If you are discussing the negative information about others in their absence, you are already gossiping. Point. Blank. Period.
People gossip to feel like they belong to a group. They use gossip to undermine rivals and establish alliances. When two people speak gossip of a third, they form a kind of alliance. To gossip is to try to be inside of possible attacks of opponents.
Gossip Damages Relationships
Gossip can be incredibly destructive, causing misunderstandings, conflicts, and irreparable damage to relationships. When we indulge in gossip, the information quickly loses its truth and clarity, leading to miscommunication and the painful hurt of others, and eventually the backfiring in our face.
Gossip leads to the spreading of outright lies.
Trust is the cornerstone of any meaningful relationship. Trust gradually disintegrates when gossip becomes a part of our behavior. As the age-old saying wisely reminds us, “loose lips sink ships.” It’s a poignant reminder that we must resist the temptation to gossip and instead cultivate an environment of trust and openness.
Gossip Hurts Others
Being gossiped about can lead to long-term emotional distress, damage to one’s reputation, strained relationships, and a loss of trust and self-esteem.
It leads to embarrassment, humiliation, and isolation. Moreover, the spread of false information can damage a person’s reputation irreparably, impacting their personal and professional life.
Reflects on Your Character
Engaging in gossip says a lot about your character. It indicates a lack of respect for others’ privacy, sensitivity, and trust.
People who gossip are often perceived as untrustworthy, unreliable, and lacking empathy. Building a reputation based on gossip can harm your own personal and professional relationships.
Wastes Time and Energy
Gossiping consumes valuable time and energy that could be better spent on more meaningful activities.
It distracts from productivity and diverts focus from important tasks and goals. By eliminating gossip from your life, you can redirect your attention towards personal growth, pursuing hobbies, or building positive relationships.
Avoiding Gossip
Sets a Good Example
When you make the choice to refrain from engaging in gossip, you are demonstrating a powerful influence on those around you. Your actions can serve as a catalyst for cultivating an environment that values respect, trust, and empathy. By fostering open and kind communication, you actively contribute to creating a more wholesome social atmosphere.
Gossiping is harmful and has negative consequences. It ruins relationships, spreads negativity, and hurts both the people involved and those who are talked about. Instead, it’s important to promote positive communication and create an environment of respect and trust.
If you can control your tongue, you can control your whole life. Now is YOUR turn – You can either quench the fire!! or pour fuel into it and spread the fire!! Your choice!
The 4th of July is a significant day in American history as it marks the country’s Independence Day.
Here are some reasons why it is important:
Declaration of Independence
On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, which outlined the thirteen American colonies’ decision to separate from British rule.
This document stated the principles of liberty, equality, and justice that continue to shape the United States today.
Birth of a Nation
The 4th of July represents the birth of the United States as an independent nation.
It symbolizes the hard-fought struggle for freedom and self-determination against colonial rule.
National Unity
The 4th of July is a day that brings Americans together to celebrate their shared heritage and values.
It is a time when people put aside their differences and come together as a nation, regardless of their political, social, or cultural backgrounds.
Patriotism and National Pride
The 4th of July is an opportunity for Americans to express their patriotism and show gratitude for the freedoms and opportunities they enjoy.
It is a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by the founding fathers and countless others who have fought to defend and uphold the ideals of the nation.
Celebrations and Traditions
The 4th of July is marked by various celebrations, such as parades, fireworks displays, picnics, and barbecues.
These traditions create a sense of community and provide an occasion for families and friends to come together and enjoy each other’s company.
Inspiration for Independence
The American Revolution and the ideals expressed in the Declaration of Independence have served as inspiration for other nations seeking independence.
The 4th of July holds great importance in American history and serves as a reminder of the nation’s founding principles, the sacrifices made by its citizens, and the ongoing pursuit of liberty and justice for all.
