Grace Upon Grace Families

How to Calm Down in Stressful Situations – Lessons From a Dog Trainer & Spiritual Wisdom

Introduction

Life’s challenges can make us feel like an out-of-control dog—lunging in anger, trembling in fear, or barking in frustration. But just as a skilled dog trainer brings peace to chaotic situations, we too can learn to master our emotions with God’s help.

After watching a professional dog trainer transform aggressive dogs in seconds, I realized something profound: our struggles with anger, fear, and impulsivity follow the same principles. The devil wants us to stay reactive, but God gives us the tools to respond in peace.

Let’s break down three real-life examples and what they teach us—plus how Scripture guides us to victory.

1. The Nurse & the Possessive Dog – Stop Feeding the Wrong Emotion

Scenario: A nurse’s rescue dog attacked her fiancé, growling “She’s mine!” Her sympathy and high-pitched scolding (“No, bad dog!”) accidentally rewarded the aggression. The trainer stepped in, calmed the dog in seconds, and taught her to project quiet authority.

Our Struggle:

When we panic (yelling, overreacting), we fuel our stress instead of calming it.
The devil loves when we dwell in frustration—it gives him ground to stir chaos (Ephesians 4:26-27).

Solution:

Pause before reacting. “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
Speak peace. Like the trainer’s calm tone, use slow, firm words—even to yourself: “I choose peace.”

2. The Teacher & the Shelties – Take Back Your Authority

Scenario: Two shelties barked wildly at hair dryers, vacuums, and car rides—ruling their owner’s life. The trainer showed her how to be the leader, not a victim. Once she stood firm, the dogs relaxed completely.

Our Struggle:

Fear makes us feel powerless (“I can’t handle this!”). But God says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
The devil whispers, “You’ll always be anxious.” But Christ says, “Peace, be still.” (Mark 4:39)

Solution:

Command your emotions like the trainer commanded the dogs: “This stress doesn’t own me.”
Stand on truth: “I am more than a conqueror through Christ.” (Romans 8:37)

3. The Rottweiler & the Disbelieving Family – Break the “I Can’t” Mindset

Scenario: A family was shocked when their aggressive Rottweiler walked calmly on a leash after training. Even after seeing it, the mother said, “I can’t believe it!” Her doubt almost undid the progress.

Our Struggle:

We pray for help but don’t expect change—letting the devil trap us in “It’ll never work.”
“If you have faith as small as a mustard seed… nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20)

Solution:

Replace doubt with faith. Instead of “I’m too angry to calm down,” declare: “God is renewing my mind.” (Romans 12:2)
Celebrate small wins. The Rottweiler didn’t change overnight—progress takes practice!

The Spiritual Warfare Factor: The Devil Wants You Reactive

Just like aggressive dogs act out of insecurity, the devil stirs our emotions to steal our peace. He wants:

Fear to replace faith (2 Timothy 1:7)
Anger to replace love (James 1:20)
Doubt to replace trust (Mark 11:23)

But we have divine power to resist him: “Submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee.” (James 4:7)

Final Encouragement

Dogs respond to calm leadership. So do our emotions. When stress barks at you:

Pause (Psalm 46:10)
Stand in God’s authority (2 Timothy 1:7)
Rebuke doubt (Mark 11:23)

Prayer for Peace:
“Lord, train my heart to respond like You—in patience, power, and love. Silence the chaos within me, and help me walk in Your peace. In Jesus’ matchless name, Amen.”

EASTER: WHY BORN-AGAIN CHRISTIANS MUST REJECT IT

1. Easter is PAGAN – Not Christian

The word "Easter" appears only once in the KJV (Acts 12:4) as a MISTRANSLATION.

The Greek word is "Pascha" (Passover)—modern Bibles correct this.

"Easter" comes from Ēostre, a Germanic fertility goddess linked to:

Eggs (symbol of fertility)
Rabbits (symbol of lust)
Sunrise services (sun worship – Ezek. 8:16)

God never commanded it. The early church celebrated Christ’s resurrection during Passover, not a pagan spring ritual.

2. How Easter Invaded Christianity

Constantine & the Council of Nicaea (AD 325) wanted to distance Christianity from Judaism, so they:

Replaced Passover timing with a Sunday-based "Easter."
Merged pagan spring festivals with Christ’s resurrection to convert heathens.

Satan’s Strategy:

Erase Passover (which points to Jesus as the Lamb – 1 Cor. 5:7).
Replace truth with paganized traditions (Col. 2:8).

