Little Boy Lost

Little Boy Lost.

The little boy is sitting amongst the scrub, his fringe dangling across his eyes, as he draws in the mud on the ground around him. For some, the dense bush is a scary place, full of wildlife, spiders and snakes, but the boy isn’t scared.

Some might think, perhaps he should be scared, as he does realize he somehow became separated from his parents, during a hike through the mountains. Right at this moment, he’s doodling on the ground, trying to work out where he last remembered seeing them.

He thinks back to when his mother threw the ball for him. He missed and the ball bounced off a rock, before rolling over the edge of the hillside and out of sight of the footpath. He ran to get it and then became distracted by a little green tree frog. Cute thing, with big brown eyes and slimy, bright green skin. He watched it, until it hopped away. The little boy then retrieved the ball, but by this time he couldn’t remember which direction he’d come from.

The little boy called out, numerous times, but heard no reply. He wandered around, trying to find a way back up the slope, but couldn’t quite make out which was the best way forward. It seemed to him, every direction was sloping, no matter which way he looked.

Nevertheless, the boy isn’t scared, because he knows if he walks to the top of a mountain, he can find his way. That’s what his parents always told him: ‘Son, head to the top of the mountain, if you ever get lost. You can always see something from a mountain top.’

Raising himself up off the ground, he begins to climb. Higher and higher he climbs, skirting boulders and fallen logs, getting caught in snags and tree roots and right as he believes he’s approached the mountain pinnacle; he finds he’s on the edge of a precipice. What appeared to be the top of the mountain, isn’t actually the mountain he could see from the bottom. Somehow he’d misjudged it.

Now he sees a valley and the mountain he thought he was climbing, is on the other side of the valley. And that mountain is big, very big and the boy does become a little afraid at this moment, as he realizes he is quite lost.

Isn’t that the story of our lives? We think we’re almost there and a hurdle comes along. The hurdle is greater than anything we foresaw, greater than anything we imagined our lives to be and it sets fear into our heart. A fear that tightens and grips at us, squeezing the joy out of every moment.

As the boy looks down into the valley, he sees a deep ravine and he becomes a little more frightened. How is he going to get to the other side of that ravine? He knows now, his family will be worried about him, as he won’t be home by nightfall. He can’t go back the way he came, it’s too far and anyhow, he thinks he’ll get lost if he goes back. He hadn’t planned on going back. In his youthful ignorance, he didn’t take notice of where he was. He understands though, all he needs to do is aim for the top of the mountain. From there, he feels, he’ll know what to do.

Isn’t that all we need to do? Aim for the top of the mountain? Or as some say; shoot for the moon and if you miss, you’ll still end up in the stars. Don’t we all want a life of interest and fun, not one of boredom and stress? Isn’t that what we’re aiming for in life?

Aiming for something great, gives us that interesting life, which many of us crave. Aim for that mountain top, before fear locks you inside your safely created domain, doing as little as possible to rock the boat, for fear of the repercussions which may, or may not follow you in life.

With his eye on the prize, the mountain top across the valley, the little boy begins his descent, down the other side of the mountain he’d already climbed. As with all valleys, they’re hard work and time consuming.

All we want to do, is get where we’re going. But isn’t that half the fun of the journey? The destination is only a moment in time. It’s the journey, with all its highs and lows, that we talk about for years to come, not so much the destination. Sure, the destination has a feature in our story, but it’s what happens to us along the way, which makes the story interesting.

The little boy has to keep going now, there’s no turning back. Once committed, we all have to keep going. We have to face the trials set before us, on the way to our destination.

The descent down the mountain is quite treacherous, with tree roots set to snag us and loose rocks, which roll out from underfoot. The boy can hear the loosened rocks, as they crash and bang their way to the valley floor, hundreds of feet below.

As darkness fell, the stars rose. The air became cooler and the young boy kept walking, until he could see no further in the pitch black of the forest floor. He was exhausted. He was hungry. It was dark and there were scary noises all around him. Oh, how he wished he had better night vision.

He nudged his way into the crevice of a rock, as the darkness engulfed him. He hoped the crevice would provide some protection from the animals and with his back pressed firmly against the rock wall, he waited for the last remaining warmth in the rock to penetrate his thin t-shirt. He strained his eyes to see something, anything. But then the thought occurred to him; what if he saw a bunyip?

Have you ever seen a bunyip? A bunyip, also known as a yeti, is Australia’s version of “Big Foot,” or “Sasquatch.” I’ve never seen a bunyip. It’s my understanding they’re very rare. Truth be told, I don’t know if a bunyip is real or not, and I don’t expect many people have seen a bunyip.

In all reality, the boy knew there were no bunyip’s in this part of the world, but the thought still scared him. As his imagination took hold, he pictured in his mind the bunyip clawing at him, trying to tear the skin from his bones. He closed his eyes to shut out the picture he’d conjured up.

Tired and weary from his stressful day, he soon drifted off into a restless sleep. He awoke frightened; what was that noise he heard? For a minute, he thought he recognised it and then it was whisked away from him, like trying to remember a dream upon first waking. He strained his ears to hear more, but there was nothing and he fell back to sleep, not awakening again, until the first dawn rays of light appeared.

Once awake, his thoughts turned back to his sleep. He wasn’t scared now. Why was he so scared in the dark? This is Australia. There’s not much out here to threaten people. Sure, there were deadly snakes and spiders, but they didn’t attack people, not like a bear, or a lion (or even a bunyip) would.

Isn’t it funny how in the dark of midnight, fear takes hold and yet always in the light of the morning, whatever it was that frightened us, never seems quite so bad? Darkness brings fear, light; courage to face another day. We won’t make good decisions, while in the dark hours. Wait for the light of day to come, when we can think things through properly. In the light of day, we can make good and intelligent decisions, not fear based ones.  

Now that he was awake, the little boy felt his tummy grumble. His was mouth dry and his tongue, raspy. He’d only made it half way down to the gorge. He knew there was water at the bottom. There’s always water at the bottom of gorges, this much he knew and anyway, he could hear the bubbling trickle of water flowing, in the hushed silence of early morning.

He shivered. He was damp from the air, which carried dusk to dawn and he decided not to delay any longer. The sooner he got started the sooner he’d warm up. The thought of a cool drink caused his mood to lift and he began to whistle a nonsensical tune, as he clambered over fallen logs and skirted around large boulders.

His mind aimlessly wandered and he thought of his family. His parents would be frantic by now. Surely there’ll be people looking for him. Perhaps he would find an open area today and then he could set out the word “help” using sticks, or stones.

Though he was young, he wasn’t silly. He knew what he should do in situations such as this. He tuned his mind inward and listened to his heart. He thought and listened and leaned into the years of training, of bible study, and of the instruction from his parents.

“Listen to the words of the Holy Spirit.” That’s what his parents taught him. He knew, with all the hiking he’d done with his family, he had to take the time to listen to the Holy Spirit, if he ever got separated from his parents, or lost.

He felt he could almost hear the Holy Spirit say; First things first - Don’t panic. Keep your head about you. Think it through. Fear is your greatest enemy. Hold tight to what you know. There’s always a way. Now, this is some advice we could all use, don’t you think?

To keep our head, no matter the situation. To think things through clearly and not let our imagination carry us away into utter despair. Listen to the spirit within. Keep hold of courage and don’t give way to fear.

First things first, the boy thought; water and food.

As he clambered down the steep slope, sliding at times on his bottom, the young boy looked for anything resembling food; berries on the bushes, or mushrooms (which he hoped wouldn’t be poisonous) in the undergrowth. Perhaps even a piece of native fruit, if he could find one. There are all kinds of fruit in the bush, if we know what to look for. Forage was on his mind. He needed to keep his strength. He needed not to panic.  

