Soldiers of the Cross!

You Are Now On Active Duty!

Be active in serving! 

We serve others as a Christian because it is our way of serving God. 

Galatians 4:9-10 AMPC
9 And when they knew (perceived, recognized, understood, and acknowledged) the grace (God’s unmerited favor and spiritual blessing) that had been bestowed upon me, James and Cephas (Peter) and John, who were reputed to be pillars of the Jerusalem church, gave to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, with the understanding that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised (Jews).
10 They only [made one stipulation], that we were to remember the poor, which very thing I was also eager to do.

Our serving does not go unnoticed, nor is it in vain! Serving is our way to show who God is and how much He loves those who are overlooked by society through us Christians, and when we do, the Angels in Heaven rejoice!

Matthew 25:34-40 NKJV
34 Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36 I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’
37 “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? 39 Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ 40 And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’

Be active in giving! 

So many Christians do not understand the importance and rightful duty as a Christian to give. It is not so the church will be rich (as many believe) it’s so the anointing of the righteous will come upon you; and you will be able to supply the needs of others and more to their benefit. But giving has to be from a willing heart! 

Genesis 14:17-20
17 After his [Abram’s] return from the defeat and slaying of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh, that is, the King’s Valley.
18 Melchizedek king of Salem [later called Jerusalem] brought out bread and wine [for their nourishment]; he was the priest of God Most High,
19 And he blessed him and said, Blessed (favored with blessings, made blissful, joyful) be Abram by God Most High, Possessor and Maker of heaven and earth,
20 And blessed, praised, and glorified be God Most High, Who has given your foes into your hand! And [Abram] gave him a tenth of all [he had taken].

It says that when Melchizedek (a Priest of the Most High) blessed Abram, Abram gave him a tenth of all the spoils he had taken from battle. Little in the Bible is said about Melchizedek, other than He is a High Priest of the Most High God, with no beginning or no end! But we do know he resembles the Son of God!

Hebrews 7:1-8 AMPC
 For this Melchizedek, king of Salem [and] priest of the Most High God, met Abraham as he returned from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him,
2 And Abraham gave to him a tenth portion of all [the spoil]. He is primarily, as his name when translated indicates, king of righteousness, and then he is also king of Salem, which means king of peace.
3 Without [record of] father or mother or ancestral line, neither with beginning of days nor ending of life, but, resembling the Son of God, he continues to be a priest without interruption and without successor.
4 Now observe and consider how great [a personage] this was to whom even Abraham the patriarch gave a tenth [the topmost or the pick of the heap] of the spoils.
5 And it is true that those descendants of Levi who are charged with the priestly office are commanded in the Law to take tithes from the people—which means, from their brethren—though these have descended from Abraham.
6 But this person who has not their Levitical ancestry received tithes from Abraham [himself] and blessed him who possessed the promises [of God].
7 Yet it is beyond all contradiction that it is the lesser person who is blessed by the greater one.
8 Furthermore, here [in the Levitical priesthood] tithes are received by men who are subject to death; while there [in the case of Melchizedek], they are received by one of whom it is testified that he lives [perpetually].

After the battle, and Abram tithed to Melchizedek, God spoke to Abram (who was later named Abraham, Father of a multitude) and made a covenant with him. This is the covenant between him and God:

Genesis 17:3-14 NKJV

3 Then Abram fell on his face, and God talked with him, saying: 4 “As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, and you shall be a father of many nations. 5 No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations. 6 I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you. 7 And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and your descendants after you. 8 Also I give to you and your descendants after you the land in which you are a stranger, all the land of Canaan, as an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.”

9 And God said to Abraham: “As for you, you shall keep My covenant, you and your descendants after you throughout their generations. 10 This is My covenant which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: Every male child among you shall be circumcised; 11 and you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between Me and you. 12 He who is eight days old among you shall be circumcised, every male child in your generations, he who is born in your house or bought with money from any foreigner who is not your descendant. 13 He who is born in your house and he who is bought with your money must be circumcised, and My covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant. 14 And the uncircumcised male child, who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin, that person shall be cut off from his people; he has broken My covenant.”

When you give little, you get little, when you give much you get much, but it is NOT for our gain, but for the Glory of God, who gives generously to us, when we do it without backbiting or reproach! 

Luke 6:38 NKJV
Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”

We give, not to receive material things, but Spiritual blessings that are eternal, and when we do, God's blessings are righteous and just!

