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

The Garment of Praise

10/29/2015

"To grant to those who mourn in Zion the following:
To give them a turban instead of dust [on their heads, a sign of mourning],
The oil of joy instead of mourning,
The garment [expressive] of praise instead of a disheartened spirit.
So they will be called the trees of righteousness [strong and magnificent, distinguished for integrity, justice, and right standing with God],
The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified."--Isaiah 61:3(AMP)

When we turn our hearts over to the Father in true praise and worship, we adorn a garment that makes us a force to be reckoned with. The garment of praise, as our pastor puts it, "gives us prominence and authority in the unseen realm". The heaviness of depression, worry, fear, anxiety, stress, anger, bitterness, shame, rejection, abandonment will flee when we are adorned with the garment of praise!

Willing ourselves to put on the garment of praise, even when we do not feel like it, will cause darkness and oppression to run in the other direction. When we are robed in Light; anything dark cannot stay.

"This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all."--I John 1:5(NLT)

If you are feeling "weighed down", begin to praise El Elyon--the Most High God. He is greater than any weight you may be experiencing.

Listen to this wonderful song by Matt Redman. Allow it to minister to your spirit.

Chaos

10/28/2015

Jesus told him, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!”--John 5:8(NLT)

I have encountered many people who like chaos. They derive some measure of satisfaction from it. And on some level, enjoy the attention that they receive from others due to their present state. Yet, this not God's way. God does not operate through chaos. He is organized, orderly, and strategic.

During our pastor's series on Mental Health (Being Healed, Whole, and Healthy), he shared good news and a word of encouragement. He stated that Jesus' is coming to us! He is not waiting for us to come to Him. He is meeting us where we are; in our confusion, distress, and chaos--and he is bringing healing and deliverance. He is Jehovah Rapha; The Lord that heals (Exodus 15:26).

Remember the demoniac of the Gaderenes in Mark 5? Well, prior to Jesus getting to the demoniac, he had to calm a storm (chaos) in Mark 4. When Jesus is headed your way--nothing can stop Him!

If you have a moment to read John 5, please do so. It is a fascinating account of the healing of a man who had been sick for 38 years. The Bible tells us that there was a pool, called Bethesda, which was a place where crowds of sick people gathered--the blind, the lame, and the paralyzed. They gathered there because at certain times, an angel would go down into the pool and stir the waters. Whoever got in the pool first would be made whole from whatever disease. Can you imagine the crowd of sick people pushing and shoving in desperation to get into the pool first? Can you imagine the disappointment felt by not getting into the pool first? Can you imagine being the diseased or sick onlooker--watching a fellow "patient" leave rejoicing, laughing, running and leaping in utter jubilation in glee as you sit wondering when will it be your turn? Can you imagine sitting by the pool day after day waiting for the angel to return? Imagine the disappointment of watching another sunset still plagued with an infirmity. Watching a sunrise and feeling a quiet hope that "today could be the day", only to greet another sunset with disappointment? Day after day after day...
Can you imagine this going on for years and years, as it did with the man mentioned in John 5, who had been sick for 38 years? When his moment of visitation had come, you would think he would be gung-ho. Yet, his response to Jesus' question was strange. When Jesus asked him if he wanted to be whole, he said, "I have no one to help me get to the pool. By the time I get there someone jumps in line ahead of me!" I love Jesus' response because he did not entertain or speak to the excuses. He simply said, "Stand up, pick up your bed, and walk." And guess what? The man did just that. The word of God says that immediately the man was healed and whole.

How many of us, like the man in John 5, have grown accustomed to our affliction? It may sound peculiar, but it is true. Many of us have been down for so long, we are comfortable with it. It has become familiar to us.
We begin to accept our condition and make accuses for why we are just sitting by the pool.

Unlike the man in John 5, we do not have to wait for an angel to stir the water to receive healing, wholeness, and deliverance. When Christ is standing before you asking, "Do you want to be well?", it is not the time to make excuses, justify your state, or play the blame game as we so often do. For example, we make statements like, "I come from a dysfunctional family." "I was not loved or wanted as a child." "I don't deserve anything good." "I tried, but it just doesn't work." "Good things happen for everyone else but me." "Nobody helps me do anything..."

