Compare and Contrast

" Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, "Lord, who is going to betray you?") When Peter saw him, he asked, "Lord, what about him?" Jesus answered, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me." John 21:20-22 NIV


Growing up, most likely you have learned the technique of compare and contrast first introduced in elementary english and reading classes.The basic foundation of this technique to analyze the similarities and differences usually in two different pieces of literary work with the characters, the setting, etc. It made us hone in on the details of the differences that different things possessed, which I feel carried over to the rest of our lives in different ways.

The Apostle Peter in the 21st chapter of John is engaging with the now resurrected Jesus Christ. In verse 21 Peter brings up the disciple who had the question of who was to betray Him at the Lord's supper. But Jesus had to quickly rebuke him to let him know, he should not be concerned with His plans for that disciple, Peter needs to concentrate on what he has been called to do for the Kingdom. In verses 15, 16 and 17 Jesus, tells Peter 3 times what he needs to do...

15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.

He was calling Him to enlarge his Kingdom with lost souls that could only be found and delievered through Christ. But Peter's flesh was worried about the other disciple.

This is just an example of how easily it is for us to get caught up in what someone else is doing, our opinions of what we think God should do in their lives, etc. But the simple fact comes to if we are so worried about others, we get the focus off of what we are called and purposed to do for God.

In this day and age it can be easy to get off course, with ever progressing technoology that gives, friends, families and even strangers, insights on one's daily tasks, places visited, etc. The everyday whims of twitter, facebook, etc. will have knowing what people are doing without having a conversation with them.The bumrush of media reporting the whereabouts and every move of celebrities and pubilic figures from what they wore, what they bought, who they were hanging with, etc..

If you let all this effect you negatively, you can be sitting behind your computer screen, in front of your tv, or holding your mobile phone mentally trapped and devasted because you will compare and contrast your life with someone because they are married, not married, have kids, have no kids,in a realtionship or not in one, appearing to be prospering in their finances or are on hard times, you get what I'm saying. This game of compare and contrast can be deadly, not only to your soul, but to the souls that are you called to reach in what God has called you to do.
The Word of God says in Galatians 6:4 NLT ..."Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else."

We are not called to compare, we are called to do what we are made to do.

"We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his[a] faith. 7 If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach;" ~Romans 12:6-7 NIV

Let us be mindful of this trap and act accordingly. Seek God and allow Him to reveal to you what you need to do to get out of this compare and contrast game.

~Copyright S.O.U.L.ed Out Creations 2011~

Pride, A Series of Blog Entries

Pride.  Many things could be said about this word, but mostly it is negative. Pride is what caused Satan to be kicked out of Heaven, because He tried to exhalt himself above God Almighty, but it didn't work.

How you are fallen from heaven,

O Lucifer,son of the morning!
How you are cut down to the ground,
You who weakened the nations!
For you have said in your heart:
I will ascend into heaven,
I will exalt my throne above the stars of God;
I will also sit on the mount of the congregation
On the farthest sides of the north;
I will ascend above the heights of the clouds,
I will be like the Most High.’
Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol,
To the lowest depths of the Pit. ~Isaiah 14:12-15


 Pride was what led Eve to believe the serpent in the Garden of Eden that she would be able to disobey God's commands to no hurt or harm toward her position in God's will.

Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?”And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’” Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”
So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings.~Genesis 3:1-7


This spirit is still running rampant as one of the two main devices that Satan uses to encamp and overtake a person, their life and the lives of those around them. I am going to do a serious of blogs that will expose pride and its workings in the lives of people through it's relationship with other detrimental character traits and personalities.

Rooted and Planted

Wow, this year has flew by so quickly.  As I looked back over the blog posts I have on here so far, I saw a running theme for most of them...people.  But not just people but my feelings of hurt by things done by others who have come and gone in my life.  But this year has taught me so much and I thank God for His continual work in me. When I say I am going through the process of being delievered from people, don't think that means I am going to be a hermit somewhere in a cave.  It means I am gaining perspective of their roles in my life.  When you look to people for identity, validation, strength, or whatever, you are bound to fail.

Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD. For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited. Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. (Jeremiah 17:5-8 KJV)
This passage boldly states that when you put your trust in people to be your strength, your provider, your all in all, you are basically cursing yourself.  How can we as flesh and blood put trust in another completely who is the same as we? I don't know about you but the flesh, this body I reside in, some of my fleeting thoughts it would not be right to put trust in that.  But when man puts trusts in the Lord, who knows all, sees all to lead them, his ways will be established and can't be turned, tossed and swayed by falsehoods and trials and tribulations of life.

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. (Psalms 1:1-3 KJV)
People will let you down, their thoughts toward you may ebb and flow just as the wind blows.  We are not perfect and we all struggle each day. Many people look to relationships, marriages to make them feel justified and validated in this life.  But what happens when the other party passes away unexpectedly, chooses to break up with them, turns to a life of destruction, what then? Sometimes people look to a job to validate them, but what if the company fails, they get let go or even fired, who to turn to?  What about the ones who look to be surrounded by friends, friends and more friends but get surprised when those friend decide to leave for whatever reason...

The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee. (Psalms 9:9-10 KJV)
God will lead you to those people who will bring you closer to Him, but you must seek Him.  He wants to see you blessed and prosperous, He does not want you destoyed by the enemy and His tactics.  Just because people will leave you disregard you does not mean He will.  He will send those people to you that mean you help and not harm all for His glory.  You just have to make sure you don't see them as your source of strength, provision, validation, it is only through Christ you get all that and more.:)

The NO Evil Movement

This is a video compliation that is walking in boldness to come against Satan and his army of evil. You must walk bold in Jesus Christ!!

Must Read-Blog Roll Biblical Therapy

For anyone dealing with esteem and confidence issues, you must please check out this blog written the bible therapy blog spot, it will give you some new insight and mindset on confidence

http://bibletherapy.blogspot.com/2009/04/bible-applies-to-everyone-but-me.html

Too Sensitive...?

Exaggerated sensitiveness is an expression of the feeling of inferiority. ~Alfred Adler

The epidemic of a people pleaser

The epidemic of a people pleaser

A people pleaser could be you or someone you are close to. This person is so keen on making others happy, but they are miserable themselves.

Imagine if you will a friend of a people pleaser and how she might describe her friend…

“Oh my goodness, she is so sweet, she will do anything for you. At the drop of a hat, you can call her and she will stop whatever she is doing to help. There was this one time where she was on the other side of town in a meeting for her job and she came over and helped me with a car problem.

There were times where I needed to be dropped off for work and even though I lived 30 minutes away from her, she came and got me! And mind you my job is about 20 minutes away from me! She had to wake up extra early to come get me and then get to her job, but she didn’t mind! I don’t ever hear her complain, she is always smiling, always flexible and never has she argued with me.

I even needed help with my phone bill a couple of times and she was able to help me out, so there are times where I don’t worry about that because I know I have my friend to help me out.

I can even call her at 4 in the morning, even though I know she has to be up for work in 2 more hours, but I call because she told me that I could call at anytime. I don’t really know what other things she has going on with her, but she is always perky and eager to help. She is my Little Ms. Fix It.”

On the other end…”Ms. Fix It” has another side to the story…

“I get tired of running around town running errands for her. I have things I have to do in my own life but she does not consider that. I don’t know why I still hang around her, but I just don’t know how to say what I feel because I am afraid to be bold and hurt her feelings possibly. I am tired of feeling like a doormat that continually is being stepped on. But I don’t want to lose my friendship with her. One time I was so busy running around with her I had barely enough gas to get to work the next day. But she did not offer to give me any gas money for it. I know all I have to do is tell her that I am busy and shouldn’t allow her to alter my schedule. I just don’t like confrontation or disappointing anyone, so I continue to do this…

The people pleaser was harboring feelings of resentment. She wants to speak up for herself, but is afraid of what others might say or do. They feel that if they speak up, they are afraid of what the other person might do…or afraid that they will be left alone.

Is it right to be like this…NO? I am not saying that one shouldn’t help out other people, be nice, caring, giving, etc. But is there a time when enough is enough?

I am learning within myself, that if I don’t speak up for myself who will. I have been the type of friend that has tried to do as much as I could for a friend, but sometimes in the end feeling used and drained. There is a balance, but I had imbalance with this. I can only do so much, and I have to know my limits. If I am not able to help, I can’t. Is it smart for one to pay someone else’s rent when they can’t even pay there own? That is just an example.

