Social networking is a global phenomenon of communication steadily conquering this century by storm. People of all ages have created personal profiles and are fully submerged in the daily culture of logging on to the web. The growing attraction to being “Linkedin” to the net makes networking and self-expression one click away. Social networking can be a constructive tool. It promotes social awareness and increases positive interaction with friends, family and colleagues. Adversely, social networking has the potential to diminish genuine human interaction and cripple the desire to establish organic relationships with ourselves, others and God. Large amounts of idle time spent meddling or engaging in social networking sites has become more of a self-serving practice rather than a God-pleasing tool.
People are more disconnected and distracted than ever before. According to Maslow's hierarchy, the third level of human needs is social. Human beings need to feel a sense of belonging, love and acceptance from others. In the absence of it, many are prone to loneliness and social anxiety. Networking sites have capitalized off the human need for acceptance. Social networking is a psychological trap for those not already possessing a strong spiritual sense of self or belonging. As Christians, we must remember as 1 Peter 2:9 states, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light”. It is difficult to declare the praises of God while entertaining meaningless banter. Take Twitter for example, most popular tweets are idle, regurgitated nonsense. Men will have to give account on the Day of Judgment for every careless word they have spoken Matthew 12:36. The more time spent reading gossip and garbage, the less time there is to absorb quality, spiritual food. True fulfillment comes as a result of plugging more into God’s word than man-made devices.
The next basic human need is esteem. People desire to be valued by others. The trouble is, some use their personal profiles as an opportunity to create an elevated or alternative identity. Many are manipulated by presentations of a heightened sense of self-ego. Nikki Rowe, a USC graduate student does not engage in social networking and believes, “Life is not all the glitz and glamour that are portrayed in profile photos”. She goes on to add, “Sites are a projected idea of self exploitation and human desire”. Those obsessed with social networking are more prone towards self-critique and comparison to the lives of others. One of the dangers of comparing ourselves with others is that it can lead to jealousy and envy, two attitudes that are despicable in God's sight. " Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else Galatians 4:6.
Relying on matchmaking sites to find a potential mate is no longer taboo. While, it is indeed possible to meet a quality mate online, some singles are placing more hope in E-harmony than relying on God to bring him/her His chosen mate on the scene in due season. While E-harmony has been known to bring couples together, there is an astonishing amount of relationships that have been destroyed from people’s preoccupation with social sites. Misdirected faith can open the door to a mismatch made in hell. Technology can be a great tool, but should not be placed on a higher pedestal than God’s divine ability to connect and intervene. As Christians, we are challenged to flee deception and trust God with our whole hearts. If you desire a mate, make your request known to God and allow Him to do the matchmaking. After all, He is able to grant you more than you could ever think or imagine.
All in all, social networking is not necessarily evil. Moreover, it is a powerful tool that can be used for great Kingdom building business if used wisely. “Face booking” and “tweeting” plugs people into a worldwide network. Instead of allowing it to be a catalyst for distraction, use it as a tool shine a light in a world full of darkness. If you are compelled to share your thoughts, share them in a way that is uplifting and edifying to the body of Christ and those in need of God’s love and salvation. Furthermore, nothing will ever beat the power of an old fashioned phone call, hand written letter or in person visit to let someone know you are thinking about them. The eyes, not a computer screen, are the truest windows to the soul. Use discretion when entering the cyber world.
Pray this prayer with me:
Father God, I am plugging into you right now. You are the author and finisher of my faith. Help me trust you with my whole heart. I want my thoughts and actions to be pleasing in your site. Regulate my time management and usage of the computer. Gird me with your armor and open my eyes to tricks of the enemy. Please cleanse my mind of junk and open my ears to your voice so that I can hearken to your orchestrated will. I claim divine connections and rebuke forced, ungodly communication in the name of Jesus. I rebuke entertainment from being an idol in my life. Your word declares that the tongue holds the power of life and death. Holy Spirit, monitor my thoughts so that I will only begin to think, speak and type words that are in accordance with your word. Forgive me for being distracted by idol practices and comparing myself to others when I should be looking to You. Let your Kingdom come and will be done on Earth, online, and in my life as it is in heaven. In Jesus name, Amen.
