Here we are at the start of another Presidential Election Cycle. Without a doubt, the elections are always very important. Therefore, it is so  critically urgent that we set our hearts and minds to be in prayer for our elections for God’s will and providence be extended as a result over our nation.

1 Timothy 2:1-4  (NIV)

2 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

From <https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+tim+2%3A1-4&version=NIV>

There is spiritual warfare out there between two Kingdoms, with two very different sets of ideologies. The two Kingdoms are the Kingdom of God (Kingdom of Light – A spiritual force for good) and the Kingdom of this World (Kingdom of Darkness – A spiritual force for evil).

Are we going to see the Kingdom of God (Kingdom of Light) advance as we pray and intercede faithfully for our country and its leaders, or are we going to see the Kingdom of the World (Kingdom of Darkness) advance?

For this purpose, I would like to set out a clarion call for all the Saints to be in prayer for our elections. Consequently, it is up to us as a body of believers to be in prayer for our elections. Subsequently you and i need to exercise our faith for God’s Kingdom (the Kingdom of Light) to triumph. As we intercede and pray for our elections, know that we need to enter into spiritual warfare to see God’s will accomplished.

The Platforms:

In the United States there are two pre-dominant platforms, the Democratic Platform and the Republican Platform. I encourage you to read up on the platforms, and see which closely aligns with the Bible.

We are at the beginning stages of the election cycle. Consequently, we will begin to hear the prospective candidates speak of their vision for the country. Then they will tell us how they intend to they are going to lead. Subsequently, we need to be in prayer for our elections and seek discernment as a result, to decide which candidate most aligns with which Kingdom’s ideologies.

Undoubtedly, we need to decide which platform and ideology do we agree with?  To be sure we need to know which candidate under which platform most aligns with the Bible as we continue to be in prayer for our elections.

It is true that there are no perfect people, so therefore there will be no perfect candidate! To put it another way, “For all have sinned and have come short of God’s glory” as the Bible says. That is to say that at this stage of a Candidates life they all will have baggage, and some perhaps will have character issues that can and will offend many as a result. But, the question I want to ask as we continue in prayer for our elections is, “Has this stopped God from moving in favor in the past? Especially when he hears His people earnestly pray?”

To illustrate this, King David, who God Himself has said was “A man after His own heart,” was a  calculating, coldblooded, brutal, ruthless, heartless, premeditating murderer. Additionally, he was a covetous wife stealing adulterer (who by this time had many wives and concubines). Besides this he also was a two faced liar. Nonetheless, he has gone down in history as being one of the greatest and most celebrated leaders in all of Israel, in whose lineage our Blessed Redeemer – Jesus has come more importantly.

For this purpose we need to pay attention to the Political Platform a Candidate is standing upon as we are in prayer for our elections. That is to say we need to listen to what the Candidate is saying. Pray for discernment as you and I continue our prayer for our elections.

As you listen critically, enter into prayer for our elections. Simultaneously, enter into spiritual warfare and then intercede for our Nation by:

• Putting on the Armor of God and then engage in intercession
• Confess the sins of our Nation to God
• Ask for His mercy and grace
• Commanding the Spirit of the Age and his demonic hordes to stand down
• To allow the Angels or our Lord to go forth and to do their job
• Pleading for God to do His will in our great Nation.

Hence it is the believer that needs to stand in the gap and exercise authority as they enter into prayer for our elections, before God will move on our behalf. For this purpose God in fact has given you, the believer the authority here on this earth. To reign as Kings in life as the Bible says.

Ephesians 6:10-18 (NIV)

The Armor of God

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 

14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

From <https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+6%3A10-18&version=NIV>

Judges:

More importantly in my mind are the Judges undoubtedly! To illustrate this, whoever is elected will set the tone by their Judicial picks for at least one generation that is for the next 30+ years. To rephrase this, these Judges are crucial in setting the course of the nation. Most importantly there have been many times when the will of the people has been subverted due to the decisions of Judges.

Kermit Bridges in his article entitled “Judicial Activism and The U.S. Supreme Court” does a good job to illustrate this point.

JUDICIAL ACTIVISM AND THE U.S. SUPREME COURT

 Published: May 25, 2016

    Thought Leader: Kermit Bridges, D.Min.

 VIEW BIOGRAPHY  SCHEDULE FOR AN EVENT

One of the biggest issues in presidential elections today is often overlooked by voters. I’m referring to judicial activism, particularly in the Supreme Court and federal courts, which increasingly condone immorality and restrict religious liberty. This is significant because the president appoints all federal justices.

History of Judicial Activism

In the early 1960s justices on the Supreme Court discovered a way to subvert the will of the people and began overturning existing laws and creating new laws. No one has the power to remove them from office since they are appointed for life.

Prayer in Schools: 1962 marked the first of several cases in the 60s and 70s in which the Supreme Court banned voluntary prayer in schools (Approximately one generation later we had the first of many mass shootings in schools with Columbine incident happening in 1997 – my personal input here). 1971 marked the first of countless rulings excluding religious speech from more and more areas of life.

Public monuments, displays of the Ten Commandments, prayer at school events, or even a “moment of silence,” were now considered in violation of the First Amendment.

The First Amendment states:

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”

This was to prohibit the establishment of a certain denomination as the official state religion. The term “separation of church and state” is not even found in the Constitution.

Asking a Roman Catholic priest or a Jewish rabbi to give an opening prayer at a football game is a far cry from “establishing” Roman Catholicism or Judaism as the official religion in the country.

The First amendment was never intended by the Founders to remove the people’s right to religious speech in public places.

Abortion: In 1973, the Court’s decision in Roe v. Wade overturned laws restricting or prohibiting abortion in all fifty states. The justices concocted a “right to privacy” from the Fourteenth Amendment, which was adopted in 1868 to ensure freed slaves enjoyed the rights of all citizens. The Fourteenth Amendment had nothing to do with abortion.

Since then, more than 50 million unborn children have been killed, and an additional 1.3 million are killed each year.

As many unborn babies are killed every single day as the total number of lives lost in the terrorist attacks on 9/11.

The Danger of Judicial Activism

Today, the Supreme Court has become, in actual function, the highest governing authority in the nation. The most important laws in the land are not made by the duly elected representatives who are closest to the people and accountable to the people. But by a group of justices who have never been elected by the people (and are accountable to no one).

Politicians who are committed to abortion on demand, removing all expressions of religion from the public square, and silencing any objection to homosexuality have come to realize that achieving these objectives can be accomplished more easily through the rulings of the courts rather than by convincing the people and their representatives to approve the changes.

For instance, did you know that since 1998, 32 states have allowed their citizens to vote on the issue of same-sex marriage and in every instance the voters retained marriage as a union between a man and a woman, yet the courts have consistently overturned the will of the people in these cases.

