Go to Nineveh! Speak Up! NOW!

 

When Jesus set us free his sacrifice included every area of our lives. The freedom we share as children of God because of His sacrifice gives us a hope that is beyond any hope the world or any other religion can give us. So why are we afraid to go to Nineveh?

The Prophet Jonah, as depicted by Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel

We've been delivered from strongholds, but do we really know what that means? We know that there is none righteous, no not one. We know that we have become the righteousness of Christ and that who the Lord sets free is free indeed. When we allow fear to block our path, we may be neglecting the things that God has called us to do.

Going to Nineveh, Jonah had to tell a whole town that they were steeped in sin and that God was going to destroy them if they didn't change. He didn't compromise with them and try to reason out their evil the way we are trying to compromise and reason with evil today, instead he ran. He ran away from his home of blessings and ended up spending three days in a stinking, fishy hotel. Jonah 1:17 Now the Lord had prepared and appointed a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.

Finally, when Jonah did what God asked him to do, he was blessed, but he wasn't happy and still argued with God that it wasn't fair. He thought it wasn't fair for sinners to have the same covering that he, as a 'self' righteous person had, until God showed Jonah that everything he had belonged to God and that Jonah had no right to question God's judgement.

Yes, every sinner has a chance for redemption. But many are called and only a few are chosen. Why? Maybe because we refuse to go to Nineveh. We refuse to do what God has asked us to do. We try to compromise and reason with evil instead of pointing it out for what it is.

So how can we be assured of a house full of blessings instead of a stinky fish hotel?

Nineveh. The Mashki Gate. Reconstructed. One of the fifteen gateways of ancient Nineveh. The lower portions of the stone retaining wall are original. The gateway structure itself was originally of mudbrick. A few orthostats can be seen at the right of the passageway. Height of the vault is about 5 m. (Photo credit: Wikipedia

5 Biblical tips to understanding the will of God.

1. Give God due credit. God is omnipotent. Expect that in his omnipotence and loving nature he is also forgiving to everyone, not just you.

Micah 7:18 Who is a God like You, Who forgives iniquity and passes over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He retains not His anger forever, because He delights in mercy and loving-kindness.

2. Submit to God with a humble heart as you would to a father you love and trust. God does not belong to us for our own private interpretation. We belong to him.

Psalm 62:5 My soul, wait only upon God and silently submit to Him; for my hope and expectation are from Him.

3. Do what you are asked to do. When God asks us to do something he has a purpose we may not understand or notice at the time, but because God in his omnipotence sees and knows everything, he knows the outcome and that outcome is to bless.

John 6:29 Jesus replied, This is the work (service) that God asks of you: that you believe in the One Whom He has sent [that you cleave to, trust, rely on, and have faith in His Messenger].

4. Go to God whenever you slip and he will keep you from falling (or from being swallowed up).

Hebrews 12:7 You must submit to and endure [correction] for discipline; God is dealing with you as with sons. For what son is there whom his father does not [thus] train and correct and discipline?

5. Trust God. There's nothing more to be said. If we can trust him we can humbly submit to him and know that our lives are in his loving, wise, intellectually superior, omnipotent and perfect hands.

Genesis 15:6 And he [Abram] believed in (trusted in, relied on, remained steadfast to) the Lord, and He counted it to him as righteousness (right standing with God).

Psalm 52:8 But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God; I trust in and confidently rely on the loving-kindness and the mercy of God forever and ever.

Written by Christian author, Pola Muzyka.

Related articlesBILLY GRAHAM: "MY HEART ACHES FOR AMERICA"; New letter addresses nation's declining morality and the need for spiritual revival.

Intellectualizing God - Should We Do It?

 

There are times when it seems as though we are fighting a losing  battle with intellectualism, but we have the victory already. The victory is evident in our faith. We see changes according to our faith and miracles that the world can never explain intellectually.

Neural Connections In the Human Brain

God is not our brains. Our brains were given by God and are subject to decay, illness, and deterioration. God is spirit and exists in multi dimensions and levels without flaws or an end. God is omnipotent, everlasting, and exists beyond any human interpretation or understanding. God is not an energy force, an angel, or a human--He is that He is--the Father of all existence.

However, the world is arrogantly bent on diminishing the evidence of God's existence and minimizing life to what we can see, feel, hear, smell and taste while using the fragile, sinful, passing bodies and brains we inherited.

