CHANGE
Change Your Thinking, It
Changes your life
Hebrews 13:8
8Jesus Christ the same
yesterday, and today, and forever.
We are also same yesterday, and today and forever as a
sinner – No Change at all.
Shall we Change from Today ??
Character “A quality
of Christianity”
· Character is defined - The pattern of behavior or personality found in an individual or group; moral constitution
· How a Christian deals with the circumstances of their life speaks of their character.
· Crisis doesn’t necessarily make character, but it does reveal it.
· Adversity in our lives is a crossroads where a person chooses one path – Character or Compromise.
· Jesus was the ultimate example of character.
· Every time we choose character, we grow more into the image of Christ.
· Character is who you are when no one is looking.
Rom 5:1-4 – Experience, Trustiness, Proof, integrity. Phil 2:19-22
· Character is defined - The pattern of behavior or personality found in an individual or group; moral constitution
· How a Christian deals with the circumstances of their life speaks of their character.
· Crisis doesn’t necessarily make character, but it does reveal it.
· Adversity in our lives is a crossroads where a person chooses one path – Character or Compromise.
· Jesus was the ultimate example of character.
· Every time we choose character, we grow more into the image of Christ.
· Character is who you are when no one is looking.
Rom 5:1-4 – Experience, Trustiness, Proof, integrity. Phil 2:19-22
4 THINGS YOU MUST KNOW ABOUT CHARACTER
1. Character Is More Than Talk.
· Anyone can say they have integrity but action is the true indicator.
· Your character determines who you are.
· People that always seem to be at war with themselves have a problem in their character.
· James 2:18 But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.
· Prov 20:11 The character of even a child can be known by the way he acts-- whether what he does is pure and right.
· "Your walk talks and your talk talks but your walk talks louder than your talk talks."
2. Talent Is A Gift, But Character Is A Choice.
· There are a lot of things in our life that we have no control over – We don’t get to pick our parents, our upbringing, our talents, our IQ
· But we do choose our character.
· In fact, we create it – every time we make choices.
· Deut 30:19 "I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;
· Prov 1:28-30 (28) "Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently, but they will not find me. (29) Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the LORD, (30) They would have none of my counsel and despised my every rebuke.
· Prov 3:31 Do not envy the oppressor, and choose none of his ways;
· Will you choose the easy way or the right way?
3. Character Brings Lasting Success With People.
· Lifestyle evangelism is all about relationships.
· People do not trust those who have flawed characters.
· Good character will open up doors for lasting relationships with those around you.
· 1Thes 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
· 2 Cor 6:3 We give no offense in anything, that our ministry may not be blamed.
· Luke 2:52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and men.
4. People Cannot Rise Above The Limitations Of Their Character.
· Have you ever seen highly talented people fall apart when they reach a certain level of success?
· The key to that phenomenon is character.
· Success without a good foundation of character is bound for failure.
· The 4 A’s – Arrogance, Aloneness, Adventure-seeking or Adultery.
BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF CHARACTER:
· Joseph resisting Potiphar’s wife. - Gen 39:7-12
· Paul – Acts 20: 22-24
BRING IT HOME
1. Search For The ... Cracks.
§ Look at every aspect of your life; your relationship with God, your spouse, your children, your peers, your employer.
§ Identify short cuts and short comings in those aspects of your life and write them down.
§ Pray about each one.
2. Look For Patterns.
§ Examine your response to this search.
§ What patterns of weakness do you see.
§ These are character issues.
§ Ask God to deliver you from these patterns.
3.Face The Music.
§ The beginning of character repair is when you face your flaws, repent and deal with them.
§ This is why so many Christians never get delivered.
§ Repentance is a good thing
4. Rebuild.
§ Don’t stop by facing up to your actions.
§ Begin building a new future.
§ Keep praying against your weaknesses, Search the word about these areas, be accountable to someone in these areas.
GOD’S EXPECTATION
“This is what I desire of you – that
you would spend your hours lying before Me in intercession. There I will reveal
My Glory to you. There I will reveal My Truths to you. There I will tell you
what to do as the days grow dark and this world approaches the end.