Presidential Elections and the Supreme Court

Whenever a Supreme Court justice retires or dies, the President nominates a replacement, and that person must be confirmed by the Senate. It is absolutely essential that our presidential candidates stand for Biblical/moral values and will appoint justices who share those values and are committed to the original intent of the Constitution.

Our choice for president will decide the direction of the Supreme Court, and thus, the direction of the nation. Your vote for president determines whether the Court shifts further away from the original intent of the Constitution or whether it moves back toward religious liberty and the Judeo-Christian values on which this nation was founded.

From <https://www.sagu.edu/thoughthub/judicial-activism-supreme-court-decisions>

The Meteoric Rise of Social Media Platforms:

Another reason to enter into prayer for our elections is the meteoric rise of Social Media Platforms. Because tribalism and mob mentality without doubt, has seriously affected the the court of public opinion (for example #metoo, #blacklivesmatter).

To clarify, Social media has become a powerful force in the lexicon of people’s minds therefore thoughts and ideas can go viral very quickly as a result. On account of emotionalized thought, ideas are circulated real time across the internet. Accordingly, emotional tribal bully pulpits are formed and subsequently used to shame those of differing opinions. Consequently shutting down of others by fear. Hence making them conform.

In fact the weaponizing social media platforms includes for example the “Doxxing” of people who do not share the same way of thinking. Subsequently those who do not agree will have their personal information such as home addresses, work place, telephone numbers et.al. as a result. Primarily inviting harassment and violence to those who do not conform to a set way of thinking (For example: Democratic Texas Rep. Joaquin Castro – who tweeted a list of his constituents who gave the max amount allowable by law to the Trump Presidential Campaign, $2.8K).

Consequently, there have been times when I’ve watched people appear to be manifesting demons as they flipped out, uncontrollably screaming, screeching, yelling, and over-reacting over some news or event on social media (for example: Outrage over Trumps Victory in 2016 and the rise of the Triggered SJW’s, and the violence of Antifa). Causing me to think “Really?” as a result.

Accordingly, President Trump chooses to use his Twitter account to get his views out to his 63 million Twitter subscribers to the chagrin of many as a result. Because he earnestly believes that the established media are purposely skewing his intents and purposes in a spiteful way. Additionally he doesn’t think they are telling the full truth and accuses them of creating Fake News in the end. Moreover, to further illustrate his point, according to an article on the website “Investor.com,” the news coverage over the course of his Presidency has been negative 92% of the time, for example.

https://www.investors.com/politics/editorials/media-trump-hatred-coverage/

The meteoric rise of Social Media and its effects on Americans simultaneously has effects on Judges and the Judicial System in the end. Especially where big tech (Google, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook) appears to be silencing the voice of conservatives with accusations of racism, homophobia, misogyny, terrorism, xenophobia etc. causing many to be de-platformed to shut them up, thereby violating their “Free Speech” as a result! At the same time they appear to encourage liberal progressive narrative for  “tolerance” for the LGBT communities, abortions on demand, third wave feminism, smashing the patriarchy, etc. Undoubtedly prayer for our elections is very critical indeed.

To illustrate this, in a part of an article written by Mark A. Cohen voices his opinion about Social Media’s in “The All-Out Assault On the Rule of Law.” In this article he speaks of the Judicial System needing to get involved to chiefly control the narrative for Social Media so that “The court of public opinion does not eclipse the judicial process …”

The All-Out Assault On The Rule Of Law

Mark A. CohenContributor 

Policy

Social Media’s Impact on The Rule of Law

 Social media serves many salutary purposes and poses challenges, too. Social media has created a powerful court of public opinion that threatens to undermine the judicial process as society’s arbiter of justice. Snippets of human interaction are captured on a smart phone or other device and go viral in minutes.

This creates an instant, powerful, quickly scalable, and often biased court of public opinion. Social media is unfettered by rules of evidence that weigh credibility, materiality, and prejudicial impact.

Social media is wildly popular because it is accessible, fast, unfiltered, and largely devoid of rules—the antithesis of the deliberate-often snail like pace of the judicial process. Social media has become a people’s court, shaping public opinion by providing a snapshot rather than a montage of human interaction and lacking truth filters.

Social media also can serve as a global bullhorn for ‘leaks,’ misinformation, and propaganda. There are no easy fixes. Technologists, social scientists, media experts, legislators, and lawyers—among others– must create inter-disciplinary guardrails for social media to insure—among other things—that it does not subvert the judicial process. Social media is a new frontier in establishing appropriate boundaries for free speech as well as ensuring that the court of public opinion does not eclipse the judicial process as the arbiter of the social contract.

From <https://www.forbes.com/sites/markcohen1/2017/02/20/the-all-out-assault-on-the-rule-of-law/#1a4dd16c77af>

As I was thinking on this at length, my thoughts were “Oh my goodness, could you imagine what would have happened in David’s day if social media existed after all when he committed some of these ugly heinous crimes and sins? What would have been said in addition to the viral thread? How would this have shaped public opinion of David and his Kingdom subsequent to the revelation. Would the people of Israel have rejected David as King in the end?”

However, we do have it recorded in the Word what happened when the Israelites in mass refused God’s command in the end. Where the Israelites notwithstanding chose to bow to the court of public opinion and went against God’s will on account of unbelief on their part. Because the 10 spies effectively discouraged the people of Israel from going to war to take the land of Canaan. In contrast with the 2 spies who were trying to encourage the people follow through.

Nonetheless, as believers we are directed not to conform to the pattern of this world. That is to say, we cannot allow ourselves to cower in fear to others as a result. To put it another way we are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds as stated in Romans 12.

Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)

A Living Sacrifice

12 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

From <https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+12%3A1-2&version=NIV>

As we enter in prayer for our elections and intercede, we need to be sure to bind lying spirits, the spirits of rebellion, spirits of sexual immorality, spirits of darkness of all kinds from blinding our fellow Americans through Social Media. Consequently causing them to succumb and conform to the court of public opinion. On the account of fear and shame causing to miss God’s best for our generation as a result. Therefore we need to enter into prayer for our elections so that the people’s hearts and minds are transformed to God’s in the end.

Leading Democrats:

At this time and date 08/16/2019, the New York Times documents the following top ten candidates. <https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/us/elections/democratic-polls.html>

1. Joseph R. Biden
2. Elizabeth Warren
3. Bernie Sanders
4. Kamala Harris
5. Pete Buttiegieg
6. Corey Booker
7. Andrew Yang
8. Beto O’Rourke
9. Amy Klobuchar
10. Tulsi Gabbard

Leading Republicans:

Accordingly as of this writing Wikipedia documents two declared candidates for the Republican nomination. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_Republican_Party_presidential_primaries

• Donald Trump
• Bill Weld

In Closing:

Since we as a Church are the body of Christ we have the God given authority to rule and reign. Consequently, what we allow on earth will be allowed in heaven. Accordingly, what we bind on earth will be bound in heaven as the Master has said. Therefore, what are we allowing? Are we pleased with what we see?

