How to Weed-out the enemy!

*Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. (Colossians 3:2)*

Annual weeds, biennial weeds, and perennial weeds—They ALL frustrate me! Those annoying garden enemies drain my happiness and take up my time. Our beautiful flowers, shrubs, vegetable plants, and herbs lack encouragement and attention because I am focused on the invading schemes of the weeds! No doubt-they get more attention than they deserve but, I refuse to let them prevail.

How often have you allowed the enemy’s plots to derail your faith and focus? The lies, fears, and flat-out conspiracies can engulf life quickly. It takes a purposeful plan of intentional living to annihilate the devil’s ploys much like deliberately eradicating those pesky weeds in the yard.

So, how can we eradicate the “weeds” of the enemy without losing focus on the Lord? It is not easy to keep our thoughts on God when the “earthly things” begin to choke out our heavenly vision.

Identify the enemy – Weeds will not go away on their own. Those selfish suckers want to take over, soak up all the moisture, and ingest every surrounding nutrient. If you do not identify them and deal with the issue, they will continue to flourish. Sound familiar? Ignoring the strategies of the enemy will not make them dissipate. Call the adversary out by name! Deal with it! Claim God’s power over the enemy.
Practice maintenance – Safeguarding a yard from wretched weeds takes routine prevention. Pre-emergent plans have to begin months prior to the arrival of the antagonists. Lawn experts have to “get ahead of the game” to ensure some control over the war. In order to keep the enemy at bay, we have to do the same. It takes daily preservation through prayer, studying and infusing Scripture, and allowing the Holy Spirit to lead.
Nurture goodness – Dealing with the weeds can rob your joy. It is easy to forget to “stop and smell the roses”. Make time to praise the Lord and thank Him for His goodness, protection, grace, love, faithfulness, joy, hope, mercy, devotion, steadfastness, presence, eternal promises, provisions, etc. Extend His attributes to those around you without bias or partiality. Build up others and feed into them. Help their roots spread and eventually choke out the enemy.
Use the right tools – There are numerous tools on the market with promising results. The best ones are those that “get to the root”. The Lord has given us two helpmates-His Word and the Holy Spirit. God wants us skilled in using His sword and relying upon the Holy Spirit. We have to get to the root of our problems and issues by using His tools. So, declare the enemy powerless and saturate his plans with death-defining means through implementing the right God-given devices.

Weed-out the enemy. Remember, there are better things requiring your attention and focus. Satan has no place in your garden of life. Let God grow you to your full potential.

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as you reward.

(Colossians 3:23-24)

June 30, 2020 0

I’m offended! What’s next?

A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense. Proverbs 19:11

Yes-today we are going there-straight to the topic of being offended. Dare I say if you haven’t been offended a time or two in life, you may be the one and only. Offenses seem to occur as often as a windy day in the panhandle of Texas. They both will whip you around and leave you highly frustrated. The debris they bring into your pathway can be downright annoying. It is never welcomed and doesn’t exactly bring out the best in a person.

Offenses can happen in many forms but it usually stems from someone’s words or actions. You know-those sly cutting remarks made by a co-worker, the off-hand statement by a family member, the “grandpa” or “raging” driver, the person who just let their car door slam into your vehicle, the twenty-fifth call about an extended warranty on your vehicle, (P.S. stop calling me-the car is 11 years old!) or let’s just say it—the media!

Try going one whole day with either not being offended personally or not running across someone who was offended. Riot, chaos, looting, as well as many other actions fill the TV screens, radios, and social media pages due to being offended. It seems to be present every day of our lives regardless of where we go. People feel betrayed, ignored, misrepresented, neglected, etc. and anger and bitterness begin to rise. Honestly, it stirs up so many emotions within us.

Most offenses can be defined as an “annoyance or resentment brought about by a perceived insult to or disregard for oneself or one’s standards or principles”. They hurt and 9 times out of 10 we feed them and allow the offense to become a sin on our part. Usually, that’s what’s next.

But, what is God’s perspective?

1. Jeremiah 17:9 reminds us to rely on the truth of God’s Word and not our fickle heart. Unfortunately, it can be deceitful.

2. Scripture tells us to do everything possible to overlook an offense and rely on God’s wisdom (Proverbs 19:11).

3. Extend love through God’s perspective and do not seek revenge or hold a grudge (Leviticus 19:18). Romans 13:10 reminds us that love is the fulfilling of God’s law.

