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

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Guilt...a Hope Inhibitor

6/27/2016

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"Delayed hope makes one sick at heart, but a fulfilled longing is a tree of life."
--Proverbs 13:2 (GW)

"I feel terrible about it."
"I can't believe I did that."
"Why did I say that?"
​"I wish I could take it back."
"If only I could turn back time..."
​"Why do I keep doing this?..."

Guilt:  the reality or state of having committed a crime, violation, or wrong doing that violates a law or moral code; culpability: ​feeling a sense of remorse for an offense (real or imagined)

Guilt can be purposeful.  It suggests that we posses a regard for values and standards; and when there is a violation we have an internal response.  Our moral conscience indicates that we have crossed a boundary and we feel a sense of remorse or regret.  This can be a good thing as it may be interpreted as a motivator or a catalyst to promote positive changes in our lives.  However, there are times in which guilt is no longer purposeful because we are unable to move beyond it. 

Being consumed by guilt will halt progress and movement in our lives.  When  our hearts are consumed by guilt, we lose the capacity to hope.  Unresolved guilt may create despair and woe as well as lead to depression and anxiety.  When we lose the capacity to hope, our whole being is affected. 

The word of God tells in Proverbs 13:2 that when hope (expectation) is deferred (seized, prolonged, or postponed),  we become sick (grieved, wounded, weak, tired, infirmed, and diseased) in our souls.  Without hope, we are alive--but not living.  However, when we move through and beyond guilt our capacity to hope is restored.

​If you are plagued by guilt today--I have good news for you!  It is possible to lift the "emergency brake" from your heart and begin to start moving again in life.

​Overcoming Guilt
  • ​Deal with it!  Acknowledge the guilt.  Take responsibility for actions, words, choices, decisions. Begin to live (John 10:10)
  • Take the guilt before the Father.  Confess it.  Ask for forgiveness and allow the Lord to lift the guilt burden. (I John 1:9)
  • If apologies are needed--give them. (James 5:16)
  • Receive the ministry of the Holy Spirit as he restores your capacity to hope and move beyond guilt. (John 16:13)
  • Remember, no one is exempt for guilt, but we as believers have been given the gift of grace and freedom that enables us to move beyond hindering guilt that has become unnecessary and is no longer purposeful:

​"This righteousness of God comes through faith in Jesus Christ for all those [Jew or Gentile] who believe [and trust in Him and acknowledge Him as God’s Son]. There is no distinction, since all have sinned and continually fall short of the glory of God, and are being justified [declared free of the guilt of sin, made acceptable to God, and granted eternal life] as a gift by His [precious, undeserved] grace, through the redemption [the payment for our sin] which is [provided] in Christ Jesus..."
--Romans 3:22-24

​Prayer:
​Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank you for those reading this post now who are struggling with guilt.  I pray that they would be empowered to deal with it and bring it to you in prayer.  I pray that you would lift the burden of hindering guilt now in Jesus' name.  Restore the capacity to hope.  May they receive the gift of liberty and grace that you so freely give to your sons and daughters.  May this be a day of victory and movement in their lives in Jesus' name.  Amen and so be it according to your word.

​If you would like additional prayer or supportive counseling in this area, please contact: lauri@abrokenheartsgps.org or call 1.866.460.8976.



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The Life of Abimelech

6/22/2016

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"All the men of Shechem and all of Beth-millo assembled together, and they went and made Abimelech king, by the oak (terebinth) of the pillar (memorial stone) at Shechem."
--Judges 9:6(AMP)


​Join us as we study the life of Abimelech and consider how environments, particularly in childhood, shape our self-perception.   See how unmet needs and core longings shape our belief system and ultimately impact our choices, decisions, and behaviors.  Find out how getting to the root of the matter and identifying origins is the catalyst of healing as we present our brokenness to the Father.
​

www.podomatic.com/episodes/8104839
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An Overflowing Cup

6/21/2016

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"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.  You have anointed and refreshed my head with oil; My cup overflows."--Psalm 23:5 (AMP)


​I have good news for you today!  If you are a child of God, you have an overflowing cup!  What does that mean?  It means that you have an abundant life--a life that is full of the blessings of the Father.  In fact, it is so full that it brimming over.

