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Evil Transforms (If We Let It) – Pt. 10 – Applause Please

In Advice, Agape Love, Anxiety, Bible, Biblical Principles, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian, Christian Living, Christianity, Courage, Depression, Encouragement, Evil, Exhortation, Fear, Fruits of the Holy Spirit, God, God's Voice, Godliness, Godly Counsel, Holy Spirit, Humanism, Jesus, Love, Remnant, Renewal, Revival, Rhema Words, Spiritual Fruit, Spiritual Remnant, Spirituality, Truth, Uncategorized on March 19, 2016 at 4:48 pm

In this piece we will explore the second half of chapter four of David Kupelian’s book, How Evil Works. Please find a link below where you can purchase the book from Amazon, should you desire to do so. Here are some of the highlights found within this chapter.

The author notes that the truths that lead to true happiness are rarely talked about in modern society. One of those truths being that too much praise to the point of leading to an overdose of praise can result in self-destruction. A spiritually mature person has a quiet inner strength that keeps them centered, self-contained, and most importantly humble.

Kipling has a classic poem which speaks to this truth.

“If you can keep your head when all about you

Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,

If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you

But make allowance for their doubting too…

If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster

And treat those two impostors jus the same…

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,

Or walk with kings – nor lose the common touch,

If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;

If all men count with you, but none too much,

If you can fill the unforgiving minute

With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run,

Your is the Earth and everything that’s in it,

And – which is more – you’ll be a Man, my son! ”

In a narcissistic society we must be willing to face the following truth with maturity. Not everything that feels good is good. Truth often hurts and cocaine often feels good. Truth is almost always good for us even when it hurts or makes us feel bad. Cocaine is never good for us even though it may make us feel good temporarily. Truth will set us free and set on the right path in life. Cocaine will destroy us and set on the path to death.

If you are a narcissist you are addicted to praise and supersensitive to criticism according to Kupelian, many psychologist, and I agree myself. Why is this so? Because for a narcissistic person their entire sense of self-worth is based on what others say to and about them. A complement equals feeling good for them and a criticism equals feeling bad for them. Hence, other people control how they feel continually.

As the author notes if you live for applause or appreciation then you entire life can become a stage and you an actor. You cease to be who you truly are and you become whatever is necessary to get the approval, appreciation, and the applause your sinful soul craves. Your inner emptiness will not be filled through your continual manipulative actions to ensure you are viewed in a favorable way by everyone around you.

The author notes that, just as ‘a cruel thoughtless comment can affect you emotionally, so can too much praise affect you emotionally – and adversely.’ The adulation of others only gives you a temporary fix that mask the hunger within but never fills that hunger, more approval will be needed later and the volume of approval needed will increase as times goes on – much like a junky the same amount of your drug will cease to be enough as time goes on. This type of life will exhaust a person mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

Many people use this approval seeking behavior to avoid facing who, what, and how they are. When you slow the pace of life you begin to discover the real you. For some people that person has been all but lost. Avoidance behavior can be applied to the use of any distraction to avoid seeing oneself clearly – approval, appreciation, busyness, drugs, food, alcohol, and etcetera.

If you are addicted to the drug of worship it will ultimately destroy you. Humans were never meant to be gods, worship destroys them and drives them mad.

The good news is that you can transition from the outer to the inner person. However, you must be willing to face the problems you find within your soul, your inner man. You will find relief in facing them and a blessing in correcting them. Change and real healing are possible. People are kept sane, happy, and progressing in the right direction in life by living continually in the LIGHT, the light of constant self-awareness and God-awareness.

Only when you have God Himself living inside of you, keeping you centered, God-contained, and humble can you truly be rooted and growing in life regardless of what people think of you or what is going on in the world around you. Your confidence comes from your Creator, not self, and not other people.

Through our obedience to our Creator we find that inner stability and peace. We were created and designed to follow those inner promptings from the Creator and be obedient to those directions. As we learn to do this moment by moment throughout our day, our week, our months, and our years God fills us with purpose and genuine lasting happiness that can come through nothing except following His directions. When you have that going on inside of you, you do not crave the reassurance of troubled souls – people of the world.

Kupelian makes an excellent point near the close of this chapter. “When we develop real character, rooted in ever-growing loyalty to the kingdom of heaven within, we find that “neither foes nor loving friends” – that is, neither condemnation nor praise – have much effect on our happiness.” This measure of character comes with spiritual and personal maturity coupled with life experience.

In the next posting we will explore two key points, pride and hate, from chapter four of David Kupelian’s book, How Evil Works. Followed by a very controversial chapter on doctors, drugs, and demons – the mental illness craze in America.

 

 

How Evil Works

http://www.amazon.com/How-Evil-Works-Understanding-Transforming/dp/1439168202/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1443464127&sr=8-1&keywords=How+evil+works

Evil can be understood and overcome before it transforms our country entirely. Evil can be understood and overcome before it transforms someone you know or even you. Knowledge is power and without it we will perish. We need to be extremely knowledgeable when it comes to evil.

Hosea 4:6 (NKJV)

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.

Because you have rejected knowledge,

I also will reject you from being priest for Me;

Because you have forgotten the law of your God,

I also will forget your children.

The Marketing of Evil

http://www.amazon.com/Marketing-Evil-Pseudo-Experts-Corruption-Disguised-ebook/dp/B006N75LFI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1443464127&sr=8-2&keywords=How+evil+works

Evil is sold in our society just as anything else might be sold, through marketing. Satan has marketed his product through those willing and those ignorant to his schemes. Through his craftiness he has turned the minds of even Believers to think that tolerance of his evil is some form of love. In so doing he has transformed to a large degree the once Devout Church and transformed our society to an enormous degree. He has not accomplished this without his workers however, the willing, the sold out for their own gain, and the ignorant masses following blindly behind the majority.

 

 

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

This blog will not be for the faint of heart or the easily offended. It will not be in any way politically correct. It will make every effort to share the truth in love, [Ephesians 4:11-16], to a decaying and dying society and church. I share what I share not to hurt, harm, or offend any person[s] or group; I do it because Christ’s Standard and Truth is not being represented by enough of His Followers, and I do it out of love. I love enough to tell His Truth.

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

11And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

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Evil Transforms (If We Let It) – Pt. 8 – Response is Chosen

In Advice, Anger, Anxiety, Apostasy, Bible, Biblical Principles, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian, Christian Living, Christianity, Courage, Encouragement, End Times, Evil, Exhortation, Fear, Fruits of the Holy Spirit, God, God's Voice, Godliness, Godly Counsel, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Loss, Persecution, Prayer, Prophecy, Prophet, Prophetess, Religious Freedom, Remnant, Renewal, Revival, Rhema Words, Spiritual Activism, Spiritual Activists, Spiritual Fruit, Spiritual Remnant, Spirituality, Suffering, Truth, Uncategorized on February 11, 2016 at 12:16 pm

In this piece we will complete exploring chapter three of David Kupelian’s book, How Evil Works. Please find a link below where you can purchase the book from Amazon. Here are some of the highlights found within the latter part of this chapter.

Throughout this last portion of chapter three the author reflects upon how the “Greatest Generation” might response to the evil we face today, based upon how they responded to the evil of their day. The author does likewise with how President Ronald Reagan might respond. Both of these journeys into refection are meant to help us understand how we might better respond to the threats of evil that surround us.

During World War II, during the horrific and monstrous movements that took place guided by the hands of evil men, America was a country with “tremendous national unity and a strong sense of identity” as the author points out. Judeo-Christian values were still dominant in people’s life. The culture was a culture of values and principles. The author goes on to note that this was not a time like today, where we, our country, is crippled by national guilt, self-doubt, and self-hatred.

The author goes on to make the point that during that time in history, the World War II era, the people would have never been deceived into thinking same-sex marriage is normal, or that abortion is moral and constitutional, or that posting the Ten Commandments on federal or city property, like a courthouse wall, violated the First Amendment.

The Church and American have lost their unity and loyalty both to one another as a people and to the One and Only True God who blessed them. In the words of the author we allowed ourselves as a collective group to become ‘corrupted with the anti-biblical philosophies and utterly confused to the point of suffocating our modern era and robbing it of genuine moral strength.’ Great strength comes through righteous living, also known as biblically based morality. Moral weakness, which appeasement often is, always encourages violence both on a national level and a personal level.

When writing about Ronald Reagan the author makes the point that though revered for his leadership now, Ronald Reagan was reviled in his day, just as Winston Churchill was. Most non-appeasing leaders are reviled initially or during their reign. It is only later people see the positive, productive, godly results of their moral and wise leadership. Unlike Reagan who had a mission to stand up for moral clarity – displayed as he faced the communist takeover of Hollywood when he was an actor, through his years as California’s governor, and later as President of the United States – we do not see that type of moral character in our leaders today. Steadfastness for Truth is not as prevalent as it once was.

Do you care what people say about you? Do you care about getting credit for your accomplishments? How much do you care? If you could have a choice between getting three things done and getting credit for none of them or getting two things done and getting credit for both, which would you choose? Be honest with yourself. If you care what people think, and you need the credit given to you by man for your accomplishments, this will affect your ability to stand up for Truth. Ronald Reagan did not care what people said about him, in that is found a secret strength and power. When he was president he kept a plaque on the desk in the oval office that read, “There is no limit to what a man can do or where he can go if he doesn’t mind who gets the credit.”