All the better to kill you, my dear. If the world can convince you that there is nothing beyond the natural, you lose hope, live destructively for today, lose faith, do whatever feels good to you without considering the consequences, and pass on a paganistic approach to tomorrow. Human reasoning is flawed at best and all the good a human does without God is like filthy rags.

Not all scientists relegate existence to chance, evolution, and human brain reasoning, however. These are the scientists whose evidences should become part of our understanding and knowledge. Some links below.

A view of the cloister garden and statue of Jesus from one of the walkways at Holy Spirit Monastery in Conyers, Georgia

5 Biblical tips to understanding beyond:

1. Get to know your Bible. Don't take someone's word above God's word, but allow the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth.

John 4:24 God is a Spirit (a spiritual Being) and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth (reality). John 4:23 A time will come, however, indeed it is already here, when the true (genuine) worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth (reality); for the Father is seeking just such people as these as His worshipers.

John 6:63 It is the Spirit Who gives life [He is the Life-giver]; the flesh conveys no benefit whatever [there is no profit in it]. The words (truths) that I have been speaking to you are spirit and life.

2. Check everything out with the word of God which has existed and prophesied accurately for thousands of years.

John 1:1 In the beginning [before all time] was the Word ( Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself.

1 John 1:1 [We are writing] about the Word of Life [ in] Him Who existed from the beginning, Whom we have heard, Whom we have seen with our [own] eyes, Whom we have gazed upon [for ourselves] and have touched with our [own] hands.

3. Choose the input you receive wisely. A world on the edge of ruin will create a fantasy regarding the reality of God's existence and life after our fragile bodies. However, God is clear in his word about the evidence of his existence and the life beyond our skin.

2 Peter 3:5 For they willfully overlook and forget this [fact], that the heavens [came into] existence long ago by the word of God, and the earth also which was formed out of water and by means of water,

4. Do not disregard the evidence of Jesus and witness of his resurrection, his glorified body, and ascension when you hear a partial and flawed report on heaven, hell, or the existence of God or spirit.

John 14:23 Jesus answered, If a person [really] loves Me, he will keep My word [obey My teaching]; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home (abode, special dwelling place) with him.

1 John 5:7 So there are three witnesses in heaven: the Father, the Word and the Holy Spirit, and these three are One;

1 Corinthians 15:6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.

5. Submit to, expect, and experience God's guidance. Without submitting humbly to God you will never know the truth. The intellectual without wisdom and godly understanding is only reporting what they hear, see, feel and learn in the natural. God will not be and is not with them.

Micah 6:8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

Written by Christian author, Pola Muzyka.

Further your research:

• Reasons To Believe : Where Science & Faith Converge www.reasons.org/

• Discovery Series
• Answers to Tough Questions
• A Former Atheist Explains God

The Stronghold Smashers information is free. If you enjoy or have enjoyed Stronghold Smashers, please pass this information on to your friends and loved ones. Thank you.

[rps-paypal]

Pola | July 7, 2012 at 12:24 pm | Tags: Bible, Christian Authors, Christianity, Existence of God, God the Father, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Pola Muzyka, Religion and Spirituality | Categories: Bible, Biblical Advice, Faith, Overcoming Lies, Paganism, Pola Muzyka, Religious Spirit, Stronghold | URL: http://wp.me/p21eyo-XR

Why Not Put Off Until Tomorrow?

Procrastination creeps into our lives when we push difficult tasks down the road. Instead of starting a project that we are responsible to complete, we get distracted. We choose things that are less consuming of our time and easier to accomplish. But these things may not necessarily be our responsiblity. In other words, the projects that God has intrusted us with.

Adversely, we do take on tasks, but too many, or we find ourselves overwhelmed with all the details, so we put off the important projects indefinitely.

Eventually, we are faced with cramming to complete the project and are never satisfied with the result. If we approach the more difficult tasks in life with this attitude every time, we end up dissatisfied with ourselves and with a pile of incompleteness.

Purpose and determination come from God to complete what he has put into our hands, but we must reach out and receive it. God will help, will be there for us, and will see us through.

Proverbs 16:9 (GW) A person may plan his own journey, but the Lord directs his steps.

