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How many times have you looked over your life and through hind sight you could see that GOD has been working out HIS plans for your life?
To be honest with you, that has happened to me many times and I find myself saying, “If I only knew then what I know now!” When I’m in the middle of a crisis, it’s difficult to comprehend GOD’S plan because my thoughts and emotions are in turmoil. My mind is frantically working to find solutions, but all the while GOD is right there working things out -- in HIS perfect way and in HIS perfect timing!
The Bible says, the LORD is our ever present help in times of trouble. HE’S not too busy for us and HE's always there for us. In John 17 JESUS prayed , “FATHER, I want those who YOU have given ME to be with ME where I AM and to see MY Glory – the Glory YOU have given ME”
When we learn to be still, we can see GOD'S plan and HIS glory even in the worse situations.
I believe that there ought to come a time in every Christian’s life when seeing GOD'S plan through hindsight is not enough. Why should we rely on hind sight when the LORD is right here? Hear the LORD say: “Be still and know that I am GOD!”
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Sometimes the "facts of life" can be so overwhelming that even spirit-filled Believers struggle with worry and depression. Health problems, financial hardships, domestic conflicts, job-related stress are a fact of life. . . . BUT praise be to GOD that we have a Truth that is far greater than any fact! The Truth of our LORD is everlasting, and by HIS Truth, we are set free!!! I don't believe we should ignore the facts of life, but I choose to believe the Truth! The FACT is that some of our problems seem impossible --
But TRUTH says: With GOD all things are possible!
It’s a FACT, that some situations causes us to fear --
But TRUTH says: GOD has not given us the spirit of fear. He has given us power, love and a sound mind! The FACT is, we've made some bad choices along the way --
BUT TRUTH says: There is therefore, now, no condemnation for those who are in CHRIST JESUS!The FACT is, some people will hold your past against you --
BUT TRUTH says: If GOD before you, who can be against you? ...nothing can separate us from the love of GOD!The FACT is, we sometimes feel alone in our struggles --
BUT TRUTH says: "I will never leave you nor forsake you!" |
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There’s a spirit that dominates our culture and compels men and women to go after success, by any means necessary. This spirit tries to convince us to compromise our values, to lower our standards, to forget our morals; just for a taste of power and prestige. I’m talking about the spirit of competition. In sports competition is friendly, it’s harmless, entertaining and even fun, but when that spirit shows up in the Church, it becomes destructive.
From the beginning of time the spirit of competition has been deceiving and influencing GOD’S people. Adam & Eve were under the influence when they ate the forbidden fruit; they were trying to compete with GOD. Competition influenced Cain to kill Able, Jacob to betray Esau and Joseph’s brothers to throw him in a pit. All of these stories show us how fierce competition can be, how it can turn brother against brother.
Even the disciples competed when they argued about who would be the greatest in the Kingdom of GOD. There’s much evidence, that the spirit of competition has been trying (and may I add) is still trying to divide and conqueror GOD’S people. Whenever we see separatism, racism, sexism, cliques and elitist attitudes in the church, that’s evidence that the spirit of competition is at work. The whole plan is to divide and conqueror GOD’S people; so that the CHURCH does not operate at maximum potential. The strategy is to dilute the power of the church so the message of the resurrected CHRIST would not reach a lost and dying world!
So, how do we avoid the traps of competition?
Check your Motives. There’s nothing wrong with aspiring for greatness. There’s nothing wrong with being ambitious, but there’s a difference between a man who wants to shine for GOD and a man who wants to outshine his neighbor. There’s a difference between a woman who uses her gifts to glorify GOD and a woman who uses the Name of the LORD to glorify her gifts. The difference is in the motives. Even the best of us have to keep our motives in check, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of GOD.
Have a Servant’s Heart. It’s time to let go of that mind set that says we can love GOD and dislike HIS people. Our relationship with GOD is inclusive not exclusive. In fact, if you really love The LORD you must be willing serve HIS people. JESUS said: If you love me , feed my sheep. To overcome competition, we must have the heart of a servant. For even the SON of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give HIS life as a ransom for many!
Know Your Mission. People who don't know their GOD-given mission tend to compete, in order to gain a sense of purpose. Instead of THE HOLY SPIRIT leading them, they rely on their connections and popularity to open doors for them. When you get an assignment from GOD, you don’t have to jockey for position or compete in any way. You will have a peace that surpases all understanding, guarding your heart and your mind. Seek GOD for your personal assignment. Fast, pray,lay before the LORD and HE will reveal your mission in due season.
Don't Compare Yourself to Others. You are a designer original - the handiwork of The Most High GOD. Your unique personality, your life experiences, your gifts and your talents are all a necessary part of the BODY of CHRIST. Work on being a better YOU and Don't compare yourself to anyone else. Just do your personal best and The LORD will take care of the rest!
Pamela LaVeist Bell 2008
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Today is a glorious day! We are living in glorious times and it is especially exciting for those of us who recognize GOD'S handiwork in America's transformation. We are so blessed to be able to reap the harvest that GOD promised our ancestors and to witness the manifestation of prayers that were uttered long ago.
