We can trust God’s goodness in this fallen world which seeks to destroy us. Everything around us might scream that God has abandoned us or that He doesn’t care. But He is there. He will never leave us nor forsake us.
Even in the Garden. In the midst of Paradise, Satan was able to get the first couple to stop trusting God. He got them to doubt His promises and His goodness. The same thing happens to us.
They were in a perfect place with all of their needs met and no troubles at all, and the enemy was still able to drop a little nugget of doubt into their mind. Just enough to get them to do the one thing God told them not to do.
God’s rules are not to keep us down or to hide things from us. They are designed to protect us, from things we do not understand and the dangers of this world.
We can trust His promises. We can trust His Word. We can trust His goodness.
We no longer live in a Paradise. We live in a fallen world and bad things happen to us. Trouble comes into our lives, whether it’s by our own making or not; we face difficulties. We see the evil around us, and we are again tempted by the devil to say “Where is God?” “Where is His Goodness?”
Like Job. Satan attacked him in order to get Him to doubt and curse God. But, Job said, “Though He slay me, still will I trust in Him.” (Job 13:15a)
He trusted God and refused to be pulled away from the Lord, or caused to doubt Him. Job questioned. But, he never doubted God’s goodness or curse Him.
When we face trouble in life, we are also tempted to reject God. We are tempted to go do things that set us up for failure and more trouble.
Remember, the enemy seeks to steal, kill and destroy. He will use everything to rob us of finances and joy and life and health, he will work to kill us and ruin us.
That’s His plan. It starts with getting us to doubt God’s Word, His promises and His goodness.
If He can get us to ignore God, or doubt Him, He can lead us down dark paths and slay us.
When we look at the terrible things in this world it’s hard to imagine that God is good. We even hear things like “A good God would not allow such and such.” That is the devil. He cause the terrible things, then he points at it and says “Look! God did that!”
If we do not know God, or trust Him we can be deceived by it.
In these last days it is going to get harder and harder, as deception grows.
But, we can trust Him. He is good. Learn of Him. Study the Word. Confess Jesus as your Lord, and believe that He is THE Lord.
Confessing ‘Jesus is The Lord” is the only thing that separates the Christian from every other belief system on Earth. Remember that.
God is good, He came to Earth to die for us and set us free. He saves us. Do not be pulled away by the deceptions of the enemy.
He is faithful God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.—1 Cor. 1:9 How is trust built? With anyone, whether it’s parents or friends or enemies or government or neighbors, trust is built or destroyed by relationship, and experience. It is the same with God.…
It will happen in these last days “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day (The Day of The Lord) shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;”— 2 Thess. 2:3 (2 Thess 2:1-15) It seems that this event…
Have You Tested God? “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.”—Luke 6: 38 First, I wanna say that this verse and all…
It is ridiculous that kids in school can quote Shakespeare, and understand the Pythagorean theorem, while knowing Onomatopoeia , but know nothing about finance.
We live in a world that worships money. Wouldn’t it make sense to raise kids who understand money and how to grow it and use it?
The day kids enter high school they should start financial training. They should be required to have a bank account and beginning investments for college and retirement. The should learn how to start a business, and what sort of business or career they would like.
The kids could study positive financial and business concepts. Learning the philosophies and methods of leaders, who have succeeded.
The government, with laws or policies could get financial institutions to help students. They could get investment firms to assist. And why not? It would bring them more income as well.
Money could be invested in the programs to help low income kids get started. Money which is used in America instead of sent overseas. Money to help get families started on a good path.
This sort of program could help kids, families and generations rise up out of poverty.
It could create more businesses for those inclined, and more jobs for those who leave school and don’t have an entrepreneurial mindset.
At the very least, they would know how to buy a house, take care of themselves financially and have a retirement plan in place that could supplement a failing social security system.
It would give people a good start. A chance to do something else with life instead of begging for a job and hoping to earn enough money to survive, while raising a family and future.
In his book “Rich Dad, Poor Dad”, Robert Kiyosaki, points out the difference between his real father, a school teacher and another man he also called father who was wealthy.
His real father was broke all the time. He had faith in the system which taught you to go to school, then go to college and get a job. And he remained broke, in debt and defeated for life.
That is the system millions of Americans are trapped in. A system where we are just slaves of cheap labor, mistreated, and controlled. Lives hanging above a chasm of despair, and fear that if we lose our jobs or get sick and cant work we are ruined. Just beating ourselves to death for pennies on the dollar.
