Testimony Of a Lost Soul
Dear friend, The Holy Spirit has ordained five prophetic events to unfold in your life.
Jesus said, "...All things are possible to him that believeth."Mark 9:23
Jesus said, "...All things are possible to him that believeth."Mark 9:23
Christ Like for Life
Christ Like for Life
DEAR ALMIGHTY FATHER, OUR HOLY GOD,
We bow before Thee, and we pray over every word of this sealed word.
Before our precious dear one begins to read what Thy Holy Spirit is speaking, please help our friend
Lord, to not get so busy that they forget prayer. Now, let Thy Holy Spirit move upon this dear one.
AMEN
YOU MUST PICTURE YOUR DESIRED FUTURE IN YOUR MIND.
Your desired future is a seed planted in you as part of God's plan.
God is giving you quick insights into His will for your life.
God's plan is to reveal each step in such a way that you can't harbor any doubts as to the outcome. You are more in charge than you realize.
The Scriptures are the basis of what we speak about. It is easy to trust the Word that has been around you for thousands of years.
The Scriptures are divinely protected and were seeded to us thousands of years ago. As they are truly interpreted, the Scriptures will always produce the living truth for the moment.
In your journey of life, your confidence in the written Scriptures will consistently be challenged. The Word of God only works fully when you fully believe it.
Abraham was able to envision many generations of children that he wanted (Genesis, Chapter IT). God is already planning to get you through the moment, but He is way ahead of you in that He is already planning to get you through what has not even happened yet. Joseph had a dream of himself as a leader, and this dream carried him through all the trials it took to get there (Genesis, Chapter 37).
God has seen your dream, and He is totally aware of what it will take to get you there. He is now assessing your willingness to go the distance. You are in the process of making a choice in your next destination. The Holy Spirit will weigh this decision, and then the energy to sustain you to get there will be inevitable.
There is a focus of the Holy Spirit in changing your thought pattern, and until this comes about, all movement will be affected. Patience is having your heart and mind working together in peace. Trust lets you know that your answer is coming, and you can be sure that it is.
Expect many new and previously unexpected occurrences in the coming days, because everything's different now.
We bow before Thee, and we pray over every word of this sealed word.
Before our precious dear one begins to read what Thy Holy Spirit is speaking, please help our friend
Lord, to not get so busy that they forget prayer. Now, let Thy Holy Spirit move upon this dear one.
AMEN
YOU MUST PICTURE YOUR DESIRED FUTURE IN YOUR MIND.
Your desired future is a seed planted in you as part of God's plan.
God is giving you quick insights into His will for your life.
God's plan is to reveal each step in such a way that you can't harbor any doubts as to the outcome. You are more in charge than you realize.
The Scriptures are the basis of what we speak about. It is easy to trust the Word that has been around you for thousands of years.
The Scriptures are divinely protected and were seeded to us thousands of years ago. As they are truly interpreted, the Scriptures will always produce the living truth for the moment.
In your journey of life, your confidence in the written Scriptures will consistently be challenged. The Word of God only works fully when you fully believe it.
Abraham was able to envision many generations of children that he wanted (Genesis, Chapter IT). God is already planning to get you through the moment, but He is way ahead of you in that He is already planning to get you through what has not even happened yet. Joseph had a dream of himself as a leader, and this dream carried him through all the trials it took to get there (Genesis, Chapter 37).
God has seen your dream, and He is totally aware of what it will take to get you there. He is now assessing your willingness to go the distance. You are in the process of making a choice in your next destination. The Holy Spirit will weigh this decision, and then the energy to sustain you to get there will be inevitable.
There is a focus of the Holy Spirit in changing your thought pattern, and until this comes about, all movement will be affected. Patience is having your heart and mind working together in peace. Trust lets you know that your answer is coming, and you can be sure that it is.
Expect many new and previously unexpected occurrences in the coming days, because everything's different now.
THE SEED
A successful Christian business man was growing old and knew it was time to choose a successor to take over the business.
Instead of choosing one of his directors or his children, he decided to do something different. He called all the young executives in his company together.
He said, "It is time for me to step down and choose the next CEO. I have decided to choose one of you. "The young executives were shocked, but the boss continued. I am going to give each one of you a SEED today - one very special SEED. I want you to plant the seed, water it, and come back here one year from today with what you have grown from the seed I have given you. I will then judge the plants that you bring, and the one I choose will be the next CEO"
One man, named Jim, was there that day and he, like the others, received a seed. He went home and excitedly, told his wife the story. She helped him get a pot, soil and compost and he planted the seed. Everyday, he would water it and watch to see if it had grown. After about three weeks, some of the other executives began to talk about their seeds and the plants that were beginning to grow. Jim kept checking his seed, but nothing ever grew. Three weeks, four weeks, five weeks went by, still nothing. By now, others were talking about their plants, but Jim didn't have a plant and he felt like a failure. Six months went by—still nothing in Jim's pot. He just knew he had killed his seed. Everyone else had trees and tall plants, but he had
nothing. Jim didn't say anything to his colleagues, however. He just kept watering and fertilizing the soil -He so wanted the seed to grow.
A year finally went by and all the young executives of the company brought their plants to the CEO for inspection. Jim told his wife that he wasn't going to take an empty pot. But she asked him to be honest about what happened. Jim felt sick at his stomach, it was going to be
the most embarrassing moment of his life, but he knew his wife was right. He took his empty pot to the board room. When Jim arrived, he was amazed at the variety of plants grown by the other executives. They were beautiful—in all shapes and sizes. Jim put his empty pot on the floor and many of his colleagues laughed, a few felt sorry for him!
When the CEO arrived, he surveyed the room and greeted his young executives. Jim just tried to hide in the back. "My, what great plants, trees, and flowers you have grown," said the CEO. "Today one of you will be appointed the next CEO!" All of a sudden, the CEO spotted Jim at the back of the room with his empty pot. He ordered the financial director to bring him to the front. Jim was terrified. He thought, "The CEO knows I'm a failure! Maybe he will have me fired!"
When Jim got to the front, the CEO asked him what had happened to his seed - Jim told him the story
The CEO asked everyone to sit down except Jim. He looked at Jim, and then announced to the young executives, "Behold your next Chief Executive!
His name is Jim!" Jim couldn't believe it. Jim couldn't even grow his seed. How could he be the new CEO the others said?
Then the CEO said, "One year ago today, I gave everyone in this room a seed. I told you to take the seed, plant it, water it, and bring it back to me today.
But I gave you all boiled seeds; they were dead - it was not possible for them to grow. All of you, except Jim, have brought me trees and plants and flowers.
When you found that the seed would not grow, you substituted another seed for the one I gave you. Jim was the only one with the courage and honesty to bring me a pot with my seed in it. Therefore, he is the one who will be the new Chief Executive!"
A If you plant honesty, you will reap trust A If you plant goodness, you will reap friends A If you plant humility, you will reap greatness A If you plant perseverance, you will reap contentment A If you plant consideration, you will reap perspective A If you plant hard work, you will reap success
If you plant forgiveness, you will reap reconciliation
A If you plant faith in Christ, you will reap a harvest
So, be careful what you plant now; it will determine what you will reap later.
A successful Christian business man was growing old and knew it was time to choose a successor to take over the business.
Instead of choosing one of his directors or his children, he decided to do something different. He called all the young executives in his company together.
He said, "It is time for me to step down and choose the next CEO. I have decided to choose one of you. "The young executives were shocked, but the boss continued. I am going to give each one of you a SEED today - one very special SEED. I want you to plant the seed, water it, and come back here one year from today with what you have grown from the seed I have given you. I will then judge the plants that you bring, and the one I choose will be the next CEO"
One man, named Jim, was there that day and he, like the others, received a seed. He went home and excitedly, told his wife the story. She helped him get a pot, soil and compost and he planted the seed. Everyday, he would water it and watch to see if it had grown. After about three weeks, some of the other executives began to talk about their seeds and the plants that were beginning to grow. Jim kept checking his seed, but nothing ever grew. Three weeks, four weeks, five weeks went by, still nothing. By now, others were talking about their plants, but Jim didn't have a plant and he felt like a failure. Six months went by—still nothing in Jim's pot. He just knew he had killed his seed. Everyone else had trees and tall plants, but he had
nothing. Jim didn't say anything to his colleagues, however. He just kept watering and fertilizing the soil -He so wanted the seed to grow.
A year finally went by and all the young executives of the company brought their plants to the CEO for inspection. Jim told his wife that he wasn't going to take an empty pot. But she asked him to be honest about what happened. Jim felt sick at his stomach, it was going to be
the most embarrassing moment of his life, but he knew his wife was right. He took his empty pot to the board room. When Jim arrived, he was amazed at the variety of plants grown by the other executives. They were beautiful—in all shapes and sizes. Jim put his empty pot on the floor and many of his colleagues laughed, a few felt sorry for him!
When the CEO arrived, he surveyed the room and greeted his young executives. Jim just tried to hide in the back. "My, what great plants, trees, and flowers you have grown," said the CEO. "Today one of you will be appointed the next CEO!" All of a sudden, the CEO spotted Jim at the back of the room with his empty pot. He ordered the financial director to bring him to the front. Jim was terrified. He thought, "The CEO knows I'm a failure! Maybe he will have me fired!"
When Jim got to the front, the CEO asked him what had happened to his seed - Jim told him the story
The CEO asked everyone to sit down except Jim. He looked at Jim, and then announced to the young executives, "Behold your next Chief Executive!
His name is Jim!" Jim couldn't believe it. Jim couldn't even grow his seed. How could he be the new CEO the others said?
Then the CEO said, "One year ago today, I gave everyone in this room a seed. I told you to take the seed, plant it, water it, and bring it back to me today.
But I gave you all boiled seeds; they were dead - it was not possible for them to grow. All of you, except Jim, have brought me trees and plants and flowers.
When you found that the seed would not grow, you substituted another seed for the one I gave you. Jim was the only one with the courage and honesty to bring me a pot with my seed in it. Therefore, he is the one who will be the new Chief Executive!"
A If you plant honesty, you will reap trust A If you plant goodness, you will reap friends A If you plant humility, you will reap greatness A If you plant perseverance, you will reap contentment A If you plant consideration, you will reap perspective A If you plant hard work, you will reap success
If you plant forgiveness, you will reap reconciliation
A If you plant faith in Christ, you will reap a harvest
So, be careful what you plant now; it will determine what you will reap later.
FASTING
(Abstaining, Discipline, Hunger)
How is fasting used as a spiritual discipline?
Bible Reading:
Chronicles 20:1-30
Key Bible Verse:
Jehoshaphat was badly shaken by the news and determined to beg for help from the Lord: so he announced that all the people of Judah should go without food for a time, in penitence and intercession before God. (11 Chronicles 20: 3, TLB)
Fasting" can be part of repentance. When the nation was faced with disaster, Jehoshaphat called upon the people to get serious with God by going without food fasting) for a designated time.
By separating themselves from the daily routine of food preparation and eating, they could devote that extra time to considering their sin and praying to God for help.
Hunger pangs would reinforce their feelings of penitence and remind them of their weakness and their dependence upon God.
Fasting still can be helpful today as we seek God's will in special situations.
Bible Reading:Ezra 8: 15-36
Key Bible Verse:
Then I declared a fast while we were at the Ahaua River so that we would humble ourselves before our God; and we prayed that he would give us a good journey and protect us, our children, and our goods as we traveled. (Ezra 8:21, TLB)
Fasting can be part of prayer. Ezra knew God's promises to protect his people, but he didn't take them granted. He also knew that God's blessings are appropriated through prayer, so Ezra and the people humbled themselves by fasting and praying.
And their prayers were answered.
Fasting humbled them because going without food was a reminder of their complete dependence on God. Fasting also gave them more time to pray and meditate on God.
Too often we pray glibly and superficially. Serious prayer, by contrast, requires concentration. It puts us in touch with God's will and can really change us. Without serious prayer, we reduce God to a quick-service pharmacist with painkillers for every ailment.
