Month: April 2023

  • Be Known By Him

    Be Known By Him

    To draw near to God is to be known by God.

    • James 4:8 – “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”
    • Corinthians 8:3 – “But if anyone loves God, he is known by God.”
    • Psalm 139:1 – “O Lord, you have searched me and known me.”

    Wisdom is not: Do you know God?

    Wisdom is: Does He know you?

    ARE YOU KNOWN?

    Jeremiah 1:5 says; “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

    He alone imparts us the veins connecting Life to our body and soul, linking our capacity to grasp this Knowledge.

    Without this vesicular “pulse,” no man can master “KNOWING” because it is the language of the Heavens, not the language of man.

    To come to know Him, we must read His Word, pray and seek Him with all our hearts (Jeremiah 29:13).

    When we do this, we will grow in our knowledge of Him and be blessed with His wisdom and insight into His ways, which often oppose the world’s ways.

    Without His divine beat,
    We'd never understand,
    The language of the heavens,
    Not that of man.
    It's the pulse of God that we can know;
    It's the only way to do spiritually grow,
    It's the language of the heavens,
    That we,as God's, will know.
  • WHAT CAN LIMIT GOD’S WILL: DOES GOD STILL SPEAK?

    WHAT CAN LIMIT GOD’S WILL: DOES GOD STILL SPEAK?

    The power of God's will cannot be understated. He is the master of all creation, and everything is subject to His purpose and plan. As believers, we must trust in His infinite wisdom and understand that our will is ultimately dependent on His. Through Christ, we can be freed from the bondage of sin and operate in God's will, rejecting anything that goes against it. Though we may not always understand God's ways or the trials we face, we can trust in His love and grace to guide us through. 

    WHAT DOES GOD’S WILL DEPEND UPON?

    Nothing, except for His own Will

    God is the ultimate source of knowledge and power, and only He can bring about His will. He is all-knowing and all-powerful, with complete control over everything in creation. His sovereignty is evident in how He has ordained all things that come to pass.

    In everything that happens, His omniscience and omnipotence are at work, and He alone can bring about His foreknowledge. He directs all things according to the counsel of His will, and this will be accomplished in due time, no matter how long it takes.

    Through it all, God remains faithful and trustworthy. However, some may ask if God is only Almighty and Powerful but operates in accordance with His creatures’ will rather than His own. Still, we can trust that God is working out His ultimate plan for our lives and fulfilling His purposes, even if we do not always understand His ways.

    Do We Permit God To Act?

    As we submit to the divine will of the Potter, we become vessels of honor, fit for His use. While we may not always understand His methods or the path He leads us on, we can trust that He has a purpose for every trial and tribulation we face. Our Potter is not only sovereign and all-powerful, but He is also a God of love and mercy, who desires the very best for us. As we surrender to Him, we can rest assured that our lives are in good hands, and that our Potter will mold us into vessels of beauty and significance, fulfilling His eternal purposes through us.
    Ephesians 2:3 & Collossians 2:13 says we were dead in the trespasses & sins & by nature children of wrath.

    Is the human will truly free if it is restricted by sin or righteousness, the flesh or the Spirit?

    When Scripture speaks of us being slaves, it is not referring to physical servitude, but rather to our will. Our hearts and wills are enslaved to wickedness. The will of humanity can only be freed from the bonds of righteousness; our will is only free when it is freed from the bonds of sin. The choices we make and the thoughts we think are determined by the will we have; we are not our own.

    IF OUR WILL IS FREE, WHAT IS IT FREE FROM?

    Romans 6:6 states that our old self, including our will, was crucified with Him, so that the body of sin could be rendered powerless, and we would no longer be enslaved to sin.

    "You who were once slaves of sin have become obedient FROM THE HEART to the standard of teaching to which you WERE COMMITTED, &, having BEEN SET FREE from sin, have become slaves of righteousness.
    When you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness...the end of those things is death.
    NOW that you have been set free from sin & have become SLAVES of God, the FRUIT YOU GET leads to sanctification & its end, eternal life."
    Romans 6:17‭-‬18‭, ‬20‭-‬22

    ✝️”All Scripture is breathed out by God & profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, & training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
    ✝️”The Word of God is living & active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul & of spirit, of joints & of marrow, & discerning the thoughts & intentions of the heart”
    Hebrews 4:12

    EVERYTHING CAME TO BE BY GODS WORD

    God’s voice is a powerful force that brings creation into existence. From the seen to the unseen, everything came into being because of His spoken word. Before the scrolls were written, God spoke and His Word was made flesh through His Son and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The apostles were instrumental in forming the infallible completed Word of God, which is the entire revelation of God. Through this revelation, the veil is lifted for all who belong to Him and they come to know God intimately.

