Guerra espiritual

Guerra espiritual

The Enemy Is Prowling
by Toni Weisz/Spiritual Warfare

Scripture References: 1 Peter 5:8, Romanos 8:1 y filipenses 4:13

 

Be sober, be vigilant; for your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 1 Peter 5:8

I have been under a barrage of attacks by the evil one since I shared the gospel in a letter to two of my family members. I want them to hear the gospel one more time so they can have confidence that when they pass from this life to the next, they can know they are saved and will be in heaven when they die. Not only that, but at the time of this writing, we have three, and possibly four, Recovery Bible Studies starting within the next few weeks. That’s a lot of women hearing the gospel, being healed and set free from the trauma of abortion and abuse.

The first week, the enemy used family. METROy kids were not in a good place, some hard conversations happened, and people were offended. Finally, they were able to communicate and work things out, without my help. The enemy was trying to get me to fret and worry and jump in and to take matters into my own hands (my old character defect of codependency and fear) instead of trusting God.

Luego on a Saturday, the enemy used people in spiritual leadership. We were in a group setting, but I felt ignored and not included in the discussions. God showed me from this example what not to do as a spiritual leader. I am to be aware of everyone in the group. We all need encouragement and to feel included.

Then on a Sunday, a leader at church made a weird comment. Again, God showed me how important my words are. They can uplift people or put people down. The enemy was trying to use spiritual leaders to pick my rejection wound, desiring to awaken my people-pleasing character defect (my old character defect of people pleasing, putting others before God, which is idolatry).

Then a few days later, tél enemy used a woman who was very involved in serving in this ministry for many years, to react in a peculiar way and say some hurtful things. This one hurt pretty deeply. Again, I did not react. I actually did not send a text I had written because honestly, I did not know what to say. Instead, I prayed for her because obviously she is not in a good place. My old character defect of condemnation, listening to the lies of the enemy accusing me, was trying to make a comeback.

I was thinking to myself, “What in the world is going on?" Any one of these scenarios in the past would have pushed me over the edge, and I would have reacted badly or taken on rejection. Or my people pleasing would have kicked in and I would have scrambled around trying to make things right.

But because of the work God has been doing in my life over these 17 años, I am able to see with my spiritual eyes what is going on.

I am so grateful God healed my rejection wound and eso I no longer yearn for the approval of man. I want my life to please God. I am grateful there is no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus (ref. Romanos 8:1).

The accuser has no dominion over me. the Word of God has set me free, and the Holy Spirit protects me from the fiery darts of the enemy.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (filipenses 4:13)

I am so thankful to God for equipping the called. If God calls you to something, be confident that He will give you everything you need to succeed.

Questions to take to heart:

  1. What kind of spiritual warfare have you been experiencing lately?
  2. Have you noticed a pattern? When are you most vulnerable to the enemy’s attacks?
  3. How can we pray for you?

I pray this topic has been helpful for you. Please reach out if you need to talk or need prayer. Email me at: toni@myashestobeauty.com.

Eres amado,
Toni

¿Cuáles son tus desencadenantes??

¿Cuáles son tus desencadenantes??

¿Cuáles son tus desencadenantes??
por Toni Weisz/Herramientas de recuperación

Scripture References: Salmo 91:2–4, Salmo 17:8, Salmo 37:40, Jeremías 29:11, Salmo 147:3, Romanos 8:37 and Zephaniah 3:17

 

What are triggers?

A trigger is an impulse that prompts a negative reaction caused by another’s words, actions or a specific situation, especially for those who have experienced trauma from abuse, adiccion, and/or abortion.

 

I suffered from depression since I was a teenager and started going to secular counselors when I was 17 años. It took me a long time to figure out where this depression came from.

What triggered it?

I noticed a pattern. When there was a special occasion, like my birthday, Christmas, college graduation, or moving back to NJ after being away for 10 años, I had certain expectations that I would be celebrated in a certain way with gifts and parties. When those expectations were not met, then I felt unloved and insignificant.

When things did not go as I had hoped, I would fall into a very deep depression that would last weeks at a time. This happened to me until I was 34 años.

I was codependent, and I was triggered by the actions and words of others so much that they determined my outlook on life and how I felt about myself. It was a vicious cycle that lasted many decades.

In my home of origin, we never discussed or worked through hard things. People just yelled or gave you the silent treatment. There was never any resolution. No forgiveness, no grace, no healthy communication. It has taken me many years of hard work to learn how to communicate properly and how to put up healthy boundaries.

