Ladies,
As we learn how God loves each of us and created us as the crowning jewel of His creation; I ask you to consider the sweet 'forgotten' princesses in this world. CT is partering with Sower of Seeds International and raising money to rescue women and children from the largest redlight district in Asia. Pator Toby has written a book, "Normal" and all the proceeds from the sale of this book will be going to this worthy cause. This Christmas, though we may not know their names God knows each one and we have the opportunity to bless them and show them in a real way that they have never been forgotten by their King. Please watch this video, and consider making difference for His Princesses who's name you'll never know and He'll never forget.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Ch. 7 Romanced
Good Morning Sweet ladies!
I am so thankful to be here with you today. God has brought us all together through time and space and however you landed here I believe that you were brought here by your King, because He wants you to know how very much He loves you. How he desires and wants to romance you and wants you to know in every cell of your being that you are precious, priceless and His princess.
Let's begin with a prayer from our writer Staci. Let's invite Him to the discussion and further into our hearts with her words: "Dear Jesus, I love you. I need you. I come before you now as yours, asking for your help, your grace. My life is yours. Would you speak to me about your love and how you see me? I need your help, your revelation. I am your Bride. You are my Bridegroom. Help me to more fully understand and embrace that, Jesus, I give you access to all of my heart. I invite you into every part. Come, Holy Spirit, have your way that I might love you, God, more deeply and truly with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen."
I'll be using the questions from our workbook "Now go back over the chapter, skimming the pages. What does it evoke in your heart? What is your response to this chapter?"
"What did you like. . . and what are you struggling with in this chapter?"
"We opened this chapter in the book with me sharing the story of a walk on a starlit night, one of my first experiences of God's intimate love.
This wild God of mine, who knows my every thought and intention, who sees my every failure and sin, loves me. Not in a religious way, not in the way we usually translate when we hear, 'God loves us.' Which usually sounds like 'because he has to' or meaning 'he tolerates you.' No. He loves me as a Lover loves. Whoa. Is this a new thought to you? A new category to think in? What do you think of it? What is your heart's response?"
"Romance does not need to wait for a man. God longs to bring this into your life Himself. God wants you to move past the childlike 'Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.' He wants to heal us through His love to become mature women who actually know him. He wants us to experience verses like , 'Therefore I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her' (Hos. 2:14 NKJV) And 'You have stolen my heart, my sister, my bride' (Song 4:9 NKJV) Our hearts are desperate for this.
Dream a little. What would it be like to experience for yourself that the truest thing about God's heart toward yours is not disappointment or disapproval but deep, fiery, passionate love?"
"What would that alter in the way you see yourself. . . and God?"
"In this chapter I said, 'The root of all holiness is Romance.' My hunch is that many of you have never heard that before. So let me explain. Jesus said 'If you love Me, keep My commandments' (John 14:15NKJV). By this he didn't mean, "Prove it. Prove you love me by obeying the Law.' No, what he was describing was the beauty of a heart in love with him. 'The natural result of your heart in love with me will be to keep my commands. You'll want to. Any other life will seem dull and hollow and unappealing.' When you love someone, you want to please them. you want to do the things they want to do. The same holds true in your walk with God. Does that begin to make sense to you-that romance with God is the root of all holiness?"
"If you'll open your heart to the possibility; you'll find that God has been wooing you ever since you were a little girl. Yes, we said earlier that the story of your life is the story of a long and sustained assault upon your heart by the one who knows what you could be and fears you. But that is only part of the story. Every story has a villain. Every story also has a hero. The Great Love Story of the Scriptures are telling us about also reveals a Lover who longs for you. The story of your life is also the story of the long and passionate pursuit of your heart by the One who knows you best and loves you most." "God has written the Romance not only on our hearts but all over the world around us . What we need is for him to open our eyes, to open our ears that we might recognize his voice calling to us, see his hand wooing us in the beauty that quickens our hearts. Pray. Ask him to."
"What were the things that romanced you as a girl?" "Those were all whispers from your Lover, notes sent to awaken your heart's longings. And as we journey into a true intimacy with God as women , he often brings those things back into our lives, to remind us he was there, to heal and restore things that were lost or stolen. What would you like God to restore to you?"
"Ask Jesus for the eyes to see how he is romancing your heart today. What are the things that take your breath away? The things that make you cry or fill your heart with longing?"
"This is not to say that our lives are lived as one big romantic moment with Jesus. It is saying, however, that the Romance is the deepest thing, the foundation of our relationship with Him. All relationships ebb and flow, Yes? How would you describe your relationship with God over the past several months? The ebbing in our experience of God is to draw out our hearts in deeper longing. In the times of emptiness, an open heart notices. When you are aware of a distance, an ebbing in your heart with God, what do you feel? Often God allows these feelings to surface to help us go back to times when we have felt like this before. Notice also what do you want to do and how do you handle your heart. Are you shutting down in anger? Turning to food? To others? How do you usually handle your heart when it is aching? What is crucial is that next time, we handle our hearts differently. We ask our Lover to come for us, and we keep our hearts open to his coming. We choose not to shut down.. We let the tears come. We allow the ache to swell into a longing prayer for our God. And he comes, dear hearts. He does come. The times of intimacy-the flowing waters of love-those times then bring healing to places in our hearts which still need his touch."
"Where are places you would like him to come? To heal? To love? Are you beginning to grasp more deeply what it is that God wants from you? What is he after?"
"He longs for you. Let that be true for a moment. Let it be true of you. Sit with that truth. Ponder it. What is your heart's response?"