3. Who Really Gets Glory in Easter?

Pagan gods – The name, eggs, bunnies, and sunrise rites honor ancient fertility demons.
The Vatican – Rome invented Easter to control Christianity.
The devil – He laughs when Christians defend "Easter" as "honoring Jesus."
Jesus is ROBBED – His resurrection is buried under pagan junk.

4. What Must True Christians Do?

✅ Call it "Resurrection Sunday" – Never use the pagan name "Easter."
✅ Restore the Passover connection – Preach Christ as our Lamb (John 1:29).
✅ Reject ALL pagan mixtures – Eggs, bunnies, sunrise services (Deut. 12:29-32).
✅ Warn others – This is spiritual adultery (James 4:4).

Final Appeal to the Remnant

God is calling a separated people (Rev. 18:4). If you’re born again:

You cannot serve Christ and pagan traditions.
The world will mock you—but heaven will honor you.

Prayer:
"Father, expose every lie I’ve believed. I reject ‘Easter’ and all its pagan filth. Let me honor Your Son’s resurrection only in Spirit and Truth in Jesus’ name. Amen."

Should We Use Jesus’ Name for Social Media Likes?

Social media is filled with posts that say things like:

"Jesus is King! Drop an Amen!"
"Like if you love Jesus!"
"Comment ‘faith’ and God will bless you!"

At first glance, these may seem harmless—even encouraging. But we must ask: Are these posts truly glorifying God, or are they exploiting His name for engagement, likes, and profile growth?

1. The Danger of Using God’s Name in Vain

The Third Commandment warns:

"You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain." (Exodus 20:7)

Using Jesus’ name casually, manipulatively, or for self-promotion risks turning His holiness into a trending hashtag rather than a life-transforming truth.

2. Jesus Warned Against Empty Words

"Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven." (Matthew 7:21)

Simply typing "Amen" or liking a post doesn’t prove faith. True devotion is shown in obedience, prayer, and sharing real testimonies—not just social media gestures.

3. Is It Really About Glorifying God—Or Ourselves?

Many posts follow a psychological trick:

They trigger quick reactions (likes, comments).
They make people feel "spiritual" without real commitment.
They may even boost the poster’s influence rather than point people to Christ.

If we truly want to glorify Jesus, why not:
✔ Share a personal testimony of His faithfulness.
✔ Post Scripture with heartfelt reflection (not just for likes).
✔ Use social media to encourage, pray for others, or share the Gospel—not farm engagement.

4. The Devil’s Trap: Fake Spirituality

Satan doesn’t always attack with obvious sin—sometimes he distracts us with empty religion. Liking Jesus posts feels good, but does it replace:

Prayer?
Reading the Bible?
Helping the needy?
Living a holy life?

Jesus said:

"Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord…’ But I will declare, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me.’" (Matthew 7:22-23)

Let’s not mistake online approval for genuine faith.

Final Thought: Use Social Media Wisely

Social media isn’t evil—but how we use it matters. If we mention Jesus, let it be with reverence and truth, not as a bait for likes.

Instead of performing faith, let’s live it. Instead of seeking validation, let’s seek God’s Kingdom first.

What do you think? Have you seen posts that misuse Jesus’ name for engagement? How can we honor Him online without vanity?

The Silent Rebellion: How Satan Twists Family Roles and What We Must Do

Introduction

The family is under attack. Divorce rates soar, children grow up fatherless, and confusion about gender roles floods our culture. What society calls "progress"—women replacing men as providers, men retreating into passivity—the Bible calls rebellion. Not against human authority, but against God’s design.

Satan’s strategy hasn’t changed since Eden: twist God’s words, swap roles, and watch families crumble (Genesis 3:1–6). Today, he disguises his lies as "empowerment" and "equality," but the fruit is undeniable: broken homes, traumatized children, and a generation adrift.

This isn’t about male superiority. It’s about order. Just as a ship needs a captain to avoid chaos, a family needs a godly man to lead—not dominate, but to love, protect, and guide as Christ does (Ephesians 5:23). When we ignore this, we play into Satan’s hands.

1. God’s Design vs. Satan’s Distortion

A. How God Ordained the Family

Man’s Role: Spiritual leader, provider, and protector (Ephesians 5:25–29; 1 Timothy 5:8).
Woman’s Role: Helper, nurturer, and co-heir in Christ (Genesis 2:18; 1 Peter 3:7).
Children’s Role: Obedience and training in righteousness (Exodus 20:12; Proverbs 22:6).

This isn’t about value—men and women are equal before God (Galatians 3:28)—but about function. A body needs both a head and hands to thrive.