“It is there I desire My People to be – ever seeking My Face and to do My Will, sharing My Heart for the lost. For did I not send My only begotten Son for just that purpose – to save the lost? To bring them back to Me?”
“It is here in My Presence that you will find peace. It is here that you will experience Me – here, crying out for those who do not know Me.”
“Lay aside the cares of this world, the thoughts about your needs. Did I not say in My Word to seek first My Kingdom and all these things you need would be added unto you? Why then do you worry so for what you will wear or what you will eat? Am I not a wealthy Father, well able to provide all you need and more? Am I not able to take care of you, My Little Flock?”
“Stop wandering and wailing in the world and focus on My Purpose – to save the lost, and you will find your every need met in the earth and much, much more!”
“I am calling out to My Intercessors – fall on your faces and cry out to Me! Wail for your lost loved ones, for your unsaved families and friends, for the lost you do not know! Call on My Name, the only name that can save them from destructions to come!”
“Cry out! Weep for them, My Children while there is yet time for them to be saved! There is no better use of your time. Come! Share My Heart
“It is there I desire My People to be – ever seeking My Face and to do My Will, sharing My Heart for the lost. For did I not send My only begotten Son for just that purpose – to save the lost? To bring them back to Me?”
“It is here in My Presence that you will find peace. It is here that you will experience Me – here, crying out for those who do not know Me.”
“Lay aside the cares of this world, the thoughts about your needs. Did I not say in My Word to seek first My Kingdom and all these things you need would be added unto you? Why then do you worry so for what you will wear or what you will eat? Am I not a wealthy Father, well able to provide all you need and more? Am I not able to take care of you, My Little Flock?”
“Stop wandering and wailing in the world and focus on My Purpose – to save the lost, and you will find your every need met in the earth and much, much more!”
“I am calling out to My Intercessors – fall on your faces and cry out to Me! Wail for your lost loved ones, for your unsaved families and friends, for the lost you do not know! Call on My Name, the only name that can save them from destructions to come!”
“Cry out! Weep for them, My Children while there is yet time for them to be saved! There is no better use of your time. Come! Share My Heart
DIAGNOSIS OF SPIRITUAL BLINDNESS
The man who comes to Jesus has a problem. Jesus immediately diagnoses this man’s problem as spiritual blindness. Jesus responds with an instruction as to the dangers of covetousness. Jesus then tells a story about a rich man who has allowed his covetousness to cause spiritual blindness.
Define covetousness. Vine’s Expository Dictionary: “a desire to have more, always used in a bad sense.” What does that mean?
Well, you will remember that “Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife or possessions” is one of the Ten Commandments. Let’s try that for some more information.
In Mark 12:28-31, they ask Jesus “which is the first commandment of all?” (parallel passage: Matt. 22:34-40).
(1) Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind
(2) Love thy neighbor as thyself.
Romans 13:8-10 explains why.
Jesus listed the second as “Love thy neighbor.” Read Romans 13:8-10.
8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. 9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: love is the fulfilling of the law.
John 15:13 says, “Greater live hath no man than this, than a man lay down his life for his friend.” This is exactly what Jesus did. Therefore, “love thy neighbor means we are to exhibit the love of Christ to those around us.
Our lives, as spiritual beings, should be to behave actions and attitudes which are a worship to God and an example of Christ to those around us. Jesus is teaching this truth. Beware of covetousness because it changes the priorities in our lives to something other than behaving the two greatest commandments.
Spiritual blindness is caused when we elevate our selfish desires until they change our behavior so it violates God’s priorities. Logo: Spiritual blindness will keep you from seeing life as it really is.
a) SYPMTOMS OF SPIRITUAL BLINDNESS
How do you diagnose an eyesight problem? Evaluate the symptoms and trace them back until you determine the cause. How do we know this man suffered from covetousness as a root cause for his blindness? Examine his attitudes and his actions.
ATTITUDES
A. Selfishness: uses the “I” or possessive pronoun 14 times in 3 short verses. His view is completely inward.
B. Pride: He describes what he has accomplished all by himself.
C. Lack of Thankfulness: no acknowledgment that God had something to do with the blessings in his life.
ACTIONS
A. Self -complacency. He decides that he does not have to anything but relax and take it easy.
B. Plans without seeking God’s vision for his life.
C. Acts as a completely self-sufficient man.
These attitudes and actions are all sinful. Why? -- because they violate the two great commandments. They are caused by his covetousness. He has allowed his desire for his own wealth and comfort to change his behavior until he follows priorities different from those of God.
