Wednesday, November 30, 2016

FEAR!!!-Trepidations' of the Unknown

Over the previous several months during 2016; I have had to come along side to help many people cope with certain situations of anxiety and stress-because they have found themselves struggling within the Throes and Trepidation of  'fear'. 

Due to such experiential encounters-this has ushered in Cause-and-Effect for me write, and share Intel about the ways and means that may bring some comfort. To those in the throes-of-the-moment and others who may be hurting; and in pain with anxiety and stress.

Firstly, know this: 'fear' is closely akin to being an allegory-it may be taken figuratively.Why? Because when you look at each letter that make up 'fear'. Here is how it translates:
~False
~Evidence 
~Appearing 
~Real

Let's take a look at the theology of it. To be in fear or to operate with fear, means, 'one does not have God in, "Front-of-Mind-Consciousness'. The passage of Psalm 23:, v1 reveals "The Lord is my shepherd and I shall not want... " This is no-doubt the best-loved passage in the O.T. Bible-it is clearly about somebody who have lost all the comforts of Worldly things and want to come in to a better place-out of the turmoils-to a Safe Haven of Security. The image of Christ as the shepherd is an intimate and personal one. 

He is not a distant king or Lord, nor is he an impersonal Rock or shield. He is "The Shepherd" who takes care of all the needs of his sheep. David who would be king; out of his own faithful care for his father's sheep may have led him to consider how fully he could trust in the Lord, his heavenly shepherd. David realizes that his situation is not just one of the absence of want-but one where his "cup overflows"

Indeed, v 4 reveals "Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death; I will 'fear' no evil for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me" This passage provides a picturesque and wonderful trusting and peaceful relationship-one may have with God-as a deep reservoir of comfort thereby eliminating any elements of fear.

The Bible tells of two types of 'fear'-one is beneficial and the other is a determent-one that we should strive to overcome. The beneficial one is, "Fear of the Lord". Which does not necessarily mean, 'To Be Afraid'. It is to be a reverential "Awe-of-God". To reverence for his mighty Power and Glory! I hasten to add, it's prudent, proper, and respectful way to also have knowledge and understanding of God's wrath and anger. Yes, he does bring consequences to the fore front when needed. Reflect on when he told Noah to build the Ark-his heart was grieved. When he instructed Joshua along with Caleb to let the children of Israel  wander in the wilderness for 40 years to have the disobedient, unruly and stubborn one die off.

The second type is,-The Determent "The Spirit of Fear". "For God has not given us a 'spirit of fear' -but of power and of love and of sound mind" {2 Tim 1:7}-a spirit of fearfulness and being timid is not of God. Being human sometimes the spirit of fear overwhelm and/or overcomes us. This is when our faith kicks-in, which leads us to trust in; believe in; and love God completely, with all your heart, mind, body and soul.
A Word About 'Panic Attacks': A sudden episode of intense fear that triggers severe physical reactions-the brain tells you real danger is apparent. This can be very frightening-many times one have no apparent reasons-one can detect. Basically, no obvious reason is evident. It may last from 5 minutes to upwards of 30 minutes or thereabouts. This is known as a physical "fight-to-flight' reaction. Which involves an accelerated heart rate, light, to mild sweating, tension, pounding of pulse. This can translate to anxiety and stress- Thus the advent in the throes of-trepidation of 'fear'.
Method and approach to help elevate the situation. Relax, start doing deep breathing exercises, focus on quietness, calmness, peacefulness and solidarity, and in the end pray and meditate..

Research/edit/Up front and close/practicable experiential encounters By Bishop Steve Braxton, pastoral care, behavioral modification practitioner, sbrax57@gmail.com http://sbrax-on-point.blogspot.com







Sunday, November 27, 2016

The Focus is "JOY"

How does one ascertain or describe what 'Joy' really is all about?
Therefore, The question might be-what is 'Joy'?
When in the throes and striving to understand and/or comprehend the essence of such an inquiry..? The full, clear, upfront, and close answer might be in this wise.

Firstly, 'Joy' is an inside job; much like the indwelling of the 'fruits of the spirits'. After that being said, even though it is an inward situation; it has the proclivity of an outward manifestation of expression. Consider what happens when the 'Holy Spirit' indwells  a believer's mind, body, and spirit. The fruit become the evidence of the cultivation of the spirit that touches the character of the heart, as it is in the manifestation process. In the book of Galatians-it both reveals  and describes what that fruit look like. And as you already know the second characteristic mentioned in the biblical passage is one of 'Joy'.

