Do we live in love or fear? What is the opposite of love? It’s not hate. It’s fear and hate is only one by-product of fear. Scripture says that God is love and perfect love casts out fear. Fear cannot exist in love, it must flee. In any area in our lives where we have fear, love has not conquered. Meditate on this for a while and think of all the places in your life where fear has a hold. Then think of all the areas where love abounds. Now how would you feel if all of these places of fear became places filled with love?

I believe that if we can understand why someone does a particular act, we might have more compassion for them. If we have compassion for them we might be able to help them. If we love them, we are compelled to see them restored. Restoration is touching God’s heart. His desire is for everyone to be saved, (restored) to Him and not lost. It is through a hardened heart that we become indifferent to those around us and it is out of fear that we really don’t want to reach out.

So what do I fear? What do children fear? Children who are loved don’t experience as much fear as those who aren’t loved. They also don’t hurt others as much either. Someone who is loved feels safe and secure. The deeper your relationship with the Lord, the less you fear in your life. You know that He is able to keep you safe in all situations. Someone who only knows about Him but doesn’t have this relationship, doesn’t have this security. Relationships take time and must be developed through various trials and experiences as we journey day by day through our lives.

If we can overcome fear, there is nothing else that can hurt us. One scripture that has always amazed me was the one about the stoning of Stephen. It says,

The Stoning of Stephen

54 When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. 55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” 57 At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, 58 dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.

59 While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.

Stephen was so full of the Holy Spirit at the moment that he didn’t feel any fear. In fact, he was able to see into heaven and see Jesus. Even while they were stoning him he prayed for them. They didn’t kill him, he fell asleep like Jesus did on the cross. I don’t think he felt one stone hit him at all and even if he did the glory of the Lord was greater. He was in God’s awesome presence. Fear had no grip to prevent him from fulfilling his destiny. I have been in the awesome presence of the Lord even to the point of being totally weak and yet I believe it was only a small portion to what Stephen must have felt.

It is also interesting to note that this passage points out Saul who became Paul was at this event. I wonder if this had anything to do with Paul’s conversion, his meeting face to face with Jesus and the life he would eventually lead spreading the gospel to the degree he did.

Why did Stephen have to die? Whose life did he touch and how many? Did it make a difference? Later on Paul would say these words, “Who are you, Lord?” I wonder if he related this experience about Stephen to the one he was having as the Lord met him on the road to Damascus. We don’t know how our lives are going to effect someone else. Who are they and what will they become? Only the Lord knows. We must journey down the path He has for us without fear. He will cover and protect us even if it is in the midst of a vicious crowd.

Let go of fear by letting True Love into your heart. The only places that His Love can’t go are the areas you won’t let Him in. Let Him in, walk with Him daily and experience a life of awesome grandeur. People have their idols and famous heroes, but you have the King of kings, the Lord of lords, the Ancient of Days, the Rose of Sharon, the Great I Am, the Prince of Peace, and Emmanuel. Do a search for His names and find out what they mean. Hide in Him and walk with Him every step of the way in victory. My prayer for you is that you become all you were created to be, that you experience the fullness of His glory and the riches He has for you, and that you walk in His blessings all the days of your life. I want to hear about your life here if possible and for sure in heaven. Stand up, take courage and make a difference with your life.

Joseph

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The word peace is a complex word to say the least. One can check out the definition in the Merriam Webster Dictionary for the different meanings of peace. The meaning that I would like to discuss is the one we find in the passage in Luke 4:35,

“35 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, Be silent (muzzled, gagged), and come out of him! And when the demon had thrown the man down in their midst, he came out of him without injuring him in any possible way. (Amplified Version)”

In this passage, be silent refers to hold thy peace, in other words be muzzled and gagged. It is a command spoken to the enemy. There wasn’t any peace before Jesus spoke, the man was living in utter chaos. Peace, silence and stillness can only come about when our enemy is silenced and defeated. The good news is that Jesus defeated the enemy long ago on the cross and He has given us the gift of peace. If we accept it and apply His victory, we too can live totally in the peace that passes all understanding no matter what circumstances we are currently in.

Jesus crushed the head of the serpent on the cross and has given us the victory. True peace only comes when our enemies are silenced and powerless. When we give our lives and heart to Him in exchange for Who He is, we walk into His victory. If we choose to walk His way and appropriate His victory in our lives we can live in peace. It doesn’t matter what the circumstances look like on the surface, reality must bow to the truth. Let go of your cares and stress and let peace rule in your heart. He has under control the things you allow Him to control. His victory is your victory. Let go and let God.

May the Lord lead you down the path of peace. May you come to know Him more and more everyday. He longs for you to know Him and to share His secrets with you. He knows you by name. He knows your thoughts and hurts. He longs to hold you close and fill you with His love. Let Him make Himself real to you. Have a great day.

Joseph

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We are now ready to announce our Destiny Path Of Life - “The Journey Begins” Project. The long anticipated wait is now over. The design is complete, the story finalized and the layout is ready for the press. We are in the final stages before the first printing. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to get in on a special pre-press promotion.