I am so grateful for my relationship with Jesus, my Savior. He is my Rock, my Fortress, my Deliverer, my High Tower, my Friend. He is my only hope. He will bind up all my wounds and heal my broken heart. I know what He thinks of me. I am the apple of His eye. He rejoices over me with gladness. He quiets me with His love, and He rejoices over me with singing. He is very pleased with me.

I am forgiven, redeemed, loved and cherished by God. I am adopted into His family. Soy victorioso en Cristo; nothing can separate me from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus my Lord. These are the truths I am focusing on to heal my broken heart.

Questions to take to heart:

  1. What are some of your triggers?
  2. Have you been able to discern where they come from?
  3. What have you learned over the years to help protect yourself from these intrusive thoughts?
  4. What are some of your favorite Scriptures to help you when you are triggered?
  5. How can we pray for you?

I pray this topic has been helpful for you. If you need to talk, please reach out with an email at: toni@myashestobeauty.com.

 

Eres amado,
Toni

 

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Nuestros sueños rotos

Nuestros sueños rotos

Nuestros sueños rotos
by Toni Weisz/Spiritual Disciplines

 

Scripture References

Jeremías 29:11 (NKJV)
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Isaías 61:7 (ESV)
Instead of your shame there shall be a double portion; instead of dishonor they shall rejoice in their lot; por lo tanto, in their land they shall possess a double portion; they shall have everlasting joy.

I never imagined I would abort my first child. I grew up in a large Italian family. (METROy mom was one of ten children.) At our family get-togethers, there were always children running around. I was the oldest granddaughter, so it was my job to look after the younger ones so the adults could talk without interruptions.

I loved children, and I even thought about getting a teaching degree. What happened to my childhood dreams? How did I go so far off the path I thought would be my life?

Sin destroyed my dreams. I decided that being the “good, quiet one” wasn’t working for me anymore. I wasn’t getting the love and attention I needed, so I decided to take matters into my own hands—a true recipe for disaster.

En 12 años, I started experimenting with alcohol and began sneaking shots of Scotch whiskey while my parents were at my brother’s football practices. My sister and I were left at home to do the dishes for a short while, but that’s all the devil needed—a little bit of time to get me alone and wanting.

My child-brain started thinking of ways to get my needs met but in unhealthy ways. This destructive path the enemy led me down was one of drugs, alcohol, numerous sexual partners, and then my abortion at 21. It was a dark and destructive journey. I hid in my secrets and was tormented by the devil.

How did I get here? One bad choice after another after another; it happens that fast.

I would continue in this self-destructive pattern for 22 años. Thankfully, God finally rescued me at the age of 34 when I heard the gospel for the first time. Jesus died on the cross for MY SINS. I had never heard that before. I desperately needed and wanted someone to take all my sins, shame, and guilt.

I needed a Savior—someone to love me just for me. I found all those things in a relationship with Jesus. I am so grateful for the love, forgiveness, and peace I found in Him.

God has turned my mourning into joy. He has given me a new name, a new life, and a new calling.

No matter what you have done in your past, God is able to forgive and redeem what the devil has stolen. You can still have a wonderful, fulfilling, God-glorifying life. It just may look a little different from your original plan. But rest assured, God is a good Father and has a good plan for your life.

Will you allow Him to help you dream new dreams?

 

Preguntas & Final Thoughts:

  1. What were some of your childhood dreams?
  2. Did the devil steal your dreams of having children and a family?
  3. How have you been able to move on and dream new dreams?
  4. How can we pray for you?

I pray that the Lord will minister to your broken heart and give you new dreams. Please reach out if you need a listening ear or a word of encouragement. Email: toni@myashestobeauty.com.

Eres amado,
Toni

 

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Herramientas que utiliza el enemigo para mantenernos en esclavitud (Parte 1-3)

Herramientas que utiliza el enemigo para mantenernos en esclavitud (Parte 1-3)

Herramientas que utiliza el enemigo para mantenernos en esclavitud (Parte 1): Miedo

by Toni Weisz/ Recovery Tools

 

Scripture References

2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given me the Spirit of fear, but of power and of love and a sound mind.

1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.

 

Question: What is preventing me from recognizing I have a problem?

 

Fear is a tool the enemy uses to keep me in my dysfunction: the fear of change, the fear of the unknown, and fear that if I do change, I will lose a relationship.

What are your fears? Make a list of them all.

