December 24, 2024

Lady in Waiting: Emotional, Relational, Spiritual

November 7, 2012 by

I honestly don’t know how to get started here. I didn’t even need to see the sections I was writing on this week before thoughts began to pour into my head, all I needed to see was the word “purity”. And it made me freeze. How can I write to women about purity when I see my past as tainted, when my purity is a thing of the past. Then I got quiet and prayed. This isn’t the first time I have had to use my past to speak to others, and yes I am no longer pure in regards to my physical state, but God has forgiven me and washed me whiter than snow. This is how I can talk about this topic. It doesn’t make it easier by any means!  The consequences of my actions are still something I deal with, but I can stop myself and pray, knowing I am forgiven, and that the lessons learned will help someone else.

I became pregnant with my daughter at 17 and had her when I was 18. I wasn’t married. I have dealt with the emotional, relational and spiritual consequence these sections speak about, I think a lot of us have.

God gave us a gift when he tied our emotions to our physical state.  It enables us to love hard.  It drives us to give our all to the one we’re with. But that gift only works the way it is designed to work when we are with the one God has chosen for us, and under the bond of marriage. It is stated more than once in this section that God wants to protect us; protect us from a broken heart, protect us from condemnation, protect us from fear, from resentment. It also lists doubt, depression, bitterness and mistrust. I remember feeling all of these after purity was no longer one of the characteristics I possessed. He wants to protect our hearts and minds from these negative emotions that sexual promiscuity will bring.

This section further defends the thought that women are complex creations. Yes ladies we are complex, we have many layers, we are hard to understand, and at times we can be complicated. This is not a bad thing. It is part of Gods security system for us. But have you ever set off an alarm by using the incorrect code and haven’t been able to turn it off? That’s what premarital sex does to us. It sets off an alarm that only God can turn off.  But instead of a screaming noise, our emotions, relationships, and spirituality are screaming.  Our internal alarm systems need the right code.

 The code of Psalm 51:10

Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.

 The code of Colossians 3:1-2

If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above,

where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.

Whether it is one night, or a long term relationship, premarital sex negatively effects three of the most important aspects of a woman’s life. Emotional. Relational. Spiritual. We are God’s ladies in waiting. When situations present themselves that deal with the topic of purity, take a conscious step back and think of the impact it will have on these three areas.

With Love,

Tonya Ellison

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Lets Pray:

Thank you Lord for the security system you have placed within each and every one of us. Thank you for your forgiveness and redemption. Lord please touch our hearts when we are facing different situations and bring to mind how much you value our emotions, relationships and spirituality. Thank you for protecting us.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen

Your assignment:

I listed some codes I use when I’m faced with certain situations or when Satan tries to remind me of my past.  What are some scriptures you turn to when purity is concerned?

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For the “Lady in Waiting” Online Bible Study, you will need the book, your Bible, pen or pencil, a highlighter and a quiet place. You can order the book right through our website by clicking the “sign-up here” button at the top of our webpage; which is also where you can sign up to participate in this awesome bible study!

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Resolution for Women: Living With Grace

September 17, 2012 by

“For the law was given through Moses,

grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”

John 1:17

 

 

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I want to start this blog today by asking you what the word “grace” means to you.  Think about that for a minute, before you answer.  When you stop and think about that word, what pictures run through your mind?

When I think of the word “grace”, it reminds me of someone who has much poise.  A soft demeanor.  A soft approach.  A soft voice.  A soft touch.

It means a soft spoken word.  Or a gentle word of encouragement.

There are a lot of meanings for the word “grace”.  But this week, we are focusing on what “living with grace” means for our homes.  For me, living with grace means my home is a place of safety; a place of encouragement; a place that allows you to drop your troubles at the door; a safe haven.  It means a place where my husband can come home to, and not only feel peace, but see it, as well.

For me, it means being a gracious host when friends come over.  For me, I want everyone to come into my home and feel a surrounding of peace they don’t feel elsewhere.  So it’s important to me and my husband that we keep all obstacles out of our home, including people, who will not respect our peace.

When we first married, there was no such thing as peace in our home.  I walked into a home with two teenage boys who knew no discipline whatsoever.  They were allowed to do pretty much anything they wanted.  Needless to say, that changed when I moved in.  That did not set will with either one of them.  We had a lot of struggles, disagreements, and some yelling and screaming fights!  It was not pretty, at all!!  Needless to say, there was no such thing as peace in our home!

But soon, that changed for the better.  It took my husband and I agreeing that we would never allow that kind of strife in our home again!  No matter what it took!  It took both of us praying, A LOT!!!  It took us both coming to the conclusion that we did not, and would not allow satan to destroy our home environment!

