Showing posts with label walking in love. Show all posts
Showing posts with label walking in love. Show all posts

Friday, November 21, 2008

Beware Of Anger!



Cross Post From Consecrated To Him
Written By: Trophy of Grace


BEWARE OF ANGER! When we have been hurt, offended, gossiped on, betrayed, or taken advantage of we must not allow ourselves to be consumed by anger. Anger is determined to take over all of our emotions and hinder our thinking provoking us to meditate on the offense over and over again.

It’s a trap! Don’t meditate on the offense!

By constantly remembering the offense we are feeding the anger and prolonging forgiveness and healing. We need to learn to choose to forgive and leave the offense and the offender in God’s hands. Believe me; I know it is easier said than done especially when it hits close to the heart. However, the Word of God tells us that if we do not forgive our offenders than God will not forgive us either. We are also commanded to get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger in our lives.

“Your heavenly Father will forgive you if you forgive those who have sinned against you; but if you refuse to forgive them, he will not forgive you.” (Matthew 6:15)

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:31-32)

I am not saying don’t get angry. There will be times that we all get angry. We just can not allow the anger to overcome us. So what do we do when we have been hurt? How do we not allow anger not to consume us? Below are just some suggestions:

Ø Be lead by the Spirit. Don’t allow your fleshy emotions to take over your mind. Remember there are principalities in the spiritual realm wanting to agitate the situation more and could even be the influence provoking it. We must keep in mind that we are constantly in a spiritual battle.
Ø Control your tongue. Don’t be loose with the lips saying things that you will regret. I know my first reaction is to want to come out of my mouth and start verbally retaliating. I feel the need to defend myself with my tongue. This is not the answer! It will only help to quickly escalate the conflict.
Ø Do not hesitate, immediately begin to pray! Ask God to help keep a cover over your mouth until the Holy Spirit has helped you get control over your emotions. Then try to resolve the situation amicably, in love and with patience.
Ø If your offender is unreasonable and does not care to resolve the conflict then you have got to let it go and leave it in God’s hands. Remember that God is our vindicator. There is no reason to defend yourself or retaliate in anger, trust our Lord to work on both of your hearts and forgive the person right away for your own good.
Ø Refresh yourself by playing some praise and worship music so that you can get your spirit and mind back on the Lord and off the offense. It’s hard to be angry when you are worshipping God.

Lord, we thank you that through the power of the Holy Spirit we can forgive quickly and not allow anger to have its way with our emotions. We pray that You would have mercy on our offenders and draw them closer to You. In Jesus name…Amen.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Pressure of Being A Good Christian


Anonymous said...
God Bless you Sisters, I am 23 and I need help. I have four older sisters and am in a new relationship with a good christian guy. My sisters are very controlling and since I am the young one they treat me with absolute no respect. We are all christians but lately I feel like the pressure of being a good christain girlfriend and being respectful of my sisters is just too much. I am very much a pushover. What should I do to tell them to back off without offending them? And what should I do to not ruin my relationship with my boyfriend?The scripture that comes to mind when I read this is Matthe w 11:28-30

Trophy of Grace responds.. The Scripture that comes to mind when I read this is Matthew 11:28-30

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

These situations with family can be hard. Perhaps your sisters are being over protective of you because you are the baby. I know that can be tough. Although I am the oldest in my family I went to school with cousins and uncles who were older than me and made my life a little tough, but I know that they meant well.

Your sisters should not treat you disrespectfully though. You must address this issue with them so that you are not overcome with anger, frustration, and even bitterness. If you keep shut about it too long you may one day lash out about it the wrong way. Instead go before the altar of our Lord and seek His face about this whole issue. He will give you wisdom and understanding. Ask Him to prepare their hearts and to give you the words to speak to your sisters. He will give you the power to address them courageously, meekly (not weakly), and most importantly in love.

Regarding your relationship with your boyfriend..

You have to also lay this relationship down at the altar. Surrender it to our Lord. If it is meant for you two to be together then it will be. Make sure that you have asked God if this relationship is His is will or yours. Long to do His will no matter what.

If you want a strong relationship then it must be built on the Rock. Go to church together. Pray together often. Read and study the Word together. Commit to pray for one another in your private prayer closet. Encourage one another with the Word. Volunteer at your church together. Ask the Lord to help you both fulfill His plan for your lives. Always remember what 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5 or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6 It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

I will be praying for you,

Trophy of Grace

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Friday, October 3, 2008

Baby Mama Drama


Anonymous: I have been with my boyfriend for two years. We are both Christians and recently made the decision to be obedient to God and to keep in His word daily. I love the fact that we are growing together and encouraging each other when times get tough.

My boyfriend has a three year old son that we pick-up on the weekends and I love him to death. When it’s us three we have a great time together. The only thing is I feel that my boyfriend is trying to keep me away from his son’s family. He doesn’t like to tell me when he talks to his son’s mother and seems to make calls over there secretly to keep me from finding out.

I want him to be a good father and to be in his sons life as much as possible but I have had a bad first impression of his son’s mother in the beginning of our relationship because she tried to break us up and would tell me lies about them getting back together to chase me away. There isn’t any contact between his mother and I now but I feel like I am left out of the family, I know I can’t take his mothers place but sometimes I feel like a stranger when it comes down to what is going on.

