Blog - A Broken Heart's GPS Christian Counseling and Resource Center (856) 473-5937 lauri@abrokenheartsgps.org

Kindness Is Not Random

6/30/2015

"Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you."--Ephesians 4:31-32 (NLT)

There is a lot of buzz about "random acts of kindness"; but did you know for the Christian believer, being kind is a command? It is not an option. It is not based on what kind of day I am having or how I am feeling in any given situation. As Christians, we are commanded according to Ephesians 4:31-32 to be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving.

We live in a depraved, fallen world where people are angry, hostile, hurt, bitter, and broken. With so much rage and fury in society, it's understandable how kindness has been reduced to a "random act". It's time for the body of Christ to arise and let our light shine (Isaiah 60:) and walk in kindness, tenderheartedness, and forgiveness.

Although challenging at times, it is not impossible. If God has given this command, then he has given us the ability and grace to obey his word on a continuum!

Overcoming Guilt

6/29/2015

"Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results."--James 5:16(NLT)

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines guilt as, "a bad feeling caused by knowing or thinking that you have done something bad or wrong". At one time or another, we have all experienced the feeling of guilt. Unresolved guilt can immobilize us spiritually, emotionally, and relationally. It can also be the root cause of physical ailments. When we carry unresolved guilt, we create soul wounds that fester and do not heal. Guilt and regret are tools that the enemy uses to keep us bound and shackled. Living in the darkness of guilt and regret impedes growth, movement, and liberty in our lives.

Recently, someone shared a personal regret of aborting a child over fifteen years ago. As she courageously shared her story, you could see a sense of relief come over her. For years she carried the invisible weight of guilt and lived in continuous regret. Yet, the act of confession and "getting something of her chest" brought healing to her soul.

Many of us go into hiding (emotionally), living in a code of silence and secrecy because of guilt and regret. We have never confessed our guilt or regret to another person, leaving the unresolved matter to bring torment to our souls. God's word tells us to confess our sins--our short-comings, wrong doings, moral compromises, etc. to each other and pray. Why? So that we may be healed in our souls, our bodies, and relationships. Healing takes place when we courageously take the 1,000 volt risk to share our story and receive prayer.

What experience or decision has brought about guilt or regret in your life that you have never shared with another person?   I'd love to talk and pray with you concerning that area. If you would like to share your story, please email: lauri@abrokenheartsgps or call: 1(866)460-8976.

Don't allow guilt and regret to imprison you another day. Receive the healing, freedom, and forgiveness of Jesus today!

The Storms of Life

6/26/2015

Image of a 30+ ft. pine tree in our yard that was uprooted(narrowly missing our neighbor's home) during Tuesday's storm.

"It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to the Most High."--Psalm 92:1 (NLT)

On Tuesday, June 23, 2015, the tri-state area--Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware--experienced a serious storm that produced damaging winds, hail, torrential rain, and in some areas, tornadoes. The result was downed trees and power lines, impassable roads (due to debris and flooding), businesses being closed and no electricity for days on end.
Yet, miraculously no one was hurt and no lives were lost.

In our community there remain numerous trees down, massive clean up efforts, and those still without power, yet we have all experienced God's mercy and his goodness. Although we were all powerless in the face of the storm, God, Jehovah Sabioth was in control. Consider Nahum 1:3(NLT), "...He displays his power in the whirlwind and the storm. The billowing clouds are the dust beneath his feet."

When the storms of life (natural or spiritual) rage, remember who is in control. Trust in his mercy and experience his peace. He will ensure that you come through the storm.

A Repentant Heart

6/23/2015

"Repent of your wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive your evil thoughts..."--Acts 8:22(NLT)

So often we use the words "repentance" and "forgiveness" interchangeably. Both are important and necessary, yet distinctly different. We can apologize and ask for forgiveness, but it does not mean that we are repentant. Any parent, myself included, can attest to this fact. Consider a play date gone awry. In an effort to instill morals and discipline, we tell our children, "Apologize" or "Say you're sorry". What is the response? A muffled, grumbled, "...Sorry...". Clearly, that is not a repentant heart; that's a contrived apology to placate parental embarrassment.

Godly repentance in the context of scripture is to change one' mind for the better. It is the Greek word, "metanoeo" meaning to think differently, to reconsider morally, to be consciously aware of sins and therefore sorrowful and intent on obtaining God's pardon. It is to turn; to change one's behavior or way of thinking.

Acts 8 outlines the story of Simon the sorcerer. He was a powerful magician who was held in high regard by the people of Samaria. They even referred to him as "the Great One--the power of God". However, when Philip began to preach the Gospel, the people of Samaria began to believe in the true and living God and converted to Christianity--including Simon the sorcerer. He was even baptized. Sounds good, right? Well...we have to read on.

