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Embracing Your True Identity

5/31/2016

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​"But now the Lord Who made you, O Jacob, and He Who made you, O Israel, says, “Do not be afraid. For I have bought you and made you free. I have called you by name. You are Mine!"--Isaiah 43:1(NLV)

If you have ever been labeled, suffered name-calling, or have endured abuse that has compromised your sense of self-worth, value, and dignity--I have good news for you today! God is restoring your God-given identity! 

God says in Isaiah 43:1, that he has summoned YOU and claimed YOU as his own!  What does it mean when God calls you his? 

It means:
1.  You are chosen, special, and royal (1 Peter 2:9)
​2.  You are an heir (Romans 8:17)
​3.  You are sought out (Isaiah 62:12)
​4.  You are not forsaken (Isaiah 62:4)
​5.  You are a crown of glory and a royal diadem in the hands of God
​      (Isaiah 62:3)
6.  You are loved with and everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3)
​7.  You have been given access to the Kingdom (Matthew 16:19)
​8.  No one and no thing can ever separate you from the Father's love
​     (Romans 8:31-39)

​For some, it may be difficult to embrace these divine truths.  Even Gideon struggled with God summoning him and calling him a mighty warrior:

 “Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.”--Judges 6:15(NIV)

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Years of Midianite oppression and being viewed as the "least" in his family altered Gideon's view of his value and worth. But when Gideon embraced his God-given identity,  his life was radically changed.  He went on to do great exploits that sent his family and community into a tailspin! 

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That same night the Lord said to him, “Take the second bull from your father’s herd, the one seven years old. Tear down your father’s altar to Baal and cut down the Asherah pole beside it. Then build a proper kind of altar to the Lord your God on the top of this height. Using the wood of the Asherah pole that you cut down, offer the second bull as a burnt offering.” So Gideon took ten of his servants and did as the Lord told him. But because he was afraid of his family and the townspeople, he did it at night rather than in the daytime. In the morning when the people of the town got up, there was Baal’s altar, demolished, with the Asherah pole beside it cut down and the second bull sacrificed on the newly built altar!  They asked each other, “Who did this?”  When they carefully investigated, they were told, “Gideon son of Joash did it.”  The people of the town demanded of Joash, “Bring out your son. He must die, because he has broken down Baal’s altar and cut down the Asherah pole beside it.”--Judges 6:25-30

When we make a willful, faith-filled decision to side against the opinions of others and our distorted view of self and embrace our God-given identity--we can expect our lives to change.  We will transition to a place of unapologetic, purposeful living because we have chosen to grab hold of who we are in the Father's eyes.

​Thoughts for Reflection:
​1.  What have you been told as it relates to who you are?  What messages have you received(verbal/non-verbal)?  Do they line up with scripture?

​2.  What messages (self-talk) do you give yourself?  Are you your own worst critic?  If so, can you identify the origin of the negative self-talk?

​3.  Is it difficult or easy to embrace who God says you are?  Why or why not?

Prayer
​Father, in the name of Jesus, I pray for those who are struggling with the way they see themselves.  I pray that you would heal and restore them of the agony of abuse and self-loathing.  I pray that you would blanket them with your love now.  Give them the strength and grace to do the hard work to move beyond the trauma of the past and the hurt of the present.  Thank you for restoring hope for the future according to Jeremiah 29:11:
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
 
May they receive that truth now, in Jesus' name.  Amen.


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Memorial Day 2016

5/30/2016

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Memorial Day 2016

Remembering the ultimate sacrifice of our fallen soldiers.

Remembering and praying for our:
* Missing in action
* Prisoners of war
* Wounded warriors
​*The families of troops

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Pre-Approved

5/25/2016

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"Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of lights [the Creator and Sustainer of the heavens], in whom there is no variation [no rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [for He is perfect and never changes]."--James 1:17(AMP)

Have you ever watched an animal program on TV where the animal being released from captivity?  It can be a challenging feat for the rescue worker because many times the animal becomes comfortable or familiar with living in closed quarters.  There is fear and trepidation when the cage door swings open.  The anxiety of leaving is great. The fear of living what is familiar is real.  The animal often needs coaxing and reassurance that it is okay to leave.

