The Third Option

We hear all the time that the world around us is quickly becoming more dark and evil, but data shows us that is simply not the case. Having the wrong perspective only leads to fear, anxiety, and a sense of hopelessness. When we see the world from God's perspective, through a lens of love, there is healing, and God's goodness is on full display!

We all encounter situations that are easy to look at though a temporary lens instead of an eternal one. We try and assess these situations in our own strength instead of acknowledging that God's presence and provision has been with us the whole time!

You are not a victim of your circumstances - He has overcome the world!

We all know that people are complex beings, and yet we often look at what we see on the outside and judge others unjustly. God sees beyond what man seeing and instead looks at the heart. We look at the world through our own personal filters instead of seeing the beauty of God in others. Let's choose to look again, remove the mask, offer grace, and see the people around us as God sees them.

On the surface, the Bible looks like a book of knowledge about what's good and what's evil. People so often approach reading it through that lens, and it only leads to shame, condemnation, and self-righteousness. When you look through the "mask," you find that the Bible is a book of LIFE where you find the heart of God. Allow scripture to empower you to walk in the grace and love that Jesus offers us.

The Accuser often goes after our thoughts first, bringing condemnation and a lack of peace. The fear induced by the devil often can push us to act on our thoughts, resulting in a spiral of questioning ourselves and God. Choose to humble yourself, submit to the Truth, and look to Jesus. Listen for the voice of love that lives inside of you!

When we operate in the flesh, it's often out of self-protection. We fear losing ourselves. Or maybe we fear losing respect from others. Maybe we struggle with feeling dominated or rejected by others? Instead, kick fear to the curb and be inspired and motivated by the Spirit within you. Listen to today's episode where Rick and Judi address unmasking fear from the flesh.

Our world is constantly inducing fear through religion, politics, and culture. We are bombarded by fleshly things that stir up fear in our spirit, most of the times, without us even noticing it! When we choose to live in the sweet, secret, and sacred place with our Heavenly Father, fear is unmasked, and we aren't easily influenced by what is happening on the outside.

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." -2 Timothy 1:7

What is fear? And how do you know if you are being influenced by it? Listen to this week's episode where Rick and Judi discuss the power of operating in the spiritual and being led by THE Shepherd when the world's system starts to influence our thoughts and emotions.

When a loved one dies, it produces an internal chaos, and we often can't see our way through to the other side of grief. It is our natural tendency to think that the future can't possibly be as good as the past. BUT GOD. When we know the goodness of God in an intimate way, we trust that He has good things in store for our future, even in the midst of processing loss.

How do you move forward in grief? WALK TOWARDS THE LIGHT. Trust God in the process as you heal and honor your loved one by moving forward and appreciating each and every day. Shed guilt and regret and lean into God's goodness in your life!