Are you able to stand alone when it comes to morality, Truth, or godly biblical principles? Strength and courage are a must if you are going to. If you want to be a consequential person, if you want to make a difference in life, you must be able to stand alone. Just like Reagan, a person who makes a difference has to not only endure their critics they must endure their friends, family, and advisers as well. When advised incorrectly take a play from Reagan’s playbook, he gracefully overruled them and forged ahead with what he knew to be morally right and a sound plan of action. A person must be willing to do as God directs them, with or without any support whatsoever.

Worldwide totalitarian movements – the terrible “isms” the author calls them, communism, fascism, Nazism, and Islamism are about seducing millions of people into enslaved nations, subject to utterly ruthless leadership. They are on par with the “ites” of the Bible. As a people, as a person, we must stand strong. “The denial and deference we display toward forces intent on destroying us is actually great weakness – evidence of our loss of courage and moral clarity – disguised as virtue.”, Kupelian states, and I completely agree.

We must face evil with great courage and moral clarity displaying a calm, fearless determination to do what is right, to stand up for Truth, no matter what – grace under pressure. We must withstand cruelty and craziness without becoming emotionally twisted up inside. Strength and patience emanates from true faith. Hate the sin, but not the sinner. Learning to do that will shield you from both Stockholm syndrome and many other evils in this world.

In the next posting we will begin to explore chapter four of David Kupelian’s book, How Evil Works.

How Evil Works

http://www.amazon.com/How-Evil-Works-Understanding-Transforming/dp/1439168202/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1443464127&sr=8-1&keywords=How+evil+works

Evil can be understood and overcome before it transforms our country entirely. Evil can be understood and overcome before it transforms someone you know or even you. Knowledge is power and without it we will perish. We need to be extremely knowledgeable when it comes to evil.

Hosea 4:6 (NKJV)

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.

Because you have rejected knowledge,

I also will reject you from being priest for Me;

Because you have forgotten the law of your God,

I also will forget your children.

The Marketing of Evil

http://www.amazon.com/Marketing-Evil-Pseudo-Experts-Corruption-Disguised-ebook/dp/B006N75LFI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1443464127&sr=8-2&keywords=How+evil+works

Evil is sold in our society just as anything else might be sold, through marketing. Satan has marketed his product through those willing and those ignorant to his schemes. Through his craftiness he has turned the minds of even Believers to think that tolerance of his evil is some form of love. In so doing he has transformed to a large degree the once Devout Church and transformed our society to an enormous degree. He has not accomplished this without his workers however, the willing, the sold out for their own gain, and the ignorant masses following blindly behind the majority.

 

 

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

This blog will not be for the faint of heart or the easily offended. It will not be in any way politically correct. It will make every effort to share the truth in love, [Ephesians 4:11-16], to a decaying and dying society and church. I share what I share not to hurt, harm, or offend any person[s] or group; I do it because Christ’s Standard and Truth is not being represented by enough of His Followers, and I do it out of love. I love enough to tell His Truth.

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

11And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

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Evil Transforms (If We Let It) – Pt. 6 – Fear, Terrorism, and Stockholm Syndrome

In Advice, Anger, Anxiety, Apostasy, Biblical Principles, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian, Christian Living, Christianity, Courage, End Times, Evil, Exhortation, Fear, God, God's Voice, Godliness, Godly Counsel, Grief, Holy Spirit, Humanism, Jesus, Loss, Persecution, Prophecy, Prophet, Prophetess, Religious Freedom, Remnant, Renewal, Revival, Rhema Words, Spiritual Activism, Spiritual Activists, Spiritual Remnant, Spirituality, Suffering, Truth, Uncategorized on January 6, 2016 at 12:12 pm

In this piece we will explore the first half of chapter three of David Kupelian’s book, How Evil Works. Please find a link below where you can purchase the book from Amazon. Overall this chapter deals with how fear works in connection with terrorism and the result, Stockholm Syndrome.

The first point Kupelian makes is that although “violent Islamic jihadism” had been in remission for centuries it is currently growing and multiplying worldwide. The author reminds us that Islam has attempted global domination in the past, conquering Arabia, Persia, Syria, Egypt, and major portions of Africa, Asia, and Europe until it found itself conquered, ultimately losing what it gained and its will to fight for a season. The spread of Islam as a geopolitical force during the last fourteen centuries has had a horrible impact on billions of lives.

A point I would like to make is that this conflict with Islam dates back to the biblical days of Ishmael and Isaac (Genesis 16, 21, and 39), approximately BC1910. Ishmael’s descendants are now Mohammedans (Islam). Joseph was sold to them (Genesis 39).

One of the things I would agree with the author on is the misuse of the word “martyr” to describe the radical Islamic individual who chooses to die in order to advance terror and fear, while taking innocent people’s lives. These are killers committing atrocities not martyrs! Stephan who was stoned to death because he was a Christian, because he believed in Jesus the Christ, now that is a martyr (Acts 7)!

Terrorism works by producing the fear of what “might” happen in the future. If that fear is strong enough then those individuals perpetrating the terror can get people to give into their demands. The ideal for terrorist would be to convert us to their manner of thinking. As the author points out, militant Muslims will, and have for centuries, demanded conversion to their religion even if that conversion had to be obtained by means of the threat of death. Either way, they wish to control our minds. God warned, and warns in His Word of the dangers of allowing the mind to be controlled by anything other than His Truth, which is why we are to take every thought captive to the Truth of Christ.

2 Corinthians 10:4–5 (NKJV)

4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,

In the face of serious intimidation we must remain calm and seek Christ. Most people become upset in the face of fear or intimidation, and thus emotional upset, allowing anger, fear, and confusion set in. Within the grasp of extreme emotion the mind cannot work properly and even worse is thrown into a program mode, which makes Stockholm Syndrome or conversion at the point of a sword possible. Emotional upset, especially when it is intense, can alter our perceptions of what is good and what is evil. People, groups, and governments love to produce fear and anger so they might alter the people’s perceptions about what is right or wrong, in order to advance their own agenda.

We see this same type of thing happen to wounded people. Psychologically when people become wounded their perception about the world, people, or themselves changes because of the intense emotional upset they endure. Jesus’ inner psychological upset was so intense that He sweat drops of blood (Luke 22:44). In the Scripture His inner emotional pain was referred to as agony. (Side note: There is a medical condition where people sweat blood. The psychological agony they are in is so intense that the blood within their blood vessels rises to the surface producing and mixture of sweat and blood that actually exits their pores.)

That emotional upset left uncontrolled opens the mind up to reprogramming and thus evil becomes good, hate becomes love. Intense emotions causes a type of “mind meld” then fear and/or rage wipes our mental hard drive and begins the reprogramming process. This is what brainwashing is at the most basic level.

The author notes one of the most famous individuals in recent history who was reprogrammed in just such a way. Patty Hearst, the granddaughter of the famous newspaper publisher William Randolph Hearst. She was taken captive, locked away, and emotionally tortured to the point of such great emotional distress that her perception of right and wrong became so twisted, she did anything she had to do in order to make the emotional abuse stop. People think her not so innocent, but Kupelian warns us against thinking ignorantly that under the right circumstances we too could not find ourselves manipulated by others in just such a way.

There truly is a fine line between love and hate. Hate can turn into love under the right conditions. Not real love of course, but instead a distorted and perverted form of love. The author calls it “an emotional identification and bonding” that people mistakenly think is love.

Think for a moment about the following. Those we love bring out the worst in us. We love them, and because we love them so much when emotional distress enters into the picture that love can turn to hate quickly. If the love we have for them is severely damaged this may set the emotions we might otherwise temporally feel as hate into a permanent state of hatred.

All of this is used by, and makes it is possible for, people who administer terror to use fear, anger, and grief to imprison people within a prison without walls – the prison of political correctness, silence, and fear. Creating a world where people are afraid to call sin, sin or evil, evil. A world slowly and methodically taken over by that creeping slime of evil.

In the next posting we will explore the second half of chapter three of David Kupelian’s book, How Evil Works.

How Evil Works

http://www.amazon.com/How-Evil-Works-Understanding-Transforming/dp/1439168202/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1443464127&sr=8-1&keywords=How+evil+works

Evil can be understood and overcome before it transforms our country entirely. Evil can be understood and overcome before it transforms someone you know or even you. Knowledge is power and without it we will perish. We need to be extremely knowledgeable when it comes to evil.

Hosea 4:6 (NKJV)

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.

Because you have rejected knowledge,

I also will reject you from being priest for Me;

Because you have forgotten the law of your God,

I also will forget your children.

The Marketing of Evil

http://www.amazon.com/Marketing-Evil-Pseudo-Experts-Corruption-Disguised-ebook/dp/B006N75LFI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1443464127&sr=8-2&keywords=How+evil+works

Evil is sold in our society just as anything else might be sold, through marketing. Satan has marketed his product through those willing and those ignorant to his schemes. Through his craftiness he has turned the minds of even Believers to think that tolerance of his evil is some form of love. In so doing he has transformed to a large degree the once Devout Church and transformed our society to an enormous degree. He has not accomplished this without his workers however, the willing, the sold out for their own gain, and the ignorant masses following blindly behind the majority.

