A Fulfilled Life

As humans, we are so engrossed in our soul that we fail to realize that our spirit is dead within us (Ephesians 2:1). We instinctively know there is a missing ingredient within, but we ignore this fact much of our life.

This causes us to delve deeper into the realm of the soul - the thoughts of our mind, our fleshly choices and the tyrant of our emotions. We seek satisfaction in any way, time and place we can find it.

We refuse to believe anything, which does not make sense to our human understanding. We even perverted the Serenity Prayer to relate to the "god of our understanding."

As fallen humanity, we are so blinded by our pride and rebellion to the Truth of God's Word that we miss out on the blessings, which God wants to provide for each and every one of us right here and now, as well as in the future.

The power of God for salvation is freely given to everyone who chooses to believe, without regard to color, age, race, financial status and ethnic background (Romans 1:16).

Our righteous God reveals a fulfilled life in His love to those who choose to reject the counsel of our pride and rebellion; and instead, to have faith in His faithfulness (Romans 1:16-17).

Prayer:

Father God, You freely give all things to those who put their trust in You. You infuse us with Your joy, which is our strength to live a fulfilled life in this sin-cursed world. Even creation cries out for the revelation of Your sons, so that You will restore the former glory of Paradise to the earth.

Thank You for moving by Your Spirit in my life and giving me the faith of Your Son, Jesus Christ, to believe in You (Galatians 2:20). Thank You for showering me with Your love every moment of my day and teaching me to follow the direction of Your Spirit through each one of them. Dwelling in the center of Your will is the happiest place on earth.

Thought for the Day:

We can conqueror every negative aspect in this life, just because of God's love for us. - Romans 8:37-39

Health and Well Being - Part 1

God is a triune being: the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The Trinity created us in their image as triune beings with a body, soul and spirit (Genesis 1:26; 1 Thessalonians 5:23). Each entity contributes to who we are and influences our health and well-being. We experience life through our Body, we acknowledge life through our Soul, and we influence life through our Spirit.

The Body is our existence, the Soul is our expression, and the Spirit is the essence of our life. Without fully developing all three parts of our being, we are handicapped individuals. Unless we acknowledge and nurture each entity, we will never reach wholeness within ourselves, nor can we help to nurture others.

We care for our Body with proper rest, exercise, and nutrition.  We care for our Soul through safe relationships, mental stimulation and nurturing our emotional health. We care for our Spirit through Bible study, church attendance, prayer, fasting, Christian fellowship, service to God, and sharing our faith with others.

Events, which wound our soul, are only minor chapters of our life, and are definitely not the end of our story. Even if our past was good, the best is still yet to come (Jeremiah 29:11). God calls each one of us to sink our roots deeper into His river of the pure water of life, which is clear as crystal and proceeds from the throne of God and of the Lamb (Revelation 22:1).

Prayer:

Father God, we pray for those who are traversing the dark night of their soul. Bring them nurturing friends and family to support them through this most recent chapter in their life. We also pray that You will ease this time of transition for them and reassure them of You care for them as You shower them with Your love and blessings on their road to the fulfilled Christian life.

Thought for the Day:

God's refreshment sustains us in every trial, and we know that He will work out all things for your good. - Romans 8:28; Jeremiah 29:11

The Son's Light

 

Have you ever sat in the sun, soaking up the balmy rays and receiving the vitamins, nutrients and minerals, which God provides for us through this giant orb of fire? We feel the heat warming us through our skin. This same sun penetrates through the ocean too, for miles below the surface, giving the plants the light they need to grow.

Jesus is the Son of God and He provides for us spiritually just as the sun functions physically. He dwells within us, penetrates every area of our life and gives us the nutrients we need to live spiritually healthy lives in this morally deficient environment. If we, by faith, are willing to trust in Him with our whole heart as He directs our steps, He responds through us in each situation, which we face (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Everything in life requires faith. Even something as simple as subconsciously sitting down in a chair, requires that we have the faith that it will hold us up. Therefore, it is easy to put that same faith in God, who does all things wondrously in His time (Ecclesiastes 3:11). The proof that God lives in our life is the activity of His Holy Spirit in our body, soul and spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:23).

