Tag: truth

Healing, Spirituality

Confession is Soul Detox

Confession is soul detox. Yep. Sharing your heart with another opens the door for the Holy Spirit to work. Admitting our secret sins to someone else is like removing the rock that is blocking the flow of the river. Sin loves the dark. It thrives in secret. But when we shine a light and share the truth of what is really going on with us – the darkness is swallowed up! The darkness cannot stand. The darkness cannot comprehend the light. It leaves.

Today I learned that sometimes ‘coming to Jesus’ means admitting and confessing my faults to another of God’s kids. Then I can let the Holy Spirit do it’s work. It’s humbling, but freeing. And yes, flesh screams  and cries sometimes when it is brought to the Spirit. I don’t think any flesh likes to be crucified or exposed. Flesh is selfish. Flesh is proud. It does not want to share. Flesh wants what it wants – when it wants it. But flesh doesn’t get to rule anymore. Spirit-man rules here. There is a new King on the Throne – Jesus! And the Spirit and Power of the Living God lives inside of me – and you too if you are a Believer of Jesus! Let the Spirit of God rule our bodies, souls, and spirits today.

Now my burden is lifted. No more secrets. God already knows about it anyway. He was patiently waiting for me to confess I need His help and for me to ask for prayers.  Then He can release power! Maybe that’s why our churches aren’t seeing the Power like they did in the book of Acts – there is not much confession going on. When I confess, and someone prays – POWER is released! I am responding to His Power today, and I pray you join me because:

Confession is soul detox!

 

 

 

 Galatians 5:16-21 AMP

But I say, walk and live [habitually] in the [Holy] Spirit [responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit]; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God).
For the desires of the flesh are opposed to the [Holy] Spirit, and the [desires of the] Spirit are opposed to the flesh (godless human nature); for these are antagonistic to each other [continually withstanding and in conflict with each other], so that you are not free but are prevented from doing what you desire to do.
But if you are guided (led) by the [Holy] Spirit, you are not subject to the Law.

Now the doings (practices) of the flesh are clear (obvious): they are immorality, impurity, indecency, Idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, anger (ill temper), selfishness, divisions (dissensions), party spirit (factions, sects with peculiar opinions, heresies),
Envy, drunkenness, carousing, and the like. I warn you beforehand, just as I did previously, that those who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [that can bring a charge].

And those who belong to Christ Jesus (the Messiah) have crucified the flesh (the godless human nature) with its passions and appetites and desires.
If we live by the [Holy] Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. [If by the Holy Spirit we have our life in God, let us go forward walking in line, our conduct controlled by the Spirit.]
Let us not become vainglorious and self-conceited, competitive and challenging and provoking and irritating to one another, envying and being jealous of one another.

12 steps, Daily Post, Depression, Domestic Violence and Abuse, Healing, Rejection, Spirituality

You Are More Precious Than You Know – For Posterity

Here is my response for the DAILY POST – For Posterity

Your blog just became a viral sensation. What’s the one post you’d like new readers to see and remember you by? Write that post.

 

You are more precious than you know. If you are like me than sometimes we let others define us.  I look back at old pictures and it amazes me how I changed my appearance based on who I was dating at the time.  Hey, there is Diana the prep, Diana the biker, Diana the country chic, Diana the Professional, etc.  Can you relate?

I have also accepted so many different labels in my life. Things that just are not true.  I went through the 12 step rigamaroe – my name is____ and I’m a ____ and I will be forever. What a pile of garbage. I can’t believe I bought all that stuff at face value.  No, I am not a ______  – not now, not then,  not ever! God does not say that about me – so it is NOT TRUE! As you can see, I am not a fan of the 12 steps.  I have found them to be pits of very unsafe people. You can read about it here:

 Do Twelve Step Meetings Open the Door to Sexual Predators?

 

It is true that our thoughts become our actions. But only if we allow it and take those words into our hearts.  Just because someone says something does not mean it’s true. But if you tell an Eagle it is a Chicken – and it chooses to believe that lie, then it will not learn to fly.  Tell a girl she is a victim and tell her she will always be that way –  then she will attract abuser after abuser.  Tell a person they have always been a drunk, are a drunk, and will be forever a drunk – and guess what? They go back to drink. If you tell someone they will be that way forever and they believe it, they will stay that way. How does that help anyone get better?How does that help anyone get better? Hence, my dislike for any ‘program’ that exalts itself above the WORD of God.

