Joslyn's Blog: "Blind Spots"

We haven't stopped blogging! Check out this powerful message from HIM Contributor Kay Mo Vaughn!  Please share with your friends on how not to be in the "Blind Spot".  #HisImageManifested



Joslyn's Blog: "Blind Spots": By: Kay M. Vaughn His Image Manifested Blog Contributor Blind spots are defined as areas where a person's view is obstructed. It is ...

"Blind Spots"

By: Kay M. Vaughn
His Image Manifested Blog Contributor

Blind spots are defined as areas where a person's view is obstructed. It is a place where it seems like nothing is going on, when actually you are in eminent danger. All of us have blind spots as it concerns our eyes, and the size of the blind spot differs from person to person. The older we get the larger it grows.

In the spirit realm we have blind spots. They take place in our spiritual understanding, and in the eyes of our heart. We can be completely unaware that something hazardous or dangerous could be near us. As in the case of Leaders; some leaders command us to serve them in the blind spot, thus we can't see what is really happening. It's called "Blind Devotion" you serve because they have manipulated the word against you. They told you this was what God wanted and expected from you. You file it under "blind devotion" and proceed to develop a belief system, that OUR loving God has designed his word in such a way, that you would always be in the blind spot. God forbid!

Jesus warned us about following blind guides. The follow-no-matter-what syndrome was best defined  in Matthew 15:14. "Let them alone; they are blind guides of the blind. If a man guides a blind man both will fall into a pit." But, how can you tell when blindness starts to set in? What are the symptoms to look for? There are six symptoms to help you to detect whether or not you're following blindly.

1.Authoritarianism - This is when he/she begins to repress your freedom and monopolizes all your time in the name of God.

 2. Exclusiveness - You are encouraged to not deal with anybody but the church family. You are encouraged to break commitments and ties with everyone except the church.

 3. Greed- Better known as money grubbing- You give your money, but some how it is filtered back to the leader. Your connection to him or her is the only way for you to be blessed. 

 4. Sensuality - Moral purity is a must. A holy life is never optional.

 5. Unaccountability- Always blames others or surroundings. Never makes themselves accountable. This type of leader cannot be trusted. 

 6. Rationalization - Justifies wrong with a defensive spirit. They will gloss over inappropriate actions ; twist spiritual truths to fit their sinful lifestyle. 

These blind spots are areas the enemy utilizes as a hiding place from which he can launch his attack on our minds, emotions, heart and spirit. Because we don't see it we are unable to deal with it effectively. 

We cannot get the victory over an enemy we cannot discern. Take Christ's advice"Let them alone!"

Sidebar: If you are going to follow the leader- look where you are going!

I pray that you received a Rhema word from this sister! Be careful not to go blind! Kay will guest blog on a monthly basis, so keep a watch for her here at His Image Manifested.
                                                     

 About the writer:
 Kay Vaughn- is mother and a wife, with a passion for writing. She discovered her love for expressing herself through words, while keeping a journal in a very difficult time. One of her greatest desire is to develop a column. Called “Kay’s Wisdom Corner” (Stayed tuned it shall come to pass) She believes strongly in the institution of marriage, motherhood and healthy relationships. She currently resides in North Carolina. On any given day you can find her spending time with her family, reading and covered in sticky notes, with her coupons nearby. 

Love Lifts

From: August 24, 2014 “Jumpstart - P.E.P. Talk”

Love Lifts

Scripture: Romans 2:4

When noting else could help.

Recently, I have seen first-hand people who profess to be in Christ be insidious to one another.  I’ve heard double-talk, seen folks be two-faced, back-stabbers, mean-spirited; just like evil doers.  These people, at one time, were great friends and truly loved each other; or did they?  They would give one another the clothes off of their backs, make sure the other was taken care of; they were close like siblings; or were they? 

Whenever Jesus talked about love, He would say to love your neighbor as yourself, which was an Old Testament Law.  It was expected that people should love one another.  But, He added a New Covenant twist to loving one another.  He said, “A new commandment I give to you. Love your neighbor as I have loved you.”  And….”If you love Me, keep my commandments.”  In all four gospels, Jesus is recorded commanding us to love one another; afterall, this is the crux of the new contract.

When we receive pure illumination of how much God loves us in Christ, we will receive the understanding on how to be gracious, loving and merciful.  We will learn how to honor people even when they are not honorable, but because it’s a part of our new nature to do so.  Your new nature in Christ shapes your character and personality.  You aren’t like you were before.  The grace, unconditional love and mercy was shown to us even when we were filthy, wretched sinner who should have been destined for destruction.  This true revelation of how much God loves us MUST be an extension of us via our character and personality.  Even when we are trespassed against, we are compelled to love, not because we are afraid that we won’t be forgiven by the Father, but because it’s in our character to love in spite of.  

So what is the message that Jesus wanted us to get?

1. He wanted us to know Him as Love and Grace.

2. He wanted us to get a revelation of how much he loves us.

3. He wanted that revelation of His love to make us truly love ourselves.

4. He wanted us to reflect His love and our love for ourselves onto others; including our enemies.

God wanted us to love one another according to I Corinthians 13.  Your lack of that shows a lack of revelation of His love towards you and your lack of love for yourself.

Why is it so easy for believer’s to behave like the god of this world is their father?  It’s because there is a distorted understanding of God’s love and because we really, deep down, have acceptance and love issues with ourselves.  We have to be needed; we starve for attention and position.  We need recognition and accolades.  We need what was stripped from us or what wasn’t given to us as children. We need to make up for the hurt, strain, rejection and mess that we’ve suffered at the hands of other….AND…God forbid that someone comes along who resembles the person who hurt us in life.  You see, these people who I spoke of earlier have not yet truly experienced God’s love and received it for themselves.

Beloved, God’s love is unending, unfailing, wide, deep, long and perfect.  When we understand, accept and come to know Him as Love; it LIFTS!  Let His Love Lift you today and bring healing.  Discover who Christ really is and let His love overcome all that has broken your heart.

Love lifted me.  When nothing else could help… Love lifted me.

I hope that this word has blessed your heart and transformed your mind.  Please meditate on this word and share it with your friends and family.

I can't wait to fellowship with you!

The prayer conference call has a NEW NAME and a NEW TIME!  It's "Jumpstart P.E.P. Talk" Praise|Exhortation|Prayer; a time to talk and listen to our loving Father. The call is designed to give you a boost to start your week off right. You may call in every Sunday MORNING at 6:00 AM EST at 530-881-1212, Pin#:545-495-056. I hope to hear you on the call. If you have a specific prayer request, email me at joslyn@hisimagemanifested.org.

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In HIM,

Jos