Encourage Yourself In the Lord

1 Samuel 30:5-6 (New International Version)

⁵ David’s two wives had been captured—Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail, the widow of Nabal of Carmel. ⁶ David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God.

 

Depression tried to overtake me. Negative thoughts, voices speaking into my ears, whispering criticisms, and everywhere I turned, everybody was going through something .  There was no escaping!  I wasn’t getting a breakthrough at church or from reading scripture.  Finally, I gave into depression and decided to go to bed and pull the covers over my head. 

 Has this ever happened to you?  Have you ever felt like giving up and surrendering to defeat?

As I laid on my bed it occurred to me;  maybe instead of laying here feeling sorry for myself…I should pray.  Just as I began to pray the Lord spoke to me.  He said, “if you continue to lie here, you will become even more depressed, get up and get moving.  I have already overcome for you and the only way you’re  going to lose, is if you continue to lie here and remain in this state of mind.”  So I got up!  And, I began to “ encourage myself in the Lord.”  I started speaking to myself.  “You can’t change anything by staying in this bed.  In fact, some situations you can’t change at all.  The only way you’re going to change anything is by getting out of the bed and moving,  Moving toward the change; causing the change, and/or pressing on in spite of the circumstances.”  The more I spoke to myself the better I began to feel. 

The circumstances around me didn’t immediately change, but I changed the way I felt about them.  Yes, depression was all around me.  But, I determined that I wasn’t going to let it dictate how my day would be spent.  Or, how I would respond to what was happening around me.  It was all up to me.  I could remain depressed or remember that God has everything under control.  And He is working it all out for my good and the good of others. 

Perhaps,  you’re going through a situation that has you depressed or discouraged.  Just like David, you can encourage yourself in the Lord your God.  David sought the Lord’s guidance and God told him that if he “got up”  he was going to be successful and recover all.  You should not only seek the Lord’s guidance but remember what He has done for you in the past.  He brought you out before, He’ll bring you out again. 

PRAYER FOCUS:  Father, right now I am faced with a difficult situation.  But, I refuse to give into depression or discouragement.  I seek Your guidance and encouragement.  Thank you for ALL the times you worked it out in the past.  IN JESUS’ NAME, AMEN. 

No Weapon Formed Against You Shall Prosper

Isaiah 54:17 (King James Version)

  ¹⁷No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD

This is a very popular scripture to the body of Christ.  It is very often quoted by believers as one of the promises of God.  Usually, the focus is on the word “weapon” but we often overlook the word “formed.” 

It is not difficult to understand what a weapon is supposed to do.  They are meant to inflict injury, destroy and kill.  We sometimes forget that we are in a “spiritual warfare.”  And there will be weapons used in battle to fight against us.  Such weapons as:  depression, sickness, debt, cancer, unemployment, racism, jealousy, division, low self-esteem and abuse…..these are all weapons designed to kill, steal and destroy us. 

When these things occur in our lives, we sometimes want to blame God.  He never said we wouldn’t have battles to fight or weapons thrown at us. He didn’t say that the weapons would not injure us.  But, He did promise that they would not prosper.  

Rev. Dr. Laura Foster from (Greater Quinn AME Church of Detroit, Michigan) pointed out that the word “formed”  in this passage of scripture is often overlooked by many believers.   Indeed, there are weapons that are going to form…they just won’t prosper.  This is the heritage that belongs to the servants of the Lord.  If you are a born-again believer, this is a promise that belongs to you.  BELIEVE IT AND RECEIVE IT.  2 Corinthins 10:4, tells us the we have weapons too, but they are not carnal….they are mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds,  for we wrestle not with flesh and blood but with principalities and powers of darkness. 

 God has promised us the victory in every situation, against every weapon that is formed against us.  He has declared us victors not victims.  CHAMPIONS! THAT’S WHAT WE ARE!!

 

PRAYER FOCUS:  Father, you have already given us the victory over every weapon that forms against us.  Thank you for our heritage.  Allow us to trust you no matter what weapons we are facing today.  IN JESUS’ NAME, AMEN. 