Grace in my home now means we forgive quickly.  We move forward.  We respect each others privacy.  We respect each other…period!!  We take care of our home, instead of allowing things to get so out of hand, it’s complete chaos trying to get over all the mounds of “STUFF” that got left undone!!  We strive to do whatever it takes to make others feel comfortable in our home.  We WANT others to enjoy being in our home, not having to get out quickly because the strife was so thick you could cut it with a knife!

It took a lot of work, but over time, we made it happen.

Grace, by definition, is “favor or kindness expressed to the undeserving.  There were times in my home, I did NOT want to extend grace to those undeserving.  I was mad.  I was bitter.  I was hurt!  Today, there are still times I struggle with things that happened when we first got together under one roof.  But overall, I know I have to show God’s grace to others, because of the grace He showed me when I was so undeserving of it.

Offering complete grace to the undeserving in our own ability, is not possible.  But, 2 Corinthians 12:9 says,

‘My grace is sufficient for you,

for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’“

It’s during those times, when we struggle to offer grace to those undeserving, when we are weak and don’t have the ability to do it on our own, that Jesus’ grace flows through us!!  Praise God!!!  We CAN offer grace because He says we can through Him!!!  AMEN!!!

Priscilla says, “Dispensers of grace are women who resolve to put candles on the table instead of sulking in the dark.” I love that!!!   It means letting go of past hurts, and choosing to move forward and offering grace to those who don’t deserve it.  That my dear Sister in Christ, is going to offer you peace like you’ve never experienced before!  It’s revolutionary, as Priscilla says!

Showing true grace to others means making others feel accepted; no longer holding onto offenses; being grateful; no longer being critical; allowing others to walk freely around you instead of on egg shells; showing them Christ in all your ways.

 

“Give them a break.

I know they don’t deserve it.

But neither did you.

Grace came anyway.”

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Let’s Pray:

Father, we ask You to check our hearts today and see if grace lives there.  If not Lord, instruct us on what we need to do to let go of whatever it is that is keeping us from walking freely in the grace that Christ showed us, and help us to offer it freely to others, even those undeserving.  In Jesus’ Name, AMEN!

Your Assignment:

Think about a home that you have entered where grace was prevalent.  How did the home feel?  How were you treated?  If you could do one thing in your own home to extend Christ’ grace to others, what it would be?   Please leave your comment below.

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Reminder… on October 1st, we will begin our brand new Online Bible Study, entitled “Winning Him Without Words” by Lynn Donovan and Dineen Miller.  If you are in an unequally spiritual marriage, you won’t want to miss this study!!

To sign up for this study, please send an email to:  Womens@GirlfriendsCoffeeHour.com and we will send you all the details you need to get started!

Now jump on over to our Facebook Group for the daily activity!! If you do not yet belong to this group, and would like to, send us an email at GirlfriendsCoffeeHour@gmail.com with FB GROUP in the subject line, and we’ll be glad to add you!

Living Intentionally to Offer His Grace,

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Resolution for Women – True Love

September 10, 2012 by

1 John 3:18

“We must not love with word or speech, but with truth and action.”

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Are you a “loving” mom, or a mom who is “in-love” with your child?

Is it important to you to be your child’s best friend, or to be one that shows them true love?

I’ve been both.  I’ve been the one that shows love discipline and teaching; and I’ve been the one who just wants to be their best friend!  Let’s fact it, parenting is not for the faint-hearted, is it??

Priscilla makes some very good points in this chapter:

  • Our primary goal as mothers is teaching our children God’s truth.
  • Love doesn’t always come in the form of words.
  • Love is an action.
  • Parenting is not an easy job!
  • Parenting is a rewarding job!
  • A fair share of your actions toward your children will not always translate love.
  • Sometimes kids see our love action as being too strict, or overbearing.

I remember times when my kids were little when they used to think that I was over-protective, to the point that they told all their friends that I wouldn’t let them play out in the street for fear that a plane would crash into them! 🙂  Yes, it was a joke, but in their eyes, they really did see me as too protective.  In my eyes, I was loving them.  Huge difference.

We used to laugh about the plane crashing into them, but today they are both mothers, and the one daughter who used to joke about the plane the most, is the mom who is the strictest with her children! Ha!    I just want to look at her one day and say “When will the plane crash??” 🙂

I’ve seen parents who think their only responsibility is to be “friends” with their kids.  Friends to the point that it was unheard of to say “no” to their kids.  I saw this in my own home when my husband and I moved under one roof.  He had two teenage boys still at home, and his only goal was to be their friend.  All I saw was two boys who were headed for a serious crash when the reality of True Life hit them!  They had much to learn that life wasn’t all about getting whatever they wanted, when they wanted it.  This type of “friendship” with his boys caused us, and the boys, a lot of heartache for the first few years as a family.  But, my husband began to see how important it was to change that relationship with his boys and start teaching them to be responsible adults, who would be ready for real life when they left home.  It wasn’t an easy change-over, that’s for sure.  But we all made it out alive, Praise God!