This man cannot see the spiritual reality of his circumstance. Instead, he sees his own selfish desires.
Spiritual blindness will keep you from seeing life as it really is.
How do you diagnose an eyesight problem? Evaluate the symptoms and trace them back until you determine the cause. How do we know this man suffered from covetousness as a root cause for his blindness? Examine his attitudes and his actions.
ATTITUDES
A. Selfishness: uses the “I” or possessive pronoun 14 times in 3 short verses. His view is completely inward.
B. Pride: He describes what he has accomplished all by himself.
C. Lack of Thankfulness: no acknowledgment that God had something to do with the blessings in his life.
ACTIONS
A. Self -complacency. He decides that he does not have to anything but relax and take it easy.
B. Plans without seeking God’s vision for his life.
C. Acts as a completely self-sufficient man.
These attitudes and actions are all sinful. Why? -- because they violate the two great commandments. They are caused by his covetousness. He has allowed his desire for his own wealth and comfort to change his behavior until he follows priorities different from those of God.
This man cannot see the spiritual reality of his circumstance. Instead, he sees his own selfish desires.
Spiritual blindness will keep you from seeing life as it really is.
b) PROGNOSIS OF SPIRITUAL BLINDNESS
What is the prognosis of this condition? Read verse 20 & 21.
All this man has accomplished will be for naught, wasted. You see we will all face a reckoning for what we have accomplished with our lives. Scripture calls this Judgment.
The standard for that judgment is not an earthly, finite, physical standard. Instead it is a spiritual standard. The Judge Himself is a spiritual Judge.
What is the prognosis of this condition? Read verse 20 & 21.
All this man has accomplished will be for naught, wasted. You see we will all face a reckoning for what we have accomplished with our lives. Scripture calls this Judgment.
The standard for that judgment is not an earthly, finite, physical standard. Instead it is a spiritual standard. The Judge Himself is a spiritual Judge.
Read I Corinthians 3: 10-15.
Spiritual blindness will keep you from seeing life as it really is. We walk through life seeing only the physical things presented to our physical senses. We act selfishly because we blindly fail to see the spiritual opportunities around us where we can worship God and be an example of Christ to those around us.
The prognosis is bad. If you are not saved, then you will be banished from the presence of God for all of eternity. If you are saved, you will miss out on the rewards for faithfully serving the Lord.
c) TREATMENT FOR SPIRITUAL BLINDNESS
A. Recognize the spiritual nature of each of the circumstances that you face.
Matthew 6:31-33 31 therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (KJV)
This is fundamental. If you refuse to acknowledge this principle, you will continue to act based upon your own desires. That is why Satan has created lies such as “there is no God.” “Our world is the product of the Big Bang and Evolution.” If you concede the existence of God and our lives as spiritual beings, you are forced to make a choice as to how you will live.
B. Examine yourself.
Conduct an eye examination to see if you are suffering from spiritual blindness. Examine the symptoms and trace them back to the cause. What are your attitudes? What are your actions?
See Romans 12:3. He gives this command in the context of (1) the standard for our attitudes “a living sacrifice” and (2) our actions of service through the use of our spiritual gifts “having gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them.”
C. Focus your attention on God
• Spend personal time in worship
• Spend personal time being thankful
• Spend time asking God for His vision for your life
• Spend time in ministering to others
Thanksgiving Can Change Your Life
I.
THE BENEFITS OF A GRATEFUL SPIRIT
Now why do you think being a thankful person is so important? Well I think it is because gratefulness is good for us. There are a many ways being a grateful person can benefit you.
For one, being a grateful person can INCREASE YOUR PERSONAL HAPPINESS. Most of us think that our happiness is determined by our circumstances. If I asked you, on a scale of one to ten how happy you are right now, you might say, “Well, I’m about a 2 on the happiness meter because of my circumstances.”