Bible Reading: Matthew 6:16-18
Key Bible verse: But when you fast, put on festive clothing, so that no one will suspect you are hungry, except your Father who Knows every secret. And he will reward you. (Matthew .6:17-18, TLB)
Fasting needs to be done for the right reasons.
Fasting - going without food in order to spend time in prayer - is noble and difficult. It gives us time to pray, teaches self- discipline, reminds us that we can live with a lot less, and helps us appreciate God's gifts.
Jesus was not condemning fasting, but hypocrisy - fasting in order to gain public approval.
Fasting was mandatory for the Jewish people.
once a year, on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 23: 32).
The Pharisees voluntarily fasted twice a week to impress the people with their "holiness." Jesus commended acts of self-sacrifice done quietly and sincerely. He wanted people to adopt spiritual disciplines for the right reasons, not from a selfish desire for praise.
• Related topics: DISCIPLINE, PRAYER, SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES
(Abstaining, Discipline, Hunger)
How is fasting used as a spiritual discipline?
Bible Reading:
Chronicles 20:1-30
Key Bible Verse:
Jehoshaphat was badly shaken by the news and determined to beg for help from the Lord: so he announced that all the people of Judah should go without food for a time, in penitence and intercession before God. (11 Chronicles 20: 3, TLB)
Fasting" can be part of repentance. When the nation was faced with disaster, Jehoshaphat called upon the people to get serious with God by going without food fasting) for a designated time.
By separating themselves from the daily routine of food preparation and eating, they could devote that extra time to considering their sin and praying to God for help.
Hunger pangs would reinforce their feelings of penitence and remind them of their weakness and their dependence upon God.
Fasting still can be helpful today as we seek God's will in special situations.
Bible Reading:Ezra 8: 15-36
Key Bible Verse:
Then I declared a fast while we were at the Ahaua River so that we would humble ourselves before our God; and we prayed that he would give us a good journey and protect us, our children, and our goods as we traveled. (Ezra 8:21, TLB)
Fasting can be part of prayer. Ezra knew God's promises to protect his people, but he didn't take them granted. He also knew that God's blessings are appropriated through prayer, so Ezra and the people humbled themselves by fasting and praying.
And their prayers were answered.
Fasting humbled them because going without food was a reminder of their complete dependence on God. Fasting also gave them more time to pray and meditate on God.
Too often we pray glibly and superficially. Serious prayer, by contrast, requires concentration. It puts us in touch with God's will and can really change us. Without serious prayer, we reduce God to a quick-service pharmacist with painkillers for every ailment.
Bible Reading: Matthew 6:16-18
Key Bible verse: But when you fast, put on festive clothing, so that no one will suspect you are hungry, except your Father who Knows every secret. And he will reward you. (Matthew .6:17-18, TLB)
Fasting needs to be done for the right reasons.
Fasting - going without food in order to spend time in prayer - is noble and difficult. It gives us time to pray, teaches self- discipline, reminds us that we can live with a lot less, and helps us appreciate God's gifts.
Jesus was not condemning fasting, but hypocrisy - fasting in order to gain public approval.
Fasting was mandatory for the Jewish people.
once a year, on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 23: 32).
The Pharisees voluntarily fasted twice a week to impress the people with their "holiness." Jesus commended acts of self-sacrifice done quietly and sincerely. He wanted people to adopt spiritual disciplines for the right reasons, not from a selfish desire for praise.
• Related topics: DISCIPLINE, PRAYER, SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES
LOOK AT HOW MANY TIMES GOD USES THE NUMBER SEVEN IN THE BIBLE
I. Creation accomplished in 7 DAYS. Genesis 2:2
II. Joseph's 7 YEARS of plenty followed by 7 YEARS of famine.
Genesis 41:26,27
III. 7 FEASTS in Mosaic Law
( Numbers and Leviticus)
IV. Joshua and his men marched around Jericho 7 TIMES.
Joshua 6:15
V. Namaan had to dip 7 TIMES in the Jordan River to be healed.
IIKings 5:14
VI. Elijah's servant had to look 7 TIMES to see the cloud.
I Kings 18:43
VII. The Psalmist said, "7 TIMES a day do I praise thee.
" Psalm 119:164
VIII. 7 PARABLES in Matthew:
St. Matthew, chapter 13
IX. Jesus blessed 7 LOAVES,
and 7 BASKETS of fragments were taken up.
St. Mark 8:5
X. 7 GIFTS in Romans. Romans 12:6-8
XI. 7 ETERNAL THINGS
Hebrews: 1:11;
Salvation, 5:9;
Jesus, 13:8;
King of Peace, 7:2;
Spirit, 9:14;
Inheritance, 9:15;
Sacrifice, 10:12;
and 13:20
I. Creation accomplished in 7 DAYS. Genesis 2:2
II. Joseph's 7 YEARS of plenty followed by 7 YEARS of famine.
Genesis 41:26,27
III. 7 FEASTS in Mosaic Law
( Numbers and Leviticus)
IV. Joshua and his men marched around Jericho 7 TIMES.
Joshua 6:15
V. Namaan had to dip 7 TIMES in the Jordan River to be healed.
IIKings 5:14
VI. Elijah's servant had to look 7 TIMES to see the cloud.
I Kings 18:43
VII. The Psalmist said, "7 TIMES a day do I praise thee.
" Psalm 119:164
VIII. 7 PARABLES in Matthew:
St. Matthew, chapter 13
IX. Jesus blessed 7 LOAVES,
and 7 BASKETS of fragments were taken up.
St. Mark 8:5
X. 7 GIFTS in Romans. Romans 12:6-8
XI. 7 ETERNAL THINGS
Hebrews: 1:11;
Salvation, 5:9;
Jesus, 13:8;
King of Peace, 7:2;
Spirit, 9:14;
Inheritance, 9:15;
Sacrifice, 10:12;
and 13:20
In the Book of Revelation:
XII. 7 CHURCHES:
Revelation 1:4
XIII. 7 GOLDEN CANDLESTICKS:
Revelation 1:12
XIV. 7 SPIRITS: Revelation 1:4
XV. 7 STARS: Revelation 1:20
XVI. 7 SEALS: Revelation 5:1
XVII. 7 TRUMPETS:
Revelation 8:2; 8:6-13; 9:1-14;11:15
XVIII. 7 PLAGUES: Revelation 15:6
XIX. 7 VIALS:
Revelation 15:7
XII. 7 CHURCHES:
Revelation 1:4
XIII. 7 GOLDEN CANDLESTICKS:
Revelation 1:12
XIV. 7 SPIRITS: Revelation 1:4
XV. 7 STARS: Revelation 1:20
XVI. 7 SEALS: Revelation 5:1
XVII. 7 TRUMPETS:
Revelation 8:2; 8:6-13; 9:1-14;11:15
XVIII. 7 PLAGUES: Revelation 15:6
XIX. 7 VIALS:
Revelation 15:7
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
*I AM and I have all knowledge.
CHARACTER REFERENCE
Love, light, and life
(I John 4:16, I John 1:5, John 14:6).
A representative, but by no means conclusive
list of other character traits follows:
*Wisdom -James 1:5
*Comfort •- 2 Corinthians 1:3
*Truth -•John 8:32
*Healer - 1 Peter 2:24
^Strength -•Phil. 4:13
*Forgiveness - I John 1:9
*Provider -Phil. 4:19
*Mercy --Ephesians 2:24
*Good --Matt. 19:17
*Peace -Romans 14:17
AVAILABILITY
*Willing and ready to take over your life.
*Able to put your life together again.
*Will bring all of who I AM into your life.
*Can start now.
*Will transform your life if you let Me.
SALARY REQUIREMENT
*Your only responsibility is to commit initially and on a daily basis.
*To trust and obey what Jesus has done and wants you to do in your life.
Other references available upon request.
POSITIVE DAILY PRAYER: Dear God, I now hire You to be the
manager of my life. Start immediately. My compensation toward
You will be my absolute faith and devotion every day for the rest of my life.
POSITIVE DAILY AFFIRMATION: My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in the power of God to make things right.
POSITIVE DAILY QUOTE: "If you do not hope, you will not find
what is beyond your hopes."
THANK YOU-GOD BLESS YOU!
BY THE GRACE OF GOD I...
have been justified (completely forgiven and made righteous).
Romans.5:1 died with Christ and died to the power of sin's rule over my life.
Romans. 6:1 -6
am free from condemnation.Romans. 8:1
have received the Spirit of God into my life that I might know the
the things freely given to me by God.
1 Co. 2:12
- have been given the mind of Christ 1
Co. 2:16
have been bought and paid for with a price. I am not my own. I belong
to God. ]
Co. 6:19,20
have been given the Holy Spirit as a pledge (a deposit/down payment)
guaranteeing my inheritance to come.
Eph. 1:13, 14
since I have died, I no longer live for myself, but for Him (Christ).
2 Co. 5:14,15
have been crucified with Christ and it is no longer I who live, but Christ
lives in me. (The life I am now living is Christ's life).
Gal. 2:20
have been blessed with every spiritual blessing.
Eph. 1:3
have been redeemed, forgiven, and am the recipient of His lavish grace.
Eph. 1:7,8
have direct access to God through the Spirit
Eph. 2:18
may approach God with boldness, freedom and confidence.
Eph. 3:12
have been delivered from the domain of darkness (Satan's rule) and
transferred to the kingdom of Christ.
Col. 1:13
Christ Himself is in me.
Col. 1:27
have been given a spirit of power, love, and self discipline.
2 Tim. 1:7
have been saved and called (set apart) according to God's doing.
2 Tim. 1:9 &Titus 3:5
have the right to come boldly before the throne of God (the throne of grace)
to find mercy and find grace in time of need.
Heb. 4:16
WHO AM I NOW THAT I BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST
I am Christ's friend. John 15:15
I am part of the true vine, a branch of Christ's life. John 15:1,5
I am a child of God (part of His family). (Ro. 8:16) John 1:12
I am chosen and appointed by Christ to bear His fruit John 15:16
I am a son of God (God is my Spiritual Father) Gal. 3:26,4:6) Ro.8:14,15
I am a joint-heir with Christ sharing His inheritance with Him. Ro. 8:17
I am a temple (home) of God, His Spirit (His life) lives in me. 1 Co. 3:16, 6:19
I am joined (united) to the Lord and am one spirit with Him. 1 Co.6:17
I arn a member (part) of Christ's body(see Eph.5:30) 1 Co. 12:27
I am God's workmanship (handiwork) created (born anew) in Eph.2:10
Christ to do His work that He planned beforehand that I should do.
I am a fellow citizen with the rest of God's people in His family. . Eph.2:19
I am a prisoner of Christ. Eph.3:l, 4:1
I am righteous and holy.Eph.4:24
I am hidden with Christ in God. Col. 3:3
I am one of God's living stones and am being built np in Christ as a spiritual house. 1 Pet. 2:5
I am a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation a people for God's own possession to proclaim the excellencies of Him. 1 Pet. 2:9,10
I am an alien and stranger to this world I temporarily live in 1 Pet. 2:11
*I AM and I have all knowledge.
CHARACTER REFERENCE
Love, light, and life
(I John 4:16, I John 1:5, John 14:6).
A representative, but by no means conclusive
list of other character traits follows:
*Wisdom -James 1:5
*Comfort •- 2 Corinthians 1:3
*Truth -•John 8:32
*Healer - 1 Peter 2:24
^Strength -•Phil. 4:13
*Forgiveness - I John 1:9
*Provider -Phil. 4:19
*Mercy --Ephesians 2:24
*Good --Matt. 19:17
*Peace -Romans 14:17
AVAILABILITY
*Willing and ready to take over your life.
*Able to put your life together again.
*Will bring all of who I AM into your life.
*Can start now.
*Will transform your life if you let Me.
