Damaging Inner Perspective

“If a person dwells obsessively on the inner warfare, he or she can do as much damage to the brain as a life-time of alcoholism or drugs.”1(pg. 135)

Negative attitudes can affect our health and obsessive thoughts can hurt our brain, but a cheerful mind works healing (Proverbs 17:22). Years ago, the Lord told me to get my eyes (or my focus) off myself and focus on what is right with me in Him. The negative inner perspective was weighing me down and causing my mood to be depressed. My constant worrying (evil foreboding) kept me in a state of anxiety and fear. My mind was always thinking. My thoughts were negative about myself, the future, and God. The Lord began to teach me about the power of my thoughts and the words I speak. Thinking and speaking life giving thoughts and words has changed my life. I decided to think and meditate on the Word of God regarding how He sees me through His son: righteous, Holy, and dearly loved. His righteousness is a freely given gift that is not based on my works or my behavior, but simply receiving by faith the work of the blood of the Lamb. I set (fixed or fastened) my thoughts on His love for me. Studies have revealed that how a person perceives God affects certain areas of the brain. If a person perceives God as critical or angry it activates the limbic area of the brain producing fear and anger, but if a person perceives God as loving, kind, and compassionate, it actives the anterior cingulate of the brain and reduces anger and fear promoting empathy for those who are suffering.1

Friends, there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for a friend (John 15:13). On October 21, 2023, the Lord spoke these words to me:

“I AM tired of My people being defeated. Am I not strong? Am I not mighty? People have settled for less of who I am. They just get by, but I want them to thrive and prosper.”

Scripture tells believers to be transformed by the renewal of your mind (Romans 12:2). What we believe about God has the power to transform our life. Today, focus your thoughts on the love of God revealed to us through the life of Jesus. Jesus is the perfect representation of our Heavenly Father. Jesus told his disciples that if you have seen me then you have seen the Father. Jesus came to reveal to us the nature of our Father: compassion for the bruised and broken, healer of the sick and demon possessed, and the giver of life to the dead. Think, speak and mediate on God’s love for you. It will change your life!

  1. Newberg AB, Mark Robert Waldman. How God Changes Your Brain : Breakthrough Findings from a Leading Neuroscientist. Ballantine Books Trade Paperbacks; 2010.
  2. Bible Gateway. BibleGateway.com. Bible Gateway. Published 2023. https://www.biblegateway.com/

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Smoldering Wick (Matthew 12:20)

A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering (dimly burning) wick He will not quench, till He brings justice and a just cause to victory (Matthew 12:20, AMPC).

He won’t brush aside the bruised and broken. He will be gentle with the weak and feeble, until his victory releases justice (Matthew 12:20, TPT).

Do you feel bruised or broken? There is one who gives life to the weak and feeble, who will not turn you away, but will bring new life. His name is Jesus. Proverbs 17:22 says that a broken spirit dries up the bones. Bones in scripture is associated with the Hebrew thought of both life and death. Bones are also a symbol of health, strength, protection, and of one’s well-being or wholeness. A person’s health can be affected or damaged by negative attitudes.1 Proverbs 15: 30 says the light in the eyes [of him whose heart is joyful] rejoices the hearts of others, and good news nourishes the bones. Our emotional health is closely linked to our physical health. Our thoughts and attitudes matter. What are you meditating on today? Are your thoughts bringing death or life? Do you feel like a “smoldering wick”? Then go to Jesus and let Him fan the flame of your heart and bring nourishment to your bones!

Be cheerful with joyous celebration in every season of life. Let your joy overflow! And let gentleness be seen in every relationship, for our Lord is ever near. Don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude. Tell him every detail of your life, then God’s wonderful peace that transcends human understanding, will guard your heart and mind through Jesus Christ. Keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind. And fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God, praising him always (Philippians 4:4-8).