The expression and manifestation of the Word 'Joy' has it's origin in the Greek. It comes from the word chara which is closely related to charis-which means 'gift or grace'. We have 'Joy' because of God Grace. As you know, God grace is not promised, it is not a reward , or an honor, nor can it be earned. God just gives it whenever and to whomever he pleases, and however he wants to dispense it.

When we are blessed with such a gift of God's grace; the next order of  natural progression is to allow our 'Joy' to become an action through our outward expression of it. Sometime 'Joy' can be so great and/overwhelming that it may be inexpressible. Nevertheless, do not hesitate to proclaim it from the highest mountain top. "May the God of hope fill you with all 'Joy' and peace-as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit "{Rom 15;13}
"We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you may have fellowship with us, and our fellowship is with the Father and with his son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our 'Joy' complete" [1John 1:3-4}

Steve Braxton, StoryTeller, Critical Writer, Blogger, Author, "The Road That Is Difficult To Travel"
Also
Board of Governor's-The National Association of Non-Profits and Executives {NANOE}

Thursday, November 24, 2016

Touch of Heaven..

We, as a people of faith while on the earthly sojourn encounters an enormity of experiences that falls within the realms of an enigma {thoughts of a mystery}. The bible text reveals to us, "The peace;which transcends all understanding..." {Phil 4:7}. The comfort that can be gleaned from that biblical utterance; can be thought of as; 'Evidence of Heaven...' In a word: more about, modern day miracles of miraculous occurrences that seemly can't be understood, comprehended  and/or explained.

Consider this: our earthly realm visitation or experiences might be thought of as preparatory operational rooms. A sort of dress rehearsal where we operate in a lab or an area of "preparedness". During the preparation process-it might be good to take a look at Isaiah 61: "The spirit of the Lord is upon me; he has anointed me to preach the gospel-which is the good news; to the meek and the brokenhearted..." and then move on to Galatians 5:22, "But the fruits of the spirit is; love, joy peace..." During these learning or internship stage the front-of-mind-consciousness of preparedness;  should be focus on the real healing what's still yet come in the promises of eternal life.

Know This: When Jesus was here, walking, talking, teaching, preaching, mentoring, and performing miracles, signs, and wonders with the twelve disciples. He often provided glimpses of where they and us; could find and have faith of his foretold promises. The promises that he {Jesus} had readied for us, in the eternal life realm. This to be enjoyed by those of us who:
~Called on God, In The Name of Jesus
~Those who profess faith and belief in father and his goodness
~So when the veil-of-life is pulled back-long enough...
~To see what awaits us in the Heavenly Realm-Touch of Heaven

Such an opportunity to witness the revelation of the eyes beyond the natural. This to allow one to see with the gleam of the spiritual eyes. Resulting in the manifestation of trans-formative choices; to make life new. An occurrence in ones walk-of-life in faith. Where it may have helped one who believe to reject the lies of evil. To refute misconceptions about Heaven, God and all of his creation.
We who witness the physical realm; intersecting with the spiritual realm. Done in dramatic ways-beyond the walls.

All of these happenings-due to devout faith and to the belief-in the promises of eternal life. Brought forth from such a belief can be en-forced and/or re-enforced for the one's who choose to believe.

As we learn to  embrace and trust God-the surer we become of the realities of God, beyond our earthly sojourn. This give all of us the reassurance to:
~Join in the battle to assist all of humanity {practicing-his-presence}
~Seek to help relieve the suffering of others-who are less fortunate
~Reaching out to help/bless the hurting and brokenhearted {Isaiah 61:}
~Provide instrumental support-bring hope of life for eternity
~Edify, and speak and share light over darkness
~Help another to glean a better understanding of the afterlife in eternity

The blissfulness of the Touch of Heaven: {Near death experience}
~In the midst of perfect peace- so peaceful Did not want to leave and come back to the earthly realm
~Was a bit anguished to be brought back to the serenity and sublime critical environment-when life was hanging in the balance
~My druthers would have been to stay where I just was experiencing  "Perfect Peace" Touching Heaven.. {words of Vietnam veteran-who briefly died on the operating table during surgery}

In conclusion, "Father in Heaven; your Kingdom come; your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven"... {Mt 6:9-10} This biblical passage is Jesus giving we who believe; a sweet sentiment to soothes ourselves; for all who call him 'Lord and Savior'- The essence of preparedness for earthly warfare, with this 'truth' of our up's and down's, trial and tribulations. We can have the Hope of God, that Jesus is Alive! and Heaven is...Where God is...
The comforter: Calmness of Heaven-while amid the chaos and the complexities of life.

Steve Braxton, StoryTeller,Mentor, Critical Writer, and Author-"The Road That Is Difficult To Travel"
Also
Board of Governor's, The National Association of Non-Profits and Executives {NANOE}