Friday, May 23, 2014
Friday, May 9, 2014
Detoxifying Ourselves from the Unrighteous Ways of Elders
They have been in your life since childhood, elders, those who have helped you become the responsible citizen you are today. However, as you learn more about them, you realize that these individuals have many flaws. You find yourself having to fight with emotions on the inside that say something like, "These people really aren't as good as I thought they were...I really shouldn't be spending much time with them...but they have been in my life for such a long time..." When this happens, look to the Holy Bible. Ask yourself, "What does God's word say about what I see in this person and what he/she is doing?"
As much as we would love to keep some people around in our lives and paint a picture of them being a friend and not an enemy, God will show us different. It is up to us to listen and obey if we want to save ourselves from harm. So how might we guard ourselves from unrighteous elders--especially when we can't get rid of them out of our circles?
1. We stop recalling our past relationships with them.
Too often we think about past good times to justify sticking it out with toxic people. How are you ever going to communicate the "new you" or any reasonable standards when it comes to dealing with you, if your head is in the past? Don't fear to display what you have become--a new creature in Christ!
2. Question the words, deeds, and actions of your teachers/elders/mentors etc.
You have finally arrived into adulthood when you can question the individual who is causing you discomfort on why they do what they do. Standing up for yourself is what adults do, children go run and tell their parents.
3. Distance yourself from negativity.
The more you put up boundaries around your heart, mind and body, the more likely those who are toxic will take notice and withdraw. If they know they can't move you to go in their direction, to listen to their advice, and do other things that suit them, they won't keep bringing you the negative thoughts, stories and opinions.
4. Look beyond your existing network.
Those who God has shown you are no longer beneficial to you spiritually, physcially and/or mentally will need to be removed at some point to make room for the new people coming into your life. Don't make anymore time for fruitless elders, and again I say, leave your past memories in the past about them! Start appointment setting with those new people God has provided opportunities for you to learn from.
5. Avoid repeating past mistakes.
An unrighteous elder will no longer have a place in your life when he or she sees you have overcame in certain areas that this person has repeatedly warned you about. For instance, let's say you have a long history of asking certain people in your network for relationship advice. These people know you very well based on your past decision-making. However, do they see any evidence that you have changed? If not, then weak elders will feel as if they still have a right to say and do what they want when it comes to you despite their own personal weaknesses in the same areas, because they see you aren't doing anything different to help yourself.
6. Stop celebrating traditions that hinder.
What are you saying or doing that keeps a tradition alive that doesn't progress you? From fraternal groups to an annual celebration over a relative's home, does your connecting with these people really help you reach your goals personally and professionally?
7. Elevate yourself in every area of your life!
The more you work on you, the less the need will be to reach out to toxic elders for personal help especially in areas where only God can assist. If you and I are so busy connecting with ourselves, families, and others outside of church business, social groups, and other things, then there is no room for people to drip their poision into our lives.
See people for who they really are, and not what you think they should be--this includes elders/mentors/parents/teachers/best friends!
Nicholl McGuire
As much as we would love to keep some people around in our lives and paint a picture of them being a friend and not an enemy, God will show us different. It is up to us to listen and obey if we want to save ourselves from harm. So how might we guard ourselves from unrighteous elders--especially when we can't get rid of them out of our circles?
1. We stop recalling our past relationships with them.
Too often we think about past good times to justify sticking it out with toxic people. How are you ever going to communicate the "new you" or any reasonable standards when it comes to dealing with you, if your head is in the past? Don't fear to display what you have become--a new creature in Christ!
2. Question the words, deeds, and actions of your teachers/elders/mentors etc.
You have finally arrived into adulthood when you can question the individual who is causing you discomfort on why they do what they do. Standing up for yourself is what adults do, children go run and tell their parents.
3. Distance yourself from negativity.
The more you put up boundaries around your heart, mind and body, the more likely those who are toxic will take notice and withdraw. If they know they can't move you to go in their direction, to listen to their advice, and do other things that suit them, they won't keep bringing you the negative thoughts, stories and opinions.
4. Look beyond your existing network.
Those who God has shown you are no longer beneficial to you spiritually, physcially and/or mentally will need to be removed at some point to make room for the new people coming into your life. Don't make anymore time for fruitless elders, and again I say, leave your past memories in the past about them! Start appointment setting with those new people God has provided opportunities for you to learn from.
5. Avoid repeating past mistakes.
An unrighteous elder will no longer have a place in your life when he or she sees you have overcame in certain areas that this person has repeatedly warned you about. For instance, let's say you have a long history of asking certain people in your network for relationship advice. These people know you very well based on your past decision-making. However, do they see any evidence that you have changed? If not, then weak elders will feel as if they still have a right to say and do what they want when it comes to you despite their own personal weaknesses in the same areas, because they see you aren't doing anything different to help yourself.
