LEARN TO MAKE GOOD DECISIONS

Forsake foolishness and live, and go in the way of understanding. Proverbs 9:6

We find real peace in our hearts when we live our lives the way God wants us to live it. That does not come easily to anyone.

All of us struggle daily to make choices on issues that we don't fully understand.

Sometimes we think we have made a good decision and then over time the consequences of that decision explode nastily in our face.

We look around ourselves and feel very foolish. It happens to everyone. Even the most mature Christians make mistakes.

However, there are some things we can all do to minimize the bad decisions we make.

Here are a few guidelines:

• Ask God to reveal His priorities for your life and show you how to best pursue them. It is easier to fit other things in your life when you know most important things.

• Carve out time to keep regular appointments with God to pray and listen for His guidance.

• Consider the desires God has placed in your heart and the purposes He has revealed for your life. Keep those desires in the forefront of your considerations.

• Commit to investing some time everyday toward fulfilling those desires and purposes. Big ideas are achieved little by little.

• Regularly update your objectives as God leads you into new seasons of life.

• When making short-term decisions, strive to keep your long-term objectives in mind.

• Spend regular time each day praying, reading the Bible and getting to know more about God's character. Even fifteen minutes each day will add up to great benefit over time.

Prayer: Lord, help me to keep Your priorities for my life this year in focus.

Scriptural Reading: Proverbs 9:1-10

THE NATURE OF CONVICTION

Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. John 16:7

Jesus assured His disciples that it was to their advantage that He go away so that the Helper could come (John 16:7). God sends Him to convict people of their sin.

Since the Holy Spirit is unlimited by time or space, He can reach out to every individual on the planet.

However, His work differs with regard to believers and unbelievers. With regard to unbelievers, God's Spirit penetrates the heart and brings awareness of wrongdoing.

He reveals that according to God's holy standard, they have sinned and stand condemned by their transgression.

Unbelief is the greatest sin against God, so every prick of the heart is meant to point out their need for the Saviour.

As for believers, the Holy Spirit deals with them on the basis of their relationship with Jesus Christ and convicts us of disobedience to Him.

In other words, He makes us aware of specific sins and the Lord's attitude about them. But He also prompts us to be accountable before Christ for our wrongdoing by confessing it and repenting.

Convicting believers of sin is an important part of the Holy Spirit's job, but He is equally delighted to make them aware of the Lord's approval.

God commends righteous living, obedient actions, and loving acts done in His name. While conviction is often uncomfortable for unbelievers and believers alike, it's a beautiful demonstration of God's love.

He desires to bring us into the centre of His will and keep us there for our good and His glory. The Holy Spirit's work makes that possible, if we choose to follow His promptings.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for the work of the Holy Spirit in my heart.

Scriptural Reading: John 16:5-11

Prayer for Pastor Benny Hinn, Hospitilized for Heart Problems

The family of Benny Hinn is asking for prayers after the televangelist was hospitalized Friday upon returning from a trip to Brazil.

"After he arrived home he suddenly began battling fatigue and shortness of breath," wrote his daughter, Jessica Hinn Koulianos,in a letter  posted to the Benny Hinn Ministries website.

"For those of you who know my Dad, you know that he never stops; so when he spent over a week in bed, we knew something was wrong," Koulianos wrote.

Hinn, 62, is being treated for "lack of oxygen in his cardiovascular system."

"At this moment, his physicians are conducting thorough tests, the results of which have been very positive. He is alert and in good spirits, and we expect he will be released later this week," Koulianos wrote.

"By God's grace and with the help of your prayers, we are told to expect a complete recovery," she continued.

source: cbn.com

Health: 9 Signs of Improper Blood Circulation

People suffers from a heart attack, and every minute someone dies from a cardiovascular-related disorder. Out of the 720,000 individuals who suffer from heart attacks annually, it is the second time for about 205,000 of them. One of the most common causes of this is poor blood circulation.

Poor Blood Circulation

Heart attacks often occur with no prior warning, unless the sufferer is aware of the signs. Plaque, scar tissue, fatty material, and calcium accumulate in the vital arteries, which are responsible for supplying the heart with blood. The inhibition of blood flow causes angina or chest pain. A complete block results in a heart attack.

Signs of Improper Blood Circulation

There are several signs and causes of poor circulation. It is extremely important to be aware of all of these. It is also essential to consult a medical professional if you experience any of them. Ignoring the signs, or simply brushing them off, could be the difference between life and death.

• Constant extreme fatigue or lethargy
• Edema or swelling of lower extremities
• Tingling or numbness in any of the extremities
• Cold extremities such as feet, toes, hands and/or fingers
• Legs that feel achy or heavy
• Sores that will not heal within the normal amount of time
• Constant dizzy spells
• Poor or declining memory
• Muscle cramps or throbbing, shooting pains

Certain disorders can result in poor circulation such as Peripheral Artery Disease, varicose veins, Diabetes and obesity. Raynaud's Disease, which is another, causes the arteries of toes and hands to constrict. Two extremely prevalent causes of poor circulation are smoking and consistently consuming large amounts of fried, overly processed and fast foods.