“Glitz” Minister Shea Scott
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Faith that won't Falter
* Have you recently received devastating news?
* Is your mind/spirit being bombarded with lies?
* Are there unfavorable circumstances beyond your control that just won’t seem to go away?
* Are you beginning to wonder if God will ever answer your prayers?
You may be a Christian suffering with faltering faith
“Faith that won’t Falter”
Many are in a season pervaded with faith testing and fiery trials. Faltering faith can plague even the strongest believer. Faltering faith is when the one who was once full of faith suddenly begins to waiver. When troubles arise, fear is a familiar comfort. As Christians, we must resist the temptation to allow circumstances beyond our control to shake our faith. Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man drawback, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. Hebrews 10:38. If you shrink back at the first sign of trouble, you didn't’t have much faith to begin with. Trials are made to reveal what your faith is really made of. Some have been in an unfavorable season for so long; they do not realize they are on the brink of a breakthrough. Remain faithful while God is transitioning you from destitute to destiny, because today could be the day God visits your house with a miracle!
A great example of God’s ability to restore a seemingly dead situation is when Jesus raises Jarius’s daughter. Mark 5:35-43. Jesus is eager to respond where an unshakable amount of faith is present. Here are two powerful tools to help keep your faith strong against the odds:
Maintain a Positive. Mental. Attitude.: You pray, go to church, read the bible and things just don’t seem to be changing. One day you’re up, filled with faith and expectation, the next you’re contemplating your own demise. Sound familiar? Sometimes holding on to the faith that God will show up on your behalf is the hardest thing to do. When Jesus entered Jarius’s house, it was filled with mourning and unbelief. Friends and family believed that the young girl was dead. Even when your loved ones have lost hope, do not allow your faith to falter. When Jesus got to the girl, he declared that she was not dead, but sleeping. Regardless of how the girl appeared, Jesus immediately activated his faith by having a positive attitude. (even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. Romans 4:17. When was the last time you rejected the appearance of a bad situation and made a faith declaration? Do not make the mistake of delaying your miracle by counting yourself out before God has completed His work. Be radical in speaking life to dead situations. Do not allow haters or even doubtful believers persuade you to falter in your faith. No matter the odds, speak your faith not your fear. After all, faith is the evidence of things not seen!
Position yourself for a miracle: The good news is: your faith determines your position." So again I ask, does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you by the works of the law, or by your believing what you heard?” Gal.3:5 All you need is faith! "Jesus only allowed his faithful disciples to go with Him to witness the miracle. Your faith is the key to unlock God’s ability to work on your behalf. Jesus dismissed those who did not believe. But without faith it is impossible to please Him. Jarius sought the Lord for a miracle for his daughter and He was found! If Jesus showed up at your house today with an answered prayer, would you be found standing tall in faith or mourning with unbelief? But I prayed for you ______, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. Luke 22:32 God’s love for us makes Him eager to perform miracles. Remain full of faith during the uncomfortable transitions of life. Always remember that God is liable to show up at any moment to resurrect your entire situation.
To be unshakable is to not be subject to doubt or uncertainty. On the tightrope of faith, you can never look anywhere but forward. Looking down, focusing on others or having shaky faith will inevitably cause you to fall. ”Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. “I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Mark 11:22-24
Pray this prayer with me:
Father God,
I believe in you, but I admit that lately I have been doubting your promises. It's been a while since I've seen or felt you really show up in my life. Forgive me for comparing your love for me based on how you've blessed others. I need you to re-ignite my faith. I am facing challenges on every side and every time I turn around I'm facing another obstacle. I know you are testing my faith and I want to pass this test! I am in need of a miracle. I am also praying for those in my life in need of a miracle. I do not want my doubt to cause me to miss the blessing. Please restore my faith, give me crazy faith that has the power to move mountains. Give me the type of faith that will not falter because I know it is impossible for you to fail. You promised to never leave me nor forsake me. In Jesus name, I believe it and receive it now! Amen.
* Is your mind/spirit being bombarded with lies?