My boyfriend says he wants to marry me and we both agree we need to draw closer to God first but I’m not sure I can be married to him if he can’t include me in his life with his son. I don’t know if I should just back off because I shouldn’t have a say on what’s going on or if I’m entitled to have some say. My boyfriend says I’m a good mother to his son but when it comes down to any decision making he makes me feel that I need to keep my mouth shut. I just know if I’m going to be his wife I don’t want to feel the way I do now. What do I do?

Response: Surrendering your life daily to God is the best choice you can make.. If you will read the bible daily you will see that your mind and your desires will be renewed. Reading the Word and doing what the Word says is the secret to living a successful Christian life.

Now for the baby mama drama..

I know you said that she has done hurtful things in the past so you probably don’t trust her. I understand completely. It also doesn’t help that he seems to be sneaking to talk to her even though it’s probably innocent. He might think that it bothers you that he talks to her. It’s important that he knows that you are secure with your relationship and you trust him. That way he won’t feel like he has to hide. He is always going to have a relationship with her no matter what. Accept it for what it is and start praying about the whole situation if you are going to even think about marrying him.

The bottom line is the one you have to trust is your man. For any relationship to function properly there has to be trust. You have to trust your boyfriend loves you and is working daily to become the godly man that God wants Him to be. If you are confident in your relationship it would not matter to you if he talks to his ex because you know that he is your man and you trust him.

You have to pray about these feelings of insecurity and ask God to give you peace about the situation. If you love the child then you will pursue peace in this situation for his sake. Don’t hold grudges against the ex. Let it go. Forgive her for the past mistakes she’s made. We’re all human and are subject to error. Have mercy on her and try to see things her way also. Pray for her. If you do this you will see that your feelings towards her will begin to change.

Matthew 5:44-48 says “But I say, love your enemies, Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.”

It may be best that you do not have contact with the ex for now. She may or may not want to have to interaction with you. In the event that you do have to interact with her be patient and remember that you represent Christ. Always pursue peace!!

You are spending time with their child and she may have her guard up for several different reasons. She can be thinking any or all of the following: 1) Is she going to try to take my place. 2) What if my son calls her mommy. 3) What if she tries to take his dad away. 4) Will he still love and care for my son the way he does now when he gets married and has children with her.

There is a lot that could be going on in her mind. Not to mention that she may still have not gotten over the relationship with your boyfriend, the father of her child. The baby is only three. That is isn’t a very long time. So be patient and merciful.

Are you entitled to have some say? To the baby mama no. To your boyfriend you should lovely give him your advice and suggestions regarding the child. It is best not to make him feel caught in the middle between you and his ex. You may have to learn to step back sometimes and leave it between them.

My husband has two children from his previous marriage. I try not to get involved between his ex-wife and him. When I do talk to his ex-wife I am very patient and I keep it very simple. They make decisions for their children and I support my husband. I don’t always agree, however I do not over step my boundaries with her or him regarding his children. When his children visit us they abide by our rules because this is our house. I love them and care for them just like they were my own.

After praying about this whole situation you need to go to your boyfriend and let him know that it bothers you that he seems to feel that he needs to hide from you when he’s talking to his son’s mom. Reassure him that you trust him and that he does not need to sneak around.

Then leave it in God’s hands. Don’t worry and stress out about it. Remember that our Lord works everything out for our good. So let Him.

I will be praying for all of you.

God bless Sister,

Trophy of Grace

Monday, August 18, 2008

Jesus Freak!


Written by Trophy of Grace

When you decide to follow Jesus with all of your heart those closest to you will notice. All of a sudden you talk different. You have become more aware of the things that come out of your mouth. You no longer want to hang out in those places that will cause you temptation or ruins your testimony. You are truly different!

You now have a desire to please God so you begin to reevaluate your life. This process can often be difficult. Your friends and family may not understand. They may not even agree. So don’t be surprised if you are being persecuted from those closest to you. You may be called extreme or a Jesus Freak. Some may even feel the need to bring up what the old you was up to just months, weeks, or even days before you surrendered to Christ Jesus.

Don’t be discouraged! Jesus was persecuted and we will be persecuted too because we belong to Him. (John 15:20) Keep diligently doing God's will. You will no longer be spending the rest of your life chasing after evil desires. You have had enough in the past of the evil things the godless enjoy- sex, sin, lust, getting drunk, wild parties, drinking bouts, and the worship of idols, and the other terrible sins.

Of course your former friends will be very surprised when you don’t eagerly join them any more in the wicked things they do, and the will laugh at you in contempt and scorn. But just remember that they must face the Judge of all, living and dead. They will be punished for the way they have lived. Thank God daily for your salvation. (1 Peter 4:3-5)

Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t snap back at those who say unkind things about you. Instead pray for God’s help for them, for we are to be kind to others, and God will bless us for it.

Be a strong living testimony for all your friends and family to see. Walk in love and pray for them constantly. Be prepared at all times to give an account of why you believe the way you do in a gentle and respectful manner. (1 Peter 3:8) Remember that our Lord called you to Him so that He could use you to minister His love to others. Don't be ashamed to be a Jesus Freak!

May God give you strength and courage on your journey to becoming His vessel of honor.