B. How Satan Twists It

For Women: "You don’t need a man; you’re better off alone." (Yet research shows fatherless homes dramatically increase poverty, crime, and mental illness.)
For Men: "Let her take charge; it’s easier." (But passivity breeds resentment and weakens marriages.)
For Children: "Parents are oppressors; rebel against them." (Result: A generation with no moral compass.)

Satan doesn’t care who leads—as long as it’s not God’s way.

2. The Devastating Consequences

By the Numbers:

Over 25% of children in the U.S. grow up without a father in the home.
Children from fatherless homes are four times more likely to live in poverty.
70% of long-term prison inmates grew up without fathers.

Cultural Chaos:

Women are overworked, juggling careers and childcare alone.
Men are increasingly disconnected from work and family life.
Children face rising rates of ADHD, depression, and behavioral disorders.

This isn’t "freedom." It’s bondage—exactly what Satan wants (John 10:10).

3. How to Fight Back and Restore God’s Order

A. For Men: Reclaim Your Role

Lead spiritually: Pray with your family (Joshua 24:15).
Work diligently: Provide without complaint (1 Timothy 5:8).
Love sacrificially: Serve your wife as Christ serves the Church (Ephesians 5:25).

B. For Women: Pray, Don’t Replace

If your husband is passive, pray for him—don’t usurp him (1 Peter 3:1–2).
Encourage his leadership, even if it’s imperfect (Proverbs 31:12).
Teach your children to respect their father’s authority.

C. For Children: Honor Your Parents

Obedience brings blessing (Ephesians 6:1–3).
A father’s guidance protects you from destruction (Proverbs 1:8–9).

D. For the Church: Teach the Truth

Preach biblical roles without apology (Titus 2:1–8).
Offer counseling for struggling families.
Restore, don’t condemn: Even broken homes can be redeemed (Joel 2:25).

Conclusion: Return to God’s Blueprint

The devil’s rebellion is loud—but our obedience is louder. When men lead with love, women nurture with wisdom, and children honor their parents, families thrive.

It starts with repentance. If you’ve bought the lie that "roles don’t matter," ask God for clarity. If you’ve resisted His design, surrender today. The family is worth fighting for—and the battle begins on our knees.

"As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15)

Prayer: " Heavenly Father, expose Satan’s lies in our families. Help men to lead, women to support, and children to obey. Restore Your order, for Your glory in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen."

Disobedience Could Lead to Lifelong Sadness

“If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword”; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken. — Isaiah 1:19-20 (NKJV)

Life is full of choices. From the time we’re young, we’re faced with decisions—what to study, where to work, how to live. Some choices seem small, while others have lifelong consequences. But one thing is certain: the choices we make matter, especially when it comes to obeying God.

Disobedience might seem like an easy way out in the moment, but it often leads to regret, pain, and missed blessings. On the other hand, obedience to God brings peace, joy, and the fulfillment of His promises. Let’s explore why obedience matters and how we can choose God’s way in every area of our lives.

The Blessings of Obedience

When we choose to obey God, we position ourselves to receive His blessings. Isaiah 1:19 promises that if we are “willing and obedient,” we will “eat the good of the land.” This means living in the fullness of God’s provision, protection, and purpose.

Obedience isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. Here are some blessings that come from obeying God:

Peace: Walking in obedience brings inner peace, even in difficult circumstances.
Favor: God blesses those who honor Him with their choices.
Guidance: When we obey God, He directs our steps and opens doors we couldn’t open on our own.
Eternal Rewards: Our obedience on earth stores up treasures in heaven.

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” — Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)

The Dangers of Disobedience

On the flip side, disobedience has serious consequences. Isaiah 1:20 warns that those who “refuse and rebel” will be “devoured by the sword.” This isn’t just a physical warning—it’s a spiritual one. Disobedience cuts us off from God’s protection and provision, leaving us vulnerable to the enemy’s attacks.

Some people think they can outsmart God or avoid the consequences of their choices. They say things like, “I’m smart enough to dodge even God at the judgment day.” But the Bible makes it clear that no one can escape God’s justice.

“The Lord laughs at him, for He sees that his day is coming.” — Psalm 37:13 (NKJV)

Disobedience might offer temporary satisfaction, but it always leads to long-term pain. Whether it’s a pattern of sin, a refusal to follow God’s guidance, or a habit of cutting corners, disobedience robs us of the good things God has planned for us.

