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
By Toni Weisz/Spiritual Disciplines

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?

I pray this topic has been helpful for you. 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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Appelle-moi Mara (Partie 1 & 2)

Appelle-moi Mara (Partie 1 & 2)

Appelle-moi Mara (Partie 1)

par Toni Weisz/Disciplines spirituelles

Références bibliques: Ruth 1:1-2,13b,19-20 et les romains 8:28, and Philippians 4:13

Ruth 1:1-2
In the days when the Judges ruled there was a famine in the land, and a man of Bethlehem in Judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he and his wife and his two sons. The name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife was Naomi, and their names of their sons were Mahlon and Chilion.

Ruth 1:13b
Non, my daughters; for it grieves me very much for your sakes that the hand of the LORD is gone out against me!

Ruth 1:19-20
Now the two of them (Naomi and Ruth) went until they came to Bethlehem. And it happened, when they had come to Bethlehem, that all the city was excited because of them; and the women said, ‘Is this Naomi?’ But she said to them, ‘Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly against me. I went out full and the LORD has brought me home again empty. Why do you call me Naomi, since the LORD has testified against me, and the Almighty has afflicted me?

What were Naomi’s thoughts about leaving the land and her home? Did she agree with her husband’s decision? They traveled to a pagan country to live and raise their children. It seemed Naomi’s husband had no plan of returning. She did not experience the blessings of the Lord. Instead, her husband died, and her two sons married women from Moab, which was against God as He had commanded that they were not to intermarry with pagan women. Then her sons also died, leaving her alone with her two Moabite daughters-in-law.

It seems that Elimelech did not trust God to provide for him and his family, and he took matters into his own hands. This probably did not sit well with Naomi.

Did she ever discuss it with her husband? Or did she just sit quietly, but in her heart, she was crying out to God for help and guidance?

When Naomi returns home with Ruth, her daughter-in-law, she tells them to call her Mara because the Almighty has brought great bitterness to her. She was bitter because she had lost everything and felt God had abandoned her. She could have never imagined what the Almighty was going to do next. She would be the grandmother of Obed, who begat Jesse, and Jesse begat David, and so on in the line of Christ.

God chose a Moabite woman—Ruth—to be in the line of Christ. Sometimes we don’t understand why God allows certain things, but we know nothing is a surprise to Him. He knew Naomi and Ruth would return to Bethlehem-Judah and God would fulfill His plan. A Messiah would be born of a virgin named Mary, espoused to a man named Joseph, who was a descendant of Ruth and Boaz.

We too have taken matters into our own hands, just like Elimelech did, when we aborted our babies. We didn’t trust that God had a good plan for us. We had to do it all on our own because there was no one else, which was a lie from the enemy. We didn’t seek godly wisdom. We hurried and made our decision without even talking it over with our parents, trusted family and friends. It’s interesting to me that we women who talk to our closest family and friends about important matters would keep this a secret.

For those of you who have suffered abuse by the hand of another, perhaps even a family member, it’s hard to not become bitter and feel like God has abandoned you. I want to encourage you, mon cher, God sees you and it broke His heart every time you were abused. When you cried, He cried. I am so sorry that happened to you.

But GOD also has a beautiful plan for our lives too. He can make all things work together for our good for them that love God and are called according to His purpose (ref. Romains 8:28).

He didn’t leave Naomi broken and feeling abandoned, and He will do the same thing for us. Will you trust Him today to take the ashes from your life, the abortion and the abuse, so He can use it to heal you in all your broken places so you can help other women heal from their trauma too?

Nous pouvons tout faire par le Christ qui nous fortifie (Philippiens 4:13).

Let’s talk about bitterness. Are you bitter because of what happened to you in your past or something you are dealing with right now? Are you struggling with a prolonged illness, your finances, a broken or dysfunctional relationship? Are you struggling with trials that are lasting years with no end in sight? How do we keep trusting God through these situations and not become bitter and despondent?

