Earth Shaking, Doors Opening, & Breaking Free! Acts16:26

 


Have you ever really looked at yourself to wonder what is it that you may not see but what others see? Sometime people do certain things they really do not recognize. When someone mentions something to you that they feel you do but you dont see it , what do you do? Two choices. Get upset, offended, hurt  by what they had to say, or take in consideration of what they had to say and maybe examine yourself to see if what they said is true. Some people are so used to certain life styles, thoughts, and issues in their life. They accept what they feel, think, and do. How do you start changing something about yourself you never thought you did? And the question would be, do you even want to change that part about yourself after you realize it?

 Truth? What is truth?

reality or true; the state of being true or fact; conforming to reality or fact

 Fact? What is fact?

something that actually exists; reality; truth:

 Have you ever stepped back to examine yourself? (2 Cor 13:5). A situation can change when you are able to be truthful about yourself, others, and the situation. Sometimes others can see what is going on better then you. You may need to step back to be able to see the picture clear. When someone speaks to you about something you are doing, it is good to receive the information and examine it to see if it is true. Sad thing is, sometimes our eyes are so cloudy to the truth we may not see it at all.

From what I have experienced when you are in the midst of that storm it is hard to see the truth of what's going on. You may be in denial about what is going on. Why would we be in denial? You may blame others. Why would we blame others? Sometimes we may not want to face the truth about ourselves. Maybe we don’t even want to believe it.

God gives us a free will to make a choice. (Deut 30:19). Yes there are situations that happen that have nothing to do with us choosing it to happen. Sometimes life is life (Matt 5:45). 

When we learn to come to the fact and truth about our OWN SELF, that is when we will be able to assist the situation and change. The only person we have control over is ourselves.

Throughout life we learn habits, addictions, and behaviors. We may have a habit that is keeping our own self unhappy in life. When you have a habit;  a behavior pattern acquired by frequent repetition or physiologic exposure that shows itself in regularity or increased facility of performance b : an acquired mode of behavior that has become nearly or completely involuntary c : ADDICTION..  It could be a good habit or a bad habit. Just like everyday we get up and brush our teeth. We take a shower. We have good habits. Then we also have bad habits. Some that we see and some that we dont see.

When we open our eyes to see the truth about ourselves that is when we can be set free from the bondage we may be under. It says John 8:32 and ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free. When you are able to be honest and truthful with yourself on the choices you have made, peace will come into your heart. You then will be able to forgive any of those who hurt you. You will be able to find repentance to repent of your sins.

You can go along hugging and kissing someone whom you have not forgiven. You can go with the emotions of things that are going on and allow the truth of what is in your heart to be put aside. Genesis 33:4 says that Esau embraced him(Jacob his brother), fell on his neck, and kissed him; and wept. Esau never forgave his brother for what happened. He was not truthful with himself and allowed the reunion emotions cover the bitterness he had in his heart toward his brother. Jacob on the other hand made an altar and asked God to forgive him for what he had done (Gen 31, 32, 33). Jacob had a repenting heart and was blessed by God. Esau found no place for repentance because of the bitterness he held onto and was lost (Heb 11:15-17).

Jacob was a liar. He was a deceiver. But, when he wrestled with that angel(Gen 32:27-28) and the angel asked him what his name was he admitted that his name was Jacob (A deceiver of all). He was truthful about who he was and his name was changed to Israel and he was blessed.

When you learn to come to the truth of who you are. The way you treat people. The way you think. The sin in your life. You are then able to take the next step in changing and making your life better. You are able to forgive and be forgiven. Then you will be able to turn a different direction in your life and be blessed.

You may ask, "after I come to the truth and I change, how can I forgive someone who has hurt me so bad"? You give it to God. Let it Go. Know that God will take care of that person (Romans 12:19). Know that you have to forgive to be forgiven (matt 6:14:15). God Knows how to take care of what that person did to you better then you. He knows all things.

Forgiving that person does not mean you have to trust them again. Trust is a whole different issue than forgiving. You have more wisdom now concerning yourself and others. You verify and then trust. With that you will be able to handle situations better.