But, Kiyosaki explains that his “Rich Dad” created wealth. He built things that created income for himself. Even if he lost everything He just built it back. He used his money to generate more money. While being his own boss.
This same concept can be taught in schools, instead of forcing kids to learn things that won’t even buy them a cup of coffee when they are homeless.
Under this program, when a child leaves school, they can choose to start a business or get a job or go to college or trade school. The same as today. But, they have more tools and knowledge available to them to be able to succeed in whatever direction they choose to go in. They also have accounts, investments, retirement and money saved up for college, or to start a business.
They will also have knowledge of a direction to go in. They will know what they want to be when they grow up. They will have several options in mind.
I wish there was something like this when I was in school. Not an elective, or some extra curricular group. But, a class that was required the same as Math, Science or P.E.. A class as important as health classes. Because poverty generates stress and disease. Poverty destroys our society and creates division.
It makes me sick to think that my entire success as a human being rests in whether or not I understood algebra. I have lived for years and have never come up against algebra. But, I have faced poverty. I have wished I had known about investments when I was 12. I could be retired today, or running a business.
But, I followed the path of failure and slavery.
Now we can get into why such classes don’t exist.
It’s not like I’m some super genius, and no one has ever thought of this before.
The reason is because school has been twisted to become a factory for creating highly educated, easily controllable wage slaves. Smart enough to understand instruction. But, not smart enough to realize their condition or change it. We are taught to be good workers for life, and have all the philosophies that help support it and feel good about it.
If everyone is rich and free and can choose what to do in life, who will clean the toilets? Who will wash the dishes? Who will pick the fruit? It’s not a coincidence.
Working for yourself is freedom
People working for themselves cannot be as easily controlled and taxed.
See?
Required financial classes in school designed to teach wealth creation, like I have suggested can help to set people free. It can generate wealth that can help others and grow the economy as well.
He rewards those who seek him. And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. 10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. 11 If a son shall…
So, we know the seasons. The Bible is 30% prophecy, as some have stated. But, when you consider that the whole thing is about Jesus Christ, and that all the stories and pictures speak of Him, His First Coming and Second Coming, I think its more like 100%. God has called all believers to be…
God works to build the Kingdom through us. James 2:14-26 In this passage. The apostle James, speaks of works being an aspect of our faith. It ends with the famous phrase “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” In the verses James shows that God commanded…
For me, I just talk to the Lord. Jesus says that God is our father. The Apostles tell us that God is our father as well, if we know Him.
When we believe Him, He calls us friend.
Abraham believed what God told him, and it was counted to him for righteousness, and he was called the friend of God. (Romans 4:3)
So I just talk to God. And when I pour my true self into prayer with God, I know He hears.
I go for a walk and talk with him alone. I rant and rave around my home or where ever, when things are crazy. I give Him my real self. Just like a friend or father.
When you give your real self to God, you are showing belief. You believe the Word, which says he is our friend. He is our father. He is our physician. You trust Him.
Pray the Word to God.
Such as,
“Dearest heavenly father, You are not willing that any should perish so I pray for my child who is far from you. They are addicted to drugs and living a life that is harmful to them. By your stripes we are healed and I pray you will heal them of this addiction and trauma. We have power over demons and I pray in Jesus name that the you’ll drive the demons out of them. They are bound and cast out in Jesus name. Thank you, Lord. For it’s in Jesus name I pray, Amen.”
Praying the Word to God, is not a commanding of God, Although I don’t think God is offended by it. He is love. He does not respond with prideful rage. Praying the Word is more like an attorney quoting laws in court, to make a case. Does the human judge get offended by a passionate attorney who brings up cases and laws of the past?
But you have to know the Word, and believe the Word to pray the Word.
Why do we pray in Jesus name?
Because the Lord told us to. When we do it we are exercising belief in His Word, and faith that He is able. We show that it is not by our authority but by His. We are weak, but He is strong. (John 14:13)
The disciples asked Jesus how to pray, and He gave them the Lord’s prayer. (Luke 11, Matt. 6)
“Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.”
You can pray this prayer, word for word. There is power in it. You are praying the Word. You are believing and following the directions of Jesus, and the prayer covers everything.
It praises God. It acknowledges Him as Lord. It places trust in Him and His decisions. It covers our daily needs. It covers forgiveness for our sins, as we forgive others. It covers protection and guidance.
When you read Matthew 6, Jesus speaks a lot about prayer before He gets to the Lord’s Prayer. All of it matters. Our repetitions do not move God. Praying in front of people to be seen by them or ‘As a good witness” to them, is wrong.
