Did you grow in grace this year?

As a leader, I personally strive to live a balanced life mentally, spiritually, and physically. When I put all my past experiences, spiritual gifts, and core values together, it is a beautiful representation of God’s vision for my life. Here in my counseling office, my goal is to provide a safe, nonjudgmental place where my clients can be vulnerable and honest about the issues they are facing. My desire is to help others live out God’s vision for their lives and inspire them to become a person after God’s own heart.

And that is what the goal of this year’s broadcast has been about – Biblically based devotions designed to inspire you to embrace God’s vision for your life.

Today’s Scripture Reference

2 Peter 3:11-18 – The Message

Goals I had put into place for 2022:

To Live in Peace

Make a diligent effort to live for peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Are you angry with God? Are you holding Him at a distance? 1 Corinthians 14:33 – “For God is not the author of [a]confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.”

Live for peace in your own life by allowing the Spirit of grace to witness within your spirit that you are a child of God. Some of us are masters at rehearsing all the negative thoughts about ourselves. What does God say about you? What has He said about you that you refuse to believe because the lie seems more like the truth to you?

Live for peace with men determined to have a calm and peaceable disposition within yourself that resembles Jesus Christ. Romans 14:19 – “Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.”

To Live on Guard

Word of caution to be on the lookout and be aware of being pulled away from the truth of God’s Word. I believe the Bible is the inerrant, inspired Word of the Living God. The Bible is the final authority on all matters of life, faith, and practice. Why is it, that is the last place we look when faced with serious matters?

1 Peter 5:8 – “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”

Ephesians 6:10-18 – The Whole Armor of God

To Live like Jesus

Grow in grace.

Grow in knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Spurgeon - One of the best tests of growth in grace

"Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 3:18

"Grow in grace"—not in one grace only, but in all the Christian graces.

Faith - Grow in the starting place of grace, faith. Believe the promises more firmly than you have before. Let faith increase in fullness, constancy and simplicity.

Love - Grow also in love. Ask that your love may become extended, more intense, more practical, influencing every thought, word and deed.

Humility - Grow likewise in humility. Seek to lie very low, and know more of your own nothingness.

Those who know God the best are the richest and most powerful in prayer. Little acquaintance with God, and strangeness and coldness to Him, make prayer a rare and feeble thing. (E. M. Bounds)

Life Application Questions

1. Did you live in peace this year?

2. Did you live on guard this year?

3. Did you live like Jesus this year?

4. If you answered yes, don’t stop just because the year is coming to an end…keep going! If you answered no, don’t ever stop pursuing growing in grace and the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Any effort towards growth in grace is growth.

Today I want to give you tips on how to handle emotional triggers and triggering events not only for yourself but for those you lead. We are living in a time where just turning on the TV or scrolling through social media can be an emotional trigger for many people, yes even leaders. Maybe it would be a great idea to have a “trigger alert” warning come up on your TV, phone, or laptop before you even open it up. And I don’t see it getting better.

A trigger is defined as an action or situation contributing to an unwanted emotional or behavioral response. Triggers can be anything from various emotional states, people, places, things, thoughts, certain activities, or situations. The unwanted emotional or behavioral responses varies depending on each individual and what traumatic events they have experienced in their lifetime.

I can tell you from personal experience the unwanted emotional and behavioral response after being triggered is truly without a shadow of doubt both uncomfortable and unwelcomed. It can be quite debilitating at times. I have learned from my own therapy and now teach my clients different techniques to deal with triggers. There is a sense of freedom in realizing we have the power within ourselves to effectively deal with triggers. Once you come to the realization that you have been triggered, here are three keys in effectively dealing with triggers:

Key #1 - Avoid Your Triggers  Key #2 - Reduce Exposure to Your Triggers  Key #3 - Deal with Your Triggers Head On

These keys are great in effectively dealing with your triggers; however, you will need to come up with your own strategy to avoid, reduce exposure or deal with them head on. Some of the strategies may include changes in your lifestyle, relationships, or daily routines. You may need to learn new coping skills and have a list of trusted people you can talk to or even seek therapy. What works for some people will not work for others. That is why it is important that you find what works for you, develop your own strategy, and practice.

The Most Vital Key in Effectively Dealing with Triggers

There is a vital key in effectively dealing with triggers that is often missed. As Christians, we have been given a legacy passed on down through the generations, beginning with the disciples to us and for future generations. This legacy no one can dispute – the price was paid once and for all - Jesus Christ’s death on the cross for our sins. That is just one part of the legacy. The other part of this legacy is our receiving the Peace of God.

Jesus Christ - His legacy to all of Humanity– His Peace

John 14:27 (AMP)  

Colossians 3:15 (AMP)

Life Application Questions

1. Are you aware of your triggers and do you have a strategy in place to effectively deal with your triggers?

2. Who is the umpire ruling in your heart?

3. Are you utilizing your gift, your legacy – the Peace of God – the most valuable and effective key in dealing with your triggers and the emotional and behavioral responses?

