Did you grow in grace this year?
As a leader, I personally strive to live a balanced life mentally, spiritually, and physically. When I put all my past experiences, spiritual gifts, and core values together, it is a beautiful representation of God’s vision for my life. Here in my counseling office, my goal is to provide a safe, nonjudgmental place where my clients can be vulnerable and honest about the issues they are facing. My desire is to help others live out God’s vision for their lives and inspire them to become a person after God’s own heart.
And that is what the goal of this year’s broadcast has been about – Biblically based devotions designed to inspire you to embrace God’s vision for your life.
Today’s Scripture Reference
2 Peter 3:11-18 – The Message
Goals I had put into place for 2022:
To Live in Peace
Make a diligent effort to live for peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Are you angry with God? Are you holding Him at a distance? 1 Corinthians 14:33 – “For God is not the author of [a]confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.”
Live for peace in your own life by allowing the Spirit of grace to witness within your spirit that you are a child of God. Some of us are masters at rehearsing all the negative thoughts about ourselves. What does God say about you? What has He said about you that you refuse to believe because the lie seems more like the truth to you?
Live for peace with men determined to have a calm and peaceable disposition within yourself that resembles Jesus Christ. Romans 14:19 – “Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.”
To Live on Guard
Word of caution to be on the lookout and be aware of being pulled away from the truth of God’s Word. I believe the Bible is the inerrant, inspired Word of the Living God. The Bible is the final authority on all matters of life, faith, and practice. Why is it, that is the last place we look when faced with serious matters?
1 Peter 5:8 – “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”
Ephesians 6:10-18 – The Whole Armor of God
To Live like Jesus
Grow in grace.
Grow in knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Spurgeon - One of the best tests of growth in grace
"Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 3:18
"Grow in grace"—not in one grace only, but in all the Christian graces.
Faith - Grow in the starting place of grace, faith. Believe the promises more firmly than you have before. Let faith increase in fullness, constancy and simplicity.
Love - Grow also in love. Ask that your love may become extended, more intense, more practical, influencing every thought, word and deed.
Humility - Grow likewise in humility. Seek to lie very low, and know more of your own nothingness.
Those who know God the best are the richest and most powerful in prayer. Little acquaintance with God, and strangeness and coldness to Him, make prayer a rare and feeble thing. (E. M. Bounds)
Life Application Questions
1. Did you live in peace this year?
2. Did you live on guard this year?
3. Did you live like Jesus this year?
4. If you answered yes, don’t stop just because the year is coming to an end…keep going! If you answered no, don’t ever stop pursuing growing in grace and the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Any effort towards growth in grace is growth.
Today I want to give you tips on how to handle emotional triggers and triggering events not only for yourself but for those you lead. We are living in a time where just turning on the TV or scrolling through social media can be an emotional trigger for many people, yes even leaders. Maybe it would be a great idea to have a “trigger alert” warning come up on your TV, phone, or laptop before you even open it up. And I don’t see it getting better.
A trigger is defined as an action or situation contributing to an unwanted emotional or behavioral response. Triggers can be anything from various emotional states, people, places, things, thoughts, certain activities, or situations. The unwanted emotional or behavioral responses varies depending on each individual and what traumatic events they have experienced in their lifetime.
I can tell you from personal experience the unwanted emotional and behavioral response after being triggered is truly without a shadow of doubt both uncomfortable and unwelcomed. It can be quite debilitating at times. I have learned from my own therapy and now teach my clients different techniques to deal with triggers. There is a sense of freedom in realizing we have the power within ourselves to effectively deal with triggers. Once you come to the realization that you have been triggered, here are three keys in effectively dealing with triggers:
Key #1 - Avoid Your Triggers Key #2 - Reduce Exposure to Your Triggers Key #3 - Deal with Your Triggers Head On
These keys are great in effectively dealing with your triggers; however, you will need to come up with your own strategy to avoid, reduce exposure or deal with them head on. Some of the strategies may include changes in your lifestyle, relationships, or daily routines. You may need to learn new coping skills and have a list of trusted people you can talk to or even seek therapy. What works for some people will not work for others. That is why it is important that you find what works for you, develop your own strategy, and practice.
