This path was once maintained and easy to walk, but as you can see, it has now been overtaken by plants, weeds, and fallen trees. What once was easy and free of obstruction is now a challenge to get through. Looking at this path’s entrance, it’s pretty easy to see things that could hinder my walk along the way. It’s not always easy to see things that get in the way on our walk with Christ. It starts off a bit narrow, but it’s pretty clear, fresh, and new. But then…life can pull us away from the path God has us on. We find ourselves on a path that looks broad and clear. It’s enticing. Here’s where we step onto the path of “self” with very dangerous, very hidden obstructions that Jesus warns us of in Matt. 7:13 NIV:  "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.” Go back to the path that Jesus led you to. Put on your hiking boots of peace, roll up your spiritual sleeves, sweat a bit, step through some muck, and see God move in miraculous ways, in your life and in others. “My feet have closely followed his steps; I have kept to his way without turning aside.” (Job 23:11 NIV) Oh…and “count it all joy!!!” (James 1:2a NIV)

Dr. Ginger McBride Open Door: Christian Counseling and Life Coaching   An NCCA Certified Academic Institution Open Door: Christian Counseling and Life Coaching is certified by the National Christian Counseling Association (NCCA). Dr. McBride has been affiliated with the NCCA since 2016.   She is a Licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselor—Advanced Certification. Hearing God’s Voice God has made plans for each one of us. His plans for us are as individual as our appearance. We don’t all look alike; God’s plans for us are just as unique. In fact, before He formed us, He made special plans for us, and He wrote them down. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in Your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. Psalm 139:16 NLT.  There is hardly one day of counseling that goes by without me sharing this verse. It is powerful. Because God created us and wrote our life story in His book, He knows us and understands us. He will speak to us differently as we develop a relationship with Him. Don’t worry about how he communicates with someone else. How does He communicate with us as individuals? In Isaiah, God gives an example of how different grain is planted, harvested, and prepared for food. (Isaiah 28:24-29) The farmer knows some seeds need to be covered with soil; some seeds need to be scattered on top of the ground. Our Creator knows how to personally communicate with us if we want to hear Him.  Wouldn’t it be great if God told us the plans He has for us? Wouldn’t it save a lot of time and trouble if we just knew those plans and could go about implementing them? Well, for a Choleric, it would be great to have a checklist, but God is not only task-oriented; He is also relationship-oriented. In fact, He will give up the Choleric task for the Sanguine relationship. Remember when Jesus sat with Mary and chastised Martha for asking that her sister help with the chore of putting food on the table? (Luke 10:41-42) In the case of Abraham, God told him he would have a son. (Genesis 15:4; 18:10) God spent 25 years making Abraham a father who would love and trust Him more than anything.  (Genesis 12:4; 21:2) God desired that relationship with Abraham. Abraham was called a friend of God. (James 2:23) When God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son, God knew He could trust Abraham to walk three days into the wilderness with his son, the wood, and the fire. (Genesis 22:2) Then, at the time of the sacrifice, God provided a ram caught by its horns in a thicket. (Genesis 22:13) God knew Abraham could be trusted because He knows the end from the beginning. (Isaiah 46:10) Abraham’s trust in God developed as their relationship did. Through the story of Abraham, God wants us to know we can trust Him when He asks us to do what seems unimaginable. Our trust in God is deepened through our personal relationship with Him. Knowing God’s Voice In order to know the extraordinary plans God has for each of us, we have to be able to recognize His voice. We have to discern the voice of God and distinguish it from the voices of ourselves, the world, and the enemy. Jesus says, My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. John 10:27 NLT. We recognize God’s voice when we hear it enough. I know my mother’s voice because I have heard it enough. I know it when she scolds me and when she praises me. Even though she no longer lives on earth, at times, I can still hear her voice of correction and assurance in my mind. So, it is with God’s voice. We must hear it enough to distinguish it from any other voice. If we want a word from the Lord, we must open the Bible. It is full of God’s words of truth. Any word from God will align with the Bible, but we have to read it to know what it says. Here’s the really cool part in Jesus’ own words: But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to remembrance all that I said to you. John 14:26 NASB. When we read the Bible and when we memorize scripture, what does the Holy Spirit do? He brings all things to our remembrance. We recognize His voice because we have heard it enough, and the Holy Spirit brings it to our remembrance. Listening for God’s Voice You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13 NASB. God wants to be found. God wants to make His plans for us known to us. He wants us to search for Him. In the searching, we develop this awesome relationship with Him. Ask God to reveal His calling. We can ask Him to reveal the plans He has for us. When God called Jeremiah, he was young. Jeremiah was listening when God spoke, I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born, I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations. Jeremiah 1:5 NASB. Jeremiah argued that he was too young. God wanted Jeremiah to know his age was not the determining factor of his calling. Don’t say , ‘I’m too young, for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you...   ...Look I have put words in your mouth! Today I appoint you to stand up against nations and kingdoms. Some you must uproot and tear down...   ...Others you must build up and plant.’ ” Jeremiah 1:7,9-10. NASB. Our calling may not be as clear as Jeremiah’s was, but we still must listen to hear God’s voice.   Obeying God’s Voice Obedience is bringing our will into alignment with God’s will. When God lays a burden on our hearts, we must obey, but also understand the timing. Moses had a problem with timing. Even though Moses lived in the palace of Pharaoh until he was 40 years old, I sense God had put a desire in his heart to free his people from slavery. (Acts 7:25) He stepped ahead of God’s plans for him and killed a man. (Exodus 2:11-12) When this murder was discovered, Moses had to flee Egypt to the land of Midian. In Midian, he became a shepherd and a family man. (Exodus 2:21-22) He was living his best life until his curiosity got the best of him. He encountered a bush in the desert that did not burn up. At the burning bush, God called him to free his people from the slavery of the Egyptians. (Exodus 3:2-8) Moses had to wait for the right timing.  On the other hand, in the story of Mary and Joseph, it was necessary for Joseph to respond immediately. God knew He could trust Joseph because Joseph had developed a strong relationship with God. When God told Joseph to get up and take Mary and baby Jesus to Egypt, Joseph didn’t wait until morning. He got up immediately, in the middle of the night, and left Bethlehem. No questions; no excuses. (Matthew 2:13-14) The first act of obedience for us must be salvation. The Holy Spirit urges, and God waits for us to come to Him through His Son, Jesus Christ. There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved. Acts 5:12 NLT.   That if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. Romans 10:9-10. NASB.  ...“I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6 NLT . Salvation is the beginning of this wonderful walk-in obedience to God. Seasons of Callings There are seasons of callings. Moses spent 40 years in Pharaoh’s court. He knew the proceedings and rules of order. Then before he spoke to Pharaoh on behalf of the Israelites, he  spent 40 years as a shepherd in the deserts of Midian. (Exodus 7:7) For every season, God prepared Moses for the next season. The next 40 years would be spent leading the Israelites in the wilderness before crossing into the promised land. (Exodus 16:35) Moses himself, was not allowed to cross over into the promised land because of an act of disobedience. The Israelites were thirsty and demanded water. Moses and his brother Aaron asked God for water. God wanted them to speak to the rock for water. Instead, Moses struck the rock, twice, out of anger. God told them that they would not enter the promised land because they disobeyed. (Numbers 20:6-12) At 120 years of age, Moses saw the promised land from the mountain where he died. (Deuteronomy 34:1-7) Moses’ story teaches us that we should obey God’s calling, that there are consequences to disobedience, and that we should be aware of the timing for God’s calling. In Ecclesiastes, Solomon tells us there is a time for everything. (Ecc. 3:1-8) In my own life, there was a time of growing up in a God-loving family and receiving education. Then there was a time of working in a medical research laboratory. There was a time for marriage to a wonderful man, and a time to be a stay-at-home mom raising four amazing children. There was a time for international missions, and a time for jail ministry. During a jail ministry visit, a chaplain suggested National Christian Counselors Association and The Sarasota Academy of Christian Counseling. My first course was, Created in God’s Image by Drs. Richard and Phyllis Arno. After taking that class, I knew the next season of my life involved Christian counseling. God has used every season of my life to prepare me for the next season.  As for this season, I continue to receive a blessing every time I share the APS, watching the “lights come on” and seeing smiles on the faces of counselees.  Counselees are set free of the expectations of themselves and others. They can live life according to God’s plan. They can study God’s word while they learn to hear God’s voice. They can discover the amazing calling God has for their lives. As for me, it is an awe-inspiring journey as I help others hear God’s voice and answer His calling. Reasons For Hearing Why do we need to hear God’s voice? We have work to do. God’s main concerns are for those who are perishing. It is His will that no one perish. The Lord does not delay His promise as some understand delay. But is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 CSB. God allows us to be a part of sharing His love with friends, family, and even complete strangers. He wants us to be a part of rescuing those who are perishing. We must know God’s voice, listen for God’s voice, and obey with the right timing by developing and maintaining our relationship with God. We must give those who are perishing every opportunity to make that personal decision to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior and to begin their awesome journey with Him. To God be the glory!