 

 

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

This blog will not be for the faint of heart or the easily offended. It will not be in any way politically correct. It will make every effort to share the truth in love, [Ephesians 4:11-16], to a decaying and dying society and church. I share what I share not to hurt, harm, or offend any person[s] or group; I do it because Christ’s Standard and Truth is not being represented by enough of His Followers, and I do it out of love. I love enough to tell His Truth.

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

11And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

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Who is at Fault?

In Advice, Agape Love, Anger, Apostasy, Bible, Biblical Principles, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian, Christian Living, Christianity, Courage, Devotional, Encouragement, End Times, Exhortation, Fruits of the Holy Spirit, God, God's Voice, Godliness, Godly Counsel, Holy Spirit, Humanism, Jesus, Love, Persecution, Prayer, Prophecy, Prophet, Prophetess, Religious Freedom, Remnant, Renewal, Revival, Rhema Words, Spiritual Activism, Spiritual Activists, Spiritual Fruit, Spiritual Remnant, Spirituality, Truth on September 2, 2015 at 4:20 pm

Right now we are seeing America rally around Donald J. Trump as a potential president for our country. It was not enough that we elected Obama twice; we are now living in a society that actually thinks someone such as Donald J. Trump is a viable candidate for the presidency of what was once a great and powerful country. (Do not get me wrong, we are still great and powerful, but when you witness the deterioration of that greatness and powerfulness for almost fifty years you know what we were as a country versus what we are today.) What I wish to explore is why we are living in a society that would elect Obama then follow that up with seriously considering Donald J. Trump as a president.

The short answer for both is, in the case of Obama people in our society, especially younger people, base how they should be, how others should be, and how their leaders should be on celebrities, and in the case of Trump he strikes a cord with a society that is fed-up with double talk and political correctness.

Obama did what celebrities do, and he appealed to people based on charm and charisma with very little substance to offer, making grand promises and proposing a ‘reach for the moon’ attitude that was neither wise nor reasonably possible. John McCain attempted to make people understand that Obama’s ideas would not bring about a better American, but instead that making the hard choices would bring about a better America, however, people wanted their ears tickled, they wanted to hear what they wanted to hear.

Now we have Trump doing something similar but his appeal is his willingness to say what other people have become too intimidated to say because of the political correctness persecutors. Trump appeals to people, and Trump is no doubt an extremely crafty businessman who know how to make money, and yes, America needs to make money, but his lack of governmental wisdom and knowledge along with his short-temper and mouth does not make a good mix for dealing with foreign powers and heads of states.

If our country elects someone like Donald J. Trump on the heels of electing Obama twice we will become the laughing stock of the world. The rest of the world no longer looks at America as they once did, and we are a bit of a joke now, but with Trump at the helm we would spiral even further out of control, and the world’s view of us would continue to decline.

How did we get here? How did we become a society who elects the Obama’s of the world and considers Trump a feasible choice for the presidency of the United States of America? A country whose Supreme Court legalized the union between people of the same sex and call it “marriage”? How did our country get in such a mess where Christians are persecuted for expressing their religious freedom and beliefs through the choices they make about whom they chose to deal with, work with, do business with, and so forth, (choices we are required to make per the Bible, if we are truly living out our religious faith) while almost every other class or group of people on the planet are afforded governmental and legal protections from persecution or discrimination? Whose fault is it anyway that we are at this point as a society?

You might not want to read my answer but here it is. The fault lies with the Christian Church and with Christians both as individuals and a collective group.

It is our fault because as a religious institution the Church laid down their mantel of godliness, expressed and expected, and replaced it with a superficial love that has failed to change lives by moving individuals toward godliness and glorifying God with their lives and lifestyle. Our failure to do this as a collective group and individuals, if we are individually guilty of such, is sin and wicked in the eyes of God.

The negligence of the Church has resulted in a decaying society, the Church’s loss of influence in our society, a lack of respect for the Church and Christians, and outright disrespect and discrimination toward Christians.

2 Chronicles 7:13–14 (NKJV)

13 When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, 14 if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

I love the Church, I love Jesus, I love Christians, and I also love our dying society. It is because I love all of them that I write these things expressing what God has put in my heart and on lips to express. However, there is an answer to this problem and the answer is found in repentance.

As individuals and as a collective group we must humble ourselves before God, acknowledge our sin and that we sacrificed godliness and Truth on the altar of worldly love (instead of agape love) and worldly acceptance. We can begin to tell the world the Truth as found in God’s Word and exhort them to turn from their sin and wickedness just as we have committed in our hearts to do. If we are going to wait until we are sin free to share Truth with people, to share what God has defined as sin or not sin, what He states is righteousness and what is right in His eyes, we will never get around to sharing the Truth with people. It is not about whether or not we measure up, it is about what God has to say about a subject.

Additionally, we can fall on our faces before God and pray for His forgiveness, His restoration, and the healing of our land (America). We can come together in unity once again as the Church should be, supporting each other, and seeking God together while upholding His Righteous Commands.

We can! We should! We must!

I was supposed to go see the move “War Room” with someone the other day but the movie was sold out to such a capacity that we did not go – only the front two rows were left. It was God that I did not go. God instructed me a couple of days later to write this piece, what Scripture to use, and what to say. I got a rough draft of the piece formed and the next day went to see the movie “War Room” and the closing shot of that movie was the above Scripture popping on the screen. The prayer that the woman in the lead role prayed at the end of this movie was so powerful and filled with the heart of God for His people during this time in history. It is a must see movie. Here is a link to the trailer.

War Room –

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yx5kpJ5mkeE

Christians on a massive scale must once again become proactively involved in the affairs of their society. One way you as an individual can become involved is by standing up for Christian Liberty and Religious Freedom. If we do not stand together our ungodly society will crush us one by one – one small group at a time, one individual at a time. If we refuse to be the family God intended us to be He will allow this to happen.

Below you will find information and links for a project and group who is fighting for religious freedom and fighting for our right to live out our faith in an ungodly society. Please read the information provided, in summary below, from the website. Then please prayerfully consider visiting the website, reading the declaration in its entirety, and sign the declaration for yourself.

Manhattan Declaration

“Because the sanctity of human life, the dignity of marriage as a union of husband and wife, and the freedom of religion are foundational principles of justice and the common good, we affirm:

1. The profound, inherent, and equal dignity of every human life

2. Marriage as a union of one man and one woman

3. Religious liberty and the inherent freedom of human beings

As Orthodox, Catholic, and Evangelical Christians, we take seriously the Biblical admonition to respect and obey those in authority. Because we honor justice and the common good, we will fully and ungrudgingly render to Caesar what is Caesar’s. But under no circumstances will we render to Caesar what is God’s.”

http://manhattandeclaration.org/#0

http://www.manhattandeclaration.org/man_dec_resources/Manhattan_Declaration_full_text.pdf

Get on your knees, get your heart right, get off your knees, reach out to another, do something to advance God’s agenda and godliness in your society.

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

This blog will not be for the faint of heart or the easily offended. It will not be in any way politically correct. It will make every effort to share the truth in love, [Ephesians 4:11-16], to a decaying and dying society and church. I share what I share not to hurt, harm, or offend any person[s] or group; I do it because Christ’s Standard and Truth is not being represented by enough of His Followers and I do it out of love. I love enough to tell His Truth.

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

11And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

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The Curse of Political Correctness

In Advice, Agape Love, Anger, Anxiety, Apostasy, Bible, Biblical Principles, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian, Christian Living, Christianity, Courage, Encouragement, End Times, Exhortation, Fruits of the Holy Spirit, God, God's Voice, Godliness, Godly Counsel, Holy Spirit, Humanism, Jesus, Love, Persecution, Prophecy, Prophet, Prophetess, Religious Freedom, Remnant, Renewal, Revival, Rhema Words, Spiritual Activism, Spiritual Activists, Spiritual Fruit, Spiritual Remnant, Spirituality, Truth, Uncategorized on July 16, 2015 at 6:36 pm

Many years ago in the late 1990’s I did a radio program titled ‘Political Correctness – The Killer of the Church’ and since that time political correctness has not only severely damaged the functioning of and influence of the church, it has become a cancer and curse upon our society in general.

Political Correctness sounds good, and on the surface it has the appearance of being kind and loving but in truth it robs people of their freedom, their free speech, their freedom of religion, and stifles the REAL TRUTHS as found in God’s Word, that would set people free from their bondages. Political correctness is an oxymoronic concept because it is meant to do good but overall ends us doing a great deal of harm. Political correctness is meant to keep a group of people from being hurt or offended but it often accomplishes this by hurting and offending the secondary group.

Here are some examples of what I mean and some Truths according to God’s Word that are avoided by both Christians and our society because of the monster of political correctness. Please know in advance I personally hold no ill will toward any persons or group of people my sole intent is to accurately represent the biblical position on these issues and express my personal religious views and beliefs, which is still my right in this country, The United States of America, according to The Constitution – Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Religion.

