Jeffrey Clair Tratt http://jefftratt.com/b Pain Happens. Reach for Help. Sun, 05 Sep 2010 17:11:20 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 Death of a Seed http://jefftratt.com/b/?p=76 http://jefftratt.com/b/?p=76#comments Sun, 16 May 2010 20:43:34 +0000 Jeffrey http://jefftratt.com/b/?p=76

Death of a Seed

by

Jeffrey C. Tratt

Jesus declared, “Unless a seed die, it bears no fruit.” (Jn 12:24 paraphrased) He spoke these words shortly before His death on Calvary.

Jesus was a man very acquainted with death. From what we can derive, his own earthly father, Joseph, had died. His friend Lazarus had died, and that by His own decision. He knew Scripturally, that Judas would betray him and take his own life. He knew Peter would betray Him. He knew all the disciples would betray Him at a critical hour of His life. Jesus knew death. He knew rejection. So, He knew the process of the seed dying.

Jesus knew self abandon. He had resisted the temptation to turn stones into bread, exult Himself before angels, and seek the authority of kings. Long before this, He had lived in sinless perfection, and we all know what an accomplishment that is.

Jesus didn’t say, it would just be a good example for Him to die. He wasn’t just setting a precedent for total surrender to the father. He was fulfilling a Law: The Law of the Seed includes “That which is alive, must die, if it is to produce more.” How is it that God’s most precious and adored Son should die? He was the fruit of righteousness–the embodiment of God. Hebrews 1:3 says, He is the exact representation of God. In order for God to reproduce Himself, He had to die.

What does it mean to us for a seed to die? For most things in life, it seems irrelevant. A farmer feels no grief when the seed he plants in the ground dies. He has no sorrow while it lies dormant in the earth; yet it dies before producing a harvest. Most of the seeds planted in our lives are the same: the death and germination process is not an emotional process, yet it takes place.

In some instances, though, it is a very painful experience: Jesus in Gethsemane suffered deep sorrow. The agony emerged a victorious Christ in a few simple words: “Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!” (Mark 14:42 NIV) This sorrow was to be followed with the execution as a criminal on a cross then placed in an empty tomb.

What seed is planted within you? Do you sense the process of death within your bosom? If so, set your eyes on the reward ahead. Do not try to save the life of the seed; it must die if it is to produce a harvest. The Law of the Seed requires death produces life and a harvest of more. Why can you trust this? Because God commanded it to be so. Jesus said, “I have authority to lay [my life] down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.” (John 10:18 NIV)

When Jesus planted the seed of His Word into His disciples, He knew it would die before producing a harvest. Peter was sifted as wheat. The disciples fled. Jesus died.

For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”

“Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?”
(1 Cor 15:53-55 NIV)


Let us do what Jesus did: Sow seed and pray for those who will experience the death of that seed to emerge victorious.

We must also do as Solomon taught: “Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again.” (Ecc. 11:1 NIV)

“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” (Jn. 12:24 ESV)

Plant seed. Expect it to die. Pray. Satan will try to take advantage of death and destroy. Satan wants to destroy the seed, the person the seed is planted in, and the hopes and expectations of the seed sower, but if in that critical moment the soil produces life, then what seems to be defeat will become victory. Jesus’ death was really the beginning of absolute victory. Peter’s denial and failure was eclipsed by a Holy Spirit baptism of power.

Jesus is our example and His triumph is our encouragement. Death is not the final verdict. The One Who is ultimately victorious is interceding for each one of us–He longs for our victory–our triumph. The Father is glorified when we resurrect to new life and produce abundant fruit.

God is not dis-heartened by death, and yet He showed in Gethsemane His earnestness as he prayed three consecutive hours that He and His disciples would not fail in weakness. His triumph has been documented in history. Just as the Holy Spirit hovered over the chaos of the world at the beginning of creation and brought life, so Christ was raised from the dead and the disciples experienced resurrection.