Recognizing Patterns of Disobedience

Sometimes, disobedience isn’t a one-time choice—it’s a pattern. Maybe you’ve noticed areas of your life where you keep struggling or making the same mistakes. Perhaps you’ve tried to overcome these habits on your own but keep falling short.

This is a sign that it’s time to pause and review your life. Ask yourself:

Are there areas where I’m consistently choosing my way over God’s?
Am I ignoring His guidance or justifying my actions?
What steps can I take to align my life with His will?

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” — Psalm 139:23-24 (NKJV)

Choosing God’s Way

The good news is that it’s never too late to choose obedience. No matter how far you’ve wandered or how many mistakes you’ve made, God is ready to forgive and guide you back to His path.

Here’s how you can start:

Seek God’s Guidance: Spend time in prayer and Scripture, asking God to show you His will.
Repent and Turn Away: Confess any areas of disobedience and ask God for the strength to change.
Take Practical Steps: Make a plan to align your choices with God’s Word. Surround yourself with godly influences and accountability partners.
Trust God’s Promises: Believe that His way is always best, even when it’s hard.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” — Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)

A Message of Hope

If you’ve been struggling with disobedience, take heart. God’s mercy is greater than your mistakes, and His grace is sufficient to help you change. The key is to humble yourself, seek His guidance, and take the first step toward obedience.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” — 1 John 1:9 (NKJV)

Don’t let disobedience rob you of the good things God has in store for you. Choose His way today, and experience the peace, joy, and blessings that come from walking in obedience.

Call-to-Action

Have you ever experienced the consequences of disobedience or the blessings of obedience? Share your story in the comments below to encourage others. Let’s build a community of believers who support one another in choosing God’s way every day.

Remember, obedience isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. Choose wisely, and trust God to lead you to the good of the land.

Every Plant My Father Did Not Plant Will Be Uprooted: Guarding the Field of Your Heart

Our hearts are like a field—a sacred space where God desires to plant seeds of truth, love, and righteousness. But just as a farmer must guard his field against weeds, we must protect our hearts from the enemy’s attempts to sow lies, distractions, and sin. Jesus reminds us, “Every plant which My heavenly Father did not plant will be uprooted” (Matthew 15:13). This powerful statement invites us to examine what is growing in the field of our hearts and to ensure that only what God has planted remains.

1. The Heart as God’s Field

The heart is the center of our being—the place where our thoughts, emotions, and desires take root. Just as a farmer carefully prepares his field for planting, God desires to cultivate our hearts with His Word and His Spirit. He plants seeds of faith, hope, love, and purpose, intending for us to bear fruit that glorifies Him.

“The seed is the word of God… The seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.” (Luke 8:11, 15)

But like any field, our hearts are vulnerable to invasion. The enemy, like a thief, seeks to sneak in and sow weeds—lies, fears, and sinful desires—that can choke the good seeds God has planted.

2. The Enemy’s Weeds: What Doesn’t Belong

From a young age, we are exposed to countless influences—through what we see, hear, and experience. Not all of these influences are from God. Some are planted by the enemy, designed to distract, deceive, and destroy us. These “weeds” can take many forms:

Negative thoughts and self-doubt
Worldly values that contradict God’s truth
Bitterness, unforgiveness, or jealousy
Harmful habits or addictions

These weeds may seem small at first, but if left unchecked, they can grow deep roots and overshadow the good seeds God has planted. The enemy’s goal is to steal our joy, kill our faith, and destroy our purpose (John 10:10).

3. Uprooting What Doesn’t Belong

Jesus assures us that every plant His Father did not plant will be uprooted. This means we have a responsibility to guard our hearts and actively remove anything that doesn’t align with God’s will. Here’s how we can do that:

Identify the Weeds: Take time to reflect on what’s growing in your heart. Are there thoughts, attitudes, or habits that don’t honor God? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal anything that needs to be uprooted.
Renew Your Mind: Replace lies with truth by meditating on God’s Word. The Bible is our ultimate tool for uprooting weeds and planting good seeds.

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2)

Guard Your Heart: Be mindful of what you allow into your heart. The things you watch, listen to, and surround yourself with can either nourish or harm your spiritual growth.

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (Proverbs 4:23)

Pray for Discernment: Ask God to help you distinguish between what He has planted and what the enemy has sown. Discernment is key to protecting your heart.

4. Cultivating a Heart for God

Just as a farmer tends to his field daily, we must tend to our hearts. This involves:

Spending time in prayer and worship
Surrounding ourselves with godly influences
Practicing gratitude and forgiveness
Serving others and sharing God’s love

When we actively cultivate a heart for God, the good seeds He has planted will flourish, and the enemy’s weeds will have no place to grow.

