by Millie Plastaras copyright 7/28/2009
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
Have you ever heard the term "birds eye view"?
Think about this. You are on earth and you take flight
and as you go up in the air the further away from the
ground you rise the broader your view is.
Instead of seeing what is right in front of you,
you can see for miles and miles. It broadens your
vision of the world.
In our lives, our perspective is clouded by WHAT WE SEE.
But beyond what we see is a broader picture. One that
rises above our problems, the view of the world we have
or even the issues we carry.
The Bible says we walk by faith not by sight.
What we see, doesn't mean that there is
not something else on the way or that there is
no solution, or that God did not hear our prayers.
Faith is believing answers are on the way even
when we do not yet see them.
How can we as Christians rise above the daily
perspective we feed ourselves mentally or see in front of us?
The only way is rising above it. We have to take a broader
look at our situation than our mind set about it.
We realize there are things we can do nothing about.
Those burdens have to be left at the feet of God.
There is no compromise on this point. Don't carry
what is heavy, it is counterproductive to getting
anything done that day.
Things we can do something about we need to see
if our perspective of them is blurred by our own clouded
vision. What would Jesus have us do? How do other
people handle similar things that you find inspiring? Is
there a book on it that you can find inspiration or help
with your problem? What can we do to let go and move
on and prosper?
In other words, what are you doing to change your
situation?
Take a step back from your situation for a minute.
Realize the way you have been thinking about it.
Do you dwell in a discouraging negative attitude about your life?
Is your life filled with fear, that you did not recognize before,
but suddenly you realize how many things intimidate you?
Are you allowing the cares of your life to weigh you down?
Are there solutions for this? Absolutely! Can we accomplish
it all at one time? Probably not... but we can start, by
first praying to God, and asking him to show us a different
way to think about our situation and teach us how to
walk above the clouds in our thinking, with a broader
perspective and a heart open to change and teaching.
One step at a time, one day at a time, we can change
not only our mind set, but our goals, our thinking patterns,
and we can address these issues.
It is like a person whose home is cluttered. They cannot
tackle the whole home in one day, most feel overwhelmed.
But they can tackle a drawer at a time, or one desk top at
a time, and make order out chaos. One small step at a time.
Precious friend, are you carrying around more on your
shoulders today than you ought? As I woke up this
morning I heard from my daughter Tammi who is
suffering terribly and during the night had such trouble
breathing. My heart was so heavy for her, and I prayed
and cried out to God. I know I cannot change this for
her, or even fix it. Only God can. But neither can I sit
and let it wear me out.. I have to pray to God, and I have
to keep a wise perspective on it. Just as I do other
troubling situations in my life or the lives of others I know.
What I cannot fix, God is aware of and cares about.
The peace that passes all understanding only comes
from God, and only comes when we trust Him
and place Faith in his abilities, and stop trying to
control everything ourselves, or feel like everything
is out of control. Faith is trusting God has heard
and believing and waiting on that answer.
It may not always be in the form we expect, but God
hears and knows what is best.
What I am saying is... you cannot carry things you were
never meant to carry. Your strength is not in carrying
burdens, but in letting them go and giving them to God.
That frees us up mentally to accomplish something other
than worrying, and being afraid and feeling overwhelmed.
How? One step at a time.
Dear God, today there are many reading this devotion.
Each with a different set of circumstances, problems
and even perspective. Father I ask you to comfort them,
and show them ways they can change their lives. I ask
you remind them daily to come to you first in prayer,
not last. To seek your face. And to fill their heart
and mind with positive, hopeful thoughts, by first
planting that word of God in their spirit that they
might have fresh hope and inspiration daily.
Teach them to stay in your presence till they feel
peace... till they let go of what is bothering them
and upsetting them.
Help them to recognize when they are carrying
burdens, and are weighed down. Help them
to realize this is a puddle of mud mentally weighing
them down, paralyzing them from moving and thriving.
Father teach them to let go and trust you. Teach
them a brand new walk of trust and faith.
Help them to have new ways of thinking and ideas
on how to conquer their own fears, and things
they need to accomplish mentally and physically.
Teach them to set small goals that can be
accomplished and not to give up but have a broader
and strengthened perspective that we can do all
things through Christ, who STRENGTHENS US.
Give us fresh thoughts daily Father God, cleanse
us from anything that is harmful to our thinking
or not pleasing to you.
We lay our burdens at your feet today. Teach
us father, let us be open to change, and growth
and facing our own flaws and shortcomings.
Shine light in our soul
and cast out all darkness. Refresh us, and help
us to rise up and go forth in your strength and
make our life count, by letting go of those things
that weigh us down and receiving relief through
trust in you.
Help us to be a soldier for the Lord,
and not a defeated army mired in muddy waters
of thinking. Let our lives thrive and be free in you.
In Jesus precious name,
Amen.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Planning Ahead in God's Timing
Good Morning Everyone,
Have you ever started a task, and it seemed never ending?
It just seemed no matter how hard you worked, it didn't seem
like it would ever be done? But you persisted, and finally it was.
At the end, it was very gratifying to know you persisted
until you saw that job through. It also encourages you in future
pursuits, to keep working until the job is complete. You are
establishing a mental precident. Its a life changing thing to do.
What about a trip? When you are going someplace the
journey can seem fairly short if you are excited. But if
you are dreading something ahead wow, it can seem
like it is taking forever. You just don't know for sure
what the end result will be.
I am reminded, of how often we tell God how we think
our life should go, when we don't have the ability to
see 10 hours ahead much less 10 years. You see, the
secret is that only God knows what will happen down
the road, and He has the great insight to know what is
best for us.
I cannot think of a better reason to allow Him to be Lord
of our life. He knows how to deal with what we will
be dealing with. He has the perfect answer, and a resting
place when we get weary.
If you cannot see what is coming, if you are worried about
your future, or troubled about your life now, you must
learn that if you want to find peace, you have to stop
trying to control your situation and let go of it through prayer.
1. You may have to go to the Lord 50 times a day, and say
God I need help, this is too big for me. Please take this
from me, and work out your perfect will.
2. The next step is we learn to take our mind off it.
Everytime it comes up, we say, no, I am not going there, I gave it to God.
It will take practice, but it is programming our mind to
think differently.
3. Learn to enjoy what you do have, and quit looking at what
you don't.
4. Make plans for your day, find some useful thing to do.
Make a list, keeping busy really helps.
5. Find someone else to do things for, the best way to
forget your own problems is to do something for someone else.
6. If you are too weary to do any of the last 3, then you need
to go back to step one. :)
It is all a choice. Remember that the next time
you fill your day with worry. Even in the greatest
tragedies, we have a shelter in the storm, who
knows just how to navigate, protect and get us
to the other side of the storm safely.
Faith is believing the answer is on the way, even
when we cannot see anything happening yet.
I love you all dearly, and want you to know,
no matter how great your problems, or pain,
God is greater still.
Love Always
Millie
For the eyes of the Lord run to and from throughout the
whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of
them whose heart is perfect towards Him.
2 Chronicles 16:9
But the Lord is faithful, who shall establish you,
and keep you from evil.
2 Thessalonians 3:3
He will keep the feet of His saints, and the wicked shall
be silent in darkness, for by strength shall no man prevail.
1 Samuel 2:9
For He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for you, for My
strength is made perfect in weakness. Therefore most gladly
will I rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may
rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in my infirmities,
in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses,
for Christ's sake, for when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
It is only when we let go, that He can take over.
ENVISIONING THE END
Eight-year-old Frank had looked forward for weeks to this particular Saturday because his father had promised to take him fishing if the weather was suitable. There hadn't been any rain for weeks and as Saturday approached, Frank was confident of the fishing trip. But, wouldn't you know it, when Saturday morning dawned, it was raining heavily and it appeared that it would continue all day.
Frank wandered around the house, peering out the windows and grumbling more than a little. "Seems like the Lord would know that it would have been better to have the rain yesterday than today," he complained to his father who was sitting by the fireplace, enjoying a good book. His father tried to explain to Frank how badly the rain was needed, how it would make the flowers grow and bring much needed moisture to the farmers' crops. But Frank was adamant. "It just isn't right," he said over and over.
Then, about three o'clock, the rain stopped. Still time for some fishing, and quickly the gear was loaded and they were off to the lake. Whether it was the rain or some other reason, the fish were biting hungrily and father and son returned with a full string of fine, big fish.
At supper, when some of the fish were ready, Frank's mom asked him to say grace. Frank did - and concluded his prayer by saying, "And, Lord, if I sounded grumpy earlier today it was because I couldn't see far enough ahead."
By James Hewett
Have you ever started a task, and it seemed never ending?
It just seemed no matter how hard you worked, it didn't seem
like it would ever be done? But you persisted, and finally it was.
At the end, it was very gratifying to know you persisted
until you saw that job through. It also encourages you in future
pursuits, to keep working until the job is complete. You are
establishing a mental precident. Its a life changing thing to do.
What about a trip? When you are going someplace the
journey can seem fairly short if you are excited. But if
you are dreading something ahead wow, it can seem
like it is taking forever. You just don't know for sure
what the end result will be.
I am reminded, of how often we tell God how we think
our life should go, when we don't have the ability to
see 10 hours ahead much less 10 years. You see, the
secret is that only God knows what will happen down
the road, and He has the great insight to know what is
best for us.
I cannot think of a better reason to allow Him to be Lord
of our life. He knows how to deal with what we will
be dealing with. He has the perfect answer, and a resting
place when we get weary.
If you cannot see what is coming, if you are worried about
your future, or troubled about your life now, you must
learn that if you want to find peace, you have to stop
trying to control your situation and let go of it through prayer.
1. You may have to go to the Lord 50 times a day, and say
God I need help, this is too big for me. Please take this
from me, and work out your perfect will.
2. The next step is we learn to take our mind off it.
Everytime it comes up, we say, no, I am not going there, I gave it to God.
It will take practice, but it is programming our mind to
think differently.
3. Learn to enjoy what you do have, and quit looking at what
you don't.
4. Make plans for your day, find some useful thing to do.
Make a list, keeping busy really helps.
5. Find someone else to do things for, the best way to
forget your own problems is to do something for someone else.
