Day 22: The Power Of Repetition

Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways.

Proverbs 4:26

Imagine if you were told every day since you were born that you were ugly. The chances are high that you would believe it. Imagine if you had been told that you were stupid. While some might be inspired to prove that statement wrong many if not most of us would be a victim of this lie turned prophecy.

PLEASE READ THIS! Every day you are exposed to repeated lies and negative ideas. Some come from businesses that want to convince you to buy their product. They want you to think that your life is incomplete without their product. Some lies come from organizations that wish to control your behavior. Some come from others who are victims of unhealthy influences themselves. But no matter the source this will harm your health.

Please think of the remedy through two lenses today: The first, how we learn.

When you have to prepare for a test you usually spend time going over the information you have studied. If you are not able to remember certain concepts then you go over those ideas more until you have mastered them. You use repetition to learn.

So the music you listen to over and over, the programming you view over and over (with commercials you view even more times over) all teach you. So if you spend most of your time learning what others want you to know you are a victim of their agenda. What do you want to learn? Pursue things that will make your life better.

If we want to heal from the toxic effects of others manipulative repeated exposures we should unplug from the exposures. Take a media fast. Maybe choose for a week to only listen to, read, and study that which is positive or healthy. Then see how you feel after that week. If you are waiting for someone to come save you perhaps this is your wake up call. Take action yourself. God has already provided what you need.

The second lens to consider is how we buy. Traditional wisdom has suggested that we make a buying decision after 8 to 10 exposures to a product. People will believe a lie if they hear it long enough. We may have beliefs that hurt us because we have been exposed to repeated lies until we accept them as truth.

Expose yourself to the healing words from God’s book. Spend time with people who say things that improve your life. Nurture relationships that are healthy. Because there is so much information aimed at you to enslave you and misuse you, you and I must be vigilant in immersing ourselves in what is best for us.

Today I will unplug from that which repeatedly diminishes all God has made me to be.

Please subscribe and share. Thank you.

October 2, 2019

Life Happens

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:8

Day 20: Life Happens

In case you weren’t prepared by those who raised you allow me to inform you: Life happens! Bones sometimes break as do hearts. Not every road leads to success. Not every friend is golden. And even those who follow the cross have issues that make the journey rough.

So don’t think that because you have problems that there is something wrong with you!!!! Life happens! Some children struggle in school while others breeze through. Some marriages end in divorce. Some illnesses are unto death. Some promises aren’t kept: either by us or by those close to us.

And so we must not question whether we are loved by God because we are going through some pain or difficulty.

In John chapter 9 we read a story of a conversation between Jesus and His disciples. Coming across a man blind from birth the disciples asked who sinned, this man or his parents. Jesus response is for us today as well. He wasn’t blind because someone sinned. Life happens.

As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. ²His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”

³“Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. ⁴As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. ⁵While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

⁶After saying this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes. ⁷“Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (this word means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing.

John 9:1-7 NIV

So know that God loves you whether you are blind or can see. Whether you are overweight or fit. He is with you whether you are sick in the hospital or preparing to run your 7th marathon.

I heard a song that brought me great comfort. It was recorded by Mali Music end it spoke deeply to me. I come from a two parent home. My mom was a nurse and my father was a preacher and teacher. We grew up in a middle class home with several loving communities to nurture us. But today my world doesn’t look like the one I grew up in. Life happens. And so we begin to heal when we accept that life happens and we aren’t perfect but God still loves us anyway. Please listen to the song. I think it will encourage you.

Today I acknowledge that life happens and let go of the weight of the woes.

October 2, 2019

Wonder

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Day 19: Wonder

There are somethings that fill my heart with wonder. I love the water. I love being near the ocean, feeling the mist and hearing the waves rhythmically come to shore. When I sit by the water I feel peace. I wish I could do this every day.

There are people whose gifts fill my heart with wonder. Last night I was able to spend time listening to an incredible musician. Dwayne Adell is a pianist unlike any other that I’ve heard. His unique gift is remarkable in that he doesn’t practice the piano in the traditional sense but has the ability to play the most demanding, beautiful and inspiring melodies and harmonies.

When I listen to him I am filled with worship. I am amazed by the gift that he has been given. I don’t worship him. I worship the giver of the gift. When I’m basking in the sanctuary of nature I don’t worship the ocean or the trees, I worship the designer of all that calms and inspires me.

The writer of Psalm 8 seemed to understand how I feel in these moments of wonder. He writes:

8 O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.

²Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.

³When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;

⁴What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?

⁵For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.

⁶Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:

⁷All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field;

⁸The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas.

⁹O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!

My problems are small compared with the glory of all that God has created. My sickness or depression is a tiny thing compared with all the joy and healing expressed around me in so many ways from the hand of the one who gave us life. So it is important to spend time in things that create wonder in our hearts. For this wonder begets worship.

Today I will wonder and worship!

October 1, 2019

Day 18: To Do It

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For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.

Ezra 7:10

Day 18: To Do It

I have made a study of weight loss methods: Low carb, Keto, The Maker’s Diet, and the list goes on. At some point it may be easy to get caught up in research and not translate the good information into committed action.

A great leader in the bible, Ezra was known for honoring God’s law. But it wasn’t that he just read about it. He prepared his heart to seek the law, TO DO IT, and to teach Israel. He learned. He did. He shared.

This is a great pattern for us. It’s good for us to learn. It’s even better for us to share. But that won’t take the place of doing. If I learn that my body is overwhelmed with stress and it’s causing me discomfort, the discomfort will not end until I deal with the stress. Maybe I need to plan a walk in my day out in nature. Maybe I need to unplug from my devices every evening after 8pm. Maybe you know things that will help reduce stress. Let’s do them. Let’s go beyond learning and get to doing.