Remember, God gives us the tasks, the calling, the mission, or the project, but we are responsible to complete them. He does his part, we have to do ours and without procrastinating. Why?

1 Thessalonians 5:24 (GW) The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this.

Bible 1859

When we procrastinate on doing the things we know need to be done, we slow our progress and we delay our blessings or the blessings of others. Procrastination unchecked and unchanged can lead to death.

It will carry over into all aspects of our lives, including personal, business, spiritual, and social. When procrastination becomes a stronghold it can bring strongholds of neglect, despair, defeat, confusion, hopelessness, doubt, destruction, and any number of demonic strongholds along with it.

5 Biblical tips to overcoming procrastination:

1. Begin each day with prayer, thanksgiving, and praise. Include God from the moment you rise. Remember each day we live is a gift from God. Gratitude carries no pain or negative feelings along with it. Nor does it invite procrastination.

Psalm 103:2 Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul, and forget not [one of] all His benefits—

2. Organize your time at the beginning of your day by listing your tasks and the time it will take to complete them, allowing time to be flexible, time for family and friends, and time for prayer throughout the day.

Ephesians 5:15-16 Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people), ¹⁶ Making the very most of the time [buying up each opportunity], because the days are evil.

3. Check off tasks as you complete them. Completed tasks give us a sense of victory. Each completed task is an accomplishment and each accomplishment should bring satisfaction.

Psalm 128:2 You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.

4. Schedule a complete day of rest into your life. God did not rest on the seventh day because he needed rest. but he rested on the seventh day because he needed us to know the importance of rest.

Exodus 34:21 “Six days you shall work, but on the seventh day you shall rest. In plowing time and in harvest you shall rest.

5. Don’t expect everything to happen at once. But move forward knowing that God has promised to bless you. He promised to be with you, to guide you, to teach you, and to be faithful. Remember everything has a season and a time to every purpose under heaven. Expect the profound joy that will eventually come.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 To everything there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven:

Colossians 3:23 (GW) Whatever you do, do it wholeheartedly as though you were working for your real master and not merely for humans.

Written by Christian author, Pola Muzyka.

Related articles

• Stronghold of Oppression
• Free from the Stronghold of Trouble (ptl2010.com)
• • Stronghold of Depression
  • Stronghold of Depression #2

Unhealthy or Healthy Guilt?

Have you ever felt as though you did or said something for which you can never be forgiven? If you haven't forgiven yourself, this could be the crux of your guilt?

Guilt is a weapon Satan tries to use to try to separate us from God and cause us to live a life of torment even after we’ve been set free, by making us think that we still have a death sentence. It’s a weapon the enemy wields to turn us away from Christ.

What don’t we understand about freedom in Christ? God sacrificed his own son [filled with all the fullness of the Godhead] for us. In order for us to be free to love him, he first loved us.

Why did God make us so imperfect that we would have to suffer a life of guilt? He didn’t. Sin entered in. God gave us free will. We were free from the beginning to choose right or wrong, good or evil.

There’s no mistaking the difference between good and evil. Evil steals, destroys, and kills; it leads to spiritual death. Good builds up, judges rightly with long term perspectives, and is not selfish as it considers God’s will; it leads to eternal life.

If in our free will, we gave/give ourselves over to sin what can we do to shake that awful feeling? Did you ask God for forgiveness? Have you forgiven others? Have you received the sacrifice that He provided for your sins through Jesus Christ? If so, read on.

5 Biblical tips to overcome guilt:

1. Know who you are in Christ. The enemy [Satan] cannot take that away from you.

1 Corinthians 6:11  ¹¹And such [sinners] some of you were [once]. But you were washed clean (purified by a complete atonement for sin and made free from the guilt of sin), and you were consecrated (set apart, hallowed), and you were justified [pronounced righteous, by trusting] in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the [Holy] Spirit of our God.

2. Keep away from self-righteous hypocrites.

Colossians 2:8-9 See to it that no one carries you off as spoil or makes you yourselves captive by his so-called philosophy and intellectualism and vain deceit (idle fancies and plain nonsense), following human tradition (men’s ideas of the material rather than the spiritual world), just crude notions following the rudimentary and elemental teachings of the universe and disregarding [the teachings of] Christ (the Messiah).

Matthew 22:18 But Jesus, aware of their malicious plot, asked, “Why do you put Me to the test and try to entrap Me, you pretenders (hypocrites)?”

