Friday, February 10, 2017

Daily Encouragement: Counselor's Corner by: Stephanie R. Reck, LMSW: How Do you Know the Holy Spirit is Leading You?




Without being led by the Holy Spirit, we can do things we are not supposed to. The enemy loves when we stay distracted and busy doing and going. I believe busyness is straight from the enemy. If you are a people-pleaser or need people approval it is very likely you will please man rather than being led by what the Holy Spirit wants. Most likely some of the Christians you go to church with are operating from a fleshy desire to please self and man rather than a desire to please the Holy Spirit. It feels better to our flesh to go along with what everyone else is doing.
Just because something seems right to do, does not mean that it is! We can wear ourselves out by agreeing to do everything that comes into our path. There are certain things we are not to be involved with even if it seems good and right. The Holy Spirit knows what is best for us, and what we can handle.
Reflect and ponder: Do you make decisions or agree to do something because everyone else is going along but you already have a full plate or don’t have peace? Or do you just do what your flesh wants, not stopping to ask the Holy Spirit if He wants you to be involved?
Counselor’s Corner: The flesh is always deceiving-it wants what it wants! Moving in the flow of the Holy Spirit makes you come alive and energizes you, operating in the flesh usually drains you of energy and spiritual strength.
How do you know you the Holy Spirit is leading you?
1.      Don’t make rash or impulsive decisions. Learn to say, “I need to pray about that.”
2.      Wait on the Holy Spirit to lead and guide you before forging ahead with your agenda. Yes, there are times we have to make quick decisions, but if you have developed an intimate relationship with God and are acquainted with His ways through reading the Word and prayer, even when you have to make a quick decision it will be more likely you will make one that is Holy Spirit led. Training yourself to be still before God to hear His voice will equip you better when you need to make a quick decision, you will already know how the Holy Spirit speaks.
3.      The Holy Spirit never, ever works in confusion. There is an unexplainable peace when the Holy Spirit is prompting you. If you are not being led by the Spirit, you will experience confusion, chaos, lack of direction, and stress.
4.      When the Holy Spirit leads-He leads! You don’t have to figure out what or how to do something because the Holy Spirit places the answer deep into your spirit. The Holy Spirit does not always give concrete answers, sometimes we just know the “direction” we should take. Sometimes God just wants us to set out in faith before He gives us more detail, but even then, there is peace. You can do something afraid and still have peace!
5.      There is an inner-knowing deep in your spirit, you just know you are supposed to do something.
6.      The Holy Spirit never, ever operates in guilt! If you hear,” You should be, you ought to be or you need to be doing something,” these are laced in guilt from the enemy.
7.      Usually when the Holy Spirit is directing you to do something you will have confirmation with other believes-particularly your spouse if you’re married.

MEDITATE ON THESE SCRIPTURES:

But if you are led by the Holy Spirit, you are not under the law.
Galatians 5:18

For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God.
Romans 8:14



















Thursday, February 9, 2017

Daily Encouragement: Counselor’s Corner by Stephanie R. Reck, LMSW, LBT, BCCC : Being Still When the Storms of Life Pass By


Being still is an act of faith when “storms” blow your way.


Our normal reaction to when “storms” come our way is panic, fear, and anxiety. Recall the story in Matthew 4 that discussed how Jesus and His disciples got on a boat to get across the Sea of Galilee, and Jesus fell asleep when the winds and waves came crashing into their boat. Jesus remained asleep during the turbulent storm, but remember how the disciples got panic-stricken and their hysteria awoke the sleeping Jesus. What did Jesus do? He calmly commanded the wind and the waves to,” Be quiet and still.” Was this account a lesson that we can gain further from? Yes, Jesus wants us to remain calm until our “storm” passes by trusting Him completely-even when or even if__________________ (you fill in the blank). I believe the lesson for the disciples that day on the boat was Jesus teaching them to trust Him. Trusting Jesus when our lives and circumstances seem out of control takes discipline. The first few “storms” of life you very likely will react in fear or panic, but if you been through a few “storms” in life, you know Jesus is going to come through. You may not know how or when He will come through, but you have been through enough “storms” to know that reacting in worry, anxiety, and panic and fear NEVER, EVER work! You can testify, “been there, done that, ain’t going back!”

