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Overspending is a spiritual problem.

10/14/2019

Overspending is a spiritual problem. It causes many marital problems. In order to have self-control we need to discover the spiritual root and ask the Lord for help. It could be we spend to satisfy a need that God wants to satisfy. Some people go shopping to cope with stress. That’s okay if it is within your budget but not okay if you are trying to use it as a coping mechanism, or something deeper within.

High incomes are not immune! Many with high incomes have higher debt and credit cards that are maxed out so they live paycheck to paycheck.

The root of overspending is selfishness. For some overspending is due to a feeling of being deprived of something or loneliness. Overspending could be a way of compensating for a lack of intimacy in marriage. It temporarily fills a void where boredom or sadness exists. A person tries fill that void with materialism.

Overspending equals stress, debt, and frustration. The average credit card is $8,000. If we paid the minimum it would take us 24 years to pay it off. Many lose heart and file bankruptcy.

ACTION STEP:

1. Have a Biblical plan. Get advice and accountability. Pray and ask God to help you discover why you do what you do. Then ask Him to deliver you or heal you.
2. Establish priorities. God first! This is the outside indicator of whether or not you really trust God.

Do you believe God or do you just believe in God? Your spending will reveal the truth.

World’s smallest but largest troublemaker!

10/11/2019

If you have the Holy Spirit in you, then you feel that little tinge in you when you say things about other people that you shouldn’t. Gossip words spread quickly. The tongue “setteth on fire the course of nature”. Gossip is a two way problem. The one who tells gossip and the one who listens to it, both have a problem! The Fruit of the Spirit Self-Control comes from loving God and what He loves more than what we love, not merely from self-discipline. The tongue will expose what's in our heart.

Psalm 141:3 (NIV)
Set a guard over my mouth, Lord;
keep watch over the door of my lips.

ACTION STEP: Ask God to put a guard over your lips. Read the scriptures about the tongue. Practice silence and waiting a while before giving an answer.

Self-control or self-discipline? Are they the same?

10/10/2019

I want to open up today with a story that illustrates the difference between self-discipline and the fruit of the Spirit, Self-Control.

Two men walking through the airport and notice a magazine rack of porno in gift shop. Both men are Christians and they both feel the urge to look at those magazines. One man doesn’t go look at the magazines because he is exercising self-discipline; the other doesn’t go look because he is exercising self-control. In both cases they walk past the temptation. The self-disciplined guy says, “This is something I should not do, so I won’t do it. The Self-control guy says, “Even though part of me wants to see this I won’t because I know it would grieve God, and I love Him so I won’t.

Here is another way to say what I shared in the illustration above:

I don’t feel like reading the Bible, but out of duty I do it anyway. This does not deal with the root of my struggle. I need to find out, why reading the Word of God is like duty, rather than desire. Self Control says my aim is to please God. So, I must find out why I don’t feel like reading the Word of God, because that pleases God. I will run out of discipline because it is after a goal. When a goal can't be reached most quit striving.

I have listed below some indicators (fruits) of self-control. Some areas of self-control give us more problems than others. The tongue, anger, spending money and sex are four areas that many struggle with having self-control. The real problem (the root) is we love ourself and want to please self, more than we want to please God. So, the main problem is not self-control it is our lack of love for our Creator and Savior.

Let's look at Anger today and then we will continue to look at the other areas that give most of us problems in the area of self-control. There are
3 types anger and we will look at each one.

1. Sudden anger can be controlled:
Are you quick tempered? Known for a temper? Will Rogers said, “People who fly into a rage seldom make a good landing!”
Proverbs 14:17 “He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly.” = God calls this person a fool. Slow down! James 1:19-20.
Anger causes physiological changes in body that are harmful to your health: Heart faster, blood pressure, mouth dry, trembling. I personally notice when I have been angry for a time or lost my temper that many times a day or two later I become sick! It weakens immune system.

2. Sinful anger must be condemned. What is sinful anger?
1. Anger w/o a cause. Matthew 5:22
2. When you hate someone, we are hating what God loves. We are to love people and hate sin.
3. You desire revenge. Rom. 12:19 tells us vengeance is mine
4. You will not forgive someone.
Proverbs 19:11 “The discretion of a man defers his anger.” A man of discretion analyzes “Why am I angry?” What is it that makes me so angry?

3. Stubborn anger is to be conquered. Eph. 4:26 “Be ye angry and sin not, let not the sun go down upon your wrath; neither give place to the devil.” Some people live with anger for 10 or more years. This is stubborn anger.

The devil will take any place you give him in your soul and grow a stronghold in your mind, will, or emotions.

