Soul ties

As you look at this teaching on soul ties, I pray that your eyes of understanding be enlightened and that it will set you free. Jesus came that we could  have life, and have it more abundantly. This day will you choose life. You cannot move forward with God if you cannot resolve the things of the past. Whatever you are preoccupied with in your mind, and meditate on those things all the time, and cannot hear the voice of the Holy Spirit, you are probably soul tied to something or someone. 
The Father brought you to this site for a reason. He loves you so much, He always wants the best for you.

Deu 10:20 Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God; him shalt thou serve, and to him shalt thou cleave, and swear by his name.

1 Cor 6:17 But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.

1 Cor 2:16 for who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

A soul tie is the knitting together of two souls that can either bring tremendous blessings in a Godly relationship or tremendous destruction when made with the wrong persons.
A soul tie in the Bible can be described not only by the word knit, but also by the word cleave, which means to bring close together, follow close after, be attached to someone, or adhere to one another as with glue.


GODLY SOUL TIES

2 Cor 11:20 For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face. KJV

2 Cor 11:20 In fact, you even put up with anyone who enslaves you or exploits you or takes advantage of you or pushes himself forward or slaps you in the face. NIV

1 Sam 18:1 And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. 1 Sam 18:2 And Saul took him that day, and would let him go no more home to his father's house.
1 Sam 18:3 Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul. KJV.

1 Sam 18:1 After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself.

1 Sam 18:2 From that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return to his father's house

1 Sam 18:3 And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. NIV

David and Jonathan actually formed a covenant because they loved each other so deeply. Their souls were knit together (tied or joined together)

The stronger the bonding or soul ties between friends the deeper and more lasting the relationship is. The emotional and mental strengths of one sustain the other in times of adversity. (Difficulties or misfortune) and allows them to rejoice with the other in the time of triumph.

When love between friends is pure and not polluted by any selfish desire, the bond between them works well in their lives.
Jesus speaks of this kind of love in John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends.

That is the kind of love Jonathan and David had, and that is why it was a Godly soul tie. Because of this type of Godly soul tie, it formed the basis for a good marriage and an enduring relationship. They truly had a great friendship, and because of the deepness and pureness, the two souls drew strength and encouragement from each other as well as security and love.

In order to have this kind of friendship, you have to very selective and get wisdom from God. The Holy Spirit will teach you how to have this kind of relationship. It takes people that have a pure and giving heart and puts their love in action. If you have a close friend in your life right now and they have these characteristics that is good. If they are selfish and controlling you need to pray and get the wisdom from above on what to do, because the friendship could become dangerous, because your souls are knit together, emotionally and this is not a Godly soul tie.

Eccl 4:9-12 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?  And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
Mat 18:19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.

The early church in the book of acts was so explosive and experienced such power and the reason was they were unified.

Acts 4:32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.
 Acts 4:33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.

Acts 4:34 Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,
 
UNGODLY SOUL TIES
While a soul tie will develop between any two people who are open to one another, the strength of those soul ties depends upon how deeply involved with another their heart becomes. You can become soul tied to family, friends, co-workers and the leadership you are under. Unity we have with others is an open expression of our soul ties.

Carefully examine our friends (male or Female) before it becomes a covenant or relationship, because people that come into our lives can influence the shaping of our lives and our walk with Jesus.

Check their motives, here are a few things to watch for.

1.Is this person a compromising person or is it their way or no way.

2. Are they self-centered?

3.Do they have a giving spirit or do they always want to take?

4.Are they kind, gentle and above all loving?

5 Are they saved and walking with Jesus?

6 Are they controlling or manipulative? Beware

When a person who is bonded to another is governed by impure motives or the desire for selfish gain, the soul tie between them can enable (make able) that selfish one to manipulate and abuse  the other. A person can actually control another through soul ties, because the minds of the two are open to one another.

In ungodly relationships these soul ties may place us in emotional and mental bondage to others and causing us to do and say things to our own hurt.

Rom 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

Ungodly soul ties can potentially establish if the relationship is not under the Lordship of Christ. God demands first place in our hearts, spouses are to be second, followed by children, family, friends and associates.