Matthew 18:18-19 New International Version (NIV)

18 “Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be[a] bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be[b] loosed in heaven. 19 “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.

From <https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+18%3A18-19&version=NIV>

We are in a spiritual warfare after all. Therefore, we need to stand and fight by enter into prayer for our elections! After all it is our place, it is our time indeed. The root cause of our social ills is sin. Because of this Satan has used this shortcoming to his advantage for that reason. Furthermore Satan is the god of this world as stated in the Bible. Yet, he is not god over us on the contrary, Jesus is Lord!

Jesus died on that cross to defeat the Satan after all. He has given us, the Church, the delegated authority to rule and reign in contrast. Consequently, like He did with the Israelites He expects us as the Church to go after the enemies in similar fashion and appropriate His promises for our lives by faith. Without doubt we need to be warriors in prayer defeating the enemy in triumph. We do this as we enter into prayer for our elections. Thus I say “Rise up people of God!”

As a result, we need to intercede and stand in the gap as Moses did for our Country. The website “Allaboutprayer.org” encourages us to:

1. By establishing and maintaining a personal relationship with the Lord. Especially the Holy Spirit. We need to be sure to use all our supernatural weapons which includes praying always in tongues. For He will pray through us when we don’t know what or how to pray. He will do it most effectively.
    
2. The Word of God calls us a Holy Priesthood, a Royal Priesthood, and a Kingdom of Priests. Let’s rise up in our God given roles and do the work as a Kingdom of Priests. As Priests let’s stand in the gap before God and our sinful Nation bringing them to a place of the blood of Jesus. Let’s cry out and confess the sins of our Nation and ask for forgiveness and mercy.
    
3. Let’s follow the example of Jesus. He is the model for Intercessory Prayer.

Intercessory Prayer – Our Model Intercessor

Jesus Christ is our model for intercessory prayer. Jesus stands before God and between Him and sinful man, just as the Old Testament priests did: For there is one God, and one mediator (intercessor) between God and men, the man Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5). It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us (Romans 8:34). Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them (Hebrews 7:25). 

Jesus brings sinful man and a righteous God together at the place of the blood sacrifice for sin. No longer is the blood of animals necessary as it was in the Old Testament. We can now approach God on the basis of the blood of Jesus that was shed on the cross of Calvary for the remission of sins. Because of the blood of Jesus, we can approach God boldly without timidity (Hebrews 4:14-16). 

Jesus was an intercessor while He was here on earth. He prayed for those who were sick and possessed by demons. He prayed for His disciples. He even prayed for you and me when He interceded for all those who would believe on Him. Jesus continued His ministry of intercession after His death and resurrection when He returned to Heaven. He now serves as our intercessor in Heaven.

From <https://www.allaboutprayer.org/intercessory-prayer.htm>

Let’s serve as intercessors for our great Nation! Stand in the gap, intercede, pray always in tongues. Let’s lift the Democratic and Republican candidates up in prayer and intercession so that we might have peace in our Nation. For this is God’s will so that all might be saved.

Bind Satan in his operations, command him to desist in his maneuvers. Confess and call out the sins of our Nation. Remind Him of the finished work of the Cross, and the shed blood of  Jesus. Ask forgiveness for the sins of our Leaders and Nation. Call on God to forgive and then to rise up on our behalf, and to send His Ministering Angels forth to perform His will.

Let’s pray to God for this Election Cycle, that the person He desires for President takes office so that His Kingdom can be furthered here in our Nation and World.

Amen!

Yearly Goals

Each year I have a long-standing goal to read/listen to the Bible in a year. This is the only goal that I make at the beginning of each year that I have been able to finish consistently by years end incidentally.

There are others for example like, losing weight, eating healthy, getting active, that I don’t seem to do too well. Unfortunately, my weight fluctuates, my diet yo-yos between healthy and unhealthy, simultaneously with my activity level throughout the course of the year.

Therefore I have not attained my goal weight of 180 – 190 pounds that I set for myself subsequently all those years ago. By the way I’ve lost many, many pounds, over the course of time, but I seem to have gained them all back unfortunately!

In two decades I’ve lost a total of 789 pounds. I should be hanging from a charm bracelet.

Humorist Erma Bombeck

Bible.com

For 2018 I used the “Uncover the Word Reading Plan” created by the American Bible Society. In years past I have used other plans such as “The One Year Bible” as well.

I have downloaded on my smartphone the “YouVersion Bible App” from the Google Play Store. Coupled with the website at ww.Bible.com that I read from too.

Moreover they have all kinds of reading plans, and Bible translations that I could have chosen from. As well as a daily checklist of scriptures that are to be read each day.

After the completion of each set of scriptures there is a check box that I will be able to check off as a result of the completion of each scripture. I ask you to check it out.

There are other methods, for example, such as printing a plan from off the internet. Or, if I wanted I could purchase the One Year Bible for instance.

Sanctification and Cleansing

One day earlier this year I was reading a book by Frank Hammond. In it his wife Ida Mae approached him and asked him to read to her a portion of the Word of God each day. She sited Ephesians 5 for her reasoning:

25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her 26 to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, 27 and to present her to Himself as a glorious church, without stain or wrinkle or any such blemish, but holy and blameless …..

Ephesians 5:25-26, Berean Study Bible

Her intention was for the cleansing and sanctifying of the Word. Subsequently, it is the Word of God, when you and I put into practice that will allow us to become glorious, and sanctified.

Incidentally, my wife and I have since put this concept into practice as well. Many mornings as she doll’s herself up in front the mirror getting ready for work, I would read a portion of scriptures for the day.

Listening to the Bible

I read to her during the week days and many Saturdays after her shower and she is getting ready for work. Unfortunately because of discussions we don’t always keep up with the plan.

My wife and I get behind the plan often for two main reasons.

1. I don’t read to her on most Sundays.
2. We don’t always complete the reading requirement for the day.

Unfortunately there have been times when I have gotten a month to two months behind. Thereupon I would listen to the scriptures in the car to get caught up. On a one-way trip to or from work I can listen to four to eight days’ worth. If I listen both coming and going, I can listen to eight to sixteen days’ worth in one day.

There have been times where I have taken me a week and a half or so of work commutes to get caught up with the plan. Unfortunately for my wife there may seem to be no consistency in the topic or books when I am trying to get caught up, but she understands.