We should seek alone time with God. Not that corporate prayer is wrong. We should pray with others who also believe. But we need alone time with God.
Now, look at how simple the Lord’s prayer is.
Why?
Because God is omnipresent. He is omniscient and eternal. He can read your heart and mind. Past, present and future.
When you consider this, it brings some of our notions about prayer into question.
He already knows what you are going to pray. He already knows what you need. He has probably already put the wheels into motion to bring about what you need.
That’s why our prayer time is really more about spending time in His presence. Our words and desires are about coming into alignment with His character and will.
We are finite. We are not omnipresent. Which means, present everywhere at all times in all times.
But, we can be present with Him right now.
And when we are present with Him we can pray the things He brings to our heart. We can be aligned with His will, asking for good things for people. Praying for protections. Praying against the enemy. Praying for peace, love, joy and salvation. Forgiving others. Praying for healing.
Often our faith in prayer and speaking the Word, will move mountains and drive out the enemy who opposes us. The one who seeks to deceive and to steal, kill and destroy everything in our lives.
God uses our faith. He recognizes it because it is based in Him. All humans have natural faith. But, not all humans have faith in God and His Word.
The most powerful prayer you can pray, is simply praising and thanking the Lord.
Every morning, when I wake up, I try to let my first words and thoughts be, “Praise Jesus, thank you Lord for all you’ve done, and are doing.”
I trust Him. He’s got me. He knows what I need, and want. Like Job said, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him.” (Job 13)
We agonize over our lives. We feel that we should get more. I do it too.
But, this life is but a breath. It is a moment in eternity. Our desire should be to know Him and spend time with Him. The relationship is all important.
Our prayer is time with God.
“Dearest heavenly Father, please forgive me for my sins and help me to overcome. I thank you for everything you have done and are doing in my life. I praise you and ask you to help me with the things I need. Please help me to serve in the manner you desire. I ask that you will drive out the enemy, from my life. I trust in you, for it’s in Jesus name I pray, thank you Lord, amen”
The words, do not have power. The power rests in Faith, the relationship and the Lord who is over all.
Paul says that the Holy Spirit can take even our groaning and translate it into a faith filled message that God receives. He knows our heart. He hears us. Our weaknesses is not a hindrance to His ability to know us. (Rom.8:26-28)
Again, after all is said and done. Just talk to God. Let Him teach you and guide you. Be real with Him. Not putting on airs. Not trying to be more than you are.
Why does God let us struggle? When we get saved, we might notice that there are things that change in us immediately. But, there are other things that do not. It’s like God saves us and removes some things but leaves other things in our lives for us to struggle with. I mean if God…
We are corrupt at the very core. What I am going to present to you today is something different. A different way to look at the world, and humanity. Something different than the legalism around us. As Christians we are taught and have come to understand a view of God, Scripture and the World based…
We are tempted to reject Him. When we get saved, we confess Jesus as our Lord, and believe in Him alone for salvation. We are called to Walk in the Spirit, and to abide in Him. We get great joy in the Lord. Prayers answered. Life changing experiences, and we see Him working to protect…
“I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.”—Rom. 7:21
Romans chapter 7 explains to us the purpose of God’s Law.
It’s purpose is to reveal sin in us, so that it can be dealt with.
Paul describes the struggle between law and flesh. He says that when he saw the law “Though shalt not covet” it was revealed that he had covetousness in his life.
He sinfully wanted what others had. The law revealed this and since he realized he had broken the law, he was slain by it. The law killed him, because the punishment for sin is death. He died in God’s eyes the moment he knew He had sinned. That’s the law.
But, he did not want to commit the sin. You can plug any sin into this box. Paul used covetousness, but it could apply to any sin. It was revealed to him that he sinned, and he was slain by it. He agreed with the law, because it is good. So, he did not want this sin in his life any more.
But, he discovered that he could not quit. The evil thoughts continued. The lusting or fear or doubt or whatever sins continued in his mind and heart; even though he did not want it anymore because he saw it was wrong in the Word of God.
Now, God revealed to Him a massive truth that opened his eyes. A truth that many people miss.
If he did not want to do it any more, then it was not really him doing it. He hated the sin, but yet still did it. He still thought the thoughts and did the deeds. He could not escape.
This showed him that there was something wrong with him. That he had a corrupted nature, beyond his control. Something in himself that he did not want or desire. He hated the sin, but still did it anyway. Therefore it was not him, but SIN in him.
