Blog - A Broken Heart's GPS Christian Counseling and Resource Center lauri@abrokenheartsgps.org

Total Surrender

5/29/2015

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."--Galatians 5:1(NIV)

Christ died so that we could be free from bondage and oppression. If we are in Him, then we have the wonderful privilege of bringing our worries, cares, anxieties, and concerns to Him. He tells us to throw/hurl our burdens at Him and in exchange receive his burden, which is easy and light. Yet, all too often, we do the exact opposite. We hold on to things that we have not been called to carry. We hesitate to relinquish control. We tightly guard our wounded and broken hearts, in our minds we replay traumatic and abusive events, we ruminate on harsh, hurtful words spoken to us--and we completely discount the Lord's command to cast all of our cares on Him.

The key is surrendering all to Christ--our mindsets, habits, guilt, brokenness, anger, envy, hatred, pain of our past, etc. is to realize that giving is getting; releasing is obtaining. Surrendering all to Jesus brings total victory, deliverance, and freedom. Christ came to give--and to give abundantly. In Him, we have nothing to lose and everything to gain. We will live at another level physically, spiritually, and emotionally when we grab hold of this truth.

A Relentless Pursuit

5/28/2015

"And He said, “Let Me go, for the day breaks.” But he said, “I will not let You go unless You bless me!”--Genesis 32:26(NKJV)

Are you willing to fight for your blessings? Are you willing to put in the time, energy, and effort that Jacob did in Genesis 32? Scripture tells us that he wrestled all night with the Angel of the Lord. He refused to let Him go until he was blessed. All too often we fall short of receiving the full blessings, breakthrough, change, healing, and deliverance that can only occur by a divine encounter with God because we get tired of fighting (spiritually).

It's easy to become discouraged when our "night", as in the case of Jacob, has a long duration--days, weeks, months, even years. Weariness, frustration, lack of progress or movement, as well as mental and emotional fatigue may prompt us to throw in the towel and settle for a life of mediocrity and bondage.

When those "It's no use" or "I give up" thoughts and feelings intrude, that is the time to wrestle and contend for your blessings. Remind God of his promises. Tell Him that you will not let Him go until He blesses you. You have the power to prevail (Genesis 32:28) just as Jacob did!

"Like What You See"

5/27/2015

"Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”--Genesis 1:26(NKJV)

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."--2 Corinthians 5:17(NKJV)

Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.--Psalm 139:14(NLT)

The Birthing/New Mothers room in our church has a two way mirror. This affords moms the ability to enjoy the service while tending to their little ones, yet it gives them privacy. They can see out, but others cannot see in to the birthing room. The mirror part of the window is in the back of the sanctuary. So, from time to time, our pastor has our children, tweens, and teens look at themselves in the mirror. He will tell them to take a good long at themselves and say, "Wow!!!"

Is he teaching vanity? Is he encouraging conceit, pride, and haughtiness? Is he encouraging self-glorification and exaltation? No. He is instilling a biblical principle that, if our children grab hold of, will set them on a path of biblical prosperity. He is teaching them to see themselves as God sees them and giving them an understanding that they have been made in the image and likeness of God. Knowing and believing this truth is a tool for life!

When you look at yourself in a mirror, what do you see? Do you look with eyes of scrutiny and negativity? Do you see imperfections and flaws? Do you see the effects of time--wrinkles, gray hair? Do you see someone whom you no longer recognize? Do you see the reflection of guilt or shame? Do you see the image of someone who in your opinion is unlikeable or unlovable? Do you see anger, fear, or discouragement? Do you see regret? Do you see what people have said of you-albeit lies?

If you answered "yes" to any of the above--then you are not seeing yourself as God sees you. God sees you as his creation made in his image and likeness. He sees you with eyes of love, mercy, compassion, and acceptance. He likes what he sees!

Ask God to help you see yourself as he sees you. Ask him to uproot false images, perceptions, and beliefs that you have about yourself. Ask him to remove anything that would impede you from seeing the true you. Meditate on the truths of scripture concerning your image. Ask God to fill you with his truth and uproot every lie so that you can begin to like what you see!

If you would like prayer in this area, email: lauri@abrokenheartsgps.org or call:
1(866)460-8976.