6. If you are too weary to do any of the last 3, then you need
to go back to step one. :)
It is all a choice. Remember that the next time
you fill your day with worry. Even in the greatest
tragedies, we have a shelter in the storm, who
knows just how to navigate, protect and get us
to the other side of the storm safely.
Faith is believing the answer is on the way, even
when we cannot see anything happening yet.
I love you all dearly, and want you to know,
no matter how great your problems, or pain,
God is greater still.
Love Always
Millie
For the eyes of the Lord run to and from throughout the
whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of
them whose heart is perfect towards Him.
2 Chronicles 16:9
But the Lord is faithful, who shall establish you,
and keep you from evil.
2 Thessalonians 3:3
He will keep the feet of His saints, and the wicked shall
be silent in darkness, for by strength shall no man prevail.
1 Samuel 2:9
For He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for you, for My
strength is made perfect in weakness. Therefore most gladly
will I rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may
rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in my infirmities,
in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses,
for Christ's sake, for when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
It is only when we let go, that He can take over.
ENVISIONING THE END
Eight-year-old Frank had looked forward for weeks to this particular Saturday because his father had promised to take him fishing if the weather was suitable. There hadn't been any rain for weeks and as Saturday approached, Frank was confident of the fishing trip. But, wouldn't you know it, when Saturday morning dawned, it was raining heavily and it appeared that it would continue all day.
Frank wandered around the house, peering out the windows and grumbling more than a little. "Seems like the Lord would know that it would have been better to have the rain yesterday than today," he complained to his father who was sitting by the fireplace, enjoying a good book. His father tried to explain to Frank how badly the rain was needed, how it would make the flowers grow and bring much needed moisture to the farmers' crops. But Frank was adamant. "It just isn't right," he said over and over.
Then, about three o'clock, the rain stopped. Still time for some fishing, and quickly the gear was loaded and they were off to the lake. Whether it was the rain or some other reason, the fish were biting hungrily and father and son returned with a full string of fine, big fish.
At supper, when some of the fish were ready, Frank's mom asked him to say grace. Frank did - and concluded his prayer by saying, "And, Lord, if I sounded grumpy earlier today it was because I couldn't see far enough ahead."
By James Hewett
Sunday, July 19, 2009
The Long Walk
Good Morning Everyone,
As I read this story today, my heart was struck with the thought,
How far would we go to do something for Jesus.
I remember as a child, having various missionaries come to
our church and tell us about their work in foreign missions,
and the stories always fascinated me and inspired my heart
to do more for God. Often they brought me to tears, and a
longing to make a difference in this world.
I remember often praying God show me where you
want me to go and what you want me to do and I will follow you.
My young heart did not realize the full extent of that commitment.
Sometimes the cares and responsibilities of this life kept me tied
down from those great goals I had longed to achieve. Yet one
day I realized in the small and quiet corners of the day, we can
make a difference in the lives of others, by listening, by encouraging,
by praying for someone or even giving them something to minister
to their needs, whether, food, clothing, or a book to speak to their heart.
But my question to you is, how far are you willing to go to do as God asks?
What if it is inconvenient, are you willing to give up your time, or energy
or even your pride to humble yourself and go do as God asks today?
My friend, this is what it is about. In Romans 12:1-2 it tells us this is
our reasonable service, to make our bodies a living sacrifice to Christ.
Have you done this? Is He really Lord of your life, or a background
figure you call on when you have a need. We are to be new in
Christ, walking with him daily, talking to him and doing his will.
These are questions we all face and must answer, and they are so
vital, because we only have this one life. We are to be his hand
extended to others. My precious friend, take time to pray to God
today, rededicate yourself to Him and ask Him what he would have you
do, and then follow through. Even if the road is long and difficult.
It is what you are called to do, and the rewards are great,
and the people you are called to minister to, may have no one else
listening to God to come to them. What a great responsibility.
Make sure you are really following Him. Someone's soul
may hang in the balance. Someone who desperately needs prayer
today may not get it if you do not do it.
love
millie.
I appeal to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of all
the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies -
presenting all your members and faculties - as a living sacrifice,
holy (devoted , consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your
reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship.
Do not be conformed to this world to its external, superficial
customs. But be transformed (changed) by the entire renewal
of your mind - by its new ideals and its new attitude - so that you may
prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God,
even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect in His
sight for you.
Romans 12:1-2
"A Long Walk"
In a remote village in Central America the word got out among thepeoples of the region that one of the American missionaries that had served this country for many years was about to return to the US to live our the remaining years of her life.The nationals desired to honor her for her years of service with a public time of appreciation. News of the event went to all parts of the country in which the missionary was known to the people.
One very old and very poor man walked to the ceremony over mountainous terrain for 4 days to bring his gift to the missionary.The gift consisted of 2 coconuts, but it was all the man had.
The missionary recognized the man as coming from the remote village in the mountains."Brother, I cannot believe that you would walk so far to present me with this gift," said the missionary to the man.
His response? "Long walk part of gift."
--Author Unknown
As I read this story today, my heart was struck with the thought,
How far would we go to do something for Jesus.
I remember as a child, having various missionaries come to
our church and tell us about their work in foreign missions,
and the stories always fascinated me and inspired my heart
to do more for God. Often they brought me to tears, and a
longing to make a difference in this world.
I remember often praying God show me where you
want me to go and what you want me to do and I will follow you.
My young heart did not realize the full extent of that commitment.
Sometimes the cares and responsibilities of this life kept me tied
down from those great goals I had longed to achieve. Yet one
day I realized in the small and quiet corners of the day, we can
make a difference in the lives of others, by listening, by encouraging,
by praying for someone or even giving them something to minister
to their needs, whether, food, clothing, or a book to speak to their heart.
But my question to you is, how far are you willing to go to do as God asks?
What if it is inconvenient, are you willing to give up your time, or energy
or even your pride to humble yourself and go do as God asks today?
My friend, this is what it is about. In Romans 12:1-2 it tells us this is
our reasonable service, to make our bodies a living sacrifice to Christ.
Have you done this? Is He really Lord of your life, or a background
figure you call on when you have a need. We are to be new in
Christ, walking with him daily, talking to him and doing his will.
These are questions we all face and must answer, and they are so
vital, because we only have this one life. We are to be his hand
extended to others. My precious friend, take time to pray to God
today, rededicate yourself to Him and ask Him what he would have you
do, and then follow through. Even if the road is long and difficult.
It is what you are called to do, and the rewards are great,
and the people you are called to minister to, may have no one else
listening to God to come to them. What a great responsibility.
Make sure you are really following Him. Someone's soul
may hang in the balance. Someone who desperately needs prayer
today may not get it if you do not do it.
love
millie.
I appeal to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of all
the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies -
presenting all your members and faculties - as a living sacrifice,
holy (devoted , consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your
reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship.
Do not be conformed to this world to its external, superficial
customs. But be transformed (changed) by the entire renewal
of your mind - by its new ideals and its new attitude - so that you may
prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God,
even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect in His
sight for you.
Romans 12:1-2
"A Long Walk"
In a remote village in Central America the word got out among thepeoples of the region that one of the American missionaries that had served this country for many years was about to return to the US to live our the remaining years of her life.The nationals desired to honor her for her years of service with a public time of appreciation. News of the event went to all parts of the country in which the missionary was known to the people.
One very old and very poor man walked to the ceremony over mountainous terrain for 4 days to bring his gift to the missionary.The gift consisted of 2 coconuts, but it was all the man had.
The missionary recognized the man as coming from the remote village in the mountains."Brother, I cannot believe that you would walk so far to present me with this gift," said the missionary to the man.
His response? "Long walk part of gift."
--Author Unknown
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Healing Broken Relationships Part 2
Copyright Millie Plastaras 3/2002
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, He is a new creation,
old things have passed away; behold; all things have
become new. Now all things are of God who has
reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ,
and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.
That is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world
to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them,
and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.
2 Corinthians 5:17-19
We have been discussing how broken relationships
can alter all of our other relationships, as we pick up
qualities that can embitter us, make us defensive,
or build a pattern of avoidance of future relationships.
Basically we become crippled, emotionally and
spiritually. New relationships don't change that
because we are carrying around baggage from the old ones.
It would stand to reason that as Christians we would
want our life to shine as a light, a witness of Jesus
Christ and his teachings for loving others, and forgiveness.
Unconditional. No excuses.
This requires releasing the prideful, clinging to the past
thinking that we as humans tend to practice when we
have been hurt.
Let us look at some positive ways to overcome this
disease of the heart and emotions.
For there to be reconciliation, or a healing in a relationship
we must first of all be willing to sit down and listen.
My husband and I once went to counseling many years
ago, when he was really dealing with some anger issues.
And the counsellor would have each of us say one
sentence about how we were feeling. And the person
we told it to, would have to repeat it back word for word.
At that time, my husband could not repeat it at all. Why?
Because He was not listening. He had closed ears.
And at times, I know I did too. It was amazing to me
that he actually did not hear any word I said, but filtered
it through what he THOUGHT I said.
Imagine the communication problems this causes.
Do you think this problem is happening in your life and
relationships?
This is one of the main downfalls in relationships.
We would rather blame the other person and have them
be at fault, than admit our own faults and work together
to heal the situation. Everyone wants to be right, and no one
wants to be wrong.
If we persist in that kind of reasoning, there can be no
reconciliation.
1. Recognize good communication is key.
Both people must be willing to sit down, and talk, and
open their ears to what is in the other persons heart.
It is not important for you to be right.
It is not important for you to get the last word in.
It is not important for you to feel better than the
other person.
It is not important to cling to what others have done
to us. What is done is done, what will we do to make
today a better day, and this relationship a better one?
Heal it or sit around and be angry and hurt?
2. Recognize the importance of forgiveness in
the eyes of God and in healing your own spirit.
The word of God tells us if we do not forgive others,
God will not forgive us. He considers it that serious!
It would stand to reason that we better take it seriously.
Remember the other person is hurt too, they need healing too,
they are human too, they need love too, they have faults
too. You are both … in need of healing, and must find a
meeting place, where you can talk in a peaceful manner.