Really, the only advice I can give new parents, or parents with fairly young children at home, please stop worrying about being their best friend!  As Priscilla said in this chapter, True Love is serious business!  We have the responsibility of training this human life in the way he/she should go, so that when they are old, they will not depart from it.  Your children need YOU to be a parent….not their friend.  There’s always time to be their best friend later in years, when they really need it!

As my youngest said to me one day, “Mom, you were always the hardest on us; but because you were, I always knew that you loved us.”  You will never know what music that was to my ears!

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Let’s Pray:

Father, we lift our children to You today and we thank You for the awesome responsibility You have given us.  We thank You Lord for loaning these children to us for a short period of time, to train them in the way they should go.  We thank You Lord for the patience we will need during this time of actually demonstrating our love through action, and not just through words.  Help us Lord to be the parent that YOU need us to be for each child in our life.

Father, for struggling families out there, Lord, I ask for Your help in repairing damage that has already been done.  Help restore the relationships that have gone sour.  Help restore forgiveness, as well, Lord.

In Jesus’ Name, AMEN!!

Your Assignment:

Please leave a comment below telling us in what way you struggle the most in demonstrating love to your child, in action. How can we pray for you today to have a better relationship with your child(ren)?

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Don’t forget, on October 1st, we will begin our brand new Online Bible Study, right here, entitled “Winning Him Without Words” by Lynn Donovan and Dineen Miller.  If you are in an unequally spiritual marriage, you won’t want to miss this study!!  It is AMAZING!

To sign up for this study, please send an email to:  Womens@GirlfriendsCoffeeHour.com and we will send you all the details you need to get started!

Don’t forget to stop by Craig’s blog to see what the guys are up to with The Resolution for Men.

www.adversusmundi.wordpress.com

 

Be sure to jump on over to our Facebook Group for the daily activity!! If you do not yet belong to this group, and would like to, send us an email at GirlfriendsCoffeeHour@gmail.com with FB GROUP in the subject line, and we’ll be glad to add you!

 

That’s it for today!  Megan will be here tomorrow blogging about the next chapter, “The Soul Shaper”.  I hope you will join us!

 

Living Intentionally to Be a Blessing to My Children,

 

 

 

 

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Resolution for Women: The 3% Difference

August 22, 2012 by

“Blessed are those whose way is blameless”  

Psalm 119:1

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As I read this chapter, I just couldn’t stop thinking of Girlfriends Coffee Hour and how much of what Priscilla was saying about us needing friends to hold us and keep us accountable to living a life of integrity, just fits with what GCH is all about!!

But, before I go there, I want to discuss the 3% difference.  All I can say is OUCH!  This is a tough chapter!  I’ve had to look at myself with a magnifying glass this week, so I could find everything that was keeping me from living a life of Integrity!!  I’ve had to look deep into what my life really is like behind closed doors, and not just what I put out there for everyone to see.  Again, OUCH!!

The information that Priscilla shared about the rat poison and how just 3% of the whole ingredients of rat poison is what actually kills the rat….while the other 97% is what draws the rat to the poison!

What draws you to the poison?  Is it television shows, books, music, gossip, lying, stealing?  Is it what you look at on the computer?  Is it that glance at work with your co-worker?  What is it that is drawing you closer to the rat poison?

Integrity to me means doing the right thing even when others are not looking.  It means doing the right thing….period.

When you leave Wal-Mart, do you park your cart next to your car, or do you put it in the cart rack?

Do you gossip about others in your life?  In your church?  At work?  In front of your children?

Do you talk mean about others?  In front of your kids, and then expect them not to bully others?

Do you stand aside while someone is digging for extra change to pay their grocery bill?  Or do you offer to help them by giving them the extra change they need?

Do you hold the door for others as they enter a building at the same time as you?  Or do you walk through as if they didn’t even exist?

What do you watch on television?

What do you look at on the computer?

Every one of these things fit into the 97% category that entices you to get to the 3%!  Did you know that?  If not, now you do!  What are you going to do about it?

There are so many things satan uses to try and trip us up; to taint our integrity.  Sometimes we don’t even realize it…until it’s too late.

We are Christians.  We are to be the light of the world.  We are to bring honor and glory to the name of Jesus.  We are to be on our guard, so that our minds are not dulled, as it says in Luke 21:34.