We experience His presence in our life each moment of the day, as we converse with Him about His love and guidance for us. People see Christ in us through His love in our eyes and our Godly actions toward them (Matthew 5:16; Colossians 1:27). God places His fruit in our soul and we live in contentment with all that He provides for us each day (Galatians 5:22-23; Matthew 6:11-13; Philippians 4:11-13).

Prayer:

Father God, thank You for delivering us from Satan's objectives for us, as well as from our bondage to this world. We are so blessed to live as Your slaves instead. Thank You that sin and death have no more control over us, since Jesus overcame them for us by His resurrection (Romans 6:9; 2 Timothy 1:10). This is how we are able to live fruitful and fulfilled lives for Your honor and glory (Romans 6:22). Keep us as the apple of Your eye and lead us by Your Spirit to do the works You created us to do (Zechariah 2:8; Ephesians 2:10).

Thought for the Day:

We know that God is alive, because we live, move and have our being in Him. - Acts 17:28

Overcoming Negative Thoughts and Emotions

At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came down to indwell mortal man. He has been here ever since. He is found in the spirit of every authentic Believer. Living according to the leading of God's Spirit, ensures that we will live a fulfilled life. Even in negative circumstances or discouraging trials, we know that God will work them out for our good (Romans 8:28).

God's Spirit helps us to discern which of our thoughts are lies from Satan, and which thoughts are of God. The next time you realize that there is a war going on in your mind, pull out Paul's measuring stick and compare your thoughts with it. Is it true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy? Think only about such things (Philippians 4:8).

Then, throw out all thoughts that do not measure up. When the peace of God, which transcends all earthly circumstances and human understanding, rules in our heart again, we are free of Satan's negative lies (Philippians 4:7). The Lord is always cheering for us, and the devil is always cheering against us; it is up to us to break the tie!      

When we lay aside our former desires for sin and allow God's Spirit to renew our mind, we put on the cloak of righteousness provided for us by Christ's sacrifice on the Cross (Ephesians 4:21-22). We live in holiness and truth in the likeness of God, laying aside all lies and deception from the devil (Ephesians 4:23-25). An attitude of gratitude to God ensures our success in overcoming every negative thought.

Prayer:

Father God, when we have a war going on in our mind, remind us take authority over Satan's kingdom of darkness by saying, “Lord, I thank You for taking authority over Satan in my life, and for revealing to me the root and origin of this lack of peace in my soul. Satan, I take authority over you and all of your demons. I put you and your demons in the hands of the true Lord Jesus Christ. You have no authority in my body, soul, or spirit, because they are bought by the blood of Jesus Christ on the Cross of Calvary.”

Thought for the Day:

Sit quietly and wait for God to reveal the origin of the negative thoughts in your heart; journal as you listen, to remind you of what God tells you during your prayer time and to give you a future record for what He does in your life.

Taking Thoughts Captive

    

Our old, carnal nature is very susceptible to temptation. Satan attempts to distract our passion for God by stirring up our former desires for sin. His lies remind us of forgotten memories, which trigger negative thoughts and behavior from our soul. The devil knows that if he controls our thoughts, he will also control our actions.

Discouragement often opens our ears to hear Satan’s lies, but focusing on the positive, beautiful aspects of God and His Kingdom keeps our mind on praiseworthy issues (Philippians 4:8). A grateful attitude will ensure our success in this area. The friends we keep, the people we work with and our other associates may influence us to sin or to walk away from God (1 Corinthians 15:33).

However, as we bring our thoughts into obedience to Christ, Satan has no power over us (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). As we walk in the Spirit, we will not fulfill the former lusts of our flesh (Galatians 5:15-25). We seek to build God's eternal Kingdom, rather than to erect our own little kingdom here on earth (Colossians 3:1). Issues which grieve God's Spirit grieve us as well (Ephesians 4:30).

