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
Monday, June 15, 2009
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
Monday, June 08, 2009
Ways To Reduce Stress
Good Morning Everyone,
Have any of you ever felt stressed?
I think all of us experience this. Truly, life's
journey brings us all many common experiences.
If only we thought about that rather than focusing
on each other's differences. But that is a subject
for another day.
Today, I would love to help you refocus on how
to let go of what is disturbing you today, and find
joy in the day. Everyone you know has burdens,
heartaches, a past, and things to face. This being
said, some people really handle it better than others.
The secret? They have learned mental techniques
to not obsess over what is wrong, but to work past
their problems by facing what they can do something
about and working on it. And what they cannot do
something about they do not carry as a burden.
It is all about attitude. To me a attitude of gratitude
is very important. It is a new day, a new chance at
enjoying life, a day to set goals. Yesterday is past,
we don't need to carry it's worries or mistakes. Let
us live in today... and make it the very best we can.
If we did this everyday, we could look on our past
with much more peace, knowing we did the best
we could regardless of our circumstances.
Love
millie
Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace,
and things wherewith one may edify another.
Romans 14:17-19
Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing,
that you may ABOUND IN HOPE, through the power of the
Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13
Christian Ways to Reduce Stress
Practice a little each day until you get them all. This is like an exercise program, begin gradually and work your way to number 36. But by all means remember that number 1.Pray daily will help you achieve the rest!!!!!!!!!!!
1. Pray.
2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4. Say No, to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.
5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and unclutter your life.
7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together.
10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you to do and let go of the anxiety. If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it.
12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.
13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.,
14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.
15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.
16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.
17. Get enough exercise.
18. Eat right.
19. Get organized so everything has its place.
20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.
21. Write thoughts and inspirations down.
22. Every day, find time to be alone.
23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.
24. Make friends with Godly people.
25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good "Thank you, Jesus!"
27. Laugh.
28. Laugh some more!
29. Take your work seriously, but yourself not at all.
30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).
31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
32. Sit on your ego.
33. Talk less; listen more.
34. Slow down.
35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
36. Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before.
GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU.
"If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31)
Have any of you ever felt stressed?
I think all of us experience this. Truly, life's
journey brings us all many common experiences.
If only we thought about that rather than focusing
on each other's differences. But that is a subject
for another day.
Today, I would love to help you refocus on how
to let go of what is disturbing you today, and find
joy in the day. Everyone you know has burdens,
heartaches, a past, and things to face. This being
said, some people really handle it better than others.
The secret? They have learned mental techniques
to not obsess over what is wrong, but to work past
their problems by facing what they can do something
about and working on it. And what they cannot do
something about they do not carry as a burden.
It is all about attitude. To me a attitude of gratitude
is very important. It is a new day, a new chance at
enjoying life, a day to set goals. Yesterday is past,
we don't need to carry it's worries or mistakes. Let
us live in today... and make it the very best we can.
If we did this everyday, we could look on our past
with much more peace, knowing we did the best
we could regardless of our circumstances.
Love
millie
Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace,
and things wherewith one may edify another.
Romans 14:17-19
Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing,
that you may ABOUND IN HOPE, through the power of the
Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13
Christian Ways to Reduce Stress
Practice a little each day until you get them all. This is like an exercise program, begin gradually and work your way to number 36. But by all means remember that number 1.Pray daily will help you achieve the rest!!!!!!!!!!!
1. Pray.
2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4. Say No, to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.
5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and unclutter your life.
7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together.
10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you to do and let go of the anxiety. If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it.
12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.
13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.,
14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.
15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.
16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.
17. Get enough exercise.
18. Eat right.
19. Get organized so everything has its place.
20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.
21. Write thoughts and inspirations down.
22. Every day, find time to be alone.
23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.
24. Make friends with Godly people.
25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good "Thank you, Jesus!"
27. Laugh.
28. Laugh some more!
29. Take your work seriously, but yourself not at all.
30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).
31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
32. Sit on your ego.
33. Talk less; listen more.
34. Slow down.
35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
36. Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before.
GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU.
"If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31)
Saturday, June 06, 2009
Never Alone
copyright Millie Plastaras 6/6/2009
Who shall ever separate us from Christ's love? Shall suffering
and affliction and tribulation? Or calamity and distress?
Or persecution or hunger or destitution or peril or sword?
Even as it is written, for Thy sake we are put to death all
the day long; we are regarded and counted as sheep for the
slaughter.
Yet amid all these things WE ARE MORE THAN CONQUERORS
and gain a surpassing victory through Him who loved us.
For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither
death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities,
nor things impending and threatening nor things to come,
nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in
all creation will be able to separate us from the love of
God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:35-39
My dear friends, if I took a poll today on how many of
you are lonely or how many of you are distressed,
my educated guess is that a majority of you are to
varying degrees. Although the world has a huge
population, there is a epidemic of loneliness now.
People even though surrounded by crowds,
feel alienated, un cared about and alone.
It seems unreasonable somehow. Perhaps the
technology we have that separates us rather than
causing us to meet together is part of it. We are
on computers for hours talking to people we do
not know.. may not meet, and cannot find often
any depth of relationship with.
We spend time texting, or on the phone, or watching
television, and these even though they can be with
others, are lonely activities.
My husband was talking about when he was growing up.
They had no electricity, no hot or cold running water,
no television and the radio was at the local store.
I asked him what did you all do in the evening. They
sat and talked to each other, played games and ate
meals and enjoyed the company of one another. Rich
relationships grow out of such times.
Yet here we are the most advanced civilization and
we feel lonely. Do you feel alienated from God?
My question to you then would be are you spending quality
time with him? He is a thought on the back burner of your
mind for emergencies? Is he some far off aloof God who
doesn't relate to you or care about your needs? Is he
some nebulous being who created the earth but is not personal?
My friend, if this is your belief you need to take time for prayer.
IN a quiet setting, just talking to God conversationally. Perhaps
in a garden setting. Tell him what is on your heart, what
you are going through, what you are feeling. Tell him the
good, the bad and the ugly. Sit in peace before Him. Often
sit in quietness, just resting in his presence. Find time
to read his word to encourage your heart, and be uplifted
out of your own despair into his light.
Be proactive! To have a friend one must be friendly.
To know God one must spend time seeking Him.
He is not far away, you are!
Loneliness is hard to bear. But the Bible assures us
we are never alone. He said He would be with us till the
end of the world, he would never leave us or forsake us.
Do you believe that? Do you know Him truly?
Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you!
1 Peter 5:7
Dearest Friends, I assure you, that God loves you and
cares about the details of your life, but you must seek Him
first, and not last. He must become a reality in your thinking
and life. Any relationship you have requires time, energy,
giving, and cooperation, communication and care.
How can we do less than our best for the master?
Love,
millie
Only one life, will soon be past
Only what is done for Christ will last.
Who shall ever separate us from Christ's love? Shall suffering
and affliction and tribulation? Or calamity and distress?
Or persecution or hunger or destitution or peril or sword?
Even as it is written, for Thy sake we are put to death all
the day long; we are regarded and counted as sheep for the
slaughter.
Yet amid all these things WE ARE MORE THAN CONQUERORS
and gain a surpassing victory through Him who loved us.
For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither
death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities,
nor things impending and threatening nor things to come,
nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in
all creation will be able to separate us from the love of
God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:35-39
My dear friends, if I took a poll today on how many of
you are lonely or how many of you are distressed,
my educated guess is that a majority of you are to
varying degrees. Although the world has a huge
population, there is a epidemic of loneliness now.
People even though surrounded by crowds,
feel alienated, un cared about and alone.
It seems unreasonable somehow. Perhaps the
technology we have that separates us rather than
causing us to meet together is part of it. We are
on computers for hours talking to people we do
not know.. may not meet, and cannot find often
any depth of relationship with.
We spend time texting, or on the phone, or watching
television, and these even though they can be with
others, are lonely activities.
My husband was talking about when he was growing up.
They had no electricity, no hot or cold running water,
no television and the radio was at the local store.
I asked him what did you all do in the evening. They
sat and talked to each other, played games and ate
meals and enjoyed the company of one another. Rich
relationships grow out of such times.
Yet here we are the most advanced civilization and
we feel lonely. Do you feel alienated from God?
My question to you then would be are you spending quality
time with him? He is a thought on the back burner of your
mind for emergencies? Is he some far off aloof God who
doesn't relate to you or care about your needs? Is he
some nebulous being who created the earth but is not personal?
My friend, if this is your belief you need to take time for prayer.
IN a quiet setting, just talking to God conversationally. Perhaps
in a garden setting. Tell him what is on your heart, what
you are going through, what you are feeling. Tell him the
good, the bad and the ugly. Sit in peace before Him. Often
sit in quietness, just resting in his presence. Find time
to read his word to encourage your heart, and be uplifted
out of your own despair into his light.
