Good Day Dear Saints
I don't know about you, but I sense that this coming year is going to be a year that is critical. I have known too many Christians that say they are one, but live as though it is really questionable. I believe it is a time when we say who we are, we need to live it out, whether we feel like it or not. To truly follow the Lord is to follow His loving ways by loving one another without making any conditions. Especially, to first and foremost love the Lord with all our heart, mind, body, soul and spirit. How many times do we become bitter and not realize we may have been bitter towards the Lord Himself? Before Christ was committed to His ministry, He was prayed up in advance. If He needed to be prayed up, how much more do we need this? We need to be prayed up in advance and make up our minds to love the Lord and trust Him no matter what, before events come that we find ourselves going through that would otherwise cause us to fail to love Him or love others. I believe this is the time many of us have to decide to follow Him regardless or not. Too many Christians say one thing who they believe they are, but live entirely another way. Our greatest witness is not what we say, but how we live out what we say. When many pray the Lords prayer, they pray for God to forgive them as they have forgiven those who have trespassed against them, yet they continue to treat others with contempt, which is nothing but hypocrisy. That to me does not identify those who are true followers of Christ. The measure we love the least amongst our Brethren is the measure we love the Lord. To sing to the Lord with open arms while at the same time, we harbour contempt or bitterness towards others in our hearts is dispicable. I would hate to see one day that the Lord would ever question any of us "Why did you show contempt towards Me?" all because we showed contempt towards others (Matt 25:40,45). When we lack love towards our Brothers or Sisters in the Lord, we lack that same measure of love towards Christ. When we speak evil or slander one another, we do it as unto the Lord. When we speak well of others, visit the sick, clothe the naked, meet the needs of others and are mindful and respectful to others, we are showing the same respect to our Lord. Just imagine how irritating it must be to the Lord, when we play "Church" and put on our "church face", sing in the choir and are active in many ways, but we fail to do what is most critical... and that is to show true genuine Godly love. To God, He says that is like a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal (1 Cor 13:1), which to me, would be most irritating. Christ mentions to His Disciples that it is better to have a plate of herbs and peace than to have a fattened calf and strife in the house (Prov 15:17). When that is the case, we have failed to deal with a critical matter at hand that matters the most. It's also like swallowing a camel and yet straining a gnat (Matt 23:24) by making a big issue over petty agendas and making light from promoting peace and unity. I believe as we enter in to 2012, this is going to be a time where we need to make a decision in advance and purpose in our hearts to fulfill the law and the Prophets (Matt 22:36-40) and live by the rule of love in every detail as found in 1 Cor 13:4-8.
Too many people are sitting idly on the fencepost who need to make a decision to either follow the Lord regardless, or allow ourselves to decide to follow our own fickle feelings that often opposes following the Laws of love which is following the Lord. In other words, when He tells us to forgive, we cannot be making excuses. We need to purpose in our hearts to divorce ourselves from all gossip, slander, all ungodly behaviour, that is unbecoming and anything that would promote strife, factions, divisions or that fails to promote love, peace and unity. That with His help, Gods Spirit will arise within us when we understand that His Love, His Power and Wisdom far exceeds our own and we gladly yield ourselves to His loving ways. I declared that 2011 was a year of restitution and bring unity in to the body. I now believe if those who refuse to allow love and unity to rule their spirit, they need to make a decision that we are going to follow the Lord or not. Follow in His loving ways to love others, or we are not and stop making excuses. We are going to promote peace and harmony, or we are not. I believe it is time to make this coming year, to make a critical decision to follow the Lord and allow the fruit of the Spirit to be evident, or we are not.
My prayer is that all will be most blessed to Choose His loving ways in all His ways and make 2012 the most blessed year for you and see the increase of Christ within, His love and His power be exalted in each of our lives and be part of a wonderful revival in our midst.
Be blessed to browse my updated blog and both websites. God bless.
In the Matchless Name of Jesus
Richard
Associate Director
Answers2Prayer
http://sites.google.com/site/greatestbuilderforourlife
http://www.answers2prayer.org/
www.helpingcopewithhope.blogspot.com
Now thanks be unto God, who always causeth us to triumph in Christ and who maketh manifest through us the savor of His knowledge in every place.
(2 Cor 2:14) NKJV
Friday, 23 December 2011
Friday, 2 December 2011
Priceless Gift of Understanding - Part 2
Dearest Saints,
When God offers us gifts, like wisdom and understanding, I often have to admit from my past that I don't appreciate the wonderful value of this and possibly many other of His Gifts including the gifts of the Spirit. I believe many of the Churches are not as strong in the Lord as they should be. And one of these attributes missing is the Church members lacking in understanding. What I believe gaining this valuable gift will allow us to remain strong in the Lord when circumstances around us would cause us to get upset, moody or even depressed. When I have either travelled much in poorer nations or gone through trauma, I am able to share the pain of others because I have learned through experience to understand what is truly important in life and what is needed. When I stopped coveting material things, it was after I had understood the pain that others lack the basic necessities in life to be able to live in a healthy environment. Another strength in gaining understanding is the result of keeping focused on always promoting unconditional love for one another, maintaining peace and unity with one another, just as God wills for us to develop and maintain. Gaining understanding would also allow us to refuse being lead of the evil one who is out to bring division between Brothers and Sisters, we would cease to allow any gossip or strife to have any place within our church when we desire and delight to gain understanding from His Throne on High. When we gain understanding, Gods power moves wonderfully through His Children because this is a gift which allows us to be able to be set free from ever remaining in bondage by harbouring any unforgiveness, bitterness, envy or resentment which is a trap of the enemy and allows him to be effective in our lives. We will have the wisdom and insight to ever refrain from slandering one another that causes chaos which is the result of the enemy who is often able to work through the children of God more times than we care to admit, which is most unfortunate.
