continue. It can even be a way of
thinking, such as negativity, or gossip, or even
unforgiveness. All of these are negative, satanic strongholds.
2. Recognize that God is greater than any of these.His might is not limited by our thinking. He is able to
pull down strongholds and defeat them forever.
Do not limit his ability by your thinking or unconfessed sin.
Recognize your need, confess it, and allow His
mighty spirit to overcome the strongholds within you.
3. Learn to fight back. We fight back several ways.
We learn to think differently -- righteously. We get into
the Word, and plant it in our heart, speak it to our problems.
The word of God is powerful and sharper than any two
edged sword, it goes forth to accomplish God's will and
no demonic force, power of satan or satanic assignment,
bondage or curse can stand against the word of God and
the atoning blood of Jesus Christ.
As the kingdom of heaven advances, we fight the conflicts
of the powers of darkness with violent spiritual warfare..
According to Jack Hayford: The upheaval caused by
the kingdom of God is not caused by political provocation
or armed advance. It is the result of God's order
shaking relationships, households, cities and nations by
the entry of the Holy Spirit's power working in people.
And from the days of John the Baptist until now,
the Kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it
by force.
Matthew 11:12
Next we get into praise.. remembering God is worthy of praise
and inhabits the praises of His people. WE get into
fellowship, and learn to find encouragement and
wisdom from a Pastor and Teachers that God sends to us.
Speak the word, often, powerfully, it is alive and
will go forth and accomplish God's purpose. Nothing
can stop it!
So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth.
It shall not return to Me void!
But it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper
in the thing for which I send it.
Isaiah 55:11
I am reminded of that popular saying now..
when one doesn't want to hear what someone else is
saying. They hold up their hand and say "Talk to the hand".
Basically because they are emphasizing they won't listen.
(A common problem now)
But.. I thought about this, and thought this is what we should
be doing to satan the loser every time he comes in with
a negative thought, or temptation, or lust, we should hold
our hand up and say, NOOOOOOOOOO!
Say out loud:
I am a child of the King of Kings. I am covered by the
blood of the Lamb. You have no place in my life.
Greater is He that is in me, than He that is in the world.
And the God of peace shall bruise satan under your feet
shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
Romans 16:20
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that
has exalted itself against the knowledge of God, and
bringing into CAPTIVITY every thought to the
obedience of Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5
We have power in the name of Jesus to overcome
the powers of darkness! Take charge and fight back.
We are His warriors. Never forget that. Never cave in.
And never let defeat be spoken to you. Take every
thought into captivity in the name of Jesus and by
the blood of the Lamb.
And the seventy returned again with joy, saying Lord, even
the devils are subject unto us through your name!
and Jesus said to them, I beheld satan as lightning fall from
heaven.
Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and
scorpions, and over ALL the power of the enemy;
and NOTHING shall by any means hurt you.
Luke 10:17-19
Claim it, believe it, receive it, cling to it, live by it
and hold up that hand and tell satan the loser you have
power over his demons and domain by the blood of the Lamb
Put on the armor of God daily, and fight back my friends.
We will not lose.. we will win.. and God is still on the throne.
HALLELUJAH
Hallelujah! Power in the blood of the Lamb!
Praise God saints, and fight back!
Ephesians 6:10-18
´°`·.,¸¸,.·´°`·.,¸¸,.·´°`·.,¸¸,.·°°´·.,¸¸,.·´°`·.,¸¸,.·´°`·.,¸¸,.·´°
Tell the Devil - speak it out loud
Tell the devil today, he is a liar! He will not take your joy, your peace or disturb your spirit. Tell him he cannot sleep in your bed-there's not enough cover.
Tell him he cannot sit in your chair-you will not give him a cushion of comfort.
Tell him he can't touch your body-its covered with the blood of Jesus!
Tell him he cannot audit your finances-you've changed accountants!
Tell him he cannot enter your home-the locks have been changed.
Tell him to leave your workplace-he's not on the list of things to do today.
Tell him to take his hands off your children-because you've had hands laid on them.
Tell him you have no time for nonsense, criticism, or fears-you are on a mission, and you walk by faith.
Tell him no more tears, heartaches or headaches-because there's another, He that restores your soul.
Tell him. Tell him. Tell him. Tell him. Tell him, today, you have a gentle, powerful inner peace within, that consumes you and leaves no room for confusion.
Tell him, today you will respond soothingly to a crying child, a tense spouse, or impatient friend.
Tell him, today, you will find no fault with a relative, friend, or colleague.
Tell him to leave your tongue alone-for today you will not talk of anyone, before placing God at the beginning of your thought.
Tell him, whereever you are, that God is. Tell him, God said, "My people will abide in a peaceful habitation..and in quiet resting place." (Isaiah 32:18) Today, tell him he is a liar!
"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" (John 16:33)
While you are making these statements of faith and fact, try reading the devil his rights just like the police do for anyone they arrest!
(1.) You have the right to remain silent.
(2.) You have the right to a fair trial-to be given you by the saints of God right before we collectively drop-kick you into the pit of hell forever.
(3.) You have the right to know that not only anything you say but anything you do CAN and WILL be heald against you.
REMEMBER WHO IS IN CONTROL OF YOUR LIFE!
Romans 16:20 and the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
Amen.
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