We’ve been taught that our happiness is somehow dependent on how well things go for us. But really our happiness is determined by attitude. It is really in how we see things. The apostle Paul wrote these words from prison (yes prison). "Rejoice in the Lord always," he wrote, "and again I say it rejoice." (Philippians 4:4). Paul was happy despite being in prison and how, he learned to thank God in everything he did. It was really his perspective on life.
Now why do you think being a thankful person is so important? Well I think it is because gratefulness is good for us. There are a many ways being a grateful person can benefit you.
For one, being a grateful person can INCREASE YOUR PERSONAL HAPPINESS. Most of us think that our happiness is determined by our circumstances. If I asked you, on a scale of one to ten how happy you are right now, you might say, “Well, I’m about a 2 on the happiness meter because of my circumstances.”
We’ve been taught that our happiness is somehow dependent on how well things go for us. But really our happiness is determined by attitude. It is really in how we see things. The apostle Paul wrote these words from prison (yes prison). "Rejoice in the Lord always," he wrote, "and again I say it rejoice." (Philippians 4:4). Paul was happy despite being in prison and how, he learned to thank God in everything he did. It was really his perspective on life.
II.
Happiness is really
determined by our perspective in life not by circumstances. If we learn to be
grateful people despite circumstances that will greatly improve our happiness.
Being a grateful person can also IMPROVE YOUR WITNESS FOR CHRIST. Having a noticeable countenance of thankfulness and joy will certainly make us better witnesses for Christ. What is sad is that most Christians are the most negative, sour people in the world.
Being a grateful person can also IMPROVE YOUR WITNESS FOR CHRIST. Having a noticeable countenance of thankfulness and joy will certainly make us better witnesses for Christ. What is sad is that most Christians are the most negative, sour people in the world.
III. But when we are thankful, joyful, upbeat people. We attract the lost
with our spirit of gratitude because the world is so dark and depressing and
ungrateful. Have you looked at this world lately? People are so discouraged?
Yet if we can learn to be different, upbeat and thankful, we will attract them.
We have something they don’t. 1 Peter 2:12 reads, "Live such good lives
among the pagans that they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day
he visits us." Living a life of thankfulness will attract the lost.
IV.
Being a grateful person
will also ENHANCE YOUR RELATIONSHIPS. There is one thing I notice about some
married couples. After awhile many of them become ungrateful and unappreciative
of their spouses. Over time they take each other for granted.
Do you know how the apostle Paul began most of his letters in
the Bible? To the church in Rome he wrote. “First, I thank my God for all of
you.” (Romans 1:8) To the church in Corinth. “I always thank God for you (1
Corinthians 1:4).To the church in Ephesus, “I have not stopped
giving thanks for you; remembering you in my prayers.”
(Ephesians 1:16). To the church in Philippi, “I thank my God every time I
remember you.” (Philippians 1:3). To the church in Colossi, “I always thank God
when I pray for you.” (Colossians 1:3).
Paul made sure that he let people in the churches know that he was thankful for them. Imagine how much better our church and our relationships would be if we expressed our thanks for each other.
Paul made sure that he let people in the churches know that he was thankful for them. Imagine how much better our church and our relationships would be if we expressed our thanks for each other.
01.WAYS TO DEVELOP THANKSGIVING IN OUR LIVES
Well, what are some ways we can become more grateful people? First, if we want to be thankful, remember that EVERYTHING WE HAVE IS FROM GOD. Acknowledge that everything we have is God’s and not ours. Psalm 24:1 says, “The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it.” When we do this, it reminds us that it is a privilege that God has loaned us everything we have. 1 Corinthians 4:7 says, “What do you have that you did not receive from God? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?”
Well, what are some ways we can become more grateful people? First, if we want to be thankful, remember that EVERYTHING WE HAVE IS FROM GOD. Acknowledge that everything we have is God’s and not ours. Psalm 24:1 says, “The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it.” When we do this, it reminds us that it is a privilege that God has loaned us everything we have. 1 Corinthians 4:7 says, “What do you have that you did not receive from God? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?”
