KNOW WHAT YOU BELIEVEWritten by Joyce C. Lock
When one has been physically attacked a number of times, you BELIEVE attacker when they say they will do it again. Once enough threats have been met with physical force, you BELIEVE additional threat that there is no where, on face of earth, you can hide but what they will find you. And, if you try to flee, apart from a supportive backup team, they will cause you to BELIEVE they meant what they said. When such threats have become your reality and more threats are made on your very life, you BELIEVE them, as previous behavior appears to be evidence they will follow through. When BELIEVING has come as a result of realities you've experienced and fear takes over (so severely that it cripples you from ability to physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually function to par), they have made you a BELIEVER. The attacker will even try to convince you to BELIEVE their behavior is a direct result of something you said or did, or failed to do; making you only guilty party and deserving, too. Also, among religious sect are some who will agree, causing you to BELIEVE not even God can receive you. It has been said that 'seeing is believing' and 'everyone believes something'. The above makes it evident that BELIEVING is not a solution. There are things we need to KNOW. __________________ Whether given name terrorist, insurgent, abuser, or even legalist; all are bullies (shedding innocent blood, as each is spiritually blind and cannot see one's true heart) and bullies are cowards imposing their fear upon others. Bullies only pick on those they can make to fear and or, thereby, look down upon and or, somehow, control. The moment a bully is met with a more powerful force, they back down. Sure, in numbers, they may try to rise again. But, still, we have a more powerful force than any. Anyone who hates because your faith does not match theirs, they are a liar (I John 4:20). And, if you do not love, only because of another's faith, that makes you a liar, too (Romans 12:5, Ephesians 4:25). And, whether it has anything to do with one's faith or not, we're still called upon to love (John 15:12).
| | Matters of the HeartWritten by Joyce C. Lock
Being raised in a house full of girls, gift giving for guys left us idea poor. Shopping for dad was no exception. When asked what he needed, he would respond, "A million dollars and a barrel of spending money." Though humorous, not only was it an impossible gift to provide but, it was not even a need. So, if I asked what your need is, could you tell me? Would you know what it is? Perhaps you long, not lust, for something and feeling will not go away. Maybe your heart is aching or breaking. You might either be crying in your sleep or yourself to sleep. A situation could be holding you back; controlling, crushing, or compelling you. But whatever effect; a void, emptiness, and longing remains that seems to have no hope or resolution ~ wherein your world will never totally otherwise be right. Focusing on circumstances takes our eyes off God. Failing to separate it from need makes us prone to praying in our will instead of His (Ja. 4:3). If in examining your heart, that every action and motive is pure, you find need to really be necessary for your heart's survival; search to define need. When answer comes, you have found need of your heart and God's will for you. Man may have a problem with such a bold statement, but God does not. According to Jesus, it makes others suffer when they are told they can not come to Him.
|