Be proactive! To have a friend one must be friendly.
To know God one must spend time seeking Him.
He is not far away, you are!
Loneliness is hard to bear. But the Bible assures us
we are never alone. He said He would be with us till the
end of the world, he would never leave us or forsake us.
Do you believe that? Do you know Him truly?
Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you!
1 Peter 5:7
Dearest Friends, I assure you, that God loves you and
cares about the details of your life, but you must seek Him
first, and not last. He must become a reality in your thinking
and life. Any relationship you have requires time, energy,
giving, and cooperation, communication and care.
How can we do less than our best for the master?
Love,
millie
Only one life, will soon be past
Only what is done for Christ will last.
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Equipped for Life
Good Morning Everyone,
I wonder how many of you are gardener's out there?
It is a very fulfilling hobby or pastime, and something that
brings good results if tended, watered and cared for.
You would not see a gardener get in their garden daily
with a tea spoon and try to dig a hole for plants with that
equipment. Neither would you see them take a glass
of water and throw it on the garden once a week and think
that was sufficient. Wouldn't it be surprising to see a
gardener come out and yell, "I told you to grow, now get busy!"
and then walk back in their house and leave the garden
to tend itself?
My friends, whatever task we do, we need tools, we need
time and effort to accomplish it. Without the correct tools,
time and energy your project or task will most probably fail
and you will be unhappy with the results.
Did you know your spiritual life is the same? How can one refuse to
plant the word of God in their heart and expect it to produce
results in their spirit and thinking if they NEVER OPEN A BIBLE?
They make excuses, they are too busy, it is too hard to read,
they will get to it later. Yet the trials and troubles of life come
and wear them down and without that word of God to encourage
them they become overwhelmed with their circumstances.
Then those circumstances become the focus and the downfall
of the person, rather than focusing their heart and faith on God,
and His abilities and promises.
But the greater danger during these troubled times is that
people will be led astray easily. Someone will tell them what is
in the Bible, they will believe it.. and go down a path that is
fraught with error and possibly even spiritual death.
We must be informed and into the word of God to plant it
to grow in Christ, and to be wise in what is right before Him.
To me... you either love God enough to be obedient and have
a hunger for His word or you love yourself more.
You either put God first or yourself. Which will work best for you
eternally? My precious friend, what is more important in this
life than a relationship with Jesus Christ? We are born, we have
this one life to invest and then we enter eternity. Where will you
spend it, and how have you invested your time here?
Regardless of what you have done in the past, today is a new day,
make yourself right before God, get out your Bible and fill your
spirit with His Word and His Thinking so that you may please him
and walk right before him.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart
be acceptable in your sight, Oh Lord, My Strength and My Redeemer.
Psalm 19:14
love always,
millie
Only one life, will soon be past,
Only what is done for Christ will last!
***************************
The Soap That Works!
A pastor and a soap maker went for a walk together. The soap maker said, "what good is religion? Look at all the trouble and misery of the world! Still there, even after years--thousands of years--of teaching about goodness and truth and peace. Still there, after all the prayers and sermons and teachings. If religion is good and true, why should this be?"The pastor said nothing. They continued walking until he noticed a child playing in the gutter. Then the pastor said, "Look at that child. You say that soap makes people clean, but see the dirt on that youngster. Of what good is soap? With all the soap in the world, over all these years, the child is still filthy. I wonder how effective soap is, after all!" The soap maker protested. "But, Pastor, soap cannot do any good unless it is used!" "Exactly!" replied the pastor.
I wonder how many of you are gardener's out there?
It is a very fulfilling hobby or pastime, and something that
brings good results if tended, watered and cared for.
You would not see a gardener get in their garden daily
with a tea spoon and try to dig a hole for plants with that
equipment. Neither would you see them take a glass
of water and throw it on the garden once a week and think
that was sufficient. Wouldn't it be surprising to see a
gardener come out and yell, "I told you to grow, now get busy!"
and then walk back in their house and leave the garden
to tend itself?
My friends, whatever task we do, we need tools, we need
time and effort to accomplish it. Without the correct tools,
time and energy your project or task will most probably fail
and you will be unhappy with the results.
Did you know your spiritual life is the same? How can one refuse to
plant the word of God in their heart and expect it to produce
results in their spirit and thinking if they NEVER OPEN A BIBLE?
They make excuses, they are too busy, it is too hard to read,
they will get to it later. Yet the trials and troubles of life come
and wear them down and without that word of God to encourage
them they become overwhelmed with their circumstances.
Then those circumstances become the focus and the downfall
of the person, rather than focusing their heart and faith on God,
and His abilities and promises.
But the greater danger during these troubled times is that
people will be led astray easily. Someone will tell them what is
in the Bible, they will believe it.. and go down a path that is
fraught with error and possibly even spiritual death.
We must be informed and into the word of God to plant it
to grow in Christ, and to be wise in what is right before Him.
To me... you either love God enough to be obedient and have
a hunger for His word or you love yourself more.
You either put God first or yourself. Which will work best for you
eternally? My precious friend, what is more important in this
life than a relationship with Jesus Christ? We are born, we have
this one life to invest and then we enter eternity. Where will you
spend it, and how have you invested your time here?
Regardless of what you have done in the past, today is a new day,
make yourself right before God, get out your Bible and fill your
spirit with His Word and His Thinking so that you may please him
and walk right before him.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart
be acceptable in your sight, Oh Lord, My Strength and My Redeemer.
Psalm 19:14
love always,
millie
Only one life, will soon be past,
Only what is done for Christ will last!
***************************
The Soap That Works!
A pastor and a soap maker went for a walk together. The soap maker said, "what good is religion? Look at all the trouble and misery of the world! Still there, even after years--thousands of years--of teaching about goodness and truth and peace. Still there, after all the prayers and sermons and teachings. If religion is good and true, why should this be?"The pastor said nothing. They continued walking until he noticed a child playing in the gutter. Then the pastor said, "Look at that child. You say that soap makes people clean, but see the dirt on that youngster. Of what good is soap? With all the soap in the world, over all these years, the child is still filthy. I wonder how effective soap is, after all!" The soap maker protested. "But, Pastor, soap cannot do any good unless it is used!" "Exactly!" replied the pastor.
Thursday, April 02, 2009
A Time To Rest
copyright Millie Plastaras 8/24/02
Mark 6:31-32
And He said to them, Come aside by yourselves to a
deserted place and rest a while. For there were many
coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.
So they departed to a deserted place in the boat by themselves.
Jesus knew in order for us to be effective Christians
we must have rest.
Rest of Spirit, rest of mind, rest of emotions,
rest for our heart, and body.
We need a time of refreshing.
This concept seems to be lost on the modern generation.
For We are supposed to set aside one day a week
for rest and restoration. That day is to be kept
separate to God. For worshipping Him, for praying,
for resting, for meditating upon our blessings.
A time of refreshing.
Jesus took those times himself. He retreated to refresh
and renew his spirit. Because as we give out to others,
we become drained ourselves.
You see our body needs fuel (food) to have energy, and to
be able to do things.
So does our spirit. Our spirit must be fed, or we become
discouraged, disheartened, and depressed.
For depression to keep existing, we must be worn down,
and thinking about our problems around the clock.
We feed the depression, oppression and discouragement
morning noon and night. And never think to feed
our spirit instead, with the good things that will
encourage, bring light, hope, and rest to us.
In letters I get from my readers around the world, I hear
a great variety of circumstances, and so many people are very ill,
or really troubled in their lives, and they are facing a lot.
Many feel at the end of their rope, or even their ability to cope,
and ask what do I do, how can I find peace and answers?
My dear friend, only in the arms of the Lord Jesus!!!
I also rarely hear anyone say, today, I set aside
the day, and spent it in prayer,
telling my troubles to Jesus, and sitting there till
I felt peace from him, knowing the answer was on the
way, and I could rest in that knowledge.
Jesus wants dedicated followers. He wants folks who
follow his concepts and teachings. We are to follow His
example. He rested! He knew our frailties, so many
of the things he talked about, were directly related to helping
us overcome our problems, hurt, pain, illnesses,
and many other issues.
How long since you looked at the trees, and the beautiful
shapes of the leaves, or how the wind whispers to them
and makes them dance? There is beauty in every day
my friend. How long since you looked up, and not down?
How long since you let go of your burdens?
How long since you have felt REAL peace?
God wants you to come away into a quiet place
and refresh yourself. And leave your burdens at His feet.
And find peace that passes all understanding.
Jesus says: For I am your hope, and your provider.
No good thing will I withhold from those who call upon
my name and love me.