YOU ARE MORE PRECIOUS THAN YOU KNOW.

  • All those labels people tried to get you to wear – let them fall to the ground.

  • All those things people said about you – they weren’t true – let them fall to the ground.

  • All those words you said to yourself after believing those lies – let them fall to the ground.

 

Ok, now for my spunky part. Idk why I do this. I guess I am just not afraid to say what I feel needs to be said. And I have been on both sides of the street, so perhaps I am not ‘indoctrinated’ too badly.

Give grace, love without regret, and live – be happy – it drives them crazy!!

And a bit of advice for all the Finger Pointers, Accusers, Pharisees, and Liars out there:

  • Demeaning others and calling them names does not motivate people to change.
  • Telling someone they will ‘always be that way’ – does not motivate people to change.
  • Shaming someone and calling them their ‘sin’ does not motivate people to change.
  • Talking about how holy and righteous you are and how others just need to ‘shape up or ship out” does not motivate people to change.
  • Gossiping about others does not motivate people to change.
  • Throwing the ‘get right with God or else you’re going to hell’ does not motivate people to change.
  • God makes me new everyday – I refuse to accept your picture of who you think I am.
  • Your warped picture of me is not who I am.  Those words you called me are bouncing right back to you.
  • I am a work in progress, and so are my brothers and sisters. I am more than what I do or don’t do. So is the rest of the family. We all have ‘stuff”. And guess what, God already knows about it! And He loves us anyway – stuff and all.
  • If you don’t have anything positive to say, do us a favor, sit down and be quiet!
  • I will put my trust in God and the Holy Spirit, my helper, will do the work in me from the inside-out.  So put down your stick. It is not helping.
  • We are God’s chosen and His beloved children – that’s what He said. Who said you get to beat up on God’s kids and call them names?

 

 

Related articles
Activism, Depression, Domestic Violence and Abuse, Music

Stop Carrying Secrets-Amethyst Shards

This song came to me for a contest last year. It is a collaboration between a few musicians on Broadjam. Sometimes I use my gift of music to bring awareness to a situation that needs to be changed. This song talks about the secrets we carry around – like skeletons. 1 in 4 women are affected by domestic violence. Although she may not say it. She may be afraid to talk about it, I was. Because then it is REAL.

 

https://www.prayersandpromises.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Amethyst-Shards.mp3?_=1
from http://www.bloglovin.com

Amethyst Shards

©2013 Words by Diana Rasmussen
Music by Chameleon
Produced/Mixed/Mastered by Protilius Productions

 

She carries her secrets
around in a box
hides them in darkness
keeps them locked

Amethyst Shards
in the depths of her heart
rattling around
like skeletons

Amethyst shards
are falling down like
houses of cards

Shoves the box
under the bed
some things are not
meant to be said

Amethyst shards
in the depths of her heart
are falling down
like houses of cards

buries her memories
stuffs all her pain
hoping they’ll never
come up again

Amethyst Shards
in the depths of her heart
rattling around
like skeletons

Amethyst shards
are falling down like
houses of cards

love is the key that unlocks
Yes love is the key that unlocks

Amethyst Shards
in the depths of her heart
are falling down
Amethyst Shards
in the depths of her heart
are falling down

fragments of herself
locked in darkness

Amethyst shards
falling down like
houses of cards

 

 

Image Source: http://www.edytaandco.com/2013/03/interior-design-accessories-amethyst-gemstone-box/

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 😉

Activism, Boundaries, Depression, Domestic Violence and Abuse, Spirituality

Not my Circus, Not My Monkeys

Not my circus, not my monkeys. What do I mean by that? I don’t have to play. I don’t have to answer. I don’t have to pay the admission to join another person’s craziness.  I am not the Savior. It is not my job to fix them. Now that is freedom!

If you are living in the crazy room, I invite you to take a step back. I had to reclaim responsibility for my life and my choices. I gave my power away to the enemy of my soul for too long. No more. God gave it to me – not him! I had to “own” my life. I had to come to the realization that living in abuse was harmful – for me and my children. And I had to ask for help. The local DV shelter was my haven – and I finally got 30 days of rest.

I can’t tell you how peaceful it was – even living with 10-12 other moms and their kids. I finally had room to breathe. I finally had space to just be. And I didn’t have to prove anything to anybody. I got to choose my future. Go back for more of the same, or trust God and move forward without the Abuser. Thank you Lord for helping me get out of that circus!

