How I Conquered the Roads Less Traveled Through Christ Jesus
Author: Savedbyhisgrace72
God healed my emptiness, he knew about my situations before they begun, every trial and every test was a revelation as to what he had planned for my life. He promised me healing along with deliverance from the brokenness I endured before I took my first breath into the world. Once I put my trust in the lord, I received the gift of redemption. Saved by the Grace of God.
“The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down with her own hands.”
Proverbs 14 : 1 KJV
“A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh.”
Ezekiel 36 : 26 KJV
Many women consider themselves to be wise women of God, she could be a virtuous mother, sister, wife, aunt, great aunt, grandmother, cousin, a friend to many. She is obedient in Christ. A woman that fears the Lord, follows by his instruction, leads by his direction. A woman that is not afraid to pray in public nor behind closed doors.
A couple of days ago while driving to work one morning, I came across a license plate that read Psalms 34. I had been driving behind this vehicle for at least five minutes before my eyes became fixated on what I was actually seeing. Being that I always listen to praise and worship, concentrating on the word as to my morning drive.
My thought process; Is this coincidental? Am I supposed to be seeing this? As I kept driving, I started to smile to myself thinking, God am I supposed to read this chapter in the Bible today? A few days earlier I had been studying the word FEAR in the Bible, trying to connect the dots as to improving my own life. As I pulled into work I parked my car, sat for a moment, retrieving my cell phone from my purse I Googled Psalm 34. I had been directed to these verses within the chapter of Psalm 34: 11-18.
(11)”Come ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
What man is he the desireth life and loveth many days, that he may see good?
Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.
Depart from evil, and do good: seek peace, and pursue it.
The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are upon their cry.
The face of the Lord is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.
The righteous cry and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.
(18) The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of contrite spirit.
Psalm 34 : 11- 18 KJV
The word FEAR plays a detrimental part in reference to many of our lives, fear of starting a business, fear of getting a new job promotion, fear of starting over again as to relationship / marriage, breakups / divorce, fear of getting to the next level in your life, accomplishing your dreams, fear of building a christian foundation the Lord has wanted us to build since the beginning of our exsistence.
Some might wonder what it means to fear the Lord asking the question why is fear the beginning of wisdom?
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
Proverbs 9:10 KJV
Since God is far above us and far greater than us, as our heavenly creator who created us to do his will.
In Scripture theology, wisdom is true religion; godliness; piety; the knowledge and fear of God sincere and uniform obedience to his commands. Unless it’s based on the understanding of God wisdom can only act in relation to man. If fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, then it follows prior to the fear of the Lord there is no wisdom.
Understanding that we need God for everything, unless this separation is closed, we will be nothing.
Proverbs 1 : 7 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” This verse gives added insight with it’s antithetical parallelism – there is a sharp contrast between the wise life and the foolish life. A wise individual fears/reverences/obeys the Lord. A fool despises God’s instruction and cannot be told what to do. The wise person is wise because she/he has started at the starting place: the fool has no foundation on which to build wisdom.
In order to develop the fear of the Lord, we must recognize God for who he is. Those that fear God have a continual awareness of Him a sincere commitment to obey Him.
In order to develop the fear of the Lord we must reconize God for who he is. The continual awareness that our loving heavenly Father is watching and evaluating everything we think, say and do. Nothing escapes his attention.
Romans 1:21-22 speaks of those who neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise they became fools. Individuals trying to obtain wisdom while ignoring God- it cannot be done without the wisdom of God.
When the reality of God’s true nature has caused us to fall down and worship meaning a dramatistic life changing event, we are then in the right position to gain wisdom. Wisdom is a priority we are told to seek it above all else.
Untl our heart, mind, body and souls are in a right solid relationship with God we are unable to have the wisdom that comes from heaven.
Without the fear of the Lord we may be able to make practicle choices while living here on earth, however we will miss the opportunity that defines a wise indiviual. #savedbyhis grace72
“Who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.”
Titus 2:14 NIV
After spending years hiding behind my so called mask, I decided to unmask the truth. I was what you would call a pretender, pretending to be that individual who could handle any situation, the strong woman that had been through hell and high waters, no matter what; she was still standing by the Grace of God. To my surprise, after talking, hearing from other individuals that have been through situational circumstances in life I have learned, we are all broken vessels, we are all a work in progress, we all fall short of his glory.
