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Know What You Believe

Copyright (c) 2007-2023

When one has been physically attacked a number of times, you BELIEVE the attacker when they say they will do it again.

Once enough threats have been met with physical force, you BELIEVE the additional threat that there is no where, on the face of the earth, you can hide but what they will find you.

And, if you try to flee, apart from a supportive backup team, they will cause you to BELIEVE they meant what they said.

When such threats have become your reality and more threats are made on your very life, you BELIEVE them, as previous behavior appears to be evidence they will follow through.

When BELIEVING has come as a result of the realities you've experienced and fear takes over (so severely that it cripples you from the ability to physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually function to par), they have made you a BELIEVER.

The attacker will even try to convince you to BELIEVE their behavior is a direct result of something you said or did, or failed to do; making you the only guilty party and deserving, too.

Also, among the religious sect are some who will agree, causing you to BELIEVE not even God can receive you.

It has been said that 'seeing is believing' and 'everyone believes something'. The above makes it evident that BELIEVING is not a solution. There are things we need to KNOW.

Whether given the name terrorist, insurgent, abuser, or even legalist; all are bullies (shedding innocent blood, as each is spiritually blind and cannot see one's true heart) and bullies are cowards imposing their fear upon others. Bullies only pick on those they can make to fear and or, thereby, look down upon and or, somehow, control. The moment a bully is met with a more powerful force, they back down. Sure, in numbers, they may try to rise again. But, still, we have a more powerful force than any.

Anyone who hates because your faith does not match theirs, they are a liar (I John 4:20). And, if you do not love, only because of another's faith, that makes you a liar, too (Romans 12:5, Ephesians 4:25). And, whether it has anything to do with one's faith or not, we're still called upon to love (John 15:12).

Whatever excuse is given for not loving, it is not of God (I John 4:8). Nor is it God's will for any to dwell amidst such circumstances (I John 1:5) and their wrong doing will not go unpunished (Genesis 9:6).


Just as God did not give Satan permission to take Job's life, God does not give Satan power to take our life prematurely (I Samuel 2:6). Also, the lack of freedom to serve God is not life.

Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you: I Corinthians 3:16?

The gifts and calling of God are without repentance: Romans 11:29.

A man to whom God hath given riches, wealth, and honour, so that he wanteth nothing for his soul of all that he desireth, yet God giveth him not power to eat thereof, but a stranger eateth it: this is vanity, and it is an evil disease: Ecclesiastics 6:2.

Blessed is he that considereth the poor (in spirit): the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. The Lord will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies. The Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness: Psalm 41:1-3.

There are precious promises throughout the Bible, whatever your need. Claim each one that God speaks to your heart.

Any time you believe a lie, it will hold you prisoner; as only truth can set you free (John 8:32). If ever you are not truly free to serve God, it is not the truth. Thus, it is important to get out your Bible, search for truths about who God really is, follow the paths of His anointing (as per His instruction to you), and find His promises for you ~ so you can "KNOW" WHAT YOU BELIEVE.

For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he. Proverbs 23:7


About The Author: Shop Amazon - Top Gift Ideas
Joyce C. Lock is a published author, poet, columnist, and Senior Writer for the Storytime Tapestry Newsletter. Her latest adventures include her new website Glimpses of God http://iam.homewithGod.com/glimpsesofgod/ unveiling mysteries via scriptural methods of Bible study. Joyce's writings encourage us in our relationship with God and each other. This article distribution was sponsored by: http://www.thephantomwriters.com

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Top-Level Category: Religion Articles

10 Most Recent Articles Written by Joyce C. Lock

Just Think
Written by: Joyce C. Lock | Distributed: 2009-04-30 | Word Count: 702 | Page Views: 4133 | Votes: 9 | Rating: 2.33
Biblical lessons from Joyce C. Lock. What if people were to sell Jesus the way we sell goods and services, with the same gusto, determination and dedication to our cause?