When our strongest soul tie is to God, there is a divine covering and protection that will enable us to withstand forming ungodly soul ties. The Holy Ghost.

Isa 54:5 For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.

Eph 5:30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.

Eph 5:31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined  unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.

 
Sexual Soul Ties

Since the sexual union of marriage ties two souls as one, what do you think happens if a person commits fornication or adultery with another person outside of the marriage? Actually, your soul becomes mysteriously knit and tied to the other person also. They cleaved together just as in marriage. The soul ties formed through illicit sexual involvement can be as strong and binding as those formed through the marriage covenant.

Gen 34:1 And Dinah the daughter of Leah, which she bare unto Jacob went out to seethe daughters of the land.
Gen 34:2 And when Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, prince of the country, saw her, he took her, and lay with her, and defiled her.
Gen 34:3 And his soul clave unto Dinah the daughter of Jacob, and he loved the damsel, and spake kindly unto the damsel.

The above scriptures give an illustration of how fornication and immorality form soul ties

Actually Shechem did not love Dinah he just lusted for after he had raped her. Gen 34:8 And Hamor communed with them, saying the soul of my son Shechem longeth for your daughter: I pray you give her him to wife. Sexual involvement can form such entangling tentacles of soul ties that it is extremely hard to break off the relationship.

God designed the universe to function with natural and spiritual laws that bring freedom when obeyed, but bondage and destruction when broken and violated. Just as two souls can be knit or made to cleave together in a covenant relationship, they can also be tied or knit together to form bondage and enslavement. Sexual union was ordained by God to make two marriage partners one flesh before God, but promiscuous premarital and extramarital affairs can mysteriously tie ones soul to many partners. We seem to misunderstand the seriousness in these soul ties. It is because of lack of knowledge that we perish. Paul warns us in 1 Cor.6: 16& 18.

1 Cor 6:16-18 Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, "The two will become one flesh." But he who unites himself with the Lord is one with him in spirit. Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body.

If you are in a sexual relationship right now outside of marriage STOP it now.  No matter what kind of things satan tells you about it is ok, that you are in love. Your life will become so entangled that you want even know what is going on. You will be cursed.

Prov. 5:20 And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and  embrace the bosom of a stranger?
Prov. 5:21 For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.
Prov 5:22 His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.

Gen 3:16 Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.
  
 PLEASE PRAY THIS PRAYER  BELIEVING YOU ARE FREE
"Father God, in Jesus' name, I humbly ask you to forgive me and cleanse me of the sin of fornication. I acknowledge it as sin and ask you to help me forsake in completely. I thank you for your forgiveness, in Jesus' name. "Lord God, I come before your throne of grace boldly, and covered in the shed blood of your Son. In Jesus' mighty name, I ask you to cut any and all ungodly soul ties between myself and anyone else [say NAME or NAMES if appropriate and remembered] created by sexual acts or any other relationship, known or unknown, remembered or forgotten. Please Father, take the Sword of the Holy Spirit and separate my human spirit with the human spirits of anyone with whom I have ungodly sexual contact. In Jesus' name, I ask You to cleanse those ties by the blood of Jesus of any possible access through which Satan can trouble me or my family. "By the authority of the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I break the power of any and all covenants, contracts, dedications or commissions made over me [or my children, if any]. In the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord, I now command any and all demons which may have come into me by ungodly soul ties or any other sin to leave me at once, never to return. I bind you all together as one, and I weaken you with the Blood of Calvary. I command you to go where the Lord Jesus Christ tells you to go by the voice of His Holy Spirit.

"Abba Father, in Jesus' mighty name, I ask you to shut any doorways of demonic access opened into my life by ungodly soul ties or any other sort of sexual sin, and I ask you to seal those doorways forever with the Blood of the Lamb, shed on the cross of Calvary. I thank you for doing this, in Jesus' name, Amen."