SALARY REQUIREMENT
*Your only responsibility is to commit initially and on a daily basis.
*To trust and obey what Jesus has done and wants you to do in your life.
Other references available upon request.
POSITIVE DAILY PRAYER: Dear God, I now hire You to be the
manager of my life. Start immediately. My compensation toward
You will be my absolute faith and devotion every day for the rest of my life.
POSITIVE DAILY AFFIRMATION: My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in the power of God to make things right.
POSITIVE DAILY QUOTE: "If you do not hope, you will not find
what is beyond your hopes."
THANK YOU-GOD BLESS YOU!
BY THE GRACE OF GOD I...
have been justified (completely forgiven and made righteous).
Romans.5:1 died with Christ and died to the power of sin's rule over my life.
Romans. 6:1 -6
am free from condemnation.Romans. 8:1
have received the Spirit of God into my life that I might know the
the things freely given to me by God.
1 Co. 2:12
- have been given the mind of Christ 1
Co. 2:16
have been bought and paid for with a price. I am not my own. I belong
to God. ]
Co. 6:19,20
have been given the Holy Spirit as a pledge (a deposit/down payment)
guaranteeing my inheritance to come.
Eph. 1:13, 14
since I have died, I no longer live for myself, but for Him (Christ).
2 Co. 5:14,15
have been crucified with Christ and it is no longer I who live, but Christ
lives in me. (The life I am now living is Christ's life).
Gal. 2:20
have been blessed with every spiritual blessing.
Eph. 1:3
have been redeemed, forgiven, and am the recipient of His lavish grace.
Eph. 1:7,8
have direct access to God through the Spirit
Eph. 2:18
may approach God with boldness, freedom and confidence.
Eph. 3:12
have been delivered from the domain of darkness (Satan's rule) and
transferred to the kingdom of Christ.
Col. 1:13
Christ Himself is in me.
Col. 1:27
have been given a spirit of power, love, and self discipline.
2 Tim. 1:7
have been saved and called (set apart) according to God's doing.
2 Tim. 1:9 &Titus 3:5
have the right to come boldly before the throne of God (the throne of grace)
to find mercy and find grace in time of need.
Heb. 4:16
WHO AM I NOW THAT I BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST
I am Christ's friend. John 15:15
I am part of the true vine, a branch of Christ's life. John 15:1,5
I am a child of God (part of His family). (Ro. 8:16) John 1:12
I am chosen and appointed by Christ to bear His fruit John 15:16
I am a son of God (God is my Spiritual Father) Gal. 3:26,4:6) Ro.8:14,15
I am a joint-heir with Christ sharing His inheritance with Him. Ro. 8:17
I am a temple (home) of God, His Spirit (His life) lives in me. 1 Co. 3:16, 6:19
I am joined (united) to the Lord and am one spirit with Him. 1 Co.6:17
I arn a member (part) of Christ's body(see Eph.5:30) 1 Co. 12:27
I am God's workmanship (handiwork) created (born anew) in Eph.2:10
Christ to do His work that He planned beforehand that I should do.
I am a fellow citizen with the rest of God's people in His family. . Eph.2:19
I am a prisoner of Christ. Eph.3:l, 4:1
I am righteous and holy.Eph.4:24
I am hidden with Christ in God. Col. 3:3
I am one of God's living stones and am being built np in Christ as a spiritual house. 1 Pet. 2:5
I am a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation a people for God's own possession to proclaim the excellencies of Him. 1 Pet. 2:9,10
I am an alien and stranger to this world I temporarily live in 1 Pet. 2:11
Scriptures of Encouragement Foundation
1 Corinthians 3:11
For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Temple
1 Corinthians 3:16
"Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?
Image
Psalms 139:14
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well
Strength
2nd Samuel 22:40
For You have armed me with strength for the battle; You have subdued under me those
who rose against me.
Freedom
2nd Timothy 1:7
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Confidence
Proverbs 3:36
For the Lord will be your confidence, and will keep your foot from being caught.
Mind Set
Phillipians 2:5
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus,
"God has made your image a temple with a strong foundation, to be free from depression,
full in confidence focused in your mind to be like Christ"
1 Corinthians 3:11
For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Temple
1 Corinthians 3:16
"Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?
Image
Psalms 139:14
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well
Strength
2nd Samuel 22:40
For You have armed me with strength for the battle; You have subdued under me those
who rose against me.
Freedom
2nd Timothy 1:7
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Confidence
Proverbs 3:36
For the Lord will be your confidence, and will keep your foot from being caught.
Mind Set
Phillipians 2:5
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus,
"God has made your image a temple with a strong foundation, to be free from depression,
full in confidence focused in your mind to be like Christ"
God gave us His Word as armor, which is protection.
Eph. 6:11
"Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil."
Knowing what is sin, what to avoid, is a great gift from God.
He tells us ahead of time what is right and wrong.
All we have to do is read His Word.
Otherwise we fall prey to Satan's schemes.
Psa. 107:10-11
"There were those who dwelt in darkness and in the shadow of death, Prisoners in misery and chains, because they had rebelled against the words of God, and spurned the counsel of the Most High."
In today's verse we find that the beginning of the most devastating of sins starts with not acknowledging that God
is God.
If we no longer believe that it is God Who determines what is right and wrong, if we look to anything else on earth to meet our needs, guide our thoughts and actions, then we can begin a long, downward spiral that may ultimately end with homosexual behavior.
The Bible clearly warns us that homosexual behavior is a choice, not a human trait. In fact the entire passage,
Romans 1:18-32, is an eye-opening warning of the consequences of sin.
Psa. 19:7-11
"The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether. They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them Thy servant is warned; In keeping them there is great reward."
Satan usually fills the void when God's Word is abandoned.
That's a steep price to pay when we've been lovingly warned all along.
Eph. 6:11
"Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil."
Knowing what is sin, what to avoid, is a great gift from God.
He tells us ahead of time what is right and wrong.
All we have to do is read His Word.
Otherwise we fall prey to Satan's schemes.
Psa. 107:10-11
"There were those who dwelt in darkness and in the shadow of death, Prisoners in misery and chains, because they had rebelled against the words of God, and spurned the counsel of the Most High."
In today's verse we find that the beginning of the most devastating of sins starts with not acknowledging that God
is God.
If we no longer believe that it is God Who determines what is right and wrong, if we look to anything else on earth to meet our needs, guide our thoughts and actions, then we can begin a long, downward spiral that may ultimately end with homosexual behavior.
The Bible clearly warns us that homosexual behavior is a choice, not a human trait. In fact the entire passage,
Romans 1:18-32, is an eye-opening warning of the consequences of sin.
Psa. 19:7-11
"The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether. They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them Thy servant is warned; In keeping them there is great reward."
Satan usually fills the void when God's Word is abandoned.
That's a steep price to pay when we've been lovingly warned all along.
Dear Lost Soul,
In the Holy Spirit, I feel that I must minister to you, but first I want to tell you not to worry that your and my letters may be passing each other in the mail. I just want to make sure that you received YOUR FOUR GREATEST NEEDS LETTER, which we mailed to you a few days ago.
Now, my dear Sister/brother , please allow me to minister to you concerning God's holy blessings. In the Bible, we can read where the Apostle Paul emphasized THINKING ON GOOD THINGS(Philippians 4:8). You can direct your own thoughts in the same way you steer an automobile. Your mind images are the faith magnets that attract to you all things that correspond with your beliefs.
BELIEVE GOD'S WORD. GOD WANTS YOU TO PROSPER and to understand that He is the Leader, and, with your cooperation, all will unfold His way (Philippians 4: 19).
GOD CHOSE YOU. HE CREATED YOU TO BE HIS CHILD, AND HE HAS PLANS FOR YOU. You are here for a purpose, Sister King, and God is working daily to help you discover and bring that purpose to pass.The key to receiving God's blessings is doing what God asks you to do.
AS YOU FOLLOW GOD'S INSTRUCTIONS, YOU WILL MOVE FORWARD IN HIS PLAN OF BLESSING YOU.
God can connect you with the tools you need to solve your problems. Let your seed offering become a harvest to meet your needs (Malachi 3:10). Sometimes what God tells you to do may seem illogical or unrelated to your miracle blessing, yet when you do what God leads you to do it will inevitably be rewarded.
YOU ARE IN THE SEASON BETWEEN SOWING AND REAPING in the successive period.
HARVEST IS EMINENT.
FOCUSING ON SELF CONTROL IS PRIMARY.GOD WANTS TO PREPARE YOU FOR SUCCESS.
WHEN YOU WEAR THE "ARMOR OF GOD", YOU ARE TOTALLY PREPARED FOR WHATEVER THE WORLD OR PRINCIPALITIES AND SPIRITS CONFRONT YOU WITH(Ephesians 6:12,13).
We are covering many subjects in this path of faith connection, which God has created between us, however when we speak about success many of us are not talking about the same thing. When you follow ill teachings or wallow aimlessly at the place where some teachers left you, it is time to return to the old landmarks. Jesus was very truthful and to point in. His teachings. He said that the most important commandment was to "...LOVE THE LORD THY GOD WITH ALL THY HEART, AND WITH ALL THY SOUL,
AND WITH ALL THY MIND, AND WITH ALL THY STRENGTH..." and the next most important commandment is to
LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF(St. Mark 12:28-31).
There is sound spiritual reasoning behind this. LOVING GOD IS THE MOST PRODUCTIVE EMOTIONAL GIFT YOU WILL EVER RELEASE. WHAT YOU GIVE TO GOD IS ALWAYS TRANSFORMED INTO A HARVEST IN THE AREAS WHERE INCREASE IS NEEDED THE MOST.
As you progress in any journey, there are times when changes must be made. You may be experiencing this in some areas of your life now, and modifications need to be made. Some of the original plans were not bad; they simply need some adjusting. And, some are not worth the effort, because elements in your life have changed enough that they are no longer important. Look to our Heavenly Father to bless you and guide you through the Holy Spirit.
Let your seed offering be a witness of your faith in God's Word, as it releases His har¬vest to you (Galatians 6:7).
BE WILLING TO MAKE AND ACCEPT CHANGE.
Mistakes and sins do not surprise God. He anticipated the need for mercy before you sinned.
THE MASTER KEY TO RECOVERY IS REPENTANCE. Do not justify your mistakes or blame others for decision you have made, because that defeats your progress.
God's forgiveness comes with asking, just as His Holy Word explains to us, at St. Matthew 7:7:
"ASK, AND IT SHALL BE GIVEN YOU..."
Sister/brother, I feel very grateful to speak with you, in the Holy Spirit. I want you to be happy and enjoy a good and successful life full of God's blessings. But, just in case you got busy and may have forgotten, it is still okay to mail your prayer page from my letter to you concerning your four greatest needs, which we mailed to you a few days ago.
We are very excited for you.
P.S. Remember, Lost soul, to think and expect good things, in faith, and good things will come to you(Philippians 4:19).
In the Holy Spirit, I feel that I must minister to you, but first I want to tell you not to worry that your and my letters may be passing each other in the mail. I just want to make sure that you received YOUR FOUR GREATEST NEEDS LETTER, which we mailed to you a few days ago.
Now, my dear Sister/brother , please allow me to minister to you concerning God's holy blessings. In the Bible, we can read where the Apostle Paul emphasized THINKING ON GOOD THINGS(Philippians 4:8). You can direct your own thoughts in the same way you steer an automobile. Your mind images are the faith magnets that attract to you all things that correspond with your beliefs.
BELIEVE GOD'S WORD. GOD WANTS YOU TO PROSPER and to understand that He is the Leader, and, with your cooperation, all will unfold His way (Philippians 4: 19).
GOD CHOSE YOU. HE CREATED YOU TO BE HIS CHILD, AND HE HAS PLANS FOR YOU. You are here for a purpose, Sister King, and God is working daily to help you discover and bring that purpose to pass.The key to receiving God's blessings is doing what God asks you to do.