Proverbs 10:22 NKJV
“The blessing of the Lord makes one rich,
And He adds no sorrow with it.”

So do good and be fruitful because it is our “Active duty” so others will see God in us! It also makes one rich with Love, peace, joy, and good spiritual health - in other words, the blessings you receive will be from God, not from you striving to get the blessings in your own strength and time , with much struggle and set backs! And you will not be sorrowful for the gift, like you would be for the loan you took out for 30 years to buy a house you knew was not beneficial for your current finances to purchase. That is what it means, "He adds no sorrow with it."

Be active in prayer! 

Prayer is communicating with God of our needs, and Thanking Him for our blessings and answered prayers. It is also talking to the only wise and ALL KNOWING God, to take your worries and cares to Him and leave them there! God knows our needs and hears our cries, but He can’t get involved until we ask in prayer, in addition to that, He doesn’t always do things on our timetable either; but in the “right” time when we are mature enough to handle whatever storm in life we are going through! 

Things have to be removed from us so we are able to see, hear, obey, and trust God. 

For example: The majority of this world wants money. It is a necessity to purchase our needs, but many people will kill, steal, and destroy their lives over obtaining it. God wants your heart! Money can’t get you into Heaven, nor can it buy good health. So many of us don’t pray for eternal salvation and God’s mercy and Grace, we pray for things, that do not satisfy! 

Prayer is powerful and does get results ; but remember, it is our weapon of warfare against evil, and to bring about good! Because sometimes what we pray for is not what we need. So if you pray for a million dollars, and you are squandering money, in debt, not giving or being a blessing to others, and irresponsible with what you are making now, God will not answer that prayer! It has to be in line with His will not yours - because your motive is for self, not for service to others! Do you want a million dollars to build you a house or do you want a million dollars to build a shelter for young Mothers who need a place to stay and a spiritual foundation to be a good Mother and raise a God fearing child? Remember this earth is not our forever home, so with your blessings be a blessing - and leave a legacy for others to increase their faith, and multiply their giving!

Matthew 6(NKJV)

Do Good to Please God

6 “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 3 But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,4 that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.

The Model Prayer

5 “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 6 But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. 7 And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.

8 “Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. 9 In this manner, therefore, pray:

Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
10 Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
13 And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

14 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Pass the Test!

James 1:12-16 NKJV 

12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. 18 Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.

My Grandson. This is not a test, He just can’t decide! 

God does not tempt or try us. He does test us to see if we are truly committed to Him; however, as the scriptures says, "God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone." (verse 13).

In addition, when Jesus was baptized by John in the wilderness, it says:

Mark 1:9-10 AMPC 

9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And when He came up out of the water, at once he [John] saw the heavens torn open and the [Holy] Spirit like a dove coming down [to enter] into Him.

The Holy Spirit, like a dove, entered into Him. A Dove did not come on Him, it appeared to look like a dove that symbolizes purity, and transformation of heart, mind and body. What really caught my attention was it says it, "entered INTO Him" (verse 10), not on Him. The KJV says this:

Mark 1:9-10 KJV 

And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.10 And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him:

The word, "upon" in Hebrew (על) is translated; on, at, to, by, into, upon; so it is important to interpret the meaning of what the Bible is saying and then it further says:

Mark 1:11-13 AMPC

11 And there came a voice out from within heaven, You are My Beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.12 Immediately the [Holy] Spirit [from within] drove Him out into the wilderness (desert),13 And He stayed in the wilderness (desert) forty days, being tempted [all the while] by Satan; and He was with the wild beasts, and the angels ministered to Him [continually].

As the scripture says, Jesus was tempted [all the while] by Satan. This is the proof that Jesus tempts no one. It is our own selfish desires and the deceit of Satan. When Satan tempted Jesus, He would recite scripture and begin with: "It is Written."

