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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
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.
Our NEW – Freedom Quest Introductory Video
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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;
- Repent; Change your mind and ways.
- Reconcile; Ask forgiveness for not seeking to know Him and be known by Him.
- Re-order; Re-order your steps, spend time in the Bible, a fellowship of believers, talk to Him.
- Receive; As you give to Him simple acknowledgments, receive what He has for you.
- Rest; Enjoy a renewed relationship with the One who created you with love in mind.
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.
Our NEW – Freedom Quest Introductory Video
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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.
Our NEW – Freedom Quest Introductory Video
We encourage you to share this post with your network on Facebook, Twitter, or other social networks, click the “Bookmark” button. Thanks for spreading words and connections that heal! Every Blessing to you!
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.
Freedom Quest Introductory Video
We encourage you to share this post with your network on Facebook, Twitter, or other social networks, click the “Bookmark” button. Thanks for spreading words and connections that heal! Every Blessing to you!
"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…
- “Oh great, they forgot about me and they’re not coming at all.” (As their car pulls in the driveway).
- “Where are my mints? I’ll bet she put them in her purse and I’ll never see them again.” (you find them on your table, right where you put them)
- “Why is my boss meeting with everyone but me? They must be talking bad about me.” (a surprise party in your honor was being planned )
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?
- Daily awareness that we are presumptuous.
- Endeavor to get the facts before concluding.
- Ask a friend or mentor to consistently hold you accountable.
- Deliberately focus on “hope” instead of doubt.
- Meditate on Philippians 4:8, Romans 5:5, I Corinthians 13, and I John 4:18.
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.
Freedom Quest Introductory Video
We encourage you to share this post with your network on Facebook, Twitter, or other social networks, click the “Bookmark” button. Thanks for spreading words and connections that heal! Every Blessing to you!
Hindrance to receive?
In computer terms, there are several reasons for not being able to download a file.
- Insufficient memory/disk space.
- Corrupted files.
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.
Freedom Quest Introductory Video
We encourage you to share this post with your network on Facebook, Twitter, or other social networks, click the “Bookmark” button. Thanks for spreading words and connections that heal! Every Blessing to you!
Passionate Son
PASSION!
- What is it in your life that makes you “pound the table” with great intensity?
- Or is there anything?
Passionate or Passionless?
Jesus passionately took action to preach, teach, heal, raise the dead, and even suffer emotionally and physically unto death. He was passionate to fulfill the purpose of God the Father for His life! I am not saying He had a smile on His face as the soldiers whipped, beat and humiliated Him, but inside His heart, He was passionate to complete the destiny His Father had spoken into Him – His life for ours.
Jesus heard His Fathers voice because of the intimate relationship He shared with His Father.
John 5:19 (NKJV) Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner.”
Our fathers are to speak destiny into us. So, did yours?
Generally, we all experience highs and lows emotionally throughout our lives. This is partially due to the fact that our lives are made up of a series of transitions; Like Jesus, some exciting, adventurous, and fun, while others are painful, unpleasant, and draining. Without purpose, it’s all but impossible to be passionate in the midst of an unpleasant transition. Again, Jesus was not without purpose! How about you?
Passionate or Passionless?
Passion always precedes action that accomplishes great things! The lack of passion produces mediocrity, with an anemic contentment for life. You are called to great things, that is… your destiny. When you begin to hear your destiny spoken from a father- figure, you will become passionate and that will activate your destiny call to greatness.
If you are “unmoved by feeling” or passionless, perhaps your earthly father couldn’t or didn’t speak destiny into you, or maybe like me, you closed your heart to hear anything from him. Regardless of the why, are you ready to tear down the walls, and open your heart to fathering? Maybe you have closed yourself off to other authority figures that saw your potential, but sensed your resistance.
What better time than Fathers Day week to sow freedom into your relationship with the father-figure/s in your life! If you are ready to become that passionate son/daughter… read this prayer out loud with me.
“Heavenly Father, I acknowledge my emotional wounding that has hindered my ability to feel passion. I am choosing right now to forgive ___________ (say their name/s) for not speaking destiny into me. I ask your forgiveness for closing my heart to dad and/or other authority figures in my life. By faith, I believe I am forgiven, and I ask Father that you would open my spiritual ears to hear you everyday concerning the plans (Jeremiah 29:11) that you have for me.
In Jesus name I pray… Amen!”
You are destined to greatness by Almighty God!
For personal “Spiritual Life Coaching” sessions in our home office, or over the telephone please contact us at Freedom Quest International.
We encourage you to share this post with your network on Facebook, Twitter, or other social networks, click the “Bookmark” button. Thanks for spreading words that heal! Every Blessing to you!
Bob Parr ~ Age 17
For some twenty years, rebellion was all I knew. I fashioned my life after it. Drugs, sex, and rock’n roll were my only passions. At age 16, I was married and a father. By age 28, I was twice divorced and because of my wounded heart, had positioned my three children in unacceptable circumstances. I managed to gain custody of my two oldest children. I lived rent free and jobless with my sister in grandpa’s basement, freeloading off both of them.
I lived selfishly, knowing there had to be more to life than what I was experiencing.
Then on Sunday morning, March 10, 1985 I awoke from a cocaine and whiskey hangover. The television was on with the volume muted. I saw Jimmy Swaggart preaching in a soccer stadium in Africa, and his words traveled across the bottom of the screen saying; “if you need a new life, here are the three things that will give you “New Life!”
First you need to confess that you are sinful and commit sins, second you need to ask Jesus to forgive you for your sins, and thirdly, invite Him into your heart to be both your Lord and your Savior.
As I wrote these three things down I also prayed them. I had destroyed so many brain cells in previous years that my memory was embarrassingly limited. I didn’t want to miss this chance at “New Life!” That day, Jesus heard my heart cry and set me free!
I was instantly free from nicotine, alcohol, and drug addiction. He convicted me gently of my foul language. Because of the love I felt from Him, I didn’t want to do anything to displease or disappoint Him. I figured that I had destroyed the first half of my life and I wanted to surrender the second part wholly to Him.
He is not only the God of a second chance, He is the God of another chance!
I soon met my current wife and we have been married for over 22 years now. Together, we’ve preached the Gospel in over 20 countries.
- Perhaps you’re rebelling?
- Maybe you’re feeling stuck in life?
- Have you wondered if there’s a better way to live?
If you desire a “New Life”, pray this prayer right now! Don’t wait another day!
“Heavenly Father, I’ve lived a life contrary to Your plan for me. I am a sinful person. I am asking You, Jesus, to forgive me of my sins, and come live in my heart. I choose to make You both my Lord and my Savior.”
3 Suggested steps for maturing as a Christian
- Bible ~ begin by reading “The Gospel of John”
- Regularly attend a Bible Church near you
- Get actively involved with other Christians.
For personal “Spiritual Life Coaching” sessions in our home office, or over the telephone please contact us at Freedom Quest International.
This post is taken directly from a “hard-copy” Gospel Tract that I have published. If you are interested in obtaining quantities of this tract, email us at; info@freedomquestinternational.org or visit our website contact page.
We encourage you to share this post with your network on Facebook, Twitter, or other social networks, click the “Bookmark” button. Thanks for spreading words that heal! Every Blessing to you!