For I know the thoughts and plans I have for you,
says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and
peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final
outcome. Jeremiah 29:11
Take time to let me
show you a resting place, take time to notice
the beauty I have surrounding you.
I love you, my child.
Come unto me, all you who labor and are heavy laden,
and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. (I
will ease and relieve and refresh your souls).
Matthew 11:28
You will guard him and keep him in perfect and
constant peace whose mind (both it's inclination
and its character) is focused on YOU, because he
commits himself to you, leans on you and hopes confidently
in you. Isaiah 26:3
Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in
every circumstance and in everything, by prayer
and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving,
continue to make your wants known to God.
And God's peace (shall be yours, that tranquil
state of a soul assured of it's salvation through Christ, and
so fearing nothing from God and being content with
its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace)
which transcends all understanding shall garrison
and mount guard over your hearts and minds in
Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
My friends, receive his peace. Let him garrison and
guard your heart, and comfort it and fill it. If you are
not feeling these things, you are carrying your own
burdens and blocking God's very hands. Let it go.
Be free, and rest my friend, it is time to rest.
Remember
Only one life, will soon be past
Only what is done For Christ will last
Mark 6:31-32
And He said to them, Come aside by yourselves to a
deserted place and rest a while. For there were many
coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.
So they departed to a deserted place in the boat by themselves.
Jesus knew in order for us to be effective Christians
we must have rest.
Rest of Spirit, rest of mind, rest of emotions,
rest for our heart, and body.
We need a time of refreshing.
This concept seems to be lost on the modern generation.
For We are supposed to set aside one day a week
for rest and restoration. That day is to be kept
separate to God. For worshipping Him, for praying,
for resting, for meditating upon our blessings.
A time of refreshing.
Jesus took those times himself. He retreated to refresh
and renew his spirit. Because as we give out to others,
we become drained ourselves.
You see our body needs fuel (food) to have energy, and to
be able to do things.
So does our spirit. Our spirit must be fed, or we become
discouraged, disheartened, and depressed.
For depression to keep existing, we must be worn down,
and thinking about our problems around the clock.
We feed the depression, oppression and discouragement
morning noon and night. And never think to feed
our spirit instead, with the good things that will
encourage, bring light, hope, and rest to us.
In letters I get from my readers around the world, I hear
a great variety of circumstances, and so many people are very ill,
or really troubled in their lives, and they are facing a lot.
Many feel at the end of their rope, or even their ability to cope,
and ask what do I do, how can I find peace and answers?
My dear friend, only in the arms of the Lord Jesus!!!
I also rarely hear anyone say, today, I set aside
the day, and spent it in prayer,
telling my troubles to Jesus, and sitting there till
I felt peace from him, knowing the answer was on the
way, and I could rest in that knowledge.
Jesus wants dedicated followers. He wants folks who
follow his concepts and teachings. We are to follow His
example. He rested! He knew our frailties, so many
of the things he talked about, were directly related to helping
us overcome our problems, hurt, pain, illnesses,
and many other issues.
How long since you looked at the trees, and the beautiful
shapes of the leaves, or how the wind whispers to them
and makes them dance? There is beauty in every day
my friend. How long since you looked up, and not down?
How long since you let go of your burdens?
How long since you have felt REAL peace?
God wants you to come away into a quiet place
and refresh yourself. And leave your burdens at His feet.
And find peace that passes all understanding.
Jesus says: For I am your hope, and your provider.
No good thing will I withhold from those who call upon
my name and love me.
For I know the thoughts and plans I have for you,
says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and
peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final
outcome. Jeremiah 29:11
Take time to let me
show you a resting place, take time to notice
the beauty I have surrounding you.
I love you, my child.
Come unto me, all you who labor and are heavy laden,
and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. (I
will ease and relieve and refresh your souls).
Matthew 11:28
You will guard him and keep him in perfect and
constant peace whose mind (both it's inclination
and its character) is focused on YOU, because he
commits himself to you, leans on you and hopes confidently
in you. Isaiah 26:3
Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in
every circumstance and in everything, by prayer
and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving,
continue to make your wants known to God.
And God's peace (shall be yours, that tranquil
state of a soul assured of it's salvation through Christ, and
so fearing nothing from God and being content with
its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace)
which transcends all understanding shall garrison
and mount guard over your hearts and minds in
Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
My friends, receive his peace. Let him garrison and
guard your heart, and comfort it and fill it. If you are
not feeling these things, you are carrying your own
burdens and blocking God's very hands. Let it go.
Be free, and rest my friend, it is time to rest.
Remember
Only one life, will soon be past
Only what is done For Christ will last
Monday, March 16, 2009
Disturbing News and Circumstances
copyright Millie Plastaras 3/16/2009
Good Morning Everyone,
Have you ever gotten disturbing news, and it was
not only hard to process it mentally, it was frightening
or difficult for you to deal with? At some time all of
us will face some kind of devastating news, or crisis,
or difficult time in our life.
I was discussing with a friend last night some
articles we found about things happening in our world,
in the United States and other countries. And of course
the media has played up things to such a degree that
many people live in fear of what will happen next.
I also received a letter from a gentleman in the
Philippines talking about my last devotion on fear.
He said how it had comforted and strengthened him
and he needed that as he was going through
some very difficult circumstances. I did not get
his email address so was unable to reply. But I shall
be praying for his needs.
I felt compelled to write today on how to deal with disturbing
news. Many of you are new to my list and do not know
my story, something I have not shared for a long time.
I started sending devotions in 1998. I sent them to a core
group of 6 friends. I did it to share how I was dealing with
tragedies going on in my family that were absolutely
overwhelming and devastating. So bad, that eventually
I had to get counselling and had severe panic attacks.
It is interesting to note that group of 6 friends has now
expanded to more than 1,000 people on my list who share
it with friends, who share it with friends, who share it
with groups and organizations. And it all started by
me being obedient and seeking a way out of the sorrows
in my own life, through faith and renewal in Christ.
Every member of my family in the year 1996 got hit
with a tragedy. Something earth shaking. One by one
something happened to each of them. As things unfolded
there was so much going on each member of the family
had to learn to face it and deal with it, and we had so
much on our plates it was hard to be there for each
other in all the ways we needed. I think we were overwhelmed.
I not only lost my dad to a long battle with alzheimers,
but my husband had 3 cardiac arrests, and would face
many difficult things ahead.
I had a daughter who was bedridden from a shot she was
given that went very wrong. I had a grandson in the hospital
with a bullet wound to his head, and wasn't expected to survive.
The things happening in that particular tragedy were ongoing
and very striking and difficult to cope with. I myself
had very difficult health problems, and all this just built
up to such a degree I came to a point I just felt like
I wasn't even myself anymore. I felt as if I was living
in a strange new world. There even came a time I didn't want
know how to live through another day. There came
a point where all the things happening in the family
caused me to lose relationships with people very dear to me
because of all the stress, misunderstandings and grief
we were all experiencing. It took years for God to work
that out.
Keep in mind this happens to many people around the world.
They get hit with tragedies, personal, or even nationally
and must face things they never thought they would see.
What do we do when hard times hit, or tragedies change
our lives forever? What can we do to live with what we
must face? I remember when my family was going through
these things and many more which I have not mentioned,
that a counselor from my church, who had been counseling
for years, came up and asked how in the world are you
people coping with all this? I said some reassuring comment
but I knew within my heart I was close to the end of my coping
abilities. If he didn't know how we could cope with it,
you can imagine the circumstances were quite difficult.
I have recognized many things since that time, and some of
it through a christian counselor, some through deep prayer
and much through spending time with God. These things I want
to share with you.
In all of our lives these things hit. Prepare yourself. Life
will not always be easy or run smoothly. Things could get worse.
Things could stay easy, or turn difficult. Life changes, and
we must adapt.
1. Recognize there are things you can do.
You can pray. This is not a small thing, it is our first task.
ONLY GOD IS IN CHARGE. He sees what is happening,
knows the right people to send into our lives to minister
to our spirit, and He alone can offer comfort to the depths
of our spirit no one else can bring.
Remember this too shall pass. There are things
you can do until it is done. Recognize you can do some
things to make your situation better. Seek them.
2. Recognize there are things you cannot control.
Give them to God. Don't carry them. If they come to your
mind and start to haunt your thinking and overwhelm you
run back to God and say: God these things are too heavy
for me, I don't know what to do, I don't know how to cope,
and I don't know which way to turn. Help me. Show me
what way to go. God comfort me and strengthen me.
3. Don't dwell on it constantly.
You must have time off from the negative and overwhelming
thinking about your circumstances. I remember one day
my counselor gave me a prescription for a day off
from my problems. I thought about it, and said I am going
to try it. I had been wringing my hands up to that point,
thinking about the sorrow in my life almost constantly.
