Tuesday, June 18, 2019

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.
Stronghold
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.

Trees- Sundial Garden Shoppe/Season Changing Sim 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. Rather, he delights in the teachings of the Lord and reflects on his teachings day and night. 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.

Wednesday, June 12, 2019

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?
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 fearchoose 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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Thursday, February 7, 2019

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?

Samaritan
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.
La parabola del Buon Samaritano Messina Chiesa...
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.

Monday, December 10, 2018

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
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?
Confused

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.

Monday, December 3, 2018

Free to Be a Joyful Servant

Although joyful and servant seem to be an oxymoron when put together, the ideal life on earth according to Jesus Christ is of servitude. Imagine a world where we all are helping each other, where we actually enjoy serving, and where being responsible for ourselves and others, is normal. That’s a world where selfishness does not exist, love and giving take priority, no one is left out, everyone does their part, respect prevails, and peace and harmony always permeate the atmosphere.


Philippians 2:5-7 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.

The joy of giving of ourselves in servitude to God and others brings heaven to the natural world. God is not surprised by our actions whether in giving, loving, sharing, and helping or in taking, hoarding, hating, or walking away from the needs of others. When we reach out in love we fulfill the command of Christ to love, our lives take on new meaning, and we walk joyfully.
Dorfkrippe von Baumkirchen
Dorfkrippe von Baumkirchen Nativity

The only problems we might encounter in a world where servitude is a priority in life would come if God were not considered. In that case, our servitude would be distorted at best and subject to our control according to our own thinking, desires, needs, and opinions. Servitude without God is manipulative at best.

The unfolding sky
The unfolding sky (Photo credit: badjonni)
Isaiah 64:6 For we are all become as one that is unclean, and all our righteousness is as a polluted garment: and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.

5 Biblical tips to the joy of serving:
1. Pray. Prayer is the most important service we can give our fellow man. If we pray for the needs of others and pray for God to open our hearts to know and give what is truly needed, the Holy Spirit will guide us.

1 Samuel 12:23 Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you, and I will instruct you in the good and the right way.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 pray without ceasing,

2. Ask. Reach out to your neighbor and ask if there’s anything you can do to help them.

1 Corinthians 10:24 Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.

Romans 13:10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

3. Be receptive and grateful. When others serve us they receive a blessing from God in return.

Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
4. Love your family. God has given us a family for a good reason and a service of love toward your family, whether wife, husband, brother, sister, mother, father or family in Christ is expected and desirable.

1 Timothy 5:8 But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

Proverbs 11:29 Whoever troubles his own household will inherit the wind, and the fool will be a servant to the wise of heart.

1 Peter 2:17 Honor everyone. Love the family of believers. Have a respectful fear of God. Honor the emperor.

Romans 12:10 Love each other like the members of your family. Be the best at showing honor to each other.

5. Bless your enemies. As difficult as it may seem, another way of serving God is to forgive and love even our enemies.

Luke 6:27 “But I tell everyone who is listening: Love your enemies. Be kind to those who hate you.
Written by Christian author, Pola Muzyka.

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