"Now for one of the most beautiful mysteries of the feminine heart; women minister something to the heart of God that men do not. A tenderness, a mercy, an intimacy. There is only one time that Jesus says that what a person did to him, did for him, was beautiful. What was it?" "Women hold a special place in the heart of God. A woman's worship brings Jesus immense pleasure and a deep ministry. You can minister to the heart of God. You impact Him. You matter. How does that make you feel?"
"God is waiting. He longs for you. Offer your heart to him. Intimacy with Jesus takes cultivating. Relationships grow over time. To become intentional about cultivating a heart of worship, a heart of devoted adoration is a beautiful thing. Do you want this? If so, what will you have to let go of in order to make room for private worship in your life? If no, what are you afraid of?"
"To be spiritual is to be in a Romance with God. What is your heart's response now to that truth? Sigh. Breathe. Christianity is even better than you thought. Jesus is better than you thought! And as we grow in knowing him, he just continues to get more so. Come. Sit at his feet."
"One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple Psalm 27:4 NKJV
Well we did it my sweet sisters. We got through that chapter. That life and love changing chapter together! Thank you Lord! Lord, sweet Husband, I ask you blessing over these women as they begin to understand your heart for them, your PASSION for them. I pray that you will reveal yourself ever more intimately to them today and in the coming days. Show them the ways that you woo them. Blow their socks off as only you can! Thank you Lord, for each and every one of these souls and what they will accomplish with you for your Kingdom. Thank you for sharing them with me and most of all THANK YOU FOR LOVING ME MORE THAN I CAN FATHOM! AMEN!
One last thing ladies, It would mean the world to me if you would read my response to this chapter. Much love and prayers! KP
I am so thankful to be here with you today. God has brought us all together through time and space and however you landed here I believe that you were brought here by your King, because He wants you to know how very much He loves you. How he desires and wants to romance you and wants you to know in every cell of your being that you are precious, priceless and His princess.
Let's begin with a prayer from our writer Staci. Let's invite Him to the discussion and further into our hearts with her words: "Dear Jesus, I love you. I need you. I come before you now as yours, asking for your help, your grace. My life is yours. Would you speak to me about your love and how you see me? I need your help, your revelation. I am your Bride. You are my Bridegroom. Help me to more fully understand and embrace that, Jesus, I give you access to all of my heart. I invite you into every part. Come, Holy Spirit, have your way that I might love you, God, more deeply and truly with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen."
I'll be using the questions from our workbook "Now go back over the chapter, skimming the pages. What does it evoke in your heart? What is your response to this chapter?"
"What did you like. . . and what are you struggling with in this chapter?"
"We opened this chapter in the book with me sharing the story of a walk on a starlit night, one of my first experiences of God's intimate love.
This wild God of mine, who knows my every thought and intention, who sees my every failure and sin, loves me. Not in a religious way, not in the way we usually translate when we hear, 'God loves us.' Which usually sounds like 'because he has to' or meaning 'he tolerates you.' No. He loves me as a Lover loves. Whoa. Is this a new thought to you? A new category to think in? What do you think of it? What is your heart's response?"
"Romance does not need to wait for a man. God longs to bring this into your life Himself. God wants you to move past the childlike 'Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.' He wants to heal us through His love to become mature women who actually know him. He wants us to experience verses like , 'Therefore I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her' (Hos. 2:14 NKJV) And 'You have stolen my heart, my sister, my bride' (Song 4:9 NKJV) Our hearts are desperate for this.
Dream a little. What would it be like to experience for yourself that the truest thing about God's heart toward yours is not disappointment or disapproval but deep, fiery, passionate love?"
"What would that alter in the way you see yourself. . . and God?"
"In this chapter I said, 'The root of all holiness is Romance.' My hunch is that many of you have never heard that before. So let me explain. Jesus said 'If you love Me, keep My commandments' (John 14:15NKJV). By this he didn't mean, "Prove it. Prove you love me by obeying the Law.' No, what he was describing was the beauty of a heart in love with him. 'The natural result of your heart in love with me will be to keep my commands. You'll want to. Any other life will seem dull and hollow and unappealing.' When you love someone, you want to please them. you want to do the things they want to do. The same holds true in your walk with God. Does that begin to make sense to you-that romance with God is the root of all holiness?"
"If you'll open your heart to the possibility; you'll find that God has been wooing you ever since you were a little girl. Yes, we said earlier that the story of your life is the story of a long and sustained assault upon your heart by the one who knows what you could be and fears you. But that is only part of the story. Every story has a villain. Every story also has a hero. The Great Love Story of the Scriptures are telling us about also reveals a Lover who longs for you. The story of your life is also the story of the long and passionate pursuit of your heart by the One who knows you best and loves you most." "God has written the Romance not only on our hearts but all over the world around us . What we need is for him to open our eyes, to open our ears that we might recognize his voice calling to us, see his hand wooing us in the beauty that quickens our hearts. Pray. Ask him to."
"What were the things that romanced you as a girl?" "Those were all whispers from your Lover, notes sent to awaken your heart's longings. And as we journey into a true intimacy with God as women , he often brings those things back into our lives, to remind us he was there, to heal and restore things that were lost or stolen. What would you like God to restore to you?"
"Ask Jesus for the eyes to see how he is romancing your heart today. What are the things that take your breath away? The things that make you cry or fill your heart with longing?"
