Word of Encouragement: Counselor’s Corner Be Still to Hear God’s Voice

You will have difficulty hearing God’s voice if you are busy with one activity after another, or you are addicted to your electronic devices. It is important to get quiet before the Lord, and tune-out all distractions. This means turning off your cell phone or putting it away, turning off the TV an iPad and other electronics.

There are many things that compete for our time and attention, and numerous distractions pop-up unexpectedly. Learning to carve out regular time alone with God to hear His still, small voice is important in maintaining your peace, gaining wisdom and direction from the Lord for your daily life. For most people, having time with God first thing in the morning will help you throughout your day. If you have been feeling stressed, overwhelmed, anxious, or fearful, ask yourself, “Have I pulled away to be alone with The Father?” Things will come up in your life to compete for your time and attention even that will seem like a “good thing.” However, not everything that is asked of us or that comes our way is a good thing for us that is why we have to have time with the Lord so we can hear His direction.

A lot of people end-up living frazzled lives because they just do whatever comes in their path.

There will never be anything more important than daily time being still before the Lord.

I know this is a foreign concept in our western culture to be still, but too many people are not taking this valuable time and are enduring high levels of stress. We must learn to step away daily to connect with the Father. He has guidance and direction that He wants to bestow upon us, but we must receive that impartation daily, and not try and “store it up.” Our daily “manna” is given to us daily, not weekly or monthly. We must not put anything else before our relationship with God, and a relationship can only happen when you spend time together. God must first be on our schedules of priorities.

When we are still before God He will speak to us through His Word, through nature, through our spirit, through writing and journaling, and through worship. He can also speak to us through a combination of these things. Check your schedule and see what you can cut back, such as Face book, Pinterest, TV, iPad, and carve out time for God. Put God first in your life. It is okay to say, “No” to the demands of others, to shut your cell phone off temporary, not answer your emails and face book.

It is okay not to follow the crowd, and instead follow Jesus and sit at His feet.

In God’s presence you will find peace and rest. 

Got Peace?

In His presence there is peace, safety, guidance, joy, and love.

  

Are you feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, lacking in peace and joy, frustrated or even worried? Are you involved in various church activities, functions and attendance but don’t feel refreshed? Maybe it’s time to step away from the busyness of life and step into His presence. People may not understand, and they may try and sway you to do things. There is refreshment and restoration in His presence. Sometimes we need to say “No” to things and people, even if they are good things. Life will keep you busy. You should get into a quiet place and get rid of all distractions like electronic devices.

If we stay so busy we can have trouble hearing from God and what He wants for us. We can become easily distracted and lose focus. Our strength comes from the Lord. If we feel weak and worn-out, we may need to step away and go to the throne.

When you come into His presence He will lighten your load, and will speak truth about your situations. There is no other place to “fill up” like this. We try and bring comfort to ourselves with food, TV, staying busy with activities, electronics, and for some it can be sex, alcohol, and drugs. But there is no replacement for God’s Holy presence.

What can you do in His presence?

You can sing and worship with praise music.

You can read the Bible and selected scriptures to meditate on.

Be sill and listen for His voice.

Cry, rejoice, and talk to God as if He is your best friend.

Journal what God speaks or impresses to you.

There is no formula to being in His presence. You can do a mixture of things or just one thing, and each time you spend with God can be different. Don’t be set on spending time with God in a certain way. Let the Holy Spirit guide you to what He wants you to do.

Anyone need refreshment, restoration, and guidance? If yes, plug into the source, the presence of the Holy Spirit. After being in His presence you will feel refreshed and renewed and in His presence there is no fear, worry, anxiety, stress, and frustration. Step away, carve out time, and say, “No” to things/activities that would pull you away from this time. Everyone needs this, not just pastors and leaders but every Christian who is fighting in this spiritual battle needs to be in His presence. Every Christian also needs this for God to direct and guide their steps, plans, and pour out His anointing on what He has called you to do. In His presence you can receive an outpouring of grace, mercy, joy and peace, and every believer needs this.

You will show me the path of life. In your PRESENCE is fullness of joy;

As your right hand are pleasures fovermore.