    In the past, God spoke to our forefathers through prophets in many different ways. But in these last days, He speaks to us through His Son, who is appointed the heir of all things. Through His Son, the world was created and upheld by the word of His power. His Son is the exact imprint of God’s nature and the radiance of His glory. And after making purification for sins, He sits at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become superior to angels.

    POWER OF GOD’S WORD

    In Hebrews 1:1-4, we are reminded of the power and authority of God’s spoken word, and how He continues to reveal Himself through the Word made flesh, His Son. As we study and meditate on the Word, we will come to know Him more deeply and be transformed by His power.

    ✝️”Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom HE appointed the heir of all things, through whom also He created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of His nature, and He upholds the universe by the WORD OF HIS POWER. After making purification for sins, HE sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name He has inherited is more excellent than theirs.”

    Hebrews 1:1‭-‬4

    It’s important to remember that in the time of Noah, God spoke exclusively and His Word wasn’t complete like it is now. Noah wasn’t relying on his imagination; he knew that if God spoke, he needed to listen. Today, our imaginations can be filled with garbage that we’ve been exposed to since birth through various programming. Comparing ourselves to Noah or any of the Prophets isn’t fair because they didn’t have the distractions we have today.

    It’s also important to question what we see and hear and stand firm in our faith in Jesus Christ and the infallible Word of God. Even though Noah had free will, we must question what his will was truly free from since it was bound by God’s will.

    We cannot give glory to Noah for the formation of the ark, as all glory belongs to God for using Noah to accomplish His purpose. We mustn’t start down the path of honoring mere men and taking away honor from the One who deserves it all. Everything is for God, by God, and through God. He creates and establishes all things for His will.

    WHO GIVES ABRAHAM FAITH?

    The question of who gives faith to Abraham, and whether man is truly able to come to faith by his own will, is one that has been debated throughout history. Some believe that faith is purely a matter of personal will, while others argue that it is a gift from God.

    It is clear from scripture that God is the one who graces his people with faith. In fact, we are told that even Abraham, the father of faith, received his faith as a gift from God (Romans 4:16).

    BUT WHAT ABOUT THE SPIRITUALLY DEAD?

    Can they come to faith on their own, without the help of God’s grace? The answer is a resounding no. Scripture is clear that it is only through God’s will that the spiritually dead can wake up to eternal life.

    This raises an important theological question: if we are saved by our own good use of God’s grace, then shouldn’t we share in the praise? The answer, of course, is no. All praise belongs to God, who is the one who gives us the faith we need to be saved.

    It is also important to recognize that God speaks to his people with a purpose. He led the apostles to form his church and to teach us the heavenly things that are not seen or heard. We don’t rely on our physical senses anymore, but instead on faith with our evidence being revealed through his spirit interceding with ours.

    GOD HAS ALREADY SPOKE

    But what’s even more amazing is that we get to say that God has already spoken. The revelation of the coming Christ has been written and exposed, and the ending is known. We don’t need any more revelation; we have the revelation!

    That being said, we must recognize that we are fallible, imaginative creatures living in a crooked and perverse generation. We are inundated with lies, and we can’t believe everything we hear and see, even if it feels like it’s from God. We must be cautious and discerning, and always seek God’s will above our own.

    In the end, it is clear that God does as he wills, creating vessels of mercy as well as vessels of wrath. It is up to us to trust in his grace and seek his will in all things.