This is important because when we think about obeying God’s law and put burdens on ourselves and others; we ignore the truth that we cannot obey it ourselves because of our corrupted nature. We are fallen. We are plagued with sin from Adam.
Our sins we commit are like symptoms of a deeper plague in us.
We don’t see how wicked we are until the light of God’s Word reveals it to us. Our flesh is totally corrupt and we are incapable of stopping it, in such a way that is true. If we stop one thing, we sin somewhere else. Trying to quit sinning is a torturous never ending hell, full of fear that God is watching and wants to destroy you.
When we have a works based doctrine, that’s where we are. We believe we must quit sinning, but we cannot. We want to please God, but fail constantly.
But, the law actually is supposed to reveal that you cannot quit and that it is not even really you committing the sins, it is something in you. The corrupted nature.
God’s law is far more than just the ten commandments. We can’t even obey the ten, let alone the rest. And don’t even start on the sins of thoughts. The sins of omission. or sins of Pride, Doubt, Fear, and other things we do, that we do not even realize we are doing.
The law reveals it. This is why the law is good, as Paul says.
It is like a mirror.
But, our response is to change. We cannot. It won’t work. A sinful being cannot change his sinful nature, he needs God to do it.
Now, ask yourself, why would God provide a means to have your sins covered through the sacrificial system?
Because He knows we cannot obey. He wants it. He demands it. But we cannot, because of the corrupted nature in us from Adam. He knows this.
God is not ignorant of our sins and failures. We try to hide these things and try to quit or deal with it ourselves but it doesn’t work. It gets worse.
Have you ever seen a child who plays with magic markers? They color themselves, they color the walls, they color everything. But, there often comes a point where they realize they messed up. Sometimes they realize it on their own (Spirit or Conscience), or sometimes it’s when the parent reveals it to them (law).
The child tries to fix it and might get a wet rag to wash it with. But it just smears it on themselves and the wall. They cannot fix it, and it’s there before them all the time. They need an adult to help them.
That is what happens with us. Even if a person doesn’t believe in God or has some other belief system, it doesn’t matter. God created us and this is what happens. This is what ALL religions deal with. This is why people go to therapy or drink to escape.
This thing in us torments us, because we know we are wrong and cannot get right. We try to fix it by fleshly means because that is all we know. But, it won’t work for eternity. It is a fleshly band aid at best, or makes things worse.
Look at Adam and Eve. When they fell from God, they saw they were naked and tried to cover themselves with fig leaves. That is religion, and every other thing we do to fix our problem in us. It’s nothing but fig leaves.
But, God showed up and revealed the sin in them and fixed it Himself. That’s Jesus.
We cannot fix it ourselves.
Paul says “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?”—Rom. 7:24.
In the very next verse He thanks God.
“I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.”
He thanks God that the law has revealed to him that there is something wrong, and it is not him doing it. He serves God, but there is also the corrupted nature and he realizes that it is not him that does it but sin in him.
The very next verse is Romans 8:1, a new chapter and he reveals why he is thankful.
“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”
He reveals the solution. God came in the flesh to die for us, because of our sins and corrupted nature. He washes us clean in the Blood of Jesus when we turn to Him.
Our eyes are opened to the truth and we believe it. We turn to God, and ask Him to save us, confessing Jesus is the Lord, and we make Him our Lord.
God washes us clean of all sin. Past, present and future. He fills us with His Holy Spirit, and we grow in relationship with Him. We are no longer condemned. We are friends of God. We are righteous. Not because of what we do or don’t do. But, because of what Jesus did for us.
Our growth in Christ works to reveal and purge the things that we do in the flesh, as we confess our sins to Him. But, it is Him that does the work in us, not us. Even in our saved state, if we get in the habit of living a life trying to not sin, we are not really living in faith that Jesus has washed us. We think we must obey and do it ourselves. We forget that we cannot. This is why Paul says there is power in weakness. We admit our failure and give it to God and let Him do it.
If we go a few verses more in Romans chapter 8 we see this struggle continues in us even though we are saved. The flesh battles with the Spirit. We walk in the Spirit, by abiding in Christ, growing the relationship, turning to Him and confessing our sins, being in prayer, loving God and others. We realize that the sinful nature is not us anymore. We are dead to it. We died with Christ and rose with Him to new life. Those fleshly things no longer impact our spirit or salvation. They can cause trouble in this world, by opening the doors for demonic forces to attack us, but not our souls. Not our eternal spirits.
Here’s the verses
“For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”
It’s about knowing Him, and He works to heal us and change us.
