I wanted to share something that I'm working on in my own life in hopes of encouraging you.
For the past several months I have struggled with some crazy thoughts! From depressing to just plain weird. Sometimes these thoughts affected the way I felt about myself or others, they had a way of setting the tone for my mood, and influenced my tone and topics during conversations. After being at home for months during the cold and flu season with newborn twins, I kept telling my husband I felt depressed, sad, etc. During one of my first Sundays back at church our pastor was preaching a sermon series called "Toxic" and his message was about our thought life. He reminded us not to just passively accept every thought that came through as truth. He reminded us that there is an enemy and other influences that affect our thoughts. I realized then that what I thought was depression was really me letting the enemy attack my mind and basically giving him permission to rule over my emotions because I wasn't guarding my mind. Now that I'm aware my thoughts and feelings have changed for the better.
Thoughts are powerful. As Christians the bible teaches us to be careful what we think about and to be on guard against wrong thinking in whatever form it takes (depressing, unkind, inappropriate, etc).
I've been praying about this issue and felt encouraged by the Lord to start memorizing scriptures in the areas that my struggles are in. I think of this now as kind of a "duh" moment! Of course! What did Jesus use when Satan tempted him? God's word! So basically He reminded me that I need to hide his word in my heart and recall the words that are already hidden there.
Again, thoughts are powerful. Sin doesn't just happen, it starts with a thought. When we entertain wrong thoughts they can influence our words, actions, attitudes, reactions, etc.
Here are some tips to help control your thoughts:
1) Proactively guard your mind and recognize when your thoughts are negative, wrong, inappropriate, unkind... Don't just be passive when thoughts come up, if they aren't right DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT.
(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; (2 Corinthians 10:4, 5 KJV)
2) Give your thoughts the thought test based on Philippians 4:8-
Is it true? Honest? Just? Pure? Lovely? Of good report? Does it have any virtue or any praise?
If your thoughts don't meet this standard, trade them for new, better ones!
3) Hide God's word in your heart and keep it fresh in your mind (memorize scriptures that will help you think good thoughts or ones that address areas you are struggling in)
How can a young person stay pure?
By obeying your word. I have tried hard to find you— don’t let me wander from your commands.
I have hidden your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you. (Psalm 119:9-11 NLT)
4) Be careful what you put in your mind. This is huge! We are bombarded all day every day with all kinds of media and various people in our lives. BE CAREFUL!!! Garbage in, garbage out. Be careful what you watch, read, listen to and the conversations you have with others.
...yes, I just said "be careful" 3 times, it's important!
A good person brings good out of the treasure of good things in his heart; a bad person brings bad out of his treasure of bad things. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. (Luke 6:45 GNTD)
5) Renew your mind by replacing the old kinds of thoughts with better ones.
Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you]. (Romans 12:2 AMP)
6) Remember your enemy is real and he is a liar. If the devil is feeding you lies, remind him of the truth!
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
7) Pray, pray, pray!! When you surrender to God and ask Him to handle your problems, troubles, worries, etc, he will give you peace beyond understanding to guard your mind & heart!!
Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6, 7 AMP)
Have a great week!
<3 Dina
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Friday, April 13, 2012
Being honest
I've been thinking this morning about how honesty and trust go hand in hand. I'm so thankful that God is not a man that He should lie. He is our example of trustworthiness and truth. When you are faced with situations and must choose to tell the truth or a falsehood, tell the truth! God will be proud of you, your conscience will be clear before him, and people will discover honesty is one of your character traits! Being truthful is a way to let your light shine for Jesus in this dark world.
Have a great week!
Dina
Behold, You desire truth in the inner being; make me therefore to know wisdom in my inmost heart. (Psalm 51:6 AMP)
But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the Truth-giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth)... (John 16:13 AMP)
Have a great week!
Dina
Behold, You desire truth in the inner being; make me therefore to know wisdom in my inmost heart. (Psalm 51:6 AMP)
But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the Truth-giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth)... (John 16:13 AMP)
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Let our children see...
Loved this passage of scripture, what a great prayer! I want to see God working and i want my children to see His glory!!! :)
Wishing you a great day!
Dina
Teach us to realize the brevity of life,
so that we may grow in wisdom. O LORD, come back to us!
How long will you delay?
Take pity on your servants! Satisfy us each morning with your unfailing love,
so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives. Give us gladness in proportion to our former misery!
Replace the evil years with good. Let us, your servants, see you work again;
let our children see your glory. And may the Lord our God show us his approval
and make our efforts successful.
Yes, make our efforts successful! (Psalm 90:12-17 NLT)
Wishing you a great day!
Dina
Teach us to realize the brevity of life,
so that we may grow in wisdom. O LORD, come back to us!
How long will you delay?
Take pity on your servants! Satisfy us each morning with your unfailing love,
so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives. Give us gladness in proportion to our former misery!