Before Christ saved me, I was lost and bound by the mercy of sin. I was a hater of God, wicked and full of darkness and filth, loving every bit of depravity…
A Hard Heart Loving Sin
Before I experienced Salvation, it did not matter what any “Christian” attempted to persuade me, as I was trapped in my sinful nature. I indulged in whatever pleasure I could attain and any attempts to correct me only hardened my heart further, distancing me from the Truth.
Following After Other gods
I didn’t want to lean on The Bible Alone, the Bible was nothing more than inspirational quotes to me, although I knew there was a God, I assigned The Hebrew God akin to the Egyptian Gods.
My Disdain For Christians
I thought Christians who were devoted to Bible Doctrine were brainwashed & akin to a mindless drone who only believed because they feared the idea of death & hell. I didn’t understand. I suppose you can’t understand without the experience.
I Didn’t Understand Faith
I didn’t even believe Faith in God was something to be had, I assumed it was something people believed to comfort themselves around the idea of death, I thought it was nothing more than a psychological comfort.
Holy Spirit Broke My Resistance
It was only when the Holy Spirit performed His Supernatural Work in me, despite my strong resistance to Him, that He implanted Himself in my mind and heart.
He compelled me to believe in Him, filling me with a Faith that cannot be rationalized. A Living Faith that is at work.
Yes, He compelled me. I did not want Him, in my mind.
Baptized In Fire
He brought me into profound darkness and misery to dismantle me, making Way for Himself. He intentionally immersed me in a profound abyss of despair and suffering in order to break me down, demolishing all that I once held dear in my conscience. In that desolate emptiness, He left me with no alternative but to rely solely on Himself, surrendering to His omnipotence and seeking solace within His divine presence.
Baptized In Eternal Truth
He led me out of the darkness into which he had placed me, and He baptized me in his Spirit of Truth, waking me up for Eternity.
Made To Be Thirsty And Hungry
He gave me a profound thirst and hunger for His Word of Truth. He has the power to bring the dead to life. He brought me to life; I was spiritually dead, though I was unaware of it. I mistakenly believed I was enlightened and spiritually gifted before experiencing Regeneration.
No Participation Trophy Here
Many like to say “I participated in my Salvation.” To say I initiated Him to save me by “inviting” Him or “asking” Him into my heart would be far from the Truth. I initiated NOTHING. NOTHING.
A New Inner Dialogue
When He called me, it was an immediate shift in my persona and identity, it was internally frightening, as my inner voice, narrator had completely been replaced.
I Was Morphing Into Someone Else
When He began deconstructing my inner being, I didn’t fully understand why I was changing so profoundly or even that I was changing, I just became so dissatisfied with everything, I was debating myself. I was analyzing my own beliefs. God placed me outside of myself for a time, so I could see myself.
Immediately Cleansed Of ME
All I knew was that in a very short period I was washed from who I was (internally) & I was Sealed with Belief & Faith. Although my path in this world has become much much much harder for me.
How Was I washed and Altered?
Well, I suddenly wanted different things. I was thinking different thoughts. I was having different interests & my attitude was altering, best of all, my over reactionary nature toned down with no effort on my part.
No self-help books, no intentional mumbo jumbo, no psychology… Only God. Ever since that moment, I have remained consistently hungry for His Word, there are no waves of loss of interest… Although I fail constantly…
My Love for Him through His Word is endless. He claimed me. I know He did. I can’t deny His Power & my lack of power, no matter who tries to discourage me, they can’t.
I didn’t seek God or His anything until AFTER He laid His Spirit on me, NOT before. Although using subjective experiences isn’t what we base our doctrines on, but He works in His Sheep, independently of Human invocations, how He says He works, in His Word, is exactly how He works. He is Powerful, beyond powerful, He put His fear into me & He is worthy of ALL Praises & Honor.
None Can Escape The Baptism Of Fire
When He impresses Himself into your entire being, pushing, pulling and burning you in your mind, heart, soul… There’s nothing you can do. He is much stronger than us, smarter than us, wiser than us & much much more Good than we could ever imagine being.
Omnipresence proclaims the unwavering belief that God is unequivocally present in every nook and cranny of the universe, ceaselessly and eternally.