We are to protect our minds, our hearts, our homes, and our walk with the Lord.  We are to stand up and ask for accountability if we are struggling with a certain area in our lives.  We are not to allow even a hint of immorality, impurity or greed enter into our lives. (Eph 5:3)

Even a hint…. Just 3 % is all it takes to kill a rat.  Just 3%.  Think about that for a minute.  Out of 100% of the rat poison….all it takes is just 3% to kill the rat!  The other 97% is what tastes good, looks good, and feels good to the rat.  But it’s the 3% that kills him….  Just 3%.

We could stand all day and look at just that small tiny little 3%, but ask yourself about the other 97%.  What is it in your life that is drawing you, feeding you, enticing you, and making you “feel” good?

You know it’s there.  You’ve known it was there for quite a while now.  You’ve tried your best to get rid of it…to tame it….to stop it…to put it aside….but it just keeps coming back to entice you.

That’s where accountability comes in.  After you’ve made the choice to step away from these things and start living a life of integrity, confess this to the Lord, and then reach out to someone you trust who can hold you accountable to that choice you have just made.

Girlfriends Coffee Hour is a great place to do just that!  A group of Christian women who love the Lord; who strive to live their lives to bring honor and glory to our Lord; who strive to encourage one another; lift each other up in prayer; and support one another along this journey.

GCH is a place where you can come to let your hair down….to get real.  To laugh.  To cry.  To pray.  To fellowship with women all across the world, who are in this journey together!

GCH is a place for others to hold you accountable.  We won’t coddle you.  We won’t baby you.  We’ll give it to you just the way you need it.  Straight up and in truth!

For some, it’s just what they need.  For others, it’s a good kick in the pants.  For even others, it’s just what God has called them to.

If you are looking for a place to call home; a place to come for fellowship; a place for accountability; a place to pray for and encourage others and to be prayed for and encouraged, we want to be here for YOU!

Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend”.  That is the scripture the Lord gave us for this ministry.  We want to help sharpen you to be the very best that you can be for our Lord and Savior!

We love you!  I hope today’s lesson sinks down deep into your heart. I hope it brings you to a place where you will give your ALL to the Lord, so you can become your very best for Him!  That’s what we pray for you!

Let’s pray:

Father, as I lift each woman who reads this blog today, I ask that You reveal Yourself to them in ways they’ve never seen before.  Help them, Lord, to dig deep and really search their hearts for things that are prohibiting them from walking in integrity.  Help us help them, Lord, as we walk alongside them today and every day, to bring You glory and honor!  We love You Lord, and we constantly want nothing more but to bring You honor in all that we do, and say!  In Jesus’ name, AMEN!

Your assignment:

Describe below in our comment section how we can help hold you accountable to what God is doing in your heart this week.  What would that look like, and would you be willing to submit to it?

Now head on back to our Online Bible Study Facebook Group for the Daily Activity, and be sure to let us know today what this chapter has said to you!  If you don’t belong to our OBS FB Group, and would like to, simply send us an email at: GirlfriendsCoffeeHour@gmail.com and we’ll be happy to send you the details you will need to get started!

…don’t forget to read what the men are up to over on Craig’s blog…

www.adversusmundi.wordpress.com

Have a BLESSED Day!!!

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The Resolution for Women – Integrity

August 20, 2012 by

“Blessed are those whose way is blameless”

Psalm 119:1

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This week in The Resolution for Women, we will discuss Integrity, and what that means in our own lives.  When I think of the word Integrity, it says to me

  • Am I the same person in public that I am in the privacy of my own home?
  • Is the life that I lead honoring God?
  • Am I compromising my own moral values for what society calls “Okay”?
  • Am I accepting evil in a justifiable way?

Most people look at integrity as a way of being perfect; no sin, etc.  That, we know, will never happen because man has a sinful nature.  The only human that ever walked this earth was Jesus himself.  But with the Holy Spirit living inside of us, we are able to live a life of integrity if we allow Him to guide us.

I am going to, once again, post a video here by Priscilla Shirer speaking about this chapter of her book.  At the beginning of this video, she briefly discusses the last chapter on Forgiveness, but it then moves in to this weeks lesson on Integrity.

After watching the video, I will post something that she shared that I thought was rather interesting…..here’s Priscilla….

(Girlfriends Coffee Hour does not in any way endorse the Crossroads Membership Pledge mentioned at the end of this video)

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Did you catch what she said about the Rat Poison?

3% of the ingredients in rat poison is actually poison.  Just 3%!!  The other 97% is stuff that will actually taste good to the rat to attract it to the poison.

What 97% of the things in your own life is pulling you to the 3% of the poison (evil) ???

How many marriages focus on just the 3% of the “poison” in their marriage, only to end in divorce and never even think of the other 97%???

What 3% in your own life is keeping you from God’s fullness?

Ask yourself this question:  Is what I am doing behind closed doors bringing honor to God?

Or, Can I ask God to bless what I am doing or saying?