Goal to Read/Listen to the Bible in a Year In Conclusion

Setting New Years resolutions is something that millions of people do. I will be setting the goal to read/listen to the Bible in a year. I will be reading to my lovely wife again this year.

My wife and I love the Word of God. Oh, how it blesses us, and we take comfort in it! By faith we receive the cleansing and sanctification that comes by the washing with water through the Word. It will also allow us to be aware of Satanic perversions.

We encourage you to do the same if you are married, and are capable.

Introduction:

Freedom from Slavery

When Adam and Eve caved to Satan’s deception, that action cast the whole human race into slavery to sin, the embodiment of the curse and suffering.

The spirit of fear entered the heart of man. Where Satan could reign through sin in his diabolical desired actions to kill, steal, and destroy.

Thank God for the Cross of Jesus Christ:

• His purpose – for freedom He set us free
• He set us free from the slavery of sin. Slavery from the baser spiritual elements of the world
• He came to give us life, and that more abundantly
• Not only that, but He sent us the mighty Holy Spirit to help and assist

Galatians

Paul was sent as a Apostle to preach to the gentiles to spread the good news of the gospel of grace. In his first Missionary Journey he passed through the area of Galatia.

Here is a little write up that I found on the web, that I modified a bit to add a little bit of clarity to my way of thinking:

https://www.thebiblejourney.org/biblejourney1/13-pauls-letters-to-galatia-thessalonica/pauls-letter-to-galatia/

The book of Galatians, the ninth book in the New Testament, is the first letter written by Paul that is still preserved to this day.

This letter was written to a group of Churches. Galatia was not a city or town, like Boston or Fitchburg are.

It was the North Central Region of Asia Minor (now within the country of Turkey), like Central Massachusetts which has many towns within it. The towns within Galatia included Antioch, Iconium, Lystra and Derbe.

Paul visited the region of Galatia between the years of 47 and 48 AD. During his first missionary journey.

One train of thought is it was probably written in Antioch in Syria in 50AD shortly after Paul had attended the Council of Jerusalem in 49/50AD. Here, Paul had asked the leaders of the church to decide not to require non-Jewish believers to adhere to the Mosaic Law which includes circumcision, a topic of concern that features prominently in the Letter to the Galatians (see Acts 15:1-22).

The letter was written prior to Paul revisiting these churches during his second missionary journey of 50 – 52AD.

The Good News

Paul when he entered in the region of Galatia began to preach the gospel message of grace.

In his ministry miracles, signs, and wonders followed as the Holy Spirit backed up his message. There was an excitement and awe that exuded from the people, as they walked in the Spirit.

The people had earnestly sought the leading of the Holy Spirit and endeavored to follow Him. He showed up big time.

They experienced the fullness of the Abrahamic blessing because of their faith and belief in the promises, because of the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross and His resurrection.

As part of his message Paul taught:

• That Christ died for our sins to rescue us from this present evil age according to the will of God our Father. Because of this we can walk in grace, God’s kindness and favor, and peace.
• We have freedom in Christ from Satan, and his delegated authorities. We are no longer slaves to sin.
• Because we believe by faith the completed work on the cross, we are justified and sanctified.
• Because we have been crucified in Christ, we no longer live, but Christ lives in us. The life we live in the body, we live by faith in the Son of God, who loved us, and gave himself for us.
• Just as Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness, so it is with us. In him, Abraham, and in us all the nations are blessed!
• All the nations will be blessed through us. So those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham the man of faith.
• Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.” He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.
• What was promised in God’s word is given to us who believe through faith in Jesus Christ.
• We are justified by faith!
• In Christ Jesus we are all children of God through faith, for all of us who were baptized into Christ have clothed ourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for we are all one in Christ Jesus. Because we are Abrahams seed we are all heirs according to the promise.
• It is for freedom that Christ has set us free!

When Paul Departed There Was A Vacuum In Leadership

In time Paul moved on from Galatia to continue to preach the good news of God’s grace and peace. When he left “another gospel” was soon presented to those in Galatia.

Remember in the Garden of Eden, when Satan came and spoke part of the truth, but twisted God’s words? So, others came and spoke part of the truth and twisted the words of God’s grace and peace that was intended for the believers.

The Gospel of grace was being perverted by those who came and spied the freedom that those in the province of Galatia were experiencing.

The Judaizers came in and taught that faith in Christ and the finished work was not enough. That the Mosaic Law had to be followed, and circumcision was a necessary requirement.

Again, I refer to https://www.thebiblejourney.org/the-bible-journey/13-pauls-letters-to-galatia-thessalonica/paul-explains-his-personal-background/ for some input:

The Argument over Circumcision

The Council of Jerusalem met in 49/50AD to decide the church’s attitude towards the Mosaic Law and circumcision. It was taken for granted that Jewish believers in Jesus Christ would be circumcised in accordance with the Jewish law (see Genesis 17:1-14). But there was disagreement over whether Gentile believers ought to be circumcised.

Many of the Jewish Christians believed that Gentile believers should be circumcised as converts to Judaism (as Christianity was still regarded as a Jewish sect), but Paul believed passionately that they should not be required to be circumcised.

Paul – a Greek-speaking Jew from cosmopolitan Tarsus – knew that the Greeks (who were Gentiles) prized athleticism and bodily perfection and regarded circumcision (or any mutilation of the flesh) as abhorrent.

The Jewish Christian leaders discussed the issue, and James – the leader of the Jerusalem church – issued a statement saying that Gentile believers would not have to be circumcised. Other more conservative Jewish believers were still not convinced.

The Gentile believers welcomed this decision, but shortly after James’s decision had been received, Peter visited Antioch and appeared to change his mind on the issue (see Galatians 2.11-12). He refused to eat with the Gentile believers in Antioch for fear of offending the Jewish Christians who still held the view that Gentile believers should be circumcised.

They believed that the Gentile believers would be ritually ‘unclean’ if they weren’t circumcised and would make the Jewish believers unclean by eating with them (see Acts 10:28, where Peter had reluctantly faced this issue before).

Even Barnabas had been swept along by this view, and, to Paul’s amazement and disgust, had refused to eat with the Gentile believers (see Galatians 2.13). This disagreement and not doubt fueled an argument between Paul and Barnabas and no doubt contributed to their splitting up before Paul’s second missionary journey later that year (see Acts 15:39-40).

Paul rebuked Peter and the others in public – opposing their actions and condemning their decision not to eat with the Gentile believers.

Believers beware! The same perversion of the good news that Paul combats in this letter keeps appearing in various forms over the millennia in the Church.

Legalism, which teaches that justification or sanctification depends on a person’s own efforts, thus denying the sufficiency of the cross, is the most persistent enemy of the gospel message of grace that we will face. Legalism keeps rearing its ugly head!

