If you are saying right about now “I don’t have a problem with Judging Others“, maybe ask yourself this; do I ever get angry or disagree with my parents, spouse, boss, government, banker, barber, children, best friend, God, yourself or any one else? Then you may well benefit from this 3 Part video series “Judging Others” How to Overcome.
Every Blessing ~ James 1:17
Bob
Photo by: Bob Parr
Have you ever found yourself almost overwhelmed with fear? I believe that much of the depression that we experience is both initiated and sustained by fear. So where does this fear come from and how do we deal with it?
II Timothy 1:7 says that “God has not given us a spirit of fear…” so we know that God is not scary, in fact He provides us a remedy for “Fixing Frantic” in His word… please read on.
There are several types of fear mentioned in the Bible. Here is one type to consider;
Romans 8:15 (NKJV) For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”
It is the type fear that grips you and dominates your thinking, it overtakes your emotions so that you cannot easily experience the positive emotions such as joy, laughter, rest, or peace that comes when we truly know the Father.
Rather you become controlled by this invisible uneasy feeling that grips your gut, robs you of sleep, and sends you into a state of negativity. It can interfere with your appetite, your sleep, your physical health, your daily productivity and hence destroy your life and relationships.
This type fear is Biblically described as the emotional state of one that is in bondage. And the Greek word and definition for this type fear is; Fear – GK ~ phobos {fob’-os} fear, dread, terror
Note the similarity to our “phobia”?
One of the most comforting passages whenever one is struggling with “phobos” is the famous Psalm 91.
If yes, why not follow this link and meditate on Psalm 91, letting Father God comfort you by “Fixing Frantic” with His Word?
For personal “Prophetic Prayer Ministry” sessions in our home office, via Skype, or over the telephone please contact us at Freedom Quest International.
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Photo by Angelo Greco
After having lived in S.E. Asia for 15 years we learned very quickly that an Asian “no” is often times really a “yes”. For example, if I invite my friend to have a bite to eat, they would almost always say “no” three times, and if I was persistent, on the fourth time they would finally smile and say “yes, thank you!”.
Communications are one of the most prevalent areas of relational breakdown.
Misunderstandings of what was really being said or done has always been a tool of division that the enemy (satan) frequently uses. Married couples, although having become very intimate, spending loads of time together, sharing dreams, hopes, fears, and laughter almost always struggle with being misunderstood by each other.
Why is this?
How can we begin to recognize when we misunderstand or when we are being misunderstood? How can we take a new approach to this “tool of division”? This tactic of the enemy is an old one.
One simple approach is to begin to open our hearts. Open our hearts to learn a new language – the language of dialogue.
Our past experiences play a major role in our abilities to interpret concepts, life, love, and emotions. Hence the term “we’re not on the same page”. If I were taught to rotate the tires on my car “front to rear and visa versa”, and you were taught by a mechanic, to rotate them “clockwise”, in order to work together in a healthy way we must learn the art of dialogue! A task as uncomplicated as “rotating the tires” often times can lead into a shouting match or even to the point where one has no voice at all – both parties being misunderstood.
To some people, instead of dialogue they are “stuck” in monologue. Monologue is one voice that says “my way is the only way!”, or “I don’t care what you think!”. This type of communication is base, immature, and bears much negative fruit in any relationship. On the other hand, a dialogue that says “are you saying that…?” or “can you restate that so I am sure I’m hearing your heart?” is one that is taking the more mature stance. This type of communication promotes honor, dignity, harmony, unity, clarity, and humility in which all of these depicts Christ.
May this nugget of truth encourage you both today, and in all of your future communications!
We at Freedom Quest International are launching “EncounterLOVE” which is a series of 3 Saturdays this March 2011. The all day seminars are geared to enhance you Body-Soul-Spirit. For more details go to this link.
For personal “Prophetic Prayer Ministry” sessions in our home office, via Skype, or over the telephone please contact us at Freedom Quest International.
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How's your "State of the Heart"?
A healthy “State of the Heart” is a heart that is able to turn worries, concerns, and very real and difficult circumstances over to God. It’s a heart that trusts God’s love, waits for His intervention, and remembers His “Good Father” nature. God’s intention has always been for our hearts to be whole, stable, full of faith in Him, knowing Him intimately, and acknowledging Him in all of our doings. Our hearts are to remain in “one peace” – no matter what our situation or circumstance might be.
But why is it that many of our hearts today still remain in a state of instability, division, indecisiveness, and fear?
