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Friday, January 30, 2015

Thoughts of the Mind

I feel like I can honestly say that everyone is familiar with first step in recovery being acceptance, maybe except for those in denial. The reason being, is that there is no where to move if, your mind sees no reason to get started.

A lot of thoughts can roll through your mind everyday, between 60,000 and 80,000 says the science world, taking our minds many places. Some of those places we readily zoom to and others we avoid like the plague. How about those thoughts that nag you? You're not really sure what they are about, or what they mean, but their consistent presence annoys you.

What do we do with repeating thoughts?

Acceptance has more to do with life than just with recovering from a bad habit, it is about healthy living. Denial may be comfortable, but it sure is not healthy. God desires to be in a healthy relationship with us. I guess that means dealing with some of those thoughts.

Fear and doubt.


Let's be honest, a lot of the thoughts we avoid center around our fears. Man...fear. It's of the Devil! It just get's in the way and messes with life. How many times have we messed up in relationships because of fear? Those fears may of led to doubt, or to lies, or to holding back.

Yesterday, I refused to leave my bed before God took control of my racing thoughts. There was something bothering me, actually for a couple of weeks, and I was no longer going to deny its existence in my life. For whatever it was, it was bringing me down.

Time ticked.... 30 minutes.... 1 hour.... still distracted by unrelated topics... finally my brain slows to a steady beat and focuses on the target thoughts.

Before I knew it, a list of unlabeled fears where bubbling to the surface. I had had no idea so much was festering in my spirit. 

FEAR: Lord, that if  my finances don't come together this year         ...........
                                                    that my trust in you would have been in vain.

. . . . . . . . . .

The curtain has been drawn. No more distraction. Denial gone. This was the core of so many thoughts. 

I felt horrible for thinking it, but it explained my distance from God. 

There were many more that God and I talked about. 

It hurt at first, but then hurt turned into to trust as I realized that, "Thy word have I hid in mine heart that I might not sin against thee." Psalm 119:11. I knew that I was in good hands because, "'I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" Jeremiah 29:1.

Our loving God does not judge- condemn- us for opening up to him. So, He would not hurt the way humans would; instead, love will pour out to me. That's what I realized.

Fear was using its best tool: isolation.

I implore you give your thoughts over to God. Open up your mind and heart and come to terms with how you actually perceive God. Then walk through those thoughts together. Otherwise fear's best tool will consume you.


What fears would do you think are lurking in your heart and mind?


photo credit: 010lab via photopin cc

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Are You Offended??

Short thought of the day.

Isaiah 36 and 37 chronicles the battle between Israel and Assyria. Isaiah 36:13-20, captures the harsh words of the king of Assyria. He spares no words while condemning the Lord of Jerusalem and any other God he had defeated in the past. The army of Israel keeps to the command to hold their tongue while anger infuses in them.

A thought came to mind of a story about a boy who meets a knight from the 13th century. The story is about what it means to be chivalrous, but there was a big lesson on respecting God in there as well. The knight was appalled that there was little reverence of God in the modern century. The knight was ready to draw his sword and defend the name of the Lord and the first misuse of His name. That is not how we respond when others take the name of the Lord in vain and attack His character.



Back to Isaiah. King Hezekiah quickly got word of what the enemy king has said, Isaiah 37:1, and he tore his clothes and put on rough cloth. He was distraught. Not because his name and character had been slandered, but an invisible God.

Questions: how do you respond when others attack God? Do you tolerate it because that is their personal belief or because they are on their own journey? Or would you defend God like you would your own family member or close friend?

I am ashamed that I have not defend my God at all times; but thank you Father and that today is a new day!


Will you defend God today if you see someone attack him?


photo credit: marfis75 via photopin cc