It wasn’t long before he found a bush of native berries. A small, green, round berry, which tasted like granny smith apples. Juicy and slightly bitter, but sustenance just the same. The boy filled his pockets and ate as he went.

With scraped knees from a stumble and blood coursing down his left leg, the boy limped his way to the depths of the gorge. Thirsty now, he was relieved to finally reach the bottom. He waded into the water’s edge. He cupped his hands, dipped them in the water and lifted them to his lips, drinking his fill.

Oh, that we could all drink our fill, during our time of need.

The boy started to laugh. Food, water, the great outdoors. Life was good. He sat on a rock with his feet dangling in the cool, refreshing water. Socks and shoes resting upon a rock beside him, he contemplated his next step. Looking ahead, he could see the climb out was not going to be easy. But it never is, is it? It’s never easy getting from one place to another, no matter what the journey, if the journey’s big enough.

Deep in thought, mulling over his next move, something caught his eye and he stared harder, trying to make out what it was through the dense bush. A hut! It was a hut! ‘What’s a hut doing all the way out here?’ the boy thought to himself. Well camouflaged, but right there by the sandy river shore, stood a little shack. He climbed across fallen logs and boulders, in an effort to reach it.

Tired, run down and weathered boards, blended unfalteringly into the surrounding trees. Tatty, dirty hessian bags hung from holes, where the windows should be. One of the bags swayed faintly, in the gentle midday breeze. There was a dreadful smell of decay, floating through the air, from the direction of the windows.

The door, slanting at an angle, was a rusty, corrugated sheet of iron. The damp air of dense humid bushland by the river, had corroded it into a holey mess of rough, tarnished and oxidized metal.

Cautiously the boy walked up to the door and knocked tentatively. No answer. “Hello,” the boy called out, almost in a whisper. The hairs on his arms stood on end, as goose-bumps arose. He could feel the prickle of his hair raising on the back of his neck. This place gave him the creeps.

A little louder this time, the boy called “Hello, is anyone here?” Still no answer. The anxiety of the moment gave way and relaxing in the silence that surrounded him, the boy pushed gently on the rusty door and the creaking of a broken and rusted hinge sounded incredibly loud, against the hushed stillness of the hot midday sun.

The boy couldn’t quite shake that creepy feeling; like someone was watching him. He stood in the solitude for a moment, stepping back and glancing around to scope out if anyone was there. Slowly he turned, trying to see into every dark shadow, here at the bottom of the gorge.

An almost imperceptible movement caught the boy’s eye, as he scanned the area around him, but he didn’t have chance to make out what it was, when he heard it: “GET OUT OF HERE!” With an all too vivid memory of his recent thoughts on the bunyip, the boy’s heart pounded sharply, as he quickly became terrified.

Startled by the ferocity and volume of the cry, the boy turned to run and ran smack-bang into the scruffiest, dirtiest, man he’d ever seen. Red, bloodshot eyes glared at him, as the man stabbed a long, bony finger into the boy’s chest. “Go!” the unkempt man demanded. “Leave me alone,” the old man touted sharply, his long grey beard bobbing up and down as he spoke. The boy couldn’t see the man’s lips, for the grubby, foul, tangled mess of beard. Maybe this is what a bunyip actually looks like, the boy thought briefly, as his legs almost buckled underneath him, from fright.

Finally, his legs started working. Running hard, the boy stumbled backwards, as he tried to get away, falling heavily onto rocks and catching his feet in tree roots. Scrambling as fast as he could the boy took off. He knew something wasn’t right. Why didn’t he listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit? Why did he choose to go in that direction, when he felt he shouldn’t? These questions were fleeting, as he raced off, looking to get as far away as possible, as fast as possible.  

Why don’t we listen to the promptings of that ‘still small voice’ inside our head? If we didn’t fob that voice off so readily, life would be much easier. The Holy Spirit is always talking to us, guiding us, giving us direction and it’s up to us to stop, listen, pay attention and act on what He says.

Gasping for breath the boy ran and ran, until he had gone as far as he could go. Collapsing further up the river, by the water’s edge, the boy finally stopped, doubled over and breathed harsh, shallow breaths. 

Finally he gathered his wits about him, and took stock of his situation. His ankle hurt, where he’d caught it on a tree root when he fell and he still had to cross the river. He could see; to get across the gorge was going to be an ordeal. The current was swift and the water deep. The boy was frightened of being swept away.

And the mosquitos! They were huge and nasty, down here in the bottom of this gully. More welts accumulated across his body, as they gorged themselves upon his flesh, even getting into his nose and ears.

He flapped his arms wildly about his head, in an effort to stave them off, but they were oblivious to his movement. Seemingly as if to taunt him with their high-pitched buzz, whining about his ears, he even ended up with a swollen eyelid, after one bit him in an unguarded moment.

It was as if they could strike more than once too. It appeared to him as if they bit and bit and bit. Many, many welts had come up, all across his body, arms, legs, face, nose and ears, whether he was covered in clothing or not. His shorts and t-shirt not being of much use, against their attacks. The itch becoming more and more maddening, by the moment.

He needed to get out of here and fast he thought, as his imagination once again took hold and he envisioned himself dying in a pool of gore, after a barrage of blood sucking mozzie attacks.

Often, it’s the little irritants of life, which get under our skin, making life unbearable. Our job is not to let it. Our job is to work out the best plan of action and go from there.

The boy looked around and found a log, which had fallen across the gorge, a little further upstream. Gingerly he pushed on. Gingerly, because in his haste to get away from that terrifying man (bunyip, maybe?), he’d left his shoes on the rocks by the river. And there was no way he was going back for them.

Once at the place of the fallen log, he shimmied cautiously across. Quite a fearful time. In fact, he was so terrified at this point, he was ready to quit, and yet he didn’t. He continued on, in spite of how frightened he was. He quivered and wobbled his way along the log, but he made it. He took his time and slowly, but surely crossed the breach, as he tried not to think about the swift current beneath him (and the shamble’s he’d got himself into). 

We can all get into a mess, in life. It’s always easy to get into the messes of life and always harder to get out of them. If only we’d taken the right course from the start. If only we didn’t start that journey into drugs, alcoholism, smoking, stealing, affairs and all the rest.

Had we followed the teachings of greater men and women, had we listened to the sage advice of our parents, life would have been much easier. And yet here we are, stuck between a rock and a hard place. What to do? What to do? There’s no time like the present, to look ahead and determine a plan of action.

And so devising a plan, the boy chose the best direction he could see from his vantage point and after submerging his t-shirt in the water (the only thing he had with which to carry water), he started the hard slog, the big climb out of the gorge. He nibbled the berries from his pocket and sucked on his shirt, whenever he felt he needed to and slowly made his way, towards the top of the mountain.

The climb was rough, tough, hard and boggy after the recent rain fall. He cut his hands, his feet were torn and bleeding. He scraped his knees and at one point, the boy started to cry. Would he ever get out of here? Isn’t that what we all think, when we’ve got ourselves in a turmoil and tangle in life? Will we ever get out of this mess?

The boy didn’t allow too much time for self-pity though. Pity isn’t going to get him out of the situation. The ordeal was difficult, more difficult than he expected. He shed a tear and then got on with it. Slowly, step by step, he climbed. At times, he didn’t even want to think about where he was and what he was doing. He fixated on the task at hand and kept moving in an upwards direction. One step at a time, one foot placed ahead of the other, he continued.