3. Recognize the other person's humanness, that they
also have burdens, and pains, and flaws.
Common Ground. A place to meet. We are human and
flawed, let us forgive and stop looking at each other's faults.
We should always try to put ourselves in the other
persons situation or viewpoint. Try to figure out where
they are coming from and see how that might feel if
you were them. This helps us to have more compassion
and understanding, rather than the prideful position that
everything is their fault.
Basically, we are looking beyond their faults, and their
flaws, into their needs and personal desires for their lives.
4. Recognize how you speak to others, and make
it filled with discretion and wisdom.
Use words in your discussion that are not accusatory.
In other words, say I think I understand how you are feeling,
and repeat what you think they are saying. Then tell them
how you are feeling, without telling them how bad you
think they are. Fault finding and finger pointing do not
lead to reconciliation, they lead to anger.
5. Recognize that you need to change yourself.
This is the
only thing you have power over. It is not your job to change,
fix, point the finger at or otherwise judge someone else.
That is God's job. We just need to work on our attitude.
6. Recognize that when you seek healing, and forgiveness,
you are following Jesus concepts.
This should bring
a peace to your spirit, knowing you are humbling yourself,
and seeking to grow spiritually by learning to forgive.
Unconditionally, no excuses.
7. If all else fails get a mediator.
Sometimes when we do all of these things, we find that
we are still at an impasse with this person. Sometimes,
no one is willing to back down. In this particular instance,
a mediator from the church would be scriptural.
Ask someone who is loving and objective to pray with you
and try to help resolve this. Both parties should be willing
to do this. If someone doesn't try to solve the situation,
you will both be in a position of unforgiveness and that
is not healthy. Someone has to be the mature in
the situation. Someone has to have compassion.
8. Set healthy boundaries. Sometimes we need to forgive
but it may not be healthy to be close to that person for a time.
WE must also recognize that sometimes people do
things that are very hurtful and destructive. WE must
still find it within our hearts to forgive them. But we
must also use wisdom, and set boundaries in our
relationship with them. This means we should be loving
and kind to them, but not give them opportunity to take
advantage of us again. We have to set standards
in a loving, gentle manner. We still want Jesus to show
through in the way we treat others.
9.Apologizing is vital.
Even if you feel you might not have
been wrong.
Recognize that you cannot make excuses.
Don't try to justify your actions.
Don't blame the other person.
Accept responsibility for your own actions.
This is how relationships begin to heal.
When people are brave enough to admit their
own faults, rather than feeling the need to point
out everyone else's faults.
Forgiveness starts in the mind, works its way to the
heart, and then, goes to the throne of God,
where we find healing for our own mind, emotions
and spirits.
It is literally a choice.
What choice are you making tonight?
How long are you going to hold on to that hurt?
And is it working for you?
I am sure it is not.
Then you have a choice. Go on in this pain,
or forgive them.
I hope this helps you face your own internal pain
and actually do something about it. You will never
regret it.. you will feel so free and unencumbered in your
spirit... it is a gift.
love always
millie
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, He is a new creation,
old things have passed away; behold; all things have
become new. Now all things are of God who has
reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ,
and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.
That is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world
to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them,
and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.
2 Corinthians 5:17-19
We have been discussing how broken relationships
can alter all of our other relationships, as we pick up
qualities that can embitter us, make us defensive,
or build a pattern of avoidance of future relationships.
Basically we become crippled, emotionally and
spiritually. New relationships don't change that
because we are carrying around baggage from the old ones.
It would stand to reason that as Christians we would
want our life to shine as a light, a witness of Jesus
Christ and his teachings for loving others, and forgiveness.
Unconditional. No excuses.
This requires releasing the prideful, clinging to the past
thinking that we as humans tend to practice when we
have been hurt.
Let us look at some positive ways to overcome this
disease of the heart and emotions.
For there to be reconciliation, or a healing in a relationship
we must first of all be willing to sit down and listen.
My husband and I once went to counseling many years
ago, when he was really dealing with some anger issues.
And the counsellor would have each of us say one
sentence about how we were feeling. And the person
we told it to, would have to repeat it back word for word.
At that time, my husband could not repeat it at all. Why?
Because He was not listening. He had closed ears.
And at times, I know I did too. It was amazing to me
that he actually did not hear any word I said, but filtered
it through what he THOUGHT I said.
Imagine the communication problems this causes.
Do you think this problem is happening in your life and
relationships?
This is one of the main downfalls in relationships.
We would rather blame the other person and have them
be at fault, than admit our own faults and work together
to heal the situation. Everyone wants to be right, and no one
wants to be wrong.
If we persist in that kind of reasoning, there can be no
reconciliation.
1. Recognize good communication is key.
Both people must be willing to sit down, and talk, and
open their ears to what is in the other persons heart.
It is not important for you to be right.
It is not important for you to get the last word in.
It is not important for you to feel better than the
other person.
It is not important to cling to what others have done
to us. What is done is done, what will we do to make
today a better day, and this relationship a better one?
Heal it or sit around and be angry and hurt?
2. Recognize the importance of forgiveness in
the eyes of God and in healing your own spirit.
The word of God tells us if we do not forgive others,
God will not forgive us. He considers it that serious!
It would stand to reason that we better take it seriously.
Remember the other person is hurt too, they need healing too,
they are human too, they need love too, they have faults
too. You are both … in need of healing, and must find a
meeting place, where you can talk in a peaceful manner.
3. Recognize the other person's humanness, that they
also have burdens, and pains, and flaws.
Common Ground. A place to meet. We are human and
flawed, let us forgive and stop looking at each other's faults.
We should always try to put ourselves in the other
persons situation or viewpoint. Try to figure out where
they are coming from and see how that might feel if
you were them. This helps us to have more compassion
and understanding, rather than the prideful position that
everything is their fault.
Basically, we are looking beyond their faults, and their
flaws, into their needs and personal desires for their lives.
4. Recognize how you speak to others, and make
it filled with discretion and wisdom.
Use words in your discussion that are not accusatory.
In other words, say I think I understand how you are feeling,
and repeat what you think they are saying. Then tell them
how you are feeling, without telling them how bad you
think they are. Fault finding and finger pointing do not
lead to reconciliation, they lead to anger.
5. Recognize that you need to change yourself.
This is the
only thing you have power over. It is not your job to change,
fix, point the finger at or otherwise judge someone else.
That is God's job. We just need to work on our attitude.
6. Recognize that when you seek healing, and forgiveness,
you are following Jesus concepts.
This should bring
a peace to your spirit, knowing you are humbling yourself,
and seeking to grow spiritually by learning to forgive.
Unconditionally, no excuses.
7. If all else fails get a mediator.
Sometimes when we do all of these things, we find that
we are still at an impasse with this person. Sometimes,
no one is willing to back down. In this particular instance,
a mediator from the church would be scriptural.
Ask someone who is loving and objective to pray with you
and try to help resolve this. Both parties should be willing
to do this. If someone doesn't try to solve the situation,
you will both be in a position of unforgiveness and that
is not healthy. Someone has to be the mature in
the situation. Someone has to have compassion.
8. Set healthy boundaries. Sometimes we need to forgive
but it may not be healthy to be close to that person for a time.
WE must also recognize that sometimes people do
things that are very hurtful and destructive. WE must
still find it within our hearts to forgive them. But we
must also use wisdom, and set boundaries in our
relationship with them. This means we should be loving
and kind to them, but not give them opportunity to take
advantage of us again. We have to set standards
in a loving, gentle manner. We still want Jesus to show
through in the way we treat others.
9.Apologizing is vital.
Even if you feel you might not have
been wrong.
Recognize that you cannot make excuses.
Don't try to justify your actions.
Don't blame the other person.
Accept responsibility for your own actions.
This is how relationships begin to heal.
When people are brave enough to admit their
own faults, rather than feeling the need to point
out everyone else's faults.
Forgiveness starts in the mind, works its way to the
heart, and then, goes to the throne of God,
where we find healing for our own mind, emotions
and spirits.
It is literally a choice.
What choice are you making tonight?
How long are you going to hold on to that hurt?
And is it working for you?
I am sure it is not.
Then you have a choice. Go on in this pain,
or forgive them.
I hope this helps you face your own internal pain
and actually do something about it. You will never
regret it.. you will feel so free and unencumbered in your
spirit... it is a gift.
love always
millie
Monday, July 13, 2009
Healing Broken Relationships Part 1
copyright 9/22/2002
Millie Plastaras
Sometimes in our relationships we run into a situation
that is so hurtful, or strife filled, or we just don't seem
to be able to compromise. When this happens we have
2 ways to go, the right way or the wrong way.
We choose the way of the spirit of offense or a prayerful journey
into wisdom. This is the true test of a Christian, because
it shows the desire to please God and treat others correctly
by following the teachings of Jesus. Which clearly
teaches us to love one another, no matter what.
So today we are going to discuss some of the symptoms
we can experience when our heart turns towards
incorrect decisions about relationships and inner
healing.
When you have heart problems, you go to a cardiologist
so he can give you tests to see what is happening
that is making your heart not work correctly.
When your heart is hurting, we go to the one who
created it, so He can show us how to heal ourselves
and our relationships.
Please read this prayerfully, carefully, with
an open mind, and seek God's wisdom. Because
the day we shut God out, when we get hurt, is the
day the devil gets a foothold in our minds and spirit.
And it mushrooms, and takes root, until it becomes
a root of bitterness and the spirit of offense.
It will thereafter change every relationship,
every decision and every thought you have.
This is your checklist.. if you see these symptoms,
Truly, you must address them, and go to the Lord in
prayer for guidance and wisdom.
1. Pride.
Do I focus on how much I have been wronged?
This is a common problem. We have someone say
something hurtful, or they neglect us, or forget to
include us. Our feelings get hurt and we spend days
rehearsing what was said to us, or what we should have
said to others. Or how we should have told them off.
Or how dare they? Then.. it becomes our focus.
Rather than prayer.
Pride is the downfall of a Christian. Pride comes before
a fall. Pride, does not enhance relationships, or you.
It defeats your purpose in having a servants heart before
God.
2. Faultfinding.
Do I rehearse and look at the faults of others constantly?