Psalm 16:11

Why I Crave Stability

I grew up in a home that was unstable and I never knew what the atmosphere in our home would be like. I did not know from minute to minute who would be upset or who would explode in a rage. I do not ever remember experiencing peace in my home, I believe that is why I am so adamant in there being peace in my home now. I also like to know what is going to happen before it does, or at least have a plan. I realize we cannot plan everything, but my world goes into complete chaos if I don’t have some sort of plan, even if it is an outline. I don’t like unexpected company or unplanned events. I am a planner at heart and I do really try to “go with the flow,” but when you come from chaos you crave stability. In my mind plans=stability.

I grew up with family members who had various mental health issues and substance and alcohol addictions, so there was little stability in my world. Even now as I am all grown up, many of my family members still have mental health issues and addictions, including my son. I never know what I will get from some of my family, some days they are consistent and others days they “drop off the face of the earth.” Some days they are great to talk with and others days they are draining emotionally, but the difficult part is that I do not know when they will have a good or bad day. I don’t know if I say, “No,” to their requests if I will hear from them again. I have no idea from day to day what will come out of their mouths, or if today they will decide to follow Jesus. Even their relationship with Jesus is a roller coaster ride, some days they pursue Him and others days they are pursuing the things of the world. Sometimes they will pray with me and others times they want nothing to do with prayer.

I never know where they will end up living, several in my family change where they live frequently and most of the time I don’t even know where they live. Their phone numbers change just as frequent. Sometimes I don’t hear anything from them at all, leaving me to wonder yet again, “Are they okay?”

I wish I could say I had more stability in my family but I don’t. I am the most stable person in my family, and I am the “baby.” I am very big on people keeping their word and doing what they say they are going to do, and I know that is a result of so many in my life who do just the opposite of that. Oh, how I crave stability!

It is amazing how we can ride the roller coaster of emotions with others, but I don’t want that! If my family CHOOSES to live in turmoil and instability then that is their choice! I cannot control others, but I can control myself and I can maintain peace and stability in my home. I can CHOOSE how often I interact with the unstable people in my life. I don’t have to ride the “crazy train,” I am CHOOSING to get off!

I desire the later part of my life to have peace and stability from Christ. If others CHOOSE to continue to live in turmoil, then they can, but I can’t and will not any longer. Yes, my heart goes out to others who are emotionally unstable but I can’t let it drown me any longer. I have to CHOOSE every day to fight against the generational sins and strongholds in my family, but I fight. I CHOOSE to get in the Word and believe what it says despite my feelings. And yes, some day are more challenging to have stability like around the time of my cycle, but I try not to spew and spill my emotions over any and every one. I have problems just like everyone else, but I don’t expect others to clean up my mess or bail me out of my troubles. I ask for prayer if I am in deep trouble, but I don’t expect others to carry my load and burden themselves. Unstable people will get you to carry their load and yours too! Unstable people have no boundaries, so they don’t know when enough is enough-you have to set the boundaries with them!

I long for the day that I can count on my family, but if that day never comes; I can ALWAYS count on Jesus. I long for the day that I won’t feel like I have to pick up the pieces in their lives, and be the “rock” for them because their lives are so chaotic, BUT if that does not happen-God will be my rock! I will have stability in my life and home regardless of who in my life does not. I will no longer carry the guilt of them not being able to get their lives together, and feeling sorry for them. I will no longer feel sorry for them, and feel it is my duty to fix their problems and be the “rock” for them. I am not a rock, I am a person with human weaknesses, but Jesus can become their rock. I can feel bad for them and believe they just have not had the opportunities that I have had, or their lives have been harder than mine; but the reality is my life has been no calk walk! The difference is I make CHOICES daily that I will pursue God and His ways.

You therefore, beloved, knowing beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. 2 Peter 3:17

Peace in the Storm

“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” Isaiah 26:3

We cannot avoid strife in this world, but with God we can know perfect peace, even in turmoil. Keeping your thoughts and trust in God will keep you in peace. We can easily lose our peace, when we look at the surrounding circumstances in our lives and in the world.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your requests be made to God, and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds trough Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

God’s peace is different than the world’s peace. True peace is not found in positive thinking, the absence of conflict and strife, but it comes from knowing that God is in control. Let God’s peace guard your heart against anxiety and pressures of this world.