Click Image For More Info When was the last time you awakened to a swirl of out-of-control thoughts? Perhaps you were overwhelmed with the weight of worry, the fear of failing, or the grip of guilt. The way we think directly impacts our joy and peace. In Tame Your Thoughts , Max Lucado provides three biblical and practical tools to renew your mind and transform your life. Our thoughts have consequences. Most people would agree that positive thoughts generate positive actions. Negative thoughts activate negative behavior. But do we understand that we can manage our lives by managing our thoughts? Not only does neuroscience back this concept, but the idea is also embedded throughout Scripture. "Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind" (Rom.12:2 esv). Tame your thoughts and transform your life! In Tame Your Thoughts , Max explores three key thought-management tools and then applies them to the most common thought problems: worry, guilt, anxiety, and other types of mental quicksand that threaten to trap us. God loves us too much to let us lead a life marked by poor thinking. He made our brains; he can retrain our brains. God has not left us alone in this battle of the mind. Stuck in your head? Hounded by regrets? Weighed down by worry? Change is possible! The thoughts that have characterized your past need not characterize the rest of your life. Readers will learn to take thoughts captive, test each message against the truth of Scripture, interrupt poisonous thought threads, and think and act like Jesus. If God can resurrect the dead, can he not resurrect hope? Defy depression? Clarify confusion? Silence shame? Destroy doubt? Banish bitterness? Take God at his word. "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind " (2 Tim. 1:7 nkjv, emphasis added). With God as their helper, the reader will discover a new way of thinking and a better way of living. A new person will begin to emerge. We can tame each thought, friends.

UNCONDITIONAL LOVE By: Dr. Phyllis J. Arno Sanguine in Affection We have all heard the question: “What is love?” As Christians, we often answer, “God is love,” and encourage people to read 1 Corinthians 13:4–7 : Love is patient, Love is kind. It does not envy, It does not boast, It is not proud, It is not rude, It is not self-seeking, It is not easily angered, It keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always perseveres. Many people respond, “But I can’t be patient or kind like that!” So what do we tell them? The answer is simple: if a person has accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior , then God’s unconditional love already lives in them, because God is love  ( 1 John 4:16 ). All they need to do is “tap into” His love  by letting go of their own conditional love and allowing God’s unconditional love to flow through them. When they do this, their love is no longer based on conditions—it becomes unconditional. God’s Command to Love Deuteronomy 6:5–9 tells us: “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.” Other helpful Scriptures include: Matthew 22:37–39  – Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself. John 3:16  – God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son. John 13:34  – Jesus commands us to love one another as He has loved us. John 14:23–24  – Those who love Jesus will obey His words. 2 Corinthians 7:1  – Purify yourself in body and spirit, out of reverence for God. Philippians 1:9–10  – Pray that love grows in knowledge and discernment. 2 Timothy 1:7  – God has given us a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. 1 John 4:7–8, 15–16, 21  – Love one another, for love comes from God. Whoever loves is born of God, for God is love . What Is Unconditional Love? The Bible teaches that God loves us unconditionally . Unconditional love means love without strings attached —we cannot earn it. Wikipedia : “Affection without any limitations, or love without conditions.” Webster’s : “Not subject to limitations or reservations.” True love cannot be fully understood until we experience God’s love , because His love is perfect and unconditional. However, we must also understand that God’s love does not overlook sin . Proverbs 6:16–19  lists seven things the Lord hates: A proud look A lying tongue Hands that shed innocent blood A heart plotting evil Feet quick to do mischief A false witness One who causes discord among brothers Sanguine in Affection The Sanguine temperament  in the Affection area has these tendencies: Affectionate and “skin hungry” Sexually oriented and fearful of rejection Impulsive and responsive to rewards Initiators, but often hot-tempered Upbeat and extravagant Because they are relationship-oriented , Sanguines often initiate affection. They may say, “I need lots of hugs”  or “Let’s snuggle.” They form many deep relationships  because they love to be loved . They are usually optimistic and upbeat . They fear rejection  and may try harder to please close relationships. They are “swingers”  emotionally—joyful when accepted, withdrawn, and moody when rejected. They are often extravagant  with gifts for loved ones. They are romantic , enjoying candlelight dinners and romantic movies. Sanguines in Affection need to look to God first  for love and affection. Once they develop intimacy with Him , they will become secure in His love and better able to show healthy love to others. If a Sanguine lives alone, having a pet  can help meet their natural need to give and receive affection. Learning to Love Unconditionally as a Sanguine Look to God first  for love and affection. Follow God’s example  of unconditional love. Avoid ungodly demands  on close relationships—others may not share the same level of need for affection. Maintain balance —focus on meeting the needs of others, not just your own. Use godly outlets for affection —if single or living alone, pets can be a healthy source of companionship. Note to Counselors:  When counseling a Sanguine in Affection , remember to consider: Learned behavior Birth order Walk with the Lord These factors all affect how a Sanguine expresses love and affection.