Let There Be Peace
Written by: Joyce C. Lock | Distributed: 2009-04-29 | Word Count: 538 | Page Views: 4123 | Votes: 7 | Rating: 1.14
Biblical lessons from Joyce C. Lock. Finding peace in the common age sometimes seems impossible. But with the right guidance, all things are possible.

Our Gift
Written by: Joyce C. Lock | Distributed: 2009-04-28 | Word Count: 333 | Page Views: 4319 | Votes: 7 | Rating: 1.00
If you knew you were going to stand before God, today (not in judgment, but meeting your very best friend) ... is there a gift you would like to present Him with? Do you plan to meet Him empty handed? Maybe you have a gift for God already. Perhaps, you never thought about it and would like to.

The Lord is My Strength and Song
Written by: Joyce C. Lock | Distributed: 2009-04-23 | Word Count: 2321 | Page Views: 4670 | Votes: 8 | Rating: 2.63
Biblical passages by Joyce C. Lock. The Lord is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him.

In Remembrance of Me
Written by: Joyce C. Lock | Distributed: 2009-04-22 | Word Count: 1799 | Page Views: 3986 | Votes: 8 | Rating: 1.50
Biblical passages from Joyce C. Lock. The temptation of Jesus.

Seek Me First
Written by: Joyce C. Lock | Distributed: 2009-04-21 | Word Count: 1968 | Page Views: 4698 | Votes: 9 | Rating: 2.11
Biblical passages from Joyce C. Lock.

The Abbreviated Christmas - XMAS -
Written by: Joyce C. Lock | Distributed: 2007-11-13 | Word Count: 169 | Page Views: 4903 | Votes: 6 | Rating: 1.17
If you are like me you may not care to consider Wikipedia's explanation. But, if spelling 'Christmas' as 'xmas' is your preference, you might appreciate knowing how the 'X' in 'xmas' began.

Legalism
Written by: Joyce C. Lock | Distributed: 2007-09-07 | Word Count: 252 | Page Views: 4633 | Votes: 7 | Rating: 0.71
Within Christian circles is known the term 'legalism'. We know it when we see it, couldn't possibly be guilty of it, but know someone who is. When pressed to define it, the bottom line answer is, 'Not what we're doing.'

A Way to Escape
Written by: Joyce C. Lock | Distributed: 2007-09-06 | Word Count: 322 | Page Views: 4179 | Votes: 6 | Rating: 2.00
Have you ever found yourself in a position where, if you just keep your mouth shut, you will receive the credit? Perhaps you observe the keys in another's car. Maybe you're in a different town where no one would notice you visiting the local bar. Or, you're on vacation, at the beach, where church members will never see how you dress.

One Day at A Time
Written by: Joyce C. Lock | Distributed: 2007-09-06 | Word Count: 140 | Page Views: 4264 | Votes: 7 | Rating: 1.57
If just for today, Lord, I'll keep my eyes and heart in tune to Your ever-loving presence. I'll walk with You, talk with you, and glean upon Your every word; be ready to go, ready to stay, and bask in the fullness of Your day.

All of Author's Articles on this site:

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You do realize that the Christian Messiah could have come into the world full grown, just like Adam and Eve? Read this article to find out why.

Just Think
Written by: Joyce C. Lock | Distributed: 2009-04-30 | Word Count: 702 | Page Views: 4133 | Votes: 9 | Rating: 2.33
Biblical lessons from Joyce C. Lock. What if people were to sell Jesus the way we sell goods and services, with the same gusto, determination and dedication to our cause?

Let There Be Peace
Written by: Joyce C. Lock | Distributed: 2009-04-29 | Word Count: 538 | Page Views: 4123 | Votes: 7 | Rating: 1.14
Biblical lessons from Joyce C. Lock. Finding peace in the common age sometimes seems impossible. But with the right guidance, all things are possible.