"YOU Are the Knight"

5/26/2015

"Praise the LORD, who is my rock. He trains my hands for war and gives my fingers skill for battle."--Psalm 144:1(NLT)

"No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us."--Romans 8:37(NLT)

Victims of abuse, trauma, or neglect may often take on an image of self-victimization/"victim spirit", leaving them feeling helpless and incapable. I have found this to be true throughout my experience as a social worker as well as an outreach therapist. On many occasions I would work with an individual on developing a care plan or treatment plan based on the presenting problem. We would identify realistic goals and the necessary steps to accomplish the stated goals. The greatest challenge in goal completion would often be getting the person to believe that he/she was more than capable of achieving the stated goals--not me, not the "system"--but him/her!

So often we waste a lot of time waiting on our proverbial "knight in shining armor", not realizing that we are it! No one is coming riding on a horse to rid us of the woes of life! It is not going to happen. But, God has given us the power, might, strength, and ability to overcome and conquer. We do not have to wait on anyone to rescue us. Jesus is our Redeemer and His power is at work in our lives!

Click for "Self-Image of Victimization" Article

Memorial Day

5/23/2015

"I thank my God upon every remembrance of you."
--Philippians 1:3(NKJV)

Memorial Day 2015
Remembering the ultimate sacrifice of our fallen soldiers.

Remembering and praying for our:
* Missing in action
* Prisoners of war
* Wounded warriors

"Divine Help"

5/22/2015

"I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth."
--Psalm 121:1-2(NIV)

One of my husband's favorite songs is "Shoulders" by For King and Country. Based on Psalm 121, it's a song of reassurance that we are never helpless or alone. Our help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

Don't allow people, circumstances or challenges deceive you into thinking that you are alone or that you do not have help. Jehovah Himself is with you and He is your help!

Get in the Game!

5/21/2015

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”--Acts 1:8(NIV)

"When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place."
--Acts 2:1(NIV)"All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them."--Acts 2:4(NIV)

Pentecost is May 24, 2015. It is a time of supernatural outpouring. Scriptures tells us that is was during this season, that Jesus' promise of the Holy Spirit was fulfilled. Although the disciples were hiding out of fear for their lives, God still used them mightily. The Spirit of the Lord filled the disciples and endowed them with supernatural power. The Holy Spirit indwelling them was evidenced by the disciples speaking in other tongues. The manifestation of the Holy Spirit was the beginning of the disciples walking in supernatural ability that was most uncommon.

Make the most of this important time. If you have been sitting on the sidelines of life because you are afraid to make a move--get in the game! This is your season to experience a move God in your life.

What have you always dreamed of doing? Blow the dust off of the dream you have place on the shelf. If you had a dream and someone (a "dream-buster") squashed it--get it back! You're not too old, and it's not too late. Don't have a dream? Ask God to give you one! You're not too old, and it's not too late.

Scripture also tells us that it is during Pentecost that we are to present our gifts to the Lord. There are three times out of the year that God commands us to give a special offering; Passover, Pentecost, and Sukkot (Leviticus 23, Deuteronomy 16). When we present our special offering God promises to bless!

As you get in the game and begin to trust God with your dreams, sow a seed (give a special Pentecost Offering) in your local church or a ministry that you support. When you plant or sow your seed God promises to give the increase (I Corinthians 3:7)!

Prayer:
Father, I thank you for Holy Spirit. I thank you that your power is at work in me and in my life. I pray that you would resurrect old dreams, and even give me new one. I thank you for this season of supernatural outpouring--a time of miracles, signs, and wonders. In Jesus' name, Amen,

I would love to agree with you in prayer regarding your dreams and what you are trusting God for--email me at lauri@abrokenheartsgps.org.

If you are struggling to figure out your dream, please send me an email or contact me at
1(866)460-8976. We can work together to identify your gifts, talents, and abilities and dream-build together!

Also, please send your testimonies and praise reports as God begins to move in your life. People need to hear about the goodness of God so that they can have hope and be encouraged that what God has done for you, He can also do for them!

Get Some Sleep

5/20/2015

"It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep."--Psalm 127:2(KJV)

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety."
--Psalm 4:8(NIV)

According to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), sleep is essential for optimal health and well-being. Yet, a recent survey they conducted revealed that at least 40 million Americans suffer from over 70 different sleep disorders! It was also revealed that 60% of adults have problems sleeping at least three nights out of a week and 40% of adults experience daytime sleepiness.