Matthew 4:1-11 AMPC 

Then Jesus was led (guided) by the [Holy] Spirit into the wilderness (desert) to be tempted (tested and tried) by the devil.2 And He went without food for forty days and forty nights, and later He was hungry. 3 And the tempter came and said to Him, If You are God’s Son, command these stones to be made [loaves of] bread. 4 But He replied, It has been written, Man shall not live and be upheld and sustained by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God. 5 Then the devil took Him into the holy city and placed Him on a turret (pinnacle, gable) of the temple sanctuary. 6 And he said to Him, If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down; for it is written, He will give His angels charge over you, and they will bear you up on their hands, lest you strike your foot against a stone.  7 Jesus said to him, On the other hand, it is written also, You shall not tempt, test thoroughly, or ]try exceedingly the Lord your God. 8 Again, the devil took Him up on a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and the glory (the splendor, magnificence, preeminence, and excellence) of them. 9 And he said to Him, These things, all taken together, I will give You, if You will prostrate Yourself before me and do homage and worship me. 10 Then Jesus said to him, Begone, Satan! For it has been written, You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him alone shall you serve. 11 Then the devil departed from Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.

If we are not deeply rooted and grounded in the Word, Satan comes and steals what little bit we do know, by fear, doubt, tragic circumstances that we feel were inflicted by God. It all comes from Satan. His intentions are to "kill, steal, and destroy"! (John 10:10) What more proof do we need?

The Holy Spirit lives within us, not without! Once it comes into us, it is permanent, fixed, cannot be moved, unless we commit the impartible sin, which is "unbelief"! So when you feel convicted, it is the Holy Spirit telling you of your errors - Listen to that inner voice! Satan condemns, the Holy Spirit convicts us to keep us safe and free from the wrath of Satan. 

I know there has been a time in all of our lives that you have said, "Something told me . . . . . . "! I will give you an example: My Mother was coming home from work one morning and one of her eyes went blind. It was caused by stress and fear from an encounter on her job. She was not able to see the road correctly and it scared her; and she said, "Something told me to close that eye - I know that "Something" was the Holy Spirit -(Praise God, HE was there to deliver her, because only one eye went blind not both). So, when she closed the one eye, she was able to see clearly the road, and it gave her enough leverage to drive home safely; not having a wreck or causing one. The Holy Spirit is hidden in your heart (It's a Heart thing). So the next time, you hear "That Something", obey it - It will keep you from harm!

James 1:22-25 AMPC

But be doers of the Word [obey the message], and not merely listeners to it, betraying yourselves [into deception by reasoning contrary to the Truth].23 For if anyone only listens to the Word without obeying it and being a doer of it, he is like a man who looks carefully at his [own] natural face in a mirror;24 For he thoughtfully observes himself, and then goes off and promptly forgets what he was like.25 But he who looks carefully into the faultless law, the [law] of liberty, and is faithful to it and perseveres in looking into it, being not a heedless listener who forgets but an active doer [who obeys], he shall be blessed in his doing (his life of obedience).

It's a Good Day to take a Walk!

Romans 10:15 KJV

15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

I Love the Word! We all, as Christians, have Christ in us and are called to encourage those who are spiritually broken to tell them of a Savior who loves them perfectly. He does not ask you to clean up your sins before He will accept you. He ask you to come as you are, a dirty, filthy rag, and He will cleanse you of ALL unrighteousness (In His timing) if and when you say, “Jesus come into my heart. I believe you died on the Cross for my sins” and watch Him do a great work in you!”

Feet have a purpose in life. We cannot move into directions and travel to and from our destiny of choice and purpose without them. Yes, we have cars, but you have to be able to get into them; basically walk to it to drive it. When we walk for hours and have the wrong shoes on or carry sickness in our bodies that affect our movement, we cannot walk long hours or a great distance, without stopping to sit down and rest our feet and body. As Nehemiah 9:20-22 (NKJV) says;

20 

20 You also gave Your good Spirit to instruct them,
And did not withhold Your manna from their mouth,
And gave them water for their thirst.
21 Forty years You sustained them in the wilderness;
They lacked nothing;
Their clothes did not wear out
And their feet did not swell.

22 “Moreover You gave them kingdoms and nations,
And divided them into districts.
So they took possession of the land of Sihon,
The land of the king of Heshbon,
And the land of Og king of Bashan.

God fed them food from Heaven (The Bread of Life) and clean water to refresh and sustain them. The food kept them healthy and well those forty years, so that nothing afflicted their body with disease, sickness, or an unhealthy weight caused from over indulgence of food - keeping their feet from swelling, because their weight, in which the feet carry the load was able to hold them up as they traveled.