James, brother of Jesus, reminds us in chapter 1 verse 8 that “a double-minded man is unstable in all his ways”. Hence, divided thinking produces divided feelings, which produces distorted or dysfunctional behavior. If we choose to remain in that state of instability it will destroy our “love, joy and peace” – which is a healthy “State of the Heart”.
We were created by God to have hearts that trust and know how to rest. Trust will always eliminate any fear from our heart. But why do we waver back and forth from trust to fear, fear to trust – causing our hearts to be divided. A healthy “State of the Heart” starts with healthy thinking.
Perhaps you’ve lost your job, a loved one has too suddenly passed away, a close relationship has gone sour or another one of life’s crisis has manifested itself.
What is your “State of the Heart”?
Are you wavering back and forth from fear to trust, trust to fear and find yourself to be unstable emotionally? Where do you go for your counsel, or direction? Consider your thought process. Begin to remind yourself of Who and How BIG your God is. Are you longing for peace to fill your heart right now?
How’s your “State of the Heart”?
The following prayer has the potential to influence your “State of the Heart” today!
“Father God, I often find myself in a state of confusion, wavering back and forth like a teeter-totter from fear to faith, faith to fear. My mind takes me to places of fear and doubt and I am unstable much of the time. I long for Your peace to be the “State of my Heart”. Hear my cry for peace. Help me to see You as my Portion and my Everything. Help me to open my mind and my heart to Your perfect love that displaces fear. Father teach my mind and my heart to rest completely in You and Your abilities despite my weaknesses. In Jesus’ name I pray these things – so be them.
For personal “Prophetic Prayer Ministry” sessions in our home office, via Skype, or over the telephone please contact us at Freedom Quest International.
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There is a Solution!
An “Unchained Heart” is “a heart that is fearless, unhindered, and free to function at full capacity”.
Gods’ intention for humankind has always been intimacy with him, and with fellow-man. He deliberately created Adam from dust, blew in his nostrils, and had accomplished His plan for fellowship with man. God desires to pour out His “perfect expression” of Love into each one of us. The fall of mankind in the garden, through the disobedience and complacency of Adam and Eve created a void and/or schism, not in God’s heart but in mans.
Disobedience established a distorted foundation by which we receive and give love.
If the first Adam had not fallen, we would all live in a perfect paradise, perfect intimacy and fellowship with God and man. There would not be any sickness, shame, or sin. Rather, we are living in a universe quite different from those variables. We have our flesh and sin to deal with perpetually. We experience sickness and decay as we age, and we struggle to truly love and receive love both from both God and man!
Therefore our hearts have been wounded (chained) by diverse variations of abandonment and/or rejection from primary relationships in our lives. This has created a void in many of our hearts and causes us to be in-confident in our true identity. Many of us suffer year after year and sometimes decades striving for “victory” but never getting past singing of it in our church pews!
The “Unchained Heart” is a reality that God has provided for us through His Son Jesus Christ!
• God is love and love covers. (I John 4:16, I Peter 4:8)
• God restores the heart that is humble. (Luke 15:21-24)
• God the Father desires to pour out His love to us, and through us. (Matthew 22:37-39)
Can you identify with the idea of your heart being “chained up”?
Are you limited in the capacity of freedom God intended for you to walk in?
There is hope!
Titus 2:11 tells us that the grace of God that brings us salvation has appeared to all men… and in 2:14 the end result of this revelation is Redemptive!
Jesus is our Hope!
He is the key to us living with “Unchained Hearts”!
For personal “Prophetic Prayer Ministry” sessions in our home office, via Skype, or over the telephone please contact us at Freedom Quest International.
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It's About Relationship
In the business world and contemporary society, success is measured by our social, religious, or occupational status. We tend to get in a rut seeking our identity in “doing” rather than “being”.
But in the Kingdom of God, success is measured by “knowing” Him.
It’s about relationship.
In Gods Kingdom, He is calling many rebellious sons and daughters to come home.
The Bible suggests that many of us are deceived into thinking that we are secure in Him because we prayed a nice prayer once upon a time.
Jesus explains it well in Matthew 7:21-23.
21 “Not everyone who says to me, `Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, `Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, `I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’
All relationships require relating to someone. Relating is active, consistent, and meaningful, not mechanical, hyper-structured, and dry. The sky is the limit to how intimate you want to get with God. Proverbs 3:5,6 encourages us to acknowledge Him in all our ways and He will direct our paths.
God longs for relationship with you and I.