AS YOU FOLLOW GOD'S INSTRUCTIONS, YOU WILL MOVE FORWARD IN HIS PLAN OF BLESSING YOU.
God can connect you with the tools you need to solve your problems. Let your seed offering become a harvest to meet your needs (Malachi 3:10). Sometimes what God tells you to do may seem illogical or unrelated to your miracle blessing, yet when you do what God leads you to do it will inevitably be rewarded.
YOU ARE IN THE SEASON BETWEEN SOWING AND REAPING in the successive period.
HARVEST IS EMINENT.
FOCUSING ON SELF CONTROL IS PRIMARY.GOD WANTS TO PREPARE YOU FOR SUCCESS.
WHEN YOU WEAR THE "ARMOR OF GOD", YOU ARE TOTALLY PREPARED FOR WHATEVER THE WORLD OR PRINCIPALITIES AND SPIRITS CONFRONT YOU WITH(Ephesians 6:12,13).
We are covering many subjects in this path of faith connection, which God has created between us, however when we speak about success many of us are not talking about the same thing. When you follow ill teachings or wallow aimlessly at the place where some teachers left you, it is time to return to the old landmarks. Jesus was very truthful and to point in. His teachings. He said that the most important commandment was to "...LOVE THE LORD THY GOD WITH ALL THY HEART, AND WITH ALL THY SOUL,
AND WITH ALL THY MIND, AND WITH ALL THY STRENGTH..." and the next most important commandment is to
LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF(St. Mark 12:28-31).
There is sound spiritual reasoning behind this. LOVING GOD IS THE MOST PRODUCTIVE EMOTIONAL GIFT YOU WILL EVER RELEASE. WHAT YOU GIVE TO GOD IS ALWAYS TRANSFORMED INTO A HARVEST IN THE AREAS WHERE INCREASE IS NEEDED THE MOST.
As you progress in any journey, there are times when changes must be made. You may be experiencing this in some areas of your life now, and modifications need to be made. Some of the original plans were not bad; they simply need some adjusting. And, some are not worth the effort, because elements in your life have changed enough that they are no longer important. Look to our Heavenly Father to bless you and guide you through the Holy Spirit.
Let your seed offering be a witness of your faith in God's Word, as it releases His har¬vest to you (Galatians 6:7).
BE WILLING TO MAKE AND ACCEPT CHANGE.
Mistakes and sins do not surprise God. He anticipated the need for mercy before you sinned.
THE MASTER KEY TO RECOVERY IS REPENTANCE. Do not justify your mistakes or blame others for decision you have made, because that defeats your progress.
God's forgiveness comes with asking, just as His Holy Word explains to us, at St. Matthew 7:7:
"ASK, AND IT SHALL BE GIVEN YOU..."
Sister/brother, I feel very grateful to speak with you, in the Holy Spirit. I want you to be happy and enjoy a good and successful life full of God's blessings. But, just in case you got busy and may have forgotten, it is still okay to mail your prayer page from my letter to you concerning your four greatest needs, which we mailed to you a few days ago.
We are very excited for you.
P.S. Remember, Lost soul, to think and expect good things, in faith, and good things will come to you(Philippians 4:19).
This was the early sixties that I remember
wakening to lightning. The shade on the window
was missing and I was laying in a Crib
I could not walk and I was not able to get out of the crib I pulled myself up to cry so someone would come and get me.
This was the first flash back that I have going all the way back to my first thoughts way back in my mind I was afraid because it had bars,I remember this like it was yesterday because I was afraid of the lightning and the sound of thunder it had me jumping out of my skinI was so afraid that I am afraid of thunder and lightning to this day. I was born in 1958 and I grew up in Wisconsin it was always snowing raining or something. I was a sickly child but I was still healthy enough to have a somewhat normal childhood, I had asthma and a skin rash I was told that I had it all over my body and that they put socks on my hands to prevent me form scratching myself.
I Remember going to school the first time I was six years old at this time, and I remember going to get my first shots for polio so
that I could go to school and right before I began school already had been Molested by a next door neighbor for a bag of potato chips.
This boy was about fifteen years old and he was the oldest boy that lived next door to us in an adjoining apartment building over a store front, and both apartments shared the basement I remember playing out side with his sister and some how I ended up in the basement I remember him saying to me "Do you want these potato chips" I shook my head yes, then I remember him saying let me touch you down there take down your panties, I was afraid so I hesitated but he kept putting the chips in my face, and I really wanted those chips so I let him touch me my brother came down and caught us he ran and told my mother she called the police.
The first day at School I would not sit down when my teacher told me too and I got angry and threw a chair to the
other side of the room and I got sent home with a note to my dress I had never been to school a day in life and I had no ideal that when my mother read the note I would be getting a spanking looking back on things,
I see that disobedience inter into my spirit way back then. So I was very rebellious after the first time I was Molested.It came time when I had it was time for me to go down to the police station and tell a detective what happened in the basement it was very traumatic for me I never for got that door that I enter into to tell what happen in the basement.
I was sorry for that boy because the officer said that I would not have to be afraid because I would never see him again, and she was rightI never saw him again after the day in the basement because they locked him up so in my young mind if something like that happens you will never see that person again.
Summer of 1964
A Few months went by and I learned how to block out the incidence, it was late spring going into summer and we had a top porch when my mother would go to school my brother would babysit for all of us I had three brothers and four sisters and I made eight Sometimes we would play in the house when my mother was not home and one day we were jumping on the dinning room table when it clasped and the leg broke off.
I knew that it was my fought although everybody was taking turns jumping off, but when I did it broke, My mother was a church going lady and she always told us to tell the truth no matter what so I was determined to tell her what happened I told here that
I jumped and it broke and I got the worst wiping I had ever gotten I said to myself I would never ever tell the truth again. She said we should not have been playing in the house. So the next day we decided when she went to school that we would play on the porch because we were not allowed to go outside while she was away.
I was playing on the porch and my big brother came out their and told my older sister to go do the dishes and then he trapped me on the porch and started touching me down there I told him to stop and he tried to put his thing on me and I broke away and ran in the house.
Later that night I was sleeping in the bed we all shared my other sisters and I and when the birds were tweeting my brother came in and molested me, He told me not to tell and I was going to tell my mother the next morning , but I was a afraid that it would be like the boy next door, I would have to go threw that door again tell the detectives what happened and never see my brother again, also their was a fear of who would my mother depend on to help with the family like baby sitting and helping her walk to the grocery store to bring back food and other things my mother depended on So I decided not to say anything because of fear of what it would do to my mother and fear that I would never see him again. So a few weeks went by and he would molest me When ever he wanted to I would say maybe once a week, I started to get sick of him doing this to me so I was going to tell and I started to rebel by not doing anything that he told me to do like clean up or stay in the house because I thought the reason why he was molesting me is because he liked me on a different level and I thought that I should have different privileges since I had to do him up
I was wrong her turned on me He took a broom and hit me with it one day I decided that when it wad my day to clean the dishes I was not going to do them and he could not make me or I was going to tell what he had been doing but the way he beat me with the broom let me know that I had no power over him because he was molesting me, on the contrary he hit me
so hard that I could have past out then he also made me stay in the house for weeks on in and he surely was showing me the power that he had over me and that if I was to tell my mother she would still need him to be in charge of us while she went to school and what would happen to me while she was away at school
I THOUGHT THAT HE WOULD BEAT ME TO DEATH
Time went on and it was time for us to move from the apartment we lived in it was a three bedroom and it was five sisters in one room and three brothers in the other one My mother said we were moving to Highland park and it had five bedrooms a full basement to play in and up and downstairs she said that we would not have to share the basement with other people and that my oldest sister could have her own room
We got there and later we found out that it was called the projects a place where everybody was on welfare and in order to live at Highland Park you had to have a large
Family it was 1965 I was eight years old I remember my Mother made me a Strawberry cake for my birthday with four layers I had a good feeling about going to a different school some how in my mind I knew that nobody could tell what happen to me because it was all new people that had never seen me before. I even believed that what had happened to me would be in the past and that life for me would be a new beginning. The adjustment to the new school was not as easy as I thought it would be and I still walked in fear of bigger kids and adults
I was starting to learn how not to trust but I sill was a kind and wanted so badly to have friends and have a normal childhood I just wanted what every child wanted to be cared for loved and taught the fundamentals of life.
I made new friends around the projects and at school we went to the Salvation Army Church and we also went to there camp as a family things seemed to be okay this year so far it was summer and no school I did a lot of normal childhood actives jump rope went to the play ground sometimes
I was even taken to the park and my dad would come buy every now and then and take us to the lake or out for ice cream, But when my older brothers and sister Father came he would bring money and take his Sons to work with him on the weekends he came far more than my father I did not understand why but it was told to me by my full brother just be glad that our dad came at all some dads never come to see their kids and some kids did not know their dad.
Winter came and we met the Huntley’s and the Pomes they were two of the largest families in the projects and also us The Kings. We played football in the snow and we build snowmen eulogies and did a lot of sledding and ice skating.
I had such a fulfilling year that I felt a since of joy happiness and contentment this year I believed that my life was back on the right track so I just wanted to forget anything that happened to me in the past so I had to hide the girl that was molested and I had to make sure she could not get out to tell or remind me what had happened in the past.
So I buried her deep down in my mind.It Was 1968 when they killed Martin Luther King Jr I was ten years old,
I remember the television and the news riots broke out we marched around the city I was young and my mother told us that we were not apart of that that instead of saying black power we were to say Jesus power or rely on Jesus to bring us out.
I snuck and marched with Father Gruopie and the other people that were demonstrated on the street they talked about marching on the 16th viaduct to meet whites and fight for black folk’s rights.
They had killed John Kennedy and also Robert Kennedy buy the time it was over Malcolm X all were dead and I was going from being a little girl to a young lady I got my period. All the grown people were talking about how was negro people going to make it we were at Vietnam but they did not give the black solders the same rights as the whites they talked about Lyndon Johnson was going to be the new president of the country and what was he going to do about poor blacks and
My grand mother said to my mother While all this was going on I shared a room with my three younger sisters and I slept in the top bunk we had two sets of bump beds My brother took my sister and put here in one of the other beds with another sibling and he picked me up and took me out of the top bunk and the birds were cupping and it was almost day light I said to my self what are you doing because I had believed all the way up into this time I was dreaming or I was fantasizing about the other Molestations or dreaming I did not believe they were real until that day.
That’s when the punishments started coming and the hitting me with brooms and his hands slapping me sometimes hitting me with belts make me stay sap rated from my friends and my other sisters not letting me go outside to play sometimes I thought because of what he did to me at night would give me favor with him but it was opposite he was mean and crueler to me than all my other siblings
The summer of 1968 was hard for all the adults and it kind of scared us kids but I started really feeling bad about my self that special feeling came back that scared six and seven year old came back to me and I tried to find a way out away to make the abuse stop with out telling my mother or breaking up our family. My Mother was so depended on my brother and I loved my mother very very much and
I didn’t want to do anything that would hurt her and I knew that that would really be something that,would because her too much pain
so I still could not tell anyone about what was going on I remember that my brother got kept back a year in school at west Division High school and that he was up set about that and I remember how mean my oldest sister was I could not talk to her she didn’t want to be bother but sometimes she would play dolls with me still.
Well in1969 we moved I had not experienced any more child molestations that year or in till we moved into our new home my mother got blessed and brought a house in a very nice neighborhood, when we moved over there it was still more white people than black as a matter of fact we were one of the first black families over there we went from calling our self’s colored people to black we thought that some of the freedom that they talked about on the television would take affect in society right away but it did not, I was in six grade when we moved over to the new house and my school had bigger and bolder bullies at that school and my brother was not here at this school he had went on into the seventh grade and he went to JR high or middle school they call it nowadays so he was not there to protect me any more like at the old school so I had to fight my own battles.
At that school I met a girl whom went to the same school we started hanging out together and she said one day lets not go to school lets wait in till my mother and father go to work and skip school so I said okay but I was really afraid I knew that if I got caught my mother would beat me with the cord off of a lamp.
