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

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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.

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  • 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

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The Thief of Fear

Don't let fear immobilize you. A stronghold of fear is invited in sometimes because of unfamiliar territory, perceived or real dangers, temptation to do things we know are wrong, guilt from doing things we know were wrong, complications in our lives, complications caused by others, emotional or physical pain, and much more.

Types of Fear

1. Most of us face a time in our lives when we are at a crossroad. Should we proceed or not? As a child, we lean on our parents for guidance and hopefully trust them to encourage us in the right direction. As adults, we must step out of our comfort zones.

Isaiah 42:16 I will lead the blind on unfamiliar roads. I will lead them on unfamiliar paths. I will turn darkness into light in front of them. I will make rough places smooth. These are the things I will do for them, and I will never abandon them.

2. Fear intensifies when we are not prepared or when the danger seems or is real. Most of the time, our thoughts play a role in rousing fear where there may not be anything to fear.

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.

3. Resisting the temptation that causes fear can strengthen us and our faith and closeness to our Lord. Fear enters when our desire to give into temptations rather than listen to what God says about them is stronger than our desire for wholeness, peace, and the love of God.

1 Corinthians 10:13 There isn’t any temptation that you have experienced which is unusual for humans. God, who faithfully keeps his promises, will not allow you to be tempted beyond your power to resist. But when you are tempted, he will also give you the ability to endure the temptation as your way of escape.

4. If we have given into temptations, we fear that God will reject us, that we can never bounce back from it, or that we have been sucked into a vortex of unrelenting sin. But how can we break the cycle?

Matthew 3:8

Do those things that prove you have turned to God and have changed the way you think and act. 

There are many openings to the stronghold of fear. Fear steals our blessings and causes us to react instead of to act. That’s right. If we fear we cannot have faith because fear doubts. Fear is a form of faith but without love, because FEAR faith says, "things will go wrong."

1 John 4:18 No fear exists where his [God's] love is. Rather, perfect love gets rid of fear, because fear involves punishment. The person who lives in fear doesn’t have perfect love.

Sometimes it seems easier to give in to fear rather than overcome it. When we give into fear in the extreme we become disabled or immobilized. A disabled person is not expected to do much to succeed or even to help others. A person without undue fear is never disabled even if he/she is in a wheelchair.

Biblical help to overcome fear:

1. Pray and thank God in advance.

Philippians 4:6 (GW) ⁶Never worry about anything. But in every situation let God know what you need in prayers and requests while giving thanks.

This verse doesn’t need much of an explanation if you’ve already received the salvation of Jesus Christ. If you haven't, GO. Get on your knees, ask for help and expect (WITHOUT FEAR) that God will answer.

As I faced one of the most fearful trials of my Christian life I kept Psalm 91 in my pocket and glanced at it from time to time. It really helped me then and continues to help me now. PSALM 91 is a good Psalm TO MEMORIZE.

2. Have patience. If what you fear is eminent you may continue to fear it, and patience takes a back seat. If you have prayed, wait, and trust God that he will deliver you from any undue fear.

Proverbs 25:15 With patience you can persuade a ruler, and a soft tongue can break bones.

Fear caused by real eminent danger needs addressing in other ways. Here are some helpful links to keep safe from Domestic Violence, Stalking, Violent Crimes, Terrorist Crimes. Let us know if these links are broken.

3. Trust God. The truth is that we lack trust when we don’t see our answer come immediately or when we fear death.

Psalm 56:3-4 Even when I am afraid, I still trust you. ⁴I praise the word of God. I trust God. I am not afraid. What can mere flesh and blood do to me?

Matthew 10:28 Don’t be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the one who can destroy both body and soul in hell.

4. Be Faithful – God is always true to His word. ALWAYS!

Romans 3:3 ³What if some of them were unfaithful? Can their unfaithfulness cancel God’s faithfulness?

1 Corinthians 1:9 God faithfully keeps his promises. He called you to be partners with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

5. It’s up to us to choose not to fear—choose instead the righteous fear which is awe-inspiring respect and reverence for the Lord.

Psalm 91:5-7a  You do not need to fear terrors of the night, arrows that fly during the day, ⁶plagues that roam the dark, epidemics that strike at noon. ^7aThey will not come near you,

Proverbs 3:7 Do not consider yourself wise. Fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.

Patricia Redsicker, the owner of WordView Editing, points out that there are 365 references to FEAR NOT  in the Bible. One for each day of the year.

