Saturday, September 6, 2014
Cut Away, Cut Off What is Constantly Tempting You to Compromise Your Faith
You say you are a Christian. You believe in the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. You tell others about God and share printed resources and other information about your faith. Yet, there is just one problem, the more you talk and walk in the godly, the more the enemy comes with just one more thing that places you in a position to question whether you should or shouldn't do something that compromises your faith.
"But that's your friend...you knew these people for years...Why wouldn't you help them? You know that if you do for them, they will look out for you." Sound familiar?
For some of you, you may have already done some things that you wish you hadn't and felt like there is no way out of your circumstance. You may even feel like God is not with you anymore this is why you still work to share the things of God. But there is a way out of darkness! Either you cut yourself off from the negative things that bind you or you wait for someone or something to expose you. God warns us to cut certain people, places, things, habits, and more away. He tells us to remove ourselves, to do some things differently, but do we always listen? Sometimes we don't and we learn the hard way.
Nowadays with so many people losing spouses and children, jobs, health, material assets, and more, it can be quite tempting to want to do everything in your power to maintain position, personal fortune, connections, and more. But does one have to sell or continue to sell his or her soul to the devil? Absolutely not! True believers are called to live righteously. Those who sit in pews on Sunday know better. We are to not only listen to the word of God, but do.
So when you know there is something on the inside eating away at your mind, body and spirit and you do nothing about it, know that sooner or later, the work of evil will catch up to you and expose you as a fraud. Allow the Holy Ghost, left behind by Jesus, to cleanse your mind, body and spirit this day and direct your path according to our Father's wishes.
Say this prayer:
Dear Lord,
I praise you this day and recognize your power. I am grateful for all that you have done for me. I know that lately I have not been living right and I ask that you have mercy on me. Move on my spirit to do what's right. Give me the courage to cut away or cut off what is keeping me bound in sin. I ask that you remove the temptations of the devil far away from me. I ask in Jesus name. Amen.
Now that you have said the prayer aloud. I ask that my God cover you in the blood of Jesus and that you begin to start walking righteously again. As long as you confess and repent from sin, you have nothing to be concerned about. Put your troubles in God's hands and leave them there!
Have a day of peace and may God bless you for taking some time to acknowledge Him!
Nicholl McGuire author of Know Your Enemy: The Christian's Critic. Bible readings and other insightful information can be found on Nicholl's Youtube channel: nmenterprise7.
"But that's your friend...you knew these people for years...Why wouldn't you help them? You know that if you do for them, they will look out for you." Sound familiar?
For some of you, you may have already done some things that you wish you hadn't and felt like there is no way out of your circumstance. You may even feel like God is not with you anymore this is why you still work to share the things of God. But there is a way out of darkness! Either you cut yourself off from the negative things that bind you or you wait for someone or something to expose you. God warns us to cut certain people, places, things, habits, and more away. He tells us to remove ourselves, to do some things differently, but do we always listen? Sometimes we don't and we learn the hard way.
Nowadays with so many people losing spouses and children, jobs, health, material assets, and more, it can be quite tempting to want to do everything in your power to maintain position, personal fortune, connections, and more. But does one have to sell or continue to sell his or her soul to the devil? Absolutely not! True believers are called to live righteously. Those who sit in pews on Sunday know better. We are to not only listen to the word of God, but do.
So when you know there is something on the inside eating away at your mind, body and spirit and you do nothing about it, know that sooner or later, the work of evil will catch up to you and expose you as a fraud. Allow the Holy Ghost, left behind by Jesus, to cleanse your mind, body and spirit this day and direct your path according to our Father's wishes.
Say this prayer:
Dear Lord,
I praise you this day and recognize your power. I am grateful for all that you have done for me. I know that lately I have not been living right and I ask that you have mercy on me. Move on my spirit to do what's right. Give me the courage to cut away or cut off what is keeping me bound in sin. I ask that you remove the temptations of the devil far away from me. I ask in Jesus name. Amen.
Now that you have said the prayer aloud. I ask that my God cover you in the blood of Jesus and that you begin to start walking righteously again. As long as you confess and repent from sin, you have nothing to be concerned about. Put your troubles in God's hands and leave them there!
Have a day of peace and may God bless you for taking some time to acknowledge Him!
Nicholl McGuire author of Know Your Enemy: The Christian's Critic. Bible readings and other insightful information can be found on Nicholl's Youtube channel: nmenterprise7.