The Lord is good to those who wait hopefully and expectantly for Him, to those who seek Him [inquire of and for Him and require Him by right of necessity and on the authority of God's word].
It is good that one should hope in and wait quietly for the salvation (the safety and ease) of the Lord.
It is good for a man that he should bear the yoke [of divine disciplinary dealings] in his youth.
Let him sit alone uncomplaining and keeping silent [in hope], because [God] has laid [the yoke] upon him [for his benefit]. (Lam. 3:25-28 AMP)

Jeremiah’s life and ministry is one of the longest seed sowing/harvest producing depictions of history. Decades are spanned by unheeded preaching, and prophetic weeping. Having been completely unheeded, the nation experienced the Captivity: another 70 years in exile. What hope could be found? Daniel prayed to the Lord, relying on Jeremiah’s words that God would restore His people. God had said He would heal the nation of backsliding, and they have never forsaken the Lord as a nation since.

“What is impossible with men is possible with God.” [Mat. 19:26; Mar. 10:27; Luk. 18:27; Luk. 1:37] We must remember that even in death, God may still be at work. He is able to bring life from the dead–and when He does, what is produced is better than what died. Now, “wait hopefully and expectantly for Him” until you see rebirth!

Ezekiel, though what he saw, was hopelessly destitute. When God asked him, “Can these bones live again?” (Eze. 37:3) He responded, “You know, Lord” That probably means, “I wouldn’t think so, but if You say they can, then they can, but otherwise, ‘no’.” The bones lived again. Never think the impossible is with God. The only impossibility is with us, and God is able to overcome that impossibility*. He is a creator and He longs to create life out of chaos. (*Smith Wigglesworth first taught me this concept in his book Ever Increasing Faith, Chapter 1.)

Does a situation seem impossible to you? Pray this prayer, “Lord, God, You hovered over the void and chaotic world and produced order, life, beauty, and dominion. Send Your Spirit to hover over this situation that seems to have produced nothing but death and sorrow. Speak to the Seed that was planted. Speak to the Soil that is barren. Speak to the rains that are withheld. Speak to the winds that are arid. Your Word brings correction. Your Word aligns waters and shores. Your Word separates darkness from light. Your Word is Life. Speak now. Let your voice thunder. Cause darkness to flee. Bind up brokenness and heartache. Release Your peace and comfort. Above all, create life, where death has reigned victorious. Let the sound of laughter and dancing, tambourine, and singing arise where now only silence and sorrow dwell. You are my God, and there is no other. You are my hope. I will wait hopefully and expectantly for You. I will trust in Your perfect and steadfast love, knowing You desire to bring life to this situation more than anyone. Thank You for actively working, and doing all You can to change this situation and work Good from it. I love You, I love You, I love you. For the praise of Your glory, and in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

“Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the LORD our God, until that He have mercy upon us.” (Ps. 123:2 KJV, Capitalization added)

A Psalm I find gives me hope is 126, I provide it here for your encouragement also:

Psalm 126

A song of ascents.

When the LORD brought back the captives to Zion, we were like men who dreamed.

Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.”

The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.

Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like streams in the Negev.

Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.

He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him. (NIV)

For further reading, Lamentations and Joel are short reads depicting judgment and restoration and complement these thoughts.

© 2010, Jeffrey C. Tratt

]]> http://jefftratt.com/b/?feed=rss2&p=76 0 The Law of Kindness http://jefftratt.com/b/?p=72 http://jefftratt.com/b/?p=72#comments Sun, 10 Jan 2010 06:42:04 +0000 Jeffrey http://jefftratt.com/b/?p=72

Summary

She opens her mouth in wisdom, And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. Laws are powerful. We often think of regulations when we think laws, but the law I am interested in are those universal and unbreakable laws. The law of thermodynamics cannot be broken. A law that cannot be broken is of greater interest to me than laws that can.