That one day I gave it a rest. I was sitting on the porch
watching the sunlight dance through a cottonwood tree
and sparkle upon the cement path below. Little birdies
were on the ground hopping around and finding food. It
was such a peaceful, happy scene. Restive, quiet. I thought
I have been missing all this! Then I thought what else have
I been missing? Time with my family, noticing their needs,
ministering to them even more. Just savoring each day.
It was then I realized I had let sorrow and despair rule my spirit.
I often wonder how many blessings or happy times
I missed out on because I was so busy dwelling on my sorrows,
and so inwardly focused.
I learned to give myself a day off from my problems much more
often. Everyday.. I give my burdens to Christ.. and let Him
help me go on and make my day count and not be miserable
and focusing on the wrong things. Instead I make the
day purposeful.
4. Recognize your fear.
If you are fearful, it is controlling your emotions. Fear is
a spirit. It is a spirit that comes in and takes over your
home and your thinking and soon you dwell in it and don't realize
it is helping you have panic attacks, causing depression, or
even worsening depression you had before. Fear becomes
a mental habit. It is something we allow.
I have late stage asthma and copd. At night sometimes
when I wake up and fight for breath, it used to scare me.
Then one night I recognized the ugly spirit of fear. And that
night I spoke out loud. For God has not given me a spirit of
fear but of love, power and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7)
. Spirit of fear, leave my room now,you have no place here,
God is here.I rebuke you in the name of Jesus. That fear left my room
and my thinking, instantaneously. It was freeing, and deeply satisfying.
I felt rest and peace in my spirit. So now when I start to fear
anything I say that verse and rebuke fear, and it cannot stay.
Fight the fear! It is NOT your friend.
5. Fill your mind with good thoughts.
Take time to plant Gods word in your heart daily. It will
strengthen you and comfort you as nothing else will. It is alive
and powerful because it is from God. It goes to the core
of your spirit and can change you, it reaches to depths
no other words can.
Change your thought patterns. If you catch yourself constantly
dwelling on sorrow, or sad thoughts, or feeling sorry for yourself
recognize it and replace it. Learn to find positive things
to focus on. Read a good book, do a useful activity, minister
to someone in need, watch a good movie. Get out of the house
and go for a walk. Get your mind off yourself and your sorrow
and on something else positive and uplifting.
6. Do something for someone else.
One of the best cures to our own sorrow is seeing
that others are going through things too and need comfort.
Reaching out to others and doing something to help them
makes us feel better. We know we are not alone, we know
we have done something to change someone's world and
we know we have made a difference. God wants us
to minister to others, and we should be finding ways of
doing it everyday. Whether it is a meal to a shut in, taking
someone shopping that cannot drive, or visiting someone
who is sick, there are ways we can reach out to those around us
and get our minds off ourselves.
7. Attend church.
No excuses! Church gives us a community of believers
that can support us emotionally, prayerfully, and spiritually.
It gives us people to be friends with and to pray with us.
It plants God's word in our hearts, and it helps us grow in Christ.
It also helps us reach out from our own lives and mind sets
and become more community minded. We need to spend
time thinking of others, and focusing on what Christ would
have us do each day. We need to grow and become
mature in Christ, learning to be strong and face things
rather than crumble when they happen.
Ps.. for those of you who complain about hypocrits
in church.. what better place for them to be.
Its where we all seek healing and change through Christ. No excuses!
We are ALL human and subject to failure. Don't go
to church looking for perfect people, go to church to
focus on a perfect Savior!
8. Spend time in prayer.
Daily walk with God in the garden of prayer. Tell him
all your hurts, your needs, your pain, and talk to him
conversationally. Then leave it there. Talk to him
often as you want, it will help you more than you can
imagine. He is your dearest closet friend, and Father,
in whom all things are possible.
9. Spend time in praise.
Turn on beautiful praise music. It will ABSOLUTELY lift
your spirits. It changes you psychologically. It uplifts
your mood. It gets you out of the doldrums, and makes
you focus on God and his great ability and holy, almighty
power. You don't have to face anything alone. God,
the almighty creator of the universe will never leave
you or forsake you.
10. NEVER, NEVER allow a root of bitterness to
dwell in you or your thinking.
Bitterness is cancer to your spirit. It will spread
in your whole way of thinking, in all your relationships
and will destroy them. The root of bitterness is unforgiveness.
Forgive everyone, even if they don't ask. It doesn't mean
we need to be people's best friends, but it does mean
we have to forgive them, and love them through Christ.
It is what He wants, and we as Christians must seek that first.
I know this has been a long devotion. Its a lot to process.
I pray it helps you. My great desire is that each of you seek
God first each morning. And each morning first thing focus
on filling your mind with positive thoughts instead of your problems.
We only have so long in this life, invest your thinking and days
wisely. Live as if today was your last.
love always
millie
ps. Each day, recognize where your focus is. If it is on
the wrong things, only you have the power to change your
focus, and your mind processes. Happiness is a choice.
So is fear, so is thinking negatively, and so is obsessing
over our problems. Life goes on around us while we
are dwelling in despair. Which would you rather spend your day on?<
Good Morning Everyone,
Have you ever gotten disturbing news, and it was
not only hard to process it mentally, it was frightening
or difficult for you to deal with? At some time all of
us will face some kind of devastating news, or crisis,
or difficult time in our life.
I was discussing with a friend last night some
articles we found about things happening in our world,
in the United States and other countries. And of course
the media has played up things to such a degree that
many people live in fear of what will happen next.
I also received a letter from a gentleman in the
Philippines talking about my last devotion on fear.
He said how it had comforted and strengthened him
and he needed that as he was going through
some very difficult circumstances. I did not get
his email address so was unable to reply. But I shall
be praying for his needs.
I felt compelled to write today on how to deal with disturbing
news. Many of you are new to my list and do not know
my story, something I have not shared for a long time.
I started sending devotions in 1998. I sent them to a core
group of 6 friends. I did it to share how I was dealing with
tragedies going on in my family that were absolutely
overwhelming and devastating. So bad, that eventually
I had to get counselling and had severe panic attacks.
It is interesting to note that group of 6 friends has now
expanded to more than 1,000 people on my list who share
it with friends, who share it with friends, who share it
with groups and organizations. And it all started by
me being obedient and seeking a way out of the sorrows
in my own life, through faith and renewal in Christ.
Every member of my family in the year 1996 got hit
with a tragedy. Something earth shaking. One by one
something happened to each of them. As things unfolded
there was so much going on each member of the family
had to learn to face it and deal with it, and we had so
much on our plates it was hard to be there for each
other in all the ways we needed. I think we were overwhelmed.
I not only lost my dad to a long battle with alzheimers,
but my husband had 3 cardiac arrests, and would face
many difficult things ahead.
I had a daughter who was bedridden from a shot she was
given that went very wrong. I had a grandson in the hospital
with a bullet wound to his head, and wasn't expected to survive.
The things happening in that particular tragedy were ongoing
and very striking and difficult to cope with. I myself
had very difficult health problems, and all this just built
up to such a degree I came to a point I just felt like
I wasn't even myself anymore. I felt as if I was living
in a strange new world. There even came a time I didn't want
know how to live through another day. There came
a point where all the things happening in the family
caused me to lose relationships with people very dear to me
because of all the stress, misunderstandings and grief
we were all experiencing. It took years for God to work
that out.
Keep in mind this happens to many people around the world.
They get hit with tragedies, personal, or even nationally
and must face things they never thought they would see.
What do we do when hard times hit, or tragedies change
our lives forever? What can we do to live with what we
must face? I remember when my family was going through
these things and many more which I have not mentioned,
that a counselor from my church, who had been counseling
for years, came up and asked how in the world are you
people coping with all this? I said some reassuring comment
but I knew within my heart I was close to the end of my coping
abilities. If he didn't know how we could cope with it,
you can imagine the circumstances were quite difficult.
I have recognized many things since that time, and some of
it through a christian counselor, some through deep prayer
and much through spending time with God. These things I want
to share with you.
In all of our lives these things hit. Prepare yourself. Life
will not always be easy or run smoothly. Things could get worse.
Things could stay easy, or turn difficult. Life changes, and
we must adapt.
1. Recognize there are things you can do.
You can pray. This is not a small thing, it is our first task.
ONLY GOD IS IN CHARGE. He sees what is happening,
knows the right people to send into our lives to minister
to our spirit, and He alone can offer comfort to the depths
of our spirit no one else can bring.
Remember this too shall pass. There are things
you can do until it is done. Recognize you can do some
things to make your situation better. Seek them.
2. Recognize there are things you cannot control.
Give them to God. Don't carry them. If they come to your
mind and start to haunt your thinking and overwhelm you
run back to God and say: God these things are too heavy
for me, I don't know what to do, I don't know how to cope,
and I don't know which way to turn. Help me. Show me
what way to go. God comfort me and strengthen me.