Redemption Starts From Within
The moment I unmasked the truth from within, I begin to see and feel others that were afraid of the truth, MASKS STILL ON!!! August 17, 2017 Gods truth began, the brokenness settled in temporarily. My journey down The 46th Mile Road to Redemption finally kicked into full gear as the Lord allowed this heartbreak and pain, breaking my heart in the way He breaks when he sees His people, the church, the world, pretending among themselves from fear, pain, rejection, guilt and shame.
The Lord knows he did not create us to pretend, as Christians we need to stop trying to project an image that everything is in order; our lives are complete. If they are; I am happy for you, this doesn’t apply to you, but if you are in the pretending stage like I was, this message applies to you. The sooner I stopped pretending, God begin his work in and through me.
#savedbyhisgrace72
God sees and knows how broken we are from the beginning to end. When I truly opened up my heart to him, God’s Grace began to restore and heal the pieces of my broken and shattered life. I felt precious, like gold sort to speak. I was desperate to know him 100%. God took my sinful past, presented a newness to my life in a matter of months. My past mistakes are just that MY PAST. I am qualified, forgiven, shielded by the blood of Jesus. By his stripes I am healed. Proclaiming the healing as to my everyday living, walking the roads less traveled. Thank God for his angels; the devil had a plan to kill me BUT GOD intercepted, he blocked it, he wouldn’t let me fall. He knew I had work to do. Thanking God for his compassion and forgiveness.
BUT GOD is the answer
My memoir The 46th Mile Road to Redemption will take you down the road of discovery. Your past might not be as dark as mine, Different Story Same Glory (Previous post) however through prayer, scripture and obedience we all have the same outcome. God your holy presence resides within us all. I’ll invite you the reader in on a little secret Redemption starts from within.
“Happy is the man that findeth wisdom and the man the getteth understanding.”
Friday evening around 5:45 pm February 8, 2019. Hurrying to attend the Gather: Joy Women’s Retreat; Eden Prairie, Minnesota being held at the Church I attend weekly. Driving home from work, the weather had begun to turn extremely cold, wind blowing, bumper to bumper traffic. I just wanted to get out of traffic for about twenty minutes, enough time to change clothes feed my cat Milo. What usually took about fifteen minutes to drive home from work, took me about forty five minutes that day.
Pulling into a parking stall of my apartment complex, before I could get out of my car, I noticed my neighbor struggling to get the hood of his Jeep open. Stepping out of my vehicle, I begin walking towards the door of the apartment building, looking a bit closer he had a pair of jumper cables attached to another vehicle. I said hello, walking quickly past him, rushing to get into the building away from the cold. I entered into the apartment hallway putting the key into my door, home at last. Twenty minutes tops, my thought process as to in and out of my apartment. Walking in the door, Immediately gathering my bag along with my Bible and note book I had placed side by side the night before.
Rushing to get back to my vehicle, I had left running with the spare key in my purse. Sitting down for five minutes to take a long much needed breath, after I had fed Milo, changed out of my work attire, I decided to head out, back into the cold. Leaving my apartment, locking the door behind me. I headed down the stairwell.
As I begin walking out the door of my apartment building, my thoughts; poor guy it’s cold out, I wonder if he will ever get that car started. I really do not know my neighbors, we speak hello and goodbyes, that’s about the extent of our conversations. Walking to my car, my neighbor stops me to say “Excuse me neighbor, I live across from you; could you help me out with a jump? My wife is trying to get to work the hood of my car will not open it’s too cold.” As I am walking towards my vehicle, intentionally, purposely not making eye contact. I stated no I’m sorry, I’m on my way to church, I’m running a little behind. I’m sure if you knock on one of our other neighbors doors they could possibly help you out. His words to me, “It wont take but a couple of seconds to start her vehicle.” I stated again, sorry I have to go.
Entering into my vehicle, I sat for a moment thinking to myself, You are living a Christian life, that wasn’t Christian like; the voice in my head spoke these words, I’m sure it was my conscious; girl you better help that man!! As I put my car in gear, pulling up next to both vehicles, opening the hood of my car from the inside of my vehicle, stepping out with my heel boots on to help. My neighbor was right, it took less than 5 minutes of my time to start the other vehicle. My neighbor thanked me stating “God bless you my sister; my family and I are Christians, we too attend church regularly. I could tell this man wasn’t from the United States, not that it mattered, he had a strong accent, I smiled and stated I’m sorry for not acting according to his word. I stated God Bless you as well sir.