Finding Time for Prayer

Ephesians 6:18 (Amplified Bible)

¹⁸Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God’s consecrated people).

 

You’ve probably been disappointed more than once by emails or phone messages from family or friends that go like this:  “Sorry I haven’t called lately,  but things have been awfully busy.  The kids have all had colds and fevers lately, but everybody is fine now, thank goodness  flu season is over.   Hope you are fine too.  Well, better get back to work.  Will call as soon as I have more time to talk.  Love Ya…” 

Sometimes, I postpone phoning friends because I am waiting for a more opportune time that will allow me to talk (what I feel would be quality time) for long periods.  Not wanting to cut the conversation short because I only have a limited amount of time to stay on the phone.  So, I put off  the phone call hoping to find a block ot time that I feel would be more suitable.  This usually results in family and friends feeling somewhat neglected. 

My prayer life was similar to this type of behavior;  postponed, with long gaps in between.  I was disappointed in it and I assumed that God was too.  However, Prayer doesn’t have to be lenthy or wordy.  Instead, it can be short but very satisfying.  The purpose is to connect with our Heavenly Father.  I have learned to simply open my heart to God and allow Him to speak to me.  I don’t have to be the one doing all the talking. 

As I have found with family and friends; they don’t care how long we talk, they just want to hear from me.  God justs wants to hear from us too!  He is waitng to hear from you!  Pick up the phone and give Him a call right where you are.  It doesn’t matter how long you talk or who’s doing the talking.  There is no right or wrong way to pray!

Learning to fit prayer into a busy life is not easy.  Make a commitment to at least one definite prayer time every day.  Begin with consistency, but don’t beat up yourself if you don’t always follow through.  I have found that praying for the needs of others has helped me to remain committed.  Again, God just simply wants to hear from us. 

PRAYER FOCUS:  Heavenly Father, we need to spend time with You.  Help us to schedule our day with You included.  It is our earnest desire to connect with You as often as possible.  Thank you for allowing us access to You at any time of the day or night.  IN JESUS’ NAME, AMEN. 

NAT’L CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH

Mark 10:14 (The Message)

 ^13-16The people brought children to Jesus, hoping he might touch them. The disciples shooed them off. But Jesus was irate and let them know it: “Don’t push these children away. Don’t ever get between them and me. These children are at the very center of life in the kingdom. Mark this: Unless you accept God’s kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you’ll never get in.” Then, gathering the children up in his arms, he laid his hands of blessing on them.

 

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month and we can see according to the above passage of scripture, that children are extremely important to Jesus.  He died for us all but He said “children” are at the very center of life in the kingdom of God.  He gathered them up in His arms and blessed them.  They hold a special place in the heart of God. 

Yet, so many of our children are being hurt on a daily basis.  Child Abuse is divided into four types:  physical, sexual, emotional, and neglect.  Any child at any age may experience any or all of these types of abuse.  We ALL have the responsibility to protect and defend these children.  There are several ways to help.  If you think a child is being abused; take immediate action. 

I am a survivor of child abuse.  I’ll never forget the person that tried to rescue me.  Unfortunately, it was after the abuse had occured but, because of her intervention the abuse was exposed.  Her name was “Christine Washington” and I honor her memory today with this post.  If she had remained silent (believe me, I know it takes courage to get involved) everyone around me probably would have continued to ignore the situation. 

Jesus doesn’t want us to ignore the pain and sufferings of children.  He wants us to bring them to Him.  We can do that by rescuing a child in danger.  And there are many ways of doing it.  Contact the Nat’l Child Abuse Hotline for more information:   (1-800-422-4453). 

PRAYER FOCUS:  Father, help us to be strong in the face of possible danger.  It is our responsibility to protect all children.  We ask you to protect the children we are aware of that are experiencing abuse today.  Help us all Father to be strong and courageous until the abuse can be stopped.  IN JESUS’ NAME, AMEN.  