Replace the evil years with good. Let us, your servants, see you work again;
let our children see your glory. And may the Lord our God show us his approval
and make our efforts successful.
Yes, make our efforts successful! (Psalm 90:12-17 NLT)
Monday, February 21, 2011
Unexpected Trials
I'm just sitting here thinking about how we can make it through this life when hard times come. When people die unexpectedly and sometimes "too early". Everyday you hear of abuse and wrong that has happened to others. These things are hard to understand. We want to question and ask "Why God?, Why?".
God's plan is so much bigger than we can see or understand. Sometimes it doesn't make sense at all or it seems like He made a big mistake. But His ways are higher than our ways, He sees the whole span of our lives as we remember the past and live in the present. He knows what the future holds and is there to hold us no matter what happens...if we let Him! He never promised we would not go through hard times of varies kinds, but He did promise that He will never leave us or forsake us! He is a comforter, helper, healer, deliverer. He is an anchor and a rock to cling to when the storms of this life are raging. So many are tempted to turn away from God or be angry with Him during these times. But I am determined that I will run TO HIM during any and every trial or crisis. Not only in those times, but I want to stay close to Him so that when trials come I don't feel like He is too far away to reach. It's easier to bring your burdens to a friend than to a stranger.
My prayer for today: Lord, help me to trust You and praise You in the good and in the bad. I don't want to live one day of my life estranged from You, I don't have to and I choose not to! :)
Be encouraged, God is in control and never taken by surprise! :)
Dina
God's plan is so much bigger than we can see or understand. Sometimes it doesn't make sense at all or it seems like He made a big mistake. But His ways are higher than our ways, He sees the whole span of our lives as we remember the past and live in the present. He knows what the future holds and is there to hold us no matter what happens...if we let Him! He never promised we would not go through hard times of varies kinds, but He did promise that He will never leave us or forsake us! He is a comforter, helper, healer, deliverer. He is an anchor and a rock to cling to when the storms of this life are raging. So many are tempted to turn away from God or be angry with Him during these times. But I am determined that I will run TO HIM during any and every trial or crisis. Not only in those times, but I want to stay close to Him so that when trials come I don't feel like He is too far away to reach. It's easier to bring your burdens to a friend than to a stranger.
My prayer for today: Lord, help me to trust You and praise You in the good and in the bad. I don't want to live one day of my life estranged from You, I don't have to and I choose not to! :)
Be encouraged, God is in control and never taken by surprise! :)
Dina
Monday, January 31, 2011
Dealing with temptation
Hello! I sat down today to write in my journal and a note I had written several months ago fell out. After reading it I thought it would be good to share because we all struggle with some thing that trips us up from time to time. Even the most committed Christian has some area of weakness, even if it is something as simple as being prideful about not having an area that trips them up! :) Here goes:
How to deal with temptation.
1. Keep a fresh relationship with the Lord everyday through prayer and Bible study.
James 4:8 - Come close to God and He will come close to you. [Recognize that you are] sinners, get your soiled hands clean; [realize that you have been disloyal] wavering individuals with divided interests, and purify your hearts [of your spiritual adultery].
2. Learn to recognize impure thoughts or thoughts that could lead to sin and change your thinking. (*impure as in anything that doesn't please God, could be lust, gossip/hearsay, bitterness, anger, revenge, jealousy, spite, painting someone in a negative light, disrespect toward authority/parents)
Ephesians 4:22-24 - Strip yourselves of your former nature [put off and discard your old unrenewed self] which characterized your previous manner of life and becomes corrupt through lusts and desires that spring from delusion; And be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh mental and spiritual attitude],And put on the new nature (the regenerate self) created in God's image, [Godlike] in true righteousness and holiness.
3. Learn to recognize temptations and refuse to give in.
Matthew 26:41 - All of you must keep awake (give strict attention, be cautious and active) and watch and pray, that you may not come into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
4. Share your temptations with someone before they result in sin.
James 5:16 - Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].
5. Recognize giving in to temptation as sin. Call sin what it is, SIN. Not a "little white lie", not an "indiscretion", a "mistake", a "bad habit", "doing things my way"...if it is sin, then it is sin.
6. Think of the consequences of giving into temptation before you act. To name a few:
How to deal with temptation.
1. Keep a fresh relationship with the Lord everyday through prayer and Bible study.
James 4:8 - Come close to God and He will come close to you. [Recognize that you are] sinners, get your soiled hands clean; [realize that you have been disloyal] wavering individuals with divided interests, and purify your hearts [of your spiritual adultery].