Gaining understanding more and more is seeing with our spiritual eyes and heart the wonderful qualities of God and His character increasing in us ever so much. John says in John 3:30, that He must increase and I must decrease. It is like seeing Him and His Word in a whole new dimension that should cause us to love deeply. I also sense that when we desire, ask and receive understanding, we will know the importance to a life of prayer, being able to gain discernment to be able to give Godly counsel and being able to minister as we are called to do. The Church will always be seeking to increase in love, peace and unity within the body when we delight to gain this priceless gift of wisdom and understanding. I believe we will also hate anything that does not promote these attributes and we would hate to ever cease bearing fruit. Therefore, it is not just a matter of refraining from doing evil and hating evil, but equally hating not to grow more in the Lord. I believe gaining understanding will cause us to have integrity to do what is right, even when we may be mocked or receive adversity from others or fail to receive any praise from others including Church members. I believe when we see this wonderful gift of understanding to receive from the Lord, we will be able to defend ourselves and others by being fitted with the armour of God so we can stand against the wiles of the enemy (Eph 6:10-18). Receiving His Understanding will not allow ourselves to be vulnerable to the enemy and will allow His Spirit to grow within us more and more. It will allow us to live by the wisdom of His Word and His instructions, that helps us from getting sidetracked by the deceptive ways of our real enemy. No wonder this gift is worth so much more than all the gold, silver and precious jewels this world could ever offer. When we receive His Grace, it is because we humbly approach His Throne of Grace with confidence in Him (Heb 4:16) and by His Grace, we can stop allowing ourselves to be used of the devil and be used mightily by Him.
I would love to see how powerful the Churches can be if we would only desire by asking to receive His wisdom, knowledge and understanding that will allow His Spirit to move mightily within each of us and within the Churches so that we can be more effective and have more positive influence to reach out within our community and beyond the borders of our nation.
Be blessed to browse my updated blog and both websites. God bless.
In the Matchless Name of Jesus
Richard
Associate Director
Answers2Prayer
http://sites.google.com/site/greatestbuilderforourlife
http://www.answers2prayer.org/
When God offers us gifts, like wisdom and understanding, I often have to admit from my past that I don't appreciate the wonderful value of this and possibly many other of His Gifts including the gifts of the Spirit. I believe many of the Churches are not as strong in the Lord as they should be. And one of these attributes missing is the Church members lacking in understanding. What I believe gaining this valuable gift will allow us to remain strong in the Lord when circumstances around us would cause us to get upset, moody or even depressed. When I have either travelled much in poorer nations or gone through trauma, I am able to share the pain of others because I have learned through experience to understand what is truly important in life and what is needed. When I stopped coveting material things, it was after I had understood the pain that others lack the basic necessities in life to be able to live in a healthy environment. Another strength in gaining understanding is the result of keeping focused on always promoting unconditional love for one another, maintaining peace and unity with one another, just as God wills for us to develop and maintain. Gaining understanding would also allow us to refuse being lead of the evil one who is out to bring division between Brothers and Sisters, we would cease to allow any gossip or strife to have any place within our church when we desire and delight to gain understanding from His Throne on High. When we gain understanding, Gods power moves wonderfully through His Children because this is a gift which allows us to be able to be set free from ever remaining in bondage by harbouring any unforgiveness, bitterness, envy or resentment which is a trap of the enemy and allows him to be effective in our lives. We will have the wisdom and insight to ever refrain from slandering one another that causes chaos which is the result of the enemy who is often able to work through the children of God more times than we care to admit, which is most unfortunate.
Gaining understanding more and more is seeing with our spiritual eyes and heart the wonderful qualities of God and His character increasing in us ever so much. John says in John 3:30, that He must increase and I must decrease. It is like seeing Him and His Word in a whole new dimension that should cause us to love deeply. I also sense that when we desire, ask and receive understanding, we will know the importance to a life of prayer, being able to gain discernment to be able to give Godly counsel and being able to minister as we are called to do. The Church will always be seeking to increase in love, peace and unity within the body when we delight to gain this priceless gift of wisdom and understanding. I believe we will also hate anything that does not promote these attributes and we would hate to ever cease bearing fruit. Therefore, it is not just a matter of refraining from doing evil and hating evil, but equally hating not to grow more in the Lord. I believe gaining understanding will cause us to have integrity to do what is right, even when we may be mocked or receive adversity from others or fail to receive any praise from others including Church members. I believe when we see this wonderful gift of understanding to receive from the Lord, we will be able to defend ourselves and others by being fitted with the armour of God so we can stand against the wiles of the enemy (Eph 6:10-18). Receiving His Understanding will not allow ourselves to be vulnerable to the enemy and will allow His Spirit to grow within us more and more. It will allow us to live by the wisdom of His Word and His instructions, that helps us from getting sidetracked by the deceptive ways of our real enemy. No wonder this gift is worth so much more than all the gold, silver and precious jewels this world could ever offer. When we receive His Grace, it is because we humbly approach His Throne of Grace with confidence in Him (Heb 4:16) and by His Grace, we can stop allowing ourselves to be used of the devil and be used mightily by Him.
I would love to see how powerful the Churches can be if we would only desire by asking to receive His wisdom, knowledge and understanding that will allow His Spirit to move mightily within each of us and within the Churches so that we can be more effective and have more positive influence to reach out within our community and beyond the borders of our nation.
Be blessed to browse my updated blog and both websites. God bless.
In the Matchless Name of Jesus
Richard
Associate Director
Answers2Prayer
http://sites.google.com/site/greatestbuilderforourlife
http://www.answers2prayer.org/
Friday, 25 November 2011
Priceless Gift of Understanding
Dearest Saints.
Earlier this month, we celebrated by taking time to remember those who fought against enemy forces alongside with our allies so that we may enjoy the democratic freedom we are so blessed with, known as either Remembrance Day as we celebrate each year in Canada and other nations know as Veterans Day. As I continue to serve in the Naval Reserve and served in the Regular force, I have often been away working from home of great distances and in very remote regions, like in the middle of the ocean for weeks or in the high arctic as a couple of examples. When I give time to think of my experience in this, it gives me much greater appreciation to those who were gone much greater period of time than I ever had and to experience a much greater volatile situation, like those who fought in the past world wars. When I take time to think of my experience, I understand the sacrifices much more than others who never experience being away on duty in an operational environment. I sense a greater appreciation to others when we understand others by what we experience. When God tells us to get understanding, I realize that when we do desire understanding, we come to a point where we are able to appreciate others in a much greater way who may not be similar in our own character and our own way of thinking. By understanding more to those who fought for our freedom and are often away fighting terrorism and attempting to rebuild nations far away from home, we have a greater appreciation when we truly understand others when we take the time to reflect and contemplate situations when others may have endured hardships. I find we fail to appreciate when we don't take the time to stop and think of what others may have had to endure and the consequences of being away from the comforts of home and family. When we fail to understand, we don't end up appreciating others for what they have had to endure and sacrifice, even when it is to our own benefit and comfort.