Stop it! You have been down too long! It is time to get up, pick up whatever you have metaphorically be laying on (alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, apathy, pessimism, laziness, pornography, co-dependency, toxic relationships, depression, anxiety, etc.) and walk. Walk into the destiny that God has pre-purposed and pre-ordained for your life. Your time of healing has come!

Overcoming Issues of Trust

10/26/2015

"Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart. And do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way]." --Proverbs 3:5-6 (AMP)

This may not be your typical post of article as it relates to issues of trust, but I pray that it would be thought provoking and encouraging as we consider TRUST through the lens of scripture and the eyes of the Father.

Recently, one of my dear sisters in Lord, Lilian, a talented and successful business woman/entrepreneur shared aspects of her journey. She spoke with humility, confidence, and grace. As she reflectively talked about aspects of her journey, which were challenging and perhaps scary at times, she said, "It seems like God always puts me in the deep end of the pool. So, it's either sink or swim...I choose to swim".

What did her decision to swim translate to? TRUST. My dear sister chose to trust God. To trust His plan, his purpose, and destiny for her life. How did she get to such a place of trust? RELATIONSHIP.

How many of us are in a place of stagnation or regression because we are struggling with issues of trust? Most of us have experienced, at one time or another, some form disappointment, rejection, abandonment, etc. that has shaken or shattered our ability/desire to trust people or to trust God. When trust is betrayed, broken, or violated, our sense of safety, security, and protection is inhibited. We go into protective mode--erecting walls and soul fortresses to barricade our hearts from further breeches. We are no longer pursuing relationship with God or people.

Come Out of Hiding
1. Authentic trust begins with the Father. If you struggle with issues of trust, you are not alone. Acknowledge and confess this area before the Lord. Ask Him to heal the wounds of brokenness and uproot bitterness and unforgiveness (if they are present).

2. Cultivate a relationship with the Father. The foundation of any relationship is trust. As we pursue and seek a personal relationship with the Lord, trust is being developed.

Consider the disciples' response to Jesus' instruction after having fished all night and catching nothing. Consider their fatigue, frustration, and annoyance. Consider their ability to trust.

"When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon [Peter], “Put out into the deep water and lower your nets for a catch [of fish].” Simon replied, “Master, we worked hard all night [to the point of exhaustion] and caught nothing [in our nets], but at Your word I will [do as you say and] lower the nets [again].” When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their nets were [at the point of] breaking...After they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed Him [becoming His disciples, believing and trusting in Him and following His example].
--Luke 5:4-6,11(AMP)

3. Listen, depend, rely, and obey the voice and promptings of Holy Spirit.
The more time we spend in God's presence (prayer, meditating, reading the Bible, worshipping), the more in tune our spirits become to hearing Holy Spirit. He enlightens, gives wisdom, and discernment as we interact in relationship with others.

4. Don't project past disappointments by people onto God. God is love. He does not violate, abuse, abandon, or mistreat. He is pure, compassionate, holy, and righteous. As we bring our hearts and our brokenness to Him, he will care for us with warmth, tenderness, and acceptance. We are safe and secure in Him.

Prayer
Father, in the name of Jesus, I pray for each and every person who may be struggling with issues of trust. I pray that as they would bring their brokenness before you, that you would uproot pain, bitterness, resentment. Remove walls and barriers. Fill them with your love, peace, and joy. Thank you for the guidance of Holy Spirit leading them in the way of truth and light. Thank you for your promise to bring wholeness and healing. We receive it now. Amen

Hurling Insults, Sarcasm, and Opinions

10/21/2015

"As the Philistine paced back and forth, his shield bearer in front of him, he noticed David. He took one look down on him and sneered—a mere youngster, apple-cheeked and peach-fuzzed. The Philistine ridiculed David. “Am I a dog that you come after me with a stick?” And he cursed him by his gods. “Come on,” said the Philistine. “I’ll make roadkill of you for the buzzards. I’ll turn you into a tasty morsel for the field mice.”--I Samuel 17(The Message Bible)

As it relates to the scripture above--WOW! What insulting remarks...what a blatant attack on someone's character and dignity. If you were in David's place, what would your response have been?

