Do you have on the full "Armor of God?" Part 2

V. 12 "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."

The combat that we have to prepare is not against ordinary men, it's not against your brother, sister, mother, father, friend, neighbor, co-worker, etc. It is not against a person made out of flesh and blood nor against our own corrupt nature, but against the devil who has a government that exercises in this world. He is like a serpent because of his subtlety, an old serpent, experienced in the art of tempting. He is a powerful enemy - principalities and powers and rulers. They are numerous and vigorous. The dark parts of the world are the seat of Satan's empire. The devil is a spirit, an wicked spirit; and our danger is greater because our enemies deprive us of our heavenly blessings and obstruct our communion with heaven. What is our duty? To take and put on the whole armor of God, and then to stand our ground, and withstand our enemies!

I. Characteristic of Spiritual Conflict:

     1.  An inward battle Romans 7:23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law in my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.

      2. Spiritual weapons 2 Corinthians 10:4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.

      3. Invisible Foes Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

We are called to fight 1 Timothy 1:18 Timothy, my son, I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well. Not to just fight, but fight with faith. 1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of  the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. In order to fight this fight and do well in it you have to be consecrated or dedicated to the service and worship of God. In 2 Timothy 2:4 says No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer.

II. Satan's Power:

1. Permitted to afflict the righteous Job 1:12 The Lord said to Satan, "Very well, then, everything he has is in your power but on the man himself do not lay a finger." Then Satan went out from the presence of the Lord.

2. Claims authority over the world Luke 4:6 And he said to him, "I will give you all authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to."

3. Sinners under the dominion of Satan's power Acts 26:18 to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.

4. Blinds the minds of all unbelievers 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light to the gospel that displays the glory of Christ who is the image of God.

5. Contends (fights) with the saints Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

III. Evil Spirits:
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1. Matthew 12:45 Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself , and they enter and they dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first. So it shall be with this wicked generation. 

2. Mark 5:9 Then he asked him, What is your name? And he answered, saying, my name is Legion, for we are many.

3. Mark 1:26 And when the unclean spirit had convulsed him and cried out with a loud voice, he came out of him.

4. Mark 7:30 And when she had came to her house, she found the demon gone out, and her daughter lying in the bed.

5. Mark 16:9 Now He rose early on the first day of the week, He appeared to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had cast out seven demons.

Note: I have many more bible verses in regards to evil spirits and how Jesus set so many free. As I am speaking about the Armor of God, please note that you must have a personal relationship with God and the anointing of God upon you to do His work. You cannot use someone else's experiences, etc. The bible clearly states this in a.    Acts 19:13 Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed, they would say, in the name of Jesus, who Paul preaches, I commando you to come out.

IV. Spiritual Darkness (Spiritual blindness or dullness)

1. Micah 3:6 Therefore night will come over you, without visions, and darkness, without divination. The sun will set for the prophets, and the day will go dark for them

2. Matthew 6:23 “But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!

3. John 1:5 “And the light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not comprehend.”

4. John 3:19 “And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.”

5.  Romans 13:12 “The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.”

6. Ephesians 5:8 “For you were once in darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.”

7. 1 Thessalonians 5:4 “But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief.”

V. 12 "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."

Are you ready for combat? Have you been able to identify your real enemy? Do you understand why we have to have a relationship with God? 

Coming up next Part 3: V. 13-17 the Soldier's Equipment...don't miss it!

Resurrection of Jesus - Your Hope!

Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6 He is not here; he has risen Luke 24:5b-6

Today we celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus. I can't imagine being there watching my Lord and Savior suffering for me; to wipe away my sin. However, what was going on in the disciples minds. When Jesus said it is finished. They probably felt despair, heartache, and much more, something that all of us have had at one time or another, disappointment of a dream. Jesus died like a sinner yet He was innocent. He was humiliated. He was also put in a tomb. When someone is buried or mentioned (that was the burial in those days) it was final. For three days nothing went on, our Lord Jesus was gone. The disciples must of felt hopelessness....

