Monthly Archives: January 2012

A TIME FOR GOOD COUNSEL

Moses with the tablets of the Ten Commandments...

Image via Wikipedia

Bro. Mitch DeCanter Shares

This  post comes from “Our Daily Bread” January 17, 2012

For the Scripture, read Exodus 18:13-24.  Looking up the word Exodus, I find that it comes from Greek.  Exodus means departure, going forth, exit, flight, hegira, migration, emigration, exile.  Of course, with a study of the book of Exodus we find that God is the Director of the exit.

“With Moses, and often with us, it’s simply that life is moving so quickly and making so many demands on us (vv. 13-15) that we barely have time to react- let alone to contemplate or go to someone else for advice.  Perhaps this is one reason the Scriptures remind us to surround ourselves with counselors who will offer their experience and wisdom even when we’er too busy to ask for it.  We see this in the story of what Jethro did for Moses when he told his son-in-law to delegate some of his responsibilities (vv.17-23).

Don’t be overwhelmed. Instead, seek godly counsel and then follow through on what you are told.”  Randy Kilgore

Lord, give us ears to hear advice from loved ones wise and humble;

 So when life’s challenges appear, we will not have to stumble.

SEEK GOD’S COUNSEL AND YOU WILL GAIN WISDOM.  WISDOM WILL ADD TO YOU SPIRITUAL LIFE.

MARRIED OR NOT

Marriage Day

Blog By:  Mitch DeCanter

A friend of mine on Facebook sent this out.  I did receive permission from Susann Crawford to share this with commentary:

‎***MARRIED OR NOT*** You Should Read This…. When I got home that night as my wife served dinner, I held her hand and said, I’ ve got something to tell you. She sat down and ate quietly. Again I observed the hurt in her eyes. Suddenly I didn’t know how to open my mouth. But I had to let her know what I was thinking. I want a divorce. I raised the topic calmly. She didn’t seem to be annoyed by my words, instead she asked me softly, why? I avoided her question. This made her angry. She threw away the chopsticks and shouted at me, you are not a man! That night, we didn’t talk to each other. She was weeping. I knew she wanted to find out what had happened to our marriage. But I could hardly give her a satisfactory answer; she had lost my heart to Jane. I didn’t love her anymore. I just pitied her! With a deep sense of guilt, I drafted a divorce agreement which stated that she could own our house, our car, and 30% stake of my company. She glanced at it and then tore it into pieces. The woman who had spent ten years of her life with me had become a stranger. I felt sorry for her wasted time, resources and energy but I could not take back what I had said for I loved Jane so dearly. Finally she cried loudly in front of me, which was what I had expected to see. To me her cry was actually a kind of release. The idea of divorce which had obsessed me for several weeks seemed to be firmer and clearer now. The next day, I came back home very late and found her writing something at the table. I didn’t have supper but went straight to sleep and fell asleep very fast because I was tired after an eventful day with Jane. When I woke up, she was still there at the table writing. I just did not care so I turned over and was asleep again. In the morning she presented her divorce conditions: she didn’t want anything from me, but needed a month’s notice before the divorce. She requested that in that one month we both struggle to live as normal a life as possible. Her reasons were simple: our son had his exams in a month’s time and she didn’t want to disrupt him with our broken marriage.This was agreeable to me. But she had something more, she asked me to recall how I had carried her into out bridal room on our wedding day. She requested that every day for the month’s duration I carry her out of our bedroom to the front door ever morning. I thought she was going crazy. Just to make our last days together bearable I accepted her odd request. I told Jane about my wife’s divorce conditions. . She laughed loudly and thought it was absurd. No matter what tricks she applies, she has to face the divorce, she said scornfully. My wife and I hadn’t had any body contact since my divorce intention was explicitly expressed. So when I carried her out on the first day, we both appeared clumsy. Our son clapped behind us, daddy is holding mommy in his arms. His words brought me a sense of pain. From the bedroom to the sitting room, then to the door, I walked over ten meters with her in my arms. She closed her eyes and said softly; don’t tell our son about the divorce. I nodded, feeling somewhat upset. I put her down outside the door. She went to wait for the bus to work. I drove alone to the office. On the second day, both of us acted much more easily. She leaned on my chest. I could smell the fragrance of her blouse. I realized that I hadn’t looked at this woman carefully for a long time. I realized she was not young any more. There were fine wrinkles on her face, her hair was graying! Our marriage had taken its toll on her. For a minute I wondered what I had done to her. On the fourth day, when I lifted her up, I felt a sense of intimacy returning. This was the woman who had given ten years of her life to me. On the fifth and sixth day, I realized that our sense of intimacy was growing again. I didn’t tell Jane about this. It became easier to carry her as the month slipped by. Perhaps the everyday workout made me stronger. She was choosing what to wear one morning. She tried on quite a few dresses but could not find a suitable one. Then she sighed, all my dresses have grown bigger. i suddenly realized that she had grown so thin, that was the reason why I could carry her more easily. Suddenly it hit me… she had buried so much pain and bitterness in her heart. Subconscio usly I reached out and touched her head. Our son came in at the moment and said, Dad, it’ s time to carry mom out. To him, seeing his father carrying his mother out had become an essential part of his life. My wife gestured to our son to come closer and hugged him tightly. I turned my face away because I was afraid I might change my mind at this last minute. I then held her in my arms, walking from the bedroom, through the sitting room, to the hallway. Her hand surrounded my neck softly and naturally. I held her body tightly; it was just like our wedding day. But her much lighter weight made me sad. On the last day, when I held her in my arms I could hardly move a step. Our son had gone to school. I held her tightly and said, I hadn’t noticed that our life lacked intimacy. I drove to office…. jumped out of the car swiftly without locking the door. I was afraid any delay would make me change my mind…I walked upstairs. Jane opened the door and I said to her, Sorry, Jane, I do not want the divotrce anymore. She looked at me, astonished, and then touched my forehead. Do you have afever? She said. I moved her hand off my head. Sorry, Jane, I said, I won’t divorce. My marriage life was boring probably because she and I didn’t value the details of our lives, not because we didn’t love each other anymore. Now I realize that since I carried her into my home on our wedding day I am supposed to hold her until death do us apart. Jane seemed to suddenly wake up. She gave me a loud slap and then slammed the door and burst into tears. I walked downstairs and drove away. At the floral shop on the way, I ordered a bouquet of flowers for my wife. The salesgirl asked me what to write on the card. I smiled and wrote, I’ll carry you out every morning until death do us apart. That evening I arrived home, flowers in my hands, a smile on my face, I ran up stairs, only to find my wife in the bed dead. My wife had been fighting CANCER for months and I was too busy with Jane to even notice. She knew that she would die soon and she wanted to save me from whatever negative reaction it would have on our son, if we pushed through with the divorce. —At least, in the eyes of our son—-I’m a loving husband…. THE SMALL DETAILS OF YOUR LIVES ARE WHAT REALLY MATTER IN A RELATIONSHIP. “IT’S NOT” the Mansion or House, the Car, Property, the Money in the bank. These create an environment conducive for happiness but cannot give happiness in themselves. So find time to be your spouse’s friend and do those little things for each other that build intimacy. Do have a real happy marriage! If you don’t share this, nothing will happen to you. If you do, you just might save a marriage. Most of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up… YOU DONT REALIZE WHAT YOU HAVE UNTIL ITS GONE