Take this phrase "law of kindness," and you have just hit upon two areas of great interest to me, and combined them into one: Words and Laws. Kindness is not a word based term. The tongue and kindness have been combined and joined to wisdom. Wisdom would be hard pressed without words for expression! Even to act wisely requires thought which usually comprises words. Here, now, we have wisdom, words, laws, kindness. I have spoken words that were not kind. Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (Proverbs 12:18 NIV) There are many verses of Proverbs which deal with the words we speak. Oh, if I could take back some truthful words and replace them with the wisdom and kindness of silence. To express words associated with my anger may be false.

Scripture is clear that speaking truth does not trump speaking kindness.

Full Article

She opens her mouth in wisdom, And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. (Prov 31:26 NASB)

 

This Scripture taken from the last chapter of Proverbs is best known as one of the virtues of a good wife. The chapter is certainly filled with great characteristics of a woman to be desired in marriage. Any woman who lives these virtues would be a treasure to someone. I was recently struck by this verse as I read it; I have been studying the tongue and words. The negative impact my mouth has had on my life is profound, and I am determined to change it.

 

The King James Version uses the phrase "law of kindness," which I like. It sounds authoritative, but I have also been tuned into the concept of laws for about a year. Laws are powerful. We often think of regulations when we think laws, but the law I am interested in are those universal and unbreakable laws. "Thou shalt not murder" is a regulatory law which can be broken. The law of thermodynamics cannot be broken. A law that cannot be broken is of greater interest to me than laws that can.

 

Take this phrase "law of kindness," and you have just hit upon two areas of great interest to me, and combined them into one: Words and Laws. Incidentally, the concept of "one" and "oneness" is of interest to me too. So, that is a little background as to why this verse sticks out to me.

 

Kindness is not a word based term. I can be kind without words, and that is necessary. Here we find the "law of kindness" is within a teaching, instructive mode. The tongue and kindness have been combined and joined to wisdom. Wisdom is very tongue tied too, while at no moment having any problem speaking articulately (pun intended).

 

Wisdom would be hard pressed without words for expression! Even to act wisely requires thought which usually comprises words. There are pictures, but how to turn a picture into wisdom seems like it would require words. Well, it’s not a law that wisdom be tied to words (that I know of) so we’ll just skirt by that :) and go on with the premise that wisdom is mostly a word based system.

 

Here, now, we have wisdom, words, laws, kindness. None of this would mean anything to me except I want to be a better person. I’m not interested in words because I fancy a new hobby, but because I don’t like the pain my tongue has caused. I am weary from my tongue. I have spoken words that were not kind. Now, here I see a law of kindness portrayed as a virtue in a woman to be desired.

 

I could take a pass and say, "Well, I’m a man," which I am. However, I read in Eph 5:32 "I speak concerning Christ and the church." Again, Rev 19:7 says, "The marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready." This chapter 31 of Proverbs is intended, in my opinion, as a guide for the Bride of Christ, which is any human who has submitted to His Lordship. So, I guess I can’t take a pass. Jesus is looking for a wife who speaks with the law of kindness . . . and I don’t blame Him, it is a desirable quality. One I wish to have.

 

Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (Proverbs 12:18 NIV) I have made myself more aware of the hurtfulness of words. There are many verses of Proverbs which deal with the words we speak. I won’t go into them, but it is worth studying. (If you don’t have access to study materials, or don’t know how, or need assistance, you may email me for help at ExclusivelyYoursHS@jefftratt.com and I will be glad to help.) I am amazed at some of the words I’ve said. What is sad is my assumption that I was just trying to be truthful. Oh, if I could take back some truthful words and replace them with the wisdom and kindness of silence. Expressing a truthful emotion is not wisdom, because the emotion may be based in unrelated events. I can be angry (truly) while being totally wrong in why I’m angry. To express words associated with my anger may be false.

 

Proverbs 17:27 says, "A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered." Ouch! Nabbed on both accounts there. Scripture is clear that speaking truth does not trump speaking kindness. I still find it very hard to stop myself when I know truth is being ignored. Add to that my anger when I sense deceit and I’m just a mess. I’m thankful the ability to learn–at least God doesn’t just leave us wandering around in ignorance. He does teach if we want to learn. I pray Romans 5:5 a lot: "And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us" (NIV).