I find the same thing in our own churches. When we fail to understand and desire true knowledge, wisdom and understanding that comes from God, we often see the results of making harsh and rash judgments about others in our own circles and often base our critical views of the actions of other people rather than the intentions of the heart of people. By this, we fall in to the hands of the enemy by doing his destructive will. Sure, people may have made dumb mistakes, but have we not all made some dumb mistakes ourselves? People in our Churches who lack understanding often find fault of others and often fail to see their own faults. When I stop and think, God has been impressing upon me to reflect to understand others in a way that will allow me to cease being rash and becoming critically judgmental and rather, to pray for the individual. When I think of how people have misunderstood me and have failed to forgive me, it is often the case that they have misunderstood my intentions which is the result of lacking understanding. Therefore, I am continuing to learn from my experience of this, that maybe I have misunderstood others and should be mindful to quickly forgive. I believe when we truly desire to gain understanding, we will be able to forgive others rather than being lead to not forgive by the actions of others and not knowing their intentions. We will also desire unity more and be in the will of God by praying more for others when we choose to get understanding. When we gain understanding, we see the big picture because it is only natural that man judges by appearances because the natural man has no understanding when it comes to the things of the Spirit (1 Cor 2:24). Just as David says in Psalm 73:12-19, that when he understood the end of the wicked, he felt sorry for them rather than harboring bitterness towards them. David was envious towards the wicked when he felt they were always prospering until it was when he finally understood by going to God and saw the big picture rather than focusing on the present activity of injustice. I believe besides Jesus, Stephen was a man of understanding, because he was able to feel sorry for those who were stoning him to death because he saw the big picture of the consequences of their ways and how his oppressors were blind to their wicked ways. No wonder God emphasizes for us to gain understanding, because it is a priceless gift to receive in order to truly develop a wonderful character of Christ. Refusing to seek and receive understanding is like letting down our shield when our enemy attacks.
When we learn to get understanding from the One who is able to give to those who hunger and ask, getting this is truly better than all the gold, silver and precious jewels one could ever attain, because this is a real need to develop that wonderful strength and character of Christ. Therefore, let us ask for understanding and believe He gives liberally to those who ask (James 1:5) because of His wonderful ability to work in a heart that is hungry. I believe Churches today would be much better off if we would all choose to get understanding. Good scriptures of this is found in Psalm 119:104; Proverbs 3:13; 4:5; 16:6 and 23:23.
Happy (blessed, fortunate, enviable) is the man who finds skillful and godly Wisdom, and the man who gets understanding [drawing it forth from God's Word and life's experiences], (Prov 3:13) Amplified Version
Be blessed to browse my updated blog and both websites. God bless.
In the Matchless Name of Jesus
Richard
Associate Director
Answers2Prayer
http://sites.google.com/site/greatestbuilderforourlife
http://www.answers2prayer.org/
Earlier this month, we celebrated by taking time to remember those who fought against enemy forces alongside with our allies so that we may enjoy the democratic freedom we are so blessed with, known as either Remembrance Day as we celebrate each year in Canada and other nations know as Veterans Day. As I continue to serve in the Naval Reserve and served in the Regular force, I have often been away working from home of great distances and in very remote regions, like in the middle of the ocean for weeks or in the high arctic as a couple of examples. When I give time to think of my experience in this, it gives me much greater appreciation to those who were gone much greater period of time than I ever had and to experience a much greater volatile situation, like those who fought in the past world wars. When I take time to think of my experience, I understand the sacrifices much more than others who never experience being away on duty in an operational environment. I sense a greater appreciation to others when we understand others by what we experience. When God tells us to get understanding, I realize that when we do desire understanding, we come to a point where we are able to appreciate others in a much greater way who may not be similar in our own character and our own way of thinking. By understanding more to those who fought for our freedom and are often away fighting terrorism and attempting to rebuild nations far away from home, we have a greater appreciation when we truly understand others when we take the time to reflect and contemplate situations when others may have endured hardships. I find we fail to appreciate when we don't take the time to stop and think of what others may have had to endure and the consequences of being away from the comforts of home and family. When we fail to understand, we don't end up appreciating others for what they have had to endure and sacrifice, even when it is to our own benefit and comfort.
I find the same thing in our own churches. When we fail to understand and desire true knowledge, wisdom and understanding that comes from God, we often see the results of making harsh and rash judgments about others in our own circles and often base our critical views of the actions of other people rather than the intentions of the heart of people. By this, we fall in to the hands of the enemy by doing his destructive will. Sure, people may have made dumb mistakes, but have we not all made some dumb mistakes ourselves? People in our Churches who lack understanding often find fault of others and often fail to see their own faults. When I stop and think, God has been impressing upon me to reflect to understand others in a way that will allow me to cease being rash and becoming critically judgmental and rather, to pray for the individual. When I think of how people have misunderstood me and have failed to forgive me, it is often the case that they have misunderstood my intentions which is the result of lacking understanding. Therefore, I am continuing to learn from my experience of this, that maybe I have misunderstood others and should be mindful to quickly forgive. I believe when we truly desire to gain understanding, we will be able to forgive others rather than being lead to not forgive by the actions of others and not knowing their intentions. We will also desire unity more and be in the will of God by praying more for others when we choose to get understanding. When we gain understanding, we see the big picture because it is only natural that man judges by appearances because the natural man has no understanding when it comes to the things of the Spirit (1 Cor 2:24). Just as David says in Psalm 73:12-19, that when he understood the end of the wicked, he felt sorry for them rather than harboring bitterness towards them. David was envious towards the wicked when he felt they were always prospering until it was when he finally understood by going to God and saw the big picture rather than focusing on the present activity of injustice. I believe besides Jesus, Stephen was a man of understanding, because he was able to feel sorry for those who were stoning him to death because he saw the big picture of the consequences of their ways and how his oppressors were blind to their wicked ways. No wonder God emphasizes for us to gain understanding, because it is a priceless gift to receive in order to truly develop a wonderful character of Christ. Refusing to seek and receive understanding is like letting down our shield when our enemy attacks.
When we learn to get understanding from the One who is able to give to those who hunger and ask, getting this is truly better than all the gold, silver and precious jewels one could ever attain, because this is a real need to develop that wonderful strength and character of Christ. Therefore, let us ask for understanding and believe He gives liberally to those who ask (James 1:5) because of His wonderful ability to work in a heart that is hungry. I believe Churches today would be much better off if we would all choose to get understanding. Good scriptures of this is found in Psalm 119:104; Proverbs 3:13; 4:5; 16:6 and 23:23.
Happy (blessed, fortunate, enviable) is the man who finds skillful and godly Wisdom, and the man who gets understanding [drawing it forth from God's Word and life's experiences], (Prov 3:13) Amplified Version
Be blessed to browse my updated blog and both websites. God bless.