Luke 6:42 How can you say to another believer, ‘Friend, let me take the piece of sawdust out of your eye,’ when you don’t see the beam in your own eye? You hypocrite! First, remove the beam from your own eye. Then you will see clearly to remove the piece of sawdust from another believer’s eye.

3. Read the word daily. Trust what God says.

Romans 10:17 So faith comes from hearing the message, and the message that is heard is what Christ spoke.

Revelation 3:10 “Because you kept my Word in passionate patience, I’ll keep you safe in the time of testing that will be here soon, and all over the earth, every man, woman, and child put to the test.

4. Forgive others–forgive yourself. If guilt still plagues you after you are sure of your salvation, it’s possible that YOU didn’t forgive you. Remember salvation is for all those who receive it by faith. No condemnation to those who are in Christ. Romans 8:1

Luke 6:37 “Stop judging, and you will never be judged. Stop condemning, and you will never be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

Luke 1:37 But nothing is impossible for God.”

Philippians 4:13 I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me.

Proverbs 16:3 Entrust your efforts to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.

5. Turn to God. Ask him for his grace and help to live with yesterday’s events so that guilt will no longer have a stronghold in your life, so that you will be able to live free from sin asking the Lord for forgiveness whenever a sinful thought or past action surfaces, and the sting of sin will no longer hurt.

Colossians 2:9 For in Him the whole fullness of Deity (the Godhead) continues to dwell in bodily form [giving complete expression of the divine nature].

Have you received your free copy of Biblical Solutions for Cultural and Social Issues in the World Today study guide? Ask for your free copy today. [written by Pola Muzyka]

Our time on earth is a fraction of eternity. Our earthly bodies are dust.  The glorified body, given to those who receive Christ, will be our eternal, non-corruptible, heavenly body, able to be present with God without guilt.

Written by Christian author, Pola Muzyka

1. Pingback: Three Ways to Develop Our Faith in Christ
   

Who are Your Accusers?

It’s amazing how much of what our accusers say about us (or our past) seems to hit us right on. There is a hint of reality in every accusation, but only a hint, and it is never justified when we are truly in Christ.

 

Since the great accuser is Satan, his tactic is to take some of what is true and twist it into a false accusation. The host of a spirit of accusation does the same thing. 

 

Morgan Cryar – What Sin? (Great Song).

 

The past does not equal the future with Christ. In fact, God has completely absolved us of any sins once we realize and repent of them. I had encountered this problem first hand when I unknowingly got involved with someone who was a natural at twisting things. It seems there's a lot of that going on these days. Bad things we did before we came to know the saving grace of Jesus Christ can really be used against us or distorted beyond recognition. So, in effect, not true.

Who are Your Accusers, Free from the Stronghold of Accusation is written by Christian author, Pola Muzyka. This editorial is meant to be a stepping stone in uncovering the demonic strongholds that keep us captive and prevent us from receiving God’s best.

Why is the spirit of accusation ready to point a finger when it is challenged? Sometimes we don't even realize our own thoughts drifting to assumptions about people that may never have taken place. Why? How did this spirit become so strong?

Sometimes this spirit manipulates the minds of others to gain control or advantage. It finds fault where there may not be any. Is it looking for or expecting perfection? No. Not necessarily. Even Christ who was perfect was accused.

The accuser spirit becomes a stronghold when a host is seeking to control and maintain or gain self-justification. Accusing is a way to sanction personal inadequacies while blaming others, thereby taking the attention off the real problem, which could be in something the host is harboring or something they are trying to set in motion. Like other strongholds, an accuser stronghold invites reinforcement to sanction it’s right to the host; blame, defensiveness, false religion, and any number of other spirits can follow or proceed this demonic stronghold.

The woman taken in adultery 

Let's take this one step at a time. Some strongholds are seasonal or situational but some can become permanent. It's the permanent ones we must get rid of.

If a stronghold of accusation is built, the host of accusation will forever be unhappy, forever be left unsatisfied, and forever search for that justification that only can be found in a right relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

5 Biblical tips to overcome a stronghold of accusation.

1. Ask God to help you see things from His point of view. A worldly POV will only keep us accusing even those made righteous. When we see the beauty (love, peace, joy, patience, kindness, self-control, truthfulness, gentleness) around us, we spend less time looking at the faults of others.