    ✝️”…though they were not yet born & had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God’s PURPOSE OF ELECTION might continue, not because of works but because of Him who calls— she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” As it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” …
    What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God’s part? By no means!
    He says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, & I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.”
    *** It depends NOT ON HUMAN WILL or exertion, but ON GOD, who has mercy.
    For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might SHOW MY POWER IN YOU, & that MY NAME might be proclaimed in all the earth.”
    So then He has mercy on WHOMEVER HE WILLS, & He hardens WHOMEVER HE WILLS.
    You will say to me then, “Why does HE still find fault? For who can resist His Will?”
    But who are you, O man, to answer back to God?
    ***Will what is molded say to its Molder, “Why have You made me like this?”
    ***Has the Potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use?
    What if God, DESIRING TO SHOW HIS WRATH and MAKE KNOWN HIS POWER, has endured with much patience VESSELS OF WRATH PREPARED FOR DESTRUCTION, in order to MAKE KNOWN the riches of His GLORY for vessels of mercy, which He has prepared beforehand for glory— even us whom He has called, not from the Jews only but also from the Gentiles?

    Romans 9:11‭-‬24

    OUR WILL POWER DEPENDS ON GOD

    As human beings, we often tend to believe that our willpower is solely dependent on ourselves. However, the truth is that our will is dependent on the one who has written our will – God. The Bible tells us that we are not our own and that we belong to God. Additionally, those who are not bound to God’s will, like the Jews who were called children of the devil, are unable to believe.

    When we are born, we have a will to sin and are free from righteousness. However, through Christ, we can be adopted by God’s Spirit and be freed from the bondage of sin. This allows us to operate in His will and reject anything that goes against it. We develop a new will through God’s Spirit that guides our actions.

    It is important to understand the fallibility of the human mind and senses when determining doctrine. Even if God speaks to us, He knows our limitations and what we will do. He may will something to happen, even if it causes us pain or hardship. We cannot always understand the reasons why things happen, but we trust that God’s infinite wisdom is guiding everything.

    It is true that God’s will is not always easy to understand or accept. We see things from a temporal perspective, whereas God sees the entire picture all at once. He sees the purpose in things that we cannot comprehend. Just because something hurts us in this life doesn’t mean it wasn’t willed by God for our spiritual growth and benefit.

    As believers, we must trust in the strength of God’s will over the will of the enemy and the world. We must remember that God is not weak and that nothing happens outside of His will. This can be difficult to comprehend, especially when we face trials or hardships, but God’s love and wisdom never fails us. We can have peace in knowing that everything is subject to God and His purpose, even when we don’t understand it.

    REVELATIONS WARNING

    At the end of the book of Revelation, John delivers a solemn warning to anyone who hears the prophecy contained within its pages. Should anyone add to or take away from the words of this book, God will bring upon them the plagues described within its pages. Moreover, God will deny them a share in the tree of life and the holy city that are also described within this sacred text.

    He who bears witness to these things declares, “I am coming soon.” Let us all say, “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you all. Amen. (Revelation 22:18-21)

  • The 5 ‘I Wills’ of Satan

    The 5 ‘I Wills’ of Satan

    Let’s consider the five “I WILLS” of Lucifer as found in Isaiah 14:13- 14

    “I WILL ASCEND ABOVE THE HEIGHTS OF THE CLOUDS AND SHALL BE LIKE THE MOST HIGH!”

    Lucifer’s vision was not merely a quest for power and control but a deep-seated desire to transcend his current state and attain a level of divinity that rivaled that of the Almighty. He yearned to be more than just an angel, elevated to supreme authority and influence. He believed that he possessed the strength and wisdom to rule over all creation and saw himself as the rightful heir to the throne of Heaven. However, in his arrogance and pride, he failed to recognize that true power and greatness come not from domination and control but from humility and service. His misguided ambition ultimately led to his downfall, as he was cast out of Heaven and condemned to eternal damnation.

    Exodus 13:21-22 says,

    “By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people”.

    I WILL EXALT MY THRONE ABOVE THE STARS OF GOD.

    Lucifer’s fall from grace is a cautionary tale of the dangers of pride and ambition. Even in the presence of God’s throne, Lucifer was not satisfied with his position and longed for more power and authority. His desire to rule over all the angels was a manifestation of his insatiable thirst for greatness, a thirst that could never be quenched.

    Lucifer’s desire to shine brighter than all the other stars is a metaphor for the human desire for recognition and validation. We often seek external validation to feel worthy and necessary, but true fulfillment can only come from within. When our ego drives us, we become blind to the beauty and wonder of the world around us, and our light dims.

    I WILL SIT ALSO UPON THE MOUNT OF THE CONGREGATION.

