Tag: Authority

Boundaries, Depression, Domestic Violence and Abuse, Healing, Spirituality, Spring Training

Spring Training #1-Exercising Our Faith-Honor Our Bodies

Spring Training. All the baseball teams gearing up for the game. Getting ready, letting go of what doesn’t work and training for the new season. I am in a period of transition. A period of spring training. I have had to acknowledge a few weaknesses and change my thoughts and attitudes to learn new habits. I am learning to build my strength both physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Spring Training is a New Series I am writing to help us all refocus on our positive goals and exercise our faith.

Like the athletes we all have ‘muscles’ that we need to use or they atrophy. Muscles that have been in hibernation during the long cold winter. And our faith is the same way. It only gets exercised when we are using it. That means there will be trials,temptations and troubles we will get to go through – but they bring forth the GOLD of our faith.  Press on my friends, together we can do this!

SPRING TRAINING EXERCISE #1:

Learning to Honor Our Bodies

 Do you not know that your body is the temple (the very sanctuary) of the Holy Spirit Who lives within you, Whom you have received [as a Gift] from God? You are not your own,
You were bought with a price [purchased with a preciousness and paid for, made His own]. So then, honor God and bring glory to Him in your body. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 AMP)

Taking Responsibility for Our Health

One of the hardest areas for me after a life of abuse is learning how to honor my body. When you have had innocence stolen from you and been raped you feel like trash. The enemy plants thoughts in your head that you deserved it and you will never be clean. And then add Abuser after Abuser who commanded you to do unholy things with your body and your relationship. Add those swine who sought out pornography and the evils it opens you up to. For many years I did not address or even talk about these things. I did not own my body. I let another use it and abuse it. I gave away my power and my self-respect to a pig.

I was married before and I wanted to please my husband so I did what he said. He was sick. I should have said no. It took me years to learn to say that word. Then I was in another relationship with a very sick man who was into the bondage scene (yeah, my own shades of grey nightmare). Let me say that just because a person has money does not mean they are healthy. Some of the ‘sickest’ people I matched up with had money and thought I was a piece of property and something they owned. I went from psycho to psycho as I didn’t believe I deserved any better. I had no boundaries and I thought I was trash. I had no idea who God said I was.

Some of the wisest advice I got from Grandma Pat, a beautiful woman who lived down the street from me. She used to come over singing these old hymns and just listen to me cry. I wouldn’t be here today if she had not taken the time to stop and come over and listen. She told me,

“You don’t have to dishonor God to please your husband.”

 

That was the home run for me. I finally got it. I could choose to honor God first. What those men asked me to do and what I did was wrong. God knows what happened. And I had to ask God to forgive me, and then forgive myself for giving authority of my body over to a swine. Yes, I cast my pearls before swine. And they trampled all over them. Because that’s what pigs do.

I ended those relationships. And didn’t date anyone for over a year. I learned how to take care of me and take authority back over my body. I asked God to break all the soul-ties with the blood of Jesus. I asked the Holy Spirit to come into those dark rooms and bring the deep healing I needed. I met with a counselor for a time and learned that the rape was not my fault. I did not ask for it. I did not want it. I did not asked to be abused. It wasn’t that way in the beginning. It happens over time. And it’s wrong. Not every husband/boyfriend honors his wife. I learned the hard way.

When I was on my own I had to learn how to ‘honor my body’ and choose to be well. I didn’t have to stay a victim. God promised to heal me and I chose to let Him. He turned my victim mentality into victorious. He gave me strength when I had none. He gave me hope when I was lost.

I had to learn what honor meant too. Words and actions like honor, cherish, love, treasure – they had no meaning to me after years of abuse. But honor meant I could say NO. I could make a new choice as to what I would accept for myself, and what I would reject. I had to learn what a healthy relationship looked like. And I had to learn what respect meant and how to respect myself after receiving disrespect from so many.

 

Ways to Honor Your Body:

 

1.  Accept that God made you perfect and stop the negative self-talk.

This negative self-talk led to destructive self-harm for me. I had to ask God to quiet the voices of the Enemy of my soul. And I had to read the Word and learn who God says I am. I had to give God’s Word more authority over me than my past, my hurts, my feelings, or my pain. I even hand wrote scripture verses on index cards and carried them around with me in my everyday life. This way when I heard a negative thing in my head or from some other person I would read and meditate on a verse of God’s Word. It works, really.  I honor my body when I believe what God says about me more than how I feel or what someone tells me or has told me.

