 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
eloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and
be in health , just as your soul prospers. - 3 John 1:2
be in health , just as your soul prospers. - 3 John 1:2
B
| Copyright T Gordon 2007. Whole Souls Organization All rights reserved. Do not copy, distribute or use any part of this work without express, written permission from the creator of Whole Souls, T Gordon. |
| This section will provide you with inspiration for growth and change... |
Each of us has a way of escaping from our daily problems. Especially when life is miserable, when it’s
become so unbearable that you really can’t stand to face reality.
For me, escape has always been in my head. As a teenager, I lived with my father, older sister and her
daughter. My niece and I are the same age (she’s a few months older than me). I was the overweight nerd, she
was the popular one. I was the good girl, she was the bad girl. We went to different high schools, and by the
time I would get home in the afternoon she and her friends would be firmly ensconced in the living room,
radio blaring, usually on the phone with boys, if the boys weren’t actually at the house. She delighted in
teasing me and encouraged her friends to join in. Most days if they were there I would go to the library until
my father or sister would come home. But if for whatever reason I couldn’t go to the library, I would go into
my room and be absolutely still and quiet, in the desperate hopes that they would forget I was there - because
if they remembered, I was teased and talked about. I learned how to be quiet for hours. Usually I would do
homework and read, but if I was out of reading material I would create stories and scenarios in my head. As a
result, I can quietly entertain myself for hours.
become so unbearable that you really can’t stand to face reality.
For me, escape has always been in my head. As a teenager, I lived with my father, older sister and her
daughter. My niece and I are the same age (she’s a few months older than me). I was the overweight nerd, she
was the popular one. I was the good girl, she was the bad girl. We went to different high schools, and by the
time I would get home in the afternoon she and her friends would be firmly ensconced in the living room,
radio blaring, usually on the phone with boys, if the boys weren’t actually at the house. She delighted in
teasing me and encouraged her friends to join in. Most days if they were there I would go to the library until
my father or sister would come home. But if for whatever reason I couldn’t go to the library, I would go into
my room and be absolutely still and quiet, in the desperate hopes that they would forget I was there - because
if they remembered, I was teased and talked about. I learned how to be quiet for hours. Usually I would do
homework and read, but if I was out of reading material I would create stories and scenarios in my head. As a
result, I can quietly entertain myself for hours.
| Here I go again! Subtitle: Daily Struggles & Escapism by Christina Bennett |
Christina Bennett is a wise, warm and loving woman who truly has a
heart for God. She always has a smile on her face and hug to give. She
gives 110% to God and those around her. She is dependable, gracious
kind, and very creative.
Christina was formerly an Executive Coordinator for West Angeles
COGIC, until she purchased a new home in Beaverton Oregon, where
she now lives with her three children. She is an active member of
Salvation & Deliverance COGIC.
heart for God. She always has a smile on her face and hug to give. She
gives 110% to God and those around her. She is dependable, gracious
kind, and very creative.
Christina was formerly an Executive Coordinator for West Angeles
COGIC, until she purchased a new home in Beaverton Oregon, where
she now lives with her three children. She is an active member of
Salvation & Deliverance COGIC.
During a particularly hard time in my life, I would go outside and sit
in my car and listen to music and daydream, pretending that
everything was fine. I had to come to the realization (my daughter
had to help me a little) that when I did that, I was escaping my
problems by leaving them on someone else – namely, my daughter!
She was the one who had to deal with the ringing phone and her
screaming siblings because Mommy needed to “get away.”
Maybe for you, it isn’t daydreaming. Maybe it’s books. Or
television. Or shopping. Or eating. You tell me – what is it for you? I
want you to identify it. My sister sleeps when she’s having a hard
time dealing with things. Her body literally shuts down and she’ll
sleep for 15 hours or more straight. It’s her way of avoiding her
reality. What’s yours?
in my car and listen to music and daydream, pretending that
everything was fine. I had to come to the realization (my daughter
had to help me a little) that when I did that, I was escaping my
problems by leaving them on someone else – namely, my daughter!
She was the one who had to deal with the ringing phone and her
screaming siblings because Mommy needed to “get away.”
Maybe for you, it isn’t daydreaming. Maybe it’s books. Or
television. Or shopping. Or eating. You tell me – what is it for you? I
want you to identify it. My sister sleeps when she’s having a hard
time dealing with things. Her body literally shuts down and she’ll
sleep for 15 hours or more straight. It’s her way of avoiding her
reality. What’s yours?
It seems like we aren’t hurting anyone when we escape. It seems so innocent and harmless. But it’s time to
realize that we must stay focused on our lives and purposes. Now is not the time for us to be caught up in
things that have no positive recourse.
Galatians 6:7-8
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from
that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
What are you sowing into your life? I don’t know about you, but I struggle with staying focused, especially
in difficult times. When things get hard, my brain just wants to shut down and escape my reality anyway I
can. But when I do that, I am sowing to my flesh. I’m giving in to my struggles. I don’t know about you, but
I’ve reaped enough flesh in my life to know I don’t want it anymore!
