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	<title>Optimistic Journey &#187; Spiritual Development</title>
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	<link>http://optimisticjourney.com</link>
	<description>Grab a dose of optimism, a winner mindset, and a handful of life lessons as you charge forth on your journey of life</description>
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		<title>The Great Exchange</title>
		<link>http://optimisticjourney.com/2012/01/19/the-great-exchange/</link>
		<comments>http://optimisticjourney.com/2012/01/19/the-great-exchange/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 20 Jan 2012 03:14:30 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jarrod Clark</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Spiritual Development]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[benefits]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dancing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Joy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mourning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pain]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sorrow]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[the great exchange]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[trade]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[We serve a God who loves us for better or for worse. He loves us in sickness and in health. And the good news is nothing can separate us from His love.

When you come into Christ, a great exchange takes place. You trade your disappointments for His divine appointments. You trade your doubts for His blessed assurance. You trade your sorrows for the joy of the Lord.]]></description>
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			<a href="http://api.tweetmeme.com/share?url=http%3A%2F%2Foptimisticjourney.com%2F2012%2F01%2F19%2Fthe-great-exchange%2F"><br />
				<img src="http://api.tweetmeme.com/imagebutton.gif?url=http%3A%2F%2Foptimisticjourney.com%2F2012%2F01%2F19%2Fthe-great-exchange%2F&amp;source=JarrodInspires&amp;style=normal&amp;service=TinyURL.com&amp;b=2" height="61" width="50" /><br />
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<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2866" title="The Great Exchange" src="http://optimisticjourney.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/The-Cross2-e1327036880315.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="356" /><br />We serve a God who loves us for better or for worse. He loves us in sickness and in health. And the good news is nothing can separate us from His love.</p>
<p>When you come into Christ, a great exchange takes place. You trade your disappointments for His divine appointments. You trade your doubts for His blessed assurance. You trade your sorrows for the joy of the Lord.</p>
<p>It&#8217;s like a couple who gets married. It&#8217;s no longer yours or mine&#8230; it becomes ours. In marriage, you take on the benefits of each other. In most cases, she takes his last name. Her family becomes his family. His home becomes her home. And her belongings become his belongings.</p>
<p>In the same way, when you come into Christ you take on his benefits. He changes your name. He takes your mess and gives you a message. No longer are you defeated, no, your name becomes victory. You enter into the royal family and you become a child of the most High God!</p>
<p>When the great exchange takes place, you&#8217;ll go from broken to mended, from decrease to increase. You&#8217;ll go from strife to everlasting peace and from pain to<span id="more-2865"></span> gain.</p>
<p>God has your best interests at heart. He wants nothing but the best for you. You can go to Him and cast all your cares, worries and anxieties, and exchange it for the peace that surpasses all understanding.</p>
<p>Our gracious Father turns mourning into dancing. He exchanges beauty for ashes. He turns broken dreams into fulfilled visions. He&#8217;ll take you out of darkness into His marvelous light</p>
<p>With Christ, you may have the blues but He&#8217;ll give you his good news. You may be cursed but He sends you blessings. If you&#8217;re lost He&#8217;ll show you the way. And not only will He provide you with direction, but He&#8217;ll send you His utmost protection.</p>
<p>Forget not the Lord&#8217;s many benefits. Take your burdens and cares to the Lord and look for a supernatural exchange to take place. When you do so, the Lord will bring you into a season of favor, strength and increase as you charge forth on your journey of life!</p>
<p><strong>If you liked this article, be sure to share it on Twitter and                                                                Facebook.    If         reading      this      article     via        email,              forward          it    to   a                   friend.                  Also,  <a href="http://www.optimisticjourney.com/">click here</a> to visit the site. Leave a  comment   and       participate  in     the   online      community. <span style="color: #ff0000;">Also be sure to follow Optimistic Journey on Facebook and Twitter: </span></strong></p>
<p><strong> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OptimisticJourney">Optimistic Journey on Facebook<br /></a></strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.twitter.com/JarrodLClark">@JarrodLClark on Twitter</a></strong></p>
<h4  class="related_post_title">Related Posts</h4><ul class="related_post"><li>February 2, 2012 -- <a href="http://optimisticjourney.com/2012/02/02/10-ways-to-have-a-complete-joy-filled-day/" title="10 Ways to Have a Complete Joy-filled Day!">10 Ways to Have a Complete Joy-filled Day!</a> (2)</li><li>January 16, 2012 -- <a href="http://optimisticjourney.com/2012/01/16/hes-the-lifter-of-our-heads/" title="He&#8217;s the Lifter of Our Heads!">He&#8217;s the Lifter of Our Heads!</a> (0)</li><li>December 24, 2011 -- <a href="http://optimisticjourney.com/2011/12/24/merry-christmas-from-jarrod/" title="Merry Christmas from Jarrod&#8230;">Merry Christmas from Jarrod&#8230;</a> (0)</li><li>December 20, 2011 -- <a href="http://optimisticjourney.com/2011/12/20/he-brought-joy-to-the-world/" title="He Brought Joy to the World!">He Brought Joy to the World!</a> (0)</li><li>December 18, 2011 -- <a href="http://optimisticjourney.com/2011/12/18/experience-gods-peace-during-the-christmas-season/" title="Experience God&#8217;s Peace During the Christmas Season">Experience God&#8217;s Peace During the Christmas Season</a> (0)</li></ul>]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>What Will You Say of the LORD?</title>
		<link>http://optimisticjourney.com/2012/01/17/what-will-you-say-of-the-lord/</link>
		<comments>http://optimisticjourney.com/2012/01/17/what-will-you-say-of-the-lord/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 18 Jan 2012 03:42:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jarrod Clark</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Spiritual Development]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[affirm]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bless]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[curse]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[declarations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[exclaim]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Favor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Psalmist]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[report]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[say of the Lord]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[speak]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://optimisticjourney.com/?p=2853</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The Psalmist made many declarations of the LORD throughout the Psalms. Many were positive and praiseworthy declarations to the LORD, even in times of trouble.

The truth is, God inhabits the praises of His people. When you speak praises of His name in times of crisis, the LORD rewards that and crowns you with blessings, favor and honor.