Like descending the first mountain, it took all day to climb down the mountain and back up again, only reaching the half way point of this next mountain. By now his shirt had dried and he’d eaten all the berries. The boy was on the look out for more food and water, because he knew, even if he made it to the top, he still had to go on from there and he needed sustenance for strength, to do it.

Eventually he spotted a rock ledge, which had a puddle of water. The water wasn’t pure and fresh, as the ravine below had been, but some was better than none. Again, he soaked his shirt and the relief of the water, gave him more energy to keep going.

He found more green berries and a handful of purple ones too and ate his fill, before stuffing his pockets to the brim. This kept him going until nightfall. As it became darker, the boy looked for a place to curl up for the night.

He hadn’t found a clearing at all, throughout this ordeal and accordingly, hadn’t left any ‘help’ signals. Briefly he wondered how his parents were. Distraught, I’m sure, was what came to his mind.

The inexperience of youth caused him to further consider how his parents would yell at him, once (if) he made it out of here alive. He didn’t stop to consider they would be beside themselves with joy, should he make it back to them.

Often in life, we feel we’re in trouble for one thing or another, but seldom are we. When we make mistakes, and we will make them, we often conjure up the worst-case scenario in our mind. At times we allow our imagination to run away with us. But we do need to ‘face the music,’ so to speak. To come clean. And to forgive ourselves.

At this point however, the little boy felt he’d be well and truly yelled at, for doing such a stupid thing as to get lost in the bush. But I reckon, he’d be welcomed with open arms, don’t you? I reckon, if we admit we were wrong and try to make amends, many would be forgiven. If not forgiven, we can at least know we tried.

Occasionally the little boy heard a helicopter, although from his position, half way up the other side of the mountain, he didn’t see any fly overhead and the boy wondered if they were looking for him.

Another chilly evening to dawn, was spent in the crevice of a rock. This time though, the boy covered himself with leafy branches, to help insulate from the frigid air.

In the wee small hours, a storm began to brew. The stars disappeared behind a black mass of billowing cloud. A crack of thunder and simultaneously a bright spark of lightning appeared as if to cut the sky in two, causing the boy to awake with a start and jump in fright.

Rain pelted down and the rock cleft became a torrent of water. More thunder and lightning followed, then large pellets of hail hit the lost boy, as he pushed himself further into the rock fissure, protecting himself as best he could. It was too dark to see. Too dark to move anywhere else. Cold and wet, the boy shivered through those wee hours and didn’t get much sleep.  

His hands and feet were sore and bleeding, from the climb the days before. His muscles ached all over his body. His torso, arms and legs began to welt from the overnight hail, adding to all the other bruises and welts he’d accumulated through this ordeal. His knees hurt from all the scrapes, but the next day he pushed himself on. His mind now was starting to question and doubt, whether he’d make it through another day.

He cried often that day, as fatigue, hunger and thirst took their toll. The heat of a summer’s day, dried the water from the forgoing storm. It’s hard to be upbeat all the time, when going through our trials in life, wouldn’t you agree? He did try though. Whenever he thought of it, he continued to chant, just like the little train that could: I think I can, I think I can, I think I can…

Still, he had no choice; continue, or perish. For another day he stumbled ahead, eating what he could, drinking when he could. His pace quickened as he approached the summit. And then he made it. He made it to the top of the mountain! As he arrived at the ridge of the mountain top, he jumped up, gave himself a cheer and a fist pump in the air. Smiling from ear to ear, his relief was almost palpable.

He knew; it was perseverance. It was digging deep, rehashing in his mind all his teachings from his parents, from his bible, and listening to the Holy Spirit within. It was not giving up. It was defeating doubt, with uplifting words, that saw him reach the summit.

And what did he find at the top of the mountain? Exactly what he was hoping for. From his vantage point on the mountain top, he could see down to the valley below; farms and houses and people going about their work. Men feeding cows, riding horses, with children and dogs, with laughter and fun and the little boy cried tears of joy. He made it. He didn’t quit when the going got tough and he made it!

Three days in the dense bush and he found his way out. Ups and downs and obstacles overcome. Life is like that, don’t you reckon? And, when you think you can’t take any more, another tragedy strikes. Despite everything, you get through it; one way or another, you make it. But only if you don’t quit.

Only if you keep putting one step in front of the other, will you see a positive end come. Only when you continue, despite the odds stacked against you, will you see the success you’ve dreamed of.

If you fall down, don’t have a long pity party. If you must, have a short one and then pick yourself up and get moving again and you will eventually realise your dream. Start over if you have to, but don’t quit. Be like this little boy, who persevered until he received the prize. Just as he was able to do it, I know you can do it too. We are all capable of so much more and if we’re determined, we will get there.

Are we not all lost and looking for direction? Remember to follow someone who’s been there before you, someone who has the skills you can draw on, to become a better person than you are right now. A good mentor, or teacher, will aid you through the difficult parts of life. For we can all do better in life. Even if we’re doing well, there’s always room for improvement.

I’ve heard it said; a person who won’t risk change, is a person who fails to grow, or move forward in life. It’s an interesting thought, wouldn't you agree? 

And when it comes to a mentor, you don’t actually have to meet them. You can read a book on how they got through their dilemma, or watch a clip on you tube, or even a movie, so there is no excuse.

In life we always hear more “no’s,” than “yeses.” We’re often told we can’t and seldom told we can. This limits our belief in ourselves and as we become older, we tend to try less and less new things, for fear of failure. We encase ourselves in the safety of our own little cocoon, not daring to try new things.

However, once you learn how to overcome your obstacles, once you overcome that first obstacle, it becomes easier to overcome many.

There is a key to getting things right in life and that key is: consistency. It’s in perseverance, through the difficult moments, which see us make it to the end. Keep going, until you get it right.

Like I said: One of the beautiful things about overcoming obstacles is, once you’ve beaten one obstacle, it’s easier to beat the rest. Once you’ve climbed one mountain, it’s much easier to climb the next.

Sure, there will be challenges. Anything new which we undertake, comes with challenges. Once we learn how to overcome those challenges which are stopping us at this moment, the challenge we didn’t know how to rise above initially, the rest is easy.

When we're comfortable with old troubles, finding new solutions seems dangerous and risky, however, if you know where you're going you can strategize on how to get there. 

Make a plan. Believe in yourself. Trust that you can do it and just like the little train that could, you will make it.

 

About the author:

Alexandra Grose – An investigative photojournalist and author for over twenty years. Writing is her passion and her dream and helping others achieve their dreams, through her written work, is Alexandra's greatest aspiration.

 

 

#Integrity; truthfulness, honesty and reliability, in all things.

I believe one should....be truthful in everything you say and do. Keep all relationships open and honest. Be reliable, punctual and organised and if you say you'll do it - do it.

If you want to soar like an eagle, make an effort, not an excuse.

 

alexandragrose@amazon.com

 

 

 

 

 

Reaching for the Mountain Top.

Do you want to reach the mountain top?

Does your mountain feel too far away, or too hard to climb?

Are you feeling down, depressed and hopeless? There is a way to move forward and I’ve written a short and simple guideline to help you get out of your present situation.

Exhaustion, hopelessness and fear, isolation, trying to do it all yourself, thinking you have no purpose, that your assignment is over. This can cause many of us to feel down and we need a plan of attack to help us raise our joy level.

To increase your joy level; be grateful for what you have, look for a way to give, to serve others without expecting anything in return. Find a cause greater than yourself, and help someone out. Share your faith and encourage another person. For what we give out in life, is what we get back. Doing these few things will give you a sense of peace.

