copyright Millie Plastaras 2/24/09
I spend a lot of time talking to a great variety of people,
from many churches, many walks of life, each with
a different mindset, background, and viewpoint. It
has proved interesting over the years, and it has sharpened
me one way specifically. When I talk to people about
God, and they raise questions, or say things I really
disagree with, it makes me study God's word more.
I want to know why I believe what I believe and be strong in it.
It makes me dig deeper, seek more fully, and cling to
God even more for understanding and CLARITY.
I want to be a wise, sharpened, fully entrenched in the
word of God, defender of my faith.
One thing I am seeing, which the Bible predicted,
is the muddying of the word of God. The Bible says
every man thinks he is right in his own mind.
With so many different churches, doctrines, mindsets
and beliefs, how can one know if what they are believing
is the truth?
I know there are churches that say they are the ONLY
true church, but, that is not true. There is ONLY
one TRUE Savior, and he IS THE ONLY WAY TO GOD.
Jesus spoke a very simple message, he was a
simple man, with plain truth. It is WE who have
complicated it to great distortions.
This is very important. If you don't get that starting
place right, nothing else will fall into place correctly.
It is about JESUS.
The last thing Jesus said to us, was go into all the world
and tell everyone the gospel of Christ.
What is the gospel?
1.The truth is that since the fall of Adam,
all men are born into sin.
2.We must all recognize our sinful
nature, that sin separates us from God. We must recognize
that God loved us so dearly
he sent his ONLY begotten son to earth to die as a atonement
for our sins. He took our place on the cross, shed his blood
for our sins, so that we might find forgiveness and cleansing
from those sins.
3. We must repent of these sins, naming them specifically.
How do we know what sin is? By reading God's word.
It tells us how to find God, what is wrong and right
before him and teaches us that sin is transgression of
Gods law and concepts. Repenting is recognizing
our sin, feeling a Godly sorrow about it, and telling
God we are sorry. Then in turn true repentance
means we walk away from those things, we turn our
back to our old life of sin and turn to a new life in Christ.
4. We must be born again. We ask Jesus to forgive
our sins and be our Savior. We ask Him to be Lord
of our life.. to rule and reign in our spirit, and teach
us which way to go, and what to do. We put Him first.
The Bible tells us once we do this we are born again.
We have recognized our sin, repented of it, received
Jesus sacrifice on the cross for our sins, and then
we have become a disciple of Christ. Following
his teachings, and walking in His light daily.
This means a change. A dedication. A clarification in
our thinking. WE have to clear out the muddy thinking
and clarify it with the word of God. Don't take any one's
word for it.. read it for yourself. Get into a church
that teaches the gospel of Christ, that shows it loves
God, that teaches the Bible (all of it) and that has
a outreach to people. Become part of a community of Christ.
This will not only clarify your thinking.. it will get you into
a fellowship of Christians, where you can pray for one
another, encourage one another, keep each other
accountable, and find strength in community. It will
keep you into the word of God, and you will learn much
that will strengthen you, bring hope, and help you grow in Christ.
It is important to follow up with Baptism. Ask your minister
to have you baptized when you join that church. It is
following Jesus example, showing a outward sign of
a inward change.
My friends, don't accept untruths. Don't compromise
the gospel of Christ. Don't muddy it by focusing on
things that do not profit. Your first job is to receive the
gospel, your second it so live the gospel, and your third
is to tell everyone you meet the gospel of Christ.
The Bible says if our gospel is hid, it is hid to them who are lost.
I must also say in all sincerity, that in these times
many doctrines, false prophets, and people who want
to make a one world religion, that denies, sin, hell,
the need to repent, and that Jesus was the son of God.
They want you to believe that you are in charge of your
life, there is no after life, there is no God, and many
other great spiritual lies.
It is new age, feel good, life is about me, God is me
kind of thinking. It is the road to hell. Make no mistake.
There is a right and a wrong way.
There is a way that seems right to a man and appears
straight before him, but at the end is the way of (spiritual) death.