Why is it when someone is different from us, we look
at that difference like it makes them a failure or not as
good as us? You see my friends, we were all made different!
This was God's plan. Wow. Why are we fighting it then?
Do we expect everyone to be a clone of us? Do we expect
people to meet our expectations or rescue us? Do we
expect constant attention, or they are not our friends?
This is a sign of immaturity emotionally and spiritually.
And we must learn to accept people wherever they are
emotionally or spiritually. And if we disagree, or are
unhappy with it. We need to be loving and kind and pray
about it. And ask God to give us wisdom about what
WE are doing wrong. Not about fixing the other person.
If the person has been cruel or unkind, we need to pray
for them. Jesus said pray for your enemies. That
takes courage and a servants heart. Not thinking
about me, me, me. But what would Jesus want me to do.
3. Avoidance.
Do I avoid being around people with whom I have conflicts?
This is a human and natural reaction. But it is not healthy.
And so many people do it now, they do not know how
to overcome it. People write each other off as if they
were nothing. AS if their feelings did not count.
We must reach out, love them, and let go of whatever
has hurt us. We have to move on. If we do not move on,
it doesn't hurt the person who hurt us.
IT HURTS US. Make no mistake. You are being
robbed spiritually! You are in slavery to unforgiveness!
4. Silence.
Do I refuse to share my feelings in a healthy way?
Do you shut people out when you have been hurt?
For a time, perhaps that is normal. But I think withdrawing
to pray, seek guidance, or give yourself a bit to cool off
is OK. What is not OK is to withdraw and become reclusive
surrounding yourself with a wall to protect yourself
from getting hurt again.
It's normal to feel hurt for a time when we have been
let down or seen disappointment in the way others treat us.
This is just the reality of life and relationships.
But.. as Christians.. we are to be focusing on the positive,
kind forgiving side of life. Not on holding grudges, and
counting old hurts like stacks of coins. This is so
self defeating. And it keeps us from having one healthy
relationship. We have to learn to move past the hurt
into healing.
Just move on! Don't cling to that which hurts you
and others. Its not a treasure... its a bondage... LET GO!
5. Isolation.
Do I withdraw emotionally?
Almost everyone I know anymore does. This is so
prevalent, that we actually see whole families avoiding
each other forever. My friends, this ought not to be so.
God has called us to a spirit of reconciliation. WE cannot
reach anyone for Christ if we hide every time we get hurt.
WE have to look at the bigger picture. WE have
one life. WE can spend it on licking our wounds,
or we can spend it seeking ways to heal them.
What choice are you making?
6. Unfaithfulness.
Do I share unnecessary information about my opposer?
Do you feel you need to tell others how badly someone
hurt you, so you look better than the offender?
This is really a problem that keeps the relationship from
healing. We go behind someone's back, and talk about
their faults. Yet, hey.. we all have them.
I have at least 22 faults, don't you? Let us rather laugh
about it.. and say.. you know what. I have done things
wrong too. Let us forgive one another, and love each
other while we have time.
7. Hopelessness.
Do I lack faith that God can work in any situation?
Do you give up on people? Do you give up on your
situation? What next? Sit around and feel defeated,
alone and a victim the rest of your days?
What next?
If we give up, there is nothing next! WE have created
an impossible situation in our minds. Our minds
being the spiritual battlefield of our souls.
We must be vigilant about fighting hopelessness.
The next step is poor me, and a feeling of being a
permanent victim in life.
God said we are victorious. And we become that
way by receiving what he has for us. By dwelling
in His presence. By building our faith in Him, by
reading His word, by reading the testimonies of
others and how they have overcome things.
Nothing is impossible with God.
We must walk in faith.
Not in defeat.
8. Resentment.
Do I hold on to my anger until it turns to bitterness?
This can be so common in relationships, and marriages.
When you fight, unless you have the courage to talk
through it, forgive others, you never move on. For the
rest of your days, you stay in the same place emotionally.
Crippled by hurt.
This is not where God called us to be.
And it does not reflect Faith.
It reflects a lack of time spent with Him, growing in Faith.
We cannot allow resentment to become part of our
arsenal to use when people hurt us. It is not important
to resent someone.
It is important to forgive them.
Because.. if we don't we get hurt more, and do not forgive
spiritual life comes to a standstill.
Then things can only get worse.
We must fight this. And fight the spirit of offense that
comes from being hurt.
The Bible tells us to pursue peace, actively.
Are you pursuing peace?
Are you pursuing hurt?
What is your daily agenda?
Be honest.
Who is your master today?
And...wouldn't you love to be healed of all this
pain and hurt?
We will continue this tomorrow.
As we discuss some constructive ways of healing
our relationships.
Spend time in prayer tonight my friends.
God has big plans for you. Allow Him to work in your
heart. Let go of the past. Today is a new day.
WE must be transformed from the ways of the world,
into Godly thinking.
Forgetting those things which are behind,
and reaching forward to those things which are ahead.
I press towards the goal for the prize of the high calling
of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13b, 14
remember
Only one life, will soon be past
Only what is done for Christ will last
Millie Plastaras
Sometimes in our relationships we run into a situation
that is so hurtful, or strife filled, or we just don't seem
to be able to compromise. When this happens we have
2 ways to go, the right way or the wrong way.
We choose the way of the spirit of offense or a prayerful journey
into wisdom. This is the true test of a Christian, because
it shows the desire to please God and treat others correctly
by following the teachings of Jesus. Which clearly
teaches us to love one another, no matter what.
So today we are going to discuss some of the symptoms
we can experience when our heart turns towards
incorrect decisions about relationships and inner
healing.
When you have heart problems, you go to a cardiologist
so he can give you tests to see what is happening
that is making your heart not work correctly.
When your heart is hurting, we go to the one who
created it, so He can show us how to heal ourselves
and our relationships.
Please read this prayerfully, carefully, with
an open mind, and seek God's wisdom. Because
the day we shut God out, when we get hurt, is the
day the devil gets a foothold in our minds and spirit.
And it mushrooms, and takes root, until it becomes
a root of bitterness and the spirit of offense.
It will thereafter change every relationship,
every decision and every thought you have.
This is your checklist.. if you see these symptoms,
Truly, you must address them, and go to the Lord in
prayer for guidance and wisdom.
1. Pride.
Do I focus on how much I have been wronged?
This is a common problem. We have someone say
something hurtful, or they neglect us, or forget to
include us. Our feelings get hurt and we spend days
rehearsing what was said to us, or what we should have
said to others. Or how we should have told them off.
Or how dare they? Then.. it becomes our focus.
Rather than prayer.
Pride is the downfall of a Christian. Pride comes before
a fall. Pride, does not enhance relationships, or you.
It defeats your purpose in having a servants heart before
God.
2. Faultfinding.
Do I rehearse and look at the faults of others constantly?
Why is it when someone is different from us, we look
at that difference like it makes them a failure or not as
good as us? You see my friends, we were all made different!
This was God's plan. Wow. Why are we fighting it then?
Do we expect everyone to be a clone of us? Do we expect
people to meet our expectations or rescue us? Do we
expect constant attention, or they are not our friends?
This is a sign of immaturity emotionally and spiritually.
And we must learn to accept people wherever they are
emotionally or spiritually. And if we disagree, or are
unhappy with it. We need to be loving and kind and pray
about it. And ask God to give us wisdom about what
WE are doing wrong. Not about fixing the other person.
If the person has been cruel or unkind, we need to pray
for them. Jesus said pray for your enemies. That
takes courage and a servants heart. Not thinking
about me, me, me. But what would Jesus want me to do.
3. Avoidance.
Do I avoid being around people with whom I have conflicts?
This is a human and natural reaction. But it is not healthy.
And so many people do it now, they do not know how
to overcome it. People write each other off as if they
were nothing. AS if their feelings did not count.
We must reach out, love them, and let go of whatever
has hurt us. We have to move on. If we do not move on,
it doesn't hurt the person who hurt us.
IT HURTS US. Make no mistake. You are being
robbed spiritually! You are in slavery to unforgiveness!
4. Silence.
Do I refuse to share my feelings in a healthy way?
Do you shut people out when you have been hurt?
For a time, perhaps that is normal. But I think withdrawing
to pray, seek guidance, or give yourself a bit to cool off
is OK. What is not OK is to withdraw and become reclusive
surrounding yourself with a wall to protect yourself
from getting hurt again.
It's normal to feel hurt for a time when we have been
let down or seen disappointment in the way others treat us.
This is just the reality of life and relationships.
But.. as Christians.. we are to be focusing on the positive,
kind forgiving side of life. Not on holding grudges, and
counting old hurts like stacks of coins. This is so
self defeating. And it keeps us from having one healthy
relationship. We have to learn to move past the hurt
into healing.
Just move on! Don't cling to that which hurts you
and others. Its not a treasure... its a bondage... LET GO!
5. Isolation.
Do I withdraw emotionally?
Almost everyone I know anymore does. This is so
prevalent, that we actually see whole families avoiding
each other forever. My friends, this ought not to be so.
God has called us to a spirit of reconciliation. WE cannot
reach anyone for Christ if we hide every time we get hurt.
WE have to look at the bigger picture. WE have
one life. WE can spend it on licking our wounds,
or we can spend it seeking ways to heal them.
What choice are you making?
6. Unfaithfulness.
Do I share unnecessary information about my opposer?
Do you feel you need to tell others how badly someone
hurt you, so you look better than the offender?
This is really a problem that keeps the relationship from
healing. We go behind someone's back, and talk about
their faults. Yet, hey.. we all have them.
I have at least 22 faults, don't you? Let us rather laugh
about it.. and say.. you know what. I have done things
wrong too. Let us forgive one another, and love each
other while we have time.
7. Hopelessness.
Do I lack faith that God can work in any situation?
Do you give up on people? Do you give up on your
situation? What next? Sit around and feel defeated,
alone and a victim the rest of your days?
What next?
If we give up, there is nothing next! WE have created
an impossible situation in our minds. Our minds
being the spiritual battlefield of our souls.
We must be vigilant about fighting hopelessness.
The next step is poor me, and a feeling of being a
permanent victim in life.
