BEATING BACK THE "MEAN REDS"

I believe in the power of good and evil.  I believe in the existence of a benevolent Christ and a malevolent Anti Christ.

The Anti Christ (AC) is a thief, always seeking to entice us away from a SPIRIT filled life.  The AC consistently attempts to shift our focus away from God and onto:

1. the PAST (bemoaning the mistakes, missed opportunities and wasted time; 
2. the FUTURE (fearful of the unknown or worse); and
3. the PRESENT (wallowing in feelings of sadness or depression).

I am, like Timothy, a nervous person by nature.  I am given to the "mean reds" and "indigo moods."  Before I discovered the Power of the Spirit, I relied on my imagination to distract me from sad feelings or loneliness. 

Even now, I still battle these moods.  It is interesting to note that when I discovered the Christ, my fundamental personality did not change.  Rather, I just learned how to manage my feelings in a different way.  Now, I try my best to rely on the Spirit to alter any sad feelings in real time.

In my research on Feelings: I set out to answer a few queries.  

• Where do Feelings come from?
• What is the position of Feelings in the Christian Life?
• Where should feelings be placed in our lives?

Here are some truths that I discovered in the book: Spiritual Depression: It's Causes and Its Cures by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones. 

1. We need our FEELINGS!

We need our feelings (the highs and the lows) because when God takes over our lives, God takes over our entire beings and engages ALL of us: our feelings, our mind, our body.  The Gospel moves our mind (so that we can see TRUTHS); moves our hearts (so that we can feel his Power/Majesty, Joy and Happiness) and moves our will (so that we can move forward and do things as directed by God).

2.  We cannot create FEELINGS.  

Despite our attempts, we cannot create feelings.  We can not conjure them up at will.  We cannot force authentic tears or laughter.  And when we wake up on the wrong side of the bed, feeling distressed for no apparent reason, we must be careful not to self medicate with drugs, alcohol and toxic relationships.  Attempting to manage feelings our way (without God), is a slippery slope.   If we are not careful, we may find ourselves exchanging one type of depression for another.  Over time, we will discover that NO man made crutch can keep feelings at bay for long. 

3.  Our FEELINGS change.

Feelings vary from moment to moment.  They are the most variable part of us because they are dependent on so many factors.  Physical conditions affect them.  Outside stimuli affect them. 

The facts are clear.  Feelings are real.  We need them.  We cannot create them.  They vary from moment to moment.

So, how then can we follow God's commandments, remain calm in the face of difficulties, and offer kind words when we feel horrible?  In other words, how can we exercise our God given gifts when we don't feel well enough to get out of the bed?!

WE MUST FIGHT with God's help.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.  Ephesians 6:12

This is Spiritual WARFARE!  We CANNOT ALLOW the moods, fears, physical desires, external hurts and varying FEELINGS to control us.  

How is that even possible to win this SPIRITUAL battle when we are overwhelmed by these factors on a daily basis?

It is possible, darling.  We are well equipped.

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.

God promises that HE will protect us.  He has already defeated the evil  one.  We simply have to stay in the Spirit, close to God to withstand and prevail.

I have found the following steps to be helpful to lift even the meanest red mood.

1. REJOICE: 
• Don't spend too much time over analyzing feelings.  You may not feel HAPPY but you can rejoice.  You can stir up the Spirit within you.
2. INTERNAL DIALOGUE
• Recognize that these shifts in feelings are a tool of the AC! Remind yourself of your beliefs.  Remind yourself that you are a daughter/son of a KING that has ALL Power!  Tell yourself:  I will not be dominated by this feelings.  These indigo moods shall not control me today.  I am going out and I am breaking through.
3. GET UP AND DO SOMETHING
• Shake off the mean reds and walk about, dance, MOVE.  Go for a walk outside and focus on the delicate beauty of God's creation.
4. ASK FOR HELP
• Remember you are not alone.  God has promised to meet your needs in real time.  So tell God you are feeling blue.  Ask Him to lift it so that you can get on with His work.  Watch Him do it! (and if you think you might need to talk with a professional, ask God to direct you to someone who is gifted and spirit filled.)