Transgender might be a worldly concept regarding gender identity but it is not a biblical concept about gender identity. For a person to be born male or female and then change that sex or believe that they were meant to be the opposite sex is to say that God did not know what He was doing when He form that person in his or her mother’s womb (Ps. 139:13-16). A person is born the sex that God intends them to be and in order for a person to reach a transgender mindset their concept of who God created them to be would have to become damaged or distorted. Yet, because of political correctness it is almost impossible for Christian counselors to help these young people from becoming more and more confused and sinking deeper into this transgender type of identity. Political correctness on this topic suppresses expression of Biblical Truth on this topic. One group is suppressed to support another, where is the justice in that!

Psalm 139:13–16 (NKJV)

13 For You formed my inward parts;

You covered me in my mother’s womb.

14 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

Marvelous are Your works,

And that my soul knows very well.

15 My frame was not hidden from You,

When I was made in secret,

And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.

16 Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.

And in Your book they all were written,

The days fashioned for me,

When as yet there were none of them.

Same sex unions were legalized as marriage in The United States of America at the end of June 2015 by the Supreme Court in a 5-4 vote among The Justices. The Justices were just as split on the issue as the people in our country are split on the issue. Because they voted to legalize something does not make it legitimate in God’s eyes and it certainly does not make it marriage. Marriage according the Bible is clearly the joining and union before God and man of a man and a woman (Gen. 2:24, Mk. 10:6-9, and Ep. 5:31).

I personally know homosexual people and their sexuality does not make me love them any less whatsoever but their lifestyle is not something I can endorse or put my stamp of approval on. Moreover, their relationship with another person of the same sex will never be viewed as marriage in my eyes because the Bible does not support such a title for their lifestyle choice.

Christians and Christian Spiritual Leaders are being sued, their businesses boycotted, they are being branded or labeled as haters when they are not, just because they do not wish to partake in what they believe to be sin based on their religion. Because of political correctness it is almost impossible for Christian to express or state what they believe about marriage let alone refuse to be involved in such a ceremony lest they be sued or even prosecuted as having committed a crime. Political correctness on this topic suppresses expression of Biblical Truth on this topic. One group is suppressed to support another, where is the justice in that!

Genesis 2:24 (NKJV)

Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.

Mark 10:6–9 (NKJV) – Jesus speaking

6 But from the beginning of the creation, God ‘made them male and female.’ 7 ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, 8 and the two shall become one flesh’; so then they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9 Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.”

Ephesians 5:31 (NKJV)

31 “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”

It is considered politically incorrect to view people within the Muslim community as a possible threat to America yet it was individuals within the Muslim community that planned the attack on America and flew those planes into the world trade center towers. They make up the majority of the cultural community we have been fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan for years and years. Does that make all Muslim people bad or terrorist? Of course not! Does that make me dislike all Muslim people as individuals or a collective group? Of course not! However, the reality is that there is a large segment of individual within the Muslim community who hate Americans and most especially Christian Americans. Technically the disagreement and battle between Muslim communities and Christian communities dates back as far as the Book of Genesis.

Yet, because of political correctness it is almost impossible for Christians to express concern over the Muslim community and their affect on the world and Christianity as a whole without Christians being viewed as stereotyping all Muslims though they often are not doing so and instead are openly acknowledging that there are some peaceful Muslims within the religion and community. Political correctness on this topic suppresses expression of Biblical History, political concern, and national concern on this topic. One group is suppressed to support another, where is the justice in that!

Because of one individual’s twisted ideas and personal choice to kill innocence people in the Emanuel AME Church and that same individual’s ownership and displaying of the confederate flag, ownership and proper display of the confederate flag has come under fire. Everyone has jump on the bandwagon to do what is considered politically correct in taking down their confederate flags from both government buildings and private establishments to appear on the side of right even though the confederate flag is a part of their and this country’s history and heritage. I would even venture to say it was a proud part of their heritage, especially in South Carolina, June 2015. The idea that Amazon and other retailers have decided they will not even sell the confederate flag any longer is ridiculous based on the actions of one individual.

Let me be clear. I do not own a confederate flag, have never owned a confederate flag, nor does or has anyone I personally know. However, that is not the point, the point is it is a person’s right to have it, own it, and fly it if they so choose. It is a part of the heritage and history of the Southern States and should remain so.

Here is some irony on the subject to consider. We live in a country where you can burn the America flag but cannot own, or it is now made hard to own, a confederate flag. More irony, people have legally burned the American flag in a public arena during various protest in this country yet, the confederate flag can no longer fly in public arenas. Because of political correctness it is almost impossible for Southerners who are proud of their heritage and history to fly a confederate flag in peace. Political correctness on this topic suppresses the rights of an entire group of people as well as individuals. One group is suppressed to support another, where is the justice in that!

There is a saying, ‘So goes the church, so goes the society.’ Tolerance to the extreme, born out of a distorted idea of love, has spiraled out of control turning loving tolerance into tolerance of sin and that form of tolerance has deteriorated the biblical moral backbone of the church. With the increased negative form of tolerance came the increased silence when it came to sin, which lead to the deterioration of the church, which then lead to the deterioration of our society. I said all those years ago during that radio broadcast that tolerance would be the killer of the church, not in that it would end the church – nothing can do that, but in that it would end the church’s effectiveness within the society where it exist and we are certainly seeing the fruit of that here in American.

When Christians are too politically correct it can be dangerous to The Body of Christ and deferential to our society as a whole. Political correctness is not love. Political correctness that avoids, covers, or distorts Biblical Truth is wrong and sinful.

One of, if not the least, tolerated group in America today is the Christians. Everyone is expected to be politically correct unless it comes to talking about Christian groups, then the need to be tolerant of their lifestyle, beliefs, rights, et cetera seems to go out the window in lieu of honoring a different group. This is not the way it should be for in America we are suppose to be able to live side by side while respecting each other despite our words, beliefs, religion, and so forth. Today people claim to have such progressive, enlightened, intellectual thinking, which has supposedly helped our society evolve to the point it is at today; but I ask you, where is that thinking when it comes to respecting and being tolerant of the group labeled Devout Christians. One group is suppressed to support other groups, where is the justice in that!

 

 

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

This blog will not be for the faint of heart or the easily offended. It will not be in any way politically correct. It will make every effort to share the truth in love, [Ephesians 4:11-16], to a decaying and dying society and church. I share what I share not to hurt, harm, or offend any person[s] or group; I do it because Christ’s Standard and Truth is not being represented by enough of His Followers and I do it out of love. I love enough to tell His Truth.

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

11And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

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It’s Only Hamburger

In Advice, Agape Love, Anger, Anxiety, Bible, Biblical Principles, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian, Christian Living, Christianity, Courage, Depression, Devotional, Encouragement, Exhortation, Fruits of the Holy Spirit, God, God's Voice, Godliness, Godly Counsel, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Love, Prophecy, Prophet, Prophetess, Renewal, Spiritual Fruit, Truth, Uncategorized on May 22, 2015 at 10:32 am

For the ladies…

 

Well worth the read.

 

http://brando.tickld.com/x/woman-realizes-that-shes-been-accidentally-abusing-her-husband-this-whole-time

 

 

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

This blog will not be for the faint of heart or the easily offended. It will not be in any way politically correct. It will make every effort to share the truth in love, [Ephesians 4:11-16], to a decaying and dying society and church. I share what I share not to hurt, harm, or offend any person[s] or group; I do it because Christ’s Standard and Truth is not being represented by enough of His Followers and I do it out of love. I love enough to tell His Truth.

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

11And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

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Grief – Suffering All Will Endure – Conclusion

In Advice, Agape Love, Anger, Anxiety, Apostasy, Bible, Biblical Principles, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian, Christian Living, Christianity, Courage, Depression, Devotional, Encouragement, End Times, Exhortation, God, God's Voice, Godliness, Godly Counsel, Grief, Jesus, Loss, Love, Persecution, Prayer, Prophecy, Prophet, Prophetess, Remnant, Renewal, Revival, Rhema Words, Spiritual Fruit, Spiritual Remnant, Suffering, Truth, Uncategorized on May 8, 2015 at 7:23 am

A personal moment of grief…

One of the longest running sources of grief in my lifetime has been the deterioration of the corporate church I have watched over the last twenty years. There is no way I can describe for you the pain it has caused me to watch churches and spiritual leaders who I believe once loved Jesus and were fully devoted to Him become apostate churches and apostate leaders.

I have been accused many times of speaking out against the church and against the brethren, yet, it was never my desire to hurt either, it was my desire to honor God, speak what He told me to speak, and bring warning against the deterioration of the corporate body in an effort to turn the tide back to true unadulterated devotion to Christ. I never wanted us, The Body of Christ and the corporate church, to be where we are today – churches emptying and closing and with attendance of churches at a record low in America. I have cried many tears over this problem, still do, and the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual pain has been almost unbearable at times over the last twenty plus years.

I watched a special news cast regarding the continuation of the television series “The Bible” which is currently airing the second part, the New Testament, “A.D. The Bible Continues” on Sunday nights. This television program is the most watch show in television history. This means people are interested in the Bible and drawn to God, perhaps even seeking faith, yet it has been proven recently and made known in the media that church attendance in America is at an all time low. I write about why that is and have been warning about it for years – you can find the writings on this blog [GodsTruthInLove.org] in the achieves under “Spiritual Remnant” – Believer are leaving the corporate churches in droves.