Turning out of my apartment complex, on my way to the retreat. Looking over at my car clock 6:15 p.m. While driving, I begin to think about how selfish I had acted, trying to talk my way out of helping my neighbor. Lending a hand to someone in need! I was glad that I had helped someone in the desperate time that they really needed help. This leads me to the Bible verse about loving thy neighbor.
I’m going to start my story out with the verse the Lord has put on my heart about loving your neighbors as you love yourself, Yes I would have wanted my neighbor helping me out if my car wouldn’t have started. I have to admit, I have been in situations like that in the past.
(37) “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. (38) This is the first and great commandment. (39) And the second is like unto it, (40) Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.”
Matthew 22: 37 – 40 KJV
Arriving at the retreat, excited about that nights service. I gathered my belongings from my car, proceeded to enter into door #2. Signing in, retrieving my name tag, stopping for a cup of coffee. Waving at a couple of ladies I usually see during Sunday morning church service, I take my seat at the front of the retreat. I have never really been a back of the room person, I’m one that likes to be upfront, where all the action is, taking notes.
Praise and worship had begun. Immediately feeling the Lord’s presence all around me. My heart felt warm as if I were being hugged. As I lifted my hands up high, thanking the Lord, allowing me to help my neighbor, praying to God for forgiveness, due to my ungodly actions in the beginning of the situation I had encountered. I begin to cry as if I had been a disobedient child in the beginning of the car situation. I have never done that before, meaning not wanting to help someone, then to turn around and ask God to forgive me. In my past I was a very selfish woman without a doubt, when it came to strangers asking for help. The Lord was working through me that night restoring me. My salvation and redemption means the world to me. I repented and moved on.
The first night, the retreat started at 7:00 p.m. the Pastors wife begin speaking about two sisters within the retreat that I had attended a women’s Bible study group with in the past year, both ladies were recovering from cancer, I knew the first sister was getting over chemotherapy, the second sister whom I had met also through a Bible study group as well as attending the teen moms volunteer group at church.
To my surprise, I had noticed the second sister that night, at the beginning of the retreat, thinking to myself she had lost a little weight, I had no idea she too had been battling cancer. What sweet kind and loving ladies indeed, always helping out wherever they could. The women looked Phenomenal holding each others hands as to each others support system among themselves.
While the pastors wife spoke, I sat back asking God what had just happened to these ladies, sisters in Christ serving the Lord, married with children? Being I had not been involved within the same Bible studies the two ladies now attend, I attend a different study group within the church, I had to step back in order to step up, healing from my own story. This is why I have decided to call this blog Different Story Same Glory, everyone has a story of some kind, however we all still come out with the same glory when we let go and let God.
What I had seen within these two sisters in Christ. Tears rolled down my eyes when the Pastors wife had begin referencing to their stories, I noticed strength and determination portraying soft and gentle spirits within the two ladies eyes only God can provide.
The retreat get’s very interesting. Before I go on, I just want to thank our Heavenly Father, allowing me to reside in the presence of many anointing women at the retreat that weekend. Completely letting go of my past, I learned this; by standing on the word daily, it is of importance within your walk with God. No matter what you are going through, if God can take you to it, he will pull you through it. I’ve written this quote in the past. It’s something that I live by on a daily basis. I tell others I’m still a work in progress we all are. It was truly when I let go at 100 % one day I truly gave myself to God, I begin to feel him doing a work in me, The Lord knows I needed plenty of his work!!
That night, the speaker touched on trials and tribulations which is the area, I had struggled within my past, such as trusting God whole heartily, putting my strength and trust in him, setting my mind on him not of this Earth, which most of us have done that weren’t truly aware of his blessings. The Lord is our rock. Never knowing how to pray the right prayer in regards to protection.
Not knowing the right prayer to pray over my now adult children. Praying to the Lord asking for his shield in regards to myself as well others with the coat of his armor, is what I took from her the Pastors wife speech, her last statement made a valid point, “Put your trust in God, get to know him. “You can’t trust someone you do not know.” This verse caught my attention. I love the book of Psalms, it’s full of great teachings.