Foods to Promote Healthy Blood Flow

There are a number of foods that can promote healthy blood flow. Certain foods react in the body similar to anti-coagulants. One of the best medicines for improper blood circulation are specific foods. Citruline is a compound found in watermelon and the body converts this into L-arginine, which is very helpful in enhancing blood flow. Consuming goji berries is excellent for blood circulation.

Both salmon and avocados contain heart healthy omega-3 fatty acids. They also promote healthy blood flow. Though keep in mind that there has been some concern of farm-raised salmon containing toxic levels of mercury. Garlic adds wonderful flavor to numerous dishes, and ingesting it strengthens arteries. It also inhibits the accumulation of plaque in the arteries.

Capsicum frutescens is found in found in Cayenne Pepper and reduces the stickiness of platelets. It contains vitamin C and E, which promotes circulation. Gingko biloba is rich in antioxidants, which assist in removing contaminants from the circulatory system.

Ginger Root is also said to promote healthy blood circulation. Sunflower seeds increase healthy blood flow, and sunflower oil is often recommended as a healthy alternative oil for heart patients. And for those chocolate lovers out there, there is a bit of great news. Dark chocolate has been shown to improve circulation.

There are a number of exercises that may be incorporated into weekly or daily routine to improve blood circulation. Swimming, biking, jogging and walking all enlarge heart muscles and increase its blood-pumping abilities. Exercises specifically geared toward cardio, such as kick boxing, skiing and running, are excellent exercises for circulation and the heart as well. Resistance and anaerobic routines may be the most helpful for improving blood circulation. This can be weight training, pull-ups and sit-ups.

A good daily exercise does not have to be high impact to help with strengthening the heart. Hiking is also wonderful and rewarding. Taking the kids and/or dog for a stroll in the park provides exercise as well as quality time.

If you feel you are experiencing any of these symptoms, or want to change your diet or lifestyle, please consult a physician before doing so.

Don Colbert, M.D

Prayer for new week

The Almighty God will take u from the miry clay unto a solid rock. He will visit the foundation of your marriage, finance and education...He will correct whatever has gone wrong in your life in Jesus name!

You will experience Open Heavens and Divine Abundance. God will give you special people to support your life's ambition and dreams in Jesus name! 

Whatever situation you might find yourself in I speak victory in the name of Jesus! I decree every obstacle in your life now a stepping stone to your miracle! The Lord will showcase his glory through you and many people shall come to see it in Jesus name! Claim it! receive it! its yours!

Happy New Week from us ASB-World. 

WORSHIP THE LORD

All the earth worships you and sings praises to you; they sing praises to your name. Psalm 66:4

The ultimate purpose of our lives is to worship God. We were created to worship. God created us in His own image and likeness so that we will declare His glory.

We together with all nature are a revelation of the magnificent splendour of God Almighty, the creator of heaven and earth.

When God looks at your life, does He see genuine worship? Is your life declaring the praises of God?

The bottom line is that each of us was made to worship God. And until we realize this true purpose in life, which is to worship God and enjoy Him forever, we'll always be struggling.

We'll always be frustrated because we have deviated from the central purpose of life! It is impossible to be a productive, positive Christian without living out a meaningful, genuine life of worship.
And we are not here just talking about corporate worship.

Worship is something more than singing and lifting up hands to heaven. Worship is a lifestyle.

It is an attitude that we carry with us day by day. It is an attitude that reveals the inner heart and recognizes the value we place on God in our lives.

It is a life lived in response to the grace and mercy God has so lavishly poured on us through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Worship is the total surrender of our will, yes, even our very life to God. It is a life of sacrifice and service to God. It is living a life dedicated to the glory and honour of God.

Looking at what God has done for you in Christ, what kind of life should you be living? It is only reasonable that, because of what God has done for you in Christ, you offer your life as a living sacrifice to God.

So today, resolve in your heart to make your life that of worship to God the rest of your life.

Prayer: Lord, let my life be a ceaseless flow of worship to you.

Scriptural Reading: Psalm 66:1-20

Health: 9 Signs You May Have Heart Trouble

Even with knowledge and all of these advancements, Atherosclerosis continues to be the No. 1 silent killer in the United States. Atherosclerosis is a constricting or clogging of the arteries, preventing them from carrying vital nutrients through the body. It can lead to both heart attack and stroke.

Not all of the symptoms of a heart attack are the same, especially between men and women. It some cases the signs may be painfully obvious, but in others they may be much more subtle.

The information that follows are indicators that something may be wrong with your heart. They could also be caused by something entirely different. There are two very important steps that you should take. One is to not panic and the second is speak with your personal physician about any of the signs that you may be suffering from. Remember that only a medical professional can assess your situation. Never rely on Google for a serious diagnosis.