  I'M A CHRISTIAN By Maya Angelou

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin."
I'm whispering "I was lost,"
Now I'm found and forgiven.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble
and need CHRIST to be my guide.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak
and need HIS strength to carry on.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed
and need God to clean my mess.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible
but, God believes I am worth it.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I still feel the sting of pain,
I have my share of heartaches
So I call upon His name.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner
who received God's good grace, somehow.

Be Encouraged
Living for God and Doing it for God

PUSH YOUR THOUGHTS AROUND
Did you know you can talk yourself into having a bad day? But, you can also talk yourself into have a good day. I heard a story about a young girl who woke up one morning and she was kind of grouchy. She was complaining about everything and just had a bad attitude. Her mother wondered what was wrong, but the next day, before her mother could even say anything, the girl woke up, and it was like she was a completely different person. Her mother asked her, "What's going on with you?" The young girl replied, "Mom, yesterday I let my thoughts push me around, but today, I'm pushing my thoughts around."
We all have to do that. We all have to realize that looking at life with a negative perspective won't accomplish anything. We have to choose to look for the good things in life and develop a heart of gratefulness. When you have a grateful heart, it takes you to another level. And in these uncertain times, when it's so easy to let things pull you down, we have to work a little bit harder to take control of our thoughts and attitude. We have to actively look for things to be grateful for. Don't just sit around mindlessly watching TV, or listening to people talk about how bad things are. Yes, we need to be informed about what's going on in the world, but we shouldn't be so consumed by it that it steals our joy and peace. You can't allow yourself to be so wrapped up in everyday life that you forget to look at and enjoy the little things.

I know of someone who has written down the things he's grateful for in His life so he can keep his thoughts focused in the right direction. I admire him for that. He doesn't let his thoughts push him around. We should all have a "gratefulness list." Even if it isn't on paper, it should be on our hearts and minds. That's how we turn negative thoughts into positive thoughts—by choosing what we focus on. Remember, God is longing to be good to those who are looking for His goodness. Choose to focus on the good things in your life so that you can move forward in His strength and favor.

SPEAK LIFE TO DYING PLACES

There's a woman who lives in an urban part with one home on each side. About a year ago, all three neighbors had identical trees planted in front of their homes. They were young trees, maybe 10 or 12 feet tall. When hurricane Ike came through in September 2008, those three new trees were toppled over, blown by the strong winds. They looked as if they were dying.
After the storm, all three neighbors went out to replant their trees. They tied their trees to stakes in the ground and did whatever they could to help those little trees take root. But my friend did something different from her neighbors. Every day she'd pass by her tree on her way to work, and she would speak to that little tree, "Be blessed! Grow straight and strong." Day after day, she would speak life over her little tree. It wasn't long before she noticed that her tree was growing stronger and straighter than her neighbors. In fact, her neighbor's trees are still leaning over, not looking too healthy or growing very much, but her tree is now straight, strong, and flourishing! All three trees received the same amount of sun, the same water, the same soil. What made the difference? The power of words.
As you think about your life, what are the things that have been blown over by the storms and circumstances of life? What looks like it's dying in your world? Are your dreams toppled over? Does your marriage appear to be uprooted? I encourage you today, just like my friend, begin to speak life and blessing to the dying places. Water those areas by speaking the Word of God. When you sow seeds of life and blessing, no matter what your circumstances my look like, before long—just like my friend—you'll see life and health flourish by the power of your words!
The tongue has the power of life and death…(Proverbs 18:21, NIV).

THE GIFT OF LISTENING
You know, over the years I've discovered that one of the best ways to learn about the people in your life is to become a good listener. Everyone has a deep need to be valued and respected and I believe part of being respectful and considerate to others is listening attentively. We can hear a lot of things, but when we're really listening, we're fully engaged. When people talk to you, do you give them your undivided attention? Do you look them in the eyes, and show an interest in what they are saying? What could you learn about the people in your life if you stopped for a few minutes, and gave them the gift of listening?