“And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (Luke 21:25-28 ESV) When Jesus comes, what will I be doing? What will I be saying? I think we should ask ourselves this question at each breath because God’s Word says we can breathe out life or death or both. I don’t want words of death coming out of my mouth at all.  We can change that RIGHT NOW, RIGHT HERE! We can pray to the Lord and ask for His help in purifying our hearts. David prayed, “How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults. Keep your servant from deliberate sins! Don’t let them control me.” (Psalm 19:12-13 NLT) If David prayed this, then how much more should we?  Did you notice in Luke’s scripture that Jesus gives us a little bit of time by saying, “Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up…” That’s great Grace! That’s God’s covenant with His people! So… What are you doing right now?

Rapha Christian Counseling Center  Advancing Faith-Based Care and Counselor Certification Rapha Christian Counseling Center (Rapha CCC) stands as a beacon of hope, healing, and professional development in the field of faith-based mental health services. Certified by the National Christian Counseling Association (NCCA), Rapha CCC integrates Christian principles with evidence-based counseling to support the spiritual, emotional, and mental well-being of individuals, families, and communities. Dr. Janet has been affiliated with the NCCA since 2013.   She is a Licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselor—Advanced Certified. Celebrating a Decade of Service This year marks Rapha CCC’s 10th anniversary of dedicated service to the community. In celebration of this milestone, Rapha CCC is hosting an open house to welcome clients, community supporters, and partners. This special event offers an opportunity for guests to learn more about the center’s mission, explore its programs, and join in commemorating a decade of transformative impact. All are invited to connect with staff and students, ask questions, and celebrate the center’s ongoing commitment to healing and hope. Recent Achievements and Community Impact Rapha CCC is proud to announce it was recently awarded a Walmart Spark Good Grant, a recognition that underscores the center’s ongoing commitment to accessible, compassionate care for those in need. This grant will further empower Rapha CCC to expand its outreach and enhance its support services for vulnerable populations. Rapha Christian Counseling Center was recognized on Alignable by over 10 million businesses across the US & Canada. They were voted:  # 1 Local Business in Fresno CA. # 1 in the State of CA # 5 in the Top 50 Women Owned Businesses across the US #16 in the Top 50 Business across the US & CAD Commitment to Counselor Education and Certification As an authorized Certified Academic Institute (CAI) through the NCCA, Rapha CCC is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of Christian counselors. Currently, six students are actively enrolled in programs working toward licensing certification and academic degrees. These students benefit from a rigorous curriculum that blends professional counseling techniques with Christian faith, equipping them to serve diverse communities with empathy and expertise. Expanding Services for Homeless and Veterans Recognizing the urgent need for mental health support among homeless individuals and veterans, Rapha CCC has applied for a $250,000 grant to launch targeted programs in partnership with local organizations. These initiatives aim to provide counseling, personal development, and essential life skills to help participants achieve stability and self-sufficiency. By addressing the unique challenges faced by these populations, Rapha CCC seeks to break cycles of homelessness and empower individuals to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope. A Tradition of Excellence and Compassion With an impressive client success rate and over a decade of service, Rapha CCC is committed to fostering healing through faith, personalized guidance, and a community-centered approach. The center’s model avoids clinical diagnoses and medication, focusing instead on understanding, prayer, and holistic support-always placing the individual’s spiritual journey at the heart of care. Looking Ahead Rapha Christian Counseling Center remains steadfast in its mission to provide transformative counseling, empower future leaders in Christian mental health, and expand its reach to underserved populations. With the continued support of grants, community partners, and dedicated students, Rapha CCC is poised to make an even greater impact in the years ahead. For more information about Rapha CCC’s programs, services, or educational opportunities, please visit their website raphaccc.org or contact the center directly by email at info@raphaccc.org  phone: 559-478-6077