Today I will do one new thing I’ve learned to improve my health.

October 1, 2019

Day 17: Compassion

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Day 17: Compassion

Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!

— Isaiah 30:18

One of the most important things that we suffer from is an incorrect picture of God. It causes us a lot of anxiety. We imagine that God is a vindictive God looking to find every fault that we have and eager to destroy us for our sins. But how opposite is the truth!

When we look at how God responded to the fall of mankind we see a plan that costs Him dearly. Rather than destroy the sinners he decides to restore them. Hmmm. That seems to be the opposite of how many today describe Him. And the fact that God’s Son gives his life in order for us to be saved touches me deeply.

So when I am hurting I can come boldly or confidently to God because I know he cares for me. His love is healing. He has compassion. He is touched by what we go through.

Knowing I am the recipient of compassion enables me to have compassion for others. I don’t excuse what is wrong. But I consider the feelings and thoughts that lead to that action and seek to love them anyway and pray for them. I hope others will have compassion towards me. When I open myself to have compassion for others I find forgiveness and my heart begins to heal.

Today I choose to open up my heart towards others because I’m grateful for God’s compassion towards me.

September 29, 2019

Listen And Learn

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Day 16: Listen And Learn

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you.

John 14:26

I thought I needed to wait. I need to wait till I know more. Wait till I have more resources. Wait till I’ve completely healed. But while I was waiting others helped others with what they had. The work got done.

While there is a time to rest and a time to pause while we heal there is also a benefit to saying this prayer, “Lord, today make me a blessing to someone in need. Lead me to someone who needs what I have. Lead me to someone who I can encourage or pray with and for. Show me and tell me that I may help someone else and bring glory to You.”

Jesus promised to his disciples the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is able to communicate God’s thoughts to us.

Our devices clamor for our attention. Many seek to engage our mind for their selfish purposes. So we must be careful to make ourselves available to hear. Be still. Don’t watch TV or get on your phone or tablet at every break. Be available to hear. Then you will know when and where and how you are to be a blessing to someone else who like you needs healing.

Today, I will pause so I can hear from the Holy Spirit.

September 28, 2019

Help Each Other

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Day 15: Help Each Other

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

Proverbs 27:17

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2

My stepfather lost his first wife to cancer. So whenever he met someone dealing with cancer he would tell them of the benefit of Guinea Hen Weed. A popular natural rememy used in Jamaica more people are becoming aware of it’s helpfulness on many fronts but especially when dealing with cancer.

He could have been bitter that he lost his wife. But instead he chose to fight what had taken someone so dear to him.

Imagine how much better our world can become when we share are discoveries with one another. If you figured out how to lose weight why not share what has worked for you? If you have survived divorce what not share what practices have helped you mend. If you have recovered from disease or loss of a loved one, why not share what has helped you make it through.

In the bible we find that God is happy when we show love to each other. It’s a sign that we are like Him.

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.

I John 4:7

Yesterday I posted a picture on Facebook of me suffering with allergies. One of my high school teachers posted two remedies that have worked for him. I’m going to try them today. That’s love. That’s being like God. Let’s love one another and help each other out.

Today I will find one way to show someone I love them by being helpful.

If you find this post or any of the other posts from this blog (www.journeytoworship.org) helpful please share and subscribe. Thank you in advance for your support. I can reach more people with your cooperation.

September 27, 2019

Just Love

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Day 14: Just Love

Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

Romans 13:10

Sometimes healing comes just from immersing yourself in loving others. When I’m at work I try to find ways to love those around me. It can be as simple as doing something you know you don’t have to do but will make things better for others. It might be a compliment. It might be cleaning up an area that you don’t have to. It might mean taking the time to pay attention to what others enjoy or need and being on the look out for ways to fill the need or bring the enjoyment.

After spending some time doing this and feeling the joy of seeing others lives enriched you find yourself feeling better even though your circumstances haven’t changed.

I wish we all could spend some time each day seeking to bring love to our surroundings. Some have anonymously paid for others food. Some have paid the toll for the car behind them. There are just so many ways we can show love.

I am so grateful for those who have shown love to me. Saying thank you, or giving an unexpected gift. I am so grateful. I choose to fill the world with more of what touches my heart and makes God pleased.

Today I will look for an opportunity to give unexpected love!

I’m journaling about healing and I’d love for you to subscribe. If something here would inspire others please share. Love you all!

David

September 27, 2019

Allergy Remedies

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Day 13: Allergy Remedies

For those of us who have suffered more severely in recent years with seasonal allergies finding relief is a high priority. In my last post I invited you to share what remedies have worked for you because I believe that we can gain insight into healing from our community who have suffered and found relief. Here are some remedies that I’ve heard have been helpful.

Rinsing out the nose with warm salt water either using a bowl or a Neti Pot has been useful in rinsing out nostrils. My mother and my uncle have taken alfalfa and have experienced relief. I’ve often marveled that when I take a walk in the morning during allergy season I feel great while I’m walking but after I come back I sneeze. According to Fitnessandwellnessnews.com exercise increases blood flow and allows your body to get rid of the allergens more quickly. I also found that naturopathic.org had some good suggestions about foods to avoid, foods that help, as well as herbs.

What suggestions are working for you? Please share.

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.

Romans 13:8

One of the most loving things I can do is share with you what has helped me on my journey to healing. I hope that we can help each other live happier and healthier lives.

Today I will reflect on ways I can show my love to those around me by sharing lessons of healing learned on my journey.

Day 22: The Power Of Repetition

Day 21: Be You Be True

Day 20: Life Happens

Day 19: Wonder

Day 18: To Do It

Day 17: Compassion

Day 16: Listen And Learn

Day 15: Help Each Other

Day 14: Just Love

Day 13: Allergy Remedies