Written by Christian author, Pola Muzyka
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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.

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Conquering a Double-Minded Stronghold

Like a somersault, a flip-flopper turns direction and tumbles over in beliefs, and actions. This double-mindedness can shock and surprise others and as a result, a person who changes directives is hard to believe or trust. The dictionary describes flip-flopping or double-mindedness as a sudden or unexpected reversal, as of direction, belief, attitude, or policy. It comes from the Greek word, dipsuchos, meaning “a person with two minds or souls.” But what does the Bible say?

Written by Christian author, Pola Muzyka.

Changing direction

What’s wrong with changing direction? How 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?

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 double-minded person 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 the original cause of the flip-flopping. They say, "A person who doesn't stand for something, falls for anything."

So, what does the word of God say about flip-flopping and how can we avoid this stronghold in our own lives? Are we doomed to leave an opening for indecision and be on the defensive throughout all our years?

Confused ???

5 Biblical tips to overcoming flip-flopping:

1. Exercise foresight. Once you make a decision after careful consideration, don’t be tempted to change and turn back too quickly.

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. Keeping focused on the word of God will guide us throughout our life and since God never changes, if we follow His Word we will be able to make the right decisions in any type of situation.

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 have 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 changing our decisions once we make 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.

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Conquering the Stronghold of Busyness

Have you ever noticed how much we pride ourselves on our busyness? It gives us a great feeling of importance to be occupied and preoccupied all the time, going here and there, doing this and that for whatever we insist is important, or whatever we anguish over as a life or death situation. In fact, the opposite is a life or death situation.

Our life does not depend on being busy, but on listening to our Lord and on loving our Lord. After all, we have been given salvation by grace and not of our own accord. We are now, not our own, we are bought for a price so precious that there is not ever enough money to earn it. So what is your busyness about?

English: Jesus at the house of Mary and Martha (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The enemy does not want us to spend time with the Lord, in prayer, in quiet gratitude, or in doing anything that gives us peace and connection with God. After all, if we stood still a moment reflecting on the Lord’s goodness and omnipotence or reading the Lord’s will in scripture we might even hear from him, right?

Luke 10:38-42 Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

The enemy of our peace is Satan and part of his tactics are to keep us so busy that we have no time for God. Even when we’re doing work glorifying to him we have no time to stop and consult him. Yes, the enemy loves a busy person–a person too busy to consult, love, or admire and worship our dear Lord.

How can we accomplish what we feel called to do without being too busy and without inviting a stronghold of busyness to take the place of God?

5 Biblical steps in overcoming the stronghold of busyness:
1. Stop everything now. There is no time like the present to stop, pray, and worship him.

Psalm 46:10 Let be and be still, and know (recognize and understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth!

2. Pursue his presence often and without reservation. When we make a daily habit of taking the time to know him, worship him, be humble in his presence, and enjoy his words and promises, we gain peace, direction, guidance, and strength.

Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Proverbs 3:3-6 Do not let mercy and truth leave you. Fasten them around your neck. Write them on the tablet of your heart. ⁴ Then you will find favor and much success in the sight of God and humanity. ⁵ Trust the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding. ⁶ In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths smooth.

3. Evaluate the importance of his life and will. His will is not your will and your will is not his will. After all who can understand the mind of God.

Romans 11:34 ³⁴ For who has known the mind of the Lord and who has understood His thoughts, or who has [ever] been His counselor?

Psalm 119:11 I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

4. Depend on God and him alone. He is our provider, the author of our peace, and the author and finisher of our faith.

Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

1 Corinthians 14:33 ³³ For He [Who is the source of their prophesying] is not a God of confusion and disorder but of peace and order. As [is the practice] in all the churches of the saints (God’s people),

5. Rest in him at all times. Never face a problem alone (without giving it to him in prayer) and never allow a deadline to stress you out so much that it takes your mind off him. When you place your hands in his, he will take care of you.

Hebrews 4:9-11 Therefore, a time of rest and worship exists for God’s people. ¹⁰ Those who entered his place of rest also rested from their work as God did from his.¹¹ So we must make every effort to enter that place of rest. Then no one will be lost by following the example of those who refused to obey.

Written by Christian author, Pola Muzyka.

Removing the Stronghold of Destruction

Destruction, unlike deterioration, has a definite end. The end of this present time and life is final and is promised in scripture. But does our understanding of the world have to end in destruction or can we be assured of a new beginning? In other words, are we setting ourselves up or causing our own destruction or can it be avoided?