Note the order how anger will get out of control:

First: Bitterness – someone offends you. If you don’t pull up roots of bitterness it defiles your soul (Hebrews 12:15). We must learn to forgive without expecting any apology or the devil will trap us.

Second: Bitterness turns to wrath. The Greek word means “to burn” or smolder. You continue to dwell on the offense or hurt, so in essence we are hot under the collar.

Third: Wrath turns to anger on the outside and is manifested in our face, and our voice, as well as our body language.

Fourth: Anger turns to clamor which is loud speech. Illustration: You are having an argument with your husband. The husband says, “You don’t have to shout.” You say, “I’M NOT SHOUTING!”(In an obvious shouting tone!)

Fifth: Clamor is to speak evil and say cruel things you don’t mean. At this point the Tea kettle is spewing steam everywhere and that can not be taken back. like steam the words are already released into the ear.

Sixth: Evil speaking turns to malice with an intent, desire to hurt, kill, murder.

ACTION STEP: How do I get self-control over my anger?

1. Recognize it. “I have a problem.” Accept responsibility and stop blaming everyone else for making you angry. No one can make you angry. You and I chose to be angry.

2. Repent of it to the Lord and ask forgiveness from God and other. “Show fruit of repentance” What is your plan to overcome getting angry? Try harder? No! If you repent you will establish a plan of attack, get help, do some soul searching.

3. Renounce it remember according to scripture you gave the devil a place in your life. Confess it as sin and ask God to take back the ground you surrendered to the devil. Tell the devil you refuse to allow him to use you to hurt others or yourself.

4. Rely on Holy Spirit. You will have to pray more through out your day asking for help in your weakness. Pray for the Lord to show you the source of the real root that manifests anger in you. Trauma as a child? Rejection? Abandonment? What hurt gets opened in you, that triggers anger? Allow God to heal that area. The Holy Spirit will help you. Just ask.

Self-Control or Self-Destruct? Add faith and live a Spirit controlled life.

10/9/2019

1 Peter 1:5-8
For this very reason, applying your diligence [to the divine promises,
make every effort] in [exercising] your faith to, develop moral excellence,
and in moral excellence, knowledge (insight, understanding), and in your knowledge, self-control,
and in your self-control, steadfastness, and in your steadfastness, godliness,
and in your godliness, brotherly affection, and in your brotherly affection,
[develop Christian] love
[that is, learn to unselfishly seek the best for others and to do things for their benefit].
For as these qualities are yours and are increasing
[in you as you grow toward spiritual maturity],
they will keep you from being useless and unproductive in regard to the true knowledge and greater understanding of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Faith is to a Christian what gasoline is to a car.

Gasoline is necessary to run engine. That’s not all you need; air supply, vacuum hoses draw air, oil, or won’t go very far. The Christian faith too must have some other additives or you won’t make much progress.

Someone says, “I believe all I need is to believe in God.” True if you on your deathbed! But, if you plan on living here for a while, you will need much more than faith or else you become very frustrated trying to live Christian life.

The scripture above tells us to diligently add to our faith several things. Why? So, we can be fruitful and functional.

We all know too many dysfunctional Christians! We know people who will not come to Christ, because they know too many dysfunctional Christians. Today, it is hard to tell the difference between the “Saint’s and the Ain’ts”. They talk same, and act same.

We are all in the process of sanctification, once we have been born again. We grow in Christ and reach New levels of living. It begins with faith ends with love.

From faith we grow into virtuous or holy living. We want to please God; He is our number one motivation for all we do. Only out of our holy living, will come more first hand experiences with God called knowledge. Now, we know God, not by second hand teaching, but first hand experiences.

From knowledge we will grow in self-control. Because the more we experience God, the more of His grace we will experience. We need this to instill holy habits in ourselves, so we are able to follow hard after Him.

We change our inside and the outside changes. The more Word inside of us, leads to more self-control manifested through our lives. We no longer take the course of least resistance. The reason a river is so crooked, is because it takes the path of least resistance. This is a picture of a life with no restraint. We can have the power to do something, but can we do what is right?

ACTIN STEP: Get the Word in you, so you can live a life in the Spirit.

A huge misconception.

10/8/2019

I am having one of those times in my life when what I prayed for, I got and it doesn't feel like what I thought it would. All my life I wanted to grow up and travel the world-- as a news reporter. My Dad said, I'd be good at it. My uncles encouraged me, as they told me I had a great smile. They used to joke and call me Ms. America though I am way to short to even qualify. So, off to college I went to major in communications and journalism, only to meet my husband my junior year. He was not interested in my chosen career. We laugh about it now as I travel around the world telling the "Good News" of Jesus Christ. We even have a TV program. God certainly has a sense of humor.