DONT LOOK DOWN

When things seem difficult and uncertain, we have to focus on what is certain in our lives—our relationships, our families, our own well-being, and most importantly, our God. Tough times don't last. They are for a season, but the people in our lives, our relationships, are what matter in eternity.
We have to remember to find balance in our day to day living, even when the world around us seems shaky.
Think about a person walking a tightrope way up high. We've all had times when we felt like we were on a tightrope! But what's the one thing you always hear that you should do in order to keep your balance? Don't look down! And that's what I'm encouraging you to do today—keep your eyes ahead, keep your focus in the right direction because where you set your eyes determines the direction of your life.
And even when things are going well, we have to keep our focus right. You can have all the money in the world, but if you don't have a support system, if you're not connected with people in healthy ways, then you won't be fulfilled and you won't be able to live the way God intended. We need people in our lives. We need relationships to help us move forward. Life is a group experience. God said that's not good for us to be alone. We can't allow ourselves to be so consumed by things that we can't control that we loose connection with what matters most.

CHOOSING TO BELIEVE THE BEST OF OTHERS

I once heard about a husband and wife who were so upset after a big argument that they refused to speak to each other. That night, not wanting to be the first to break the awkward silence, the man left a note on his wife's side of the bed that read, "Wake me up at 6 o'clock in the morning.
The next morning, by the time the husband woke up, it was already 8 o'clock. Furious, he roared, "Where is she?" and was about to chew out his wife when he found a note on his side of the bed: "It's six o'clock; wake up."
If we're going to live in love, we have to learn to forgive one another. The Bible says, "Do not let the sun go down on your anger, but instead, forgive. And above all things, put on love."1 That means: Above having your own way, above your own agenda, choose to put on love.
The apostle Paul prayed in Ephesians 3:17 that we would be "rooted and established in love so that we would have power together with all the saints." When we choose to walk in love, we have the power of God in our lives, as well as healthier relationships.

We should always look for the best in each other. That's what Jesus taught. One day a group of Pharisees brought a woman to Him who had been caught in adultery. The Law said that she should be stoned, but Jesus didn't condemn her. Instead, He said, "Those of you without sin, go ahead; you through the first stone."2
The woman's accusers began to look within themselves. Then, they walked away.
We can all throw rocks and point out each other's faults, but we need to make allowances for one another. We don't know what some people have been through. We don't know the pain and heartache they've experienced. When the woman's accusers had all slipped away, Jesus told her, "Neither do I condemn you; go your way; from now on sin no more."3
Let's learn to walk in love and see the best in everyone. A house divided will fall. That's why it's so important to keep peace in your home. Be the first to apologize. Be quick to forgive.
When people get married, they like doing things their own way, and when they don't get it, they are not happy. If you don't change the way you're act, you're going to change the person you married.
To my guess you don't want to change the personality of the person you love. That's why you married him/her.
In many relationships, after time, people neglect to walk in love. One day, they realize that their hearts have changed. You hear it all the time: We just grew apart."
It is God who brought you together. He's got a good plan for your marriage. You need to remind yourself that God has put that person in your life, and He's got good things in store. If you will do your part by being kind, respecting one another, treating each other the way you want to be treated, God will do His part, and you can live in love!