When the apostles,Peter and John arrived, they prayed and laid hands on the new converts that they would be filled with the Holy Spirit. When Simon the sorcerer saw this, he offered the apostles money to buy the power of God that worked through them, so that he could do what they were doing. Peter's response was, "May you perish with your money!" He urged him to repent for thinking he could buy the power of God. Peter called Simon on the jealousy, bitterness, and iniquity in his heart. Simon's response is as interesting as it is revealing; he asks Peter to pray for him that the terrible things Peter spoke of would not happen to him! Rather than repent, take ownership, and turn from sin, he asks Peter to do the work for him.

Simon the sorcerer liked power. He liked prestige. He liked being regarded by others. How often do we remain in bondage, captive to sin because we are unwilling to repent? Unwilling to take ownership for our sin and depravity? Unwilling to change our behavior or turn from sin because we derive some sort of pleasure or enjoyment by what we are doing?

If this is you today, make a conscious and deliberate decision to turn away from sin and turn to God. He is better than anything you turn away from. As you turn to him, he will greet you with loving arms of acceptance and healing.

Prayer:
Father, in the name of Jesus', I humbly come before you with a repentant heart. I pray that you would forgive me of my sins. I make a decision to turn away from sin and turn to you. Thank you for your love, acceptance, healing, and forgiveness. I receive it now. Amen.

If you would like pray for a specific area of repentance, I'd love to pray for you. Please email: lauri@abrokenheartsgps.org or call: 1(866)460-8976.

Loneliness and Social Isolation

6/22/2015

"And the LORD God said, “It is not good that man should be alone..."
--Genesis 2:18(NKJV)

Do you remember the Calgon bath commercial from the 1970s? The harried working mother who was overwhelmed by traffic, a yelling boss, a crying baby, and a barking dog? In a moment of exasperation and exhaustion she cries out, "Calgon, take me away!" And immediately, she finds herself in Calgon paradise. Clearly, this woman needed a retreat--even if it was her bathroom. I'm sure there are many moms out there, especially those with young children, whose bathroom has become an oasis!

Like the Calgon mom, there are times in which we need solitude and quiet, however extended periods of time spent alone are not good for us relationally, emotionally, or physically. We, as human beings, are created and designed for relationship and community. Everything God created in the Garden of Eden, he said was good. However, the one thing he said was not good, was man being alone. God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and in that sleep, he took a part of Adam (rib) and placed it in Eve. Ultimately, our hearts long for relationship because that is how we were created. There is a longing to be known by God and by others.

Studies reveal that loneliness and social isolation are detrimental to our well-being. They can cause or be a symptom of mental health issues like depression, phobias, and anxiety disorders. Social isolation can also effect one's self-esteem and feelings of self-worth. Additional studies also suggest that loneliness and social isolation can cause inflammation in the body, increase blood pressure, harden arteries, increase the stress hormone, cortisol, and decrease the immune system. There is also an increase risk of cancer, diabetes,heart disease, and other diseases.

You may ask, All of the above from loneliness and social isolation? Yes. When there are unmet longings of our hearts and our lives are not in sync with God's original plan, purpose, and intent-- we are predisposed to a myriad of negative effects.

You were created and designed for relationship with God and with others. Healthy relationships are necessary for our overall health and well-being as they bring about mutual fulfillment and enjoyment. If you struggle with loneliness or social isolation, consider the following:

* Pray. Talk to God about how you are feeling.

* Identify the root cause of loneliness and social isolation.

* Get involved in a local church.

* Volunteer at a local community organization.

* Take an art, exercise ("Zumba")/ dance, or poetry class

* Join a book club

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

Happy Father's Day!

6/20/2015

Happy Father's Day to all dads! God bless you!

We honor and celebrate you! Thank you for your guidance, protection, support, and care. May you have an outpouring of blessings for all that you do to love your families well, in Jesus' name!

“Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise—“so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”--Ephesians 6:2-3(NIV)

The Omnipotence of God

6/19/2015

"Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea— the LORD on high is mighty."--Psalm 93:4(NIV)

Here is a word of truth that I pray will bless and encourage you today and in the days to come: God is supreme in glory and majesty. He is unlimited and unmatched in power and authority!

There is no problem or circumstance that is greater than Him. Even Satan is beneath God. There is no power struggle between God and the enemy. Remember, Satan was kicked out of heaven by God (Isaiah 14:12). The enemy has limited power, but God's power is infinite. There is nothing too hard for Him.

Whatever you are facing today, trust that God has the solution. If you are confronting a marital problem, financial difficulty, health concern, parenting issues, a work/employment problem--whatever it is, God is greater. Trust that He will give you the strength, courage, wisdom, grace, and ultimately, peace to overcome any challenge.

