YCCM CH 4 Surrounding Attitudes, Hardened Hearts

YCCM Part 1 STOP, LOOK and LISTEN 

Chapter 4

SURROUNDING ATTITUDES, HARDENED HEARTS 

"Can we expect to see change in others if we ourselves are not willing to be transformed and carry the cross of Jesus? " --Mishael 

For many, the ability to be used by God to change people, situations, and circumstances around you will be wonderful news; for others, it is threatening.  Taking away their belief that they are in full control may bring their world tumbling down.  What they fail to realize is that they need to decide who they will serve.

We who serve and obey Jehovah, Yahweh, Elohim, The Great I Am, can rest assured that, "If God be for us, who can be against us!" He is our All-in-All, our provider, our healer, and our comforter. Nothing is too hard for God! 

And yet...we will still be surrounded by contradicting voices and attitudes, hardened hearts, shallow minds, slanderers, verbal abuse and attacks, public humiliation and persecution from nay-Sayers and even those who have worshiped beside us in ways which are definitely not the heart and mind of Christ. But, with God for us, can they stand against us?

If I hang my head, forlorn...thinking  woe is me...then, I have laid down my cross and accepted defeat. 

Even so, there will be people ready to defend their beliefs and pride in the only way they know how.  It may be the only knowledge they have that they see as validating them, giving them something to believe in, or sustaining their identity or faith.  For some, it may be all they have to hang on to in a world that has let them down or left them out.  

If I refuse to STAND, then I too have let them down. 

Again, working under the power of God requires us to have real, open, and truthful relationships with others and genuine humility.  Many will be threatened because they don't want real relationships with people, because, they don't know how to relate and be open and honest. If they can't be honest with themselves,  how can they be honest with you? Neither do they know true humility, because they have not died to self and been born again.  It would go against how Satan keeps them blinded and in bondage. So, they will throw spears and arrows at you to try to injure and block any progress and bearing of fruit.  

They may fear others giving you credit, recognition, love, and attention, therefore, jealousy has overtaken them and blinded them.

A TIME FOR SPIRITUAL WARFARE

We are Spiritual Beings who can feel and relate to other spirits around us; good spirits and evil. You may be in an environment where the feeling of menacing evil becomes overwhelming. Satan may affect the attitudes of people who set out to hurt you emotionally and attack your pride. Yes, you may feel pain and a multitude of feelings may wash over you; even all at once. Do not fight your feelings, but give them to God.

Being able to feel other's spirit and surrounding spirits works to our advantage. We can be preemptive in our attack on Satan and his cohorts. Make sure you wear the Armor of God, pray unceasingly and engage in Spiritual Warfare to claim your territory. Never cease to bear good fruit. 

One day, while in pain, I said to my Father, “If I am in pain, I am of no use to you.”  He answered, “That is not true.  If you are in pain, then you know what needs to be done.  Pray for these things.”

THE TIME IS NOW, My Brothers and Sisters to enter into Spiritual Warfare for the Perfect Love and Good Fruit that is lacking within God's children.

When you enter a room or situation and feel various spirits of darkness, identify them, call them out; even if they be upon you, so that others may come to your side to help cast them out.

Spiritual Warfare requires us to be consciously aware of our surroundings and of the living, powerful and wise Trinity inside of us; acknowledging God’s presence in everything we say, think, and do.  Our soul must always be on guard. Where are our Watchmen; for our foe is always ready to attack!?

PRAYER THAT BINDS AND LOOSES

Using power in Heaven to bind and loose is the first step to change.  “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.” Jesus gave us power to change things within earth and Heaven.  Take a moment to absorb the absolute magnitude and expansive reach of this power, but do not let it stir up pride, as Satan did. Remember, we can do nothing without God!

As Vessels of Light, We pray for the Will and Way of God to be done in every situation. And with Angels encamped around us, we wait for our General's commands, ever watchful,  holding Darkness at bay.  This is spiritual warfare.  We must have faith and believe in the power of God’s spoken Word, which can bind, loose, create, transform, and destroy. 

Matthew16:19

And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth  shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 

JESUS said that some demons can only be cast out through fasting and praying, which means we must fight darkness, binding things on earth and loosing things in Heaven, with our body and mind cleansed of earthly things able to cast out evil, through the power of Heaven above. 

You cannot be filled with fear and doubt, or, allow Satan to bind your tongue. Speak Truth into the lives of others and into the atmosphere; that the power of Heaven may be loosed to rain down on the earth! Glory to God!!! Glory to God!!!