"This is not to say that our lives are lived as one big romantic moment with Jesus. It is saying, however, that the Romance is the deepest thing, the foundation of our relationship with Him. All relationships ebb and flow, Yes? How would you describe your relationship with God over the past several months? The ebbing in our experience of God is to draw out our hearts in deeper longing. In the times of emptiness, an open heart notices. When you are aware of a distance, an ebbing in your heart with God, what do you feel? Often God allows these feelings to surface to help us go back to times when we have felt like this before. Notice also what do you want to do and how do you handle your heart. Are you shutting down in anger? Turning to food? To others? How do you usually handle your heart when it is aching? What is crucial is that next time, we handle our hearts differently. We ask our Lover to come for us, and we keep our hearts open to his coming. We choose not to shut down.. We let the tears come. We allow the ache to swell into a longing prayer for our God. And he comes, dear hearts. He does come. The times of intimacy-the flowing waters of love-those times then bring healing to places in our hearts which still need his touch."
"Where are places you would like him to come? To heal? To love? Are you beginning to grasp more deeply what it is that God wants from you? What is he after?"
"He longs for you. Let that be true for a moment. Let it be true of you. Sit with that truth. Ponder it. What is your heart's response?"
"Now for one of the most beautiful mysteries of the feminine heart; women minister something to the heart of God that men do not. A tenderness, a mercy, an intimacy. There is only one time that Jesus says that what a person did to him, did for him, was beautiful. What was it?" "Women hold a special place in the heart of God. A woman's worship brings Jesus immense pleasure and a deep ministry. You can minister to the heart of God. You impact Him. You matter. How does that make you feel?"
"God is waiting. He longs for you. Offer your heart to him. Intimacy with Jesus takes cultivating. Relationships grow over time. To become intentional about cultivating a heart of worship, a heart of devoted adoration is a beautiful thing. Do you want this? If so, what will you have to let go of in order to make room for private worship in your life? If no, what are you afraid of?"
"To be spiritual is to be in a Romance with God. What is your heart's response now to that truth? Sigh. Breathe. Christianity is even better than you thought. Jesus is better than you thought! And as we grow in knowing him, he just continues to get more so. Come. Sit at his feet."
"One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple Psalm 27:4 NKJV
Well we did it my sweet sisters. We got through that chapter. That life and love changing chapter together! Thank you Lord! Lord, sweet Husband, I ask you blessing over these women as they begin to understand your heart for them, your PASSION for them. I pray that you will reveal yourself ever more intimately to them today and in the coming days. Show them the ways that you woo them. Blow their socks off as only you can! Thank you Lord, for each and every one of these souls and what they will accomplish with you for your Kingdom. Thank you for sharing them with me and most of all THANK YOU FOR LOVING ME MORE THAN I CAN FATHOM! AMEN!
One last thing ladies, It would mean the world to me if you would read my response to this chapter. Much love and prayers! KP
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Christmas of Compassion
Still have Christmas gifts to buy for someone on your list? This year make a REAL difference in their name. Shop from home and change the world in the name of someone you love. Remember the reason for the season. If I happen to be on anyone's list it would honestly MAKE MY YEAR if you picked ANYTHING from here in my name! :) Love you all!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Ch. 6 "Healing the Wound"
"Down those old ancient streets,
Down those old ancient roads,
Baby there together we must go
Till we get the healing done."
Van Morrison (quoted from the
Welcome Sweet Friends,
Stasi opened chapter six with this quote and I can't think of a better way to open our study of the chapter. I sat and listened to the great Van Morrison sing this song to me and envisioned being serenaded by my Father and heavenly husband. Even when you know you are headed down a hard road.. knowing you are going there with someone who loves you and will walk with you somehow makes the journey almost inviting. So, I'm inviting you to walk with me and our Father through this chapter.
Let's begin by inviting him into our heart to heal: Dear Father, thank you for loving us enough to come for us, to encourage us, to heal us. You know each of us intimately. You know our wounds and you know our desperate places. I invite you to the darkest corners of my heart and soul. I invite you to the secret gardens that I had locked away because of the pain. I ask you to reveal to me what I need to know, open the doors that you need me to open, touch my soul with your healing love so that I may love you more than I ever knew I could. I ask your blessing over each of these precious women and I ask you to tell them each exactly how you feel about them. Surround them with your precious spirit and bless their time here together. Amen.
"Now, go back over the chapter, skimming the pages. What strikes you? What does it evoke in your heart?" "What does reading this chapter make you want to do?"
"Were you able to journey through this chapter and pray, asking for God's healing?"
"What in your heart do you really want him to heal, touch, and restore?" "After reading this chapter on Healing, what are you struggling with?"
"What have you been taught is the primary reason that Jesus came to earth? Jesus proclaims his mission when he takes the scroll of I Isaiah and begins his public ministry. What passage did he choose to explain himself but Isaiah 61?" "This scripture must be important to him. It must be central. What does it mean? It's supposed to be really good news; that's clear. It has something to do with healing hearts, setting someone free. Let me try and state it in words more familiar to us. (It's helpful to read this aloud as well.)"
"God has sent me on a mission. I have some great news for you. God has sent me to restore and release something. And that something is you. I am here to give you back your heart and set you free. I am furious at the Enemy who did this to you, and I will fight against him. Let me comfort you. For, dear one, I will bestow beauty upon you where you have known only devastation. Joy in the places of your deep sorrow. And I will robe your heart in thankful praise in exchange for your resignation and despair."
"What if it were true? What if Jesus could and would do this for your broken heart, your wounded feminine soul? Read it again and ask him, Jesus would you do this for me?"
He can and he will. If you'll let him. . ."