* Are there unfavorable circumstances beyond your control that just won’t seem to go away?
* Are you beginning to wonder if God will ever answer your prayers?
You may be a Christian suffering with faltering faith
“Faith that won’t Falter”
Many are in a season pervaded with faith testing and fiery trials. Faltering faith can plague even the strongest believer. Faltering faith is when the one who was once full of faith suddenly begins to waiver. When troubles arise, fear is a familiar comfort. As Christians, we must resist the temptation to allow circumstances beyond our control to shake our faith. Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man drawback, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. Hebrews 10:38. If you shrink back at the first sign of trouble, you didn't’t have much faith to begin with. Trials are made to reveal what your faith is really made of. Some have been in an unfavorable season for so long; they do not realize they are on the brink of a breakthrough. Remain faithful while God is transitioning you from destitute to destiny, because today could be the day God visits your house with a miracle!
A great example of God’s ability to restore a seemingly dead situation is when Jesus raises Jarius’s daughter. Mark 5:35-43. Jesus is eager to respond where an unshakable amount of faith is present. Here are two powerful tools to help keep your faith strong against the odds:
Maintain a Positive. Mental. Attitude.: You pray, go to church, read the bible and things just don’t seem to be changing. One day you’re up, filled with faith and expectation, the next you’re contemplating your own demise. Sound familiar? Sometimes holding on to the faith that God will show up on your behalf is the hardest thing to do. When Jesus entered Jarius’s house, it was filled with mourning and unbelief. Friends and family believed that the young girl was dead. Even when your loved ones have lost hope, do not allow your faith to falter. When Jesus got to the girl, he declared that she was not dead, but sleeping. Regardless of how the girl appeared, Jesus immediately activated his faith by having a positive attitude. (even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. Romans 4:17. When was the last time you rejected the appearance of a bad situation and made a faith declaration? Do not make the mistake of delaying your miracle by counting yourself out before God has completed His work. Be radical in speaking life to dead situations. Do not allow haters or even doubtful believers persuade you to falter in your faith. No matter the odds, speak your faith not your fear. After all, faith is the evidence of things not seen!
Position yourself for a miracle: The good news is: your faith determines your position." So again I ask, does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you by the works of the law, or by your believing what you heard?” Gal.3:5 All you need is faith! "Jesus only allowed his faithful disciples to go with Him to witness the miracle. Your faith is the key to unlock God’s ability to work on your behalf. Jesus dismissed those who did not believe. But without faith it is impossible to please Him. Jarius sought the Lord for a miracle for his daughter and He was found! If Jesus showed up at your house today with an answered prayer, would you be found standing tall in faith or mourning with unbelief? But I prayed for you ______, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. Luke 22:32 God’s love for us makes Him eager to perform miracles. Remain full of faith during the uncomfortable transitions of life. Always remember that God is liable to show up at any moment to resurrect your entire situation.
To be unshakable is to not be subject to doubt or uncertainty. On the tightrope of faith, you can never look anywhere but forward. Looking down, focusing on others or having shaky faith will inevitably cause you to fall. ”Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. “I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Mark 11:22-24
Pray this prayer with me:
Father God,
I believe in you, but I admit that lately I have been doubting your promises. It's been a while since I've seen or felt you really show up in my life. Forgive me for comparing your love for me based on how you've blessed others. I need you to re-ignite my faith. I am facing challenges on every side and every time I turn around I'm facing another obstacle. I know you are testing my faith and I want to pass this test! I am in need of a miracle. I am also praying for those in my life in need of a miracle. I do not want my doubt to cause me to miss the blessing. Please restore my faith, give me crazy faith that has the power to move mountains. Give me the type of faith that will not falter because I know it is impossible for you to fail. You promised to never leave me nor forsake me. In Jesus name, I believe it and receive it now! Amen.
There is only one happiness in life, to love and to be loved
There is only one happiness in life, to love and to be loved. –George Sand
Love is like playing baseball: you’re running to catch it, throwing it out to be caught, hitting a home run, or totally off base. If you’re hitting a home run, let this serve as a refreshing reminder to the bliss you’ve worked hard to achieve and maintain. If you find yourself continuously striking out, these helpful hints may get you in the ball park.