If the answer is no to either one of those last questions, maybe it’s time to talk to God about what is happening in your life. God does not want the activity in your life to bring you to dulled spiritual sensitivity.  He wants you to be filled to the fullest that You can have through Christ Jesus!

Besides, God already knows what goes on behind closed doors.  He already knows what you are watching on television, or looking at on the computer.  He already knows what is happening in your marriage, or at work.  He already knows the things you are involved in, or the things you are addicted to.

All He is doing now is waiting for you to bring it to Him, confess it, and ask for forgiveness, so you can walk in the Integrity , the fullness, that He has for you!  What are you waiting for?  He’s ready when you are…..

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Let’s Pray:

Father, this week in this bible study, we talk about Integrity and what that means.  The resolution calls for us to no longer tolerate evil influences, even in the most justifiable form; either in our homes, or in ourselves.  It calls for us to embrace and encourage a life of purity.

Lord, if there are things in our lives today that prevent us from living this life of purity, we ask that You reveal it to us now.  Once they are revealed, Father, we will confess it out loud to You, so we can hear it with our own ears.  We then will seek You for forgiveness of those things in our lives.  In 1 John 1:9, Lord, Your word tells us that if we confess our sins, You are faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  

We ask You today Lord to forgive us for the things in our life that are causing us to walk with an unclean heart, and outside of integrity.  We ask that You create in us a clean heart, as we strive to grow deeper in our walk with You, and more intimate in our relationship with You.

In Jesus’ Name, AMEN!

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Your Assignment:

Answer below in the comment section what the word Integrity means to you.  Who do you know in your life that walks with the utmost integrity?  Tell us about that person.

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After you complete this assignment, then go back to your Facebook Group and see what Megan has for us for our daily activity.  I’m sure it is going to be interesting!!  If you do not belong to one of our FB Groups, and you wish to be added, please send us an email to: GirlfriendsCoffeeHour@gmail.com, and we’ll be happy to add you!!

Tomorrow, Megan will be with us to discuss the next chapter of this section:  Structural Soundness

Have a GREAT Week Everyone! I look forward to reading your comments below!

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The Resolution for Women Chapter 7 Weekly Review

August 17, 2012 by

Weekly Review

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Jeremiah 31:34

“I will forgive their wrongdoing,

and their sin I will remember no more”

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Here’s Christi with our Weekly Overview

AND our Burning Ceremony!!  Be sure to watch!!

 

____________________________

__________________________

It’s time to sign this Chapter’s Resolution:

My Forgiveness

I will forgive those who have wronged me

and reconcile with those I have wronged.

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Your Signature

I’ll see you again on Sunday with next weeks lesson schedule!

Have a GREAT Weekend!!

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Resolution for Women: No More Circles

August 16, 2012 by

Is this where we find ourself each day?   Is our life haunting us?  Sometimes no matter where we are today, our past, our yesterdays or our years ago seem to crop up in our thoughts and sometimes in our actions because we never truly dealt with the “burdens of unforgiveness” that are buried in the crevices of our heart. The memories are always near the surface.

Do you know what the word burden means?  Websters defines it as something that is carried, a load, something oppressive or worrisome.   Priscilla describes it on Pg. 137 as something that weighs you down, it sits on you, restricts you from enjoying the new phases/freedoms that each season of life brings your way.

This is exactly what unforgiveness does in our life.  It brings a burden upon us. It forces us to stay one dimensional.  It keeps us repeating the same things round and round in circles and never allows us to move past “that place” because we can’t or won’t get rid of unforgiveness within us.

Why do we want to hold on to unforgiveness?   Is it because we still want others to know we haven’t forgotten the hurt they caused us?  I don’t know the answer to that question for everyone but each of us could answer it for ourselves.   Maybe part of the reason is pride, maybe we feel if we forgive that person we are saying that person had the right to do wrong to me.  Does that really matter anymore? Don’t we want freedom from it?  After all we are the ones who are miserable from it not them.

Our lesson today has taught us three ways that forgiveness is reached through a combination of actions:

  1. We must refuse to store up or harbor grudges–don’t hold a debt over someones head or keep records of their wrongdoings-clear the decks and stop counting.
  2. We must leave room for God to act on our behalf —refuse the urge to retaliate, trust God to handle  the issues.
  3. We must pray—pray for God to empower you to forgive, you can’t do it on your own strength.

I want to expand a little more on why we should forgive.