But then on early Sunday morning....

Death could not keep Him! The grave could not contain Him! He rose from death as Scriptures foretold. In doing so He broke the chains, He gave us the access to come boldly to His throne. Full access to Him and we could talk to Him and He did away with the sacrifices from the Old Testament because He was the ultimate sacrifice.

There is hope for you still today! He died and rose again just for you!
Today receive the best gift you will ever receive.

HE HAS RISEN! PRISE THE LIVING GOd!

Happy Easter!!

Do you have on the Full Armor of God? Ephesians 6:10-11

The Armor of God
Ephesian 6:11-19

v. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. v.12 For our struggle is not flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. v.13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. v.14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, v.15 And with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the Gospel of peace. v.16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, which with you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. v.17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. v.18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people. v.19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the Gospel, 

The book of Ephesians concludes with a precise comparison, perhaps he was looking at a Roman soldier, with his armor, patrolling the ground's of Paul's prison. Paul viewed the Christian life like a fight, warfare, and he wanted his readers to prepare themselves for combat with a dangerous opponent. As we read the verses above we can note two details. (1) Only the Sword of the Spirit is the defensive weapon, all the rest were used for defense. (2) There is no mention of a piece of armor on their back. Paul made no provision for running away from a spiritual battle.  It is a general persuasion (exhortation) of our firmness of mind and stability in our Christian walk and to encourage in our Christian battle (warfare). Is our life a battle? Yes, we struggle every day misfortune, life or death, events that cause harm - this is part of life. Is serving God a battle? Yes, because we struggle everyday with the opposition of the powers of darkness (remember this is not a physical fight but a spiritual one), and with many enemies that try to keep us from God. There are enemies we have to fight, but God is our banner and our Captain is Jesus Christ. However, there are some rules you must abide by:

v. 10 (I didn't include in the above verses) Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.

1. This is an exhortation in battle (warfare) in the work of the Lord
1. 2 Timothy 2:1 Paul exhorts Timothy to be strong: You, then my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2. David tells his son Solomon: (1 Kings 2:2-3(a): ...so be strong, act like a man, and observe what the Lord your God requires...
3. There are so many examples in the Word of God telling us to be strong. 
4. You must have a relationship with God! Those who have to fight many battles need of great courage.
2. You have to have spiritual power: You have to be in the Lord. We do not have enough physical strength to fight this enemy. Our perfect strength is in our weakness but all of our sufficiency comes is in God. We must resist temptation in reliance/trusting upon God's omnipotent of His might.
1. Why do you need spiritual power? This spiritual power gives men courage to rebuke sin. Micah 3:8 But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the Lord, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression , to Israel his sin.
2. Why do we need spiritual power: Zechariah 4:6 So He said to me, "This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit," says the Lord almighty.
3. Why do we need spiritual power? Jesus is the supreme example of Spiritual Power. Luke 4:14 Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about Him spread through the entire countryside. 
4. Why do we need spiritual power? Because it is accompanied by the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses to me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
   
5. Why do we need spiritual power? Because it enables men to speak with authority see Acts 4:33
6. Why do we need spiritual power? Because it fills our lives with healing influences. See the following references: Acts 19:11-12; 1 Corinthians 2:4; Ephesians 3:16; 1 Thessalonians 1:5 and 2 Timothy 1:7
3. The other reason why we need spiritual power is because God is our Strength. If we look in Exodus 15:2 it says that the Lord is my strength and my defense...in 2 Samuel 22:33 it says God is my strength and power...Psalm 28:8 again The Lord is my strength, and He is the saving refuge of His anointed. Psalm 46:1 says God is our refuge and strength , very present help in trouble. Last but not least Psalm 73:26 says My flesh and my heart fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

v. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so you can take your stand against the devil's schemes (tricks).

