Month: November 2023

“For as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.” Proverbs 23:7

Breaking toxic mindsets is not an easy task. It is a transformative journey that can be overcome, with the help of spiritual guidance. The word of God offers key principles to help us break free from the lies of the enemy, that seek to hold us captive in our minds. As believers, we must recognize the battle begins in our minds. According to Romans 12:2, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by the testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

When we choose to remain in toxic relationships, it will allow us to see the toxicity in others, but not ourselves. “The Bible reminds us “Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character.” 1 Corinthians 15:33. We must demolish argument and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5. Anything toxic that we are presented with, that is contrary to God’s word, we are to reject.

Relationships are needed, but we must enter those relationships with great caution! God wanted to bless Abraham in Genesis 12:1, but he needed to get him away from the familiar. We must be willing to leave the familiar also, Abraham was asked to leave his country and his kindred. They influence your mindset, as well. Sometimes God needs us to separate from what we are trying, to hold on to. This can also create chaos in relationships. Living in an environment that promotes constant toxicity will eventually get in you. We must pray for discernment. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lead to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.” Proverbs 3:5-6.

Breaking toxic mindsets will require a conscious effort to replace negative thoughts with those that reflect godly principles and values. Through prayer, meditation, and studying scripture, we can gradually replace destructive thought patterns with a mindset grounded in faith, hope, and love. Ephesians 4:22-24 says “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off the old self, which is corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” This scripture promotes a mindset shift towards constructive thinking, that will foster emotional well-being and the resilience to move forward.

This scripture underscores the importance of shedding toxic mindsets rooted in deception and embracing a renewed perspective aligned with God’s truth. Breaking free from toxic mindsets involves intentional self-reflection, repentance, and the continuous pursuit of a mindset that aligns with the transformative power of God’s Word.

In closing, Philippians 4:8 encourages believers to focus on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. By aligning our thoughts with these positive attributes, we can actively combat toxic mindsets, grow spiritually, and be a beacon of hope for others.

Prayer,

Heavenly Father,

The one who knows all and sees all things. Help us to become all that you would have us to be. May we demonstrate integrity and love for one another… for we are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own possession. As a result, help us show others your goodness, for in your great mercy you have called us out of darkness into your wonderful light! In Jesus Name. Amen. 1Peter 2:9.

“We are therefore Christ Ambassadors, as through God we’re making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christ behalf. Be reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20.

During my “Christian Walk”I have learned that my life must serve a, God given purpose in order to fullfill destiny and my calling. When I enlisted in the Army of the Lord, many, many years ago I was introduced to The Great Commission. According to Matthew 28:16-20. “Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw Him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said “All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

God commanded us to go, but not without equipping us for the journey ahead. “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set the oppressed free.” Luke 4:18. The word of God tells us to also “Arise [from spiritual depression to a new life], shine [be radiant with the glory and brillance of the Lord]; for your light has come, And the glory and the brillance of the LORD has risen upon you.” Isaiah 60:1 (AMP) In order to fulfill our mandate (call) it will take more than just a simple desire, but the word of God will have to be the necessary channel for you and I to receive that light.

Without the light we walk in darkness. “The light shines in the darknesss, and the darkness comprehended it not.” John 1:5. We need the word of God to light the pathway for our feet to follow. For “your word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path.” Psalm 119: 105.

Jesus is the “true light” that gives light to everyone when He came into the world. John 1:9. This is great news! We are a chosen peeople, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that we may declare the praises of Him who called us out of the darkness into His marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9. Everything in the Kingdom of God is designed to reveal His glory, including mankind and all creation. “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” John 15:8.

God is glorified when we are Salt and Light. “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again.? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot. 14 You are the light of the world. A town built upon a hill that cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a candle and put it under a bushel. Instead they put it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:13-16.

In closing, let me leave you with an illustration of two cars both driven in the night. One was pretty new, in mint condition and the other car was old and run down, but regardleess of the newer models size, make and cost, it had a faulty lighting system. The other car, although old and run down, its lighting system proved to be most valuable to it’s owner, dispite its appearance. This also reflects our value to our owner. When our lights are beaming bright, we are able to illuminate the darknesss for the kingdom of God, bring glory to the Father and win souls for the kingdom. Let us pray!

