Pensiero puzzolente: Pensieri negativi

Pensiero puzzolente: Pensieri negativi

Pensiero puzzolente: Pensieri negativi

di Toni Weisz/Pensiero puzzolente

Scritture: 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 and Philippians 4:8-9

Il pensiero puzzolente si riferisce ai pensieri negativi che ci tormentano soprattutto quando lo siamo ALT (Hingrato, UNarrabbiato, lsolo o THo letto) this causes us to have a distorted view of God, self, pensare negativo, giustificazione, paura, e ansia. Affronteremo ciascuno di questi argomenti in modo da poter discernere tra le bugie in cui abbiamo creduto nel corso degli anni e sostituirle con la verità di Dio. Il nostro obiettivo è quello di equipaggiarti in modo che tu possa avere la vittoria in queste aree.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NKJV
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God for pulling down of strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself above the knowledge of God, brining every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.”

Filippesi 4:8-9 NKJV
“Finally, brethren whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there be any virtue and if there be anything praiseworthy, meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received, and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with.”

All of us know a person who can suck all the air out of a room because every word that comes out of their mouth is negative. Have you ever experienced that before? It is emotionally draining to be in the company of a negative person for a long period of time before we too are dragged down into the pit with them. Are you plagued with negative thoughts?

The enemy is continually trying to trip us up because his goal is to get us to focus on the negative things instead of all the things we should be thankful for. Do you have a gratitude list? If you don’t, I suggest you do one today, and write down all the things you are thankful for. When you feel a negative thought coming on, just get out your list and remind yourself that God is still on the throne and He is in control and He is aware of everything that is going on in the world. He uses all of it for His purpose and plans in all of our lives. We must remember God is good all the time and He is love; that is His character. He never changes. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

The battlefield truly is the mind. That is where spiritual warfare starts, and that’s where we have a choice to take it on or not. Right now, there is hatred and ethnic cleansing in certain parts of the world, wars and devastation due to earthquakes, fires, mud slides. Many are fearful, in despair, and feeling hopeless. But as believers, we need to be seeking the Lord even more now so we have His perspective on this. What are you focusing on now? Do you feel peaceful and hopeful or depressed and hopeless?

I have a list of Biblical truths that I read over every morning to remind myself that I am adopted and loved by God. This is how I put my armor on to protect myself from the fiery darts of the enemy.

Who I am in Christ, to Combat Rejection

I am worthy.
I am loved.
Sono accettato.
I am adopted.
I am confident and competent.
I am a child of God.
I have the Holy Spirit within me.
I am victorious in Christ.
I am forgiven of all my sins and cleansed from all my unrighteousness.
I have a home in heaven.
Nothing can separate me from the love of God in Christ Jesus, my Lord.
I am valued by God.
I am His precious child.
I will fear no evil!

When I read this every morning, it protects my mind and my heart from the lies and negative thoughts that the enemy wants me to focus on. When I don’t read my list on a daily basis, I am vulnerable to the enemy’s devices; I am impatient, unkind, self-righteous, judgmental, and easily frustrated.

Signore, You are showing me that today, in fact, I must make time with You each morning; You are my priority. Reading Your Word daily is food for my soul. Praying is a time for me to hear from You and to talk to You. Journaling is a time when I go even deeper with You, seeking Your wisdom and wanting so much to hear from You to lead and guide me in my life and in all I do because I want my life to be pleasing to You, and I want You to be glorified through it. Grazie, Signore, for reminding me and convicting me of that today.

Father in heaven, I pray for each woman reading this blog. I pray they will seek You with their whole heart. Show them how much You love them in a very real and tangible way. Protect them from the lies and negative thoughts of the enemy, and help them to focus on the things that are true, honest, just, puro, lovely, and of good report. Renew their minds daily as they read Your Word. Heal them and bind up their wounds as only You can, for You only are their Mighty Counselor and Great Physician. Meet them where they are and lead them by Your righteous right hand. Forgive all of their sins and heal them, Signore. Thank you for Your love, mercy, grace, and compassion upon them. We pray this in the powerful name of Jesus. Amen.

Domande da prendere a cuore:

  1. Do you struggle with negative thoughts?
  2. How often are you plagued with these thoughts?
  3. Is there a person or situation that causes you to start thinking negatively?
  4. What have you done to help protect yourself from this kind of negative thinking?
  5. Come possiamo pregare per te?

Per favore, contattaci. We would love to hear from you. Scrivimi a: toni@myashestobeauty.com.

Sei amato,
Toni

 

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MY Wall—My Prison (Part Two)

MY Wall—My Prison (Part Two)

My Wall — My Prison (Part Two)

When Is it Safe to Let the Wall Down?

In Part 1, My Wall — My Prison, we talked about the walls we built around ourselves as children to protect us from others and how these walls became our prisons. We found ourselves cut off from everyone, alone and tormented by the enemy. So how do we start taking the walls down and feeling safe to share what we have been hiding all these years?