02.Secondly, if we want to be thankful we need to AVOID COMPLAINING. On a
Wednesday night in October I challenged our church to fast for six weeks from
complaining. And I’ve been asking everyone how they have been doing and we’ve
all admitted that the quality of our lives have improved since we quit
complaining and started praising.
ΓΌ Which do you tend to talk about more – your
blessings, or your disappointments?
ΓΌ Are you a complainer, always grumbling, always
finding fault with your circumstances?
ΓΌ Are you content with what you have, or always
dissatisfied and wanting more?
ΓΌ Do you find it easier to count your blessings, or
is it easier to count your afflictions?
ΓΌ Do you express thanks to others when they help
you, or do you just take it as your due?
ΓΌ Would others say that you are a thankful person?
In other words,
we were created to become like Jesus.
From the very beginning, God’s plan has been to make us like His Son.
In all of creation, only human beings are made in God’s image, in His
likeness.
We don’t know all this might include,
We don’t know all this might include,
but we do know some of the aspects:
Like God, we are spiritual beings – our spirits are immortal & will outlast
our earthly bodies; we are intellectual – we can think, reason, & solve
problems; like God we are relational – we can give & receive real love;
& we have a moral consciousness
- we can discern right from wrong, which makes us accountable to God.
- we can discern right from wrong, which makes us accountable to God.
If
You Change Your Attitude, God Will Change Your Mind
Romans 12
Living Sacrifices
1 Therefore,
I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living
sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual[a] act of worship. 2 Do
not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the
renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's
will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
3 For
by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more
highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in
accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.
a) Can I get a witness? Our attitudes
dictates how and where we live. Our attitudes dictates
how we treat others and not only that but our attitudes dictate how we worship.
b) Can I get a witness? It’s our attitudes that keep us from receiving the
blessing that God has in store for us.. The world’s way of thinking should not
be our way of thinking. We have to understand that while we are in the world,
we don’t have to be like the world. Paul says in Romans 8:5-10, “For they that
are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh…. for to be carnally minded
is death…. because the carnal mind is enmity against God. And if Christ be in
you, the body is dead because of sin; but the spirit is life because of
righteousness.
c) We tend to forget what Paul says in 1st Corinthians 12:4-6. You know what
I’m talking about. Paul said, “Now are diversities of gifts, but the same
spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And
there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all
in all.” Is anybody on my street? Sometimes we allow the positions we hold to
hold us and dictate to us how we treat other folk.
d) Can I get a witness? Paul encourages us today to be transformed by the
renewing of our mind. You got to know that you can’t change your own mind. This
changing of our mind or our thinking process is the changing of our spirit.
It’s a divine alteration. You remember what happened to Saul don’t you? God
changed his mind and he became Paul. Paul was a Roman citizen.
He was a Pharisee Jew. He was a man of strict religious thinking. Saul was a tent maker. He was well educated. He was given authority to persecute the church. Paul thought he was somebody, but God brought him down on the Damascus Road. I come to let you know that it’s not by works of righteousness which we have done, but it’s according to His mercy, God saved us, by the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Ghost.” Paul met the Lord on Damascus Road and Jesus stopped him. The Bible said Saul was knocked off his beast and he was astonished and trembling. He said, “Lord, what would Thou have me to do.” When Saul changed his attitude, God changed his mind.
e) God is able to do.
It is only God who is able to satisfy us. Well first of all, you need to be stead fast in the word of God, so that you can be an encouragement to somebody else. Paul said, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
It is only God who is able to satisfy us. Well first of all, you need to be stead fast in the word of God, so that you can be an encouragement to somebody else. Paul said, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
f)
For just as sure as you are born, just as sure as
Christ was manifested in the flesh, justified in the spirit, seen of Angels,
preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, and received up into
Glory, Jesus is coming back one day. Will you be ready when He comes: If you
change your attitude, God will change your mind.
g) In order to be a disciple of the Lord, we need to allow the word of God
to teach us. We’re all children in the Kingdom of God and we can’t do nothing
without the Lord. We need to be like sheep and follow the Good Shepherd. And
the only way you can do that is to take up your cross and follow Him not for a
little while, but follow Him daily.
h) ” If you love to walk, He won’t stop you from walking, but He’ll change
your step. Instead of you walking in the way of sinners, you’ll start marching
in God’s army. If you love to talk, my God won’t stop you from talking, but He
will put a new word in your mouth. You’ll be able to say, “I know that my
Redeemer liveth, because He lives way down in my soul.”
