Living in Rest Requires Living at Peace with Myself and Others

Mark Virkler's picture

I concluded that stress was the major cause of my heart attack, so I became diligent to enter God’s rest (Hebrews 4:11). Part of this rest involves a heart that is at peace with myself and others. The peace of God guards our hearts (Phil. 4:6-7). Being emotionally troubled over relationships does not result in peace or rest for one’s heart.

I know for many years of my life, judging ruled rather than mercy and peace. Micah 6:8 says I am to DO justly and LOVE mercy. I had those two flipped: I loved judging and only did mercy. After being critical, I would feel anger or contempt about the person or the situation. This is not peace. These negative emotions surely damaged my heart and contributed toward my heart attack. 

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Does Heart Surgery Cause the Heart to Pick Up a Spirit of Fear?

Mark Virkler's picture

A cardiac nurse emailed me. She was convinced from what she had seen over the years that afib after a heart attack was caused by fear. Hmmm. Interesting observation.

I know the heart carries memories and I have written about that here. I also know that Jesus can cleanse memories of trauma stored in my cells and discuss that here.

Download this “Inner Healing for an Organ – Prayer Worksheet and complete it (free and interactive), or you can do your journaling in your journaling notebook.

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How Do I Come Back to God After I Have Committed a HUGE Sin?

Mark Virkler's picture

When we fail, we can beat ourselves up for several hours, days or months, or we can be cleansed instantly and return to peace and rest. Demons howl in laughter if I beat myself up, for I have removed myself from God’s presence, and stepped out of the Kingdom of peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17) and into the kingdom of demonic lies and accusations.

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Spirit Anointed Christian Counseling Group on CWG Facebook Page

Mark Virkler's picture

This group is designed  “For people who want to take the next step to having a deeper relationship with our Heavenly Father by being transformed through His counseling and healing.” Within it you will find blogs, devotionals, free events, quotes, teaching video snippets  - all used for discussion purposes with the members. You will learn about available resources, attend free online events, be part of a group of people who have similar interests and desire to learn from each other.

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Which of the 10 Commandments Can You Break and No One Raises an Eyebrow?

Mark Virkler's picture

Having recently suffered a heart attack because of stress, I decided I should research what the Bible says about Sabbath rest. Growing up on a dairy farm, we milked cows every Sunday. As a preacher, I preached every Sunday. However, in the story of creation God established the rhythm of six days of work and one day of rest.

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“I Am...”

Mark Virkler's picture

While in the hospital recovering from bypass surgery, I found the most effective prayers I prayed were those using imagery, where I saw the prayer need already met by my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and we were celebrating together in a field. Since I grew up on a dairy farm, I LOVE open grassy fields. We were laughing and having fun!

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How Could I Have Been So Wrong?

Mark Virkler's picture

I was 100% convinced that if I ate right, exercised, and didn’t drink or smoke, I had zero chance of ever having a heart attack. And yet I had one. How could I have made such a cataclysmic mistake? As a teacher of truth I was upset, angry and aghast that I held such a mistruth or half-truth. When I experienced chest pains, my wife had the presence of mind to give me a dropperful of Dr. Schulze’s “Cayenne” in some water, so my pains subsided and I walked into the urgent care facility 10 minutes later.

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