November 24, 2024

Girls With Swords: Chapter 1 – “Women As Warriors” (pgs 8-12)

March 27, 2013 by

Gen3_15

Sometimes we have to sit down and look at the reality of the situation. The reality of the situation we are in today is not only biblically supported, but it is supported by the world as well, by what we see on a daily basis. The author of this book pointed out gendercide, a very real threat to women in some areas; there is also sex trafficking and sex slavery. I sit with my daughter and watch TV, or look through her pre-teen magazines.  What I see and hear scares me—the methods of communication the world uses are teaching our daughters to be self-centered, superficial women who place their value in the latest brands, and the ability to find the perfect man. It doesn’t stop there, I see the same when I’m in the aisle at the store looking through the women’s magazines. What is the world telling us to focus on? What is the world telling us to place our value in?

There is a lot of pressure on women.  There is quite a bit expected from us: we hold down jobs, we raise families,we are to do it on our own as an independent woman, we are to look beautiful. We are distracted at every turn. No, gendercide doesn’t directly affect all of us in our hometowns, but like Lisa said when writing this book “your birth location just means you will be targeted in a different way.” The reality of the situation is that we have a target on our backs, we are women, we are Christians, and we are determined to take up our swords and fight back. These three combined make us a very real threat to Satan and he will do what he thinks he can do to throw us off of our path.

And then there is a bigger reality than the one I just spoke of—the reality that we have God on our side, the reality that His promises are stronger and more powerful than any threat Satan has made. “There is no way we can or should fight this battle alone.” We don’t have to, we don’t need to, and we can’t. We NEED God’s heavenly support.

We as women are faced with a choice, “Will we be an unarmed civilian, victim, prisoner of war or a hero”? Where will we stand? What will our position be?

Ephesians 1:11-14

In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.

We have been chosen. ladies. We need to look at the reality of the situation, we need to decide where we stand, and we need to take a position. There is a target on our back, but the swords we hold are bigger and stronger than the weapons being thrown at these targets. Our swords, our prayers must not be influenced by what is around us; they need to be powered by looking to the One who created us to be warriors.

 

Psalm 62:5-8

Yes, my soul, find rest in God;
my hope comes from him.
Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
My salvation and my honor depend on God;
he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
Trust in him at all times, you people;
pour out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge.

 

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Let’s Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the swords You have placed in our hands.   Thank You for showing us a bigger reality, Your bigger reality. Your protection and love are more powerful than anything Satan can lay in our path. Lord I pray for boldness when we pick up our swords!  I pray that our prayers hold a power we could never have imagined because they are powered by You. Lord, You created us to be warriors; You gave us the power to be warriors, to make a difference and to take a stand. Thank You for this gift and thank You for Your protection and power.  In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.

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Girls with Swords: Chapter 1 – “A Target” (pgs 6-7)

March 26, 2013 by

Eph6_13

 

When I think of being a TARGET I start looking for a place to hide.  That means something or someone is looking for me to do me harm or disrupt my peace.  Time to duck and cover, put on the armor, bring up the defense shields.  Being a target can’t possibly be a good thing. can it?  What if I’m targeted for a promotion?  Targeted for an honors program or award?  The targeted recipient of favor from God?  Either way, something has made me a target to someone and they are coming after me.  While I am hiding I think I’ll try to figure out what made me a target in the first place.

The Bible doesn’t tell us much about the exact struggle Satan had with God while Satan was still one of God’s angels.  It does tell us enough to know that Satan had a pride and rebelliousness about him that made him question God’s wisdom.  God then cast Satan and a third of God’s angels, who had decided to follow Satan, out of heaven to roam the earth.  Satan took a third of God’s messengers with him when he fell.  Satan is still looking to steal souls from God.  The Bible calls Satan a thief and tells us his purpose in John 10:10, “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life” (NLT).

We must have something of value if Satan wants to steal from us, kill us, and destroy us.  What could that be?  He has dominion over all the earth until Christ returns to claim…His own…to Himself…and then all those SAVED in CHRIST will LIVE with God FOREVER.  Hmmm…. Something Satan can no longer do because of his bad attitude and unwillingness to work with others.  (Isaiah 14:12-14)  Satan’s only “job” is to separate humans from relationship with God.

