Wednesday, February 25, 2009
TRANSFORMING YOUR WORLD
It seems everyone is talking about the deep recession our nation and much of the world is experiencing. The concerns are justified. These are very difficult times. For so many this recession is a personal depression. All the network and cable news talent have opinions the argue to be the reason for the present crisis. Is this just the cycle of life? Is it bad business management, greed? Well certainly these are all contributing factors. But perhaps Jesus spoke to this very issue in Matthew 6:19-21 and 24. Here Jesus warns His hearers not to store-up treasures on earth which quickly depreciate, can be stolen and have no spiritual significance. Rather, "store up your treasures in Heaven..... For where your treasure is, there Will be your heart also." While America has been turning her national face away from the Lord in a number of ways and teaching her children there is no creation, America's love affair with things and immorality has seen a dramatic increase. When we operate with our own wisdom, logic and intellect we must examine the fruit of our work. The fruit of this trend has lead us into the crisis we are now facing. But when we live by the principles of God, what is the fruit? Sustained prosperity, protection and favor of God. Even when churches refuse to hear the voice of God because they refuse to operate by God's principles, they cannot produce fruit that glorifies God. When the fruit tree bears no fruit it is cut down. God does not desire to cut America and other nations down but if we listen closely we may hear Him ask, can you hear me now? The earth and the church is the Lord's which were to be governed by humans, called of God to govern by His Word. When this is rejected and those who sought to lead by His Kingdom principles are likewise rejected then no good fruit can grow. America, wake up! This is more than a Wall Street problem. Its a problem of exchanging the love and principles of God for man's foolishness peddled as wisdom. Repentance is a word many in and out of the church refuse to consider however, there is no sustainable peace unless one repents. When the nations repent and when the church truly receives her King peace and prosperity follow.
Monday, February 16, 2009
TRANSFORMING YOUR WORLD
Greetings Saints,
Imagine, statistics tell us that a woman is abused in the U.S. every nine seconds. Incredible and horrifying. Domestic violence where men are the perpetrators is certainly not the only form of abuse but is the most common. Men who have no sense of what manhood really is will seek to dominate, control, rape, verbally, emotionally and physically abuse. They may believe they have a right to abuse, they may have anger management issues, they may have been victims of abuse early in life or have other reasons for the abuse. NONE of the reasons are acceptable. A man who is emotionally weak finds a false sense of manhood by the way he dominates someone else. What are some tools used to dominate and control? Here are a few:
Imagine, statistics tell us that a woman is abused in the U.S. every nine seconds. Incredible and horrifying. Domestic violence where men are the perpetrators is certainly not the only form of abuse but is the most common. Men who have no sense of what manhood really is will seek to dominate, control, rape, verbally, emotionally and physically abuse. They may believe they have a right to abuse, they may have anger management issues, they may have been victims of abuse early in life or have other reasons for the abuse. NONE of the reasons are acceptable. A man who is emotionally weak finds a false sense of manhood by the way he dominates someone else. What are some tools used to dominate and control? Here are a few:
- INTIMIDATION - Making your partner feel afraid by using threatening looks, actions and gestures. Smashing things when angry. Destroying her property. Abusing pets or showing weapons.
- EMOTIONAL ABUSE - Calling her names. Humiliating her. Making her feel like everything is her fault. Always accusing her and making her feel bad about herself. Constant put-downs.
- ISOLATION - Controlling where she goes, who she talks to, embarrassing her in front of other people, even friends. Limiting her contact with other people.
- BLAMING & MINIMIZING - Saying she pushed him to the abuse. Claiming the abuse wasn't that bad. Claiming not to remember because he was drunk.
- CLAIMING "MALE PRIVILEGE" - Using rigid definitions about his/her roles in the relationship. Treating her like a servant or his property. Making all the big decisions without her input.
- USING THE KIDS - Threatening to take the kids away from her. Telling her how terrible of a mother she is when she is really a good mom. Talking bad about her to the kids.