I could see myself doing this job and I am so glad I have the calling I have. I don't mean to complain. Lots of people would probably love doing what I do, but it's a lot harder than it looks. I need to pack at a minimum of three different suit cases for three different locations. Recently, I was in seven countries within forty five days. I am blessed. My children are grown and I mostly travel with my husband when abroad. When traveling nationally, I am blessed in that God has given me with a great assistant. Nevertheless, it is hard work and takes a lot of planning and preparations, muscles, patience, good endurance and great faith. Did I mention patience? Yeah, airports, local food, limited bathrooms, water issues--yeah, patience. This thing I prayed for is hard on my person. My flesh dies daily. Terrible living conditions, hazardous driving conditions, nonexistent shower and toilet facilities. No WiFi! No Starbucks...I know not even WaWa. Thank God for natives that do their best to find you safe food to eat and a clean, (well almost) bed to sleep in. This is how the rest of the world lives. I come home and am so grateful for what I have. So, I take them Jesus, because He can change everything for the better.

Just packing toiletries and vitamins took me a full day and half. Then, for out of the country trips I take food and bug spray, as well as medical supplies and books. Your suitcase can only weigh fifty pounds. I am glad my clothes are little or I'd be in big trouble. My bible, laptop, notes and reading materials fill my carry on. Glamorous? No. Rewarding? Yes. I got what I prayed for. I just didn't think it would look like it does. Somehow, I thought it would be easier.

Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

ACTION STEP: Remember what you told God? Remember what you asked Him for? When God answers prayers it may not look like what we thought. I am learning new things about God and myself everyday. I am being stretched and refuse to be stressed. I can and will do all things through Christ who strengthens me, and He will strengthen you too. Trust Him. He is a big God and He is for us not against us. Now, let's do this thang!

Two questions we must ask.

10/7/2019

Two questions we must ask ourselves, "Who am I?" and "What is my purpose?" These two questions lead us to many more questions such as, "Where did I come from?" and "Where am I going?" People have been searching for answers to these questions since man was created. We only find the answers to those questions from the one who created us. The creator knows why He created something or in this case someone.

Genesis 1:27
So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

If you or I want to find out who we are and who God is we must read our Bibles. The book of Colossians will help with these questions. The Book of Ephesians, the first two chapters will also tell you who you are. When you know who you are, you can be who you are. Who you are comes with some rights and privileges. When we find out who we are we also find out, who we are not! Finding our who we are not is just as important as who we are. Sometimes, it brings healing and other times it restores confidence and sometimes even a refreshing. We can embrace the day rather than dread the day.

ACTION STEP: Read the Book of Colossians it is only four chapters. It is a very small book, but very important for us to know. You are a child of God. You have a purpose. You have a father in heaven who loves you and desires to give you a future and a hope. You do not have to be bound by past mistakes and failures. You can start today to be who you were created to be. You are no longer a slave to past mistakes and carnal desires. The selfishness will turn into selflessness when we give ourselves to God. Read Romans 10:9-10 and seal the deal today of who you belong to and what God has in store for you. Then go share what you know with someone else. Be a witness for the Lord.

Two Destinations~One Choice.

10/4/2019

John 14:1-3
“Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.”

We see from the scripture above that Heaven is a real place. This real place is our Eternal Home that Christ is preparing for us who accept Him as our Redeemer. Read Romans 10:19-10. When we accept Him, we become His child. Read Ephesians chapters 1 & 2 to find out what that means.

We also learn that hell is a place of eternal torment. In Luke 16:24, we read a story Jesus told of a man’s experience in hell and his cry for relief from the flames around him, but there was no relief.

Once death claims a person, there is no second chance to change an eternity. The destination is final.

ACTION STEP: Today is not a long Blog but very weighty one. Two destinations. One decision. Have you made the decision where you will spend Eternity. Eternity is real. I don't usually do this, in fact I never have. However, I want to invite you to hear the message I will be sharing October 5th in Monongahela, PA and October 6th in Morgantown, WV. See our web site for times and directions. Make a decision, because no decision, is a decision.

Refrain rather than React

10/3/2019

We need Spirit to Control Self. To exercise self-control is to discipline ourselves, set boundaries, and rule over our actions. We protect our souls when we are self-controlled, because the devil gets an entrance through our minds before we act on a thought. We are three part beings. We are a spirit, we possess a soul and we live in a body. When the Spirit of God controls our spirit, then our spirit tells our soul and body what to do. When we are not spirit led, but flesh driven, then our soul is in control. Flesh is weak. Flesh wants to satisfy and gratify itself NOW! It does not care about Eternity. Spirit led people are Eternity minded people. They love God more than any momentary pleasures that can satisfy and bring self-gratification in the here and now.