Romans 3:23-24 Since all have sinned and are falling short of the honor and glory which God bestows and receives. [All] are justified and made upright and in right standing with God, freely and gratuitously by His grace (His unmerited favor and mercy), through the redemption which is [provided] in Christ Jesus,

Romans 3:23-24 GW Because all people have sinned, they have fallen short of God’s glory. ²⁴ They receive God’s approval freely by an act of his kindness^[a] through the price Christ Jesus paid to set us free from sin.

2 Corinthians 6:8 Amid honor and dishonor; in defaming and evil report and in praise and good report. [We are branded] as deceivers (impostors), and [yet vindicated as] truthful and honest [through Christ].

2. Be cautious and wise before you judge. There are very few righteous accusers. In fact, none. Even our Creator will not judge the world until the judgment time comes. Now, does that mean we cannot discern the difference between what someone does right and what someone does wrong? These days it almost seems so, but God's word tells us the difference if we read carefully and not according to our own worldly desires. We can't change the world and we know that in the end times the world will try to make bad look good (abortion for example) and good look bad (laws and guidelines).

2 Corinthians 11:14 And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.

John: 8:6-10 ¹⁰ When Jesus raised Himself up, He said to her, Woman, where are your accusers? Has no man condemned you?

3. Put your trust in the salvation of Jesus Christ and don’t be overwrought by the accusation of others for anything you did in the past before you came to Christ and turned from sin. That does not mean for you to deliberately continue in sin, knowing you are sinning. As Jesus said, "if you don’t turn to God and change the way you think and act, then you, too, will all die." Luke 13:3

Hebrews 2:14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil,

Luke 15:7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

4. Once you come into the kingdom by receiving Christ Jesus and turning from sin, don’t go back to a life lived in sin.  Your past is forgiven, your accusers cannot destroy your future. A religious spirit cannot take you down.

Ephesians 2:1-2 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins ² in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—

5. Never fear false accusations or accusations from sins of your past. The accuser that tries to infiltrate our thoughts, lives, and those around us is an enemy. He was an accuser from the beginning. Do not fear him or join him, either.

Revelation 12:10 And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God.

Related articles

• New Creatures in Christ (savedbygraceblogdotcom.wordpress.com)
• Stronghold of Suspicion

God in Control of Our Lives

No matter how old or young we are or what baggage we may carry, God continually guides us toward a perfect relationship with him. Since God knows the end from the beginning because he is the I AM, (Revelation 22:13) he also knows who is his.

Yes, it is our choice, but God already knows who will choose him and who will turn away permanently. To those who belong to the Lord, we have been weaned from birth. He doesn’t begin this process after we have abandoned sin. This is a process that began early in our lives. He knew we would choose him no matter what. (John 1:11-12)

God never condones sin, nor will he judge the sinner until the time is right.  (Ecclesiastes 3:17)

1 Timothy 5:22  Do not be in a hurry in the laying on of hands [giving the sanction of the church too hastily in reinstating expelled offenders or in ordination in questionable cases], nor share or participate in another man’s sins; keep yourself pure.

Jesus never joined in sin but easily spoke to the sinner without hesitation because of his/her sin. Our goal should be to seek out his will. If we take our eyes off the natural (using our five senses) and look to God who created all things, we begin to clearly perceive a pattern of the needed changes and choices in our lives. 

Daniel 2:21 He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.

Strongholds brought on by carelessly disregarding God’s will may hide dormant for years or worse, they may increase and imprison us unless we come to the point of total trust in God. When we submit to him and trust him rather than in our own feelings, circumstances, or our five senses, we shed the veil that has been obscuring our vision.

It’s this very veil that can keep us in bondage to strongholds for the rest of our lives. In effect, we may have become comfortable with sin that should have been given over to God.

Since God draws us to him from an early age,  the enemy is trying to take control. (John 10:10)
How can we take control back and live our lives without becoming bound by a demonic stronghold?

5 Biblical ways to live stronghold free.
1. Realize and embrace the fact that our walk with God started from the beginning of our lives. He knew we would submit to him and never again look back at what kept us bound. Even if our walk with God takes time to develop it is still covered by him.