Adopting Jesus Style
Jesus Style is about Relationship. Living Jesus Style means
that you will learn to understand how much Jesus Loves You, personally. He
loves you so much that He died for you…just for you. When you accept Him, there
is no contract to sign; you don’t become an employee of God. When you accept
Jesus Christ as Lord, you are adopted into the family, it’s not a contract,
it’s a relationship that you have been given. This relationship is sealed with
blood, it’s strong, it’s binding, it’s got power to overcome anything in your
life, it gives you eternal life.
This relationship is not like any other kind of relationship
that you have had. When you accept Jesus Christ into your life, He pours His
Spirit into your heart….you are given the very spirit of Christ, living in you,
guiding you, helping you, convicting you, encouraging you and so much more.
Unlike other relationships….Christ is always with you, 24/7.
Jesus demonstrated how this new relationship should work. Jesus told us that His Father was always at work, and because the Father was always at work, so was He. They were one in spirit, unified. And that is exactly what we can have with Christ…Oneness.
Jesus demonstrated how this new relationship should work. Jesus told us that His Father was always at work, and because the Father was always at work, so was He. They were one in spirit, unified. And that is exactly what we can have with Christ…Oneness.
As a
Christian, in a love relationship with Jesus….Obedience is my hearts desire;
it’s what I want more than anything else in the whole world. I want to be
obedient to God, to His Word, to His Call on my life, everything.
But, If I’m
broken before God, realizing my need for him, I want to be obedient because I
have come to realize that only Good comes from following Christ, Only Good
comes from saying Yes to God.
Obedience
brings awesome blessings into your life, some that you would never dream of….
I
request you to move into a Jesus Style
king of living….it’s in tune with the Father, it’s all about Relationship
Changing
and Helping people Cope with Change
Unpleasant Changes--What To Do. When things don’t go our way,
we typically go through 10 stages which are a normal part of the coping and
healing process.
1. Denial--"It can’t be," It can’t happen to me," "It’s not true".... The first stage of reaction to any sudden, unexpected event tends to be denial. Denial is normal for a short time, persistent denial is unhealthy blocking further growth and healing.
1. Denial--"It can’t be," It can’t happen to me," "It’s not true".... The first stage of reaction to any sudden, unexpected event tends to be denial. Denial is normal for a short time, persistent denial is unhealthy blocking further growth and healing.
2. Anger/Blame--"Whose fault is it?," "This makes me mad," "This isn’t fair," "Why me?" The second stage of reaction looks backward in hopes of finding the cause and someone or something to blame it on. Although nothing can be done at this point to change the past, it’s nevertheless a normal response. The anger/blame stage is unhealthy if it persists for an unreasonable amount of time.
3. Despair--This stage tends to be characterized by tears, negative and hopeless/helpless thoughts, and a feeling of total emptiness and loss. Sleep and eating disturbances are common as the "reality" of the situation sets in. Relationships with other people can become more difficult at this time, but understanding and compassion must be given and accepted if one is to move beyond this stage.
4. Perspective--In this stage, the individual begins accepting the change and is no longer caught up in denial, anger, blame, or despair. The problem is seen in its proper perspective. Although the sense of loss may be significant, the individual does not feel that "all is lost."
5. Relationships--Coming out of the withdrawal and isolation that is inherent in the previous stages, the individual is able to talk and relate to other people and participate in normal activities.
6. Spiritual Changes--The individual’s relationship with the spiritual side of life is strengthened as a result of having lived through (and survived) the experience.
7. Acceptance--This stage involves the restoration of self-esteem, and the accept one of the consequences and boundaries of the new reality.
8. Humour--Smiles, laughter, and a sense of humour return to the individual and help in the healing process. There’s a renewed sense of joy in life.
9. Activity and Action--Where once the individual had been restricted or immobilized by the change, he or she now returns to activity, action, and improved productivity. Travel and group activities become more interesting.
10. New Goals--In this final stage, the individual is able to focus on the positive aspects of whatever change occurred, and on new goals and activities.
