You are Quick To

“For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would” (Gal. 5:17). The Holy Bible, New International Version

Here is where the most brutal battle is fought.

No it is not some famous place like Dunkirk, Vimy Ridge or Nanjing.

It is the no holds barred fight between Spirit and flesh.

Flesh can be considered lust and self serving.

Spirit is of course the Holy Spirit.

The battle occurs every day. Sometimes it is little battles, sometimes it is horrible battles. Think of an alcoholic recovering from his hellish addiction.

The flesh battles the Spirit. And says: “Come on, you have recovered, one drink won’t hurt.

” Or “remember all the fun we had on those drunken parties?”

The Spirit says “Remember all the hangovers and depression, shame experienced when you sobered up?”

How about gossiping? Yeah let’s gossip about______ (fill in the blank).

Let’s hop in the sack with ___.

The list goes on and on.

Let’s cheat on a test at school (where the laugh is on you because you are only cheating yourself).

The flesh says “Let’s serve ourselves, no matter who we hurt.”

The Spirit says “Live by Gods Laws. Do to other people what you would like them to do to you. Do not do to other people what you do not want them to do to you.

“ The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Romans 13:9 The Holy Bible, New International Version

It is hard and many times we fail.

The wonderful thing is when we sincerely apologize to Jesus for our failures and try not to do them again. When we get the help needed by counseling and taking it to God in prayer we are not only forgiven, we grow stronger in our love and respect for the big three:

God our kind gracious and loving Father, Jesus Christ our Savior King and best friend (just think of that, you have the most powerful king as your best friend if you want Him to be) and the Holy Spirit our mentor, healer and comforter.

“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith” (John 5:4). The Holy Bible, New International Version

Prayer: Thank you Jehovah Elohay Selichot (God Of Forgiveness) that when we mess up and fess up You are quick to forgive and forget. Thank you for using these circumstances to mature my loving relationship with You. I exalt You in the name of He whose blood made forgiveness possible Jesus Christ. Amen

May the gentle assurance of Jesus’ sweet love encompass you today and every day. Joseph a son of Jehovah

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Put them into Practice.

“Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24 The Holy Bible, New International Version)

Reading the Bible and then not applying its principals is like reading an instruction manual and then trying to build your project on your own without listening to the guidance provided in the manual.

Sounds pretty dumb huh?

But, on the other hand, incorporating the sacred knowledge in the hidden truths of the Bible will enable us to walk closer to God. It will be a life filled with good morals and a foundation of truth which to cement into our hearts.

“Making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.” (Proverbs 2:2-5 The Holy Bible, English Standard Version)

This will hold us in good stead when the violent crushing storms of life come crashing down around us (and the storms of life always come until our dying day)

James 1:22 says, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” (The Holy Bible, New International Version).

After reading the Bible we need to request God to open our eyes in how to apply what we have learned into our daily lives.

” Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.” James 4:17 (The Holy Bible, New Living Translation).

“Your word is a lamp to guide me and a light for my path” (Psalm 119:105 The Holy Bible, Good News Bible).

Guard my words as your most precious possession. Write them down and also keep them deep within your heart.” (Proverbs 7:2 The Holy Bible,The Living Bible)

We are to obey what the Holy Spirit teaches or we are wasting His time by being make believe Christians. Joseph a son of Jehovah

We are not to become Holy Rollers or Bible thumpers.

You know the type. They shove the Bible in your face and pound on it condemning you and demanding you follow THEIR version of the passages. All the while, they go about living as they please. Can you say the word hypocrite or bully?

Please don’t condemn yourselves with this destructive behavior. Not only will you drive others away from Jesus, but you will be found guilty of that heinous crime on judgment day. They are puffed up like a balloon.

Instead use the observations gained in a positive manner to lovingly enlighten those around you.

“Knowledge puffs up but love builds up”. 1 Corinthians 8:1(The Holy Bible, New International Version).

Prayer: Thank you El Deah (God of knowledge) for blessing me with enlightening me to Your light while refraining me from overindulging in knowledge while lacking in love. Thank you that Your guard me words so as to prevent me from suffering from foot in mouth disease. I extol You in the name of the supreme expert in these manners Jesus Christ. Amen

May the light of Christs love shine brightly in your heart today and every day Joseph a son of Jehovah

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The deep breath.