4. Remember the redemption you received on the cross while Jesus was crying out “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do!” Jesus forgave while being offending—right in the smack dab middle of it! So, decide ahead of time to embrace forgiveness as your response and give it over to God.

5. Bring your thoughts under God’s authority. Cling to 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 and choose patience and kindness at all times. Take your anger to the throne room and leave it there.

6. Invest in the fear of the Lord. Have reverence for His ways and allow Him to reign over your heart, mind, and soul. Refer to Proverbs 19:23 and remind yourself of the life and contentment found in fearing the Lord.

My friend, you will be offended. But in the midst of it, will you choose to honor God or offend Him? That’s what’s next.

June 18, 2020 1

Two Ways to Prevent from Being a Contaminated Friend

**Tribute to Diane Reid**
*One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.* Proverbs 18:24

When I think about friendship, my thoughts immediately go to the song You’ve Got a friend in Me by Randy Newman and Lyle Lovett. The lyrics exemplify the definition of a true friend who “sticks closer than a brother” for me. You know, the person who knows your quirks and flaws yet, loves you anyway. Those who protect your head and heart by caring about your feelings and guarding their words because of their admiration for you.

Proverbs extends words of wisdom regarding friendship in numerous ways. I love how it delivers prevention methods to keep us from being a toxic friend. As I have been reading and studying the chapters, I have had to accept many corrective words. Ouch! – my toes have definitely endured some agony. However, God’s Word and the Holy Spirit’s promptings opened my eyes to several means which warrant being a noble and wholesome friend. Let me share a couple with you.

Your Lips: Yes, as lovely as they can be, they can release lethal poison. Proverbs 10:19-20 reminds us to be cautious with our words and double check to see if they are beneficial and worthy. Proverbs 12:17-23 heeds direction to utter kindness yet, be cautious in the overall flapping of the lips.

We find in the first few verses of Chapter 13 a promise of blessings for those using wise speech and pleasant words. But what about those times when provoking situations occur? Truth – they happen even in the best of friendships. Proverbs 14:29 reveals the solution is to restrain the lips and exhibit self-control over our responses. Proverbs 15:1 portrays this as having a soft reply and avoid harshness at all costs.

Then there is gossip. Yuck – the destruction it brings. Passing on all those juicy morsels and having no regard for someone’s reputation. It stems from a need to elevate self. Somehow it tends to capsulate half-truth, hearsay, etc. We can even become entangled in the web without initiating it.

Be on guard with your lips. Let your words speak life. Prepare to listen more and truly hear what others express. Make good use of your lip actions, avoid gossip, and be a friend indeed.

Your Heart: Have you ever found your heart to be in the wrong place? Self-centered living is an easy path to stumble upon. Proverbs 14:12 reveals that our “self-righteous” living may even be deceiving in its blessings because it is not sustainable. The truth is – it is a heart matter.

Luke 6:45 reminds us to guard our heart for the primary purpose of staying pure for God. We have to be mindful of what penetrates our heart and be very intentional to keep our focus on living for God and bringing Him glory, not ourselves. Proverbs 14:30 encourages us to have a “sound heart” because it generates “life to the body”. When embracing this lifestyle, we will be a friend who does not entertain a deceptive, harden heart and can offer love and goodness with the right motives.

Although there are numerous ways to produce great friend qualities, these two areas are primary issues that can make or break a relationship. Our motives and mouths can create excellence for His glory, but it requires discipline and righteousness of the Lord.

So, what does it really boil down to? A choice to love at all times regardless (Proverbs 17:17a) and to accept correction for our overall behavior for a lifetime. Not an easy decision but rewarding results – being “a friend who sticks closer than a brother” and receiving the same. A worthy blessing bringing pleasure to God.

June 11, 2020 1

Motive Check

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. Proverbs 16:3

Motives-Have you ever made five-star plans yet, had the wrong motive? What about having a fabulous motive but, little or no plans? I cannot seem to separate motives from plans when pondering the subject.

While reading and studying Proverbs 16, God really captured my attention. I have to admit, I love to have so-called “well-laid-out-plans”. I want all 5 W’s answered and the details nailed down if you put me in charge. I might suffer slightly from anxiety when it comes to not knowing what the plans are. Do not misunderstand-I can go with the flow, but I need a general knowledge of what lies ahead or what to expect.

However, let us talk about life plans. We all make them no matter how elaborate or minimum. We have goals and dreams fully expecting for things to stay on our appropriate timeline yet, life happens!