There are two kinds of seed being sewn in life. One is from satan (I refuse to capitalize this insignificant little gnat) and the other from God. One comes to kill, steal and destroy. The other brings peace, joy and life. You get to choose which seed you plant in your heart.

The satanic seed is constantly at war with the Godly seed. The battle is always on and sometimes the battle is more ferocious than at other times. Either way, you get to choose your side. You can turn to God, read His word, sing songs of praise to Him and build yourself up, or you can fall into despair, and continue falling, for that abyss is as deep as you allow it to go. You have to remove the corrupt seed and replace it with life giving seed, if you want to be delivered out of this hopelessness, which runs through your mind.

To produce an eternal joyous life, we need to have a deep-rooted Godly seed. Corruption and death follow the evil nature. The fruits of our results show up in our life, as things are either going well most of the time, or they aren’t. We can measure how much fruit we have, by what we’re producing in our life. And yes, there are times when things don’t go as planned, but we can still be joyous through our trial, if we continue to hold the right attitude.

Are we producing good health, financial abundance, loving relationships, or is everything we touch toxic?

We also need to be mindful of time. It takes a long time to turn an ocean liner around. First it has to slow, then stop, then to slowly make the turn and then pick up speed in the other direction. In life, this may take years, so the sooner you get on the right side of things the better. The sooner you head in the right direction, the sooner you’ll reach your destination.

Plus, someone who’s fought many hard battles in life, isn’t as able to do easily, what others find easy to do. It takes some people longer to turn that ship around and pick up steam in the opposite direction. Don’t be too hard on yourself. As long as you don’t quit, you’ll get there.

If you plant two trees, side by side and one is  root bound and in poor soil, the other, teased out slightly and placed in healthy soil, the one in the healthy soil is going to grow twice as fast. The other tree will get there, it will just take longer.

When things have gone wrong in life (and at some point in time it will, because we all face trials and tribulation) and we become downcast with despair, it’s because we’re focusing on the problem not the solution.

Focusing on our problem, leaves us in the problem. To move beyond our setbacks in life, we should analyse what went wrong and then focus on what we can do to change the situation. Look for possibilities and a direction we could take; on what we can change to get us back on track. Mind-map possibilities with people you trust, to aid you in finding new solutions. 

It doesn’t mean the way forward will be easy, but it will be a more positive direction than staying down and in discouragement.

One of the ways to turn things around is to speak positively to yourself. Self-talk may not seem like much, but it’s a place to start. Instead of listening to yourself and your woe’s, talk to yourself in a positive manner. This will strengthen you.

Regret, or a guilty conscience won’t change the outcome. There’s a reason God tells us to forgive, and that’s because we need to let go and move on. Forgive yourself, forgive others. And if you think you can wait it out, until discouragement leaves, think again. It takes a lot of effort to climb out of the miry pit, but you’ll get there a lot sooner if you take positive action, rather than waiting around for something to happen.

Often we look for relief in the wrong things, instead of working towards the right. To get to the top of your mountain, you’ll need to be working towards it constantly and not hoping for the best. And when the rough seas come, having plans already in place will help you stay on track.

Life often turns out differently to what we expect and we need good coping strategies, to get us through the hard times. Keep positive. Look for new ways to move forward. Remember God’s here and He hears our prayers. If you call to Him, He will answer you.

As it says in the bible, in Jeremiah 33:3 “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” (Biblical quote from NKJV)

 

About the author:

Alexandra Grose – An investigative photojournalist and author for over twenty years. Writing is her passion and her dream and helping others achieve their dreams, through her written work, is Alexandra's greatest aspiration.

 

 

#Integrity; truthfulness, honesty and reliability, in all things.

I believe one should....be truthful in everything you say and do. Keep all relationships open and honest. Be reliable, punctual and organised and if you say you'll do it - do it.

If you want to soar like an eagle, make an effort, not an excuse.

 

alexandragrose@amazon.com

 

 

 

 

The Sixth Sense

The Sixth Sense.

The sixth sense isn’t something many of us are aware of. Some don’t even believe in it.

What we think about is what we bring about. You might have heard this sentence before, but how many of us have acted upon it; you know, had the daring to change from negative thinking to positive? Because it does take daring and courage to make changes, especially in changing long held beliefs.

So what is the sixth sense? It’s the spirit within. The spirit, when we pay attention, talks to us, leads and guides us. A conscious creator, who guards and protects what goes into your mind and aligns it with God. You have sub conscious and superconscious. The superconscious is divinity, the Holy Spirit which connects you to God. And if you listen closely, He will guide you.

The God part of you is something we often overlook and shrug off. We should be paying more attention to what we’re hearing.

Your vision determines your direction. No vision - no direction. Listening to God will help you find true direction.

Once you know your direction, you need to take action. The more action you take towards your direction (desire), the more success you’ll have.

Your thoughts too, will determine your direction. Poor quality thoughts, lead to a poor quality life. Look at the thoughts you have right now. Your reality is a result of your thinking.

Whatever you’ve nurtured and encouraged (good or bad) is what’s predetermined for your life. However you can change the trajectory, if you will only pay attention. If you align your mind with God’s mind, you will see transformation in your life.

Intellectuals all agree on one point, they may not agree on a lot of things, but they all agree: what you think about is what you bring about. So, think good thoughts about your prosperity, your relationships, your health, your labour, your children, keeping in balance all the things you need to do.

Once you realize you can attract what you want, in alignment with what God promises, you gain confidence, in yourself and in your abilities.

If you don’t have the confidence, start with a repetition statement of a positive thought, keeping in mind you have access to the power of the divinity.

Varied thinking, causes varied results, so don’t allow yourself to be swayed back and forth, wondering is it true, is it not. Give yourself some time to believe and act on those beliefs. The more you do it, the longer you do it, the greater the results.

Study those around you and you will see their circumstances match what they’re saying about their life. Their circumstances and their sayings are much the same. What you say, what you think about, creates your circumstances. The results you see in your life, whether harmonious or inharmonious, speak for themselves.

A negative person almost always has a negative outcome and a positive person, a positive outcome. Yes, there are things which can go wrong. Life is never a straight line from A to Z, however if you’re generally more positive, better things happen more often.

Get rid of doubt. Get rid of fear. Trust in God. Trust in the promises He has given you and watch your life turn around.

 

The Python and Your Purpose.

           

              The Python and Your Purpose

The python is an evil being, sent to distract you from your God given purpose.

The python exists to cut off the lifeline to God, to stay the voice of the Holy Spirit, to stop your fellowship with Jesus.

Prayer is our communication to God and the python takes it upon himself to suspend that communication. If the python can choke our transmission point, we will never see our dream realised. 

The python speaks lies and brings hopelessness into our situation.

Python is not only demonic, but also a domain (principality), releasing the power of witchcraft. There are certain regions where pythons have a stronghold in the area. You can feel these strongholds in the air; as a sense of hopelessness and depression envelopes you.

The python literally squeezes the breath out of you. The breath of life, the Holy Spirit, is cut off when the python dares to come near. Pride will provoke a python, as will lack of discernment, when going on the offensive against it, particularly if it hasn’t yet done anything. 

Feeling tired, under pressure, loss of passion for prayer and worship. Feeling overwhelmed, hopeless and helpless, are symptoms of a python attack. When you feel dead on the inside, you know it’s an assault from the python.

The python has no authority, but works to distract a believer. As a follower of Christ, you have all authority. The python has none. Make no mistake: The python is there to stop your progress, to draw you away from your God given assignment and you need to exert your authority to overcome the python and his ways.