The Most Vital Key in Effectively Dealing with Triggers
There is a vital key in effectively dealing with triggers that is often missed. As Christians, we have been given a legacy passed on down through the generations, beginning with the disciples to us and for future generations. This legacy no one can dispute – the price was paid once and for all - Jesus Christ’s death on the cross for our sins. That is just one part of the legacy. The other part of this legacy is our receiving the Peace of God.
Jesus Christ - His legacy to all of Humanity– His Peace
John 14:27 (AMP)
Colossians 3:15 (AMP)
Life Application Questions
1. Are you aware of your triggers and do you have a strategy in place to effectively deal with your triggers?
2. Who is the umpire ruling in your heart?
3. Are you utilizing your gift, your legacy – the Peace of God – the most valuable and effective key in dealing with your triggers and the emotional and behavioral responses?
I want to share with you 3 things I believe we need to be aware of – Being Present with God, Being Present with Others and Being Present with Yourself.
Aware of Being Present with God
Psalm 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”
How is your relationship with the Lord? Do you forget to spend as much time listening as you do speaking to God? Just BE STILL and KNOW.
Jeremiah 33:3 “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.”
Just being aware of who God is, what God has done, what God can and will do is amazing. Be present, be aware of the One you commune with when you pray.
James 4:8 “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
God desires a relationship with you. When we approach Him in humility, confessing all our pride, selfishness, self-centered ambition, He is faithful to have a pure undefiled relationship with you. He is all ears when we approach Him with our needs, wants, and desires. If we are truly wanting a deeper relationship with the Lord, doesn’t He deserve the same from us – to sit at His feet, being still and listening to Him.
Aware of Being Present with Others
Hebrews 10:24-25 “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Matthew Henry - Christians ought to have a tender consideration and concern for one another; they should affectionately consider what their several wants, weaknesses, and temptations are; and they should do this, not to reproach one another, to provoke one another not to anger, but to love and good works, calling upon themselves and one another to love God and Christ more, to love duty and holiness more, to love their brethren in Christ more, and to do all the good offices of Christian affection both to the bodies and the souls of each other. A good example given to others is the best and most effectual provocation to love and good works.
Aware of Being Present with Ourselves
Same principles apply here. Are you aware of your own needs? Are you aware of your thought life? Are your thoughts towards yourself uplifting or self-destructive? Are you aware of what is going on in your body? Taking time to be self-aware is very important and highly effective when practiced on a regular basis.
God gave you your body. We only get one chance to take care of our bodies. Take time to be fully present with your body, mind, and emotions. You deserve it. And the people around you deserve it!
1. Are you being present with God?
2. Are you being present with others?
3. Are you being present with yourself?
When you are present with God, present with others, and present with yourself – you are growing in Grace!
Avoiding Deception Replay
Steps to Avoid Deception
1. Know your Bible.
2. Regular Bible study on your own is the only way to really know the word of God. It is your responsibility to lay a strong foundation against deception. You Version Bible App; Daily Audio Bible; International Bible Study groups such as Bible Study Fellowship or Community Bible Study.
3. Apply your knowledge of the scriptures to that which is unusual or “extraordinary”.
4. Ask questions. There is nothing wrong with having a healthy skepticism. Always confirm what you hear, see, or read by going to the scriptures for the answers.
5. Learn to go to God on your own. Deception can happen when you look to someone else for the answers and not God. No one can study the Bible for you. Studying the Bible for yourself is how your faith will grow.
Our Ultimate Goal: To possess, to take hold of and have a firm foundation that is strong, true, and able to withstand the attacks of the enemy and to discern that which is false. How? By self-examination, prayer, watchfulness, and diligent study of God’s Word.
The great news is that God designed things so that you don’t have to live in deception and sin forever. He provided His Truth, His Word to lead and guide us through life here on earth.