#1 Q. I feel like in order to get a guy to really be into me, there are unspoken rules. Don’t you have to play games sometimes to get the man you want?
In the game of love, there are no rules. The winners learn that true love doesn’t require you to play games at all.
#2 Q. I want a mate, but I keep attracting the same wrong types of women/ men.
To thine own self be true.
Before searching for a mate, it’s important to gain clarity about whom you are and where you are in life. Identify qualities in yourself that make you wonderful. For example, be clear about your faith, career goals, family goals, passion, hobbies, strengths and weaknesses. Are you mentally stable or emotionally capable bringing someone into your world? If the answer is no, fantastic! Take more time to become more stable alone before taking on the emotional life of a significant other. If you can barely stand looking at yourself in the mirror, work on loving yourself first. Find a counselor or trusted individual who can help guide you through the process of sorting out past pains or choices that have thrown you off base. Despite your flaws and imperfections, give yourself permission to truly love who you are right now.
#3 How do I know if what I want in a mate matches with what God has for me?
Enter a "Season of Stillness"
Weather you are a serial dater or a home-body who rarely dates, entering a season of stillness can be a very healthy and liberating time. Embrace stillness for a season to gain more intimacy with God (how ever long you choose our season to be). Begin asking for complete healing in your life so that you can be the mate God intended for you to be. If you have slept with multiple partners in the past, this season is a great time to air out the old to create room for the new. “Behold I am doing a new thing; now it shall spring forth” Isaiah 43:19. During this season where you are consecrating yourself before God, make a list of what you desire in a mate. Being led by the Holy Spirit will help you reflect on what has worked, what hasn’t and what you want and need in a partner. Discover what traits you can negotiate with and what your must-haves are. Now evaluate the list. Are your expectations realistic and do they match up with who you are and what you are bringing to the table?
#4. Q. I’m dating someone that I’m really into, we have most things in common except our convictions about Christ.
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness?
2 Corinthians 6:14
Once you have clearly defined who you are and come out of your season of stillness, it will be easier to identify qualities you need in a mate, and naturally weed out the disasters. If you have made the decision to honor God through celibacy, it may not be a good idea to spend too much time dating someone who is totally closed to this idea. The bible clearly states, not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers. As cold as it may seem, if your faith is a top priority in your life, God requires you to be yoked together with a person of faith. Before you can recognize your soul mate, you must also have a clear understanding of who you are in Christ. Once you have clarity about who you are in Christ, you can express these truths while dating and relating to others. For starters, you may realize marriage really isn’t a priority at all and you enjoy being single. This is great to know so that you aren’t stringing others along. You now have the freedom to be up front and can spend time with those who like flying solo as well. No matter what your position is, always bring your personal truth to the table. You may discover monogamy and marriage is a top priority. If this is the case, begin asking God to prepare you for your chosen mate.
#5 Purposeful Preparations
Would an Olympic swimmer preparing for a race smoke a pack of cigarettes a day?
Chances are, smoking cigarettes would be in direct opposition of winning the race. If you are trying to improve your dating pool and eventually be led to your chosen husband or wife, make sure your lifestyle correlates with your future. Stay away from game playing and promiscuity. Use discernment while dating. God instructs us o seek Him first, and all other things will be added (this includes that desired mate) Keep an open heart. Even if you have been hurt in the past, doing steps 1-4 will make it easier to approach the courting phase with an open mind and heart.
Even if it seems everyone around you is finding love, do not dismay, God will link you to your chosen mate at the right time. In the meantime, have fun, keep seeking God for your purpose and let him steer you to the right person. Know that with God as the pitcher, you will eventually hit a home run!
Pray this prayer with me:
Dear Lord, I need you. Despite my sometimes bitter attitude and behavior I desire to love and be loved. Forgive me for giving sharing my spirit with those who were not intended by you. Help me to discern between lust and love. I find it hard to trust, as I have given my trust to many of the wrong people in times past. I don’t want to be jaded. Give me a clean and open heart to date and wait for my chosen mate. Heal me from my past hurts and mistakes. Deliver me from strongholds and sexual addictions. Prepare me to be the husband/wife you have created and give me a willing spirit that is able to give and receive unconditional love.