In order for me to produce the Fruit of the Spirit, I must be rooted in the Spirit. Whatever, is in the root is in the fruit. If I am rooted only in Self. Then, I produce the fruit of Self. I will be selfish, self-reliant, self-righteous, self-confident, self-gratifying, etc. However, if I am rooted in Christ, then I will produce Christ-likeness, which will be the Fruit of the Spirit. It takes the Spirit of God to produce the Fruit of God through the power of the Holy Spirit at work in us to do His will. This is why Jesus could say, "Not my will, but Thy will be done." This is the Lord's will for us and this is why when He was asked by the disciples, "Teach us to pray...", He taught them what we call today, The Lords Prayer.

1 Peter 4:7
“The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.”

John Piper writes that we are saying, “Lord Jesus, I want you more than this immediate need!” Through self-control, we take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ; we set our minds on things above; we flee from sin; and we do battle against it through prayer.

Pursue a greater, eternal good through self-control because Jesus is coming back!

ACTION STEP: Pray to the Holy Spirit daily for grace. Grace is God's ability to do through you, what you can not do through yourself. We need grace to produce self-control. Christ in us, producing through us, is the only way to live a life of Self-Control. Self-control is actually our spirit under the control of His spirit, and this comes through loving God more than we love our self. I challenge you to put God on the Throne above all else. When He is number one, all the other people, things, desires, emotions, etc. line up and get in order. Praying for you today.

Get up and Get Moving

10/2/2019

"The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide you're not going to stay where you are."
John Pierpont "J.P." Morgan

If you fell into a river, the natural thing to do would be to try to swim to shore, not just stay where you are and drown. But, many times people are so shocked by where they find themselves, they do nothing. Doing nothing can cost us dearly. There seems to be a guarantee in life that change will happen. Change is something we tend to fear and become anxious about, because we do not feel in control of life. The good news is that God has a plan for your life to hope, future, and to prosper. If we trust in God and allow the change to grow us, to become more like Jesus Christ in how we respond and act, then we are promised that all things will work together for good for those who love Him and keep His commandments! There is a part for us to do and then He will do His part. Many just wait on Him to do it all and drown.

2 Peter 3:9 (NIV) "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."

The longer we live and the more we do the greater our chance of failure. This does not mean we are a failure. It means we experienced failure either by our own fault or someone or something else. We are not in control of everything and everyone. We are only in control of ourselves, and then only if we are forgiven and a child of God is it possible to control oneself possible. I don't trust myself. I trust myself to God to do right. When we fall down, we get back up. When we fail we try again. We are made for success. The Bible says, let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praising the Lord is hard if not impossible when we lack hope. Our hope must be in Jesus Christ for He is the only one that will not leave us, or fail us.

Sometimes, like Abraham we have to leave Lot to see our circumstances change. Abraham didn't love Lot any less--he just loved God more! God has got to have all of us not just a little here and there. He wants us to totally surrender to His will. You my need to distance yourself from someone in order to see change for the better in your life.

ACTION STEP: What is keeping you down? Is it who you are with or where you are? Both can change. You must make the decision. Decisions are hard but God is good. God will give you what you lack if you only come to Him and ask, believing you shall receive. Remember failure is not falling down but staying down.

Be what you might have been. It's never too late.

10/1/2019

"It is never too late to be what you might have been." -- George Eliot

"A fresh start - a new day - a new month - a new year. Do you see each day as a fresh start or are you carrying yesterday into this brand new day. See the possibilities of beginning anew." -- Theodore W. Higginsworth

New beginnings are often hard to start, but ending something can be even harder. See yesterdays post. Changing ourself is a lot harder than telling others what they should change, and how they should start over. We often have the fear of the unknown and the "What if?"

Life is full of unknowns. I try my best to get to know Jesus, and the more I get to know about Him, the more I realize how little I know. I've been married to my hubs for over forty years and I swear, he changes everyday. Sure, I know what he likes to eat, but then he goes and orders something off the menu that completely throws me.

It is the same with ourself. We don't really know ourself. We don't know what we are capable of until we are stretched, challenged, sick, tired, in love, or full of hate. Depending on what's in us, and what we are in to, determines how we behave or react. So, since it is difficult at least, and impossible at best to know ourself, how can we know anyone else. We can't. So, instead of saying, "I can't", try saying, "I will try." Like that tea bag we don't know what's in us, until we are in hot water.

ACTION STEP: Embrace the hard times. Embrace those moments that make us hot under the collar. Go ahead and just say, "I'm sorry" or "Let's try again"...or even, "I need help." It's never too late to start again. It's never too late to be the best version of you. The best version of you will bring out the best version of others.