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. Psalm 42:5

You may not feel happy today.  But whether you feel happy or not, believe the truths of God as chronicled in the Scriptures.  

Say to yourself:  I believe God's word is true and I will stay my soul on it, I will believe in it come what may!  Never the LESS, I will believe.  I will trust.  

Then sit with God quietly, asking HIM to fill you with His Spirit.  Don't move until you feel your countenance shift.

When you do these things, you will escape the mean reds and you will be able to continue Onward and Upward.

I promise, darling.

NEVERtheLESS: SPIRIT Life Has Its Privileges

No one is strong all the time.  Despite our best efforts to eat right, exercise, get rest, meditate and pray, we sometimes run out of energy and enthusiasm.  During these moment, we may feel vulnerable and defenseless against the onslaughts of the "world."  In times like these, the tiniest criticism, unkind word or mundane gesture can cause us to spiral into a melancholy mood, or worse, can cause us to make decisions that are not in our best interest.

Each of us is a child of God, created in the image of God.  We are wonderfully made.  But we are also quite defenseless in many ways.  Who but God knows our intricacies?   Who but God knows how we process hurts and set backs?  Who but God understands the delicate balance needed for us to grow and thrive?

I try to bear this in mind when I encounter those who by their words and actions endeavor to disparage my thought processes, my accomplishments and my actions.

The truth is that no one but God can judge our actions.  The truth is that no man can impute iniquity to us.  God alone sits in judgement.

The most wonderful thing about God's judgement is that if you are living in the SPIRIT -- even your missed opportunities, missteps, and sins are forgiven.  God loves us and knows us.  He therefore understands our struggle on this plain to resist temptation, to set our sights on spiritual things, to obey God's precepts.

The struggle we face daily is real and can leave us feeling limp and helpless.  Why, when we endeavor to follow God, do we fail?  Why is there a constant battle between the desires that benefit our physical selves and the desires that benefit our spirit?

Paul likewise feels somewhat baffled by the struggle waging within him.

 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16 And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17 As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18 For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature.[c] For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.  Romans 7: 15-21

Paul reminds us that we must fight against sin.  If we do not FIGHT we will be ruled by desires of the flesh (e.g., desires to meet our physical needs by any means necessary in direct contrast to God's rules).  Over time, these earthly desires will take over and will pull us away from the Spirit.  There is DANGER in allowing anyone or anything to pull us away from the Spirit.

5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God. Romans 7:5-8

Without the protection of the Spirit, we cannot access our Spiritual gifts.  If we cannot access our Spiritual gifts, we will be unable to navigate this life on earth.  We will no longer be connected to God.  Without God, we will forever be on a futile quest to find HAPPINESS here on earth.  There is no HAPPINESS without God.

We cannot afford to lose our connection to the SPIRIT.

....the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.  Romans 7:26-27

If we remain close to the Spirit, we are guaranteed a victory against any hardship or hurdle in our lives.

31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?  Romans 7: 31-35

We are MORE THAN CONQUERORS!

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[o] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 7: 37-39

Don't dwell on the mean things that others say and do to hurt you.  When these thought come, shake them off by rejoicing in all that God has done for you.  Then, take your concerns to God.  Pour out your heart and ask God to stir up the Spirit within you.

Remind yourself that only God sits in judgement and once you have confessed your sins you are forgiven.  The slate is clean. And you can go forward in Joy.  Remember too that the Spirit lives within you and will not only plead your case with God but will also vindicate you with man.  That is a promise!

When you are in the Spirit, you will be guided, you will receive all that you need and more. And even your mistakes will be forgiven!  Don't worry.  All is well, darling!

HAPPY GIRLS are THE PRETTIEST GIRLS

We are told that there will be sadness, hurt, disappointments, pain and missed opportunities on this side of glory.  We are admonished that trials and tribulations abound. Yet, God promises that we unlike non-believers will (over time) be given the mind of GOD so that we cannot only withstand these blows but that we can also smile and dance.  

HOW?  It seems unfathomable that we can be transformed in such a way as to rejoice in the face of defeat.  But, my darling- this is a promise from GOD. It is TRUTH.  