During this news special I watched, they interviewed the pastor of the largest church in America, with some 33,000 plus people in attendance weekly – Andy Stanley of North Point Community Church in Alpharetta, Georgia. They asked him why he believed church attendance in America was at an all time low despite the fact that people are obviously interested in the Bible and seeking faith. Sadly, this man’s answer was right on target and what I have been exhorting churches to stop for years, the pastor stated that the reason was because people had been hurt so badly by churches that they were leaving churches but not their faith.

We must learn to disagree without wounding or killing one another. Jesus never killed or wounded those He disagreed with; He merely gave them the truth and then walked away from them.

Spiritual leaders more than anything or anyone else have been the cause of the deterioration of the corporate church – may God forgive them, forgive us, and heal the grief caused while at the same time restoring His Church to what He always intended it to be.

 

 

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

This blog will not be for the faint of heart or the easily offended. It will not be in any way politically correct. It will make every effort to share the truth in love, [Ephesians 4:11-16], to a decaying and dying society and church. I share what I share not to hurt, harm, or offend any person[s] or group; I do it because Christ’s Standard and Truth is not being represented by enough of His Followers and I do it out of love. I love enough to tell His Truth.

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

11And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

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Grief – Suffering All Will Endure – Pt. 12 Prayer for Healing

In Advice, Agape Love, Anger, Anxiety, Bible, Biblical Principles, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian, Christian Living, Christianity, Courage, Depression, Encouragement, Exhortation, God, God's Voice, Godliness, Godly Counsel, Grief, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Loss, Love, Prayer, Prophecy, Prophet, Prophetess, Renewal, Rhema Words, Suffering, Truth, Uncategorized on May 1, 2015 at 5:57 am

If you have lived very long then grief and loss has touched your life in some manner and to some degree. I will not attempt to list the various types of loss that cause people grief in life, for there are far too many to ever do a list exhaustively or even with any true amount of justice. I will only state that grief caused by loss in all its forms is a mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual pain like no other and only the One True God, Jesus the Only LORD and Saviour, is able to ever completely and totally heal us from grief. That healing is exclusively in His timing and by His design but I do offer this prayer of healing for all those out there reading this that have suffered loss, no matter how extensive, like Job, or no matter how sight – grief is grief and I want to see you healed from that pain.

Father God I come to You in the name of Jesus and through the blood of Jesus to seek You for healing from the devastating pain of grief for all those individuals who read this prayer and stand in agreement with its content.

It is by the strips of Jesus that all those who know Him personally have been healed, made completely whole in You. I realize it is according to Your Will that You determine how You will manifest and distribute that healing balm. I submit myself to that Truth in accordance with Your Will and Your Word.

Lord Jesus please pour out Your healing from the pain of loss and grief over all who read this and have true need. Wrap them in the comfort of Your loving arms and let them cry. Dip them in the pool of Your grace and help them to accept, and where possible, understand Your Will and Your Ways. Wash them with the Water of The Spirit and rid them of the bitterness that often follows grief. Sit them on Your strong knees and hold them for a season while they regain their strength. Then lastly Lord Jesus please stand them down upon their new ground supported by the renewed strength You have placed in them and point them in the direction they should walk, having completed Your healing work which has set them free from their grief and granted them a new spiritual perspective, courage, and spiritual strength for life.

I thank You for Your Divine Healing and complete restoration of our, those individuals reading this, lives. I thank You for healing their grief. I thank You for healing my grief. I thank You for restoring their joy. I thank You for restoring my joy. I thank You for entrusting me, and us, with so much grief to endure – thank You for believing in me, in us, that we were made of the spiritual stuff to endure it, overcome it, and thrive.

Prepare us with the godly words, in season and out, to speak life and healing into the life of every individual we encounter who is enduring loss and grief.

I love You so much, we love You so much, and we offer this prayer in full trust of Your goodness and willingness to give Your children good things therefore, we thank You for granting our request.

In Jesus’ name we pray,

Amen and Amen.

In the next part of this series, the conclusion, I will share a personal testimony regarding grief.

 

 

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

This blog will not be for the faint of heart or the easily offended. It will not be in any way politically correct. It will make every effort to share the truth in love, [Ephesians 4:11-16], to a decaying and dying society and church. I share what I share not to hurt, harm, or offend any person[s] or group; I do it because Christ’s Standard and Truth is not being represented by enough of His Followers and I do it out of love. I love enough to tell His Truth.

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

11And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love

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Grief – Suffering All Will Endure – Pt. 11 Stages of Grief / Stage 10

In Advice, Agape Love, Anger, Anxiety, Bible, Biblical Principles, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian, Christian Living, Christianity, Courage, Depression, Encouragement, Exhortation, God, God's Voice, Godliness, Godly Counsel, Grief, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Loss, Love, Prayer, Prophecy, Prophet, Prophetess, Renewal, Suffering, Truth, Uncategorized on April 18, 2015 at 6:46 pm

In the final stage of grief, the second healing stage, the person who has struggled through the dark days of grief begins to inwardly and outwardly avow their new reality.

At this point their new life, life without whatever or whomever they lost begins. The person must begin to move in their new reality which now includes perhaps one or more of the following – a life lived without a parent in it, a life that will not include a child that has been lost, the reality of single life after years of companionship from a loving spouse, life beyond the end of a dream or hope, or the unsteady steps of building new relationships after the loss of a dear friend, social community, or church group.

The new reality of the griever’s life, their new role in life, must be accepted and embraced, for their life must continue to propel itself forward if the grieving person is to find peace. This is a period of renewal of sorts, in that, by the winds of change the griever’s life has been made different and therefore new in many ways. Going back to the old self is no longer an option for the griever as there is a missing dynamic to what the old self use to be.

There are daily choices that must be made as part of the new life. Life is a series of choices in many ways and those choices make up the fabric of what our life entails. For those ready to stand on the other side of their grief they must choose daily to accept their new reality and live in that reality. In making that one grand choice they must make a series of smaller choices that support living in their new reality, all the “what to do’s” and the “what not to do’s” of life. I will go walking today. I will not sit on the couch and cry for hours. I will call a friend and go visit them instead of indulging in self-pity. I will not sit alone and sulk over my loss, eating or drinking to comfort myself. I will not focus on what might have been, that dream is over. I will focus on what God has brought into my life and give myself to that work/service.

There is a sense of strength found in the new reality and renewal of the person who has suffered from grief and loss. If a person has come through heavy grief and now finds himself or herself on the other side staring their new reality and new life in the face, then they cannot help but be a stronger person.

1 Peter 1:6–9 (NKJV)

6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.

James 1:2–4 (NKJV)

2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

To survive loss takes strength and to survive loss and then thrive takes greater strength and profound courage therefore, godly Christians cannot help but cultivate an inner strength and greater dependence upon God that opens their eyes to the potential beauty to be found in their renewed life. The difference to be found between Survivors and Overcomers is found in the beautiful life lessons they can see and glean from their grief, trials, and hardships in life. One of the most beautiful treasures people find in grief is the great value of people and relationships that cannot be taught any other way.

In the next part of this series, part twelve, I will offer a prayer for healing from grief and loss.

 

 

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

This blog will not be for the faint of heart or the easily offended. It will not be in any way politically correct. It will make every effort to share the truth in love, [Ephesians 4:11-16], to a decaying and dying society and church. I share what I share not to hurt, harm, or offend any person[s] or group; I do it because Christ’s Standard and Truth is not being represented by enough of His Followers and I do it out of love. I love enough to tell His Truth.

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

11And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

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Grief – Suffering All Will Endure – Pt. 10 Stages of Grief / Stage 9

In Advice, Agape Love, Anger, Anxiety, Bible, Biblical Principles, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian, Christian Living, Christianity, Depression, Encouragement, End Times, Exhortation, God, God's Voice, Godliness, Godly Counsel, Grief, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Loss, Love, Persecution, Prophecy, Prophet, Prophetess, Religious Freedom, Remnant, Spiritual Activism, Spiritual Activists, Spiritual Fruit, Spiritual Remnant, Suffering, Truth, Uncategorized on April 8, 2015 at 12:46 pm

In stage nine of grief the griever begins to see hope emerge from the ashes of loss.

Isaiah 61:3 (NKJV)

To console those who mourn in Zion,

To give them beauty for ashes,

The oil of joy for mourning,

The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;

That they may be called trees of righteousness,

The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.”

In stage nine the person grieving begins to realize that the painful memories they are experiencing are part of the healing process and therefore must be integrated into their life. There is an acceptance of the fact that life has changed and the person begins to embrace completely all that has happened. They begin to reach out to life once again with less fear and more confidence.

The speed of this return to life will vary for different individuals but nevertheless they begin once again to find their emotional equilibrium. They begin to realize and accept that life must change if it is to continue and continue it must.

For Christians this is a time of returning to, waiting for, and/or drawing closer to their Lord, the Author of their salvation.

Lamentations 3:22–26 (NKJV)

22 Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed,

Because His compassions fail not.

23 They are new every morning;

Great is Your faithfulness.

24 “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul,

“Therefore I hope in Him!”

25 The LORD is good to those who wait for Him,

To the soul who seeks Him.