Click On Book For More Information Calm Moments for Anxious Days: A 90-Day Devotional Journey By: Max Lucado It's not always easy to release worries into God's hands! Weaving together Scripture promises, enlightening illustrations, and thoughtful practices, Lucado's 90-day devotional will help you exchange anxiety for heavenly peace. Each powerful entry includes a brief meditation, biblical promise, and space for recording prayers and concerns. Whatever the challenge, let these encouragements bring you back to truth and hope! 208 pages, hardcover from Nelson.

UNCONDITIONAL LOVE By: Dr. Phyllis J. Arno Phlegmatic in Affection We’ve all heard the question: "What is love?" As Christians, we often answer, “God is love,” and point others to 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 , which describes love like this: Love is patient, Love is kind. It does not envy, It does not boast, It is not proud. It is not rude, It is not self-seeking, It is not easily angered, It keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. So what do we say then? That’s a great question. The answer begins with our relationship with God. When someone accepts Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, they receive God's unconditional love—because God is love  (1 John 4:16). From that point on, they simply need to tap into God’s love . How do we do that? We let go of our own limited, conditional love and allow God's perfect love to flow through us. When we do, our love changes—it becomes unconditional . Deuteronomy 6:5–9 says: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength… Teach these words to your children… Talk about them at home, on the road, when you lie down, and when you get up… Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.” Other helpful verses include: Matthew 22:37-39  – Love God and love your neighbor. John 3:16  – God gave His Son for us out of love. John 13:34  – Jesus commands us to love one another. John 14:23-24  – Those who love Jesus will obey His words. 2 Corinthians 7:1  – Purify yourself out of reverence for God. Philippians 1:9-10  – Grow in love, knowledge, and discernment. 2 Timothy 1:7  – God gives us a spirit of love, not fear. 1 John 4:7-8  – Everyone who loves is born of God. 1 John 4:15-16  – Remain in love and God remains in you. 1 John 4:21  – If we love God, we must also love others. What Is Unconditional Love? The Bible teaches that God loves us unconditionally . People may ask, “What does that really mean?” We can explain that unconditional love: Has no strings attached. Cannot be earned. Is not based on behavior. Wikipedia  defines it as: “Affection without any limitations.” Webster’s Dictionary  says: “Not subject to conditions.” But we only truly understand love when we experience God’s love , because God is love , and His love is perfect and holy . However, God’s love does not ignore sin. Proverbs 6:16-19 lists what God hates: A proud look A lying tongue Hands that shed innocent blood A heart that plots evil Feet quick to do wrong A false witness A person who stirs up conflict PHLEGMATIC IN AFFECTION Let’s look at some common traits of the Phlegmatic temperament  in the area of affection: Traits Behaviors Emotionally Guarded May seem distant or hard to read Dry Sense of Humor Often uses humor to deflect emotions Low Energy Conserves emotional and physical energy Unaffectionate May resist physical or emotional closeness Observer Watches rather than participates Responder Rarely initiates, tries to keep peace Stubborn Resists change, especially when drained Peace at All Costs Avoids conflict even at personal expense Phlegmatics in Affection are task-oriented , not relationship-driven. They may say things like,  “Don’t touch me!”  or “You’re suffocating me!”  This happens when they feel their personal space is being invaded. They often: Respond more than initiate in relationships. Form few deep bonds to conserve energy. Use humor to deflect emotional demands. Avoid expressing emotions directly, making them hard to “read.” This temperament needs to first seek love from God  by building a relationship with Jesus Christ. Once they learn to love God first, His love will flow through them and help them show love to others. HOW CAN A PHLEGMATIC IN AFFECTION LEARN TO LOVE UNCONDITIONALLY? Look to God first  for love and affection. Understand  that God’s love is the model for us to follow. Move from observer to participant  in deep relationships. Make intentional efforts  to show love and affection. Avoid being overly critical  when others fall short. Recognize their low energy , and find healthy ways to manage it. Avoid using humor  to keep people at a distance. Seek balance , so they meet others’ emotional needs—not just their own. Note to the Counselor: When counseling a Phlegmatic in Affection , consider the influence of: Learned Behavior Birth Order Spiritual Walk These factors will affect how they relate to others emotionally.

