Victory Captive
Posted in Uncategorized on 09/04/2003 09:59 am by admin
Victory Captive
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 ARCADIUS Lot of 3 Victory Captive and Three Emperors Cyzicus Alexandria  US $15.00
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Discouragement plays a large part in modern life. Life keeps coming at you, and it ain't all pleasant. Some of it is mundane and boring like a long "to-do" list that never ends. Life is definitely a project.
Some of our discouragement comes from the feeling of taking one step forward and two steps back in our career, or in our relationships. Some of it derives from circumstances beyond our control, such as unemployment or misunderstandings. Life lived well requires conscious choices and awareness of the pitfalls. And, as in anything worthwhile, practice makes perfect. During the process, we need constructive ways to handle failed attempts, and tools to both give and receive forgiveness.
The beauty of the gift of God in His Son Jesus Christ is forgiveness and a fresh start, time and again. God keeps no record of wrongs. He is always ready to forgive and restore. Ah, what a wonderful example for us to follow with the help of the most powerful Project Manager available. The Holy Spirit Management Team guarantees relief from "The Three Ds"....Disinterest, Discouragement and Dissatisfaction, which can so easily creep their way into our life building project.
God's Holy Spirit is on the scene now, just as He was during the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem about 520 BC when He sent Haggai to encourage a struggling band of Jews returning from captivity and exile in Babylon. As we study the book of Haggai, we will discover principles for dealing with The Three Ds in our lives and renew our own spiritual temples.
From the back story we read in Ezra, the captive Jews in Babylon were released by King Cyrus in 536BC to return to Jerusalem so they might rebuild the temple of the Lord, as well as their city, culture and covenant with God. We see that it was truly a work of God during those 70 years in captivity which laid the groundwork and prepared the king's heart to set them free.
It all started well. The returning Jews began by building an altar and foundation for the temple. Worship of God and restoration of the rituals and covenant with Him was primary. Now, isn't that a great reminder for us, especially if we suffer from being a control freak.! Do you ever have the attitude that "everything is on my shoulders"? I sure do. It can easily spiral into feelings of discouragement and resentment, especially when we feel help is not forthcoming, and that all our efforts go unappreciated.
First problem here...faulty thinking. The world is not on your shoulders unless you choose it to be. Even then, the truth is distorted. It takes some work and some practice to change our faulty thinking. Honestly evaluating our thought process and our attitude is a good place to start. Asking Divine wisdom and seeking God's truth is the first step on the journey to victory over the Three D's.
This is where all good projects should begin. This is our strong foundation upon which to build. We should remember worship of, and connection with, the Giver of Life, at the start of each day on our life building project. Consulting our blueprint, the Bible, and gaining clarity for the order of operations from the head of management, the Holy Spirit, makes for a clear view of the situation and the tasks at hand. Relinquishing control and leadership to Him usually makes for a much more productive day on the site and a happier heart.
Here are two verses from God's word which hold the promise of a better attitude and a more accurate view of who we are, what we are to accomplish and how.
John 16:13 When the Spirit of Truth comes He will guide you into all knowledge.
James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all, and finds no fault in you for asking.
Start today off right. Ask God what you are to do. He never meant for you to go it alone or figure it all out for yourself. No matter what your past experience, or how independently you have lived your life, God is with you. You are never alone. He will share your burdens. He will lift those burdens. Tell Him your troubles, your long list, your heartaches.
Ask for an attitude adjustment and forgiveness for your selfish thoughts. Pray for His Spirit to lead you on your way, making straight your path, and for help to cultivate a grateful heart for the blessings which surely outnumber the hardships. Pray for those difficult people in your life, that God would tenderize their hearts and give you a gentle attitude towards them.
Change starts from within. You can affect those around you. You have more influence than you realize, especially if it is energized by the Holy Spirit. Make this day count by surrendering it to God's Holy Spirit Management Team.
For encouragement and insight, join Lorraine on her Bible Study blog at http://www.Born2Praise2.com
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