I have had disruptions and setbacks a time or two when it comes to my “life plans”. As I ponder some of those interruptions, I think about my motives. YIKES! Several were self-centered and all to glorify me. YEP! Absolutely nothing to do with God and for that matter I really never asked His opinion. Wonder why some of those plans failed?

It is not easy to have fail-proof plans, but they might be more successful if we examine our motives behind them. Remember, we cannot hide anything from our all-knowing Father-He is fully aware of our motives (1 Corinthians 4:4-5). If our motives are to glorify the Lord and bring Him praise, it may alter our planning.

Imagine a life with sold-out motives for God only! Can you imagine how differently our life plans might look? May I dare to say, we would probably be relying on Scripture as our guide and conferencing with the Lord as we craft our daily pathway. And, we would not be as concerned about the outcome because we would know that God is in control regardless.

Solomon’s instructions in Proverbs 16:3 has made me more aware of how I plan. He was directly saying to me, “Hey, before you plan anything, check your motives. Are you doing this to exalt God or yourself? Who will be glorified? Have you consulted with the Lord? Does this align with scripture? Are you trusting God or yourself? Oh child, do you really have faith in God?”

I pray today’s posting touched you, but it might have been just for me!

June 8, 2020 0

The Mouth-Need I say More!

*Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. James 3:10*

Happy Friday friends! Can you believe it? Next week we will be entering June. 2020 is passing by quickly yet, it is making a lasting impression on the world. We have experienced many things we never could have imagined a year ago. However, I think it has reinforced the thought of being ready and prepared for anything. And with that thought, let’s talk about this concept when it comes to the mouth.

In Matthew 15:11 the bible reminds us to be careful what comes out of our mouth because our words can tarnish, corrupt, and ruin. Most of us are quite aware of the power of words. As we mature in Christ, we strive to listen more and talk less. We intentionally choose to be engaged in conversations by being fully present and just listening instead of being so concerned with what we may say in response. (For me, that takes some Holy Spirit reliance)

But let’s visit the subject of casual chit chat slyness of the devil. He knows how to tap into your anger, sore spots, self-esteem, and emotions. Trust me when I say he is looming in the shadows of social media, zoom meetings, emails, etc. He loves to stir the pot and have people point out things that seem to be a direct hit at you. Innocent yet uncomfortable for the most part.

No matter the comment, smirk, sarcasm, or crafty comeback, it hurts! Makes you feel weird and downright uncomfortable. Well, why don’t we see these things coming? —because it is our family, friends, close community, church, etc. and it is never expected around those who love us or so we would hope. Yes, the enemy knows that too! So, guess where he likes to attack? Among the ones that we hold near and dear to our hearts in order to destroy relationships and tear down your trust. He definitely doesn’t want us building relationships especially in the church because that might just mess up his plans.

Therefore, we have to be ready for these situations. Ephesians 4:29 states, “Let no corrupt communication process out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” Plan for the sly comments, “innocent” darts, and the hurt. How? By adopting the mind of Christ and willing to allow the Holy Spirit to lead. Be very quick to extend grace and to have words of love and gratitude ready on your lips. Choose ahead of time to respond with an extension of God’s authority and not your own. (This challenges me beyond my own abilities and trust me the post may be for my benefit only!) We even have to learn how to refrain from being a sandpaper person too. Our words are so important.

I have had to learn how to go to my inside voice and immediately say, “I bring my mind and mouth under your authority Oh Lord. Help me smile and extend your love.” No, I haven’t lost my mind. It works! There have been times when people unexpectedly lash out and I have had to choose God’s way quickly. It is difficult to stay calm and find God’s strength to exercise self-control. It is one of the hardest temptations to overcome because my insides want to lambaste in more ways than one. But God’s love works in mysterious ways. (Do not misunderstand what I am saying. I am not asking you to take abuse. If you are being abused get help.)

So, choose your words today. Plan for the incidents. Ask the Holy Spirit for discernment every time your mouth opens its door. Think about the words you give and the responses you will utter. (Maybe a quarantine mask isn’t all so bad! Perhaps God wants us to pay more attention to what “goes in the body and out of the body” than germs!)

I know it is an old cliché — but seriously, What Would Jesus Do?

May 29, 2020 0

Are You a Wise Synthesizer?

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. (James 1:5 NIV)

In today’s society, if you want to gain knowledge about a particular topic, “google it”. Chances are you will find the general information you need. Possibly even a video to go with it. Thirty years ago, it wasn’t as easy. Technology has brought us a long way baby!!! Who knows what the next thirty years will hold.