We all know about some hurting feet, especially when us women wear heals to look good, but the shoes do not feel good after a short period of time wearing them. They have to come off quick; and when they do, our feet our sore, and swollen. And it hurts to walk on sore and swollen feet when that happens. So if the Israelites walked for 40 years in the wilderness, think about it, the food and water they received from Heaven that sustained them, was Holy and had what their bodies needed to sustain it as well. We have to grasp how powerful and loving God is to sustain millions of people in the wilderness for 40 years, His power and love is still that powerful for you and I today! But if you are in unbelief, or fear, and doubt, then you cannot preach it and bring about good fruit!

I also want to add, experience of God's goodness and mercy of how God brought you from a defeated state in life to victory, it's even more impacting to others when you share how God gave you your life back, when you could not see a way out of that dark place.

Psalm 37:23-25 King James Version (KJV)

23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.

24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.

25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.

God will show you the way in which to walk, and NO GOOD thing will He withhold to those who trust in and rely on Him wholeheartedly - and He will bless our children and children’s children through many generations. 

Again, God Loves you perfectly; however, favor comes to us from our faith in Jesus - those who are committed, sincere and do not trust Him one day and doubt Him the next day. It’s those who are steadfast and faithful! 

Ask yourself; Are you wholeheartedly committed to Jesus, and do you believe He died on the Cross to give you life and forgiveness of sins? God gives life and restores us to a state of peace, justice, joy, and good health. Satan afflicts us with sickness, depression, doubt, worry, and fear! Now ask yourself; “Who am I going to call on if I need a true Friend? 

Don’t doubt or even Hesitate! The choice is yours; however, I pray “You” choose life - not death!

Unity is Power!

Unity  strengthens bonds that become stronger with words that encourage, heal, empower, and redeem. The foundation of "unity" has no loop holes to fall through, because it is strong and steadfast - it takes great strength to penetrate it!

Division separates, tears down, weakens bonds, and keeps strife at the forefront. The foundation of "division" does have loop holes, and is easily destroyed through negative accusations and/or conduct. 

Things such as:

"I eat what I want, you eat what you want - "Division"

"Let's join hands, pray, and thank God for the food "we" are about to receive - "Unity" 

"I don't like your hair! It makes you look ugly and fat - "Division"

"Your hair is different. I love the color and style on you - "Unity"

"You are bad and will NEVER amount to anything. And besides you're dumb and stupid too - "Division"

"Awe you didn't pass the test? Well we will study "together' and make sure you understand the lesson so you can pass it the next time. Don't give up hope, you're a smart young man. We'll get you ready so you will have the knowledge and confidence you need to pass - "Unity" 

Proverbs 15:28 AMPC  

"The mind of the [uncompromisingly] righteous studies how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things."

Seriously examine "yourself" before you speak to, at, or about anyone. Everyone needs to hear words of encouragement often, as well as a compliment to continue forward in the right direction and path. Hurtful words suck the life out of you; and your self-worth and self esteem fail also that cause one to give up and give in.

Proverbs 15:4 AMPC

"A gentle tongue [with its healing power] is a tree of life, but willful contrariness in it breaks down the spirit."

I've heard people say, "If I compliment them too much, they will get a big head, and I don't want that". Or they will say, "It builds character and makes a person stronger". Both of these are lies! It has been proven that those who are encouraged put forth the effort and time to do better, be better, and are secure in their abilities, have healthy relationships and friendships. Those who are constantly tore down, do not have healthy relationships, carry around anger, and tend to look for ways to self sabotage themselves, and others around them.

I Corinthians 1:9-10 AMPC 

 God is faithful (reliable, trustworthy, and therefore ever true to His promise, and He can be depended on); by Him you were called into companionship and participation with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.But I urge and entreat you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in perfect harmony and full agreement in what you say, and that there be no dissensions or factions or divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in your common understanding and in your opinions and judgments.

Although the above scripture is speaking about the church, I feel our unity and division begins in the home that carries over into relationships, church, work, play, and even success in everyday living. Division is not what we want; whereas, it hinders the bond or bridges of a firm foundation of people who are committed to right living. 

There are more people today who come from a generation of being mentally, physically, and verbally abused. Being in an environment like that is not inherited, but patterns. The saying, "Hurting people, hurt other people" is true. Although a person does not benefit from that type of lifestyle, they carry it over into their adulthood and continue it through their children and children's children, until someone breaks the destructive and abusive behavior. Again, Division!


It takes more energy to be angry and condescending than to be kind. But where and how does someone begin to change the behavior? How can someone break away from the abuse? How can someone heal from a lifestyle of brokenness? Where can they go to get help?