God said we are victorious. And we become that
way by receiving what he has for us. By dwelling
in His presence. By building our faith in Him, by
reading His word, by reading the testimonies of
others and how they have overcome things.
Nothing is impossible with God.
We must walk in faith.
Not in defeat.
8. Resentment.
Do I hold on to my anger until it turns to bitterness?
This can be so common in relationships, and marriages.
When you fight, unless you have the courage to talk
through it, forgive others, you never move on. For the
rest of your days, you stay in the same place emotionally.
Crippled by hurt.
This is not where God called us to be.
And it does not reflect Faith.
It reflects a lack of time spent with Him, growing in Faith.
We cannot allow resentment to become part of our
arsenal to use when people hurt us. It is not important
to resent someone.
It is important to forgive them.
Because.. if we don't we get hurt more, and do not forgive
spiritual life comes to a standstill.
Then things can only get worse.
We must fight this. And fight the spirit of offense that
comes from being hurt.
The Bible tells us to pursue peace, actively.
Are you pursuing peace?
Are you pursuing hurt?
What is your daily agenda?
Be honest.
Who is your master today?
And...wouldn't you love to be healed of all this
pain and hurt?
We will continue this tomorrow.
As we discuss some constructive ways of healing
our relationships.
Spend time in prayer tonight my friends.
God has big plans for you. Allow Him to work in your
heart. Let go of the past. Today is a new day.
WE must be transformed from the ways of the world,
into Godly thinking.
Forgetting those things which are behind,
and reaching forward to those things which are ahead.
I press towards the goal for the prize of the high calling
of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13b, 14
remember
Only one life, will soon be past
Only what is done for Christ will last
Sunday, July 05, 2009
He Is Still In Control! Trust!
copyright Millie Plastaras 3/3/2003
My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure;
I have spoken it,
I will also bring it to pass;
I have purposed it,
I will also do it!
Isaiah 46:10b,11B
Recently our family has faced new challenges,
and from the mail I get, I see many of you out
there are going through your own struggles in
many areas. Sometimes we can feel overwhelmed
when it all comes to mind. So when things were
on my mind a lot.. I know I need to pray.
So as I sat praying, and seeking the Lord,
I heard Him say, I am still God.
Do you doubt me, is there anything too hard for me?
I have not changed. I am still in control.
I still am with you when you go through deep waters.
I am still with you in the night watches when illness
closes in and pain overwhelms. I am there with you
even then. I am with you when there is not enough
money to go around, I see your need, and will supply.
There is nothing too hard for me.
No matter what need shall arise, I am there.
I was there before the foundations of the world,
I shall never leave you nor forsake you.
I am still God!
I kept thinking all day about that phrase.
I am still God!
How quickly we tend to forget. We let the cares of
this life, guilt or hurt from the past rob us from the
presence of God, and from enjoying today.
I ask you this my friend, Is He not still God?
What does that mean to you? Is He a 9/11 God you
only pray to in emergencies.. just in case he might answer?
Or do you recognize the God of the Universe who is
all powerful and created all things, yet is mindful of
every hair on your head, and every need you have,
every place you have ever been, every word you have
ever said. Yet his love and mercies are new every
morning. Who else loves you like this?
Are you making God too small?
Fear not, for I have redeemed you,
I have called you by your name.
You are mine!
(hallelujah)
When you pass through the waters, I WILL be with you,
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be
burned. Nor shall the flame scorch you.
For I AM the Lord your God.
Isaiah 43:1-3
So why do we forget He is still God.
Why do we try to put Him in a little box
of predictability? Why do we try to control our
own situation? And why do we not seek to
control our thinking?
God is God, nothing is impossible with Him.
His promises are endless to those who seek
His face and do His will..
For the Lord God will help me, therefore I will not
be confounded; therefore I have set my face like a flint,
and I know that I shall not be ashamed.
Isaiah 50:7
God will help us. If we do not feel His provision and
promises, if we feel we are in a desert, we need to
go to prayer. If you pray. And then you are still
and just sit in His presence, He is there. He will
speak to your heart. But you have to be listening.
And you have to be His. In the stillness of those
moments we find refreshing and comfort.
Our Abba Father is on the throne.
Even when we feel utterly alone, and abandoned.
He is there. His mercies are new every morning.
This alone should refresh us! Each day is
bright, clean and new. Yesterday and
it's hurts are gone. Yesterday' s sorrows are gone.
Today is a new day, a new day to seek God,
and see what He can do in our lives.
Do not dwell in the pit of sorrows, or the
anguish of your problems. Do not allow your
head to be downcast. Look unto the clouds.
From whence comes your help.
Your help comes from the Lord God
who made heaven and earth!
Therefore you are my witnesses says the Lord,
That I AM GOD.
Indeed before the day was , I AM HE.
and there is no one who can deliver out of my hand.
I work, and who will reverse it?
Isaiah 43:12-13
My friend. Is He not still God?
Are you trying to make him small, by your
doubting and Fears?
He is almighty God.
Praise Him saints.
He is still on the throne.
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength,
they shall mount up with wings as eagles;
they shall run, and not be weary, and
they shall walk and shall not faint.
Isaiah 40:31
It is good that a man should both hope and quietly
wait for the salvation of the Lord.
Lamentations 3:26
But if we hope for that we see not,
then we do with patience wait for it. (this is called faith)
Romans 8:25
Hallelujah. He is still God.
JUST TRUST.
remember
Only one life, will soon be past
Only what is done for Christ will last
My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure;
I have spoken it,
I will also bring it to pass;
I have purposed it,
I will also do it!
Isaiah 46:10b,11B
Recently our family has faced new challenges,
and from the mail I get, I see many of you out
there are going through your own struggles in
many areas. Sometimes we can feel overwhelmed
when it all comes to mind. So when things were
on my mind a lot.. I know I need to pray.
So as I sat praying, and seeking the Lord,
I heard Him say, I am still God.
Do you doubt me, is there anything too hard for me?
I have not changed. I am still in control.
I still am with you when you go through deep waters.
I am still with you in the night watches when illness
closes in and pain overwhelms. I am there with you
even then. I am with you when there is not enough
money to go around, I see your need, and will supply.
There is nothing too hard for me.
No matter what need shall arise, I am there.
I was there before the foundations of the world,
I shall never leave you nor forsake you.
I am still God!
I kept thinking all day about that phrase.
I am still God!
How quickly we tend to forget. We let the cares of
this life, guilt or hurt from the past rob us from the
presence of God, and from enjoying today.
I ask you this my friend, Is He not still God?
What does that mean to you? Is He a 9/11 God you
only pray to in emergencies.. just in case he might answer?
Or do you recognize the God of the Universe who is
all powerful and created all things, yet is mindful of
every hair on your head, and every need you have,
every place you have ever been, every word you have
ever said. Yet his love and mercies are new every
morning. Who else loves you like this?
Are you making God too small?
Fear not, for I have redeemed you,
I have called you by your name.
You are mine!
(hallelujah)
When you pass through the waters, I WILL be with you,
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be
burned. Nor shall the flame scorch you.
For I AM the Lord your God.
Isaiah 43:1-3
So why do we forget He is still God.
Why do we try to put Him in a little box
of predictability? Why do we try to control our
own situation? And why do we not seek to
control our thinking?
God is God, nothing is impossible with Him.
His promises are endless to those who seek
His face and do His will..
For the Lord God will help me, therefore I will not
be confounded; therefore I have set my face like a flint,
and I know that I shall not be ashamed.
Isaiah 50:7
God will help us. If we do not feel His provision and
promises, if we feel we are in a desert, we need to
go to prayer. If you pray. And then you are still
and just sit in His presence, He is there. He will
speak to your heart. But you have to be listening.
And you have to be His. In the stillness of those
moments we find refreshing and comfort.
Our Abba Father is on the throne.
Even when we feel utterly alone, and abandoned.
He is there. His mercies are new every morning.
This alone should refresh us! Each day is
bright, clean and new. Yesterday and
it's hurts are gone. Yesterday' s sorrows are gone.
Today is a new day, a new day to seek God,
and see what He can do in our lives.
Do not dwell in the pit of sorrows, or the
anguish of your problems. Do not allow your
head to be downcast. Look unto the clouds.
From whence comes your help.
Your help comes from the Lord God
who made heaven and earth!
Therefore you are my witnesses says the Lord,
That I AM GOD.
Indeed before the day was , I AM HE.
and there is no one who can deliver out of my hand.
I work, and who will reverse it?
Isaiah 43:12-13
My friend. Is He not still God?
Are you trying to make him small, by your
doubting and Fears?
He is almighty God.
Praise Him saints.
He is still on the throne.
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength,
they shall mount up with wings as eagles;
they shall run, and not be weary, and
they shall walk and shall not faint.
Isaiah 40:31
It is good that a man should both hope and quietly
wait for the salvation of the Lord.
Lamentations 3:26
But if we hope for that we see not,
then we do with patience wait for it. (this is called faith)
Romans 8:25
Hallelujah. He is still God.
JUST TRUST.
remember
Only one life, will soon be past
Only what is done for Christ will last
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
The Urgency of Prayer
copyright Millie Plastaras 7/1/2009
Before you read this, let me premise it with this thought:
We are to sharpen one another spiritually. If something
challenges you spiritually to change, and grow, and
recognize your flaws spiritually, it is a help.. to grow
in Christ. We should not neglect such concepts
even if we feel ashamed, or defensive or angry someone
would dare challenge us. A servant of Christ
has to be open to growth, and change.
Recently I was in a chat room, which I rarely am anymore,
and a person I had known for a while inquired as to my health.
Looking back now.. I wonder if it was a polite question
and a honest response was not particularly welcome.
I expressed that I had chronic pain and some other problems,
but that I was in good spirits, and was at peace with my situation.
But then I mentioned my daughter who has developed
some very severe symptoms, and she is in my heart and
prayers constantly. In the last two years she has
developed neurological problems, very unexpectedly,
and at 44 she is now using a walker. Before you stop
reading now.. the point of this whole devotion is how
often we neglect prayer and the need for compassion
for others. Please don't stop reading now.. this is a
timely and important message for us all.
