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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.
- What is it that you fear the most?
- Is this fear controlling your thoughts and robbing your peace?
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.
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!
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.
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
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!
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!
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!
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!
Monique Lucas
I want to introduce a talented young lady that Kelly and I met in church last Sunday. We attend New Life In Christ International Ministries in Grandview, MO. Miss Monique Lucas presented this poem in that service and so much of it corresponds with my recent blog posts, I invited her to be a “guest blogger”.
Monique is a 27 year old college graduate, that loves music, art, writing and much more. She says “I just want to see a true change in people’s lives through the power of Jesus Christ.“
Enjoy this poem, and visit her blog site to keep up with her thoughts and creative writings in the future.
Every Blessing to you as you read ~ Bob Parr
WE DECLARE WAR!
The enemy thought he had us beat
because there have been many causalities
But little did he know our strategy
is to raise up a young nation,
using God’s word;
battering this adversary
I’m talking about a generation of warriors.
Front line soldiers who refuse to believe
life is all about fast money, cars, and greed.
See, the media wants us to think that success for this generation is a no-go
But we wage war for this generation
Because there is hope
No matter what statistics claim
Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
So We Declare War
We wage war against this perverse & sinful environment
We wage war so that somebody will hear the good news and repent
We wage war because someone’s mother or father will receive salvation
Based off the godly lifestyle of THIS generation
We are warring where the devil has planted roots—
Years of abuse. Years of self-degradation
Years of strife among the brethren and suicide contemplation
Wickedness in this very nation
But this generation, has been called-out and chosen
for the Lord’s glorification.
We’re warring against the baby momma, baby daddy mentality
Generational curses running ramped in the family
But we’re warring to get our minds back to what God’s intentions are, see
We are in desperate need of a change.
And with our sling in hand, we’re taking aim.
We’re armored up. Made up.
Got our weapons laid up.
Raised up. Saved up.
But most of all
We’re prayed up
Because we declare war!
And though we fight many battles down here
I’m looking forward to that day
When Jesus appears
When sin and death will reign no more
And every man will receive his reward
Christ the King is coming back with a double edge sword
Giving Satan every beat down he had in store
Showing the world once and for all that Jesus is Lord!
But until then,
we’ll keep fighting
For our salvation is nearer now than ever before
But until that day comes,
WE DECLARE WAR!!
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Love Displaces Fear
You may be asking “re-entry into what? Let me put it this way; you were originally designed to live and dwell in an environment much like an Eden paradise! Walk with God; talk with God, fully dependent on God, and very intimate with God. An environment where fear does not exist.
Have you ever lost anyone to suicide? The enemy of our soul, “The devil” has a mandate (motivated by jealousy) to destroy your faith, hope, love, and ultimately your life. His goal is to oppress us to the point of confusion on what and Who we believe to be Truth!
Jesus said in Luke 22:31ff “Simon, Simon! Indeed, satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith should not fail, but after you have returned to [me], strengthen your brethren.”
The process in the above Luke scripture;
- Programmed for fail – “satans attempt to sift us” ~ Dysfunctional Family/Theology Part I
- Re-programmed – “Faith instilled-Revelation of the Word of God” ~ Part II
- Re-entry – “The Kingdom of God” ~ Finding/living our identity in our heavenly Fathers house.
BDB Thayers – Greek for sift = by inward agitation to try one’s faith to the verge of overthrow
The devil uses this fallen realm to unleash his horrid anger and jealousy out on all mankind. He hates us as we were created in the image of God. You were victimized, but are not a victim. You are a child of the Most High God, destined as an over-comer in this world, to re-enter His Kingdom forever!
Your existence was;
- Prophetically Initiated in heaven ~ Psalm 139
- Realized on sinful earth ~ John 3:5
- Destined for His Kingdom ~ John 3:5
Clearly, Father God made a “Remedy” for our weakness’ and problems through His Son Jesus. Jesus is the Destroyer of the destroyer, the Restorer of our souls, the Mighty Conqueror, The Commanding King of Kings. I John 3:8b says “For this purpose was the Son of God manifest, to destroy the works of the evil one.”
Re-entry is our Quest for Freedom! Galatians 5:1 “It was for freedom that Christ has set us free…”
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!
Major Tweaks & Upgrades
Many of us experience at least two forces working against us throughout our life-times. 1. Our childhood family environment with all it’s quirks and dysfunctions because humanity is full of wounded and imperfect people. 2. Our church family environment (depending greatly on where we landed). We are often taught from childhood (programmed), by example, and sometimes at church, that the character of God is something that it is not! Father God is often misrepresented as a harsh tax-master, performance oriented, or a judge, who at the slightest mistake or set back is prepared to lock your eternity up in a scorching hell where there is no hope, no help, and no water! Yikes!!!! That is not the Father that Jesus tells us about! That may be more like some of our earthly fathers?
Hence we need a “Re-programming” of our mental picture of the very term “Father” (and other authorities) in our lives. And we need a “Re-Programming” of our perception of Who God Really Is? This will provide for us a healthy bridge to “re-entry” into the place that Father God intends for us to find safe haven, comfort, joy, peace, and that abundant life that we know the Bible talks about, but few ever experience it. How about it, do you want to experience that? Are you ready for a “Re-programming” so that you can experience a “Re-entry”?
Here are a few tweaks and upgrades that will help you in this process;
- Know that you were miraculously created and wonderfully made ~ Psalms 139
- Know you are eternally loved by God ~ Jeremiah 31:3
- Know that Father God loves you as He loves Jesus ~ John 17:23b
- Know that Father God is not judging your every move ~ John 5:22
- Know that you have a destiny in God ~ Jeremiah 29:11
- Know that it’s His kindness not “His Law” that draws you to repentance (change). ~ Romans 2:4
Finally, know that your earthly fathers house was probably not a good representation of your Heavenly Fathers House where there is full grown, Security~Love~Acceptance~Purpose available for you now and forever!
Every Blessing to you as you allow the Truth of the Word of God to transform your mind & thinking, and the impartation of His unconditional love that heals, and nourishes your wounded heart!
* It is imperative that we choose to forgive our dads for their shortcomings. If you need assistance in this contact us below:
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!