 

2.  Start to eat healthier.

I admit it, I love junk food and pizza. And after being depressed for so long I ate what I wanted when I wanted it. Instead of taking things away the Holy Spirit has asked me to start adding healthy things – nuts, fruits, and vegetables to my diet. I don’t keep track, I am not a food Nazi. But I have to say that I feel better after adding these things. It is a process and I am glad He is teaching me how to honor my body this way.

 

3. Stop watching smut TV.

Yep. No more. I refuse to entertain the spirit of lust. I will not even watch mildly graphic shows, no soap operas, no dating shows, no let’s swap wives or Hollywood Housewives or anything. I turn them off. Lust leads to all sorts of bad things. I have seen so many people break up relationships or marriages after the spirit of lust moves in. What comes in through the eyes makes residence in our minds. Thoughts become actions. I have seen people throw away what they have to try something they see happen on tv or a movie. And it’s wrong. I choose to shut that door and not entertain the spirit of lust.  I honor my body by not even going there.

 

4. Start to exercise slowly.

I joined Planet Fitness with my teen daughter about a month ago. The first time I went I could only go 5 minutes on the elliptical machine. And with my past leg injury I didn’t even try the treadmill. Can I tell you after a month I don’t have to wear my leg brace anymore! I can go 20 minutes on the elliptical and have even used the treadmill. All from a girl that heard the Dr. tell me, “I hope this leg surgery works or you won’t walk again.” I honor my body by moving it and exercising it. My mood is better. I feel alive again and there is hope. It’s going to be a good season this year!

 

What about you?

How did you learn to ‘honor your body’?

 

Tune in next time for SPRING TRAINING – TAKING RESPONSIBILITY OF OUR MONEY

 

(Baseball with Heart image is available at puckettspond.com,

Pearl image from derricklphillips.wordpress.com)

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Depression, Healing, Kingdom Authority, Spirituality

Stop the Voices in Your Head

Have you ever heard voices in your head? No I am not crazy.  But I do know that not all voices are good – and sometimes we just need to tell them to shut up.  Especially the accusing voice.  The voice that likes to condemn, and put down, and talks about how unworthy you are.  Can I say right now, that is NOT the voice of God.  God is the lifter of our heads.  It is the enemy trying to get us to run and hide in the bushes. Because we have a Royal Calling – a Destiny in the Kingdom. And we have been authorized to advance the Kingdom – we are Ambassadors of Christ. We carry His Power and Authority to do His work. That’s why the enemy keeps trying to talk to us and get us to run and hide. Like Adam and Eve did after they ate that apple – they went and hid in the bushes.

 

But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.

(Psalm 3:3 AMP)

 

 

Remember Eve in the Garden with the snake? He told Eve that God was holding out on her. That if she ate that apple she would be like God. But guess what – he lied to her. SHE ALREADY WAS LIKE GOD! That stupid snake told her she was NOT something that she already was!  So, the enemy accused her. Told her she was NOT…when she already was. What does the enemy accuse you of? What is that voice in your head falsely accusing you of?

If you hear – You are NOT pretty – it is a lie.  God says You are fearfully and wonderfully made.

If you hear – You are NOT smart – it is a lie. God says You have the mind of Christ.

If you hear – You are NOT going to be free – it is a lie. Jesus Christ already paid the price for your freedom. You are free!

See what I mean? Don’t believe that voice. It is not true.  That is why it is so important for us to read the Word.  How do we know what is true if we don’t know the Word? How can we tell the enemy to shut up because God says…..if we don’t know what God said.

The Accuser  is no longer in God’s ear whispering. We do not live in Job’s era.  God kicked the Devil out of Heaven.  He doesn’t live there anymore. This is New Testament times. However, now the Devil may be in your ear accusing you. Just because he says something does not mean it is true.  He lied to Eve and I think he is the father of lies.

You are of your father, the devil, and it is your will to practice the lusts and gratify the desires [which are characteristic] of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a falsehood, he speaks what is natural to him, for he is a liar [himself] and the father of lies and of all that is false. (John 8:44 AMP)

 

Cast him down – God already did. Enforce the victory!  Do not let that condemning voice talk anymore – it is your head. Take control of your thoughts. Any thoughts that are not in line with the Word of God YOU have the AUTHORITY and LEGAL RIGHT to take them captive and kick them out!  Yes, there is a battle going on  – but we know who wins!  Take charge of your thoughts! We get to kick out the bad ones!

 

 For though we walk (live) in the flesh, we are not carrying on our warfare according to the flesh and using mere human weapons.

 For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds,

 [Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One),

 Being in readiness to punish every [insubordinate for his] disobedience, when your own submission and obedience [as a church] are fully secured and complete. (2 Corinthians 10:3-6 AMP)

 

 

And more good news – Jesus is the one who is whispering good things in God’s ear about us!

Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect [when it is] God Who justifies [that is, Who puts us in right relation to Himself? Who shall come forward and accuse or impeach those whom God has chosen? Will God, Who acquits us?]
Who is there to condemn [us]? Will Christ Jesus (the Messiah), Who died, or rather Who was raised from the dead, Who is at the right hand of God actually pleading as He intercedes for us?

(Romans 8:33-34 AMP)

 

God wants to lift our heads. I think I’ll let Him – what about you?

To hear the message for yourself click here 😉

Kingdom Authority, Spirituality

Living in Kingdom Authority

Have you ever seen someone have authority and not use it? Like if there was a car accident and a Doctor just drove by. Or if there was a shooting at a restaurant, and the Police Officer kept eating. Or if there was a Minister and he was so caught up in his own issues, he didn’t offer to help any of the sheep.  Yeah, sucks doesn’t it.  To have the authority to make a life better – and choose to do nothing.

I recently came across a teaching I heard at one of the churches God brought me to. I need to revisit this, as I confess too, sometimes I don’t use the authority God has given me.  Sometimes I don’t want to rearrange my schedule. Sometimes I am selfish. Sometimes I just don’t even see other people’s needs because I am so consumed with my own. Forgive me Lord. Please give me an opportunity to share the Kingdom, in Jesus Name.

 

 LIVING IN KINGDOM AUTHORITY

As we learn, we grow, and God expands our territory.  We are to operate in Kingdom Authority.  We are a representative of Jesus Christ, a citizen of Heaven. He has given us the authority to operate and demonstrate God’s power.  We are called to reveal God to people. And as we share the Kingdom, He tears down people’s arguments and builds faith. And God has chosen to use US to do it. We are Kingdom Builders.

God’s image and glory will fill the earth.  He said so.  We are created in God’s image. We are sent by God – His Ambassadors to accomplish His will on Earth. Ambassadors don’t have the power – but they represent the Power.  An Ambassador has the leagal right to speak for the greatest power. And our Power – Jesus Christ. The Name above all Names. The Head of Everything. That is who we represent.

When Jesus sends us we are sent to speak, do, or say something particular. Something that Father God has told us to say or speak to someone. And when we release His Word, the Father in us will do the works. Not us – our job is to say what He says to say – and watch and see what God does with it!

 

And they were amazed at His teaching, for His word was with authority and ability and weight and power. (Luke 4:32 AMP)

 

So Jesus added, When you have lifted up the Son of Man [on the cross], you will realize (know, understand) that I am He [for Whom you look] and that I do nothing of Myself (of My own accord or on My own authority), but I say [exactly] what My Father has taught Me. (John 8:28 AMP)

 

 This is because I have never spoken on My own authority or of My own accord or as self-appointed, but the Father Who sent Me has Himself given Me orders [concerning] what to say and what to tell. (John 12:49 AMP)

 

For the [uttered] words that You gave Me I have given them; and they have received and accepted [them] and have come to know positively and in reality [to believe with absolute assurance] that I came forth from Your presence, and they have believed and are convinced that You did send Me. (John 18:8 AMP)

 

Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in Me? What I am telling you I do not say on My own authority and of My own accord; but the Father Who lives continually in Me does the (His) works (His own miracles, deeds of power). (John 14:10 AMP)

 

How did God create things? He spoke them.

Seven times God spoke something in Genesis and it happened.

He was revealing what was already in His mind.

The Authority of God’s Word cannot be separated from His Power.

In God’s mind it is already done.

God is waiting for the vehicle of expression – us!

 

Speak boldly my brothers and sisters in Christ. As it is in Heaven let it be on Earth.  Let us speak health and healing to each other.  Let the blind see, let the deaf hear, restore the years the locusts have eaten, and let the Kingdom of God come!

 

 

(All images from Pinterest)

 

 

Boundaries, Domestic Violence and Abuse, Hurt in Church, Poetry, Spirituality

Don’t Believe Everything – NaPoWriMo Day 28

ok, kind of a rant today.  This is not true of all the Shepherds/Sheep I know – some are surrounded by the love of God and share with others. Some would give you the shirt off their back if they knew you needed one.  Maybe I just have a bad attitude today, idk. Might just be me – so if so, forgive my rant.

But then there are those who like the power and control.  And maybe it’s me – I know I am overly sensitive to that spirit.  Yeah – paid the price for welcoming that thing into my life. But then again, that’s why it makes me so mad.  It is such a destroying spirit. Tears down everything good to be on the throne.  Wants everyone to worship it.

ugggh!