Circumcision and other requirements of the Mosaic Law may no longer be issues pertaining to salvation today, but oftentimes believers begin to think that the observance of certain rules, regulations or religious rites are necessary in parallel with faith in Christ as the condition of Christian maturity.

By doing this, observing rules, regulations, or other religious rites we are denying that our salvation is by grace and the finished work of the Cross alone.

We can also get into trouble thinking that we must struggle with our flesh and its shortcomings alone. Paul highlights the following in Galatians 5:19-21a

• Sexual immorality
• Impurity
• Debauchery
• Idolatry
• Witchcraft
• Hatred
• Discord
• Jealousy
• Fits of rage
• Selfish ambition
• Dissentions
• Factions
• Envy
• Drunkenness
• Orgies
• And the like.

These are veritable shortcomings for sure. But it becomes insidious when we think that we have to struggle on our own to before we are worthy of salvation. Struggling with these sins can become a regulation that inhibits our walk of faith. Causing us to become slaves again to fear and bondage.

How Are We As Believers to Respond and Live?

We need to rest on the finished work of Christs crucifixion. We need to study who we are, what we have, and what we can do in Christ Jesus! Our God is bigger than our circumstances and struggles! Or, any scheme of man and Satan.

Because of the crucifixion, Jesus has poured upon His Church the Blessed Holy Spirit who works on our behalf, as we believe by faith in God’s goodness, and our place in Him! He is our helper. We need to learn to rely on Him!

We are to walk by the Spirit and rely on Him and the written Word of God. We are to sow to please the Spirit, from the Spirit we will reap eternal life.

Galatians 5:13-26  (NIV)
Life by the Spirit

¹³ You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh^[a]; rather, serve one another humbly in love. ¹⁴ For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”^{[b] 15} If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.

¹⁶ So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. ¹⁷ For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever^[c] you want. ¹⁸ But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

¹⁹ The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; ²⁰ idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions ²¹ and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. ²⁴ Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. ²⁵ Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. ²⁶ Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

We are to walk and live in the promised Spirit. He will continue to manifest himself in power as we walk in faith in Jesus.

We are to walk in the fruit of the Spirit:

• Love
• Joy
• Peace
• Patience
• Kindness
• Goodness
• Faithfulness
• Gentleness
• Self-control
• We are to walk in the Spirit, and keep step with Him

Paul graphically describes the fierce conflict between the flesh, our lower nature prone to sin, and the indwelling Spirit.

Only the Holy Spirit, when we submit to His control and actively walk with Him, can enable us to die to the flesh, deliver us from the tyranny of the law and cause the fruit of holiness to grow in our lives.

Apart from the controlling, sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, liberty is certain to degenerate into license.

A Final Thought

As long as we remain on this earth there will be a continual struggle. How can we stay free from slavery to the flesh and or to the bondage’s of Satan? How can we battle and stand our ground against the deceptions of Satan or those of man? By knowing the Word of God, and relying on the Holy Spirit.

What does the good news of the gospel say about you, in Him? Who does the gospel of good news say you are in Him? What does the gospel of good news say you have in Him? What does the gospel of good news say you can do in Him?

Kenneth Hagin taught that Jesus continually confessed who He was, what He was, and what His mission was in life. Brother Hagin suggested we should do the same. He suggested the following study.

• Study the Pauline Epistles
• Underline all the in Him, through Him, by Him scriptures that tell who you are, what you are, what you have, and your mission in life.
• Remember, you are what the Bible says you are, you have what the Bible says you can have, you can do what the Bible says you can do.
• Then be a doer of the word by first starting out by:
  • Meditating on these scriptures. Asking the Holy Spirit to bring them to life. Imagine that you are what the Bible says you are. Use the workshop of your imagination. See yourself having what the Bible says you can have. See yourself doing what the Bible says you can do.
  • Confessing them, over and over. Ruminate over them. Slowly rolling the scriptures over in your mind. Mumbling the scriptures throughout your day. Speaking out loud that you are who the Bible says you are. You have what the Bible says you can have. You can do what the Bible says you can do.
• Call upon the name of the Lord and rely on the Holy Spirit for assistance.

I would also suggest spending a lot of time in the Spirit. Praying with all prayers. But especially praying and building up your most holy faith by praying in the Holy Ghost (praying in other tongues).

He will pray through you groanings and sighs in inarticulate speech. Seek to be continually filled with the Spirit.

Sow to please the Spirit, from the Spirit you will reap eternal life!

By doing these things you will be able to stand your ground. You can exercise your God given authority by declaring the Word (it is written) and resisting Satan and he will flee.

By knowing what the Bible says you are, that you have what the Bible says you can have, and that you can do whatever the Bible says you can do, sowing to the Spirit and relying on Him, you can stand your ground and be firm against perverted doctrines, and Satanic schemes.

1.) The Bible Journey n.d., Paul’s Letter to Galatia, Viewed Oct. 2018, <https://www.thebiblejourney.org/biblejourney1/13-pauls-letters-to-galatia-thessalonica/pauls-letter-to-galatia/>

2.) The Bible Journey n.d., Paul Explains His Personal Background, Viewed Oct. 2018, <https://www.thebiblejourney.org/the-bible-journey/13-pauls-letters-to-galatia-thessalonica/paul-explains-his-personal-background/>

3.) All scriptures taken from the New International Version translation.

4.) Jack Hayford – New Spirit Life Bible, NIV (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, A Division of HaperCollins Christian Publishing Inc., 2014), pgs 1536-1537

5.) Kenneth E. Hagin – In Him (Tulsa: Rhema Bible Church AKA Kenneth Hagin Ministries, 1975)

6.) Photo by Samuel McGarrigle on Unsplash

A mob of thousands of Muslims had converged in a town square in Pakistan shouting “Death to the Christians! Burn their houses down! Death to the Christians.” The mob were being whipped up into a murderous frenzy by their leaders.

The mob’s hostile intent forced a small band of Christians to scuttle up a roof top to escape harm. The small group included a Pastor, his wife and children, along with other believers.

In desperation the Pakistani Pastor who had previous contact with Pastor Cymbala called the Brooklyn Tabernacle located in New York City. The recipient of the call heard the fear in the Pakistani Pastor’s voice. He also heard the crowd bellowing their murderous intent over the phone.

It being Sunday morning, Pastor Cymbala’s Church had just started the praise and worship service. Pastor Cymbala interrupted the service and conveyed the dire situation with his congregation.

A loud cry of earnest prayer went up to heaven from the mouths of those present at the Brooklyn Tabernacle. Up to 3,300 people interceded for the Christian lives that were roughly 7,000 miles away (or roughly a 17-hour plane flight away).