5. Trusting God’s Work in Your Heart

Ultimately, we must trust that God is the Master Gardener. He knows what belongs in the field of our hearts and what needs to be removed. Even when we struggle with weeds, His grace is sufficient to uproot them and restore us.

“He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6)

Conclusion: A Heart Fully Devoted to God

The field of your heart is precious to God. He has planted good seeds in you, and His desire is for you to bear abundant fruit. But the enemy will always try to sneak in and sow weeds. Stay vigilant, guard your heart, and trust God to uproot anything that doesn’t belong. As you surrender your heart to Him, He will transform it into a fertile field, producing a harvest that brings glory to His name.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10)

Singing and Music at the Church: A Heartfelt Offering to the Lord

Praise be to His Glorious name! The Lord, God Almighty!

Music is a universal language, one that transcends borders, cultures, and generations. It has the power to uplift, inspire, and connect us to something greater than ourselves. In the context of worship, music becomes even more profound—it becomes a bridge between humanity and the divine. As the psalmist declares, “Sing to the Lord a new song” (Psalm 96:1). But what does it truly mean to sing and make music unto the Lord? Is it merely about the rhythm, the melody, or the instruments? Or is it something deeper, something that flows from the heart and spirit?

The Call to Praise in Psalm 150

Psalm 150 is a beautiful and exuberant call to worship. It invites us to praise God in every way imaginable:

“Praise the Lord!
Praise God in His sanctuary;
Praise Him in His mighty firmament!
Praise Him for His mighty acts;
Praise Him according to His excellent greatness!
Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet;
Praise Him with the lute and harp!
Praise Him with the timbrel and dance;
Praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes!
Praise Him with loud cymbals;
Praise Him with clashing cymbals!
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord!”

This psalm reminds us that worship is not confined to a single form or expression. It is a celebration of God’s greatness, His power, and His love. Whether through the sound of a trumpet, the strumming of a harp, or the clashing of cymbals, every instrument and every voice has a place in glorifying God.

But here’s the question: Are we truly singing and making music to the Lord from our hearts and spirits? Or are we merely going through the motions, moved by the rhythm and melody but empty of genuine devotion?

Worship: More Than Just Music

Music in the church is not just about entertainment or creating an emotional experience. It is a form of spiritual offering, a way to express our love, gratitude, and reverence for God. When we sing, we are not just singing about God; we are singing to God. It is an act of intimacy, a dialogue between the Creator and His creation.

However, the danger lies in allowing worship to become superficial or self-centered. In Amos 6, God warns His people about the dangers of complacency and misplaced priorities. Specifically, Amos 6:5 says:

“Who sing idly to the sound of stringed instruments,
And invent for yourselves musical instruments like David.”

This verse highlights a sobering truth: even the most beautiful music can become empty if it is not rooted in a heart that truly seeks God. The people in Amos’ time were skilled at creating music and enjoying it, but their worship had become self-indulgent. They were more focused on their own pleasure and comfort than on honoring God.

This warning is as relevant today as it was in Amos’ time. Are we using music in the church to glorify ourselves or to truly glorify God? Are we more concerned with how we sound or how we look than with the condition of our hearts before the Lord?

Singing a New Song

To sing a new song to the Lord is to offer Him a fresh and sincere expression of our faith. It means coming before Him with a heart that is open, humble, and ready to be transformed. It means allowing His Spirit to fill us so that our worship is not just about the music but about the surrender of our entire being to Him.

When we sing and make music in the church, let us remember that we are not performing for an audience. We are worshipping the King of kings, the One who deserves all glory, honor, and praise. Let our songs be more than just words and melodies; let them be a reflection of our love and devotion to Him.

A Call to Authentic Worship

As we gather in our churches to sing and make music, let us examine our hearts. Are we truly worshipping in spirit and in truth (John 4:24)? Are we allowing the lyrics of our songs to resonate deeply within us, transforming our minds and hearts? Or are we simply going through the motions, caught up in the rhythm but disconnected from the One we are singing to?

Let us heed the warning in Amos 6 and strive for a worship that is authentic and pleasing to God. Let our songs be accompanied by lives that reflect His love, justice, and righteousness. And let us remember that worship is not confined to the walls of the church—it is a lifestyle, a daily offering of our hearts to the Lord.

“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!” (Psalm 150:6)

May our singing and music always be a heartfelt offering to the Lord, a sweet fragrance that rises to His throne.