I want to share with you 3 things I believe we need to be aware of – Being Present with God, Being Present with Others and Being Present with Yourself.

Aware of Being Present with God

Psalm 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”

How is your relationship with the Lord?  Do you forget to spend as much time listening as you do speaking to God? Just BE STILL and KNOW.

Jeremiah 33:3 “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.”

Just being aware of who God is, what God has done, what God can and will do is amazing. Be present, be aware of the One you commune with when you pray.

James 4:8 “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”

God desires a relationship with you. When we approach Him in humility, confessing all our pride, selfishness, self-centered ambition, He is faithful to have a pure undefiled relationship with you. He is all ears when we approach Him with our needs, wants, and desires. If we are truly wanting a deeper relationship with the Lord, doesn’t He deserve the same from us – to sit at His feet, being still and listening to Him.

Aware of Being Present with Others

Hebrews 10:24-25 “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Matthew Henry - Christians ought to have a tender consideration and concern for one another; they should affectionately consider what their several wants, weaknesses, and temptations are; and they should do this, not to reproach one another, to provoke one another not to anger, but to love and good works, calling upon themselves and one another to love God and Christ more, to love duty and holiness more, to love their brethren in Christ more, and to do all the good offices of Christian affection both to the bodies and the souls of each other. A good example given to others is the best and most effectual provocation to love and good works.

Aware of Being Present with Ourselves

Same principles apply here. Are you aware of your own needs? Are you aware of your thought life? Are your thoughts towards yourself uplifting or self-destructive? Are you aware of what is going on in your body? Taking time to be self-aware is very important and highly effective when practiced on a regular basis.

God gave you your body. We only get one chance to take care of our bodies. Take time to be fully present with your body, mind, and emotions. You deserve it. And the people around you deserve it!

1. Are you being present with God?

2. Are you being present with others?

3. Are you being present with yourself?

When you are present with God, present with others, and present with yourself – you are growing in Grace!

Avoiding Deception Replay

Steps to Avoid Deception

1. Know your Bible.

2. Regular Bible study on your own is the only way to really know the word of God. It is your responsibility to lay a strong foundation against deception. You Version Bible App; Daily Audio Bible; International Bible Study groups such as Bible Study Fellowship or Community Bible Study.

3. Apply your knowledge of the scriptures to that which is unusual or “extraordinary”.

4. Ask questions. There is nothing wrong with having a healthy skepticism. Always confirm what you hear, see, or read by going to the scriptures for the answers.

5. Learn to go to God on your own. Deception can happen when you look to someone else for the answers and not God. No one can study the Bible for you. Studying the Bible for yourself is how your faith will grow.

Our Ultimate Goal: To possess, to take hold of and have a firm foundation that is strong, true, and able to withstand the attacks of the enemy and to discern that which is false. How? By self-examination, prayer, watchfulness, and diligent study of God’s Word.

The great news is that God designed things so that you don’t have to live in deception and sin forever. He provided His Truth, His Word to lead and guide us through life here on earth.

Debilitating Suicidal Thoughts to Redemptive God’s Grace - Replay 

Today’s Scripture References

1 John 2:1 “My little children, these things I write to you, that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have and Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”

The main theme of 1 John is fellowship with God. John writes to reassure his readers that God will indwell in them through their abiding relationship with Him. When you believe in Jesus Christ, have fellowship with Jesus, you start to take on the characteristics of Christ. Characteristics such as righteousness, love for others, joy, and confidence start to become a part of you. There are conditions for fellowship with the Father and with His Son, Jesus and those conditions are to walk in the light and confess our sins. And when we do sin, we have an advocate, Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ is our advocate. Advocate comes from the Greek word, parakletos (a name given to the Holy Spirit, our Helper); Advocate means one who pleads another’s cause, who helps another by defending or comforting him.

There are four guarantees from Jesus Christ as our Defender: His Prayer, His Protection, His Provision, and His Perseverance.

1. His Prayer – Luke 22:31-34 “And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” But he said to Him, “Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death.” Then He said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day before you will deny three times that you know Me.”

2. His Protection – Hebrews 13:6 “So we may boldly say: The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”

3. His Provision – Psalm 23:1 “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

John 10:28-29 “And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.”

4. His Perseverance – 2 Timothy 4:17-18 “But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. And I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!”

These are the four guarantees from Jesus Christ as our Defender: His Prayer, His Protection, His Provision, and His Perseverance.

Life Application Questions

1. Are you looking to Jesus Christ as your advocate, your defender?

2. Are there times in your life where you can look back and see He prayed for you, He protected you, He provided for you, and He never stopped persevering on your behalf?

Today’s Scripture References

Psalm 19:14 “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my redeemer.”

What Words Are You Using?

Are the words coming from your mouth consistent with the Word of God and God’s will for your life?