"Why did God curse Eve with loneliness and heartache, an emptiness that nothing would be able to fill? Wasn't her life going to be hard enough out there in the world, banished from the Garden that was her true home, her only home, never able to return? It seems unkind. Cruel, even.
He did it to save her. For as we all know personally, something in Eve's heart shifted at the Fall. Something sent it's roots down deep into her soul-and ours-that mistrust of God's heart, that resolution to find life on our own terms. So God has to thwart her. In love, he has to block her attempts until, wounded and aching; she turns to hm and him alone for her rescue.
<strong>Therefore I will block her path with thorn bushes; I will wall her in so she cannot find her way. She will chase after her lovers but not catch them; she will look for them but not find them Hosea 2:6-7 NKJV
"Okay what hasn't been going well in your life for sometime? Has it occurred to you that God might be "blocking your path with thorn bushes" (Hos. 2:6)? How is he thwarting you?
"To enter the journey towards the healing of your feminine heart, all it requires is a "Yes. Okay." --Or in Toby's words: YES LORD!--"A simple turning of the heart." " Are you ready and willing to say this to Jesus? Perhaps in a deeper way than ever before? If you are then go ahead and say it. Be specific what do you need to lay down? Repent of? Let go?"
"Jesus, I'm sorry. Forgive me. Please come for me. I renounce the ways I've tried to save myself. They have failed. Only you can save me. Please come for me. I give this all to you."
"What is God "knocking" through these days" Think of the way your life is not working out-or the lives of women you look at and long for. How is God stirring your heart? Give him permission to enter. Give him access to your broken heart. Ask him to come to those places." "Sit quietly a while. Rest. Wait. Journal your thoughts, feelings, desires."
"Part of the reason women are so tired is because we are spending so much energy trying to 'keep it together.' So much energy devoted to suppressing the pain and keeping a good appearance. We want to give you permission to fall apart. To be a mess. Does that thought frighten you? Why? We need to let our tears come. Give yourself permission to feel, to sorrow. Make the time. Get alone, . . . and let yourself feel again. Let it all out."
"Okay-now for a hard step (as if the others have been easy). A real step of courage and will. We must forgive those who hurt us. Again. Until you forgive you remain their prisoner. Paul warns us that unforgiveness and bitterness can wreck our lives and the lives of others.. (Eph. 4:31; Heb. 12:15). We have to let it all go. Now -listen carefully. Forgiveness is a choice. It is not a feeling-don't try and feel forgiving. IT is an act of the will.
"Ask Him to Destroy your Enemies. What enemies of your soul would you like Jesus to destroy? Self contempt? An addiction? A spirit overwhelmed? Read Psalm 21:8-13. Ask him to destroy your enemies, the ones you recognize and the one yet to be revealed."
"Let Him Father You. There is a part of our hearts that was made for Daddy; made for his strong and tender love. That part is still there., and longing. Open it to Jesus, and to your Father God. Ask him to come and love you there. Meet you there. We've all tried so hard to find the fulfillment of this love in other people, and it never, ever works. Let us give this treasure back to the One who can love us best."
"Ask Him to Answer Your Question. Take your questions to Jesus. Ask him to show you your beauty."
"Dear Jesus, I am almost afraid to ask, but I so need the answer. I need the questions of my deepest heart answered. And answered truthfully. Answered by you. Lord, how do you see me? As a woman,. Am I captivating to you? Am I lovely? Would you please show me my beauty? Show me what you think of me. I want to hear from you. Open the eyes of my heart that I may recognize and receive your answers as you bring them to me. I need to know know God. I will wait and listen. For I love you, and my heart is yours. All this I pray, in the name of Jesus, Amen."
I am SO PROUD of you ladies for continuing. I thank you for you patience and I pray for your hearts and healing. I'm looking forward to reading your posts!
Down those old ancient roads,
Baby there together we must go
Till we get the healing done."
Van Morrison (quoted from the
workbook
Welcome Sweet Friends,
Stasi opened chapter six with this quote and I can't think of a better way to open our study of the chapter. I sat and listened to the great Van Morrison sing this song to me and envisioned being serenaded by my Father and heavenly husband. Even when you know you are headed down a hard road.. knowing you are going there with someone who loves you and will walk with you somehow makes the journey almost inviting. So, I'm inviting you to walk with me and our Father through this chapter.
Let's begin by inviting him into our heart to heal: Dear Father, thank you for loving us enough to come for us, to encourage us, to heal us. You know each of us intimately. You know our wounds and you know our desperate places. I invite you to the darkest corners of my heart and soul. I invite you to the secret gardens that I had locked away because of the pain. I ask you to reveal to me what I need to know, open the doors that you need me to open, touch my soul with your healing love so that I may love you more than I ever knew I could. I ask your blessing over each of these precious women and I ask you to tell them each exactly how you feel about them. Surround them with your precious spirit and bless their time here together. Amen.
"Now, go back over the chapter, skimming the pages. What strikes you? What does it evoke in your heart?" "What does reading this chapter make you want to do?"
"Were you able to journey through this chapter and pray, asking for God's healing?"
"What in your heart do you really want him to heal, touch, and restore?" "After reading this chapter on Healing, what are you struggling with?"
"What have you been taught is the primary reason that Jesus came to earth? Jesus proclaims his mission when he takes the scroll of I Isaiah and begins his public ministry. What passage did he choose to explain himself but Isaiah 61?" "This scripture must be important to him. It must be central. What does it mean? It's supposed to be really good news; that's clear. It has something to do with healing hearts, setting someone free. Let me try and state it in words more familiar to us. (It's helpful to read this aloud as well.)"
