Dangers of Isolation

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ. – Galatians 6:2

You hear it from almost every corner: American culture is becoming increasingly marked by loneliness and isolation. In one way it’s understandable. There is a sense of safety and control in isolation and disconnection, but it’s a false sense of safety. In fact, living lonely is anything but safe. It’s a dangerous lifestyle because it allows a person to overlook real life, real people, and all the benefits and rewards that go with growing relationships.

And probably more important, our character has little chance to grow when we live life in isolation from others. It allows our thinking to go unchallenged and allows damaging issues we may struggle with to grow and thrive in the fertile soil isolation provides.

If you’re feeling isolated, do what an old commercial on television used to say, ‘Reach out and touch someone.’

– Steve Arterburn

You can make more friends in two months by becoming more interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get people interested in you. – Dale Carnegie

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Are you silent or loud?

​To be #insecure is to lack #confidence or #trust, whether in ourselves or someone else. There are many causes of #insecurity, but chief among them is our failure to fully trust God (Jeremiah 17:7-8). 

As believers, we have this assurance: “And those who know Your name put their trust in You, for You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You” (Psalm 9:10; also see Deuteronomy 31:8; Lamentations 3:57). 

If we know God is with us, why do we still experience feelings of insecurity, doubts, and fears? 

#Trust #Love #Action #Obedience #Discipline #Commitment
Confidence in God…OnPurpose!!

Pressure reveals ALL!

Pressure tell’s the real story!

Jame 1: 3-13 (MSG) ~ 3 You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. 4 So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. 5 If you don’t know what you’re doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You’ll get his help, and won’t be condescended to when you ask for it. 6 Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who “worry their prayers” are like wind-whipped waves. 7 Don’t think you’re going to get anything from the Master that way, 8 adrift at sea, keeping all your options open. 9 When down-and-outers get a break, cheer! 10 And when the arrogant rich are brought down to size, cheer! Prosperity is as short-lived as a wildflower, so don’t ever count on it. 11 You know that as soon as the sun rises, pouring down its scorching heat, the flower withers. Its petals wilt and, before you know it, that beautiful face is a barren stem. Well, that’s a picture of the “prosperous life.” At the very moment everyone is looking on in admiration, it fades away to nothing. 12 Anyone who meets a testing challenge head-on and manages to stick it out is mighty fortunate. For such persons loyally in love with God, the reward is life and more life. 13 Don’t let anyone under pressure to give in to evil say, “God is trying to trip me up.” God is impervious to evil, and puts evil in no one’s way.

Pressure makes you who you are. It is how you decide and manage to deal with issues and problems that builds your character and turns you into a leader or superior being amongst the human population. Darwin’s theory of the “Survival Of The Fittest“, clearly favors those who can deal with the pressures that life imposes on them.

The word of God gives us a way to deal with the pressures of life: James 1:5 – If you don’t know what you’re doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You’ll get His help and won’t be condescended to when you ask for it. 

I watched a young man lose his cool over a game last night.  As I listened to him rant, I couldn’t help but see him as an employer, employee, parent, leader or mate.  It made me think about how I publicly handle situations I’m unhappy about.  How am I coming accross with people when I am under pressure?  It made me take notice of myself.  Do I want to represent myself in that manner?  Do I want to represent God in that manner?  Not to mention…it is just a game, it is not life threatening?  Is it worth the pain and pressure of being angry?  I remember when raising my son I would offer him a count down to rectify a situations – it did two things…1) I had a chance to calm down and not overreact & 2) I taught him about grace and self control.  I think I will start to use that method again with everyone – I will call it: reflective positioning …counting to 10 when under pressure and asking God to help me in “that” moment.  If you decied to try it too…comment and let me know how it worked for you.  I want to be better than the day before!

Embrace pressure, take in change and keep your head up because you will either be a piece of broken coal or a diamond at the end of all that pressure!

Pray this prayer with me:

Most Precious Lord Jesus…
Gentle And Wonderful God…
Truly Awesome And Ever-present Holy Spirit…
When every ounce of my soul wants me to survive for myself, let me think of you.
When the pressure and distress of my life pushes out my thoughts for others and for you, let me count your blessings in my life.
When the distress of my life grows so great I think I will crumble, be over me, under me, and all around me.
When my sin of selfishness punishes me with fear, doubt, insecurity, and a total separation from your love, let me kneel before your suffering endured for me on the cross of Calvary.
May all I say, think, and do be a blessing to you and to your call upon my heart.
All these things I humbly pray in the name of my most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ, my Mighty God, and my Ever-present Holy Spirit upon whom I can rely.
Amen!!!

Written by: The “Butterfly”

Being Better…OnPurpose!