2. Learn to recognize impure thoughts or thoughts that could lead to sin and change your thinking. (*impure as in anything that doesn't please God, could be lust, gossip/hearsay, bitterness, anger, revenge, jealousy, spite, painting someone in a negative light, disrespect toward authority/parents)
Ephesians 4:22-24 - Strip yourselves of your former nature [put off and discard your old unrenewed self] which characterized your previous manner of life and becomes corrupt through lusts and desires that spring from delusion; And be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh mental and spiritual attitude],And put on the new nature (the regenerate self) created in God's image, [Godlike] in true righteousness and holiness.
3. Learn to recognize temptations and refuse to give in.
Matthew 26:41 - All of you must keep awake (give strict attention, be cautious and active) and watch and pray, that you may not come into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
4. Share your temptations with someone before they result in sin.
James 5:16 - Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].
5. Recognize giving in to temptation as sin. Call sin what it is, SIN. Not a "little white lie", not an "indiscretion", a "mistake", a "bad habit", "doing things my way"...if it is sin, then it is sin.
6. Think of the consequences of giving into temptation before you act. To name a few:
- sinning against God
- sinning against yourself
- sinning against your spouse
- sinning against your family
- violating trust
- opening the door to more sin
- giving the devil a foothold
- compromising your standards
- losing respect of your family
- hurting yourself
- hurting others
7. Look for a way of escape from temptation.
1 Corinthians 10:13 - For no temptation (no trial regarded as enticing to sin), [no matter how it comes or where it leads] has overtaken you and laid hold on you that is not common to man [that is, no temptation or trial has come to you that is beyond human resistance and that is not adjusted and adapted and belonging to human experience, and such as man can bear]. But God is faithful [to His Word and to His compassionate nature], and He [can be trusted] not to let you be tempted and tried and assayed beyond your ability and strength of resistance and power to endure, but with the temptation He will [always] also provide the way out (the means of escape to a landing place), that you may be capable and strong and powerful to bear up under it patiently.
8. Confess your sins quickly instead of lying, covering them up, sugar coating them, playing them down. (*being honest before God and with others helps you have a fresh relationship with God, sin just puts a wall between you and God. We can deceive others and even ourselves, but God always knows the truth)
9. Ask the Holy Spirit to convict you about what areas still need work!
So why share this? Because I'm so good and so full of good advice, NOT AT ALL! The real reason is because reading this today reminded me that I need to take my own advice. It made me look at myself and my own struggle with sin and made me realize I need to do better. Because I recognize the Holy Spirit putting His spotlight on areas in me that need to be cleaned out right now. Because I feel that icky feeling and weight of sin that so easy trips me up and because it's time for me to pray and read my bible and I realized I need to get some things off my chest before I can get anything out of either prayer or bible study anyway!! :) The other reason is I figured it might encourage someone else to be honest with himself/herself and God, it might help someone to strive against sin and result in a closer walk with God...that would be awesome! :)
Well, I hope y'all have a terrific day! :) More later!
Dina
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Worshipping Idols...who ME?
Little children, keep yourselves from idols (false gods)--[from anything and everything that would occupy the place in your heart due to God, from any sort of substitute for Him that would take first place in your life]. Amen (so let it be).
1 John 5:21
This scripture really spoke to my heart the other day. I was thinking about idolatry and doing a little study about it in the Bible. God couldn't stand idol worship. Jesus said the first commandment was "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind." (Matthew 22:37) I have to admit, as simple as this sounds, I don't find it very easy. It seems like there is so much to occupy my heart and mind these days. To name a few: family, friends, entertainment, technology, dreams, goals, plans, etc. After reading this scripture I've started praying that God would show me if there are idols in my life. Honestly, I've come up with a big one, ME. Not an easy one to elimate either, right? In thinking about what occupies the place in my heart that is due to God, what am I substituting for Him, what am I putting first? Me. Wow, it's true. I serve myself much of the time. I have my own schedule, I do as I please. I do what I want, when I want. I'm spoiled by the conveniences of this modern age. I'm engrossed in my own obligations and daily chores and routines. I'm guilty of putting me first and giving God the leftovers.
Well, I don't want to be guilty of this anymore. I want God to have my best because that's what He wants. I'm trying to start off each day with a fresh time of surrender to Him and a simple prayer from my heart that God will have His will and His way in me. Lead me Lord and I will follow, show me Your way that I may walk with You! :) Your will be done! Change my plans if they are not what You want for me! Thank you!
More about idolatry:
idolatry - 1. an image or other material object representing a deity to which religious worship is addressed.
2. any person or thing regarded with excessive or blind adoration, reverence, or devotion, etc.
3. a figment of the mind: fantasy.
4. a false conception or notion.
5. any being other thant he one God to which divine honor is paid.
6. a person who is revered, admired, or highly loved.
7. hero worship
8. false worship
synonyms: obsession, madness, mania.
The sin of idolatry is one of Satan's most effective tools in turning people away from God. People desire to place fellow people, as well as valuable material things on a pedestal as objects of worship.