“This book is written in an allegory fashion and illustrates an overview of the path to salvation. It is based upon Jeremiah 6:16 and can be used as a tool to help others understand the gospel and the two paths in life. Many have said that it’s easy to read and grabs them from the first page. They don’t want to put it down until they are through.” - Joseph

This is a special hand-bound version from the author, an original book number, his autograph with your personalized requested message and two certificates. The first is a Certificate of Authenticity and authenticates the book as a numbered, signed original. The second is a Production Book Certificate and entitles the bearer to a complimentary Production Book once the books are printed. We are anticipating a pre-press release of approximately 500 hand-bound books. These books have the potential to become collector’s items. At the very least it shows our appreciation to you for helping us in this project. There are even two choices to choose from; Option A or Option B. Read more about the project here.

I am currently writing my second book and we would like to get your input. We have designed six possible book covers for the book but we can only use one. Please help us with your opinion of which one you like the best. This book is called, “Islands In The Sea.”

This novel illustrates the kingly and priestly rights of every believer. Read more about it here. With its release, we will also be releasing the next phase of the vision for Destiny Path Of Life. Stay tuned to the web site and this blog for the latest information.

May you have a wonderful day today. Remember that Father cares for you and He knows you by name. It doesn’t matter what else has happened in your life, He is there with you. Let him hug you and feel his embrace, love and peace. Stay for awhile and let Him know how you feel. Think about something funny and laugh. Share what you have with others and you will be blessed.

Joseph

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Have you ever watched a clown and wondered what they were really like under the mask and the makeup? I wrote a song a while back called “The Clown” and it is about the masks we wear. The interesting part of the whole song is when the clown starts taking off his mask and there are more under it. He then begins to wonder what he really looks like and who he really is.

A mask is an interesting thing. Actors and actresses put on masks daily as they portray someone else. The truth is that we all have worn and probably are still wearing masks on a daily basis. But who are we really? Do we know or have we worn masks so long that our own identity has gotten caught up in them and now we can’t tell the difference?

The song goes on to say that the singer starts looking at others and judging them for wearing masks when all of a sudden his heart is touched and he sees the truth about himself. He begins to wonder what he really looks like and if he will like himself when he sees the truth. Who are we really? Are we really that bad or have we believed a lie?

Masks help us to hide the things we don’t want others to see inside of us. Sometimes though, they only hide these things from us while others can see right through. We only deceive ourselves. Masks are also used to defend ourselves from being hurt or to make others laugh, but the truth still remains. Like it or not, we can put off removing them for another day, however it only prolongs the inevitable. It is only when we are willing to pull them off that we can find the truth about ourselves and then we can be healed.

My friend, I hope you reach inside and find the truth. I pray you live your life to its full. There is no one else like you. You are the only one. Don’t wear a mask to fit in and become less than you are. Make a difference in your life and those around you. Take off the mask and encourage others to remove theirs. Be free and enjoy life.

Joseph

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Walking side by side means simply that. Why do people in general want to be on top or over someone else? I believe it generally has to do with wounds. A whole and healed person is secure and doesn’t have to put up these defenses. Wounded people always do.

I am saddened by the state of the Christian church in general. There are so many leaders who want to be served rather than serve. The apostle Paul and the early disciples were servants. They modeled their lives after Jesus. They gave their lives for the gospel. So many are only interested in prosperity even at the expense of their people.

What would happen if there was a prototype again of the true Church? What if men and women operated in their true roles and there wasn’t any fighting? What if people would treat each other with the respect and the love that was due? Could it change the world? Would it give the Church credibility? Would the lost be interested in finding out more about Jesus?

Who are we really? Every person has a soul that will live beyond the years of their physical body. Each one of us has a right to become all that God created us to be. We each have a destiny and a function or role to play in this life. At the end of our lives it doesn’t matter what someone else did to us, it only matters what we did with our life. Every man has a role to play. Every woman has a role to play. Are we the same? Absolutely not. Are we above one or the other. Absolutely not. Our souls are not male or female, however our physical bodies are. We are created different in this aspect to carry out different functions. It doesn’t make one less or more.

I am so grieved over the competition between men and women. I understand why, but that doesn’t make it right. I believe that if a man is truly a man, a woman wouldn’t have any problem being a woman by his side. I believe the opposite is also true. So how do we get there. It takes courage, faith and love. It takes guts to stand up and be willing to get hurt so that someone else might be healed. It takes an understanding that maybe the Lord is big enough and able to help you endure and also change others around you.

Are you willing to stand up and be counted? Are you willing to lay down your ego to really live your life? Do you think you might be able to walk your path so that others can come along and walk theirs and that together we might be able to make a difference? I dare you to take the challenge. Can you see what is awaiting you on the other side of where you are? Don’t you think you might like to take a look? It’s your choice. Will we see you there?

May the Lord encourage and strengthen you daily. May you soar upon His wings of grace. May you experience His love and truth. You are loved. You are precious. He knows you by name. Walk with Him.

Joseph

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Why aren’t you someone else? Why are you, you? Why were you born in a particular culture with the parents you have? Why were you born in the financial situation that you are in? Why this particular time in history? Why are you reading this, now?