    The dark forces of the universe were at work as Satan yearned to ascend to the highest throne, seeking to reign supreme over all the celestial beings. His insatiable desire for power and control was fueled by a deep-seated need to be worshipped and adored, the object of all reverence and devotion. His twisted ambition knew no bounds as he sought to become the ultimate idol, the one to whom all would bow down and pledge allegiance. But in his quest for supremacy, he lost sight of the trustworthy source of spiritual fulfillment and became consumed by his ego and vanity.

    I WILL ASCEND ABOVE THE HEIGHTS OF THE CLOUDS.

    The symbolism of “clouds” in the Bible is rich with meaning, representing the majesty and power of God. As we read in Matthew 24:30, the clouds will part and reveal the Son of Man coming in all His glory. This is a powerful image of the divine presence, a reminder of the awe-inspiring nature of God.

    However, the story of Lucifer reminds us that even the most beautiful and powerful creatures can fall from grace. His desire for glory and adoration led him to rebel against God and seek his own path. This is a cautionary tale for all of us, a reminder that our pride and ego can lead us down a dangerous path.

    Ultimately, the lesson of the clouds and the story of Lucifer is one of humility and surrender. We must recognize that all of our gifts and talents come from God and that our true purpose is to glorify Him, not ourselves. Only by submitting to His will can we find true fulfillment and joy.

    I WILL BE LIKE THE MOST HIGH.

    He yearned to transcend his mortal limitations and ascend to the divine realm, to stand on equal footing with the Almighty and assume the mantle of ultimate power and authority. His ambition was to break free from the chains of subservience and become a self-sufficient being, accountable to no higher authority. In his quest for absolute autonomy, he sought to overthrow the very foundations of creation and establish himself as the sole judge of destiny.

  • Psalm 18:6: Have You Ever Heard Anything So Powerful?

    Psalm 18:6: Have You Ever Heard Anything So Powerful?

    WHEN WE CALL UPON GOD AND CRY UNTO HIM

    In my distress I called upon the LORD, And cried unto my God: He heard my voice out of his temple, And my cry came before him, even into his ears. Then the earth shook and trembled; The foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken, because he was wroth. There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, And fire out of his mouth devoured: Coals were kindled by it. He bowed the heavens also, and came down: And darkness was under his feet. And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: Yea, he did fly upon the wings of the wind. He made darkness his secret place; his pavilion round about him Were dark waters and thick clouds of the skies. At the brightness that was before him his thick clouds passed, Hail stones and coals of fire. The LORD also thundered in the heavens, and the Highest gave his voice; Hail stones and coals of fire. Yea, he sent out his arrows, and scattered them; And he shot out lightnings, and discomfited them. Then the channels of waters were seen, and the foundations of the world were discovered at thy rebuke, O LORD, At the blast of the breath of thy nostrils. He sent from above, he took me, He drew me out of many waters. He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: For they were too strong for me. They prevented me in the day of my calamity: But the LORD was my stay. He brought me forth also into a large place; He delivered me, because he delighted in me.

    Psalm 18:6‭-‬19
  • Who Decrees All Things? God Alone.

    Who Decrees All Things? God Alone.

    Who ultimately decreed the wants and desires of the non-elect, from the cradle to the grave?
    God Almighty!
    He decreed ALL THINGS.

    Decree Means:

    Ordered, Sanctioned, Authorized...
    He declares the end from the beginning; from Ancient times, He said things not even done.
    His counsel & His purpose will be accomplished by His Power.
    He brings righteousness to fruition; we don't do anything but participate in His invention.

    Scripture: ✝️

    Remember this: stand firm, recall to mind, transgressors, remember former things of old; I AM God, & there is no other; I AM God, & there is NONE like Me, DECLARING THE END FROM THE BEGINNING & FROM ANCIENT TIMES THINGS NOT YET DONE, saying;
    ‘My COUNSEL SHALL STAND,~ & I WILL ACCOMPLISH ALL OF MY PURPOSE,…
    I HAVE SPOKEN & I WILL BRING IT TO PASS.
    I HAVE A PURPOSE & I WILL DO IT.”
    “Listen to Me, you stubborn of heart, you who are far from righteousness:
    I BRING NEAR MY RIGHTEOUSNESS~… it is not far off & MY SALVATION WILL NOT DELAY…”
    Isaiah 46:8‭-‬13

    ✝️ Hebrews 1:3

    He is the radiance of the glory of God & the exact IMPRINT of His NATURE, & HE UPHOLDS THE UNIVERSE BY THE WORD OF HIS POWER. After making purification for sins, HE sat down at the RIGHT HAND OF THE Majesty ON HIGH…’

    ✝️ Ephesians 1:3‭-‬23: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ. He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His own will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.