By definition, "overflow" is indicative of something that is bursting or spilling over because of excess or surplus that cannot be accommodated by the available space.  Whoa!  Our lives are indicative of an overflowing cup.  We have been blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places
(Ephesians 1:3).  We have been blessed with an abundance of peace, joy, love, grace, mercy, compassion, kindness, forgiveness, rest, healing, well-being, help, provision, etc.  Our heavenly Father richly and generously pours out blessings  (Malachi 3:10) so that we may experience satisfaction and abundance in our souls.  When we look to him for provision--he never disappoints.

​Who or what filling your cup?  A relationship? A habit? A vice? Retail therapy? Pornography? The latest TV show? A designer handbag? A vacation? A new gadget or car? None of these things will ever bring overflow into our lives.  If the Lord is not our source, we will always require on-going refills from various watering holes that are specifically designed to keep us thirsty so that we will be "regulars", "frequent flyers"--the ones who always come back seeking our supply/fix.

​If you are finding yourself at various proverbial watering holes in a constant place of searching, may I encourage you to receive the overflow that the Father is offering?  He is the only One who can fulfill the promise to supply everything we need (Philippians 4:19) while bring abundance into our lives.
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A Prayer for the Thirsty Soul

6/16/2016

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Would you agree that there is a lot going on in our world?  Would you agree there is a lot going on in our communities?  May I zoom in a little closer?  Would you agree there is a lot going on our families?  Can we zoom in even closer and get introspective?  Would you agree there is a lot going on in our hearts? 

​Most of what we are seeing on the news, in our communities, and in families, as well as experiencing individually is the direct result of the unmet longings of a wearied, thirsty soul.  ​At the root of acts of violence, crime, indifference, abuse, addictions, bullying, perversions, venomous rage, compromise, self-deprecating--is a parched soul.  It is a soul that is aimlessly searching to meet real, legitimate needs.  The difficulty is, this is a futile quest.  A parched soul will never be quenched by acting out; it will only become more wicked and desperate.

​When we acknowledge our thirst, and accept our Father's loving invitation to receive the water He is offering--we live in a place of perpetual refreshing and satisfaction. 

Prayer
​Father, in the name of Jesus, we pray now for those who have a soul thirst and are searching for water.  May they receive your living water now.  Thank you that you have called us out of searching in dry, arid places of dearth and despair into your marvelous light (I Peter 2:9).  We renounce and repent of behaviors, mindsets, relationships that are rooted in unmet longings.  We decree and declare that only you can satisfy the core longings of hearts
(Psalm 107:9).  We decree and declare that this is a new day, a new beginning (Isaiah 43:19).  We walk in victory and satisfaction in Jesus' name.  Amen and so be it according to your word!
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Spiritual Hoarding

6/13/2016

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​"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who by faith have testified to the truth of God’s absolute faithfulness], stripping off every unnecessary weight and the sin which so easily
and cleverly entangles us, let us run with endurance and active persistence the race that is set before us..."--Hebrews 12:1(AMP)

​Have you ever seen a track runner race in a three-piece suit and overcoat or evening gown?  Of course not.  It sounds silly, right? Even if you are not a runner, most of us know that proper attire is necessary in order to run with comfort, speed, and endurance.  Carrying anything extra will either slow a runner down or sideline them from the race. ​It's the same in the spiritual.  Life is a race that we must run with endurance and persistence. 

Hebrews 12:1 commands us to take off and lay aside anything that is causing weight.  So why is this a commandment and not a suggestion?   We are called to remove anything in our lives that is prominent, bulky, and protuberating because it is designed to derail us or thwart us from the race.

​What is besetting you?  What is weighing you down spiritually?  What unnecessary weight are you carrying?  What are you hoarding spiritually?  The weight of offense?  Denial?  Procrastination?  Doubt?  Rage? Unforgiveness?  Shame?  Regret?  Despair?  Rejection?  Poor self-esteem? 