All of these questions can be answered and the new you and lifestyle begins with two words - "The Bible." Our families are dwindling, as well as our commitment to Jesus. We need Unity back in the home and the church. We need Jesus in our lives. God's Word NEVER fails or disappoints - Especially when you are faithful like He is to read it and obey it!

Mark 3:22-29 AMPC

22 And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem said, He is possessed by Beelzebub, and, By [the help of] the prince of demons He is casting out demons.23 And He summoned them to Him and said to them in parables (illustrations or comparisons put beside truths to explain them), How can Satan drive out Satan?24 And if a kingdom is divided and rebelling against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.25 And if a house is divided (split into factions and rebelling) against itself, that house will not be able to last.26 And if Satan has raised an insurrection against himself and is divided, he cannot stand but is [surely] coming to an end.27 But no one can go into a strong man’s house and ransack his household goods right and left and seize them as plunder unless he first binds the strong man; then indeed he may [thoroughly] plunder his house.28 Truly and solemnly I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever abusive and blasphemous things they utter;29 But whoever speaks abusively against or maliciously misrepresents the Holy Spirit can never get forgiveness, but is guilty of and is in the grasp of an everlasting trespass.

Is it Lawful to . . . . . .

We strive to do things our way and get depressed, angry, upset, and despondent, reaching for a quick fix or easy way in life; but become deeper intwined in one trap after another - that can compare to being trapped in a net or string; you turn one way to get loose and realize you turned the wrong way and become entangled more than set free! Eventually, the exhaustion causes you to become complacent and aloof. You say, “What’s the use. The more “I” try, the worse things become.” We can’t do it alone; or never could! 

I know, because “I” have lived a life of a self confident fool! I was what is called, “Works of the flesh.” Which means without God! 

Works of the flesh is arrogance, pride, self-seeking, dislike, disgust and most of all, “selfish”, because it only seeks to gratify self! It’s debilitating and draining; it also destroys a soul and spirit. 

We sit around wondering, “Why are things not going my way, or why are the things I want to happen not working out the way I want them to.” Well, most of it is from our selfish desires; but the important one is, our joy and success is not through worldly things, at the expense of adopting negative emotions and  a destructive lifestyle to obtain them! 

Think about it, your health deteriorates, you become anxious, depressed, forceful and mean to others, lack of sleep, that is covered up with lots of coffee and energy drinks loaded with caffeine (an addictive drug) that can lead to being dependent on stronger drugs to get through this dark lifestyle you seek to live on or with that stronghold that is destroying you, your family and your job (if you have one).

We don’t see the big deep hole we are creating, until one day, we are too deep in it to climb out; without someone to reach down deep, and slowly pull us up - and out. 

Paul writes in Romans 7:18-25: 

18 For I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh. I can will what is right, but I cannot perform it. [I have the intention and urge to do what is right, but no power to carry it out.]19 For I fail to practice the good deeds I desire to do, but the evil deeds that I do not desire to do are what I am [ever] doing.20 Now if I do what I do not desire to do, it is no longer I doing it [it is not myself that acts], but the sin [principle] which dwells within me [fixed and operating in my soul].21 So I find it to be a law (rule of action of my being) that when I want to do what is right and good, evil is ever present with me and I am subject to its insistent demands.22 For I endorse and delight in the Law of God in my inmost self [with my new nature].23 But I discern in my bodily members [in the sensitive appetites and wills of the flesh] a different law (rule of action) at war against the law of my mind (my reason) and making me a prisoner to the law of sin that dwells in my bodily organs [in the sensitive appetites and wills of the flesh].24 O unhappy and pitiable and wretched man that I am! Who will release and deliver me from [the shackles of] this body of death?25 O thank God! [He will!] through Jesus Christ (the Anointed One) our Lord! So then indeed I, of myself with the mind and heart, serve the Law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.

We all struggle with sin, because we are born sinners; however, it is destroying our lives and many of us seek things that destroy more than Jesus, who gives life and a renewed heart and mind! 

Look at those who have Christ in them, there is something about them that is beautiful and it shows in their face - they glow! Their face is not distraught with worry, they have a peaceful spirit and a loving smile. Jesus who is the light of the world, illuminates in their spirit. 

John 1:4-5 AMPC 

4 In Him was Life, and the Life was the Light of men.5 And the Light shines on in the darkness, for the darkness has never overpowered it [put it out or absorbed it or appropriated it, and is unreceptive to it].