We went in after walking around for about an hour we found some liquor in the living room and we drank it I don not know why I was following this girl or why I was doing every thing she suggested I guess I wanted to fit in, after sitting around for a few moments She asked me to do something sexual to her I got upset and left.
A few weeks went by and my brother came in the room where me and my other sisters sleep and he molested me one more time when
I was 12 I started to tell on him but I was older and instead of keeping my eyes close like I did all the day own he left me alone he stopped jumping on me for no reason and putting me on punishment for nothing, and he just started acting like a big brother , so I decided not to tell on him just leave everything as it was.
So I was living a lie and pretending that none of this stuff happened to me 1970 came and I went to middle school , I started sneaking make up and things My mother had us going to church all this time but no one never bother to tell me that Jesus died for our sins and everlasting salvation could be achieved by believing in him it seemed to be about a bunch of rules you had to follow and you had to be good all the time as a matter of fact it took a few more years to find out that he arose on Easter Sunday so I really did not see in fun in being saved.
wakening to lightning. The shade on the window
was missing and I was laying in a Crib
I could not walk and I was not able to get out of the crib I pulled myself up to cry so someone would come and get me.
This was the first flash back that I have going all the way back to my first thoughts way back in my mind I was afraid because it had bars,I remember this like it was yesterday because I was afraid of the lightning and the sound of thunder it had me jumping out of my skinI was so afraid that I am afraid of thunder and lightning to this day. I was born in 1958 and I grew up in Wisconsin it was always snowing raining or something. I was a sickly child but I was still healthy enough to have a somewhat normal childhood, I had asthma and a skin rash I was told that I had it all over my body and that they put socks on my hands to prevent me form scratching myself.
I Remember going to school the first time I was six years old at this time, and I remember going to get my first shots for polio so
that I could go to school and right before I began school already had been Molested by a next door neighbor for a bag of potato chips.
This boy was about fifteen years old and he was the oldest boy that lived next door to us in an adjoining apartment building over a store front, and both apartments shared the basement I remember playing out side with his sister and some how I ended up in the basement I remember him saying to me "Do you want these potato chips" I shook my head yes, then I remember him saying let me touch you down there take down your panties, I was afraid so I hesitated but he kept putting the chips in my face, and I really wanted those chips so I let him touch me my brother came down and caught us he ran and told my mother she called the police.
The first day at School I would not sit down when my teacher told me too and I got angry and threw a chair to the
other side of the room and I got sent home with a note to my dress I had never been to school a day in life and I had no ideal that when my mother read the note I would be getting a spanking looking back on things,
I see that disobedience inter into my spirit way back then. So I was very rebellious after the first time I was Molested.It came time when I had it was time for me to go down to the police station and tell a detective what happened in the basement it was very traumatic for me I never for got that door that I enter into to tell what happen in the basement.
I was sorry for that boy because the officer said that I would not have to be afraid because I would never see him again, and she was rightI never saw him again after the day in the basement because they locked him up so in my young mind if something like that happens you will never see that person again.
Summer of 1964
A Few months went by and I learned how to block out the incidence, it was late spring going into summer and we had a top porch when my mother would go to school my brother would babysit for all of us I had three brothers and four sisters and I made eight Sometimes we would play in the house when my mother was not home and one day we were jumping on the dinning room table when it clasped and the leg broke off.
I knew that it was my fought although everybody was taking turns jumping off, but when I did it broke, My mother was a church going lady and she always told us to tell the truth no matter what so I was determined to tell her what happened I told here that
I jumped and it broke and I got the worst wiping I had ever gotten I said to myself I would never ever tell the truth again. She said we should not have been playing in the house. So the next day we decided when she went to school that we would play on the porch because we were not allowed to go outside while she was away.
I was playing on the porch and my big brother came out their and told my older sister to go do the dishes and then he trapped me on the porch and started touching me down there I told him to stop and he tried to put his thing on me and I broke away and ran in the house.
Later that night I was sleeping in the bed we all shared my other sisters and I and when the birds were tweeting my brother came in and molested me, He told me not to tell and I was going to tell my mother the next morning , but I was a afraid that it would be like the boy next door, I would have to go threw that door again tell the detectives what happened and never see my brother again, also their was a fear of who would my mother depend on to help with the family like baby sitting and helping her walk to the grocery store to bring back food and other things my mother depended on So I decided not to say anything because of fear of what it would do to my mother and fear that I would never see him again. So a few weeks went by and he would molest me When ever he wanted to I would say maybe once a week, I started to get sick of him doing this to me so I was going to tell and I started to rebel by not doing anything that he told me to do like clean up or stay in the house because I thought the reason why he was molesting me is because he liked me on a different level and I thought that I should have different privileges since I had to do him up
I was wrong her turned on me He took a broom and hit me with it one day I decided that when it wad my day to clean the dishes I was not going to do them and he could not make me or I was going to tell what he had been doing but the way he beat me with the broom let me know that I had no power over him because he was molesting me, on the contrary he hit me
so hard that I could have past out then he also made me stay in the house for weeks on in and he surely was showing me the power that he had over me and that if I was to tell my mother she would still need him to be in charge of us while she went to school and what would happen to me while she was away at school
I THOUGHT THAT HE WOULD BEAT ME TO DEATH
Time went on and it was time for us to move from the apartment we lived in it was a three bedroom and it was five sisters in one room and three brothers in the other one My mother said we were moving to Highland park and it had five bedrooms a full basement to play in and up and downstairs she said that we would not have to share the basement with other people and that my oldest sister could have her own room
We got there and later we found out that it was called the projects a place where everybody was on welfare and in order to live at Highland Park you had to have a large
Family it was 1965 I was eight years old I remember my Mother made me a Strawberry cake for my birthday with four layers I had a good feeling about going to a different school some how in my mind I knew that nobody could tell what happen to me because it was all new people that had never seen me before. I even believed that what had happened to me would be in the past and that life for me would be a new beginning. The adjustment to the new school was not as easy as I thought it would be and I still walked in fear of bigger kids and adults
I was starting to learn how not to trust but I sill was a kind and wanted so badly to have friends and have a normal childhood I just wanted what every child wanted to be cared for loved and taught the fundamentals of life.
I made new friends around the projects and at school we went to the Salvation Army Church and we also went to there camp as a family things seemed to be okay this year so far it was summer and no school I did a lot of normal childhood actives jump rope went to the play ground sometimes
I was even taken to the park and my dad would come buy every now and then and take us to the lake or out for ice cream, But when my older brothers and sister Father came he would bring money and take his Sons to work with him on the weekends he came far more than my father I did not understand why but it was told to me by my full brother just be glad that our dad came at all some dads never come to see their kids and some kids did not know their dad.
Winter came and we met the Huntley’s and the Pomes they were two of the largest families in the projects and also us The Kings. We played football in the snow and we build snowmen eulogies and did a lot of sledding and ice skating.
I had such a fulfilling year that I felt a since of joy happiness and contentment this year I believed that my life was back on the right track so I just wanted to forget anything that happened to me in the past so I had to hide the girl that was molested and I had to make sure she could not get out to tell or remind me what had happened in the past.
So I buried her deep down in my mind.It Was 1968 when they killed Martin Luther King Jr I was ten years old,
I remember the television and the news riots broke out we marched around the city I was young and my mother told us that we were not apart of that that instead of saying black power we were to say Jesus power or rely on Jesus to bring us out.
I snuck and marched with Father Gruopie and the other people that were demonstrated on the street they talked about marching on the 16th viaduct to meet whites and fight for black folk’s rights.
They had killed John Kennedy and also Robert Kennedy buy the time it was over Malcolm X all were dead and I was going from being a little girl to a young lady I got my period. All the grown people were talking about how was negro people going to make it we were at Vietnam but they did not give the black solders the same rights as the whites they talked about Lyndon Johnson was going to be the new president of the country and what was he going to do about poor blacks and
My grand mother said to my mother While all this was going on I shared a room with my three younger sisters and I slept in the top bunk we had two sets of bump beds My brother took my sister and put here in one of the other beds with another sibling and he picked me up and took me out of the top bunk and the birds were cupping and it was almost day light I said to my self what are you doing because I had believed all the way up into this time I was dreaming or I was fantasizing about the other Molestations or dreaming I did not believe they were real until that day.
That’s when the punishments started coming and the hitting me with brooms and his hands slapping me sometimes hitting me with belts make me stay sap rated from my friends and my other sisters not letting me go outside to play sometimes I thought because of what he did to me at night would give me favor with him but it was opposite he was mean and crueler to me than all my other siblings
The summer of 1968 was hard for all the adults and it kind of scared us kids but I started really feeling bad about my self that special feeling came back that scared six and seven year old came back to me and I tried to find a way out away to make the abuse stop with out telling my mother or breaking up our family. My Mother was so depended on my brother and I loved my mother very very much and
I didn’t want to do anything that would hurt her and I knew that that would really be something that,would because her too much pain
so I still could not tell anyone about what was going on I remember that my brother got kept back a year in school at west Division High school and that he was up set about that and I remember how mean my oldest sister was I could not talk to her she didn’t want to be bother but sometimes she would play dolls with me still.
Well in1969 we moved I had not experienced any more child molestations that year or in till we moved into our new home my mother got blessed and brought a house in a very nice neighborhood, when we moved over there it was still more white people than black as a matter of fact we were one of the first black families over there we went from calling our self’s colored people to black we thought that some of the freedom that they talked about on the television would take affect in society right away but it did not, I was in six grade when we moved over to the new house and my school had bigger and bolder bullies at that school and my brother was not here at this school he had went on into the seventh grade and he went to JR high or middle school they call it nowadays so he was not there to protect me any more like at the old school so I had to fight my own battles.
At that school I met a girl whom went to the same school we started hanging out together and she said one day lets not go to school lets wait in till my mother and father go to work and skip school so I said okay but I was really afraid I knew that if I got caught my mother would beat me with the cord off of a lamp.
We went in after walking around for about an hour we found some liquor in the living room and we drank it I don not know why I was following this girl or why I was doing every thing she suggested I guess I wanted to fit in, after sitting around for a few moments She asked me to do something sexual to her I got upset and left.
A few weeks went by and my brother came in the room where me and my other sisters sleep and he molested me one more time when
I was 12 I started to tell on him but I was older and instead of keeping my eyes close like I did all the day own he left me alone he stopped jumping on me for no reason and putting me on punishment for nothing, and he just started acting like a big brother , so I decided not to tell on him just leave everything as it was.
So I was living a lie and pretending that none of this stuff happened to me 1970 came and I went to middle school , I started sneaking make up and things My mother had us going to church all this time but no one never bother to tell me that Jesus died for our sins and everlasting salvation could be achieved by believing in him it seemed to be about a bunch of rules you had to follow and you had to be good all the time as a matter of fact it took a few more years to find out that he arose on Easter Sunday so I really did not see in fun in being saved.
Isaiah 53:4-5
Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows;
Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God,
and afflicted.
But He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.
Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows;
Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God,
and afflicted.
But He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.
The Spiritual Alphabet
A Accept differences;
B Be Kind;
C Count your blessings;
D Dream;
E Express thanks unto the Lord;
F Forgive;
G Give freely;
H Harm no one;
J Jettison anger;
K Keep confidences;
L Love truly;
M Master Faith;
N Nurture Hope;
O Open your heart and mind;
P Pack lightly;
Q Quell rumors;
R Reciprocate;
S Seek wisdom;
T Touch hearts;
U Understand;
V Value truth;
W Win graciously;
X Xeriscaping;
Y Yearn;
Z Zealously support the body of Christ;
A Accept differences;
B Be Kind;
C Count your blessings;
D Dream;
E Express thanks unto the Lord;
F Forgive;
G Give freely;
H Harm no one;
J Jettison anger;
K Keep confidences;
L Love truly;
M Master Faith;
N Nurture Hope;
O Open your heart and mind;
P Pack lightly;
Q Quell rumors;
R Reciprocate;
S Seek wisdom;
T Touch hearts;
U Understand;
V Value truth;
W Win graciously;
X Xeriscaping;
Y Yearn;
Z Zealously support the body of Christ;
Make me, O Lord, Thy Spinning Wheel complete.