“Peace I leave you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27

Unlike the world’s peace, which is usually defined by the absence of conflict, this peace is confident assurance in any circumstance. With Christ’s peace, we can have no need to fear the present or the future. If you are feeling full of stress, anxiety or worry, allow the Holy Spirit to fill you with Christ’s peace. Christ can give you a peace in the midst of the storm. Fear, uncertainty, doubt, worry and numerous other forces are at war with us, they can cause us to feel anxious. The peace of God can overpower all of these forces, and offer us comfort in the place of conflict and stress. Jesus says He will give us that peace if we are willing to accept it from Him.

Peace from God comes from time spent with God, listening and obeying to His voice over the voices of the enemy, and asking God to give you peace in the midst of conflict, turmoil, and chaos.

Quiet Your Spirit

Quiet your spirit and allow God to take your burdens. Rest in Him.

There are many distractions that compete for our time, such as, family responsibilities, work, ministry, friends, and even time on social media and other electronic devices. If we truly want to hear God’s voice, we must unplug from all these sources at times. You may not think that is possible, but there can be a balance, with God the Father getting first priority.

In God’s presence our spirit gets a rest, and we are quieted from the hustle and bustle of life. God gives each one of us the same amount of time every day, however, not all of us use our time wisely. We spend our time on frivolous things or waste it away on countless hours on Facebook, tweeting, checking emails, texts, and other social media accounts.

If your mind has been cluttered, and your living life in a hurry, it’s time to step away and get into the presence of God. Our brains are on overload, and if we do not stop and take the time to unplug from distractions, we can end up overwhelmed and fatigued. We are not meant to go non-stop, and never pull away from our activities. Even Jesus pulled away from the crowds to be alone with the Father. Distractions, are just that, they distract us from keeping our full focus on Jesus. Some distractions like work and family responsibilities cannot always be avoided, but there can be a balance with these responsibilities. If we are feeling anxious, worried, defeated, overwhelmed, or fearful, our spirit needs to be calmed. This cannot come from the world, but only through time with the Lord. There is no substitute for this kind of time.

You can have tranquility in your spirit by listening to praise music, sitting quietly before God, reading the Word of God, journaling what God speaks to you, reading the book of Psalms, and unplugging from sources of interferences. You may need to do this for a half day, whole day, or however long it takes to be at peace. It is okay not to be at every activity, every event, meet everyone’s needs all the time, check your email and social media, and even to turn your phone off when you can. There was a time when we lived without cellphones and a time we did not have computers or the internet. Live uncluttered as much as possible.

“He maketh me to lie down in green pastures. He leadeth me besides the still waters.” Psalm 16:9

Traits Jesus is looking for in His Followers

Now when Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on a mountainside and sat down.

His disciples came to Him, and He began to teach them

The Beatitudes

He said:

 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,

    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

 Blessed are those who mourn,

    for they will be comforted.

 Blessed are the meek,

    for they will inherit the earth.

 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

    for they will be filled.

 Blessed are the merciful,

    for they will be shown mercy.

 Blessed are the pure in heart,

    for they will see God.

 Blessed are the peacemakers,

    for they will be called children of God.

 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,

    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Matthew 5:1-12

 This article is an in-depth look at each trait that Jesus discussed on the Sermon in the Mount.   Have reflection time after reading through each one. Though as followers of Christ we may not embody each trait perfectly, but our hearts must want to align with the traits. We then surrender what we cannot do on our own, and ask the Holy Spirit to align our hearts to His desires for us.

Poor in Spirit:

Poor in spirit is referring to our relationship with God. It is the opposite of arrogant self-confidence. It is the deepest form of repentance. It acknowledges our desperate need for God. We acknowledge we can do nothing on our own or in our own strength. When we come to God we must realize our own sin and our spiritual emptiness. We must not be self-satisfied or proud in our hearts, thinking we do not really need God.

“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6

Mourning:

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. We can mourn for repentance, consequences of sin, over persecution, sins of God’s people and sincere concerns for the church. The Holy Spirit in us can grieve over our sins and the sins of others. So this type of mourning may be more referring to a spiritual mourning.

Meekness:

A Greek translation of meekness can be translated as gentle. Dictionary.com defines meekness as humble, patient or docile, gentle.

Synonyms for meekness: forbearing, yielding, unassuming, calm, soft. Ask.com defines meek as a word to describe one’s character meaning humble in spirit. It could also mean to have a feeling of patience, submissiveness, and humbleness.