  

RECOGNIZING CHILD ABUSE: 

The Child:

· Has learning problems that cannot be attributed to specific physical or psychological causes:

· Is always watchful, as though preparing for something bad to happen;

· Lacks adult supervision;

· Is overly compliant, an overachiever, or too responsible; or

· Comes to school early, stays late, and does not want to go home.  

The Parent:

information, for conferences, or for home visits;

· Denies the existence of — or blames the child for — the child’s problems in school or at home;

· Asks the classroom teacher to use harsh physical discipline if the child misbehaves;

· Sees the child entirely bad, worthless, or burdensome;

Demands perfection or a level of physical or academic performance the child cannot achieve; o

 

· Looks primarily to the child for care, attention, and satisfaction of emotional needs

The Parent and Child: 

 

· Rarely touch or look at each other;

· Consider their relationship entirely negative; or

State that they do not like each other 

SIGNS OF PHYSICAL ABUSE

Consider the possibility of physical abuse when the child:

 

· Has unexplained burns, bites, bruises, broken bones, or black eyes;

· Has fading bruises or other marks noticeable after an absence from school;

· Seems frightened of the parents and protests or cries when it is time to go home from school;

· Shrinks at the approach of adults; or

· Reports injury by a parent or another adult caregiver.

Consider the possibility of physical abuse when the parent or other adult caregiver 

 

· Offers conflicting, unconvincing, or no explanation for the child’s injury;

· Describes the child as “evil,” or in some other very negative way;

· Uses harsh physical discipline with the child; or

· Has a history of abuse as a child.

SIGNS OF NEGLECT

Consider the possibility of neglect when the child: 

 

· Is frequently absent from school;

· Begs or steals food or money from classmates;

· Lacks needed medical or dental care, immunizations, or glasses;

· Is consistently dirty and has severe body odor;

· Lacks sufficient clothing for the weather;

· Abuses alcohol or other drugs; or

· States there is no one at home to provide care.

Consider the possibility of neglect when the parent or other adult caregiver: 

 

· Appears to be indifferent to the child;

· Seems apathetic or depressed;

· Behaves irrationally or in a bizarre manner; or

Is abusing alcohol or other drugs

 

SIGNS OF SEXUAL ABUSE

Consider the possibility of sexual abuse when the child: 

 

· Has difficulty walking or sitting;

· Suddenly refuses to change for gym or to participate in physical activities;

· Demonstrates bizarre, sophisticated, or unusual sexual knowledge or behavior;

· Becomes pregnant or contracts a venereal disease, particularly if under age fourteen;

· Runs away; or

· Reports sexual abuse by a parent or another adult caregiver.

Consider the possibility of sexual abuse when the parent or other adult caregiver:  

 

· Is unduly protective of the child, severely limits the child’s contact with other children,

especially of the opposite sex;

· Is secretive and isolated; or

· Describes marital difficulties involving family power struggles or sexual relations.

SIGNS OF EMOTIONAL MALTREATMENT

Consider the possibility of emotional maltreatment when the child: 

 

· Shows extremes in behavior, such as overly compliant or demanding behavior, extreme

passivity or aggression;

· Is either inappropriately adult (parenting other children, for example) or inappropriately

infantile (frequently rocking or head-banging, for example);

· Is delayed in physical or emotional development;

· Has attempted suicide; or

· Reports a lack of attachment to the parent.

Consider the possibility of emotional maltreatment when the parent or other adult caregiver: 

 

· Constantly blames, belittles, or berates the child;

· Is unconcerned about the child and refuses to consider offers of help for the child’s school

problems; or  · Overtly rejects the child.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Administration for Children and Families

Administration on Children, Youth and Families

Children’s Bureau

www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IS THERE A BALM IN GILEAD?

 

Isaiah 53:5 (NIV)

 ⁵ But he was pierced for our transgressions,
       he was crushed for our iniquities;
       the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,
       and by his wounds we are healed.