Walking in the Spirit is walking with Him. It is letting Him take care of it. because if we try to do it ourselves, or ignore it, we are walking in the flesh, and that leads to death.
What is death? Death is separation. It is not an end, as we suppose. When someone dies, they do not end, they are separated from us and from this fleshly world, and that body of flesh stays behind.
Eternal death is also separation. Nothing really dies or ends. it just changes form and continues on. We will all get a spiritual body that can never die. A vessel for our souls and spirits to dwell forever.
But, if we are not washed, that spiritual body will become corrupted by the corrupted soul, and dead spirit. It must then be separated to another place where nothing good dwells, because all good things are wrapped up in God. God is love. There is no love in separation. There is not love in that quarantine place of separation called Hell and the Lake of Fire. It is darkness and no light. It is separation from God.
If God allowed the corrupted nature into Paradise or Heaven, then all of eternity would be full of pain and evil just like this world. Separation occurs to protect God’s eternal kingdom and creation.
If we know Him we shall be with Him forever in Paradise. That’s the promise. Just like He told the thief on the cross.
All we have to do is turn to Him and ask, and believe. He will take care of the rest. We cannot change ourselves, He will do it, if we trust Him. And that is the difficulty of walking in the Spirit. Trusting and believing He’s got you. It builds patience. It builds meekness. We submit to Him and grow. Not by works, lest any should boast.
It’s hard sometimes This time of year, around Christmas is a very hard time of year for many people. It is not a joyful festive time, no matter how much we try to dress it up with religious zeal, and bright lights. This is the time of year we often miss those who have gone…
A Look at Matthew 24 “Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive…
It’s important to understand. In order to resist temptation, we must understand what is going on. If we miss an aspect of it, we cannot really resist it. We just shift it around or suffer through. “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with…
Well, it starts with a king and all his relatives, titled gentry and landed lords and the knights who serve them. They rule over the serfs. Basically workers, who are treated as property.
I would tell you to look at Old Europe. But, royalty and aristocracy exists all over the world.
Basically, it’s a group of humans who claimed to be children of the gods, and used money and force of arms to gain positions of power and keep them. They believe they are better than others, and treat them as such.
Now, in America we are not allowed to have titles. America is supposed to be free and not controlled by royals.
But, the attitude and power rests in business, land owners and government just the same.
Captains of industry and robber barons. Plantation owners and generational wealth. Controlling the workers like serfs.
When you see movies set back in early American history. Movies like the Titanic. You can see the difference between aristocrats and serfs, in America.
There might not be titles, but the same attitude and control exists. They may not be able to execute you, but they can have you fired, evicted or jailed with a word or false accusation.
They control government and get laws passed that protect them while keeping you down. They own businesses that control your life, circumvent Constitutional protections, and keep you as working poor.
They are landlords who treat you like liars and thieves, forcing you to sign massive leases that protect them, while doing nothing for you. They charge exorbitant rent for dumps, they wouldn’t let their dogs live in.
You grew up with them in your government schools. The people who bullied you, and whose parents ran the place.
They are the folks you have to answer to. Some call it “White Privilege” but it has nothing to do with race. There are plenty of working class poor whites as well.
This aristocracy has ruled the world for thousands of years, and oppressed anyone who did not measure up or bend the knee.
They have their philosophies, and fake religions. All of which only applies to you and me. Work harder. Pull yourself up by your boot straps. God is watching. Pharisees in control. Karens who think they rule.
Every nation. Not just America. But everywhere in history, they exist and represent the princes of darkness behind the scenes. Those demons who rule the world, and use the royals and aristocrats to oppress.
Every people group have the royals and those who are above the laws that beat you and me down.
They have friends in high places getting them the best jobs, while telling us its all about hard work. Constantly raising the bar to make us obey.
If hard work made people rich, there would be no slaves.
These are the folks who control the money. They have people sitting on councils running the show while you wait for a permit. They call the senator who was at dinner last week and get things done. While you and I wait for justice.
Once you see it.
You cannot unsee it.
We live lives of struggle while they live in luxury and do nothing to fix it, because they love money more than God and people.
They might have to sit on a bus with us, if they changed anything.