    In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of His grace, which He made abound toward us in all wisdom, having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Himself, that He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and on earth — in Him.

    In Him, according to the counsel of His will, you are sealed with the Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance. So, Father of glory, may give to you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, that you may know what is the hope of His calling and the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, above all principalities and powers and might and

    ✝️ John 19:11:

    “Jesus answered, “You could have no power at all against me (Jesus) unless it had been given to you from above. Therefore, the one who delivered me to you has the greater sin.”

    In Terms Of Who And What They Love?

    If God destines & writes your DNA sequence, fashions your makeup in the womb & predestined His Elect, as He says to be saved, then where’s the lack of logic in denying His Hand in those who are going to Hell?

    Does HE just sit back & feel bad in regards to punishing sinners who reject His Son?

    “Since the creation of the world, his invisible attributes have been seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse. Because although they knew God, they did not glorify him as God, nor were they thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man, birds, four-footed animals, and creeping things. Therefore, God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves. They exchanged the truth of God for the lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. Even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting. They were filled with all unrighteousness.”

  • NOT SILENCED BY DARKNESS

    NOT SILENCED BY DARKNESS

    You can’t heal a wound by saying its not there.

    Yet I am not silenced by the darkness, by the thick darkness that covers my face.

    Job 23:17

    I Have Learned This Lesson The Hard Way

    For years, I tried to ignore the pain and trauma that I had experienced in my past. I thought that if I just pushed it down and pretended it wasn’t there, it would eventually go away. But the truth is, the wound only festered and grew worse.

    It wasn’t until I faced my pain head-on that I began The process of healing. I had to acknowledge the hurt and the damage that had been done. I had to allow myself to feel the emotions that I had been suppressing for so long. It was a painful and difficult process, but it was necessary for my healing.

    HEALING IS NOT PRETENDING

    I now understand that healing is not about pretending that everything is okay. It’s about acknowledging the pain and working through it. It’s about allowing yourself to feel the emotions that come with trauma and using them to grow and learn.

    Face The Hurt

    So, if you’re struggling with a wound that won’t seem to heal, don’t try to ignore it. Face it head-on, acknowledge the pain, and work through it. It may be a difficult journey, but it’s one that will ultimately lead to healing and growth.

    OVERWHELMED IN THE FACE OF OUR DARKNESS

    I think Job’s message is particularly relevant in our current world, where so many of us are facing challenges and uncertainties. It can be easy to feel overwhelmed and helpless in the face of darkness, whether it be a global pandemic, social unrest, or personal struggles. But Job’s words remind us that we can choose how we respond to these challenges. Rather than giving in to despair or hopelessness, we can choose to be like Job and refuse to be silenced by the darkness. We can find strength in our faith. We can seek out the Source of light and hope, even in the darkest of times.

    WITH GOD WE CAN RISE ABOVE

    Job’s words remind us that even when we feel like we are in the depths of darkness, with God, we have the power to rise above it and emerge stronger and more resilient than before.

  • A Prayer Of Repentance: Sinning In Anger

    A Prayer Of Repentance: Sinning In Anger

    Lord, I am sorry for allowing anger to cloud my judgment. I am deeply troubled by my actions.

    I had a weak moment, so weak. I repent, Lord. My anger was not justified, even though I felt righteous indignation in defense of myself. I know I am not righteous. I am so sorry, Lord. Please forgive me. I love you, God. I really love you. Please hear my heart calling to you. I am calling you.

    The depths of my fury are unfathomable, and my soul aches with a desperate yearning for your presence. I writhe in agony, consumed by the flames of my anger and the emptiness of your absence.

    I implore you to reveal to me the absolute veracity of this circumstance and grant me the opportunity to attain a comprehensive comprehension of the rationale behind the maltreatment I endured during my most vulnerable state.

    I am so sorry if I hurt or angered you because I love you.