References

  1. 5137 bones – Dictionary of Bible Themes – Bible Gateway. http://www.biblegateway.com. Accessed December 7, 2023. https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/dictionary-of-bible-themes/5137-bones

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The Spirit gives life (John 6:63, AMPC)

John 6:63 It is the Spirit Who gives life [He is the Life-giver]; the flesh conveys no benefit whatever [there is no profit in it]. The words (truths) that I have been speaking to you are spirit and life (AMPC).

Proverbs 14:27 To worship God in wonder and awe opens the fountain of life within you, empowering you to escape death’s domain (TPT).

John 4:24 For God is a Spirit, and He longs to have sincere worshippers who adore him in the realm of the Spirit and in truth (TPT). 

The healing or wholeness we desire is found in His Presence. A Doctor, Nurse Practitioner, or Physician Assistant can guide, instruct, and provide medication, but only God can cure or gehah. Gehah is the Hebrew word for medicine and is only used once in scripture:

Proverbs 17:22 A happy heart is good medicine (gehah: a cure, medicine) and a cheerful mind works healing but a broken spirit dries up the bones.

The Hebrew word for Spirit is ruach which means breath or wind. God is breath. God is wind. Just as God breathed life into Adam, He can breathe life into us as we stop, close our eyes, and take a deep breath in. Taking in a slow deep breath engages our parasympathetic nervous system that slows and calms our inner being. As we breath in, we can envision ourselves, like John, laying our head on the chest of Jesus. As we breathe in and out, we are breathing Him and His peace in. As we see ourselves resting on Him, we are worshipping in Spirit and Truth. He loves us and longs for us to rest in his love. By resting in Him, we find peace for our souls. His Spirit brings life, peace, and joy. Ponder the words of Isaiah 43:7 (TPT): Bring me everyone who is called by my name, the ones I created to experience my glory. I myself formed them to be who they are and made them for my glory. God is Spirit and He is love. He is pure Light and there is no darkness in Him (1 John 1:5). God is wind. Wind has the power to blow over trees, power windmills, and push great ships across oceans. God’s Spirit can empower us to blow down wrong belief systems and disease. A cool breeze is also refreshing. God’s Spirit refreshes the weary soul. The Lord said in Jeremiah 33:6 that he will cure us and will reveal unto us the abundance of peace and truth. In Jeremiah 30:17, the Lord says he will restore health to us and heal our wounds. The medicine we need is Jesus, His Spirit, the Holy Spirit. His Spirit is the breath that brings life and the wind that empowers us to be free to live the abundant life. Worship is the medicine that brings healing to our hearts and minds. We can stop any time during the day, close our eyes and breathe in His peace turning our thoughts on to Him. We can practice His presence throughout the day. Remember, we live, move, and have our being in Him (Acts 17:28).

Uniquely Made!

You and I were made unique in His heart!

Yet still, Yahweh, you are our Father. We are the clay and you are our Potter. Each one of us is the creative, artistic work of your hands. Isaiah 64:8

Wow! Papa God made you and me unique. You and I are a creative, artistic work of His hands. An artist is passionate about his or her work. It is an expression of themselves. God is love, and He is passionate about His work-You and me! Meditate and ponder on that as you go about you day.

Joy

And be not grieved and depressed, for the joy of the Lord is your strength and stronghold. Nehemiah 8:10

The definition of a stronghold is a place of security or a fortified place. This scripture is telling us that the joy of the Lord is not only our strength, but it is protective. Being joyful or grateful, has healing effects on the mind, body and spirit. When we are joyful or happy, our heart releases atrial natriuretic hormone that lowers blood pressure and reduces anxiety. The joy is the Lord is experienced when we truly understand the benefits of being in Christ. Scripture tells us that as believers, we are in Christ and seated in heavenly places. Psalms 28:7 states that the Lord is our strength and impenetrable shield. Being in Christ means that we are surrounded or encased in His love and protection. It is like wonder woman in her invisible plane, she is protected even if she cannot see the plane around her.