 

© 2010 Jeffrey C. Tratt

 

]]> http://jefftratt.com/b/?feed=rss2&p=72 0 Dr. Mike Murdock http://jefftratt.com/b/?p=59 http://jefftratt.com/b/?p=59#comments Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:48:50 +0000 Jeffrey http://jefftratt.com/b/?p=59 In this journey I found Dr. Mike Murdock; I am so grateful to God for him. In September I had written down this list of things he has taught me. It is a true and heartfelt list. I share them in honor of his great life and example:

  1. Thank you for teaching me that I must talk verbally with the Lord; that thoughts are not prayers.
  2. Thank you for teaching me that God does not respond to our pain, but to our pursuit.
  3. Thank you for teaching me that God is not in charge of my decisions, but that I am responsible for pursuing wisdom and understanding and making decisions based on what I know.
  4. Thank you for teaching me that God’s Word is the basis of every decision and that it does not work unless applied in obedience.
  5. Thank you for teaching me that God’s judgments and curses are as much a part of the covenant as His blessings and that it is my responsibility to know if I have done wrong and am being judged, or if I have done well and am under attack–that the Holy Spirit will discern the difference with His Word.
  6. Thank you for teaching me that God will not teach me what He has given another to teach, so I must pursue godly counsel as well as pursuing God.
  7. Thank you for teaching me that the Holy Spirit is the only person of the Godhead presently on the earth and that I must stay in constant relationship with Him.
  8. Thank you for teaching me that I shouldn’t and don’t have to give up, that I can always reach out for God in my darkest hour.

Thank you, Dr. Murdock.

If you are looking for sound, biblical guidance, I wholeheartedly endorse Dr. Murdock. You can find him online at http://wisdomonline.com I highly suggest subscribing to his Morning Motivation daily devotional–it’s short and always great.

]]> http://jefftratt.com/b/?feed=rss2&p=59 0 Getting out of Here http://jefftratt.com/b/?p=57 http://jefftratt.com/b/?p=57#comments Tue, 15 Dec 2009 12:35:00 +0000 Jeffrey http://jefftratt.com/b/?p=57

Summary

Dr. Mike Murdock has said many times, "If quitting will get you what you want, quit." Quitting does not get us what we want. I’ve quit lots of times, so I know! Some people, it seems to me, are natural go getter’s, and others, like myself are natural quitters. My mother just never got depressed. I have to work hard to find reason and purpose. Someday, maybe I’ll revise that (At one time people believed the world was flat). I believe the Bible is His Word. I believe the Scriptures are the guideline for our lives.

Believing the wrong thing will mess your life up. I’m not talking about my belief that it is God’s Word, but do I really believe it. Because if I don’t, I won’t really live it. I demonstrated in committing adultery what I truly believed about God’s Word concerning adultery. I’m glad I failed at suicide. I’ve learned a lot in this painful journey. I will choose today to believe more of God’s Word. To live more purposefully.

We determined you exist and have pain. Others exist and have pain. Don’t try to save the world. Consider if there were no heaven or hell. No eternal consequences. There are people in trouble, people hurting. If you woke up tomorrow and had to fill in for Jesus for a day, what would you do?

  1. Jesus believed God’s Word is absolute truth.
  2. Jesus loved people so much He went out of His way for them.
  3. Jesus loved God so much He was obedient to His own death.

Full Article

Everyone has a reason for being where they are in life. Chances are good you are in a painful place and it brought you here. How do you go beyond? Lets look at the choices we have:

Dr. Mike Murdock has said many times, "If quitting will get you what you want, quit." We all know quitting does not get us what we want. I’ve quit lots of times, so I know! Some people, it seems to me, are natural go getter’s, and others, like myself are natural quitters. It didn’t come from my mother; we often would talk about my depression and my feelings to quit and she’d say, "I’d take my physical sickness before I’d take your depression." (She was very sick and in a lot of pain most of her life.) My mother just never got depressed. She always saw the good in a new day. I guess I missed out on that gene!