The Lord is My Strength and Song
Written by: Joyce C. Lock | Distributed: 2009-04-23 | Word Count: 2321 | Page Views: 4670 | Votes: 8 | Rating: 2.63
Biblical passages by Joyce C. Lock. The Lord is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him.

In Remembrance of Me
Written by: Joyce C. Lock | Distributed: 2009-04-22 | Word Count: 1799 | Page Views: 3986 | Votes: 8 | Rating: 1.50
Biblical passages from Joyce C. Lock. The temptation of Jesus.

Seek Me First
Written by: Joyce C. Lock | Distributed: 2009-04-21 | Word Count: 1968 | Page Views: 4698 | Votes: 9 | Rating: 2.11
Biblical passages from Joyce C. Lock.

Rapidly Accelerate Your Spiritual Growth Through Writing Stories
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For centuries, spiritual sages have told short stories to enlighten and inspire others. Counting the stories and parables that Jesus and the Buddhas have told might take a lifetime, and it would probably take several lifetimes to fully integrate the wisdom from those stories into ourselves.

When Two Become One - The Gift of Sacred Marriage
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In previous eras, the nature of sacred marriage was connected with duty, or related to practical necessities. Nowadays, as human relationships transform and become more conscious, the nature of sacred marriage enters a whole new domain of possibility, that is related to two souls who become One in God, without releasing their individuality or unique identities.

When Faith Is Tested
Written by: Mashubi Rochell | Distributed: 2007-12-26 | Word Count: 809 | Page Views: 4329 | Votes: 4 | Rating: 2.50
This is a time of monumental transition for our world, and each of our lives is being affected by the larger planetary transformations that are happening. Many of us who are on a spiritual path and living a spiritual life feel dismayed by the great intensity that is manifesting in our lives, our relationships, and even our physical bodies.

The Healing Presence of God's Love
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God's love as a healing presence in the world is growing stronger daily. Many people are not yet able to perceive this growing presence of light, because there also exists at this time a thick cloud of negative energy that is surrounding the Earth. This acts to obscure both the perception and the consciousness of people, and to create feelings of isolation and despair.

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Seeing God Through The Eyes Of A Child
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Understanding Catholicism After My Protestant Upbringing
Written by: Lindsie Andrews | Distributed: 2007-04-04 | Word Count: 1172 | Page Views: 7189 | Votes: 16 | Rating: 3.19
The Catholic Church and its thousand-year history conjure strong feelings in many and add to the luster of the most stable organizational body in the history of mankind.

Should The Christian Worry About A 'Generational Transference' Of Demons?
Written by: Christian Darland | Distributed: 2006-07-06 | Word Count: 1285 | Page Views: 6213 | Votes: 18 | Rating: 2.28
Am I suffering demonically from habitual sins my great- grandfather was involved in (not just once-in-a-while-sins, but over and over again)? Will my grandkids and great-grandkids suffer demonic punishment and slavery because of some habitual sin I do? Where does this idea really come from?

The Church Choir
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The cross has broad significance as a marker of not only religion, but also of cultural identity. This article discusses the ancient symbolism and history of the Celtic cross, which incorporates Pagan views, in contrast to the Latin cross, which represent the life of Christ. With the inclusion of the simple circle, the Celtic cross embodies symbolically the unification of opposites and balance.

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You do realize that the Christian Messiah could have come into the world full grown, just like Adam and Eve? Read this article to find out why.

Ancient Fig Trees Through History
Written by: Patrick Malcolm | Distributed: 2006-11-01 | Word Count: 1080 | Page Views: 5427 | Votes: 18 | Rating: 2.33
The fig tree, 'Ficus carica,' possibly originated in Northern Asia according to archeological fossil records. Spanish missionaries brought it to the United States in 1520. Historical Sumerian tablets record the use and consumption of figs in 2500 BC.