Here are a few of the reasons I found for Satan to put a TARGET on us:

  1. We are a target simply because we are human.
  2. God loves us and created us for a relationship with Him.
  3. Satan cannot fix his problem himself and be returned to a relationship with God.
  4. If he can’t have a relationship with God, then neither can we.  NAH! NOT! Whatever!
  5. Satan knows that every soul close to God is capable of great and wondrous things.
  6. Satan knows how the story ends.
  7. Satan is fighting to keep God’s precious creation distracted, distressed, and demoralized so that we don’t experience the fullness of our place with Him in heaven.

I admit to being human AND to God loving me and wanting a relationship with me.  I acknowledge the fact that Satan has NO POWER to fix his relationship problem with God, and he holds no authority over my life either.  Just because he messed up his opportunity to serve God doesn’t mean I let him distract me from the perfect plan God has for ME.  I’m glad I know how the story ends, too, because I now have the power to choose to follow Jesus, to live for Him, and to bring other humans along the path with me.

The only point here that I haven’t really addressed is that with God I am capable of GREAT and WONDROUS things.  Who?  Me?  Satan knows who I am.  Do I?  We, you and I, are daughters of the King of Kings.  We have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb of God.  We are fitted for GLORY.  We have supernatural potential to be whatever God needs us to be.  All we have to be is willing and ready to serve when He calls our name.  To God, we are a HERO!!!!!  No wonder Satan is throwing darts at us.  No wonder when we are on a God-journey the stresses in our life get stronger.  No wonder when we are pursuing a life patterned by Jesus, our kids go haywire, our car dies, the dog runs away, we lose our job, fail a class, the house is a mess, and we are out of groceries with no money to buy any.

In our book, Lisa Bevere says, “I believe that the attacks on your life have much more to do with who you might be in the future than who you have been in the past” (p. 7).  This one statement made me realize that God created me for a purpose in this time.  I have a choice to fulfill that purpose and live a rich and satisfying life that God wants to give me or I can let Satan steal, kill, and destroy me.  I get to CHOOSE.

I choose to be a Christian.  A Christ-follower.  An Anointed One.  Beloved.  A Royal Daughter of the King.   I choose to grow in my faith, strengthen my walk, and lead others to Jesus so that they may have a rich and purpose-filled life as well.  I choose to draw a weapon against the evil one and do everything in my power (given to me by the Holy Spirit) to prevent Satan from stealing one more soul from fellowship with God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  I choose to be a HERO!

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Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,  We thank You for choosing us for relationship and purpose.  We thank You for Your love and protection from the fiery darts of the enemy.  We know they are meant for a distraction from our true purpose, and that is to light the path to lead others to You.  We thank You for the confirmation from the enemy when we are on the right path and are a threat to his evil ways.  Lead us to the purpose You have planned for us so that we can live a rich and satisfying life in Your will.  We choose You.  Use us how You will.       AMEN

Put on the WHOLE Armor,

Teresa

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Crazy Love: Chapter 9 – “Who Really Lives That Way” (pp 161-164)

March 7, 2013 by

The people Francis Chan highlighted in this part of our chapter are such an inspiration to me!

The Robynson Family: Giving their Christmas morning to the homeless with a cup of hot coffee and pancakes, teaching their children while they are young to offer  themselves the way Christ did for us.

 

Susan Diego: Telling God she would do anything He asked her to, then putting  into practice that promise. Helping students, teaching young mothers, starting a school, and opening her home to people of all walks of life. Even doing the one thing she hoped He wouldn’t ask her to do: speaking in public.

 

Lucy: Leaving a life of prostitution and drugs when she met Christ and gave her life to Him. Now she is opening her home (on the same streets she was on) to other young women caught in drugs and prostitution. She shares Christ with anyone in need.

 

Cornerstone Community Church: Giving away 50% of their budget, “loving their neighbors as themselves.”  Also building an outdoor amphitheater to hold services and reach people for Christ.

These examples encourage me, and I hope they do you as well. They are average people like us, who use the talents God has given them to spread the Gospel. I want to do that! Even in my own little world I hope I do that. I pray I can be half the woman of Christ that these examples are! It’s something to strive for, and I can achieve, with the help of my Father.