 He was wounded.  He was bruised.  He was pierced.  He was stripped of His majesty and glory.  He carried All our sicknesses and sorrows upon His back and by His stripes we are healed. 

You may ask the questions:  Why is there so much pain? Why  is there so much sickness?  Why is there so much sorrow?  Is there a balm in Gilead?  What can take away my pain?  What can take away my sorrow?  Can I be healed? 

The answer is “YES!” 

JESUS, IS THE ANSWER.  HE IS THE “BALM IN GILEAD.”

My testimony is not like that of many others,  I wasn’t addicted to drugs or alcohol.  I didn’t suffer a great loss of any kind, nor was I homeless or on a sick bed.  But, I was lost deep in my sin.  I had a sorrow that no matter where I turned for the answer or healing, I couldn’t find it. 

It wasn’t until I began to seek after God that I realized, I needed a Savior.  I had heard about this Jesus.  I was told that He could take away the pain and sorrow that I was feeling.  Only, I wasn’t quite sure I would be able to follow Him.  However, in 1984 I gave my hand to the Preacher, and my heart to Jesus.  My life has never been the same. 

We are approaching Resurrection Sunday;  a day of to rememberance and honor for what was purchased for us through the death of Jesus at Calvary’s Cross.  God sent His one and only Son to suffer death on the cross that we might be saved!  He is the answer to whatever situation or sorrow you may be facing.  Won’t you trust Him today?  He is the balm you need for you healing.  No matter where you are hurting,  Jesus can heal you. 

All those that are wounded, brokenhearted, discouraged, abused and in sorrow–Jesus paid the price with His life that you might be healed.  He is the balm that was spread over all the areas that you are hurting.  Don’t deny yourself the balm that can heal you of all your “dis-eases.”  Trust Him. 

PRAYER FOCUS:  Jesus I invite you into my life right now.  Believing that only You can heal me, because You were wounded for my transgressions and bruised for my iniquities and by Your stripes, IAM HEALED.  Thank you Jesus, for all you’ve done for me.  IN JESUS’ NAME, AMEN. 

YOU ARE VALUABLE TO GOD

   Proverbs 31:10 (AMP)

 ¹⁰A capable, intelligent, and virtuous woman–who is he who can find her? She is far more precious than jewels and her value is far above rubies or pearls.

 

It’s taken me awhile to post in reference to the “Chris Brown and Rihanna” incident. Domestic Violence is not going away anytime soon.  In fact, it’s probably going to get worse before it gets better. I say this with all humility and deep regret.  I truly want to believe that someday things will get better, that men will get the help they need and we can put this demon to rest. It’s the same old story.  Man becomes angry; man beats woman; man begs for forgiveness; woman goes back to man; man becomes angry, again; man kills woman; the end of woman.  Pathetic. 

 But, unfortunately, I have to face the truth.   It is no secret that what negatively effects men will result in violence against women.  The country is in a state of economic upset.  When men are scared, disappointed, angry, embarrassed, rejected, and in pain; it ultimately leads to violence against women and children…”the weaker vessel.”  What will it take in this country for us to wake up and stop the madness?

 

Since we are unable to change any man, our only recourse is to change the way we allow ourselves to be treated by a man. It’s a given– as long as men are protected and escape consequences of their actions; things will stay the same. We may as well face it.  Ladies, we have to change the way WE allow ourselves to be treated.  When a man doesn’t see the VALUE in me; he is not worth my time or thought.  Every time a man abuses a woman; he DEVALUES her.  To him you are no better than the gum on the bottom of his shoe.  In fact, they often use their shoes to stomp all over you.  You must “know your worth.”

 

Firstly: according to Genesis 1:27-28, we were created in the image of God.  What could be more valuable than that?  Secondly:  Psalms 139:14 states, we are fearfully and wonderfully made. God took special care in creating us.  We are more valuable than rubies (Proverbs 31:10) He instructed the man to provide and protect everything that He created.  Especially, the woman that was made to complete him.  She was designed to fulfill a specific purpose. 

