Flames of Life

By Dr. Lisa Bruce

Flames of life is designed to take you through a self-fulfilling evolution of spiritual enrichment so you can be both enlightened & empowered. Written purposefully to cater to all personality temperaments, this book tackles and explores key essential topics which include: how to be productive and the reasons why it's a must, self-reflection, faith, purpose, self-denial, the power of prayer, the importance of the ecclesia, understanding God and your relationship with him, transforming thinking patterns, transition & change, building relationships, the fundamentals of serving others, moving beyond religious protocol, how to walk in your true identity, managing sensory modes, tapping into your authoritative voice (what it is and how to use it), and much more. This is truly a must read book for anyone looking for dynamic growth and development in both their spiritual and everyday lives.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Sep 20, 2012
• ISBN: 9781479717668

Dr. Lisa Bruce

Coming from a background of child abuse, domestic violence, homelessness, alcoholism, and spiritual poverty, Dr. Lisa Bruce experienced the transforming power of the gospel in 1990. Transformed for a purpose, she went back to school to become equipped for her spiritual assignment. Over the next fifteen years, she earned her doctorate degree while studying psychology, biblical theology, Christian counseling, and organizational leadership. During that time, she embarked on a life-changing journey that led her into a deeper level of purpose. Dr. Bruce is an ordained minister and the former copastor of Community International Church. She’s a Christian counselor, author, and the CEO of Spiritual Eye Publications, an online e-book publishing house. As the founder of Common Thread Ministries, she works both inside and outside of the church. CTM is not just a ministry; it’s a global movement that’s transcending culture and accelerating all around the world. Dr. Bruce has authored five books, sharing from her twenty-five years of experience in over twenty denominations and various religious segments (including Catholic and Protestant) worldwide. Her unique style and presentation has given her the ability to cross racial, social, organizational, and denominational barriers to empower and equip the body of Christ.

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Copyright © 2012 by Dr. Lisa Bruce.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Notice of intent: While every classification may not fit you like a glove, I assure you that each term fits someone within the introvert culture. Please be assured that I am in no way trying to downplay the contributions and accomplishments of extroverts, but rather shed light on innate characteristics that distinctly set introverts and extrovert apart.

Please note: While this book is slanted in the direction of highlighting introverted tendencies it also includes special features that are compatible for everyone.

Website: www.drlisabruce.org

Rev. date: 03/18/2016

Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2007, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 6018. Scripture quotations marked KJV are from the Holy Bible, King James Version (Authorized Version). First published in 1611. Quoted from the KJV Classic Reference Bible, Copyright 1983 by the Zondervan Corporation.

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Contents

Introduction

Chapter 1   Who Are You?

Chapter 2   Different Worlds

Chapter 3   Charge It

Chapter 4   Brain Chemistry

Chapter 5   Living The Reality

Chapter 6   Genetics Or What?

Chapter 7   No More Drama

Chapter 8   Let’s Talk

Chapter 9   Distinct Mobility

Chapter 10   Developing A Plan Of Action

Special Prayer

About the Author

Available Books

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In loving memory of my grandmother, Willie Beatrice Bruce.

Thank you for being the light of my life and for teaching me how

to stay true to who I am.

Introduction

I am a private person so when I found myself being called into a very public ministry, I wanted to run in the opposite direction. This book is written for all of the introverts who think they cannot succeed in the public eye as well as the extroverts who think they can. See, in order to obtain the promises of God, we have to follow a specific protocol. It does not matter whether you are rich, poor, introverted, extroverted, an immigrant or a U.S. citizen; certain laws govern the life of every believer whose been called to be the light in a dark world.

In a recent Myers Briggs assessment, introverts were said to represent over 57 percent of the general population. With billions of individuals who consider themselves to be introverts, many people see their social awkwardness as a debilitating pathology. Social rejection has caused many introverts either to retreat from society altogether or to rise above the stigma. How did we end up where we are? When referring to the change in cultural expectations, Susan Cain wrote,

Western society based on Greco-Roman ideals of the person that can speak well became a rhetorical idea. Since we have always been to some extent a society that favors action over contemplation, this really reached a pitch when we moved from an agricultural society into the world of big business in which western culture transformed from a culture of character to a culture of personality where the extrovert ideal was established.