  • Forgiveness is a pleasurable experience—did you know God designed forgiveness as a powerful blessing for us who have been hurt-did you know truly forgiving others can make us “more happy” than if we’d never been hurt.
  • Forgiveness removes us from being entangled in the thing that hurt us—it sets us free from being bogged down or carrying baggage around-it gives us a terrific feeling-it helps us understand how God feels when He forgives us.
  • Forgiveness allows us to open our self to the spectacular possibilities for a happy life-to open the curtain on what was dark and hurting to light and life and peace—aren’t we ready for some peace?
  • Forgiveness allows us to LOVE again—to love and be loved—forgiveness is tough – but love is more valuable than the pain of unforgiveness.
  • Forgiveness will set a prisoner free and we will discover that prisoner is us.

Let’s FORGIVE and leave all the rest to God to deal with.

Instead of continuing to re-hash old wounds/old hurts,  instead of going around in circles let’s come full circle and do as God’s Word instructs us:

Colossians 3:13 “Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must also forgive.

We learned in this lesson that being a woman resolved to forgive can do the following:  save friendships, rescue marriages, restore relationships, rebuild lives, refurbish businesses, help us to regain our very own self, allow us to live FREELY, LOVINGLY and WITH JOY!    — This is the mission of this resolution, this is its purpose, for us to offer and extend “forgiveness” just as He has so wonderfully, abundantly and outlandishly poured out “forgiveness” for each of us.

  • Forgiveness is a gift you give yourself, not something you do for someone else.
  • To refuse to forgive means you are choosing to remain the victim – the hurts won’t heal until you forgive.

*****Let’s resolve to be forgiven as well as forgive*****

Your assignment:   As you move forward with answering the questions in your study on Pg. 143 to be able to sign your resolution for this week – please take note that this is a journey that may take time and some counsel even – be willing to seek help so you fully understand and experience the benefits that “forgiveness” is designed to give and when you are ready (prayed up and committed) sign your name in the resolution box.

Let’s Pray:   Thank you Lord for your special gift of “forgiveness”, help us not to continue going in circles in this path of unforgiveness but help us to release all that we are holding onto so we can begin to experience the freedom that “forgiveness”  brings.

Now it’s time to go back to your Facebook Online Bible Study Group to see what your Daily Activity is!!  I’m guessing it’s going to be a fun one!!  If you are not currently in one our FB OBS Groups, and would like to be, please send an email to:  GirlfriendsCoffeeHour@gmail.com, and we’ll be glad to add you!!

Love to all,

Beverly

Read all about Craig’s Resolution for Men Journey here:www.adversusmundi.wordpress.com

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The Resolution for Women: All Clear

August 15, 2012 by

Jeremiah 31: 34

“I will forgive their wrongdoing and never again remember their sin.”

___________________________

Don’t you wish  forgiveness was as easy as Priscilla describes in today’s chapter, using the “Delete” button?  I mean look at the Hatfield’s and McCoy’s!  Perhaps if only one of them had used the ‘Delete’ button years and years ago, the incredible family feud that has gone on for so many years, taking many lives, would have been long over – instead they have made history over a lifetime of unforgiveness.  In scripture it tells us the following ~

 “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you”      Ephesians 4:32

Being around someone you don’t like and being kind is one thing; however,  forgiveness has to be the hardest pill for us to swallow.  “Excuse me Lord, you want me to forgive Her“?  [emphasis]  How many of us have asked that question over and over with various people in our lives.  It’s so much easier for us to just ignore people – stop associating with them – or chalking them off in our lives rather than doing as Jesus would and forgiving them.   It’s built into our flesh – it’s human – there is no “delete” button.

How many of you have someone in your life that you need to forgive?  How many have a dark cloud hanging over your head because this issue is not resolved? Doesn’t it truly keep cropping up? Perhaps you miss a family function because of this or you actually find yourself missing this person you’ve chosen not to forgive~ both situations very irritating, keeps the wound festering even long after the event.  Unfortunately, we cannot seem to hit that “delete button” to free them and to free us.

Well, it’s time to hit the “delete” button.  Scripture makes it clear.  Jesus has made it clear.  Do not let one more day go by without reaching way deep down inside of your heart to forgive to, lift the burden this carries on your life.  Not only will you feel better yourself mentally and physically, but you will be following the desires of God’s heart.  THIS is worth it all by itself!

So,  if forgiving others is tough, what about the need to forgive yourself?  Well, that’s a whole different story, huh!?

The following story is true and it breaks my heart to tell it; however, it’s a story that truly screams out forgiveness in every sense of the word so I need to share it.

I have a friend and  when he was away one day, his oldest son was riding his bike outside and fell; his mother ran out the door to rescue him.  Unfortunately, while mom was outside with her injured son, his 2-year-old brother went through an opened sliding glass door and into the pool drowning.  Horrifying, right?  RIGHT!  Can  you absolutely imagine the pain of this mother?  Do you think she has forgiven herself today?   The true answer is, I honestly do not know for sure.  Her mistake cost her son’s life ~ that is a level of forgiveness I cannot even imagine having in this situation.

