Lead Us Not

 

Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Matthew 26:41

It’s hard to say no to temptation, but for every time you can say no, it makes you stronger. Don't rush the work, changing little by little is still changing.

The Lord your God will drive out those nations before you, little by little. You will not be allowed to eliminate them all at once, or the wild animals will multiply around you. Deuteronomy 7:22

If you're struggling continually with temptations, check your thoughts. Our mind and thoughts are powerful and can lead us down the wrong path if we don't filter our thoughts through the Word of God and what is pleasing to Him.

For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

When you hear a wrong thought and/or one that tempts you, try speaking out a scripture to combat that thought - the 'weapon of the Word'. For example, if you hear a thought in your head about God abandoning you, you can say a confession aloud based on Matthew 28:20 - Jesus promised He would ALWAYS be with me, even to the end of the world. Hearing thoughts that cause you to worry about your finances? Say aloud Philippians 4:19 - My God SHALL supply all my needs. Hearing a thought in your head that you're going to die, want to die, or commit suicide? Say aloud Psalm 118:17 - I WILL NOT die, but live and declare the works of the Lord. If you can't think of a scripture that applies to your specific situation, ask the Holy Spirit to give you one, or you can paraphrase the above scripture from 2 Corinthians 10 - I cast down vain imaginations and every high thing that exhalts itself against the knowledge of God.

While we're on the subject of the Word of God, feed your spirit daily with the Word. What's in your heart will come out at just the right time that you need it.

Father, I pray that You lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Help us Holy Spirit to keep our thoughts in check and to think on godly things. Help us to say no to things that are displeasing to You. Change us. Make us more like You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Sister Christian

 

God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
 
STOP hating on people because they struggle with different sins than you, that IS NOT God's love in action. Christian's name calling 'sinners' sin, i.e. slamming it in their face and trying to shame them with it, is disgusting. Doing all that is not going to attract anybody. I’m fed up with people beating others up with the Word and judging them and then wondering why they don't say yes to Jesus … well, duh. None of us have it all right anyway. Who are we to cast the first stone?
 
LOVE wins one out - not shaming, blaming and judging. Love can melt the hardest heart, heal the wounds of the broken heart and quiet the fears of the anxious heart.
 
It's sad that so often the world has more love, affection and respect than the church does. I've watched friend after friend leave the church because they didn't feel loved and weren't accepted, instead were left out and rejected. I myself was abused for years at a church I went to for twenty years. I tried to stay and endure with the thought in mind that I'm there to serve and worship Jesus and not to win a popularity contest. The hate and abuse just about got the best of me and then the Lord stepped in and said that was enough and got me out of there through a final horrible experience. I chose to forgive and bless the church that I left behind and I pray that healing takes place so others won't be hurt like I was. I've since moved on and now am blessed with a loving, supportive church family and I thank God for them.

Instead of shame and dishonor, you will inherit a double portion of prosperity and everlasting joy. Isaiah 61:7
 
We're responsible for those around us ... be Jesus with skin on ... try saying a kind word, put your arm around someone, really listen to them and what they have to say. So often we just need someone to hear us. To say they understand. Just be a good example. The world is HURTING people, stop making the pain worse, stop driving them further into their wounded lifestyle and just lead them to the Healer.
 
Differences don’t have to be dividers ...
 
Father, my heart hurts for the wounded, the outcast, the forgotten ... bring them peace and healing. Pour out Your love on them. Place them in loving, supportive churches where they can thrive and grow. In Jesus’ name, amen.


 

Struggling?

[Not in your own strength] for it is God who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight. Philippians 2:13

Struggling with something? Feel like you just can't get that monkey off your back. You know, that sin you keep struggling with. Keep reaching for the heart of God. He’s helping along the way as we look to Him, giving us the desire and the power to do what pleases Him. We’re not perfect, never will be. I KNOW that God is pleased that we even want to try to do what’s right and what pleases Him.

Jesus went to the Cross and nailed sin to it so that we could ask for forgiveness for our sins. He bore the shame of guilt so we wouldn't have to. Stop beating yourself up and just do the best you can. If you're trying your best and others don't see changes in you, DON'T worry about it and DON'T let it stop you from trying to do what's right. If they care to know, they'll eventually see changes. DON'T get impatient, for we are changed from the inside out and it takes time for it to be seen in the natural realm.