​The same holds true for us as human beings.  Many are living in enclosures of fear, anger, rejection, anxiety, brokenness, depression, addictions, self-deprecation, etc.  We have lived there so long, that the fear of leaving what is familiar is real.  We have learned how to function in our toxic enclosures.  We have decorated the space, hung pictures on the proverbial wall, and have made the space our home.  But this space is not the home God intended.

When Christ died on the cross--he opened the prison doors for all of us.  We do not have to live in bondage.  And as the doors have been opened, we do not need permission or approval to leave.  All too often abuse and bondage destroys our sense of self-worth, value, importance, and expectation.  We live lives of inferiority quietly searching and inwardly longing for approval  and permission.  It is a trick of the enemy to keep us in bondage.  But that's a lie--because we're already free! 

God, through his Son, Jesus, has given the gift of freedom.  He is the Father of lights, who gives good and perfect gifts.  Gifts of love, joy, peace, forgiveness, acceptance, and healing are ours.  All we have do is freely receive them.  We do not have to wait for permission or approval because they have already been given.  This is good news!

​Are you living in an emotional prison that you have made your home? Are you longing for the approval of someone to receive what God has already given you?  Do you feel that you are unworthy to receive His gifts?  May I encourage you to allow yourself to receive the grace and goodness of God, by faith?  We are saved by his grace--not by our works or the words of others.


​Prayer
​Father, in the name of Jesus, we pray for every individual who is living in emotional bondage.  We pray that they would receive your word by faith--that you have given them the gift of freedom.  May they receive it now.  Bind the works of the enemy in Jesus' name.  We decree and declare liberty. We declare health and wholeness in the mind and in the soul.  We thank you for your promise of good and perfect gifts--we receive your love, grace, peace, rest, healing, deliverance, and joy.  Amen.
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Overcoming Fear

5/23/2016

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​​"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control]."
​--2 Timothy 1:7(AMP)

 When fear, as described in 2 Timothy 1:7, is present in our lives it can be overwhelming and debilitating.  The Greek word for fear is "deilia", meaning "timidity, fearfulness, or cowardice".  

​If you struggle in this area, please don't be hard on yourself.  This level of fear and intimidation was not foreign to some of the greatest heroes in the Bible.  Consider Gideon (Judges 6) and the prophet Elijah (I Kings 19:3).  Gideon and his people were terrified of the Midianites.  So much so that Gideon hid in the winepress to thresh wheat!  Elijah was so intimidated by the voice of Jezebel that he literally ran for his life to Beersheeba!  Even Elisha's servant battled with fear in 2 Kings 6.  Yet even in the midst of very real, legitimate, fear-evoking instances, these individuals were assured of God's presence--his love and his power at work in their lives.  The reassurance of God's presence brought calm, peace, reassurance, balance, and self-control to each of them.

​Good News!  We have the same power at work in our lives too!  That power is "dynamis" the Greek word for inherent power; power that is residing in a thing by virtue of its nature; power consisting in or nesting upon armies, forces, hosts.  The God of Angel armies, Jehovah Sabioth is with us!  Just as in the case of Elisha's servant who was frightened by the Syrian army.  When Elisha asked God to open the young man's spiritual eyes--he saw a host of chariots of fire surrounding the enemy.  And guess what?  Your enemy is surrounded too!  

​What is intimidating you today?  God's love is greater; and the enemy knows it!  The Spirit of the Lord has come to give you liberty (Isaiah 61:1).  He has opened the emotional prison doors.  Don't allow fear to keep you trapped in a cell that has already been open; you are free to go!