Love is like playing baseball: you’re running to catch it, throwing it out to be caught, hitting a home run, or totally off base. If you’re hitting a home run, let this serve as a refreshing reminder to the bliss you’ve worked hard to achieve and maintain. If you find yourself continuously striking out, these helpful hints may get you in the ball park.
#1 Q. I feel like in order to get a guy to really be into me, there are unspoken rules. Don’t you have to play games sometimes to get the man you want?
In the game of love, there are no rules. The winners learn that true love doesn’t require you to play games at all.
#2 Q. I want a mate, but I keep attracting the same wrong types of women/ men.
To thine own self be true.
Before searching for a mate, it’s important to gain clarity about whom you are and where you are in life. Identify qualities in yourself that make you wonderful. For example, be clear about your faith, career goals, family goals, passion, hobbies, strengths and weaknesses. Are you mentally stable or emotionally capable bringing someone into your world? If the answer is no, fantastic! Take more time to become more stable alone before taking on the emotional life of a significant other. If you can barely stand looking at yourself in the mirror, work on loving yourself first. Find a counselor or trusted individual who can help guide you through the process of sorting out past pains or choices that have thrown you off base. Despite your flaws and imperfections, give yourself permission to truly love who you are right now.
#3 How do I know if what I want in a mate matches with what God has for me?
Enter a "Season of Stillness"
Weather you are a serial dater or a home-body who rarely dates, entering a season of stillness can be a very healthy and liberating time. Embrace stillness for a season to gain more intimacy with God (how ever long you choose our season to be). Begin asking for complete healing in your life so that you can be the mate God intended for you to be. If you have slept with multiple partners in the past, this season is a great time to air out the old to create room for the new. “Behold I am doing a new thing; now it shall spring forth” Isaiah 43:19. During this season where you are consecrating yourself before God, make a list of what you desire in a mate. Being led by the Holy Spirit will help you reflect on what has worked, what hasn’t and what you want and need in a partner. Discover what traits you can negotiate with and what your must-haves are. Now evaluate the list. Are your expectations realistic and do they match up with who you are and what you are bringing to the table?
#4. Q. I’m dating someone that I’m really into, we have most things in common except our convictions about Christ.
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness?
2 Corinthians 6:14
Once you have clearly defined who you are and come out of your season of stillness, it will be easier to identify qualities you need in a mate, and naturally weed out the disasters. If you have made the decision to honor God through celibacy, it may not be a good idea to spend too much time dating someone who is totally closed to this idea. The bible clearly states, not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers. As cold as it may seem, if your faith is a top priority in your life, God requires you to be yoked together with a person of faith. Before you can recognize your soul mate, you must also have a clear understanding of who you are in Christ. Once you have clarity about who you are in Christ, you can express these truths while dating and relating to others. For starters, you may realize marriage really isn’t a priority at all and you enjoy being single. This is great to know so that you aren’t stringing others along. You now have the freedom to be up front and can spend time with those who like flying solo as well. No matter what your position is, always bring your personal truth to the table. You may discover monogamy and marriage is a top priority. If this is the case, begin asking God to prepare you for your chosen mate.
#5 Purposeful Preparations
Would an Olympic swimmer preparing for a race smoke a pack of cigarettes a day?
Chances are, smoking cigarettes would be in direct opposition of winning the race. If you are trying to improve your dating pool and eventually be led to your chosen husband or wife, make sure your lifestyle correlates with your future. Stay away from game playing and promiscuity. Use discernment while dating. God instructs us o seek Him first, and all other things will be added (this includes that desired mate) Keep an open heart. Even if you have been hurt in the past, doing steps 1-4 will make it easier to approach the courting phase with an open mind and heart.
Even if it seems everyone around you is finding love, do not dismay, God will link you to your chosen mate at the right time. In the meantime, have fun, keep seeking God for your purpose and let him steer you to the right person. Know that with God as the pitcher, you will eventually hit a home run!