You love him passionately although you have not seen him, but through believing in him you are saturated with an ecstatic joy, indescribably sublime and immersed in glory. 1 Peter 1:8

Meditation Monday: Mighty Things

Call to Me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things, fenced in and hidden, which you do not know (do not distinguish and recognize, have knowledge of and understand). Jeremiah 33:3

The bible calls the devil the “mater of deception and father of lies” (John 8:44). He can only produce a counterfeit of the peace, wisdom, and power that is available in Christ. Meditation has also been God’s way of his children finding success. God told Joshua to meditate on His word day and night and to follow its instructions and then his way would be prosperous. Joshua would also deal wisely and have good success (Joshua 1:8). In the New Testament, the bible tells of to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. As I have looked at two Eastern spiritual practices, I can see how the devil has twisted them to draw people away from the true Light which is Christ. First, let’s look at the meaning of the words feng shui and chakra. Feng shui means wind or water. Wind and water in the bible represent the Holy Spirit. Chakra means wheel or circle. A circle represents eternity and wheel is another reference to the Holy Spirit. We see a wheel within and wheel in Ezekeil 1:17. In Christ, believers have eternal life through the gift of the Holy Spirit. We are one with Christ, the energy that holds all things together in the heavens and the earth.

 For it was in Him that all things were created, in heaven and on earth, things seen and things unseen, whether thrones, dominions, rulers, or authorities; all things were created and exist through Him [by His service, intervention] and in and for Him. And He Himself existed before all things, and in Him all things consist (cohere, are held together). Colossians 1:16-17

This week, take time to call out to Jesus, and He will show you mighty things, fenced in and hidden, which you do not know! He loves you with an eternal love. He is not angry or mad. He desires to pour out His love on you. You are the apple of His eye.

Mediation Monday

Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.] John 14:27

Studies have revealed that stress and tension can be reduced by taking slow deep breaths and repeating a word or phrase that comforts you. Studies have also found that meditating on love, God’s love, strengthen neurological connections that help us feel compassion toward others. Conversely, negative fearful religious thinking, actually hurt the anterior cingulate and can cause a person to act aggressively towards others.

As believers in Christ, we have become a new creation. Jesus gives us His righteous and His peace as a gift. We receive His righteousness and His peace by faith. Righteousness can not be earned. Isaiah 62:4 says that we shall be called Hephzibah which means He delights in her. The Lord delights in you. Meditate on His peace and His love this week. Shalom

Mediation Monday: Inflammation and Immune Dysfunction in Mood Disorders

Psychoneuroimmunology is the study of the intricate communication between the nervous system, endocrine system, and immune system. Studies are finding that inflammation and immune dysfunction is associated with many psychiatric disorders such as depression, bipolar, and schizophrenia. There is also an increase prevalence of autoimmune diseases in patients with mental health issues. An autoimmune disease is condition where to person own immune system attacks tissues causing inflammation and tissue damage. Studies on depression and other mood disorders have found increase in inflammatory immune factors. The brain and immune system communicate back and forth through the neuroendocrine and autonomic nervous system that activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA). Studies have found impairment of the HPA axis in many mental health condition as well as autoimmune diseases. Stress activates the HPA axis releasing cortisol that dampens the immune response initially, but chronic stress and cortisol release actually suppresses the immune system contributing to low grade inflammation (Alessi and Bennett, 2020).

Stress and diet are the two most important factors that can lead to chronic illness. Stress (mentally and physically) and inflammation can cause epigenetic changes that can be passed on to our children. Scripture gives us direction to where our health comes from. Proverb 3:5-8 is our mediation for the week.

Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart
And do not rely on your own insight or understanding.
In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him,
And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way].
Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the Lord [with reverent awe and obedience] and turn [entirely] away from evil.
It will be health to your body [your marrow, your nerves, your sinews, your muscles—all your inner parts]
And refreshment (physical well-being) to your bones.