And, what about this little guy’s father?  This baby boy was the apple of his eye, his heart – and now he was gone due to an accident caused by a simple mistake.  An open door.  And he wasn’t there to protect him.  He couldn’t save him. Outside of not being able to forgive himself, what about forgiveness for his wife?  The wife who left the door open that his baby went through The turmoil that must have (and likely still does) cause him agony. How does one dig that deep?

Here’s the GREAT part.  Here’s the part we need to get and understand…..Priscilla says, “No human forgiveness is strong enough, not even your own, to ever free you from the torturous remainder of your offense and the cloak of guilt in it lays on your shoulders”  – did you hear that  NO HUMAN FORGIVENESS IS ENOUGH .  There is only one way to lift that black cloud, to free yourself from the bondage and years of suffering and that is to accept the gift that Jesus Christ has given us – the gift of freedom – freedom from our sins.  He forgives US – we in turn need to forgive others.

Priscilla says it best when she says, ‘He felt the crown of thorns pressed onto His head.  He took the beating……..He hung on Golgotha’s tree.  That’s when you received all the forgiveness you’ll ever need.  When he cried, ‘It is finished!’.  It was done.”   – The ‘DELETE’ button pressed.  For us.  For each and every one of us.

Do not let another day go by without forgiving yourself or someone else.  Press your Delete button today. Jesus did.

———————————————————————————————————————

Your Assignment:

  • Describe in your own words the differences and connections between forgiving yourself and receiving God’s forgiveness.
  • Choose one past action that you’ve held against yourself, and then prayerfully (INTENTIONALLY)  consider the Lord’s payment for this sin. Choose to receive it for yourself.
    ______________________
    Let’s Pray:
    Father God, thank you for the gift of forgiveness.  For dying on that cross for us and freeing us from all of our sins.  It is my prayer Father that whatever burdens we carry internally or those that we carry for others be removed as we remember that day on Calvary.  May we intentionally work in the name of forgiveness.  We ask these things in your humble name. We love you Father, Amen.

Now it’s time to go back to your Facebook Online Bible Study Group to see what your Daily Activity is!!  I’m guessing it’s going to be a fun one!!  If you are not currently in one our FB OBS Groups, and would like to be, please send an email to:  GirlfriendsCoffeeHour@gmail.com, and we’ll be glad to add you!!

Love,

Kelley <3<3

Read all about Craig’s Resolution for Men Journey here: www.adversusmundi.wordpress.com

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The Resolution for Women: Internal Injuries

August 14, 2012 by

Jeremiah 31: 34

“I will forgive their wrongdoing and never again remember their sin.”

In the few pages of this lesson, Priscilla challenges us to stop for a moment and take a look inside ourselves. As women, when we don’t WANT to deal with our hurts, frustrations, anger and bitterness, we tend to stay busy or focus our attention on everyone else. Priscilla begs us to STOP today…. right now…. and begin to look inside.

If you don’t feel like forgiveness is an issue for you right now, bless you! Hebrews 12:15 is your verse to stand on so that you can continue to see to it that “….no root of bitterness springs up causing trouble.”

You may be currently walking through a season where you are walking through each day with a happy face on like you don’t have a care in the world, but on the inside you are in turmoil and hardly living. Dear sister, if this describes you…. please know that THIS is not what God intends for your life! As much as you try to hide your pain, hurt and bitterness, it is slowly seeping out all over your body and will soon, when you least expect it, spew over into every part of your life.

On page 130 Priscilla writes:

“Instead of working so hard to keep the focus and spotlight on everyone else- both those who’ve hurt us as well as those who make us feel better and forget all about it- let’s be willing to drag out these grudges we’re holding and harboring, these heavy containers  of unforgiveness that never stop leaching poisons  into our system.”

Are you ready to be on your way to healing?

Are you ready to really LIVE?

Well…. then its time to get real and let God into these places where we have been so intentionally keeping Him out.

Priscilla also gives us some wonderful scripture to reference as we begin this journey:

Passages on forgiveness:

  • Mark 11:25-26- making reconciled relationships a regular part of our praying
  • Matthew 6:14-15- how our unforgiveness of others relates to God’s forgiveness of us.
  • Hebrews 12:14- the blessing that flows from pursuing peace with everyone.

Passages on bitterness:

  • Ephesians 4:31- the only good thing to do with it is to get rid of it.
  • Hebrews 12:15- what bitterness can so if it’s not pulled up by the roots
  • Proverbs 14:10- all we can ever expect from hanging on to it.

 

———————————————————————————————————————

Your Assignment:

Prayer fully consider: Who, if anyone, are the people you harbor unforgiveness toward? How have you seen this affect your life?

Please share what the Lord shows you with us in a comment below….