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.”
Psalm 28 : 7
Getting close to 9:00 pm the first nights retreat had come to an end. After discussing the next days itinerary which would consist of Biblical workshops, the ladies luncheon at noon. Saturday morning February 9, 2019 the retreat would start again 9:00 a.m. ending at 4:00 p.m. The social gathering would be starting after tonight’s service. The Coffee shop gathering would entail within the church.
After the service, the ladies headed to the upstairs Coffee shop which had been nicely orchestrated, very inviting, cheerful, colorful. I hung out for a while, converting amongst the crowd of ladies, enjoying the snacks and coffee provided by the retreat. I had decided to head home. While driving back home, I began thinking about everything I endured throughout my life to get to this point of redemption, I thanked the Lord, hit the Gospel music station button on my car stereo, proceeded home.
Saturday morning arriving at the retreat on time. Listening to the first speaker touching on what had just happened to me the night before as to my selfish actions, setting my eye on the Lord. I seriously thought she had been speaking directly to me. Obedience to Gods works. Perfect timing right! Taking matters into your own hands, becoming of a new creation acting in a new creation way. I’m going to post this scripture she referenced to being that this is exactly how we as Christians should be living. After reading this scripture goosebumps arose on my arms.
Made Alive in Christ
(2) “As for you were dead in your transgressions and sins. in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following it’s desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – It is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith- this is not from yourselves, it is a gift from God- not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Ephesians 2 : 10 NIV
Before we broke into our group workshops to listen to the other speakers whose names were on the itinerary, this one particular woman approached me stating “I noticed you crying a bit last night” as to say, what’s your story. I looked at her as I begin to open up a bit, she began adjusting a microphone headset, clueless as to whom I had been converting with, this well put together suburban like woman had a smile as bright as the sun on her face, what had this individual had to talk about. My judgement of this woman had become deceiving as to my thoughts. I learned the true meaning “Never judge a book by it’s cover, pick it up and read it first.”
I was in for a big surprise in regards to this woman that seemed to have it all, what I mean by seeming to have it all, it didn’t appear that she had ever gone through a hardship in her life. Well put together, business like. I began to put the name together with my first workshop leaders name, I had come to realize I had just been speaking to the group leader that I was getting ready to listen to as she told her story within her workshop.
I had informed her about my loss. My last words to her as she stepped on the stage were, if she had ever lost anyone so dear and close to her heart? She hugged me, informing me she was about to begin the workshop, stating she would talk to me after the the workshop.
Starting out with a prayer, this woman started out by stating her life’s accomplishments, her great upbringing, being raised within a great family background. A group fitness instructor, married with two sons, jumping right into how she over came her husbands alcohol addiction, with the help of Christ Jesus and prayer, stating how she had almost lost everything. Tears immediately gathering into her eyes, nose running, she continued to tell her story, she’s been married for 20 years to the same man, explaining how she stood by her husband as he overcame his addiction, that was just the beginning of her story it gets darker.
The speaker had mentioned she was a stay at home mother, being that she had home schooled her sons, gave her an opportunity to babysit one of her dear friends infant daughter. One particular day she had laid the infant down for a nap, entering back into the room to check on the child a couple of hours later, finding the infant girl lifeless.
Having to call the child’s parents to advise them that the child whom they had left in her care wasn’t breathing, explaining to the police what had happened, with no explanation as to what had just went on. The speaker definitely had to find an understanding as to the storms that were placed in her life. Different Story Same Glory. The parents of the child had forgiving hearts, making sure she understood they did not blame her as to their infant daughters death, the speaker introduced the word Sovereignty connecting the word to trials in life, I had to look up the meaning, being I’m not used to seeing the word.
What I had gotten out of the meaning is that God having authority over a situational circumstance, all things being out of our hands, not our will but his will, he was in control when the infant passed away as well the loss of someone so close and dear to my heart.
God is in control of all things, He may choose to let certain events happen according to natural laws, past, present and future, nothing happens out of his knowledge and control. All things are either caused by him or allowed by him for his own purpose through his perfect will and timing.