Primo, a relationship with God is extremely important. To have this relationship, the Bible says we must be born again. We become born again or saved when we ask God to forgive our sins through confession (romani 10:9) and repentance, which means turning away from our sins and turning to God (Luca 5:32). We must also believe in our hearts that Jesus is the Son of God who died on the cross for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3–4, romani 10:13). We then receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, The Spirit of Truth. He gives us the power to understand Scripture (John 14:17), convicts us of sin (John 16:8), and is our comforter, constant companion, and friend (John 14:16). It is through the power of the Holy Spirit that God connects with us in a deep and intimate way, making us a family.

My life changed dramatically when I finally received the love of God in my heart. I knew Jesus loved me, but I didn’t feel loved. I still believed the lies that I was unworthy to be loved by God, or anyone else for that matter, because of all my sins, especially my abortion. When the truth finally penetrated my heart, I was forever changed. I realized I was a child of God who was adopted into His family. He would never leave me nor forsake me. I was His, and I was bought by His precious blood on the cross for my sins. I am loved by God just the way I am. I am so grateful for this truth.

Second, I believe being in a Christ-centered community is critical for our healing. In this community, the Word of God is used along with the power of the Holy Spirit. Prayer and recovery tools are also used in this loving environment, creating a safe place to share.

I believe abortion breaks the very soul of a women into a million pieces. Those pieces, created by the trauma of having an abortion, can only be picked up and put back together by Jesus. We were designed by God to love, protect, and nurture our children; we did the opposite. This group is a safe place to share our hearts and our hurts without judgment or condemnation.

Infine, it is okay to still be protected from people who are unsafe emotionally and/or physically. God does not want His daughters abused. As God heals you and you become more confident, He will lead you to start sharing with those with whom you feel safe. This group is a good place to start sharing within a safe and loving community to build your confidence.

Healthy boundaries are necessary to keep us safe so we can have more fulfilling and meaningful relationships with others. On the other hand, holding on to secrets is not a good way to have deep and meaningful relationships. When you feel safe to do so, share your secrets so you can be set free, giving the enemy nothing to hold against you.

Domande

  1. Are you ready to let your wall down to let God in so you can receive the love and the help you need?
  2. Who are you praying about sharing your past with? Do you have a healthy relationship with this person? It’s okay to keep yourself protected, but do not allow the enemy to isolate you or put you back into the prison.

Sei amato,
Toni

Leggi My Wall — My Prison (Part One) QUI.

 

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The Memorial Stones: Ricordando ciò che Dio ha fatto

The Memorial Stones: Ricordando ciò che Dio ha fatto

We see several times in Scripture that God commanded the children of Israel to set up a memorial of remembrance for what He had done for them. These memorials were to be shared with future generations so they could see what God had done for them. I believe it is important for us to look back as well, to see where we’ve come from and remember what the Lord has done for us.

Think back to a time before you knew the Lord. When you were walking in the way of this world and living your life for yourself and your own selfish desires.

What did your life look like before Christ? Tell others the wonderous and amazing things that God has done for you. There is power in your testimony. I pray God leads you to share this with others.

When I was 12 Anni, I decided the, “good quiet” persona was not working for me. I was not getting the attention that I longed for. Così, I decided to take another path, one that would lead to self-loathing, addiction, and destruction. I was blinded and unaware of the evil that I would do to myself and to others. My unhealthy destructive choices would only intensify with age and become more and more grievous as I plunged headlong into drug and alcohol usage, promiscuità, smoking, and ultimately an abortion.

I just wanted to be loved, but instead I was used and abused and did the same to others. I would continue on this self-destructive path until I was 34 Anni. Poi, one day in January 1994 in a small Baptist Church, Ho ascoltato il Vangelo per la prima volta: Jesus was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, was crucified on the cross for my sins and the sins of the whole world, was buried and rose again on the third day and ascended into heaven and is now seated at the right hand of the Father. It was His love for me and you that kept Him nailed to that cross. (1 Corinthians 15:3-6, Acts 1:9, romani 8:34)

I don’t deserve His love, but it is the sweetest gift I have ever been given. I have been forgiven from my sin debt and I have been set free to live the life He created me to live. I am so humbled and grateful to Jesus for His work and for my relationship with Him. Sono una nuova creazione in Cristo; le cose vecchie sono passate, behold, the new has come. (2 Corinthians 5:17) ho una nuova vita, un nuovo scopo, and a new song in my heart thanks to Jesus.

Joshua 4:1-7

“And it came to pass, when all the people had completely crossed over the Jordan, that the Lord spoke to Joshua, detto: “Take for yourselves twelve men from the people, one man from every tribe, and command them, detto, ‘Take for yourselves twelve stones from here, out of the midst of the Jordan, from the place where the priests’ feet stood firm. You shall carry them over with you and leave them in the lodging place where you lodge tonight.’” Then Joshua called the twelve men whom he had appointed from the children of Israel, one man from every tribe; and Joshua said to them: “Cross over before the ark of the Lord your God into the midst of the Jordan, and each one of you take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel, that this may be a sign among you when your children ask in time to come, detto, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’ Then you shall answer them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord; when it crossed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. And these stones shall be for a memorial to the children of Israel forever.”

