Archive for December, 2011

Spiritual Growth #50

Saturday, December 17th, 2011

We all come under spiritual attack; sometimes when we lest expect it. These attacks come in several different ways. They can be very subtle, we don’t always recognize it as an attack right away. The attack can be in our physical body, our mind, emotions or our spirit.

The Lord has given us everything we need to protect ourselves in these attacks. Our faith must be stirred up and actively applied in each attack. We are to set our mind on the things above not the things below; meaning we are to think positive and not negative. We must remember that old things are passed away and all things are new!  We are a new creation; our sin issues have been taken to the cross, no condemnation now.

Many times the attack will come in the form of thoughts tormenting your mind over and over again like a broken record. Go into prayer; pray in the spirit with all your mind and heart. Use the gift of tongues; that gift is to edify you, it will if you use it.

Another way to defeat the enemy; just praise God for everything you can think of including your problems. Do it with all your heart and spirit. Lift up your voice in song, praising God. And as you do something wonderful happens, the victory becomes yours, your mind, emotions and spirit are lifted up. You are brought right into the Kingdom of God within you and your peace and joy are restored and the Holy Spirit  fills you.

You already have everything you need to do this, the rest is up to you!

Spiritual Growth #49

Monday, December 5th, 2011

When I was a kid I was taught what folks called “The Magic Words”. It truly was amazing how these magic words affected people; and they did affect people. I am sure most of you know the magic words “Thank you”. It seems when we take things for  granted we do not use the magic words very often; other times when we are overflowing with gratitude we use them often.

Another thing I have noticed. The magic words have an affect on God. Of course when we use the magic words, hopefully there is some measure of gratitude in our hearts. You may ask the question; “What does this have to do with spiritual growth?”

I must confess there are times when it is difficult to speak the magic words. When I am the center of the world I love to have other people thank me, and it is difficult for me to thank others. I now realize that humility and the magic words go hand in hand.

One of the things we need to be on guard for in our spiritual growth is spiritual pride.

It is the opposite of humility and our “thank you” loses it’s magic.

At the beginning of our spiritual journey, when we first meet Jesus and the Holy Spirit, the magic words come very easy. As we become more spiritual, it is easy to become more demanding and less thankful.

Listen to me people! You will receive a lot more from God by being humble and thankful than you ever will by being prideful and demanding.