3. Don't dwell on it constantly.
You must have time off from the negative and overwhelming
thinking about your circumstances. I remember one day
my counselor gave me a prescription for a day off
from my problems. I thought about it, and said I am going
to try it. I had been wringing my hands up to that point,
thinking about the sorrow in my life almost constantly.
That one day I gave it a rest. I was sitting on the porch
watching the sunlight dance through a cottonwood tree
and sparkle upon the cement path below. Little birdies
were on the ground hopping around and finding food. It
was such a peaceful, happy scene. Restive, quiet. I thought
I have been missing all this! Then I thought what else have
I been missing? Time with my family, noticing their needs,
ministering to them even more. Just savoring each day.
It was then I realized I had let sorrow and despair rule my spirit.
I often wonder how many blessings or happy times
I missed out on because I was so busy dwelling on my sorrows,
and so inwardly focused.
I learned to give myself a day off from my problems much more
often. Everyday.. I give my burdens to Christ.. and let Him
help me go on and make my day count and not be miserable
and focusing on the wrong things. Instead I make the
day purposeful.
4. Recognize your fear.
If you are fearful, it is controlling your emotions. Fear is
a spirit. It is a spirit that comes in and takes over your
home and your thinking and soon you dwell in it and don't realize
it is helping you have panic attacks, causing depression, or
even worsening depression you had before. Fear becomes
a mental habit. It is something we allow.
I have late stage asthma and copd. At night sometimes
when I wake up and fight for breath, it used to scare me.
Then one night I recognized the ugly spirit of fear. And that
night I spoke out loud. For God has not given me a spirit of
fear but of love, power and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7)
. Spirit of fear, leave my room now,you have no place here,
God is here.I rebuke you in the name of Jesus. That fear left my room
and my thinking, instantaneously. It was freeing, and deeply satisfying.
I felt rest and peace in my spirit. So now when I start to fear
anything I say that verse and rebuke fear, and it cannot stay.
Fight the fear! It is NOT your friend.
5. Fill your mind with good thoughts.
Take time to plant Gods word in your heart daily. It will
strengthen you and comfort you as nothing else will. It is alive
and powerful because it is from God. It goes to the core
of your spirit and can change you, it reaches to depths
no other words can.
Change your thought patterns. If you catch yourself constantly
dwelling on sorrow, or sad thoughts, or feeling sorry for yourself
recognize it and replace it. Learn to find positive things
to focus on. Read a good book, do a useful activity, minister
to someone in need, watch a good movie. Get out of the house
and go for a walk. Get your mind off yourself and your sorrow
and on something else positive and uplifting.
6. Do something for someone else.
One of the best cures to our own sorrow is seeing
that others are going through things too and need comfort.
Reaching out to others and doing something to help them
makes us feel better. We know we are not alone, we know
we have done something to change someone's world and
we know we have made a difference. God wants us
to minister to others, and we should be finding ways of
doing it everyday. Whether it is a meal to a shut in, taking
someone shopping that cannot drive, or visiting someone
who is sick, there are ways we can reach out to those around us
and get our minds off ourselves.
7. Attend church.
No excuses! Church gives us a community of believers
that can support us emotionally, prayerfully, and spiritually.
It gives us people to be friends with and to pray with us.
It plants God's word in our hearts, and it helps us grow in Christ.
It also helps us reach out from our own lives and mind sets
and become more community minded. We need to spend
time thinking of others, and focusing on what Christ would
have us do each day. We need to grow and become
mature in Christ, learning to be strong and face things
rather than crumble when they happen.
Ps.. for those of you who complain about hypocrits
in church.. what better place for them to be.
Its where we all seek healing and change through Christ. No excuses!
We are ALL human and subject to failure. Don't go
to church looking for perfect people, go to church to
focus on a perfect Savior!
8. Spend time in prayer.
Daily walk with God in the garden of prayer. Tell him
all your hurts, your needs, your pain, and talk to him
conversationally. Then leave it there. Talk to him
often as you want, it will help you more than you can
imagine. He is your dearest closet friend, and Father,
in whom all things are possible.
9. Spend time in praise.
Turn on beautiful praise music. It will ABSOLUTELY lift
your spirits. It changes you psychologically. It uplifts
your mood. It gets you out of the doldrums, and makes
you focus on God and his great ability and holy, almighty
power. You don't have to face anything alone. God,
the almighty creator of the universe will never leave
you or forsake you.
10. NEVER, NEVER allow a root of bitterness to
dwell in you or your thinking.
Bitterness is cancer to your spirit. It will spread
in your whole way of thinking, in all your relationships
and will destroy them. The root of bitterness is unforgiveness.
Forgive everyone, even if they don't ask. It doesn't mean
we need to be people's best friends, but it does mean
we have to forgive them, and love them through Christ.
It is what He wants, and we as Christians must seek that first.
I know this has been a long devotion. Its a lot to process.
I pray it helps you. My great desire is that each of you seek
God first each morning. And each morning first thing focus
on filling your mind with positive thoughts instead of your problems.
We only have so long in this life, invest your thinking and days
wisely. Live as if today was your last.
love always
millie
ps. Each day, recognize where your focus is. If it is on
the wrong things, only you have the power to change your
focus, and your mind processes. Happiness is a choice.
So is fear, so is thinking negatively, and so is obsessing
over our problems. Life goes on around us while we
are dwelling in despair. Which would you rather spend your day on?<
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Spiritual Muddy Waters
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
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
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!!
Sunday, January 04, 2009
I Choose - Thoughts For A New Year
Dearest Friends,
It is a new year for us all. A new chapter in this journey of ours
From birth to eternity. And the time in between is our investment
in life, our destiny for the future is made by our very choices.
Choose wisely then my friends.
As I have sat down and pondered life lately, and the things
I have learned, I felt that some of it might be helpful to those
of you who are facing challenges, and who of us is not?
There are ways to simplify life and make each day happy
to a degree. All of it is a mental choice. I learned several
years ago, how to change my way of thinking by refocusing
when my thinking got too negative, and I was allowing
depression or sorrow, or grief to rule me. Rather than
dealing with things and learning to make sense of them,
I was wallowing in self pity and despair.
For each new day we can choose to be happy.
It is literally a conscious decision and discipline to
readjust and refocus our thinking when we know its wrong.
We can choose to forgive those who hurt us, even
if they don't ask. It takes the burden off our heart.
It takes the anger out of our spirit, and it frees us to
do something else constructive with our mind and time,
rather than sitting and recounting the hurts others
have done to us. What a waste of energy!
We can choose to declutter our lives. We can learn
to choose what we can do something about. Those are
things we can set short term goals on and work to achieve them.
Such as losing weight, keeping our house more orderly,
finding more time for friends or family, and even getting
more education or looking for a better job.
To declutter our house, we need to realize that looking
at the big picture, all that needs to be done is overwhelming.
So we do one small project each day. Whether it is a drawer,
cabinet, or just one part of a room we have stacked too
many things in. You will be surprised the feeling of satisfaction
that comes from cleaning one space each day.
The same would be true of the spaces in our spirit we clean
out and rid of ugly thoughts, worry, and unclean thinking.
You would be surprised what it allows you to do instead.
Your mind will be filled with more powerful, joyful thoughts
and less dark and fearful thinking. You are replacing the
old with the new.
A positive new, hopeful approach to the rest of your life!
Remember that saying, "Today is the first day of the rest
of your life?" If you think about that.. what we did yesterday
is gone, it is history. We cannot change it or fix it or take it
back. We can only learn from it and move on, leaving it behind
us where it belongs. Forgiving ourselves for our mistakes
and wrongs, and asking others to forgive us is a very
wise way to handle relationships. It is freeing!
Find some goal for each day. Each day we do something
specific, it brings us hope. It gives us something to look forward to.
Today is what we have within our hands. It is what
we can do something about.
Take time to encourage someone daily. Send them a email
or card, call them on the phone, or take a meal to a shut in.
Find some way you can show the love of God to someone
every day.
Above all do not neglect your spiritual life. This is what
fuels your day, your thinking and your relationship with
Christ. You must read the word of God daily, even if it is
just 2 chapters. You need to fuel your spirit to encourage
it, and bring you hope, inspiration, strength. Also, whatever
you apply to your memory, when a crisis hits, God can
bring that verse to your mind to speak to your spirit
and help you deal with your situation and rise above it.
We cannot grow in Christ if we don't give him room in
our spirit to grow in. Shutting God out shuts hope out.
Do not let one day pass without prayer and communication
with God. Tell him the details of your life. Tell him the truth.
Tell him what you have done wrong, and repent. Tell him how you feel.