In Christ,

Donna

 

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Let’s Pray:

Father, thank You for the inspiration that these examples of Your love give us. I pray You will give each woman who reads this blog opportunities to be like the examples here and spread Your truth to the world around us. Helps us to also recognize those opportunities when they come and give us Your words to speak.  In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Your Assignment:

Can you think of some opportunities in your life that you could share the love of Christ in your part of the world and encourage someone else? Let’s name them and pray that we take advantage of those times.

 

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GWS

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Crazy Love: Chapter 8 – Profile of the Obsessed (pgs144-148)

February 28, 2013 by

Two things stood out to me that Mr. Chan said in this part of our book today….

First: God desires true intimacy with each of us, and that comes only when we trust Him enough to be fully transparent and vulnerable.

I think you would agree with me that it is really hard to be fully transparent and vulnerable in this world today. When we open ourselves up like that we often get hurt. I know I have. So we hold back. We don’t trust and we lose that special something called intimacy with that other person because we just don’t want to be hurt again.

When I had my first baby back in 1979, I felt so blessed and amazed by her! First I KNEW she was a gift from God. Second I was responsible for her every need in life. It was sometimes overwhelming when I thought about it. But it was a joy, too! She trusted me to feed her, to clothe her, play with her, and love her. My heart almost burst with joy as she learned each new thing. And when she learned to say “mama”— WOW!! When she would run to me when she was hurt or because she wanted to be with me, I almost cried! I felt so proud to be her mom. Those of you who have children, nieces, or nephews (or even pets) know what I’m talking about.

Isn’t that how we should be with God? He says to come to Him like a child. My baby was a good example of why He said that. He wants us to be dependent on Him. He will not let us down. He will not hurt us. He only wants what’s best for us, just like I wanted only the best for my child. He will be our Provider, our Helper, our Father. He will love us unconditionally no matter what.  He wants us to be obsessed with him. We can run to Him when we are hurt or let down by this world.  We can open up fully and tell Him all our hurts and how terrible we are, He won’t mind!

I believe how to do that is in the second thing Mr Chan  hit me with:

God wants His word to be a delight to us, so much so that we meditate on it day and night.

If we are studying His word—spending time with Him outside the 40 minutes on Sunday morning, getting to know Him on a daily basis—we learn that He is faithful, loving, and trustworthy. We learn that He is there for us at any given moment. Then we have a real intimate relationship with Him that He so desires and is so fulfilling to us. We have real joy that only comes from our Lord. We look forward to reading His word and getting to know more and more about this Father we have. We want to spend time with Him. We want to tell Him everything. We want to live in His continual grace, and we want to sing His praises all day long.

Does that sound obsessive?? I hope so!!!

In Christ,

Donna

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Let’s Pray:

Father, immerse us in Your presence today as we seek to become more intimate with You. Reveal to us today those things that hold us back from being transparent and vulnerable with You. Teach us what a faithful and loving Father You are to us as we read Your word and get to know You more. We love You, Jesus, and want to be completely obsessed with You in our lives. Thank You for the opportunity to do that. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Your Assignment:

What things hold you back from enjoying this intimate relationship with God? What actions can you take to break that stronghold in your life and completely give yourself to God? If you can name some things, we will pray here for you and help you to live that completely obsessive life that God wants with you!

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If you would like to send a private message to Donna in regards to this blog, please email her at: Donna@girlfriendscoffeehour.com.

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Crazy Love: Chapter 8 – “Profile Of The Obsessed” (pp 134-138)

February 26, 2013 by

In this chapter of Crazy Love, Chan gives us a profile of being obsessed with Jesus.  Keep in mind that obsessed means ‘to have the mind excessively preoccupied with a single emotion or topic.’ 

On pages 134-138, Chan lists three more ways in which we should examine ourselves to see if we are obsessed with Jesus to the point that we are faithfully living out His word. 

  1. Friends of All – People who are obsessed with Jesus live lives that connect them with the poor in some way or another.  Obsessed people believe that Jesus talked about money and the poor so often because it was really important to Him.  (1 John 2:4-6; Matthew 16:24-26) 
  2. Crazy Ones – Obsessed people are more concerned with obeying God than doing what is expected or fulfilling the status quo.  A person who is obsessed with Jesus will do things that don’t always make sense in terms of success or wealth on this earth.  (Luke 14:25-35; Matthew 7:13-23, 8:18-22; Revelations 3:1-6)
  3. The Humble – A person who is obsessed with Jesus knows that the sin of pride is always a battle.  Obsessed people know that you can never be “humble enough,” and they seek to make themselves less known and Christ more known.  (Matthew 5:16)

May I share my heart with you as each of us begins to examine ourselves in view of these three ways.  It is my belief that we go through seasons of our lives where the Holy Spirit is nudging us to be more obsessed with Him, and even points to the door He wants us to enter to make that happen. 