We must be well armed. We must make use of the proper defenses and weapons that will fight or resist the temptations and tricks to deceive of Satan. Let no part be exposed.

1. Spiritual Armor Provided: 
1. In Romans 13:12 says The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds or work of darkness and put on the armor of light.
2. In 2 Corinthians 6:7 tells us that the Spiritual Armor provides the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left. 
3. And 1 Thessalonians 5:8 says but let who are of the day be sober, putting on their breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.
2. Duty of resisting (resist the devil)
1. In Ephesians 4:26-27 tells us Be angry, and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil. This is one that I believe a lot of use need to practice because we get angry and sometimes don't talk to each other for days. So this verse is telling us that if we don't let that anger go before going to bed you are giving place to the devil. 
2. James 4:7 says Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he must flee from you. You know this is a verse that a lot of people like to quote but they only quote the second part "resist the devil and he must flee from you." However, the first part is a very essential part. We at one point of our lives had an issue with submitting, I know I did. I used to say I wasn't going to submit to no one but when Jesus comes in and transforms you and you have a real encounter with God, you submit.
3. And lastly under the topic of Duty of Resisting 1 Peter 5:8-9 says be sober, be diligent; because your adversary, the devil, walks about a roaring lion, seeking who he can devour. Resist him, steadfast in faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. In other words, you are not the only one going through some issues. Sometimes we say no one understand what I'm going through, but there are others ahead of you that have already gone through it. So don't worry as long as you stand in faith you will not be touched by the roaring lion.
3. Satanic tricks or schemes:
1. 2 Corinthians 2:11 In order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not aware of his schemes.
2. 2 Thessalonians 2:5 says The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie. People this is the main reason you need to educate yourself and ask God for wisdom and understanding of His Word so that we are not confused or swayed very easily. Stand firm on the Rock that is Jesus Christ.
3. And Revelation 12:9 and 20:7 says as follows: The great dragon was hurled down  - that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth and his angels with him. Revelation 20:7 When the thousand years are over, Satan will be released from his prison.

It is called the armor of God because he prepares and gives it to us. This armor is prepared for us but we must daily put it on; we must pray for grace, we must use the grace given to us and draw it out into action when there is the occasion. We have to be completely armed so that we may be able to stand against the schemes/tricks of the devil. That we may be able to overcome, in spite of all the devils assaults, the deceptions he puts on us, all the traps he lays for us. The Apostle is trying to warn us of the dangers and that we must put on the whole armor of God considering the enemies we have to deal with, the devil and all the powers of darkness.

***Second part coming in a few days***

You pushed me violently....but God

You push me  violently, that I might fall, but the Lord help me. Psalms 118:13

The Lord has been good to me and I suffer an illness that I have been doing very well and it's been very well balanced. The Lord has been blessing me and has been using me for His glory and honor. I had one of my New Year's resolutions for 2015 was that I may be able to speak two more souls and at least win one soul for the Lord before the year end. This was my prayer in my prayer box. One day as I was driving I lost control of my car, thank God that no one behind me, because there was a line of cars, hit me and that I do not hit any cars that were in the other lane. I was disoriented I actually had a panic attack and that's all that all the cars we're coming on top of me so I lost control of the car but not one car was hit and I was not hurt. For the glory of God, he watched over me. However before I even had the accident I have told the pastor's wife, Missionary Mayra Santos, I feel like the devil is trying to kill me. She told me please don't say that. After that is when I had the accident. After that, I got very ill and was in the hospital for a week because of this illness. I wasn't able to really function correctly. I wasn't able to drive for a while I had to be driven everywhere. Those who drive know very well that it is hard to have to depend on somebody else to drive you. But I understand this to be an attack from the enemy. Therefore, I didn't count these as coincidences but rather as attacks from the enemy. I immediately started praying and binding and casting out everything that was coming up against me.