 Make every effort to add to your faith … self-control … 2 Peter 1:5-6 The Holy Bible, New Living Translation

How do you Keep self control?

Most times when I feel a situation getting out of control I just step back and take a few deep breaths.

It is important to keep self control, ESPECIALLY, when teaching.

Sometimes as frustrating as it is people just do not see the obvious, through no fault of their own. Then it is time to just drop it and pray they will come to understand what you are saying. Usually the students get it with in a few weeks of contemplating it.

Sometimes however, when the frustration is overwhelming and they are being a pain in the butt and being antagonist I slam my fist into a wall.(EDITORS NOTE: I do not do this any more. Now I merely inform them if they want to learn they are welcome in my class. If they do not want to learn, there is the door, do not slam it on the way out. Some leave, which makes the class better, the ones that stay straighten right up)

It is not in anger, it is releasing the frustration. It gets their attention and they back away. It is not that they do not understand, it is that they do not WANT to understand. Then just walk away.

If they are stubborn and refuse to see it any way but their way I just call it like it is:” You are stupid and stubborn. I will not speak to you until you apologize and are willing to maturely discuss this.” Don’t talk with them for a couple of days. They usually come around. Stupidness and stubbornness goes together like smoking and cancer. Trying to reason with a stubborn soul is like talking to a wall. I do not waste my time talking to walls.

Sometimes they are just too self centered and then it is best to avoid them altogether because they will do nothing but bring you anger, pain and frustration.

My motto is “Avoid aggressive, self centered people. They will only pollute your heart with anger and sadness.” Joseph a son of Jehovah                                              It has held me in good steed.

Now if it is an addiction get counseling.

Find out why you have that addiction and remove it from you. If you are a drug addict or alcoholic that will mean giving up your friends. They will only continue to pull you back down into that cesspool again. Sometimes the addiction is too strong for you to conquer and that is the time to completely surrender it to Jesus. I did and He instantly defeated my addiction and I have not returned in over ten years. Now, He may or may not instantly relieve you like He did me.

Editors note: since writing this article I have been taught by the Holy Spirit to pray when feeling like losing control. He either calms me down or encourages me to immediately remove myself from the situation which is causing me to lose my self control.

Prayer: Thank you Jehovah-Chatsahi (The Lord is my Strength) – Psalm 27:1 for blessing me with the strength, sensitivity to know when I am being baited and the wisdom to either leave the situation or the wisdom to use the right words to defend myself and defeat the wicked foe. I exalt You in the name of He whose words both healed and cut like a knife Jesus Christ. Amen May

Christ bless you with love, joy and peace today and every day. Joseph a son of Jehovah

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How to Have a Rewarding Day

 A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. Proverbs 11:25, New International Version

Kind words can be short and easy to speak but their echoes are truly endless. Mother Theresa

How to have a rewarding day: Sometimes it’s the little words that can have the biggest impact. When you see someone sad a simple hi or good morning accompanied with a sincere smile is all it takes to turn the gloomy day into a day of sunshine.

When someone is down a simple compliment like I like your outfit can really be a booster. A simple thank you can brighten a day.

Today, make an effort to say something nice to someone you see with the clouds of despair hanging over their head. Watch their face break out into a beautiful smile.

Better yet, when I was a child I belonged to a group that made it a practice to do at least one good deed a day. Why not make that a habit in your life and see how much it changes your life and the life of those around you.

You know what?

It will make you feel pretty good too.

We shall never know all the good that a simple smile can do. Mother Theresa

Prayer: Please my Beloved Father Jehovah Heseh (God is love) bless me to emulate You today, especially to someone who is in need of some tender loving care. May this be a catalyst to guide them to You which is the most loving thing I can do for anyone. I humbly ask this in the name of He who is the most loving of any who has walked this planet Jesus Christ. Amen

May you be blessed with peace and joy every day. Joseph a son of Jehovah

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They Do So.

 As you help us by your prayers. 2 Corinthians 1:11 The Holy Bible New Living Translation

Some folks mistakenly think that praying for others does not do any good.