Saturday, August 16, 2014
Monday, July 14, 2014
Saturday, June 7, 2014
Practical Advice on Handling Conflict with Brothers and Sisters in Christ
When dealing with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, don't handle conflict like the world does with badmouthing, teasing, cursing, threats, and revenge. What we think God might approve of us doing when dealing with an issue with someone, most likely isn't in His plan. Consider the following scripture taken from Isaiah 55:8 in the NIV, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD.
When we think of how Jesus dealt with conflict, he turned the other cheek, he forgave others, he was humble when he spoke to others, and he offered assistance even to those who didn't think much of him or the gospel he preached. Since we are not perfect like Christ, it would make sense to go to him/Holy Ghost and ask him for guidance when handling troubling issues. Be sure to have a witness when necessary when rebuking any brother or sister.
One must have a mindset prepared to deal with conflict, here are tips here: Philippians 2:1-11. Then pray, re-read text, apply the scriptures to your situation without focusing on what the person should and shouldn't do.
Permit God to convict you on your wrongs without defending or justifying your ways. Talk with trusted friends about the scriptures that you have read and your feelings. Consider this, "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." (Proverbs 15:22, NIV) Pray with your counselors. Afterward, act on the word (James 1:22). For further spiritual insight see, God's Guidance for Christians in Conflict by Dr. Mark D. Roberts (Patheos.com).
Nicholl McGuire
When we think of how Jesus dealt with conflict, he turned the other cheek, he forgave others, he was humble when he spoke to others, and he offered assistance even to those who didn't think much of him or the gospel he preached. Since we are not perfect like Christ, it would make sense to go to him/Holy Ghost and ask him for guidance when handling troubling issues. Be sure to have a witness when necessary when rebuking any brother or sister.
One must have a mindset prepared to deal with conflict, here are tips here: Philippians 2:1-11. Then pray, re-read text, apply the scriptures to your situation without focusing on what the person should and shouldn't do.
Permit God to convict you on your wrongs without defending or justifying your ways. Talk with trusted friends about the scriptures that you have read and your feelings. Consider this, "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." (Proverbs 15:22, NIV) Pray with your counselors. Afterward, act on the word (James 1:22). For further spiritual insight see, God's Guidance for Christians in Conflict by Dr. Mark D. Roberts (Patheos.com).
Nicholl McGuire
When Facing a Foe...Stand Up for What is Right
From bullies to an argumentative partner, when facing these people, who refuse to do what is right ie.) 10 Commandments for starters, you will not always deal with the confrontation in a way that will appear mature, logical, and calm; therefore don't beat yourself up about it!
Your face will turn red, your ears will feel hot, your heart will race, your voice will elevate, and you might hit a wall or throw something. But when the anger passes, did you make your point? Will things change? Will you do some things differently?
There may be another misunderstanding and another until one day someone is going to wave the white flag and say, "I'm done...I can't fight anymore...I want to do right...I am sick of the war..." Whatever brings a person to the point where he or she walks away or dedicates his or her self to change, at least you know you didn't compromise righteous beliefs and didn't allow someone to abuse or misuse you.
Whatever you do, keep your faith, pray and don't do anything that will cause the person harm or put you in jail.
Nicholl McGuire, listen to audio at http://www.youtube.com/nmenterprise7
Your face will turn red, your ears will feel hot, your heart will race, your voice will elevate, and you might hit a wall or throw something. But when the anger passes, did you make your point? Will things change? Will you do some things differently?
There may be another misunderstanding and another until one day someone is going to wave the white flag and say, "I'm done...I can't fight anymore...I want to do right...I am sick of the war..." Whatever brings a person to the point where he or she walks away or dedicates his or her self to change, at least you know you didn't compromise righteous beliefs and didn't allow someone to abuse or misuse you.
Whatever you do, keep your faith, pray and don't do anything that will cause the person harm or put you in jail.
Nicholl McGuire, listen to audio at http://www.youtube.com/nmenterprise7
Saturday, May 31, 2014
Saturday, May 24, 2014
Learn about Spiritual Warfare Today--not taught in many churches!
Excellent teaching for those of you battling with spiritual warfare! Many believers are being attacked by demons and "...running around in fear, being confused, lost...many will depart from their faith and listen to lying spirits...these spirits are tricksters, liars--smarter than their victims...they will receive teachings from demons," HouseofHealingAZ, Youtube channel.
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
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