For me, each day is not happy. I have to work hard to find reason and purpose. I’m one of the few people who won’t tell you that you specifically have a meaning and a purpose. Someday, maybe I’ll revise that (At one time people believed the world was flat). My not knowing or understanding does not nullify anything. However, I have yet to discover my meaning and purpose, so I have concluded it does not exist. What I do know, is that I am here and what I do with my being here is important. Would you agree that you are here? Do you want to have meaning? I know I do. If it is not defined outside of me … or genetically within me … where is it?

I believe in guidelines. I very much believe in God. I believe the Bible is His Word. I believe the Scriptures are the guideline for our lives.

With that said, I’m not sure I’d be in the place I am, had I lived what I claim to believe. I’ve had to go back to the proverbial drawing board and reassess what I believe. Believing the wrong thing will mess your life up. Thinking you believe something you don’t really believe will mess your life up too. Had you asked me if I believed in committing adultery and getting divorced, I’d have told you "No." but I did, so what I really believe and what I thought I believed are not one and the same. If you want to go from where you are to where you want to be, you will have to take the first step which is being honest with what you really believe.

If you are anything like me, you know you need to believe some things you don’t want to believe. I won’t tell you change is easy. I sit down with my Bible, read a passage, and have to ask myself, "Do I believe this?" I’m not talking about my belief that it is God’s Word, but do I really believe it. Because if I don’t, I won’t really live it. Now, before you completely write me off, I want to say, I have NEVER cooked a goat in its mother’s milk (Ex. 23:19).

Belief is the power of who we are. Belief is the essence of who we are. I wrote awhile back about God not needing to know His reaction to the world’s needs because He wants to know our reaction. It is the same when it comes to our beliefs. I demonstrated in committing adultery what I truly believed about God’s Word concerning adultery. I can say what I want, but I believed I had justifiable cause. What I had was the heart of a fool. What I did was hurt a lot of people. I nearly ended up in hell from an attempted suicide; when I lost Kristi, I lost everything because I had given up everything to be with her. I’m glad I failed at suicide. I’d be paying eternally. I’m sure hell gives new meaning to Now.

I do wish I could fix the past. Since I cannot, I have decided to live today the best I can. I’ve learned a lot in this painful journey. Every so often, I learn something new about myself. I see something in me that if it had been different I wouldn’t be where I am today. I get really frustrated. I think, "How can I be so stupid!" I don’t know, I just am, but I am determined to change. I will choose today to believe more of God’s Word. To love more deeply. To live more purposefully.

So, to answer the question, where do I get meaning? It is around you. We determined you exist and have pain. Others exist and have pain. What do you want done for yourself? Do that for another. Don’t try to save the world. You will need to work on your own life first, but do it with the determination that you will use your pain to help someone else in pain. Consider if there were no heaven or hell. No eternal consequences. There are people in trouble, people hurting. Would you just leave them in their pain because it has nothing to do with you? I want you to take my hand and say, "No, I want to do what I can." You see, I don’t want eternity to be the reason I do anything. I don’t want reward or judgment to be my goal. I only want to see someone in need and do what I can.

Right now, about all I have to offer are these few words of transparent honesty. If it doesn’t help anyone and only exposes the wretchedness within me, I won’t complain. Neither will I sit idly by trying to protect myself from the derision I deserve. I will not conceal my sin. One does not enter death itself to come back worried about what people think! So, listen up: the world has needs. What are you going to do about it? God already knows what He would do, He’s waiting to see what you and I will do. Choose Now to do something good. If you woke up tomorrow and had to fill in for Jesus for a day, what would you do? I don’t mean be Jesus, I mean being just you, but filling in for Him.

  1. Jesus believed God’s Word is absolute truth.
  2. Jesus loved people so much He went out of His way for them.
  3. Jesus loved God so much He was obedient to His own death.

Those are your guidelines. That is your mission, should you choose to accept it.