When you are confronted with a sleepless night- fraught with images of past failures - you do have a defense.  You can comfort yourself with this promise.  You can remind yourself and God of this promise.  You can ask GOD for the thoughts to dissipate, for the pain to go away.  

Step 1:

Let Go of your will.  Recognize that your desires, wants and longings must align with God’s will for you.  When your will aligns with God’s will, you are living in the SPIRIT (able to access all of God’s perfect gifts).  You are thriving.  You are HAPPY.  It is imperative to remember that GOD is Perfect.  His Will is Perfect.  His Plans for you are Perfect.  You can ABSOLUTELY trust GOD’s will.  God is protecting you and ALL IS WELL.

Step 2:

Be Sure of God’s POWER.  God, the only living God is POWERFUL.  He cannot fail. He can only do the impossible.  Remember His past miracles in your life and the lives of those around you.  Remind yourself and then TELL God!  Let GOD know that you know that HE is POWERFUL. 

Step 3:

Leave all with GOD.  Leave the pain, confusion, disappointment, hurt feelings, anger, betrayal with GOD.  Leave the big decisions, your desires, wants and longings for the future with GOD.  Leave your projects, work, home, etc. with GOD.  Recognize that you cannot see the future- so how would you know which way is best without GOD’s help?  GOD alone has the best vantage point to chart a course.  He knows all the angles.

HAPPINESS COMES FROM TOTAL RELIANCE ON GOD.  YOU CAN BE HAPPY KNOWING THAT GOD IS WORKING IT ALL OUT.

Now go forward, butterfly- boldy, joyfully, lovingly.  

God is Good.  He only does good things.  

God is Love.  He is kind and performs acts of kindness for his children.

God is Perfect.  His ways are perfect and you can absolutely trust HIS plan for you.

EMPIRE BUILDING

Fox knows a hit when they see one.  Turns out that after the second episode of EMPIRE, the Fox network has renewed their contract for an additional 2 seasons.  WOAH.  

EMPIRE is a glossy tale of a black hip hop family whose empire, though immense, was initially funded by $400,000 in drug money.  The production is cinematic.  The music by Timbaland is exceptional. The sets are opulent featuring Picasso art work and a myriad of hip hop, jazz and blues iconography.  Plus, the women featured are beautiful, styled to perfection and far from cookie cutter stereotypes. Still the story line to me reads like a cautionary tale.  Each one of the main characters has an agenda and spends a great deal of time scheming and manipulating facts and individuals in order to gain an advantage.  In one key scene in episode 4, Naomi Campbell (who plays, Camilla, a designer and (cougar) girlfriend of youngest son, Hakeem) advises her boyfriend that he can sharpen his skillset by studying the 48 Laws of Power written by Robert Greene.

There are many ways to get ahead in this world.  Empire showcases a tried and true methodology that may work for a season (or even 3 seasons on Fox).  But there is another approach.   The word of God also proscribes a set of rules that will likewise bring success.  I have found that simply asking God for guidance and direction, waiting for His answer and then acting when directed is not only viable but guarantees peace and success; health and prosperity.  

Man’s manipulations are no match for God’s omnipotence.  If you, like the character, Hakeem, want to 1) develop a spirit of discernment, 2) know what step to take and when it's best to take it; 3) gain courage to stay on your path despite naysayers; and 4) increase your capacity to keep moving despite setbacks DO NOT automatically reach for one of the world’s elixirs.  I find that they never produce lasting results.  

Build your Empire with Truth, darling.  It will last longer.

GOD ENERGY!

Back in 2013, I was in a car accident that rendered me speechless and motionless for a while.  The accident itself was traumatic and painful and scary.  The recover was slow.  But through the 123 days of my convalescence, I learned some wonderful things about the power of the Holy Spirit to revive, renew, recharge and heal.

We already know that GOD is GOOD (there is only goodness in HIM); GOD is GREAT (HE only does great things); GOD is PERFECT (there is no imperfection in HIM).

God is also LOVE.  This means HE takes a special interest in each of his children.  God delights in giving us presents.  At creation, we were each given a series of perfect gifts: perfect love, perfect understanding perfect peace, perfect health.  But, in order to actually access these gifts, to be able to actually open them up, we have to access the Holy Spirit.