And there are people who may be in your life who only come around because they know you will give them help but they can’t be found when you need it yourself, is that healthy, not at all.

I am usually a shy and quiet person at times, but in this area, I have to learn to be bold. Is it wrong to speak, I don’t think so especially when done in a manner that states the truth in a way that exposes what has been happening but in a professional manner.

“…Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another. Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil. Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” Ephesians 4:25b-29

© S.O.U.L.ed Out Creations
http://www.souledoutcreations.com
http://jewelsofencouragement.blogspot.com

The True Power of Forgiveness

Devotional from JATH Ministries
http://jathministries.com/devotionals

Up until my mid-20’s, I perpetuated a very ungodly disdain for my biological father. The gravity of my sin didn't manifest itself until after he was murdered. In the aftermath, I wrestled with admitting to myself that I exhausted an excessive amount of emotional energy by attempting to keep him in the prison of my resentment. In my estimation, he forfeited the honor of “Dad” because he did nothing to earn it. I felt like in his abandonment of our family, he was partly to blame for us having to struggle so much. But I learned the hard way that even though my feelings of exasperation were valid, life is too short to completely right all my wrongs.


True Forgiveness: Willingly giving up the right to punish someone, even when they deserve it.


The maligned view that extending forgiveness equates to weakness stems from an unhealthy understanding of what forgiveness really is. Forgiveness always costs somebody something, but we see it as weakness when the underlying truth is we simply don’t want to be the one paying. Harboring unforgiveness is no different than drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. Medical evidence proves that holding onto resentment can actually destroy your health because those negative emotions release deadly toxins into your body over time. You weren't built to carry the stress that goes with holding onto a grudge! Furthermore, the very bridge you destroy with unforgiveness is the exact same bridge you’ll one day have to cross.


The Bible has much to say about forgiveness. In Genesis 33:1-4, Esau forgives his younger brother Jacob for stealing his birthright. Esau's birthright was an inheritance that entitled him to a double portion of their family's estate. In Hosea 3:1-5, the prophet Hosea forgives his unfaithful wife, Gomer. By doing so, Hosea sought reconciliation at the expense of his own humiliation. In Matthew 18:21-35, Jesus gives the parable of the unforgiving servant and tells us what to expect when we walk in unforgiveness. In Luke 15:11-32, Jesus shares the parable of the father who forgives his prodigal son. Several other verses speak to forgiveness as well: Matthew: 5:23-24 & 6:14-15; Luke: 6:37 & 17:3-4; II Corinthians 2:7, 10; Ephesians 4:32 and Colossians 3:13. The common thread which weaves these verses together originates here: the power of forgiveness is the only power you have over anyone who hurts you. Forgiving sets both sides free from the negative bond that exists because when you forgive, you’re choosing to focus on what you can control, namely yourself.


Are you tied to the past through the umbilical cord of unforgiveness? When you forgive, you sever that cord. A refusal to forgive keeps you tied to a memory that can hurt you for the rest of your life because the root of unforgiveness is pride. It's that very same pride that refuses to let offenses go unpunished. I can tell you that these principles work, not only because I've studied them in the Bible but because I've also had to apply them in my own life. Thanks be to God that the frustration I maintained toward my dad is now an afterthought. If I could yell it from the rooftops, I would proudly testify: the power of forgiveness is refreshingly liberating!


Food for Thought
1) Have you given Christ complete control of your life so that you too may walk in the true power of forgiveness?
2) Who came to mind as you read this message? (sidebar: Don't fight against it. If God is “bothering” you about a specific person or situation, that’s an area He wants to grow YOU in.)
3) How can exhibiting forgiveness become your norm and not your exception?




"Never does the human soul appear so strong and noble as when it forgoes revenge and dares to forgive an injury." - E.H. Chapin


http://jathministries.com/devotionals
Copyright © 2009 Joined at the Hip Ministries
All Rights Reserved.

Why?

Ladies I just feel it on my heart to talk about why we tend to sometimes look as relationships as game that has your life and well being at stake. Society bascially states that if you don't have a man in your life you aren't worth too much of anything. From that viewpoint its seems its ok to just have anyone in your life. That should not be the case...