For me personally, there was a particular season of my life when, I indeed, looked pretty Crazy to those around me for following Jesus down the path that I felt He was leading me.  Some even called me by that name!   In fact, there were even times when I felt a little crazy myself because I was traveling down a road with Jesus that was completely out of my comfort zone of faith.  We were on a road together that was, shall I say, “not my normal way” of life.  Believe me, it would have been much easier for me to turn around and go back than to face the opposition that I encountered.

But, I learned some very valuable lessons during that season of my life:

  • If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ. (Galatians 1:10)
  • His grace was sufficient enough to carry me through that season of my life, despite the opposition. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
  • Probably, the most important lesson I learned during that time period was:  I had to “let go and trust Him” for the outcome of where He was leading me.  After all, isn’t that what faith is?

As for being Humble, there was one season of my life when I had to face being humbled.  Come to think of it, there were two seasons of my life—no, make that three.  Oh, my gosh, numerous  times are flooding my memory now as I write this blog when I had to face the big H.  I am beginning to see that it is  just like Chan says:  “the sin of pride is always a battle.”  So I might as well look for it to come around and around again until I reach heaven’s door.

I said all of this to show you where I’ve been and where I am at in this present season of my life ;and that is “Friends of All,” as it pertains to giving to the poor.

“Do you have a problem with giving to the poor?”  you might be wondering.

My Answer:  I don’t have a problem with giving to the poor at all—it is because of the season of my life that I am in at the present time that I am a little hung up.  You see, I am retired, and though my husband and I have a comfortable income coming in, it is certainly not like it once was when we had big salaries, plus bonus checks coming in that took care of our family’s needs.  There was also enough money left over for fun and recreation, long vacation trips, and even care-free spending at the mall.

As a result of this decrease in salary, I feel a strong need to be a good steward of MY MONEY.  Wait!  I don’t believe I just said that.  “MY MONEY?”  “Lord, forgive me; it’s YOUR MONEY.”

Oh yes, I believe God wants me to be a good steward in regards to money. But, quite honestly, out of my desire to feel “secure,” I find myself “hoarding my money,”  (excuse me, God’s money) after I give of my tithes to the church. 

Right now I feel the nudge to become Friends of All and give to those who don’t even have an income coming in like I do, that is “if I want to be obsessed with Jesus.”   

And that’s my story on these three.  What about you?  What is God speaking to you about?

WhatIsGodSpeakingToYouAbout

 

 

Be blessed,

Martha

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Let’s Pray: 

Father God, first of all, we open our hearts to the convicting power of the Holy Spirit to show us where we are not being obsessed with You. Help us to make changes in our life as You would have us to. In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.

Your Assignment: 

Where do you feel you need to make changes in your life in view of these three areas to become more obsessed with Jesus. 

 

If you would like to send Martha a personal message in regards to this blog, you may email her at: Martha@girlfriendscoffeehour.com.

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Crazy Love: Chapter 7 – “Your Best Life…Later” (pp124-127)

February 21, 2013 by

Chap7_CL

“What are you doing right now that requires faith?”  That is a profound question posed to Mr. Chan in this part of our chapter today. For some of us, we are holding onto faith for our next breath. For some of us, faith is getting through another day. And yet for some of us, it’s doing what God has asked us to do, though it might not be something we’re comfortable with.  Whatever it is, I think it’s worth looking at and pondering.

I read chapter 58 of Isaiah and here are some things I am pondering:

The Israelites cried out to God and acted like they were a nation that was right with God and had not forsaken God’s commands when in reality they were just going through the motions of fasting because it was required of them at that time.

There was a whole host of things that God wanted for them listed in the chapter, for instance:

  • He wanted them to break the yoke of all that entangled them in the day and set the oppressed free!
  • God wanted them to share their food with the hungry.
  • He wanted healing for them.
  • He wanted them to not turn away from their own flesh and blood.
  • He wanted them to stop pointing fingers at each other.
  • And most of all He wanted them to honor the Sabbath.

