Jesus has set me free.

[Chuck7]

My friends I've never been so happy in my entire life. Maybe someone else has or is where I was . I was not going to share this as it is very dear to me but it may help someone.

Last week I took Aaron fishing. While i was getting the boat off the trailor ,I ask him to check the fishing sign to see what the slot limit was. He began reading the entire sign.The sign has a picture of a fish on it and the legal size. I said "Aaron , what are the numbers.'? and he still was reading the entire sign. Another fisherman was patiently{With a dirty look}waiting as I was getting my boat in order. When he got into the boat I exploded on him for being so .....never mind.I looked at the looks of the other fishermen and in my heart I said Lord..Am I really demon possessed.? What is wrong with me?
I let off a few more on Aaron and he is now crying. In my heart I prayed the most sincere prayer... "Set me free."

I felt the Lord sayingto my heart to think of 10 things before this trip is over to say that will be sincere but are possitive.toward Aaron.It took about 2 hours but I had come up with 5. He is now laughing and my heart somehow found peace asI was focused on the good in him and not the bad. I had quickly learned that the demons truly are in the thought life.
2 Corinthians10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:

10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds

10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
My old man used to think I had a gift of discernment as I easily saw the faults in others. Especially in church.LOL Rather this my friend is not discernment but rather thoughts from the Accuser of the Brethren. {At least most of the time.
Well a couple days went by and my joy was diminishing. I said "Lord what is going on?" He reminded thatI had not been using my tongue for edifying. I immediately built up my wife and my joy came back. As I went to Walmart I began building up the cashier and found it to be a great tool in presenting the gospel. It certainly helps in going to church. With everyone I look for good.

My wife was quick to bring up those 'real tough folks at work.' Jesus reminded me of this Word for those kind.
Mattheew5:44
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

5:45
That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

My wife had to agree. Folks the old me strived to walk in love , read and fast. This acted only as a temporary bandaid but is nothing like the 24/ 7 peace and joy I have now. The other day one of Matt's friends came over. So there were 2 unbelievers in my home. They were very negative. and I continued to "Overcome evil with good" It wasn't long and I was able to share the gospel with both. Being kind opens doors and my body totally feels rejuvenated if not totally healed. Truly love does cast out ALL fear.

Phil.4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

I use this where ever I am at.My first thought now is looking for the good in people. Even if ya can't find alot ...it does something to ya. A critical spirit is devestating.
God bless,
Chuck7

[Goose 11]

Good Stuff, Chuck! Thanks!

Trae

[Chuck7]

Thanks Trae.,

My classroom is going much smoother today Goose. They actually teach that social skill { I was talking about}to teachers in helping to defuse problems.However; an angry man is so slow to learn. I no longer get mad at angry and negative people. They are suffering enough. I was able to share Christ with a parent today. This has been such a break through for me. I love Aaron and have grown very close to him in the last 6 days. My eyes are open and I see alot of potential. Your reply is greatly appreciated.
Chuck7

[Tazman]

C7 Brother that is a huge break through, my biggest battles are 90% of the time internal, I find myself thinking badly of people, well actually what they are doing or act like, but I keep my mouth shut. My mother brought me up to say nothing at all to someone unless it is good. Now obviously this does not apply to disciplining a child, but it does apply to raising a child, there should be about (IMO) a 10 to 1 ratio of praise to discipline.

My wife and I have had our kids at one time or another say "You hate me!", we have a pat answer for that one, we tell them "No we do not hate you, we love you, we hate some things you do though." We also remind them that if we didn't love them we would not care what they did.

[The Rev]

Glory to God!! That is worthy of His praise!

[Chuck7]

) (IMOa 10 to 1 ratio of praise to discipline. Taz

I was taught that too brother by the school. I know God has done something in my heart because I've come into situations recently that would have brought a negative responcefrom me.Instead I'm real slow to anger and seek in my thoughts on how to deal with the situation peacefully.Yeah ...I must say this break through has helped me to deal even with death. Truly ...perfect love cast out all fear. I can't explain the peace I now have. I'm so happy.Yesterday I had my prostate checked. I normally sweat over such things,I had great peace. I honestly believe I'm right in God's will. I don't judge folks who have anger problems...many do.I honestly pity them.It's a horrible life and a dangerous one too.
C7