 Ecclesiastes 3:1-22 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

Isaiah 41:10 Don’t be afraid, because I am with you. Don’t be intimidated; I am your God. I will strengthen you.  I will help you. I will support you with my victorious right hand.

2. Seek out the wisdom of God. It's so easy to turn away from God when we have a crisis or a change in our lives that we didn’t expect and can’t explain. Instead, think of it as an opportunity to better understand the love of God.

Daniel 2:21 He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and sets up kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding!

Proverbs 18:15 The mind of a person who has understanding acquires knowledge. The ears of wise people seek knowledge.

3. Do not dictate to God. His will for you is perfect after all and in the end, you will see the good he has done. Romans 8:28

Acts 1:7 Jesus told them, “You don’t need to know about times or periods that the Father has determined by his own authority.

1 Corinthians 13:12 Now we see a blurred image in a mirror. Then we will see very clearly. Now my knowledge is incomplete. Then I will have complete knowledge as God has complete knowledge of me.

4. Don’t doubt God. Continue to trust in and rely on him.

Galatians 6:9 And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint.

Romans 8:28 We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.

5. Keep focused on doing right and on God’s words. Meditate on God’s words day and night.

Psalm 1:1-3 Blessed is the person who does not follow the advice of wicked people, take the path of sinners, or join the company of mockers. ² Rather, he delights in the teachings of the Lord and reflects on his teachings day and night. ³ He is like a tree planted beside streams—a tree that produces fruit in season and whose leaves do not wither. He succeeds in everything he does.

Written by Christian author, Pola Muzyka.

Our God of Mercy

Why does it always seem to take so long for God to intervene and help when we are at our most pitiful? After all, isn't God a God of mercy? Doesn't He know our pain?

There are times when the last thing on our minds is whether or not we are showing mercy because we wonder why we aren't getting mercy ourselves from God. We, the offended, become the offender when lack of compassion and kindness spews forth from our mouths or actions. We feel justified. After all, we are offended. But, is this what we expect from God?

We expect mercy to be eternal, everlasting, and gracious when it comes from God. So, why should we be merciful? We are not God. Why then, should we show mercy? Because, like forgiveness, without mercy, we will never receive mercy.

James 2:13 For to him who has shown no mercy the judgment [will be] merciless, but mercy [full of glad confidence] exults victoriously over judgment.

Every action we take and every reaction we have will dictate the results we receive now and in the coming judgment. Here on earth, we face many personal trials and tribulations as we move forward in our attempts to navigate the roads of life. Every day we potentially face a  threat in one way or another or worse, we threaten in one way or another. For some, threats are a way to results. For others, understanding, compassion, and mercy is the key.

Who’s right and who’s wrong may not be in question when we face the ultimate last days or moments of our lives. At that time we will probably only be seeking mercy. The Word of God [Bible] assures us that when we show mercy we will receive mercy and blessings. If we could gauge our temperament by the Word of God, mercy would exude from us every day of our lives.

5 Biblical tips on showing mercy: 1. Show forgiveness quickly. Mercy is forgiving. Forgiveness can turn a volatile miscommunication into spiritual growth.

The good Samaritan was a biblical example of mercy.

Colossians 3:12-13 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, ¹³  bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

James 2:12 So speak and so act as [people should] who are to be judged under the law of liberty [the moral instruction given by Christ, especially about love].

2. Attempt to understand before you judge. Judging quickly lacks mercy. It is for God to judge. Not us.

Romans 1:32 Although they know God’s judgment that those who do such things deserve to die, they not only do these things but also approve of others who do them.

Romans 2:6-8 He will pay all people back for what they have done. ⁷He will give everlasting life to those who search for glory, honor, and immortality by persisting in doing what is good. But he will bring ⁸anger and fury on those who, in selfish pride, refuse to believe the truth and who follow what is wrong.

3. Acknowledge God in everything you do. Sinful humanity ignores God. If you refuse God or God’s guidance through his word and commandments, you may think you’re doing well, but your end is eternal death.

Proverbs 14:22 Don’t those who stray plan what is evil, while those who are merciful and faithful plan what is good?

Psalm 145:8 The Lord is merciful, compassionate, patient, and always ready to forgive.

4. Practice mercy to others in place of cruelty. When you show mercy to others, you are fulfilling God’s will in your life. God will replay. When you practice giving mercy, mercy is easier to give each time.