Deuteronomy 30:19 I call on heaven and earth as witnesses today that I have offered you life or death, blessings or curses. Choose life so that you and your descendants will live.

Since destruction is inevitable for the physical body of a person especially one dedicated to the world our goal should be to avoid being destroyed, demolished or annihilated because of a mindset on worldly things. A stronghold of destruction sets in along with other strongholds that cause us to ignore our basic need for redemption and the things of God. Those of us in Christ live in the world but we are not of the world. Those of us without Christ are of the world and are guaranteed to end their lives in everlasting hellfire. Harsh? Sure it is. But the word of God assures us that we are given a choice (free will) and it’s up to us to get serious about that choice.

Deuteronomy 30:15 Today I offer you life and prosperity or death and destruction.

We have been given free will by our creator and that free will invites destruction when we ignore God and proceed to place ourselves in the center of the world (and sometimes universe) and its offerings. It’s so easy to abandon others and God’s will when this occurs. If we continue to ignore our creator we need to heed this warning "God cannot go against his own will."

Malachi 3:6 “I the LORD do not change. So you, O descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed.”

James 1:17 “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

Numbers 23:19  “God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and then not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?”

What can be done in order to avoid the sure destruction that comes from wrong choices?

5 Biblical truths to overcome a stronghold of destruction:
1. Stop right now and change the way you think and act. If you are deliberately going against the word of God you are in danger.

Luke 3:8 Do those things that prove that you have turned to God and have changed the way you think and act. Don’t say, ‘Abraham is our ancestor.’ I guarantee that God can raise up descendants for Abraham from these stones.

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

2. Receive Christ Jesus. If you receive Christ and choose to walk uprightly whenever it depends on you or your choice, your life is free from destruction.

Romans 6:23 The payment for sin is death, but the gift that God freely gives is everlasting life found in Christ Jesus our Lord.

3. Ask God’s help to deliver you from any sin that you’re struggling with. Never allow any sin to stay long enough to become a stronghold that will lead to destruction.

Philippians 3:18-20 I have often told you, and now tell you with tears in my eyes, that many live as the enemies of the cross of Christ. ¹⁹ In the end they will be destroyed. Their own emotions are their god, and they take pride in the shameful things they do. Their minds are set on worldly things. ²⁰ We, however, are citizens of heaven. We look forward to the Lord Jesus Christ coming from heaven as our Savior.

4. Fear God and Him alone. Do not allow peer pressure or fear of the opinions of others to keep you from turning from your sins.

Matthew 10:28 Don’t be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the one who can destroy both body and soul in hell.

5. Keep your mind and heart pure and free from sin as much as you are able.
James 1:27 Pure, unstained religion, according to God our Father, is to take care of orphans and widows when they suffer and to remain uncorrupted by this world.

John 8:10-12 ¹⁰ When Jesus raised Himself up, He said to her, Woman, where are your accusers? Has no man condemned you? ¹¹ She answered, No one, Lord! And Jesus said, I do not condemn you either. Go on your way and from now on sin no more.

Written by Christian author, Pola Muzyka.

Stronghold of Rage

Rage demands its own way. It is always violently angry. It inflicts fear and terror in others. If it is allowed to become a stronghold  it will eventually push everyone out of its host’s life. Selfishness, jealousy, rebellion and offense can invite it in.

This stronghold can end our lives or keep goodness and love at a distance if it is allowed to continue.

Job 5:2a For vexation and rage kill the foolish man.

Rage can be instigated by [vain] imagination. Thoughts of foolishness and selfishness can bring it on. It is paranoid. It perceives offense where offense may not be intended. Every part of its existence is grounded in selfishness.

When rage moves forward it does not take anyone or anything else into consideration except its own agenda. It has no compassion, no respect, no concern for the welfare or well-being of its host or those around its host.
If this stronghold of rage is not stamped out it will kill. It may not be the death of a human but it will be the death of something good — something the host does not want to, or should ever lose.

5 Biblical tips to overcome rage:
1. Do not allow the stronghold of denial to cover over rage in your life. Be honest with yourself, God, and others.

Colossians 3:9-10 Do not lie to one another, for you have stripped off the old (unregenerate) self with its evil practices,¹⁰And have clothed yourselves with the new [spiritual self], which is [ever in the process of being] renewed and remolded into [fuller and more perfect knowledge upon] knowledge after the image (the likeness) of Him Who created it.