EXPECTATIONS

People will always believe you have selfish motives in wanting to see them change and surrender all to God.  They will believe that you are a taker, wanting self-glorification, self-satisfaction, and recognition.  Search yourself and be sure that they are not right.  

Yes, because THEIR heart isn't right, they will claim that you are self-serving; trying to make a name for yourself; or accuse you of believing you are better than others, or, trying to act better than others, when you're not. 

They will make statements like, “How can you tell others how to live when you can't get yourself together?”   Just remember that, at that time,  in their fleshly eyes, you will never be more than what they want you to be.  

• Be aware that these are the traits of verbal and physical abusers under the spell (lies) and bondage of Satan seeking to keep you and others in bondage and beneath them.

As you expose darkness, their first response will be that of pride and defense, then to disqualify you in order to invalidate that which you have said, followed by complete rejection. And, if you respond to this negativity, with pride or fear--that is--fighting pride with pride, fear with fear, and flesh with flesh...then the adversary has won.  Remember, God has not given you the spirit of fear; pride cometh before the fall; we do not war with the flesh... and, our weapons are not carnal. 

I remind you of these things because many start the race, but do not finish. You must continue to walk in the Light.  If you expect recognition and reward, then you have already given in and lost. If you yearn for glory and fame then you are serving self, idolizing self, and stealing God's sheep for the slaughter! 

Do not lose yourself and try to undo God’s work to try and please others. Remember that you belong to God. You must earn trust by humbly standing firm in your belief, with holiness, and righteousness. Then, some, those with righteous hearts, cannot help but to say that this must be from God. 

It is easy to love someone who is like you, but it takes humility and works though God's Holy Spirit to have unconditional love and love those who are different and despise you. In doing so, God teaches us perfect love.
  

Keep your eyes upon Jesus; having the Mind of Christ.  Realize that you will be interacting with people with stolen identities; who do not know who they are in Christ or, who their Father is; or, even why they behave as they do.

These people have sought their identity within the world, while many of them, believing themselves to be followers of Christ, have not been born again, nor made perfect in love. Do not expect to win them over easily; for they are blinded and in bondage.  We must have God's Armor on and fight for them spiritually. 

• Let everything you do be done in love, for the glorification of God.  

Those with a changed heart do not look for what they will get out of change happening, but take joy in what others and God will get: another soul to live abundantly in the Kingdom; to give glory to God; and bring others to Christ.  We want our brothers and sisters to be transformed because of our love for them and God. 

Your past relationships may have failed because you didn’t let God take His rightful place as the head and you lacked true love for your brother. Will you now let God have a voice in your conversations, a seat at your table, and truly be the head of your life?  Will you truly believe He has power and authority over all men and all things?  Then, allow God to lead you into battle. Listen and obey. At His command, Be Still, and let Him fight for you. 

• Accept the outcome, for it is God's Will. In every outcome, look for a lesson to be learned, to grow and mature you, preparing you for what God has in store for you.

Abiding in Christ allows you to release your own expectations and be prepared to accept God’s plan and outcome.  Preconceived, negative ideas and expected outcomes give Satan a foothold.  Instead of taking things into our own hands, we thank God for what He is about to do in our life and the lives of others. Regardless of the outcome, we continue to trust His plan and praise His Holy name!

One day, I said to my Lord, “I feel that I have failed.  I have failed you and I have failed my children.”  He answered, “If you have given them over to me, how have you failed?”  

I continue to be humbled by His response. Why have I felt that I should do what only God can do? Like many, these children are of a stiff-necked generation, continuing to rebel against God and choosing the world.  It is not me whom they reject. It is God and His Truth.  His Truth is good and merciful to them that love righteousness.

I had placed myself against the world instead of placing God before me.  I asked Him, “How can I stand?  I cannot stand alone as I have in the past.” 

I tell you this because, alone, there can be no victory.  There is no power, for we are nothing without Him.  Praise ye the Lord and His goodness therein! I shall seek Thee forever.  You are my strength and the only love which endures! 

I tell you this because my expectations were of self and unrealistic.  My expectations were driven by fear, which was not of God and I had not been made perfect in love.  

Why did I expect the world to treat my children better than His?  I asked my Father, “If the world just sets out to destroy them, what is the point of having them?”  And He answered, “You are.”  

• Talking with God is always a humbling experience. He is TRUTH! He will make you accountable and build you up as He is tearing down the bad. 

God let me see that His ways are not like our ways.  Instead of having my own expectations, I should have complete trust and faith in Him. 

The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away, for everything belongs to Him. The seed which you bear belongs to Him for it came from Him.  He cleanses. He purges and purifies.  He alone chooses whom He will.  He alone decides.  Praise ye the Lord for His wisdom endures forever! Amen. 