Too often, when we get soured on life, we're tempted to make negative declarations of the LORD. We think that God has forgotten us. We think God has left us in the pits of despair. Some even complain and curse the name of the LORD.]]></description>
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<p><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-2854" title="Say of the Lord" src="http://optimisticjourney.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/psalm91-2.gif" alt="" width="397" height="313" /></p>
<p><em>&#8220;I will say of the LORD, &#8220;He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.&#8221; &#8211; Psalm 91:2</em></p>
<p>The Psalmist made many declarations of the LORD throughout the Psalms. Many were positive and praiseworthy declarations to the LORD, even in times of trouble.</p>
<p>The truth is, God inhabits the praises of His people. When you speak praises of His name in times of crisis, the LORD rewards that and crowns you with blessings, favor and honor.</p>
<p>Too often, when we get soured on life, we&#8217;re tempted to make negative declarations of the LORD. We think that God has forgotten us. We think God has left us in the pits of despair. Some even complain and curse the name of the LORD.</p>
<p>But just like the Psalmist, you should make praiseworthy declarations over your situation. When the tough gets going, let your declaration be, &#8220;Lord you are my refuge and strength, a very present help in the time of trouble.&#8221;</p>
<p>When you experience doubt, fear and uncertainty, affirm that the LORD is ever faithful. Speak life, joy, hope, peace and victory into your circumstance. Regardless of the way things seem around you, your report should be, &#8220;I&#8217;m blessed<span id="more-2853"></span> going in and I&#8217;m blessed coming out.&#8221; Exclaim that you&#8217;re blessed and highly favored of the LORD!</p>
<p>I&#8217;m reminded of the story of Job. When He lost everything he had and he was afflicted with boils from head to toe, his family and friends turned their backs on him. But the test was to see if Job would curse the name of the LORD. When faced with adversity, his wife asked him, &#8220;are you still trying to maintain your integrity?&#8221; She advised him, &#8220;curse God and die.&#8221;</p>
<p>But Job was a faithful servant of the LORD. He upheld his integrity through the whole storm. In the midst of his struggles, Job chose to bless the name of the LORD.</p>
<p>In the same way, God is putting you through the test to see if you&#8217;ll be faithful and speak goodness and blessings in His name.</p>
<p>My question for you is: what will you speak of the LORD? When you get a bad break, will you speak blessings or curse the name of the LORD? Just like the Psalmist, will you declare that He is your refuge and fortress? Or will you complain, grow bitter, and wallow in despair?</p>
<p>My friend, know that you&#8217;re not at a loss. You have an advantage. You can choose to bless the name of the LORD even in the difficult times. If you&#8217;ll remain faithful to God, just like the servant Job, God will bring you into a new season of increase and give you a double portion as you charge forth on your journey!</p>
<p><strong>If you liked this article, be sure to share it on Twitter and                                                              Facebook.  If         reading      this      article     via        email,            forward          it    to   a                   friend.                Also,  <a href="http://www.optimisticjourney.com/">click here</a> to visit the site. Leave a  comment   and       participate  in     the   online      community. <span style="color: #ff0000;">Also be sure to follow Optimistic Journey on Facebook and Twitter: </span></strong></p>
<p><strong> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OptimisticJourney">Optimistic Journey on Facebook<br /></a></strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.twitter.com/JarrodLClark">@JarrodLClark on Twitter</a></strong></p>
<h4  class="related_post_title">Related Posts</h4><ul class="related_post"><li>January 29, 2012 -- <a href="http://optimisticjourney.com/2012/01/29/too-blessed-to-be-stressed/" title="Too Blessed to be Stressed">Too Blessed to be Stressed</a> (0)</li><li>December 26, 2011 -- <a href="http://optimisticjourney.com/2011/12/26/look-for-the-showers-of-blessings/" title="Look for the Showers of Blessings!">Look for the Showers of Blessings!</a> (0)</li><li>July 10, 2011 -- <a href="http://optimisticjourney.com/2011/07/10/make-positive-declarations/" title="Make Positive Declarations">Make Positive Declarations</a> (0)</li><li>January 18, 2012 -- <a href="http://optimisticjourney.com/2012/01/18/have-a-right-now-faith/" title="Have A Right Now Faith!">Have A Right Now Faith!</a> (2)</li><li>January 10, 2012 -- <a href="http://optimisticjourney.com/2012/01/10/meditate-on-these-things-2/" title="Meditate on These Things">Meditate on These Things</a> (2)</li></ul>]]></content:encoded>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>It&#8217;s Yours for the Asking</title>
		<link>http://optimisticjourney.com/2011/11/20/its-yours-for-the-asking/</link>
		<comments>http://optimisticjourney.com/2011/11/20/its-yours-for-the-asking/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 20 Nov 2011 22:00:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jarrod Clark</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Spiritual Development]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ask]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ask in Jesus name]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mighty]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[miracles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[miraculous signs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[power]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pray]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Prayer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wonders]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://optimisticjourney.com/?p=2586</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It's easy to forget about the power of prayer. Day in and day out, we hope for the best- we set high goals and expectations, but we forget the most powerful ingredient of all, prayer.

The scripture says in James 4:2b, "...you have not, because you ask not." God wants you to have anything you want. But first you must ask in His name.

