Laisser les choses derrière soi

Laisser les choses derrière soi

Laisser les choses derrière soi

by Luci Boudreaux/Abuse Recovery

Écritures: Philippiens 3:12-17 et 2 Corinthiens 5:17

Philippians 3:12-17 “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained. Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.”

2 Cor 5:17 "Donc, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. Le vieux est décédé; voir, le nouveau est arrivé.

 

From the time I was a young girl until the age of 25 when I surrendered my life to Jesus, I had established so many ungodly behavior patterns and unhealthy thinking (which led to unhealthy coping mechanisms) that I was having difficulty becoming the woman of God I knew He wanted me to be. I knew I was delivered from eternal damnation. But what about living an abundant life now?

I was unsure of myself, always second–guessing myself, very insecure and filled with painful memories, which made me angry and frustrated. It affected my relationship with the Lord and others. I knew what the Bible taught me; that Jesus loves me and cast away my sins as far as the east is to the west.

Just as 2 Corinthians 5:17 declares, "Donc, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. Le vieux est décédé; voir, le nouveau est arrivé.

I wanted to believe God’s promises were for me, but I knew who I had been, the things I had done. M.y faith and hope were weak, unnd the enemy was working hard to steal my hope for a better life. I was fearful to step out and trust God in all areas of my life that needed to be dealt with before I could move forward.

But one thing was constant and strong in my heart. And that is, I wanted to be healed and whole. I worked at it by spending time in God’s Word, in community with other believers, playing uplifting music, and listening to godly teachers who lived like they believed.

But I continued to struggle. I couldn’t understand why I was still stuck in this place and continuing to return to my old ways of thinking and doing.

Does this resonate with any of you?

You go to church, read God’s Word, listen to worship music, but it doesn’t seem to be moving you forward in your faith or healing. Perhaps you are holding onto that one thing that is weighing you down. Is it possible that pride is preventing you from dealing with it or asking for help?

At this point, I sought out ministries and two specific women counselors that understood my broken past and what it felt like to have no self-worth. I’m thankful that they had the courage to ask some hard questions that caused me to face my distorted thinking. These women saw beyond my pain to what God had for me. They taught me to understand my position in Christ and that I was a new creation; I no longer needed to revisit my past for the sake of condemning myself.

I learned how to recognize that the painful events of my past do not define me, nor do they have the power to control how I live my life today. I learned that healthy boundaries are important and that I have the power to use these experiences to forgive, which allows me to heal and help others in their journey. Alors, my past no longer has a hold on me; I now use it to glorify God!

I am a very different woman today. I embrace the truth that I am a daughter of the M.ost High et that I don’t need to fear anything in this world or in the spiritual realm! I am a warrior, an ambassador, who God promises to equip for every situation in my life so that I may walk in victory and display His character.

As Paul said in Philippians Chapter 3, we haven’t “arrived,” but we are focused on moving forward, towards the goal of becoming more like Jesus. In view of this, I see every situation that comes into my life as an opportunity for the Holy Spirit to teach me how to live out my faith. He allows situations (positive et negative), so, I submit to them, knowing it’s for His glory and my ultimate holiness.

God is doing a spiritually renewing work in each of us. And my desire is that we all draw closer to His heart. One of the spiritually powerful things in my life is spending time with like-minded believers who I can encourage and be encouraged by. It’s important for us to pay close attention and seek out those who walk in the way of Christ. Follow their example; you will become like those you spend the majority of your time with.

I encourage you all to use the issues we discuss in our conference calls to propel you into a better place. Don’t settle for less than God’s best for you! We can experience the abundant life here and now! Mais it takes a lot of courage to change!

Questions to Consider:

  1. Are you allowing your past to hinder you from moving forward in your healing journey?
  1. What is preventing you from embracing what God is calling you to?
  1. How may we pray for you?

We are here to help you in your journey. Veuillez nous contacter si vous avez besoin de parler. You can email me at: surmonter982@icloud.com.

Your friend,
Lumières

 

 

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La paix de Dieu

La paix de Dieu

La paix de Dieu

by Toni Weisz/Spiritual Warfare

 

Références bibliques: Psaume 119:165, Galatians 5:22-23, John 16:33, Psaume 147:4, Isaïe 9:6, Psaume 27:10, et Jean 10:29

 

Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them. Psaume 119:165

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joie, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

These things have I spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. John 16:33

When my father and mother forsake me, Then the Lord will take care of me. Psaume 27:10

Everyone in this world desires peace. The politicians are promising peace, but they cannot deliver that.