6. Stop celebrating traditions that hinder.
What are you saying or doing that keeps a tradition alive that doesn't progress you? From fraternal groups to an annual celebration over a relative's home, does your connecting with these people really help you reach your goals personally and professionally?
7. Elevate yourself in every area of your life!
The more you work on you, the less the need will be to reach out to toxic elders for personal help especially in areas where only God can assist. If you and I are so busy connecting with ourselves, families, and others outside of church business, social groups, and other things, then there is no room for people to drip their poision into our lives.
See people for who they really are, and not what you think they should be--this includes elders/mentors/parents/teachers/best friends!
Nicholl McGuire
Sunday, May 4, 2014
Sunday, April 20, 2014
Monday, March 31, 2014
Sunday, March 30, 2014
Foe
Something wasn't right,
I felt a fight.
She was in my sight.
I prayed, not tonight.
A smiling demon in heels.
Always making deals.
She didn't love anyone--
made people run.
Whatever she wanted, she got.
Used shame, to win fame.
No one wanted to be called out,
no one wanted to hear her shout.
They were protective of their clout.
But I wasn't afraid, and could care less
about her mess--was familiar with this test.
In God's presence, she started to confess...
had issues, that required tissues.
Little did she know,
she had made God her foe.
He was tired of her talk,
he was ready to make her walk.
I prayed for things to change,
I prayed her life would rearrange.
One day it was time for me to go,
the seed was left, it had to grow.
Nicholl McGuire
I felt a fight.
She was in my sight.
I prayed, not tonight.
A smiling demon in heels.
Always making deals.
She didn't love anyone--
made people run.
Whatever she wanted, she got.
Used shame, to win fame.
No one wanted to be called out,
no one wanted to hear her shout.
They were protective of their clout.
But I wasn't afraid, and could care less
about her mess--was familiar with this test.
In God's presence, she started to confess...
had issues, that required tissues.
Little did she know,
she had made God her foe.
He was tired of her talk,
he was ready to make her walk.
I prayed for things to change,
I prayed her life would rearrange.
One day it was time for me to go,
the seed was left, it had to grow.
Nicholl McGuire
Sunday, March 16, 2014
No Belief in God Talking to His Messengers
Have you ever tried talking to someone about something you knew for sure was the truth? You gave them detail after detail and fact after fact in an effort to help them with an issue, yet they still didn't want to believe you? Well, this sort of response is what many of God's messengers face when sharing his truth with believers as well as unbelievers. We aren't just talking about the Gospel of Christ, but wisdom that speaks truth into one's personal situation/dilemma.
Prophets ought to be strong when giving a person a word of knowledge, prophecy or any other message that God moves on our spirits to give. Further, we should fear the God we pray to when we don't do for Him! So many former messengers and followers end up in troubled waters, because they proceed in life thinking God is directing them, despite being wayward in the faith.
Think of the many Christians who end up on planes, trains, buses, cars and even in bars, because they permitted flesh to direct them, while ignoring the prophet's warning, only to prematurely die via an accident, stray bullet, illness, or something else. We all are going to die some day, but at least when the time comes, it will because God ordered it and not because of our disobedience that led us to it.
We must trust the words that God gives (even if it hurts) and do accordingly. But how might we know whether a messenger of God is real? Consider what you prayed behind closed doors. Was there any way one would have known what to tell you at the right place and at the right time without God's influence? Of course, our adversary will have his many tricks, but what do his words provide? A trip toward a path that leads straight to hell! We see evidence of this by the many elitists whose minds have gone crazy as a result of shunning what the Almighty God says while welcoming what Satan sings.
Nicholl McGuire
Prophets ought to be strong when giving a person a word of knowledge, prophecy or any other message that God moves on our spirits to give. Further, we should fear the God we pray to when we don't do for Him! So many former messengers and followers end up in troubled waters, because they proceed in life thinking God is directing them, despite being wayward in the faith.
Think of the many Christians who end up on planes, trains, buses, cars and even in bars, because they permitted flesh to direct them, while ignoring the prophet's warning, only to prematurely die via an accident, stray bullet, illness, or something else. We all are going to die some day, but at least when the time comes, it will because God ordered it and not because of our disobedience that led us to it.
We must trust the words that God gives (even if it hurts) and do accordingly. But how might we know whether a messenger of God is real? Consider what you prayed behind closed doors. Was there any way one would have known what to tell you at the right place and at the right time without God's influence? Of course, our adversary will have his many tricks, but what do his words provide? A trip toward a path that leads straight to hell! We see evidence of this by the many elitists whose minds have gone crazy as a result of shunning what the Almighty God says while welcoming what Satan sings.