Consider David's response to the giant, Goliath's, hurling insults, sarcasm, and verbalized opinion of David:

"David answered, “You come at me with sword and spear and battle-ax. I come at you in the name of God-of-the-Angel-Armies, the God of Israel’s troops, whom you curse and mock. This very day God is handing you over to me. I’m about to kill you, cut off your head, and serve up your body and the bodies of your Philistine buddies to the crows and coyotes. The whole earth will know that there’s an extraordinary God in Israel. And everyone gathered here will learn that God doesn’t save by means of sword or spear. The battle belongs to God—he’s handing you to us on a platter!”
--I Samuel 17 (The Message Bible)

The motivational speaker and author, Les Brown, once stated, "Don't let someone else's opinion of you become your reality." David knew who he was (identity) in God. He knew his value, he knew his purpose, but most of all--he knew God and the power of his word.

When we are confronted with a "verbal assassin"--may we remember the power of the word of God. His word always trumps insults, sarcasm, and opinions. And, His word is TRUTH! If you have been insulted, the victim of sarcasm, or have been negatively impacted by someone's opinion of you, put the Word of God on it!

"For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."--Hebrews 4:12 (The Message Bible)

What Do You Need?

10/16/2015

"How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!"
--Psalm 133:1(NIV)

Yesterday, our nine-year-old daughter, Zoe', was giving me hugs and tons of love. As I relished in her heartfelt embrace and compassion, she--in wisdom beyond her years said, "Mom...you can't buy love. You have to ask for it." Her innocent, yet perceptive and truthful words resonated in me. How often we walk through life, secretly longing for something--yet too afraid, too angry, too depressed, or too prideful to ask.

We all have emotional needs. Some of them include the need for love, warmth, security, acceptance, and value. When these needs go unmet, for a myriad of reasons (an emotionally unavailable parent, an inattentive spouse, an insensitive boss, etc.), we kick into a survival mode of sorts. We learn how to compensate for the unmet need in maladaptive ways--addictions, social isolation and withdrawal, and anti-social behaviors, to name a few. There may also be efforts to avoid, minimize, or ignore the need. Yet, the need has not gone anywhere; it has simply been securely covered and tucked away in the deepest places of the heart.

What if rather than ignoring or avoiding our emotional needs, we communicated them? What if we actually began to state our needs? Our voices have so much power and influence. We can literally change atmospheres and environments, bring awareness to issues and concerns, and cultivate greater sense of community and relationship as we communicate our needs one to another, and ultimately in prayer to God the Father, who promises to supply our every need!

Are you willing to take a risk and communicate a need?

"And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus."--Philippians 4:19(NIV)

Intercessors, Gate Keepers, and Watchmen

10/15/2015

Please join our Facebook Intercessory Prayer Group page, "Intercessors, Gate Keepers, and Watchmen".

You can also post prayer requests there as well! See you there!

Join Us!

10/14/2015

You're invited to attend the Mount Zion Church of Glassboro, NJ Morning Worship service!

Our Pastor, the Rev. Harrod Emmanuel Clay, Jr. has been in an intriguing series on Mental Health--encompassing trauma and the effects of adverse childhood experiences. If you or a loved one has experienced trauma-you don't want to miss this!

You will be encouraged, empowered, and equipped with tools from the Word of God.

Small Group Ministry at 9:00 and café-style breakfast at... 10:30AM.
Worship Service starts at 11:00AM
Café-style lunch immediately following Morning Worship.

For more information, please call (856)881-2255 or (866)460-8976
or email:lauri@abrokenheartsgps.org

Hope to see you there!

Secrets

10/13/2015

"...to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free..."--Isaiah 58:6(KJV)

We are all familiar with secrets--"something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others". For the purpose of this post, we are considering the secrets that are detrimental to our souls. These types of secrets may be held to protect (ourselves, family, etc.) and make us feel safe, in efforts to avoid the threat that something hidden will be revealed or exposed. Yet, the reality is, the very efforts put in to harboring a secret work against us.

Some secrets are parasitic; they bring real harm to our mind, body, spirit. Secrets can make us sick both physically (appetite and sleep changes, headaches, stomach maladies, etc.) and emotionally (depression, fear, anxiety, worry, etc.). Secrets can also effect our relationships as they create barriers to real, authentic, meaningful, and mutually satisfying relationships. If I am harboring a secret, then there is a part of me that is being withheld from the person with whom I am in relationship--as I am closely guarding how much of "me" is being shared.