​Prayer:
​Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank you for your word that brings freedom, liberty, and emotional soundness into our lives.  I pray for each and every individual that remains immobilized by fear.  I pray that they would receive your freedom now.  Give them the grace and strength to walk through the open cell door in the hearts.  Bring peace and calmness to their soul.  Reassure them with your love.  May they receive it now in Jesus' name, Amen.

​
If you are challenged in this area, and would like to share your story or receive supportive counseling and/or additional prayer--please feel free to contact me at lauri@abrokenheartsgps.org or 1(866)460-8976.  You can also inbox me via Facebook or direct message me via Twitter.
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Overcoming the Effects of Bullying

5/18/2016

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"There are six things the Lord hates— no, seven things he detests: 
haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family."

--Proverbs 6:16-19(NLT)

Recently I had an opportunity to talk with a mom of a tween who was the victim of bullying at a Christian school.   It was heartbreaking to hear that this polite, kind-hearted, and beautiful young lady had experienced repeated hair pulling, face slapping, and name calling.  The bullying became so intense and so excessive that the family transferred her to another school. 

What is Bullying?
​Bullying is defined as repeated aggressive behavior that may be verbal, physical or relational.  It involves the misuse of power to intimidate, humiliate, threaten, manipulate or control. It can occur in the classroom, playground, the mall, on-line or on a cell phone, or even in the home.  Bullying is a traumatic experience that can cause soul wounds at a young age.  These soul wounds can easily transfer into adulthood if not addressed. 

The Effects of Bullying
​Each and every child, who is gift from God (James 1:17), is born with a purpose and a destiny (Jeremiah 1:5).  Childhood bullying sends indirect messages to the victim that may cause him to draw erroneous conclusions about self-worth, self-value, and importance.  The enemy of our soul, Satan, often attacks in our youth in an attempt to alter our self-perception and derail us from our God-given destiny. His effort is to introduce doubt and bring confusion into our lives at a young age.  As adults, we are often endeavoring to overcome soul wounds and lies (we embrace as truth) that have their origin in childhood experiences.  For example, I recall a story that an adult sibling shared concerning his sibling getting "beat up" in elementary school.  This unresolved traumatic event wounded the sibling so deeply that the individual continues to struggle with issues of bitterness and rejection.

​It is important not to minimize the bullying.  It can lead to the following:
* Depression
* Anxiety
​* Social isolation and withdrawal
​* Poor school performance
​* Sleep and/or appetite disturbances
* Fear
​* Poor self-esteem
​* Feelings of inferiority
* Anger
* Self-numbing/desensitization


Overcoming Bullying
So, if you have a child who is the victim of bullying--or if you are an adult who was the victim of childhood bullying, how do you move beyond it? 

1.  Address it!  There are many wonderful programs and resources in schools, communities, and on-line that can help children and their families deal with the effects of bullying. 

​2.  Talk about it.  Help your child identify and name the pain associated with the bullying.  Give them the words to express their emotions. 

3.  Name the pain. If you are an adult who experienced bullying as a child and are having difficulty moving beyond it--go back.  As an adult, give the pain a you experienced as a child a name.  "I was embarrassed." "I felt ashamed." "I still feel angry."  "I felt ignored by the adults in my life."  "I wondered, what was wrong with me?" 

            Words and self-expression give us our power back. 

4.  Know who God says you are, and believe it!
​     Psalm 139:14, Isaiah 43:4, I Peter 2:9

​Prayer for Overcoming Bullying
​Father, I pray for every victim of bullying.  Help them to know that the bullying was not their fault.  May they see themselves as you see them.  Remove the pain; heal every wound.  I pray that they would make a decision to forgive the bully. Cause them to walk in victory and triumph. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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Anxiety, an Unwanted Passenger

5/12/2016

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 "Anxious hearts are very heavy, but a word of encouragement does wonders!"--Proverbs 12:25(TLB)

Anxiety:  a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome

Anxiety is a natural, normal response to a stressful event-- a job interview, a doctor's appointment, a final exam.  All of these may be considered stressful events, and so feeling anxious would be an appropriate, natural response.  Typically, we calm down once the stressful event is over.  However, there are times in which anxiety is excessive and begins to dominate and control our lives.  Often, anxiety hitches a ride in our childhood, through instances of trauma, and becomes a lifelong passenger.  Well, it's time for anxiety to disembark!  It is an unwelcome passenger!