Nicholl McGuire
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Friday, February 14, 2014
The One You Love the Most Might Be Your Biggest Foe
When I think of all the people over the years that were once close to me, I also remember times during our friendship when they appeared to be my worst enemies. From sharing personal details about my life with a common foe to making false promises. You can become bitter, paranoid, and mean-spirited when you have been repeatedly mistreated.
Sometimes we fall in love too quickly, think too highly of others, defend liars, and shun those who mean us well. With so much drama surrounding us, it can be hard to see who is friend and who is foe. This is why we must spend the necessary time praying to God. Asking him, "What do you think of those who I have partnered with personally and professionally? Show me who is friend and who is foe." You will be surprised to see some of the most unlikeliest people pass before your spiritual eyes.
Pray hard when you see the truth. Ask the Lord to cover your heart and mind concerning the person who has been deceiving you for so long. Request that God use his angels to protect you from all harm and danger. Trust God for a plan for your life. When we discover that some individuals are all show, but no go, this isn't the time to curse people, gossip, or be vengeful; rather, we seek God for a plan. For some readers, this would be a good time to fast from a favorite pleasure and start seeking God for some answers. When your focus is on God, you pose a challenge for the enemy that he/she can't win by using things like: flattery, gifts, demands, threats, or anything else he/she so chooses to come up with to keep you from knowing his/her plans of destruction for your life.
It can be difficult living with someone who may have been acting more like an enemy than a friend. Try to see the positive in the current arrangement while asking God what are the benefits for now in carrying on a friendship/marriage/partnership, etc. You might be surprised what God reveals.
Remember, whatever situation you are in, it is only temporary, particularly if it is comprised of sinful behavior and only worsening with each passing day. The instruction to love an enemy is what some readers are doing. The love they have for their enemy isn't the problem, but what the enemy does to get a believer off track with the Lord is.
While you wait for your deliverance from a foe, do this Proverbs 3:5.
Nicholl McGuire
Sometimes we fall in love too quickly, think too highly of others, defend liars, and shun those who mean us well. With so much drama surrounding us, it can be hard to see who is friend and who is foe. This is why we must spend the necessary time praying to God. Asking him, "What do you think of those who I have partnered with personally and professionally? Show me who is friend and who is foe." You will be surprised to see some of the most unlikeliest people pass before your spiritual eyes.
Pray hard when you see the truth. Ask the Lord to cover your heart and mind concerning the person who has been deceiving you for so long. Request that God use his angels to protect you from all harm and danger. Trust God for a plan for your life. When we discover that some individuals are all show, but no go, this isn't the time to curse people, gossip, or be vengeful; rather, we seek God for a plan. For some readers, this would be a good time to fast from a favorite pleasure and start seeking God for some answers. When your focus is on God, you pose a challenge for the enemy that he/she can't win by using things like: flattery, gifts, demands, threats, or anything else he/she so chooses to come up with to keep you from knowing his/her plans of destruction for your life.
It can be difficult living with someone who may have been acting more like an enemy than a friend. Try to see the positive in the current arrangement while asking God what are the benefits for now in carrying on a friendship/marriage/partnership, etc. You might be surprised what God reveals.
Remember, whatever situation you are in, it is only temporary, particularly if it is comprised of sinful behavior and only worsening with each passing day. The instruction to love an enemy is what some readers are doing. The love they have for their enemy isn't the problem, but what the enemy does to get a believer off track with the Lord is.
While you wait for your deliverance from a foe, do this Proverbs 3:5.
Nicholl McGuire
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Face Your Foe Blog Owner Shares Experience Dealing with Foes
For years, I had to deal with a classmate who was bi-polar while attending high school. I became a target when I spoke negatively about her one day while participating in a summer program not realizing she was mentally ill. I personally didn't like her much and found her a bit odd after getting to know her. I preferred to keep my distance. I confided my honest feelings to someone who I didn't know at the time was a big mouth. When the information reached the girl's ears, she considered me an enemy.
Now most girls would just go on about their business when they know someone doesn't like them, but not that girl! She became relentless in attacking me with every name she could muster behind my back. She was a part of many organizations I had joined. She also found her way to my locker on multiple occasions when I wasn't around to put things on it including Vaseline on the dial of the combination. My honest opinion of her spoken confidentially ended up creating World War III which included meetings with teachers, parents, and a couple of close calls where I wanted to beat her up badly, but the threat of suspension and punishment from parents loomed.
Every now and again I have dreams of this girl and she is peaceful, not causing me any issues in these dreams--we are actually friends. Prior to graduating, she did apologize for all her misdeeds and I offered up an apology for what I said years before and included that I was unaware of her mental condition at the time I talked about her. She was "cool" with me and gave me a hug.