         Are you harboring a secret that is wounding your soul?

If you answered yes to the above question--good for you! That is the first step toward freedom and total liberty. Jesus died so that you could be free--free of secrets, guilt, shame, and fear. You are called to a life of victory and abundance. Secrets oppress and weigh us down.   Jesus lets the oppressed go free!

Steps to Surrendering the Secret
1. Acknowledge the secret

2. Pray and surrender your secret to God, your heavenly Father, who loves you.

3. Share your secret with someone you trust who will care for your heart and offer warmth, safety, love and acceptance (a pastor, Christian counselor, etc.)

4. Believe that nothing can separate you from God's love:

"Who will bring any charge against God’s elect (His chosen ones)? It is God who justifies us [declaring us blameless and putting us in a right relationship with Himself].  Who is the one who condemns us? Christ Jesus is the One who died [to pay our penalty], and more than that, who was raised [from the dead], and who is at the right hand of God interceding [with the Father] for us. Who shall ever separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?--Romans 8:33-35(AMP)

If you would like to share your secret, you are welcome to do so here. This is a safe place.Simply, and anonymously (if you choose)

call:1(866)460-8976

email: lauri@abrokenheartsgps.org

inbox: www.facebook.com/A Broken Hearts GPS Christian Counseling and Resource Center.

Be Well

10/7/2015

"When Jesus heard it, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick..."--Mark 2:17(AMP)

Our pastor, Rev. Harrod E. Clay, Jr., has been teaching on an intriguing series encapsulating mental health, wholeness, and well-being. So often we were a façade a "wellness". Yet, underneath all of the fluff, we are secretly broken. Brokenness is what Jesus came for. He came to heal the brokenhearted--not those who are well, or pretend to be.

The key to becoming well, is to acknowledge that there is an area(s)in our lives that is not well. We must be willing to be transparent and honest before God and confess that we do not have it all together, that we have issues, that we have unresolved conflict plaguing our minds, and that we are not "the man" or "the woman".

Are you willing to own these hard truths? Are you willing to leave pride, secrecy, and inhibitions at the door and run to the Healer? Are you ready to be well?

If you would like more information on Pastor Clay's sermon series, please contact: 1(866)460-8976 or email: lauri@abrokenheartsgps.org.

Cleansing the Toxic Heart

10/6/2015

"Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; Save me, and I shall be saved, For You are my praise."--Jeremiah 17:14(NKJV)

Medical research reveals that most diseases are directly related to our thought life--thoughts of fear, anxiety, depression, and worry are breeding grounds for sickness, illness, and disease to wreak havoc in our bodies as they trigger physical and chemical responses that activate hormones in our bodies that can lead to cancer, diabetes, heart disease, allergies, autoimmune disorders, inflammation, arthritis, stomach ailments (diverticulitis, irritable bowel syndrome, etc.), high blood pressure, migraines, etc.

Our bodies were simply not designed or created for "dis-ease". We are created in the image and likeness of God. There is no darkness in the Father of Lights. So, when darkness (fear, offenses, anger, worry, stress, etc.) invades our thinking, our behavior, our hearts--we become vulnerable to the aforementioned physical maladies.

God desires that his people be whole and healthy. Are you healthy today? Or are you being plagued by toxicity?

Areas of Toxicity
* Trauma
* Shame
* Guilt
* Secrecy
* Unforgiveness/Bitterness
* Offenses
* Abuse
* Unhealthy relationships
* Rage/Anger
* Hatred
* Jealousy
* Worry
* Regret

Detox/Cleansing a Toxic Heart
1. Acknowledge that there is toxicity.
2. Identify the toxins
3. Pray
4. Worship
5. Meditate on the word of God

Prayer
Father, in the name of Jesus, I come before your throne with worship, praise, and adoration. I acknowledge you as my heavenly Father and Creator. You are Jehovah Rapha, the Lord God who heals. Father, I confess the toxic areas of my life. I pray that you would heal my heart. Remove emotional waste and cleanse the toxins. Bring health, healing, and wholeness to my mind and my body.

Bind anything that is not of you, in Jesus' name. Loose your supernatural joy, shalom, and rest in my heart. May they overflow and transcend into my home, my relationships, my family--every area of my life. Amen, and so be it according to your holy word.

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