    Please show me your answer. I will be listening to the best of my ability. I pray you give me your ability because I want it more than anything. I’m angry at myself for not controlling my tongue. I allowed my flesh, my human nature, to take over my impulses. I’m angry I didn’t show self-control. I am so sorry! I feel betrayed for some reason. Will you please show me where I am getting this feeling because I’m not really sure of its origin and why?

    I actually understand that there is no one I can trust but you. You are everything. You alone show me that you are who you say you are. You are my everything. Please, Lord, show me what is real around me. I’m getting confused. I guess I can’t believe what I see with my eyes because everyone is so deceptive and hypocritical.

    They hold you to their own standards rather than accepting you for who you are. I know who I am, or rather, who I am not. I know that I am nothing, but I also know that You are everything and Your Word is true, no matter what I believe or do. That is reality, and I will forever hold true to this because it is the only thing in this world that I know for sure.

    You are so good. You are the best; there is none like You, and there will never be another as amazing and perfect as You. You are the beginning and the end, the first and the last. You are everywhere and nowhere, up, down, and all around. You are perfect. I am nothing without You, and I thank You so much for living in my broken vessel, making it whole.

  • Embracing the Absolute Sovereignty of God

    In contemplating the concept of absolute sovereignty, I find myself compelled to acknowledge God’s supreme authority over all things.

    When I say absolute, I mean it in its purest form: independent, self-existent, unconditioned.

    From this perspective, I see every aspect of our lives as predetermined by God. This includes our salvation, which is not a result of our own efforts or virtuous deeds. Instead, it is a divine gift bestowed upon those whom He has chosen, solely based on His grace and the sacrificial work accomplished on the Cross.

    I understand that such a viewpoint may pose challenges for some individuals who may perceive it as relinquishing control over their own lives.

    However, that is not the essence of this belief. While we may lack control over the spiritual dynamics of the material world, we possess the ability to regulate, influence, and navigate within our own realm. We can shape our actions and responses to the circumstances we encounter, thereby exerting control over how we live our lives.

    Nevertheless, when we shift our focus beyond the confines of our limited consciousness and consider the spiritual dimension, our control dissipates entirely. In the grand scheme of things, we have no dominion.

    I firmly believe that our reactions to life’s challenges serve as a testament to our faith in God—a faith that is intricately intertwined with His deliberate design and selection of us. When confronted with insurmountable circumstances, we have the choice to lean on God and embrace His plan for our lives or to turn away from Him.

    In essence, the way we respond to these challenges speaks volumes about the depth of our faith and our trust in the divine providence of God. It is an opportunity to align ourselves with His will and to witness firsthand the transformative power of surrendering to His sovereignty.

    So, let us embrace the absolute sovereignty of God, recognizing His unmatched authority over all things. Let us place our trust in Him, knowing that He has intricately designed our lives and holds the ultimate plan for our salvation.

  • Overview Of ‘The Shadow’- Analytical Psychology

    Overview Of ‘The Shadow’- Analytical Psychology

    The depths of the human psyche are vast and intricate, and I have found, only through the lens of Jungian analytical psychology, can we begin to unravel the depths of the shadow.

    This shadow, this hidden aspect of the ego, is a complex and multifaceted entity that demands our attention and introspection. It is only by delving into the depths of our unconscious that we can truly come to know ourselves. By exploring the shadow, we can gain a profound understanding of the darker aspects of our psyche. In doing so, we can develop a greater sense of self-awareness, for it is only by acknowledging and embracing the shadow that we can truly become whole.

    SHADOW WORK ISN’T JUST ABOUT IDENTIFYING NEGATIVE PATTERNS OR TRAITS

    It is a sacred journey of self-discovery, a pursuit to uncover the hidden aspects of our mentality that have been suppressed deep within the shadows of our being. We come to understand the intricate web of our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and how they shape our reality. It is a transformative experience that requires bravery, vulnerability, and a willingness to confront our deepest fears and insecurities.

    As we delve deeper into the darkness, we begin to see the light that exists, and we emerge with a newfound insight of clarity, meaning, and inner stability.

    Shadow work is not just a journey of self-improvement, but a spiritual awakening that leads us to a deeper connection with ourselves, others, and God.