- ECONOMIC ABUSE - Making her ask for money because she can't have her own. Preventing her from getting a job or always causing problems for her on the job. Deliberately making her late for work until she gets fired. Taking her money. Not letting her know or have access to family income.
- USING THREATS & COERCION - Threatening to, or carrying out a threat to hurt her. Making her do illegal things like selling drugs, write bad checks or prostitution. Threatening to leave her. Claiming he will kill himself and it will be her fault.
- SEXUAL ABUSE - (One of the most common and most humiliating forms of abuse) - Forced to have sex against your will. Constantly being harassed for sex. Forced anal and/or oral sex. Made to video sex acts. Made to watch pornography. Forced to do things that are painful or dangerous. Forced to expose yourself. Forced to expose yourself in semi-public places. Forced into group sex, same sex, or wife swapping. Forced to have sex after a physical attack to "make-up." Being referred to in sexually derogatory ways. Having to listen to details of his sexual encounters with other women.
These are but a few ways in which abuse takes place. Most abuse goes unreported. Often it is not reported because of fear of further and more severe attacks. Other reasons include fear of not being able to financially make it without him, or being in love with him and believing he will change. Certainly there are many other reasons. ABUSE IN ANY FORM BY ANYBODY IS NEVER ACCEPTABLE. It violates every principle of God for human relationships. If you are currently a victim get help. There are centers in nearly every community to get help. Love yourself enough to not stay in that relationship. God will show you a way out. If abuse is in your past but you still struggle with the emotional pain, get in touch with a counselor. Many such services are free. If you are the abuser, God loves you and desires that you be delivered from the reasons why you abuse. Be a man and get some help. Remember, do unto others as you would have them do unto you!
This coming weekend the Transforming Women in Christ ministry of Transformation Ministries International of Atlanta is sponsoring the first of many "Let's Talk" Women's Forums. This forum is on Women & Domestic Violence. Special guest will be Linda Kirkpatrick, Executive Director of Community Welcome House. The forum will be held February 21 at 1:00pm at the Special Events Center in Newnan GA located at 299 Bullsboro Dr. 30263. For registration or more information call 678-767-4544 or email your inquiries to twic@ymail.com. For information about future "Let's Talk" Women's Forums you can visit our ministry's website at: http://www.tmiministries.org/. If you are not able to come and you or someone you know needs help, check in your local area for organizations that can help. Do it today. Your best life is ahead of you, go get it! God bless you all.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
TRANSFORMING YOUR WORLD
Greetings all,
Times are indeed hard. For the nation and other nations of the world the economy is in a major recession, the worst since the great depression. However, for those who have lost jobs, looking for work while still having to pay bills and provide for families, it is a personal depression. National, state and local governments are scrambling to find the answer to turn the problem around. To add insult to injury, it seems some of those who caused the problem are indifferent to the suffering of so many. They take bail-out money and buy new corporate jets and contract for million dollar office remodeling projects. What can we do? Sorry, I don't have the expertise to suggest what must be done with fiscal policy. What I do know about is the power of exercising ones faith in prayer. I know, you've heard this before. There are countless books written on prayer, prayer conferences, prayer seminars and special prayer classes. But, with all of that, one thing often lacks, actually praying. Rather than simply lamenting over the economic crisis perhaps we should also seek what God is doing and saying to us during these difficult times. What is He saying to America, the world, to you? Whenever, life throws you a curve God is not caught off guard. He knew all the curves and issues of our lives even before the world began. We know how deeply He loves the world and gets no joy in our suffering. We also know that He could have prevented this and even now has the power to stop it. Since He did not prevent it from happening and thus far has not stopped it, why not? Is there something He is trying to show us or teach us? How can we know? PRAY. Prayer is not a chore, its not labor, it is a joy to seek the face of the God who loves us so very much, who only wants the best for us, who is always on our side. He may choose to allow difficult and uncertain times in our life to teach us, cause us to examine ourselves and repent where repentance is needed but its all because He loves us. What do you do when you don't know what to do? You know what to do, PRAY. "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and don't depend on your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path."(Prov. 3:5,6)