Proverbs 16:25
To be honest... it is God's way or satan the losers way.
There is no middle ground. God clearly says you are either
for Him or against Him.
Jesus said: Enter through the narrow gate, for
wide is the gate and spacious and broad is the way
that leads to destruction (hell), and many are those
who are entering through it.
But the gate is narrow and the way is straight that leads away
to life, and few there are that find it. Matthew 5:13-14
Even Jesus knew the path was so clear to God - through
HIM ONLY.
Be clear in your thinking.
Be focused on God. Be wise and full of his Word.
Many will try to deceive you.. don't be one of the ones
taken in by false teaching and lost without Christ.
My heart cries out within me that all coming to a saving
knowledge of Christ. It is Jesus who died for our sins,
and God's great gift to us. How can we give less than
our best to God, who loved us so much?
Absolute surrender is a must.
Jesus said, I am the way, the truth and the life, no
man comes to the Father God, except through me.
John 14:6.
Let no man tell you there is any other way than
through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ on the cross.
Love
always
millie
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Do NOT Be Afraid
Good Morning Everyone,
In these times, when the world seems chaotic, and
troubles seem compounded, there is one source
that does not change. Time in the presence of God.
But, people are spending more time, watching tv,
doing other things, being on the computer, than
spending time crying out to God, and reading his
word, refreshing their spirit with hope and strength
and needed release from burdens.
How then can we complain about being stressed,
fearful, unhappy, when we are not doing our part
to receive his peace?
This is a struggle for all of us. All of us have things
we do not know how to fix, deal with or sometimes even face.
They have to be faced with Faith. What we are unable to do,
God is aware of, and has plans for us. He sees our fear
and knows what is ahead for each country and each person.
Leaders will come and go, life passes for all of
us, but One is forever, His word will outlive us all,
and go forth and accomplish His will, and
nothing can stop it.
Do NOT fear what man can do to you. You are
connected to the God of the universe, you have
a choice to receive his peace, or dwell in your fear
and unrest. The meeting place is prayer,
the solution through prayer is leaving our burdens
at God's feet, and talking to him about the troubles of our heart.
If I could point out one of the biggest downfalls of the
christian community it is lack of time alone with God.
It is getting more prevalent. And even if you today,
went to one person and asked them how many HOURS
a week they spend with God you would find it rare.
This is so serious. It means we are putting everything else
BEFORE God, and getting worn down spiritually, feeling
helpless and unable to face things with the courage
and strength and infusion of hope that comes with time
with Christ.
HOPE DOES NOT COME FROM MEN.
Hope comes from GOD.
Never forget this!! Keep your focus on him.
I have written some powerful verses below.
Print them out. Memorize them all. Plant them
in your spirit. Speak them out loud. Believe them,
live them, and find hope in them.
GOD IS IN CONTROL. Jesus said we would face
these things... he said fear not for he had Overcome
the world. He knows what is ahead and he will be with
us through it all. Cling to him.
love always
millie
ps. Fight the good fight of faith. Stand against the elements
that you know are evil, and pray about them constantly. Your prayers
set into force powerful spiritual weapons. Don't think you
are helpless. Our combined prayers are very powerful in the
spiritual realm. We are NOT hopeless or helpless. Our Father God
reigns above all men and their plans.
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.
Thou will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on
thee, because he trusts in THEE).
Isaiah 26:3
Read these verses below and receive their concepts and
promises into your hearts:
For though the mountains should depart and be shaken
or removed, yet My Love and Kindness shall NOT depart
from you, nor shall My covenant of peace and completeness
be removed, says the Lord, Who has compassion on you.
You shall establish yourself on righteousness -- right,
in conformity with God's will and order; you shall be far
from even the thought of oppression and destruction, for you
shall NOT FEAR; and from terror, for it shall not come near you.
But no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper,
and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment
you shall show to be in the wrong. This (peace,
righteousness, security, triumph over opposition) is the
heritage of the servants of the Lord (those in whom the
ideal Servant of the Lord is reproduced).