2. Try to understand why you are angry before it turns into [verbally or physically] foolish violence.

Luke 6:11 But they were filled with lack of understanding and senseless rage and discussed (consulted) with one another what they might do to Jesus.

3. When you feel rage trying to stick its ugly head into your life find a safe, quiet place and look to God for help before it moves in.

Hosea 7:16 They turn back, shift, or change, but not upwards [to the Most High]. They are like a deceitful bow; their princes shall fall by the sword for the insolence and rage of their tongue. This shall be [cause for] their derision and scorning in the land of Egypt.

4. Turn to God if someone has raged against you [especially for a foolish or nonsensical reason].

Psalm 7:6 Arise, O Lord, in Your anger; lift up Yourself against the rage of my enemies; and awake [and stir up] for me the justice and vindication [that] You have commanded.

5. Do not argue with fools or allow an argument to turn passionate. If someone you know is acting foolishly, back off– before you allow rage to take over your or their countenance.

Proverbs 29:9 If a wise man has an argument with a foolish man, the fool only rages or laughs, and there is no rest.

Job 31:12 For [uncontrolled passion] is a fire which consumes to Abaddon (to destruction, ruin, and the place of final torment); [that fire once lighted would rage until all is consumed] and would burn to the root all my [life’s] increase.

Written by Christian author, Pola Muzyka.

Free from the Stronghold of Imaginings

Before we can destroy or remove a stronghold from our lives we must recognize what the stronghold is. In this case, imaginings are ideas, stories, and thoughts held in your mind but that are not true or real. Things you imagined may take place or that may have taken place may or may not be real.

So how do imaginings become a stronghold? We know that when we create in any way, we need to imagine the project first. The bible talks about visions as the first step in a calling or mission, as in:

Habakkuk 2:2-3 “Write the vision. Make it clear on tablets so that anyone can read it quickly. ³ The vision will still happen at the appointed time. It hurries toward its goal. It won’t be a lie. If it’s delayed, wait for it. It will certainly happen. It won’t be late.

NYC – Metropolitan Museum of Art – The Vision of Saint John 

 So, how can imaginings be so bad and how can they become a stronghold?

The truth is that they aren’t bad when the imaginings are used to inspire, encourage, create, or otherwise glorify God with good. When do we recognize how this gift of imagination has turned into a stronghold against God’s will? The bible talks about vain, dark, empty-headed, vengeful, and evil imaginings.

Farmer plowing (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 Of course we are human, but we don’t fight like humans. ⁴ The weapons we use in our fight are not made by humans. Rather, they are powerful weapons from God. With them we destroy people’s defenses, that is, their arguments ⁵ and all their intellectual arrogance that oppose the knowledge of God. We take every thought captive so that it is obedient to Christ.

What can be done to avoid a stronghold of imaginings from entering our lives?

5 Biblical tips to overcome a stronghold of imaginings.
1. Be aware of your drifting thoughts? Are they pulling you closer to God and his will or further away? Do they glorify God? Or do they dishonor God?

Ephesians 3:20-21 Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do super-abundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]—To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen (so be it).

2. Resist and rid yourself of any hateful, evil, vain, or hurtful thoughts which are the beginning of imaginings against God’s will.

James 4:7 So place yourselves under God’s authority. Resist the devil, and he will run away from you.

3. Replace any influence that may be encouraging your dark imaginings with positive, affirmative, joyful, loving, and godly influences available.

2 Timothy 2:21 So whoever cleanses himself [from what is ignoble and unclean, who separates himself from contact with contaminating and corrupting influences] will [then himself] be a vessel set apart and useful for honorable and noble purposes, consecrated and profitable to the Master, fit and ready for any good work.

4. Be diligent in the things of God. When God has given you a mission or a vision, set your heart and life on it immediately. You know it comes from God if you have the peace of God and if it lines up with his word.

Proverbs 11:27 He who diligently seeks good seeks [God’s] favor, but he who searches after evil, it shall come upon him.

5. Refuse to spend any more wasted time on vain imaginings.

Romans 1:21 Because when they knew and recognized Him as God, they did not honor and glorify Him as God or give Him thanks. But instead they became futile and ^[a]godless in their thinking [with vain imaginings, foolish reasoning, and stupid speculations] and their senseless minds were darkened.

Written by Christian author, Pola Muzyka.

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