In conclusion to my Different Story Same Glory post, this story seemed to have stuck out more than the other stories I had heard that day. We all have different stories, most have been through tough times in life, none better than the other, some darker than others. The stories all having significance because they reflect the Father & Author of existence to our life, however if we stay obedient to his word, we are all sure to have the same glories through prayer and worship. #savedbyhisgrace72
“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, by your will they existed and were created.”
Tuesday January 30, 2019 I awoke to Evangelist Joyce Meyers speaking from within the television, I had fallen asleep with the tv on the night before, while rubbing my eyes reaching for my glasses, these three words caught my attention Body, Soul and Spirit, so I ran with it. I’m going to put what I took from Joyce Meyers sermon that morning and write them into my own words, as to how I perceived her message. First I would like to pray and ask the Lord to give me a verse to add to my story. This is what the Lord has given my heart to write, I pray this brings comfort to someones unanswered question as to death amongst us here on earth.
“But we do not want you to be uninformed brothers / sisters about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive. who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.”
Thessalonians 4 : 3 – 17 ESV
Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.
Ecclesiastes 12:7 KJV
Understanding why the Lord had awaken me early that morning so that I may have an understanding to the question I found myself constantly asking the Lord.
Why death Lord?
I have always been one that’s been afraid of dying, my thoughts; Where would I go? Will my loved ones miss me? Will my sins be forgiven as I arrive at heavens gates? In the past; these questions continuously played a part as to my life’s anxieties in regards to understanding the Body Soul and Spirit pertaining to death.
As I begin losing individuals earlier within my life, I had come to the understanding in regards to why our loved ones would leave us once they fell into this deep stage of sleep we call death; sometimes it’s by choice; other times natural causes, often due to situational circumstances meaning; by the hands of someone else, most times; complications stemming from a chronic illness.
The one question that has stuck out in my head time and time again Is this; Do we have a Body, Soul and Spirit? Or do we have a Body, Soul/Spirit?
As a young child, the question constantly entered into my mind, whenever I would attend funerals. I would sit and wonder why the individual had looked so peacefully asleep. I guess I never really paid attention to the pastor during the church sermons, as a child or an adult. It’s pretty obvious I had much learning to do or I would have known the answer to my own question along time ago.
A week ago; one afternoon while talking among a group of women from work, out of curiosity, I had asked several of the women within the group, ages ranging from early twenties to early fifties this perplex question. How many think of the human anatomy meaning the human body as one, two or three divisions? The body being one; the soul being two, the spirit being three, however the other question I had was; the body being one, the soul/spirit being two, combined together as one.
My reasoning for asking the question from the different age group was that I wanted to get the opinion from a Millennial point of view as well as a Generation X group right down to the Baby Boomer. However I could not ask the Generation Z group there weren’t any around. The ladies had no idea I was asking for the purpose of this up and coming post, however I had later informed the women, I would be writing about their opinions. I asked if that was ok, stating that I would be leaving their names out of this post of course.
I’ll start with the youngest of the group the Millennial, the answer that I had received was that there was a Body, Spirit and Soul, she left it at that, no explanation. The next group Generation X one lady answered that there were two divisions to the Body one division was the Body the next division the Soul & Spirit were combined as one, no further comments. The Baby Boomer answered there were three divisions to the body her exact words were “The body was made up of a trilogy” meaning of three; referencing her answer to the Holy Bible as I sat in silence, I became more engaged as to her defining the answer she had just provided. The Baby Boomer stated that man was created in the image of God. I sat back in my chair as she proceeded. Stating that “God Is a tripartite meaning the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit” she stated yes there are three parts to man, Body, Soul and Spirit. I had asked the Baby Boomer where could I find that information? Her answer ” The Apostle Paul.”
“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely, and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete. without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
1 Thessalonians 5:23 NASB
I have to admit I started this post January 30, 2019 however I felt that I needed to research a bit further, making sure I would be providing the the reader you; the best information possible. I went home and did a little digging myself. Eager to know a bit more into the Body, Soul and Spirit. I had come across many articles in reference to my search, I had become intrigued by this photo, thought I would share.
God blesses our earthly lives, these same earthly lives are secondary to him. God’s primarily concerned about the bigger issues of eternity and our spiritual state.
In the Bible it states that the soul and spirit are the primary immaterial of humanity, the body is the physical container that holds them together while living here on earth.