​​Well, I have good news for you today--you are called to run (in victory) and not carry (hoard)! 

​"Casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]."--I Peter 5:7

​
Throw your cares at the feet of Jesus so that you can run and win!  I'm not suggesting living in denial, but rather acknowledging the weight and giving it to the Lord.  In so doing, He will give your the wisdom and grace needed to continue moving and experience victory. 

Prayer
​Father, in the name of Jesus, we pray for those who are carrying besetting weight--weight that has encompassed, overwhelmed, and hindered the ability to progress.  The besetting weight of hurt, rejection, trauma, neglect, indifference, pessimism, irresponsibility, addictions, and laziness.  We renounce those weights now.  We cast them at your feet because we know, believe, and accept by faith that you care for us with deep affection and compassion.  We pray for your strength, guidance, direction, grace, and mercy as we endeavor to run with purpose--pursuing victory and anticipating triumph.  Amen, and so be it according to your Word.
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It's Time to Move Forward (Part 2)

6/10/2016

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​Progress is volitional.  It requires an inward desire, an internal press to move forward, and a belief that there is more to be obtained than what our present realities dictate.  It' necessitates a quiet confidence in knowing that we have been endowed with grace to not just stand, but to press--press against negativity, accusation, doubt, pessimism, memories, and circumstances that scream, "This is the best it's going to get--accept it!". 

No! Never accept a word contrary to the character, nature, and attributes of God.  If God is not saying--even if the thoughts are based on our self-perceptions--don't accept it.  It is a lie.

​What is keeping you from pressing?  What's halting your progression?  Identify it so that you can move beyond it.  Identify your "press".  What is God speaking quietly in your heart?  Agree with his word--in agreement there is provision (Psalm 34:10), help (Zephaniah 3:17), and victory (Romans 8:37)!

​Prayer:
Father, in the name of Jesus, I pray for anyone who is in a disengaged, neutral position in life.  May they be quickened by your word according to
Hebrews 4:12 to shift gears in the spirit and move forward.  Birth a new desire to press.  Restore the ability to dream, hope, and anticipate more...greater.  May your word come alive in the hearts now.  Amen, and so be it according to your word!
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It's Time to Move Forward

6/7/2016

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​"The Lord our God spoke to us at Horeb, saying, ‘You have stayed long enough on this mountain."--Deuteronomy 1:6(AMP)

Do you ever feel like you are on a roundabout in life--moving but going nowhere?   It has been going on so long that it has become familiar; perhaps even comfortable?  Recurring toxic relationships, destructive and habitual cycles, generational/family history of struggle ( i.e.; things your grandma struggles with, your mom struggles with struggle, you struggle with, and now you are beginning to see similar traits in your child), and so on. 

The irony is, all too often we are painfully aware of the on-going issue(s)--like the Israelites in Deuteronomy 1:6.  We know we are dizzy, nauseous, and need to get the proverbial roundabout.  But, what causes us to stay?  Why are we reluctant to leave our comfort zone fully cognizant that it is a place of toxic familiarity and stagnation?  Why do we remain when we know we should not be there?  What is going on in our minds and in our hearts that we should feel compelled to stay in a place of detriment when we know that there will be no progression?

​These are soulish questions that must be contemplated within our hearts--in quiet communion before the Father in prayer.  When we honestly grapple with our realities--our decisions and choices--and ask ourselves the hard questions and seek the Lord for answers we transition from a place of stagnation to progression.  It calls for blatant transparency--
I like it here...  I'm afraid to move forward...  This is all I have ever known...  What will my friends say?  This is just the way my family is... I know it's bad for me, but I just can't help it...

​
If we are ever going to leave the proverbial mountains of our lives--we must believe that where we are going is better than what we are leaving.  Movement requires a resolute and willful decision to transition beyond what is comfortable, take God at his word, and step forward in faith.