​If you are challenged with anxiety--I have good news for you today!  It is possible to overcome anxiety that is pervasive and overwhelming on a continuum.  A life full of dread, worry, and woe is not God's design nor is it his desire for us, as his children.  The Bible gives a lot of insight into the challenges of anxiety and ways to overcome it. ​God desires that we live lives that are healthy, satisfying, productive, and full of joy and hope.

​Prayer
​Father, in the name of Jesus, I pray for those who a struggling with anxiety.  I pray that they would receive your word in Proverbs 12:25 as a source of encouragement.  I pray that your peace would blanket their hearts and bring calmness to their souls.  Amen and so be it according to your word.

​If you are struggling with anxiety, and would like to receive additional prayer or Christian counseling, please feel free to contact us. 

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What is Christian Counseling?

5/10/2016

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"And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom, understanding, counsel, and might; the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. His delight will be obedience to the Lord. He will not judge by appearance, false evidence, or hearsay..."--Isaiah 11:2-3(TLB)

​Check out our latest video!

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Get It Girl!

5/9/2016

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"Who can find a virtuous woman?  For her price is far above rubies."
--Proverbs 31:10 (KJV)


When you think of the "Virtuous Woman" mentioned in Proverbs 12:4 or Proverbs 31:10, what comes to mind?  Most likely you think of a woman who is intelligent, creative, a great wife, a kind and loving mother, a savvy business woman, etc.  Right?  But, does warrior come to mind?  Probably not--initially.  But virtue, as defined in Hebrew, is "chayil", meaning- a force, an army, valor, strength, might, power, trained, valiant, and war worthy.  A virtuous is a warrior!  She is courageous, brave, and not afraid to war--on her knees in prayer! 

So, no matter what you may have experienced in life or may be facing today--the word of God says you are a fearless warrior in the Spirit and are well able to overcome in Jesus' name.

Prayer
Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank you for each and every virtuous woman, who is priceless in your kingdom.  I thank you that you have endowed her with strength and power to contend, combat, and overcome whatever she/her family may be facing.  I thank you that your word is her sword and she uses it will skill and precision.  I decree and declare that she is victorious according to your word(I John 5:4)  Amen and so be it! 
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Happy Mother's Day

5/7/2016

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"Her children rise up and call her blessed..."--Proverbs 31:28(ESV)
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Grief and Mother's Day

5/6/2016

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"You’ve kept track of my every toss and turn through the sleepless nights, Each tear entered in your ledger, each ache written in your book."--Psalm 56:8(MSG)





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For many women, Mother's Day may not be a day of joy and celebration.  There are those who may be grieving the loss of a mother or the loss of a child.  Some may be struggling with infertility.  Others may be  plagued with feelings of guilt, shame, and all of the after-effects of an abortion.  Others may be challenged with the realities of being given up for adoption or being raised in foster care.  There are a myriad of valid, painful reasons why this may not be a day that one looks forward to. 

If this is you and you would like to confidentially share your story, please email me at
lauri@abrokenheartsgps.org or call 1(866)460-8976.  You can inbox me at Facebook or direct message me via Twitter.  I'd be happy to hear your story and listen (without judgment).  I am also here to offer prayer, support, and encouragement.

You can read my personal story, "Angry with God", by clicking the link below.

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​For more information on Grief, click the link below to read the blog post,
"Grief and the Holidays"
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    I am a wife, mother, and Christian counselor who believes that God can heal and restore our broken hearts and put us on the road to wholeness, purpose, and productivity in our lives when we follow and trust his "GPS".

               2022 abrokenheartsgps.org.   856-473-5937    "Finding our way--through God's love."
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