Thy Holy Word my Distaff make for me.
Make mine Affections thy Swift Flyers neat And make my Soul Thy holy Spool to be.
My Conversation make to be Thy Reel And Reel the yarn thereon spun of Thy Wheel.
Make me Thy Loom then, knit therein this Twine: And make Thy Holy Spirit, Lord, wind quills:
Then weave the Web Thyself.
The yarn is fine.
Thine Ordinances make my Fulling Mills.
Then dye the same in Heavenly Colors Choice.
All pinked with Varnished Flowers of Paradise.
Then clothe therewith mine Understanding, Will, Affections, Judgment, Conscience, Memory, My Words and Actions, that their shine may fill My ways with glory and Thee glorify.
Then mine apparel shall display before Ye That I am Clothed in Holy robes for glory.
Thy Holy Word my Distaff make for me.
Make mine Affections thy Swift Flyers neat And make my Soul Thy holy Spool to be.
My Conversation make to be Thy Reel And Reel the yarn thereon spun of Thy Wheel.
Make me Thy Loom then, knit therein this Twine: And make Thy Holy Spirit, Lord, wind quills:
Then weave the Web Thyself.
The yarn is fine.
Thine Ordinances make my Fulling Mills.
Then dye the same in Heavenly Colors Choice.
All pinked with Varnished Flowers of Paradise.
Then clothe therewith mine Understanding, Will, Affections, Judgment, Conscience, Memory, My Words and Actions, that their shine may fill My ways with glory and Thee glorify.
Then mine apparel shall display before Ye That I am Clothed in Holy robes for glory.
In Jesus Christ you BECOME A NEW PERSON daily!
The Holy Spirit is revealing how LIFE CAN BE BEAUTIFUL, EVEN IN THE DARKEST HOUR...AND THERE IS A SOLUTION TO EVERY PROBLEM... AND A LIGHT BEHIND EVERY SHADOW. GOD LOVES YOU...AND HE HOLDS THE KEYS TO THE FUTURE.
The Holy Spirit is revealing how LIFE CAN BE BEAUTIFUL, EVEN IN THE DARKEST HOUR...AND THERE IS A SOLUTION TO EVERY PROBLEM... AND A LIGHT BEHIND EVERY SHADOW. GOD LOVES YOU...AND HE HOLDS THE KEYS TO THE FUTURE.
(Hebrews 11:6).
There is power in the name of Jesus.
The world does not understand the purpose or the power of the cross.
The blood of Jesus Christ that was shed at Calvary is the source of your promise, Sister Melinda.
Jesus said, "...I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
" St. John 10:10.
Your willingness to use your faith to sow a seed in God's kingdom places the power of change within your reach,
Melinda. During the next seven to fourteen days, we believe that a slowing down of the pace of events is to occur,
God gives you relief from the intensity that you have recently experienced. Forget the past, for your answer is in your future.
Write a certain amount of money in your wallet.
"III John 2
That you need to straighten out your financial affairs. Write four financial blessings you sincerely need and write three debts or burdens you want God to remove from your life
(Philippians 4:19).
and place it in the bible close to your bed as you sleep tonight with your wallet or checkbook on top.
Let your seed release God's planned miracle blessing for you. Sow it as an offering unto the Lord Claim this Prosperity Covenant of Blessing
(Malachi 3:10, St. Luke 6:38).
Your seed can birth God's flow of blessing. Sow the seed offering which the Holy Spirit speaks to your heart.
Place your seed offering of your largest bill or the largest check you can write
Make every effort, to do this by sunset tomorrow evening. The seed you sow into God's work will never leave your life but be transformed into a harvest for you from God's hand
(Galatians 6:7).
You have a seed, and God sees the future your seed can produce. Carrying out God's instructions in your life produces blessings.
God loves a giver, and we believe that He is dreaming big for you.
There is power in the name of Jesus.
The world does not understand the purpose or the power of the cross.
The blood of Jesus Christ that was shed at Calvary is the source of your promise, Sister Melinda.
Jesus said, "...I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
" St. John 10:10.
Your willingness to use your faith to sow a seed in God's kingdom places the power of change within your reach,
Melinda. During the next seven to fourteen days, we believe that a slowing down of the pace of events is to occur,
God gives you relief from the intensity that you have recently experienced. Forget the past, for your answer is in your future.
Write a certain amount of money in your wallet.
"III John 2
That you need to straighten out your financial affairs. Write four financial blessings you sincerely need and write three debts or burdens you want God to remove from your life
(Philippians 4:19).
and place it in the bible close to your bed as you sleep tonight with your wallet or checkbook on top.
Let your seed release God's planned miracle blessing for you. Sow it as an offering unto the Lord Claim this Prosperity Covenant of Blessing
(Malachi 3:10, St. Luke 6:38).
Your seed can birth God's flow of blessing. Sow the seed offering which the Holy Spirit speaks to your heart.
Place your seed offering of your largest bill or the largest check you can write
Make every effort, to do this by sunset tomorrow evening. The seed you sow into God's work will never leave your life but be transformed into a harvest for you from God's hand
(Galatians 6:7).
You have a seed, and God sees the future your seed can produce. Carrying out God's instructions in your life produces blessings.
God loves a giver, and we believe that He is dreaming big for you.
The Beautitudes:
Matthew 5:3–10
Jesus’ Values Counter-values
BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO . . . BLESSED ARE THOSE
WHO ARE . . .
v. 3) are poor in spirit self-confident competent self-reliant
(v. 4) mourn pleasure-seeking hedonistic “the beautiful people”
(v. 5) are meek proud powerful important
(v. 6) hunger for righteousness satisfied “well adjusted” practical
(v. 7) are merciful self-righteous “able to take care of themselves”
(v. 8) are pure in heart “adult” sophisticated broad-minded
(v. 9) are peace makers competitive aggressive
(v. 10) are persecuted because of righteousness adaptable popular
.
Matthew 5:3–10
Jesus’ Values Counter-values
BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO . . . BLESSED ARE THOSE
WHO ARE . . .
v. 3) are poor in spirit self-confident competent self-reliant
(v. 4) mourn pleasure-seeking hedonistic “the beautiful people”
(v. 5) are meek proud powerful important
(v. 6) hunger for righteousness satisfied “well adjusted” practical
(v. 7) are merciful self-righteous “able to take care of themselves”
(v. 8) are pure in heart “adult” sophisticated broad-minded
(v. 9) are peace makers competitive aggressive
(v. 10) are persecuted because of righteousness adaptable popular
.
Father God I Pray that Becuse I am a new creation in Christ Jesus that he has given me power over the Sprit of Rebellion and that I cast it down back to the pits of hell where it belongs Satan get under my feet and aII you demonic sprits in Jesus name Amen
Testimony Of a Lost Soul
Father God I Pray That this testimony Will heal and loose
some one from being isolated
in Jesus name
Amen
some one from being isolated
in Jesus name
Amen
Loneliness
Everyone feels lonely at times, but is there a message for us in loneliness? Sometimes loneliness is a temporary condition that departs in a few hours or a couple days. But when you're burdened with this emotion for weeks, months, or even years, it's definitely telling you something.
Loneliness can be like a toothache:It's a warning signal that something is wrong. And like a toothache, if left unattended, it usually gets worse.
Busyness is a common treatment.
You may think that if you fill your life with so many activities that you don't have time to think about your loneliness, you'll be cured. But busyness misses the message sometimes. It's like trying to heal a toothache by taking your mind off it. Busyness can only a distraction for some and not a cure.
You MUST be careful getting too busy It can set you up for a fall ,
IF you are not spending time with GOD , regaining your strength. Buying is another favorite therapy,
Maybe if you purchase something new, if you"reward" yourself, you'll feel better. And surprisingly, you do feel better -but only for a short while. Buying things to fix your loneliness is like an anesthetic. Sooner or later the numbing effect wears off. Then the pain comes back as strong as ever. Buying can also compound your problems with a mountain of credit card debt or some financial debt.
Bed is a third response to loneliness.
You may believe that intimacy is what you need, so you make an unwise choice with sex. Like the prodigal son, after you come to your senses, you're horrified to discover that this attempt at a cure not only makes loneliness worse, it also makes you feel desperate and cheap.
This is the false cure of our modern culture, which promotes sex as a game, as recreation.
This response to ones loneliness always ends in feelings of alienation and regret.
We need to begin with a correct interpretation of this warning signal. Loneliness is God's way of telling you that you have
3 relationship problem.
While that may seem obvious, there's more to it than just surrounding yourself with people. Doing that is the same as busyness, but using crowds instead of continually hear the message that it's time to be joyful!
God's answer to loneliness is not the quantity of your relationships, but the quality.
Depression
Satan is out to destroy us, he at times seems to be the only one that understands us, he sends the negative thoughts of Depression and Loneliness, anxiousness and we entertain the conversation.
Eph 610-12
'As soon as buy into the conversation the enemy beats u up worst to take you down
Why would anyone want to be with you...you did it to yourself...you said if God did ... for you would not do it again, but you did
Don't be deceived SATAN has never been your friend , Memorize scripture to you against the negative message
Anxiety
The holidays don't necessarily cause unique forms of depression and anxiety, although the holiday season coincides with diminished daylight, which can bring on for some people a form of depression known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). There is also, of course, the busyness of the season that can frazzle, almost anyone.
Old and new tensions among family, friends, co-workers and others have a greater chance to arise, making it harder to manage these relationships and ultimately one's own health. As stress levels go up, so goes the susceptibility to anxiety and depression. Once a tipping point has been reached, anxiety and depression begin to interfere with one's ability to cope and find greater joy in these holy days. For many people, despite the theme of hope during Christmas, memories of what one has lost or goes without during this season can be overwhelming.
How difficult it can be to find oneself in grief and helpful to recall that Christ's birth is also associated with certain hardship and turmoil (e.g. being born into poverty; Herod's murderous rampage against infants).
Acknowiedging suffering from the Gospel narratives and connecting it with one's own suffering, whether it comes from a loss of some kind, wounded relationships, or physical/mental suffering, will ideally open up the hope for joy in life and relationships as promised by the gospel. In this way, there remains the healing grace of this holy season.
If you feel! forsaken by all who love you or who you thought loved you, God has said in Hebrews 13:5, which says,
"For God has said, "I will never fail you.I will never abandon you."
If you trust wholeheartedly in this, you'll have a sense of self worth knowing that the creator of all things, and the Most High, is on your side imparting a love that nobody else knows how to demonstrate.
Ps 51:12
Take time to rest your mind and body.
Resting your mind by taking a power nap for at least 10 or 15 minutes can give you the extra energy that you might need.
I found listening to music that is up lifting or listening to such as nature sounds like ocean waves, birds singing and believe it or not rain and sounds of thunderstorms can also be soothing.
Make sure to eat three square meals a day that is not related to junk food or fast food if all possible.
Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, not the fruitcake mind you.
There are so manytemptations to eating the homemade cookies and candy this time of the year. So we need to be more mindful not to eat too many sweets.
Supplementation
Taking nutritional supplements on a daily basis will help fight off other illnesses and could make you feel better in the long run with your emotions and your health. if all possible take time to exercise or walk with a friend. Fresh air can make you feel better also.
I once was told by a friend that when I get into a slump is to "change a thought and move a muscle" you'll be surprise how this can make a difference.Some suggestions on how to prevent holiday stress When stress is at its peak, it's hard to stop and regroup.