When I asked in the chat if anyone would pray.. out of
36 people fighting over religion...only 2 offered to pray for
my daughter. I repeated it again, and got 1 more offer.
Astounding to me. Here we are fighting about God,
churches and having this need to persuade people
over our "religious" way of thinking and yet we
are neglecting the most basic of our duties. To love
one another as God loves us. Are we our brother's keeper?
Absolutely! We are to be pray for the needs of one another
and carry one another's burdens.
Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will
fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2
How many of you can say you are carrying anyone
else's burdens for them? My guess is one out of 100.
Honestly. We have become detached, uncaring,
far too busy to be ministering to the personal needs
of one another.. and to be honest.. some don't want
to be bothered and don't want to hear it!! (At this
point, please review your own attitude, and see
where you fit in this)
How many people did you pass by today,
or know were going through something but you were too busy?
Towards the end of conversation, a lady came
in the room, and said why are you always worried?
You should be praying. Here she had just come in,
and honestly, I am not sure she wanted to know the
full scope of what I was talking about. Does anyone?
Does anyone care about those who are hurting
or suffering, or is it too heavy for you to bear?
Was it about me worrying, or having a heart
that is turned in compassion for those whose
suffering I see. My heart is constantly lifting
them in prayer. They need comfort and hope!
What if Christ had felt this way when He was asked
to bear all our filthy sins and diseases and illnesses
upon himself upon the cruel cross? What if he had said "sorry,
I am too busy, you can die in your sins." Sorry, I am too
busy I cannot bear your burdens, or listen to your heartaches.
Sorry, I have to go visit with my disciples.. maybe next week,
make a appointment ok? Let's keep in touch.
Would He have done this? No.. He had a servants heart,
a call from God on his life, and he was obedient unto death.
What are you obedient unto? Who are you putting first in
your life? What is your first priority?
Is this important? ABSOLUTELY. It affects every
area of your life and ever relationship you will
ever have or ever have had.
If our gospel is hid.. it is hid to the lost and dying... and
if you cannot take the time out for them.. your christianity is
in vain. You are not about your Father's business.
It is that simple.
My friends, each of you has burdens, each of you
has heartaches, a past, each of you is lonely, or hurting.
How can we neglect each other and be so busy?
What could be so consuming we would forget about
basic human needs for prayer and compassion.
For any of you who care to know.. this is what
is happening to my daughter.
Click here: YouTube - Bad Episode
This is not her, but it is exactly what she is going through.
If any of you finish this video and are not moved to
compassion I would be shocked. There is suffering
in this world, beyond what anyone should bear.
Let us be about our Father's business, let us love
one another and carry burdens, and pray for each
other daily, and keep a open heart and listening ears
for those in need. How can we do less than the best for
the master?
love
millie
Before you read this, let me premise it with this thought:
We are to sharpen one another spiritually. If something
challenges you spiritually to change, and grow, and
recognize your flaws spiritually, it is a help.. to grow
in Christ. We should not neglect such concepts
even if we feel ashamed, or defensive or angry someone
would dare challenge us. A servant of Christ
has to be open to growth, and change.
Recently I was in a chat room, which I rarely am anymore,
and a person I had known for a while inquired as to my health.
Looking back now.. I wonder if it was a polite question
and a honest response was not particularly welcome.
I expressed that I had chronic pain and some other problems,
but that I was in good spirits, and was at peace with my situation.
But then I mentioned my daughter who has developed
some very severe symptoms, and she is in my heart and
prayers constantly. In the last two years she has
developed neurological problems, very unexpectedly,
and at 44 she is now using a walker. Before you stop
reading now.. the point of this whole devotion is how
often we neglect prayer and the need for compassion
for others. Please don't stop reading now.. this is a
timely and important message for us all.
When I asked in the chat if anyone would pray.. out of
36 people fighting over religion...only 2 offered to pray for
my daughter. I repeated it again, and got 1 more offer.
Astounding to me. Here we are fighting about God,
churches and having this need to persuade people
over our "religious" way of thinking and yet we
are neglecting the most basic of our duties. To love
one another as God loves us. Are we our brother's keeper?
Absolutely! We are to be pray for the needs of one another
and carry one another's burdens.
Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will
fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2
How many of you can say you are carrying anyone
else's burdens for them? My guess is one out of 100.
Honestly. We have become detached, uncaring,
far too busy to be ministering to the personal needs
of one another.. and to be honest.. some don't want
to be bothered and don't want to hear it!! (At this
point, please review your own attitude, and see
where you fit in this)
How many people did you pass by today,
or know were going through something but you were too busy?
Towards the end of conversation, a lady came
in the room, and said why are you always worried?
You should be praying. Here she had just come in,
and honestly, I am not sure she wanted to know the
full scope of what I was talking about. Does anyone?
Does anyone care about those who are hurting
or suffering, or is it too heavy for you to bear?
Was it about me worrying, or having a heart
that is turned in compassion for those whose
suffering I see. My heart is constantly lifting
them in prayer. They need comfort and hope!
What if Christ had felt this way when He was asked
to bear all our filthy sins and diseases and illnesses
upon himself upon the cruel cross? What if he had said "sorry,
I am too busy, you can die in your sins." Sorry, I am too
busy I cannot bear your burdens, or listen to your heartaches.
Sorry, I have to go visit with my disciples.. maybe next week,
make a appointment ok? Let's keep in touch.
Would He have done this? No.. He had a servants heart,
a call from God on his life, and he was obedient unto death.
What are you obedient unto? Who are you putting first in
your life? What is your first priority?
Is this important? ABSOLUTELY. It affects every
area of your life and ever relationship you will
ever have or ever have had.
If our gospel is hid.. it is hid to the lost and dying... and
if you cannot take the time out for them.. your christianity is
in vain. You are not about your Father's business.
It is that simple.
My friends, each of you has burdens, each of you
has heartaches, a past, each of you is lonely, or hurting.
How can we neglect each other and be so busy?
What could be so consuming we would forget about
basic human needs for prayer and compassion.
For any of you who care to know.. this is what
is happening to my daughter.
Click here: YouTube - Bad Episode
This is not her, but it is exactly what she is going through.
If any of you finish this video and are not moved to
compassion I would be shocked. There is suffering
in this world, beyond what anyone should bear.
Let us be about our Father's business, let us love
one another and carry burdens, and pray for each
other daily, and keep a open heart and listening ears
for those in need. How can we do less than the best for
the master?
love
millie
Monday, June 15, 2009
Table Manners
copyright 6/15/2009
When I was young my mother spent a good
deal of time trying to teach me proper manners.
Table manners and attitude were important.
At that time people spent dinnertime together
at the table, discussing the days events
and enjoying one another. When we went
outside the home and had dinner with someone
else my mother wanted to be assured I could
know what was proper manners so that I could
present myself well wherever I went.
There is a distinct difference however in having
good table manners and being gracious. Sometimes
when people think they have it all right they tend
to look down on those who they think do not come
up to their standards.
The reason I am writing this is because I think there
is something Christians need to be reminded of.
You and I are not perfect!
Let me further explain:
My brethren, pay no servile regard to people
(show no prejudice, or partiality). Do not (attempt to)
hold and practice the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ
of glory together with snobbery!
For if a person comes into your congregation whose hands
are adorned with gold rings and who is wearing splendid
apparel, and also a poor man in shabby clothes comes in.
And you pay special attention to the one who wears the
splendid clothes and say to him, Sit here in this
preferable seat! While you tell the poor man,
Stand there or sit there at the floor at my feet.
Are you not discriminating among your own and becoming
critics and judges with WRONG motives?
James 2:1-4
My dear friends, a church is a hospital, a place for wounded,
hurt, lost people who come as they are to God to worship
and gather before him to be healed and to learn of Christ
and grow in Him. If one comes and they do not dress
correctly, who are you to look at them with judgment?
So often I have seen people enter church and be
treated poorly. They would go up to someone and
be judged by their appearance, or by the way they
talk, or perhaps they didn't come up to the standards
of the people they talked to. And as soon as they
left the conversation people gossiped about them.
This should not be so!
What if someone has not attended church in a while
or been hurt, and they come in church and are
greeted with coldness, aloofness and judgment?
Will that draw them to God? Will they see the love
of Christ in you, or aloof snobbish people?
Who among us is perfect? What are you going to church for?
To feel better than others? To tell others how much better you are?
To put on a show? Are you not a sinner saved by grace?
Are we not to be a community of believers working together
for Christ, in his name for his glory? How can we work
together as team if we fault find with those around us?
It is impossible!
How can snobbery please God? It cannot!!
Let us go further. If indeed you fulfill the royal law in
accordance with the scripture, you shall love your
neighbor as yourself, you do well.
James 2:8
Can you love the poor person who comes in your church,
and maybe dresses poorly or speaks in slang or even
upsets you? Can you love them and pray for them,
or do you feel a need to set them straight every time you
see them? I am wondering who should take the liberty
of setting you straight then? If all of us had this attitude
of being better, the church would no longer be a place
to minister to people but a place of judgment and rebuke.
Jesus never taught this my friends. He never taught
us to be distant and judgmental and unkind. Certainly
we are to discern who is of him and who is not, but not
for the sake of looking down on them, but the sake of prayer.
The church is a hospital, not a courtroom. No one appointed
you or me judge or jury of other people's lives.
We are to minister to the needs of others, pray for them
when we see flaws, and then pray for our own flaws, that
God will forgive us and help us to be right before Him.
I am reminded of what Jesus said about the woman who
had been committing adultery and was about to be stoned.
Let He who is without sin cast the first stone.
Go out in this world and be a light for Christ.
Pray for the needs of those who are hurting, and lost
and unable to afford good clothes or food.
There for the grace of God... go you and I.
Be thankful for what you have and abundantly give
to those who do not have. In humility, love and kindness.
Never again spend time looking down on anyone.