Jeffrey

]]> http://jefftratt.com/b/?feed=rss2&p=57 0 Dead & Alive – Both are Necessary http://jefftratt.com/b/?p=50 http://jefftratt.com/b/?p=50#comments Sun, 13 Dec 2009 09:35:40 +0000 Jeffrey http://jefftratt.com/b/?p=50

Romans 6:11 (KJV) Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

 

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge by R.A. Torrey references:

Reckon:

Romans 8:18 (KJV) For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

 

Be dead:

Romans 6:2 (KJV) God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

 

But:

Romans 6:13 (KJV) Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.

 

1 Corinthians 6:20 (KJV) For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

 

Galatians 2:19 (KJV) For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.

 

Galatians 2:20 (KJV) I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

 

Colossians 3:3-5 (KJV) 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. 5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

 

Through/by:

Romans 6:23 (KJV) For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

 

Romans 5:1 (KJV) Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

 

Romans 16:27 (KJV) To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.

 

John 20:31 (KJV) But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

 

Ephesians 2:7 (KJV) That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

 

Philippians 1:11 (KJV) Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

 

Philippians 4:7 (KJV) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

 

Colossians 3:17 (KJV) And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

 

1 Peter 2:5 (KJV) Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

 

1 Peter 4:11 (KJV) If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

 

 

 

 

]]> http://jefftratt.com/b/?feed=rss2&p=50 0 The Power of Now http://jefftratt.com/b/?p=38 http://jefftratt.com/b/?p=38#comments Fri, 11 Dec 2009 20:22:56 +0000 Jeffrey http://jefftratt.com/b/?p=38 Today is a new day. There is nothing that can alter your Now Decisions. The past and future both affect our decisions–they fight and struggle for our attention. The past will scream at you that you will fail again. The future will demand you cannot succeed. Neither is an absolute. You, right Now, have the only true power over what will happen.

Take a look at these wisdom keys from Dr. Mike Murdock:

  • WKMM# 342. Champions Make Decisions That Creates The Future They Desire; Losers Make Decisions That Create The Present They Desire.
  • WKMM# 340. You Can Only Conquer Something You Hate.

What decision would change your future if you made it right Now? Is there something your past or your future is keeping you from? Do you want something, but are afraid to pursue it? Has your past caused you to doubt yourself? You must right Now realize all those thoughts exist as you think them Now–and only Now. They do not exist in the past–they existed in the past–not Now. What would you do if they did not exist? Do you know, In reality, the past does not exist at all. Only the memory of the past exists.

Who you are, and what you do with Now is a choice you have–Now. You may face obstacles. Others may try to bind you to your past. Your own mind will try to keep you a captive. Shake loose. You choose Now what you will be Now. When the past tries to stop you, look at the watch on your arm, and ask yourself, “Who do I choose to be Now?” Choose to be the best you can be right Now, and Live it! You can, I believe in you!

Jeffrey

]]> http://jefftratt.com/b/?feed=rss2&p=38 0 Released – Looking for Love http://jefftratt.com/b/?p=34 http://jefftratt.com/b/?p=34#comments Wed, 09 Dec 2009 18:52:00 +0000 Jeffrey http://jefftratt.com/b/?p=34 Released – Looking for Love in All the Right Places, Part 1

This is a message by Chip Ingram, which I found to be very good. It is from his daily broadcast at livingontheedge.org. Chip’s ministry takes donations!

The specific teaching is:

 

He Writes about it on his blog: Breaking Free of Invisible Prisons.

 

The Whole series:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chip’s ministry takes donations! You can also purchase the Released Series.

Thank you, Chip!

Enjoy!