"God has sent me on a mission. I have some great news for you. God has sent me to restore and release something. And that something is you. I am here to give you back your heart and set you free. I am furious at the Enemy who did this to you, and I will fight against him. Let me comfort you. For, dear one, I will bestow beauty upon you where you have known only devastation. Joy in the places of your deep sorrow. And I will robe your heart in thankful praise in exchange for your resignation and despair."
"What if it were true? What if Jesus could and would do this for your broken heart, your wounded feminine soul? Read it again and ask him, Jesus would you do this for me?"
He can and he will. If you'll let him. . ."
"Why did God curse Eve with loneliness and heartache, an emptiness that nothing would be able to fill? Wasn't her life going to be hard enough out there in the world, banished from the Garden that was her true home, her only home, never able to return? It seems unkind. Cruel, even.
He did it to save her. For as we all know personally, something in Eve's heart shifted at the Fall. Something sent it's roots down deep into her soul-and ours-that mistrust of God's heart, that resolution to find life on our own terms. So God has to thwart her. In love, he has to block her attempts until, wounded and aching; she turns to hm and him alone for her rescue.
<strong>Therefore I will block her path with thorn bushes; I will wall her in so she cannot find her way. She will chase after her lovers but not catch them; she will look for them but not find them Hosea 2:6-7 NKJV
"Okay what hasn't been going well in your life for sometime? Has it occurred to you that God might be "blocking your path with thorn bushes" (Hos. 2:6)? How is he thwarting you?
"To enter the journey towards the healing of your feminine heart, all it requires is a "Yes. Okay." --Or in Toby's words: YES LORD!--"A simple turning of the heart." " Are you ready and willing to say this to Jesus? Perhaps in a deeper way than ever before? If you are then go ahead and say it. Be specific what do you need to lay down? Repent of? Let go?"
"Jesus, I'm sorry. Forgive me. Please come for me. I renounce the ways I've tried to save myself. They have failed. Only you can save me. Please come for me. I give this all to you."
"What is God "knocking" through these days" Think of the way your life is not working out-or the lives of women you look at and long for. How is God stirring your heart? Give him permission to enter. Give him access to your broken heart. Ask him to come to those places." "Sit quietly a while. Rest. Wait. Journal your thoughts, feelings, desires."
"Part of the reason women are so tired is because we are spending so much energy trying to 'keep it together.' So much energy devoted to suppressing the pain and keeping a good appearance. We want to give you permission to fall apart. To be a mess. Does that thought frighten you? Why? We need to let our tears come. Give yourself permission to feel, to sorrow. Make the time. Get alone, . . . and let yourself feel again. Let it all out."
"Okay-now for a hard step (as if the others have been easy). A real step of courage and will. We must forgive those who hurt us. Again. Until you forgive you remain their prisoner. Paul warns us that unforgiveness and bitterness can wreck our lives and the lives of others.. (Eph. 4:31; Heb. 12:15). We have to let it all go. Now -listen carefully. Forgiveness is a choice. It is not a feeling-don't try and feel forgiving. IT is an act of the will.
"Ask Him to Destroy your Enemies. What enemies of your soul would you like Jesus to destroy? Self contempt? An addiction? A spirit overwhelmed? Read Psalm 21:8-13. Ask him to destroy your enemies, the ones you recognize and the one yet to be revealed."
"Let Him Father You. There is a part of our hearts that was made for Daddy; made for his strong and tender love. That part is still there., and longing. Open it to Jesus, and to your Father God. Ask him to come and love you there. Meet you there. We've all tried so hard to find the fulfillment of this love in other people, and it never, ever works. Let us give this treasure back to the One who can love us best."
"Ask Him to Answer Your Question. Take your questions to Jesus. Ask him to show you your beauty."
"Dear Jesus, I am almost afraid to ask, but I so need the answer. I need the questions of my deepest heart answered. And answered truthfully. Answered by you. Lord, how do you see me? As a woman,. Am I captivating to you? Am I lovely? Would you please show me my beauty? Show me what you think of me. I want to hear from you. Open the eyes of my heart that I may recognize and receive your answers as you bring them to me. I need to know know God. I will wait and listen. For I love you, and my heart is yours. All this I pray, in the name of Jesus, Amen."
I am SO PROUD of you ladies for continuing. I thank you for you patience and I pray for your hearts and healing. I'm looking forward to reading your posts!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Ch. 5 "A Special Hatred"
I never imagined I'd be in such a different place after working through this chapter. I'm overjoyed to say that indeed I am closer to my Father today thanks to finishing this one. My prayer is that you too will be touched by God in the deepest places of your heart and soul when we are finished here. Let's begin with a prayer.
Sweet Father,
What an AMAZING LOVE you pour out to us every minute of the day! I am amazed yet again at your tender spirit for me. I know even more today that you have counted every tear and that not a single one has ever been wasted or forgotten. THANK YOU Lord for your gentle hand in leading me through this difficult chapter. Lord, I have a special prayer today for every sweet soul you have brought together here. Each woman here has been injured deeply by the special hatred the enemy has for her. You know so well the pain that has been suffered and the lies that have been not just believed but silently agreed to. Father, I pray that these precious women will see the enemy's lies for what they are. That each woman will hear your voice reminding her that those gifts you've given her are for your Glory and not to hurt her. Lord, reveal to each one the FIERCE beauty, strength, love and power that YOU have blessed them with. Gird them up for battle. Take their hands and lead them into the great adventure you have for them all the while whispering how completely known and loved they are by you.
Thank you Father,
Amen!