26 It is good that one should hope and wait quietly

For the salvation of the LORD.

The mercy of God is great, nothing can compare to His mercy, and He reaches out to His children each day with new mercies. The word “new” in verse twenty-three also means “fresh” in the Hebrew. Each day there is a fresh supply of God’s loving-kindness also known as mercy. For those grieving that freshness becomes fresher and fresher with each passing day.

For a Christian the Lord is our portion. The words “my portion” in verse twenty-four in the Hebrew means “smoothness” and “inheritance” which is exactly what God is for us and to us. He smoothes the rough places and gives us a “part” or our “allotment” of Himself, our daily allotment. Both the words “part” and “allotment” are found in the definition of “my portion” according to the Hebrew language. The language also indicated that He will “deal” and “distribute” that portion of Himself that is needed by us, as we have need of Him. What a wonderful Truth to know that our God is there for us during our time of need, and for that matter, at all times.

In order to sense our Lord’s presence during the difficult times in life, we must not allow ourselves to become so overwhelmed that we do not seek Him during our hour of need.

To “seeketh” [KJV] found in verse twenty-five in the Hebrew language means “to tread or frequent; usually to follow for pursuit” and by implication it is to “ask” and more specifically “to worship” doing both “diligently” as we “inquire” of the Lord for our help. As one heals from loss and grief be mindful to worship God and to take your questions to Him in prayer.

One must not let their pain keep them from talking to God about their questions regarding all that has happened to them. To “hope” in verse twenty-four means to “say” and “be pained” but then in verse twenty-six a layer of meaning is added, it evolves to also means to be “expectant” of something. Therefore, what happens between verse twenty-four and twenty-six? … Waiting and seeking the LORD.

When we do not understand something we wait with faith and trust in our Lord that as His children He only has our best interest at heart, for He always wants our ultimate good. In verse twenty-six “and quietly wait” [KJV] in part means “to be dumb” in the Hebrew language. There are times in life when we cannot know what we desire to know, we cannot obtain the needed knowledge to understand why something happens; at times we remain “dumb” to the whys of life. It is during this time of not knowing, our season of denseness, that our trust, faith, and reliance upon our Lord grows – all of which is needed to obtain salvation from our grief and pain.

There is the Eternal Salvation, which Jesus provided through His death on the cross and resurrection from the dead for those who would trust in Him, then there is the daily salvation He provides for us here on earth. In healing from grief or loss that daily salvation is applied to our lives as we seek Him and allow Him to apply that salvation.

In verse twenty-six “for the Salvation” [KJV] in the Hebrew means to “rescue literally or figuratively” and to rescue both in the natural and spiritual. It means to bring about our “deliverance, help, safety, salvation and victory” ultimately. It also means to make us “to be free” and that means “freedom from some trouble” we are facing.

To whom is this type of salvation given? To those who wait for the LORD. What does it mean to wait for the Lord? According to the Hebrew language “unto them that wait” [KJV] in verse twenty-five means “to bind together perhaps by twisting” and “figuratively to expect” something. Expect what? Expect the Lord to act on our behalf, expect the salvation of the LORD. The Hebrew meaning also indicates we are to “gather [ourselves] together” and “look patiently” while we “tarry” in expectation of the Lord’s actions.

Are you twisted up in your grief or are you intertwined, twisted, and bound to The Spirit of God that is healing you? Are you accepting and enduring your grief in expectation of God’s salvation from its pain? Are you making room for your salvation [the victory and deliverance from grief and sorrow] to come by patiently enduring what you do not understand, what you do not want, while staying bound to Christ in full trust of His love for you?

In the next part of this series, part eleven, we will examine the final stage of grief, the second healing stage.

 

 

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

This blog will not be for the faint of heart or the easily offended. It will not be in any way politically correct. It will make every effort to share the truth in love, [Ephesians 4:11-16], to a decaying and dying society and church. I share what I share not to hurt, harm, or offend any person[s] or group; I do it because Christ’s Standard and Truth is not being represented by enough of His Followers and I do it out of love. I love enough to tell His Truth.

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

11And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

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Grief – Suffering All Will Endure – Pt. 9 Grief finds Job

In Advice, Agape Love, Anger, Anxiety, Bible, Biblical Principles, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian, Christian Living, Christianity, Depression, Encouragement, Exhortation, God, God's Voice, Godliness, Godly Counsel, Grief, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Loss, Love, Prayer, Prophecy, Prophet, Prophetess, Suffering, Truth, Uncategorized on April 2, 2015 at 6:13 pm

In this part of the series, we will glean what we can learn about grief and how to handle grief from the verses below taken from the Book of Job.

As many people reading this might know, Job was a man in the Bible that God allowed Satan to attack. Through a series of attacks on Job’s life he lost everything he had except his life and I do mean everything tangible and temporary. He lost his home, his children, his marriage was broken down, his health was horrible, he lost his business and he lost all his possessions.

Job was left with three things in the end: his life, his faith, and his God, which was all Job needed to make a comeback and make a comeback he did. At the end of Job’s life he had more than he had ever lost, as God restored what he had lost tenfold and then some.

Nevertheless, during that middle season of Job’s life he grieved and he grieved intensely. Now let us look at that grief. We will examine how Job responded and how those around him responded.

Job 2:13 (NKJV)

So they sat down with him on the ground seven days and seven nights, and no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his grief was very great.

Job’s grief is described as “very great” which to me seems like an understatement. For a man suffering from such monumental losses I am sure words could not sufficiently express his pain. Very often we have no words to express our grief sufficiently when we are going through a loss. We really should not try to express our feelings beyond what we are able, as words cannot always express what is in the human heart.

Notice in this verse that Job’s acquaintances or friends who came to visit him during his grief done nothing more at this point other than sit down with him, on the ground right where he was sitting, for seven days and they said nothing. These individuals did not quote Scripture at, try to express sorrow, try to verbally empathize or express sympathy for at least seven days. Today we do the opposite and unfortunately we often overwhelm the person who is in the early stages of grief with phone calls, text, visits, etc. in an effort to express our care during a time when they are in all probability in shock.

I believe there is much to be learned from those individuals in this verse who sat around Job during his grief. We too should learn to simply sit silently with someone who is suffering in pain and grief. We too should not search for words but instead let our presence and our presence alone do the talking for us. We too need to allow people space to adjust to the shock of what has happened to them.

Job 6:2 (NKJV)

“Oh, that my grief were fully weighed,

And my calamity laid with it on the scales!

A person in the throes of grief longs to be understood but often feels that no one understands their loss. Quite honestly no one can understand their loss completely because grief is very personal and the pain very privately held within the deep recesses of our souls. The grief that people see exhibited in our actions is often only a small example of the grief we feel deep within ourselves.

In a society where things are quite generic in nature, where we prize equality even when equality is not always possible or best, we have a difficult time accepting that not all grief is alike. Not everyone’s grief is equal. The grief I have suffered in my lifetime does not equal the grief Job suffered during his lifetime. The various forms of grief I have suffered in life are not equal to one another; they vary in length and the amount of pain or hardship they caused. The sorrows and losses you will suffer might be worse than what someone else will suffer in sorrows and losses during their lifetime. The weight of our trials is as different as we are different.

If we measure out the intensity and quantity of the various issues of grief people will go through during a lifetime they will not be evenly distributed among people. Therefore, let us be cautious before easily allowing the words, ‘I am so sorry, I understand how you feel.’ to slip from our lips. We may feel sad and sorry for them but do we really understand how they feel? More times than not, no, we do not know how they feel.

Job 16:5 (NKJV)

But I would strengthen you with my mouth,

And the comfort of my lips would relieve your grief.

As time passes and the initial shock of someone grief begins to recess there comes a time to offer words of comfort, encouragement, and help. Job’s visitors did not do that but Job makes it clear that is what he would do and what should be done.

Likewise we should seek to do as Job describes as well, comfort with our words not harm. Therefore, our words should be selected very carefully during the time of a friend’s or acquaintance’s great grief or loss.

Job 16:6 (NKJV)

“Though I speak, my grief is not relieved;

And if I remain silent, how am I eased?

One of the most important lessons we can learn about grief can be derived from the words found in this verse. Whether we talk about our grief or we choose not to talk about our grief, it takes time to heal from loss. I am sure you have heard it said, ‘Some things just take time.’ and sometimes some things just take time to heal. Greif caused by substantial loss of a loved one, a dream, or a significant relationship is one of those “things” that just take time. Talking at times will help. Remaining silent at times will help. With our lips open or closed, we must still do the required time to see the manifestation of our healing.

There is a wonderful song by Dallas Holm I used in years past, over two decades or more now, to help me during some dark days of grief, a grief so intense I truly did not want to live any longer, a song that one day made me angry when I heard it and the next day could comfort me like a mother’s arms – the title of the song says it all – This Too Shall Pass.

In the next part of this series, part ten, we will examine stage nine of grief, one of the two healing stages.

 

 

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

This blog will not be for the faint of heart or the easily offended. It will not be in any way politically correct. It will make every effort to share the truth in love, [Ephesians 4:11-16], to a decaying and dying society and church. I share what I share not to hurt, harm, or offend any person[s] or group; I do it because Christ’s Standard and Truth is not being represented by enough of His Followers and I do it out of love. I love enough to tell His Truth.

