What Does Love Have To Do With It?


NOTE: This is a Guest Post used with permission from Gloria Thomas Anderson, LMSW at http://www.hearttones.com.

 

Love can be viewed as a relative term and its definition depends on who you ask and their perspective. You may agree that love is demonstrative—not just what you say, but what you do. Sometimes it’s seen as an expectation, based upon a predetermined mindset that may not be realistic.

For example, take a person who displays their love to another and expects that person to reciprocate in the same way (i.e., buying gifts, verbal affections, etc.) When that doesn’t happen, the giver may look at the other person as “not loving” them back, without realizing that love means very different things from one individual to the next.

We are all made up of our past experiences, values, and attitudes. How we see the world is directly related to what we have seen in our own world. Someone who has experienced abuse or trauma may have a totally different view on love than a person who has not. For a person who has been rejected or abandoned by someone they trusted, their perception of love might be skewed based on that experience.

What does love have to do with it? That depends on how you see love! Most people equate love with being cared about, appreciated and accepted. How that is expressed is as different as the individuals expressing it. One thing for sure, God’s love trumps all others!

Blessings To You,




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Pride And The Road To Ruin.


Pride is part of human nature, is a very dangerous sin, and has practically wrecked the human race.

Proverbs 16:18 (NKJV) says Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.”

5 WAYS PRIDE DEVASTATES LIFE

1. PRIDE DEFIES GOD.

Proverbs 6:16-19 (NKJV) says These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren.”

Proverbs 16:5 (NKJV) says Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord; Though they join forces, none will go unpunished.”

1 Peter 5:5 (NKJV) says Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for 'God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.'”

2. PRIDE DEFILES MAN.

Proverbs 16:5 (NKJV) says Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord; Though they join forces, none will go unpunished.”

Proverbs 21:4 (NKJV) says A haughty look, a proud heart, And the plowing of the wicked are sin.”

Mark 7:21-22 (NKJV) says For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness.”

3. PRIDE DIVIDES SOCIETY.

Proverbs 13:10 (NKJV) says By pride comes nothing but strife, But with the well-advised is wisdom.”

Proverbs 28:25 (NKJV) says He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife, But he who trusts in the Lord will be prospered.”

4. PRIDE DISHONORS LIFE.

Proverbs 11:2 (NKJV) says When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom.”

Proverbs 15:33 (NKJV) says The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom, And before honor is humility.”

Proverbs 18:12 (NKJV) says Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, And before honor is humility.”

Proverbs 29:23 (NKJV) says A man’s pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor.”

5. PRIDE DESTROYS SOULS.

Proverbs 15:25 (NKJV) says The Lord will destroy the house of the proud, But He will establish the boundary of the widow.”

Proverbs 16:18-19 (NKJV) says Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, Than to divide the spoil with the proud.”

Proverbs 18:12 (NKJV) says Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, And before honor is humility.”

STAY OFF THE ROAD TO RUIN.

Make no mistake about it. Pride is the great sin. It is the devil's most effective and destructive tool.

Pride can lead you down the road to financial, emotional, spiritual, and eternal ruin and is rapidly filling Hell. Get right with God, humble yourself, and never allow yourself to get too big for God to use.

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The Heart Matters.


NOTE: This is a Guest Post used with permission from Ilene Sims of Kansas City, Kansas.


The older I get, I don’t take things so seriously; not like I used to. I now have this incredible opportunity to laugh at myself and enjoy things. Growing up in a traditional church - you always had to be serious about things. The teachings were great, but in some ways those teaching were like a pendulum that went too far to the right, or too far to the left.

We were not permitted to wear lipstick, nor pants, yet when I worked at a major Airline - the wearing of makeup was at the top of their check off list. Our outfits that were given to us as part of our dress code consisted of two (2) jackets and two (2) pairs of pants and one (1) skirt.

Of course back then in the 70’s, my denomination still didn’t permit the wearing of pants, but my choices were slim, because I wasn’t about to wear that skirt day in and day out. I did wear the pants and one day I decided, I was not going to wear the make up and the manager was about to write me up for not having it on.

What I learned from all of that is it wasn’t what was on the outside that made the difference, but it was what was going on in my heart. I loved Jesus then and I love Him more now, and many people only wanted to please Him by their own works or righteousness (self righteous ways). Father God was looking at my heart and He knew me from within.

Jeremiah says: I will write my words upon their heart and that was taking place in my life. That Word was being inscribed on my heart as I spent time in His Presence. The Love of God was being poured out on me, and I was “lovin it”. I was putting on a new wineskin, and I liked what I was seeing and experiencing.