It’s OK to go there and to feel what you are feeling and share it in a safe environment and then move on. You are safe here to share.

Des questions à prendre à cœur:

  1. Are you bitter over the bad things that have happened to you in your past and/or things you are struggling with right now?
  2. Have you felt like God has abandoned you?
  3. What has God done to show His great love for you?
  4. Comment pouvons-nous prier pour vous?

The first step is recognizing you are bitter and feel alone. Just by being on this call or reading this blog, you are beginning to heal. God wants to redeem your past. He wants to give you beauty for ashes. Will you trust Him to do that?

Veuillez nous contacter si vous avez besoin de parler. You can email me at: toni@myashestobeauty.com.

You are Loved,
Toni

 

Call Me Mara. toni Weisz blog. post-abortion and abuse recovery support group

Appelle-moi Mara (Partie 2): Hardship and Pain

par Toni Weisz/Disciplines spirituelles

(Cliquez ici pour la partie 1)

Références bibliques
Ruth 1:19-20, John 16:33b, Romains 12:2, et Jean 8:31-32

Ruth 1:19-20
Alors, they both went on until they came to Bethlehem. When they came to Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them, and the women asked, ‘Is this Naomi?’ But she said to them, ‘Do not call me Naomi. Call me Mara, because the Almighty has brought great bitterness to me. I was full when I left, but the LORD has caused me to return empty. Why should you call me Naomi when the LORD has opposed me? The Almighty has brought misfortune upon me!

We have all felt abandoned by God at some point in our lives because of the trauma we have experienced through abortion and abuse. We were vulnerable to the enemy’s attacks.

When Naomi arrives back to her hometown to her friends and neighbors, she states, “The Almighty has brought misfortune upon me.” Naomi’s husband Elimelech made a series of very bad decisions, and Naomi says, “I left full and came back empty.” She states that God is against her. Have you ever felt that way? Have you also felt God has abandoned you?

Sometimes we suffer the consequences of our decisions, and it has nothing to do with God’s judgment. We make decisions based on our doubt or fear. I know I have, and they have never turned out to be good ones. I rushed to have my abortion, and I rushed into marriage so not to be caught living with my boyfriend. These two things alone are life–altering decisions, and both were made out of fear of man. I wanted to cover up my sin, unfortunately, with more sin. That never turns out well.

I didn’t trust God because I didn’t know Him. My perception of God was distorted due to what I observed as a child. I thought He was an angry God and that He didn’t care much about me. Going to God with my unplanned pregnancy was not even a consideration. I was fearful of His wrath.

Even though Naomi knew God, she doubted Him. She was overcome by her grief and loss, and she lost sight of the goodness of God and His faithfulness over the years. It’s easy to forget those things when life becomes so hard and the trials last for years. It is easy to become despondent, depressed, and bitter.

Instead, God wants us to focus on who we are in Christ.

In this world, you will have tribulation, but take heart; I have overcome the world (John 16:33b).

Second, we must renew our hearts and minds daily with the living powerful Word of God (ref. Romains 12:2).

Third, we must resist isolation and reach out and send a text or call and say, “I need prayer" ou "I need to talk.”

Fourth, we must have a safe community to share what we are experiencing so we can slowly unravel the chaos and the pain.

Notre guérison est un processus qui dure toute la vie. It is hard but also very beautiful. You are not alone. We are here to help you.

Never compare your story to someone else’s. The traumatic events that happened to you distorted your view about who you are and who God is from that dirty lens. God wants to remove the dirt and replace it with His truth.

John 8:31-32
Jesus said, “If you abide in My word, you are my disciples indeed. And you will know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

There is victory in our Savior’s love. He has come to set the captives free (ref. Isaïe 61:1).