God did not send the Son into the world in order to judge (to reject, to condemn, to pass sentence on) the world, but that the world might find salvation and be made safe and sound through Him. He who believes in Him [who clings to, trusts in, relies on Him] is not judged [he who trusts in Him never comes up for judgment; for him there is no rejection, no condemnation - he incurs no damnation]. John 3:17, 18

Keep stepping, keep walking in God’s grace.

We CAN'T do it on our own. We CAN'T follow all the letter of the 'law'. Allow Christ to live His life THROUGH you. That sure takes the pressure off of us, knowing that we can do things through Christ who gives us the strength. Philippians 4:13 says, I have strength for all things in Christ who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency]. Christ IN US really is the (only) hope of glory (Colossians 1:27).

To know God's presence is to know God's power.

Father, give us grace and power to say no to things that are displeasing to You. Remind us to ask for a way out when we're being tempted with something (or someone) and help us to sit in Your presence and wait for the grace, power and strength to walk away from it. Love on us. Help us not to beat ourselves up when we mess up for there’s no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. Help us to not give up. Thanks for all Your help Holy Spirit in helping us to make right, godly choices and for teaching us in the ways of God. In Jesus’ name, amen.


related blogs of mine: In Times of Weakness 
                                  God's at Work
                                  Can YOU Just Say No (contains part of my testimony)

Happy Mother's Day!

I'm re-blogging this from a previous post of mine from May 2012 titled ' Thanks, Mom' ... it is attached below the dotted line. How quick I've been in the past trying to blame others (including my mother) for my own problems and shortcomings. I've come a long way, though I still have so far to go. I am so grateful to the Lord for my mother. I pray that I can be as much a blessing to her as she's been to me. I owe her much.

May the Lord bless each of you on this Mother's Day and give you the desires of your heart.

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Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you (says the Lord). Isaiah 49:16

Have a child who hasn’t surrendered their life to the Lord or have you not seen or talked to them in awhile? There were SO many years that I said no to my mom about going to church and a few years that I didn't talk to her at all, because I was hiding in my shame living my life the way I wanted and because of the way she used to treat me. But now, I with honor serve the Lord with gladness, and I see my mom so much she's probably getting tired of me (I learned to forgive her by realizing that though she messed up a LOT, I believe that she really did do the best she knew how). If you’re wondering if your child will ever come to the Lord or if your relationship with your child will ever be repaired, find hope in one prodigal (me) that found her way back. Be encouraged, God's not finished ... He's the Repairer of the breach … His arm IS NOT shortened that it can’t reach into your circumstance and bring healing, no matter how long the hurt and pain has been there.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we don’t give up. Galations 6:9

Has your mother passed away, left you, or don’t want to see you? Our loving, heavenly Father will never leave us, reject us, or stop loving us.

You've always been right there for me Lord; don't turn Your back on me now. Don't throw me out, don't abandon me; You've always kept the door open. My father and mother walked out and left me, but God took me in (adopted me as His child). Psalm 27:9,10

You may know someone who appears to have no children. Please be sensitive. There are many mothers whose children are in heaven already, due to miscarriage, illness, abortion, etc.

Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you;I will sustain you and I will rescue you. Isaah 46:4



This is a picture of my mom from last week (we're holding hands). My mom’s getting older, doesn’t get around as well as she used to, and doesn’t remember a lot. But she’s my mom. And I’m grateful for her. I so thank God for her. For a godly heritage. For not giving up on me. For praying for me. For loving me. Though we don’t see eye to eye on so many things, she still tries to be there for me. Sometimes I think she’s still trying to make up for all the lost years we had … her for the way she treated me, and me for shutting her out of my life for so long. I forgive you, mama. I forgive you. From the bottom of my heart. I release you from having to make up for everything. I’m so sorry for all the years I disrespected you and tried to (subconsciously) make you pay for the past. Forgive me. I love you mama, Happy Mother’s Day.