Extroverts are often seen as having the "it factor." So where do introverts go when who they are is not being celebrated? How do they contribute to a society that does not always embrace them? How do they maneuver in a system that was designed specifically for extroverts? Matthew 5:14 says, You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. God is telling us that no matter who we are—introvert or extrovert—rich or poor, we were designed to bring illumination to our environment and position ourselves in places where we can be seen. Introverts are said to be an inner flame that burns with creative energy. While the extrovert is an outer flame that burns with influential brilliance, in which both were designated to shine light in every area of society.

CHAPTER 1

Who Are You?

What you fail to discover about yourself will never become a reality.

Chapter 1

WHO ARE YOU?

For years I thought I had been mentally conditioned to be an introvert. Sometimes it felt like a curse and I blamed my parents for giving it to me. After I started to do a little research, I realized that the structure of the brain and mental disposition play a key role in how introverts see and approach the world. Sometimes I withdrew into an emotional shell and observed my environment from behind a glass partition where I listened and took mental notes, without any participation. Until one day I realized that I had a gift, and I was determined to impact the world through the use of written expression.

Who are you? What is your calling, talent, or personal contribution? Write down anything that comes to mind.

Please note: While some of the character traits may vary from person to person, this book is designed to lead you into a process to observe a partial sketch of the psychological and social distinctions between introverts and extroverts through the use of research, observation, and personal insight.

Jesus said, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life (John 8:12). So if Christ lives in you and me, we are supposed to go into a dark world (after we are equipped) and ignite our flames to lead people out of various lifestyles that are dishonoring to the Lord. If Christ dwells in us, we possess the light, which was not given to us to squander. Rather, we were supposed to share it with someone else. When the fire of God burns so deep inside of you, there’s no way that you can keep it to yourself.

What’s the difference between a light and a flame? Well, a light is said to be a natural agent that stimulates sight and makes things visible. A flame is referred to as a hot, glowing body of gas being ignited that is generated by something on fire. When Jeremiah tried to snuff out the flame, he said, "I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name, but his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing [holding it in], and I could not stay [contain it]" (Jeremiah 20:9). Do you possess the light? Is a fire burning down on the inside of you that ignites your passion for other people?

IDENTIFYING YOUR FLAME

When someone uses the term introvert, what do you think of?

When someone uses the term extrovert, what runs through your mind?

As Christians, we are supposed to be productive. The parable in Luke 19:12 through 27 shows us the plight of the unproductive believer through the story of the servant:

"He said therefore, a certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds (a form of money), and said unto them occupy [inhabit a mindset of productivity, stay busy, be engaged, and stay involved] till I come. But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, we will not have this man to reign over us. And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading. Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds. And he said unto him, well thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities. And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds. And he said likewise to him, be thou also over five cities. And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin [hidden]. For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that I did not sow: And he saith unto him, out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow: wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury? And he said unto them that stood by, take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds. (And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds). For I say unto you, that unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him. But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me."

What was Jesus trying to tell us in this parable? Well, Christ is the nobleman who went to heaven so His citizens could be productive and advance the works of His kingdom. When Jesus returns, each citizen (a Christian who is a part of His royal lineage) will either increase or be demoted, depending on what he did with what God gave him. Money is a vital resource like our gifts, talents, and personal contributions. A resource is considered to be an asset used by a person or an organization in order to function more effectively. It’s important for us to identity our strengths and weaknesses so we can become a resource and not a liability. Productivity leads us into areas where we gain access to people’s lives so we can influence them in the ways of Christ. Jimmy Evans said, When the Master returns, we want to say, what a joy it was to live our life in Your service. Praise God!

ACCESSING THE GATE

Gates were originally constructed to provide protection and prevent or grant access because gates provide an entrance and an exit. Gates are designed in a variety of ways: some open outward and others open inward or upward. Some come equipped with motion sensors or a control panel. Some require code or key access; others open through manual input. A gate provides a barrier between the internal and external elements.

The introvert is often referred to as an internal gate, which opens inward. Those who gain access find treasure that resides on the inside. Extroverts are considered to be an external gate, which opens outward and provides access to multiple parties (throughout the course of a day). Introverts generally limit interactions to reduce mental stimulation, they screen each person to determine who can enter. Extroverts provide entry based on the person’s ability to increase stimulation.

Why am I addressing the kinds of gates? Well, figuratively speaking, believers are the gate that God uses to gain access in the earth. The Bible refers to over seven gates in the life of the believer, which includes six sensory gates: the soul, the eyes, the ears, the heart, the mind, the mouth, and one non-sensory gate: the spirit. The Scriptures identify each one in the