Heavenly Father,

May we receive and manifest your power and your wisdom until the nations see Jesus high and lifted up. May He be exhaulted and glorified through our lives. Will you breathe Lord upon us? So that we may be able to manifest your power and your wisdom to reach the lost and convert sinners to know your way. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.

“That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.” 2Timothy 1:12.

Today in the world there is faithlessness, unbelief, disobedience, and all as a response to God and not believing in the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. In the Gospel of John, Chapter 3, verses 16-18, it is written: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.”

As Believers we are to strive to do the work of the Lord with the assistance of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit’s job when active in us, will bring about a conviction regarding sin, righteousness, and judgement.” John 16: 8 (NASB) “I appeal to you therefore , brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. Be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable, and perfect.” Romans 12:1-2.

Billy Graham once said “ We are to make it our goal to become more like Christ, by refusing to let sin have it’s way in our lives, but to pursue instead that which is pure and good in the sight of God.” For the word of God tells us “Everything that I command you, you shall be careful to do. You shall not add to it or take away from it.” Deuteronomy 12:32. The sanctification process in our lives will begin once we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. We must renew our minds and allow the work of the Holy Spirit to begin to set us apart and help us to be holy, just as our God is Holy. 1 Peter 1:16.

What we believe has a profound affect on those around us, especially those in our families. According to Acts 16: 30-31, it list the account of a jailer who believed in Christ. “He then brought them out and asked, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’ They replied, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.'” This narrative highlights the transformative power of belief in Christ, offering salvation not only to the individual, but extending salvation to the entire household through faith. What have you believed?

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, emphasizes the significance of faith in Christ for justification. In Romans 3:22-24, he writes: “This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Here, Paul underscores the universal nature of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, emphasizing that it is a gift accessible …to all who believe!

Prayer

Merciful Father,

May you move upon the heart of those who are in need of your saving grace. May the Holy Spirt draw those in need of your love and acceptance, as we petition the Throne of Grace for mercy. Please open their eyes to see the loving sacrifice you provided us all in the gift of your dear Son, Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. (John 3:16) In Jesus Name! Amen.

“Therefore, what God has joined together, let no man put usunder.” Mark 10:9.

Marriage, as viewed through the lens of the Bible’s King James Version (KJV), is a sacred covenant ordained by God. The scriptures emphasize the sanctity of marriage and the paramount importance of faithfulness within this divine institution. In the Book of Genesis, God creates Eve as a companion for Adam, stating, “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh” (Genesis 2:24, KJV). This verse lays the foundation for the unity and exclusivity that marriage demands, underscoring the bond between a husband and wife as a reflection of the oneness found in the Godhead.

Throughout the Bible, faithfulness in marriage is extolled as a virtue. The book of Proverbs, for instance, admonishes, “Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth. Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love” (Proverbs 5:18-19, KJV). This passage underscores the idea of finding joy and satisfaction within the marital relationship and encourages spouses to cherish the lifelong commitment they made to each other. The biblical perspective on faithfulness in marriage is not merely a moral guideline but a divine command that honors the sacred covenant between a husband and wife.

The New Testament further reinforces the call for fidelity in marriage. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus affirms the sanctity of marriage, declaring, “Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What, therefore, God hath joined together, let not man put asunder” (Matthew 19:6, KJV). This statement by Jesus emphasizes the indissoluble nature of the marital bond, emphasizing the divine origin and permanence of marriage. The biblical teachings on marriage and faithfulness provide a timeless and unwavering guide for couples seeking to navigate life’s challenges while upholding the sacred covenant they entered into before God.

Prayer.

Heavenly Father,

May you bless our marriages with the capacity to love and care for one another as we work to honor our commitment to you. Please grant those who are weak strength and build up those who have become weary. May the love of Jesus be our moral compass and guide. Let your protection cover our marriages and destroy every demonic force at work to bring separation and divorce. In Jesus Name. Amen.

“Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” Mark 10:9.