What does that look like? It’s so simple anyone can do it. That is how God designed it. I’m going to avoid magical theological words and just give it straight. As we go through life things happen to us. Good things and bad. We have excitement over good things. We celebrate victories and enjoy time…
A Deeper Meaning “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”—1 Tim. 6:10 People often misquote it as “money” is the root of all evil. But it’s not. Money is a tool. Like a…
What is it? Let us rightly divide 2 Thessalonians 2, and come to some conclusions about the near future. This book was written by the Apostle Paul. He is speaking of the last days, which we are in. I’m using the KJV. “Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ,…
Most of the time tough love comes at a point of frustration, not at a point of love. Do not let frustration and anger guide you.
It has been years and you have tried and tried to help a friend or partner or child get through tough times and addiction.
Over and over again you have bailed them out. You have paid bills. You have pulled their fat out of the fire, and they just keep doing it.
It seems like they are just taking advantage of your love. They are. But, they are trapped.
You’ve tried everything you can but they still keep boozing and drugging and betraying you.
I have been on both sides of this. I was an alcoholic who was bailed out and forgiven and supported over and over again.
Then, after getting sober, I had a friend who I helped over and over again.
Both of these ended in tough love.
My family cut me off, and I fell into rock bottom. Which eventually led to my getting sober. After 20 years our relationships are either totally ruined, or still being built.
Depending on how you look at it and who we are talking about.
My relationship with my mother and brother is rocky. It has never been fully restored, but it is better.
My relationship with everyone else was destroyed and never recovered.
As far as the friend I helped.
I finally handed him a wad of cash to take care of his needs and told him in as firm a voice as possible. “Get yourself some help”
I have never heard from him again.
Tough love is often about frustration, not love.
I understand it. But it does not come from a place of love. It is a sense of responsibility and frustration.
I have a different take on addiction than others do.
A person will hit rock bottom on their own. It’s coming. Our enabling just delays it. Our tough love, can bring it to pass and even make it worse than it naturally would be.
If you love the addict, then you want to be available when they hit rock bottom so you can guide them and support them and have a relationship when they get sober. That’s love.
If you show tough love and drive them away or make the rock bottom experience unbearable, then you will likely never see that person again.
You might be ok with that.
But, let’s say your son is a drunk and loses their job. Then, they lose their wife and kids. If you help your son’s wife steal his kids from him, at the time of his most desperate need. Your son is very likely to never forgive you.
Even when he is sober and has a restored life with a new family and kids, you will never see those new kids.
Ok?
That’s an example.
Tough love has consequences for everyone.
Think about it. There are ways to be tough and not enable someone, while not totally destroying them.
You want rock bottom to be a natural consequence of their actions, not something you brought down upon their head and made worse for them.
Unless your plan is to never have a relationship again, or to have a fractured one.
I cannot tell you how to navigate it. I just want you to be aware of it.
“Do unto others as you would have done to you.”
There is no real formula. You have to let God guide you. You have to consider the long term ramifications.
If your child is losing custody, your tough love could lead to never seeing the grand kids.
If your friend is losing their job or family, I would not betray them or add to the trouble. Unless you are done.
Take each thing case by case.
Forced sobriety never works. Forced rehab. Forced court ordered rehab does not work.
The person must want to get free.
Tough love must be based in real love, or it is not love at all.
He is there and will answer. We live our lives in this world, where we seem to have no control. Where we look every where for answers. Everything seems hard and we have sorrow, working our selves to death. We seek answers from gods, idols and wisemen. We seek answers from deep within ourselves. We…
Who really rules? Let’s talk about some conspiracy and spiritual truth for a moment. Because you must understand that there is only ONE conspiracy. And that’s the spiritual battle behind the scenes, that we all can see parts of, and have a feeling about, but cannot completely prove. The people who rule this world are…
It is a demon. Cast it out. Jesus said, “Fear Not” (Matt. 10:31) He said it many times. Actually, it’s a theme throughout scripture. Fear at its most basic level, is a lack of trust in God and His promises. That is a harsh saying, especially when we are dealing with anxiety. Because, often times…
Because I tend to find myself in debates quite often.
I have a face that seems to lead people to think I’m stupid.
It could be the blank stare I exhibit at times.
Who knows?
Perhaps it’s my tendency to give an opinion that flies in the face of what’s normal.
Or my refusal to use big words, and lean toward slang.
Anyway, I debate a lot.
It’s what happens in this Cultural War we are in if you give an opinion, or refuse to accept the official narrative.
Therefore, Occam’s Razor often comes up as a problem solving tool that many people use.
Here is the razor in a nutshell.
“The simplest explanation is usually the best one”
Now, like most philosophies there’s more to it than this, but this is what comes up in debate. This is a method people use for dealing with problems which pop up in life, or in the social world around them. It solves many political or social mysteries for people. It allows folks to go back to their busy lives.