PRESS PAST YOUR LIMITATIONS

I want to share a story with you about a woman in the Bible in Mark chapter five. This woman was determined. She had perseverance. She had tenacity. But this woman was also very sick. In fact, the Bible says that she had been sick for over twelve years with hemorrhaging in her body. She went from place to place seeking help. She went to every physician she could find, traveling from town to town, but still she received no help. This woman wanted to be healed so badly that she spent every penny she had, but the Bible says she didn't get any better; she got worse. Then one day, she heard there was another Healer–Jesus was in town! And that day, she mixed her determination, perseverance, and tenacity with supernatural faith. That was the combination that changed her life forever.
The Bible says that when the woman heard that Jesus was in town, she said to herself, "If I can only touch the hem of His garment." One translation says, "She kept on telling herself, 'if I could only touch the hem of His garment, if I could only touch the hem of His garment.'" You know, I bet that wasn't the first time she had to keep telling herself something. After fighting this sickness for twelve years, I bet she was constantly encouraging herself and focusing on healing, victory, and prosperity. I'm sure she was tempted to quit. I'm sure she had days when it was hard. I'm sure there were times when she was tired, but that day, she was as determined as ever. The Bible says that she went out and touched the hem of His garment, and she was instantly made whole.
What I find so interesting is that this woman was definitely limited in the natural. These limitations weren't made up in her mind–she was definitely sick for twelve years; she was probably emotionally and physically a wreck; she definitely had no money; and she was a woman. And in those days, that was a limitation in itself. But none of those things stopped her; she was still determined. She still had faith. I'm sure she fought fear, but she pressed past those limitations and pressed right in to Jesus!
What are the limitations that you see in your life? Are they financial? Do you have sickness in your body? Do you see limits in your relationships? I think God is saying to us today, "Yes, you may have some limitations; they may real, but I put this woman in the Bible to let you know that you can go beyond your limitations." See, you don't have to stay where you've been. You don't have to be defined by your past. There's still hope for you today!
I want to encourage you to find the determination, the perseverance, the tenacity, and mix it with supernatural faith. Keep telling yourself, "I know I'm going to make it! I know I'm going to be healed! I know things are going to change! I know I'm going to get my breakthrough!" Keep pressing past your limitations today because God has victory and wholeness in store for you in every area of your life.

FIND COMMON GROUND
I'm so amazed that people from all over the world, from all walks of life, can be so different yet so much alike at the same time. You know, most people have very similar basic needs. We all want to give and receive love. We all want to be heard. We all want to feel accepted. I've learned that one of the best ways to communicate to someone that you value them is to find common ground.
Finding common ground can involve just about anything—maybe you went to the same college, or you both enjoy the same hobby. Maybe you both like animals, or have a mutual friend, or shop at the same shoe store, or like the same foods. It might be something as simple as having the same color shoes on! The point is, when you are standing on common ground, it turns the interaction in a positive direction and will help you see eye to eye.
Sometimes, finding common ground means saying nothing at all and simply smiling so that you can stand on the common ground of peace. This is especially true when you're in a conversation with someone whose views you don't share. Sometimes you have to let go of your need to be heard for the sake of peace. Remember, when you disagree with someone, it isn't about who's right that matters in eternity, it's about what's right. Finding common ground and keeping peace is the right thing. May your day be filled with blessings from heaven and God-ordained connections!
"Blessed are the peacemakers ..." (Matthew 5:9).

DEAL WITH THE LITTLE THINGS QUICKLY

As I look back I can't help but think the importance of character. What is character? Character is simply, who you are. Good character is about being consistent at home, on the job, and everywhere you go. It's about being trustworthy and honorable; doing what you say; being transparent and living with integrity. And not just when others are watching, but when you are alone, too. That's when true character is revealed.
Some people work their hardest when the boss is around, and then chat on the phone when the boss is at lunch. Or how about this: do you park your car where you know you shouldn't just because you'll "only be a minute"? Those may seem like little things but the scripture tells us that "little foxes spoil the vines." You can't hide the "little things" because those "little things" are seeds. They will grow and produce a harvest in your life.
A couple early in their marriage were having a disagreement. There was no way that they were going to see eye to eye, either. The wife’s feelings were hurt, and she was highly frustrated. The husband, on the other hand, didn't see their disagreement as a big deal and he had grown tired of talking about it. So, to end the discussion so they could move on to other things, the husband half-heartedly said, "I'm sorry" and went about his business. But, as she walked into the other room, behind the closed door, she turned around and stuck her tongue out at him. It seemed innocent enough, but even through her frustration with him, she knew it was disrespectful. As harmless as it may have seemed at the time, it was planting seeds of resentment, and she didn't want to reap that kind of harvest in their relationship. She knew she had to deal with it quickly. So, she went back into the kitchen and told him that even though she thought he was wrong, she loved him and respected him. The husband simply smiled and said, "I knew you would come around."
I really believe that if you allow the little things to slip by and not deal with them, soon they will grow and manifest in ways that can damage your character and good relationships. Make sure you go the extra mile to do the right thing. Be who you say you are. Do what you say you are going to do. Keep your commitments. Don't allow little seeds of disrespect to take root in your heart. Instead, uproot those wrong attitudes by dealing with them quickly so you can make room for God's character to grow in your life.
"A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches" (Proverbs 22:1).