More specifically, are the words coming from your mouth consistent with what God says about you?

As a believer of Jesus Christ and consistently growing in grace, consistently growing to be Christlike, we are to speak in ways that please the Lord. When you are being self-critical, self-sabotaging yourself with your own words, that is not pleasing to the Lord. What is pleasing to the Lord is speaking truth about Him and truth about His love for you. What is pleasing to the Lord is consistently speaking God’s truth over your life and then coming into alignment with what God’s Word says about you.

1. I am not stupid; I have been given the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:16, “For “Who has known the mind of the LORD that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ.”

2. I am not going to worry about this situation; I can cast all my anxiety on Christ Who cares for me. 1 Peter 5:7 “Casting all your care upon Him, for He care for you.” In my bible I wrote over the word care, anxiety – attached to the need for control.

1. I am not alone; I have Jesus with me always and He will never leave me or forsake me. Matthew 28:20 “teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Hebrew 13:5 “Let your conduct be without covetousness and be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

What is Really in Your Heart?

Psalm 37:4 “Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.”

According to the Strong’s Concordance, heart is defined as: heart, intellect, awareness, mind, inner person, inner feelings, deepest thoughts, inner self. The Hebrew concept of “heart” is both the physical organ and a person’s inner desires.

Israel’s Commandment: Deuteronomy 6:5 “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might.”

Jesus Emphasis on this great Commandment: Mark 12:29-30, “Jesus answered him, “The first of all the commandments is: “Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.” This is the first commandment.”

Take time this week to really think about what your inner man is feeling and thinking. Are you so negative on the inside towards yourself due to past mistakes, failures, or traumatic experiences? If you are caught in that trap and lie, I want to encourage you that you can change those negative thoughts about yourself to more positive thoughts. It takes a step of faith, courage, and determination to make the necessary adjustments in your life toward healthy changes.

What is Acceptable to God?

If you would commit to doing something like the above to change your negative belief about yourself, you will begin to see your speech and your heart towards yourself change. Speaking and thinking in ways that you know please the Lord, is what is acceptable to God.

Romans 12:1-2 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

4 Things That Hinder Your Growth

1. Lack of Knowledge – Acts 18:24-28

2.Carnality – 1 Corinthians 3:1-3

3. Instability – Ephesians 4:7-15

4. Dullness – Hebrews 5:9-14

Life Application Questions

1. Can you identify any areas of your life that are hindering you in your spiritual growth?

2. Are you at the same level when you first became a Christian or do you see yourself growing spiritually mature?

3. Are you being deceived in any area of your life?

4. Has your hearing become dull?

Today’s Scripture References

2 Peter 17-18 “You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.”

4 Points to Remember

1. God loves you: you are His beloved.

2. God has expectations from you: to be faithful and obedient to Him.

3. God warns you: there are wicked people in this world, and they desire to lead you astray to disobey Him.

4. God has a goal for your life: to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

As you ponder on today’s scripture, really think about how God loves you and expects you to respond to His lovingkindness towards you. Think about the warning He gives you and how you can respond to those who may cross your path to mislead you. Think about your spiritual growth so far this year. How much spiritual growth have you experienced? Has God seen you grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Savior Jesus Christ?

Measure Your Spiritual Growth

It is important to measure your spiritual growth against a standard or plumb line. How do you measure your spiritual growth? By studying and applying the Word of God to your life. This is the standard, the plumb line that will help you stay in alignment. The more aligned you are with the Word of God, the less effort it takes to respond to God’s love with faith and obedience. The less effort it will take to spot the wicked ones who intend to mislead you. The less effort it will take to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Savior Jesus Christ.

Here are 5 verses to start using today as a standard to measure your spiritual growth.

Fruitfulness – John 15:2 “ Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.”;

John 15:5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”

Increase – 2 Corinthians 9:10 “Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness,”

Addition – 2 Peter 1:5-10 Fruitful Growth in the Faith – “But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble;”

Growth – 1 Peter 2:1-2 Our Inheritance Through Christ’s Blood – “Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.”

Building up – Jude 20 Maintain Your Life with God – “But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.

The month of September is recognized as Suicide Prevention Month. Mental Health is so important, regardless of what you do for a living. Today, for the second time in this format, I want to share my personal story of how I have come from battling suicidal thoughts to experiencing God's redemptive grace and the Abundant Life that Jesus Christ offers to all of us.

John 10:10, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”

Satan is a thief. His main purpose is to rob, kill and destroy you. He will rob you of your purity, standards, strength, and the blessings of knowing and serving God. He will destroy your defenses by drawing you away from the Word, Fellowship and from prayer. He seeks to destroy your freedom and place you under bondage. But Jesus came that you may have life! Every life that is dramatically and wonderfully changed by believing in Christ is a testimony. Here is my testimony -

Full testimony can be found on my website:  www.eaglesrestcounseling.com

If you are suffering with suicidal thoughts, please dial 988.