None of this was by coincidence. It was by design and purpose regardless of what others would have you believe. There is a special purpose and destiny for your life. You might ask, “How can one person make a difference?” One person makes a difference all the time. The President of the United States is one person. The owners of some companies are one person. You are one person and you make a difference in every life that sees you every day. People are changed just because you live. How they change depends on what they see every day. Did you know this? Take a moment to let it sink in.

The ones we affect the most are our immediate family, then our friends, acquaintances, and then those we meet in passing. Just think about this, for instance. Let’s say you are walking down the sidewalk on a cold and busy morning. You didn’t sleep much the night before and you had some misunderstandings with some of your co-workers. You walk into the coffee shop to get a cup of tea or coffee and it is nice and cozy in there. As you look over to the left, you see someone sitting alone and they look up at you and smile. You feel the warmth and it touches your heart. In that instance, all the pain and problems of the morning disappear. You proceed to check out and go on your way.

Has something inside of you changed? Why did it change? It was only an instance and you never said a word. Someone touched your heart with a smile and changed a moment in your life.

Now let’s get back to the Special Path. What are you going to do with where you were placed? Are you going to find your path or will you try to walk on someone else’s? It might be that someone else’s path looks much better, but that is deceptive. I believe that the worst thing someone can do is live someone else’s life. One day they wake up and realize that they never really lived. They only existed. Many people follow a certain career simply based on the amount of money they can make. There is no joy, and no fulfillment. They do not have the talents and the gifts necessary to enjoy the journey. They’ve wasted their life and worst of all they are miserable.

Fulfillment in life is not based upon being successful, it is based upon doing what you were created to do and being the person you were created to be. When you are fulfilled, everyone around you can see it and life is a joy. It doesn’t matter what situation you are in, you know you are on that Special Path.

I hope you find your path in life. It is my prayer that you are willing to humble yourself if necessary and keep searching until you find it. Don’t ever give up. You can also check out the questionnaire we have available on our site to help you in your quest. I am also in the process of publishing my first book. You can read more about it and the project on the Destiny Path Of Life, The Journey Begins page.

Joseph

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Broken lives. Broken relationships. Torn and stripped. Life is so fragile. What does it take to be strong? What does it take to endure and overcome? Whole and healed. How?

What a subject. We could write books on this subject and there are, but what are the basics. How can we become whole and healed and then how can we help others. I’ve been on both ends and I’d like to share some things with you.

I believe the first step towards mending is being able to admit we are broken. We are in a mess and are helpless to fix ourselves without putting up defenses and shields. I can’t clean out my wound for the healing process to begin until I admit that I am wounded. I can’t keep it from happening again unless I understand why it happened in the first place. Next, I need to understand that the healing process might just take a while. There might not be a quick fix. If I neglect any of these areas, the healing won’t be complete.

Whole means whole and healed means healed. If I am only partly healed, I am not totally whole. But how can this ever happen, it sounds impossible?

We have strange beliefs in our culture. We tend to think that others hurt us intentionally and personally. This is not always true and not even the majority of the time. Most of our wounds are from friendly fire, so to speak. Ask a military person what friendly fire is and they’ll tell you it is from one of their own. How does this happen? It is normally through fear or miscommunication. How do we get hurt? It is usually the same way. This doesn’t make it any easier does it? How can we ever trust again?

First of all, we need to find someone we can trust. For me, this was the Lord. I decided that He was the only One I would be able to trust. His ways aren’t based on any human emotions. Next, I realized that I would not be able to trust or depend on any human completely. Even Jesus stated this while He was on the earth. This eliminated any hero worship as I realized that every human being was going to let me down at one point or another. The ones who would let me down the most were those who were going to be the closest to me. The main reason that people would let me down is because of the expectations I had of them. Some of these expectations were unrealistic. It put them in a place of having to perform for me and not to be just who they were. What a terrible thing to do to someone else. In fact, I was starting to see how in some cases, I was responsible for some of my wounds. I had expected too much of those around me and they simply weren’t able to meet my selfish expectations.

Okay, so I made it this far, now what next? The next phase is called forgiveness. First, I had to forgive myself for not being who I thought I should be and for my shortcomings. Next, I asked the Lord to forgive me for my selfishness and the way I had treated others. Then I had to release others from my expectations of them. And last, I chose to forgive others for their shortcomings and for hurting me. As I looked back on things, I began to realize that most of the people who I thought had hurt me, didn’t even realize they had and it was unintentional. They were completely unaware. I had wasted a lot of time and energy on trying to make them see and pay. I had also hurt others because they hurt me. I had to make them pay. This started a never ending cycle until I broke it with forgiveness. I won’t go there anymore, it is simply not worth it.

I know that this is just a brief overview and maybe we can go more in depth at some other time. I hope you have been encouraged and have gained some wisdom. May you have the courage to do what you need to do to be healed. We are a fragile people. It is the Lord’s love that makes us strong. When we are weak, He is strong. When we let Him cover us in His love, we are strong. Fragile/Strong

Joseph

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