LOVE YOUR LIFE

So what does it mean, to Love Your Life? When most people reach the end of their days, they will tell you it's not about having a bigger house, or a better job. It's not about the car you drive or the clothes you wear. Most people only carry a single regret: that they didn't invest more in themselves and their relationships with other people. Often, people will say, "If only I would have taken better care of myself…if only I would have spent more time with my family and the people I love."
But no matter how old you are right now, you don't have to carry that regret. Loving your life is being willing to make changes, to let go of old ways and unhealthy habits so that you can be the best you can be. It's being willing to look at what you have in your hand and opening your mind to seeing things with a new perspective. It's about evaluating yourself and making adjustments so that you can make the most out of your relationships.
Ultimately, loving your life is about discovering the greatness that's inside of you and the influence you have on the world around you. You never know the impact you will have when you tap into those treasures within.
Throughout life, we all have opportunities to either shrink back and settle where it's comfortable or to take a step of faith and embrace the new things God has in store. You were never created to be stagnant. You were created to grow and win. I encourage you today, don't settle for where you are. Don't allow fear to hold you back. Keep stretching, keep growing, keep learning. Tap in to everything God has placed on the inside of you

CELEBRATE YOUR GROWTH

When people focus on what others have, and what others are doing they easily overlook the potential in their own lives.
God has given us all special gifts. Each of us carries tremendous value. We shouldn't compare ourselves to others or think, "I'm not talented like that person, so I'm not as important." The truth is, we are all important and we have to learn to love who we are. We have to celebrate our growth. You probably aren't the same person you were five years ago, or even last year, and of course you will continue to grow and evolve as time goes on. But have you ever accomplished something that made you stop and think, "Wow, I can't believe I did that!" Maybe you overcame a challenge, or tackled a big project. Maybe you learned to let go of things that used to hold you back. Did you take time to celebrate that milestone? Does it serve as a reminder to you that you are still moving forward?

TAKE YOUR MEDICINE

When was the last time you had a good "belly" laugh? You know, that kind of laugh that comes from so deep within you that you feel like you are going to explode? You can't breathe. Your eyes are squinting and tearing up. You feel like your face is going to split because you're smiling so big. People are looking at you funny. You're laughing so hard that you can't even remember why you're laughing in the first place, but everything within you just feels alive. Then you just sit there and laugh because it's funny that you're laughing so hard!
I love those kinds of laughs, and I try to make sure to find humor in everyday life. You know, laughter is contagious. I have a good friend who laughs at just about everything, and sometimes he laughs so much that I start laughing just watching him. And I know that sometimes it can seem like there aren't a lot of things to be happy about. If you listen to the news too much, or you talk to some people who are negative at work, before long it will steal your joy and peace. Sometimes circumstances can feel so overwhelming that you feel down and discouraged. But you have to remember that joy is strength. It's what will carry you through the difficult times.
God says that a merry heart is like a medicine. It's good for your body and mind. It's good to have a happy heart because it stirs your passion for life. A cheerful heart gives you enthusiasm for the good things that God has in store. Did you know you can choose to have a cheerful heart and attitude? When you focus on the right things, it's like taking your medicine. When you choose right thoughts, when you choose to be grateful, you are choosing to tap into God's strength. A grateful heart is a happy heart. Find something to be thankful for. Thank Him for the air you breathe. Thank Him for the gift of a beautiful sunrise. Thank Him for the gift of laughter that brings you strength and healing…like a medicine!

HOW DO YOU OVERCOME THE SPIRIT OF ENVY AND JEALOUSY?

Have you ever wanted something someone else had? Do you know someone who is never happy for another persons success? 

One of the greatest struggles for a Christian is the spirit of jealousy and envy. Breakthrough and favor has a way of revealing individuals who are jealous and envious.  When jealousy and envy wells up in an individual, they begin to eagerly desire to have what others have. They want to drive what others drive. They want to live where others live. They want to where what others wear. They want to be with who others are with and do what others do.