He told them when they did these things they would take delight in the Lord.

And isn’t that still true today of us when we fast? We immerse ourselves in God, putting away all the things in our world that hinder us from meeting with God for a time. Isn’t our faith bigger when we’re done because we have dwelt in the presence of the Lord? We feel like we’ve heard from God and He has increased our faith, so we can step out and do more. God wants this for us! He wants us to shout His name from the rooftops unashamed! Living freely and able to share our faith whenever called upon is what God wants for us too!! We just need to grab hold of His hand and step out.

Are you ready………?

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Let’s Pray:

Father, I pray we can holdour hands out to You and take that step that leads us into bigger faith for You. Increase our faith as we are obedient to Your call so that we can do even more. Let us live freely as You want us to and serve others more. Thank You for Your faithfulness to us, Lord. In Jesus’ name, we pray.  Amen.

Your Assignment:

What steps can you take even today that God has been calling you to do that will grow your faith? Let us know so we can all pray for you as you step out in faith for God.

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If you would like to email a private message to Donna in regards to this blog, please email her at: Donna@girlfriendscoffeehour.com

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Crazy Love: Chapter 7 – “Your Best Life…Later” (Reading Assignment)

February 17, 2013 by

What are you doing RIGHT NOW that requires faith?

This chapter might be a little scary, but I hope it challenges you to get outside of your comfort zone and do something that you might not normally do…and see God show up in an amazing way.

Are you ready? Let’s do it!

Chapter 7 Reading Assignment

Monday: Chapter 7 “Your Best Life…Later” pp 113-116/ Kindle LOC 1457-1505 (Megan)

Tuesday: Chapter 7 “Your Best Life…Later” pp 117-119/ Kindle LOC 1505-1537 (Martha)

Wednesday: Chapter 7 “Your Best Life…Later” pp 119-124/ Kindle LOC 1537-1606 (1 John 3:16-20) (Jennifer)

Thursday: Chapter 7 “Your Best Life…Later” pp 124-127/ Kindle LOC 1606-1659 (Donna)

Friday: Chapter 7 “Your Best Life…Later” Weekly Review and Chapter 7 Study Video from YouTube (Megan)

Here is a video from our author introducing the chapter for this week. Enjoy and be challenged!

Blessings,

Jennifer

Let’s Pray:

Father, help us to be BOLD this week and step out in FAITH for You. Reveal something that we can do that requires standing on our faith and trust in YOU. Give us courage and strength to follow through with whatever You lay on each of our hearts. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

 

If you would like to email a private message to Jennifer in regards to this blog, please email her at Jennifer@GirlfriendsCoffeeHour.com

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Crazy Love: Chapter 6 – When You’re in Love (pgs 109-111)

February 14, 2013 by

Back when we were married for just a few years, my husband had to change jobs. It was a good move, but in the first month we were strapped for cash.

The bills came in and we were able to pay all of them but one. It was a daunting $100 (back then that was a lot of money to us)!  We didn’t have it.

So we prayed and told God that we wanted to be good stewards of our money, but we just couldn’t pay that one. We went to church that week and told God that we couldn’t do it without Him.  We made a plan to make up for it in the coming weeks, but the bill would be late.

It was hardest on my husband as he was never late with his bills. While we were discussing how we were going to pay this bill in the future, I kid you not, there was a knock on our door.

It was one of the deacons from our church. He handed us an envelope and said someone was told by God to give this to us anonymously. He said the person wanted nothing in return except that, when we could afford to, we would bless someone else who needed it! We were stunned!! I mean we never told anyone about our need! How did they know?

This was a good lesson on how faithful God is to His children. We prayed and thanked God for His provision for us in that time. We have also  been able to do this a few times since and know the joy that person must have felt when they gave it to us. You can’t out-give God! We’ve learned that over the 35 years that we have been married.

YouCantOutGiveGod

The seasons that we go through in life are a testament to  God’s faithfulness. We can be real and cry out to him and hold nothing back.  He already knows our needs and what we feel anyway.

What does God need from us? Absolutely nothing!! He has everything He could ever need; after all, He created it! Including us!!  So what can we give that means anything to Him?

We can give Him ourselves…that’s what He truly wants! Our heart, given to Him willingly, open, and truly waiting for God to fill it. Wanting God is the thing He wants from us, and we need Him too.