Many times in our walk with God we face many different situations in our walk. At home, school, work, everyday living or in a church; we are constantly being pushed by the enemy so that we will just give up and leave God. However, the Lord promises that He will help us. This is a promise that he will keep. In Psalms 118:13 says You push me violently, that I might fall, but the Lord helped me.  In Isaiah 59:19(b) When the enemy shall come in like in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him. Isaiah 43:2-4 "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. When you pass through the rivers, they will not flow over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned. The fire will not destroy you. For I am the Lord your God,...You are of great worth in My eyes. You are honored and I love you." See this is how he loves you. Every time you have a trial and you feel you are being pushed violently remember......BUT GOD!!!!! See the enemy will always do something to make you fall. He will use whatever or whoever he needs to use to make you fall but the Lord will help you. 1 John 4:4 says You are of God, little children, and have overcome them because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world." Matthew 11:28 "Come to me, all who are worry and heavy burden and I will give you rest." Psalm 18:6 "In my distress I called out to the Lord; I cried to my God for help. From His temple He heard my voice; my cry came before Him, into His ears."

The enemy can rise up against you
he will not be able to have the victory!

What are you thankful for?

What is the definition of "thanksgiving?"
"It is the act of giving thanks; grateful acknowledgement of benefits or favors, especially to God."

It seems that as the years go by we forget the importance of taking a moment and thinking about our life, about our daily life. Have you thought about giving thanks for just waking up in the morning? How about because you are able to walk, or you can hear and speak? Maybe you can't get out of bed, but you woke up, right? Who do you think woke you up this morning? Maybe you can't hear or speak, but you can walk and you can do other things, correct?

See sometimes we are so wrapped up in ourselves, in our issues, our problems, our mess, our illness that we take for granted the small things that you should give thanks to God for every single day. You know it is very sad that there are truly people that wait until Thanksgiving Day to give thanks! What happened the rest of the year? Did the sun not rise? Did the moon not come out? The definition of thanksgiving is grateful acknowledgement of benefits or favors, especially to God. So are we not receiving benefits? Are we not receiving rain when we need it? See it says "acknowledgement for benefits or favor. You and I have received many benefits.

If you still feel you don't have anything to give thanks to God, then I have one more for you. This is the most important one, undeniable -

First let me explain a little something. When God created the world he spoke the Word and it would come into existence Genesis 1:3-25, but when he made man he said "let us create him in Our Image." Genesis 1:26a "Then God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: ...." Genesis 1:27 "So God created man in His own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." In Genesis 2:7 "And the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils  the breath of life; and man became a living soul." 1 Peter 5:8 says "Be sober (well balanced and self-disciplined) be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion (fiercely hungry) seeking someone to to devour." John 10:10 "The thief only comes to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and life abundantly."

Adam and Eve had a perfect relationship with God until it was broken by giving in to temptation and once failing into that temptation and sinning that relationship with God was broken. However, God was not going to leave us lost without a relationship with him and condemned to eternal death, suffering in hell and in the lake of fire for all eternity. No! Hell and the lake of fire was created for the devil, demons and the fallen angels. It was NEVER created for us. However, the devil has made it his mission to break, damage, kill, destroy everything that belongs to God.

If God wouldn't have breathed life into you, you wouldn't be alive today and if He doesn't continue what will happen, you die! I think that is a good reason to be thankful every single day. Yet, we take one day of the year to sit down with our family many times not even give thanks to God, but gather to eat a good meal. Living now in the 21st century that is probably the only day and Christmas in which the family (I think) is all together and they sit at the table together. Thank God that your children are with you!

So as you read this blog and meditate on it, I ask you.....Do you have anything to be thankful to God?

I have so much to be thankful to God. The first and most important is for His forgiveness of my sins and for my salvation. I thank Him for the healing of my hearing in my right ear. I thank God for watching over me just recently when I lost control of the car. I thank God for my parents and family. I thank God because I was born into a very united, caring, loving and supportive family. I have so much more to give thanks, how about you!

