#bethelstrong55

[bethelstrong-blog]

The Me That Nobody Knows

Recently I heard a person use the phrase, “The Me That Nobody Knows”, seemingly they were confronted with dynamic and chaotic changes within the pressures of life; compounded with low esteem and emotional confusion.  Upon hearing such dialogue, it sparked a strong feeling of concern within my inner being.  Inasmuch this caused me to step into a responsive position.  Subsequently, their situation grew much more complicated, as they elaborated; while coming through one storm, they found themselves in yet another unexplainable circumstance.

No one is exempt from personal periods of feeling uncomfortable, hurt, loss, loneliness, abandonment, sickness, divorce or even stress, just to name a few…

As Christians, our perception of an existing crises or situation, sometimes feels stronger than our conscious moments of true revelations.

I recall a song that was written by Mr. Jerry Butler in 1968.  Upon being despondent and broken hearted over the loss of his first love affair, he penned the lyrics to the song “Only the Strong Survive”.  His mother encouraged him by saying “There’s going to be a lot of trouble in your life…Hey, you’ve got to be strong, you’ve got to hold on, because only the strong survive”.  This may have brought some consolation, inasmuch; he received acclaimed recognition for this famous masterpiece. 

Be assured, once you have accepted Christ within your life, you are not duplicated but transformed into a new creation.  Due to this miraculous transformation, the enemy’s attacks are to distract us from the powerful inevitable teaching of God’s Holy Word.  The Word of gives us the comfort and clarity to know “That the race is not to the swift or strong but to those who endure to the end.  (Ecclesiates 9:11)

We must stand strong to the Word of God. Depression is a strong demonic spirit which attacks the people of God, its purpose is to strip us of our identity and destroy our confidence/faith in God.

Our heavenly Father passionately loves you and understands your deepest emotional feelings.  The more intimate your relationship with Him, the clearer His voice becomes, to let you know you are not alone and you are more than a “Conquer in Christ Jesus.” The term “The Me That Nobody Knows” doesn’t exist!

 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and he shall direct thy path.  (Proverbs 3:5,6)

Once the U.S. government has given you a Social Security Number (SSN), you have been identified during life and after death.  Once fingerprinted, no one else in the entire universe can duplicate you.  Just as confident, be assured once you have accepted Christ within your life; your heavenly father knows His own.  Does this mean we are exempt from trials and tribulations? By any means - No, but by his Grace and Mercy we are assured…”These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace.  In the world ye shall have tribulations; but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.  (John 16:33)

Be encouraged…knowing that FAITH in God can move mountains!

Until “His” return,

Executive Pastor Janet Harris

[bethelstrong-blog]

What is Vanity to you???

In today’s fast paced society it is easy to get caught up on outward approval and accolades with regards to our appearance and accomplishments.  Here’s something we typically do not think of and speak even less about, take a moment to focus on a few words such as narcissism, self-absorption and conceit.  These words conjure up very vivid descriptions of personality types that are prevalent in today's society.  This present generation has promoted reality TV to the top of network programming and takes more 1 million ‘selfies’ per day.  It is as if no one cares about anyone but themselves.  So I ask you to take a moment to absorb my question.  How vain are you?   Does vanity have a front row seat in your life? Would any of the words mentioned above be used to describe your personality or do they reveal themselves in your character?  

There are over 241 times instances where vain or vanity are used in the Bible but many people only re-count the times when it is used in Ecclesiastes, such as the “Vanity of vanities…all is vanity” (Ecc. 1:2).  In fact vain (adj) means having or showing an excessively high opinion of one's appearance, abilities, or worth; or producing no results; useless. Vanity (n) is the excessive pride in or admiration of one's own appearance or achievements; the quality of being worthless or futile.  However, mentioned is made in both the Old and New Testaments from the Proverbs of Solomon to Psalms of David, from the Old Testament prophets to the first Christians all warned of its repercussions.   But let me ask you this, what does vanity mean to you?

It is most important that you have a firm understanding of the word. How it is epitomized in your life; where has it taken root.  Once you do, you can honestly examine your life and goes about plucking up those weeds that seek to destroy your walk with Christ.  Does this mean that you are a bad person?   No, it is simply self-examination as prescribed by the Word, “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in faith. Test yourselves.” (2 Corr. 13:5) acknowledge that there might be a need for change in your life.  

This is not an indictment of social media or caring about one’s own appearance.  It is a reminder that if left unchecked our care can become a compulsion.  If you find yourself tilting towards vanity there are things you can do to bring yourself back into balance.  The Bible says to feed the poor and give to the widow.  Your giving of yourself can save a life.  Isn't that amazing?  Did you ever think you could be the person to save someone for starving to death or intervene in a person contemplating suicide by just a kind word of caring?  You can give another person HOPE to live another day.  

As with all change measure your steps to produce consistent and lasting results in your life.   As you begin to grow from self-absorbed to expressing affection and kindness to others, the world around you will grow and this will bring a great changes to your life.  

Yes. This can be you! Are you ready to let go and receive the greatness that God has for your life?  You can start this process today, My Friend!!!  I believe God for you and I'm standing in agreement with this short prayer.   Let’s pray and begin this process NOW!!!

Our Prayer:

Father God in Heaven, I ask for your forgiveness and repent from my vain ways. I realize vanity has taken root in my life and I want to change.  Lord, I want to exemplify Christ not just myself.  I want to give and not just receive. I want to feel your Love living in and flowing through me so I may show others love and kindness.  I realize this life is not my own and therefore it is not all about me.  I know that you died and rose again so that I would not be lost.  Today Lord, I receive all that you have for me that I may do your will for my life.  I will commit to reading your word because it is the basic instructions for living in this earth.

Amen.

Submitted by: Tara Finley (Edited by: Phosha Phillips)