Pray this prayer with me:
Dear Lord, I need you. Despite my sometimes bitter attitude and behavior I desire to love and be loved. Forgive me for giving sharing my spirit with those who were not intended by you. Help me to discern between lust and love. I find it hard to trust, as I have given my trust to many of the wrong people in times past. I don’t want to be jaded. Give me a clean and open heart to date and wait for my chosen mate. Heal me from my past hurts and mistakes. Deliver me from strongholds and sexual addictions. Prepare me to be the husband/wife you have created and give me a willing spirit that is able to give and receive unconditional love.
Rid Your Life of Envy Forever
Envy smiles, envy creeps, “I like your style, I want your sneaks”
Envy stares and doesn’t sleep, out of her pupil she peaks.
With Envy, it’s always a competition and Envy plays for keeps.
Envy is never satisfied, feels frequently victimized and lives to glorify “self”
Preoccupied with someone else’s property, style or wealth, affecting the culprits health
Envy harbors, loathes and seeps into the soul.
Be careful; be aware, Envy doesn’t play fair. If you open the door for her to enter your heart, she can be quick to enter and slow to depart.
Letter from anonymous:
I am far from where I expected to be at this point in my life. I know God has promises for me. Yet, at some point I stopped looking up and started looking around. I have isolated myself from friends and associates because I can’t handle hearing their success stories while I continue to struggle. How can I be happy for someone else if I’m this dissatisfied with my life? Envy has fueled the flames of my insecurities causing me to compare my weight, hair, relationships and spiritual development to others. Envy is the wall impeding my relationship with God, myself and others. I’m tired of waiting on the Lord and question His ways. I’ve tried everything to purge my spirit. I want to experience lasting joy and regain my enthusiasm for myself and others. Please help!
You are not alone. Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy? Proverbs 27:4 There are familiar sins, then there’s envy, a murky act of the flesh that quietly lingers in the dark. Envy is a distracting tactic used by the enemy in spiritual warfare to steal your joy, peace, and destiny. Because of its covert disposition, it remains dormant until spiritual cancer is full blown. Gratitude and envy cannot co-exist. Preoccupation with the possessions or spiritual gifts of another paralyzes praise, making it impossible to experience the fullness of God. Envy breeds shame, discontent and turmoil. Take for an example Cain and Able, where overwhelming resentment lead to the physical harm of a loved one.
A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones. Proverbs 14:30 Envy is defined as a feeling of discontent or covetousness with regard to another's advantages, success, possessions, etc. An envious person relinquishes their ability to receive God’s present favor. Coming face to face with envy requires courage: a face to face confrontation of the root of personal insecurity and spiritual immaturity. It is your time to allow your flesh to be crucified of envy. Here are some seven ways to uproot envy once and for all.
#1 Remember: God loves you. Envy cannot be present when you are fully basking in the unconditional love Christ has just for YOU! "I have loved you with an everlasting love; (Jeremiah 31:3).
#2 Keep your eyes on the prize. Stop limiting your faith to present circumstances. Your struggle is for an appointed time. You are being blessed right now in a realm your human eyes cannot see.
#3 Thank God for your trials. Believe it or not, your trials are sculpting you into a proven masterpiece.
#4 Refrain from comparison. Your journey is unique. The most beautiful gardens take the longest to harvest.
#5 Enter into God’s rest. Fully surrender every area of your life to God. He hears your prayers. It’s ok not to understand how and when He is going to bless you. Trust him with all of your might, knowing that in God’s perfect time he will fulfill His promises.
#6 Fear God more than you entertain envy. God hates envy. God is watching your attitude during this season; resist bitterness by focusing on your lateral relationship with God.
#7 Count your blessings. Write down your blessings and read them aloud every day. Know that everything (including your shortcomings) is working out for your good. You wouldn’t be going through this spiritual battle if Satan didn’t have a reason to distract you from something BIG. You will soon have a testimony of how God has delivered you from the snares of the enemy. The Holy Spirit is your partner in battle, it is impossible to lose.