Why do we yearn for peace in our souls? Because we are all created by God, who offers this peace to all His children. Peace is listed third in the list of the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23.

Jesus told us in John 16:33, “In this world you will have tribulation, trials, and suffering, but be assured and confident I have overcome the world.”

God created us for a relationship with Him, but we try to fill this void in our hearts with all kinds of things, but nothing satisfies. Only a relationship with Jesus can satisfy our longing soul for fellowship with our Creator God and Father.

Jesus is the answer to every problem we face in this world. He binds up our broken hearts and heals our wounds (ref. Psaume 147:3). He is the Great Physician.

In Isaiah 9:6, which is a foretelling of His birth, it states that Jesus will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

How can we describe God’s peace to someone who has never experienced it? It’s the knowledge that I am forgiven, and I don’t need to hide my sins and secrets anymore. I don’t have to wear a mask and pretend anymore that everything is great. I can be real. I am loved and accepted by God just the way I am because Jesus paid my sin debt on the cross. I am no longer separated from God. I can love and forgive others because of what God has done for me. I am free. That is what gives me peace. I don’t belong to the devil anymore; I was bought by the precious blood of Jesus. I belong to God now, and no one can pluck me out of the Father’s hand (ref. John 10:29).

During the time of writing this, I have not had peace in a few months, and I didn’t understand why until now. I was allowing the enemy to beat me down in the area of my earthly inheritance and finances. My son has been unable to work for over 2.5 years with an illness that is still undiagnosed, and my daughter is a single mom. And I am still in need.

I just figured out the wound the enemy has been poking. It’s my wound of rejection. As I am writing this, the Lord brought this verse to my mind, “When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take care of me.” Psalm 27:10

Oh Lord, I am so grateful for your love and care for me and my family. I am so grateful that you removed the blindness so I could see the root cause for my torment. I feel abandoned and rejected and ne pas an heir in my earthly family. Wow!! That’s so huge, Seigneur. Thank you for this revelation.

At this moment on Sunday, Février 4, 2024, à 7:30 AM, I have experienced a breakthrough. Merci, Jésus. Now I know what I was dealing with. The enemy clouded my mind so I could not see clearly the root cause for my torment and lack of peace. I was feeling rejection from my earthly family.

Many of you dear ones have experienced abuse from your family members, who were supposed to love you and take care of you, and for that, I am so sorry you experienced that trauma. Those wounds are so deep. I pray you know how much you are loved by the Lord and that He wants to heal you in all your broken places. He wants you to come to Him as a little child, believing by faith that He is a safe person and that you can trust Him.

The enemy is continually trying to rob you of your peace because he knows you belong to God. He cannot take your spirit to hell, but he can torment you.

Spend time alone with the Lord in a quiet place, and allow His Holy Spirit minister to you. He loves you so much, and He knows your struggles. He collects your tears in a bottle. He knows everything about you, and He still loves you more than you can comprehend. Ask Him to cover you with His peace and to protect you. Make a daily decision to walk in His peace regardless of what is going on around you.

Des questions à prendre à cœur:

1.) Are you experiencing God’s peace? Can you give an example of God’s peace in the middle of a storm or situation? What was that like for you? Please explain.

2.) Sinon, what is preventing you from experiencing His peace?

There are several things that can rob our peace: abuser de, unconfessed sin, severe pain, prolonged trials, rejection, abandon, weariness, solitude, depression, grief, désespoir, hopelessness, etc. Please explain.

3.) Comment pouvons-nous vous encourager aujourd'hui?

My prayer for you is that you will experience the peace and joy of the Lord in your heart, mind, and soul. S'il vous plaît tendre la main. Nous sommes là pour vous. Envoyez-moi un email à: toni@myashestobeauty.com.

Tu es aimé,
Toni

P.S. I remembered I made a list of affirmations about five years ago called, “Who I am In Christ to Combat Rejection.” I used to read this list everyday for at least a year. I need to go back to doing that so I have my armor on and I am protected from the evil one’s lies.

 

 

 

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Arrêtez de vous efforcer

Arrêtez de vous efforcer

Arrêtez de vous efforcer

January 2024
Par Toni Weisz/Disciplines spirituelles

Scripture Verses:
Psaume 27:14, Isaïe 40:31a and Psalm 103:13-14

Psaume 27:14
Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart; wait, I say, on the Lord.

Isaïe 40:31un
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.

Psaume 103:13-14
As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers we are dust.

In my journaling this week, I was struggling with feelings of rejection, which caused me to be emotionally drained and physically weak. After a few days, I finally sat down with the Lord and poured out my heart to Him. I have a big family reunion coming up, and that always, for some reason, still causes me to become anxious. Those old wounds can be easily reopened, and those old tapes start playing over and over again in my mind.