Exodus 20:3-6 - You shall have no other gods before or besides Me. You shall not make yourselves any graven image (to worship) or any likeness of anything that is in the heavens above or that is in the earth beneath or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down yourself to them or serve them; for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the inquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generation of those who hate Me, but showing mercy and steadfast love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.
Deuteronomy 11:16 - take heed to yourselves, lest your (minds &) hearts be deceived and you turn aside and serve other gods and worship them.
Exodus 23:33 - They shall not dwell in your land, lest they make you sin against me; for if you serve their gods, it will surely be a snare to you.
Snare - 1. a device, often consisting of a noose, for capturing small game
2. anything serving to entrap or entangle unawares; trap
3. to catch or involve by trickery or wile; capture by trickery
1 John 5:21
This scripture really spoke to my heart the other day. I was thinking about idolatry and doing a little study about it in the Bible. God couldn't stand idol worship. Jesus said the first commandment was "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind." (Matthew 22:37) I have to admit, as simple as this sounds, I don't find it very easy. It seems like there is so much to occupy my heart and mind these days. To name a few: family, friends, entertainment, technology, dreams, goals, plans, etc. After reading this scripture I've started praying that God would show me if there are idols in my life. Honestly, I've come up with a big one, ME. Not an easy one to elimate either, right? In thinking about what occupies the place in my heart that is due to God, what am I substituting for Him, what am I putting first? Me. Wow, it's true. I serve myself much of the time. I have my own schedule, I do as I please. I do what I want, when I want. I'm spoiled by the conveniences of this modern age. I'm engrossed in my own obligations and daily chores and routines. I'm guilty of putting me first and giving God the leftovers.
Well, I don't want to be guilty of this anymore. I want God to have my best because that's what He wants. I'm trying to start off each day with a fresh time of surrender to Him and a simple prayer from my heart that God will have His will and His way in me. Lead me Lord and I will follow, show me Your way that I may walk with You! :) Your will be done! Change my plans if they are not what You want for me! Thank you!
More about idolatry:
idolatry - 1. an image or other material object representing a deity to which religious worship is addressed.
2. any person or thing regarded with excessive or blind adoration, reverence, or devotion, etc.
3. a figment of the mind: fantasy.
4. a false conception or notion.
5. any being other thant he one God to which divine honor is paid.
6. a person who is revered, admired, or highly loved.
7. hero worship
8. false worship
synonyms: obsession, madness, mania.
The sin of idolatry is one of Satan's most effective tools in turning people away from God. People desire to place fellow people, as well as valuable material things on a pedestal as objects of worship.
Exodus 20:3-6 - You shall have no other gods before or besides Me. You shall not make yourselves any graven image (to worship) or any likeness of anything that is in the heavens above or that is in the earth beneath or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down yourself to them or serve them; for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the inquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generation of those who hate Me, but showing mercy and steadfast love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.
Deuteronomy 11:16 - take heed to yourselves, lest your (minds &) hearts be deceived and you turn aside and serve other gods and worship them.
Exodus 23:33 - They shall not dwell in your land, lest they make you sin against me; for if you serve their gods, it will surely be a snare to you.
Snare - 1. a device, often consisting of a noose, for capturing small game
2. anything serving to entrap or entangle unawares; trap
3. to catch or involve by trickery or wile; capture by trickery
Why Wait?
Sin
Separates from God
Alienates from others
Incriminates the guilty
Imitates joy
Impersonates love
Agitates your mind
Constipates your dreams
Stagnates your future
Abbreviates your life
Devastates your eternity
God
Demonstrates His love
Advocates for the broken
Illuminates darkness
Penetrates problems
Alleviates pain
Celebrates surrender
Activates the spirit
Saturates the soul
Recreates the heart
Fascinates the forgiven
So…
Contemplate
God will not discriminate
Don’t hesitate
Don’t procrastinate
You can participate!!!
Why wait?
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23
Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come! 2 Corinthians 5:17
So if the Son liberates you [makes you free men], then you are really and unquestionably free. John 8:36
Separates from God
Alienates from others
Incriminates the guilty
Imitates joy
Impersonates love
Agitates your mind
Constipates your dreams
Stagnates your future
Abbreviates your life
Devastates your eternity
God
Demonstrates His love
Advocates for the broken
Illuminates darkness
Penetrates problems
Alleviates pain
Celebrates surrender
Activates the spirit
Saturates the soul
Recreates the heart
Fascinates the forgiven
So…
Contemplate
God will not discriminate
Don’t hesitate
Don’t procrastinate
You can participate!!!
Why wait?
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23
Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come! 2 Corinthians 5:17
So if the Son liberates you [makes you free men], then you are really and unquestionably free. John 8:36
I hope this will speak to you and touch your heart today! :) God bless!
-Dina
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