    UNDERSTANDING

    The idea is to understand and accept our shadow parts so we can turn them into something positive. The shadow is anything outside of our conscious awareness and can be positive or negative. We tend to reject or ignore our negative aspects, but there are positive parts that can also be hidden. Everyone has a shadow, and the less we acknowledge it, the worse it becomes. This is because our unconscious mind, developed in childhood, can be more primitive or instinctual in some people. The shadow is the unknown, irrational, and prone to projection, where we see ourselves as inferior to others. If we don’t acknowledge these projections, they can harm us by creating a disconnect between reality and our minds. This is like sin, which is separation. Without integrating our shadow, we can’t even recognize our sins and repent.

    WHEN THE SHADOW APPEARS

    The shadow, a mysterious and elusive force, often reveals itself to us in our dreams and other ethereal forms. It takes on the guise of a person, typically of the same gender as the dreamer, and its traits may or may not align with the dreamer’s own character. Yet, we must not forget the societal shadow that looms over us all, a collective weight that we carry as individuals and as a society. It is only through deep introspection and a willingness to confront our innermost fears that we can hope to shed light on the shadow and emerge into the light of our true selves.

    THERE ARE LAYERS TO THE SHADOW

    I’ve learned that the Shadow is not just one thing, but many layers. The first layer is made up of memories that I’ve forgotten or pushed away. As I go deeper, I find archetypes that represent human experiences I’ve had. These layers are hard to access, but I need to face them to understand myself. I used to be scared of the Shadow, but now I know it’s important to accept and integrate it. This is how I can become whole and grow spiritually.

    Can we encounter our shadow?

    Yes and this is a part of what Jung calls the process of individuation.

    Jung considered as a perennial danger in life that “the more consciousness gains in clarity, the more monarchic becomes its content…the king constantly needs the renewal that begins with a descent into his own darkness”—his shadow—which the “dissolution of the persona” sets in motion.

    Meaning, when the consciousness becomes clearer, its content may become more dominant. The conscious self needs to explore its own darkness or shadow regularly to renew itself, which is triggered by the dissolution of the persona. This is important because the conscious self is like a king that needs to maintain its power and authority.

    The shadow quite literally personifies everything that we refuse to acknowledge about ourselves; it’s a narrow door; its entrance is a mere sliver, requiring us to navigate through a narrow and torturous path.

    JUNG’S CLAIM OF FALLING VICTIM TO THE SHADOW

    Jung talks about the difficult journey of dissolving the persona and starting the individuation process. It’s risky because it makes you confront the dark parts of yourself, represented by the shadow. If you give in to the shadow, you’ll lose yourself in confusion and chaos. But if you face and accept it, you can come out of the journey as a whole and complete person.

    WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO ‘MERGE WITH’ THE SHADOW?

    In simplest terms, a person’s shadow can take over their personality and actions. This can happen when their conscious mind is shocked, confused, or experiencing extreme emotions. They become possessed and don’t realize what they’re saying or doing because the shadow has taken over.

    The concept of being possessed by one’s shadow, suggests that an individual who fails to integrate their unconscious desires and impulses into their conscious awareness may find themselves perpetually standing in their own light, falling into their own traps, and living below their potential. This notion is exemplified in literary works such as Robert Louis Stevenson’s “The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde,” wherein the titular character’s failure to reconcile his dark impulses with his conscious identity leads to his eventual downfall. As Jung notes, it is crucial that the conscious personality take an active role in integrating their shadow, lest they become enslaved by its autonomous influence.

    as described by Carl Jung.

    Jung suggests that during the process of individuation, the conscious mind may become controlled by the autonomous shadow. As this process continues, the libido shifts from the conscious world to the unconscious shadow below.

    Meaning; The surface of our being often conceals the true nature of our existence, which lies in the depths of our unconscious mind. This hidden aspect, known as the shadow, must be confronted by the ego to achieve a state of unity. However, this process has challenges, as it can lead to moral paralysis. The descent into the shadow realm is a difficult journey that requires immense courage and fortitude, with no guarantee of a positive outcome. Yet, despite the risks, this journey is essential for personal growth and transformation. For Jung, the descent is a necessary step towards the assimilation of the shadow, ultimately leading to a more integrated and authentic self. Although the road may be fraught with suffering, the ascent that follows is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

    THE PURPOSE OF SHADOW WORK

    The purpose of shadow work is to bring you into alignment with your true self. When you are able to face and work through your shadows, you become more authentic, compassionate, and connected to your inner wisdom.