In Christ,

Donna

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Let’s Pray: I like the prayer at the end of the chapter that Francis Chan writes so let’s pray that prayer:

“Jesus, I need to give myself up. I am not strong enough to love You and walk with You on my own. I can’t do it—I need You. I need You deeply and desperately. I believe You are worth it and that You are better than anything else I could have in this life or the next. I want you, and when I don’t, I want to want You. Be all in me. Take all of me. Have Your way with me.  In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Your Assignment:

What holds you back today from giving your all to God? He wants you and you need Him. If you can, list those things; and let’s pray for one another to let go of them and live full on for God.

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Life’s Healing Choices: Chapter 6 – Relationships (pgs 166 – 203)

February 10, 2013 by

Choice 6:

Evaluate all my relationships.

Offer forgiveness to those who have hurt me and make amends for harm I’ve done to others.

LHC_Chapter6

Forgiveness isn’t based on a feeling. Think about it, do you ever feel like forgiving someone? Or do you ruminate over ways to get back at them, or hope they get what they deserve? We keep score. We tally up the wrongs and maybe consider what they did right. We spout out “vengeance is MINE” but we forget the last part, ‘Says The Lord.” (Romans 12:19)
This week in Life’s Healing Choices we’ll take steps to mend relationships. Now, this doesn’t mean we will magically have the Hallmark moments, grand reunions, tears of joy from our reconciliations. But it will bring freedom from the harbored emotions when we let it all go in to His hands.

Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

Colossians 3:13 NLT

Now, if you had asked me at the time what good would come out of my failed marriages, I would have said nothing. Today, I can look back and see God’s guiding hand, bringing me to a healthier place in life. All because of His mercy & love.

When I met my ex-husband, I was ending a bad marriage and an affair … definitely NOT the time I should have been getting involved with anyone else. But he swooped down and took care of me by making me laugh, doing small things to show he appreciated me, surprised me with visits & phone calls. It was the romancing and wooing we all want. Looking back, I should have seen signs that things weren’t going to work out well. Friends joked that he had bad luck, nothing ever turned out well for him, etc. Sometimes he was the brunt of the jokes just because his choices usually led to poor outcomes. But he had explanations for everything (excuses, really), and I wanted the companionship too much to listen. At one point, his mother commented that I was the best thing to ever happen to her son, but she didn’t know what I saw in him. Wow … did I really just hear that from his mom? Hindsight being what it is, I wish I had explored that comment more deeply. Instead, I listened when he told me the relationship with his mom had been strained since his parent’s divorce and he was closer to his dad.

Fast-forward about 4 years and you’ll find us married, raising a new baby, juggling jobs with family life. We quarreled about his excessive time on the computer or role-playing games with friends. He was too distracted to really be a good husband or father. We had just purchased our first home together. Our jobs were solid with promising futures. I had finished a college program; he was just starting one. The bad times seemed justified by the stress around us.

Suddenly, in a flash, it all came crumbling down around me. In the blink of an eye, I learned of lies, inner demons, addictions, and secrets that he had been keeping from me … from everyone, really. This changed everything about my life without my knowledge, agreement or consent! But for the first time in my life, I didn’t blame God. I didn’t curse at Him, demanding to know what I had done to deserve this fate.  I turned to God. I cried out to Him with a desperation I had not felt before, because I knew He was always there for me.

I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me.

He freed me from all my fears.

Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy;

no shadow of shame will darken their faces.  

Ps 34:4-5 NLT

During this time, I was embraced by a church community. I learned what God’s “peace that passes all understanding” truly feels like (Philippians 4:7). I learned to lean on Him. I learned to accept help from others around me. I learned to trust again. I learned to love again. I learned to forgive.
I read once that harboring anger, resentment and an unforgiving heart only hurts us. The other person goes on with their life, without a care in the world, completely oblivious to the fact we’re fuming and miserable. We may be angry, but it doesn’t affect their life any anyway. So until we learn to let it go, it continues to eat away at us, hardening our heart more and more with each passing day.