Wherever there is turmoil, the python will strike. This is when you need to pray most exceedingly. It’s when you most need to pray, that the python attacks, so don’t ignore prayer at this point. It’s the python’s job to distract you from prayer, to cause you to feel you don’t want to pray, or that you can’t be bothered to pray. If you get to this point, the python has won the battle today. Don’t let him win the battle again tomorrow.

You might be blindsided, by an attack from the python. You won’t see it coming. Out of nowhere something will happen, to put pressure on you. Don’t forgo any occasion to pray. Stay close to God and you will overcome this period in your life. 

Spiritually speaking, you’re unlikely to die from a python attack, but an attack can set you back weeks, months, or even years. The shortcut to overcoming this setback, is to pray.

The python is after your destiny, abducting and seizing it out of your grasp. It appears like a torrent, pushing you back, tumbling you downstream, whirling you round, helpless as in a gushing flood.

The python is violent, with a demonic outpouring of witchcraft and a spirit of divination (prediction), bringing confusion and apathy. You need to be equally as violent, to overcome his ways. 

Timothy was told by Paul to fight the good fight. (1 Timothy 6:12) That means to stay true to God and His word, in the face of opposition. To be unwavering in your commitment towards God, in spite of the hostility coming against you. 

A serpent and a snake are one and the same. A python is a type of serpent. It was a snake who deceived Adam and Eve, in the garden of Eden, bringing a spiritual death upon them. 

A serpent is shrewd and crafty and Jesus called serpents ‘wise.’ They are skilful, clever, cunning and sly. Don’t be fooled. Though they hide in dark places, they are still there, awaiting their moment to strike.

In life we adjust slowly to what’s happening around us. This slow and steady adjustment causes us to be blind to the python, until it’s well and truly wrapped around us, squeezing the life from us.  

In the realm of spiritual warfare, we need to submit to the leadership of the Holy Spirit. A python’s work in our lives can be so subtle, often we don’t see any trace of it coming. Remember, serpents are well camouflaged and know how to hide effectively.

To survive a python attack spiritually, you need to wield the sword of the spirit, the word of God. Give praise and worship often. Don’t forget your prayer time. It is valuable. It is imperative. Prayer and praise, pulverise the python.

If you don’t know which enemy is attacking you, whether it be satanic, demonic, principalities, or powers, pray in tongues until the oppression lifts, until you detect a shift in the atmosphere, or a lightness of spirit. Pray in tongues until you discern peace, or you sense a leading towards a direction you’re comfortable with.

Remember, the kingdom of heaven suffers violence and the violent take it by force (Matt 11:12). You need to fight for what you want. Don’t fall in a heap, rise. Lift your eyes and your voice and call out to the God of heaven. 

Psalm 91:15 states; “he will call on Me and I will answer him.” Put your trust God and you will get through your most challenging times, regardless of the python, or any other enemy, which might be attacking you. 

In Life We Learn...

In life we learn: fear is not failure. Even the most successful people feel fear. Failure is not failure. Failure isn’t what you think. Failure is the step you take before you have success. Fear is what stops you from taking steps. The enemy is not fear. The enemy is not starting. The enemy is letting fear hold you back.

When fear holds you back you become angry, agitated and frustrated. Small things get under your skin, because you know you want to move forward but don’t seem to be able to. It feels to the one afraid, like others can do it but not us, as our fears appear to be brakes, squeezing our lives to a standstill. 

I heard it said once: When you have infirmity (illness, poverty, addiction, paralysing fears, etc.) it’s hard for you to do what others do easily. Having said that, this is not a green pass for you not to try. In life we need to ‘feel the fear and do it anyway,’ to use a phrase of the late Susan Jeffers.

The bible says: 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) Now this is a fine verse to quote, but it won’t help you. It won’t help you, if you don’t believe it. Head knowledge is fine, but it’s of no use unless it goes down into your heart.

Let me give you an example.

Perhaps you were adopted and you may have been adopted by very loving people, however you might still feel rejected. Because you feel rejected, you think no one wants you, even though you were adopted by very loving people. 

Now you carry a chip on your shoulder and soon you see your friends rejecting you. As you grow into adulthood, you find relationships hard to maintain. You start to push people away, before they hurt you. Going into relationships, in the back of your mind, you’re already seeing the relationship fail. 

One day you hear the fault lies within your thinking. You’re a nice person, but you emit an aura of rejection. You expect rejection. You eventually come to the end of yourself and you turn to God. God tells you He loves you, but you don’t believe it. 

Finally, you come to the conclusion, God loves everyone – except me. That’s your rational thinking at work. You read your bible. Intellectually you know God loves everyone, but because you internally think no once cares about you, that’s what’s reflected back at you. Intellectually you know God loves you, but it hasn’t yet infiltrated deeply into your heart.

As you delve further into your bible, little things begin to happen. God’s blessings start to arrive at your door. You begin to make new friends. You start to think you can have relationships and eventually your head space changes. Little by little, you see yourself as worthy of friendships and healthy relationships and now the truth of God’s word is starting to pierce into the very fabric of your heart.

Distortional thinking comes in many forms. In the above instance, it’s about relationships. It could also be about finances, health, success, ability, even to the degree of gaining or losing weight. If what we think about is what we bring about, then how we view ourselves, is what’s reflected in our lives.

The power is in the tongue, so the bible says. For what you think about is what you talk about. If you find yourself saying you only have to look at a cake and you put weight on. Or I can eat anything and not put weight on, both are right, for both are going to be reflected in your life depending upon your view point. 

You will be overweight, or underweight, depending on what you tell yourself and those around you. You will be rich or poor, depending on what you tell yourself and those around you. You will have great relationships, or terrible, depending on what you tell yourself and those around you. 

Speak only good things about yourself and say these things to those around you and that’s what will be reflected in your life. This is the power the tongue holds. The bible tells us, the power is in the tongue. Proverbs 18:21 “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Such a little thing, but with large consequences.

The key to happiness is in our own hands, no one else’s. It’s in how we view things and what we say. We can’t rely on others, when it comes to happiness. The atmosphere around you changes, according to the atmosphere within you.

It’s not always easy to cultivate an atmosphere of wholesome mental growth. We can’t do it in our own strength and this is where bible study and a love of Jesus comes to the fore. God promises joy and favour on your life. God will show you favour, if you follow His Word, just as He showed it to me.

The bible explains that Mary was called ‘highly favoured’ by God. Why do you think that was?

Mary believed God, when He sent an angel to speak to her. 

Mary carried Jesus inside her.

Mary didn’t scoff or doubt, as Sarai and Abram did (Later, God changed their names to Sarah and Abraham – descendants to the lineage of Jesus), when God told them they would have a child in their old age.

Mary trusted Jesus and when trouble arose, Mary told the servants to; do whatever He (Jesus) tells you.

Mary knew shame! As a woman, pregnant out of wedlock, even though carrying God’s only Son, she knew many didn’t believe her story, the story of immaculate conception. 

Because Mary understood shame, Mary didn’t want the wedding hosts (Jesus performed His first miracle at this wedding, turning water into wine) to be shamed, by not having enough wine - a huge embarrassment, in that day and age.

Mary’s total trust in God, caused her to be highly favoured.

Mary also knew trouble. At one point her and Jesus’ brothers thought Jesus had lost his mind (Mark 3:21) and they went to get Him. She had to watch her Son die a criminal death, though He had done no wrong. She knew shame, knew that others didn’t believe her story of the immaculate conception. And yet God called her highly favoured. We all go through hardship, even the highly favoured of God.