 

I have found that just like in the world, there are those in the church that thrive on power and control.  And there are those who abuse it. Who take advantage of people when they are at their lowest.  Those who kick you when you are down. And use religion to justify their ‘holier-than-thou attitude’.  Maybe you have run into a few?

So, here’s my rant:

Sometimes the ‘religiosity’ of people in church drives me nuts.  There, I said it.  I have been beaten down by people, the world, my flesh, Satan, his demons, men, bosses, etc…and I am sure you have had your share too.  And yet it infuriates me when other “Christians” insist that what Jesus did is not good enough.  Like I could add something to that perfect sacrifice. Yeah, right.

You hear it..

You need to read your Bible more (How much is enough?)

You need to pray more (I do pray, I didn’t know we were in a contest)

You need to repent, again and again cuz you are such a screw up (I thought Jesus took care of that – yesterday, today, and even my mistakes I do tomorrow.)

You know, not everyone is getting into Heaven – implying they are, but none of us ‘sheep’ are. (Oh, I guess I better pay for the upgrade…)

You need to tithe more (Wow, guess I’ll stop paying my mortgage and electricity – yeah cardboard box, that will work.)

You need to go knock on some doors and bring those people here (I think they know they live next to a church)

You need to … blah, blah, blah

Newsflash –

  • I know I have sinned, do you need to beat me over the head with it?
  • How can I repent and come to the alter when you continually kick me when I am down?
  • I came to church to be forgiven – by Jesus, not by you.  You are not my God, God is God all by himself. He really did do it without you.
  • While you are busy fighting with the other Shepherds about whose doctrine is right/wrong – your sheep are being eaten by the wolves.  Yeah, that would be me. And other sheep I know.
  • If you don’t stop beating the sheep up, they are not going to keep coming back.  Starving sheep don’t do well.
  • If you don’t guard and protect the sheep they will continue to get hurt buy the wolves. If you don’t lead, we won’t follow.
  • It really isn’t about you, or me. I am ok with that.  It’s about HIM.
  • This is not your church. This isn’t your kingdom. That is not your money – It belongs to JESUS.

 

Source: Pinterest

DON’T BELIEVE EVERYTHING

©2014 Diana Rasmussen

Learned my lesson long ago

Don’t believe everything

someone says but to

test and see if their

words and actions match

I’ve been led astray

too many times to

believe everything I hear

What is the fruit

of their words?

Do they bring confusion

or seek peace?

Do they name it, claim it

or trust God in things?

Is there  personal gain

attached to their words?

Or are there selfless acts

with no microphones

applause or accolades?

Is it always about flesh and sin?

And the shortcomings

of everyone?

Or do they build you up

restore and  rebuild

the things the world

has torn down again?

Do they fan the flame

He died to give?

or quench the Spirit

with words of doubt?

Tearing apart

your faith

and hope?

Is Jesus Lord

Above all things?

His sacrifice enough

to pay for your sins?

Or is there more you

need to add?

More you should do

to be accepted

into His family?

Is there peace or confusion?

Is there rest or business?

Is there strife or joy?

Is there hate or love?

Is there arrogance

self-righteous

condemnation

fault-finding

gossiping

distractions

causing disharmony

and division?

Or is the fruit of their words

peace, harmony, and unity?

Dear Jesus,

Please help us to

test the spirits and

discern the hidden

things behind the

curtain as the

price is paid

The veil is torn by

Your blood alone Lord

and we come boldly

to Your Throne

to receive

grace and mercy

and Your help

in our time of need

 

 

Don’t Believe Everything You Hear

My dear friends, don’t believe everything you hear. Carefully weigh and examine what people tell you. Not everyone who talks about God comes from God. There are a lot of lying preachers loose in the world.

Here’s how you test for the genuine Spirit of God. Everyone who confesses openly his faith in Jesus Christ—the Son of God, who came as an actual flesh-and-blood person—comes from God and belongs to God. And everyone who refuses to confess faith in Jesus has nothing in common with God. This is the spirit of antichrist that you heard was coming. Well, here it is, sooner than we thought!

My dear children, you come from God and belong to God. You have already won a big victory over those false teachers, for the Spirit in you is far stronger than anything in the world. These people belong to the Christ-denying world. They talk the world’s language and the world eats it up. But we come from God and belong to God. Anyone who knows God understands us and listens. The person who has nothing to do with God will, of course, not listen to us. This is another test for telling the Spirit of Truth from the spirit of deception. (1 John 4:1-6 The Message (MSG))

 (P.S. Yes, I have been kicked out of places – me and my big mouth.  I know, I need more healing here. What do you think?)