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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
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!
"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!
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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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!
Malaysian Banana Leaf
I remember when we first moved to Malaysia, we sat down to an Indian meal served on a banana leaf, rice, assorted veggies, chicken smothered in curry, chutney, and much more… with no silverware! We told our 12 year old son Josh, “forget everything we taught you about etiquette at the dinner table, and just dig in with your hands!”. He did, we did, but it seemed sooooooo foreign to me as the gravy made its way down my forearm to my elbow! Now after 15 years of walking out that seemingly drastic change, it seems like second nature to sit down to a meal with out silverware, and there is no more mess.
In our lives, we have been programmed to do, think, and even feel a certain way, by the “powers that be” in our past childhood environment. If it was an unstable environment, chances are we seem quirky to most of the population we rub shoulders with. Even if it was stable, we, not one of us is without anxieties and issues that can stand some tweaking. Perfect love and naked truth are the instruments of re-programming that we need. Most of us long for change, “re-programming” in order for our personal quirks to be ironed out via the healing of our hearts. To some of us our sense is “nothing is wrong, but something’s not right!”. When we begin to experience “Re-program/Re-entry”, that strange new way of doing life, will become as natural as taking our next breath.
Many of us experienced homes where “I don’t trust you enough, to speak to you, about how I really feel” were three of the unspoken rules. Someone was controlling with fear tactics, and in that environment, honor, love, dignity, peace, purpose are almost non-existent. Later, we become young adults, or mature adults and read about “A Better Way” of doing life! It sounds, feels, and is foreign to us that “Father” God would love us unconditionally. We can begin to give that love away and treat others with dignity, purity, kindness, without any animosity at all. It’s like eating mashed potatoes and gravy with your hands at first, but becomes so natural because of His supernatural love for us!
- Are you longing for change in your life?
- In your life is this accurate ~ “nothing is wrong, but something’s not right”?
- How bad do you desire a greater freedom in your life?
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!