Father God,
In the name of Jesus I come against every envious spirit and lift up those who are currently held captive by its deception. I rebuke jealousy and envy in the name of Jesus and stomp on the temptation to entertain these poisonous spirits. I ask that you would mend any broken relationships as a result of this spiritual disease. Please shower your love and mercy where darkness is present. I petition you to raise the standard against envy right now in Jesus name!
Envy stares and doesn’t sleep, out of her pupil she peaks.
With Envy, it’s always a competition and Envy plays for keeps.
Envy is never satisfied, feels frequently victimized and lives to glorify “self”
Preoccupied with someone else’s property, style or wealth, affecting the culprits health
Envy harbors, loathes and seeps into the soul.
Be careful; be aware, Envy doesn’t play fair. If you open the door for her to enter your heart, she can be quick to enter and slow to depart.
Letter from anonymous:
I am far from where I expected to be at this point in my life. I know God has promises for me. Yet, at some point I stopped looking up and started looking around. I have isolated myself from friends and associates because I can’t handle hearing their success stories while I continue to struggle. How can I be happy for someone else if I’m this dissatisfied with my life? Envy has fueled the flames of my insecurities causing me to compare my weight, hair, relationships and spiritual development to others. Envy is the wall impeding my relationship with God, myself and others. I’m tired of waiting on the Lord and question His ways. I’ve tried everything to purge my spirit. I want to experience lasting joy and regain my enthusiasm for myself and others. Please help!
You are not alone. Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy? Proverbs 27:4 There are familiar sins, then there’s envy, a murky act of the flesh that quietly lingers in the dark. Envy is a distracting tactic used by the enemy in spiritual warfare to steal your joy, peace, and destiny. Because of its covert disposition, it remains dormant until spiritual cancer is full blown. Gratitude and envy cannot co-exist. Preoccupation with the possessions or spiritual gifts of another paralyzes praise, making it impossible to experience the fullness of God. Envy breeds shame, discontent and turmoil. Take for an example Cain and Able, where overwhelming resentment lead to the physical harm of a loved one.
A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones. Proverbs 14:30 Envy is defined as a feeling of discontent or covetousness with regard to another's advantages, success, possessions, etc. An envious person relinquishes their ability to receive God’s present favor. Coming face to face with envy requires courage: a face to face confrontation of the root of personal insecurity and spiritual immaturity. It is your time to allow your flesh to be crucified of envy. Here are some seven ways to uproot envy once and for all.
#1 Remember: God loves you. Envy cannot be present when you are fully basking in the unconditional love Christ has just for YOU! "I have loved you with an everlasting love; (Jeremiah 31:3).
#2 Keep your eyes on the prize. Stop limiting your faith to present circumstances. Your struggle is for an appointed time. You are being blessed right now in a realm your human eyes cannot see.
#3 Thank God for your trials. Believe it or not, your trials are sculpting you into a proven masterpiece.
#4 Refrain from comparison. Your journey is unique. The most beautiful gardens take the longest to harvest.
#5 Enter into God’s rest. Fully surrender every area of your life to God. He hears your prayers. It’s ok not to understand how and when He is going to bless you. Trust him with all of your might, knowing that in God’s perfect time he will fulfill His promises.
#6 Fear God more than you entertain envy. God hates envy. God is watching your attitude during this season; resist bitterness by focusing on your lateral relationship with God.
#7 Count your blessings. Write down your blessings and read them aloud every day. Know that everything (including your shortcomings) is working out for your good. You wouldn’t be going through this spiritual battle if Satan didn’t have a reason to distract you from something BIG. You will soon have a testimony of how God has delivered you from the snares of the enemy. The Holy Spirit is your partner in battle, it is impossible to lose.
Father God,
In the name of Jesus I come against every envious spirit and lift up those who are currently held captive by its deception. I rebuke jealousy and envy in the name of Jesus and stomp on the temptation to entertain these poisonous spirits. I ask that you would mend any broken relationships as a result of this spiritual disease. Please shower your love and mercy where darkness is present. I petition you to raise the standard against envy right now in Jesus name!
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