Maybe you're overwhelmed with the cares of the day. Say a simple prayer and ask the Lord to bear the burden. You'll be surprised, miracles can happen. Maybe you have deadlines to meet, ask in the name of the Lord. Maybe you want to start a business and you're looking for direction. Ask in the Lord's name, He's mighty to perform it!]]></description>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">It&#8217;s easy to forget about the power of prayer. Day in and day out, we hope for the best- we set high goals and expectations, but we forget the most powerful ingredient of all, prayer.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The scripture says in James 4:2b, &#8220;&#8230;you have not, because you ask not.&#8221; God wants you to have anything you want. But first you must ask in His name.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Maybe you&#8217;re overwhelmed with the cares of the day. Say a simple prayer and ask the Lord to bear the burden. You&#8217;ll be surprised, miracles can happen. Maybe you have deadlines to meet, ask in the name of the Lord. Maybe you want to start a business and you&#8217;re looking for direction. Ask in the Lord&#8217;s name, He&#8217;s mighty to perform it!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="wp-decoratr-image"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3053/2741759137_5660c35764_m.jpg" alt="Prayer. Conversations with God" /><br /><a rel="external nofollow" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/67963623@N00/2741759137">.</a></span>Maybe you&#8217;ve lost hope, and everything around you seems to be doom and gloom. Pray in the name of Jesus, and look for great things to happen. You might think that God has forsaken you. But the reality is that He&#8217;s just looking for you to take a step towards Him.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Just like the Parable of the Prodigal Son, if you&#8217;ll take one step towards Christ, He&#8217;ll take two steps toward you. When you pray to the Most High God, that&#8217;s your one step. Once you take that step He goes to work on your behalf, and performs great and mighty things.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Don&#8217;t forget, Jesus says in John 14:14, &#8220;ask anything in my name, and I <span id="more-2586"></span>will do it.&#8221; Know today that there is nothing to hard for God. With man it may be impossible, but with God nothing is impossible.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">When you have the power of the Almighty God working for you, anything is available to you. Anything you want is yours for the asking.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Take out some time and say a prayer. If it&#8217;s something you need, ask in Jesus&#8217; name and he will perform it. If you&#8217;ll be diligent in your prayers, God will be faithful to perform miraculous signs and wonders as you charge forth on your journey of life!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>If you liked this article, be sure to share it on Twitter and                          Facebook. If reading this article via email,   forward    it    to  a          friend.        Also, <a href="http://www.optimisticjourney.com/">click here</a> to visit the site. Leave a  comment   and       participate  in     the   online      community.</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a rel="external nofollow" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/67963623@N00/2741759137">Photo credit: by mufan96</a></p>
<h4  class="related_post_title">Related Posts</h4><ul class="related_post"><li>August 9, 2011 -- <a href="http://optimisticjourney.com/2011/08/09/pray-bolder-prayers/" title="Pray Bolder Prayers">Pray Bolder Prayers</a> (0)</li><li>May 18, 2011 -- <a href="http://optimisticjourney.com/2011/05/18/he-requires-a-step-of-faith/" title="He Requires A Step of Faith!">He Requires A Step of Faith!</a> (1)</li><li>October 5, 2011 -- <a href="http://optimisticjourney.com/2011/10/05/god-is-working-you-can-go-on-autopilot/" title="God is Working (You Can Go on Autopilot)">God is Working (You Can Go on Autopilot)</a> (5)</li><li>August 18, 2011 -- <a href="http://optimisticjourney.com/2011/08/18/put-god-first/" title="Put God First">Put God First</a> (1)</li><li>May 13, 2011 -- <a href="http://optimisticjourney.com/2011/05/13/the-prayer-of-gods-ultimate-will/" title="The Prayer of God&#8217;s Ultimate Will">The Prayer of God&#8217;s Ultimate Will</a> (1)</li></ul>]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
		<title>How to Know if God is Speaking to You (vs Satan Speaking to You)</title>
		<link>http://optimisticjourney.com/2011/10/23/how-to-know-if-god-is-speaking-to-you-vs-satan-speaking-to-you/</link>
		<comments>http://optimisticjourney.com/2011/10/23/how-to-know-if-god-is-speaking-to-you-vs-satan-speaking-to-you/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 24 Oct 2011 04:31:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jarrod Clark</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Spiritual Development]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[God]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[God speaking to you]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jesus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[satan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[speaking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[thoughts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[voice of the Lord]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Word]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Word of God]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://optimisticjourney.com/?p=2504</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Day in and day out, many thoughts come into our mind. And sometimes we entertain the wrong thoughts while other times, we let the most important, life giving thoughts go in one ear and out the other.

A key thing to remember, is that there are some things that God will never say to you. And on the contrary, there are somethings that Satan will never say to you.