It wasn’t an easy process, I assure you. And, I can’t give a date when it happened. I just know that through the following years, my heart softened as I learned more about my identity in Christ. I accepted more that he needed God’s love more than I needed to hate him. At one time, his dad asked if I could help find a Bible for him. They were not believers or church-going people. Rather than tell them what to buy, or ignore their request, I went out and bought one myself. Yes, I bought a Bible for my ex-husband even after all the pain he caused. I realized that I didn’t want to face God one day and have Him say, “all I wanted you to do was give him a Bible, and you said no.” I was being asked to do a simple task, and I answered His call.  People ask me how I could forgive him for what he did to his family and friends. How could I not knowing the lengths God went to in order to forgive me? Romans 3:24 CEV

But God treats us much better than we deserve, and because of Christ Jesus, he freely accepts us and sets us free from our sins.

I stood before a judge and gave my testimony, something called a “victim’s impact statement.” I shared the details of that fateful day. I recalled the excuses and lack of responsibility my ex-husband displayed. And, I shared that I forgave him and how it was by God’s grace that I could stand before them that day. It was the last time I saw my ex-husband face to face. I will never forget the past, and there are days when the pain is still felt and the sorrow washes over me. But the good news is that I don’t harbor the resentment, the animosity … the hatred that initially consumed me. All credit for this transformation of my heart goes to God, and God alone.
This week, we’ll explore more on making amends.

Reading Assignment for Week 6: Chapter 6 of Life’s Healing Choices
Monday: Laurie will discuss Principle 6: The Relationship Choice
Tuesday: Leslie will discuss How do you forgive Others (& Self)?
Wednesday: Kim will discuss Repair by Making Amends
Thursday: Amy will discuss Make The Choice
Friday: Laurie will bring it all back home with a recap of our week

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Let’s Pray:
Lord, we cannot begin to thank You enough for the gift of Your forgiveness through Jesus Christ. To know You gave Your Son on our behalf gives us strength to extend grace and mercy to those who have offended us. It’s not an easy task, but it is something we strive for through our healing process. We know that letting go of the pain and resentment is necessary so that we can become more like You. Bless all who read and follow our study this week. Amen.

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Power Verses for Chapter 5:
Luke 6:31-37
Hebrews 10:24
Philippians 2:4
Romans 12:17-18
Matthew 5:23-24
1 Peter 5:10
Colossians 3:13
Romans 8:31
2 Corinthians 12:9-10

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If you are interested in joining us for the “Life’s Healing Choices” online Bible study, click HERE to sign up.

Once we receive your registration, we will email you further details.

If you would like to email Amy in regards to this blog, please email her at:

Amy@GirlfriendsCoffeeHour.com

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Crazy Love Week 5/ Chapter 5: Serving Leftovers to a Holy God Weekly Review

February 8, 2013 by

Chapter 5…. WOW!!!

On Monday, you and I talked about leftovers and how we give them to God. It was rough, but we were honest with ourselves and Him and we made it through to Tuesday.  We were challenged with Martha as we asked ourselves some tough questions about which areas in our lives our hearts might be hardening. On Wednesday, Donna journeyed with us as we were challenged to re-think what we are offering God and how much of it is really leftovers. Yesterday, Jennifer worked through with us about being willing to say to God that He can have whatever He wants…no longer being complacent with giving Him our leftovers, but instead giving Him our best with a joyful heart!

Thank you for browsing this menu of leftovers with us.  I pray we not be able to continue to give God what’s left any more, but to give Him our very best…of everything!

Please watch this video from Francis Chan:

http://youtu.be/c0dXmWMwSb4

I’m not going to muddy it up by saying any words except to echo those of Chan….

“The solution to living a lukewarm life is not trying harder…it’s falling madly in love with Jesus Christ.”

Let’s Pray:

Dear Lord, we praise You for not letting us finish this chapter the same way we started it. Thank You for working your supernatural power through each of us! Transform us, Lord! Help us be different and more complete in You! We love You, Lord, and we thank You for the boldness you have given us through this study! May what we have through Christ be contagious! If we have any fear or anything holding us back from the fullness of your unfailing love, rid us from it NOW in Jesus’ name! AMEN!!!!!!

Your Assignment:

After reading this chapter, do you have any doubts about your salvation or your relationship with Jesus? Where does this chapter leave you? Please share with us below….

Blessings,

Megan 🙂

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If you are interested in joining this amazing online Bible study for Crazy Love, click HERE to sign up. Once you are registered, you will receive an email with further details.

If you would like to email a private message to Megan in regards to this blog, please email her at: megan@girlfriendscoffeehour.com

Filed Under: Women's Ministry Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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