Even though this is an all-too common story of high school girls disliking one another for one reason or another, the same behavior shows up in adults. From the boss who doesn't like feedback from employees so he punishes them subtly to the spouse who becomes visibly irritated with her partner so she looks to find ways to pay him back for how he has made her feel. Sometimes these "issues" last for years. The tension is ongoing. Sometimes it can be so bad that people have constant stomach and head aches as a result--I use to experience such stress even on the elementary school level.
Controlling individuals have followed me during my life, the type who think that they are always right, you are wrong, and if you object their will be consequences to pay. After so many years of dealing with the same personality types, you start to become desensitize to them. You stop caring, arguing, and you find yourself ignoring them the majority of the time. What little they say or much, goes in one ear and out the other. You tell yourself, "There is no sense in saying anything, not even nodding my head, because I don't care..."
There are times where we can't say or do anything with certain people. Scripture quoting does nothing but infuriate some. Spending lots of prayer time concerning certain people begins to take your attention away from more important things you need to praying about and listening to the Lord. Spending money on these people in the hopes that they will treat you different will only keep you broke. Pretending to like or love them when you know you don't, makes you look weak and hypocritical. It is best to tolerate them when you can and when the opportunity comes to be free of your enemy, don't keep them around! When my enemies, including the girl who gave me a hug, made their peace with me, I didn't try to befriend them. Why would I be fool enough to set myself up for future drama? I wished them well and moved on with my life.
Some readers are often having problems with the same people, because deep inside you love drama. There is something about that person's negativity that you feed off of. The more they mistreat you, the worse you get and in some twisted way, you like playing the tough guy or gal role with them. Can I tell you, from personal experience, you will only find yourself one day on the wrong side with God! It is best to free yourself from the troubled individuals. Sure, helping people makes you look good in the sight of certain individuals and businesses, but when no one is watching, what do you really look like?
I thank you all for showing your support by reading this blog. Feel free to subscribe and comment on the blog entries. May God richly bless you with peace, love, and the courage to let your enemy go when the time comes!
Nicholl McGuire
Now most girls would just go on about their business when they know someone doesn't like them, but not that girl! She became relentless in attacking me with every name she could muster behind my back. She was a part of many organizations I had joined. She also found her way to my locker on multiple occasions when I wasn't around to put things on it including Vaseline on the dial of the combination. My honest opinion of her spoken confidentially ended up creating World War III which included meetings with teachers, parents, and a couple of close calls where I wanted to beat her up badly, but the threat of suspension and punishment from parents loomed.
Every now and again I have dreams of this girl and she is peaceful, not causing me any issues in these dreams--we are actually friends. Prior to graduating, she did apologize for all her misdeeds and I offered up an apology for what I said years before and included that I was unaware of her mental condition at the time I talked about her. She was "cool" with me and gave me a hug.
Even though this is an all-too common story of high school girls disliking one another for one reason or another, the same behavior shows up in adults. From the boss who doesn't like feedback from employees so he punishes them subtly to the spouse who becomes visibly irritated with her partner so she looks to find ways to pay him back for how he has made her feel. Sometimes these "issues" last for years. The tension is ongoing. Sometimes it can be so bad that people have constant stomach and head aches as a result--I use to experience such stress even on the elementary school level.
Controlling individuals have followed me during my life, the type who think that they are always right, you are wrong, and if you object their will be consequences to pay. After so many years of dealing with the same personality types, you start to become desensitize to them. You stop caring, arguing, and you find yourself ignoring them the majority of the time. What little they say or much, goes in one ear and out the other. You tell yourself, "There is no sense in saying anything, not even nodding my head, because I don't care..."
There are times where we can't say or do anything with certain people. Scripture quoting does nothing but infuriate some. Spending lots of prayer time concerning certain people begins to take your attention away from more important things you need to praying about and listening to the Lord. Spending money on these people in the hopes that they will treat you different will only keep you broke. Pretending to like or love them when you know you don't, makes you look weak and hypocritical. It is best to tolerate them when you can and when the opportunity comes to be free of your enemy, don't keep them around! When my enemies, including the girl who gave me a hug, made their peace with me, I didn't try to befriend them. Why would I be fool enough to set myself up for future drama? I wished them well and moved on with my life.
Some readers are often having problems with the same people, because deep inside you love drama. There is something about that person's negativity that you feed off of. The more they mistreat you, the worse you get and in some twisted way, you like playing the tough guy or gal role with them. Can I tell you, from personal experience, you will only find yourself one day on the wrong side with God! It is best to free yourself from the troubled individuals. Sure, helping people makes you look good in the sight of certain individuals and businesses, but when no one is watching, what do you really look like?
I thank you all for showing your support by reading this blog. Feel free to subscribe and comment on the blog entries. May God richly bless you with peace, love, and the courage to let your enemy go when the time comes!
Nicholl McGuire
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