Debilitating Suicidal Thoughts to Redemptive God’s Grace - Replay
Today’s Scripture References
1 John 2:1 “My little children, these things I write to you, that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have and Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”
The main theme of 1 John is fellowship with God. John writes to reassure his readers that God will indwell in them through their abiding relationship with Him. When you believe in Jesus Christ, have fellowship with Jesus, you start to take on the characteristics of Christ. Characteristics such as righteousness, love for others, joy, and confidence start to become a part of you. There are conditions for fellowship with the Father and with His Son, Jesus and those conditions are to walk in the light and confess our sins. And when we do sin, we have an advocate, Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ is our advocate. Advocate comes from the Greek word, parakletos (a name given to the Holy Spirit, our Helper); Advocate means one who pleads another’s cause, who helps another by defending or comforting him.
There are four guarantees from Jesus Christ as our Defender: His Prayer, His Protection, His Provision, and His Perseverance.
1. His Prayer – Luke 22:31-34 “And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” But he said to Him, “Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death.” Then He said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day before you will deny three times that you know Me.”
2. His Protection – Hebrews 13:6 “So we may boldly say: The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”
3. His Provision – Psalm 23:1 “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
John 10:28-29 “And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.”
4. His Perseverance – 2 Timothy 4:17-18 “But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. And I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!”
These are the four guarantees from Jesus Christ as our Defender: His Prayer, His Protection, His Provision, and His Perseverance.
Life Application Questions
1. Are you looking to Jesus Christ as your advocate, your defender?
2. Are there times in your life where you can look back and see He prayed for you, He protected you, He provided for you, and He never stopped persevering on your behalf?
Today’s Scripture References
Psalm 19:14 “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my redeemer.”
What Words Are You Using?
Are the words coming from your mouth consistent with the Word of God and God’s will for your life?
More specifically, are the words coming from your mouth consistent with what God says about you?
As a believer of Jesus Christ and consistently growing in grace, consistently growing to be Christlike, we are to speak in ways that please the Lord. When you are being self-critical, self-sabotaging yourself with your own words, that is not pleasing to the Lord. What is pleasing to the Lord is speaking truth about Him and truth about His love for you. What is pleasing to the Lord is consistently speaking God’s truth over your life and then coming into alignment with what God’s Word says about you.
1. I am not stupid; I have been given the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:16, “For “Who has known the mind of the LORD that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ.”
2. I am not going to worry about this situation; I can cast all my anxiety on Christ Who cares for me. 1 Peter 5:7 “Casting all your care upon Him, for He care for you.” In my bible I wrote over the word care, anxiety – attached to the need for control.
1. I am not alone; I have Jesus with me always and He will never leave me or forsake me. Matthew 28:20 “teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Hebrew 13:5 “Let your conduct be without covetousness and be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
What is Really in Your Heart?
Psalm 37:4 “Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.”
According to the Strong’s Concordance, heart is defined as: heart, intellect, awareness, mind, inner person, inner feelings, deepest thoughts, inner self. The Hebrew concept of “heart” is both the physical organ and a person’s inner desires.
Israel’s Commandment: Deuteronomy 6:5 “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might.”
Jesus Emphasis on this great Commandment: Mark 12:29-30, “Jesus answered him, “The first of all the commandments is: “Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.” This is the first commandment.”
Take time this week to really think about what your inner man is feeling and thinking. Are you so negative on the inside towards yourself due to past mistakes, failures, or traumatic experiences? If you are caught in that trap and lie, I want to encourage you that you can change those negative thoughts about yourself to more positive thoughts. It takes a step of faith, courage, and determination to make the necessary adjustments in your life toward healthy changes.
What is Acceptable to God?
If you would commit to doing something like the above to change your negative belief about yourself, you will begin to see your speech and your heart towards yourself change. Speaking and thinking in ways that you know please the Lord, is what is acceptable to God.
Romans 12:1-2 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
4 Things That Hinder Your Growth
1. Lack of Knowledge – Acts 18:24-28
2.Carnality – 1 Corinthians 3:1-3
3. Instability – Ephesians 4:7-15
4. Dullness – Hebrews 5:9-14
Life Application Questions
1. Can you identify any areas of your life that are hindering you in your spiritual growth?
2. Are you at the same level when you first became a Christian or do you see yourself growing spiritually mature?
3. Are you being deceived in any area of your life?
4. Has your hearing become dull?
Today’s Scripture References
2 Peter 17-18 “You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.”
4 Points to Remember
1. God loves you: you are His beloved.
2. God has expectations from you: to be faithful and obedient to Him.
3. God warns you: there are wicked people in this world, and they desire to lead you astray to disobey Him.
4. God has a goal for your life: to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
As you ponder on today’s scripture, really think about how God loves you and expects you to respond to His lovingkindness towards you. Think about the warning He gives you and how you can respond to those who may cross your path to mislead you. Think about your spiritual growth so far this year. How much spiritual growth have you experienced? Has God seen you grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Savior Jesus Christ?