 

Daughter of God, know that you are valuable beyond any price that could ever be offered.  The only way we are ever going to achieve Domestic Peace is to stop allowing ourselves to be victims of Domestic Violence.  Pay attention to the warning signs and get out as fast as you can.  Of course, there are exceptions to the rule, however, in most cases; there are early signs of behavior indicating possible violent tendencies. There is a list of warning signs posted on this site.   Title: Why do abusers succeed?  BE CAREFUL. 

 

PRAYER FOCUS:      Heavenly Father.  I lift up every woman living with violence to You right now.  Protect her from physical abuse.  Give her the courage to walk away from any one that doesn’t value her as You do.  IN JESUS’ NAME, AMEN.       

Why Bother?

Mark 5:35-36 (NIV)

 ³⁵While Jesus was still speaking, some men came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher any more?”

 ³⁶Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”

Have you ever had someone discourage you at a time in your life when you were doing all you knew to do?  The situation seemed so bleek and hopeless. All you may have had was one last bit of hope and they tried to take that  away. 

Well, such is the case with Jairus (the synagogue ruler)whose daughter was sick in bed.  Jairus fell at the feet of Jesus begging Him to come to his house and lay His hands upon her that she might be healed and live.  Jesus followed him.  Along the way a woman who had been bleeding for twelve years stopped Him by touching His garment.  Jesus turned and asked “who touched me?”  Keep in mind, Jairus’ daughter is at the brink of death.  Jesus, (doesn’t seem to be in any particular hurry) takes the time to minister to the need of this woman.  I don’t know about you but, I would have been just a little anxious at this point.  In verse 32, it says that Jesus actually began looking around for her.  The woman falls to His feet, begins to tell Him the “whole” truth.  Which may have taken even more time.  Jesus said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from you suffering.” 

Jesus took so long coming;  while He was still speaking to the woman, some men came up to Jairus and said, “Your daughter is dead, why bother or “annoy” the teacher any more?”  Sometimes, in some cases–you just have to “bother or annoy” Jesus.  Even though others may think its a waste of time.  Jesus is not “bothered or annoyed” by our prayers.  Someone may be dependant upon you reaching Him on their behalf.  Just think,  if Jairus had listened to those that said, “why bother,”  he could have been discouraged and given up all hope of his daughter being healed.  But, instead he listened to Jesus, who ignored what they said. He turned to Jairus and said,”Don’t be afraid; just believe.  Jesus spoke to her and she rose up from the bed, …HEALED.  Glory to God!

WHY BOTHER?

Don’t give up!  Jesus is on the way!  Just keep on believing! Take courage and don’t let anyone talk you out of your blessing. 

Habakkuh 2:3   ….This vision-message is a witness
   pointing to what’s coming.
It aches for the coming—it can hardly wait!
   And it doesn’t lie.
If it seems slow in coming, wait.
   It’s on its way. It will come right on time.

PRAYER FOCUS:  Heavenly Father,  give me the strenth to wait on Your perfect timing.  Let me not grow weary or faint.  In spite of all the negative reports that others might bring to me.  Help me to “keep on believing.”  IN JESUS’ NAME, AMEN. 

New Findings on HRT (hormone replacement therapy)

Original Publication Date: 03/02/2009
Last Modified: 03/09/2009
Principal Author: Marcelle Pick, OB/GYN NP

New evidence on the use of hormones for menopause

Here’s a quick overview of what’s new in HRT:

• Coronary heart disease. If HRT is initiated within ten years of menopause or in women under 60, it may help reduce the incidence of coronary heart disease. It appears that estrogen therapy alone delivers better results than combined estrogen and progestin (any hormone that causes progesterone-like effects.) The caveat for women with a uterus, however, is that they do need a form of progesterone to “oppose” potential risks of estrogen alone.
• Breast health. A closer look at the 2002 WHI data revealed that estrogen therapy alone was not associated with an increase in breast cancer risk, but that estrogen together with progestogen (synthetic progesterone) slightly increased the risk of breast cancer. This is still true, but a recent small study suggests that adding testosterone to estrogen and progestogen could help counteract the breast cell proliferation associated with cancer. In addition, the increase in women’s blood estrogen levels when they’re on HRT is associated with increased breast density, but there is also evidence that using bioidentical progesterone instead of synthetic progestin forms lessens breast density.
• Cognitive health. The 2004 WHIMS (Women’s Health Initiative Memory Study) study showed that initiating estrogen therapy or estrogen/progestogen therapy in women over 65 had a negative effect on cognition — particularly if they had already experienced some cognitive decline. But another study looking at younger women, between the ages of 50 and 63, showed that those on hormone therapy had a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease than those that weren’t.
• Cholesterol and triglycerides. Back in 1997, the PEPI (Postmenopausal Estrogen Progestin Intervention) trial showed that women aged 45–60 on conjugated equine estrogens alone (Premarin) or conjugated equine estrogens and natural progesterone had significant increases in “good” cholesterol, compared to those receiving conjugated equine estrogens with a synthetic progestogen (Prempro). Now, we also know that bioidentical estradiol delivered across the skin reduces triglycerides, rather than increasing triglycerides as do estrogens that are swallowed in pill form — both synthetic and bioidentical.
• Blood clots. In pill forms that are swallowed, the risk for a blood clot (also known as venous thromboembolism) varies by the type of progesterone or progestogen used. The lowest risk comes with using natural progesterone and the highest comes with norpregnane derivatives (synthetic progesterones). Estrogen, on the other hand, if given transdermally (across the skin), comes with no increased risk of blood clot.

What should a woman make of all these findings? Though this new research is promising, much of it still looks at synthetic progesterone and equine estrogen (estrogen derived from a pregnant horse). These hormone forms can be patented by drug companies and are therefore molecularly different from the hormones we make in our bodies. Bioidentical hormones, those that have the same molecular structure as those made in our bodies, have been less studied, but are becoming more popular, especially with Oprah’s recent discussions. We’ve always used bioidentical hormones at Women to Women because we feel they are gentler on the system than synthetics. For more about the differences between synthetic and bioidentical hormones, see our bioidentical hormones article.

Above all we have to remember that hormone therapy, synthetic or bioidentical, is not the right choice for every woman — because we all have our own unique set of circumstances. In my practice, I evaluate each HRT case individually, at each appointment. Every time I see a woman on or considering HRT, we discuss individual risks, look at the recent research, and discuss her quality of life, so each woman can make an informed decision about starting or continuing bHRT on her own terms. And I generally recommend women stay on hormones for fewer than five to seven years.

Risks and benefits of HRT — individuality is central

Do the benefits outweigh the risks for you?

Consider these questions while making your decision about HRT:

• Are you less than 60 years old?
• Are you close to menopause and still having symptoms?
• Does your personal or family medical history include breast cancer, endometrial cancer, or liver disease?
• Is your quality of life being seriously compromised by your symptoms?

When I sit down with a woman considering hormone replacement therapy, I always look at her age, proximity to menopause, medical history, and her quality of life. Quality of life is so important, and it’s something conventional practitioners often dismiss if the research shows any kind of risk associated with a given treatment. I have one patient who was diagnosed with breast cancer years ago, and even after the 2002 WHI results came out, she decided she’d never go back to life without bio-HRT. I’ve always respected her position. (Keep in mind, we’re checking her hormone levels yearly — sometimes twice a year — and she’s taking bioidentical HRT.) Each woman, especially when given the information to make an educated decision, has the right to decide what is best for her body.

Take a look at the questions in the box to the right. Researchers tell us that the risk profile for hormone replacement therapy goes down in women under 60, women less than ten years from menopause, and women who don’t have a history of breast cancer, endometrial cancer, or liver disease. In my opinion, whether or not your hormones are still fluctuating is a more important consideration than whether it’s been less than ten years since you entered menopause. It is safer to introduce HRT when hormones haven’t tapered off yet.