Hear his voice above the thunder of the great waters and mighty breakers of the sea in your life. Do not allow appearances to deceive you, look beyond what you see. Focus on the One who is able to mighty to save, deliver, and set free!

An Attitude Of Gratitude

6/18/2015

"One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back to Jesus, shouting, “Praise God!” He fell to the ground at Jesus’ feet, thanking him for what he had done. This man was a Samaritan."--Luke 17:15-16(NLT)

We can learn a lot about gratitude from the story of the 10 lepers, found in Luke 17. When these ten men, who were banned from the city due to their disease, saw Jesus they cried out to Him for mercy. Jesus told them to go show themselves to the priests, and as they went they were cleansed. Yet, only one of the ten returned to Jesus to thank Him. His act of faith and gratitude, not only cleansed him of leprosy; but he was made whole. It is the Greek word "so-zo" meaning "safe and sound", "free from harm", "healed".

How often do we cry out to God for help or mercy and not say "thank you"? Life is hectic and busy. We are constantly harried, juggling schedules and activities--and a heart of gratitude may not often be in the mix. However, it should be our top priority. The word of God tells us to give thanks about everything (I Thessalonians 5:18). A heart of gratitude brings wholeness and healing. When we move from feeling sense of entitlement to deep appreciation and thankfulness for who God is and all He has done in our lives, we receive freedom, liberty, and unspeakable blessings--just as the one leper did in Luke 17. We know all ten were cleansed, but only one was made whole.

There are countless things to thank God for; and the more we thank Him the less we complain, the less negative thoughts we have, and the more positive we become. For example, thank God that just as you were approaching the long check-out lines, they opened another registered and you were able to bypass the long lines and whiz through check-out. Thank God that your co-worker thought of you and brought you a cup of coffee, that you were running too late to stop and pick up.

Make the spiritual discipline of gratitude a daily, hourly, moment by moment practice in your life. Taking the time to thank God for even the most mundane things will change your outlook and perspective on life. You will begin to feel freer, more joyful, and more invigorated. You will begin to smile more and feel lighter because your heart is grateful.

Warriors Pray

6/17/2015

"Never stop praying."-- I Thessalonians 5:17(NLT)

One of the greatest tools and weapons we possess is prayer.  Prayer is the avenue that links us to the supernatural realm of our heavenly Father. It is the Divine interacting with his sons and daughters. It is not lofty pretense. It does not require that we be poetic or crafty with verbiage. It is simply sharing your heart.

We have made prayer elusive and mysterious. Many people believe that only "spiritual" people can pray, but guess what--we are all spiritual people. So, all of us can pray and should pray.  God has made prayer simple--it's just talking to Him.

As we seek God in prayer, He will reveal himself. It may be through an overwhelming feeling of peace or love. He may speak a word or a scripture to your heart. He may use a person to be a blessing to you based on something that you have prayed. He may even give you a dream or a vision. The Bible is full of examples in which God interacted with his people during times of prayer. Consider Cornelius in Acts 10. While he (Cornelius) was in the temple praying, he had vision in which an angel told him that his prayers and good deeds had gone before the throne of God as a memorial offering:

"There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway. He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God."--Acts 10:1-4(KJV)

There are many ways in which God interacts with his people. The more time we spend in prayer, the more familiar we become with His voice and His presence.

For more information on prayer, visit the Prayer section.

Warriors Are Not Quiet

6/16/2015

“Shout with the voice of a trumpet blast. Shout aloud! Don’t be timid..."
--Isaiah 58:1(NLT)

Yesterday's blog post entitled, "Warriors Don't Run", dealt with confronting whatever we may be facing. II Timothy 1:7, teaches us that God has not given us the spirit of fear, but rather we have been given power, love, and a sound mind (self-control, self-discipline).

Another attribute of a warrior is his/her voice. Warriors are not quiet. As such, we have been commanded to sound the alarm and not be timid about making noise! All too often, we live life under a code of silence--in our homes, families, communities, churches, places of employment, etc. Silence is often used a scheme of the enemy. When he uses silence to accomplish his agenda, it is can be lethal. Silence perpetuates corruption, enabling, co-dependency, intimidation, bullying, cycles of abuse, addictions and other negative behaviors, family secrets, and generational bondage.

Have you ever seen a commercial for a public service announcement, "See something? Say something!" Many things can be averted, halted, and ultimately thwarted when break the code of silence and speak up. Yet, all too often fear (of backlash, retaliation, exposure, shattered image, condemnation, and so on) prevails and silence endures.

If you have been carrying a secret or living under a code of silence and would like prayer or supportive Christian counseling services, please contact lauri@abrokenheartsgps.org or call 1(866)460-8976.