Des questions à prendre à cœur:

  1. List some Life–Affirming Statements with the Scriptures you can meditate on?
    Toni (my life-affirming statements):
    I am adopted into the family of God.
    I am more than a conqueror through Christ.
    I am never alone.
    je suis un enfant de Dieu.
    I am forgiven.
    I am redeemed.
    Je suis victorieux en Christ.
    I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
    I have an inheritance incorruptible thà can never be taken away.
    I am loved by God.
    He has a good plan for my life.
  2. Comment pouvons-nous prier pour vous?
    Toni (my prayer request):
    Please pray for continued wisdom and guidance for me in the work of the ministry. I want to be humble and teachable.

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

Tu es aimé,
Toni

 

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Qui sont vos potes de balcon?

Qui sont vos potes de balcon?

Qui sont vos potes de balcon?

By Toni Weisz/Recovery Tools

Références bibliques: Hebrews 10:24 et Matthieu 11:28–30

Balcony peeps (people) are individuals who cheer you on in your life. They are literally hanging over the railing of a balcony, cheering you on in your walk with Jesus and in the hard things you have experienced in your life. They are your cheerleaders.

Who do you see as your balcony peeps? Can you see their faces? Can you hear their words of encouragement?

Too many people, even in ministry, are not kind, gentle, affectueux, or supportive. I have experienced a lot of pride lately in leadership roles, and it makes me very sad because I know that is not pleasing to our God.

In the book, Balcony People, the author talks about the toxic people in our lives and how much importance we put on their words instead of focusing on the positive people God has put in our lives that help stir us up to love and good works. (Ref. Hebrews 10:24)

 

Here is a poem by an anonymous source taken from the book, Balcony People by Joyce Landorf Heatherley:

I was hungry and you formed a humanities club to discuss my hunger.
THANK YOU.

I was imprisoned and you crept off quietly to your chapel to pray for my release.
NICE.

I was naked, and in your mind, you debated the morality of my appearance.
WHAT GOOD DID THAT DO?

I was sick and you knelt and thanked God for your health.
BUT I NEEDED YOU.

I was homeless and you preached to me of the shelter of the love of God.
I WISH YOU’D TAKEN ME HOME.

I was lonely and you left me alone to pray for me.
WHY DIDN’T YOU STAY?

You seem so holy, so close to God; but I’m still very hungry, solitaire, froid, and still in pain.
DOES IT MATTER?

 

How do we meet these women’s needs? They need a safe place to come to lay their burdens down. That’s why we do the Sunday Conference calls. We want to be the hands and feet of Jesus to these dear precious women. We provide a community of women who have experienced the same trauma because we have walked the same walk. We know through experience what they are feeling.

They are yearning to feel deeply connected in a safe community. They have been used and abused and feel isolated in their pain, and they are vulnerable to the attacks of the evil one. They desire to be seen by others. They need love, support, and encouragement that one day, if they seek God with their whole heart, they will be healed. But it’s hard work, and that is what we are here for, to cheer them on and to help them heal from their past trauma. It is God that leads them to us, and it’s through the power of Jesus, la Parole de Dieu, and the work of the Holy Spirit that they are healed. We are just vessels God uses to accomplish this miraculous work.

We meet their spiritual needs as well as physical needs. We do not judge them for the things that have happened to them in their past because that does not define them. We love them, and we know they are weary with their pain and trauma from their past.

We are reminded of the words of Jesus in Matthew 11:28–30: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, et je te donnerai du repos. Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

I thank God for each of you on this call today. I know most of your stories, and I am in awe of God and the work He has been doing in your lives. I get to watch God miraculously heal your broken hearts, bodies, minds, and spirits. I am truly honored and humbled by the privilege to serve in this ministry and for each and every one of you.

Des questions à prendre à cœur:

  1. Who are your balcony peeps, your cheerleaders?
  2. Do you see them hanging over the balcony cheering you on? What are they saying to you?
  3. Who are you encouraging? For those that are just beginning your healing journey, take care of yourself and your family first, then you can reach out to others.
  4. How can we pray for you on your healing journey?

Please reach out if you need to talk this week. Send me a text at: 561-327-7274 ou envoyez-moi un email à: toni@myashestobeauty.com.

Tu es aimé,
Toni

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