In the Matchless Name of Jesus
Richard
Associate Director
Answers2Prayer
http://sites.google.com/site/greatestbuilderforourlife
http://www.answers2prayer.org/
Sunday, 6 November 2011
Remembering His Goodness
Dearest Saints,
We are coming to one of my favorite times of the year, when we are to take time to remember the sacrifice of those who gave their lives for us to enjoy our freedom. I am glad that as we reflect to remember, we remember the One who gave the greatest sacrifice by what Jesus paid so we can be offered eternal life. It is these times that when we are truly grateful to those whom we should honor, this happens when we choose to remember. When we take communion, Jesus tells us to do this often in remembrance of Him. In other words, we need to be mindful to purposefully remember why we celebrate when otherwise it would become nothing more than a ritual and would lose its deep meaning. However, sometimes when we remember the wrong events in our lives, we can become bitter from the negative actions of others that had its negative effect on us. For myself, I can remember working for a retail outlet (after I have retired from the Regular Forces) and worked hard to do my best. However, I wanted to honor the Lord, so when I had no choice but to go to work 4:00 in the morning on Sunday, I would stop working by 10:00. I was asked to see if I would stay back to work more, and I said I would like to go and attend church service. Nevertheless, several months later, the employers decided to hand out some pink slips to their employees and lay them off for no apparent reason. Of course, I was one of them and others who chose to stay working rather than having to do anything with Church, were granted to remain being employed. So, knowing my flesh, I would be upset and envious and question God "Why this injustice?" This happened about 10 years ago. If I continue by choosing to dwell on this particular scenario about this injustice, I would continue to remain in bondage by harbouring bitterness, which we know would only do us more harm in every way. This is where that "self pity" becomes destructive. As I reflect from this on the other side of the coin, I could have been like the others and chose to not go to the service just to save my job. However, what man had closed the doors on me, the Lord opened wide the doors of much better opportunity because we delight to do His will. I have had the privilege of being employed full time in the Naval Reserve with much better pay, much better working conditions and much better working hours, where I don't have to get up at 3:00am and work different shifts. I have been privileged to travel with my work and be invited to many different units to help them out in their finance section and help train junior members and teach classroom, which I love to do immensely. Had I chosen to do otherwise, I would have missed out so much on the rich blessings by following His ways. So, when I could have remained in bondage to what I had believed to be a great injustice, I choose now to reflect and remember the blessed outcome of my decision because of what the Lord has graciously done for me. In many other instances, I could also dwell on the negative circumstances that occurred in my life from some of the past events that took place. Again, what helps me is when I stop dwelling on the injustice, but how the Lord has opened wide His arms when I reached up to Him. Those who have offended are the ones who still are wandering in spiritual darkness and perhaps I would never have reached out to the Lord in my time of need had I not gone through some of the valleys of life. Perhaps, I would remain like them by trying to be like one of them and remain to this day in spiritual darkness. It reminds me of a scripture that for every trouble, we will receive a double blessing (Isa 61:7) For your shame ye shall have double, and for confusion they shall rejoice in their portion. Therefore in their land they shall possess the double; everlasting joy shall be unto them.
Therefore, I realize what I need to do is to choose not to dwell on the negative circumstances, but the rejoice in the blessings of the outcome that the Lord has opened up to us. Just to know we are His, is a rich blessing beyond any amount of money anyone on this earth could ever attain. Who knows, maybe we would not have reached out to the Lord if it weren't for our enemies?? When we see Jesus as our common denominator, we can believe that whatever man or the powers of darkness has ever done against us, God is able to do exceedingly if we will simply believe. I can truly testify that when trouble came against me in the past, God made a better way for me. I can now claim the power of the promises of His Word and know that when God is for us, who can stand against Us? (Rom 8:31); and read Deut 20:4.
I encourage you that when you are tempted to dwell on the negative actions that others may have done to you because God is able to do exceedingly for us. We can have victory as we dwell on how good He is to us and the promises we can live according to His Word if we will choose to keep our mind steadfast upon the Lord and His goodness and He promises that we will have perfect peace (Isa 26:3). It is easier for us to remain thankful to Him who is worthy when we remember His goodness to us, because His faithful promises are reserved for those of us who love the Lord.
Be blessed to browse my updated blog and both websites. God bless.
In the Matchless Name of Jesus
Richard
Associate Director
Answers2Prayer
http://sites.google.com/site/greatestbuilderforourlife
http://www.answers2prayer.org/
We are coming to one of my favorite times of the year, when we are to take time to remember the sacrifice of those who gave their lives for us to enjoy our freedom. I am glad that as we reflect to remember, we remember the One who gave the greatest sacrifice by what Jesus paid so we can be offered eternal life. It is these times that when we are truly grateful to those whom we should honor, this happens when we choose to remember. When we take communion, Jesus tells us to do this often in remembrance of Him. In other words, we need to be mindful to purposefully remember why we celebrate when otherwise it would become nothing more than a ritual and would lose its deep meaning. However, sometimes when we remember the wrong events in our lives, we can become bitter from the negative actions of others that had its negative effect on us. For myself, I can remember working for a retail outlet (after I have retired from the Regular Forces) and worked hard to do my best. However, I wanted to honor the Lord, so when I had no choice but to go to work 4:00 in the morning on Sunday, I would stop working by 10:00. I was asked to see if I would stay back to work more, and I said I would like to go and attend church service. Nevertheless, several months later, the employers decided to hand out some pink slips to their employees and lay them off for no apparent reason. Of course, I was one of them and others who chose to stay working rather than having to do anything with Church, were granted to remain being employed. So, knowing my flesh, I would be upset and envious and question God "Why this injustice?" This happened about 10 years ago. If I continue by choosing to dwell on this particular scenario about this injustice, I would continue to remain in bondage by harbouring bitterness, which we know would only do us more harm in every way. This is where that "self pity" becomes destructive. As I reflect from this on the other side of the coin, I could have been like the others and chose to not go to the service just to save my job. However, what man had closed the doors on me, the Lord opened wide the doors of much better opportunity because we delight to do His will. I have had the privilege of being employed full time in the Naval Reserve with much better pay, much better working conditions and much better working hours, where I don't have to get up at 3:00am and work different shifts. I have been privileged to travel with my work and be invited to many different units to help them out in their finance section and help train junior members and teach classroom, which I love to do immensely. Had I chosen to do otherwise, I would have missed out so much on the rich blessings by following His ways. So, when I could have remained in bondage to what I had believed to be a great injustice, I choose now to reflect and remember the blessed outcome of my decision because of what the Lord has graciously done for me. In many other instances, I could also dwell on the negative circumstances that occurred in my life from some of the past events that took place. Again, what helps me is when I stop dwelling on the injustice, but how the Lord has opened wide His arms when I reached up to Him. Those who have offended are the ones who still are wandering in spiritual darkness and perhaps I would never have reached out to the Lord in my time of need had I not gone through some of the valleys of life. Perhaps, I would remain like them by trying to be like one of them and remain to this day in spiritual darkness. It reminds me of a scripture that for every trouble, we will receive a double blessing (Isa 61:7) For your shame ye shall have double, and for confusion they shall rejoice in their portion. Therefore in their land they shall possess the double; everlasting joy shall be unto them.