Measure Your Spiritual Growth
It is important to measure your spiritual growth against a standard or plumb line. How do you measure your spiritual growth? By studying and applying the Word of God to your life. This is the standard, the plumb line that will help you stay in alignment. The more aligned you are with the Word of God, the less effort it takes to respond to God’s love with faith and obedience. The less effort it will take to spot the wicked ones who intend to mislead you. The less effort it will take to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Savior Jesus Christ.
Here are 5 verses to start using today as a standard to measure your spiritual growth.
Fruitfulness – John 15:2 “ Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.”;
John 15:5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”
Increase – 2 Corinthians 9:10 “Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness,”
Addition – 2 Peter 1:5-10 Fruitful Growth in the Faith – “But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble;”
Growth – 1 Peter 2:1-2 Our Inheritance Through Christ’s Blood – “Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.”
Building up – Jude 20 Maintain Your Life with God – “But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.
The month of September is recognized as Suicide Prevention Month. Mental Health is so important, regardless of what you do for a living. Today, for the second time in this format, I want to share my personal story of how I have come from battling suicidal thoughts to experiencing God's redemptive grace and the Abundant Life that Jesus Christ offers to all of us.
John 10:10, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”
Satan is a thief. His main purpose is to rob, kill and destroy you. He will rob you of your purity, standards, strength, and the blessings of knowing and serving God. He will destroy your defenses by drawing you away from the Word, Fellowship and from prayer. He seeks to destroy your freedom and place you under bondage. But Jesus came that you may have life! Every life that is dramatically and wonderfully changed by believing in Christ is a testimony. Here is my testimony -
Full testimony can be found on my website: www.eaglesrestcounseling.com
If you are suffering with suicidal thoughts, please dial 988.
3 Ways to Respond to God’s Grace
Romans 12:1-2 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
What is my responsibility as a Christian for the love and grace that God gives to me?
He has done his part, now what is my part?
You may be thinking, how is it possible to know what my responsibility entails if I don’t even really grasp what God’s grace is all about. One way to remember what God’s grace is that it is God’s riches at Christ’s Expense.
Grace in simple terms is God's unmerited favor, His supernatural enablement, and His empowerment for salvation and for daily sanctification. Grace is everything for nothing to those who don't deserve anything. Grace is what every man needs, what none can earn and what God Alone can and does freely give. The gift of grace makes men fit for salvation, miraculously making separated strangers into God's beloved sons.
2 Corinthians 8:9
The Story of Redemption in Christ
Ephesians 1:4-6 We have the responsibility to respond to God’s grace freely given to us. The simplicity of our responsibility includes these 3 things:
1. Present your bodies as a living sacrifice – how do we do this? First, agree to make the decision to surrender yourself to God, this is a simple choice and challenge to every believer. Second, realize presenting yourself will always require a sacrifice. God wants a living sacrifice, all that we are, so we can be a continuous light to the world as we serve Him. He wants to use us for His glory.
2. Do not be conformed to this world – how do we do this? “Conformed refers to conforming oneself to the outer fashion or outward appearance, accommodating oneself to a model or pattern. Even apparent or superficial conformity to the present world system or any accommodation to its ways would be fatal to the Christian life.” Don’t be conformed to our current world system, its values, or its goals in regard to the moral issues.
3. Be transformed by the renewing of your mind – how do we do this? By reading the Word of God on a consistent basis. As you read, allow the Holy Spirit to radically transform your way of thinking. This requires sacrificing your time, learning new ways to think. We want to renew our mind so that we know what God’s will is for our lives and then actually doing His will.