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

11And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

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Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993

In Advice, Agape Love, Anger, Apostasy, Bible, Biblical Principles, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian, Christian Living, Christianity, Devotional, End Times, Exhortation, Fruits of the Holy Spirit, God, God's Voice, Godliness, Godly Counsel, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Love, Persecution, Prayer, Prophecy, Prophet, Prophetess, Religious Freedom, Remnant, Revival, Rhema Words, Spiritual Activism, Spiritual Activists, Spiritual Fruit, Spiritual Remnant, Truth, Uncategorized on April 1, 2015 at 1:40 pm

Do not allow people to walk all over you just because you are a godly person.  Understand when the time has come to stand up and in a godly way push back against the tide of society. 

DEPOSITORY – JUSTICE DEPT. LIBRARY

PUBLIC LAW 103-141—NOV. 16, 1993

RELIGIOUS FREEDOM RESTORATION ACT

OF 1993

DEPT. OF JUSTICE

MAR18,1994

MAIN LIBRARY

Pg. 2

107 STAT. 1488 PUBLIC LAW 103-141—NOV. 16, 1993

Public Law 103-141

103d Congress

An Act

Nov. 16, 1993 To protect the free exercise of religion.

[H.R. 1308]

Religious Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of

Freedom the United States of America in Congress assembled,

Restoration Act

of1993. SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

42 USC 2000bb

note. This Act may be cited as the "Religious Freedom Restoration

Act of 1993".

42 USC 2000bb. SEC.2. CONGRESSIONAL FINDINGS AND DECLARATION OF PURPOSES.

(a) FINDINGS.—The Congress finds that—

(1) the framers of the Constitution, recognizing free exercise

of religion as an unalienable right, secured its protection in

the First Amendment to the Constitution;

(2) laws "neutral" toward religion may burden religious

exercise as surely as laws intended to interfere with religious

exercise;

(3) governments should not substantially burden religious

exercise without compelling justification;

(4) in Employment Division v. Smith, 494 U.S. 872 (1990)

the Supreme Court virtually eliminated the requirement that

the government justify burdens on religious exercise imposed

by laws neutral toward religion; and

(5) the compelling interest test as set forth in prior Federal

court rulings is a workable test for striking sensible balances

between religious liberty and competing prior governmental

interests.

(b) PURPOSES.—The purposes of this Act are—

(1) to restore the compelling interest test as set forth in

Sherbert v. Verner, 374 U.S. 398 (1963) and Wisconsin v.

Yoder, 406 U.S. 205 (1972) and to guarantee its application

in all cases where free exercise of religion is substantially

burdened; and

(2) to provide a claim or defense to persons whose religious

exercise is substantially burdened by government.

42 USC SEC. 3. FREE EXERCISE OF RELIGIONPROTECTED.

2000bb-l

(a) IN GENERAL.—Government shall not substantially burden

a person’s exercise of religion even if the burden results from

a rule of general applicability, except as provided in subsection

(b).

(b) EXCEPTION.—Government may substantially burden a person’s

exercise of religion only if it demonstrates that application

of the burden to the person—

Pg. 3

PUBLIC LAW 103-141—NOV. 16, 1993 107 STAT. 1489

(1) is in furtherance of a compelling governmental interest;

and

(2) is the least restrictive means of furthering that compelling

governmental interest.

(c) JUDICIAL RELIEF.—A person whose religious exercise has

been burdened in violation of this section may assert that violation

as a claim or defense in a judicial proceeding and obtain appropriate

relief against a government. Standing to assert a claim or defense

under this section shall be governed by the general rules of standing

under article III of the Constitution.

SEC. 4. ATTORNEYSFEES.

(a) JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS.—Section 722 of the Revised Statutes

(42 U.S.C. 1988) is amended by inserting "the Religious Freedom

Restoration Act of 1993," before "or title VI of the Civil Rights

Act of 1964".

(b) ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEEDINGS.—Section 504(b)(1)(C) of title

5, United States Code, is amended—

(1) by striking "and" at the end of clause (ii);

(2) by striking the semicolon at the end of clause (iii)

and inserting ", and"; and

(3) by inserting "(iv) the Religious Freedom Restoration

Act of 1993;" after clause (iii).

SEC. 5. DEFINITIONS. 42 USC

As used in this Act— 2000bb-2.

(1) the term "government" includes a branch, department,

agency, instrumentality, and official (or other person acting

under color of law) of the United States, a State, or a subdivision

of a State;

(2) the term "State" includes the District of Columbia,

the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and each territory and

possession of the United States;

(3) the term "demonstrates" means meets the burdens of

going forward with the evidence and of persuasion; and

(4) the term "exercise of religion means the exercise of

religion under the First Amendment to the Constitution.

SEC. 6. APPLICABILITY. 42 USC

2000bb-3. (a) IN GENERAL.—This Act applies to all Federal and State

law, and the implementation of that law, whether statutory or

otherwise, and whether adopted before or after the enactment of

this Act.

(b) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Federal statutory law adopted

after the date of the enactment of this Act is subject to this Act

unless such law explicitly excludes such application by reference

to this Act.

(c) RELIGIOUS BELIEF UNAFFECTED.—Nothing in this Act shall

be construed to authorize any government to burden any religious

belief.

SEC. 7. ESTABLISHMENTCLAUSE UNAFFECTED. 42USC

Nothing in this Act shall be construed to affect, interpret, 2000bb-4.

or in any way address that portion of the First Amendment prohibiting

laws respecting the establishment of religion (referred to in

this section as the "Establishment Clause"). Granting government

funding, benefits, or exemptions, to the extent permissible under

the Establishment Clause, shall not constitute a violation of this

Pg. 4

107 STAT. 1490 PUBLIC LAW 103-141—NOV. 16, 1993

Act. As used in this section, the term "granting", used with respect

to government funding, benefits, or exemptions, does not include

the denial of government funding, benefits, or exemptions.

Approved November 16, 1993.

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—H.R. 1308 (S. 578):

HOUSE REPORTS: No. 103-88 (Comm. on the Judiciary).

SENATE REPORTS: No. 103-111 accompanying S. 578 (Comm. on the Judiciary).

CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 139 (1993):

May 11, considered and passed House.

Oct. 26, 27, S. 578 considered in Senate; H.R. 1308, amended, passed in lieu.

Nov. 3, House concurred in Senate amendment.

WEEKLY COMPILATION OF PRESIDENTIAL DOCUMENTS, Vol. 29 (1993):

Nov. 16, Presidential remarks.

21 states have a version of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act enacted by their legislature:

Alabama (state constitution amendment)

Arizona

Arkansas

Connecticut

Florida

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Mississippi

Missouri

New Mexico

Oklahoma

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Carolina

Tennessee

Texas

Virginia

States with RFRA-like provisions – provided by state court decisions—rather than via legislation:

Alaska

Hawaii

Ohio

Maine

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

Montana

North Carolina

Washington

Wisconsin

 

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

This blog will not be for the faint of heart or the easily offended. It will not be in any way politically correct. It will make every effort to share the truth in love, [Ephesians 4:11-16], to a decaying and dying society and church. I share what I share not to hurt, harm, or offend any person[s] or group; I do it because Christ’s Standard and Truth is not being represented by enough of His Followers and I do it out of love. I love enough to tell His Truth.

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

11And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

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Grief – Suffering All Will Endure – Pt. 8 Stages of Grief / Stage 8

In Advice, Agape Love, Anger, Anxiety, Bible, Biblical Principles, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian, Christian Living, Christianity, Depression, Devotional, Encouragement, Exhortation, God, God's Voice, Godliness, Godly Counsel, Grief, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Loss, Love, Prayer, Prophet, Prophetess, Spiritual Fruit, Suffering, Truth, Uncategorized on March 26, 2015 at 5:33 pm

There comes a point within the grief process where the individual who is grieving finds themselves resisting returning to their normal routine, activates, and responsibilities. This resistance might be only slight or it might be significant but the general unwillingness to get on with life typically manifest.

This resistance might manifest as an unwillingness to get dressed, clean the house, run needed errands, attend social events, church, clubs, or exercise. If the resistance manifest in an enormous way a person might refuse to go back to work. All such actions of resistance can have negative consequences, which will only add to the emotional burden of the grieving person.

This unwillingness or hesitancy in returning to normal activities is really about fear, the fear of returning to living. This fear can be driven by concern over how people will respond to the grieving person. The grieving person will fear rejection should they have a desire to talk about their loss. There is also fear associated with encountering something that reminds the griever of the person, persons, relationship, or opportunity they have lost. Additionally, grievers have fear that people have forgotten what they are going through, since other people appear to be returning to their normal routines.

During this stage, it is my personal hope that people have taken the preventive measure mentioned in an earlier part of this series, trying to continue in a normal routine as much as is possible. It is much easier to continue with life than it is to return to life. Once a person’s sits down in their grief or pain for too long it becomes quite difficult to get up once again.

Nevertheless, a person must at some point return to life and business as usual, for life must go on. As Christian friends and family of the grieving person we must, in love, exhort and encourage the grieving individual to return to their normal activities. We must help them face their new reality. Attempting to shelter a person from their new reality and from returning to a normal routine will only hurt them long-term. If we truly love them then we will help them get up and go on with life.