God has given us the gift to discern His voice and the words that He speaks to us. But too often, we go around in doubt about whether it's God speaking to us or Satan speaking to us.]]></description>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">Day in and day out, many thoughts come into our mind. And sometimes we entertain the wrong thoughts while other times, we let the most important, life giving thoughts go in one ear and out the other.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">A key thing to remember, is that there are some things that God will never say to you. And on the contrary, there are somethings that Satan will never say to you.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">God has given us the gift to discern His voice and the words that He speaks to us. But too often, we go around in doubt about whether it&#8217;s God speaking to us or Satan speaking to us.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">When God speaks to you, it will always line up with what His Word says about you. It&#8217;s usually a thought that leads you to do what is right. A thought that builds you up. It&#8217;s often times a thought that will encourage you in bad times.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">On the other hand, when Satan speaks to you it&#8217;s a thought that tempts you to go against what God&#8217;s Word says about you. It can be a thought to tempt you into sin. Or it can be a thought full of guilt, condemnation, and accusation.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="wp-decoratr-image"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1249/1099815432_4fb1876a37_m.jpg" alt="" /><br /></span>In Matthew 12:22-37 is a familiar text that indirectly sheds light on how to determine whether God is speaking and working with us. In this text, Jesus heals a demon-possessed man. And the Pharisees said, &#8220;no wonder he can cast out demons. He gets his power from Satan, the prince of demons.&#8221; But Jesus replies and basically illustrates that a kingdom can&#8217;t stand if it&#8217;s divided from within. In other words, Satan&#8217;s kingdom can&#8217;t stand, if Satan is casting out Satan. His own kingdom will not survive.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Another illustration would be, if the Lakers&#8217; own, Kobe Bryant, makes a great turn around in the fourth quarter. And as he goes in for the point, Derek Fisher, who is on the same team, comes and purposely<span id="more-2504"></span> blocks Kobe&#8217;s shot. If this happens the Lakers would not stand. They would be divided from within.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In the same way, Satan wouldn&#8217;t tell you something that&#8217;s uplifting. Satan wouldn&#8217;t tell you that you&#8217;re blessed going in and you&#8217;re blessed coming out. Satan wouldn&#8217;t tell you that you&#8217;re more than a conqueror. Satan wouldn&#8217;t tell you that you&#8217;re the head and not the tail. Satan wouldn&#8217;t tell you that you can do all things through Christ which strengthens you. Satan wouldn&#8217;t tell you, such as Luke 10:19 says, that &#8220;God has given you authority over all the power of the enemy, to walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them.&#8221;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Satan wouldn&#8217;t tell you that all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord, and are called according to his purpose in Christ Jesus. Satan wouldn&#8217;t tell you that the peace that surpasses all understanding will come to guard your heart and mind through Christ Jesus. Satan wouldn&#8217;t say, &#8220;Now unto Him (God) who is able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all you may ask or think according to the power that works in you.&#8221; He wouldn&#8217;t tell you such things because it tears down his own camp. Only God would tell you these things because they line up with the Word of God.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Remember, Jesus came to destroy the work of the devil. He would never tell you anything that is not life giving, is not uplifting, or doesn&#8217;t promote a future full of hope. Jesus came that you might have life and have it in abundance. When He speaks to you, it&#8217;s Words that are full of life, love and hope.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">When you think thoughts that don&#8217;t line up with God&#8217;s word, rebuke them immediately. Don&#8217;t entertain them. Only entertain and obey the thoughts that lift you up in Christ. When you do so, you will see more of God&#8217;s favor and blessings as you charge forth on your journey of life!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>If you liked this article, be sure to share it on Twitter and             Facebook. If reading this article via email, forward it to a      friend.        Also stop by the site, leave a comment and participate  in     the   online      community.</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a rel="external nofollow" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29143503@N00/1099815432">Photo credit: by 水泳男</a></p>
<h4  class="related_post_title">Related Posts</h4><ul class="related_post"><li>January 10, 2012 -- <a href="http://optimisticjourney.com/2012/01/10/meditate-on-these-things-2/" title="Meditate on These Things">Meditate on These Things</a> (2)</li><li>January 5, 2012 -- <a href="http://optimisticjourney.com/2012/01/05/preach-always-use-words-only-when-necessary/" title="Preach Always, Use Words Only when Necessary">Preach Always, Use Words Only when Necessary</a> (0)</li><li>September 28, 2011 -- <a href="http://optimisticjourney.com/2011/09/28/the-difference-between-a-logos-and-a-rhema-word-and-how-they-can-benefit-you/" title="The Difference Between a &#8220;Logos&#8221; and a &#8220;Rhema&#8221; Word (and How they can Benefit You)">The Difference Between a &#8220;Logos&#8221; and a &#8220;Rhema&#8221; Word (and How they can Benefit You)</a> (2)</li><li>August 11, 2011 -- <a href="http://optimisticjourney.com/2011/08/11/stand-firm-against-the-enemy/" title="Stand Firm Against the Enemy">Stand Firm Against the Enemy</a> (2)</li><li>April 6, 2011 -- <a href="http://optimisticjourney.com/2011/04/06/be-open-to-a-higher-way-of-thinking/" title="Be Open to a Higher Way of Thinking ">Be Open to a Higher Way of Thinking </a> (0)</li></ul>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Forget Not His Many Benefits</title>
		<link>http://optimisticjourney.com/2011/10/13/forget-not-his-many-benefits/</link>
		<comments>http://optimisticjourney.com/2011/10/13/forget-not-his-many-benefits/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 14 Oct 2011 03:31:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jarrod Clark</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Gratitude]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Spiritual Development]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[adversary]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[benefits]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[benfit package]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bickering]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[complain]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[complaining]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[enemy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[forget]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[God]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Thankful]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Thanksgiving]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://optimisticjourney.com/?p=2477</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The total opposite of thanksgiving is complaining. And we have a tendency to complain when things are not going our way. But the truth is, this is what the enemy wants you to do. He want's you to look at what's going wrong, rather than focus on what's going right.

When we complain, we tend to forget the Lord's benefits. We forget all He's done for us. And in the interim, it causes a downward cycle of bitterness, sadness, and frustration. ]]></description>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">The total opposite of thanksgiving is complaining. And we have a tendency to complain when things are not going our way. But the truth is, this is what the enemy wants you to do. He want&#8217;s you to look at what&#8217;s going wrong, rather than focus on what&#8217;s going right.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">When we complain, we tend to forget the Lord&#8217;s benefits. We forget all He&#8217;s done for us. And in the interim, it causes a downward cycle of bitterness, sadness, and frustration.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">But be encouraged today. Don&#8217;t look at what&#8217;s going wrong in your life, look at what&#8217;s going right. Don&#8217;t yield to the temptation of the adversary and allow him to throw you off track. No, remember all the Lord&#8217;s many benefits.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="wp-decoratr-image"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2451/3733397100_b77c0d6cd3_m.jpg" alt="" /><br /></span>Be thankful that you&#8217;re healthy and whole. Be thankful that you&#8217;re in your right mind, and have full activity of your limbs.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">His benefits are that you&#8217;re blessed going in and coming out. You&#8217;re blessed and highly favored of the Lord. He&#8217;s a God that causes you to prosper in everything that you do. He has even given you the ability to do all things through Christ which strengthens you. These are just a few of the many benefits that come with the Lord&#8217;s &#8220;package deal&#8221;.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">You see, it&#8217;s likened to getting a job. When you get hired on to that job, you&#8217;re getting more than just a paycheck. You&#8217;re getting extra benefits. Some companies even offer incentive bonuses. When you get sick or have an accident, and end up in the hospital, that&#8217;s when your<span id="more-2477"></span> &#8220;benefits&#8221; kick in. But if your benefits are cut off and you&#8217;re in need of them, you will be instantly reminded of the importance of those benefits. For many, it can be a life or death situation.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Well, that&#8217;s what the enemy wants to do. He wants to get you to complain and forget the benefits of God. Remember, the Children of Israel were in the wilderness for 40 years, and much of the reason was because of their constant bickering and complaining. It&#8217;s because of this that they were temporarily cut off from the benefits of God.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Psalm 103:2 says, &#8220;Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all His benefits.&#8221; Make a decision today to be thankful for everything that the Lord has done. Don&#8217;t forget His benefits. Don&#8217;t complain and risk losing your &#8220;benefit package.&#8221; Instead, show gratitude in every area of your life. And watch as the Lord grants you increase as you charge forth on your journey of life!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>If you liked this article, be sure to share it on Twitter and         Facebook. If reading this article via email, forward it to a  friend.        Also stop by the site, leave a comment and participate in  the   online      community.</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a rel="external nofollow" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/79538062@N00/3733397100">Photo credit: by jypsygen</a></p>
<h4  class="related_post_title">Related Posts</h4><ul class="related_post"><li>November 21, 2011 -- <a href="http://optimisticjourney.com/2011/11/21/attitude-of-gratitude/" title="Attitude of Gratitude!">Attitude of Gratitude!</a> (2)</li><li>August 28, 2011 -- <a href="http://optimisticjourney.com/2011/08/28/gratitude-in-advance/" title="Gratitude in Advance">Gratitude in Advance</a> (1)</li><li>June 21, 2011 -- <a href="http://optimisticjourney.com/2011/06/21/complaining-doesnt-help/" title="Complaining Doesn&#8217;t Help!">Complaining Doesn&#8217;t Help!</a> (2)</li><li>November 23, 2009 -- <a href="http://optimisticjourney.com/2009/11/23/showing-gratitude-during-the-holidays/" title="Showing Gratitude During The Holidays">Showing Gratitude During The Holidays</a> (1)</li><li>November 23, 2011 -- <a href="http://optimisticjourney.com/2011/11/23/its-easier-said-than-done/" title="It&#8217;s Easier Said than Done ">It&#8217;s Easier Said than Done </a> (0)</li></ul>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Make Your List and Check it Twice</title>
		<link>http://optimisticjourney.com/2011/10/11/make-your-list-and-check-it-twice/</link>
		<comments>http://optimisticjourney.com/2011/10/11/make-your-list-and-check-it-twice/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 12 Oct 2011 04:24:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jarrod Clark</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Personal Development]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Spiritual Development]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bad fruit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[benevolence]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[check it twice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[faithfulness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fruit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fruit of the spirit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gentleness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[good fruit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[goodness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[humility]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Joy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kindness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[list]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Longsuffering]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[love]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[meekness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Patience]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Peace]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[self-control]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Spirit]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://optimisticjourney.com/?p=2473</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[From time to time, we find ourselves straying away from the fruit that God wants us to bear. Our natural human nature, at times, will cause us to bear fruit that isn't pleasing to God.