We need to remember, we carry Jesus inside us, just as Mary did. We have the ability to hear God speak to us, just as Mary did. We know people don’t always believe our story, just as Mary knew. We know we don’t want others to go through what we’ve been through, just like Mary didn’t want the hosts of the wedding feast to feel the shame she’d been through. We are Mary’s story! And in spite of this, our total trust in God and our righteousness, is counted as favour. So, just like Mary, we have the favour of God!

God desires to manifest His favour in our lives, every day. Psalm 145:8 The Lord is gracious; meaning the Lord is favourable. The favour of God produces success for God’s people. 

There’s a connection between declaring favour on your life and seeing it in your life.  I wrote recently, in some notes from a bible teaching, that we need to decree God’s promises, to see God’s promises. 

When you pray and get a promise and not an answer, then your role has shifted into co labourer, where you make prophetic decrees, where the angels can’t move until you speak the word God has given you. We need to partner with God in Heaven, so the angels can carry out God’s will in our life, through the promises of God. 

When you acknowledge God’s favour, you get more favour. Just as when you value a gift, the gift giver is pleased. So too is God pleased, when we value what He gives us. That goes for angels as well. We get more in life, of what we value. If we value the work the angels are doing in our sphere, more angels will come.

Jacob talks about angels coming and going, when he sees a vision. This vision is known as the story of "Jacob’s Ladder.”

In my writings at one point I asked God, if I’m doing anything wrong, what do I need to do right, in order to receive my blessing? I’d waited so long, for the work of my hands to prosper (another promise, God’s given to His people) that I thought I must be doing something wrong.

The story of Jacob and the ladder came to mind. I’d been reading about it earlier in the week; how he saw the ladder going to Heaven, with angels ascending and descending. How he recognized that this must be Holy ground, made an alter and went on his merry way, only to come back 20 years later, to the same place and there he wrestled with a Man all night. Some texts say The Man was the word of God, Jesus come in the flesh. Others say it was an angel of the Lord.

My understanding of this story, was that a battle that was going on in Jacob’s mind, as he was in a difficult position, returning home to his brother, and that the Man was Jesus (or as some say, an angel), who did at times come to Earth in a fleshly body. I believe he was wrestling in mind and body at this time. Then the Man/angel just touched Jacob’s hip and it became dislocated, showing Jacob just how powerful He is and how He could have inflicted much more damage at any time through the night, but He held off. 

Jesus/angel said; ‘let Me go, for it is nearly light.’ Even though Jacob was in great pain, he refused to let Him go, until He blessed him. As this story unfolded in my vision, a verse came to mind; Matt 11:12 From the days of John the Baptist, until now, the kingdom of Heaven has suffered violence and the violent take it by force. 

In looking that up, the word violence has two meanings, just as the lion can mean king, or ferocious beast, violence can mean to inflict pain on another, or fervent and impetuous zeal. We’re asked to press in and grasp with eagre pursuit, not letting go, until the promised blessing is imparted and received. 

The bent and temper of the mind, must be altered (renewed), so that we do not quit in our pursuit, do not quit on the grip of the promise, without receiving the blessing. 

Many people are ignorant (without knowledge and understanding) of this blessing and they quit, when they don’t feel their promises are coming to pass. They are ignorant, because they refuse to learn. In keeping on, keeping on, I have continued to learn, in spite of having to wait so long. I’ve been through my ‘wilderness’ experience and come out the other side. And I continue to pray that the work of my hands prospers, until I see the promised blessing. 

I’ve known for a long time, that there’s more. I kept thinking it will manifest, if I just keep in God’s word, stay in His presence. We all hear about relationship, about having a “relationship” with God. But really, most of us don’t know what that is, or how to get there, how to achieve it. 

I know there’s more to this journey and I’ve desired more, for a long time. I thought because I read my bible every day, that it would come, even if it did come in small increments. And that’s true, but what I didn’t know and what it’s taken, is time; spending time with God. Spending time in fervent and impetuous zeal. 

Not just a ten-minute bible read, or an hour on Sunday, but spending hours and hours with God, as we go about our every-day living. For what we give honour to, is what will manifest in our lives. The more time we give to God, the more we honour God, the more His hand works in our life. Are you willing to put that kind of time in? That’s what brings the “more,” the increase. 

In putting in this kind of time, in seeking God (Matt 6:33 but “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.’), we form a relationship with God and this is where practicing the principles, nurturing our relationships with God, helps the promises of God come to pass in our life. At the same time, we’re not to seek for all we can get, but to seek out what we can give. The rest will follow.

As we gain knowledge, understanding and discernment, we hear more from God, make better decisions with God and have that connection, of bringing Heaven to Earth. If you stick with God, and spend time with Him, you will hear from Him and know what direction to take, when making difficult decisions.

The measure of Presence we hold, lies with us. If we truly want it, we’ll go after it with unabated passion.

I want to make a difference in my life and in the lives of those around me. We need to remember, life’s not in the big moments, but in all the little moments, which add up over time. It’s building block upon block, until the full image becomes apparent. 

One day, I put a photo on Facebook, with a little word - When your too small to do big things, try to do small things, with a big heart. My hope was it would inspire someone to action. If we all did one small thing to make a difference, how much better will the world be!

Each of us holds the key to happiness in our own hands. We can’t rely on others, when it comes to happiness. (Perhaps that too, should go on a photo.) The atmosphere around you changes, according to the atmosphere within you. 

Whether you’re depressed or happy, there’s an aura around you reflecting it. You may have heard it said, “You could cut the air with a knife, it was so thick.” That’s atmosphere. Possibly depression, or anger. A depressed person repels people, if it’s a heavy depression. Angry people repel people. After all, who wants to be around an angry person? A person with joyous atmosphere tends to have a lot of friends, because they bring a lightness into the world and that draws people to them. 

When we help inspire others, or lend a helping hand and do it with a smile, it not only helps the person, but it brings us joy – regardless of our own personal circumstances. If you’re not happy, try taking your mind off your own problems and help someone else with theirs. It becomes a soothing salve, when we do this. It brings a personal joy that we otherwise wouldn’t have. 

What we could do, if we’re depressed, is bring Heaven to Earth; asking God what He wants, ministering to God, just as Melchizedek did. (Melchizedek - priest of God Most High. Gen: 14-18) When we take our eyes off our own needs and minister to God, that’s what forms a relationship with Him. When you have that relationship, your needs are automatically met.

When you have a purpose, such as that of bringing Heaven to Earth, you’re emitting a light in the darkness. But any good purpose is good for souls. Visiting the sick, mowing the lawn of the elderly neighbour, perhaps minding someone’s child, who you feel needs a break. 

What you give out in the world, you get back, perhaps not in the same way, but in some measure. So you’re doing yourself a favour, when you help another. And occasionally, you just need to remind yourself, that it’s all going to be ok. Whatever you’re going through will end, it will get better. Sometimes, it just takes time, but eventually you will be on the other side of your concern. 

Reading my bible (and companion books) every day, I learned about the baptism of water, spirit, and fire. In water baptism, we have salvation; deliverance, restoration and liberation. The baptism of spirit, brings sanctification; blessings, anointing and ordination. And fire baptism, which is exhortation; encouragement, coaxing, and motivation.

Each step draws us closer to God. Each step is a spiritual battle, where we have to fight and push to keep going, but the rewards are well worth the effort. By the time we’ve gone through the fire, we’ve faced severe obstacles to our faith. It’s an intense heat, which burns off the chaff; where God is removing the dross, that we shall come forth as gold (Job 10: When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold). 