Jan and I have been married for almost 47 years.  I remember that when she walked down the aisle, I could never look upon another woman with love (true love almost like agape love.)  Now for 47 years I have not ever felt the connected and dedicated love from anyone.  Sure I have many women friends, and I love many of them, but it is only with respect and as a Christian Friend or Special Friend.  There was only one that I felt special bonds with, almost like a soul mate, but there was never the same love as Jan has.  I believe that what set us up for a life time of marriage was the fact that we both made vows that we truly meant and have held.  

Marriage requires (to last) first of all of  know that God brought the two together, and that the mating is designed for a life time. Death is the only reason to be separated, however we know that we will one day be together for eternity.  No not marriage in heaven, but then we will not have bodies and spiritual lives as we do while alive.  Ask your pastor about this.  He can explain why I say this.  Or read you Bible with reference to being in heaven with Jesus Christ.

As the writer learned, his love of his wife was realized too late. Therefore, for a much more meaning and full understand of love in the marriage, Start off by being in tune with Gods teachings of MARRIAGE.  

Mitch is saying, walk through the valleys together and with God, climb every mountain together with God, Enjoy mountain plains with God, and the togetherness will continue to grow the love connection, both Spiritually and physically.  

Allow Others to See Your Spiritual Love (Jesus Christ)

By:  Mitch DeCanter

Greetings, my Christian Friends:  If you have and believe in Jesus Christ, and have prayed for forgiveness, and accepted Jesus Christ Into your being with plans to be baptized.  If you did all this with simple Child Like Repentance – You are saved and Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit lives inside your being.  Therefore, I claim you as my Christian Friend.

English: Mother Mary with the Holy Child Jesus...

Image via Wikipedia

My objective is my request that you share Jesus Christ with your family and friends and people you meet daily.  No objections please, because I am not asking you to open your mouth saying anything about saving someone or people.  What I am asking you to do is to live a Spiritual Life, and when someone looks into your face and eyes, allow them to see the “Love of Jesus Christ” through your being.  It is easy. The Holy Spirit will do all that is necessary of showing off Jesus Christ.  Please, don’t pretend, simply be happy in the Lord and allow that love of Christ shine through your BEING!  I start here, by saying, smile, because I am typing with a smile for you on my face right now.  God Bless You!