We can also meet with an older Believer for discipleship, to learn the elementary teachings of the Word (Hebrews 6:1). We devour the Word of God, by using a Bible translation we understand or by using a topical Bible. We attend Bible studies with our church family and in our community. God's Spirit perfects us in holiness with the mind and divine nature of Christ (2 Corinthians 7:1; 2 Peter 1:4).

Prayer:

Father God, if we sow sin, we will reap corruption (Galatians 6:7-8). That is why You encourage us not to fellowship with unbelievers who walk in darkness (2 Corinthians 6:14-15; Job 4:8; Proverbs 22:8; Hosea 8:7). You pour out Your wrath on all ungodliness and unrighteousness, which prevent Your elect from knowing Your Truth. Submitting our life to Your Word and living according to Your precepts is the only way we can enjoy a fulfilled life on this earth and be ready to rule and reign with Christ in eternity.

Thought for the Day:

We have less of a desire to partake in carnal behavior every day that we spend with the Lord.

A Carnal or Spiritual Life

 

A carnal person is too proud or fearful to trust God. They live by their own efforts and do not want to "bother" God. They live a roller coaster life, stressed out and weary, living a legalistic or an undisciplined life. They only open their Bible on Sunday, if then. When given a choice, they slide into sin, because it is easier than following God's way out (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Carnal people may have prayed for salvation, but they skip one important step...salvation means to repent of sin and to trust in God. They hide their sin and think no one will ever find out (Numbers 32:23). If they do not walk away from their sin and trust God, they are not Christians (1 John 2:3,3:6-9; Ephesians 5:5). They continue to practice sin and have no remorse for it.

The problem with living a carnal life is that we miss out on the abundant blessings of living a spirit-filled life. God loves us and planned every day of our life. He even wrote them down in His book before we were ever born (Ephesians 2:10; Psalm 139:16). Life is so much easier when we live it God's way. His Spirit directs our every move.

We can contrast the carnal lifestyle with that of a Spirit-filled Christian, who lays down carnality of any kind (Ephesians 5:18). They are so completely yielded to the Holy Spirit that He fills their spirit and soul with His presence (Romans 8:9). They believe in Christ and were sealed with the Holy Spirit, who is their guarantee of their inheritance with Christ of God's entire Kingdom (Ephesians 1:13-14).

They may grieve the Holy Spirit by some thought, word or deed, but they repent as soon as the Spirit convicts them; and they do not live a lifestyle of sin (Ephesians 4:30; 1 Thessalonians 5:19). They are true disciples of Christ and they glorify God with every part of their life (John 16:1-15). Due to their dedication, they reap a fulfilled life, overflowing with the fruit of God's Spirit and empowered by Him as well (John 15).

Prayer:

Father God, thank You for sending Your Spirit to rebirth our spirit and to fill our body, soul and spirit for eternity (John 1:12; Colossians 2:9, 10; John 14:16, 17). Remind us that His life flows in and through us and affects everything we think, do and say (John 7:37:39). Help us to glorify Jesus and to live as His disciple throughout our lifetime (John 16:1-15). Prompt us to obey Your Word, so Your Spirit can freely work in and through our life.

Thought for the Day:

God calls His Saints to live as witnesses for Him. - Acts 1:1-9

Lessons from Paul's Life

 

 

The Apostle Paul is a great example to us of what a forgiving person acts like when persecuted. He was arrested multiple times, five different times the Jewish leaders gave him thirty-nine lashes, three times he was beaten with rods, once he was stoned and left for dead, three times he was shipwrecked, once he spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea.

He was constantly on the move to preach the gospel and to escape persecution. Paul was in danger from rivers, from bandits, from his own countrymen and from many Gentiles. He was in danger in the city, in the country, at sea and in danger from false brothers. He was hungry and thirsty and often went without any food at all. He shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep him warm.

Paul worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. Then, besides all of this, he had the daily burden of his concern for all of the churches, which he planted (2 Corinthians 11: 24-28). Yet in spite of these horrendous issues, he forgave his persecutors and he trusted God to give him everything he really needed. In fact, Paul was in Rome awaiting trial, under house arrest and chained to a Roman soldier when he wrote to us to rejoice in the Lord always (Philippians 4:4).