1. Are you presenting your whole body as a living sacrifice to the Lord to be used for His glory?
2. Are you conforming to the world’s ways, or do you need to adjust things in your life where you are reflecting more of Jesus’ to the world around you?
3. Are you actively renewing your mind by reading the Word of God on a more consistent basis?
Just because you are leader doesn’t mean you are immune to discouragement. One major indication that you have succumbed to discouragement is that you become unconcerned with your personal relationships. And if you are discouraged, do not be embarrassed or ashamed. Today, I want to encourage you that you do not have to surrender to discouragement. You have the choice and power to flip your discouragement into encouragement.Hebrews 12:14-17 “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled; lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright. For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought it diligently with tears.”
1. Pursue Peace: Pursue is an action word and it means to run after or pursue in order to catch. We are to pursue (go after) peace with all people. Make things right in your relationships with people within your circle. If you need to apologize and ask for forgiveness, go, and apologize and ask for forgiveness. If you need to forgive, go, and forgive.
2. Pursue Holiness: Make things right in your relationship with God. Leviticus 19:2, “Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.” As David Guzik’s commentary states, “Regarding holiness, we are told without which no will see the Lord. A lack of holiness is a critical obstacle to a close relationship with God.”
3. Pursue the Grace of God: Going after God’s grace will keep bitterness from coming up in your heart. Going after God’s grace will keep bitterness from spreading. Bitterness can come from holding on to pain and hurt of your past. When you focus on the grace of God, you can move past the pain and hurt and extend that grace God gives to you to others.
4. Pursue Pure Moral Behavior: Matthew 5:8, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” I love how The Message Bible reads, “Watch out for the Esau syndrome: trading away God’s lifelong gift in order to satisfy a short-term appetite. You well know how Esau later regretted that impulsive act and wanted God’s blessing—but by then it was too late, tears or no tears.”
Fear of the Lord – Is this a thing of the past? What does it really mean to fear the Lord? How can I incorporate this into my daily life? Does fearing the Lord still exist?
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out we are living in an ungodly morally corrupt society. Lawlessness, corrupt behavior, etc. So, how do we stay steady and on course living a morally just life? How do we live a life that claims we fear the Lord? Our answers can be found in the Book of Proverbs. J Vernon McGee Commentary: Proverbs written by Solomon is not just a collection of sayings without any regard for orderly arrangement. The book of Proverbs tells a story of a young man starting out in life. Two schools bid for him – One is the school of Wisdom, which is seen as the Lord Jesus Christ and the other is the school for fools. We see this young man’s first lesson in:
Proverbs 1:7 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
Fear of the Lord – To recognize His might and His holiness; To have the proper reverence and awe towards our Creator, the One who created us and to our Redeemer, the One who redeemed us from an eternal life in Hell. To have the proper respect and honor of God. This is the key repeated throughout the book of Proverbs. It is the means and the secret to obtaining genuine wisdom. The fear of the Lord is not to be afraid of the terror of a tyrant, but rather the awe and respect that leads to obedience to Him.
Dr. A. W. Tozer (1897-1963) comments, “The fear of God is... astonished reverence. I believe that the reverential fear of God mixed with love and fascination and astonishment and admiration and devotion is the most enjoyable state and the most satisfying emotion the human soul can know.”
The beginning of knowledge – is to regard God with respect, reverence, and awe. Once this starting point of having the right relationship with God is established, then growth in knowledge and true wisdom can happen.
Fools despise wisdom and instruction – there is no dread of God’s wrath, nor is there a desire of God’s favor. Fools do not want to even hear how they can escape God’s wrath and obtain His favor.
As you continue to read in Proverbs, there are 19 other references to fearing the Lord that is perfect description of a God-fearing person. They avoid evil; they cultivate humility; they live righteously; they live securely; they are content in life; they are praised by others. The Book of Proverbs is designed to create a need and desire for wisdom, a prevention and remedy for ungodly behaviors and lifestyles, a how-to manual for practical righteousness in every area of your life.
I believe we are living in a time when the question is not, do you want to be a wise person, but when are you going to begin asking the Lord for wisdom, knowledge, and understanding in all areas of your life? The body of Christ needs this. The world needs to see God-fearing Christians. This is our legacy, and all people deserve to be handed down this awesome legacy. In my opinion, it’s the only the way to live.