Often, when I’m explaining my view on something, my opponent will give a simple explanation then say “Occam’s razor, the simplest explanation is probably the best.” Then, pat themselves on the back and act like that was a slam dunk.
Occam has spoken.
I have been put in my place.
But, Occam’s Razor is not a tool for seeking real truth.
It’s a tool for helping a person to feel like they accomplished something, so they can go back to eating Cheetos.
Real truth is never simple.
Pick anything in life or history or politics and really look at it. You will not find simplicity. Sure, you can narrow it down to a sound bite. But, the reality is bigger and the sound bite is actually deception because it tends to leave out vital details.
Occam’s Razor can help us take a complex problem and break it down into smaller simpler chunks. But, we are not supposed to just leave it there. It might require a little more time, effort and brain power to get to the truth.
In modern social discourse, we run into talking points all the time. They are simple little sound bites, that are given to the soldiers so they can go out and defend something.
But, often a little pecking away at a talking point can help reveal some truth.
Why does this matter?
Because our world is ruled by votes. Talking points can help sway voters, which can lead to massive changes in our lives. It’s important that we do not just allow a talking point to be the end all of our thoughts on a subject.
Also, in this Culture War we hear talking points at work, in family settings, online, or when we are with friends. It’s valuable to understand where these simplistic ideas come from.
These talking points can be used to create policies that impact our life. It’s important to seek truth, so we are not swept away by idiotic rules based on lies.
Few things are simple. Few things are cut and dried. Explore deeper.
Occam’s Razor helps in creating sound bites, talking points, simplifying a subject and decision making.
But truth is often more than just a talking point.
A picture of us all The thief on the cross, spoken of in the Gospels of our Lord Jesus, stands as an extreme view of salvation in the eyes of some. The man who did what appears to be absolutely nothing, yet Jesus himself saved him declaring, “Today you shall be with me in…
Make sure. What does it mean to follow the real Jesus? Well, let’s look and see. Jesus’s ministry was a ministry of healing. This should tell us something about what we believe in regards to the Gospel and how we are to serve God. Because we want to be like Him. That is real godliness.…
You are never too far gone. In the books of Luke, Mark, and Matthew we see the story of the Gadarene Demoniac. (Mark 5:1-20, Luke 8:26-39, Matt. 8:28-34) He had an unclean spirit, which called itself “Legion” because there were many of the demons inhabiting this man. He lived in the tombs, crying out and…
Speak the truth of God’s Word into your life. Believe Him. Trust Him, learn of Him and know He is with you where ever you go. Make Him the focus of your life and grow in relationship with Him.
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”—Phil. 4:13
Believe it. Speak it to yourself in faith.
When you are facing something that is causing you to fear, or doubt. Turn to God. Trust Him and speak the truth into your life. Tell yourself out loud.
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
He is with you. He is working in you and through you if you know Him.
If you are trying to accomplish something; know that he is with you. Trust the Word.
Are you concerned with having your needs met? Trust God. Stand on the Word. Speak this verse to yourself and believe it.
“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.’—Phil. 4:19
What does it say? Does it say “Some”? No it says “All”. God will take care of you. Say it. and trust Him.
“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God”— Rom. 10:17
Speak the Word of God out loud to yourself and others. Believe it.
Say
“My God shall supply all my need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
Say it out loud and trust it. It is a fact.
Speaking the Word out loud builds faith.
Is something making you think you lost your salvation? Turn to God and ask Him to save you through Jesus Christ and speak these words over your fear.
“All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.:—John 6:37
If you know Jesus, He will not cast you out. You might stumble. You might drift away, but He is with you still. Just turn to Him and ask.
“I am in Christ, and He will not cast me out.” Say it and believe it.
“And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.”—John 6:39
If we know Him, we will be with Him on that day.
Are you confused? Are demons whispering into your mind trying to get you to think God is out to get you?
Trust God.
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”—Rom. 8:28
Say it out loud.
“All things work together for my good. I love God and He has called me to Him and His purpose for my life. He is with me.”
Believe it. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. Your faith expands when you hear God’s truth and you trust Him.
It’s sort of like stirring yourself up, except that it is spirit. His words are spirit and truth. They impact your soul and spirit and the things beyond the veil. They build up faith, and when you see Him move, your faith grows as well.
Are you facing something you cannot overcome, like addiction or some task?
“Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.”—Rom. 8:37
Say it.
“I am a conqueror in Jesus name. I will overcome through Him.”