I know I’ve been through all three, the third being the most exciting (and frightening), for me anyway. In the baptism of fire, once one has gone through, it’s expected one is able to perform all duties effectively having demonstrated the mental, physical and emotional strength to survive. I feel the battle is now over, and I can move forward in life, with a greater anointing.

The Father is glorified, when we live with fulfilled dreams. The Father wants to illustrate His nature, through our dreams. He wants all the people of the world to see that He blesses His chosen people, in all that they undertake. For it’s in our blessings that other people see and want what we have and then they ask about our faith. As we answer their questions and speak about God, the Father is glorified. 

You, having your dreams fulfilled, glorifies the Father. But to get there, we need to seek first the kingdom. You dial into what’s on God’s heart and He’ll dial into what’s on yours. Fulfilled dreams are just a start, there’s much more to come and I’m so looking forward to seeing where the next step leads. 

Walk with Jesus all the time and the Holy Spirit will teach you all things. Pray in tongues, worship, read His word, go to church, listen to Christian messages, read Christian books and you will grow in favour. It will happen naturally and without effort. 

Jesus is the vine and you’re the branch. A vine has the living water. There’s no cut off, as in a tap. Even a small branch on a vine has life. Even a small branch will grow in time. Like a growing branch, which needs nothing more than water and sunshine, life will just flow. Abundant life! Isn’t that what we all want, abundant life? 

 

*Biblical quotes from the Holy Bible NKJV

Alexandra Grose - A photojournalist and author for over twenty years. Writing is her passion and her dream and helping others achieve their dreams, through her written work, is Alexandra's greatest aspiration. 

 

 

#Integrity; truthfulness, honesty and reliability, in all things.

I believe one should....be truthful in everything you say and do. Keep all relationships open and honest. Be reliable, punctual and organised and if you say you'll do it - do it. 

If you want to soar like an eagle, make an effort, not an excuse. 

 

alexandragrose@amazon.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You Have Been Given All Authority! How you can succeed in prayer.

John G. Lake had a lot of death within his family, burying 8 of his siblings, during his childhood and his first wife, as an adult. A traveling minister who wasn’t there a lot of the time, for his family. With all his success in ministry, he failed in drawing his family to God. John G. Lake neglected to teach his beliefs to his children and many of them died, not knowing God, according to some reports. I want my family and friends to know how to have the authority of Jesus Christ, and that’s why I’ve written this piece. I don’t want anyone in my circle to die, not knowing Christ and the authority He’s given us, to overcome that which is holding us back.

You Have Been Given All Authority!

How you can succeed in prayer.

There are a few things we need to know and I’ve put pen to paper, so to speak, to unlock the secrets and mysteries of God’s great power, so that power might work in us.

This is not a formula, but a plan you can start with. As you learn and grow in God, you can change this plan, to suit your individual needs. Read on, my cherished friends.😊

I have authority to tread on serpents and scorpions and nothing shall by any means hurt, detain, hold me back, or hinder me, but I will advance the kingdom of God…that’s who I am.

Sickness, pain and disease have no right to be attached to my body, or the body of the person I’m praying for.

No devil…not this time! I am an ambassador and I have rights and privileges. And I exert my right to silence. (Don’t agree with the devil.) Jesus intercede for me on behalf of….

Praise - perfect praise shall cast out the devil, sickness, disease, pain, fear, poverty, etc.

In praise there is strength. Your strength rises in praise, because it stops the work of your enemies, so praise often.

Praise is for what God has done. (Worship is because of who God is.)

Let your children know the mighty works you have done, in His name. Works delivered by His mighty arm. Let your children know how He delivered you from sickness and disease, poverty and anxiety. Let them know, the more you praise the stronger you become.

David said he’d take care of the giant. David hadn’t forgotten - he had already killed the bear and the lion and the Philistine is no different. The Philistine is just another beast, to be done away with. Remember the past victories and apply them to your current problem: “God, You were with me here, You were with me there and You are with me now.”

Praise for the things He’s done; remember the things He’s done. These are your testimonies. These are for you to draw on and tell others about. Tell others: God did this. God did that. He did it for me and He’ll do it for you. Refuse to forget what God has done.

Refuse to allow your family to forget. Keep saying to your family, what God has done for you. Keep praying and stepping out in faith, so you have new stories to tell and are not just rehashing old ones.

Praise will stop the enemy (the enemy who comes to kill, steal and destroy) and the avenger (the avenger has a right to attack you and praise is the way you stop it). 

Maybe you did mess up, and although the avenger has the right to attack, if you repent and praise, that right is forfeited, for the avenger has no legal authority. 

If you want the bad seed not to grow up, you need to be thankful and praise, so your position remains as having dominion over all the earth. Don’t lose your position, by allowing a bad seed to take root and grow.

Don’t doubt. Worship, but don’t doubt. Jesus spoke to the people in Matthew 28:18: “All authority (to have dominion – my emphasis) has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” The blood of Jesus has made all men of one blood. Go ye therefore, (go in the name of Jesus, for that name has all authority – full authority is at your disposal). Expectation is the highest form of faith and you need to expect healing when you pray for it.

Expect your Heavenly Father to meet your needs. Often needs are not met, because we have no faith, no expectation. I expect to have the favour of God. I expect things to go my way. I observe all that He’s commanded me to do. “You command me to pray for those who need healing and, in Your name, I do this.”

The commission is to pass on everything that is taught. Pass on the instruction of power and of healing and let everyone know about it. And pray it forth this day. “I am going into the world, and praying for those in need, as You’ve directed me.”

Proclaim the word with a solemnity, a gravity and an authority, by which it must be listened to and obeyed. He preached as One who had authority. You’re not here to offer things, not to debate or share, but to proclaim with authority. That’s dominion. Don’t guess, wonder, or try to figure out which way to go, declare it in your authority.

If your going to wonder, don’t go. Make sure you’re right and then go ahead. Get that commanding spirit, the spirit of authority. You need to know, you’re the highest-level spiritualist in the world. The power in you is greater than the power that’s in them (devils/unbelievers). Walk in that power. Manifest as the Son of God. Expect the victory.

Faith is unreasonable. That’s why Jesus cursed the fig tree, because He was hungry and the tree didn’t manifest fruit, even though it was out of season. Don’t base faith on what’s normal, because faith is not normal. Faith will stand up. When you do His will, faith will stand up. If it doesn’t happen you can tell God: “It’s because You didn’t provide, not because I didn’t go.”

Sometimes your prayers appear not to be working and it might be just in the timing. Often the unseen work is being done, before the manifestation is seen in your life. Remind God of His promises to you, at these times. Tell God: “You said…” Quote His scriptural promises, written in His word, the Bible. Remind God, if He cannot lie, then His promise must come to pass.  

In My name (Jesus) shall they cast out devils, lay hands on the sick and they shall recover. (….- insert name) is a believer. I am a believer. Healing shall follow those who believe. And believe it or not, the other person doesn’t have to be a believer. As long as we (the one laying on hands) believe, there will be healing.

Also, we don’t actually need to lay hands on the part that hurts. We can lay hands on a person’s head, or hold their hands. We can even command healing without touching the person at all. We can pray from a distance and have the same outcome, as if in the room, with the person we’re praying for. Don’t limit God. He can heal anywhere, any time.

All authority was given to Jesus, in heaven and on earth and He gave us that authority. We need that authority, to overcome principalities and powers. Use it!

You pull down strongholds. The strongholds are in your mind and to overcome them, we need to tear them down.

Principalities and power, we are over. We are in the heavenlies, seated at the right hand of God and we put our foot over the principalities and powers in our life and we push them down and crush them. His enemies are made His footstool and He left us to do the same.