Therefore, I realize what I need to do is to choose not to dwell on the negative circumstances, but the rejoice in the blessings of the outcome that the Lord has opened up to us. Just to know we are His, is a rich blessing beyond any amount of money anyone on this earth could ever attain. Who knows, maybe we would not have reached out to the Lord if it weren't for our enemies?? When we see Jesus as our common denominator, we can believe that whatever man or the powers of darkness has ever done against us, God is able to do exceedingly if we will simply believe. I can truly testify that when trouble came against me in the past, God made a better way for me. I can now claim the power of the promises of His Word and know that when God is for us, who can stand against Us? (Rom 8:31); and read Deut 20:4.
I encourage you that when you are tempted to dwell on the negative actions that others may have done to you because God is able to do exceedingly for us. We can have victory as we dwell on how good He is to us and the promises we can live according to His Word if we will choose to keep our mind steadfast upon the Lord and His goodness and He promises that we will have perfect peace (Isa 26:3). It is easier for us to remain thankful to Him who is worthy when we remember His goodness to us, because His faithful promises are reserved for those of us who love the Lord.
Be blessed to browse my updated blog and both websites. God bless.
In the Matchless Name of Jesus
Richard
Associate Director
Answers2Prayer
http://sites.google.com/site/greatestbuilderforourlife
http://www.answers2prayer.org/
Saturday, 1 October 2011
Blessing our Enemies?
Dearest Saints,
As I was watching a program recently, I truly learned a message I needed to give serious thought to. I have to admit that I have spoken curses against several ungodly events that often takes place. I compared myself to an individual who was interviewed about doing the same thing. This Christian indicated that each day, as he drove past a certain strip joint, he always spoke curses against it in order to condemn their actions and remove this disgusting night club from continuing to exist. However, as he drove by week after week, month after month and finally year after year, he always spoke curses against it and found that his efforts were seemingly futile! He later approached a mature Christian friend of his and asked why God wasn't answering his prayer to condemn and close up this strip joint? This friend of his mentioned something profound. He mentioned to him that it was not Gods will that we should ever curse, even though these events are most evil in the sight of God. He mentions in James 3:11 that sweet waters and bitter waters should not be flowing out of the same fountain. God even instructs us to bless our enemies!! What?? Why would we dare want to see our enemies prosper in what they were doing? The problem with this question is that this is the wrong mentality thinking in the first place. When this gentleman was giving instruction about blessing those who were obviously doing anything but Gods will, he mentions that when we bless them, we are joining our heart with the heart of God. Also, when we are instructed to bless them, it does not mean that they financially or inheritently prosper in the business they are in and continue to do the things that may be an abomination to God. But when we truly bless them, we are praying that God will in fact change their heart and become the type of people who would long to come to know Christ and in the power of His resurrection, just like the Apostle Paul yearned for (Phil 3:10). So when this particular person realized this, he started to speak blessings upon the people running this night club every time he drove by and no longer speaks curses against it. It was only a week later when he started to speak blessings over this building, that this strip joint was closing up and was already on the market for a new business to replace it.
Therefore, what has happened was the fact that we may have a totally wrong mentality when it comes to speaking a blessing upon the enemies of God and the evil of this world. We are not speaking blessings to cause them to prosper that will cause them to attain further worldly gain, but in fact, the opposite may happen in order to allow the hearts of these people to turn to God and become the person God wants them to be in the first place. Just like the story of Jonah, who wanted this wicked nation of Ninevah to be destroyed because of all the evil which took place in that nation. God didn't want to destroy this nation, but the hearts of this nation to be changed. God wanted to use Jonah to go there and be a blessing to this nation by turning the hearts of these people to God. When we do speak blessings upon our enemies, I know the results will be much better when we do the will of God and bless our enemies and leave the results in His capable hands. What I had learned from the error of my ways is that we often associate blessings with financial prosperity and living with a life of ease and being merry and never encountering any problems or difficulties. However, when we join our heart with God and speak blessings upon our enemies and the enemies of God who are obviously not living according to His will, we actually are allowing God to do whatever He needs to do to turn the hearts of these people to Him. It may result in unfortunate incidents as the world may know, but if our heart is in line with Gods heart, our motive would be that God would do what He knows to do to the exact measure to turn the hearts of people to Him with the hope that destruction would not have to take place in peoples lives. God is gracious to us because He tells us that we don't often receive what our sins deserve (Psalm 103:10). Therefore, His will is obviously that the outsiders would not be penalized to the point of the measure of their sins either. I want to encourage each of us to be like people whom God can say of us that we are people after Gods own heart to go that extra mile to speak blessings to our enemies so that they too can know the goodness of God and become people of God. Just as their is power in agreement of prayers, it is therefore powerful when we get in agreement with God (Matt 18:19) and bless our enemies (Matt 5:44) so we can watch God move on their behalf.
It is especially true when I take time to remember the mercies I always receive from God in an awesome way, it is only then that I am able to give that same measure of mercy to others in their time of need.
Psalm 103:10 He has not dealt with us after our sins nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
Be blessed to browse my updated blog and both websites. God bless.