The “storms” we encounter in life can be likened to a tornado (which is a mix of problems all at once), a category 5 hurricane (this is major stuff like prodigal children, death, life threatening illness), flooding (the same problems that seem to go on and on), and thunderstorms (minor issues like sickness, stress-related work issues).

A very severe storm rolled through my town a few days ago bringing high winds, heavy rain, lightening and tornadoes. This storm lasted all day, but eventually this storm that seemed to never end eventually passed and the sun soon followed behind this massive storm. During this storm I took shelter, prayed, and waited the storm out. The “storms” in our lives will pass by quicker if we remain calm, and wait on the Lord to come to our rescue. Maybe you have a “storm” in your life that keeps coming back or one that does not leave. I understand I live with a “storm” that goes away but seems to come back. There can be peace in the midst of the storm. Take for instance paraplegic Joni Earkeson Tada who has been paralyzed from the shoulders down for 50 years, and yet it would appear her “storm” never left her. But what if she learned to “dance in the rain” Jesus does say we can have joy despite our deepest troubles, but I am also convinced that Jesus gives us times when He removes the “storms” even if it is just in our minds. In other words, the “storm” may still be physically present in your life but Jesus can give you moments where you don’t think about your “storm.”

Reflect and ponder: What is your typical reaction when the “storms” of life come your way? Fear, worry, doubt, anxiety, or panic? What do you believe Jesus would like you to do when “storms” come or even stay a while?

Counselor’s Corner:

How to remain still during the “storms” of life:

Definition of still: not moving; deep silence and calm.

1.      Remain still means not rehearsing, replaying, or rehashing your “storms” to every person you come in contact with. There is power in your words, learn to speak to your “mountains” instead about them-this releases our faith. God is moved when we react in faith. The more we talk about our problems the bigger they get. What we magnify whether good or bad is where our level of faith will stay at. Say to your mountain (your problem), “Be removed and cast into the sea.” (Matthew 21:21), believing in faith without doubting that your “storm” must move on.
2.      When any severe weather comes, usually we take shelter. We should do the same when “storms” of life come, run to our protector immediately! Ask for Abba Father’s protection and that He would cause your “storm” to dissipate. Ask the Lord to strengthen your spirit during the “storms,” and to work out for your good your “storm.”
3.      Worship. Give thanks. Praise. Offer a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving during and even after your “storm.” CHOOSE to magnify your blessings daily by either saying them verbally or writing them out.
4.      Speak the Word of God over your circumstances. Even if you have been praying for over a decade for a situation that seems insurmountable-press in and keep speaking the promises of God into those ‘dead, dry bones.” The prayers of the faithful go on and on even in eternity.

Don’t try and figure out how you can stop, change or move your “storm.” If a tornado was fast approaching your house would you run outside and try and stop that tornado? Of course not! This also applies to the “storms” in our lives, some of our “storms” can only be stopped, changed or moved by Jesus. Our job is not to stop our “storm,” but to run to The Shelter and ask Him for peace in the “storm”, to rescue us, and then we are to wait calmly for His rebuke to our “storm.”

JESUS CAN CALM YOUR STORM. PEACE, BE STILL and KNOW THAT HE IS GOD. GOD IS OVER EVERYTHING, EVEN THE RAGING STORMS.

MEDITATE ON THESE SCRIPTURES:

Be still and know that I am God.
Psalm 46:10
·         Remember the definition for still means not moved; deep silence and CALM.

He calms the storm, so that the waves are still.
Then they are glad because they are quiet; so He guides them to their desired haven.
Psalm 107: 29-30

Truly my soul waits quietly for God; From Him comes my salvation.
He is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense;
I shall not be greatly moved.
Psalm 62:1-2



Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Daily Encouragement: Counselor’s Corner by Stephanie R. Reck, LMSW, LBT, BCCC: Distractions that Come to Cause You to Lose Focus and Peace



Distractions or minor annoyances happen to all of us such as when old cars need repairing or when leaky faucets need to be tightened. However there are some distractions that are sent by the enemy’s camp to cause us to lose peace and focus.