Ephesians 6:12
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark
world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
It is vital, especially in this day and age, that we remember that our fight is not with flesh. People and
circumstances and situations are not our enemy.
There is a mighty move of God going on right now. God has ordained that you would be a part of it. Don’t
you realize the enemy will try to stop you at all costs? If he can get you so burdened, so beat down that you
just tune out – he’s won! You are no longer a threat to his plan.
2 Corinthians 12:9
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the
more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
When it feels like all hell is breaking loose in your life, realize that this promise was not only for the Apostle
Paul, it is for you too. You’re right, you can’t handle it. You’re not strong enough. But you don’t have to be.
Psalms 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Someone connected these scriptures for me a while ago. Our God is an ever present help. Not a slave, to
rubber-stamp your every whim and desire, but a very real help. The word “help” does not mean He’ll do it for
you, it means He’ll assist you. If you’ll take one step by faith, He’ll take two more. Because of His help, we can
do anything! Nothing is impossible! What is too great for God?
Philippians 4:19
And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
When you begin to feel overwhelmed by life, realize that He supplies your every need. So what do you need?
Know that He will send it “according to His riches.”
Isaiah 54:17
“No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn.
This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me,” says the Lord.
Know also that the enemy is after you. He will try to block you, stop you, discourage you, confuse you,
overwhelm you – anything he can do (and a lot of what he can not do) he will throw at you. Just to distract
you from your focus.
But God has promised success! Notice He did not say the weapon wouldn’t form – the trials will come. But
they shall not prosper! The enemy’s plan will not work UNLESS you let it, unless you give in to those
feelings of depression and doubt, unless you choose to give up on God.
2 Corinthians 4 16-18
Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.
For our light afflictions, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while
we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary,
but the things which are not seen are eternal.
God has already won this war! The enemy would have us think that he has power, but he’s a liar! Who can
defeat God?
Understand that God is using you. Through you, His power will be revealed. Someone will see your victory
and come to know God. Someone will see your peace through adversity and want to know your God. What
we’re going through is NOTHING compared to His glory being revealed in us (Romans 8:18). When these
trials come, they reveal God in us. When illness and death visit us, they reveal God. When difficulties, divorce,
drugs, alcohol, and persecutions visit us, they reveal God. Please notice the words I used – they come to visit,
not to stay. The hard times don’t last always, joy is coming!
Philippians 1:6
Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.
What the enemy meant for my harm, God will use for my good. What He has begun, He will finish. The
situations that I face right now will not destroy me - they will create in me the strength I need to fight the
good fight for God. If I continue to lean and depend on Him, He will sustain me and develop me and mold me
and shape me and recreate me into His image.
It’s time you look at your situation and tell it thank you. That’s right, I said tell it thank you! For through
the circumstances and people who try to crush you, God will make you better and stronger. He will equip
you to stand and fight the good fight. He is creating you to be a victor, not a victim.
Nehemiah 8:10
. . . . for the joy of the Lord is your strength.
Take comfort in the fact that God hasn’t forgotten about you, and don’t forget about Him or His work for
you. Focus on your life – on your family, on your job (yes, on your job. God placed you there for a purpose,
whether you know it or not), on the ministry responsibilities He’s called you to. Be an active participant in
the life that God’s placed you in, not a passive bystander. He’s guiding your steps, if you’ll follow.
.
realize that we must stay focused on our lives and purposes. Now is not the time for us to be caught up in
things that have no positive recourse.
Galatians 6:7-8
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from
that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
What are you sowing into your life? I don’t know about you, but I struggle with staying focused, especially
in difficult times. When things get hard, my brain just wants to shut down and escape my reality anyway I
can. But when I do that, I am sowing to my flesh. I’m giving in to my struggles. I don’t know about you, but
I’ve reaped enough flesh in my life to know I don’t want it anymore!
Ephesians 6:12
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark
world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
It is vital, especially in this day and age, that we remember that our fight is not with flesh. People and
circumstances and situations are not our enemy.
There is a mighty move of God going on right now. God has ordained that you would be a part of it. Don’t
you realize the enemy will try to stop you at all costs? If he can get you so burdened, so beat down that you
just tune out – he’s won! You are no longer a threat to his plan.
2 Corinthians 12:9
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the
more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
When it feels like all hell is breaking loose in your life, realize that this promise was not only for the Apostle
Paul, it is for you too. You’re right, you can’t handle it. You’re not strong enough. But you don’t have to be.
Psalms 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Someone connected these scriptures for me a while ago. Our God is an ever present help. Not a slave, to
rubber-stamp your every whim and desire, but a very real help. The word “help” does not mean He’ll do it for
you, it means He’ll assist you. If you’ll take one step by faith, He’ll take two more. Because of His help, we can
do anything! Nothing is impossible! What is too great for God?
Philippians 4:19
And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
When you begin to feel overwhelmed by life, realize that He supplies your every need. So what do you need?
Know that He will send it “according to His riches.”