He exhorted us from his deprivation to rejoice always. Regardless of our circumstances, if we live in America, we have more than enough motivation in our life to rejoice. Ultimately, Paul viewed life from God’s eternal perspective, which shed a whole new light on his situation. Paul explains to us how to have a fulfilled life in Christ.

He reminds us that the Lord is near, and our gentleness should be evident to everyone. He tells us that the way to do this is not to be anxious about anything. In fact, he advises us to present your requests to God in thankful prayer. He promises that if we do this, then God’s peace, which exceeds our human understanding, will protect our heart and mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:5-7).

Prayer:

Father God, the reason we find it hard to rejoice in our circumstances like Paul did is that we do not have the eternal perspective of life, which he maintained. We keep our focus on the earthly, carnal, material aspects of our life rather than on the spiritual, eternal ones. We do not have to wait until heaven to enjoy an intimate, personal relationship with You. You are with us now and even until the end of this age (Matthew 28:20).

Thought for the Day:

We can make the choice right now to fully surrender our will to God’s, and to live with a completely spiritual commitment, focus and lifestyle.

Finding Contentment

If we are obsessively dreading or anticipating a future event, we may overlook the blessings God wants to give us today. In fact, our feared or coveted event may never even happen. It is unhealthy for us to focus on what we want instead of what God already gave us. Stress and unhappiness come from unfulfilled expectations, and they cause physical ailments. We get so upset that we drive our self into a negative tailspin, simply because we want something we do not have.

The truth is that we need nothing and no one other than Jesus in our life. We cling to Christ in us (Colossians 1:27). He makes us totally complete (Colossians 2:10). God has a peaceful plan and a hopeful future for us (Jeremiah 29:11). A fulfilled life does not include God and something else. Contentment is found in God alone. Focus on serving God as you go to work, participate in a hobby, visit with family and friends, or worship with your church family. When God is ready, believe that He will bring us what He wants us to have.

Do not make a decision on the spur of the moment, unless God leads you and gives you the anointing to make a wise choice. If you are forced to decide now, then follow God’s peace within you. If you have no peace within, then wait. If God opens a door for you to procure what you desire, you will have total peace about it. You are not alone, and you will never be lonely, as long as you spend quality, quiet time with Jesus, the lover of your soul (1 John 4:10). He is closer to us than any person will ever be, because He lives within us.

Trust God to give you what He wants you to have and wait for His timing and will (Proverbs 3:5-6). Keep those discouraging thoughts under the Spirit’s control and praise God even for the negative aspects in your life. That will put Satan in his place and let God work on your behalf. Watch for God's little love letters to you every day in the form of shapes in the clouds, a beautiful flower, a lilting bird's song, an old friend's phone call or a song in your heart or on the radio. Once we decide that we only desire what God wants for our life, then joy fills our soul regardless of our circumstances.

We can claim as many scriptures as we can find all day long, but God is not moved until we totally surrender to Him the desires of our heart. Claiming promises is often trying to twist God's arm to work on our behalf. He is already working all things out for our good (Romans 8:28). We just have to trust and praise Him in the bad times, as well as in the good. If we start living a life of praise now, we will be blessed by the Lord in ways we never even imagined. Rejoice in life one moment at a time.

Prayer:

Father God, living in the center of Your will is the happiest place on earth. You may want us to be or do something, and what we desire is contrary to Your will for us. We only find contentment in Your perfect plan for our life. You will bring it to pass in Your timing and way. We can peek through every open door, but remind us to wait on Your Holy Spirit within us to tell us whether or not to walk through that door. Teach us to rejoice each day in what You do give to us. Help us to cherish Your gifts and to thank You for each one of Your provisions for us.

Thought for the Day:

Surrender all your desires to the Lord and live your life as a praise offering to Him. Then God will put His desires in your heart and meet them. - Psalm 37:4