Satan wants to maintain control over others, and they will try to have control and influence over you, by turning against you, and turning others against you.  He will even attack your loved ones to try and distract, berate you and bring you down in the sight of others. That's why you can never forget who you are in Christ and how God sees you.

Satan always attacks your pride, but, God will strengthen and build you up, as you carry your cross.   He knows what you have to go through. I'm sure Jesus wanted His entire family to be changed. But, who is your mother and brother? Who is your family, but those who love and obey God? 

We must always believe that God will make a way. That is why we must allow Him to use us to bring about change in others, that they too will help others find their way back to God. 

God wants to strengthen your inner man. There is someone God wants you to reach. Your presence will open someone's eyes and heart or harden someone's heart, if it is God's will. 

• You will never be alone.  Stay on task, watching out for the distractions the adversary can place before you.  He will try to dishearten you and fill you with the notion of failure.  

God will never give you more than you can bear.  He will never give you a task which He has not prepared you for.  Yet, He will keep you accountable to Him, those He places within your care, and those He places in authority over you.  He will keep you humble and Oh, what a loving Father He is for doing so!  Each new relationship will not only transform others, but transform you more into His likeness.

  

As you grow in faith and are made perfect in love, you will not fear the attacks of the adversary and pride will find no place to rest within your heart. As God sees He can trust you with a little, He will begin to trust you with more.

• Walk boldly...shod with peace upon your feet, that you may bring peace to others; for blessed are the peacemakers.  Do not fall into the pit and snares of the adversary, fighting pride with pride, hate with hate, or, any manner of flesh with flesh; “for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal…” 

2nd Corinthians 10: 1-6 

1 Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base  among you, but being absent am bold toward you: 

2 But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think  to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. 

3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 

4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong  holds;)
5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God,  and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 

6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. 

I HAVE EMBRACED His Love and hidden within His bosom.  Now, in my heart, rings a melody of great peace and joy.  As the old song goes, “He walks with me and He talks with me; and He tells me I am His own. –And the joy we share, as we tarry there; none other has ever known.” (In the Garden, c1912 C. Austin Miles) 

MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS, I leave you with this spoken prayer for the eyes, ears, and hearts of men…

”Ephphatha, that is, Be opened.” Mark 7:34 

By the Grace and Mercy of Our Father, Jehovah God, 

To His Glorification and Majesty, 

With God’s love that surpasses all love, 

Your servant, 

Mishael 

Sunday, March 06, 2016 

1:08:59 AM 

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SELF REFLECTION: A Look in the Mirror

Once again, when we look at Jesus' parables, He is challenging us to examine where our heart lies. Closely examining your heart, answer the following questions.

DISCUSS your answers with a mature Believer who can guide you in your spiritual relationship with Jesus and our Father, and/or have group discussions to learn from those who have different experiences and perspectives.

QUESTIONS: Write down your questions and discuss them with a mature Believer or submit them to:

https://fsasw.blogspot.com
https://fssw-followers.weebly.com

1. Who are the people in your life Satan is using to distract you? Has he been successful? Why or why not?
2. What are the things in your life Satan is using to try and distract you (i.e., alcohol, drugs, money, sex, health, disability, etc.)? Has he been successful? Why or why not?
3. How do you react to attitudes, conflict and people who are against you or your beliefs? Is it successful? Why or why not? Is it within the Will and Way of God? 
4. Think of an occasion when you gave a negative response to an adversary, stranger, friend, spouse, family or church member (i.e., cursing, obscene gesture, arguing, fighting, hung up the phone, etc.) 
5. Did it show you have faith and trust in God? Why not? Did it prove that you are a disciple of Jesus? Have you repented? Have you been born again? 
6. Have you ever left a place because the people made you feel uncomfortable? Why or why not?  If you could go back, what would you do differently?
7. Has God sent you into a place as a vessel and you left or refused to return? 

• What were the consequences for you? 
• Did you grow from the experience?
• What were the consequences for the people? 
• Did they grow? 
• READ Matthew 16 in its entirety. What must each believer be willing to do?

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SCRIPTURE RREFERENCES

Matthew 16 (KJV)

1 The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven.

2  He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red.

3  And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowering. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?

4  A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.

5  And when his disciples were come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread.

6  Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.

7  And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have taken no bread.

8  Which when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread?

9  Do ye not yet understand, neither remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets ye took up?

10  Neither the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many baskets ye took up?

11  How is it that ye do not understand that I spake it not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees?

12 Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.

13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?

14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.

15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?

16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

20 Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.

21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.

22 Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.

23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.

26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

28 Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.

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