Something truly awesome happened tonight and I have to admit, once again, it’s amazing the way God puts things together in our lives that just bring us to a final conclusion that just allows us to be closer to Him, glory Him more greatly, or… whatever. Whatever His purpose may be and it’s just astounding. Selected

SPIRITUAL LIFE STARTS

BY:  Mitch DeCanter

Get on board with your Spiritual Life.  So what does a Spiritual Life mean?  conviction in one’s experience of the mysterious aspect of divine power Read More: http://www.answers.com/topic/spirituality#ixzz1j0AMu78J

Seems to me that the word conviction in one’s experience of mysterious aspect of divine power, leaves one with an empty understanding  of  ”Your Spiritual Life”.

From http://www.spiritualriver.com/living-a-spiritual-life/ I found and share this article.

Living a Spiritual Life

What does it mean to live a spiritual life? Most of us probably have an idea of what we would be like if we could just be more spiritual…we picture our ideal “self” doing respectable things and acting in a respectable way. Not all of us want to know how to become a yoga teacher. But how can we define the spiritual life, and what steps can we take to get there?

First, we must sharpen our definition of the term “spiritual”. Vague definitions are poisonous to our spiritual growth.

Think about it. You probably have a vague notion of what “spirituality” means to you, but the lack of any specific qualifiers really limits your growth as far as any actions you can take. So let’s pin down all of the things that a spiritual life should entail:

1) Deep connections with others    

2) Seeking wisdom

3) Striving for growth

4) Drawing closer to a higher power or nature

5) Tolerance and forgiveness of others

Deep connections with others

When we think of someone who is really spiritual, we might picture a man meditating in a cave, completely isolated from his fellows. In real life, we get deep meaning from our interactions with others. All of the great spiritual teachers would agree with this–for example, take Jesus, Ghandi, or Mother Teresa. All of them advocated working with others, even the sick and suffering. In particular, helping others is critical, as is carrying a message of hope to them. While many will attach religious connotations to this, it simply isn’t necessary, because we connect with others at a human level. In other words, keep it simple and just reach out and offer help. Most people would agree that those living a spiritual life connect with others in a helpful, meaningful way.

Seeking wisdom

Seeking wisdom implies that a person is on the path to wisdom. They have some wisdom; they are seeking to gain more. This is not a mad rush for knowledge. Instead, the idea of seeking wisdom is about making genuine growth and gaining real insight into our lives. People who claim to know it all or have superior knowledge are generally not regarded as being spiritual–they are instead preaching in arrogance. Seeking wisdom necessitates some degree of humility. The spiritual life is one of exploration.

Striving for growth

The spiritual life is a fallacy if someone has stagnated and is no longer growing. Spirituality is growth. This speaks of discipline; of demanding progress of ourselves. The great spiritual leaders alwayspushed themselves. If you want to feel like you are living the best life that you can, then you will need to push yourself in much the same way.

Drawing closer to a higher power or nature

Whatever your source of strength is, drawing closer to it will only make you stronger in your recovery. This is because your connection with a higher power is an internal mechanism–something that you have control over and can develop and cultivate.

Tolerance and forgiveness of others

Someone who is living a spiritual life does not hold deep grudges and resentments against others. They do not harbor anger in this way. Instead, we need tolerance and patience with others, and this comes from a genuine humility–knowing that we have probably acted out in the same way that others might be doing. We forgive ourselves and others around us. We hold our own behavior to a high standard, and grant leniency to others who are trying to grow.

 Briefly I share a moment in my day of JUST BEING A CHRISTIAN, ALLOWING CHRIST TO SHINE FROM MY EYES AND FACE, BEING SPIRITUAL:

This morning as I was leaving a small chain store here in Guntown Mississippi, I watched a man in a wheel chair get himself in the door.  The next thing I notice was that the man was radiating enjoyment of being alive in his face.  At least that was my first conclusion. I walked near him and looking down on him in the chair, I Smiled and said, “How are you today my friend”. It was then that he looked up at me, and he let me know that he had been watching me for a bit of time.  This man then with a gleam on his face, said to me, “I know you are a Christian, I can see it on your face”.

Deutsch: Mutter Teresa (26.8.1919-5.9.1997); 1...

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My greeting  intended to meet and share a Spiritual moment of encouragement to the man in the wheelchair.  However it was the man in the wheel chair that gave me a wonderful Spiritual moment.  The man and I visited and shared for a few moments, as others looked on with an eye of awe.  Bottom line is that when we seek to share Jesus Christ, sometimes words are not necessary.  My pastor, Dr. Bill Adams, tells me, “Mitch, just be yourself”.  I understood him to be saying, allow the love of Jesus Christ to come from your Spiritual Heart.