Their prayers and intercessions reached a crescendo as it rose forcefully to the heavens.  Amazingly rain clouds appeared in the sky out of nowhere over the town square. It got dark almost in an instant. Rain burst into a torrential downpour which dispersed the crowd. Because of intercessory prayer from a body of Christians that were roughly 7,000 miles / 17 hours away, the Pakistani Christians were delivered from harm.

From this story we can vividly see the concepts that Dr. Leaf is trying to convey in Chapter 7 entitled “Thinking, God, and the Quantum Physics Brain.” Quantum Physics tells us how electromagnetic waves (energy) and subatomic particles work, and how they affect our world today. Our thoughts are also oscillating energy waves that can be seen with various brain imaging techniques.

Surprisingly, it has been observed that thoughts driven by the power of feelings are not only the designers of the landscape of the brain but can have a tremendous impact on the world around us. By focused intentional thoughts we can change the course of history and more excitingly work in unison with God.

As demonstrated by Pastor Cymbala’s story, our thoughts and prayers are seemingly faster than the speed of light. It has been observed that these subatomic particles can appear anywhere at any time without having to go along a certain path from one end of the spectrum to the other, making space-time requirements of no effect. They just appear in an instant like the torrential downpour roughly 7,000 miles / 17 hours away that dispersed the murderous crowd because of earnest intercessory prayer.

The consequences of intentional thoughts have a tremendous impact in our lives. Another way Dr. Leaf refers to this “the observer affect.” Where people by just observing, influence subatomic particles and electromagnetic waveforms, thereby impacting the outcome of events.

Dr. Leaf states that we have an impact on our own DNA. But that’s not all, through deep seated intentional thought for only 30 seconds daily, we can affect how the double-helix DNA strands coils and uncoils in the lives of others. This can have a far-reaching effect on the next three to four generations. Watch what you think!

We see in the Bible where Moses challenges Israel to choose life so that they and their children might live.

Deuteronomy 30:19

Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!

Paying attention, thinking and choosing, and the resulting consequences is one of the most precious and powerful gifts given to mankind by God. We should treat this with reverent respect.

Quantum Physics as a science is exciting. Through it we can see that humans have a direct influence on the outcome of events. Because energy flows where attention goes.

As a community what are we allowing our collective thoughts to create? Thoughts of the curse? Or thoughts of life and the blessing so that our children might live?

Remember Moses challenge, to choose life. For me Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. Let’s live as His disciples in earnest.

1. Pastor Jim Cymbala – Spirit Rising: Tapping Into the Power of the Holy Spirit (Zondervan: Harper Collins Publishing, 2012) pgs 30-31
   
2. Dr. Caroline Leaf – Switch On Your Brain: The Key To Peak Happiness, Thinking, and Health (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2013), pgs 103-122
   
3. Image courtesy of Bluebay at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
   

Recently we were back in the Pacific Northwest for vacation. My wife upset some of the family we were visiting with when we were touring an area near Pike Place Market in Seattle, Washington. She had spoken kind words to a couple of youthful beggars and had given $20 out of compassion. I was called over and heard their expressed displeasure because of it.

I knew my wife was going to give. She has a sensitive heart to the financial struggles and suffering of others. When we were younger we struggled to make it with five children under the age of 10. She remembered well when money was  given to us, it was a great relief.

I had been gainfully employed. I moved up the ranks fast becoming a Foreman at LoneStar Sanvelle in quick succession after getting out of the Army in 1985. Then, it went out of business. Because of it going out of business the Unemployment Office encouraged me to take the opportunity to take some courses at Mount Wachusett Community College. During this time, I was able to collect from the State to subsist on.

The money we were able to collect barely met our basic needs. We were grateful, but oh my it was tough to raise the family on. We began to pray fervently and stand on the word of God for our needs to be met.

The State Unemployment Benefits eventually ran out. We then began to collect welfare. Some of our close friends began to treat us differently. We were also being harassed constantly by bill collectors. The stigma of it was very oppressive and humiliating. Financially, this was the bleakest time frame of our lives.

God heard our prayers and guided us through those trying times. Shortly after my unemployment the Lord put it on a couple’s heart from our Church to take us under their wings. They helped consistently with the groceries for a good portion of the 16 months I was unemployed. When the attitudes of others turned sour toward us, theirs never did.

We worshiped together at Church. They fell in love with my family. Especially the children. They would occasionally hand out money to them and the other children in the Church on Sunday’s in a very demonstrative excited way who reciprocated in kind with squeals of joy.

After a long 16 months I was again gainfully employed. Unfortunately, the wife of this special couple passed away. Shortly thereafter the husband decided to move to Melbourne, Florida. Amazingly while there he purposed to save all the change over the three-year period to give to our children as a gift when he returned. Each time he put money in the container he said, “got to save this for the babies.”

When he moved back to Massachusetts he gleefully wrapped himself in my children’s joy as he watched them in their excitement grab handfuls of change from the large container with their chubby little fingers (roughly $400 – $500 worth total). The elation ran high for my children, like it was Christmas morning.

As we walked the streets of Portland and Seattle, my wife was moved by the perceived plight of those who were on the streets. We all make choices in life based on our circumstances, not all are right or wrong that contribute to our struggles.

There are many that will never darken the doorway of a Church. There are many who will never know that He answers prayer, and of His deep love for them.

To this day, I am grateful to the Lord for His provision. How, He knit this couple’s hearts with ours. Whose love and encouragement helped us to rise above the stigma of being unemployed and collecting from welfare, all the while assisting us emotionally and financially.

They demonstrated God’s love not only by word, but also by deed. I still struggle at times with the efficacy of giving to people asking for handouts. But, I know when my wife gave $20, saying “Jesus loves you,” she too wanted to demonstrate God’s love not only by word but also by deed.

In restarting the blog, a thought that has come across my mind is, if I write about my point of view, that God is a good God! That He loves us and cares for us. That ideally what is written in the Bible is how we should attempt to live. That we are to be not only hearers of the gospel, but also doers of what is written, I could have an effect on people for the better.

It’s been over a year since I’ve written a blog post. There for a bit I had tried to do some video editing for the Church I attend. It went OK for a while. But, I put so much time in a couple minute spot each week, that I found myself getting only a couple hours of sleep a night, which affected my health.

Since the time I stopped, the thought has come back to me off and on to restart the blog. My wife tried to discourage me initially because of the time constraints that she felt I still had. But, the recurring thought just wouldn’t go away. I considered my wife’s concern, and we discussed it. We’ve decided that the blog is something that I should restart.