Once again we'll be taking questions from the work book
"This chapter asks us to reexamine our thoughts about the often brutal, nearly universal assault on femininity. Where does this come from? Do not make the mistake of believing that 'men are the enemy'. Certainly men have had a hand in this and will have a day of reckoning before their Maker. But you will not understand this story--or your story --until you begin to see the actual Forces behind this assault and get a grip on their motives. Is it a new thought to you that all that has come against you in your life has not been from the hand of God? That Satan has played a role in trying to destroy you, your heart?"
"Think of the story of your life. How has further assault come to you? Was it obvious like betrayal? Or more subtle, like years of neglect? Describe what you remember. What messages were driven home into your heart? Have you felt that the wounds and further assault you received came to you because something was fundamentally wrong with you? Have you felt that you are essentially alone? If you do, do you believe it is because you are not the woman you should be? Did you know that most women feel alone?"
"What do you make of the degradation, abuse, and the open assault that women around the world have endured? Are enduring even now? Where does this hatred for women you see all over the world come from? Why is it so diabolical? The assault on femininity it's long history, its utter viciousness--cannot be understood apart from the spiritual forces of evil we are warned against in the Scriptures."
"Turn your attention again to the events that took place in the Garden of Eden. Notice-who does the Evil One go after? Have you ever wondered why Satan seems to make Eve the focus of his assault on humanity? Satan was first named Lucifer, or Son of the Morning. It infers a glory, a brightness, a radiance unique to him. Look up Ezek. 28:12-15. How does it describe Lucifer?"
"Satan fell because of his beauty. Now his heart for revenge is to assault beauty. But what of Eve? She is the incarnation of the Beauty of God. More than anything else in all creation, she embodies the glory of God. She allures the world to God. Satan hates it with a jealousy we can only imagine. And there is more. The Evil One also hates Eve because she gives life. . . Put those two things together - Eve incarnates the Beauty of God, and she gives life to the world. Satan's bitter heart cannot bear it. He assaults her with a special hatred. History removes any doubt about this"
"Satan's hatred of Eve and her daughters helps to explain an awful lot about your life's story. The message of our wounds nearly always is. 'This is because of you. This is what you deserve.' It changes things to realize that no, these things happened because you are glorious, because you are a major thereat to the kingdom of darkness. Because you uniquely carry the glory of God to the world. You are hated because of your beauty and power. Do you believe it's possible?"
"Let your imagination go there a little while. What would it feel like if it were true that you are beautiful, that you are powerful for the kingdom of God-and that is why you have endured the assault (and neglect) you have?"
"Have you ever felt the men in your life get close only to withdraw, pull back? What happened? Who did you blame it on?"
"Back off, or leave her alone, or You don't really want to go there--she'll be too much for you is something Satan has set against every woman from the day of her birth. It's the emotional and spiritual equivalent of leaving a little girl by the side of the road to die. And to every woman he has whispered, You are alone, or When they see who you really are, you will be alone, or No one will ever truly come for you. Take a moment. Quiet your heart and ask yourself, 'Is this a message I have believed, fear, lived with? It is time to reveal this pervasive threat as the tool of the Enemy that it is." "The Evil One had a hand in all that has happened to you. he made sure he drove the message of the wounds home into your heart. He is the one who has dogged your heels with shame and self-doubt and accusation. He is the one who offers the false comforters to you in order to deepen your bondage. He is the one who has done these things in order to prevent your restoration. For that is what he fears. he fears who you re, what you are-what you might become. He fears your beauty and your life-giving heart. What if it were true? How does that make you feel?"
"Now listen to the voice of your King. Read Isaiah 62:1-5. If you can, read it in more than one translation. Who is Jerusalem? What are you no longer called? What are you called? Read Jeremiah 30:16-17. How will God treat your enemies? How will he treat you?"
"You really won't understand your life as a woman until you understand this: You are passionately loved by the God of the universe. You are passionately hated by his Enemy."
"And so, dear heat, it is time for your restoration. For there is One greater than your Enemy. One who has sought you out from the beginning of time. He has come to heal your broken heart and restore your feminine soul. Let us turn now to Him."
"Dear Jesus, I am beginning to see the assault on my life and on my heart, as coming from the enemy. He has been fierce against me. I have been wounded and wounded deeply. And I am trying to believe, beginning to believe, that it was not all my fault. Not what I deserved. Oh, God, please come to my battered heart and heal me. Come to the places in my heart where I have believed the enemy's lies to me for so long and speak the truth to me, there. In those places. I need you. I need your protection. I need your mercy. I need your covering, your kindness, and your touch. Make me quick to recognize the ploys of the enemy and teach me to stand against them. please come for me, Jesus. And heal me. In your name, I pray. Amen".
Sweet Father,
What an AMAZING LOVE you pour out to us every minute of the day! I am amazed yet again at your tender spirit for me. I know even more today that you have counted every tear and that not a single one has ever been wasted or forgotten. THANK YOU Lord for your gentle hand in leading me through this difficult chapter. Lord, I have a special prayer today for every sweet soul you have brought together here. Each woman here has been injured deeply by the special hatred the enemy has for her. You know so well the pain that has been suffered and the lies that have been not just believed but silently agreed to. Father, I pray that these precious women will see the enemy's lies for what they are. That each woman will hear your voice reminding her that those gifts you've given her are for your Glory and not to hurt her. Lord, reveal to each one the FIERCE beauty, strength, love and power that YOU have blessed them with. Gird them up for battle. Take their hands and lead them into the great adventure you have for them all the while whispering how completely known and loved they are by you.