The scripture (Romans 10:10) says: “with the heart man believes and with the mouth, confession is made unto Salvation.”
So now when I go to a big meeting and I’m all dolled up with the hat, shoes and bag -“the look.”, I know in my heart, I am loved by Him. Even when I’ve looked down at my feet, and noticed that I had put on two mixed matched shoes. My heart is free and I laugh with glee, because my heart is His hands. 

Blessings To You,

Ilene Sims  

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God Lives In You.



If You Are A Born-Again Believer, All The Help You Will Ever Need Is Already Inside Of You.

John 10:10 (NKJV) says The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”

3 John 2 (NKJV) says Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.”

1 Corinthians 3:16 (NKJV) says Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?”

YOUR BODY IS THE TEMPLE (HOUSE) OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

1 Corinthians 6:19 (NKJV) says Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?”

Galatians 2:20 (NKJV) says I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”

Psalm 27:14 (NKJV) says Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!”

Note: This often takes courage on our part.

MAIN THOUGHT

What Adam needed was already inside of him.

Genesis 2:21-23 (NKJV) says And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. Then the rib which the Lord God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man. And Adam said: This is now bone of my bones And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman,
Because she was taken out of Man.”

Proverbs 23:7 (NKJV) says For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.”

Note: If you are a born-again believer, God lives inside of you. We can tie God's hands by our thinking and our words. If God is peace, joy, healing, prosperity, then these are inside of you. Sadness and Depression are spirits. Don't empower these spirits by doubt and unbelief.

GOD THE HELP OF THOSE WHO SEEK HIM

Psalm 121:1-2 (NKJV) says “I will lift up my eyes to the hills—From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.”

CLOSING THOUGHT

As a believer, the Holy Spirit lives inside of you. All the power you will ever need already exists inside of you. This is the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. No matter the problem, Jesus is the answer.

With God, All Things Are Possible. Nothing Is Too Difficult For Him.

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Are You Dying Spiritually?



Spiritual Death Happens One Compromise At A Time.

How Would You Answer The Following Questions?

1. Does The Story Of The Cross No Longer Move You?

1 Corinthians 1:18 (NASB) says “For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”

2. Have You Left Your First Love?

Revelation 2:4 (NASB) says But I have this against you, that you have left your first love.”

3. Do Church Services Bore You?

Romans 10:17 (NASB) says So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” Note: If you are not receiving what you need, it may be time to look for a new church home.

4. Do You Have No Interest In Saving Souls?

Proverbs 11:30 (NASB) says The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,
And he who is wise wins souls.”

5. Do Worldly Things Attract You
More Than Spiritual Things?

Romans 8:5-7 (NASB) says For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so.”

6. Are Your Fooling Yourself?

1 Corinthians 3:18 (NASB) says Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you thinks that he is wise in this age, he must become foolish, so that he may become wise.”

7. Do You Fail To Do What You Know You Should Do?

James 1:22 (NASB) says But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.”

8. Are You Frequently Absent At Worship Services?

Hebrews 10:25 (NASB) saysnot forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.”

9. Do You No Longer Participate
In The Work Of The Church?

Romans 10:1-3 (NASB) says “Brethren, my heart’s desire and my prayer to God for them is for their salvation. For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge. For not knowing about God’s righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God.”

10. Are You Like An Unplugged Cellphone Or Ipad?

As Christians, we are like cellphones and ipads. As long as they have power (are fully charged), these tools work great. When we are constantly reading the Word, Praying, Singing, Praising and Worshiping God and in Fellowship with other like-minded believers, our Faith is strong.

When we stop doing these things, we are like the cellphone or ipad. Their power gradually goes down, eventually dies, and they become useless unless they are charged up again. If we are not plugged into our power source, we will eventually die spiritually.

This above demonstrates how easy it is to drift away from God and fall into sin.

DANGER! STOP! DON'T LOSE GOD'S FREE GIFT!
STAY PLUGGED IN TO YOUR POWER SOURCE.

Romans 6:23 (NASB) says For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

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My Never Again List.


Note:  This Is A Bold Challenge To “Speak The Word Only” By Don Gossett at www.dongossett.com.


Matthew 8:8 (MEV) says The centurion answered and said, “Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But speak the word only, and my servant will be healed.”
  
 
BASED ON “SPEAK THE WORD ONLY”,
THE FOLLOWING IS “MY NEVER AGAIN LIST”.


NEVER AGAIN WILL I CONFESS “I CAN’T”

Philippians 4:13 (MEV) says I can do all things because of Christ who strengthens me.”