Inadequate rest can lead to:
* weight gain
* irritability
* moodiness
* mental fogginess
* high blood pressure
* depression and anxiety
* impaired memory
* decreased ability to multi-task
* difficulty concentrating
* decreased creativity
Ultimately, inadequate sleep deprives us of the ability to function and go about our day to day tasks and responsibilities at an optimal level of performance.

So, if we know the importance of sleep and the detriment of not getting enough of it, why aren't we sleeping?

The Bible is very clear on the importance of sleep and adequate rest. God is also keenly aware that anxiety, worry, and fear will inhibit sleep. Therefore, He gives us a remedy. He reminds us of the futility of excessive work without rest in an effort to gain. He also gives us a promise that his peace will be our bedding; our bed, pillow, and blanket. He reassures us that when we are in his peace we are safe.

Remember the prophet Elijah? When Jezebel got wind that he had defeated the false prophets Baal in I Kings 19. She was so furious that she put a bounty out for the prophet! Jezebel was a ruthless, wicked, and treacherous woman who evoked a spirit of fear and intimidation. Even the great prophet, Elijah needed comfort and reassurance. What did the Lord do? The Word of God tells us that the angel of the Lord ministered to the prophet; he gave Elijah something to eat and told him to get some rest. God knows we need rest and proper sleep.

I was recently able to sit in on a counseling session with our pastor. The person he was counseling revealed an on-going problem with insomnia. The person also experienced tormenting nightmares. Our pastor encouraged this individual to read the Psalms at bedtime until he/she fell asleep. This person wisely complied with his recommendation, and has been sleeping like a baby for the first time in years!

Click the button to read the article, "When Counting Sheep Isn't Enough"

Waiting on a Promise

5/19/2015

"So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us."
--Hebrews 6:17(NLT)

When God makes a promise, it is as good as done. But, we may have to wait for it, which of course is challenging at times. Most people do not like to wait. Waiting can be frustrating, annoying, aggravating--even in simple matters, like waiting in line at a store or sitting in traffic. However, waiting can also be gratifying, especially when the promise comes!

Abraham, who is mentioned in Hebrews 6, had to wait for the promise of Isaac. In his wait, he and his wife, Sarah, took matters into their own hands. They had a son, Ishmael, through Sarah's handmaid, Hagar (Genesis16). But, this was not the son of promise (Genesis 15).

It's important to not take matters into our own hands and attempt to "be like God". We will make a mess every time! If God has promised you something, and you are in a season of waiting, remember that he cannot lie!

As you wait, continue to pray,have faith, trust, hope and believe that God will do what he has promised. Meditate on the scriptures that align with what God has promised. He will bring it to pass!

Planting, Watering, and Increase

5/18/2015

Green bean seedlings from our garden!

Some of the green beans harvest from our garden!

"So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow."--I Corinthians 3:7(NLT)

Last year, my daughters and I planted our first vegetable garden of green beans, sweet peas, and tomatoes. All of us, including my husband, were excited about the prospect of harvesting organic, home-grown vegetables. We diligently watered the seedlings, keep vegetable-loving insects at bay, and even built a little fence around the garden to keep out the neighboring rabbits.

Daily we would check on the garden. With each passing day, there seemed to be no movement, no growth. My daughters were outwardly and verbally frustrated. They would ask, when would they begin to see growth. Inwardly, I was getting frustrated. I thought to myself, maybe I planted these seeds correctly. Maybe they have not been getting enough water...Perhaps the garden is in the wrong spot and is not getting enough sunlight...

All of these thoughts continued to swirl in my head, until the day I began to see growth. I remember the excitement I felt as I ran into the house to get my husband and the girls. The four of us stood at that garden in mesmerized. Then the revelation of I Corinthians 3:7 hit me. We can plant and we can water, but God gives the increase.

Increase is in the hands of God. I pray that this is a word of encouragement and relief for you today. Even if it does not seem like things are changing, moving, or growing--God is working beneath the surface in a realm that we cannot see. He only requires that we plant and water. If you are facing a personal struggle or challenge; perhaps an addiction, a difficult relationship, or emotional distress...plant the word of God into that area. Water it with prayer. Do it daily, as if you are caring for a new garden. Don't lose heart or allow discouragement to encroach. In God's time, the seed of the Word will begin to germinate, sprout, grow, and flourish.