But in the above passage V 23…Jesus says that to some He will sadly say, “I never knew you”.
This is a wake-up call for some of us, a sobering reality that touches our eternity!
If you find yourself in the category of being a “policy holder”, but you don’t ever talk to your “Agent”… there is hope!
Suggested Steps for coming home;
It’s your life, but I challenge you to share it with Him. He is knocking at the door of your heart, seeking relationship! (Revelation 3:20)
For personal “Prophetic Prayer Ministry” or “Spiritual Life Coaching” sessions in our home office, Skype, or over the telephone please contact us at Freedom Quest International.
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A Sub-Divided Life
Many people subconsciously organize their lives into categories. We see this clearly in statements like T.G.I.F. (Thank God it’s Friday)! We have our work-week and then we have our week-end. Two very clear divisions. Subsequently within those two divisions we build “sub-divisions”. Let’s face it… we all compartmentalize our lives!
Our work-week “sub-divisions” may look something like this…
• Monday night football
• Tuesday out with the girls
• Wednesday we have church
• Thursday night MY time
• Friday night date night with your spouse!
Followed by our “sub-divided” week-ends….
• Saturday morning may be chore time, cutting grass, home care, car care, etc.
• Saturday night with family, friends, or some type of entertainment.
• And of course Sunday is our primary “God-time”!
As we examine our lives closer we also see that we tend to compartmentalize our relationships as well. Hence we act differently when we are with certain people than we do with certain other people.
These “sub-divisions of life” are all areas that God desires to be included in, however the level of acknowledgement of God within all of these “sub-divisions” varies greatly.
Proverbs 3:5 (NKJV)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.
May I emphasize Verse 6… “In ALL your ways acknowledge Him.”
Our “sub-divisions” are separated by walls with doors. Some of them we allow Christ in to, but some of them we wouldn’t dare. Why not? Perhaps fear of man, shame, guilt, insecurities, pride and many more.
Let me suggest that if we dare to open ALL the doors in every part of our lives, and tear down all walls, we are then no longer concealing anything!
Matthew 5:14-16 encourages us to “let our light so shine, that men will see our good deeds and glorify our Father in heaven”. (My paraphrase)
Allow God to transform our compartmentalized lives and make them into a public platform where our “Christ-centered” life can be shared and experienced by everyone we come in contact with.
Dare to transform your sub-divisions!
For personal “Prophetic Prayer Ministry” or “Spiritual Life Coaching” sessions in our home office, Skype, or over the telephone please contact us at Freedom Quest International.
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Men, we're stuck!
Historically and traditionally we men have not taken full responsibility in pointing our children to a loving God and His ways.
So if we men have not been doing it… who has?
Who leads Sunday School classes, prays with our children before bedtime, and fills the majority of seats in our churches?
Almost always… the women.
Where are the fathers? What has happened to our priorities?
“Men, We’re Stuck!”
Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians in chapter 4:15,16 says “For although you may have ten thousand others to teach you about Christ, remember that you have only me as your father. For I was the one who brought you to Christ when I preached the Gospel to you. 16 So I beg you to follow my example and do as I do.” (TLB)
Fatherless-ness is a problem our society has been facing both in the world and in the church for decades. Paul said “follow my example and do as I do.” as a spiritual father. Children need to see their father as a spiritual person setting an example that godliness continue through to the generations.
My declaration …”Men, We’re Stuck!” is an acknowledgment, and a prayer for men to rise up and take our responsibility in our families both at home and spiritually. Ed Piorek quotes in his book Father Loves You that “this very night, 40% of American children will sleep in a home where their biological fathers do not live!” I wept when I read this because I myself have contributed to this statistic as a father. How about you? Or do you know someone that has?
The leadership problem in the first century church was a problem of spiritual maturation and is still a problem today.
“Men, we’re stuck!”
As fathers and spiritual leaders of today, let’s take ownership. We have a mandate to “lead” our families through the tough times, not “run” from responsibility, abandoning our families.
This is a wake-up call!
Men, if we deny our responsibility as priest of the home, it is certain to hinder our spiritual maturation as stated in I Corinthians 15:46. Only “we” can change the statistics and be a more accurate representation of our Heavenly Father to our families and the generations of children that follow.
Consider the changes God may be asking you to make. How can you make a difference in your wife & children’s lives as a father both in the natural and spiritual?
Men, we don’t have to remain stuck!
You have a destiny and God will see you through if you submit your ways to Him.