Mother/daughter relationship issues? Open your heart to anything God might want to do to heal the broken places. Jesus came to set the captives free - but we have to ask Him and be willing to receive the healing. Ask the Lord to teach you to love your mother in spite of rejection and troubles. No matter how much it hurts to come face to face with our own failings, God wants to reveal them so He can replace our weakness with His strength.

Pick up the phone, send a card, pay a visit … love on your mother NOW, you never know how long you’ll have her around.

Father, love on mothers, and all those acting in a mother capacity today. Bless them, mend relationships. For those who are without, bring comfort. Fill the voids. I pray for unity, peace, healing, and salvation in families. Help us to be a blessing to our moms, like they have tried to be for us. May we always treat them with the respect and love that they’re due. In Jesus’ name, amen.

You Deserve a Break Today

Be prepared in season and out of season ...
2 Timothy 4:2







My best friend received a call from her sister earlier today, crying. She was in the neighborhood visiting the grave of her daughter who recently passed. It’s especially hard on her sister since Mother’s Day is right around the corner. Anyway, I thought about it as my BFF ran out the door with her wallet and keys in tow … she dropped everything to be there for her sister. She was ready in season and out of season.

I put together a few tidbit wisdoms about resting and taking care of yourself, ‘cause you never know when YOU will be needed:

- To maintain balance in your life, you have to learn how to say no sometimes. You’re the one making your schedule. Don’t overcommit and if you or your children’s plate is too full … streamline.
- Everyone needs a break at times to recharge their batteries, you ARE NOT a superhero.
- Get 6-8 hours of sleep every night that you can (ensuring that you’re asleep between 10 pm – 2 am when healing hormones are produced) you’re not much good to anyone exhausted all the time.
- You and your children DO NOT have to be involved in every activity that there is at work/school.
- Take a few minutes out of your schedule each day to relax.
- When you see the opportunity, take it … have a lunch break, read the paper, stop for a coffee, just sit on the couch for a minute. It’s okay to take a minute, put your feet up and relax in God’s presence. Take a breath. Pray. Do nothing.
- Worry doesn't empty you of tomorrow's problems, but it will empty you of the strength for today.
- Take a short drive, it can clear your mind.
- Try doing the chores at home as a family unit as much as possible. Many hands make the work lighter and the time passes by quicker.
- Find a scripture in the Word of God, and just meditate on it. Allow the Lord to minister to your spirit through it.
- 10 minute power naps are REALLY awesome.
- If you want to be able to care for your loved ones, you’re going to have to start taking good care of yourself to have energy and strength.
- Go outside. Slow down just a moment to enjoy the shade, the refreshment of a cool breeze, the song of a bird or the gentle scent of flowers on the wind. The Lord will cause us to lie down in green pastures and lead us beside the still waters (Psalm 23:2) if we don’t do it ourselves because He cares for us. He wants us to slow down enough to listen. To hear His voice. To feel His love.

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.] Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls. For My yoke is wholesome (useful, good—not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne. Matthew 11:28-30

Be ready in season and out - you don't want to be past exhaustion or sick from not taking care of yourself - you can’t see the opportunities that may be just around the corner.

Father, we come to You and ask that You give us true rest in Your presence. Refresh and revive us. Help us to know what to do and what not to do and give us the strength and grace to do it. Help us to be ready for whatever You have in store for us. In Jesus’ name, amen.

see also: The Enemy of Busyness http://answerfortheailing.blogspot.com/2012/07/the-enemy-of-busyness.html

Has Today Been a Hard Day?

Don't be afraid. I am with you. Don't tremble with fear. I am your God. I will make you strong, as I protect you with My arm and give you victories. Everyone who hates you will be disgraced; those who attack will vanish into thin air. You will look around for those brutal enemies, but you won't find them because they will be gone. I am the Lord your God. I am holding your hand, so don't be afraid. I am here to help you. Isaiah 41:10-13

For whatever you're going through right now, know that your friend Jesus is ever near and is leading and guiding you. You’re not in the boat alone, He’s in it with you. The voice that calmed the raging sea is calling you His child, so be still and know He's in control, He'll NEVER let you go.

For those who struggle with cutting or other forms of self-harm ... kneel before God and scream out the pain before Him and release the pain and frustrations to Him.