​Scriptures for meditation:
  • Deuteronomy 31:6 
  • Psalm 37:23-24
  • Psalm 119:105
  • Proverbs 3:5-6
  • Jeremiah 1:9
  • Jeremiah 29:11

Prayer
​Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank you for your word--which is our map and our compass which gives us direction and guidance to navigate through life.  I thank you for your word in Deuteronomy 1:6 that empowers us to leave places of dearth and stagnation.  I decree your word over those who are struggling to leave the proverbial mountains in their lives.  Give them the grace and strength to take a step of faith and move forward.  Bind the spirit of fear and worry.  Free them of complacency and familiarity.  Place a longing for greater in their hearts.  Reveal your desire for their lives--may they know that the plans you have for them are good plans to give them a future and hope.  In Jesus' name, Amen and so be it according to your word!
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Embracing Your True Identity (Part 2)

6/2/2016

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"Then God said, “Let Us (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) make man in Our image, according to Our likeness [not physical, but a spiritual personality and moral likeness]; and let them have complete authority over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the cattle, and over the entire earth, and over everything that creeps and crawls on the earth.”
​--Genesis 1:26(AMP)

Since the Garden, the enemy has worked relentlessly in attempts to sabotage our God-given identity and bring separation between us and our Creator:

"But the serpent said to the woman, “You certainly will not die! For God knows that on the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened [that is, you will have greater awareness], and you will be like God, knowing [the difference between] good and evil.”--Genesis 3:4-5(AMP)

And, the pursuit continues today:
  • Labels
  • Name-calling
  • Stereotypes
  • Judgements
  • Advertising
  • Marketing
  • What's "Trending"
  • Categorizing
  • Conforming
  • Self-images created from a place of brokenness

​This list could go on and on, but all roads lead to IDENTITY.  Identity; it's the essence of who we are.  It is what makes us unique and different from one another.  It is the expression of self, who we are at the core of our being.   

Parents cultivate the development of a child's identity through observation and interaction.  Godly parents will do this lovingly, prayerfully, and biblically--realizing that every child is born with a purpose.

In speaking with a dear senior citizen, she shared that she was abandoned by her mother at a young age.  As a young child without a mother and a negligent father, she began to observe people--their qualities, attributes, behavior, conversation, etc.  From there she began to emulate the aspects of those individuals she deemed desirable, admirable, or interesting.  What was she doing in actuality?  She was searching for an identity.  

In reality, many of us do the same thing this woman did because we long for worth, acceptance, significance, meaning, and importance.  All too often we leave the construction of our identity in the hands of others--rather than in the hands of our loving Father and Creator.

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you [and approved of you as My chosen instrument],And before you were born I consecrated you [to Myself as My own];..."--Jeremiah 1:5(AMP)

​
As in the case of Jeremiah, as well as Adam and Even, so it is with us.  According to scripture, we have been a given an identity that preceded birth.  It is not derived from social media, culture, modernity, etc.  Our true identity is found in the truth of scriptures.  If you are struggling to "find yourself", "re-invent yourself" or "fit it in" you will find yourself in a place of perpetual frustration and confusion--changing like a chameleon in a place of wanton longing. 

May I encourage you today?  Allow God to reveal his original intent when he created you.  You are an original design.  There has never been, and never will be,  anyone on the earth like you.  You are it!   



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You're Invited!

6/1/2016

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                      "You are the God who performs miracles;
        you display your power among the peoples."--Psalm 77:14
​

Join us Friday, June 3, 2016 at 7:00pm at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church,
999 S. Academy St. Glassboro, NJ--Rev. Harrod E. Clay, Jr. for a time repenting (2 Chronicles 7:14), resetting, replenishing, and re-routing!

Experience the power of God and the outpouring of His Spirit.  If there is a child, teenager, or young adult who is on your heart--bring them!

If you struggle with health issues, addictions, mental health concerns (depression, anxiety, worry, PTSD, etc.), financial concerns, marital/relational problems, issues of unforgiveness--you need to be here!

Come with expectation--bring your needs and concerns--as we set an atmosphere for miracles, signs, and wonders!

        For more information call:  856.881.2255 or 866.460.8976
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Prayer Requests

6/1/2016

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We're praying--and we'd love to pray with you!
Submit your prayer requests here
or call 1.866.460.8976

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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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