In the Old Testament the meek are those wholly relying on God rather their own strength. Gentleness and meekness is the opposite of self-assertiveness and self-interest. It stems from trust in God’s goodness and control over the situation. The gentle person is not occupied with self at all.

Meek does not mean weak! Gentleness or meekness is not weakness, nor is it belittling of oneself. 

Gentleness can be described as a considerate or kind disposition, not harsh or severe; mild and soft and easily managed. Humble can be defined as someone who does not think they are better than, or more important than others. Humble means not proud or arrogant. A humble person never demands their own ways (see 1 Corinthians 13:4-8). Humility is the opposite of pride, haughtiness, being puffed-up, boasting, self-will, self-glory, and self-promotion. Humility does not seek personal recognition. Humble people esteem others better than oneself. Humility is not timidity or a self-degrading attitude towards self.

Righteousness:

An important part of righteousness is that a person is honest, dependable, and trustworthy. One is faithful towards God and others. A righteous person will live morally upright, fair, and in an upright manner.

Merriam-Webster dictionary defines righteousness as morally good; following religious or moral laws.

Synonyms: decent, ethical, honorable, just, moral, right, virtuous.

Antonyms: bad, dishonest, evil, evil-minded, immoral, indecent, sinful, wicked, unethical, wicked, unrighteous.

Greek words that are used to describe unrighteousness:

Anomia: Lawbreakers; Hamartia: Sinners; Atheist: Those who do not believe in God.

Unrighteous Acts:

Greed                                   Not honoring agreements

Envy                                     Not loving your family

Murder                                  Not being merciful

Arguing                                 Being sexually immoral

Deceitfulness                        Worshipping idols

Gossiping                             Committing adultery

Slandering                             Practicing homosexuality

Not believing in God               Thievery

Pride                                     Drunkenness

Bragging                                Insulting

Being angry                           Extorting

Being disobedient to parents

Mercy:

Mercy can be defined as compassion or forgiveness shown towards someone whom it is within one’s power to punish them. The Pharisees in their self-righteous judgments showed little mercy. The truly merciful are too aware of their own sins to deal with others in condemnation and judgment. The merciful person is sensitive to others needs. When we must judge another person we should be careful because we really do not know their situations and their hearts. Jesus, in the Beatitudes says that those who show mercy are given mercy.

Pure in Heart:

Meaning being clean or free from stains or shame; free from adulteration; it denotes a physical, religious and moral cleanliness. Being pure in heart goes deep. The Bible makes it clear that worshipping God cannot be an outward function, but must come from the inside (the heart). Being pure in heart means we are in right relationship with God and with others. We have to guard and preserve our heart. The pure in heart are those who seek to stay free from sin.

Peacemaker:

Peacemaking seeks to produce right relationships between persons. Those that sow discord, slander, and gossip are not peacemakers. Holding grudges, busybodies, and the disagreeable do not promote peacemaking. Peacemakers are needed in our homes, churches, and in the marketplace. Quarreling, arguing, and wanting to be right provides an opportunity for the enemy to cause division and strife.

Peace means tranquility, harmony; absence of strife. The Hebrew meaning, Shalom means the absence of strife and evil, and all the presence of good things.

True peace never evades the issues by “sweeping them under the rug,” but deals with them by building the right bridges and moving through the pain until harmony is established. Sometimes the way to lasting peace includes addressing issues which will be painful to work through. Truth and righteous are just as important as peace. Jesus taught that sometimes faithful followers would cause strife with loved ones. Paul implies not all strife can be avoided when following Christ, however, we should do what we can to be at peace with others.

Persecuted:

The NIV states blessed are you when people insult you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of God. Jesus called those who lived out these traits blessed. To Jesus, blessed means the experience of hope and joy, independent of outward circumstances.

Barnes commentary notes on Matthew 5:10: Blessed are they which are persecuted. To persecute means literally to pursue; follow after. Here it means to vex, oppress one on account of one’s religion.

Word of Encouragement How to Have and Maintain Peace in Your Life

Step away and come into His presence

In His presence there is peace, safety, guidance, joy, and love.