In the Matchless Name of Jesus
Richard
Associate Director
Answers2Prayer
http://sites.google.com/site/greatestbuilderforourlife
http://www.answers2prayer.org/
As I was watching a program recently, I truly learned a message I needed to give serious thought to. I have to admit that I have spoken curses against several ungodly events that often takes place. I compared myself to an individual who was interviewed about doing the same thing. This Christian indicated that each day, as he drove past a certain strip joint, he always spoke curses against it in order to condemn their actions and remove this disgusting night club from continuing to exist. However, as he drove by week after week, month after month and finally year after year, he always spoke curses against it and found that his efforts were seemingly futile! He later approached a mature Christian friend of his and asked why God wasn't answering his prayer to condemn and close up this strip joint? This friend of his mentioned something profound. He mentioned to him that it was not Gods will that we should ever curse, even though these events are most evil in the sight of God. He mentions in James 3:11 that sweet waters and bitter waters should not be flowing out of the same fountain. God even instructs us to bless our enemies!! What?? Why would we dare want to see our enemies prosper in what they were doing? The problem with this question is that this is the wrong mentality thinking in the first place. When this gentleman was giving instruction about blessing those who were obviously doing anything but Gods will, he mentions that when we bless them, we are joining our heart with the heart of God. Also, when we are instructed to bless them, it does not mean that they financially or inheritently prosper in the business they are in and continue to do the things that may be an abomination to God. But when we truly bless them, we are praying that God will in fact change their heart and become the type of people who would long to come to know Christ and in the power of His resurrection, just like the Apostle Paul yearned for (Phil 3:10). So when this particular person realized this, he started to speak blessings upon the people running this night club every time he drove by and no longer speaks curses against it. It was only a week later when he started to speak blessings over this building, that this strip joint was closing up and was already on the market for a new business to replace it.
Therefore, what has happened was the fact that we may have a totally wrong mentality when it comes to speaking a blessing upon the enemies of God and the evil of this world. We are not speaking blessings to cause them to prosper that will cause them to attain further worldly gain, but in fact, the opposite may happen in order to allow the hearts of these people to turn to God and become the person God wants them to be in the first place. Just like the story of Jonah, who wanted this wicked nation of Ninevah to be destroyed because of all the evil which took place in that nation. God didn't want to destroy this nation, but the hearts of this nation to be changed. God wanted to use Jonah to go there and be a blessing to this nation by turning the hearts of these people to God. When we do speak blessings upon our enemies, I know the results will be much better when we do the will of God and bless our enemies and leave the results in His capable hands. What I had learned from the error of my ways is that we often associate blessings with financial prosperity and living with a life of ease and being merry and never encountering any problems or difficulties. However, when we join our heart with God and speak blessings upon our enemies and the enemies of God who are obviously not living according to His will, we actually are allowing God to do whatever He needs to do to turn the hearts of these people to Him. It may result in unfortunate incidents as the world may know, but if our heart is in line with Gods heart, our motive would be that God would do what He knows to do to the exact measure to turn the hearts of people to Him with the hope that destruction would not have to take place in peoples lives. God is gracious to us because He tells us that we don't often receive what our sins deserve (Psalm 103:10). Therefore, His will is obviously that the outsiders would not be penalized to the point of the measure of their sins either. I want to encourage each of us to be like people whom God can say of us that we are people after Gods own heart to go that extra mile to speak blessings to our enemies so that they too can know the goodness of God and become people of God. Just as their is power in agreement of prayers, it is therefore powerful when we get in agreement with God (Matt 18:19) and bless our enemies (Matt 5:44) so we can watch God move on their behalf.
It is especially true when I take time to remember the mercies I always receive from God in an awesome way, it is only then that I am able to give that same measure of mercy to others in their time of need.
Psalm 103:10 He has not dealt with us after our sins nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
Be blessed to browse my updated blog and both websites. God bless.
In the Matchless Name of Jesus
Richard
Associate Director
Answers2Prayer
http://sites.google.com/site/greatestbuilderforourlife
http://www.answers2prayer.org/
Tuesday, 27 September 2011
Overcoming worldly sorrow
Dearest Saints.
When we considered some of the results of worldly sorrow, we first mentioned about being a victim of someone elses abuse. What I have found helpful is to recognize that the real enemy to all mankind is the devil and his angels, not flesh and blood. I know it is very difficult to get this concept around our minds when I see how I have reacted many times in the past when being confronted from other people. When we focus on flesh and blood as our real enemies, we will see ourselves as a victim from those who would otherwise oppress us or persecute us. When we realize that the ones who oppress others are a victim of the real enemy who is able to use them, we will see the true picture of what is taking place in the spiritual realm. When we consider the grave eternal consequences of their actions, we will understand that they are blind by their actions and they have no concept of the account they may give because of their actions. When we keep our focus on who the real enemy is (satan and his angelic followers), we will be like Jesus and like Stephen. They did not see themselves as a victim, but they saw those who were crucifying Him and stoning Stephen. They both cried out to God with Godly sorrow for those who came against them and said "Father, forgive them for they not know what they do". When we focus on this and have this mindset, it is an awesome liberating truth that sets us free from becoming a slave to the enemy. If our enemies would only have their spiritual eyes opened, they would see the evil of their ways and repent immediately. But, because the enemy has blinded them from knowing this reality, they are truly the ones who are the real victim.
In 2 Cor 4:3-10, we read: But if our Gospel be hid, it is hid to those who are lost, 4whose unbelieving minds the god of this world hath blinded, lest the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 5For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. 6For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. 8We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 10always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.
Therefore, when we are troubled and persecuted, we don't have to be a prisoner and feel like a victim when we see the bigger picture, focus on who the real enemy is and stop seeing ourselves as the victim.
Another point we talked about is how a person is deceived by the enemy to think that their sins are bigger than Gods Grace to pardon and forgive us of our past sins when we repent. I liked a story I recently heard during our service from my Senior Pastor. It was about a man who was caught stealing from the US Mail back in the 1800s. During that time, as we thought of this as a petty crime, he was in fact sentenced to be executed. When President Lincoln at the time was granting a full pardon to the man, the man never accepted the pardon that was granted. He then stood before the Judge and he was eventually executed. The pardon that was offered to this man in full was worthless simply because he refused to receive a pardon and ended up being penalized. I wonder how often we have that mindset. As His Children, we can come to Him to receive a full pardon that we would be otherwise convicted. Christs pardon and forgiveness is always available to us, but when we don't accept His pardon because we don't feel worthy, this is the enemy sowing these thoughts in to our minds. We end up punishing ourselves and remaining a prisoner when we can otherwise be set free by receiving Gods Grace and pardon for us. Gods pardon and Grace is valued differently to many people. Some people will see the full value of His Grace and Mercy, while others in different measure will not have its value simply because they are believing a lie from the enemy and not seeing the truth of His Grace and Mercy that has been extended to each of us. His Grace is worth to us to the measure that we believe and receive His Grace and pardon for us. It never has anything to do with the measure of Gods Grace, but it has to do with the measure of how we believe and receive His Grace for us. Don't let us be like that man who was executed. His actions by feeling sorry for himself are never justified. Worldly sorrow lead this convicted man to his eternal death, just like it did for Judas Iscariot!