Isaiah 54: 10, 14, 17
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall
remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty
(whose power no foe can withstand).
I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, on Him I lean and rely, and IN Him I confidently trust.
Psalm 91:1-2
He will cover you with His pinions and under His wings shall
you trust and find refuge; His truth and HIS FAITHFULNESS
are a shield and a buckler. You shall not be afraid of the
terror of the night, nor of the arrow (the evil plots and
slanders of the wicked) that flies by day. Nor of the pestilence
that stalks in the darkness, Nor of the destruction and
sudden death that surprise and lay waste at noonday.
A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your
right hand, but it SHALL NOT COME NEAR YOU.
Because you have MADE the Lord YOUR REFUGE, and
the Most High YOUR DWELLING PLACE.
Psalm 91:4-6, 9
Just walk in faith, trusting in God. Just give it to Him, and let
it go, and let Him work it out, and find comfort in Him. Right
now. Take time to talk to Him, right now, say a prayer
and receive the gift of faith and hope, and strength, and
comfort and joy. Receive it. Rebuke the fear. Rebuke the
despair, cast them out and receive a spirit of joy.
No matter what we face, we will not face it alone or powerless. God will provide. Rest in that.
In these times, when the world seems chaotic, and
troubles seem compounded, there is one source
that does not change. Time in the presence of God.
But, people are spending more time, watching tv,
doing other things, being on the computer, than
spending time crying out to God, and reading his
word, refreshing their spirit with hope and strength
and needed release from burdens.
How then can we complain about being stressed,
fearful, unhappy, when we are not doing our part
to receive his peace?
This is a struggle for all of us. All of us have things
we do not know how to fix, deal with or sometimes even face.
They have to be faced with Faith. What we are unable to do,
God is aware of, and has plans for us. He sees our fear
and knows what is ahead for each country and each person.
Leaders will come and go, life passes for all of
us, but One is forever, His word will outlive us all,
and go forth and accomplish His will, and
nothing can stop it.
Do NOT fear what man can do to you. You are
connected to the God of the universe, you have
a choice to receive his peace, or dwell in your fear
and unrest. The meeting place is prayer,
the solution through prayer is leaving our burdens
at God's feet, and talking to him about the troubles of our heart.
If I could point out one of the biggest downfalls of the
christian community it is lack of time alone with God.
It is getting more prevalent. And even if you today,
went to one person and asked them how many HOURS
a week they spend with God you would find it rare.
This is so serious. It means we are putting everything else
BEFORE God, and getting worn down spiritually, feeling
helpless and unable to face things with the courage
and strength and infusion of hope that comes with time
with Christ.
HOPE DOES NOT COME FROM MEN.
Hope comes from GOD.
Never forget this!! Keep your focus on him.
I have written some powerful verses below.
Print them out. Memorize them all. Plant them
in your spirit. Speak them out loud. Believe them,
live them, and find hope in them.
GOD IS IN CONTROL. Jesus said we would face
these things... he said fear not for he had Overcome
the world. He knows what is ahead and he will be with
us through it all. Cling to him.
love always
millie
ps. Fight the good fight of faith. Stand against the elements
that you know are evil, and pray about them constantly. Your prayers
set into force powerful spiritual weapons. Don't think you
are helpless. Our combined prayers are very powerful in the
spiritual realm. We are NOT hopeless or helpless. Our Father God
reigns above all men and their plans.
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.
Thou will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on
thee, because he trusts in THEE).
Isaiah 26:3
Read these verses below and receive their concepts and
promises into your hearts:
For though the mountains should depart and be shaken
or removed, yet My Love and Kindness shall NOT depart
from you, nor shall My covenant of peace and completeness
be removed, says the Lord, Who has compassion on you.
You shall establish yourself on righteousness -- right,
in conformity with God's will and order; you shall be far
from even the thought of oppression and destruction, for you
shall NOT FEAR; and from terror, for it shall not come near you.
