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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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.

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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.

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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