Part of the reason for this persistent thought is my son’s influence. He had challenged me to focus more on current events. I, for many years have ignored the main stream media because of my personal feeling of its left leaning, progressive liberal bias. They state that we need to exercise tolerance for their thoughts and agenda. However, tolerance is a virtue that they could very well exercise and use themselves. Especially when people express a opposite point of view from theirs.

As I pondered restarting the blog, I had read that there are many bloggers that have limited to no subscribers. At the time I stopped the blog, I too had limited to no subscribers. So, why type something in which no one is going to read? I remember setting a goal for 50 subscribers when I started the blog. When I stopped, I was nowhere near that number.  But, I was surprised to learn that over the past year the blog has attracted in its static state additional subscribers and now exceeds that number by 48%.

Correction from a Loyal Friend Can Help Us Change Forever

A challenge I will face is coming up with content, and being consistent. It has been brought to my attention that I am a good starter, but not always a good finisher. I’ve heard it said of me “what’s the matter with this guy? He starts but doesn’t follow through and finish!”

Our Daily Bread Devotional, dated February 18, 2008, states that being struck and rebuked by a righteous person is a kindness (link to the web page below). It is in our nature not to want our faults pointed out. At least I know for my sake I do not. But, when it comes from a loving friend in the right spirit it is a great kindness as stated in Psalm 141.

Psalm 141:5 (NIV) 

Let a righteous man strike me—that is a kindness;

Let him rebuke me—that is oil on my head.

The word spoken by my friend about my inconsistency was spoken in love. No harm or malice was meant by it. It was a faithful word of correction for me similar to what Solomon states in Proverbs 27.

Proverbs 27:6 (NKJV)

 Faithful are the wounds of a friend

Some of the concepts I express in the future may come across as radically different from a readers point of view, or maybe as a word of correction. If it does, know that I mean to say it in kindness. I mean to write the blogs as faithfully in line with the scriptures as I know how.  As we strive to enter into God’s rest, there are times when we need the washing of the word to highlight areas where we have become stained by the spirit of the age, and need to have our minds and ways cleansed.

In restarting the blog, I want to express in the end that God is a good God! Who loves and cares for us! Let’s not only be hearers of God’s word, but also doers of the word! Steering free from the spirit of the age, repenting and knowing that the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. It is my hope that this blog will affect others for the better.

https://odb.org/2008/02/11/the-wounds-of-a-friend/

In today’s fast paced environment, it seems that our brains are switching between topics with increased rapidity. We are in danger of producing the equivalent of a neurochemical milkshake by switching between thoughts and tasks on a prolonged repeated basis.

Milkshake-Multitasking

Dr. Leaf likens milkshake-multitasking as a plague. We either think from topic to topic coming to shallow conclusions. Or, we attempt to do many things at once, enjoying the illusion of accomplishing much.

I learned surprisingly that this way of operating could lead to the diagnosis of Attention Deficit Disorder, ADD, and Attention Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder, ADHD from Doctors. Ritalin a prescription drug for ADD and ADHD, saw a 66% increase in prescriptions in 2013 to 2.4 billion doses worldwide. Of which the United States of America is responsible for 80%, per Wikipedia.

Social Media

The onset of social media is not helping. Especially with the concept of keeping content small, like the 140-character tweet for twitter, and streaming information regularly. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and other forms of Social Media has been found to be just as addictive as drugs, alcohol, and chemical substance abuse.

A large number of friends on any given social media site may be impressive, but it’s been my experience that the more friends I have, the more information gets onto my wall. I end up flitting from post to post for much too long, feeling unproductive at the end. But yet, I go back to it and do it all again a little bit latter.

Determined Thought

What does determined thought look like in comparison to milkshake- multitasking? Proverbs 4 will help shed some light:

Dear friend, listen well to my words; tune your ears to my voice. Keep my message in plain view at all times. Concentrate! Learn it by heart! Those who discover these words live, really live; body and soul, they’re bursting with health. Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that’s where life starts.

From last week’s blog I stated that we were to capture our thoughts, and make them obedient to Christ. This is where our soul harmony will be found. This way of thinking can serve as an umpire which directs the thoughts as shown in Colossians 3:15.

¹⁵ Let the peace of Christ [the inner calm of one who walks daily with Him] be the controlling factor in your hearts [deciding and settling questions that arise]. To this peace indeed you were called as members in one body [of believers]. And be thankful [to God always].

It would behoove us to become aware of our thoughts and take the time to reflect upon them, and compare the thoughts to what is directed in scripture. Dr. Leaf noted in her studies that those who determinedly focused on the issues at hand experienced the greatest changes.

Conclusion

Listen to God’s word and be vigilant by concentrating on them as they are bursting with life. Let the peace of Christ become the controlling factor, by purposely slowing down your thoughts, thinking deeply with intention to avoid neurochemical milkshakes.

Switch On Your Brain: The Key To Peak Happiness, Thinking, and Health, (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2013), pgs 92-102

Default Mode Network

Our brain is wonderfully made. There are many systems and networks interconnected within the brain that work harmoniously with one another.

One of the main networks is called the default mode network. It is very important to the brains inner life. It becomes especially active when we enter into a directed rest. The more restful our thoughts become, the more heightened the activity occurs in the default mode network and our subconscious mind.

Switch Off to Switch On

In Robert Ludlum’s 1990 book “The Bourne Ultimatum,” the main character of the story stated:

‘Rest is a weapon,’ said Jason, repeating a phrase he had come to believe was a vital truth, vital for survival.”

There is much truth to that. There is an enemy of our soul out there that would like nothing better than to have us inundated with trivial things. Thoughts that tear down, rather than build up. Thoughts designed to trigger our addictions and to keep us enslaved.

The Lord encourages us in Psalm 46:10

Be still, and know that I am God”

When we purposely enter into a directed rest, becoming still, we come into phase with our deeper spiritual selves. The Lord encouraged Peter to pray so that he would not enter into temptation because his spirit was willing but his body was weak.

By switching off the constant chatter in our brains, we can choose to direct our thinking on what the Lord has said. Becoming more aware of His presence in our lives. Switching off the negative chatter to switch on the higher channels of the default mode network allows us to come into phase with our deeper spiritual selves.

The Sabbath in the Brain

We need to regularly slow down the thoughts that are contrary to the Word. To think deeply and become introspective of His ways. We need to slow down to understand what our spirits already know so that we can effectively follow the Holy Spirit.

Our minds can get into a chaotic pattern of thinking. With endless loops of negative thoughts that cause a whole host of negative emotions and feelings.

The best thing to do during these times is to purposely direct what you are going to think on. Choose to give your mind rest. Let your brain have a Sabbath.

Position yourself to comprehend what your spirit man already knows.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
Proverbs 3:5-6

Make a lifestyle change, where at set times each day you purposely choose to enter into directed rest, and think the way the Lord would have you think. By thinking deeply on His ways, professing His word and His promises, you will give your brain a much needed Sabbath rest.