Tell him what you need help with. Tell him thanks for the
blessings you do have. Your home, your change of clothes,
food on the table, and the gift of life. Tell Him you love
him and spend time in worship. It is so healing and powerful.
All these things are needful, and spiritually strengthening.
My precious friend, everyone has problems. But not everyone
lets their circumstances control their thinking.
We either live in faith or fear.
What is your thought life about?
Let Christ rule it.
Casting your cares upon Him, for HE cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7
I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.
Phillipians 4:13
(all things, not any thing is impossible with God... just trust)
So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper,
I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
Hebrews 13:6
For we walk by faith and not by sight.
2 Corinthians 5:7
Do not ever receive the fear this world breeds in people
in these troubled times. WE have work to do my friends.
If we don't pray for others, who will? If we don't be a
witness with our words and deeds who will?
We have a job to do for Christ. We are His hands extended.
Do not take one moment for granted.
Time is limited for us all. Savor it, and live life
to the fullest, with wise, thoughtful thinking,
and prayerful decision making, choices
and relationships. These are things you
will never regret. Make your journey a joyful
noise unto the Lord, called out, called
unto holiness and a sweet smelling savor
to Him.
love always
millie
It is a new year for us all. A new chapter in this journey of ours
From birth to eternity. And the time in between is our investment
in life, our destiny for the future is made by our very choices.
Choose wisely then my friends.
As I have sat down and pondered life lately, and the things
I have learned, I felt that some of it might be helpful to those
of you who are facing challenges, and who of us is not?
There are ways to simplify life and make each day happy
to a degree. All of it is a mental choice. I learned several
years ago, how to change my way of thinking by refocusing
when my thinking got too negative, and I was allowing
depression or sorrow, or grief to rule me. Rather than
dealing with things and learning to make sense of them,
I was wallowing in self pity and despair.
For each new day we can choose to be happy.
It is literally a conscious decision and discipline to
readjust and refocus our thinking when we know its wrong.
We can choose to forgive those who hurt us, even
if they don't ask. It takes the burden off our heart.
It takes the anger out of our spirit, and it frees us to
do something else constructive with our mind and time,
rather than sitting and recounting the hurts others
have done to us. What a waste of energy!
We can choose to declutter our lives. We can learn
to choose what we can do something about. Those are
things we can set short term goals on and work to achieve them.
Such as losing weight, keeping our house more orderly,
finding more time for friends or family, and even getting
more education or looking for a better job.
To declutter our house, we need to realize that looking
at the big picture, all that needs to be done is overwhelming.
So we do one small project each day. Whether it is a drawer,
cabinet, or just one part of a room we have stacked too
many things in. You will be surprised the feeling of satisfaction
that comes from cleaning one space each day.
The same would be true of the spaces in our spirit we clean
out and rid of ugly thoughts, worry, and unclean thinking.
You would be surprised what it allows you to do instead.
Your mind will be filled with more powerful, joyful thoughts
and less dark and fearful thinking. You are replacing the
old with the new.
A positive new, hopeful approach to the rest of your life!
Remember that saying, "Today is the first day of the rest
of your life?" If you think about that.. what we did yesterday
is gone, it is history. We cannot change it or fix it or take it
back. We can only learn from it and move on, leaving it behind
us where it belongs. Forgiving ourselves for our mistakes
and wrongs, and asking others to forgive us is a very
wise way to handle relationships. It is freeing!
Find some goal for each day. Each day we do something
specific, it brings us hope. It gives us something to look forward to.
Today is what we have within our hands. It is what
we can do something about.
Take time to encourage someone daily. Send them a email
or card, call them on the phone, or take a meal to a shut in.
Find some way you can show the love of God to someone
every day.
Above all do not neglect your spiritual life. This is what
fuels your day, your thinking and your relationship with
Christ. You must read the word of God daily, even if it is
just 2 chapters. You need to fuel your spirit to encourage
it, and bring you hope, inspiration, strength. Also, whatever
you apply to your memory, when a crisis hits, God can
bring that verse to your mind to speak to your spirit
and help you deal with your situation and rise above it.
We cannot grow in Christ if we don't give him room in
our spirit to grow in. Shutting God out shuts hope out.
Do not let one day pass without prayer and communication
with God. Tell him the details of your life. Tell him the truth.
Tell him what you have done wrong, and repent. Tell him how you feel.
Tell him what you need help with. Tell him thanks for the
blessings you do have. Your home, your change of clothes,
food on the table, and the gift of life. Tell Him you love
him and spend time in worship. It is so healing and powerful.
All these things are needful, and spiritually strengthening.
My precious friend, everyone has problems. But not everyone
lets their circumstances control their thinking.
We either live in faith or fear.
What is your thought life about?
Let Christ rule it.
Casting your cares upon Him, for HE cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7
I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.
Phillipians 4:13
(all things, not any thing is impossible with God... just trust)
So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper,
I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
Hebrews 13:6
For we walk by faith and not by sight.
2 Corinthians 5:7
Do not ever receive the fear this world breeds in people
in these troubled times. WE have work to do my friends.
If we don't pray for others, who will? If we don't be a
witness with our words and deeds who will?
We have a job to do for Christ. We are His hands extended.
Do not take one moment for granted.
Time is limited for us all. Savor it, and live life
to the fullest, with wise, thoughtful thinking,
and prayerful decision making, choices
and relationships. These are things you
will never regret. Make your journey a joyful
noise unto the Lord, called out, called
unto holiness and a sweet smelling savor
to Him.
love always
millie
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
The Radiance of Hope Shared
copyright Millie Plastaras December 25, 1992
Outside the weather is snowy and cold. The brisk, blustery
winds stir the snow up and blow it against the last
minute shoppers. They head towards home clutching
their coats closer, longing to leave the coldness for
the warmth and comfort of their homes.
Overhead a star twinkles brightly, but few have time or the
inclination to look at it's brilliance. Its' twinkles seem
a ray of hope beaming on those who take time to view it.
Perhaps the star of Bethlehem also seemed to
warm and cheer those who saw it. For it directed them
towards the greatest hope of all, Jesus Christ.
In the corner of a alley a disreputable looking, unkempt man
sits in the corner fingering his tattered coat as he tries
to draw it closer to his body. No matter what he does,
the chill seeps into his body and now, into his soul.
Tears silently stream down his face as he recalls
Christmases past and the vivid memories of a warm home,
a pleasant loving wife and a precious little daughter.
All lost because he put his alcohol before them. Is
there any hope left for him in this world? And would
he deserve it after the life he has led?
A lone shopper pulls out of the crowd after catching a glimpse
of the poor destitute stranger. He eases towards him and
offers him a warm Christmas dinner and the fellowship of
a family gathering, with love to spare for those who have
no place to go, or no one to care. The dirty stranger
can scarce believe what he is hearing, but pulls himself
to his feet. He straightens his shoulders and brushes the
dirt off his tattered coat. He musters all the dignity he
can and gladly accepts the invitation, his heart rejoicing
that someone took time to care and notice him.
Perhaps there is a hope for a new chance in life.
Will this family have any answers for him? The star
seems to twinkle even more brightly as they walk towards
home. A odd couple, these strangers and yet companions,
as they walk down the street, the well dressed family man
with a smile upon his face and the disheveled stranger
with a glitter of hope bursting within his heart.
His life would be changed during this visit,
because of the generosity of strangers and the love
Christ had bought into their homes and hearts.
I can wish you no higher wish than the Christ Child to
be present in your home during this blessed Christmas season,
and always. May the peace that passes all understanding fill your
home. May the hope of Christ resonate within your heart.
May joy unspeakable and full of glory inspire you and spread
to all those you come in contact with. May the gift
of salvation be the most precious gift in your home and
hearts as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the lamb of
God who came to take away the sins of the world. He
came that we might have life and have it more abundantly.
Receive that, and live it, find hope in it, and share it,
and never let anyone steal the joy from your heart
and the word of God from your life and daily routine.
Jesus lives, and so shall we.. forever with him.
Merry Christmas from my home to yours.
Love,
Millie and John
Outside the weather is snowy and cold. The brisk, blustery
winds stir the snow up and blow it against the last
minute shoppers. They head towards home clutching
their coats closer, longing to leave the coldness for
the warmth and comfort of their homes.
Overhead a star twinkles brightly, but few have time or the
inclination to look at it's brilliance. Its' twinkles seem
a ray of hope beaming on those who take time to view it.
Perhaps the star of Bethlehem also seemed to
warm and cheer those who saw it. For it directed them
towards the greatest hope of all, Jesus Christ.
In the corner of a alley a disreputable looking, unkempt man
sits in the corner fingering his tattered coat as he tries
to draw it closer to his body. No matter what he does,
the chill seeps into his body and now, into his soul.