But no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper,
and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment
you shall show to be in the wrong. This (peace,
righteousness, security, triumph over opposition) is the
heritage of the servants of the Lord (those in whom the
ideal Servant of the Lord is reproduced).
Isaiah 54: 10, 14, 17
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall
remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty
(whose power no foe can withstand).
I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, on Him I lean and rely, and IN Him I confidently trust.
Psalm 91:1-2
He will cover you with His pinions and under His wings shall
you trust and find refuge; His truth and HIS FAITHFULNESS
are a shield and a buckler. You shall not be afraid of the
terror of the night, nor of the arrow (the evil plots and
slanders of the wicked) that flies by day. Nor of the pestilence
that stalks in the darkness, Nor of the destruction and
sudden death that surprise and lay waste at noonday.
A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your
right hand, but it SHALL NOT COME NEAR YOU.
Because you have MADE the Lord YOUR REFUGE, and
the Most High YOUR DWELLING PLACE.
Psalm 91:4-6, 9
Just walk in faith, trusting in God. Just give it to Him, and let
it go, and let Him work it out, and find comfort in Him. Right
now. Take time to talk to Him, right now, say a prayer
and receive the gift of faith and hope, and strength, and
comfort and joy. Receive it. Rebuke the fear. Rebuke the
despair, cast them out and receive a spirit of joy.
No matter what we face, we will not face it alone or powerless. God will provide. Rest in that.
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Be Of Good Cheer
copyright Millie Plastaras 12/06/07
Good Morning Everyone,
I have told you these things so that in Me you may have perfect
peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials
and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer -- take courage,
be confident, certain, undaunted -- for I HAVE OVERCOME the world --
I have deprived it of power to harm, and conquered it for you.
John 16:33
There is a commercial on tv, that has struck me lately,
and given me pause for thought. There is a singer singing:
Are you havin' any fun?
What y'gettin' out o' livin'?
What good is what you've got
If you're not havin' any fun?
Are you havin' any laughs?
Are you gettin' any lovin'?
If other people do,
So can you, have a little fun.
written by Sammy Fain / Jack Yellin
I sat and thought about myself and others, who have seemed
at times to have forgotten how to have fun and enjoy life.
Every day is full of worries or fears, and really it just saps our
strength. Sometimes we are so weary with our problems
and dread of life, we cannot even give or receive love.
Is this what God intended life to be like?
What a great thing to laugh. To sit and watch a funny movie,
or listen to friends tell good stories, or just get out of the house
and do some volunteer work, that you see brings a smile to someone's
face.
Take time to refresh your spirit.
Have some fun, do something you enjoy. Laugh more, worry less,
things always worked out before, and they will now. Just enjoy life
while you have it! Don't plan on having fun later, don't think life
lasts forever, seize the moments you have each day and make
them special. Then you can look back with accumulated days
that were purposeful, and enjoyable.
There is a balance to this life. A season for everything. Sometimes
we work, sometimes we rest, sometimes we play.
What good is what you got, if you are not having any fun?
All the money in the world does not bring happiness,
all the possessions you could buy do not bring lasting happiness,
they are so momentary, that the thrill wears off.
Happiness is a choice!
My precious friend, your life is a gift. Look at it like that,
take a fresh look, a new perspective. Take time today
to laugh, and enjoy the beauty of life, it will refresh your spirit
and restore your joy. Don't let life pass you by and miss
out on some great experiences, because you chose to live
life in despair rather than breaking out of that mold and JUST LIVING!
A glad heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of heart
the spirit is broken.
Proverbs 15:13
All the days of the desponding (despairing) afflicted are made
evil (by anxious thoughts and forboding), but he who HAS A GLAD
HEART, HAS A CONTINUAL FEAST!
Proverbs 15:15
A happy heart is a good medicine and cheerful mind works healing,
but a broken spirit dries the bones.
Proverbs 17:22
Make a choice to be a cheerful person. This is a sign of true faith.