Isaiah 54:17
“No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn.
This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me,” says the Lord.
Know also that the enemy is after you. He will try to block you, stop you, discourage you, confuse you,
overwhelm you – anything he can do (and a lot of what he can not do) he will throw at you. Just to distract
you from your focus.
But God has promised success! Notice He did not say the weapon wouldn’t form – the trials will come. But
they shall not prosper! The enemy’s plan will not work UNLESS you let it, unless you give in to those
feelings of depression and doubt, unless you choose to give up on God.
2 Corinthians 4 16-18
Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.
For our light afflictions, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while
we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary,
but the things which are not seen are eternal.
God has already won this war! The enemy would have us think that he has power, but he’s a liar! Who can
defeat God?
Understand that God is using you. Through you, His power will be revealed. Someone will see your victory
and come to know God. Someone will see your peace through adversity and want to know your God. What
we’re going through is NOTHING compared to His glory being revealed in us (Romans 8:18). When these
trials come, they reveal God in us. When illness and death visit us, they reveal God. When difficulties, divorce,
drugs, alcohol, and persecutions visit us, they reveal God. Please notice the words I used – they come to visit,
not to stay. The hard times don’t last always, joy is coming!
Philippians 1:6
Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.
What the enemy meant for my harm, God will use for my good. What He has begun, He will finish. The
situations that I face right now will not destroy me - they will create in me the strength I need to fight the
good fight for God. If I continue to lean and depend on Him, He will sustain me and develop me and mold me
and shape me and recreate me into His image.
It’s time you look at your situation and tell it thank you. That’s right, I said tell it thank you! For through
the circumstances and people who try to crush you, God will make you better and stronger. He will equip
you to stand and fight the good fight. He is creating you to be a victor, not a victim.
Nehemiah 8:10
. . . . for the joy of the Lord is your strength.
Take comfort in the fact that God hasn’t forgotten about you, and don’t forget about Him or His work for
you. Focus on your life – on your family, on your job (yes, on your job. God placed you there for a purpose,
whether you know it or not), on the ministry responsibilities He’s called you to. Be an active participant in
the life that God’s placed you in, not a passive bystander. He’s guiding your steps, if you’ll follow.
.
| "The situations that I face right now will not destroy me - they will create in me the strength I need to fight the good fight for God..." |
The Resurrection Power of Christ!
Jesus gave His life for us, so that we may live. He endured tremendous suffering and
died a horrible death, so that we may have life and hope. When He died, the
shedding of his precious blood was to cleanse all of our sins away. God the Father
loved us so much He sent His only son to die, and the Son Jesus loved God and us
so much and was obedient to the Father, even unto death. For this I am eternally
grateful. I am also overjoyed that the story does not end there.
After Jesus died, He rose again! He resurrected Himself from the grips of death with
the keys to the grave and hell in His hands. He arose with victory and all power!
That same resurrection power is available to every part of our lives through Jesus
Christ.
Do you have dead things in your life? Is your spiritual self in a slump? Are your
finances dried up? Are you lacking in love and real friendships and relationships?
Are you dealing with sickness? Whatever is dead in your life can be resurrected. You
don’t have to bury your dreams and desires and just forget about them. They can
be resurrected! Resurrection is a rising again, as from decay, disuse, etc.; revival.
Jesus gave His life for us, so that we may live. He endured tremendous suffering and
died a horrible death, so that we may have life and hope. When He died, the
shedding of his precious blood was to cleanse all of our sins away. God the Father
loved us so much He sent His only son to die, and the Son Jesus loved God and us
so much and was obedient to the Father, even unto death. For this I am eternally
grateful. I am also overjoyed that the story does not end there.
After Jesus died, He rose again! He resurrected Himself from the grips of death with
the keys to the grave and hell in His hands. He arose with victory and all power!
That same resurrection power is available to every part of our lives through Jesus
Christ.
Do you have dead things in your life? Is your spiritual self in a slump? Are your
finances dried up? Are you lacking in love and real friendships and relationships?
Are you dealing with sickness? Whatever is dead in your life can be resurrected. You
don’t have to bury your dreams and desires and just forget about them. They can
be resurrected! Resurrection is a rising again, as from decay, disuse, etc.; revival.
Entrust every thing that matters to you to the One and Only
Living God. Let Him breathe His resurrection power on your life.
You can access God by faith! Through prayer, reading His word
and being obedient to His voice, those dead things in your life will
come alive again and be even better than before! As long as you
have breath, there is always hope. There is always new life. There
is always another dimension. The enemy comes to steal, kill and
destroy but Jesus came that we might have life and that more
abundantly! This is resurrection power!!!
Living God. Let Him breathe His resurrection power on your life.
You can access God by faith! Through prayer, reading His word
and being obedient to His voice, those dead things in your life will
come alive again and be even better than before! As long as you
have breath, there is always hope. There is always new life. There
is always another dimension. The enemy comes to steal, kill and
destroy but Jesus came that we might have life and that more
abundantly! This is resurrection power!!!