Body (Greek word for “SOMA”)
The entire physical structure of the of the human anatomy – The physical part of one person.
Presenting your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, that would be acceptable according to God’s word. Engaging in spiritual worship/ warfare, not allowing the world to conform your mind, body and soul. Therefore if you are living in a world of sin, transformation and the renewing of the mind may prove that the Will of God is acceptable, perfect and good in the eyes of the Lord by walking within the newness of the Lord’s grace.
“For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.”
1 Corinthians 6 : 20 KJV
Soul (Greek “Psyche”)
Genensis 2 :7 States that “Man was created as a living soul.”
The soul consists of the mind and the state of conscience, which I had no idea. The soul and spirit are mysteriously tied together that make up what the scripture calls the heart. I am truly enjoying the information that I am receiving from the Bible. I never knew how much information the Bible held inside, clueless indeed, as to his Word.
Sprit (Greek “Pneuma”)
The Flesh, body of all mankind connecting to the Holy Spirit.
There is separation between Soul and Spirit, the two has division of both joints and marrow and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4:12 NASB). It is only through God that we are able to bring the Soul and Spirit to separation; he does this by piercing our heart.
As humans here on earth we have souls and eternal spirits the Lord has gathered into a body form. If any man shall be of the flesh may he have eternal life through the grace of God.
For you have formed my inward parts: You wove me into my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully made; Wonderful are your works, and my soul knows it very well.
Before I begin my post, I would like to define the phrase “A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing.” Reminding myself of this often helps me get through life’s most challenging moments.
The meaning originates from the King James Version of the Bible Matthew 7:15 “Be aware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.”
This phrase also stands for friendships within the work place as well as family, Individuals pretending to like you in front of your face, talking about you behind your back. I call it pure gossip. Working in Corporate America, coming from a dysfunctional family, you see this quite often.
They may seem as if their intentions are of innocent intent, however their ulterior motives are camouflaged sometimes going undetected.
A individual that appears kind to you while conversing may be the same individual undercutting your character to others when you aren’t around, I consider a wolf in disguise.
Knowing how to spot a potential Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing isn’t that difficult to do. More times than none it’s challenging, especially if you have been close to the individual for a while or someone that you may have just been introduced to, the signs are present. Pay close attention to ones actions, conversations as well as body language. If your gut tells you that a wolf is amongst the group of sheep take heed your gut is almost 99.9 % accurate.
I’m not by any means telling others to become leary of everyone they encounter as to being judgemental or jaded, just know when Wolves are near or present. Protecting yourself through praise, worship and spiritual warfare will continually build separation from you and the Wolf. I’m sure we all want to give one the benefit of the doubt but not everyone is for you. My encouragement to others, be wise in any situation.
As a born again Christian I sometimes have to remind myself, that I am a changed woman when negative situations arise, remembering I can not and will not reflect back to my old ways as to dealing with situational circumstances, when I feel that I have been wronged or talked about. I have to remember that the battle is not mine it’s the Lords and leave it at that.
Walking in Christ is the best change I could have ever given myself. Knowing when to step back and walk away ranging from negative conversations within the workplace to negative phone calls in regards to other individuals. Sooo when I do get the phone call; I always remind the other person on the other end; How about if we pray for them instead of talking about them. Most christians would agree, some non believing individuals might not be where I am as to spirituality, will quickly dismiss our phone call and hang up. Try it, It works.
As we keep the Bible near pressing to get to know God on a real and truthful level, we must remember to set our minds on protecting and guarding our surroundings, meditating on the Word, not the falseness of the flesh. Eventually we become trained as to spotting this Wolf in Sheep’s clothing.
6 Signs Of a Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing
Wolves Gossip
Wolves are argumentative
Wolves are always right
Wolves are unwilling to admit their wrongs
Wolves never apologize or admit their faults or ask for forgiveness
Wolves are proud individuals
These are just a few signs to look for. I’m sure there are many more out there. However I will still pray for the Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing we all fall short of his glory.
#savedbyhisgrace72
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
Darkness can not Drive out Darkness only Light can Do that!!