That's why it's important for us to perform self assessments and make sure we're bearing the fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 tells us that "the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." These are the traits that the Holy Spirit within us would cause us to bear.

And again, often times we'll find ourselves being tempted to not exercise these traits. A great exercise, would be to commit the fruit of the Spirit to memory. And throughout the day, make a mental list of times when you can practice bearing good fruit. ]]></description>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">From time to time, we find ourselves straying away from the fruit that God wants us to bear. Our natural human nature, at times, will cause us to bear fruit that isn&#8217;t pleasing to God.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">That&#8217;s why it&#8217;s important for us to perform self assessments and make sure we&#8217;re bearing the fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 tells us that &#8220;the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.&#8221; These are the traits that the Holy Spirit within us would cause us to bear.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">And again, often times we&#8217;ll find ourselves being tempted to not exercise these traits. A great exercise, would be to commit the fruit of the Spirit to memory. And throughout the day, make a mental list of times when you can practice bearing good fruit.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="wp-decoratr-image"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/85/274449613_37727e9d9b_m.jpg" alt="" /><br /></span>For instance, when you&#8217;re in rush hour traffic and you&#8217;re tempted to get impatient, take a second and double check your mental list. This is the time to exercise forbearance, or patience (long-suffering) as some translations put it. Maybe someone wants to get in ahead of you in traffic, this is a chance for you to exercise kindness and goodness.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Maybe you&#8217;re trying to meet deadlines and something doesn&#8217;t go your way. You may be tempted to get frustrated or irritated. Double check your list, my friends. This<span id="more-2473"></span> would be an opportunity to exercise self-control. Or maybe you&#8217;re in the mist of turmoil and chaos. And everything around you is in an uproar. You may be tempted to get stressed out. Double check to see if you&#8217;re bearing fruit. This would be a great opportunity for you to exercise peace.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">If a friend offends you, and you&#8217;re tempted to write them off and never forgive them, check the list. This is the time to exercise love. Or maybe you&#8217;re bogged down by the cares of life and you&#8217;re tempted to get down in the dumps. Check your list. This is an opportunity to exercise joy.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">From time to time, you&#8217;ll find that even your faith is tested. Continue to do good. Have faith anyway. When you find yourself losing your sense of ease, and humility, that&#8217;s the time to exercise gentleness, (or meekness as some translations call it.)</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Every time you make the decision to diligently practice bearing the fruit of the Spirit, you&#8217;ll find yourself dying to the bad fruit that has been holding you back. You&#8217;ll find it easier to resist the urge to get upset, impatient, jealous, or even to become hateful. If you&#8217;ll make your mental list, check it twice, and practice good fruit, you&#8217;ll discover the power of God at work in you more and more as you charge forth on your journey of life!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>If you liked this article, be sure to share it on Twitter and        Facebook. If reading this article via email, forward it to a friend.        Also stop by the site, leave a comment and participate in the   online      community.</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a rel="external nofollow" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/95413346@N00/274449613">Photo credit: by ElvertBarnes</a></p>
<h4  class="related_post_title">Related Posts</h4><ul class="related_post"><li>February 26, 2010 -- <a href="http://optimisticjourney.com/2010/02/26/fruit-of-the-spirit-breakdown/" title="Fruit of the Spirit Breakdown">Fruit of the Spirit Breakdown</a> (3)</li><li>March 23, 2011 -- <a href="http://optimisticjourney.com/2011/03/23/got-fruit/" title="Got Fruit?">Got Fruit?</a> (1)</li><li>June 20, 2011 -- <a href="http://optimisticjourney.com/2011/06/20/what-kind-of-fruit-are-you-producing/" title="What Kind of Fruit Are You Producing?">What Kind of Fruit Are You Producing?</a> (1)</li><li>October 20, 2010 -- <a href="http://optimisticjourney.com/2010/10/20/dealing-with-difficult-people/" title="Dealing With Difficult People">Dealing With Difficult People</a> (2)</li><li>November 3, 2009 -- <a href="http://optimisticjourney.com/2009/11/03/patience-is-a-virtue/" title="Patience Is A Virtue">Patience Is A Virtue</a> (2)</li></ul>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>God is Working (You Can Go on Autopilot)</title>
		<link>http://optimisticjourney.com/2011/10/05/god-is-working-you-can-go-on-autopilot/</link>
		<comments>http://optimisticjourney.com/2011/10/05/god-is-working-you-can-go-on-autopilot/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 06 Oct 2011 04:44:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jarrod Clark</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Motivational]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Spiritual Development]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[anxiety]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[autopilot]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[burdens]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cast your cares]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[doubt]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fear]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[God]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mess]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Peace]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pray]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Prayer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[rest]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tranquility]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[trash]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[worry]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://optimisticjourney.com/?p=2447</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There is something that is so peaceful about praying. Part of what give us a sense of peace and tranquility is simply knowing that, God is working.