Proverbs 14:2 “He walks in his uprightness fears the Lord, but he who is perverse in his ways despises Him.”
Do others see in you that you fear God?
Life Application Questions
1. Do you have a healthy fear the Lord?
2. Is there someone you lead that desperately needs God’s wisdom in their lives? Are you willing to share with them the foundation, fearing God?
Scripture Reference
Psalms 7:1 – “O Lord my God, in You I put my trust; Save me from all those who persecute me; And deliver me,”
“God deserves your trust.” I read this line in the commentary of my Experiencing God Bible this week. And that is where I want to take us today. God does deserve our trust. Here are 3 of my personal reasons:
1. He alone is trustworthy and will never ever break your trust.
2. He will save you.
3. He will deliver you.
TRUST – for such a small word, this word is powerful and can either make or break relationships.
Merriam-Webster defines trust as assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something; one in which confidence is placed.
Self-Discovery Through Temperament
Trust in God Doesn’t Have to Be Hard – It Just Requires Time
I. Laying the Foundation – 4 Essentials Needed
1. It is essential to know without a shadow of doubt that God loves you with an everlasting love.
2. It is essential to seek to do His will.
3. It is essential to not trust in yourself alone.
4. It is essential to not trust in just people alone.
II. You Have a Foundation - Build Your Trust in God
God is your refuge in difficult times.
God is your guide in difficult times.
God is faithful in difficult times.
III. You Have a Foundation and Testimony’s of Trust - The Finished Product of Trust
1. Your life will be blessed. Psalms 84:12 “O Lord of hosts, Blessed is the man who trusts in You!”
2. Your life will be filled with perfect peace. Isaiah 26:8 “Yes, in the way of Your judgments, O Lord, we have waited for You; The desire of our soul is for Your name And for the remembrance of You.” Isaiah 26:12 “Lord, You will establish peace for us, For You have also done all our works in us.”
Life Application Questions
1. Do you believe God deserves your trust? Why or why not? If not, what can you start doing to get to that place of trusting Him? Do you need to explore God’s love for you? Do you need to study His character, His abilities, His strength? Do you need to seek His will for your life?
2. If you are in a difficult season, have you let go of how you think things should be and just trust God with the path you are and the outcome?
3. Is there anyone in your life that needs encouragement to completely trust the Lord?
“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” - Corrie Ten Boom
How do you feel about returning a gift? Do you return it and get something else? Do you regift it? Or do you stick it in a closet and forget about it? I personally do not like returning gifts. I feel like I am doing something wrong especially to the person who gave me the gift.
Today, I want to share with you 8 undeniable reasons returning a gift is welcomed. This is a different perspective on a scripture that I have read many times in my Christian walk. It is starred and underlined in my bible. As I started doing the research on this particular scripture, my perspective changed, and I hope that I can convey that to you this morning.
Today’s Scripture References – Psalm 55
Psalm 55:22 – “Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.”
Cast – To throw, cast, hurl, fling; release the weight of it.
Burden – Literally, “gift,” what is assigned to you; lot (that which is given – the care, anxiety, etc. which are thy portion).
Sustain – Literally, “supply food,” which we all need. God promises to meet all our needs.
Philippians 4:19, “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
To be moved – the righteous are in a secure position to receive His favor; they will never be made to slip, fall, or fail.
Cross Ref: Psalm 37:5; Psalm 37:23-24; 1 Peter 5:6-7
Our Invitation to Return the Burden
-Cast your burden on the Lord. God invites you to burden Him with what burdens you.
-Commit your way to the Lord.
-Trust in the Lord.
-Be a good person.
-Humble yourself.
God’s Promises Upon Receipt of the Burden
The bible is full of promises. When it comes to casting our cares, our anxieties, our burdens onto the Lords shoulders without hesitation, His word gives us promises we can cling to. Here are the 8 undeniable reasons giving our burdens back to the Lord is not only a welcomed idea but is necessary to grow in grace.