Matthew 5:7 Blessed are those who show mercy. They will be treated mercifully.

Proverbs 11:17 A merciful person helps himself, but a cruel person hurts himself.

Romans 12:19-21 Don’t take revenge, dear friends. Instead, let God’s anger take care of it. After all, Scripture says, “I alone have the right to take revenge. I will pay back, says the Lord.” ²⁰But, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink. If you do this, you will make him feel guilty and ashamed.” ²¹Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil with good.

5. Let others know about the mercy of God. In this way, you share the good news of salvation.

Mark 5:19 But Jesus would not allow it. Instead, he told the man, “Go home to your family, and tell them how much the Lord has done for you and how merciful he has been to you.”

Luke 1:78 A new day will dawn on us from above because our God is loving and merciful.

Hebrews 2:17-18  Therefore, he had to become like his brothers and sisters so that he could be merciful. He became like them so that he could serve as a faithful chief priest in God’s presence and make peace with God for their sins. ¹⁸Because Jesus experienced temptation when he suffered, he is able to help others when they are tempted.

Written by Christian author, Pola Muzyka.

Related articles

• ChristianBlessings welcomes Pola Muzyka (ptl2010.com)
• Free to be Humble (strongholdsmashers.com)
• Free from the Stronghold of Animosity (ptl2010.com)

What Direction Should I Follow?

Like a somersault, a flip-flopper turns direction and tumbles over in beliefs, and actions. Too many direction changes can shock and surprise others and as a result, a flip-flopper is hard to believe or trust. The dictionary describes flip-flopping as a sudden or unexpected reversal, as of direction, belief, attitude, or policy. But what does the Bible say?

Written by Christian author, Pola Muzyka.

Change direction

What’s wrong with changing direction? Can that become a stronghold? We’re all subject to changing our opinions or attitudes when we become more informed or mature in any area, right? Yes and no. That statement is not flip-flopping. It’s a fact. There are a lot of decisions to make and paths to take. However, there are some things that cannot be changed in order to be credible. That’s where a flip-flopper fails.

If a stronghold sets in, other strongholds may be attached such as indecision, insecurity, gullibility, low self-esteem, intimidation or any number of other strongholds depending on whether or not we can stay focused and move in the right direction. Too many direction changes are made by those easily addicted to outside influences.

So, what does the word of God say about changing direction and how can we avoid taking the wrong paths? Are we doomed to leave an opening for flip-flopping, and be on the defensive throughout all our years?

5 Biblical tips to overcoming flip-flopping:
1. Exercise foresight. Once you decide after careful consideration, don’t be tempted to change and turn back.

Hebrews 12:15 Exercise foresight and be on the watch to look [after one another], to see that no one falls back from and fails to secure God’s grace (His unmerited favor and spiritual blessing), in order that no root of resentment (rancor, bitterness, or hatred) shoots forth and causes trouble and bitter torment, and the many become contaminated and defiled by it—

2. Before making a decision on anything, consult with God’s word and his will.

Psalm 119:113 I hate the double-minded, but I love your law.

Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

3. Add wisdom to any change you make without changing your path once you have received Christ and know that you are traveling in the right direction.

Ecclesiastes 8:1 Who is like the wise? Who knows the explanation of things? A person’s wisdom brightens their face and changes its hard appearance.

Psalm 17:5 My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not stumbled.

4. Always stay close to the vine (God and His Word–Jesus Christ). You’re in the right place at the right time, with the right decision, if what you’re doing, or planning to do, lines up with the Holy Spirit and the Word of God.

1 John 4:1 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

Proverbs 4:20-22 My son, pay attention to my words. Open your ears to what I say.²¹ Do not lose sight of these things. Keep them deep within your heart²² because they are life to those who find them and they heal the whole body.

5. Before you choose anything more, choose to believe in Christ. There is no room for turning back or flip-flopping our decisions once we made that vital decision.

Revelation 2:5 Remember how far you have fallen. Return to me and change the way you think and act, and do what you did at first. I will come to you and take your lamp stand from its place if you don’t change.

John 14:6 Jesus said to him, I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me.

Written by Christian author, Pola Muzyka.

Related articles

• 10 Encouraging Bible Verses (christianpf.com)
• Stronghold of Insecurity
• Stronghold of Indecision