1. Lethargy and fatigue. Simple fatigue from a day of overworking or not receiving adequate sleep is perfectly normal. Severe fatigue on a regular basis which simply does not go away after a good night's rest could be a sign that something is amiss with your heart. This is the type of tiredness you feel when you are coming down with the flu.

Director of Women's Heart Health at the Heart and Vascular Institute at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City Suzanne Steinbaum, urges people, especially women, not to dismiss this ongoing fatigue. It could be a warning sign that something is wrong with your heart.

The reason for the extreme fatigue in these cases is that your heart is in distress from tying to transport vital oxygen for your body through constricted or clogged arteries. The reasons that this causes severe lethargy and extreme fatigue is twofold. First, your heart is tired from working overtime and your body is still not receiving the proper oxygen levels it requires for optimal functioning.

2. Peripheral edema. Peripheral edema is when extremities of the body swell such as ankles and feet. There are numerous non-life-threatening reasons that these areas swell such as varicose veins and pregnancy. But it may also be something much more serious such as poor circulation and/or congestive heart failure. This can cause a chronic condition in which your heart is not able to pump blood efficiently.

A professor of cardiovascular medicine at the University of the Maryland School of Medicine states that peripheral edema of the feet can also be a sign that one or more valves in your heart is unable to close properly. This swelling can also be the result of taking certain types of medication such as those for diabetes and/or hypertension. If swelling does correlate with heart issues, in most cases, there will be other indications as well. It may be accompanied by extreme fatigue and/or shortness of breath. It is best to consult your medical professional to determine exactly what is causing the edema.

3. Excruciating pain while walking. If the muscles of your legs and hips may cramp severely when you walk, but then relax upon resting. Do not automatically dismiss this sign as a curse of growing older. This could be a symptom of PAD or peripheral arterial disease. This is a result of fatty plaque accumulating in your arteries and clogging them, which has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Both PAD and related cardiovascular disease are generally completely treatable as long as you listen to the early warning signs and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

4. Feeling faint or light headed. There are many different causes of dizziness which are in no way related to heart disease. Fitness gyms post signs warning individuals that they should stop exercising, if they become faint or light headed. You could simply be dehydrated or you rose from a sitting or lying too quickly. If it is reoccurring, it is important to consult a physician to determine whether it is something such as a side effect of a medication that you are currently taking or if it is related to cardiovascular disease. Dizziness may also be a warning from your heart that your blood pressure is dropping too fast or frequently. This may be the result of a defective heart valve or clogged arteries.

5. Shortness of breath. If you have been fit pretty much all of your life, but suddenly become short of breath when performing those same routine exercises, it could be the result of an infection, anemia or asthma. It could be something much more serious, especially if you began to feel this way after simply climbing stairs and it is to the degree that it makes you cough. The heart may be having trouble pumping blood and/or your heart valves may be injured.

A defective heart valve can cause fluid to accumulate that may cause wheezing and coughing that are often mistaken for bronchial asthma. Once the valve is repaired or replaced it eliminates fluid from the lungs and allows the patient to breathe much easier. Be sure that you consult your doctor about this warning sign.

6. Depression. Depression is extremely prevalent throughout the entire world. More than 19 million people are affected every year in the United States alone. While depression is not generally an actual direct symptom of cardiovascular disease, studies show that it can increase the risk of heart disease. Those who suffer from other symptoms of cardiovascular disease or are hereditarily at risk for it are more likely to suffer from depression as well. Physical and mental health are closely related and play an integral part in your overall well-being. It is essential that you speak with a medical professional immediately, if you are suffering from depression whether you believe it is related to heart disease or not.

7. Frequent migraines. There are all sorts of reason that you may get a headache. It could be the result of stress, allergies or the beginning of a cold. Frequent migraines are an indicator of possible cardiovascular disease. Approximately 12 percent of the world's population suffers from migraine headaches. That figure dramatically increases to 40 percent in those diagnosed with heart disease. Numerous studies are being conducted because the exact connection remains unclear. One common theory is that it is the result of an imbalance of the autonomic nervous system and heart defects. This is because a connection has been made between these abnormalities and individuals suffering from migraines accompanied by auras.

8. Hearing your heartbeat as you fall asleep. Some individuals are able to hear their defective heart valve as they fall asleep. Some of them become adjusted to the sound and/or simply change the positions that they sleep in. It is important not to ignore this symptom and to speak with your doctor about it to determine the cause. There are several reasons why your heart may pound loud enough for you to hear. Certain medications, anemia, dehydration and low blood sugar or blood pressure are all possible causes.

9. Anxiety accompanied by nausea and sweating. Sudden panic attacks accompanied by nausea and sweating may be caused by an anxiety disorder. This may also be an indication of cardiovascular disease. If you experience this with other serious symptoms such as pain that radiates through your shoulder, back, chest and other upper extremities, it is vital that you seek immediate medical attention. This could be a sign that you are having a heart attack. Five precious minutes could be the difference between life and death.

Don Colbert, M.D