Jeffrey

]]> http://jefftratt.com/b/?feed=rss2&p=34 0 Hear His Voice http://jefftratt.com/b/?p=29 http://jefftratt.com/b/?p=29#comments Sun, 06 Dec 2009 08:31:12 +0000 Jeffrey http://jefftratt.com/b/?p=29

Summary

Isn’t it amazing how God’s voice can cause us to harden our hearts? King Saul, when confronted with his sin, confessed and made excuses. Our lives are our choices. One choice builds upon another creating our life. The same way multiple colors are compounded to create one effect, so our choices compound together to create our lives. The Israelites chose to grieve God with their choices. Know today that if you have or are making choice which grieve God, you can stop and contemplate your decisions right now and alter course. Hear His Voice and Harden Not Your Heart. I am sorry for grieving you with my choices, attitudes, and actions. I choose now to let Your Word and Your Ways guide me to make right choices, have right attitudes, and do right actions. Thank you, precious friend for praying that prayer.

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Psalms 95:7-11 (KJV) 7 For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice, 8 Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness: 9 When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my work. 10 Forty years long was I grieved with this generation, and said, It is a people that do err in their heart, and they have not known my ways: 11 Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest.

Isn’t it amazing how God’s voice can cause us to harden our hearts? It would seem the one voice that would not harden our heart is the one which might. I was talking with someone Friday who mentioned the difference between two old testament people: Saul and David. David, when confronted with his sin of adultery confessed, and repented. There is no indication of David ever doing such an act again. King Saul, when confronted with his sin, confessed and made excuses. He continued to make excuses for his sins. The outcome for these two men was quite different: Saul committed suicide on the battlefield, while David died in bed with a beautiful woman keeping him warm.

Choice has become a huge part of my life in the past months. It is a theme which paints our lives. Indeed, even indecision is a choice. Our lives are our choices. I understand that some of our experiences are not of our choice control, but our reactions to those are our choice too. One choice builds upon another creating our life. In art class many years ago, I did a chalk drawing of my brother, Tim. It was a very difficult media. Before chalk I had done pencil quite successfully. Now, I was dealing with color. Do you know how many colors it takes to create Caucasian flesh tones?! Simply amazing. I found myself going over and over the same parts with new colors to get the right tone and hue. The same way multiple colors are compounded to create one effect, so our choices compound together to create our lives. Sometimes desirable, sometimes not. Sometimes we live with the consequence, and sometimes we must make decisions to alter course.

The Israelites chose to grieve God with their choices. Like king Saul, they did it consistently. Know today that if you have or are making choices which grieve God, you can stop and contemplate your decisions right now and alter course. Hear His Voice and Harden Not Your Heart. In other words, choose to do what is right.

Pray this prayer: Father, God, I do not want to grieve you. I am sorry for grieving you with my choices, attitudes, and actions. Forgive me, just as I forgive those who have wronged me with their choices, attitudes, and actions. I choose now to let Your Word and Your Ways guide me to make right choices, have right attitudes, and do right actions. Pour Your love and peace into my heart. Thank you for washing my sin away, and for remembering it no more. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Thank you, precious friend for praying that prayer. Thank you for being willing to grow and change, and be all God wants you to be.

If you are interested in more specific help overcoming a painful life crisis, consider taking another step: http://www.jctnow.com/qualification

Thank you,

Jeffrey

]]> http://jefftratt.com/b/?feed=rss2&p=29 0 New Free Download http://jefftratt.com/b/?p=28 http://jefftratt.com/b/?p=28#comments Sun, 06 Dec 2009 07:03:28 +0000 Jeffrey http://jefftratt.com/b/?p=28 eBook posted for free download. It is my own commentary on 2 Corinthians which I wrote while in college. Enjoy :)

Download 2 Corinthians Commentary now.

]]> http://jefftratt.com/b/?feed=rss2&p=28 0 Who Cares? http://jefftratt.com/b/?p=13 http://jefftratt.com/b/?p=13#comments Thu, 03 Dec 2009 21:27:12 +0000 Jeffrey http://jefftratt.com/b/?p=13 If I do something for someone, who cares? Read this Scripture:

Ephesians 6:8 (KJV) Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. (emphesis added)

It looks like it is God, not the person you do the kindness for, Who really takes notice!

Blessings,

Jeffrey

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