Feeling trapped? Call for help. You don’t have to do this alone. Ask for help. Your story isn’t over yet!

“Has he ever trapped you in a room and not let you out?
Has he ever raised a fist as if he were going to hit you?
Has he ever thrown an object that hit you or nearly did?
Has he ever held you down or grabbed you to restrain you?
Has he ever shoved, poked, or grabbed you?
Has he ever threatened to hurt you?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then we can stop wondering whether he’ll ever be violent; he already has been. ― Lundy Bancroft, Why Does He Do That?: Inside the Minds of Angry and Controlling Men

“The abusive man’s high entitlement leads him to have unfair and unreasonable expectations, so that the relationship revolves around his demands. His attitude is: “You owe me.” For each ounce he gives, he wants a pound in return. He wants his partner to devote herself fully to catering to him, even if it means that her own needs—or her children’s—get neglected. You can pour all your energy into keeping your partner content, but if he has this mind-set, he’ll never be satisfied for long. And he will keep feeling that you are controlling him, because he doesn’t believe that you should set any limits on his conduct or insist that he meet his responsibilities.”― Lundy Bancroft, Why Does He Do That?: Inside the Minds of Angry and Controlling Men

“YOUR ABUSIVE PARTNER DOESN’T HAVE A PROBLEM WITH HIS ANGER; HE HAS A PROBLEM WITH YOUR ANGER.
One of the basic human rights he takes away from you is the right to be angry with him. No matter how badly he treats you, he believes that your voice shouldn’t rise and your blood shouldn’t boil. The privilege of rage is reserved for him alone. When your anger does jump out of you—as will happen to any abused woman from time to time—he is likely to try to jam it back down your throat as quickly as he can. Then he uses your anger against you to prove what an irrational person you are. Abuse can make you feel straitjacketed. You may develop physical or emotional reactions to swallowing your anger, such as depression, nightmares, emotional numbing, or eating and sleeping problems, which your partner may use as an excuse to belittle you further or make you feel crazy.” ― Lundy Bancroft, Why Does He Do That?: Inside the Minds of Angry and Controlling Men

“Never let a man put his hands on you without your permission.”― Melda Beaty, Lime

“Now let’s move on to the subject of how a real man treats his wife. A real man doesn’t slap even a ten-dollar hooker around, if he’s got any self respect, much less hurt his own woman. Much less ten times over the mother of his kids. A real man busts his ass to feed his family, fights for them if he has to, dies for them if he has to. And he treats his wife with respect every day of his life, treats her like a queen – the queen of the home she makes for their children.” ― S.M. Stirling, Dies the Fire

Related articles
Healing, Spirituality, Teen Bible Study

Loved – Teen Bible Study

Loved. Now there is a can of worms.  Pray for me today while I try and share the difference between love and lust.  There are so many voices telling us “I love you”.  But not all of them are telling the truth.  What is love – really?  What does God define it as?  We all want to be loved.

 

Source: my opera.com

 

LOVED

 

(click for free downloadable lesson)

Healing, Spirituality, Uncategorized, Videos

The Dangers of Negative Self Talk

We have all done it – talked to ourselves.  But what are we actually saying? If we have the power of life and death in our tongues – are we using this God given power to speak life, or death? Yep, killing ourselves softly – with our own words.  Negative self talk will bring us down faster than anything or anyone.  And today, after reading the scripture below in a new version, I saw that any gossip or criticism I speak about another person will COME BACK TO ME!  Ouch!

God’s Word for You:

“Do not say what is wrong in other people’s lives. Then other people will not say what is wrong in your life.

You will be guilty of the same things you find in others. When you say what is wrong in others, your words will be used to say what is wrong in you.

Why do you look at the small piece of wood in your brother’s eye, and do not see the big piece of wood in your own eye?

How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take that small piece of wood out of your eye,’ when there is a big piece of wood in your own eye?

You who pretend to be someone you are not, first take the big piece of wood out of your own eye. Then you can see better to take the small piece of wood out of your brother’s eye.

“Do not give that which belongs to God to dogs. Do not throw your pearls in front of pigs. They will break them under their feet. Then they will turn and tear you to pieces.

(Matthew 7: 1-6 NLV)

And I had to ask myself about the first part – DO NOT SAY WHAT IS WRONG WITH OTHER PEOPLE’S LIVES.