Think of how God would react if one would not receive His full pardon and the price He was willing to pay by His Son Jesus to offer us His total forgiveness? Do you think for one minute God would be pleased with the man who would not accept His Grace? Friends, let us always believe and receive the Lords Grace, Mercy and pardon when we do repent regardless how big we think our sins are or how many times we commit the same sins over again. God is BIGGER than our sins and His GRACE is mightier than our faults. When we don't receive Gods Grace and Pardon, what a devastation that will be to anyone to refuse such an awesome and priceless gift!!
Be blessed to browse my updated blog and both websites. God bless.
In the Matchless Name of Jesus
Richard
Associate Director
Answers2Prayer
http://sites.google.com/site/greatestbuilderforourlife
http://www.answers2prayer.org/
When we considered some of the results of worldly sorrow, we first mentioned about being a victim of someone elses abuse. What I have found helpful is to recognize that the real enemy to all mankind is the devil and his angels, not flesh and blood. I know it is very difficult to get this concept around our minds when I see how I have reacted many times in the past when being confronted from other people. When we focus on flesh and blood as our real enemies, we will see ourselves as a victim from those who would otherwise oppress us or persecute us. When we realize that the ones who oppress others are a victim of the real enemy who is able to use them, we will see the true picture of what is taking place in the spiritual realm. When we consider the grave eternal consequences of their actions, we will understand that they are blind by their actions and they have no concept of the account they may give because of their actions. When we keep our focus on who the real enemy is (satan and his angelic followers), we will be like Jesus and like Stephen. They did not see themselves as a victim, but they saw those who were crucifying Him and stoning Stephen. They both cried out to God with Godly sorrow for those who came against them and said "Father, forgive them for they not know what they do". When we focus on this and have this mindset, it is an awesome liberating truth that sets us free from becoming a slave to the enemy. If our enemies would only have their spiritual eyes opened, they would see the evil of their ways and repent immediately. But, because the enemy has blinded them from knowing this reality, they are truly the ones who are the real victim.
In 2 Cor 4:3-10, we read: But if our Gospel be hid, it is hid to those who are lost, 4whose unbelieving minds the god of this world hath blinded, lest the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 5For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. 6For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. 8We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 10always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.
Therefore, when we are troubled and persecuted, we don't have to be a prisoner and feel like a victim when we see the bigger picture, focus on who the real enemy is and stop seeing ourselves as the victim.
Another point we talked about is how a person is deceived by the enemy to think that their sins are bigger than Gods Grace to pardon and forgive us of our past sins when we repent. I liked a story I recently heard during our service from my Senior Pastor. It was about a man who was caught stealing from the US Mail back in the 1800s. During that time, as we thought of this as a petty crime, he was in fact sentenced to be executed. When President Lincoln at the time was granting a full pardon to the man, the man never accepted the pardon that was granted. He then stood before the Judge and he was eventually executed. The pardon that was offered to this man in full was worthless simply because he refused to receive a pardon and ended up being penalized. I wonder how often we have that mindset. As His Children, we can come to Him to receive a full pardon that we would be otherwise convicted. Christs pardon and forgiveness is always available to us, but when we don't accept His pardon because we don't feel worthy, this is the enemy sowing these thoughts in to our minds. We end up punishing ourselves and remaining a prisoner when we can otherwise be set free by receiving Gods Grace and pardon for us. Gods pardon and Grace is valued differently to many people. Some people will see the full value of His Grace and Mercy, while others in different measure will not have its value simply because they are believing a lie from the enemy and not seeing the truth of His Grace and Mercy that has been extended to each of us. His Grace is worth to us to the measure that we believe and receive His Grace and pardon for us. It never has anything to do with the measure of Gods Grace, but it has to do with the measure of how we believe and receive His Grace for us. Don't let us be like that man who was executed. His actions by feeling sorry for himself are never justified. Worldly sorrow lead this convicted man to his eternal death, just like it did for Judas Iscariot!
Think of how God would react if one would not receive His full pardon and the price He was willing to pay by His Son Jesus to offer us His total forgiveness? Do you think for one minute God would be pleased with the man who would not accept His Grace? Friends, let us always believe and receive the Lords Grace, Mercy and pardon when we do repent regardless how big we think our sins are or how many times we commit the same sins over again. God is BIGGER than our sins and His GRACE is mightier than our faults. When we don't receive Gods Grace and Pardon, what a devastation that will be to anyone to refuse such an awesome and priceless gift!!
Be blessed to browse my updated blog and both websites. God bless.
In the Matchless Name of Jesus
Richard
Associate Director
Answers2Prayer
http://sites.google.com/site/greatestbuilderforourlife
http://www.answers2prayer.org/
Wednesday, 14 September 2011
Root Causes of Worldly Sorrow
Dearest Saints,
I always like to find out the root of a real problem from allowing the enemy to have gained an initial foothold that has allowed ourselves to be a prisoner of serving "self" that leads to worldly sorrow. I always believe the enemy of our soul does not have any legal entry in to the lives of Christians unless we allow him or give him access. Jesus Himself said that the devil had nothing in Him because He did not allow the devil to have any access in to His life (John 8:49). One of the most devastating and destructive bondages I have dealt with in my life is being "self-ish". So I have to wonder, why is it that I had a problem being selfish and some others whom I had known weren't bothered by it? I always like to find the causes of different reasons why a person becomes selfish and self centered. This doesn't mean that we are not to look after ourselves, but it becomes a problem when we are so fixated on our selves that very little care is ever being considered towards others. The Bible speaks often about having a healthy balance where neither extremes are good. When we do Gods will, it is always for our own benefit. While selfishness is obviously not Gods will for us, we aren't expected to just look after others while we don't ever take a minute for look after ourselves, which is not healthy either. The Bible tells us in two verses in Proverbs:
1. Proverbs 20:10
Differing weights and differing measures--both of them alike are an abomination to the LORD.
2. Proverbs 20:23
Differing weights are an abomination unto the LORD, and a false balance is not good.
