Truly loving your neighbor as yourself

While some choose to discount Psychology, I've been learning true mental illness is quite real. It's NOT some fabricated mental state due to someone turning one's back on Jesus or neglecting the healing power of the Creator. There are legitimate occurrences in the brain that bring these issues on. ONLY in understanding the true nature of mental illness can one truly pray for God's way of healing in a person. Yes, there are those who make light of mental issues. It is they who give the truly needful people a bad name. How can we tell someone to "just look to Jesus" or "turn it over to God", or the infamous "God won't give you more than you can bear" while choosing to negate the possibility that there could be a reason behind the issue? God doesn't put mental illness on us (or in our brains). Yes, He is the answer; however, how can we even point a person to the answer if the chemicals in the brain aren't getting the right message to where it needs to be? We can't. By blaming the person who has legitimate chemical imbalance, we, in essence, are telling that person that he/she is a let down to God, the Creator. Not everyone is born with perfectly firing neurons. Sometimes, those little things just misfire. This brings so many possible issues into the mix. I believe, that with accurate diagnosis, this will help a person (even a Christian Psychologist...or even a Psychologist who prays) properly pray for the exact healing a person needs. Sometimes, it could be a minor as a vitamin, mineral, or amino acid deficiency. Other times, it could be mental exhaustion or stress. There are other times, however, that the answer isn't that simple. When the neurons in our bodies don't send the right messages, or even fail to send one, it can cause many things to happen to the brain...to the way someone thinks or feels. I also learned, through my Psychology class reading, exactly WHY God wants His creation to wait for sex until marriage. It's because there's a neurotransmitter that helps us to physically bond with someone. That's why the Bible says that the "two shall become one flesh". It's the same neurotransmitter/hormone, that helps a momma kiss and hold a child after that child has caused pain of any kind (to the mother). There are other neurotransmitters that are responsible for our sleep patterns, how we feel, etc. When any of these is "off" or not being forwarded as they should, it's a problem. Before we condemn someone with a possible mental illness, maybe we should take the time to find out exactly what is causing it (should there be one). We are taught to "rightfully divide the word of truth" because God's word is truth. While we are doing that, though, let's ask God's guidance in praying for someone. If someone is afraid, it's not good enough to simply "rebuke the feeling of fear". How about praying for God's peace, you know, that peace that passes all understanding, to stand guard over that person. We should also tell the person that "God's NOT given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love and a sound mind." Instead of telling a person to "give their problems to God", how about we pray that the person get into God's will and that His Spirit will lead that person on the path that he/she should go. God's word has all the answers we need. We, though, need to learn how to ask God the correct way to pray for someone. Stop being selfish and praying the way YOU think God wants you to pray. THAT is the essence of truly loving and praying for someone. Only in praying that way, will we Christians, as a whole, truly begin to love our neighbors as ourselves.

Don't be so earthly minded that you're no heavenly good

Deedee, don't get so heavenly minded that you're no earthly good. I watched a sermon this morning titled, "State of Rebellion". I thought that just because I was getting closer to God, well, closer than where I was, that I wasn't rebelling against God.  Boy, was I ever wrong. I've rebelled against God, when He tells me to do/say things and I don't. I've rebelled against my husband when I pitched a fit (like a little kid) when he stated something didn't feel right to him. Honestly, I've rebelled against our son by thinking that he was keeping me from "enjoying life" or "having fun". I realized that all this rebellion has made me out to be quite the angry, resentful person. While everyone around me is enjoying life, I wasn't.


Rebellion: refusal to come under the authority of someone above

I was refusing to submit to God's authority over me, as well as the authority my husband has. Pastor James (Word of God Ministries) said " Rebellion give birth to stubbornness". Man, is that ever true. I was getting more stubborn with every "no" or "foot stomp".

Now, what does "don't get so heavenly minded that you're no earthly good" actually mean? Honestly, I've said that about people before. All they thought about or talked about was God. I don't know what it means to any of you, but that's what it meant to me. I thought these people were arrogant (and sometimes they were). Thing is, I want to be "so heavenly minded that I'm no earthly good". I want my mind set on the things of God. In doing that, I'll be a better wife, a better mother, a better Christian....a better me. The thing is, though, not to become arrogant in that walk....not to think of myself more highly than I am.  We are to be humble in our walk with the Lord...no matter how much we know or think we know. Always be open to correction...but from those you trust (or those who "come along at just the right time). If one is truly listening to the voice of the Lord, then one can discern if the person is truly speaking from God (of course, God will NEVER have someone say anything that is contrary to HIS word...the Bible).

I've realized that I don't want to be so earthly minded that I'm no heavenly good. In other words, I don't want to be so focused on worldly things that I neglect God. THAT is what I was doing. People come and go, but God will NEVER leave me nor forsake me. People will let me down, but God will NEVER turn His back.  People will lie to me.  God is NOT a man that He should lie. Do I want to be more like God or more like people? The answer is quite clear....MORE like GOD. It's time to make that choice.  It's God, my husband, our son, then everyone else.  This time, God will NOT be neglected in order for me to be accepted by anyone.  This time, my husband will NOT be neglected in order for me to have "me time". By prioritizing things, I will be better in all areas of my life.  I'm looking forward to smiling more.  I'm looking forward to laughing more.  I'm looking forward to my husband and me getting closer than we already are. God has given my husband wisdom that I need to listen to. God has given us an amazing son who deserves NOTHING but the best from his mommy. THOSE are my goals now. NO ONE will be as important in my life as those three.

As I grow in the Lord, my witness will also get better. Right now, it's not up to par. Right now, people really can't tell, unless I say it, that I'm a Christian.  That's not how it's supposed to be. With God's help, I won't become arrogant in my walk..but stand upright with confidence in who I am in God...NOT what others think of me or want me to be. That's what I say to all of you who read these. Don't be arrogant in your walk...but do be confident in who God is and what God says. God will NEVER let you down.....even when people do. NEVER be so earthly minded that you're no heavenly good.