Recently I came across these words, “We are drowning in information while starving for wisdom”. In my research, I found this was only a partial piece of the famous epigram by E. O. Wilson, biologist and writer. The remainder states, “The world henceforth will be run by synthesizers, people able to put together the right information at the right time, think critically about it, and make important choices wisely.” Um…then I read his take on religion and God. I’ll let you research that for yourself and come to your own conclusion. (Just google him! 😊)

Wilson made a good point about the amount of information at our finger tips. As we gain and experience information, we increase our knowledge base. Unfortunately, this doesn’t produce the discernment wisdom gives. For instance, knowledge can give us the insight of the most eloquent words to prove our stance; wisdom delivers the discernment of when to open our mouth and deliver the speech and when to put a zipper on our lips.

So, how do we find wisdom? Wisdom is found in God. He provides the insight of how to apply the knowledge we find in scripture and we obtain from life experiences. Wisdom is ours for the asking. Just remember, we must do the seeking as well. In Proverbs we find a full invitation from God’s wisdom along with the value and promises it holds for anyone so inclined to embrace it. In chapter eight alone, we find a multitude of skills wisdom provides: discretion, justice, wealth, honor, counsel, strength, and righteousness are just a few.

Now that we have discussed the sources of knowledge and wisdom, let’s focus on the analogy of being a synthesizer. First, to all of the music-technology-savvy peeps, extend me grace. My precise knowledge of a synthesizer is definitely lacking in detail and even full comprehension. However, I know it is capable of producing various sounds based upon all the different frequency signals it takes in. From my understanding it usually has a control to go with it. That’s as deep as I need to go for today. (Here’s a video if you need more information https://youtu.be/ECl-XbgqljY) (Sorry, I couldn’t help myself!)

Therefore, Wilson may have been on to something when he compared us to a synthesizer. Yes, we do have to put together all the “right information” as a multitude of information signals arrive daily. And Yes, we must obtain the discernment of the “right time” by critically thinking through what “sound” (action) we should produce and when. However, to “make important choices wisely” the controller to our synthesizer has to be God. A point Wilson might have missed.

We are and will continue to be synthesizers. We even get to choose the different frequency signals we intake. However, if we want to walk in wisdom, God must be given full authority over the controller. Just something to think about…

By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge, its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures. (Prov. 24: 3-4 NIV)

He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm. (Prov. 13:20 NIV)

May 22, 2020 0

Tempted? – 5 tips to DEAL WITH IT

Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye. Proverbs 7:2

Allyna found herself in a precarious situation after accepting a seemingly innocent invitation. It was just a few friends getting together and hanging out. You know, everyone bringing their favorite side to accompany the delicious brats provided by the host and hostess. She was told playing cards, pitching washers, and taking in a movie was the laid-back agenda. She didn’t know everyone invited but assumed the best. It wasn’t long into the party until the atmosphere got smoky in more ways than brats cooking on the grill. Drugs, alcohol, and advances by a few unknown male guests cranked up quickly. Not only that but it seems the movie might fall into the category of X-rated. She wondered how she ended up in a night filled with temptations and a lack of bravery to leave on her part. She didn’t set out for this to happen. This was never her intentions for the evening.

Most of us would agree, when temptation rears its ugly head, it was never our intention for it to happen. Yes, there are times we intentionally plan to participate but, most of the time temptations catch us off-guard and creep up when we least expect it. Do you think those addicted to drugs, alcohol, porn, sex, food, … intentionally planned for it to take over their entire body, mind, and soul? Can you really say all adultery had a direct laid-out plan and schedule to endure divorce costs, child support issues, sexually transmitted disease, a loss of peace, a reputation hit, and a broken family? I would dare to say it never starts out that way.

Gwen Smith in her book I Want It All says, “The act of giving in to temptation always leads to suffering, because these actions turn us away from the will of God.” It comes down to choosing between physical desires or God’s authority. Yes, it sounds like a simple choice but, I am here to tell you, it is difficult to fight back fleshy desires. We live in a society where we want instant pleasure and “right now” happiness. Please don’t make me think about the costs later. I need to live in the moment. Plus, if I just give into the issue, it will satisfy my craving and then it won’t be a problem nor will it be on my mind. Poof! It will never reappear! (Yes, I have believed this lie a time or two as well!)

The Bible tells us that temptations will come, we are not exempt, and we need to prepare. So how is this possible? I don’t have all the answers but here are a few tips I have found to be helpful.

1. Deal with the Elephant – List areas in which you are prone to temptation. Call them by name and identify those that make you so vulnerable. I guess you could say this is the admitting stage.