THE COMMON CAUSES OF STRESS
Career change
Change in work responsibilities
Child leaving home
In-law problems
Outstanding personal achievement
Spouse begins or stops work
Starting or finishing school
Change in living conditions
Trouble with boss
Change in work responsibilities
Child leaving home
In-law problems
Outstanding personal achievement
Spouse begins or stops work
Starting or finishing school
Change in living conditions
Trouble with boss
Change in work hours, conditions
Change in eating habits
Death of spouse
Divorce
Marital separation
Jail term
Death of family member
Personal injury or illness
Marriage
Fired from work
Marital reconciliation
Retirement
Family member’s health
Pregnancy
Sex difficulties
Addition to family
Business readjustment
Change in financial status
Death of a close friend
Jail term
Death of family member
Personal injury or illness
Marriage
Fired from work
Marital reconciliation
Retirement
Family member’s health
Pregnancy
Sex difficulties
Addition to family
Business readjustment
Change in financial status
Death of a close friend
Signs of Depression
• Sleeping more or
less than normal
• eating more or less than usual
• feeling restless, agitated or easily angered
• having trouble concentrating and making decisions.
• easily hurt feelings, excessive crying
• abusing alcohol and drugs
• eating more or less than usual
• feeling restless, agitated or easily angered
• having trouble concentrating and making decisions.
• easily hurt feelings, excessive crying
• abusing alcohol and drugs
• losing interest in activities that used to bring pleasure
• self-neglect
• feeling helpless and hopeless
• withdrawing and isolating oneself from others
Even when our lives seem out of control, God is working his
plan for our lives. "He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles
that cannot be counted," Job 5:9.
We need always be mindful of God’s varied and unusual ways of aiding us and working on our behalf.
We need always be mindful of God’s varied and unusual ways of aiding us and working on our behalf.
God helps and guides us in unusual and unexpected ways. Don’t
fail to recognize God’s activity because of rigid expectations and resistance
to change.
Encourage the Embracing of God’s Grace
The apostle Peter encouraged us to "cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7).
Help people respond to life’s trials through helping them gain abiding faith in God. Encourage them to turn to the God who loves and cares for them.
• In times of despair, ask God to give hope.
Encourage the Embracing of God’s Grace
The apostle Peter encouraged us to "cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7).
Help people respond to life’s trials through helping them gain abiding faith in God. Encourage them to turn to the God who loves and cares for them.
• In times of despair, ask God to give hope.
• In times of darkness, ask God to pierce that darkness with light.
• In times of weakness and fear, ask God for enough courage to take
the next step.
• In times of confusion, ask God for clarity of mind.
• In times of pain and torment, ask God for peace.
Chains or Change: Encourage People to Respond Positively
Rather than be intimidated by change, we can choose to adapt and accept change.
When feeling weak: "I will say of the lord, ’He is my
refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’ He will cover you with his
feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be
your shield and rampart" (Psalm 91:2,4).
• When feeling insecure: "When I said, ’My foot is slipping,’ your love, O lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul" (Psalm 94:18-19).
• When feeling vulnerable: "The lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him" (Nahum 1:7).
• When in need of courage: "Because the Sovereign lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame" (Isaiah 50:7).
• When anxious: "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in [Jesus]" (John 14:1).
• When feeling frightened: "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea" (Psalm 46:1-2).
• When in need of assurance: " ’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the lord, ’plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’ " (Jeremiah 29:11).
• To increase self-confidence and faith: "I can do everything through him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13).
• To recall God’s great love: " ’Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,’ says the lord, who has compassion on you" (Isaiah 54:10).
• To be reminded of God’s faithfulness in all of life’s journeys: "Because of the lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness" (Lamentations 3:22-23).
• To remember to live one day at a time, trusting God for future needs: "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own" (Matthew 6:34).
• For quiet trust and confidence in God: "Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared" (Proverbs 3:25-26).
Let us embrace change in
our lives and rely on God to do “HIS good and perfect” will in our lives.
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Dresses change
Thank you for Changing . May God Bless you and Use you and fulfil
your Heart’s Desire
BE BLESSED