What is preventing you from truly looking at your life and asking God to help you change?

When I truly ask and seek the truth, God shows me my wounds and the lies I believe about Him, myself, y otros. Once He shows me those areas, I accept them and seek His wisdom to change the things I can.

My areas of woundedness were once fear of rejection and abandonment, and believing the lie that if I was perfect, I would be loved. These fears caused me to become a people-pleaser and made me think I had to earn love from others and God.

I believed God would not forgive my sin of abortion, that my sin was too great. Now I know that was a lie from the enemy to keep me in bondage. I also believed I deserved to be emotionally abused because of my sins.

All this unhealthy thinking kept me in emotionally abusive relationships, isolation, depression, and hopelessness. But God in His mercy and grace filled my heart with His unfailing love, giving me the courage to step out of the darkness into His beautiful transforming light.

He helped me recognize the root causes of these lies and how to shred those lies to pieces using the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God.

 

How can we pray for you?

I pray this topic has helped you to discover and conquer the fears and the root causes in your own life. Please reach out if you need prayer or a word of encouragement. Email: toni@myashestobeauty.com.

Eres amado,
Toni

Herramientas que utiliza el enemigo para mantenernos en esclavitud (Parte 2): Ocupación

por Toni Weisz/Herramientas de recuperación

 

Scripture References:

Salmo 46:10
Be still and know that I am God.

Efesios 2:8–9
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works lest anyone should boast.

Romanos 8:15–16a
For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.

Romanos 8:38–39
For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

I was always busy with so many things that I didn’t have time to think about the toxic relationships I had with some close family members. I was so involved in my children’s school and after school activities, teaching and serving at church, and raising my family that I did not have time to look at myself and recognize that I was enabling unhealthy behavior.

It was Fall of 2001, and I was pushing myself hard physically so I could compete against 24-year-olds in tennis at the age of 42. I would be exhausted, but I forced myself to work out anyway.

We attended a church where obeying the rules was the most important thing. It was all a show, y in the meantime, my spirit was so grieved I could barely feel the Spirit of God in me.

Then came September 11, and my husband was flying that day from Philly to CA. For many hours, I did not know where he was or how he was. When I watched planes crash into the Twin Towers, I just remember going into shock. John’s family was calling, and I had no information on his waquíabouts.

Shortly after that in October, I fell on the tennis court and hurt myself so badly that I had a huge bulge in my right hip area. As time passed, it got worse, and I could not walk after a while because the pain shot through my entire body. From Thanksgiving through New Years, I was confined to laying on the couch because I was unable to stand or walk for long periods of time.

I couldn’t do anything for several months. For the first time, I had to allow others to do things for me. It was very humbling. I had a complete mental, physical, emotional and spiritual breakdown. My children were in high school at that time, and they would sit at my feet on the couch and do their homework. I thank God for that special memory.

It was during the time of my confinement that God whispered to my heart, “I love you regardless of whether you serve me on all these committees at Church or you lay on the couch for the rest of your life. I love you the same. My love for you never changes. My love for you is not based upon your good works or being worthy to be loved; My love is based upon My Son’s death on the cross for your sins.”

God knew I was working for acceptance from others and Him. I was raised in a works-based religion, and I felt because of the sins from my past—all the drugs, alcohol, sex outside of marriage and my abortion—that I needed to make an atonement for my sins somehow. I didn’t understand that there was nothing I could do to earn salvation; it was a gift from God (ReF. Efesios 2:8–9).

It took 10 years for that truth to finally make its way to my heart. But once it did, it changed my whole world forever. I finally felt loved and accepted by God. I didn’t have to be good enough or check a box to be loved and accepted. I realized I needed to believe God’s Word. I can now say with confidence that I have been adopted by God, I am His child, and nothing can separate me from His love (Ref. Romanos 8:15–16a, 38–39).

 

Questions to Take to Heart:

  1. What are you doing to keep yourself so busy that you are not dealing with your stuff?
  2. What are you running away from?
  3. How can/did you stop the busyness in your life?
  4. How can we pray for you?

I pray this topic has been helpful for you. Please reach out if you need prayer or a word of encouragement. Email: toni@myahsestobeauty.com.

Eres amado,
Toni

 

 

Herramientas que utiliza el enemigo para mantenernos en esclavitud (Parte 3): Puntos ciegos

por Toni Weisz/Herramientas de recuperación

 

Scripture References:

Salmo 119:18
“Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things out of Your Law.”