1. God will sustain you.
2. God will never permit the righteous to be moved.
3. God will bring it to pass.
4. God will order your steps.
5. God will delight in your way.
6. God will uphold you with His hand.
7. God will exalt you at the right time.
8. God will care for you.
Life Application Questions
1. What burden are you carrying that you need to cast upon the Lord?
2. Are you committing your way to the Lord and trusting Him to handle all your cares?
3. Do you desire to know God on a deeper level?
Today’s Scripture References – Peace with the Lord
Philippians 4:4-9 “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.”
Parasailing Adventure
One week ago, on our lady’s beach trip, I was invited by a friend to go parasailing. She had done it before and said it would be fun. Not really realizing what I was getting myself into, I agreed to go. Sitting on the beach watching other people soar above the beach has always looked fun. It just never occurred to me that I could or would do that.
So here we go, 2 of us parasailing while the other 4 were observing. Then the anxiety and sheer panic hit to the point I was crying. Tried to get my other friends to take my place. No one else wanted to be “shark bait”. They kept encouraging me to do this thing.
Next thing I know, I am being hooked up and whisked away. I screamed the first few seconds of leaving the boat. Next to me is my dear friend coaching me, letting me know everything is going to be okay. Almost immediately, I noticed that the further away we got from the boat, all the noises - my very loud thoughts telling me how awful this experience will be, the boat engine, the waves of the ocean, my beautiful friends cheering me on – just slowly faded away. Peace enveloped me. It was a surreal moment.
I finally eased the death grip on the harness and relaxed and enjoyed the view. Enjoyed the peacefulness. Enjoyed the beauty. Realizing that what I was experiencing was exactly what I needed. All the anxiety I had a few moments before was now gone. That peace of God, that surpasses all understanding was guarding my heart and my mind through Christ Jesus. I was not thinking of the million things that could go wrong and how we literally could be “shark bait.” After the captain dipped us in the ocean and we had a soft landing, I literally felt sheer excitement and it was evident.
The next morning, I woke up with an epiphany. Since I am a visual learner, sometimes God must physically show me to get His point across. This was one of those moments. My experience parasailing is how I am to approach all issues, problems, situations for the rest of my life – with a bird’s eye view and to get above the problem, to rise above my concerns. This is where there is peace, this is where you can hear the voice of the Lord more clearly. This is where you can see the whole picture, not just the problem at hand.
I also realized how vitally important to surround yourself with friends that are going to cheer you on, help you move past your fears and anxiety. Regardless of who you are, fear and anxiety can be two powerful emotions that literally paralyzes you. God knows this. He created us and does have patience with us. If we trust Him and allow Him, He will develop in us faith that overcomes all our fears. If we have trustworthy friends and allow them to speak into our life, we move through our anxieties and face our fears head on.
The month of May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental Health is so important, regardless of what you do for a living. Today, for the first time in this format, I want to share my personal story of how I have come from battling suicidal thoughts to experiencing the Abundant Life that Jesus Christ offers to all of us.
“Suicide remains the second leading cause of death among youth aged 10 to 14 and adults aged 24 to 35. While suicide was responsible for nearly 46,000 deaths in 2020, many more people attempt or have serious thoughts of suicide – critical risk factors for future suicide.” (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)).
Today’s Scripture References
John 10:10, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”
Testimony can be found on my website: www.eaglesrestcounseling.com
Today’s Scripture References – Matthew 18:21-35 The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant
Matthew 18:21-22 “Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.”
Jesus continues by telling a parable about the man received great forgiveness for a large debt he owed yet refused to forgive a person who owed him a much smaller debt. The lesson from this parable is that we all have been graciously forgiven by God and are forgiven daily, repeatedly. And we need to be just a gracious in forgiving others.
The Forgiveness Letter is a journaling activity for you to reach closure and healing in your life.
Forgiveness can be a difficult and uncomfortable process. The process of forgiving is to recall your hurt, empathize with the person, receive the gift of forgiveness, outwardly express forgiveness, and hold onto to forgiveness. Story in Joshua 4, Stones of Remembrance.
When you decide to forgive, God provides the grace and strength to forgive and to maintain a heart of forgiveness. Forgiveness is not weakness. It is the most powerful thing you can do.