Don't settle for less...

Hey I have been there looking for love in all the wrong places and those places lead me to men who didn't have my best interest in mind and they were not focused on the places that I needed to go. They took more than they ever offered and I allowed that to happen because hey I had someone in my life.

I cried some nights, worried would I ever have someone to call my own. It thought that I guess I would have to settle for either being single or either for a guy that really wasn't worth my time. I was about to settle for someone who said they wanted to marry me but was very controlling, demanding and wanted me to change who I was for his purpose.

Please don't settle for someone that...

*You have to share...

When I say share please don't settle for a guy already in a relationship, marriage, etc. You are worth more than a percentage of someone's time. All in all this will lead to a lot of heartache, deception and paranoia. You are playing with too many lives when this happens. With a marriage the man and woman become one flesh, a marriage of 2 persons and God not another party who is not in that covenant. Any man is better than no man is such a lie and a deception from the enemy.

*Someone that is abusive...

I was in a relationship almost 2 years ago where the guy was verbally and emotionally abusive. At the time I was so broken down, and my self esteem was low that I thought that this was all I was worth. to have a guy like this was going to be my life sentence of manipulated submission and controlled deception. I told my friends that at this time if I was still with him I would be a shell of myself, morbidly obese, probably on my third child, brainwashed, depressed, downtrodden, with little to no self esteem, and spiritually comatose. Please ladies think more highly of yourself, you were brought into this world with a mind of your own and a purpose of your own don't sentence your self to life in a mental, physical prison just to have a male around.

*Someone who wants to change who you are...

Oh so he doesn't like your hair, he doesn't like how you dress, he doesn't like your skin tone, he doesn't like your size, he doesn't like your job, he doesn't like the car you drive or the place you stay. so question, why are still trying to be with him. Is it alright to be with someone who dosen't like who you are and who you will grow to be? I fought many times to try to be the girl I thought some guys wanted me to be, but I was fighting with myself because I was fighting who I really was. If the change he asks for is not the one to better you and who you are then question yourself why is he with you?

*Someone who does not share your same spiritual foundation...

In my experience I dated some guys that were in the church but were not spiritually grounded. There foundation was shaky so if I was to have a lifew with them our marriage would already have cracks and breaks. I was willing to settle for someone who at least stated they believed in God, but I knew that was not what I should have dealt with. If I wanted to be a powerful praying woman, with a powereful praying husand in which we would be a family defeating the powers of Satan, I couldn't settle for someone who was lukewarm, chilly or ice cold in their faith. Someone I would have to argue to go to church with me on Sundays, man that was not the life I was looking to lead.

So...

Basically ladies, keep your head up and maintain your focus on fulfilling at what you are suppossed to do.

Don't think I don't know the pain and hurt that comes with relationships, I do I just am tired of seeing women settle for less...

~by Dilemma
S.O.U.L.ed Out Creations 2008

http://www.souledoutcreations.com
http://www.myspace.com/souledoutcreations
7-28-08 (original posting)

The times we live in...

10-28-08 (original posting)

It's not right...but its ok...

It's not right BUT it will be ok.

Everyone can look around nowadays and see some type of disorder. From the economy, unemployment, natural disasters, unimaginable crimes, etc. You turn on the news and you see continual murder attempts, people being tricked and swindled, raped, molested, tortured, killed, etc. Even if you may not see those things, you may see relationships and families dissolving, signs of depression creeping on those you love, suicidal thoughts, mood disorders and the list goes on...

I can't sit here and say that I don't feel overwhelmed about all the things that are happening now in this world. The signs of the times some may say.

I get frustrated, angry, confused, upset, afraid wondering why things are the way they are. I want to cry out Lord why, why WHY? I don't understand...but I know that their is purpose in it all. Their is nothing new under the sun as it says in Ephesians which is so true. The things that I see have been seen, heard and done before. I know life at this time may be hard for some but please know that there is so much more to it than what you see. You wonder how could there be a God who allows these things? Why does it have to be this way. Life was not promised to be easy. And I know through the hard times it can be hard to look and depend on a being that you can't see but His work is happening all around you.

God gave us free will...so what are you going to do with yours, wreck a life or build one. Destroy a family or nuture and care for one? Moan and complain or take a stand and take action?