NEVER AGAIN WILL I CONFESS LACK

Philippians 4:19 (MEV) says But my God shall supply your every need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

NEVER AGAIN WILL I CONFESS FEAR

2 Timothy 1:7 (MEV) says For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and love, and self-control.”

NEVER AGAIN WILL I CONFESS DOUBT
AND LACK OF FAITH

Romans 12:3 (MEV) says For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sound judgment, according to the measure of faith God has distributed to every man.”

NEVER AGAIN WILL I CONFESS WEAKNESS

Psalm 27:1 (MEV) saysThe Lord is my light and my salvation; whom will I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom will I be afraid?”
And
Daniel 11:32 (MEV) saysBy flatteries he will corrupt those who act wickedly toward the covenant. But the people who know their God will be strong and take action.”

NEVER AGAIN WILL I CONFESS SUPREMACY
OF SATAN OVER MY LIFE

1 John 4:4 (MEV) says You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”

NEVER AGAIN WILL I CONFESS DEFEAT

2 Corinthians 2:14 (MEV) says Now thanks be to God who always causes us to triumph in Christ and through us reveals the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.”

NEVER AGAIN WILL I CONFESS LACK OF WISDOM

1 Corinthians 1:30 (MEV) says But because of Him you are in Christ Jesus, whom God made unto us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.”

NEVER AGAIN WILL I CONFESS SICKNESS

Isaiah 53:5 (MEV) says But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.”
And
Matthew 8:17 (MEV) says to fulfill what was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses.”

NEVER AGAIN WILL I CONFESS WORRIES
AND FRUSTRATIONS

1 Peter 5:7 (MEV) says Cast all your care upon Him, because He cares for you.” In Christ, I am “care-free.

NEVER AGAIN WILL I CONFESS BONDAGE

2 Corinthians 3:17 (MEV) says Now the Lord is the Spirit. And where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” My body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.

NEVER AGAIN WILL I CONFESS CONDEMNATION

Romans 8:1 (MEV) says There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” I am in Christ; therefore, I am free from condemnation.

NEVER AGAIN WILL I CONFESS LONELINESS

Matthew 28:20 (MEV) says teaching them to observe all things I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen.”
And 
Hebrews 13:5 (MEV) says “Let your lives be without love of money, and be content with the things you have. For He has said: I will never leave you, nor forsake you.”

NEVER AGAIN WILL I CONFESS DISCONTENTMENT

Philippians 4:11-13 (MEV) says I do not speak because I have need, for I have learned in whatever state I am to be content. I know both how to face humble circumstances and how to have abundance. Everywhere and in all things I have learned the secret, both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things because of Christ who strengthens me.”

NEVER AGAIN WILL I CONFESS UNWORTHINESS

2 Corinthians 5:21 (MEV) says God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

NEVER AGAIN WILL I CONFESS CONFUSION

1 Corinthians 14:33 (MEV) saysFor God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.”
And
1 Corinthians 2:12 (MEV) says “Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God, so that we might know the things that are freely given to us by God.”

NEVER AGAIN WILL I CONFESS PERSECUTION

Romans 8:31 (MEV) says What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”

NEVER AGAIN WILL I CONFESS THE
DOMINION OF SIN OVER MY LIFE
 
Romans 8:2 (MEV) says For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set me free from the law of sin and death.”
And
Psalm 103:12 (MEV) saysas far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.”

NEVER AGAIN WILL I CONFESS INSECURITY

Proverbs 3:24-26 (MEV) says When you lie down, you will not be afraid; yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet. Do not be afraid of sudden terror, nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes; for the Lord will be your confidence, and will keep your foot from being caught.”

NEVER AGAIN WILL I CONFESS FAILURE

Romans 8:37 (MEV) says No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”

NEVER AGAIN WILL I CONFESS FRUSTRATION

Isaiah 26:3 (MEV) says You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.”

NEVER AGAIN WILL I CONFESS FEAR OF THE FUTURE

1 Corinthians 2:9-10 (MEV) saysBut as it is written, Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor has it entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” But God has revealed them to us by His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.”

NEVER AGAIN WILL I CONFESS TROUBLES 
 
In John 16:33 (MEV), Jesus said “I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But be of good cheer. I have overcome the world.”

THERE IS POWER IN YOUR WORDS

Proverbs 18:21 (NASB) says Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.”

Your words are more powerful than you think. Retrain yourself in how you speak, get rid of doubt, fear and all negative and unproductive speech. Instead, begin to speak these biblical truths over yourself and situations in life, and you will be amazed at the change that will take place. In so doing, you will be in complete agreement with the Lord and His Holy Word. The change will be gradual, but rest assured, it will take place.

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