Tears silently stream down his face as he recalls
Christmases past and the vivid memories of a warm home,
a pleasant loving wife and a precious little daughter.
All lost because he put his alcohol before them. Is
there any hope left for him in this world? And would
he deserve it after the life he has led?
A lone shopper pulls out of the crowd after catching a glimpse
of the poor destitute stranger. He eases towards him and
offers him a warm Christmas dinner and the fellowship of
a family gathering, with love to spare for those who have
no place to go, or no one to care. The dirty stranger
can scarce believe what he is hearing, but pulls himself
to his feet. He straightens his shoulders and brushes the
dirt off his tattered coat. He musters all the dignity he
can and gladly accepts the invitation, his heart rejoicing
that someone took time to care and notice him.
Perhaps there is a hope for a new chance in life.
Will this family have any answers for him? The star
seems to twinkle even more brightly as they walk towards
home. A odd couple, these strangers and yet companions,
as they walk down the street, the well dressed family man
with a smile upon his face and the disheveled stranger
with a glitter of hope bursting within his heart.
His life would be changed during this visit,
because of the generosity of strangers and the love
Christ had bought into their homes and hearts.
I can wish you no higher wish than the Christ Child to
be present in your home during this blessed Christmas season,
and always. May the peace that passes all understanding fill your
home. May the hope of Christ resonate within your heart.
May joy unspeakable and full of glory inspire you and spread
to all those you come in contact with. May the gift
of salvation be the most precious gift in your home and
hearts as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the lamb of
God who came to take away the sins of the world. He
came that we might have life and have it more abundantly.
Receive that, and live it, find hope in it, and share it,
and never let anyone steal the joy from your heart
and the word of God from your life and daily routine.
Jesus lives, and so shall we.. forever with him.
Merry Christmas from my home to yours.
Love,
Millie and John
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Turn It Into A Prayer
copyright Millie Plastaras 12/2/08
Good Morning Friends,
In this life we will have many problems,
but Jesus said do not be afraid, do not fear,
I have overcome the world. How many of you
are living by that thinking?
Our first instinct when troubles, trials, illnesses,
losses, burdens, pain, or any difficult time hits
should be to run to the arms of our heavenly
Father and cry out in prayer to Him, telling him
all the details and then trusting IN HIS ABILITIES.
Fully relying on God.
Pray without ceasing.
1 Thessalonians 4:17
A day hemmed in with prayer
is less likely to unravel.
If today you are in a financial crisis,
turn it into a prayer.
If today you are ill or in pain,
turn it into a prayer.
If today you feel alone or abandoned,
turn it into a prayer.
If today you feel overwhelmed by your problems,
turn it into a prayer.
If today you are depressed,
turn it into a prayer.
If today you feel the oppression of the enemy,
turn it into a prayer.
No matter what you are facing today,
there is no problem that God's abilities are not greater still!
Your doubting, or lack of faith does not change
how great and powerful God is. Tap into His
strength and hope, by turning to God in prayer.
Do not look to the right or left, turn into the driveway of prayer!
Focus your eyes on Jesus, till the world and it's cares fade out,
and His comfort seeps into your spirit filling you with hope
and peace.
Everything seems to pull on us and drain us,
defeat us, worry us, until we lose hope.
Instead turn it all into a prayer.
If today you find the world's problems are larger
than your ability to cope with them,
turn it over to God in prayer.
Nothing that happens in your life today is your business.
Turn it over to God in prayer.
Casting your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7.
Hey, you are not still sitting there worrying are you?
Turn it into prayer.
Don't hesitate, don't put it off,
don't find other things to do,
don't try to control it yourself,
don't give into feelings of depression and hopelessness,
this comes from the father of liars, satan the loser.
Run to the arms of God, turn your cares into praises
and leave your cares at the throne of Jesus.
No matter what thought comes to mind,
take it captive, and give it to the Lord.
Even if you have to do it 50 times until you learn
to let go. Turn it over to God in prayer.
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life,
nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things
present, nor things to come.
Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature,
shall be able to separate us from the Love of God
which is in Christ Jesus our LORD.
Romans 8:38,39
Fear thou not, for I am with the, be not dismayed,
for I am THY God. I will strengthen thee, yea, I will uphold
thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Isaiah 41:10
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13.
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, they shall walk and not be afraid.
Isaiah 40:31
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 2:7
If you are not feeling this.. If you are still burdened,
you are carrying the weight of your own burdens, and pushing
God away. Its that simple. It is your choice. You can
take God at His word and believe all He has said and
promised or you can spend your life in doubt and worry.
Which sounds the most productive? Which works best.
FULLY RELY ON GOD.
Our circumstances do not dictate our state of mind or faith.
Faith trusts no matter what circumstances that God is on
the throne, still with us, still cares, still providing, and will
work all things out for His glory.
Just Trust.
PS. NEVER, NEVER GIVE FEAR A PLACE IN YOUR THINKING. REBUKE IT
AND IT WILL FLEE. YOU HAVE GOD ON YOUR SIDE.
remember
Only one life, will soon be past
Only what is done, for Christ will last
Good Morning Friends,
In this life we will have many problems,
but Jesus said do not be afraid, do not fear,
I have overcome the world. How many of you
are living by that thinking?
Our first instinct when troubles, trials, illnesses,
losses, burdens, pain, or any difficult time hits
should be to run to the arms of our heavenly
Father and cry out in prayer to Him, telling him
all the details and then trusting IN HIS ABILITIES.
Fully relying on God.
Pray without ceasing.
1 Thessalonians 4:17
A day hemmed in with prayer
is less likely to unravel.
If today you are in a financial crisis,
turn it into a prayer.
If today you are ill or in pain,
turn it into a prayer.
If today you feel alone or abandoned,
turn it into a prayer.
If today you feel overwhelmed by your problems,
turn it into a prayer.
If today you are depressed,
turn it into a prayer.
If today you feel the oppression of the enemy,
turn it into a prayer.
No matter what you are facing today,
there is no problem that God's abilities are not greater still!
Your doubting, or lack of faith does not change
how great and powerful God is. Tap into His
strength and hope, by turning to God in prayer.
Do not look to the right or left, turn into the driveway of prayer!
Focus your eyes on Jesus, till the world and it's cares fade out,
and His comfort seeps into your spirit filling you with hope
and peace.
Everything seems to pull on us and drain us,
defeat us, worry us, until we lose hope.
Instead turn it all into a prayer.
If today you find the world's problems are larger
than your ability to cope with them,
turn it over to God in prayer.
Nothing that happens in your life today is your business.
Turn it over to God in prayer.
Casting your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7.
Hey, you are not still sitting there worrying are you?
Turn it into prayer.
Don't hesitate, don't put it off,
don't find other things to do,
don't try to control it yourself,
don't give into feelings of depression and hopelessness,
this comes from the father of liars, satan the loser.
Run to the arms of God, turn your cares into praises
and leave your cares at the throne of Jesus.
No matter what thought comes to mind,
take it captive, and give it to the Lord.
Even if you have to do it 50 times until you learn
to let go. Turn it over to God in prayer.
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life,
nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things
present, nor things to come.
Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature,
shall be able to separate us from the Love of God
which is in Christ Jesus our LORD.
Romans 8:38,39
Fear thou not, for I am with the, be not dismayed,
for I am THY God. I will strengthen thee, yea, I will uphold
thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Isaiah 41:10
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13.
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, they shall walk and not be afraid.
Isaiah 40:31
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 2:7
If you are not feeling this.. If you are still burdened,
you are carrying the weight of your own burdens, and pushing
God away. Its that simple. It is your choice. You can
take God at His word and believe all He has said and
promised or you can spend your life in doubt and worry.
Which sounds the most productive? Which works best.
FULLY RELY ON GOD.
Our circumstances do not dictate our state of mind or faith.
Faith trusts no matter what circumstances that God is on
the throne, still with us, still cares, still providing, and will
work all things out for His glory.
Just Trust.
PS. NEVER, NEVER GIVE FEAR A PLACE IN YOUR THINKING. REBUKE IT
AND IT WILL FLEE. YOU HAVE GOD ON YOUR SIDE.
remember
Only one life, will soon be past
Only what is done, for Christ will last
Monday, November 24, 2008
Input - The Difference It Makes
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
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
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.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
The Gift of A New Day, A New Perspective
copyright Millie Plastaras 6/3/2004
Today is a new day. What a gift, and what a blessing!
How then shall we invest it? It is a clean slate, yet
unwritten upon. I say this often, and perhaps you get tired
of hearing it. But for years, I didn't KNOW this. I just
took each day for granted, my health, my relationships.
Then one by one I started to lose people I loved, sometimes
to anger, sometimes to death, and sometimes they just moved on.