I have witnessed to all of them over the years, even my nieces and nephews. Not a one has responded to the gospel. I know that is not my responsibility; it’s Gods. I know the enemy is trying to gain entrance into my thought life because he wants me to be anxious and ineffective for God. Non, that’s not happening. I am aware of his plot, and I am equipping myself with the armor of God and His word to protect my mind and my heart from his lies.

Also, I am saddened by my son’s illness and the fact that he and his wife will be missing from our family reunion. Sometimes I need to take time to feel what I am feeling instead of just brushing it off or stuffing it. It’s OK to be sad, frustrated and disappointed. Alors, I allowed myself to go there too, and afterwards, I felt refreshed.

The enemy is trying to get me to strive for approval in the area of my tennis. Instead of enjoying the gift of being able to play, I am trying too hard to win matches and the approval of others. I am striving too much, and I am physically tired. Instead, I need to rest in the Lord. He is the one who will renew my strength (Isaïe 40:31un). He is the one that will give me favor with others. He is the one who opens hearts to hear the word of God and receive it. I am just a vessel that He uses for His purposes. I need to go back to the basics, enjoy the gift of tennis, and stop trying so hard to be perfect.

I also have four events this month where I will be sharing my testimony and our ministry information, and the enemy is not happy about that. Each week, we get one or two new women who come to our ministry. I need to stay close to the Lord and keep my eyes on Him. He is the one that has opened these doors, and I need to trust Him. He is the one who will give me favor and the words to say. I trust Him completely.

God wants us to pour out our hearts to Him. He sees all of us, and He knows our struggles, our heartbreaks, and our frailty. He remembers that we are dust. He is the one who created us in the first place. In Psalm 103:13-14, nous lisons, “As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers we are dust.”

I realized that I need to surrender my will and my heart to God and trust Him with all the outcomes. I cannot control those things, but I can control how I respond to things. I can have victory in all these areas if I let God use me the way He wants to and stop trying so hard.

Des questions à prendre à cœur:

  1. What area are you still striving in?
  2. Why are you trying so hard?
  3. Have you been able to surrender all to God? Sinon, why?
  4. Comment pouvons-nous prier pour vous?

Je prie ce sujet qui vous a été utile. If you need to talk you can email me at: toni@myashestobeauty.com.

Tu es aimé,
Toni

 

 

 

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Un chèque dans mon esprit

Un chèque dans mon esprit

Un chèque dans mon esprit
par Toni Weisz/Abuse Recovery

Scripture reference: Éphésiens 4:29-32
Ne laissez aucune communication corrompue sortir de votre bouche, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace to the hearers. And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Laisse toute amertume, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you with all malice: and be ye kind one to another, tendre, se pardonner les uns les autres, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

I had an opportunity this week to see a leader from my past. She was the unavortement recovery leader at our local pregnancy center at the time I was also volunteering. We did many post-unavortement Bible studies together for several years. I was very surprised to see her because we were at an event that had nothing to do with ministry. We sat next to each other. We shared about our families, and then we also discussed ministry. We both come from totally different approaches to ministry.

Over the years, I have learned a woman doesn’t need to be slammed about her sin of abortion, that it’s something that we talk about, and the Holy Spirit is the one who convicts her of it.

At My Ashes to Beauty, we are very clear that abortion terminates a life. But women come to our ministry broken, and they need someone to lift them up, to love them, to share the truth about abortion, and to share the love of Jesus with them.

As we talked about ministry, I noticed I was raising my voice; we are both very passionate and strong women. I was not feeling good about what was happening. I felt like we were in some kind of strange competition. I felt very uncomfortable. I felt like she was defending herself and also insinuating some things about me that were not true.

At one point, I just folded my hands and stopped engaging with her just to take a break because our conversation was getting kind of bizarre. Dans le passé, sil had hurt me in many ways by her style of leadership, and I suffered not only public humiliation in front of other leaders, but she also told me it was my sin that was causing problems in my marriage.

I have worked very hard over the years to forgive her. Seigneur, I forgive her, and I pray You bless her and her family, in Jesus' name. God has taught me many things by looking at other leaders and learning from them.

She sent me a text the next day and was wanting to get together possibly. Franchement, there are some people that I have to keep at arm’s length, and she is one of them.

Have you ever felt like you had to keep yourself protected from certain individuals? For some reason, have you felt they are unsafe emotionally? Was there a check in your spirit, like a caution?