______________________

Let’s Pray:

Lord, this journey is not easy and we recognize that we cannot do this without You and Your supernatural intervention. Thank you for this precious gift we are able to unlock through the redemptive work of Your Son. Be with each of us today, Father, as we dig deep within and prepare for surgery on our internal injuries to be healed once and for all to be able to be our very best for Your glory! Show us what YOU want us to see, Father. Help us become vulnerable to these areas of our life that we have been hiding in order to not be robbed of this healing you have for us any longer. We thank you in advance for what You will do., In Jesus’ name we pray, amen <3

Now it’s time to go back to your Facebook Online Bible Study Group to see what your Daily Activity is!!  I’m guessing it’s going to be a fun one!!  If you are not currently in one our FB OBS Groups, and would like to be, please send an email to:  GirlfriendsCoffeeHour@gmail.com, and we’ll be glad to add you!!

Blessings,

Megan 🙂

Read all about Craig’s Resolution for Men Journey here: www.adversusmundi.wordpress.com

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Resolution for Women: Forgiveness

August 13, 2012 by

The Lord has shown me that this week is going to be LIFE-CHANGING for some of you, as you reach out to Him and open your heart to what He has to say about forgiveness in this weeks lessons in The Resolution for Women.

I would like to share some statements about forgiveness from Priscilla, in this section of this book:

  • forgiveness of your sins is something that Christ suffered a terrifying death to give you.
  • the capacity to forgive yourself is personally impossible.  You can’t do it.  Nobody can.
  • the bible doesn’t tell us to forgive ourselves.
  • you know it’s the right thing to do, even if it’s the last thing you feel like doing.
  • a wounded heart cannot open up either to fully love or receive love.
  • forgiveness is a miracle.
  • only one power, one invisible force, one miracle can clear away the eroding illness that robs you of peace and love and the enjoyment of life.
  • only God can alter your pattern, quicken your step, expand your reach, and get you out of those circles
  • forgiveness is designed to rescue you, while bringing with it the added by-product of extending the impact of your grace toward those you love.

“Just as the Lord has forgiven you,

so you must also forgive.”

Colossians 3:13

Forgiveness is something that we must offer others, as He has so wonderfully, abundantly, and outlandishly poured it out on us.

__________________

Your Assignment Today:

On a piece of paper, draw a line down through the center, to make two columns.  On the left side, list the names of those you know you need to forgive.  On the right side, list the sins you personally have committed.  Take that list to Jesus.  Sit at His feet today.  Speak out each name that you have on your list, and each sin that is listed.  Ask the Lord to speak to Your heart about each one, and how you can release them to Him.  This may take you all week, but do this every day if you need to.  Add to the list each day, if needed.   But we are going to have a BURNING CEREMONY at the end of this week, and we are going to take that list and BURN IT at the foot of the cross, as a symbol of our forgiveness for each one, and HIS forgiveness toward our sins.

Let’s Pray:

Father, I lift each person who is reading this blog today.  I ask You Lord, as they read this chapter, and this blog, each day this week, that You bring them one step closer to freeing them through the act of forgiveness Lord.  Whether it’s an act of forgiveness toward another person, Lord, or through them asking You to forgive them for their own sins.  I pray that each persons heart will be prepared and ready to receive from You, Lord.  Reach down deep into their hearts.  HEAL their brokenness Lord.  HEAL the wounds  that have kept them in bondage all this time.  HEAL the pain they have carried for so long, Lord.

I pray for FREEDOM to come to each person this week, Lord.  I pray for the chains to be broken, that have held them captive for so long.  I pray for the prison doors to break forth, and each person to step out of that prison that has held them captive to unforgiveness, for so very long, Lord.

I pray for Your healing Lord to come forth.  I pray for Your anointing to flow over them, and cover them from the top of their heads to the soles of their feet, Lord!  Release them Lord!  Release them as they CHOOSE to forgive this week.  As they CHOOSE to make forgiveness a priority in their lives, Lord.  Forgive them, Lord, for the sins that they themselves have committed, also.

I thank You now, Lord, for the work You are doing in each heart.  I thank You for the healing You are bringing forth this week.  I thank You in advance for the lives that YOU are changing this week, In Your Precious Name, AMEN!!!

______________________

Now, it’s time to go back to our Facebook OBS Group, and see what Megan has in store for us this week.  This week is YOUR week!  If you do not belong to one of our Facebook OBS Groups, and would like to, please email us at GirlfriendsCoffeeHour@gmail.com, and we’ll be happy to add you!

I will be lifting you in prayer this week.  I KNOW God is going to set YOU FREE!  Expect that from Him, as you read each lesson in this weeks study!

Be Blessed & Be a Blessing to Someone Else Today,

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