You see, when you go to the Lord, you're casting all your cares on Him. It's like taking out the trash. If the trash builds up in the home, nothing good can come from it. It can cause odor, bacteria build up, fungus, and it can even draw some un-welcomed creatures into the home.
]]></description>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">There is something that is so peaceful about praying. Part of what give us a sense of peace and tranquility is simply knowing that, God is working.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">You see, when you go to the Lord, you&#8217;re casting all your cares on Him. It&#8217;s like taking out the trash. If the trash builds up in the home, nothing good can come from it. It can cause odor, bacteria build up, fungus, and it can even draw some unwanted creatures into the home.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">But when you go to the Lord in prayer, it&#8217;s almost like taking your trash out. For many of us, our prayers are, &#8220;Lord, fix this. Change that. Remove this. Clean that.&#8221;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="wp-decoratr-image"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2155/2200443945_aa6ae1afe3_m.jpg" alt="" /><br /></span>And you may say, &#8220;this doesn&#8217;t sound right. It&#8217;s not right to dump all my mess on the Lord.&#8221; But because of Grace, we have the privilege of casting our burdens on the Lord. In fact, that&#8217;s what Jesus urges us to do. He doesn&#8217;t want us to carry the load. No, He wants to relieve us of the burden.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">We know this because Jesus says in Matthew 11:28, &#8220;come to me all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens and I will give you rest.&#8221; And 1 Peter 5:7 says to &#8220;cast your cares on the Lord for he cares for you.&#8221;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">That means all your mess: your stress, burdens, insecurities, doubts, worries and fears- you can take them to the Lord and in exchange He will give you <span id="more-2447"></span>rest and peace.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I think about pilots who fly airplanes. I heard that before they depart for the trip, they simply plug the coordinates into the system. They input the destination into the computer and allow the plane to fly on autopilot.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">That&#8217;s what you do when you pray. You&#8217;re simply taking those unwanted coordinates and leaving them in God&#8217;s hands. In turn, you&#8217;ll have so much peace in knowing that God is working. And when you have the satisfaction in knowing that God is working, you can go on autopilot.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Make a decision to pray in every area of your life. When you do so, I believe you&#8217;ll encounter a Philippians 4:7 experience. The peace that surpasses all understanding will guard your heart and mind as you charge forth on your journey of life!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>If you liked this article, be sure to share it on Twitter and     Facebook. If reading this article via email, forward it to a friend.     Also stop by the site, leave a comment and participate in the online     community.</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a rel="external nofollow" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57518661@N00/2200443945">Photo credit: by Fly For Fun</a></p>
<h4  class="related_post_title">Related Posts</h4><ul class="related_post"><li>June 10, 2010 -- <a href="http://optimisticjourney.com/2010/06/10/make-your-appointment-with-fear-today/" title="Make Your Appointment With Fear Today!">Make Your Appointment With Fear Today!</a> (7)</li><li>October 6, 2011 -- <a href="http://optimisticjourney.com/2011/10/06/the-choice-is-yours/" title="The Choice is Yours">The Choice is Yours</a> (6)</li><li>August 3, 2011 -- <a href="http://optimisticjourney.com/2011/08/03/his-peace-is-available-to-you/" title="His Peace is Available to You!">His Peace is Available to You!</a> (2)</li><li>February 2, 2012 -- <a href="http://optimisticjourney.com/2012/02/02/10-ways-to-have-a-complete-joy-filled-day/" title="10 Ways to Have a Complete Joy-filled Day!">10 Ways to Have a Complete Joy-filled Day!</a> (2)</li><li>December 23, 2011 -- <a href="http://optimisticjourney.com/2011/12/23/have-yourself-a-very-fearless-christmas/" title="Have Yourself a Very Fearless Christmas!">Have Yourself a Very Fearless Christmas!</a> (0)</li></ul>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>The Difference Between a &#8220;Logos&#8221; and a &#8220;Rhema&#8221; Word (and How they can Benefit You)</title>
		<link>http://optimisticjourney.com/2011/09/28/the-difference-between-a-logos-and-a-rhema-word-and-how-they-can-benefit-you/</link>
		<comments>http://optimisticjourney.com/2011/09/28/the-difference-between-a-logos-and-a-rhema-word-and-how-they-can-benefit-you/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 29 Sep 2011 03:43:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jarrod Clark</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Spiritual Development]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bible]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[clarity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[direction]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[guidance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Logos]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[revelation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rhema]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[right now word]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[scripture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[spoken word]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[understanding]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Word]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Word of God]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[written word]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://optimisticjourney.com/?p=2422</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In our relationship with Christ, we find ourselves going to the Word of God for understanding, revelation, and direction. And sometimes we get clarity and instruction, and other times, we don't get any understanding. Therefore, it's important to know that there are two types of Words that feed us.  One is known simply as the "Logos" word, and the other is a "Rhema" Word.