Omnipresence
n. The quality of being omnipresent; presence in all places simultaneously; unbounded or universal presence.
There is no iota of space nor a fleeting moment where His Divine Essence does not permeate.
God’s presence encompasses the entirety of the universe, and there is no place or moment in which God is not fully present.
No matter where we are or what we are going through, God is here, offering His devotion and aid. This insight into God’s presence extends beyond physical boundaries, reaching into the realm of the spiritual and the unseen. It is a source of strength and solace for those of us who are called to a deeper connection with our Creator.
We must remember that God is a Spiritual being who transcends the physical realm. God’s omnipresence is a reflection of His all-knowing, all-powerful, and all-present nature.
In the Bible, verses such as Psalm 139:7-8 emphasize God’s omnipresence:
“Where shall I go from thy Spirit? Or where shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.”
Any individual who harbors any reservations or uncertainty regarding the perpetual presence of God and His unwavering vigilance over His creation simply does not Know Him.
It is essential to acknowledge that there exists no conceivable location where one can seek refuge from the Omnipresence of the Almighty, for His encompassing Aura permeates every corner of His Created existence.
How it is that humans come into a relationship with Christ?
Is it by our freewill or God’s predetermined election?
It cannot logically be both. Why?
First; we must Define free will: ... freedom of humans to make choices that are not determined by prior causes or by divine intervention
Human free will is radically constrained by the effects of original sin, corrupting our rational faculty and leaving us incapable of choosing salvation apart from God’s grace.
Even our desire for God and ability to respond to His grace is itself a gift of His election.
The commonly accepted narrative within the mainstream “Church” argues that we make the conscious choice to embrace Christ through our own free will, with the initiation of this decision solely resting upon ourselves.
To that, I ask; Do you think that God was the one who was lost, and you found Him?
Of course you don’t think such a thing, that’s preposterous, but fits along the same line of logic.
How does the philosophy of human “freewill: fit with the statement “none seek for God”, as written in Romans 3:11?
“None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God..."
Human Are Found- We Do Not Find God
In the search for meaning and purpose, humanity often feels lost, trying to navigate through the complexities of life. However, it is through God’s love and kindness that we find comfort and salvation. Just like a diligent shepherd looks for his lost sheep, God tirelessly seeks His chosen ones. But, surprisingly, we, His sheep, can only truly find Him within His loving and protective hand. Despite our own limitations and inability to find God on our own, He reveals Himself to us, offering a path of peace and fulfillment that we may not completely understand. It is by surrendering to His guidance and accepting His grace that we discover the beauty and truth that can only be found in God’s presence. In His never-ending love, God patiently waits for us to acknowledge His divine presence and embrace the unimaginable blessings that come with knowing Him intimately. So let us trust humbly in His wisdom and find comfort in His endless care, for in His hand alone can we discover the true meaning of our existence.
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. John 10:11
Jesus told them this parable: 'Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn't he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, "Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep." I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.' Luke 15:3-7
For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost Luke 19:10
It is of paramount importance to comprehend the concept that God is not merely a deity who bestows upon humans the ability to save themselves but rather a deity whose very Essence is rooted in Salvation.
In obtaining a profound understanding of this concept and recognizing its magnitude, we open ourselves to a transformative impact on various facets of our theology.
Theology is important; Theology is the study of God; His principles, and our relation to understanding the very Nature of God.
The Reality of Original Sin and Radical Corruption
The concept of Total Depravity emphasizes the fallen nature of humanity due to Adam’s sin. Scriptures from 1 Corinthians, Romans, and Isaiah reveal the universal impact of sin on all individuals. It highlights our inability to accept spiritual truths without the work of the Holy Spirit and the insufficiency of our own righteous deeds.
Unconditional Election
Sovereign Election and God’s Divine Plan
Unconditional Election affirms God’s sovereign choice to save individuals according to His own will. Bible verses from Mark, Ephesians, Revelation, and Corinthians underscore God’s predestining and choosing of His people before the foundation of the world. It emphasizes God’s purpose and grace in calling and adopting believers, underscoring that salvation is not based on human effort but on God’s sovereign plan.