My question to you today; Will you seek to be a true son to your Heavenly Father and be trained by Him to become a spiritual example to your family first and then to others?
Here are a few steps that will help you get started…
1. Begin by praying… “Help me, change me, Father me”.
2. Love your family back to life. Be deliberate in this.
3. Model humility – admit your weakness as well as strengths.
4. Prefer others above self.
5. Live a lifestyle of repentance. (actively initiate self-change)
In doing so, you will be modeling godliness to those around you, challenging yourself to a better way of life, and fulfilling a huge part of God’s will for your life!
For personal “Prophetic Prayer Ministry” or “Spiritual Life Coaching” sessions in our home office, Skype, or over the telephone please contact us at Freedom Quest International.
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"Is that so?"
Presumption is just another wicked tool of the devil to trick us into pride.
One definition for presumption is “to take beforehand”.
This can be applied to physical items, situations, but more often than not, it is a mental/emotional posture that we take before getting the facts.
Let’s look into this a bit deeper.
Physical/Material Presumption in Luke 15:11
In the parable of the “prodigal son”, he was presumptuous about the timing of receiving his inheritance. He got what he wanted, but it was not a blessing as is the purpose of an inheritance. Often, when we are presumptuous, God gives us just what we asked for and it becomes a lesson to be learned.
Situational Presumption in Samuel 8
When Israel demanded an earthly King to lead them into battle, Samuel (the Seer) warned them about the folly of having a king. God said “give them what they want, they have not rejected you, Samuel, they have rejected me from reigning over them.” In comparing themselves with other nations, they presumed having an earthly King to protect them was God’s will.
The consequence of their presumption that “this is God’s will” cost them time, resources, and heartache. If we would only learn to stop and ask ourselves “What is God doing/saying?” perhaps we would eliminate unnecessary consequences, and spend more time inside His will.
Mental/Emotional Presumption
We are presumptuous with people probably more often than we are with God. Most of our “stinkin thinkin” is presumptuous.
Examples…
Love hopes all things (I Corinthians 13:7) – presumption doubts! Lets learn to stop drawing conclusions without facts.
Because of past rejection & abandonment in our lives, we often take a posture of presuming negative scenarios.
5 Tactics to stop presumption?
Presumption is fear based but perfect love casts out every type of fear.
Presumption is an “ancient enemy tactic” to rob us of our “Faith, Hope, and Love”. Let’s route the devil and obey the Word, and watch the enemy flee.
“God does not suffer presumption in anyone but Himself.” Herodotus (484-424 BC)
For personal “Prophetic Prayer Ministry” or “Spiritual Life Coaching” sessions in our home office, Skype, or over the telephone please contact us at Freedom Quest International.
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Hindrance to receive?
In computer terms, there are several reasons for not being able to download a file.
The first has to do with the ability to receive; the latter denotes a problem with what will be transferred.
From this perspective, knowing that God is love, if there is a hindrance, who has the problem – the sender or receiver?
Agape’ is always based on the giver not the receiver. In other words, God is completely loving you and I right now, whether or not we are receiving it. But if one can receive this “Agape’ download” on the Givers terms, they will always be overshadowed with joy.
Jeremiah in his writings (31:3) says “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love;”.
Gods love is very different than man’s love… which at times is distorted because of a fallen nature. Mans distorted version usually expects something in return, and is based on the performance of the receiver. As Jeremiah points out, Gods love doesn’t fade, it is eternal, it does not change on a whim, or due to our poor performance, or weakness, but rather it is always with a redeeming motive. God is all about building us up. He is more committed to us, than we are to Him!
Apostle John not only encourages the 1st century church with the following scriptures but us as well!
I John 3:1 “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!” John is pointing out a distinct type or way of loving that is different and much more pure than our human love forms or practices.
“Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us”…. this is an “Agape’ download!”
I John 4:16 John the “Apostle of Love” writes… “And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.” God made His love known to, and believable to the 1st century believers. They personally experienced an “Agape download!” The Father is no respecter of persons. In Him is no shadow of turning. He changes not. His desire will always be for us to receive a perpetual “Agape’ download!”
Are you hindered to receive His Divine Love?
There is always a way to open up a clogged artery, or to prepare ones heart for download. Don’t hesitate or wait any longer, His eternal love for you is for NOW and FOREVER!
• All Bible text is NKJV unless otherwise stated.
For personal “Spiritual Life Coaching” sessions in our home office, Skype, or over the telephone please contact us at Freedom Quest International.
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