Many times more than none; we as born again Christians seem to run into that place of darkness and conviction from within, stemming from past or present bad parenting skills to relationship darkness past or present, which may lead some down the road to destruction. I find that It is extremely important factor; for the sake of parenting, as your child grows, childhood development can be influenced by not only what the parent does in life, but how they do it. Poor parenting can be passed down from generation to generation. Some call it a generational curse, I would agree. savedbyhisgrace72
Statistics show the more adverse childhood experiences a person had, the more likely their children were to been troubled too. According to “Poor parenting can be passed from generation to generation study.com” NBC NEWS. “CONN”
“If a child feels loved and supported, regardless of what discipline is used, that can be a game- changer.” NBC “CONN”
I have a great story to tell in regards to what I have just written above, however you will have to wait until next year August 31, 2020 to read about The 46th Mile Road to Redemption How I Conquered the Roads less traveled. How I gained my self assurance, finding faith within my own strength, with the help of Christ Jesus. I had become confident within my abilities to overcome any obstacle and lifes situational circumstances. I knew I was born of uniqueness never utilizing my abilities to rise to occasion until I had to face life head on through challenging changes within my life. I knew in order to deliver my entire self, I had to determine what was needed to guide myself towards the right direction.
I had never realized how afraid of being in the dark I had become even as an adult, in all reality my life was full of darkness from the beginning. My thoughts; How could I be afraid of the dark when the lights were turned off I walked in darkness most of my life, I had become resilient to this darkness.
Having the ability to bounce back from life’s setbacks has made me the woman I am today. There were mountains that I had to climb, battles that I had to fight, If I would have never tried, how could I expect to overcome this fear of the flight. If you should ever be at the point in your life where you end up down for the count, remember you do not have to stay down, pick yourself up and continue on. I call it action orientated, The get up and fight spirit.
As a result I had become conditioned to the risks of extreme pressures the devil kept throwing my way, It was through much failure within my life that I discovered my limitations of what I could and could not do, realizing “Nothing can dim the light which shines from within.” – Maya Angelou
One might ask how they could possibly become more resilient to life’s set backs.
Prayer seeking God understanding the situation.
Becoming more self conscious within your thought process/ State of mind.
Determine what approach to take when a life situational circumstance arises.
Becoming mindful not to fall into the devils entrapment of depression/ self resentment. there is life after the circumstance in any situation.
Just know the Lord has his hands on you at all times.
After my women’s Wednesday night bible study group I attend weekly, I entered into my place plopped down on the couch immediately reaching for my devotional reading material.“Lord I Give You This Day” I came across a couple of paragraphs that stuck out to me, I would love to share with you all. The Author of the book Kay Authur; writes amazing devotionals. I have held unto this daily devotional book for many years, never utilizing the devotionals until I became a born again christian August 14, 2017. I pray this reaches someone that might be in need of spiritual guidance. Savedbyhisgrace72
“Are you considering compromise in some area of your Life? Perhaps you have already lowered your standards, when it comes to where you surf on the internet, the conversations you have with friends, Lord is more than a word; it indicates a relationship. The Lordship of God means his total possesion of us and our submission to him as Lord and Master.”
– Kay Authur
Kay Authur, also speaks about spending time with God being made clean of your sins, washing the sins away, spending time interseeding with the Lord through praise and worship, standing in the holy shower (In his Word) scrubbing yourself from head to toe, washing your soul within the Bible. Giving yourself to Jesus Christ our Saviour. There is a scripture that I like to read Ephesians 6: 10 – 17, in regards to the whole armour of God. Being protected from the world. Letting this scripture convict you of any sin clinging from your past or present life.
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
For we wrestle not against the flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Stand therefore, having your lions grit about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
EPHESIANS 6 : 10 – 17
Allowing the Word of God to purify your heart, mind, body and soul. When we spend time in confession of our sins and repentance of our souls, we become transformed, your life will be of a sweet smell within the nostrils of God.
I can honestly say, I look forward to my weekly women’s Bible study group. I have a yearning desire to want to know God on a deeper more personal level as to my salvation and redemption. I’m not trying to change the world I’m changing Miriam Howe, I’m just the messanger. Every test and trial there is a revelation, he will set you free. God will heal and deliver what is promised to us that is eternel life and salvation, once you trust him and receive his healing you will receive his abundance of grace.
Savedbyhisgrace72
As I ilft my hands to you Lord, Deliver me from my Transgressions