Thank you Father,
Amen!
Once again we'll be taking questions from the work book
"This chapter asks us to reexamine our thoughts about the often brutal, nearly universal assault on femininity. Where does this come from? Do not make the mistake of believing that 'men are the enemy'. Certainly men have had a hand in this and will have a day of reckoning before their Maker. But you will not understand this story--or your story --until you begin to see the actual Forces behind this assault and get a grip on their motives. Is it a new thought to you that all that has come against you in your life has not been from the hand of God? That Satan has played a role in trying to destroy you, your heart?"
"Think of the story of your life. How has further assault come to you? Was it obvious like betrayal? Or more subtle, like years of neglect? Describe what you remember. What messages were driven home into your heart? Have you felt that the wounds and further assault you received came to you because something was fundamentally wrong with you? Have you felt that you are essentially alone? If you do, do you believe it is because you are not the woman you should be? Did you know that most women feel alone?"
"What do you make of the degradation, abuse, and the open assault that women around the world have endured? Are enduring even now? Where does this hatred for women you see all over the world come from? Why is it so diabolical? The assault on femininity it's long history, its utter viciousness--cannot be understood apart from the spiritual forces of evil we are warned against in the Scriptures."
"Turn your attention again to the events that took place in the Garden of Eden. Notice-who does the Evil One go after? Have you ever wondered why Satan seems to make Eve the focus of his assault on humanity? Satan was first named Lucifer, or Son of the Morning. It infers a glory, a brightness, a radiance unique to him. Look up Ezek. 28:12-15. How does it describe Lucifer?"
"Satan fell because of his beauty. Now his heart for revenge is to assault beauty. But what of Eve? She is the incarnation of the Beauty of God. More than anything else in all creation, she embodies the glory of God. She allures the world to God. Satan hates it with a jealousy we can only imagine. And there is more. The Evil One also hates Eve because she gives life. . . Put those two things together - Eve incarnates the Beauty of God, and she gives life to the world. Satan's bitter heart cannot bear it. He assaults her with a special hatred. History removes any doubt about this"
"Satan's hatred of Eve and her daughters helps to explain an awful lot about your life's story. The message of our wounds nearly always is. 'This is because of you. This is what you deserve.' It changes things to realize that no, these things happened because you are glorious, because you are a major thereat to the kingdom of darkness. Because you uniquely carry the glory of God to the world. You are hated because of your beauty and power. Do you believe it's possible?"
"Let your imagination go there a little while. What would it feel like if it were true that you are beautiful, that you are powerful for the kingdom of God-and that is why you have endured the assault (and neglect) you have?"
"Have you ever felt the men in your life get close only to withdraw, pull back? What happened? Who did you blame it on?"
"Back off, or leave her alone, or You don't really want to go there--she'll be too much for you is something Satan has set against every woman from the day of her birth. It's the emotional and spiritual equivalent of leaving a little girl by the side of the road to die. And to every woman he has whispered, You are alone, or When they see who you really are, you will be alone, or No one will ever truly come for you. Take a moment. Quiet your heart and ask yourself, 'Is this a message I have believed, fear, lived with? It is time to reveal this pervasive threat as the tool of the Enemy that it is." "The Evil One had a hand in all that has happened to you. he made sure he drove the message of the wounds home into your heart. He is the one who has dogged your heels with shame and self-doubt and accusation. He is the one who offers the false comforters to you in order to deepen your bondage. He is the one who has done these things in order to prevent your restoration. For that is what he fears. he fears who you re, what you are-what you might become. He fears your beauty and your life-giving heart. What if it were true? How does that make you feel?"
"Now listen to the voice of your King. Read Isaiah 62:1-5. If you can, read it in more than one translation. Who is Jerusalem? What are you no longer called? What are you called? Read Jeremiah 30:16-17. How will God treat your enemies? How will he treat you?"
"You really won't understand your life as a woman until you understand this: You are passionately loved by the God of the universe. You are passionately hated by his Enemy."
"And so, dear heat, it is time for your restoration. For there is One greater than your Enemy. One who has sought you out from the beginning of time. He has come to heal your broken heart and restore your feminine soul. Let us turn now to Him."
"Dear Jesus, I am beginning to see the assault on my life and on my heart, as coming from the enemy. He has been fierce against me. I have been wounded and wounded deeply. And I am trying to believe, beginning to believe, that it was not all my fault. Not what I deserved. Oh, God, please come to my battered heart and heal me. Come to the places in my heart where I have believed the enemy's lies to me for so long and speak the truth to me, there. In those places. I need you. I need your protection. I need your mercy. I need your covering, your kindness, and your touch. Make me quick to recognize the ploys of the enemy and teach me to stand against them. please come for me, Jesus. And heal me. In your name, I pray. Amen".
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Ch. 4 "Wounded"
Welcome back ladies!
We are in Chapter 4 this week. Let's open with a prayer.
Dear, sweet Father, I ask your blessing over the hearts that gather here. This is such a tender work we are doing; delving into our past, examining our present and growing towards our future. Our hearts are so deeply wounded as you know even better than we. I ask not for your protection but for your gentle, loving guidance today. I ask that you reveal to us more of you and more of who we are to you. I ask that you give each of these women a sweet sign of your presence with them as they do this difficult work. You are the gentle healer and I move forward with confidence that your healing will be done in the depths of each heart before you today. I thank you for the opportunity to walk with these women and for your perfect love.
In Jesus' name,
Amen! :)
Hello sweet friends!