When I think about it now, I was a co-dependent people-pleaser. I had a fear of authority figures, et I considered her an authority figure. I gave her too much power over me, and that was my fault. But I was so wounded, and I had just started in the post-abortion ministry, so a lot of things were coming up from my past. I wasn’t equipped yet to handle all of that.

Perhaps she reminds me of other family members. I am very guarded around individuals like this who have hurt me in the past. I am also aware the evil one is prowling because I sent my ministry cards to some family members who are pro-choice. I know I cannot change their hearts; I am praying God does, but I want them to hear the truth from the other side that abortion not only takes a life but also harms women deeply. Please pray for God to open their hearts to hear the truth about abortion.

Des questions à prendre à cœur:

  1. Are there certain family members or friends you have to guard yourself from?
  2. How do you navigate those relationships? What do you do to protect yourself?
  3. How can we pray and encourage you?

I pray this topic was helpful for you. Veuillez nous contacter si vous avez besoin de parler, toni@myashestobeauty.com.

Tu es aimé,
Toni

 

 

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Son oeil est sur le moineau

Son oeil est sur le moineau

Son oeil est sur le moineau (Partie 1)
par Toni Weisz/Disciplines spirituelles

 

Références bibliques: Matthieu 10:29-31, Isaïe 61:1-3 et 1 John 4:7-8

 

Matthieu 10:29-31
Ne vendons-nous pas deux moineaux pour une pièce de cuivre? Et aucun d’eux ne tombe à terre sans la volonté de ton Père.. Mais les cheveux de ta tête sont tous numérotés, Ne crains donc pas; tu as plus de valeur que beaucoup de moineaux.

Isaïe 61:1
L'Esprit du Seigneur Dieu est sur moi, parce que le Seigneur m'a oint pour apporter la bonne nouvelle aux pauvres; il m'a envoyé pour panser les cœurs brisés, proclamer la liberté aux captifs, et l'ouverture de la prison à ceux qui sont liés;

1 John 4:7-8
Bien-aimé, aimons-nous les uns les autres, car l'amour vient de Dieu; et celui qui aime est né de Dieu et connaît Dieu. Quiconque n'aime pas ne connaît pas Dieu, parce que Dieu est amour.



Lundi après-midi, Juin 5, 2023, en promenant mon chien, Je suis tombé sur un oisillon. La pauvre petite n'avait même pas encore de plumes, et ses yeux étaient fermés. J'ai immédiatement amené le chien et j'ai appelé ma fille pour savoir ce que je devais faire.. Quand je lui ai envoyé une photo de l'oiseau, elle a dit, "Maman, c'est un corbeau. Elle et moi détestons les corbeaux à cause de la façon dont ils voyagent en groupe appelé « meurtre » pour s'attaquer à tous les oisillons sans défense..

J'ai appelé de nombreuses agences animalières et l'une d'elles m'a suggéré de faire un nid dans l'arbre où se trouvait le nid d'origine et les parents le nourriraient.. Alors, J'ai essayé de trouver mon nid de fortune et je l'ai mis dans l'arbre. Puis à ma grande surprise, un couple d'oiseaux moqueurs est venu plusieurs fois et a nourri l'oisillon. J'ai remercié Dieu de les avoir envoyés.

Je déteste voir les faibles, vulnérable, abandonné exploité et maltraité ou tué. Je déteste la chute lorsque toute la nature et l'humanité sont tombées dans le péché. J'aspire à ce moment où il n'y aura plus de péché, la mort, douleur, chagrin ou larmes. Je me suis dit, "Cette petite chose aura de la chance si elle passe la nuit," mais c'est ce qui s'est produit à mon grand étonnement.

Le mardi matin, J'ai regardé par la fenêtre et j'ai vu un pic à tête rouge près du nid, et je me suis précipité vers la porte pour le chasser. Je me suis dit, "C'est fou, tu ne peux pas faire ça toute la journée; vous vous rendrez fou de panique à chaque fois qu'un autre prédateur arrive. Toni, vous devez donner cela à Dieu et vous abandonner.

Un peu de temps s'est écoulé et j'ai remarqué que le nid était sorti de l'arbre., alors j'ai cherché et trouvé le petit oiseau et je l'ai remis dans l'arbre. Les oiseaux moqueurs volaient au-dessus de moi pour m'éloigner de cet oiseau. J'ai essayé de les assurer, "C'est bon."

J'ai pleuré et je suis entré dans la maison et j'ai écrit ces pensées:
"Seigneur, Je ne peux pas aider tout le monde et tout. Je ne peux sauver personne. Je peux protéger et aider ceux que tu m'apportes, du mieux que je peux, mais finalement, Je dois tout abandonner à Toi, que ce soit un oiseau abandonné, les problèmes de santé de mon fils, une femme que vous amenez au ministère ou au salut d’un membre de la famille. Tout est entre tes mains Seigneur; Je t'abandonne le contrôle.