Part of that agape love we need to show them might involve not doing for them, instead of doing for them. By discontinuing taking care of their personal needs, such as house cleaning, shopping, yard maintenance, and cooking we put the responsibility back on them and thus they are forced to get on with life. It is not insensitive to do this, it is necessary for the overall wellbeing of the individual who is grieving. Real love makes some tough choices sometimes.

In the next part of this series, part nine, we will take a break from the stages of grief to address the earlier mentioned verses in the Book of Job, gleaning their insights on the issue of grief, before we begin to cover the last two stages of grief, the healing stages.

 

 

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

This blog will not be for the faint of heart or the easily offended. It will not be in any way politically correct. It will make every effort to share the truth in love, [Ephesians 4:11-16], to a decaying and dying society and church. I share what I share not to hurt, harm, or offend any person[s] or group; I do it because Christ’s Standard and Truth is not being represented by enough of His Followers and I do it out of love. I love enough to tell His Truth.

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

11And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

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Grief – Suffering All Will Endure – Pt.7 Stages of Grief / Stage 6 and 7

In Advice, Agape Love, Anger, Anxiety, Bible, Biblical Principles, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian, Christian Living, Christianity, Depression, Devotional, Encouragement, Exhortation, God, God's Voice, Godliness, Godly Counsel, Grief, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Loss, Love, Prayer, Prophet, Prophetess, Rhema Words, Suffering, Truth, Uncategorized on March 20, 2015 at 1:52 pm

The next two stages of grief are often inverted as far as when they might manifest in someone life. The two stages feed off one another and are somewhat interdependent in order to survive and thrive. However, being interdependent means that once one is effectively dealt with the other will most likely die. These two stages are guilt and hostility or anger coupled with resentment.

At this point, the grieving person begins to feel guilt relating to the loss they have suffered. They might focus on their own past wrong actions relating to the loss, their mistreatment of the person they have lost, or their neglect in the situations where they have suffered a loss. It is quite common to spend a period of time only focused on the negative or less desirable aspects of the relationship[s] at the center of the loss, the wrongs done to one another, and the ugly things that were said.

In so doing, the griever might exaggerate wrongs that took place or even imagine wrongs that did not take place. Either way to some degree, the wrongs the griever struggles with are real to them and must be dealt with. The Scripture tells us, to ‘confess our sins one to another and to pray for one another, so our healing can come.’ That is exactly what the griever should do. They should find someone to talk with and unburden the real feelings of guilt they are carrying, thus putting the feelings into perspective so they can move on.

James 5:16 (KJV-AV)

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Most importantly, one must go to Christ Jesus and seek forgiveness for the wrongs they have done to the person they have lost. If the person has died who was wronged, then the griever cannot go to them for forgiveness. In still other cases, it might not be possible to reach out to the person involved in one’s loss therefore finding forgiveness without direct interaction with the wounded party is necessary. The griever must seek forgiveness from God, forgive himself or herself, and often they also have got to be willing to forgive the person they have lost for the wrongs done to them as well. Forgiveness is a major part of any form of healing.

In dealing with this process for some people the hostility, anger, and/or resentment begins to emerge. Then for other people the hostility, anger, and/or resentment is covering up or acts as an introduction to the guilt they are feeling. Whether the hostility, anger, and/or resentment precedes or follows the guilt, it must be effectively brought under control and then ultimately eliminated.

This hostility and resentment can be directed toward the person who has been lost, the people involved such as spiritual leaders, medical personnel, caregivers, family, perpetrators, or God. Here the griever is wrestling with “the cause” or “who caused” their loss. The griever might vacillate between searching for someone to blame and their own guilty feelings over having not done more. Again, the idea that they or anyone else could have done any more to prevent the loss may not be realistic but feelings during grief are not based on what is realistic. Questions emerge such as, “Why didn’t he or she fight harder to survive?” “Why didn’t the staff do more to save my loved one?” “Why didn’t my spiritual leader’s prayers work?” What is more, the biggest question of them all, “Why did God let this happen?”

Feelings of anger toward God are difficult for Christians to acknowledge and deal with. However, God is well aware of their inner feelings and talking them over with another godly mature Christian can be very helpful to the grieving person.

Hostility during grief is part of the healing process but it is not something that should be ignored or encouraged, it should instead be dealt with as quickly as possible. Anger has a tendency to grow when left unchecked and it can grieve The Spirit in a Christian if they do not lay it aside.

Ephesians 4:31 (NKJV)

Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.

In the next part of this series, part eight, we will examine stage eight of grief.

 

 

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

This blog will not be for the faint of heart or the easily offended. It will not be in any way politically correct. It will make every effort to share the truth in love, [Ephesians 4:11-16], to a decaying and dying society and church. I share what I share not to hurt, harm, or offend any person[s] or group; I do it because Christ’s Standard and Truth is not being represented by enough of His Followers and I do it out of love. I love enough to tell His Truth.

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

11And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

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Grief – Suffering All Will Endure – Pt. 6 Stages of Grief / Stage 5

In Advice, Agape Love, Anxiety, Bible, Biblical Principles, Chrisitan Lifestyle, Christian, Christian Living, Christianity, Depression, Encouragement, Exhortation, God, God's Voice, Godliness, Godly Counsel, Grief, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Loss, Love, Persecution, Prophecy, Prophet, Prophetess, Suffering, Truth on March 12, 2015 at 12:51 pm

In stage five of grief people find themselves in an emotional mix of fear, panic, and anxiety.

The grief can be so overwhelming for some people in certain situations that they become convinced something is wrong with them; they begin to fear that they are gravely damaged in some way in their minds. This leads the person to begin to panic and they find themselves either thinking about only what they believe is happening to them, going insane, or they can only think about their grief and loss continually. Both of these endless pathways of thought are extremely unhealthy for the grieving person.

People react to panic in different ways. Those ways can make them either grab for their neighbors hand for love and support or it can cause them to raise their hand against their neighbor in frustration and anger. The Bible talks about the panic in “The day of the Lord.” The Scripture even says that panic is from the Lord.

Zechariah 14:13 (NKJV)

It shall come to pass in that day

That a great panic from the LORD will be among them.

Everyone will seize the hand of his neighbor,

And raise his hand against his neighbor’s hand;

Why would panic come from the Lord? Perhaps, when we panic we are humbled to a place of understanding that ultimately, there is only One person who can help us completely and totally and that One person is Jesus, the Christ, and I pray your Saviour, as He is mine. Jesus can restore the panicked mind to wholeness, soundness, and sanity.

There is also anxiety during this stage of the grieving process. This anxiety can manifest in dreams about the person they lost to death or the relationship they have lost or the opportunity they have lost. These dreams are very real to the individual and can seem very lifelike to the person. They may believe that their lost loved one has been in their presence or has spoken to them.

During the anxiety process of grief, depending on the intensity of the grief, the griever may believe they see the person they have lost when they are out in public. They might believe this to such a degree that they approach the individual, only to realize it is not the person they thought it was after all.

Spiritual anxiety will manifest in the form of seemly endless questions and focus on the “why” of the matter. Why did the person die? Why did this happen? Why did she or he leave me? Why did I lose my job, I was a good worker? Where is he or she at now? Did they go to heaven? Did they go to hell? Why did God let this happen? Why did God make this happen? Why didn’t God stop this from happening? Why? Why? Why?

During this time of anxiety, the griever must place their trust in their God. They must relent to the truth that God is the Giver of Life and a person’s life does not end one moment before God ordained it to end. The Scripture warn us that feeding anxiety, which we do when we do not trust God and we continually struggle with questions we cannot answer, will only lead to something far worse – depression.

Proverbs 12:25 (NKJV)

Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression,

But a good word makes it glad.

Instead, reach out to the Lord with all your anxieties and questions and trust that He will bring you comfort, peace, and strength. In so doing, it has been my personal experience and I have observed it in other people for many years, if we do not find comfort, peace, and strength it is all too often because we refuse to accept God’s Will and God’s Way of doing things. If we do not like how He leads us, how He tells us to deal with the anxieties, worries, and concerns of our lives, then we might not respond to what He prompts us to do, thus we find no comfort, peace, or strength in life – no victory.

Psalm 94:19 (NKJV)

In the multitude of my anxieties within me,

Your comforts delight my soul.

All of this panic and anxiety produces fear and lots of it in many different forms. Fear of going crazy. Fear of losing one’s faith. Fear of being alone. Fear of other people’s questions. Fear of forgetting the loved one who has died. Fear of being unloved or unlovable due to rejection in a relationship. Fear of how to conduct life now, without the one you have loved so dearly. Fear of having to interact with others without that special person. With proper responses to God’s guidance and direction, all fears can be overcome.

In the next part of this series, part seven, we will examine stage six of grief.

 

 

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

This blog will not be for the faint of heart or the easily offended. It will not be in any way politically correct. It will make every effort to share the truth in love, [Ephesians 4:11-16], to a decaying and dying society and church. I share what I share not to hurt, harm, or offend any person[s] or group; I do it because Christ’s Standard and Truth is not being represented by enough of His Followers and I do it out of love. I love enough to tell His Truth.

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

11And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.