Our authority supersedes Adam’s. You lay hands on people and they recover. As sons (and daughters) of the most-high God, you have all authority. You are endued (endowed/favoured) in Him. Wherever you go He goes. Wherever you go, the power goes. He and you are together, co labourers, in this together. Wherever your hand goes, He goes. He gave us the Holy Ghost to use for His glory. And God can only be glorified to others, when we can show good success.

This is who you are. When you walk as sons of God, you walk in authority and dominion. Speak and it shall be done. All things are possible to him that believeth. Faith doesn’t stop until it gets what it goes for. The Lord’s prayer isn’t a request, it’s a command. Fix it! Fix your life and the life of those around you and don’t stop, until it looks like heaven here on earth.

Sickness and disease - it's an enemy. Do not come before the enemy with emotion. It's not emotion that heals, but the word and power of God. Hate your enemy, in this instance. Come in without emotion, but with logic and reason, based on biblical facts, based on God’s word and His promises. It's not about shouting, crying, or screaming, it's about taking God at His word.

There are some diseases which are caused by how we've lived. God’s laws are always in play. If you smoke, you’re going to become ill, sometime in the future. If you drink often enough, you will end up with liver issues. Sickness wasn't there before the fall. Before the fall, Adam and Eve ate and drank what was good and healthy for them, but you can turn things around.

Get fed up with being normal, watching your loved ones die. Get fed up with sickness and disease, addiction and accidents, even curses placed on you by others (in fact, you can’t curse God’s people, because God’s people are never under the curse, they’ve been set free from the curse). All kinds of illness can be healed, once you decree a matter. Get on the right page and it will be so. You decide with your mouth; wellness or illness.

His will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Treat all sickness as the same, for all sickness is an enemy. If you let enough little enemies in, they'll kill you too. Illness is death in baby form. Don't let the illness grow up. Let His will take hold of you and declare victory.

Don’t let the enemy get a foothold in you. If you give an inch, he'll take a mile. Treat all sickness like a person, like a living thing, for it is a living thing. It is a devil, come to kill, steal and destroy. Cast it out.

Don't bother to dignify the devil by learning its name. Command it leave, do not beg. Talk to the fig trees in your life (that which isn’t producing fruit), talk to the mountains (the areas you feel you can’t seem to overcome). Jesus didn't say talk to God about the mountain, He commanded the devil to leave.

Do it like Jesus. Make a command. "GO! in the mighty name of Jesus." At the name of Jesus, every knee must bow. Remember, you’re a representative of Jesus Christ. Speak to the problem, not to others about the problem.

Sick people are oppressed prisoners of war, held captive. If you look at it this way, you’re not a judge, but compassionate. A deliverer, instead of a critic.

What you live by is what matters, not what you know. You're more like Christ when you do something He’s told you to do. So, get clean, stay clean. Get your life cleaned up. Get rid of what's not ok and what’s not working in your life.

No excuses. It's time to grow up. You don't have to stay in hurt. Grow up, move past the hurt. God’s given you everything you need to be free; word, spirit, and authority. It's time to act on it. There's a boldness which comes from being clean and sure. If you're not bold, you're not sure and you'll be easily swayed and talked out of it.

When people know what you stand for, they back off.  Stay out of pride. It’s not done because of you. It's all done in Jesus’ name and because you believe in Him. We're in Him, He’s in us. Jesus is the only highly anointed one.

People will try to say: “Who do you think you are?" Don’t listen to the nay-sayers. When you know you’re right, you can stand on that. Make sure you're right, then go ahead. You’ll know you’re right, when you know God’s word. When you know God’s word, you’ll know what to do. Glorify God whenever results come. God gives further blessings, when we thank Him, although that’s not why we should thank Him. It’s never about the blessing He brings, but about what you live by and for.

Be ready to be misunderstood by others, expect it. Be led by God’s nature and character. Be aggressive. Develop your aggressiveness in Christ. Stand on who you are in Him. Matthew 11:12 …the kingdom of heaven suffers violence (fervent and impetuous zeal) and the violent take it by force. Be forceful, in God’s word, in His promises. Remind God, you’re still awaiting the fulfilment of His promise, if you feel He’s forgotten you. Wield the double-edged sword, the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God, spoken and quickened. (Quickened, is where a bible verse rises up inside of you and you stand on and claim that word for your situation.)

God’s nature is love. Ask yourself, what would love do, if love saw someone sick? Accept responsibility for you brother and sister. Where are they lacking? How can you help? Offer your services: Here am I send me. If it's not you...then who will go? You may be the only Jesus someone ever sees or knows. However, don’t be taken advantage of. Ask if it’s God’s will and listen for His answer (as you become more aware of God’s promptings and His voice, you will hear Him when He answers you), before offering your help.

Decide to obey the bible, not arbitrary feelings. Obey, for the word of God is true. The bible says to lay hands and they will recover, because what's in you is greater than what's in them. It's a mindset and an attitude and you don't ever back down. You have to be the same every day. Preach and proclaim every day. Know that God is with you, in you and for you. If we know this is so, we would act just like Him.

Don't allow fear. Fear will stop every one of the things you’re trying to do, if you let it. Whatever fear you allow to remain, will rise up whenever God asks you to do something. Whenever the enemy thinks you're weak, he'll enter into your life and try to thwart your efforts. Be strong. Be bold. Be brave. This is how battles are won.

But there is one more element to effective prayer. That element is virtue. God tells us to attain virtue before knowledge, that’s how much He esteems a virtuous person. We all want knowledge, knowledge of God and of the gifts He bestows upon us. Virtue is something we have to strive for ourselves. God won’t do it for us. God will quicken a passage, so we get the full knowledge of a text, but He won’t bestow virtue, we need to work towards that personally. 

Merriam-Webster.com states virtue as 1 a): conformity to a standard of right: morality b) a particular moral excellence. 2: a beneficial quality or power of a thing. 3: manly strength or courage: valour. 4: a commendable quality or trait: merit. 5: a capacity to act: potency. 6 chastity especially in a woman. 7: virtue plural: an order of angels, by virtue of or in virtue of: through the force of: by authority of…

We need to be the ones who choose what to watch on tv, what to read, how to behave in traffic, how we use our words. We need to choose peace over anger, love over hate, humility over pride, honesty over deceit. We need to put virtue first. God will not take away our free will. He will not take away our ability to choose to do the right thing. A virtuous life is a life in right relationship to God. 

Not all things we do are illegal, but not all things we do are good for us either. When we choose to do what’s right, we will develop a right relationship with the Lord.

Bravery, valour, moral goodness, good character, are all traits of virtue. Lawlessness, dishonesty, injustice, are opposites of virtue. There’s a conjunction between virtue and power and power is relative to the proportion of virtue we hold.

Virtue seems to have been skipped over, in our rush to attain knowledge. Jesus felt virtue leaving His body, when the woman with the issue of blood touched the hem of His garment. Jesus was endowed with much virtue and if we are to be like Him, if we are to work with the same power He holds, we need much virtue also. And we cannot walk in virtue without the grace of God. 

 

*Biblical quotes from Holy Bible NKJV

 

Alexandra Grose - A photojournalist and author for over twenty years. Writing is her passion and her dream and helping others achieve their dreams, through her written work, is Alexandra's greatest aspiration.

 

 

#Integrity; truthfulness, honesty and reliability, in all things.

I believe one should....be truthful in everything you say and do. Keep all relationships open and honest. Be reliable, punctual and organised and if you say you'll do it - do it.

If you want to soar like an eagle, make an effort, not an excuse.

 

alexandragrose@amazon.com