God bless!

"For Such a Time of This"

 You Are Chosen

Esther 4:14
(NIV) For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you are your father's house will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?

(AMP) For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance shall arise for the Jews from elsewhere, but you and your father's house shall perish. And who knows you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this and for this very occasion.

Since before you were born God already had a purpose and a plan for your life. In Jeremiah 1:5 (AMP) it says "Before I formed you in the womb I knew (and) approved of you (as my Chosen instrument), and before I separated and set you apart, consecrating you; (and) I appointed you as prophet to the nations." (KJV) "Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations."

God knew you before you were born. He knows what you are going to go through before it happens. He gives you the tools, the knowledge and understanding. He doesn't put you through the test, He doesn't give you the test but He knows you are going to go through it and He will help you. You just need to trust and believe that God will see you through. You need to know not to give up but to get back up and ask God for forgiveness and keep walking. See you've been called for such a time as this! Why do you think the devil is fighting so hard to keep you down, distracted, not believing that you can do anything for God. The devil is a liar and he's trying to create doubt in you; he's trying to keep you thinking you are not worthy of salvation, of His love and forgiveness or grace. He keeps you entertained with things of this world. Why? Because you are called for such a time as this!

See you didn't choose God, God chose you. In John 15:16 (NIV)"You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so you might go and bear fruit - fruit that will last - and so whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you." He chose you for such a time as this! If you are not sure if you are chosen read "If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says Anyone who believes in Him will never be put to shame. For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile - the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on Him, for, Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Romans 10:9-13 If you believe this then you are chosen. You've been chosen for such a time as this!

To bring this all together back to the main bible verse I started with Esther 4:14 (AMP) For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance shall arise for the Jews from elsewhere, but you and your father's house shall perish. And who knows you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this and for this very occasion. The story of Esther is well known but it is also a great lesson to us. Her parents died when she was young and her uncle adopted her. The King got drunk asked for the Queen Vashti to come so he can show off her royal crown and her beauty before his officials and she said no. So they had to use her as an example of what happens if you talk back to the King, to your husband and refuse to listen to him so that the other women wouldn't follow her example - she would no longer be queen. So they went through a process and Esther was brought with many other young ladies (virgins) to the place where they would have to go through 12 months training and other things before they would get presented to the king. According to whether the King was pleased or not with you, you would get called back to see the King. The King was very pleased and attracted to Esther. Now Mordecai, her uncle had instructed her not to say what nationality she was or her family. Even though she was now a young woman and was chosen as queen, she still obeyed her uncle as she did when she was a child. She kept quiet about her nationality until it was time to speak. In those days you were not allowed to see the king unless he summoned you, including his wife. Then Haman that worked for the king and had it in for Mordecai and convinced the king to send out an order. The reason why he had it in for Esther's uncle is because the king had given Haman a seat of honor higher than the other nobles. The nobles and officials would bow down when he would come by but not Mordecai so he was angry and convinced the king to give the order to destroy the Jews. When Mordecai told Esther she replied that he knew she couldn't go to the king unless he extended the invitation because if not they can be put to death unless he decides to accept you. Mordecai reminded her and told her "just because you live in the king's house you alone of all Jews will escape"?

She was reminded what she had been called for, what she was chosen do to. Once she was reminded, once her vision was focused again she was able to hear "....for such a time of this" See she was called, she was prepared and equipped and she was positioned to do what God had called her to do what He called her to do for such a time of this!