Important moments slipped through my fingers, unnoticed,
and uninvested. I took some of my relationships for granted,
and left compliments unspoken and deeds undone.
I learned some hard lessons about relationships
through my lack of wisdom, but each lesson taught
me deeply, and I listened!
The harsh realities and losses of life, taught me
to take a deeper look at each day, and each person.
And although I still miss the mark sometimes, I surely
look deeper, feel more strongly, love more and deeper,
and let go of the past and hurts much quicker.
If only we could learn this at 15 so we could absolutely
pack our days with purpose. If we could love
everyone around us, and help them, be there for them
in their time of need, never too busy to listen. If only
we reached out more quickly, and listened more alertly.
But most of all if we forgave everyone, even if they
do not ever ask. If we could just let go, take a deep
breath and move on.
That would be a life with no regrets!
When I was young my grandmother Boyd showed me
a article in Reader's Digest about how important it
is to say things to people while you can. That
soon those people pass out of our lives and we will
not have a chance again to say those words that
were needful and loving, and forgiving. I am so
glad she showed me that article, because I was
able to start changing, and learned to look at
others more often, instead of myself. It gave
me a fresh perspective of the bigger picture of life.
I said all I needed to, to my grandparents and my dad,
and I am so thankful I did.
My mom and I left many words unsaid and feelings unhealed.
Although she knew I loved her, we never resolved so many
important things or said the needful words we both longed for.
My mom passed away rather unexpectedly and I was
unable to say to her what I needed to, and I didn't want to
carry around regrets. So I sat down and wrote a series
of letters to my mom, and even pretended she was
in a chair across from me and told her what was in my heart.
It released me, and comforted me, and I felt like somehow it
released her and she knew.
My friends, seize the day. Make the most of it. Today is all
you are guaranteed. Live each day as if tomorrow will
never come. Express to those around you loving thoughts.
Look beyond their faults and see their needs, just as Jesus
does you. Be a light. Appreciate people for who they are not
what you expect them to be. Pray for them. Don't have
unrealistic expectations for friends or family, just love
them where they are, and for who they are, just as Jesus loves
you unconditionally. For who among us is perfect?
Be his hand extended.
Live long, love much, laugh often, forgive easily.
Love Always,
millie
´°`·.,¸¸,.·´°`·.,¸¸,.·´°`·.,¸¸,.·°°´·.,¸¸,.·´°`·.,¸¸,.·´°`·.,¸¸,.·´°
"10 Rules For A Happy Day"
1. TODAY I WILL NOT STRIKE BACK:
If someone is rude, if someone is impatient, if someone is
unkind... I will not respond in a like manner.
2. TODAY I WILL ASK GOD TO BLESS MY "ENEMY":
If I come across someone who treats me harshly or unfairly, I
will quietly ask GOD to bless that individual. I understand the
"enemy" could be a family member, neighbor, co-worker or
stranger.
3. TODAY I WILL BE CAREFUL ABOUT WHAT I SAY:
I will carefully choose and guard my words being certain that I
do not spread gossip.
4. TODAY I WILL GO THE EXTRA MILE:
I will find ways to help share the burden of another person.
5. TODAY I WILL FORGIVE:
I will forgive any hurts or injuries that come my way.
6. TODAY I WILL DO SOMETHING NICE FOR SOMEONE, BUT I WILL NOT DO
IT SECRETLY:
I will reach out anonymously and bless the life of another.
7. TODAY I WILL TREAT OTHERS THE WAY I WISH TO BE TREATED:
I will practice the golden rule - "Do unto others as I would have
them do unto me" - with everyone I encounter.
8. TODAY I WILL RAISE THE SPIRITS OF SOMEONE WHO IS DISCOURAGED:
My smile, my words, my expression of support, can make the
difference to someone who is wrestling with life.
9. TODAY I WILL NURTURE MY BODY:
I will eat less; I will eat only healthy foods. I will thank GOD
for my body.
10. TODAY I WILL GROW SPIRITUALLY:
I will spend a little more time in prayer today: I will begin
reading something spiritual or inspirational today; I will find a
quiet place (at some point during this day) and listen to GOD's
voice!!!
"But since we belong to the day, let us be self controlled,
putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and hope of salvation
as a helmet." - 1 Thessalonians 5:8
Today is a new day. What a gift, and what a blessing!
How then shall we invest it? It is a clean slate, yet
unwritten upon. I say this often, and perhaps you get tired
of hearing it. But for years, I didn't KNOW this. I just
took each day for granted, my health, my relationships.
Then one by one I started to lose people I loved, sometimes
to anger, sometimes to death, and sometimes they just moved on.
Important moments slipped through my fingers, unnoticed,
and uninvested. I took some of my relationships for granted,
and left compliments unspoken and deeds undone.
I learned some hard lessons about relationships
through my lack of wisdom, but each lesson taught
me deeply, and I listened!
The harsh realities and losses of life, taught me
to take a deeper look at each day, and each person.
And although I still miss the mark sometimes, I surely
look deeper, feel more strongly, love more and deeper,
and let go of the past and hurts much quicker.
If only we could learn this at 15 so we could absolutely
pack our days with purpose. If we could love
everyone around us, and help them, be there for them
in their time of need, never too busy to listen. If only
we reached out more quickly, and listened more alertly.
But most of all if we forgave everyone, even if they
do not ever ask. If we could just let go, take a deep
breath and move on.
That would be a life with no regrets!
When I was young my grandmother Boyd showed me
a article in Reader's Digest about how important it
is to say things to people while you can. That
soon those people pass out of our lives and we will
not have a chance again to say those words that
were needful and loving, and forgiving. I am so
glad she showed me that article, because I was
able to start changing, and learned to look at
others more often, instead of myself. It gave
me a fresh perspective of the bigger picture of life.
I said all I needed to, to my grandparents and my dad,
and I am so thankful I did.
My mom and I left many words unsaid and feelings unhealed.
Although she knew I loved her, we never resolved so many
important things or said the needful words we both longed for.
My mom passed away rather unexpectedly and I was
unable to say to her what I needed to, and I didn't want to
carry around regrets. So I sat down and wrote a series
of letters to my mom, and even pretended she was
in a chair across from me and told her what was in my heart.
It released me, and comforted me, and I felt like somehow it
released her and she knew.
My friends, seize the day. Make the most of it. Today is all
you are guaranteed. Live each day as if tomorrow will
never come. Express to those around you loving thoughts.
Look beyond their faults and see their needs, just as Jesus
does you. Be a light. Appreciate people for who they are not
what you expect them to be. Pray for them. Don't have
unrealistic expectations for friends or family, just love
them where they are, and for who they are, just as Jesus loves
you unconditionally. For who among us is perfect?
Be his hand extended.
Live long, love much, laugh often, forgive easily.
Love Always,
millie
´°`·.,¸¸,.·´°`·.,¸¸,.·´°`·.,¸¸,.·°°´·.,¸¸,.·´°`·.,¸¸,.·´°`·.,¸¸,.·´°
"10 Rules For A Happy Day"
1. TODAY I WILL NOT STRIKE BACK:
If someone is rude, if someone is impatient, if someone is
unkind... I will not respond in a like manner.
2. TODAY I WILL ASK GOD TO BLESS MY "ENEMY":
If I come across someone who treats me harshly or unfairly, I
will quietly ask GOD to bless that individual. I understand the
"enemy" could be a family member, neighbor, co-worker or
stranger.
3. TODAY I WILL BE CAREFUL ABOUT WHAT I SAY:
I will carefully choose and guard my words being certain that I
do not spread gossip.
4. TODAY I WILL GO THE EXTRA MILE:
I will find ways to help share the burden of another person.
5. TODAY I WILL FORGIVE:
I will forgive any hurts or injuries that come my way.
6. TODAY I WILL DO SOMETHING NICE FOR SOMEONE, BUT I WILL NOT DO
IT SECRETLY:
I will reach out anonymously and bless the life of another.
7. TODAY I WILL TREAT OTHERS THE WAY I WISH TO BE TREATED:
I will practice the golden rule - "Do unto others as I would have
them do unto me" - with everyone I encounter.
8. TODAY I WILL RAISE THE SPIRITS OF SOMEONE WHO IS DISCOURAGED:
My smile, my words, my expression of support, can make the
difference to someone who is wrestling with life.
9. TODAY I WILL NURTURE MY BODY:
I will eat less; I will eat only healthy foods. I will thank GOD
for my body.
10. TODAY I WILL GROW SPIRITUALLY:
I will spend a little more time in prayer today: I will begin
reading something spiritual or inspirational today; I will find a
quiet place (at some point during this day) and listen to GOD's
voice!!!
"But since we belong to the day, let us be self controlled,
putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and hope of salvation
as a helmet." - 1 Thessalonians 5:8
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