Limited Atonement
Definite Redemption and the Efficacy of Christ’s Work
Limited Atonement asserts that Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross was specifically for the salvation of His chosen people. Verses from Matthew, John, Ephesians, and Colossians highlight Jesus’ mission to save His people from their sins and the assurance that all those for whom He died will be saved. It emphasizes the effectiveness and sufficiency of Christ’s atoning work.
Irresistible Grace
Effectual Grace and the Drawing Power of God
Irresistible Grace emphasizes the transformative power of God’s grace, enabling the chosen ones to respond in faith. Scriptures from Matthew, John, Acts, and Corinthians highlight the calling and drawing of God, as well as the opening of hearts to respond to the message of the Gospel. It underscores the reality that those whom God calls will come to Him and be saved.
Perseverance of the Saints
The Preservation of God’s Chosen Ones
The Perseverance of the Saints affirms the eternal security of believers in Christ. Verses from Ephesians, Philippians, John, Corinthians, and Hebrews emphasize the sealing of believers with the Holy Spirit, the assurance of God’s work being completed in them, and the certainty that they will never perish or be snatched away from Christ’s hand. It highlights the faithfulness of God in preserving and completing the salvation of His saints.
The acronym T.U.L.I.P. represents the Five Points of Calvinism, a theological framework that seeks to understand the biblical teachings on salvation.
Each point emphasizes the sovereignty of God, the fallenness of humanity, and the efficacious work of Christ.
While these points have been subject to theological debate, they offer a comprehensive perspective on God’s redemptive plan and the role of grace in salvation.
Understanding these points can deepen our appreciation for God’s saving work and inspire us to live faithfully in response to His grace.
In the story of King Nebuchadnezzar, we witness a powerful demonstration of God’s sovereignty over all of history, including the choices and actions of human beings.
God’s Will Over Free Will
Despite Nebuchadnezzar’s attempts to use his free will to avoid a certain situation, God’s plans prevailed, ultimately bringing glory to Himself and teaching the king a profound lesson about His power and control.
This biblical account serves as a reminder that God is in complete control, and nothing escapes His authority, whether it be the affairs of men or the vastness of the universe.
Embracing God’s Sovereignty in Ephesians
In the Book of Ephesians, we are reminded of the profound truth of God’s sovereignty and His remarkable capacity to orchestrate every aspect of our lives according to the purpose of His will. It is He who orchestrates events, predestines, and chooses according to His divine plan. As believers, our inheritance and hope in Christ are deeply rooted in His sovereign work, and we are sealed with the Holy Spirit, serving as a guarantee until the day we receive the fullness of our inheritance. In Ephesians, we are invited to embrace and trust in God’s sovereignty, finding comfort and assurance in His perfect guidance and purpose for our lives.
Unveiling the Sovereignty of God: Nebuchadnezzar’s Story
The question lingers: Why was Nebuchadnezzar unable to exercise his free will to avoid the circumstances he faced? The answer lies in the incomprehensible sovereignty of God. His authority over history and the choices of individuals transcends human understanding. It was God who ordained Nebuchadnezzar’s actions, even if the king himself was unaware of it, and he found himself unable to escape the situation meticulously orchestrated by the Almighty. Through this remarkable experience, God intended to bring glory to Himself and unveil His awe-inspiring power that reigns supreme over the entire course of history.
The outcome of Nebuchadnezzar’s encounter with God was a humbling of his pride and a recognition of God’s sovereignty. He acknowledged the King of Heaven, praising Him for His truth and justice. Nebuchadnezzar’s punishment served as a lesson for him and a testimony to the power and control of God.
Divine Declarations and Restorative Grace: Nebuchadnezzar’s Testimony
Through the divine declarations made by God, we witness the unmistakable authority of the Almighty as He pronounced the removal of Nebuchadnezzar’s sovereignty and foretold his period of dwelling among beasts, consuming grass. This prophecy unfolded precisely as God willed, showcasing His supremacy over Nebuchadnezzar’s choices and actions. Remarkably, Nebuchadnezzar’s subsequent restoration and escape from God’s punishment were not a result of his own volition but rather a profound manifestation of God’s boundless mercy and grace.
