Hope Eternal

When someone we love dies, we grieve their loss. It is part of healing. We grieve because we love. If you don’t want to ever experience the pain of loss, don’t ever love anyone.

Good grief:

The difference is: if we are believers, we do grieve, but not like those who are not saved. They believe death of this physical body is the final end. But those of us who believe in Jesus realize it is only the beginning of eternal life — to be with our Savior and His Father forever. So, we grieve with hope.

The last enemy:

A person’s death is sad for us, but glorious for them. God wants us to love one another, to care, and He knows when someone we love leaves this earth that it hurts. That is why death is called the last enemy. It is an enemy, no doubt.

Hope and healing:

So, as we meditate on the word of God and believe Him and believe in heaven, God, by His Spirit, begins to bring hope and healing to our hearts and minds. We don’t quit caring and loving others: we keep loving and caring for others. Why? Because of the hope God has given us eternal life with Him. I often think, If I could leave my loved ones with anyone, it would be God. I also believe that once those who are saved get a glimpse of heaven, they don’t want to come back here.

So be hopeful! Never give up hope!

Just a thought,

PSS

Are you addicted to approval?

Self-evaluate:

Are you a people pleaser? Do you fear man? Do you find yourself doing things constantly that you dislike so that you fit in, so you can make others happy? Do you cater to others because it makes you feel good about yourself? Do you seek the approval of others in order to feel successful? Do you feel guilty when others don’t get what they want, whether it is right or wrong? Are you indecisive? Are you not honest with people because you are worried about how it will affect them? Do you willingly allow people to constantly take advantage of you? Do you not give your opinion or tell anyone how you feel?

Fear God:

If this describes you, you might be addicted to approval. The Bible calls this the fear of man. It is a very unhealthy way to live your life. You won’t be happy or satisfied. If your self-worth, how you feel about yourself, is dependent upon someone other than God Himself, you are probably addicted to approval. The good news is you can be free from this by getting into the word of God and giving God your whole heart. Whomever you submit yourself to will be the one you will want to please, whether man or God. God should always be first.

Resolve:

So, if this describes you:

1. Admit it.
2. Repent from it and ask God to change your heart so that you will love Him with all your heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37-38).
3. Change your conduct. Ask God to reveal to you when you begin to seek man’s approval over His, and to help you love Him first.

Let Him know you are submitting to His authority.

Just a thought,

PSS

Everyone has a comfort zone or a “confidence zone.” A comfort zone is the place in which we feel the most confident. It’s the place where all is well. For many, it’s the difference between true success and average success or doing just enough to get by.

Boundaries:

I believe a person’s comfort zone is determined by two fears: fear of rejection and fear of failure. The distance between the two is what makes up the comfort zone. We have to remember that everyone fails from time to time; just remind yourself that it’s not fatal, just temporary. The wider the space, the greater the capacity we’ll have to succeed and try new things. We can then attempt and achieve more. The less space between the two, the more we limit our abilities and potential.

Out of the box:

In a large zone, we feel the safest and the most confident. If you take people higher, they will work to get back to the place where they are the most comfortable. If you take them lower, they will do the same. People with a wide comfort zone will think in terms like, “What if I can?” Those that are average and limit themselves think in terms of, “What if I can’t?” There’s a big difference.

Let’s try not to limit ourselves by being average. If we strive to grow and develop in this area, the sky’s the limit.

Just a thought,

PSS

Psychology developed what is called the humanistic perspective, in which human nature is viewed as basically good.

Humanism:

This is the philosophy that rules over our Western society. The world’s philosophy is creating a world that continually is getting more and more selfish. This philosophy is in direct contrast to the word of God.

Human nature:

The Bible teaches us that human nature is sin nature. Matthew 15:19: For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. Another verse adds coveting, wickedness, deceit, envy, pride — all these evil things come from within.

God’s way:

God says our nature is not good, and the only way to truly change that is by accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior and inviting God into your heart and mind to change this selfish human nature. Only God can do that. Only God can satisfy our spiritual hunger. Nothing else the world seeks can — not power, money, success, nor individualism.

See, if you adopt the humanistic philosophy of life, there is no need for a savior — no need for God. This type of thinking is creating a very selfish mentality: thinking only about me — where God says to die to self and begin to take on His characteristics.

Your choice what philosophy you choose to live by. One leads to eternal death, and one leads to eternal life — you choose.

Just a thought,

PSS

How we think about ourselves, our family life, our work life, etc., is very important.

Our mindset:

It will determine our success or failure and how much we are willing to attempt and accomplish in life. It will determine the health and welfare of our families and all of our relationships. Our self-concept will determine whom we associate with.

A self-defeating mindset:

It will limit us in all of these areas. People with this line of thinking will continue in a cycle of bitterness, depression, anger, cynicism, and low self-esteem. They will always be overwhelmed and refuse any help so that they can do it themselves. They’ll say things like: “I’ve done too many bad things for God to forgive me.” This person self-sabotages because they devalue their life.

Remedies:

Here are some ways to defeat self-defeat:

• Complete something like a project, so you can think better of yourself and let go of bitterness and a critical spirit.
• Be able to identify this pattern of thinking immediately and recognize the symptoms so that you can begin to humble yourself and seek help.
• Allow God to heal your hearts and minds, and realize you are valuable and you do have worth.

Ask God to begin to heal you and help you to become a person who believes in yourself, and to realize that, by the sacrifice of Jesus, He has made you worthy to receive good things.

Just a thought,

PSS