How many times have our ancestors humbled themselves and prayed and sought the face of GOD? How many times have they cried out for freedom and equality in this land? Even back then, our gracious LORD honored those prayers by gifting our ancestors with resiliency and unwavering faith. HE empowered them with HIS amazing grace and HE strengthened them so they would keep their eyes on JESUS even in the face of tremendous adversity.
Today, GOD'S goodness and HIS mercy continues to follow the people of this sacred land. GOD is still blessing America! HE'S transforming her and developing the vision of the founding fathers --- we are becoming the land of freedom and justice for all. Today an African American and a woman are seriously being considered for the highest office of this land and no matter what the outcome of this election may be, there's been an irreversible shift in the American political system. The office of president is no longer exclusive to the white male. The presidency is no longer off limits to persons who have been historically overlooked and counted out. Now when we tell our children they can be president -- it's not just a dream or wishful thinking -- it's an opportunity that's available to them because today we're finally able to vote in the spirit of true freedom!
No matter which candidate we select, each of us will finally be able to say that we voted for the candidate of our choice and not the lesser of two evils. Thank GOD ALMIGHTY, we're free at last!!!
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When should a Christian seek clinical pastoral counseling?
You should consider meeting with a clinical pastoral counselor
if you:
- are feeling overwhelmed by your emotions
- having difficulty making decisions
- struggling with an addiction
- recently lossed a loved one through death, divorce or separation.
- have been feeling depressed for more than 3 days.
- are having difficulty communicating with a loved one.
- are involved in an unhealthy relationship
- have been feeling fatigue and unmotivated.
- are feeling socially isolated
- are having difficulty sleeping
- have been feeling irritable and angry
- are struggling with low self esteem
- have been thinking about suicide.
- have been acting on negative impulses.
These are only a few symptoms that cause people to seek counseling.
If you want to include your faith and spirituality in the healing process, you should seek pastoral counseling. A professional clinical pastoral counselor will help you to integrate your beliefs into how you resolve your current problem.
What is clinical pastoral counseling?
Clinical Pastoral counseling is a form of counseling that integrates spirituality into the healing process of psychotherapy. Because we are made up of body, soul and spirit, it is important to include spiritual care in the healing process in order to achieve true and lasting change.
What kind of training does a clinical pastoral counselor have?
Clinical pastoral counselors differ from other mental health professionals because they are trained in both psychology and theology (or religious studies). Many of them are ordained ministers.
In The state of Maryland, clinical pastoral counselors must meet the same
requirements as a licensed psychotherapist. They must have a masters degree in behavioral science, be certified by the National Board of Certified Counselors and licensed by the Maryland State Board of Professional Counselors and Therapist. They must also complete a three year internship.
Clinical pastoral counselors are registered as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC).
What services do they provide?
Since clinical pastoral counselors are trained in both psychology and theology, they are able to provide psychological as well as spiritual guidance for those who are searching for a peace of mind.
Clinical pastoral counselors provide a variety of services including treatment for persons with mental disorders, counseling for individuals, couples and fnd families; substance abuse treatment, wellness programs, community outreach, empowerment workshops and retreats, clinical supervision, leadership training, consultations for churches and other orginizations. Clinical pastoral counselors who are ordained also conduct religious services and ordinances.
How does clinical pastoral counseling work?
Clinical pastoral counselors use their psychological training to diagnose their clients’ symptoms and, most importantly, they rely on the Holy Spirit to guide the session. Clinical pastoral counselors use their understanding of psychological disorders to help their clients. They also use spiritual resources (scriptural prayer, fasting and meditation) to facilitate healing and wholeness. Pastoral counselors believe that GOD is our healer and by His grace we are made whole. By incorporating biblical principles and spiritual care together with human behavioral science, pastoral counselors create a safe, accepting and caring environment where clients can express their concerns. Their goal is to help their clients achieve their highest potential of well being.
Do clinical pastoral counselors work with people with religious beliefs that are different from theirs?
Pastoral counselors are found in every major religion and they are trained to work with people of different cultural, racial and relgious backgrounds.
The subject of faith and religious beliefs should be discussed during the initial meeting, in order to assure that the client and pastoral counselor are comfortable working together.
When should a pastor refer a congregant to a clinical pastoral counselor?
Counseling and support are considered an integral part of any pastor's ministry. However, there are times when the needs of a congregant require clinical counseling and psychotherapy.
Although many pastors are trained in crisis counseling, they may not have the necessary skills to deal with more complex, long-term psychological problems. In these cases, the pastor may find that his/her time is being consumed by one or two individuals, which is not healthy for the congregation as a whole. When a pastor suspects that the problem may require clinical diagnosis and/or long term care, the pastor should refer the congregant to a clinical pastoral counselor for an evaluation.
How do clinical pastoral counselors work with other health care professionals?
Pastoral counselors may refer clients to other health care professionals, such as a psychiatrist, for evaluation and medication. In turn, health care professionals may refer clients, who prefer to receive therapy that integrates psychology with theology, to pastoral counselors. In many cases, pastoral counselors work as a team with other health care providers. For example, research demonstrates that most people who suffer from clinical depression respond best to a treatment regime combining psychotherapy and medication. In these cases, a pastoral counselor will work with a psychiatrist to assure that medications are being monitored and discuss the client's progress and their needs.
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