What have you been called to do? You have been called to do what God has called you to do. What he has placed in your hands and what he has prepared you to do - for such a time as this! Why? Because there is so much confusion, false teachers, preachers, and leaders. There are so many people seeking the truth and cannot find it because they are being filled by false teachings. There are so many hurting people seeking where to find healing for their wounds; seeking joy and restoration and the pain taken away. God is calling men and women, youth, and children to get up shout from the mountaintops that Jesus lives, that He loves them; that He died for them; that He rose from the dead; this is what you need to start saying. You need to reach those that feel unloved, the ones that feel rejected. We do not need to judge anyone, how they look or what condition they are in when you speak to them or they come into your church. They will come in full of tattoo's and body piercings but you know what those are the ones we want to reach. They will be radical for Christ and they can reach others that were in the same situations or style of life for the Kingdom of God.

We are living in the end times. The Bible, the prophecies are coming to pass which indicates He's at the doors. I know you've heard for years that He's coming but nothing yet. God's time is not like our time and our time is not like God's time. However, read your bible and watch the news - we need to sound the alarm, we need to snatch the lives out of the enemies hands and proclaim them for the kingdom of God. We need to stand in the gap.

We must arise.....Ephesians 5:14 says "Therefore He says, Awake, Oh sleeper, and arise from the dead and Christ shall shine (make day dawn) upon you and give you light." (AMP) " This is not the time to be sleeping or trying to figure out what God wants you to do. For such a time as this you have been called!

God bless! Stand strong in the Word! Get up, go forward, spread the Word!

What is Bipolar? 21 Warning Signs Someone Is Bipolar

21 Warning Signs Someone Is Bipolar

What is Bipolar? Many people have the misconception or make assumptions and immediately go into a big conversation about how you shouldn't be near that person, that the person is bad, etc. So I want to explain to you what is bipolar. Before you judge another person with Bipolar or any other illness or disease, research or be informed.

Bipolar Disorder, formerly called manic depressive, is a mental illness that involves that the sufferer having at least one manic (overly excited or irritable mood) or nearly manic (hypomanic) episode. The mood swings of this condition can last for weeks at a time and can cause significant work and relationship problems.

Bipolar Disorder, also known as manic depressive disorder, is a disease of the brain that affects 5.5 million Americans. It causes unusual shifts in mood; sufferers can swing from incredible highs of manic energy to gut wrenching lows of depression. It can also make everyday life much more difficult, as it can be trouble at work, relationships, and school. Left untreated it can even lead to suicide. Bipolar Disorder can be treated, but you need to know its main characters to identify it.

Extended Periods of Energy:

There are two abnormal phases when one suffers from bipolar disorder, a manic phase and a depressive phase. In a manic phase, a feeling of heightened energy is common. They’ll seem hyperactive and sleep a lot less than normal. These periods are often accompanied by euphoria and feelings of confidence and invincibility.

Depression:

On the flip side of manic is the low period, depression. When someone is in a depressed state, you may notice the following signs: prolonged sadness, pessimism, loss of appetite, unexplained aches and pains, loss of energy and feelings of guilt.

People with bipolar disorder usually experience the depression more often than then mania (the highs). It’s usually during these stages that most people seek professional help.

Irritable:

Not everyone who is irritable is bipolar, but irritability is a common indicator when combined with other symptoms. Everybody is irritable at some point but people with bipolar disorder it becomes so severe that it interferes with their relationships.

Difficulty at Work:

Working can be especially difficult with bipolar disorder. Both the manic and depressive phases of bipolar disorder can and will make for difficulties at work. People with bipolar disorder most often thrive in structured environments with regular schedules. Bipolar disorder sufferers should also learn coping techniques to help them manage their different phases.

Alcohol Abuse:

Bipolar disorder and alcoholism often go hand in hand.  About half the people who suffer bipolar disorder also struggle with alcoholism. There’s also some research that indicates that there is a genetic link between bipolar depression and a propensity for alcoholism.

Bipolar sufferers often drink to ease the symptoms especially when in a depressive phase. Drinking may seem to help, but in the long run it makes symptoms much worse. In a manic phase, the loss of inhibitions and feelings of invincibility do not make a good combination with alcohol.