To simply put it, the word "Logos" is a Greek word which means "written word." The Bible is referred to as Logos.  The word "Rhema" in Greek is referred to as "spoken word." Many Bible scholars and theologians refer to a Rhema word as being a right now word, or a word for a specific person, a specific time, and a current situation.]]></description>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">In our relationship with Christ, we find ourselves going to the Word of God for understanding, revelation, and direction. And sometimes we get clarity and instruction, and other times, we don&#8217;t get any understanding. Therefore, it&#8217;s important to know that there are two types of Words that feed us.  One is known simply as the &#8220;Logos&#8221; word, and the other is a &#8220;Rhema&#8221; Word.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">To simply put it, the word &#8220;Logos&#8221; is a Greek word which means &#8220;written word.&#8221; The Bible, for instance, is an example of a Logos.  The word &#8220;Rhema&#8221; in Greek is referred to as &#8220;spoken word.&#8221; Many Bible scholars and theologians refer to a Rhema word as being a right now word, or a word for a specific person and a current situation.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">You see, when we read the bible, the Word never changes. We&#8217;re taking in the Logos. It&#8217;s the same Logos or written word that was there in the beginning. I&#8217;ve heard many people say that at times, when they read the Bible, they don&#8217;t understand. For them, the Words aren&#8217;t ministering to them. That&#8217;s when a Rhema word comes in handy.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">When you&#8217;re at church, and the minister speaks the sermon, they&#8217;ll speak the word in a way that you get an understanding. The clarity that you get as a result of the sermon, is a Rhema word.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="wp-decoratr-image"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3299/4575620990_e2956bcc4c_m.jpg" alt="" /><br /></span>A Rhema word can be a result of the Logos (or Bible) but not always the case. The principle of a Rhema word is based off the Logos, but other times it can be a word that guides you, or shows you what to do.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Here&#8217;s the key: when it comes to reading the Bible, which is the Logos, there will be times when you get an understanding or revelation beyond the words that are written on the page. That understanding and revelation that you get is another example of a Rhema word. It&#8217;s like studying in school, or doing your homework, and you finally get an &#8220;ahah&#8221; moment. You get a moment where you say, &#8220;Oh, now I get it&#8230; I didn&#8217;t understand before but now I see&#8230;&#8221;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Well in the biblical context, I like to think that this &#8220;ahah&#8221; moment is the<span id="more-2422"></span> Lord giving you a Rhema word. It&#8217;s a right now word for you! It&#8217;s a word tailor-made for you and your current  situation.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">How does this benefit you? The good thing about a Rhema word is that it can come at anytime. You can be driving in your car, shopping at the store, or at work and God can speak something in your spirit. This Rhema word, that He speaks can be something telling what you need to do, where you need to go, or it can be something to sooth your mind and give you peace. Usually when you get a Rhema word, you get an emotion of joy or excitement that comes with it.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">2 Timothy 3:16 says, &#8220;All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.&#8221;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The important thing is that we get a Word from the Lord, period. And the more you read and study the scriptures and develop a relationship with Christ, the more and more He will speak clarity into your heart. The Bible, or Logos, will always be here for us. But unfortunately many won&#8217;t always gain an understanding from it.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">So, when you study the Bible, pray that God will also speak a Rhema word (or a right now word) into your heart for your current situation. Not yesterday&#8217;s situation, not tomorrow&#8217;s situation but your current situation. With a complete understanding of God&#8217;s word, you will be opened to more light and guidance than you ever thought possible as you charge forth on your journey of life!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>If you liked this article, be sure to share it on Twitter and Facebook. If reading this article via email, forward it to a friend. Also stop by the site, leave a comment and participate in the online community.</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a rel="external nofollow" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47100590@N05/4575620990">Photo credit: by rimabek</a></p>
<h4  class="related_post_title">Related Posts</h4><ul class="related_post"><li>January 10, 2012 -- <a href="http://optimisticjourney.com/2012/01/10/meditate-on-these-things-2/" title="Meditate on These Things">Meditate on These Things</a> (2)</li><li>October 23, 2011 -- <a href="http://optimisticjourney.com/2011/10/23/how-to-know-if-god-is-speaking-to-you-vs-satan-speaking-to-you/" title="How to Know if God is Speaking to You (vs Satan Speaking to You)">How to Know if God is Speaking to You (vs Satan Speaking to You)</a> (2)</li><li>June 30, 2011 -- <a href="http://optimisticjourney.com/2011/06/30/whose-counsel-are-you-seeking/" title="Whose Counsel are You Seeking?">Whose Counsel are You Seeking?</a> (1)</li><li>October 26, 2009 -- <a href="http://optimisticjourney.com/2009/10/26/will-prayer-change-your-life/" title="Will Prayer Change Your Life?">Will Prayer Change Your Life?</a> (3)</li><li>January 5, 2012 -- <a href="http://optimisticjourney.com/2012/01/05/preach-always-use-words-only-when-necessary/" title="Preach Always, Use Words Only when Necessary">Preach Always, Use Words Only when Necessary</a> (0)</li></ul>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>God Will Stand In The Gap</title>
		<link>http://optimisticjourney.com/2011/09/22/god-will-stand-in-the-gap/</link>
		<comments>http://optimisticjourney.com/2011/09/22/god-will-stand-in-the-gap/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 23 Sep 2011 03:58:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jarrod Clark</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Spiritual Development]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fill the void]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gap]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[God]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[God's presence]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[material things]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[money]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[people]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Prayer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[smart phone]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[stand in the gap]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[technology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[void]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wealth]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://optimisticjourney.com/?p=2410</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Wherever there is a void in your life, God can fill it. But too often we forget this principle. And in turn, we resort to things or people of this world to fill the gap. But I want to encourage you today that with God, you have everything you need to bring restoration in every area of your life.

You see, behind the scenes, God is going to work and He is making provisions for you. He's working on your behalf to bring ease to every difficult area in your life.