Life Application Questions
1. Are you ready to begin or continue the process of forgiveness?
2. Are you willing to go the extra step in forgiving?
3. What are your Stones of Remembrance when doubt wants to creep in?
Ephesians 4:31-32 “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”
The best way to understand forgiveness is that it is an act and a process. When you realize you have been forgiven by God, you can forgive. When you forgive, your heart will begin to heal. When your heart begins to heal, your personal, emotional, or spiritual life will begin to heal. Physical ailments, depression, and/or anxiety will diminish. Now, you are free to go forward in your life.
Quote from Kerney Franston, “When you don’t forgive someone, in some way that person is in jail, and you are the warden. You’re incarcerated, too, because you have to make sure the prisoner stays there.”
Today I want to share 3 more points I would like you to remember about forgiveness.
1. Identify and Acknowledge Your Emotions
Are you hurt from the offense? Are you angry from the offense? Are you grieving the losses as a result from the offense? These are normal responses. Hurt, anger, grief is not sinful. It is when you stay stuck in those emotions, you will be robbed of God’s forgiveness, bitterness and other sins will take root, you will walk in darkness, and your heart becomes hardened.
Give yourself permission to identify and acknowledge all emotions you experienced during and after the time of the offense. If you feel like you need to do that in the safe place, reach out to a trusted friend, mentor, pastor, or professional counselor to walk you through it. The last thing you need to feel is shame or embarrassment for desiring to bring healing in your life.
2. Set Healthy Boundaries
If you are currently in a relationship with the person that has offended you, it is in your best interest to set healthy boundaries so that you are not hurt again. It is also in your best interest to figure out what unsafe and safe relationships look like. If you are with an unsafe person, try your best to minimize your time with that person.
I realize there are some people that are in situations they cannot escape from, or they feel they cannot get out of. Once again, please reach out to a trusted friend, mentor, pastor, or professional counselor to help you in this area of setting healthy boundaries, defining safe and unsafe relationships.
You deserve to live a life that has healthy boundaries. You deserve to live a life that has safe relationships. You can trust God to take care of you.
3. Recognize God’s Involvement
During and after the offense, the unforgiveness, no apology, the bitterness taking root, you can’t see the forest through the trees. Not only I have experienced this, but I see it too often in my office. Sometimes, it is hard to understand God’s hand in being offended and the act and process of forgiveness. Sometimes, it is hard to understand that God can use the offense to spur on personal and spiritual growth. He desires for all of us to depend on Him for His plan and glory. And with his help, forgiveness is attainable.
There are two things to ask God if you are having a hard time recognizing His hand in your life: 1. Ask God to heal your emotional wounds. 2. Ask God to help you love your offender.
Today, I want to lay a foundation on the topic of forgiveness. This will be a multi-part series on forgiveness. I know this is a hard topic, a topic that a lot of people avoid, especially if you have been hurt by others. Speaking from my own experience, as painful as it can be, it can be done. And it is very healing and freeing. When you forgive, you grow in grace!
Today’s Scripture References
1. As Christians, we are commanded and expected to forgive others.
Sermon on the Mount – Teachings from Jesus
Matthew 5:43-48
Matthew 6:12-15
Mark 11:20-26
1. Satan can and will take advantage of us if we do not forgive.
2 Corinthians 2:10-11 “Now whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ, lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.”
Know your enemy – Satan’s main goal is to kill, steal, and destroy. He is subtle in his attempts and uses strategies to deceive us. He knows our strengths and our weaknesses. He is a watchful enemy, ready and willing to destroy us at any moment. Do not be fearful but be watchful.
1. We are revealing to the world around us our identity as God’s children, displaying God’s love and forgiveness. We are an extension of God’s love and forgiveness.
Ephesians 4:31-32 “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”
Colossians 3:13 “ bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.”
- As Christians, we are commanded and expected to forgive others.
- Satan can and will take advantage of us if we do not forgive.
- We are revealing to the world around us our identity as God’s children, displaying God’s love and forgiveness. We are an extension of God’s love and forgiveness.
Life Application Questions
1. Who do you need to forgive?
2. Are you willing to forgive, let it go, and move forward in your life?