In Nebuchadnezzar’s own words, we glimpse his profound recognition of God’s dominion and everlasting kingdom. He humbly acknowledges the insignificance of all earthly inhabitants when compared to the Most High. Moreover, Nebuchadnezzar’s testimony serves as a testament to the immutable truth that God operates according to His sovereign will, both in the celestial realms and upon the earth, rendering any attempt to question His divine actions futile and futile.
Lessons from Nebuchadnezzar: Embracing God’s Sovereignty and Humility
The remarkable story of Nebuchadnezzar reminds us of the unwavering sovereignty of God and the fleeting nature of human will in the grand scheme of His divine purposes. Through Nebuchadnezzar’s humbling experience, we are confronted with a powerful lesson—to humble ourselves before the Almighty, recognizing His absolute control over history and bowing in reverence for His true and just ways.
In this story, we find solace and assurance, knowing that God holds ultimate authority, and His plans will inevitably prevail, bringing forth glory to His name and imparting invaluable wisdom to our lives.
Narcissism is a term used to describe a personality trait characterized by excessive self-love, self-centeredness, grandiosity, and a strong need for admiration.
Individuals who display narcissistic behaviors often have an inflated sense of their own importance, act as if they are superior to others, and frequently seek attention and praise.
They tend to have difficulty empathizing with others and often exploit or manipulate them for personal gain.
In some cases, narcissism can be diagnosed as a personality disorder, known as narcissistic personality disorder (NPD).
In the depths of my past, much like countless others, I found myself trapped under the dominion of my inner shadow, my inner child who never quite grew alongside the rest of me.
The Shadow’s Silent Shield
The shadow, portrayed as a little girl or boy who has dissociated from themselves, acts as an unconscious protector for us. This disowning serves as a way to safeguard our well-being. The shadow takes on the responsibility of keeping us safe by operating in the background.
Safeguarding Adults for Mental Detachment and Pain Protection
The concept of shielding and dissociation is brought forth as a way to guide the adults in our lives, by protecting us from pain and allowing us to mentally detach from difficult situations.
The child that we once were relied on primal survival instincts, as children do not have healthy coping strategies. Our psyche and unconscious step in to compensate for this.
Unveiling the Shadow
The shadow is a result of mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual abuse, as well as instability and toxicity during our developmental years. The shadow is the aspect of ourselves that fragmented from the rest of us to preserve itself in the short term, but ultimately ends up destroying our lives through personality disorders.
This behavior is responsible for our propensity to be easily triggered, experiencing uncontrollable anger akin to that of a child, or becoming vindictive and calculated. Consequently, it leaves little room for us to embrace vulnerability and genuine connection with others.
Acknowledging the Unseen
Unresolved trauma and neglected parts of our identity persist indefinitely, even if we try to dismiss or ignore them. The deep wounds and ignored aspects of ourselves remain present within us, steadfastly refusing to vanish.
Merely pretending that something didn’t happen or choosing to move on from it does not result in true healing or resolution. These painful experiences and unacknowledged parts of ourselves demand attention and acknowledgement in order to truly heal and grow.
The Influence of Memory
Our memories play a crucial role in shaping our lives, impacting not only our actions and thoughts but also our responses to various situations. Even if we are unable to consciously recollect a particular memory, it still exerts its influence, subtly guiding our reactions, behaviors, and thought processes. The power of memory lies not only in the recollection of specific events but also in its ability to shape our overall perception and experience of life.
The Unshakeable Presence
Just like your physical organs, your shadow is an inseparable part of who you are. It is an intrinsic and unavoidable aspect of your being, always there in the background.
No matter how hard you try, you cannot completely eliminate or detach yourself from your shadow. It remains a constant companion, following you wherever you go.