It is not of God.
love always
millie
10 Little Christians
10 Little Christians standing in line
1 disliked the preacher, then there were 9
9 little Christians stayed up very late
1 overslept Sunday, then there were 8
8 little Christians on their way to Heaven
1 took the low road and then there were 7
7 little Christians chirping like chicks
1 disliked music, then there were 6
6 little Christians seemed very much alive
but one lost his interest then there was 5
5 little Christians pulling for Heaven's Shore
but one stopped to rest, then there were 4
4 little Christians each busy as a bee
1 got his feelings hurt, then there were 3
3 little Christians knew not what to do
1 joined the sporty crowd, then there were 2
2 little Christians, our rhyme is nearly done
differed with each other, then there was 1
1 little Christian can't do much 'tis true
brought his friend to Bible study -- then there were 2
2 earnest Christians, each won one more
that doubled the number, then there were 4
4 sincere Christians worked early and late
Each won another then there were 8
8 splendid Christians if they doubled as before
In just so many Sundays, we'd have 1,024
In this little jingle, there is a lesson true,
You belong either to the
building or to the wrecking crew!
- Author Unknown
When I was young my mother spent a good
deal of time trying to teach me proper manners.
Table manners and attitude were important.
At that time people spent dinnertime together
at the table, discussing the days events
and enjoying one another. When we went
outside the home and had dinner with someone
else my mother wanted to be assured I could
know what was proper manners so that I could
present myself well wherever I went.
There is a distinct difference however in having
good table manners and being gracious. Sometimes
when people think they have it all right they tend
to look down on those who they think do not come
up to their standards.
The reason I am writing this is because I think there
is something Christians need to be reminded of.
You and I are not perfect!
Let me further explain:
My brethren, pay no servile regard to people
(show no prejudice, or partiality). Do not (attempt to)
hold and practice the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ
of glory together with snobbery!
For if a person comes into your congregation whose hands
are adorned with gold rings and who is wearing splendid
apparel, and also a poor man in shabby clothes comes in.
And you pay special attention to the one who wears the
splendid clothes and say to him, Sit here in this
preferable seat! While you tell the poor man,
Stand there or sit there at the floor at my feet.
Are you not discriminating among your own and becoming
critics and judges with WRONG motives?
James 2:1-4
My dear friends, a church is a hospital, a place for wounded,
hurt, lost people who come as they are to God to worship
and gather before him to be healed and to learn of Christ
and grow in Him. If one comes and they do not dress
correctly, who are you to look at them with judgment?
So often I have seen people enter church and be
treated poorly. They would go up to someone and
be judged by their appearance, or by the way they
talk, or perhaps they didn't come up to the standards
of the people they talked to. And as soon as they
left the conversation people gossiped about them.
This should not be so!
What if someone has not attended church in a while
or been hurt, and they come in church and are
greeted with coldness, aloofness and judgment?
Will that draw them to God? Will they see the love
of Christ in you, or aloof snobbish people?
Who among us is perfect? What are you going to church for?
To feel better than others? To tell others how much better you are?
To put on a show? Are you not a sinner saved by grace?
Are we not to be a community of believers working together
for Christ, in his name for his glory? How can we work
together as team if we fault find with those around us?
It is impossible!
How can snobbery please God? It cannot!!
Let us go further. If indeed you fulfill the royal law in
accordance with the scripture, you shall love your
neighbor as yourself, you do well.
James 2:8
Can you love the poor person who comes in your church,
and maybe dresses poorly or speaks in slang or even
upsets you? Can you love them and pray for them,
or do you feel a need to set them straight every time you
see them? I am wondering who should take the liberty
of setting you straight then? If all of us had this attitude
of being better, the church would no longer be a place
to minister to people but a place of judgment and rebuke.
Jesus never taught this my friends. He never taught
us to be distant and judgmental and unkind. Certainly
we are to discern who is of him and who is not, but not
for the sake of looking down on them, but the sake of prayer.
The church is a hospital, not a courtroom. No one appointed
you or me judge or jury of other people's lives.
We are to minister to the needs of others, pray for them
when we see flaws, and then pray for our own flaws, that
God will forgive us and help us to be right before Him.
I am reminded of what Jesus said about the woman who
had been committing adultery and was about to be stoned.
Let He who is without sin cast the first stone.
Go out in this world and be a light for Christ.
Pray for the needs of those who are hurting, and lost
and unable to afford good clothes or food.
There for the grace of God... go you and I.
Be thankful for what you have and abundantly give
to those who do not have. In humility, love and kindness.
Never again spend time looking down on anyone.
It is not of God.
love always
millie
10 Little Christians
10 Little Christians standing in line
1 disliked the preacher, then there were 9
9 little Christians stayed up very late
1 overslept Sunday, then there were 8
8 little Christians on their way to Heaven
1 took the low road and then there were 7
7 little Christians chirping like chicks
1 disliked music, then there were 6
6 little Christians seemed very much alive
but one lost his interest then there was 5
5 little Christians pulling for Heaven's Shore
but one stopped to rest, then there were 4
4 little Christians each busy as a bee
1 got his feelings hurt, then there were 3
3 little Christians knew not what to do
1 joined the sporty crowd, then there were 2
2 little Christians, our rhyme is nearly done
differed with each other, then there was 1
1 little Christian can't do much 'tis true
brought his friend to Bible study -- then there were 2
2 earnest Christians, each won one more
that doubled the number, then there were 4
4 sincere Christians worked early and late
Each won another then there were 8
8 splendid Christians if they doubled as before
In just so many Sundays, we'd have 1,024
In this little jingle, there is a lesson true,
You belong either to the
building or to the wrecking crew!
- Author Unknown
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Clutter - How To Be Free of It
copyright Millie Plastaras 10/5/06
You will guard him and keep him in perfect
and constant peace whose mind (both its inclination and
its character) is stayed on you, because he commits
himself to You, leans on You and hopes confidently in You.
Isaiah 26:3
Have you ever had problems keeping your home clean?
I mean things piled up to such a degree that you couldn't
decide where to start and you felt overwhelmed by
the task? Daily, you watch the piles around the house
grow and soon you feel powerless to make the house
orderly again.
Many of us do this with our minds. Little by little
mental clutter builds up in our hearts, minds,
and spirit, until our thinking is a cluttered mess
of rejection, the past, unforgiveness, broken
relationships, self hatred, and recriminations.
We just fill it with the most negative things possible,
until we become very depressed and feel like we
have no control over our thinking.
Well, at one time we did, but we surrendered that
control, little by little to the spirit of discontent.
We surrendered our freedom to the spirit of
unforgiveness. We held on to grudges and past
hurts as if they were treasures, putting them in
a non-hope chest and counting them daily until it
became a worry chest. We have spoken the
most negative things, until we have believed them
as gospel.
If you say you are worthless long enough,
if you say you are a failure long enough,
if you feel rejected long enough,
if you feel hopeless long enough,
soon you will buy into these lies,
they becomes a way of life, and you don't know
how to get rid of that mental clutter and free yourself.
My friends, this is not only a mental issue it is
a spiritual issue.
Many who are reading this tonite, are very troubled.
They feel despair, and often great hopelessness.
They hate that they feel it, but they feed it, and may not
realize that is what they do.
From the time they rise out of bed, they gather
the past in their arms and feed it, remembering,
rehashing, and beating themselves up over it.
They remember hurts and slights, and live them
over and over again, endlessly, powerlessly,
until they are defeated and weary, a victim
of their own thinking.
Is there any hope for this? Oh yes.
To live victoriously one must keep their eyes
on the goals ahead, and not the pain of the past.
If there never comes a place where you release
the past, forgive everyone in it, and find healing
in your own spirit, your life will be a constant battleground
for depression, despair and many other heavy things.
God wants us to be free of the past. He said
Cast your burdens upon me, for I care for you.
1 Peter 5:7.
When we cast our burdens, we throw them far
away from us.. and leave them there. This is a habit
we must form of letting them go. And each time
we feel ourselves picking up the negative thinking,
the unforgiveness, the depression, the victim thinking
we must run back to the throne of God and lay it at
his feet.
This is a habit anyone can form.
Athletes know how to focus and work hard at their
sport until they see victory.
Bodybuilders stay focused and work on their task
day after day relentlessly until they achieve their goal.
People who set goals, stay focused on them, work
towards them, do not allow defeat to be in their
vocabulary, and daily work towards these things
and will reach their goals!
It is a mental choice we make.
We choose to succeed or fail.
We choose to be a victor or a victim.
We choose to be happy or sad.
We choose to forgive or remember all hurts.
We choose to savor life, or regret it.
MY friends, those heavy feelings are not your friends.
They are destroying the fabric of your life, your
relationships, your hope, they are destroying
your thinking. Let them go. They are unimportant.
They are the weapons against your mind by the
dark powers of this world that want to paralyze your
thinking until you cannot enjoy your life.
Don't allow it. Fill your mind with hopeful things.
Fill your heart with a sense of duty, and set short
and long term goals to work towards.
Leave your burdens at Christ's feet, allow Him to Be
Lord and you be the child.. and leave those burdens
there.. You have things to do!
Paul knew what mental battles were, he faced
a lot of persecution and torment in his time,
and even physical problems he never overcame,
but in his letter to the Philippians he offered this sage
advice.
Be anxious for nothing (let it all go)
but in everything by prayer and supplication (pleading
before God) with thanksgiving (learn to be thankful),
let your requests be made known to God.
(pray often, fervently, tell God everything,
if you don't ask, he cannot answer).
And the PEACE OF GOD, which surpasses all
understanding will guard your hearts
and minds through Christ Jesus.
God will guard your heart and mind, and bring you
peace.. now this is a promise you can cling to!!!
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true
whatever things are noble,
whatever things are just,
whatever things are pure,
whatever things are lovely,
whatever things are of good report,
if there is any virtue and if there is anything
praiseworthy, meditate on these things!
Philippians 4:6-8
Friends, Paul was telling you to be a positive thinker!
He believed whatever you focused on what was
very important. So should you. Do you want
to be happy? Do you want to be set free from
the past? Do you want to enjoy life?
You have to change your focus
You have to change your goals
You have to change your thinking
You have to surrender the past,
You have to let God be God, and in control
and you have to go out and live life,
and take your thoughts captive one by one,
and replace them with the joy of the Lord
and the peace that passes all understanding.
It is a process. We clean out the clutter of our
mind, and fill it with clean, fresh new beginnings.