Nel suo amore e servizio,

—Toni

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Ci vuole coraggio per essere guariti

Ci vuole coraggio per essere guariti

John 8:1-11, romani 3:23, John 13:34-35, and Joshua 1:9

Why do only a few women come forward for abortion recovery healing? The statistics tell us 4 out of 10 women sitting in our churches have had at least one abortion between the ages of 18-45? What is keeping them silent? In 2015, Care Net and Lifeway Research conducted a study on abortion in the church. Their research found that fear of condemnation and judgment, were the most cited reasons why women remained silent regarding their unexpected pregnancy or abortion. That is so wrong, and I repent of that sin right now. Signore, if I have not been loving or supportive of another in my past, I pray you forgive me.

I saw this type of judgement on the faces of other believers when I shared my abortion and announced my calling to this ministry. The look of, “How could you!” was very obvious. I immediately thought of the verse in John 8, “You who are without sin cast the first stone.” I know my sin of abortion is very grievous, but in God’s eyes all sin is destructive and we are to show grace towards others just as God through Christ showed us grace and mercy. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” (romani 3:23)

When I think about the judgment of others, especially those in the church, I think of the story in the Bible about the woman who was caught in adultery and brought before Jesus. In John 8:1-11, we read that religious leaders brought this woman before Jesus and told Him to condemn her because she was caught in the very act. Where was the man she was committing adultery with? He was nowhere to be found, was she alone caught in the act? The religious leaders threw her at Jesus’ feet for Him to condemn her publicly. I love Jesus’ words here, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.” Then slowly, from the oldest to the youngest, they walked away feeling convicted in their own hearts. Then Jesus says to her, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go E sin no more.”

The church is supposed to be the very place people can go to receive help, love, compassion, and care, not condemnation, judgment, and a cold shoulder. We, the Church, are called to minister to all people. God is not a respecter of persons (preferring one over another), perciò, we shouldn’t be either. God commands us to love one another. In John 13: 34-35, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

I thank God for each and every one of you who are reading this blog. I know how much courage it takes to step out of the darkness and face the fear of judgment and condemnation in order to be healed by Jesus. I am reminded of God’s words to Joshua when he took over leading the children of Israel for Moses. In Joshua 1: 9, God said, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Signore your God is with you wherever you go.”

God is with you dear one. Would you trust Him today to lead you into a deeper relationship with Him so He can heal you? He is waiting for you to step out of the darkness into His glorious, healing light. You will not regret this decision.

benedizioni,

Toni

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Il Signore ti equipaggerà per la tua chiamata

Il Signore ti equipaggerà per la tua chiamata

1st Samuel 17:28, 1st Corinthians 15:58, and Philippians 1:3-6

In 1st Samuel 17, prior to fighting Goliath, David has an encounter with his older brother Eliab. Eliab accuses David of being in sin and being prideful. In 1st Samuel 17:28 we read, “Why did you come down here? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride and the insolence of your heart, for you have come down to see the battle.”

Many around David, even his own family, tried to discourage him from fighting the giant because of their fears and their lack of trust and confidence in the Lord. The enemy was also at work in this situation, trying to prevent David from obeying the calling God had placed on his life.

Opposition to your calling will sometimes come from your own family and closest friends. It happened to me when I started on my abortion healing journey, back in January 2006. It was Sanctity of Human Life Sunday, and I was sitting in my Sunday School class. The Holy Spirit said to me, “I want you to help other women feel forgiven for their past abortions.” People closest to me said, “You shouldn’t do it because you are not suited for it; you should be working with children instead,” or “It’s too hard for you, and you will not be able to handle all the sorrow and pain associated with abortion.”

Così, I did nothing for a few weeks. Shortly thereafter, my Pastor preached on obedience. When I heard this sermon, there was no denying the pull God had on my heart. I had to do this. I went back to that person who had doubted my calling and abilities and said, “You don’t understand, God is calling me to do this and I must obey Him.”

How can we apply this to our lives? Primo, we must be prepared for many around us, even our own family members, to disagree with our calling. They may cause you to doubt whether you have truly heard from God or not. Many will try to prevent you from fulfilling your God-given calling on your life. They will say, “Are you sure that’s what God is leading you to do?” The enemy will throw everything at you to trip you up, so you do not fulfill your God-given destiny. Your destiny or calling is not something you choose. God is the one who calls you, and He is the one who will equip you for it. In 1st Corinthians 15:58, it says, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not vain in the Lord.”

You are courageous women of God and I want you to be encouraged. God will equip you for the battle you will face in your ministry. God will prepare you for every good work. Keep your eyes on Jesus and He will lead you, protect you, provide for you, and guide you, all the days of your life.

I would like to pray this prayer over you:

Filippesi 1:3-6

“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;”

Follow the Lord’s leading, caro; He can be trusted. He will always lead you to walk on the path of truth, life, and peace.

Reach out today if you need prayer or a word of encouragement. —Toni

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