    Shadow work can also help you break free from unhealthy patterns, relationships, and behaviors that have been holding you back. By transforming your shadows into sources of strength, you can create a more fulfilling and purposeful life for yourself.

    HOW TO DO SHADOW WORK ON YOURSELF

    Here are some steps you can take to begin your own shadow work journey:

    Ask yourself these questions:

    What patterns or themes keep showing up in my life?

    What traits or behaviors are hindering my personal growth?

    What emotions and memories do I avoid or suppress?

    Thinking about these deep questions can help you understand yourself better. You may discover hidden parts of yourself that need attention and healing. By facing these challenges, you can become more self-aware and live a more authentic and fulfilling life.

    LINK THE EMOTIONS

    Once you’ve identified your shadow, take some time to connect with the emotions and feelings associated with it.

    This could be fear, shame, guilt, anger, or sadness.

    Allow yourself to fully experience and express these emotions, without judging or suppressing them.

    Connect The Dots

    Try to understand where these emotions are coming from.

    Perhaps they stem from a traumatic experience in childhood, or a belief system that was instilled in you by your family or society.

    Recognize that these experiences and beliefs are not who you are, but rather something that has been imposed upon you.

    WHILE SHADOW WORK CAN BE UNCOMFORTABLE AND CHALLENGING, IT’S AN ESSENTIAL PART OF THE JOURNEY TOWARDS SELF-DISCOVERY AND HEALING

    In the same way, when we come to God, we must bring our whole selves before Him, including the parts that we may have been hiding or denying. Only then can we truly repent and experience the peace, contentment, and fulfillment that comes from being fully known and accepted by God. Just as we cannot repent of something we do not acknowledge, we cannot fully experience God’s love and grace if we continue to hide or deny parts of ourselves. Let us come before God with open hearts and minds, ready to be transformed by His love and truth.

  • The Dark Night Of The Soul: Lamentation Edition

    The Dark Night Of The Soul: Lamentation Edition

    Arise, cry aloud in the night
    At the beginning of the night watches;
    Pour out your heart like water
    Before the presence of the Lord;
    Lift up your hands to Him
    For the life of your little ones
    Who are faint because of hunger
    At the head of every street.”
    — Lamentations 2:19

    I am the man who has seen affliction
    Because of the rod of His wrath.
    He has driven me and made me walk
    In darkness and not in light.
    Surely against me He has turned His hand
    Repeatedly all the day.
    He has caused my flesh and my skin to waste away,
    He has broken my bones.
    He has besieged and encompassed me with bitterness and hardship.
    In dark places He has made me dwell,
    Like those who have long been dead.
    He has walled me in so that I cannot go out;
    He has made my chain heavy.
    Even when I cry out and call for help,
    He shuts out my prayer.
    He has blocked my ways with hewn stone;
    He has made my paths crooked.
    He is to me like a bear lying in wait,
    Like a lion in secret places.
    He has turned aside my ways and torn me to pieces;
    He has made me desolate.
    He bent His bow
    And set me as a target for the arrow.
    He made the arrows of His quiver
    To enter into my inward parts.
    I have become a laughingstock to all my people,
    Their mocking song all the day.
    He has filled me with bitterness,
    He has made me drunk with wormwood.
    He has broken my teeth with gravel;
    He has made me cower in the dust.
    My soul has been rejected from peace;
    I have forgotten happiness.
    So I say, “My strength has perished,
    And so has my hope from the Lord.”

    Remember my affliction and my wandering, the wormwood and bitterness.
    Surely my soul remembers
    And is bowed down within me.
    This I recall to my mind,
    Therefore I have hope.
    The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease,
    For His compassions never fail.
    They are new every morning;
    Great is Your faithfulness.
    “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
    “Therefore I have hope in Him.”
    The Lord is good to those who wait for Him,
    To the person who seeks Him.
    It is good that he waits silently
    For the salvation of the Lord.
    — Lamentations 3:1-26

    For the Lord will not reject forever,
    For if He causes grief,
    Then He will have compassion
    According to His abundant lovingkindness.
    — Lamentations 3:31-32

    How dark the gold has become,
    How the pure gold has changed!
    The sacred stones are poured out
    At the corner of every street.
    The precious sons of Zion,
    Weighed against fine gold,
    How they are regarded as earthen jars,
    The work of a potter’s hands!
    — Lamentations 4:1-2