Although many Christians have material things on earth to live and survive, and they truly appreciate them and thank God for them; they don’t idolize them. We as Christians know we are not to focus our attention on things, but on lost souls who need a Savior. 

James 1:15-18 AMPC 

15 Then the evil desire, when it has conceived, gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is fully matured, brings forth death.16 Do not be misled, my beloved brethren.17 Every good gift and every perfect (free, large, full) gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of all [that gives] light, in [the shining of] Whom there can be no variation [rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [as in an eclipse].18 And it was of His own [free] will that He gave us birth [as sons] by [His] Word of Truth, so that we should be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures [a sample of what He created to be consecrated to Himself].

We first have to take responsibility of our wrong behavior and admit, repent and be truly sorrowful for our wrong actions; whereas, the light, Jesus, will overtake the darkness within - and your beauty will attract others ---They will want what you have and how to get it!

Peace

As I watch the tiny snowflakes fall gently to the ground, the descent is not heard by any one or anything. They are as quiet as a moonlit night , where not even a branch or bush is rustling. 

If we stare at the snowflakes, one cannot deny the peace and “awe” inspired beauty the snowflakes produce as they fall on the ground, the tree branches, and evergreens to give a panoramic picture for eyes to behold. 

Now imagine that “Peace” that you experience from the view and how it makes you feel. 

Peace is in the mind, but can be obtained through our imagination of something pleasant or beautiful to observe - or a moment that made you peaceful! All noise, chaos, self generated arguments or unnecessary words spoken to ignite a pushback (argument) has all been removed -by choice, to receive this state of mind NO ONE can ever take away unless you allow it. 

Philippians 4:5-7 AMPC 

“Let all men know and perceive and recognize your unselfishness (your considerateness, your forbearing spirit). The Lord is near [He is coming soon].

Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

Once you’ve understood how we can purposely put ourselves in a peaceful state, now reverse it. Finding fault and voicing it in others, badgering someone of ALL there faults as if you have none, now keep reading because if you stop here you are not allowing the Holy Spirit to work in you to remove the negative emotions that DO NOT give you rest , cause health problems, and keep you and your household in constant turmoil. 

Words hurt and do stick with some one when they are told unkind things. If you experienced unkind words and deed, recall how it made you feel. Correct! Not good, yet those who were hurt, abused, neglected, and rejected assume they are no longer under those who mistreated them, care or presence so they believe the negative emotions they once felt are gone as well. 

Well that is FAR from the truth, those negative emotions are still there and surface through our idiosyncrasies - which is beliefs you have formed from a deep hurt or experience - yet no one can help a person overcome their past but Jesus. Humans are NOT THAT HOLY OR LOVING to gently, lovingly, and with conviction change you. There is one thing that you have to do to be better though. - Allow Jesus in your heart, by reading His Word daily and striving to receive His character! 

“If it’s NOT peaceful, you are in the wrong Spirit”! 

Restless waves causes restless actions

Galatians 5:16-26 AMPC 

 “But I say, walk and live [habitually] in the [Holy] Spirit [responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit]; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God).

17 For the desires of the flesh are opposed to the [Holy] Spirit, and the [desires of the] Spirit are opposed to the flesh (godless human nature); for these are antagonistic to each other [continually withstanding and in conflict with each other], so that you are not free but are prevented from doing what you desire to do.

18 But if you are guided (led) by the [Holy] Spirit, you are not subject to the Law.

19 Now the doings (practices) of the flesh are clear (obvious): they are immorality, impurity, indecency,

20 Idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, anger (ill temper), selfishness, divisions (dissensions), party spirit (factions, sects with peculiar opinions, heresies),

21 Envy, drunkenness, carousing, and the like. I warn you beforehand, just as I did previously, that those who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness,

23 Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law that can bring a charge].

24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus (the Messiah) have crucified the flesh (the godless human nature) with its passions and appetites and desires.

25 If we live by the [Holy] Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. [If by the Holy Spirit we have our life in God, let us go forward walking in line, our conduct controlled by the Spirit.]

26 Let us not become vainglorious and self-conceited, competitive and challenging and provoking and irritating to one another, envying and being jealous of one another.”

God wants us to live and have fun; however, not at the expense of compromising right and wrong behavior! It’s that simple! Let the Holy Spirit lead and guide you - 

"You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You." (Isaiah 26:3 AMPC)