As I was pondering this month’s encouragement message, the word “substance” grabbed hold of me and would not let go! So I said out loud, “Okay, Lord, what do I do with that? I heard nothing else. Great! Then, this Scripture popped into my mind. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” [Hebrews 11:1 KJV] Well, that part was easy. So, hope needs faith (substance) to lock onto the evidence (things) which are not seen. I’m seeing this more clearly as I write. (I’m locking onto the message I hadn’t seen earlier.) So, when we pray (with hope) each day for your many needs, we extend our faith (the substance) according to His Word until the answered prayer (the evidence) is seen!

Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. [1Peter 4:1-2 NASB95] For many years now, I have read this Scripture in 1 Peter and come away always wanting more revelation of it. What does it mean, I’ve ceased from sin? So, I would push past it. As I was reading and studying this Scripture this morning, seeking the Holy Spirit for more understanding, He led me to one word in the Amplified Bible’s version of this verse. This one word turned the lights on for me. [Intentional]. Here’s the Scripture in The Amplified Bible: Therefore, since Christ suffered in the flesh [and died for us], arm yourselves [like warriors] with the same purpose [being willing to suffer for doing what is right and pleasing God], because whoever has suffered in the flesh [being like-minded with Christ] is done with [intentional] sin [having stopped pleasing the world], so that he can no longer spend the rest of his natural life living for human appetites and desires, but [lives] for the will and purpose of God. [1Peter 4:1-2 AMP] Let the arming begin! Let us all stop pleasing the world and be willing to suffer for doing what is right and pleasing to God.

“And to the eyes of the sons of Israel the appearance of the glory of the LORD was like a consuming fire on the mountain top.”[Exo 24:17 NASB95] When God burns a message on your heart, what do you do with that? Well, that’s what I’m about to find out right now, because this is the first time I’m actually trying to write it out. So, here it is… I had a vision a while back of Moses climbing up that mountain to meet with the Lord. When he got to the top of the mountain (which was smoking and on fire), he stepped into the Presence of God… for forty days! That is AWESOME!!! So what does this have to do with you and me? The trials and tribulations we go through today may seem different now, but they can be extremely difficult and just as life-changing!  These trials and tribulations can feel like a wall of fire all around us! But here’s what the Lord was trying to show me. He is in the midst of that fire, taking us through it, to the Peace of His Presence. Remember the story of the three Hebrew children. Those three young men who were thrown into the fire by that crazy King reveal this truth. They were His witnesses, as are we. "You said, 'Behold, the LORD our God has shown us His glory and His greatness, and we have heard His voice from the midst of the fire; we have seen today that God speaks with man, yet he lives.”[Deut. 5:24 NASB95]

Click On Book For More Information God's Design For Marriage A Blueprint for Lasting Love in Christ By: Deborah Skomba In a world where trends and values are always changing, the institution of marriage needs to remain a shining example of the power of love and commitment. This book explores the heart of intimacy, uncovering the secrets to lasting love and strengthening your faith in the sacred covenant of marriage. "Can two walk together unless they are agreed?"  Amos 3:3 NKJV