July Blog – Week 1

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2 Corinthians 5:7 NIV “For we live by faith, not by sight. When was the last time faith rose in you? In that moment, you didn’t consider the circumstance; you considered the Lord. Faith sees differently. Faith speaks differently. Faith makes different decisions. Faith lives, and you live by faith. Without it, you cannot please the Lord (Heb. 11:6). Faith is evidence that you trust God. It is evidence that you
believe Him. And with faith comes obedience. If there is no obedience, there is no faith. It’s no wonder why true life for the believer is lived by faith.

Today, you have an opportunity to have faith in God. How can you live by faith while in your home, on your job or wherever you are? “Faith assures us of things we expect and convinces us of the existence of things we cannot see,” (Heb. 11:1, GW). Faith isn’t double minded. It isn’t wishful thinking. Instead, faith sees something, says something, and does something based on God’s word. So, let faith rise as the Kingdom of God advances!

Week’s prayer:

“Lord, thank You for providing the Faith I need to live each day.”

Action:

How have you demonstrated faith during a challenging time?

July Blog – Week 2

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Mark 11:24 – Therefore, I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

Life with God leads you to live differently. Because of your faith in Jesus, you make certain decisions and resist the urge to make other ones. When was the last time you decided differently because of the Holy Spirit’s leading? Perhaps at one time you thought you would marry one person, but because of God, you chose differently. Maybe at another time, you planned on receiving one job opportunity, but the Lord showed you something better. If you have lived long enough, you have made difficult decisions by faith.

Perhaps you are at a crossroads yet again. Maybe you have been wrestling with options, but you don’t know which one to choose. Both routes appear good. Though you may not know what to do yet, it doesn’t mean you will never know. So, talk to your Father. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your steps. And He will. In His time, He will.

Week’s Prayer:

“Lord, send clarity so that I may decide wisely concerning my circumstance.”

Action:

How have you demonstrated faith during a challenging time?

July Blog – Week 3

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Mark 10:52 “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.

Has God shown you a dream about your future? Maybe you are living in it right now. Or perhaps you are in the waiting room. If you believe what the Lord has revealed, you will do something. You will prepare for what God has prepared for you. As you go, God will
go with you. Remember that in moments when you are waiting on the Lord, sometimes He is waiting on you. If you ask the Holy Spirit to help you discern the difference, He will.

Consider James’ words: “So too, faith, if it does not have works [to back it up], is by itself dead [inoperative and ineffective],” (Ja. 2:17, AMP). Action is evidence that faith lives. And God called you to live by faith. No matter what the enemy hurls your way, live by faith. No matter what people say about you, live by faith. God’s word is true. His plans won’t fail. So, be one who acts upon what the Lord reveals.

Week’s Prayer:

“Lord, help me feed my faith and starve my fears and doubts.”

Action:

What is one step you can take today to feed your faith?

July Blog – Week 4

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Hebrew 11:3 “By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.”

Today, you don’t have to know everything. You don’t even have to understand everything. When God has spoken, when He has promised, let faith live in and through you. What are you waiting on? What are you watching for? For some, the wait is long. For others, it’s within reach. No matter the length of time, Hope in God. None of His words fall to the ground fruitless. Each word from the Lord is productive. His words produce. His words prevail. God’s words prosper.

If you’re in the middle of a long night, don’t give up. Hope in God. If you’ve travailed through a difficult road, let hope arise. The Lord sees the end before it begins. He planned for it. He prepares you for it. He develops you through it. And the end result is good as you live in Him. Resist the urge to get weary. Hope. Have faith. Trust. God will walk you through.

Week’s Prayer:

“Lord, make me one who hopes in You because of the faith You provide.”

Action:

As a result of your faith, what are you hoping for?

June – Week 1

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Well, here you are! You have succeeded in leaving the toxic relationship behind. You and your kids are in a safe place filled with
calm and peaceful vibes. You’re tired and exhausted physically and emotionally. But you no longer need to walk on eggshells. Relief has arrived.

You have given up so much to escape to this refuge. You begin to list in your mind what’s been left behind. Clothing, bedding,
kitchenware, perhaps your car or your job, all of which will eventually be replaced. But what have you really lost? Self-respect,
confidence? God can restore all things through Christ Jesus.

June – Week 2

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Building respect starts with setting healthy boundaries. This can be difficult to approach after living with an abusive partner.
Reach Out Speak Out has counselors to help you begin to learn to set these boundaries.

This will benefit not only your life but the lives of your children.

This improves self worth which creates a healthy, confident person and lessens the likelihood of the children being drawn into their
own toxic relationship when they grow up.

Taking these steps can be a bit scary. But I promise you that with each step you will begin to feel proud of yourself. Good choice!

June – Week 3

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Let’s look at how many responsibilities you have been carrying.

How many are really your responsibility versus others, like your ex-partner or other family members.

Now is the time to put down what is not yours to carry. I know this seems difficult and even scary but for each responsibility you
return to the rightful owner you will gain a little respect for yourself and think “Wow, look at me. Standing up for myself.” This
is looking out for yourself.

You have begun to build healthy boundaries and a little confidence.

June – Week 4

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God is your strength. Praise him daily.

While you are no longer taking on others responsibility, there may be some friction and some puzzled onlookers. Even the kids
are wondering who is this new mother of ours. You have probably been teaching them about their responsibilities too. You have also
gained some of their respect.

Now when you slip up and then see that something is not yours to handle, don’t give up or berate yourself. Forgive yourself and
keep moving forward.

God will not give up on you.

Difficult Conversations – Week 1

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Difficult Conversations/Difficult People

(How to have that difficult conversation you’ve been avoiding)

Week 1

When you think about the characteristics of a difficult person…what words or phrases come to your mind? Obnoxious, hurtful, demeaning, invasive, irritable, rigid, selfish,disrespectful, pushy, insensitive, etc? These are just a few descriptions of people we sometimes encounter. Maybe you are thinking of the critical parent that questions all your decisions about how you are raising your child or the “control freak” who wants to control everything and everybody. And what about the manipulator who does and says whatever they can to pressure you into doing what they want and if you don’t, they get mad, withhold love and try to control you with their anger.

Perhaps you are thinking about that friend that keeps you on the phone for hours even after you have tried to hang up.

Difficult Conversations – Week 2

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Difficult Conversations/Difficult People

(How to have that difficult conversation you’ve been avoiding)

Week 2

Well, we have all encountered different situations and people in our lives that are hard to deal with…some are more toxic than others, but the truth is that we must learn to deal with the people who are not respecting us, not valuing who we are and who are STEALING OUR PEACE! Romans 12:18 says “If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.” The key word here is the word “if.

The truth here is that sometimes it is not possible to live at peace with some people. So how do we deal with those people and those difficult situations? Do we just let it go, hoping they will change or do we just allow our anger to turn into resentment? We all know that ignoring a problem doesn’t usually solve a problem or make it go away. So what do we do?

I would like to give you some practical ways to counteract these negative behaviors. Remember, the goal is to preserve the relationship, “if at all possible,” as the scripture says.

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