From: Pinterest

What if that other person is me?

Am I always finding things that are wrong with me?

Am I quick to criticize myself?

If someone else says something bad to me or about me, are those the words I cling to?

Do I repeat those words to myself – even if they are NOT TRUE?

Are those the words I want to bring life to?

So what can I start to speak over myself and others?

Words of Life – from God:

WHO YOU ARE IN CHRIST
From Neil Anderson’s “Bondage Breaker”

I Am Accepted
John 1:12 — I am God’s child.
John 15:15 — I am Christ’s friend.
Romans 5:1– I have been justified.
1 Corinthians 6:17 — I am united with the Lord, and I am one spirit with Him.
1 Corinthians 6:19,20 — I have been bought with a price. I belong to God.
1 Corinthians 12:2 7 — I am a member of Christ’s body.
Ephesians 1:1 — I am a saint.
Ephesians 1:5 — I have been adopted as God’s child.
Ephesians 2:18 — I have direct access to God through the Holy Spirit.
Colossians 1:14 — I have been redeemed and for¬given of all my sins.
Colossians 2:10 — I am complete in Christ.

I Am Secure
Romans 8:1,2 — I am free forever from condemnation.
Romans 8:28 — I am assured that all things work together for good.
Romans 8:31 — I am free from any condemning charges against me.
Romans 8:35 — I cannot be separated from the love of God.
2 Corinthians 1:21,22 — I have been established, anointed, and sealed by God.
Colossians 3:3 — I am hidden with Christ in God.
Philippians 1:6 — I am confident that the good work that God has begun in me will be perfected.
Philippians 3.20 — I am a citizen of heaven.
2 Timothy 1:7 — I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind.
Hebrews 4:16 — I can find grace and mercy in time of need.
1 John 5.18 — I am born of God, and the evil one cannot touch me.

I Am Significant
Matthew 5:13,14 — I am the salt and light of the earth.
John 15:1,5 — I am a branch of the true vine, a channel of His life.
John 15:16 — I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit.
Acts 1:8 — I am a personal witness of Christ.
1 Corinthians 3.16 — I am God’s temple.
2 Corinthians 5:17 — I am a minister of reconciliation for God.
2 Corinthians 6:1 — I am God’s co-worker (1 Corinthians 3:9).
Ephesians 2:6 — I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realm.
Ephesians 2:10 — I am God’s workmanship.
Ephesians 3:12 — I may approach God with freedom and confidence.
Philippians 4.13 — I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

My Prayer for You:

Dear Lord,

We confess we have spoken ‘death’ over ourselves with our own negative self-talk.  Today Lord we ask you to turn those words into dust and let them fall to the ground.  They are not true – no matter if we said them, or someone else said them over us.  Today is a new day Lord.  We will begin today – now – to SPEAK LIFE over ourselves and over others as well.  Let all gossip and criticism cease, in Jesus Name.

 All images from: Pinterest

New Life Version (NLV)

Copyright © 1969 by Christian Literature International

Activism, Uncategorized

Yes, They Really Are Watching You

You may see the new badge on top of my page.  It is for The Internet Defense League.  You can click on it to learn more. It is also a widget here at WordPress. And I have a new category “ACTIVISM”.

Basically, I do NOT believe that our Government has the right to spy on me or you – without our permission.  But again, they are doing it anyway.  Phone calls, E-mails, Cameras, Computers, our internet searches may be recorded – without our knowledge or permission. Now there have been some that have said no, I am not going to do this, and have left their jobs.  They talked to the media and are now being thrown in jail for TELLING THE TRUTH – that our data is our data.

The funny thing is, my husband and I have our own IT company.  We have gone to multiple businesses and private residences to fix many computers or flat screen tvs.  I can’t tell you how many times I have put a piece of tape over that camera on the laptop, or totally unplug the X-Box Connect – because IT WOULD AUTOMATICALLY TURN ON!

“StopWatching.us is a coalition of more than 100 public advocacy organizations and companies from across the political spectrum. Join the movement at https://rally.stopwatching.us. This video harnesses the voices of celebrities, activists, legal experts, and other prominent figures in speaking out against mass surveillance by the NSA. Please share widely to help us spread the message that we will not stand for the dragnet surveillance of our communications. ”  YouTube Video Description

And the scary thing is that now the government is now OUTSOURCING Spying Technology- letting private companies spy with no legal ramifications and spying on ordinary Americans.

