Refuge for a Single Mom

Well then. After all that venting, I feel the need to slow down a little bit and clarify some things. *smile*

There is a lot of `junk` in this world that can put us in the wrong mindset. In turn, the wrong mindset can keep you from the will of God and from all of the blessings that He has in store for you!

The thing here is, I`m not discussing the typical `junk`. A lot of things will keep you from being right with God. ie) Adultery, Blasphemy, Cursing, Etc.) We all know what most of these are ~ they`re in the 10 Commandments! Right?

There is so much `junk` in this world that the enemy disguises as typical human behavior that we fail, or forget to notice the damage it inflicts. We are just bombarded by it. Your neighbors, your parents, your ex-husband (your husband), your kids, your friends, the enemy can use any one of these people as tools to inflict this aggravation on you! (Does this make them bad? Absolutely not!) But what do you think causes your toddler to throw a temper tantrum in the line at the post office for no apparent reason? I could mention example after example where the enemy will use whatever means and whoever he can to work you over! Road Rage? Telemarketers? Collection Agencies?

When people put you down, or talk badly about you, manipulate you, verbally abuse you, discourage you, belittle you, they are sinning against you. (I`m not talking constructive criticism here!) Often times, this can be disguised as concern, neighborly assistance, or as we discussed yesterday, even a message from God.

NOTE: I do truly believe that some individuals have a direct pipeline to the Lord. I know that when serious circumstances arise, those are the people you request prayer from. They completely and totally believe in the salvation of Jesus Christ and they are truly anointed! But I also think that this is a special gift reserved for these folks! The secret of the LORD is for those who fear Him, And He will make them know His covenant. Psalm 25:14

In my life, I`ve heard a lot of things. I`ve been told a lot of things. And, unfortunately, I`ve believed a lot of things.

Here`s one: Have you ever had someone do something for you, and remind you of it years after? `. . . but remember that time in 1996 when I . . . ?` THAT my dears is a guilt trip. It is an attempt to guilt you or manipulate you into doing whatever follows. Sometimes it might be as simple as being their friend, which you`ve already concluded drains the life right out of you! These will be the people that are always borrowing, always needing, always, always, always. And surely, the one time they were able to help you out . . . you will be reminded of it for eternity. So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. Matthew 6:2 (Isn`t it awesome that Jesus isn`t like this? Could you imagine every time you made a mistake, hearing ` . . . but I died for you . . . ` So, therefore, I challenge this, if our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ does not remind us of the greatest gift of all, where in the world does ANYONE get off reminding you how they fixed your flat tire, or jump started your car?

Human beings driven by the flesh will pretty much say and do whatever it takes to get what they want out of you and out of life. It they hurt you, betray you or even destroy you, it is of no consequence to them. Thus they have repaid me evil for good And hatred for my love. Psalm 109:5

That may sound a little hopeless, but that really is the state of the world we live in.

You might ask, ` . . . then what in the world can I do about it?` Simple. Go to God! Run like your shoes are on fire! He is the truth, the light and the ONLY way! His promises are like money in the bank! He will not waver, He will not betray! The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. II Timothy 4:18

A righteous person is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray. Proverbs 12:26 You have to be cautious, if necessary, build a few walls through the Word of God and arm yourself in knowledge. Yes, we need to be helpful, giving, loving, etc., however, we DO NOT have or need to be a door mat for anyone! They have landfills for garbage ladies! It doesn`t need dumped in your lap or worse yet ~ your mind!

Labels: Control, Deceit, Guilt, Manipulation