Try to prevent stress and depression in the first place, especially if the holidays have taken an emotional toll on you in the past,
Acknowledge your feelings. If someone close to you has recently died or you can't be with loved ones, realize that it's normal to feel sadness and grief. It's OK to take time to cry or express your feelings. You can't force yourself to be happy just because it's the holiday season. Reach out. If you feel lonely or isolated, seek out community, religious or other social events. They can offer
support and companionship. Volunteering your time to help others also is a good way to lift your spirits and broaden your friendships, Be realistic. The holidays don't have to be perfect or just like last year. As families change and grow, traditions
and rituals often change as well. Choose a few to hold on to, and be open to creating new ones. For example, if your adult children can't come to your house, find new ways to celebrate together, such as sharing pictures, emails or videotapes.
Set aside differences. Try to accept family members and friends as they are, even if they don't live up to all your expectations. Set aside grievances until a more appropriate time for discussion. And be understanding if others get upset or distressed when something goes awry. Chances are they're feeling the effects of holiday stress and depression too.Stick to a budget. Before you go gift and food shopping, decide how much money you can afford to spend. Then stick to your budget. Don't try to buy happiness with an avalanche of gifts. Try these alternatives: Donate to a charity in someone's name, give homemade gifts or start a family gift exchange. Plan ahead. Set aside specific days for shopping, baking, visiting friends and other activities. Plan your menus and then make your shopping list. That will help prevent last-minute scrambling to buy forgotten ingredients. And make sure to line up help for party prep and cleanup.
Learn to say no, Saying yes when you should say no can leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed. Friends and colleagues will understand if you can't participate in every project or activity. If it's not possible to say no when your boss asks you to work overtime, try to remove something else from your agenda to make up for the lost time.Don't abandon healthy habits. Don't let the holidays become a free-for-all. Overindulgence only adds to your
stress and guilt. Have a healthy snack before holiday parties so that you don't go overboard on sweets, cheese or drinks. Continue to get plenty of sleep and physical activity.
Change your negative thoughts into MOVES!
Take a breather. Make some time for yourself. Spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do. Take a walk at night and stargaze. Listen to soothing music. Find something that reduces stress by clearing your mind, slowing your breathing and restoring inner calm, Seekprofessional help if you need it. Despite your best efforts, you may find yourself feeling persistently sad or anxious, plagued by physical complaints, unable to sleep, irritable and hopeless, and unable to face routine chores. If these feelings last for a while, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional.
Bible verses about loneliness
(Deuteronomy 31:6) 6 Be strong and courageous, don't be afraid, nor be scared of them: for Yahweh your God, he it is who does go with you; he will not fail you, nor forsake you."
(Psalms 27:10) 10 When my father and my mother forsake me, then Yahweh will take me up. (Psalms 46:1) 1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
(Isaiah 41:10) 10 Don't you be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.
(Matthew 28:20) 20 teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."" Amen.
(Hebrews 13:5) 5 Be free from the love of money, content with such things as you have, for he has said, "I will in no way leave you, neither will I in any way forsake you."
Bible Verses about Depression and Anxiety
Then he said to them, "Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."
Nehemiah 8:10 (NKJV)
Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but he who trusts in the LORD, loving kindness shall surround him.
Psalm 32:10 (NASB)
He was despised and forsaken of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and like one from whom men hide their face. He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. Surely our griefs He Himself bore, and our sorrows He carried; yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
Isaiah 53:3-4 (NASB)
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him ivith his hand.
Psalm 37:23-24 (KJV)
Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
Psaim 37:3-4 (KJV)So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10(NIV)
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10(NIV)
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
John 16:33(KJV)
Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
Psalm 46:10(KJV)
To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified,
Isaiah 61:2-3 (KJV)
Encouraging Bible verses and quotes
(Psalms 118:14 DR) 14 The Lord is my strength and my praise: and he is become my salvation.
(Psalms 118:5 ) 5 In my trouble I called upon the Lord: and the Lord heard me, and enlarged me.
(Psalms 118:6 DR) 6 The Lord is my helper, I will not fear what man can do unto me.
Psalms 145:18 DR) 18 The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him: to all that call upon him in truth.
(Psalms 119:105) 105 Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path.
(Psalms 119:114) 114 You are my hiding place and my shield. I hope in your word.
(Psalms 119:25) 25 My soul is laid low in the dust. Revive me according to your word!
(Psalms 120:1 ) 1 In my trouble I cried to the Lord: and he heard me.
(Psalms 121:5 ) 5 The Lord is thy keeper, the Lord is thy protection upon thy right hand.
(Psalms 23:4) 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.
Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
(Psalms 27:1 DR) 1 The psalm of David before he was anointed. The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the protector of my life: of whom shall I be afraid?
Everyone feels lonely at times, but is there a message for us in loneliness? Sometimes loneliness is a temporary condition that departs in a few hours or a couple days. But when you're burdened with this emotion for weeks, months, or even years, it's definitely telling you something.
Loneliness can be like a toothache:It's a warning signal that something is wrong. And like a toothache, if left unattended, it usually gets worse.
Busyness is a common treatment.
You may think that if you fill your life with so many activities that you don't have time to think about your loneliness, you'll be cured. But busyness misses the message sometimes. It's like trying to heal a toothache by taking your mind off it. Busyness can only a distraction for some and not a cure.
You MUST be careful getting too busy It can set you up for a fall ,
IF you are not spending time with GOD , regaining your strength. Buying is another favorite therapy,
Maybe if you purchase something new, if you"reward" yourself, you'll feel better. And surprisingly, you do feel better -but only for a short while. Buying things to fix your loneliness is like an anesthetic. Sooner or later the numbing effect wears off. Then the pain comes back as strong as ever. Buying can also compound your problems with a mountain of credit card debt or some financial debt.
Bed is a third response to loneliness.
You may believe that intimacy is what you need, so you make an unwise choice with sex. Like the prodigal son, after you come to your senses, you're horrified to discover that this attempt at a cure not only makes loneliness worse, it also makes you feel desperate and cheap.
This is the false cure of our modern culture, which promotes sex as a game, as recreation.
This response to ones loneliness always ends in feelings of alienation and regret.
We need to begin with a correct interpretation of this warning signal. Loneliness is God's way of telling you that you have
3 relationship problem.
While that may seem obvious, there's more to it than just surrounding yourself with people. Doing that is the same as busyness, but using crowds instead of continually hear the message that it's time to be joyful!
God's answer to loneliness is not the quantity of your relationships, but the quality.
Depression
Satan is out to destroy us, he at times seems to be the only one that understands us, he sends the negative thoughts of Depression and Loneliness, anxiousness and we entertain the conversation.
Eph 610-12
'As soon as buy into the conversation the enemy beats u up worst to take you down
Why would anyone want to be with you...you did it to yourself...you said if God did ... for you would not do it again, but you did
Don't be deceived SATAN has never been your friend , Memorize scripture to you against the negative message
Anxiety
The holidays don't necessarily cause unique forms of depression and anxiety, although the holiday season coincides with diminished daylight, which can bring on for some people a form of depression known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). There is also, of course, the busyness of the season that can frazzle, almost anyone.
Old and new tensions among family, friends, co-workers and others have a greater chance to arise, making it harder to manage these relationships and ultimately one's own health. As stress levels go up, so goes the susceptibility to anxiety and depression. Once a tipping point has been reached, anxiety and depression begin to interfere with one's ability to cope and find greater joy in these holy days. For many people, despite the theme of hope during Christmas, memories of what one has lost or goes without during this season can be overwhelming.
How difficult it can be to find oneself in grief and helpful to recall that Christ's birth is also associated with certain hardship and turmoil (e.g. being born into poverty; Herod's murderous rampage against infants).
Acknowiedging suffering from the Gospel narratives and connecting it with one's own suffering, whether it comes from a loss of some kind, wounded relationships, or physical/mental suffering, will ideally open up the hope for joy in life and relationships as promised by the gospel. In this way, there remains the healing grace of this holy season.
If you feel! forsaken by all who love you or who you thought loved you, God has said in Hebrews 13:5, which says,
"For God has said, "I will never fail you.I will never abandon you."
If you trust wholeheartedly in this, you'll have a sense of self worth knowing that the creator of all things, and the Most High, is on your side imparting a love that nobody else knows how to demonstrate.
Ps 51:12
Take time to rest your mind and body.
Resting your mind by taking a power nap for at least 10 or 15 minutes can give you the extra energy that you might need.
I found listening to music that is up lifting or listening to such as nature sounds like ocean waves, birds singing and believe it or not rain and sounds of thunderstorms can also be soothing.
Make sure to eat three square meals a day that is not related to junk food or fast food if all possible.
Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, not the fruitcake mind you.
There are so manytemptations to eating the homemade cookies and candy this time of the year. So we need to be more mindful not to eat too many sweets.
Supplementation
Taking nutritional supplements on a daily basis will help fight off other illnesses and could make you feel better in the long run with your emotions and your health. if all possible take time to exercise or walk with a friend. Fresh air can make you feel better also.
I once was told by a friend that when I get into a slump is to "change a thought and move a muscle" you'll be surprise how this can make a difference.Some suggestions on how to prevent holiday stress When stress is at its peak, it's hard to stop and regroup.
Try to prevent stress and depression in the first place, especially if the holidays have taken an emotional toll on you in the past,
Acknowledge your feelings. If someone close to you has recently died or you can't be with loved ones, realize that it's normal to feel sadness and grief. It's OK to take time to cry or express your feelings. You can't force yourself to be happy just because it's the holiday season. Reach out. If you feel lonely or isolated, seek out community, religious or other social events. They can offer
support and companionship. Volunteering your time to help others also is a good way to lift your spirits and broaden your friendships, Be realistic. The holidays don't have to be perfect or just like last year. As families change and grow, traditions
and rituals often change as well. Choose a few to hold on to, and be open to creating new ones. For example, if your adult children can't come to your house, find new ways to celebrate together, such as sharing pictures, emails or videotapes.
Set aside differences. Try to accept family members and friends as they are, even if they don't live up to all your expectations. Set aside grievances until a more appropriate time for discussion. And be understanding if others get upset or distressed when something goes awry. Chances are they're feeling the effects of holiday stress and depression too.Stick to a budget. Before you go gift and food shopping, decide how much money you can afford to spend. Then stick to your budget. Don't try to buy happiness with an avalanche of gifts. Try these alternatives: Donate to a charity in someone's name, give homemade gifts or start a family gift exchange. Plan ahead. Set aside specific days for shopping, baking, visiting friends and other activities. Plan your menus and then make your shopping list. That will help prevent last-minute scrambling to buy forgotten ingredients. And make sure to line up help for party prep and cleanup.
Learn to say no, Saying yes when you should say no can leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed. Friends and colleagues will understand if you can't participate in every project or activity. If it's not possible to say no when your boss asks you to work overtime, try to remove something else from your agenda to make up for the lost time.Don't abandon healthy habits. Don't let the holidays become a free-for-all. Overindulgence only adds to your
stress and guilt. Have a healthy snack before holiday parties so that you don't go overboard on sweets, cheese or drinks. Continue to get plenty of sleep and physical activity.
Change your negative thoughts into MOVES!
Take a breather. Make some time for yourself. Spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do. Take a walk at night and stargaze. Listen to soothing music. Find something that reduces stress by clearing your mind, slowing your breathing and restoring inner calm, Seekprofessional help if you need it. Despite your best efforts, you may find yourself feeling persistently sad or anxious, plagued by physical complaints, unable to sleep, irritable and hopeless, and unable to face routine chores. If these feelings last for a while, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional.
Bible verses about loneliness
(Deuteronomy 31:6) 6 Be strong and courageous, don't be afraid, nor be scared of them: for Yahweh your God, he it is who does go with you; he will not fail you, nor forsake you."
(Psalms 27:10) 10 When my father and my mother forsake me, then Yahweh will take me up. (Psalms 46:1) 1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
(Isaiah 41:10) 10 Don't you be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.
(Matthew 28:20) 20 teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."" Amen.