For those who suffer with depression and thoughts of suicide … life IS worth living, whether you feel like it is right now or not. DON’T listen to voices in your head trying to tell you otherwise.

For those suffering with addictions … may God give you grace to say no, lead you not into temptation and help you to replace addictions that aren’t good for you with other things and habits that are safe and godly.

For those in abusive relationships … God hates abuse, you’re His child and He wants NO harm to come near you (you are His temple) or your dwelling and He’s committed to take care of you. Pray for God’s will about how and when to leave abusive relationships. You can't save that person hurting you and you can't change them. Don't stay for the kids, they are in jeopardy of being hurt right where they are.

 

For those who have been raped ... it WAS NOT your fault. You are valued and loved, regardless of what happened to you. FYI - if your husband forced you against your will to have sex, that's rape, too.

For those who are pregnant … you have options. Contact a local pregnancy care center that will share the truth in love about options that will help you choose life.

For those who have had an abortion … there is healing for your empty arms at the feet of Jesus. May He hold you and fill the voids.

For those who need wisdom and direction ... seek God. Read and meditate on His Word. Ask for wisdom and direction and when you hear from Him (and you will, for you DO know His voice) do as He asks. For He has a good plan for your life.

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Helpful numbers and websites:

S.A.F.E. Alternatives self-injury hotline 1-800-DONT-CUT http://www.selfinjury.com
National Suicide (Self-Harm) Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
National Hopeline Network 1-800-442-HOPE http://www.hopeline.com
National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE http://www.thehotline.org
National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN) 1-800-656-HOPE http://www.rainn.org
National Runaway Safeline 1-800-RUNAWAY http://www.1800runaway.org
National Eating Disorders Helpline 1-800-931-2237 http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org
Option Line (for those who are pregnant) 1-800-395-HELP http://www.optionline.org
The National Helpline for Abortion Recovery 1-866-482-LIFE http://www.nationalhelpline.org

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I'm so sorry that others have judged you. I never will, 'cause I've got my own struggles and pains ... NO ONE is perfect.

It doesn't matter who you are, or what you've done ... God loves YOU. Jesus doesn't merely like you when you do well; He's personally and passionately committed to your good, even when you fail. God is love and He deeply, stubbornly and eternally insists on loving EVERY individual. Relax in the LOVE that CHRIST has for YOU.

Even if you don't believe that others care, know that JESUS cares about you personally, He knows you by name. Keep PRESSIN' IN to Him, He's NOT going to hurt you like others have, He CAN be trusted.

The arms that hold the universe are holding you, it's gonna be alright.

Father, thank You that even though we’ve made mistakes and feel like we’ve missed the best life that You had for us, help us to know that it’s not too late to begin again. Like a child following in the footsteps of a strong father, help us to follow Your footsteps, wherever they may go. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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See also:

God HATES Abuse - So Stop Being a Martyr and Let Go http://answerfortheailing.blogspot.com/2011/05/god-hates-abuse-so-stop-being-martyr.html
Don't You Dare http://answerfortheailing.blogspot.com/2013/02/dont-you-dare.html
Don't Self-Harm Because of a Relationship http://answerfortheailing.blogspot.com/2012/08/dont-self-harm-because-of-relationship.html
Do You Hate Yourself? http://answerfortheailing.blogspot.com/2010/05/do-you-hate-yourself.html
Signs of Abusive Men http://eshanya.webs.com/signsofabusivemen.htm

Measured God’s Love Lately?

Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? As the Scriptures say, 'For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.' No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow - not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below - indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:35-39

No Christian should ever fear being separated from the love of God.

Living as we do in a world of imperfect love and failing relationships, it’s a challenge to rest in a love so pure and so permanent that it will never cease. But that is the nature of GOD’S LOVE.

Paul exhausted his creativity trying to think of something that could come between us and God’s love – and he failed (Romans 8:35-39).

The true measure of God’s love is that He loves without measure.

Father, I pray that You help us to receive the perfect love that You have for us. Give us deeper understanding of just how wide, deep, long and vast Your love for us is. May it drive away all fear and bring healing and peace to our hearts. Help us to share that love with others. In Jesus’ name, amen.