Regarder les moqueurs s'occuper d'un corbeau, leur ennemi, J'ai entendu les paroles de Jésus, « Aimez vos ennemis, bénis ceux qui te maudissent, fais du bien à ceux qui te haïssent. (Matthieu 5:44)

Ces oiseaux travaillant ensemble pour protéger et nourrir ce petit m'ont rappelé le corps du Christ travaillant ensemble pour aider les plus vulnérables., les faibles, et les blessés de ce monde. Dans ce ministère, nous voulons que les autres voient le cœur du Père envers eux. Nous voulons qu’ils fassent l’expérience de son grand amour et de sa compassion et qu’ils prennent soin d’eux comme il le ferait..

Tout le temps que je tenais ce petit oiseau dans mes mains, Je pensais au vieil hymne, Son œil est sur le moineau. Les passages bibliques dont cet hymne est tiré se trouvent dans Matthieu 10:29-31; "Ne vendons-nous pas deux moineaux pour une pièce de cuivre? Et aucun d’eux ne tombe à terre sans la volonté de ton Père.. Mais les cheveux de ta tête sont tous numérotés, Ne crains donc pas; tu as plus de valeur que beaucoup de moineaux.

Je veux juste que tu saches, mon cher, que Dieu vous voit et qu'il vous connaît si intimement parce qu'il vous a créé. Et il sait combien de cheveux il y a sur ta tête.

Viens à Lui et apporte tes rêves brisés, ton coeur brisé, ta vie brisée, et Il peut en faire quelque chose de beau si vous êtes prêt à lui faire confiance.

Des questions à prendre à cœur:

  1. As-tu pu aimer tes ennemis?
  2. Avez-vous vécu une époque où le corps du Christ travaillait ensemble pour servir les autres? Pouvez-vous donner un exemple? Qu'est-ce que ça fait?
  3. Comment pouvons-nous prier pour vous?

https://youtu.be/ku2RUdcku_w
Son oeil est sur le moineau, Sélah

Je prie pour que vous connaissiez l'amour de Dieu au plus profond de votre être, car lorsque vous le faites, cela changera radicalement votre vie pour toujours. Veuillez nous contacter si vous avez besoin de parler. Envoyez-moi un email à: toni@myashestobeauty.com.

Tu es aimé,
Toni

 

Son oeil est sur le moineau (Partie 2)
par Toni Weisz/Disciplines spirituelles

 

J'ai dû faire des plans pour endormir mon cher et fidèle ami. Nous avions Mozzie pour 12 années. Il était mon compagnon constant et mon protecteur; il a vraiment adoré ce rôle, mdr. Il était presque aveugle et sourd, et il ne pouvait pas très bien marcher. Je savais au fond de mon cœur que le garder en vie serait égoïste de ma part.. Il avait rempli son objectif sur cette terre. Il était temps pour moi de le laisser partir. Je me suis donné quelques semaines pour faire mon deuil et lâcher prise.

En septembre 1, 2023, Je l'ai conduit chez le vétérinaire, et dans la salle d'attente, le Seigneur a apporté la chanson, Son oeil est sur le moineau, à mon avis. Avec les larmes aux yeux et la voix brisée, J'ai chanté la chanson à Mozzie pendant que je le tenais dans mes bras et que je le berçais. C'était un moment doux et je remercie Dieu pour cela. Je n'avais pas prévu d'être avec lui jusqu'à la fin, mais je suppose que Dieu voulait que je sois là avec lui. Je suis resté avec lui jusqu'à ce que ses yeux se ferment et que son petit cœur arrête de battre. Je l'ai remercié d'être un ami si fidèle. J'ai remercié Dieu pour le cadeau de Mozzie.

Le lendemain matin, quand je me suis levé, Je me suis assis devant mon ordinateur pour commencer mes dévotions matinales. Le Seigneur a murmuré à mon cœur, «Je suis fier de toi pour la façon dont tu as fait preuve de gentillesse et pour la façon dont tu as si bien pris soin de lui.. Cela bénit mon cœur lorsque vous aimez mes créatures. J'ai souri et mon cœur était rempli de son amour. Je veux te plaire, Seigneur, dans tous les domaines de ma vie.

Veuillez nous contacter si vous avez besoin de parler. Envoyez-moi un email à: toni@myashestobeauty.com.

Tu es aimé,
Toni

 

 

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