They do so. I can recall numerous times when my prayer for others was answered in miraculous ways (and yes, they were miracles).

You need not look far to see folks that need a prayer. Ask them if you can pray for them and what their prayer request is. Then write it down. Keep in touch at least once a week. Let them know you are continuing to pray for them and see if there is anything else you can do for them (Jehovah will usually provide you with resources to help them and even if He does not the request often encourages them as much as the prayer).

Praying for others every day is an important intricate part of every Christians prayer. Joseph a son of Jehovah

Prayer: Please Holy Spirit Shammah ( The Lord is Present) Hebrews 13:5 always be present during my intersession for other saints and guide me to those who need me to be their prayer warrior. I humbly request this in the name of He who taught me how to pray for others Jesus Christ. Amen

May you be blessed with the gift of love, the gift of peace, the gift of joy. May you be blessed with numerous opportunities to share these gifts with others today. Joseph a son of Jehovah

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God Blesses Those Who

God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12 The Holy Bible New Living Translation  

I have seen too many egotistic folks or good hearted folks try to leave a legacy because they want to be remembered when they go over to the other side which is abused and forgotten in a few years. All the while they neglect their eternal inheritance which will be either very comfortable or extremely uncomfortable.

I choose the eternal inheritance of Christs kingdom over my ego every time. Joseph a son of Jehovah

I work to impress Jehovah, not man. Joseph a son of Jehovah

Have you ever heard of the old saying:”He would be rolling in his grave if he ever saw ___ (fill in the blank). I have seen many sacrifice their live and their health so that when they die they will leave a good inheritance for their children. When they die their children could care less and end up blowing their inheritance foolishly. Their parents would be rolling in their graves if they saw it.

Our inheritance has been turned over to strangers, our homes to foreigners. Lamentations 5:2 The Holy Bible New Living Translation

I have seen many buildings that in their time were extravagant luxurious statements to the community about the owners wealth that are now run down buildings used by drug addicts and for wild drunken orgies parties. Boy would they be spinning in their graves if they could see that.

On the other hand when we work for King Jesus, He will place a beautiful crown of glory on our heads when when enter Heavens Gate.

Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ. Colossians 3:24 The Holy Bible New Living Translation

Prayer: Thank you Jehovah Abba (God our Father) for blessing me with an amazing inheritance in Heaven with the best inheritance of all,spending eternity with You, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and fellow members of Your Holy Family. I praise You in the name of my big brother Jesus Christ. Amen  

The gift of love, the gift of joy, the gift of peace, these are the greatest gifts that can be given. They are given in abundance to all those in Christs family by our Heavenly loving  Father. May you be blessed with plentiful opportunities to share these with those around you today. Joseph a son of Jehovah

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Ask Them If

 

He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him. Proverbs 13:24, New International Version

Now we need to understand this.

When children are young, they will push the limits to see what they can get away with.

First they must be warned such behavior is bad and explain why it is bad. Please do not just tell them it is bad or they must do it because you said so. Take the time to explain why they must do this or must not do that. It is even better when you share with them your personal experience so it makes it more real to them.

If they continue to push the envelope they must receive corporal punishment. One good swat will suffice most of the time or taking away a privilege like no mobile phone for a week.

Then sent to a quiet place to contemplate what they have done for about ten minutes. .

After that go sit down beside them. Hug them. Tell them you love them and it really hurt you to do what you had to do. Ask them if they understand. Usually they do. If they do, not try another way to explain it to them.

This is the method my mom used with us kids and I have used with children many times (being a teacher they were not my students but I loved them as if they were my own children). I speak from experience when I say they will love and respect you for it.

After that when they are naughty all I have to do is raise my voice in a firm controlled way to tell them to stop it and they instantly stop. Not out of fear, but rather out of love.

Without discipline there is chaos. Joseph a son of Jehovah

Prayer:Please Jehovah Abba (God my Father) bless me to emulate You in the same manner in which You wisely teach Your children. I deeply desire them to be a blessing upon this earth not a curse. I humbly request this in the name of my big brother Jesus Christ. Amen

May love be in your life, may hope be in your heart and may peace be in your every day walk with Christ. Joseph a son of Jehovah

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