2. Slay the cause – There has to be a reason behind the attraction. Why do they have a stronghold on your life? Yes, this is the “nitty-gritty” source step. How can you be prepared for some of them if you don’t know what triggers it? I went half my life not knowing and it took some deep counseling sessions to identify the cause. I am not suggesting this stage will be easy but, it is well worth it. Also, list where your choice will lead if you continue.

3. Succumb to God – Lay it down and confess it to the one who can truly help. Put into practice “Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord”. Talk to Him and submit your struggle. Ask for His guidance and direction to overcome. This might be a lifetime conversation with the Lord and a continuous battle but, I can promise you He will increase your strength and give you the power to walk out a life devoted to Him if this is your true heart’s desire. Surrender, my friend. God loves you beyond measure.

4. Saturate your life – Guard your life with God’s Word. Spend time in it. Place your name in the verses filled with commands and blessings. They are all for you. His Word assists in knowing in advance how to respond to temptation. So, rely on scripture to strengthen you. Listen to the Holy Spirit and let Him lead.

5. Plan for it – It is not a secret that we have to avoid situations leading to temptation. We must be fully aware of our location, setting, and timeframe. Satan knows when to hit you and is aware of the perfect seducing timing. (Dirtbag! Oops, I said that out loud.) Decide in advance the situations to avoid and have an escape plan. You might even think about someone who could be your accountability partner. Just know this means transparency, honesty, confidentiality, and trust. Pick wisely.

Temptations are real! They surround us if we don’t deal with them. God wants to give you a fulfilling life. His Word tells us in Proverbs 6:23 that His “commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the corrections of discipline are the way to life”. He didn’t promise us an easy road. However, He wants us ready and prepared to detect and avoid paths to destruction. He can shed light and hope in and on your situation.

Seek wisdom and find help with your temptations. Please don’t let them overtake you. God cares too much for you. You were bought with an extreme price. You are valuable to God and well worth the effort to do some temptation work within.

I am praying for you as you tackle it together with God.

May 21, 2020 0

God’s Workout Plan

A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. (Luke 6:45 NIV)

Happy sunny May Day! Despite the fact we were not blessed with April showers, God’s beauty is showing up with May flowers. It has been refreshing to finally return to daily walks and see people out maintaining yards. Tree branches lined the curbs and lawn mowers were all the buzz around the perimeter of the park today.

We have even spent a few weekends pulling weeds, designing a stone path, and planting a garden. Yard maintenance requires work and a strategy. There is no doubt about it. It always requires physical labor. Pulling weeds is my least favorite task.

But, guess what? God has a maintenance plan too! That’s right. He developed it to maintain His property as well. In Proverbs 4 we discover this property is YOU and YOUR BODY! Yes. You are God’s equipment designed to carry out His work and you are His estate. Nope, your body is not yours to do whatever you please. OUCH! Why not? “You are no longer your own. God paid a great price for you. So, use your body to honor God” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 CEV). As a matter of fact, your body is the temple of God, where the Holy Spirit abides. Therefore, God has a workout plan to ensure He will be honored.

Most of us love the verse Proverbs 4:23 where the Lord reminds us to guard our heart because everything flows from it. However, do we really know what that requires? You got it–a total body workout. So, let’s take a look at the steps involved to strengthen our heart for the Lord.

Workout
Eyes	Be aware of your visual intake. Focus your eyes on wisdom. Read God’s Word. Embrace a path of brightness.
Ears	Incline your ears to consume only God. Listen to God’s voice/calling. Place yourself in God’s presence. Flee from enticing words from the enemy.
Mouth	Talk less, listen more. Use your mouth for good. Guard your lips from unhealthy chatter and evil words. Let your words affirm God’s goodness.
Mind	Pay attention to all parts of the body. Keep everything under God’s authority. Place your attention on Godly living. Keep God’s commandments. Don’t allow your thoughts to waiver into the darkness.
Feet	Keep on the pathway of light. Avoid the wicked road. Be careful where you go. Know the direction in which you are going.
Heart	Store up goodness. Apply Godly wisdom to your circulation. Keep God’s word in your heart. Be aware–the health of the eyes, ears, mouth, mind, and feet will impact the heart.

Intentional Living Workout Plan

Let us be mindful of what we allow to penetrate our hearts. Psalm 51:10. Happy Workout my friend!

May 14, 2020 2

How Do I Adorn My Life With Wisdom?

