Dont "Dis" Me

My life has been filled with distractions and disappointments lately. Not necessarily pointing the finger at anyone ever but always pointing the finger at myself. As I am maturing in Christ and life I am realizing all of the lies that you have unlearn. Unlearning is not an instant gratification process but a painful journey of healing. You do not realize why you are feeling discontent, discouraged or discomfort. It is not fun feeling all of these negative emotions and its because we were never supposed to believe the lies of the devil but stay rooted in our truth as a child of God. When we walk in discernment distraction becomes attraction, disappointment becomes appointment and discouragement becomes courage when you are rooted in Christ. The verse that comes to mind is Romans 12:12 "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." This verse is a simple reminder of what we are called to do here as sanctified children of God.

Today, I want to discuss a prefix that is found in all of the words I mentioned above "dis." I recently learned that this prefix "dis" is actually connected to a Roman god of the underworld. Some believe in mythology and history but I believe in the Holy Spirit and the heavenly realm. The insidious irony and power behind words is intentional and calculated. The etymology behind words and there meanings is very important we can reference how important words are in John 1:1 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." Literally what we speak has the power to alter lives, heal or kill others and create worlds of literature and art. Dis Pater was a god of riches and fertile land but became associated with the underworld as his role merged with Pluto. "Dis" often associates with the opposite, absence of, or away from and we have to acknowledge how clever three letters can be and how detrimental what you say and how you think is to your life.

Many of us carry a toxic mindset and habits from us not understanding the truth and what is required to be a Christian. We are all Christians but many of us do not decide or claim the free gift that was given to us. We have no idea the concernment that is required to be a Christian and the sacrifices required to live our truth. Most of us are caught up in the lies that the world and the evil one tells us because we lack discernment. God gives us the one word with "dis" that is meant to help us fulfill our biblical duty. God gives us "discernment" and we can find this in God's word with Paul in ! Thessalonians 5:21-22 "but test them all; hold on to what is good, 22 reject every kind of evil." This is our spiritual gift and what is required to live a Christian life in the natural. We are intended to live in spirit (our true selves) and in truth. I share this experience to let you know that I was not walking in understanding and was being manipulated and confused by much false doctrine and false leadership in my life.

My prayer is that you learn your spiritual gifts through discernment, not passivity. Learn how to test them all against God's Word and by your own spirit. Discernment requires the following:

• Knowing the true gospel ( Galatians 1:6-9 "I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7 which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse! 9 As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse!" )

• Studying the whole counsel of God ( Acts 20:27 "For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God.")

• Comparing all teachings with scripture ( Acts 17:11 "Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true")

• Calling out false teachers (Romans 16:17 " I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.")

My goal is that you learn from my failures and learn the lessons God has revealed to me. You are not what the world tells you or what your parents and coaches tell you. You are a child of God first! You have the ability to align with Spirit and Truth as a child of God. He created you and knows you more than you know yourself so if you are confused ask him first! Do not let others or your own self profess word curses over your life. Learn how to have discernment and guard your heart and mind because you know your identity is in Christ. God loves us unconditionally and sent his son to give us peace. Phillipians 4:7 "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

KISS XOXO (Keep it Simple & Sanctified)