Switch On Your Brain: The Key To Peak Happiness, Thinking, and Health, (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2013), pgs 77 – 91

We all have the capability of capturing our thoughts and bringing them into obedience of Christ as called out in 2 Cor. 10:5. This is easier said than done at times.

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

Dr. Leaf mentions a prion protein in the brain that operates a bit like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. A reference to Robert Louis Stevenson’s book entitled “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.” The story speaks to the fact that inside every good person, there is an evil side.

This prion protein does well when it’s unfolded and operates positively. But, when negative thoughts flow unrestrained it folds over itself. When this happens it plays a crucial role in neurodegenerative diseases which leads to dreadful syndromes.

Pros of the Prion Protein:

1. It abounds in synapses – the contact point where signals are passed from one nerve cell to the next.
2. They are important to neuroplasticity – the ability for the brain to rewire itself and adapt, to change its landscape.
3. They are key for neurogenesis – the growth and development of new nerve tissues.

If we think the right thoughts in line with the word of God, they will respond in a positive nature. But, they will fold over and go crazy in response to thoughts that are polar opposites and negative in nature.

The Seven Deadly Sins

I am reminded of the seven deadly sins as taught by the Catholic faith:

1. Foolish pride or dangerous over confidence – “it is through pride that the devil became the devil: Pride leads to every other vice: It is the complete anti-God state of mind.” CS Lewis
2. Greed – an inordinate desire to acquire wealth, status, or power. Becoming ruthless in its intent.
3. Lust – a psychological force producing intense wanting and cravings. Lust can take any form, lust for sex, lust for drugs, lust of alcohol, lust for expensive objects, and lust for power to name a few.
4. Malicious Envy – a potent cause for unhappiness because of another person’s good fortunes and wanting harm to be inflicted on them instead.
5. Gluttony – overindulgence and over consumption of food and drink, to the point of extravagance and waste.
6. Inordinate Anger – intense emotional response that turns fierce, uncaring, and cruel.
7. Sloth – becoming indifferent to one’s duties and obligations. It is a state of mind that gives rise to boredom, apathy, idleness and inactivity towards those areas that are important.

Definitions from Wikipedia

Many have experienced the powerful emotions of these deadly sins. When we think irrationally allowing negative emotions to flare, the prion proteins fold over. Then the wrong signals will be sent out through your brain and body. Setting in motion a whole host of events that are contrary to what you hope for.

Are You Prone to Addictions?

You really need to be on guard if you are prone to addictions. Addictions have a multiplying effect that can cause your life to turn from bad to worse in the blink of an eye.

The best thing to do is nip a rogue thought in the bud at the beginning, before it has a chance to take root. For when it takes root, negative signals will be sent out triggering intense wants and cravings for the addictions that so easily entraps you.

These signals and thoughts will take on a life of their own, gaining predominance. Before you know it, you’ve slipped down the slippery bank of mud and filth into a river of despair.

You will find yourself a slave to its malicious ways. Destroying relationships, creating destructive circumstances, and intense emotional turmoil for not only yourself, but those around you.

Capture Your Thoughts

It’s in your best interest to keep the prion proteins from folding over. To have them behave in the perfection they were created. You want the synapses to fire from nerve cell to nerve cell with positive signals that will aid in the brains neuroplasticity, and neurogenesis.

As you think deeply, capture your rogue thoughts and hold them captive. Do this as soon as they appear. Then demolish them and make every thought obedient to Christ.

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

2 Corinthians 10:5

Switch On Your Brain: The Key To Peak Happiness, Thinking, and Health, (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2013), pgs 71-77

Little League Fundamentals

I used to coach boys and girls little league baseball and softball. To take those little tykes and teach them the fundamentals of the game and to make it fun was enjoyable for me.  Their shortened attention spans, but eagerness to please was always evident.

One of the key fundamentals I always stressed was catching the ball. If we were going to have any success and a good time on the ball field, then we as a team needed to be able to do this.

There were days though when my teams looked like the “Bad News Bears” out there with uncoordinated limbs flailing in every direction and couldn’t catch the ball, even if my life or theirs depended on it. After those times all we could do was wait for another day of practice to better hone our techniques and muscle memory with added repetitions.

I took to coaching the tykes with a disciplined approach. Instructing them with care and repetition over and over. So that during the stresses of the game they would be able to do their best and react (hopefully with satisfactory results) without having to think about what they needed to do.

Catching Our Thoughts, A Key Fundamental

As in baseball and softball, being able to catch your thoughts is a key fundamental. Especially if you want to have success, a good time, and to enjoy this life.

It is my firm belief that the Lord loves you and wants you to have success in this life. He desires for you and I to have peace and joy.

The only way to do this is by catching your thoughts, especially the rogue ones, that turn negative, worrisome, anxious, nasty, and ill-willed. If you don’t there may be unsavory consequences along the way.

I know that I’ve had times when my thoughts went rogue tearing through synapses of my brain like a two-ton elephant rampaging through the brush leaving swaths of visible damage along the way. Trying to reign those thoughts in and to capture them seemed pert near impossible at times.

Freeing Yourself from Burdens

The primary way to catch your thoughts is to focus on what God’s word says. It’s important to become mindful, and to capture rogue thoughts and to make them obedient to Christ.

1^st Cor. 10:5

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (NIV).

How you do this is by meditating and practicing Prov. 4:20-22

Give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart; for they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh.”

By disciplining yourself in your thought life, you are directing your attention to stop the negative-hurtful way of thinking.

Science Shows the Benefits of Catching Your Thoughts

The exciting study that Dr. Leaf has shared is that when you make a conscious decision to think the right thoughts in line with God’s word you change physical matter – your brain and body changes in a healthy way. It is through these thoughts that positive neural networks are wired up so that you can catch negative thoughts.

Purposely catching your thoughts can control the brains sensory processing, the brain’s wiring, the neurotransmitters, the genetic expression, and cellular activity which can lead to positive consequences. Not catching those thoughts and stopping them leads to negative, toxic thoughts being wired into the brain which can lead to negative consequences.

Discipline your thoughts by taking the time to repetitiously meditate and think on what God’s word has to say. When the stresses of life come your way, and they will, you will hopefully react in faith. Being successful and enjoying life in every area, catching any and all negative thoughts that may arise.

I leave you with a thought to chew on: We Are the Perfection of God in Christ.

Because we are made in God’s image (Gen. 1:26) and have “the mind of Christ” (1 Cor. 2:16), our normal state is perfection. Dr. Leaf

Switch On Your Brain: The Key To Peak Happiness, Thinking, and Health, (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2013), pgs 71-77