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7

Would you like to be granted wisdom like Solomon? Solomon was keenly aware that true wisdom began with his relationship with the Lord. It meant surrendering to the fact that God is a better executive over his life than he was. Solomon knew he had to let God Reign to be successful. Also, he had to train his ears to hear the Father. Yes, he had to find the mute button to his mind’s voice too! But the biggest take away we can learn from Solomon is his declaration that wisdom comes from the Lord.

For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:6

So how can you obtain it? The bible tells us that it is ours for the asking. Wisdom bids us to come and seek it in Proverbs 1:20-33.

Ask for it, seek it, value it, hear it, and apply it.

We need a willing heart and a spirit of receptiveness to its teachings. As we search for it, wisdom requires us to be engaged and found in the presence of God. Our time has to be spent hearing and meditating on God’s Word as well as diligently praying for God’s wisdom to be given to us. Most of all, we must treasure it and be willing to apply it to daily living.

WOW! That is quite the list but, be encouraged my friend. The benefits are numerous and sweet!!

In Proverbs 2, wisdom promises some of the following:

Knowledge of the Lord
God’s protection and guidance
The Lord’s discernment and understanding
Deliverance from evil
Ability to walk out a righteous life

What is holding you back from adorning your life with wisdom? It is simply a choice. Be wise and heed to God’s ways or join folly and do life your own way.

Read Proverbs Chapters 1-3 and make a choice. As for me, I choose wisdom because I want a long and peaceful life, favor in the sight of the Lord, successful ventures, good health, prosperity, a fruitful life, and to follow God’s will.

I pray you want the same adornments.

May 11, 2020 2

3 Tips to “Defunk”

Funk is not always an upbeat note!
Image source: Bing

Allyna woke up one bright morning only to find herself in a “funk”. The rising slump had been sluggishly creeping in for a while but, with no solid apparent reason. A slim loss of passion, a slight decrease in focus occasionally, and a few new pressures. Nothing more than we all face. Yet, the recession felt more like a nose-dive into a pit of worthlessness this particular break of day. She went throughout her routine with the lingering concern hoping the feeling would dissipate. Unfortunately, it grew and really began to take root over the next few weeks. When someone would ask how she was her response was “I am well”; “Doing fine and you?”. You know…the common comebacks because she couldn’t quite pinpoint a real problem. Have you ever experienced this state? Are you familiar with the status?

I have had the pleasure of being there! To this day I probably can’t isolate any major reasons for every episode. However, I can attest to the fact that the wacky feelings are real and it definitely lacks any “glimmer or shimmer” nor resembles any upbeat music. So, what can we do when the mood strikes? Address it, call it out, deal with the elephant in the room.

Here are 3 “defunking” tips:

1. Replace the source! Go straight to the Lord. He knows you better than you know yourself. The Father is aware of your condition and He saw it coming way before you did. Confess it, hand it over, and claim scripture. Make no mistake, the enemy has been prowling and wants more than anything for this state of mind to be the key of destruction. He wants to drag you so far away from God that you forget He is your sufficiency. Dethrone him and send him back to the fiery pit from which he came.

Lord, I bring my entire being under your authority and I place my trust in you alone. Cut off the source of this unproductive mood and help me stand firm in your blessed joy. I will cling to your word and not my state of mind.

And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. John 15:7

Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits; Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies. Psalm 103:2-4

2. Change the view! Most of the time the funk is brought on by feelings related to self-reflection. Remember, we are continually fighting a battle against our sinful nature. So, slay that dreadful dragon with love for someone else besides yourself. Go out of your way to do something for others. Snail mail a short note with an uplifting message, pay for a stranger’s coffee, offer to babysit someone’s kiddos for an evening, pick up the phone and call that distant family member, pray for specific people with desperate needs… The main thing is JUST DO IT! It doesn’t matter how you feel, just reach beyond yourself. It changes the view and reflects God’s heart.

And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13

3. Release the funk! Just like an instant-pot, steam has to be released. So, go for a walk, run around the track, go hammer a few nails in a board, pump some iron, deal with all those weeds in the yard, etc. Whatever healthy exercise method works for you. Physically get it out of your system and release it to the Lord. Refuse to bottle up the feelings and emotions associated with an “out of sorts” mood. I’m not promising it will fade immediately but, I am saying that oxygen and hormones through exercise will stimulate the brain and aid in decreasing the negative state. As you get moving, the goal is to remove the unwanted guest. You can do it!

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God: and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Then maybe enjoy some real funk!

April 30, 2020 0