John 8:31–32
“Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, ‘If you abide in My word, you will be my disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.’”

 

Blind spots are areas in my life in which I have been wounded and where I cannot see my character defects, sins, and unhealthy coping mechanisms.

My life was filled with destructive choices, all of which contributed to my woundedness and blind spots. Only God could show me these blind spots and help me to see what areas in my life I needed to work through and change.

In the past, a blind spot for me was being overly protective of my children. When I was a young mom and not a believer yet, I was fearful that God would punish me for my past abortion and take one of my children. I remember when my children hit tres years of age, Pensé, “Oh good, I don’t have to worry about that."

But I still parented out of fear because I didn’t want my children to make the same mistakes. They were not permitted to participate in many activities their public school friends participated in because of the church we were attending at the time.

God’s Word shined light in these dark areas that were hidden for so many years. This light set me free from my fears, helping me to trust Him to release my children into His capable hands and allow them to make their own choices.

Later on, I had to apologize to my children for not allowing them to do certain things but also for being way too protective of them. They knew my heart, and they forgave me.

Another area eso I had a huge blind spot was in my relationships with others. I did not see how I was allowing others to take advantage of me by manipulating and controlling me. I never developed a voice because I was fearful of rejection and abandonment, which caused me to accept this unacceptable behavior.

I felt I deserved to be abused because of my past sins, which was a lie from the devil. I hated myself and did not respect myself. So, how could I expect others to love and respect me? I allowed others to control and manipulate me because I put their opinions above God’s in my life.

Mi gente–pleasing was out of control, and I could never say no because I didn’t want to disappoint others. Entonces, I ran around like an idiot, exhausted physically and emotionally drained and all along feeling very empty and unloved inside.

Why was I doing these things? Oh, yes, so others will see value in me and love me.

Bien, that never worked. The only one who ever saw value and worth in me was God.

Over time, God was removing the blindness, and I started seeing my unhealthy thinking. As I was seeking Him more and the truth about my past, He started revealing things to me that I did not see before.

I am so thankful for the day when God filled me with His love so completely that I finally stopped looking to humans to approve of me or love me. I was content solely in my relationship with the Lord. He was the only one I needed. This perspective changed my life forever. I am so grateful for God showing me my blind spots so I could know the truth, confess my sins, repent and be set free.

Ask God to show you what your blind spots are.

Preguntas:

What areas has God revealed to you that were blind spots?

Can you share them with the group?

How can we pray for you?

I pray this topic has helped you to discover blind spots in your own life. Please reach out if you need prayer or a word of encouragement. Email: toni@myashestobeauty.com.

 

En su amor y servicio,

—Toni

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Pensamiento apestoso: Mi visión distorsionada de mí mismo

Pensamiento apestoso: Mi visión distorsionada de mí mismo

Pensamiento apestoso: Mi visión distorsionada de mí mismo

por Toni Weisz/Pensamiento apestoso

Carolina del SurReferencias de rotura: Isaías 43:18–19 y Salmo 62:18–19

Stinking Thinking se refiere a los pensamientos negativos que nos atormentan. (especialmente cuando estamos DETENER (hinfeliz, Aenojado, lsolo o tenojado) o perturbador pensamientos, como una visión distorsionada de Dios, nosotros mismos, u otras personas. Aprenderemos a discernir la verdad de las mentiras que hemos creído toda nuestra vida.. Nuestro objetivo es equiparte para que puedas tener la victoria en cada área de tu vida..

Isaías 43:18–19
“No os acordéis de las cosas pasadas, ni considerar las cosas de antaño. Mirad, haré algo nuevo, ahora brotará; ¿No lo sabrás?? Incluso haré camino en el desierto y ríos en el desierto”.

Salmo 62: 6–8
“Él sólo es mi roca y mi salvación; el es mi defensa; Preferiría que no me movieran. En Dios está mi salvación y mi gloria.; La roca de mi fuerza, y mi refugio, esta en dios. Confía en Él en todo momento, Tu gente; derrama tu corazón delante de él; Dios es un refugio para nosotros."

yo era el mayor de tres y provenía de una estricta segunda generación, Italo-americano Famili. mi padre y su dos hermanos y hermana dirigían una empresa familiar Cconstrucción CEmpresa iniciada por mi abuelo..