Speak it and believe it.
Do not let the devil, beat you down with fear and doubt. Stand on God’s Word. Believe His promises and speak them into your life and the life of others.
The enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy.
But, Jesus came to give us life, and to give it more abundantly. (John 10:10)
“I have an abundant life in Jesus name. He has saved me and is blessing me.”
If the enemy can get you to stop trusting God, then you have no where to turn. You can believe the Word.
Even if God is causing you problems or allowing it. It is for your good, and you can trust Him. Pray the Word. Speak the promises.
Stand on it.
(Do you have prayer requests or praises? Tell me in the comments or message me.)
The saints will be overcome. The scriptures are clear that the Anti-Christ will make war with the saints and overcome them. (Dan. 7:25, Rev. 13:7) I want to point out how this is likely to occur and how it is already started. I am not giving a prophecy here. I’m just pointing out some things.…
What is the truth? I want to start with the ultimate truth, then talk about the current times, and prophecy. If you want to know God’s will on any subject you can probably find it in the Garden at Creation. There was no evil or death present. Nothing killed anything else. The humans and animals…
God is with us “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” –Luke 12:32 “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”— 2 Tim. 1:7 “So that we may boldly say, The Lord is…
Bio: Chris Bunton is a writer, poet and blogger from Southern Illinois. He has published in several magazines, and has written a poetry eBook called “Against the Man” and an Addiction Recovery eBook called “Made Free: Overcoming Addiction“ a collection of dystopian short stories.“The Future is Coming” and his latest book “The Latter Days‘ is a book on Bible Prophecy and avoiding the deceptions to come.
It’s important to know. Death on its most basic level means separation. It is not an end, as some suppose. The Bible teaches that we are triune, like God. We are made in His image. We have a body, a soul and a spirit. When God created everything He created it good. Evil was contained…
Are we prepared for His return? Matthew Chapter 25 is a chapter in the New Testament that describes what will happen when Christ returns. It states that He will separate the sheep from the goats. It appears that this judgment is not the Great White Throne judgment, where the lost are judged. This judgment is…
Always more. More, More, More. “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.”— Heb.…
The creation of the internet and social media has brought forth a problem that workers need protection from.
For quite some time now, workers have been faced with losing jobs, or financial attacks based upon some behavior that the person has the Constitutional right to perform.
A worker, on their own time with their own services, will do something or say something, that will lead to protest and cause an employer to fire them. Despite the fact that the person has the right to say or perform the act.
Whether it’s a teacher fired from a job, because she has an Onlyfans page. Or a man who posts a picture taken years ago. Or a person goes on a drunken tirade that gets videotaped and posted online. We have seen these things blow up time and time again. Then, the person is fired.
The problem is that we violate people’s rights by circumventing the Constitution and using business as a means to impose totalitarian rules. You might have the right to do a thing. But, you’ll be broke if you do.
In this age of the internet and social media, things can be blown out of proportion, and exist forever. So, not only does the person lose the current job, but it impacts them ever getting a job in the future. Over something they have the right to do.
Is this setting up a future social credit system, where you are punished financially for any violation? Banks can take your money? Your employer fines you or fires you because you said something off duty at a picnic? How far will this go? Will you be fired for refusing to be searched? Will you be fired for owning a gun? Will you be fired for refusing medical procedures or violating your employers religious beliefs? Where does it end?
Folks claim that employers have the right to fire employees at will. That should be changed. An employer should not be able to violate rights and freedoms of an employee.
Currently an employer doesn’t have to give a reason to justify firing or simply says the behavior is not inline with the values of the company, or that the behavior could damage the company financially or in some other way. Then they can fire the worker.
The company should be required to prove actual harm, not just a possible harm. The company should be required to prove that ALL the other the employees are living a perfect life inline with the values the company claims to possess. Equal justice under the law.
Did the company fire the manager who cheated on his wife last week? Equal justice under the law. Or do those values only apply when a person is caught on tape and it’s played online? Maybe owners should be fined when they violate the companies values on their own time also?
Currently in America there is a complaint that people do not want to work anymore. Perhaps that problem could be solved by giving workers more protections against employers. Why would anyone want to work for low pay and low benefits, while being treated unfairly, and being afraid of getting fired for things they have the right to do.
Workers need protection, or big business will become big brother.
We Are Being Sanctified “Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s…
You can know for sure. “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that…
We need the Holy Spirit “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”—1 Cor. 2:9 This verse in 1 Cor. is a quote from Isaiah, “For since the beginning of the world…
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