Featured Image source: http://gigaom.com/2013/07/02/the-internet-defense-league-rallies-to-restore-the-fourth

Boundaries, Domestic Violence and Abuse, Spirituality, Uncategorized

God and Boundaries (part 3)

So far this week we have looked at Boundaries – When to Say Yes and When to Say No and Good in and Bad Out.

Today we are looking at God and Boundaries

The concept of boundaries comes from the very nature of God.  God defines himself as a distinct, separate being, and He is responsible for himself.  He defines and takes responsibility for his nature by telling us what He thinks, feels, plans, allows, will not allow, likes, and dislikes.

He also defines Himself as separate from his Creation and from us.  He differentiates himself from others.  He tells us who He is and who He is not.  For example, he says that He is love and that He is not darkness.

And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. (1 John 4:16 NIV)

This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. (1 John 1:5 NIV)

God also limits what He will allow in his yard.  He confronts sin and allows consequences for behavior.  He guards his house and will not allow evil things to go on  there.  He invites people in who will love him, and he lets love flow outward to them at the same time.  The “gates” to his boundaries open and close appropriately.

EXAMPLES OF BOUNDARIES

Boundaries are anything that helps to differentiate you from someone else, or shows where you begin and end.  Here are some examples of boundaries:

1.  WORDS

In the physical world a fence or some other kind of structure usually delineates a boundary.  In the spiritual world, fences are invisible.  Nevertheless, you can create good protective fences with your words.

The most basic boundary-setting word is NO.  It lets others know that you exist apart from them and that you are in control of you.  Being clear about your NO and your YES is a theme that runs throughout the Bible.

All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one. (Matthew 5:37 NIV)

Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple “Yes” or “No.” Otherwise you will be condemned. (James 5:12 NIV)

2.  TRUTH

Knowing the truth about God and his property puts limits on you and shows you his boundaries.  Realizing the truth of his unchangeable reality helps you to define yourself in relation to Him.  When He says that “you will reap what you sow,” (Gal 6:7), you either define yourself in relation to that reality, or continue to get injured if you try to go against it.  There is safety in the truth, whether it be knowing God’s truth or knowing the truth about yourself.

3. GEOGRAPHICAL DISTANCE

Proverbs 22:3 says that “the prudent man sees the evil and hides himself.” Sometimes physically removing yourself from a situation will help maintain boundaries.  You can do this to replentish yourself physically, emotionally, and spiritually after you have given to your limit, as Jesus often did.

4. TIME

Taking time off from a person, or a project, can be a way of regaining ownership over some out-of-control aspect of your life where boundaries need to be set.

5. EMOTIONAL DISTANCE

Emotional distance is a temporary boundary to give your heart the space it need to be safe; it is never a permanent way of living.  People who have been in abusive relationships need to find a safe place to begin to “thaw out” emotionally.  Sometimes in abusive marriages the abused spouse needs to keep emotionally distant until the abusive partner begins to face his/her problems and become trustworthy.

You should not continue to set yourself up for hurt and disappointment.  If you have been in an abusive relationship, you should wait until it is safe and real patterns of change have been demonstrated before you go back.  Many people are too quick to trust someone in the name of forgiveness and not make sure that the other is producing “fruit in keeping with repentance” (Luke 3:8)

6.  OTHER PEOPLE

You need to depend on others to help you set and keep boundaries.  People subject to another person’s addictions, control, or abuse are finding that after years and years of “loving too much,” they can find the ability to create boundaries only through a support group.  Their support system is giving them the strength to say NO to the abuse and control for the first time in their lives.

7.  CONSEQUENCES

Trespassing on other people’s property carries consequences. “No Trespassing” signs usually carry a threat of prosecution if someone steps over the boundaries.  The Bible teaches this principle over and over, saying that if we walk one way, this will happen, and if we walk another way, something else will happen.

Just as the Bible sets consequences for certain behaviors, we need to back up our boundaries with consequences. How many marriages could have been saved if one spouse had followed through with the threat of “if you don’t stop drinking, (or coming home at midnight, or hitting me, or yelling at the kids), I will leave until you get some treatment!”  Or how many young adults’ lives would have been turned around if their parents had followed through with their threat of “no more money if you quit another job without having further employment” or “no bed if you continue to smoke marijuana in my house.”