The way to being well in mind, body, and spirit is trusting in the Lord, acknowledging him is all our ways, and reverently honoring him. As we seek him with all our heart (Jeremiah 29:13), it will be health to all our inner parts. Go to Jesus, trusting him ,and he will direct your path. Meditate on his love for you. You are his beloved child.

Shalom (peace, harmony, wholeness, completeness, prosperity, welfare and tranquility).

Alessi, M. G., & Bennett, J. M. (2020). Mental health is the health of the whole body: How psychoneuroimmunology & health psychology can inform & improve treatment. Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice, 26(5), 1539–1547. https://doi.org/10.1111/jep.13386

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Medication Monday: Healing Light

Then Jesus said, “I am light to the world, and those who embrace me will experience life-giving light, and they will never ( never, no never) walk in darkness.” John 8:12

Light is electromagnetic radiation that is composed of electromagnetic fields moving through space carrying electromagnetic energy. This electromagnetic energy is composed of radiowaves, infrared light, microwaves, ultraviolet light, gamma rays, and x-rays. These electromagnetic waves are composed of different wave lengths and proton energy. Years ago in a dream, the Lord came to me. He picked me up in His arms holding me like a baby. I literally felt the electricity running through His arm. He gently placed me back in the chair and was gone.

Christ is the energy, the Light, that brings healing to our mind, body, and soul. In Colossian 1:17 , the Bible tells us that all thing were created through Christ, and he is what hold all things together. Ultraviolet and infrared light have known healing properties, but how much more the healing power of the Light, Christ. He carries the full spectrum of Light! Let’s look at Malachi 4:2:

But unto you who revere and worshipfully fear My name shall the Sun of Righteousness arise with healing in His wings and His beams, and you shall go forth and gambol like calves [released] from the stall and leap for joy.

This week think and ponder about His beams, His Light, that shines upon you to bring the healing to your body, soul, and mind. As you meditate, see the Son of Righteous shining His beams of healing Light over you. The world can offer some forms of healing but true complete healing is found in the Light of Jesus.

Meditation Monday: Radiant Health

Research is accumulating that emotional health is important to physical health. Psychoneuroimmunology is the study of how the immune system, nervous system, and endocrine system work together to keep the body healthy. There is mounting evidence that inflammation in the body and a dysfunctional immune system is often associated with mental illness (Alessi and Bennett, 2020). Stress is a known cause of chronic inflammation. Alessi and Bennett (2020) stated in their research that chronic inflammation is a “biological scar” stemming from life stresses that may have happened in childhood or early adulthood. These life stresses impair the physiological stress response leading to mental and physical health problems (Alessi and Bennet, 2020). Evidence is mounting that people struggling with mental and physical health conditions can benefit from therapeutic approaches that reduce inflammation.

Alleviating stress and eating a low inflammatory diet is a good place to start in the fight against chronic inflammation. Getting counselling to work through emotional trauma is also key to being well mentally, physically, and spiritually. Focused-faith based mediation is a powerful tool the calm the mind, body, and spirit. Studies on meditation have proven that mediation improves the immune function and strengthens neural pathways. The bible, of course, has given us wisdom on this all along. Let’s look at Proverbs 4:21-22

Fill your thoughts with my words until they penetrate deep into your spirit. Then, as you unwrap my words, they will impart true life and radiant health into the very core of your being.

The word of God is living and active (Hebrews 4:12). God is love and His love has been shed abroad in our hearts through the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Jesus, that has been given to believers (Romans 5:5). Doctors and counsellors can be helpful on the road to healing but there is only One who can heal the broken heart and give us radiant health. The week ask the Holy Spirit to lead you to the life giving words that you need to fill your thoughts, leading you to radiant health.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Alessi, M. G., & Bennett, J. M. (2020). Mental health is the health of the whole body: How psychoneuroimmunology & health psychology can inform & improve treatment. Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice, 26(5), 1539–1547. https://doi.org/10.1111/jep.13386

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