I share this with you today,   allow the love of Jesus Christ to come from your Spiritual Heart.  Be Spiritual…

2010 NEW

       HAPPY NEW YEAR    SEEK SPIRITUAL GROWTH

It is a new year, yes 2011 is gone, so what does that mean to the spiritual (Christian & Believer) human kind?

Let’s look back to the year of 2011.  In our individual lives did that 365 days of the year have any one day where or when there was a Spiritual Event or Happening that you remember and cherish with a new feeling (emotion) with regard to our thoughts of Jesus Christ?

For me, Mitch, yes!  I was serving in a church where the leadership seemed  very harsh and direct.  In fact in my opinion, the leadership led by occult style, but they did not know.  It seems that their desire and motivation to CONTROL became so intense that they stopped Spiritual Leading and became administrative directors.

My life changed by going through a four by-pass open heart.  It was a very serious situation, and I did not expect to wake up.  However, God was not ready to take me home.  When I  awakened form the antithesis, the bright lights were confusing, but I knew I was still on earth.  I was disappointed,  and just went back to the darkness of sleep.  Only to wake up shortly and realize that I was still alive for God’s purpose.  Then the healing began, where the first battle was that the spiritual peace of going to the over side ( dying) was gone, and emotions of concern for life became very overwhelming.  In fact a battle started, with whom I though was Satan.

The battle was ferrous, and I was not winning.  The more I asked God to bind Satan out of my life, the worse the battle became.  Eventually, I feared sleep.  The dreams were so horrific, because I could not understand.  My question to God became, “God you did not take me home with you, and now you will not bind Satan out of my life!

I tried to serve God in that church, but seemed to me that the leadership turned, and was condemning me on every front.  In fact I believed they were trying to force me out of the church.  I did not have the physical nor the spiritual strength to overcome the situation.  In desperation, I cried  to God, “Why”, “What”, “did you desert me.  On my knees one more time, I begged God to remove Satan, and “PLEASE”  God, let me know what to do?

Finally God did answer my prayer.  It was in a peaceful sleep that I had a dream.  All I have ever been able to remember was the voice of God saying to me “Mitch, I want you to leave this church, I have something else for you”.  The next morning, I realized that I had not been in battle with Satan, but that I was fighting with God.  Oh yes, Satan did have his share of involvement.

Leaving that church was a heart breaking experience.  I became so very angry, so very angry with the spiritual leaders, so angry at giving up on God, and trying to heal from the surgery.  The most difficult part of the healing has been mental.  One artery that feeds the brain was 100 percent blocked, and when the brain started getting new blood, it to had to rebuild and heal from it’s damage.

Back to thinking of 2011, a year of healing physically, mentally,  emotionally, and most of all spiritually. You see, my first instinct was never become involved or join any organized religion (church).  I had given so much to that church, and in the end forced to leave it all behind.  Leave a group of people that I loved and cared about.  However, seems that God was not about to let Jan and me just retire from serving.

Under the leadership of God, Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit I was lead to build this En Rich With Mitch & Reuben web site, (blog).  God has blessed this ministry very much.  Along with my healing, that is healing from the hurt of retiring and closing my photography studio, leaving a church, and gaining physiology strength, this ministry is growing.  We are reaching more and more from all over the world.   Reuben and I are blessed to receive reports of encouragement and appreciation from everywhere.

Also, God led me to start a  Bible Group  where we meet once a week.  We first share fellowship and food, then we have open discussion bible study.  Small in number, but major Spiritual growth for all of us.  God blesses…

Well Jan and I did join another church, where the poster about my age, connected with me by seeing the love of Jesus Christ in my face and life and befriended me as a fellow servant of God.  In fact this pastor joined in our study group and the members love him so very much.

Am I healed, no, I am not.  However, I gain both physical and spiritual strength every day.  Also, God puts people in front of me (several) each week that also see Jesus Christ in me, and they seek my consul.  I never know when or where someone will grab my attention and spend several moments sharing their spiritual and life pains, and receive my encouragements.  It is in those moments, that I fully feel the Spirit of God  (Holy Spirit) flowing through me.  Praise God!

So today starts a New Year. The events and stories are unwritten, we have a good starting point to seek the presence of God in our lives, and they follow his command. To know the command, read the last chapter of Matthew.  Then Go, which also means do.  Do allow yourselves to allow yourself to gain the understanding of being a Spiritual Human Being.

God Bless you though out the new year.  I am sure this has been written, but understand, that often we cannot until we do.  Mitch

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