That is what is defined as the spirit of jealousy. People who have this spirit feel threatened and insecure. They feel like others have an advantage. Like other people have a step or inch ahead of them. Since they don't know who they are or whose they are, they become a rival and become hostile because their hearts are plagued with envy and jealousy.

This has been a problem and probably will be a problem; All because there will always be someone who is more gifted than you are. There will always be someone who has more abilities than you, more things than you. Jealousy and envy is not a new age problem, in fact it existed during the Bible era.

Throughout scripture we have had witnesses that possess this spirit. In fact the list could go on and on. But to highlight a few;

Cain's envy of Abel  (Genesis 4:4-8)
Cain was jealous of the favor that the Lord showed him because of his offering.

Sarah's envy of Hagar (Genesis 16:5-6; 21:9-10)
Sarah was envious of the Hagar's pregnancy.

Rachel's envy of Leah (Genesis 30:1)
Rachel became jealous of her sister because she had not given Jacob children.

Laban's sons envy of Jacob ( Genesis 31:1)
Laban's sons were jealous because Jacob gain their father's wealth.

Saul's envy of David ( 1 Samuel 18:8-9, 29; 20:31)
Saul was jealous that the people credited David for slaying more men then him.

Priests envy of Jesus ( Matthew 27:18; Mark 15:10; John 11:47)
The priests handed Jesus over out of envy of him.

Harmna's envy of Mordecai (Esther 5:13)
He was jealous that Mordecai was sitting at the king's gate.

Jews envy of Paul and Barnabus (Acts 13:45; 17:5)
They were jealous of Paul and Barnabus because they were able to persuade some to follow them.
If you have ever wanted something someone else had or have ever wondered why you can't experience what they experience than you have possessed the spirit of jealousy and envy.  If you have ever smelled the smoke of resentment or if you smell smoke now, know this; A flicker today can turn into a fire tomorrow.

Before it turns into a fire you need to cover it up and stomp it out.
A flicker left unattended has the possibility to consume all that is consumable. So for the sake of your house, don't play with fire.

Don't leave envy and jealousy unchecked. It can burst into a flame, destroying everything in its path.

A flicker of envy or jealousy can start a fire. Like Song of Solomon, it is cruel as the grave. If you don't put that smoke out, expect the fire.

If you don't put it out, there are some negative consequences associated with jealousy.

Principle 1: The Consequences of Jealousy

People who are envious are violent. There mind is always thinking of ways to destroy the person being held in high regards. It is the enemy of honor.

Jealous people will try to dishonor you by killing you with their words.

They will take extreme measures when they are envious.

In the body of Christ there are people with bad attitudes all because of a spirit of jealousy. Your attitude creates a climate that either attracts people or it causes them not want to be around you. If people don't want to be around you it may be because you have a spirit of jealousy.

No one wants to hang out with somebody who is envious and jealous of them. No one likes to hang out with people who are not excited about their blessings.

Your attitude determines your altitude.

Proverbs 14:30 (NIV)

30 A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.

Peace of mind mean a healthy body but jealous will rot your bones.

Hatin' ain't' healthy, it will rot your bones.

If you don't deal with your flicker, expect flames. Something will be destroyed.

  Principle 2: The Cure to the Spirit of Jealousy and Envy.

The cause of jealousy is distrust.

If God is not blessing you with something; It means at least 2 things.

Although you don't have it now, don't get envious or jealous of someone that may have it. You should have enough sense to know, not now doesn't mean never. Not now doesn't mean it won't happen. Not now doesn't mean it's not for you. Not now simply means later.
2. Love

When you have Godly love and you see someone that is popular, beautiful or talented; You will be glad for them. You will not be jealous or envious of them.

Know that you are blessed too.

To hear this message in its entirety, please contact Pastor J Ministries and request a copy of I Smell Smoke.

Scriptural References

Song of Solomon 8:6 (NIV)
James 4:2
Proverbs 6:34
Matthew 27:18
Proverbs 27:4 (NLT)
Psalms 37:1-4 (NIV)