  

Are you feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, lacking in peace and joy, frustrated or even worried? Are you involved in various church activities, functions and attendance but don’t feel refreshed? Maybe it’s time to step away from the busyness of life and step into His presence. People may not understand, and they may try and sway you to do things. There is refreshment and restoration in His presence. Sometimes we need to say “No” to things and people, even if they are good things. Life will keep you busy. You should get into a quiet place and get rid of all distractions like electronic devices.

If we stay so busy we can have trouble hearing from God and what He wants for us. We can become easily distracted and lose focus. Our strength comes from the Lord. If we feel weak and worn-out, we may need to step away and go to the throne.

When you come into His presence He will lighten your load, and will speak truth about your situations. There is no other place to “fill up” like this. We try and bring comfort to ourselves with food, TV, staying busy with activities, electronics, and for some it can be sex, alcohol, and drugs. But there is no replacement for God’s Holy presence.

What can you do in His presence?

You can sing and worship with praise music.

You can read the Bible and selected scriptures to meditate on.

Be sill and listen for His voice.

Cry, rejoice, and talk to God as if He is your best friend.

Journal what God speaks or impresses to you.

There is no formula to being in His presence. You can do a mixture of things or just one thing, and each time you spend with God can be different. Don’t be set on spending time with God in a certain way. Let the Holy Spirit guide you to what He wants you to do.

Anyone need refreshment, restoration, and guidance? If yes, plug into the source, the presence of the Holy Spirit. After being in His presence you will feel refreshed and renewed and in His presence there is no fear, worry, anxiety, stress, and frustration. Step away, carve out time, and say, “No” to things/activities that would pull you away from this time. Everyone needs this, not just pastors and leaders but every Christian who is fighting in this spiritual battle needs to be in His presence. Every Christian also needs this for God to direct and guide their steps, plans, and pour out His anointing on what He has called you to do. In His presence you can receive an outpouring of grace, mercy, joy and peace, and every believer needs this.

You will show me the path of life. In your PRESENCE is fullness of joy;

As your right hand are pleasures fovermore.

Psalm 16:11

Additional resources from author:

Online Christian Counseling: www.gospelguidance.com/advisors/5311-sreck

Book publication on negative thinking, Wilderness Mentality, Stop your Stinkin’ Thinkin’. Can be found @ www.createspace.com/4036785

You Tube Videos on Hope & Encouragement: www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOEcx8uKfKE

Pebbles- Satan's Little Distractions

Pebbles are little grains that if you step on one it does not bother you, bu

Pebbles at the beach.
 Have you ever stepped on several pebbles barefoot?

t if you step on several tiny pebbles you will feel it. This is an analogy of how satan operates in our lives at times. He goes around looking for how he can disrupt you and hinder you, if his attempts fail, he will bring the “little pebbles” into your life.

What are “little pebbles?” Have you ever had a day or week where you begin to feel tired and worn-out, and nothing major has happened or a crisis? You may wonder why you are beginning to feel tired and possibly even irritable. These little pebbles can come to you through multiple, distracting phone calls, or family wanting to drop-in for a quick visit, or you run into someone from your past, or you begin to have trouble with your brakes on your car. If these events happen separately than usually we are able to go right through them, but when these occurrences happen all in the same day or week, it can be distracting and begin to get a little over whelming. Be careful for the small things that can quickly add up. One or even two “small pebbles” someone can handle with ease, but when several distractions happen at once you can begin to lose your peace and joy. This is the scheme of the enemy to throw you off course by “throwing tiny, multiple pebbles” in your path. The first couple of pebbles you do not feel, but after a while the pebbles become a distraction and an annoyance. You notice you are a little more irritable and annoyed. You may find yourself becoming snappy.

Don’t react to these “little pebbles” but go to the Father and let Him pour truth, guidance, and wisdom upon you. Shake the “pebbles” off and begin to take the authority you have in Jesus Christ. Command the schemes, operations, and distractions be broken in the name and authority of Jesus Christ.

When small things come at you all at once, even if they seem good, it is time to step back and ask God for discernment. Just because something seems good it can still be a distraction that is why we need the discernment of the Holy Spirit.

Therefore submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you.

James 4:7

Additional Resources:

Online Christian Counseling: www.gospelguidance.com/advisors/5311-sreck

Latest book on Negative Thinking. Wilderness Mentality, Stop your Stinkin’ Thinkin’: www.createspace.com/4036785

You Tube Videos on Encouragement: www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOEcx8uKfKE