Times are indeed hard. For the nation and other nations of the world the economy is in a major recession, the worst since the great depression. However, for those who have lost jobs, looking for work while still having to pay bills and provide for families, it is a personal depression. National, state and local governments are scrambling to find the answer to turn the problem around. To add insult to injury, it seems some of those who caused the problem are indifferent to the suffering of so many. They take bail-out money and buy new corporate jets and contract for million dollar office remodeling projects. What can we do? Sorry, I don't have the expertise to suggest what must be done with fiscal policy. What I do know about is the power of exercising ones faith in prayer. I know, you've heard this before. There are countless books written on prayer, prayer conferences, prayer seminars and special prayer classes. But, with all of that, one thing often lacks, actually praying. Rather than simply lamenting over the economic crisis perhaps we should also seek what God is doing and saying to us during these difficult times. What is He saying to America, the world, to you? Whenever, life throws you a curve God is not caught off guard. He knew all the curves and issues of our lives even before the world began. We know how deeply He loves the world and gets no joy in our suffering. We also know that He could have prevented this and even now has the power to stop it. Since He did not prevent it from happening and thus far has not stopped it, why not? Is there something He is trying to show us or teach us? How can we know? PRAY. Prayer is not a chore, its not labor, it is a joy to seek the face of the God who loves us so very much, who only wants the best for us, who is always on our side. He may choose to allow difficult and uncertain times in our life to teach us, cause us to examine ourselves and repent where repentance is needed but its all because He loves us. What do you do when you don't know what to do? You know what to do, PRAY. "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and don't depend on your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path."(Prov. 3:5,6)
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
TRANSFORMING YOUR WORLD
Grace & Peace,
Have you read the final words of Christ recorded by Matthew 28? What wonderful words of comfort when confronted with the uncertainties of life. Struggle to find ones path in life can often lead to feelings of isolation, doubt, frustration or even fear. This is especially true during times of uncertainty in the land and culture in which we live. When the evil one roars into our thoughts, if allowed, his roars will drown out the voice of our Lord reminding us that no matter what, He is with us. Yes, I know He is not now with us as He was with those we read about in Scripture, that is, in the flesh. However, He sends to us an exact image of Himself, one who is just like Him. This one has the same thoughts, intentions, power, authority and same intense love for us. We know Him as the Holy Spirit who is now and forever with us. Imagine, the full power, love, strength and image of God is with you right now! He offers His protection, provision, and access to the full measure of divine resources. He only asks that we trust Him and not the lies of the evil one. Trust Him regardless of what life circumstances may bring. The One who rose from the dead is with you by His Spirit and will empower you to overcome. He's never far away. He is with you even until the end of this age!
Have you read the final words of Christ recorded by Matthew 28? What wonderful words of comfort when confronted with the uncertainties of life. Struggle to find ones path in life can often lead to feelings of isolation, doubt, frustration or even fear. This is especially true during times of uncertainty in the land and culture in which we live. When the evil one roars into our thoughts, if allowed, his roars will drown out the voice of our Lord reminding us that no matter what, He is with us. Yes, I know He is not now with us as He was with those we read about in Scripture, that is, in the flesh. However, He sends to us an exact image of Himself, one who is just like Him. This one has the same thoughts, intentions, power, authority and same intense love for us. We know Him as the Holy Spirit who is now and forever with us. Imagine, the full power, love, strength and image of God is with you right now! He offers His protection, provision, and access to the full measure of divine resources. He only asks that we trust Him and not the lies of the evil one. Trust Him regardless of what life circumstances may bring. The One who rose from the dead is with you by His Spirit and will empower you to overcome. He's never far away. He is with you even until the end of this age!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)