If you think about it logically, reintroducing hormones when the system has adjusted to life without them — like the majority of women enrolled in the WHI study (average age 63) — doesn’t make much sense. Their estrogen and progesterone receptors have most likely diminished in activity, and adding hormones when the body isn’t expecting them or in need of them sends mixed messages. I’ve heard some patients describe menopause and perimenopause like a plane crash — you can feel it coming and then suddenly you hit the ground. I know that your perspective on life can change with the fluctuation of your hormones — after all, the body and mind are intimately connected. But supplementing those hormones as close to menopause as possible can “soften the landing,” so there is less shock to the system.

Each woman has a different set of circumstances that determine her personal risk, but based on the new evidence and what I’ve experienced in practice, the safety of HRT is enhanced if the following guidelines are met:

• It is given to younger women (under 60), who are close to menopause and whose hormones are still fluctuating.
• The woman does not have a history of breast cancer, endometrial cancer, or liver disease.
• The woman uses bioidentical hormones as opposed to synthetic HRT.
• The woman uses transdermal, transvaginal, sublingual, or “melt” forms of HRT instead of pills that need to be swallowed.
• Hormone replacement therapy doesn’t go on for more than five to seven years.

True Forgiveness by Ronda M. Harris

                     

Luke 7:47-48 (KJV)

48 And He said to her, thy sins are forgiven. 

 

There is something supernaturally powerful about forgiveness. The power of forgiveness has the absolute ability to change a person’s life forever. Hence, the purpose of Christ shedding His blood at Calvary. Most all of us are familiar with the virtue of forgiving others so that we can be free and released from the potential toxins that accompany unforgiveness. However, the true power of forgiveness is not self-centered at all; it is the undeniable acknowledgment of our sins and our compelling need of the forgiveness of God. The secular mindset focuses on forgiving others for your own sake, but that thought alone leaves the individual devoid of the true forgiveness that we all need from God through Christ Jesus. It is not enough to forgive others or even yourself, but accepting the forgiveness of God through the finished work of Christ is crucial to a healthy exchange of forgiveness; your sins and shame—for God’s love and forgiveness. 

 

 

Prayer Focus:  Father, we thank you for you Love that is extended toward us and we thank you for your blood that was shed for the remission of our sins.  Help us to understand the true power of forgiveness that comes only from you.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

A Matter of Perspective

Philippians 2:5 (NIV)

 ⁵Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:

 

Even for strong Christians who are grounded in their faith, discouragement can easily sneak its way into hearts and minds as life deals us certain situations and struggles.  As we struggle with the challenges and difficulties of everyday life, or things that happened to us that were unfair or unwarranted, it is easy to get pulled into a habitual mindset of negativity.  It can happen to the best of us.  Yes, what happened wasn’t fair, LIFE ISN’T ALWAYS FAIR! 

Sometimes, it’s  just a matter of perspective.  We often choose to focus on the negative rather than the positive.  It’s during these times that we become our own worst enemy.  We wage a battle in our minds, because we look at the negative of our circumstance, instead of focusing on what it is that God may be trying to teach us or work through us.  God always has a plan!

It isn’t automatic for me to ask God, “How can you get the glory from this situation?”  My attitude isn’t always that of Christ Jesus.  Jesus humbled himself to the will of God.  He understood that whatever He had to endure, it was only to bring glory to his Father.  The same is true in our lives.  God wants our lives to bring glory to Him as well.  We must learn to trust Him, completely. 

What is your perspective today about what you are going through?  Are you grumbling and complaining?  Are you focused on the negative?  Or, are you allowing God to draw you close to Him, so that you might better understand His will for you life?  Our attitude is our choice. 

Also, its important to remember, whatever you are going through, as you walk through the valley of the shadow of death….He is with you!

PRAYER:  Father, today I choose to focus on the positive.  I surrender to your will for my life.  It is my desire to change my perspective, attitude and thought pattern.  Help me to have the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus.  May you forever be glorified in my life.  IN JESUS’ NAME, AMEN.