There is a difference between normal everyday distractions like browsing through Facebook instead of typing up your homework, and demonic distractions that occur more frequently such as over a period of days or back-to-back occurrences. Yes, we all have one of “those days” where if it “rains it pours.” I’m not talking about those types of days. Let me give you an example of demonic distractions. For the most part, I sleep well and soundly, but Sunday night as I was trying to fall asleep I became restless, agitated and sensed there was something “not of God” around my room. I immediately got up and prayed and rebuked whatever that was. I woke up Monday, a little tired since I had been up for some time the night before. I begin my day Monday sluggishly and prepare to type an article I had been working on for the day, when for no apparent reason my electricity goes out for two hours. Along with no electricity (which means no typing/internet access), two of my smoke detectors go off at the same time. I removed the batteries from the smoke detectors but they continued to buzz very loudly. I placed the smoke alarms outside and I could still hear them! Finally, after the loud buzzing stopped and my electricity came back on I tried to copy and paste my article as I normally would and could not. I tried to email my article as an attachment and could not do this either! Needless to say by now, I was frustrated and completely lost my focus. On Tuesday, a severe storm came through my town bringing high winds, heavy rain, lightening and tornado warnings. Mysterious things were hitting my house loudly as the storm pounded my street. This heavy storm that literally lasted all day made me lose my focus as once again I am trying to type my article for the day. On Wednesday, I woke up to heavy fog. Now fog is usually not a distraction unless you are driving in it or taking a morning run like I did on Wednesday Morning. I run across a bridge, and I could not see in front of me or behind me. When I got home from running, shortly later I am settling into writing for the day, when I hear my doorbell ring. I look out my window and a group of Jehovah Witnesses’ are at my door. The leave me a typed note and pamphlet at my front door. As many times as Jehovah Witnesses’ have come to my door, they have never left me a personal note! This typed note was addressed to me by name and it said, “They have been trying to reach me for a while and would like to talk to me about my relationship with Jehovah and where I would spend eternity.” This note disturbed me, I felt myself losing my peace as I was trying to defend my already relationship with Jesus Christ in my head and my confidence that I do know where I will spend eternity. I contemplated for a while writing this person back as she left her name and address on the envelope. I had much to say about my relationship with Jesus, but then I realized this little incident just took time from me that I needed to be working. Shortly after this incident, I received a phone call from a family member who informed me of something disturbing about another family member of mine. The phone call came at lunchtime, so I thought I could take the call, but after receiving this call for about an hour later I felt sick to my stomach, dizzy, and confused.

If you have made a decision to grow spiritually, mature in your walk with the Lord, pursue a ministry opportunity, move forward despite difficulties, or kicked a sin to the curb the enemy often sends distractions if he can’t destroy you.

Are we glorifying the enemy? ABSOUTLEY NOT! This is to expose and uncover hidden and covert operations in the enemy’s camp. As we resist the enemy and call upon Jesus to protect us, the enemy has to flee.

Reflect and Ponder: If you ever felt there was more behind your distractions? Ask the Holy Spirit to uncover and expose what may be going on. The enemy could be plotting to take your focus from the things that God wants you to do.

Counselor’s Corner: Satan is the master of distractions. He will try and distract us from our purpose, using people as his #1 tool.

Solomon did build a house for the Lord, but he also built places of idol worship for each of his foreign wives. The enemy used Solomon’s foreign wives to distract him from whole-heartedly serving God (1 Kings 5:5).

If the enemy can’t destroy you he will distract you. If he can’t convince you to give up, he will divert your attention. Distraction is a challenging weapon of the enemy because we often do not realize he is using it against us.

