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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
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
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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!
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!
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!
High Visibility Boundaries
When the Fall of the year is mature, landowners re-establish and re-mark their land boundaries with (high visibility), “No Hunting” or “No Trespassing” signs. This is done to help control who is welcomed on the land to take of its bounty, OR NOT! Permission is required by the owner. The signs are usually fluorescent so they are (highly visible). There can be no question “Where is the Boundary Line?”
An abuser of control in our lives, be it a spouse, a parent, a child, a co-worker, co-student or whoever, can often be identified by their “extreme high to low emotions”. They use emotions to CONTROL and sometimes their physic. They establish or set up “illegal” or “unhealthy boundaries” in the relationship! The victims response often is “Oh good, he/she is in a good mood, or Oh no, he/she is angry and I need to avoid or appease them!” Sound familiar? “Where is the Boundary Line?”
Similar to the analogy of the land owner, the “trespasser” establishes control because there are no (high visibility) signs or healthy boundaries used to keep un-welcomed people (controlling abusers) out. In this unruly relationship, mental and sometimes physical molestation is commonplace. The heart attitude connected to this abuse is often rage, division, and word cursing. Lawlessness abounds, joy is manipulated at best, and bondage dominates. Matthew 24:12 “Where lawlessness abounds, the love of many will grow cold.”
Establishing healthy boundaries (high visibility signs) with the said abuser allows you to separate yourself far enough from them, so you can seek God and seek counsel for God to bless them, and heal them at the root of their problems. The question is are you tired enough of fear and intimidation to establish healthy (high visibility) boundaries that can bring change? “Where is the Boundary Line?”
“Healthy Boundaries” is another part of 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!
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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