Mercy, Not Sacrifice
Written by: Joyce C. Lock | Distributed: 2007-03-06 | Word Count: 1020 | Page Views: 5322 | Votes: 9 | Rating: 2.44
We have heard it said, 'I don't smoke, curse, or chew; or run around with women who do.' Will somebody please give them a cookie ... to shut them up? Isn't that a bit like gloating, 'I'm saved and you're not'? I mean, really.

Giving Credit Where Credit is Due
Written by: Joyce C. Lock | Distributed: 2007-02-07 | Word Count: 216 | Page Views: 5305 | Votes: 7 | Rating: 1.29
Have you ever attended a church service and thought, 'Yuck! This church is dead,' then attended elsewhere and thought, 'Wow! God is there,' as you felt personally touched by His presence?

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Discussion of Bible evidence on whether animals have souls or not.

Amy
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A moving, true story to encourage giving and support of missions.

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Written by: Lindsie Andrews | Distributed: 2007-04-04 | Word Count: 1172 | Page Views: 7189 | Votes: 16 | Rating: 3.19
The Catholic Church and its thousand-year history conjure strong feelings in many and add to the luster of the most stable organizational body in the history of mankind.

Ties that Bind
Written by: Joyce C. Lock | Distributed: 2007-03-06 | Word Count: 483 | Page Views: 4308 | Votes: 11 | Rating: 3.00
When growing up, if there was a sibling dispute, mom had the perfect solution. She would refuse to choose. Instead, mom would bang our heads together. She'd say that it takes two to fight ~ so we both got it. Now, that really hurt! But, it worked, every time. We'd hush, immediately. Though we didn't like it, we didn't dare say another word.

Leaving Your Financial Wilderness
Written by: Joyce C. Lock | Distributed: 2007-04-05 | Word Count: 419 | Page Views: 4208 | Votes: 10 | Rating: 3.00
One's instinct to survive goes against giving all, as if we'd lose all that's left. And, whatever we think we possess is just a figment of our imagination. Yet, we cling to it for dear life.

Spirituality
Written by: Siobhan Gamble | Distributed: 2007-03-26 | Word Count: 760 | Page Views: 4187 | Votes: 19 | Rating: 2.89
Spirituality has always been a very sensitive topic. To many, it is a never ending discussion which can lead to arguments and debates that can jump from topic to topic. For others, it is a topic that should be left well enough, alone. I personally find the topic to not only be interesting, but also very important.

Humbleness: Should It Be Humiliating?
Written by: Siobhan Gamble | Distributed: 2007-03-27 | Word Count: 731 | Page Views: 4543 | Votes: 18 | Rating: 2.89
In this day and time, it almost seems as if kindness, politeness, consideration, and most of the lessons we were taught as children were tossed out of the window one day and replaced with a new set of rules. Could it simply be that children these days are born with a defect, lacking self-control? Or are they just not being taught the way they should be taught; parents blaming modern day hardships and circumstances? It is true that the children being raised today will determine the shape of our future, but in the meantime, whose example are they following?

Fruit Inspection
Written by: Joyce C. Lock | Distributed: 2007-03-17 | Word Count: 268 | Page Views: 4979 | Votes: 15 | Rating: 2.87
If we believe we are called to be Fruit Inspectors, then might we also have been watching for imperfection in Jesus, in His day, too?

Checking Our Foundation
Written by: Joyce C. Lock | Distributed: 2007-02-06 | Word Count: 1502 | Page Views: 4535 | Votes: 9 | Rating: 2.78
When we seek to know about God instead of knowing Him, our knowledge will never be complete.

God is Not Mocked
Written by: Joyce C. Lock | Distributed: 2007-03-27 | Word Count: 395 | Page Views: 4947 | Votes: 16 | Rating: 2.69
How many times have we had the urge to Lord it over someone fallen; to look at them in disgust, to shun their very presence, to talk behind their back, to refuse their service, to forget all the good they've done, to spit in their face and kick them when their down?











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Last Distribution Date:
2007-08-17 11:00:00

Internal ID: #5171





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