Top (3) things the enemy uses to distract us with:

1.      Problems. Yes, life is filled with problems but when problems come to you and there is no solution in sight, just confusion and chaos-there is an underlying sinister work happening, one to derail you of peace, joy and focus.
2.      People. Yes, as Christians we should love others but there are times that the enemy will send people in your path to distract you. Keep in mind the enemy can come as an “angel of light” and we will need to use our discernment in these situations.
3.      Purpose. We each have a unique purpose, and there are times that “good” opportunities come our way but it can distract us from the “great” opportunities God has for us.

►In ministry, many Christian lives appear like a heaping plate of super involvement in various church activities coupled with complaining about their busyness and stress. Rather than devoting 100% to a particular ministry, these Christians spend 10% in several different ministry departments-these folks are split or distracted.

Always love others by praying for them, blessing them with your words, and forgiving but you may need to detach and distance yourself from others who are a distraction.

Distractions are often spiritual warfare, subtle, with most people not recognizing this underlying battle. Don’t let problems prevent you from moving forward. Stop.Pray.Worship.Refocus. Take the authority that Jesus Christ gives to believers and command the spirit of distraction to go in Jesus name.

MEDITATE ON THESE SCRIPTURES:

Lest satan should get an advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his schemes. 2 Corinthians 2:11

Submit yourself to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you.
James 4:7


Tuesday, February 7, 2017

Daily Encouragement: Counselor’s Corner by Stephanie R. Reck, LMSW, LBT, BCCC : Why you Might Feel Misunderstood


If you are following the path of Jesus-you will be misunderstood! Well-meaning Christians who do not understand your unique purpose, may unknowingly cause you to feel guilty because you are not following what the majority are doing. I typically find in the church setting more followers than leaders.

Was Jesus misunderstood? Yes, He had a unique mission while here on earth and needed to obey God whether He was completely understood by people or not. Jesus was mission-minded. To be mission-minded you may need to get comfortable with being misunderstood, even by your family and friends. Joyce Meyer’s had a unique calling for her life, and she has discussed that in the beginning of her ministry she was misunderstood by her church and her family.

Reflect and ponder: Have you always felt a little different than others? Do you sense you are being set-apart to fulfill God’s Kingdom purpose? Do you sometimes feel a bit out of place?

Counselor’s Corner:

Ways to handle being misunderstood:


1.      Know your purpose. Write out your purpose that God has given you for your life. If you know what you were created to do, it won’t bother you as much when people don’t get you. Get mission-minded!

2.      Surround yourself with people who support and encourage your calling, not their agenda for you! If you have not realized yet that if you allow others to dictate to you what you should be doing-they will! Know your purpose and do not be swayed and pulled by what people want you to accomplish for them.

3.      Realize that you are not alone. Jesus was misunderstood by the people closet to Him, yet He still fulfilled His mission.

4.      Don’t try and explain to others in great lengths who do not fully get what you’re about, be as brief as possible. Pray that the Holy Spirit shows them, and then move on!  

5.      Stay focused! When distractions come, temptations come, and the naysayers come-don’t let the enemy derail you from your path.

6.      Don’t compare yourself to ANYONE else, not even the people who are serving fervently at your church. You may be tempted to think, “Maybe I should serve like _____________ (you fill in the blank).”

If you live in a way where everyone understands you all the time, then you will not stand for anything. People will have expectations of you and want to put you in a “box”, but when you get focused on your mission you can rise above their expectations.

MEDITATE ON THESE SCRIPTURES:

Jesus’ family misunderstood Him. The crowds were impressed, but Jesus family were not: “He is out of his mind.” (Mark 3:21)

Jesus’ friends misunderstood Him. Jesus was explaining to His disciples God’s plan for Jesus, but Peter, one of Jesus closest friends, took him aside and said, “Far be it from you Lord, this shall not happen to you.” (Matthew 16:22).

Feeling misunderstood by family, friends, and perhaps even your neighbors-take heart, Jesus also experienced these types of misunderstandings.

You can provide opportunities for others to understand you, but never demand that they understand you-take the high road of humility. A true test of spiritual maturity is how we respond when we are being misunderstood or judged unfairly.


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