Consequences give some good “barbs” to fences.  They let people know the seriousness of the trespass and the seriousness of our respect for ourselves. This teaches them that our commitment to living according to helpful values is something we hold dear and will fight to protect and guard.

Tune in tomorrow for WHAT’S WITHIN MY BOUNDARIES?

Poetry, Spirituality, Uncategorized

Magic Carpet

Magic Carpet

© 2013 by Diana Rasmussen

Don’t need a tarnished old lamp
Don’t need a magic carpet to fly
God’s mercy is greater than magic
His promises, more faithful than spells
*
We don’t need a cave for wonders
miracles and signs happen every day
The Kingdom of Heaven is here
when we pray and receive today
*
The children of God are not paupers
Already Princes and Princesses
adopted into His family
Don’t need to rub a lamp, make a wish
*
No mischievous little brown monkeys
No Genies with three fake wishes
Because The Way, Truth, and Life
doesn’t need a magic carpet to fly

from http://www.eaministries.co.uk/there-is-only-one-way-to-god/
Poetry, Spirituality

Beware

Beware

Copyright 2013 Diana Rasmussen
From seanjutzi.thoughts.com
Beware of liars, deceivers,
Pharisees and cheaters,
Identity thieves
trying to steal your grace.
*
They act all religious, can quote you all the lines.
But they stab you in the back each and every time.
They focus on the law, the ministry of death.
Never pointing to the grace Jesus died to give.
*
They’re Killers of the Spirit in whitewashed graves,
Hypocritical and counterfeit in their ways.
Just a ceremony to keep them on the throne.
They steal from the widows, ignore the fatherless.
*
A  great big show, cheap imitation of His grace.
Only feeding themselves, greedy with every breath.
Wolves in sheep’s clothing, waiting to devour the flock.
You’ll know them by their fruits, False Prophets till the end.
Domestic Violence and Abuse, Poetry, Spirituality

The Savior Within You

The Savior Within You

He’s the Savior with you, His Spirit – your guide.

He will open your eyes now, His light you will see.

The bars that you see in the cell of your mind,

don’t exist in the world of God’s Precious Son.

*

Open your eyes to the great mystery,

for He is the one who was, is, and will be.

It’s not about you, this life and death thing;

He made you, He called you, God’s glory to bring.

*

Your choice to make now if you humbly agree,

Is to choose to be silent, and set His life free.

Jesus reversed the curse when He hung on that tree,

so you do not have to date the enemy.

*

Satan’s a liar, a thief in the night,

trying to steal all things from your mind.

Stand firm in the Name of Jesus and live.

Call Satan a liar, and then watch Him flee.

*

Test every thought daily,

throw lies out of your mind.

And choose Jesus life freely,

peace and serenity find.

*

Jesus died to save you,

not to shame or condemn.

Those thoughts come from the Devil,

to throw you off guard.

*

Walk by faith in the Spirit,

and soon you will see,

God restores all,

and His peace never ends.

*

I hear Him knocking at the door to your heart,

His Spirit is calling your name.

Today is the day to begin a new life,

and be free of your pain, past, and the grave.

*

Don’t walk around in His death on a tree,

set your sights on His Life, and claim Victory.

© 2013 Diana Rasmussen

GOD’S PROMISE TO YOU:

“Are your ears awake? Listen. Listen to the Wind Words, the Spirit blowing through the churches. I’m about to call each conqueror to dinner. I’m spreading a banquet of Tree-of-Life fruit, a supper plucked from God’s orchard…Are your ears awake? Listen. Listen to the Wind Words, the Spirit blowing through the churches. Christ-conquerors are safe from Devil-death.” (Revelation 2:7,11 MSG)
 Jesus told this simple story, but they had no idea what he was talking about. So he tried again. “I’ll be explicit, then. I am the Gate for the sheep. All those others are up to no good—sheep stealers, every one of them. But the sheep didn’t listen to them. I am the Gate. Anyone who goes through me will be cared for—will freely go in and out, and find pasture. A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of. (John 10:6-10 MSG)

MY PRAYER FOR YOU:

Dear Lord,
Thank you for your death and Resurrection. You became our sacrifice.  You came to seek and to save what was lost – us.  Thank you for saving us, something we could not do for ourselves.  Today, let us be still and know that You are God, and all is well.  The victory is Yours Lord, and as you said, “It is finished ” Let us rest in that, in Jesus Name.