Praise God who makes this possible.
Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits
Psalm 68:19
(have you taken time to count your blessings)
Tonite, go to your heavenly Father, ask Him to
help you change your thinking patterns, ask Him
to forgive your sins, and help you forgive others,
and ask Him to help you clean the clutter in your
mind and spirit and to set you free from the past
and show you what He would have you do.
Ask Him to free you from the bondage that has
weighed your weary heart down. He promised
He would, if you will leave those burdens and
trust in His ability, not your own.
Life is short, choose your battles carefully,
and don't waste your mind, heart and time on despair
or one negative thing.
One final thing, if God can forgive you and me,
we must forgive ourselves, and move on from
our mistakes and past, for His glory and honor
to show in our lives like a light and beacon to
a lost and dying world.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13
Remember
Only one life, will soon be past
only what is done for Christ will last..
You will guard him and keep him in perfect
and constant peace whose mind (both its inclination and
its character) is stayed on you, because he commits
himself to You, leans on You and hopes confidently in You.
Isaiah 26:3
Have you ever had problems keeping your home clean?
I mean things piled up to such a degree that you couldn't
decide where to start and you felt overwhelmed by
the task? Daily, you watch the piles around the house
grow and soon you feel powerless to make the house
orderly again.
Many of us do this with our minds. Little by little
mental clutter builds up in our hearts, minds,
and spirit, until our thinking is a cluttered mess
of rejection, the past, unforgiveness, broken
relationships, self hatred, and recriminations.
We just fill it with the most negative things possible,
until we become very depressed and feel like we
have no control over our thinking.
Well, at one time we did, but we surrendered that
control, little by little to the spirit of discontent.
We surrendered our freedom to the spirit of
unforgiveness. We held on to grudges and past
hurts as if they were treasures, putting them in
a non-hope chest and counting them daily until it
became a worry chest. We have spoken the
most negative things, until we have believed them
as gospel.
If you say you are worthless long enough,
if you say you are a failure long enough,
if you feel rejected long enough,
if you feel hopeless long enough,
soon you will buy into these lies,
they becomes a way of life, and you don't know
how to get rid of that mental clutter and free yourself.
My friends, this is not only a mental issue it is
a spiritual issue.
Many who are reading this tonite, are very troubled.
They feel despair, and often great hopelessness.
They hate that they feel it, but they feed it, and may not
realize that is what they do.
From the time they rise out of bed, they gather
the past in their arms and feed it, remembering,
rehashing, and beating themselves up over it.
They remember hurts and slights, and live them
over and over again, endlessly, powerlessly,
until they are defeated and weary, a victim
of their own thinking.
Is there any hope for this? Oh yes.
To live victoriously one must keep their eyes
on the goals ahead, and not the pain of the past.
If there never comes a place where you release
the past, forgive everyone in it, and find healing
in your own spirit, your life will be a constant battleground
for depression, despair and many other heavy things.
God wants us to be free of the past. He said
Cast your burdens upon me, for I care for you.
1 Peter 5:7.
When we cast our burdens, we throw them far
away from us.. and leave them there. This is a habit
we must form of letting them go. And each time
we feel ourselves picking up the negative thinking,
the unforgiveness, the depression, the victim thinking
we must run back to the throne of God and lay it at
his feet.
This is a habit anyone can form.
Athletes know how to focus and work hard at their
sport until they see victory.
Bodybuilders stay focused and work on their task
day after day relentlessly until they achieve their goal.
People who set goals, stay focused on them, work
towards them, do not allow defeat to be in their
vocabulary, and daily work towards these things
and will reach their goals!
It is a mental choice we make.
We choose to succeed or fail.
We choose to be a victor or a victim.
We choose to be happy or sad.
We choose to forgive or remember all hurts.
We choose to savor life, or regret it.
MY friends, those heavy feelings are not your friends.
They are destroying the fabric of your life, your
relationships, your hope, they are destroying
your thinking. Let them go. They are unimportant.
They are the weapons against your mind by the
dark powers of this world that want to paralyze your
thinking until you cannot enjoy your life.
Don't allow it. Fill your mind with hopeful things.
Fill your heart with a sense of duty, and set short
and long term goals to work towards.
Leave your burdens at Christ's feet, allow Him to Be
Lord and you be the child.. and leave those burdens
there.. You have things to do!
Paul knew what mental battles were, he faced
a lot of persecution and torment in his time,
and even physical problems he never overcame,
but in his letter to the Philippians he offered this sage
advice.
Be anxious for nothing (let it all go)
but in everything by prayer and supplication (pleading
before God) with thanksgiving (learn to be thankful),
let your requests be made known to God.
(pray often, fervently, tell God everything,
if you don't ask, he cannot answer).
And the PEACE OF GOD, which surpasses all
understanding will guard your hearts
and minds through Christ Jesus.
God will guard your heart and mind, and bring you
peace.. now this is a promise you can cling to!!!
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true
whatever things are noble,
whatever things are just,
whatever things are pure,
whatever things are lovely,
whatever things are of good report,
if there is any virtue and if there is anything
praiseworthy, meditate on these things!
Philippians 4:6-8
Friends, Paul was telling you to be a positive thinker!
He believed whatever you focused on what was
very important. So should you. Do you want
to be happy? Do you want to be set free from
the past? Do you want to enjoy life?
You have to change your focus
You have to change your goals
You have to change your thinking
You have to surrender the past,
You have to let God be God, and in control
and you have to go out and live life,
and take your thoughts captive one by one,
and replace them with the joy of the Lord
and the peace that passes all understanding.
It is a process. We clean out the clutter of our
mind, and fill it with clean, fresh new beginnings.
Praise God who makes this possible.
Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits
Psalm 68:19
(have you taken time to count your blessings)
Tonite, go to your heavenly Father, ask Him to
help you change your thinking patterns, ask Him
to forgive your sins, and help you forgive others,
and ask Him to help you clean the clutter in your
mind and spirit and to set you free from the past
and show you what He would have you do.
Ask Him to free you from the bondage that has
weighed your weary heart down. He promised
He would, if you will leave those burdens and
trust in His ability, not your own.
Life is short, choose your battles carefully,
and don't waste your mind, heart and time on despair
or one negative thing.
One final thing, if God can forgive you and me,
we must forgive ourselves, and move on from
our mistakes and past, for His glory and honor
to show in our lives like a light and beacon to
a lost and dying world.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13
Remember
Only one life, will soon be past
only what is done for Christ will last..
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Empty Hands, Renewed Heart
Good Morning Everyone,
I love drinking tea out of beautiful cups. Somehow it
makes the tea taste better, and makes it seem
like a happy little ceremony.
A interesting note about a cup of tea. Until it
is emptied you cannot refill it.
The same is true of our heart. Unless we give away
we have no room to refill it. If we cling to our love,
our possessions, our time, and our emotions.. they will
remain stuck within our heart, withering on the vine,
unused, unappreciated, uninspiring.
But if we open up our heart and reach out to others,
we find ourselves feeling better about ourselves. We will
see relationships blossoming around us, and we will find
we have room in our heart for the love of others.
Our heart is growing, and so are we spiritually and emotionally!
Maturing because we took time to give without thought
of receiving in return.
I think the same thing applies to suffering, burdens and
hardships. Until we have suffered or carried burdens, or lost
those we love, how can we understand the heartache of others?
Each thing we go through is a lesson, a growing time, even in
the hardest of things, we learn something valuable and true
and very fine for our hearts and spirit.
Only through hardship, suffering and burdens, and then
coming out on the other side of them do we understand
the struggles of others, feel empathy and reach out
to minister because we understand what people are
going through. What a gift!
Life is a investment. We only have this one. Empty your hands
out, give unto others, of your time, energy, emotions and love.
Make the investment of your life a testimony to Christ abiding in you.
love always
millie
ps.. please read the poem below.
Empty Hands
Author: Martha Snell Nicholson
One by one He took them from me,
All the things I valued most:
Until I was empty-handed,
Every glittering toy was lost.
And I walked earth's highways, grieving,
In my rage and poverty,
Till I heard His voice inviting,
"Lift your empty hands to me."
So I held my hands toward heaven
And He filled them with a store
Of His own transcendent riches
Until they could hold no more.
And at last I comprehended,
With my stupid mind and dull,
That God could not pour His riches
Into hands already full.
"Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again." - Luke 6:38
I love drinking tea out of beautiful cups. Somehow it
makes the tea taste better, and makes it seem
like a happy little ceremony.
A interesting note about a cup of tea. Until it
is emptied you cannot refill it.
The same is true of our heart. Unless we give away
we have no room to refill it. If we cling to our love,
our possessions, our time, and our emotions.. they will
remain stuck within our heart, withering on the vine,
unused, unappreciated, uninspiring.
But if we open up our heart and reach out to others,
we find ourselves feeling better about ourselves. We will
see relationships blossoming around us, and we will find
we have room in our heart for the love of others.
Our heart is growing, and so are we spiritually and emotionally!
Maturing because we took time to give without thought
of receiving in return.
I think the same thing applies to suffering, burdens and
hardships. Until we have suffered or carried burdens, or lost
those we love, how can we understand the heartache of others?
Each thing we go through is a lesson, a growing time, even in
the hardest of things, we learn something valuable and true
and very fine for our hearts and spirit.
Only through hardship, suffering and burdens, and then
coming out on the other side of them do we understand
the struggles of others, feel empathy and reach out
to minister because we understand what people are
going through. What a gift!
Life is a investment. We only have this one. Empty your hands
out, give unto others, of your time, energy, emotions and love.
Make the investment of your life a testimony to Christ abiding in you.
love always
millie
ps.. please read the poem below.
Empty Hands
Author: Martha Snell Nicholson
One by one He took them from me,
All the things I valued most:
Until I was empty-handed,
Every glittering toy was lost.
And I walked earth's highways, grieving,
In my rage and poverty,
Till I heard His voice inviting,
"Lift your empty hands to me."
So I held my hands toward heaven
And He filled them with a store
Of His own transcendent riches
Until they could hold no more.
And at last I comprehended,
With my stupid mind and dull,
That God could not pour His riches
Into hands already full.
"Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again." - Luke 6:38
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
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