~by Dilemma
S.O.U.L.ed Out Creations 2008

http://www.souledoutcreations.com
http://www.myspace.com/souledoutcreations

Oldies but Goodies

I'm going to repost some various throughts, poems and devotional that I have shared with others in the past and now want to share on this site. So you may see multiple posts on the same day, but when you have the chance take the time to read through them, thanks!

Great Expectations

Have you ever been disappointed by someone? Someone who was close to you like your mother, father, sister, brother, husband, wife, etc.?

Well you aren't alone I have been disappointed by others...But as well I have disappointed others.

Why?

Because I'm not perfect, people in general are not perfect. We are made to not to be able to keep people happy, fulfilled, and complete solely. It's unfair to put this task on people because we fail all the time.

An example of some great expectations that can be put on others could look like this...

Always answer the phone when needed
Always give the right answer,
Never ever act inappropriately when asked for their help
Always be there when lonely
Always feel wanted and liked at all times.
Never be left out of actvites, gatherings, etc.

I already know that a person could not and was not made to fulfill these 24/7. If someone expected me to these at all time I would feel pressured, confused and overwhelmed because I would not be able to fulfill all those expectations.

To put these expectations on your friends, family, associates, etc. is just going to make a very unhappy and disappointed person at the end of the day. Who seems to never be pleased by anything because of all the disappointments that they feel. Now truly is that the way it should be? No. Based on how you grew up and your experiences in life we all have expectations of how a person should act, be, do or say and sometimes those expectations exceed the reality of the people we encounter and as well as ourselves.

Hence, I used the terms always and never in the sample great expectations list. There is someone who is able to always be there, never make you feel lonely and always loves and cares for you. You might be like there is no one who could do all that all the time. God is able to do those things above and beyond what we can imagine.

People are able to give us pieces of the type of love God shows but he is the puzzle and only he can complete it. He is truly the only one that can fulfill every need, desire and yes...great expectation.

"Don't Look at Me"


~by Dilemma
S.O.U.L.ed Out Creations 2008

http://www.souledoutcreations.com
http://www.myspace.com/souledoutcreations

Happy New Year!

Around this time everyone is coming up with a list of new years resolutions things that they hope they can change in their life in the new year.

Well instead of having New Year's Resoultions let's instead have New Year's Revelations. Meaning with revelations, let God reveal to you what he wants to change in you. I have been victim of making a list of things I have wanted to change but this year I want God to reveal to me what he knows He needs to change in me so I can fully work in His kingdom.

Instead of working off my own mind's assumption of the things I need to work on, God will reveal to me what really needs to be done. As He reveals to me what I need to change I will be making a convenant promise (resolution) to him that is binding. A promise to God instead of to myself.

Because when I promise to myself I will tend to neglect them because I am only accountable to myself which in the end fails, i.e. past resloutions of prior years. This time I know God is on my side, if I sway or start not to follow he will be there to remind me that this is for my good and it will all work out in the end, that I must persevere and of course I made a promise to him.
I don't want to keep crying over those same issues, those same things I have no control over, the continual mistakes I make over and over. I want the Word in my heart, I want it in my mouth and in my daily walk so he will reveal to me those things that need to be done away with.

New year...New revelations...

~by Dilemma
S.O.U.L.ed Out Creations 2008

http://www.souledoutcreations.com
http://www.myspace.com/souledoutcreations

What is a cup of J.O.E. about anyways?

When people refer to a cup of Joe they are looking for the coffee to wake them up a little, give them more energy and help to start their day. Like the J.O.E. I talk of but it is not in liquid form:) J.O.E. stand for Jewels of Encouragement. The encouragement I hope to spread is supposed to enlighten, inform and open the eyes of those who read it. Giving them a new start and outlook on the things that may be going on in various areas of their lives.

If you have made you way here I would like to welcome you to my little spot on the web. I hope to encourage you as I journey through the various trials and truimphs of life and how I interpret and release through my various writings. I plan to have most of the posts as my own writings but will post and give credit to others if I found something that I must share:)

~by Dilemma
S.O.U.L.ed Out Creations 2008

http://www.souledoutcreations.com
http://www.myspace.com/souledoutcreations
http://blogspot.jewelsofencouragement.com