Drug Abuse:

Just as with alcohol, drug abuse and bipolar disorder are also linked as up to 60% of bipolar sufferers also abuse drugs. Most drug abuse occurs when bipolar sufferers are attempting to self-medicate themselves to better manage their highs and lows.

Hallucinations:

Hallucinations, though rare, can occur, especially during a severe manic phase. And although rarer, hallucinations can also occur during a depressive state as well. In either case, if hallucinations do start to occur, they need to be taken very seriously, as they reflect an extreme serious episode and likely indicates need for hospitalization.

Unable to Finish Tasks:

One of the hallmarks of bipolar disorder is a house full of half completed projects. Often times when a sufferer of bipolar disorder is in their manic phase, they’ll start a flurry of new projects.  But they’ll end up going from task to task planning grand unrealistic projects. But too often, they’ll end up moving to something else before completing any one project. Even though a manic person has a lot energy, they’re often to easily distracted to finish anything.

Rapid Speech:

Rapid or “pressured” speech is one of the most common symptoms of bipolar disorder. This occurs because the person really isn’t really in a two-way conversation. The person will talk rapidly and if you try to them, they will talk over you. They’ll also just jump around to different topic s.

Erratic Behavior:

Erratic behavior for a bipolar depressive usually occurs during a manic phase. In the manic phase, bipolar suffers often have feelings of invincibility and often make bad decisions. Two of the most common behaviors are unusual sexual behavior and spending sprees.

Difficulty Sleeping:

Bipolar disorder may affect sleep in many different ways. One may get insomnia in many different phases. While the opposite may be true during the depressive stage as sufferers may sleep far too much. Bipolar Sufferers often also suffer from sleep apnea, irregular sleep schedules and when they do sleep, they find they are lacking in the deep sleep of REM and dreams.

Mind is always Racing:

Racing thoughts are a symptom of manic health. It’s more than just thinking fast though. They are thoughts that just won’t stop constantly either in the background and sometimes even taking over a person’s consciousness. People who suffer from a racing mind have problems with concentration and focus. They’ll also have difficulty going to sleep. Other symptoms including a pounding heart, or pulse or and a drumming in the left ear. “You know who you are!” They also have difficulty

Self-confidence is usually a good thing. But in a manic state manic stake it goes well beyond normal self-confidence. In a manic state, sufferers often feel they can accomplish anything and everything.

Unrealistic Beliefs in One’s Abilities:

There’s a downside to this feeling though. Often, this will lead to reckless behavior and taking unnecessary risks. This can lead to spending sprees, drug abuse, and ill-advised business decisions or

Impulsive sexual indiscretions

Feelings of hopeless and sad:

Depression can be much worse than just feeling mentally than just feeling mentally and physically work. Extreme sadness and hopeless not can also be a symptom.

Feeling guilty, anxiety, indifference, disinterest, and indecisiveness are all are all symptoms of depression. This can all lead to suicidal thoughts. (Thank God you don’t battle with this) If you or someone else starts having suicidal thoughts, see a Doctor immediately.

Physical and Mental Sluggishness:

Mental and Physical sluggishness are a symptom of a depressive phase of bipolar disorder. When one is depressed everything takes much more effort. Even small tasks take extra effort.

 If you feel depressed you should see a doctor to get treatment. Drugs such as lithium and other mood stabilizers can help manager of attacks of depression.

Slow Speech:        

The flip side of mania is a depressive phase, the depressive phase usually lasts much longer than manic and it can be quite a bit more damaging.

In a depressed state, the mind starts slowing down and feeling and the body becomes lethargic. Both of these will cause speech to slow.

Unexplained Aches and Pains:

Some people in a depressive phase also experience unexplained aches and pains. The most common complaints are headaches, back and shoulder pains, chest palpitations, and chest pains.

Change in Appetite:

In a depressed state, a loss appetite is very common. Food becomes tasteless and uninteresting. Although in some cases the reverse is true, as some people turn to comfort eating to cope with their depression.