Mi abuelo tenía un problema con la bebida. AY mi papá actuó como un alcohólico a pesar de que no bebía.. Me refiero a su comportamiento como un "adicto a la ira".."Trabajaba muchas horas y estaba lidiando con mucho estrés y drama familiar.. No podía comunicarse de manera saludable sin enfadarse y alzar la voz.. hTeníamos una mecha muy corta.. Entonces, cuando estaba en casa, Literalmente quisiera correr y esconderme..

tuve un exceso–sentido de responsabilidad desarrollado, y me avergoncé muy rápido de niño. Mi papá Era muy impredecible y aterrador a veces.. Como resultado de esto, Me escondí detrás de mi pared para protegerme. fingí ser el bueno, una tranquila, para protegerme y diferenciarme de mi hermana (quien fue 15 meses mi menor) y mi hermano (quién nació tres años después de ella).

¿Cómo se suponía que iba a conseguir el amor y la atención que necesitaba?? Después del “bueno, una tranquila" persona ya no estaba trabajando, Empecé a tomar whisky a escondidas. wsu llave del gabinete de licores de mis padres. Como dije, mi papa no bebía, así que él no sabía que estaba diluyendo su licor hasta que escuché a mi tío comentarlo un día mientras tomaba una copa.. Pensé, "Oh, no, Estoy en problemas ahora”. Pero nada salió de eso.

Ahora realmente me estaba escondiendo debido a todos los pecados que estaba acumulando mientras mantenía la fachada del bien., una tranquila. Por 13, Me estaba drogando y consumiendo otras drogas.. En 16, Era teniendo sexo. y en 21, estaba embarazada y soltera. Mi vida era una receta para el desastre..

Me sentí muy inseguro porque comencé a ganar mucho peso debido a todas las calorías adicionales del licor y a los atracones después de drogarme.. me sentí feo, gordo, no amado, solo, y deprimido. Nunca desarrollé mi voz tampoco, Así que todo el relleno que había estado haciendo durante mi vida estaba a punto de salir de lado., y no podría controlarlo. Me volvería como mi padre, un "adicto a la ira".

Después de muchos años de decisiones destructivas, Mecanismos de copia nocivos y adicciones., Mi autodesprecio estaba en su punto más alto. METROMi depresión me impedía funcionar normalmente y todo el dolor que había estado guardando toda mi vida estaba saliendo de lado.. no tenia control sobre eso. Yo era como un volcán andante. Literalmente solo quería poner fin a este desastre de vida y detener el tormento que estaba experimentando..

Sentí que no era digno de ser amado. De hecho, Pensé que merecía que otros abusaran emocionalmente de mí debido a mi aborto.. No me veía como una persona valiosa para nadie., ni siquiera a dios. Este patrón destructivo continuaría hasta que yo fuera 34, cuando por la gracia de Dios, Escuché el evangelio y dentro 4 semanas fui salvo y le pedí a Jesús que perdonara mis pecados y fuera mi Señor y Salvador. El día más hermoso y memorable de mi vida es febrero. 6, 1994, cuando nací de nuevo.

Incluso después de mi salvación, Sentí que tenía que trabajar por el amor de Dios y por la aprobación de los demás en el liderazgo de la Iglesia.. Mi gente–complacer estaba consumiendo mi vida, y Dios me mostró que esto es idolatría, que todo lo que pongo por encima de Dios es un ídolo.

Lentamente con el tiempo mientras Él derramaba Su amor y gracia sobre mí y con muchos años de recuperación, interior intensivo–trabajo de curación, y participación en altos–grupos de rendición de cuentas, Dios me mostró que su amor por mí no se basaba en mis buenas obras. y eso Fue sólo gracias a la muerte de Jesús en la cruz por mí que ahora era justo ante Dios..

Dejé de esforzarme por agradar a la gente y sólo vivo mi vida para agradar a Dios.. Como resultado de esta nueva mentalidad, Me he vuelto más dependiente de Dios y más audaz y valiente.. Estoy muy agradecido por la maravillosa aventura en la que el Señor y yo estamos ahora..

 

qPREGUNTAS PARA TOMAR EN SERIO:

  1. ¿Cómo tu visión distorsionada de ti mismo te ha abierto a todo tipo de abuso y pecado como una forma de tratar de afrontar todo el dolor??

 

  1. ¿Cómo ha cambiado tu visión distorsionada de ti mismo a lo largo de los años a medida que Dios te ha dado la conciencia y el coraje para cambiar??

 

Comuníquese si necesita oración o alguien con quien hablar.. Ypuedes enviarme un correo electrónico a: toni@myashestobeauty.com.

Eres amado,
Toni

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