But many times we have it backwards. We end up looking to the things of this world to stand in the gap. Some put their faith in money and material possessions. Others put their trust in people. Some others even resort to excessive alcohol and drugs  to fill the void. ]]></description>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">Wherever there is a void in your life, God can fill it. But too often we forget this principle. And in turn, we resort to things or people of this world to fill the gap. But I want to encourage you today that with God, you have everything you need to bring restoration in every area of your life.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">You see, behind the scenes, God is going to work and He&#8217;s making provisions for you. He&#8217;s working on your behalf to bring ease to every difficult area in your life.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">But many times we have it backwards. We end up looking to the things of this world to stand in the gap. Some put their faith in money and material possessions. Others put their trust in people. Some others even resort to excessive alcohol and drugs  to fill the void.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">But you should know that these things are only temporary. They are what I like to call an immediate fix. But God is the only permanent fix.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="wp-decoratr-image"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3204/3128976380_c70fb7c0c7_m.jpg" alt="" /><br /></span>I think about how I love my toys. I&#8217;m a big electronic guy and I love my new gadgets. Anytime there&#8217;s a new technology gadget on the market, I love to scope it out. And I can remember when I first got my touch screen smart phone. And I can remember being on it all day trying to figure out how it works, what it can do, and what all I can get out of it.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">For the rest of the week, I was content with my face down in my<span id="more-2410"></span> phone making new discoveries. After about a week or so, once I got used to it, I was finally able to put it down. And I remember jokingly thinking, &#8220;okay I&#8217;m used to this, what&#8217;s next? What will my next new toy be?&#8221;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Well the truth is, that&#8217;s how we are with the things of this world. We&#8217;re looking for certain things or people to stand in the gap. We&#8217;re looking for something to make us content. And once we get used to it, we look for something else to fill the void.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Just think, what would it be like if we we&#8217;re just as passionate about the Lord as we are about the things of this world? What would it be like if we we&#8217;re just as eager to pray all day long? What would it be like if we felt an urge to get in His presence and be content to stay there?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I believe if we can get to the point where we allow God to stand in the gap, we will have unlimited joy and peace. Remember, the things of this world are only temporary but the God&#8217;s presence lasts forever. If you allow God to stand in the gap, I believe you will experience true joy and peace as you charge forth on your journey of life!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>If you liked this article, be sure to share it on Twitter and                                                Facebook. If reading this      article     via        email,         forward    it    to  a               friend.             Also   stop     by the    site,      leave a         comment   and             participate   in         the      online                community.</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a rel="external nofollow" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7329871@N03/3128976380">Photo credit: by neoroma</a></p>
<h4  class="related_post_title">Related Posts</h4><ul class="related_post"><li>October 5, 2011 -- <a href="http://optimisticjourney.com/2011/10/05/god-is-working-you-can-go-on-autopilot/" title="God is Working (You Can Go on Autopilot)">God is Working (You Can Go on Autopilot)</a> (5)</li><li>September 18, 2011 -- <a href="http://optimisticjourney.com/2011/09/18/god-uses-the-ordinary-people/" title="God Uses the Ordinary People">God Uses the Ordinary People</a> (2)</li><li>February 1, 2012 -- <a href="http://optimisticjourney.com/2012/02/01/get-the-inside-information/" title="Get the Inside Information!">Get the Inside Information!</a> (0)</li><li>January 26, 2012 -- <a href="http://optimisticjourney.com/2012/01/26/god-abides-with-us/" title="God Abides With Us">God Abides With Us</a> (0)</li><li>January 10, 2012 -- <a href="http://optimisticjourney.com/2012/01/10/meditate-on-these-things-2/" title="Meditate on These Things">Meditate on These Things</a> (2)</li></ul>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>God Has The Right-of-Way</title>
		<link>http://optimisticjourney.com/2011/08/21/god-has-the-right-of-way/</link>
		<comments>http://optimisticjourney.com/2011/08/21/god-has-the-right-of-way/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 22 Aug 2011 02:20:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jarrod Clark</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Personal Development]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Spiritual Development]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[God's timing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Patience]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[promises of God]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[right of way]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[timing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wait]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[yield]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://optimisticjourney.com/?p=2292</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Sometimes we grow impatient and demand our own way while waiting on the Lord to manifest His promises in our lives. Instead of seeking God for direction and waiting patiently, we have a tendency to seek our own knowledge and wisdom.

But know today that it's better to wait on God's timing. Even when it seems like there's no end, God is working behind the scenes to meet you at the point of your need.

The truth is, when we grow impatient and take matters into our own hands, we mess up the flow of God. Just like everything in life, there is a process. God has a natural step by step progression planned out for you. And when you try to put the end result before it's proper time, things can actually turn out against your favor.
]]></description>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">Sometimes we grow impatient and demand our own way while waiting on the Lord to manifest His promises in our lives. Instead of seeking God for direction and waiting patiently, we have a tendency to seek our own knowledge and wisdom.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">But know today that it&#8217;s better to wait on God&#8217;s timing. Even when it seems like there&#8217;s no end, God is working behind the scenes to meet you at the point of your need.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The truth is, when we grow impatient and take matters into our own hands, we mess up the flow of God. There is a process for everything in Life. God has a natural step by step progression planned out for you. And when you try to put the end result before it&#8217;s proper time, things can actually turn out against your favor.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="wp-decoratr-image"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/84/362696038_7aa736239b_m.jpg" alt="" /><br /></span>The other day I was driving in traffic on a very busy stretch. And I came to a point where I was merging into the left turning lane to cross the median. Normally, this is a very busy stretch and it can be difficult to get across the road when yielding to the oncoming traffic. But eventually, when it comes time for the traffic lights to turn red, you can merge across the highway with no problem.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">It turns out, the person in car ahead of me grew impatient and decided to &#8220;make their own way.&#8221; They eased out into the oncoming traffic, causing them to <span id="more-2292"></span>slam on their breaks and slow down just so that they can get across the highway. This could&#8217;ve caused an accident and it could&#8217;ve ended up in a big mess.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Well, my friend that&#8217;s what it&#8217;s like when you&#8217;re yielding to God. When you grow tired of waiting and decide to make your own way, the results can cause a bad chain of events. You may experience immediate results but if it&#8217;s against the will of God, it won&#8217;t last. You&#8217;ll look back in time and wish that you would&#8217;ve given God the right-of-way.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">It&#8217;s like driving in traffic, if you&#8217;ll just wait on that appointed time, God will make a way for you. If you make your own way, the results can be costly. But if you wait on God and let Him have His way, the results will end up in your favor.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Isaiah 40:31 says, &#8220;they that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength.&#8221;  Continue to wait on the Lord. Let Him have the right-of-way and watch Him provide open doors and endless avenues for you as you charge forth on your journey of life!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>If you liked this article, be sure to share it on Twitter and                                Facebook. If reading this article via email,         forward    it    to  a          friend.        Also stop by the    site,      leave a    comment   and       participate  in     the      online           community.</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a rel="external nofollow" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/64867379@N00/362696038">Photo credit: by Li&#8217;l Wolf</a></p>
<h4  class="related_post_title">Related Posts</h4><ul class="related_post"><li>July 5, 2011 -- <a href="http://optimisticjourney.com/2011/07/05/wait-on-the-lord/" title="Wait On The Lord">Wait On The Lord</a> (0)</li><li>October 11, 2011 -- <a href="http://optimisticjourney.com/2011/10/11/make-your-list-and-check-it-twice/" title="Make Your List and Check it Twice">Make Your List and Check it Twice</a> (3)</li><li>June 21, 2011 -- <a href="http://optimisticjourney.com/2011/06/21/complaining-doesnt-help/" title="Complaining Doesn&#8217;t Help!">Complaining Doesn&#8217;t Help!</a> (2)</li><li>March 28, 2011 -- <a href="http://optimisticjourney.com/2011/03/28/endurance-to-stand-the-test-of-time/" title="Endurance To Stand The Test of Time!">Endurance To Stand The Test of Time!</a> (0)</li><li>March 23, 2011 -- <a href="http://optimisticjourney.com/2011/03/23/got-fruit/" title="Got Fruit?">Got Fruit?</a> (1)</li></ul>]]></content:encoded>
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