(Hebrews 13:5) 5 Be free from the love of money, content with such things as you have, for he has said, "I will in no way leave you, neither will I in any way forsake you."
Bible Verses about Depression and Anxiety
Then he said to them, "Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."
Nehemiah 8:10 (NKJV)
Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but he who trusts in the LORD, loving kindness shall surround him.
Psalm 32:10 (NASB)
He was despised and forsaken of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and like one from whom men hide their face. He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. Surely our griefs He Himself bore, and our sorrows He carried; yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
Isaiah 53:3-4 (NASB)
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him ivith his hand.
Psalm 37:23-24 (KJV)
Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
Psaim 37:3-4 (KJV)So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10(NIV)
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10(NIV)
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
John 16:33(KJV)
Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
Psalm 46:10(KJV)
To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified,
Isaiah 61:2-3 (KJV)
Encouraging Bible verses and quotes
(Psalms 118:14 DR) 14 The Lord is my strength and my praise: and he is become my salvation.
(Psalms 118:5 ) 5 In my trouble I called upon the Lord: and the Lord heard me, and enlarged me.
(Psalms 118:6 DR) 6 The Lord is my helper, I will not fear what man can do unto me.
Psalms 145:18 DR) 18 The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him: to all that call upon him in truth.
(Psalms 119:105) 105 Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path.
(Psalms 119:114) 114 You are my hiding place and my shield. I hope in your word.
(Psalms 119:25) 25 My soul is laid low in the dust. Revive me according to your word!
(Psalms 120:1 ) 1 In my trouble I cried to the Lord: and he heard me.
(Psalms 121:5 ) 5 The Lord is thy keeper, the Lord is thy protection upon thy right hand.
(Psalms 23:4) 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.
Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
(Psalms 27:1 DR) 1 The psalm of David before he was anointed. The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the protector of my life: of whom shall I be afraid?
Drying to SELF!!!!!!!!!! When you are forgotten, or neglected, or purposely mistreated and you don't sting and hurt with the oversight or the insult, but your heart is happy, being counted worthy to suffer for CHRIST.
That is dying to self.
When your good is evil spoken of, when your wishes are crossed, your advice disregarded, your opinions ridiculed, and you refuse to let anger rise in your heart, or even defend yourself, but take it all in patient loving silence. That is dying to self When you lovingly and patiently bear any disorder, an irregularity, any unpunctuality, or any annoyance: when you can face waste, folly, extravagance, spiritual insensibility....and endure it as JESUS endured it. That is dying to self. When you are content with any food, and income, any clothing, any climate, any society, any solitude, any interruption by the will of God, That is dying to self. When you never care to refer to yourself in conversation, or to record your own good works, or itch after commendation: when you can truly love to be unknown. That is dying to self. When you can see your brother prosper and have his needs met, and can honestly rejoice with him in Spirit and feel no envy nor question God, while your own needs are far greater and in desperate circumstances, That is dying to self. When you can receive correction and reproof from one of less stature than your self, and can humbly submit inwardly as well as outwardly, finding no rebellion or resentment rising up within your heart. That is dying to self. ARE YOU DEAD YET?
Philippians 3:10, Roman 6:ll(paraphrased)
That is dying to self.
When your good is evil spoken of, when your wishes are crossed, your advice disregarded, your opinions ridiculed, and you refuse to let anger rise in your heart, or even defend yourself, but take it all in patient loving silence. That is dying to self When you lovingly and patiently bear any disorder, an irregularity, any unpunctuality, or any annoyance: when you can face waste, folly, extravagance, spiritual insensibility....and endure it as JESUS endured it. That is dying to self. When you are content with any food, and income, any clothing, any climate, any society, any solitude, any interruption by the will of God, That is dying to self. When you never care to refer to yourself in conversation, or to record your own good works, or itch after commendation: when you can truly love to be unknown. That is dying to self. When you can see your brother prosper and have his needs met, and can honestly rejoice with him in Spirit and feel no envy nor question God, while your own needs are far greater and in desperate circumstances, That is dying to self. When you can receive correction and reproof from one of less stature than your self, and can humbly submit inwardly as well as outwardly, finding no rebellion or resentment rising up within your heart. That is dying to self. ARE YOU DEAD YET?
Philippians 3:10, Roman 6:ll(paraphrased)
Nature and Importance of Relationships
A. Reasons why people leave the mission field.
B. Interpersonal relationships can be the source of our greatest joy and also our deepest pain.
Love one another John 13:34 Romans 13:10 .
Five Relationship Phases
A.Attraction What creates the attraction? Observation Not everyone finds the same person attractive Romantic attraction can be particularly challenging The honeymoon period
B.Testing (proving) Requires time and in-depth interactions,
Typical questions Fear is a major issue at this stage
C.Commitment (establishing) Commitment creates the basis for a relationship It provides the basis for freedom and intimacy
It is a promise or covenant It must be communicated It needs o be mutually agreed upon What is the basis of the commitment?
D.Maintenance (Preserving)A relationship must be nurtured or it will die through neglect. There are many occasions for misunderstanding
E. Ending of changing of a Relationship (examples)
III. Foundational Relationships Good Family
IV. Role & Importance of you Family of Origin Gen. 2:18 Bonding Boundaries Bonding/Boundaries Combination
Ps. 103:12 Micah7:19 Lev. 16:20-22
Friendship Examples: David & Jonathan(I Samuel 18:1-3 20:16-17) Moses and the Lord (Ex. 33:11)
Abraham(James2: 23) Jesus and Lazarus(John 11:11) Jesus and His disciples.
Characteristics of friendship A friend is someone you are comfortable with, someone whose company you prefer A friend is someone you can count on for support and honesty Friendship carries with it authority and responsibility A friend is someone who believes in you A friend is someone with whom you can share your dreams, your inner life You can share your hurt and struggle with a friend and it eases the pain. A friend offers safety and trust A friend is sensitive to your pain and struggle; he/she shares your lows as well as your highs. He is committed to you during your low times. He will perceive and pursue. A friend is committed to your highest good A friend will not violate your private boundaries A friend treats you with respect and integrity A friend will not use you for his or her own selfish desires. Where do we find friends? A church Neighborhoods Working associates Family members JESUS
Types of friendships Casual Close Intimate
Warnings about friendships Prov. 22:24-25 I Cor. 15:33
The importance of friendship Boundary Problems Leaving our Families of Origin (Gen. 2:24)
V. Church Relationships
Family in nature Reflects our vertical relationship Involves accountability
VI. Non-Christian Relationships
Neighbors Jobs and Vocations Friendships Government, citizenship Reasons Relationships Breakdown Unresolved Offenses Stubbornness Pride Immaturity Influences of society Lack of attention Attacks of the enemy Communication problems Hindrances to Wholesome Relationships Mistrust Pride A Critical Spirit Un-forgiveness Avoidance of Others Jealousy Restoring Broken Relationships Restoration is costly We must seek God for wisdom and direction We need a right focus We need to extend forgiveness We need to take steps of humility (seek for forgiveness) We need to intercede and engage in spiritual warfare
We need to discover ways to serve the offending party We need to acknowledge and verbalize our need of the relationship Freedom Through Forgiveness Definition: to cease to feel resentment against an offender, to pardon, to give up resentment, to give up acclaim to requital, to give up the right of repayment or return for any injury.Eph. 4:32 Col. 3:13 Luke 23:34 Gen. 50:15-20
Companions to share life experiences with
Eliminates loneliness and gives sense of belonging Support base in time of crisis marriage problems, divorce Correction and safety Forming values Identity Steps to develop friendship Reach out to people, be a friend, express interest in others Invest time Open your heart and life others Give up yourself for others Perceive and minister to the heart needs of others Extend the unexpected, non essential blessing Work together on a common project Resolve a common problem, flight a common enemy, share common experience Relax and enjoy recreation together.
The pitfalls and dangers of friendships
Jealousy, rivalry Fear of man. What do people think Expectations and demands Lack of mutual agreement Possibility of loss through death or change Potential for betrayal Hidden motive or personal gain What to look for in a friendship, They support your value system
They support and strengthen your authority relationship, and present commitments They walk in attributes that challenged you
A. Reasons why people leave the mission field.
B. Interpersonal relationships can be the source of our greatest joy and also our deepest pain.
Love one another John 13:34 Romans 13:10 .
Five Relationship Phases
A.Attraction What creates the attraction? Observation Not everyone finds the same person attractive Romantic attraction can be particularly challenging The honeymoon period
B.Testing (proving) Requires time and in-depth interactions,
Typical questions Fear is a major issue at this stage
C.Commitment (establishing) Commitment creates the basis for a relationship It provides the basis for freedom and intimacy
It is a promise or covenant It must be communicated It needs o be mutually agreed upon What is the basis of the commitment?
D.Maintenance (Preserving)A relationship must be nurtured or it will die through neglect. There are many occasions for misunderstanding
E. Ending of changing of a Relationship (examples)
III. Foundational Relationships Good Family
IV. Role & Importance of you Family of Origin Gen. 2:18 Bonding Boundaries Bonding/Boundaries Combination
Ps. 103:12 Micah7:19 Lev. 16:20-22
Friendship Examples: David & Jonathan(I Samuel 18:1-3 20:16-17) Moses and the Lord (Ex. 33:11)
Abraham(James2: 23) Jesus and Lazarus(John 11:11) Jesus and His disciples.
Characteristics of friendship A friend is someone you are comfortable with, someone whose company you prefer A friend is someone you can count on for support and honesty Friendship carries with it authority and responsibility A friend is someone who believes in you A friend is someone with whom you can share your dreams, your inner life You can share your hurt and struggle with a friend and it eases the pain. A friend offers safety and trust A friend is sensitive to your pain and struggle; he/she shares your lows as well as your highs. He is committed to you during your low times. He will perceive and pursue. A friend is committed to your highest good A friend will not violate your private boundaries A friend treats you with respect and integrity A friend will not use you for his or her own selfish desires. Where do we find friends? A church Neighborhoods Working associates Family members JESUS
Types of friendships Casual Close Intimate
Warnings about friendships Prov. 22:24-25 I Cor. 15:33
The importance of friendship Boundary Problems Leaving our Families of Origin (Gen. 2:24)
V. Church Relationships
Family in nature Reflects our vertical relationship Involves accountability
VI. Non-Christian Relationships
Neighbors Jobs and Vocations Friendships Government, citizenship Reasons Relationships Breakdown Unresolved Offenses Stubbornness Pride Immaturity Influences of society Lack of attention Attacks of the enemy Communication problems Hindrances to Wholesome Relationships Mistrust Pride A Critical Spirit Un-forgiveness Avoidance of Others Jealousy Restoring Broken Relationships Restoration is costly We must seek God for wisdom and direction We need a right focus We need to extend forgiveness We need to take steps of humility (seek for forgiveness) We need to intercede and engage in spiritual warfare
We need to discover ways to serve the offending party We need to acknowledge and verbalize our need of the relationship Freedom Through Forgiveness Definition: to cease to feel resentment against an offender, to pardon, to give up resentment, to give up acclaim to requital, to give up the right of repayment or return for any injury.Eph. 4:32 Col. 3:13 Luke 23:34 Gen. 50:15-20
Companions to share life experiences with
Eliminates loneliness and gives sense of belonging Support base in time of crisis marriage problems, divorce Correction and safety Forming values Identity Steps to develop friendship Reach out to people, be a friend, express interest in others Invest time Open your heart and life others Give up yourself for others Perceive and minister to the heart needs of others Extend the unexpected, non essential blessing Work together on a common project Resolve a common problem, flight a common enemy, share common experience Relax and enjoy recreation together.
The pitfalls and dangers of friendships
Jealousy, rivalry Fear of man. What do people think Expectations and demands Lack of mutual agreement Possibility of loss through death or change Potential for betrayal Hidden motive or personal gain What to look for in a friendship, They support your value system
They support and strengthen your authority relationship, and present commitments They walk in attributes that challenged you
.