So when we are talking about being selfish, it is taking it to a level that is completely out of balance when we do need to take care of ourselves at the same time. There may be more than the examples I would like to share, but here is a start. When we see the result of someone being selfish, I believe here are some examples:
a. Someone being hurt so many times in the past by others or badly hurt with deep emotional wounds that results of you not trusting anyone else and the fact that this person doesn't even trust God, which is a great barrier when we fail to put our trust in the One whom we should, which is Christ Jesus.
b. When you fixate your mind on something someone else has and it gets to the point that you want it so bad, you lust after it. This is that covetous spirit that causes a person to think that if they don't have this material possession or other satisfying goal such as travelling the world, or any other ambition that they won't be happy. Especially when we see others doing them or having them and you don't. This comes when we compare ourselves to the others who may have more than us rather than seeing ourselves that are most likely much better off than 90% of the world. When this occurs, a person becomes competitive which leads to a person becoming envious and jealous, which the Bible often warns of its severe consequences, and we forget how blessed we really are.
c. When you don't feel that you measure up to other peoples standards, qualifications or expectations which I believe is also a condition that may cause a person to be consumed with "self", or you don't value yourself as God values you.
d. It may be by being a people pleaser that you value your reputation rather than being a pleaser of God that develops Godly character.
I heard it once said that the difference between when a person values their reputation is when they care about what others think of them. On the other hand, a person who learns to develop Godly character cares about what God knows about them, despite what others may think of them. Valuing our own reputation is another sign that eventually develops worldly sorrow when we are always concerned about valuing ourselves to what people say or think of us. When we can identify some of the root causes, we need to see how to stop feeding our flesh in these areas of our lives that would promote ourselves developing worldly sorrow and see what we need to do to change that as we seek Gods Holy Spirit to lead us and guide us and purposefully allow ourselves to have a teachable spirit within us.
These segments that I write are not simply just any subject that I pull out of a hat and try to study them in order to share, but it is part of my life experience in each case which I have learned from. I now realize more than ever is important to share with one another what we have learned and to pass vital information to others who may desperately need to hear from our experiences. The reason why I think I may have learned much about different issues is not because I have any educational intellect, but because I tend to be one of those people who have to learn the hard way rather than just initially listening to advice and wisdom from others instead. When we can share a real life testimony, this is a powerful tool that shuts the mouth of the accuser (the devil) in Rev 12:11. When we see how we have handled situations that lead us down the wrong path, we can now look at what we can do with Gods help to promote changes in our life that will lead us down the path that leads to life. So when we have our moments of grieve, with Gods help, we can make progress to promote Godly sorrow that really does in fact heal us and brings forth life. Next, we will look at ways of how we can make positive progress from what we have identified some of the root causes.
Richard
Associate Director – Answers2Prayer
http://sites.google.com/site/greatestbuilderforourlife
http://www.answers2prayer.org/
I always like to find out the root of a real problem from allowing the enemy to have gained an initial foothold that has allowed ourselves to be a prisoner of serving "self" that leads to worldly sorrow. I always believe the enemy of our soul does not have any legal entry in to the lives of Christians unless we allow him or give him access. Jesus Himself said that the devil had nothing in Him because He did not allow the devil to have any access in to His life (John 8:49). One of the most devastating and destructive bondages I have dealt with in my life is being "self-ish". So I have to wonder, why is it that I had a problem being selfish and some others whom I had known weren't bothered by it? I always like to find the causes of different reasons why a person becomes selfish and self centered. This doesn't mean that we are not to look after ourselves, but it becomes a problem when we are so fixated on our selves that very little care is ever being considered towards others. The Bible speaks often about having a healthy balance where neither extremes are good. When we do Gods will, it is always for our own benefit. While selfishness is obviously not Gods will for us, we aren't expected to just look after others while we don't ever take a minute for look after ourselves, which is not healthy either. The Bible tells us in two verses in Proverbs:
1. Proverbs 20:10
Differing weights and differing measures--both of them alike are an abomination to the LORD.
2. Proverbs 20:23
Differing weights are an abomination unto the LORD, and a false balance is not good.
So when we are talking about being selfish, it is taking it to a level that is completely out of balance when we do need to take care of ourselves at the same time. There may be more than the examples I would like to share, but here is a start. When we see the result of someone being selfish, I believe here are some examples:
a. Someone being hurt so many times in the past by others or badly hurt with deep emotional wounds that results of you not trusting anyone else and the fact that this person doesn't even trust God, which is a great barrier when we fail to put our trust in the One whom we should, which is Christ Jesus.
b. When you fixate your mind on something someone else has and it gets to the point that you want it so bad, you lust after it. This is that covetous spirit that causes a person to think that if they don't have this material possession or other satisfying goal such as travelling the world, or any other ambition that they won't be happy. Especially when we see others doing them or having them and you don't. This comes when we compare ourselves to the others who may have more than us rather than seeing ourselves that are most likely much better off than 90% of the world. When this occurs, a person becomes competitive which leads to a person becoming envious and jealous, which the Bible often warns of its severe consequences, and we forget how blessed we really are.
c. When you don't feel that you measure up to other peoples standards, qualifications or expectations which I believe is also a condition that may cause a person to be consumed with "self", or you don't value yourself as God values you.
d. It may be by being a people pleaser that you value your reputation rather than being a pleaser of God that develops Godly character.
I heard it once said that the difference between when a person values their reputation is when they care about what others think of them. On the other hand, a person who learns to develop Godly character cares about what God knows about them, despite what others may think of them. Valuing our own reputation is another sign that eventually develops worldly sorrow when we are always concerned about valuing ourselves to what people say or think of us. When we can identify some of the root causes, we need to see how to stop feeding our flesh in these areas of our lives that would promote ourselves developing worldly sorrow and see what we need to do to change that as we seek Gods Holy Spirit to lead us and guide us and purposefully allow ourselves to have a teachable spirit within us.
These segments that I write are not simply just any subject that I pull out of a hat and try to study them in order to share, but it is part of my life experience in each case which I have learned from. I now realize more than ever is important to share with one another what we have learned and to pass vital information to others who may desperately need to hear from our experiences. The reason why I think I may have learned much about different issues is not because I have any educational intellect, but because I tend to be one of those people who have to learn the hard way rather than just initially listening to advice and wisdom from others instead. When we can share a real life testimony, this is a powerful tool that shuts the mouth of the accuser (the devil) in Rev 12:11. When we see how we have handled situations that lead us down the wrong path, we can now look at what we can do with Gods help to promote changes in our life that will lead us down the path that leads to life. So when we have our moments of grieve, with Gods help, we can make progress to promote Godly sorrow that really does in fact heal us and brings forth life. Next, we will look at ways of how we can make positive progress from what we have identified some of the root causes.
Richard
Associate Director – Answers2Prayer
http://sites.google.com/site/greatestbuilderforourlife
http://www.answers2prayer.org/
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