Before we get started with the next chapter. I wanted to clear up a little detail just in case there was any confusion. It is not necessary for anyone to answer every question listed unless of course they want to. :) Here is my thought process: When I make a post I will be including a number of questions from the workbook. I try to pick at least one question from each 'topic' in the chapter. This is just to make sure that there is an opportunity to discuss any and every facet of what is in the chapter and provide you the opportunity to choose. Because these chapters are packed full of good, soul healing, stuff that often means that there are LOTS of questions listed. I really want to give you each an opportunity to dig in wherever the Lord and your heart leads you. Please don't mistake that to mean that if you post you HAVE to answer every question. You just answer the ones that mean the most for you and/or the ones that you are most comfortable sharing. I realize that we all are very busy so you use this time in the best way for you and the Lord and we will all be blessed :)
Now! :) Let's begin!
Once again questions from our author's workbook
"How did you feel reading about Carrie's birthday morning? Cynical? Longing?"
"Was your mother comfortable with her femininity? How would you describe her, as a woman?" "Try to put some words to what you learned about femininity from watching your mother?" "What did your father value in women? What did you learn from him about femininity?"
"Did your father delight in you? (and I mean in honorable, appropriate ways). If he did (Oh how I hope he did), what about you did he delight in?"
"If, like me, your father didn't delight in you as a little girl, try to put some words to what you would have wanted him to say or do."
"What do you believe about yourself as a woman?" "How did the wounds you received shape the way you see yourself as a woman now?"
"Can you begin to see the 'vows' that you made on how you would live? (Again, ask for God's help here. These things run so deeply inside of us they are difficult to see.) What vows did you make?"
"Are you aware of a mistrust of God deep in your heart? Are you aware of ways you are trying to control your world? Are there times when you feel an ache and longing for more intimacy and more life? (That's good, by the way.)"
Let's close with a quick prayer, Lord, you know my wounds and you know how I have hidden and mistrusted you. Please come into my heart right now and fill the empty places with your love. Remind me that no matter what wounds I have or lies I've believed, you are my loving, gentle, perfect father who finds me delightful and captivating.
Amen.
Ladies, I am so thankful for each of you. I am praying for you every day. Know that you are deeply and completely loved by the father who knit you together in the womb and claimed you as His own!
In Him
Kandice
We are in Chapter 4 this week. Let's open with a prayer.
Dear, sweet Father, I ask your blessing over the hearts that gather here. This is such a tender work we are doing; delving into our past, examining our present and growing towards our future. Our hearts are so deeply wounded as you know even better than we. I ask not for your protection but for your gentle, loving guidance today. I ask that you reveal to us more of you and more of who we are to you. I ask that you give each of these women a sweet sign of your presence with them as they do this difficult work. You are the gentle healer and I move forward with confidence that your healing will be done in the depths of each heart before you today. I thank you for the opportunity to walk with these women and for your perfect love.
In Jesus' name,
Amen! :)
Hello sweet friends!
Before we get started with the next chapter. I wanted to clear up a little detail just in case there was any confusion. It is not necessary for anyone to answer every question listed unless of course they want to. :) Here is my thought process: When I make a post I will be including a number of questions from the workbook. I try to pick at least one question from each 'topic' in the chapter. This is just to make sure that there is an opportunity to discuss any and every facet of what is in the chapter and provide you the opportunity to choose. Because these chapters are packed full of good, soul healing, stuff that often means that there are LOTS of questions listed. I really want to give you each an opportunity to dig in wherever the Lord and your heart leads you. Please don't mistake that to mean that if you post you HAVE to answer every question. You just answer the ones that mean the most for you and/or the ones that you are most comfortable sharing. I realize that we all are very busy so you use this time in the best way for you and the Lord and we will all be blessed :)
Now! :) Let's begin!
Once again questions from our author's workbook
"How did you feel reading about Carrie's birthday morning? Cynical? Longing?"
"Was your mother comfortable with her femininity? How would you describe her, as a woman?" "Try to put some words to what you learned about femininity from watching your mother?" "What did your father value in women? What did you learn from him about femininity?"
"Did your father delight in you? (and I mean in honorable, appropriate ways). If he did (Oh how I hope he did), what about you did he delight in?"
"If, like me, your father didn't delight in you as a little girl, try to put some words to what you would have wanted him to say or do."
"What do you believe about yourself as a woman?" "How did the wounds you received shape the way you see yourself as a woman now?"
"Can you begin to see the 'vows' that you made on how you would live? (Again, ask for God's help here. These things run so deeply inside of us they are difficult to see.) What vows did you make?"
"Are you aware of a mistrust of God deep in your heart? Are you aware of ways you are trying to control your world? Are there times when you feel an ache and longing for more intimacy and more life? (That's good, by the way.)"
Let's close with a quick prayer, Lord, you know my wounds and you know how I have hidden and mistrusted you. Please come into my heart right now and fill the empty places with your love. Remind me that no matter what wounds I have or lies I've believed, you are my loving, gentle, perfect father who finds me delightful and captivating.
Amen.
Ladies, I am so thankful for each of you. I am praying for you every day. Know that you are deeply and completely loved by the father who knit you together in the womb and claimed you as His own!
In Him
Kandice
Monday, November 9, 2009
"I have a confession" from (in) courage
Ladies,
This is not my post but I related to it so completely and it applies to what God to learn in our study that I just HAD to share! Please check this out
http://www.incourage.me/2009/10/i-have-a-confession.html
This is not my post but I related to it so completely and it applies to what God to learn in our study that I just HAD to share! Please check this out
http://www.incourage.me/2009/10/i-have-a-confession.html
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