This is the most fascinating party.  We recall the words of Jesus found in John 14:6.

And I will pray the Father, and he wall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

The Comforter that Jesus speaks of is the Holy Spirit sent to dwell in us to provide us with all we need to be our most perfect / healthy / happy / beautiful selves.

The Holy Spirit is really the light of God...it is GOD ENERGY that is in each of us.  WOAH!

What do I mean by GOD ENERGY??

Remember back in science class, we learned that all matter, even human beings are manx of spinning atoms of energy.  This energy is really light energy.  When a person's light is at it peak or at its best, the person radiates perfect health, perfect joy...

The world is beginning to develop its own ways to jump start and revive the Spirit energy in all of use.  Consider the newest acne remedies by Illumask that actually treats and prevents blackheads with daily 20 minute doses of red and blue light.

Isn't it terrific that as Chriatians, we can recharge our energy levels through contact with the Holy Spirit?  We don't need light acupuncture or a mask.  Instead, we need only draw down on the Power of the Holy Spirit that God freely gave to us at birth,

The Holy Spirit enables us to access all the gifts that God has given us.  When we are living in the Sprit, our internal light shines very bright and our aura is a magnificent BLUE color.  When we are in the Spirit, we, like Jesus have supernatural powers, e.g.,

1. Discernment: A perfect vision for our lives
2. Capacity: Perfect courage, no fear or timidity in the face of difficulties
3. Reception: Perfect heart to heart communication with the Father
4. Judgement: Craving only those things that are sanctioned by God
5. Love: An ability to be extend kindness even when it is not deserved
6. Intuition: Knowing right from wrong and conceding to the "right'
7. Telepathy: An ability to transmit our thoughts, desires, prayers, and praise directly to our God
8. Health: Perfect health that we can access anytime we want by living in the Spirit

Basicaly, when we live in the Spirit we can access the Upper Room, we become more like Jesus and we can do all things.

So how do we build up our Spirit energy?  How do we access the Holy Spirit?

Simply & Consistently:

• study the word
• reflect on God's goodness
• pray constantly
• carve out quiet time to commune with God
• be loving and extend random acts of kindness to others

We must cultivate a practice of BEING STILL to revive, renew and recharge our GOD ENERGY.  This is essential.

When we are calm and living in the SPIRIT.  We are operating in the image of GOD.  We radiate light from within.  Over time, we become like Jesus, BLESSED, BEAUTIFUL, FLY.

Lollipops and Roses

This life is full of lollipops and roses; love and laughter. Experiences come. Some are good, some are bad, some are dull and some are fabulous. Some experiences hurt. But regardless, we must march steadily through each one of life’s happenings with joy. WHY? Its all a learning process, really.

Our pathways even the most uncomfortable ones are sanctioned by God. “We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). If we belong to God, our pathways and our decisions are sanctioned by God. It doesn’t really matter if you don’t excel as you go through each trial so long as you go through with faith, with a smile, with a desire to learn. NO FEAR.

This week, I will endeavor to skip through my day with more lollipops and more roses. I promise, darlings!

Now Which Way?

Major decisions require specific prayers. Every now and again each us of will come across game changers: those people, places and things that shift our focus for better or for worse. Our challenge, as Christians, is to encounter obstacles, triumphs, loss, pain and to respond wisely with temperance and joy.

HOW?

We are aware that living in this world can dull our spiritual senses. We are not yet with Jesus so we do not see ALL. Instead, we see through a glass darkly. We do not have all the facts. It is imperative, therefore, that we lean on our spiritual guide, the Holy Spirit to enable us to make good decisions.

James believes that we can triumph here on Earth. But, we must pray for God’s WISDOM. Wisdom for me means knowledge of God’s will and the courage and fortitude to follow God’s directives- come what may.

"...If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of the giving God [Who gives] to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or faultfinding, and it will be given him. Only it must be in faith that he asks with no wavering (no hesitating, no doubting)..." - James 1: 5-6a

The path is clear, darlings. We have nothing to fear. We can make good decisions and we can stick to them, with God’s help! HOORAY.