Just trusting in Christ to work out things, enjoying life, and bringing
cheer and joy to those you know. Don't you love being around
cheerful people? Be one. Be a blessing, for your own sake
and others.
Love
millie
ps..I used to suffer from severe depression. I remember once when
going through some very heavy things, that someone told a joke
and made me laugh so hard, and suddenly it was as if dark clouds
had lifted and the sun came out. It was such a stark contrast,
I realized how I had chosen to dwell in fear and depression
and that while I was doing that, there were still great things going
on in life I was missing by feeling sorry for myself and my circumstances.
What a waste of energy and time. Never let negative feelings control
your thinking. Take every thought captive, and enjoy the precious
life God has given you. Plan on making a difference in this world.
One for good, and not evil, One for joy and not despair, one for faith
and not fear. Be a Light!!
Good Morning Everyone,
I have told you these things so that in Me you may have perfect
peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials
and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer -- take courage,
be confident, certain, undaunted -- for I HAVE OVERCOME the world --
I have deprived it of power to harm, and conquered it for you.
John 16:33
There is a commercial on tv, that has struck me lately,
and given me pause for thought. There is a singer singing:
Are you havin' any fun?
What y'gettin' out o' livin'?
What good is what you've got
If you're not havin' any fun?
Are you havin' any laughs?
Are you gettin' any lovin'?
If other people do,
So can you, have a little fun.
written by Sammy Fain / Jack Yellin
I sat and thought about myself and others, who have seemed
at times to have forgotten how to have fun and enjoy life.
Every day is full of worries or fears, and really it just saps our
strength. Sometimes we are so weary with our problems
and dread of life, we cannot even give or receive love.
Is this what God intended life to be like?
What a great thing to laugh. To sit and watch a funny movie,
or listen to friends tell good stories, or just get out of the house
and do some volunteer work, that you see brings a smile to someone's
face.
Take time to refresh your spirit.
Have some fun, do something you enjoy. Laugh more, worry less,
things always worked out before, and they will now. Just enjoy life
while you have it! Don't plan on having fun later, don't think life
lasts forever, seize the moments you have each day and make
them special. Then you can look back with accumulated days
that were purposeful, and enjoyable.
There is a balance to this life. A season for everything. Sometimes
we work, sometimes we rest, sometimes we play.
What good is what you got, if you are not having any fun?
All the money in the world does not bring happiness,
all the possessions you could buy do not bring lasting happiness,
they are so momentary, that the thrill wears off.
Happiness is a choice!
My precious friend, your life is a gift. Look at it like that,
take a fresh look, a new perspective. Take time today
to laugh, and enjoy the beauty of life, it will refresh your spirit
and restore your joy. Don't let life pass you by and miss
out on some great experiences, because you chose to live
life in despair rather than breaking out of that mold and JUST LIVING!
A glad heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of heart
the spirit is broken.
Proverbs 15:13
All the days of the desponding (despairing) afflicted are made
evil (by anxious thoughts and forboding), but he who HAS A GLAD
HEART, HAS A CONTINUAL FEAST!
Proverbs 15:15
A happy heart is a good medicine and cheerful mind works healing,
but a broken spirit dries the bones.
Proverbs 17:22
Make a choice to be a cheerful person. This is a sign of true faith.
Just trusting in Christ to work out things, enjoying life, and bringing
cheer and joy to those you know. Don't you love being around
cheerful people? Be one. Be a blessing, for your own sake
and others.
Love
millie
ps..I used to suffer from severe depression. I remember once when
going through some very heavy things, that someone told a joke
and made me laugh so hard, and suddenly it was as if dark clouds
had lifted and the sun came out. It was such a stark contrast,
I realized how I had chosen to dwell in fear and depression
and that while I was doing that, there were still great things going
on in life I was missing by feeling sorry for myself and my circumstances.
What a waste of energy and time. Never let negative feelings control
your thinking. Take every thought captive, and enjoy the precious
life God has given you. Plan on making a difference in this world.
One for good, and not evil, One for joy and not despair, one for faith
and not fear. Be a Light!!
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