Christmas is a time of celebration. While we celebrate the Christmas season, many warn of its Pagan roots. It’s true that Jesus was not born on Dec 25th. Long ago, the Roman Catholic Church may have designated this date as Christ’s birth, perhaps as a means to distract people from the Pagan practices of the Winter Solstice. There are many clues in scripture and Historians have learned that Jesus was actually born in the Spring. However, there is something wondrous about the love of God. The date does not matter when it comes to behold the Savior. We can celebrate his saving grace, and receive his peace and redemption at any time. Now, at Christmas time, the celebration intensifies because it seems the whole world is waiting, watching and listening for a message of hope. He is the hope that the world is looking for. Use this time, to remind others that he loved us so much that he left his throne in glory, humbled himself and was born as a babe. He made it a mission to spend time with his own creation. Tell people that through his birth, his time on earth and death and resurrection, that he demonstrated his love for us and every single soul, past, present and future, on this earth.
The Colour of Christmas
We’re just one week away from this very special event.
It’s an intimate evening of stories and songs, to celebrate the season, held at the cozy Fireside Grill in London Ontario. There will be a Dinner and Fellowship time at 6:15 pm and a concert at 7 pm. The deadline for Advance tickets to order the meal has passed, and all other ticket obligations are only as you are able to pay, since all funds go to The Blessing Fund to help families in crisis situations. I hope to see you there.
See more details about this event
and visit The Blessing Fund Online
NEW SONG – Everyday Miracles
Hey Everyone,
I’m really excited to share this song with you. There is quite a story and a journey for me personally behind this song and why I wrote it. I hope to share this story when the timing is right. I’m also very thankful for the opportunity to record this song and really appreciate the support of Life 100.3, Canada’s Christian Superstation, that sponsored this recording costs of this song. All the glory belongs to God.
This is a simple lyric video for the song Everyday Miracles. I pray you’ll enjoy it and find it a blessing.
MATTERS OF THE HEART- Judge & Jury.
Judge or Jury
What I’m about to share is not because I’m an expert. As a matter of fact, there is nothing in this article that has anything to do with the merit of being a graduate of a Christian psychology program. The only reason I’m sharing this is due to extremely profound personal experiences that have given me insight and understanding about myself and healing, through the eyes of Jesus.
Do you know why you or other people judge? It comes out of their own insecurities or regrets. A person who judges how other people look, dress, or is critical in any way, has a need to be elevated or felt better about themselves. Here is an example. Perhaps someone comes to work wearing something that comes from decades back? I think, “She needs a makeover!” There is a difference between being critical about a person and being a constructive influence in their life.
There is also the story of the young woman, Sherry, who was stranded across the country. While all her siblings were able to help her in some way, one brother, John, who was furthest away wasn’t able to. He had obligations and his hands were tied. When he finally reached her, the other sister, Candace said, “I was so glad to hear from the Mechanic and get the things she needed so that she was no longer stranded.” At the moment John heard this, he felt his sister Candace was boasting and so he took offence. He became offended because, in his heart, he felt inadequate about not being able to respond to Sherry’s need earlier. His offence was stirred by feelings of inadequacy.
These are soul issues. They stem from our mind, our free will and emotions. Examining the root issues of our feelings and actions will help us have greater insight into the conflicts we face. First, we take a look at ourselves.
So now the challenge has been presented. Do you see how and why you judge and others judge?
Five Reasons We Judge: (1) Insecure (2) Jealous (3) scared, (4) lonely, (5) a need for change.
When you look deep inside, can you identify with one of those listed above?
Five Things Judging Does: 1) Hurts other people 2) Elevates your own self above others (3) Keeps wrong perspectives 4) Perpetuates negativity in your life (5) Unknowingly, you’re also judging yourself.
HOW TO STOP JUDGING
Stop judging yourself. God sees you through the eyes of Jesus. Confess your weakness and sin and let him cleanse you. Then breathe again. Look for the positive, don’t peg people in one hole. Don’t base your opinions of others on what you have known from their past. Try to see everything with the love of Jesus. Keep in mind that in order to love like Jesus, you have to experience his love for you first. For some who have been habitually critical, this can be a learning curve to change your ways, but you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. (Phil 4:13)
Monitor your thoughts and your heart. In Mark 7:20-22, Jesus said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him. 21 For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, 22 coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, SLANDER, pride, foolishness. Perhaps you’ve never thought of judging as a form of slander but it is. We are instructed in scripture to renew our mind. Change your thoughts. Romans 12:2 says, Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.
HOW TO REALLY CHANGE
Philippians 4:8 says, Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Colossians 3:16 tells us, Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. — I believe your answer is not only found in the Word of God, but also through the Word of God dwelling within you.
The bottom line is judging is a form of pride. Refusing to see the errors in your own way, arguing that someone is wrong, or the act of judging others, revealing your own self-righteousness, is an act of pride.
These are strong words, but we only have to realize that we are human. Since the time of the Fall with Adam and Eve, pride is the only obstacle because that is how Lucifer fell. While the devil is the reason for our pride, if we understand our emotions, we can choose to respond in a manner that glorifies God.
How to respond when we are judged.
1) Take a compassionate viewpoint. It’s really hard to do this. The closer the person is to you, the more hurtful it is, and this makes it even more challenging. Realize that those who judge, are hurting and responding from the soul. (mind, will and emotions) They haven’t tapped into what their own insecurity is, their own pride and so their perception is skewed. Their judgement is a knee-jerk reaction from their soul.
2) You know the truth. There is no one who knows you better than God and you. Together, you can affirm what you know as truth or a need to examine your heart deeper.
3) People can’t make you feel anything. If you are responding with hurt or an offence, then you are accepting the hurt and wicked cycle that judgement offers. There’s no denying that hurtful words hurt, but it’s our choice whether to receive them or not. I’ve been guilty of a quick response to hurtful words. This is not wise. It doesn’t give you a chance to change your attitude and thinking before responding.
4) A Love Response.
What if someone is trying to lovingly correct me? In every case, words of kindness that indicate your value and worth will come before words of correction. Correction feels like you’re being guided and encouraged. Judgement is different because it’s an accusation and usually comes from someone else’s perception or point of view.
Even most recently, hindsight has helped me to realize that when I feel someone is judging me, the best choice of words derive a “Love Response”. I should have said, “I appreciate you but this is not necessarily true. I’m sorry you feel that way, but I’m just working it out between me and God.”
A final word on the most powerful action you can do when you are judged or in conflict with someone. Forgive. It helps you move on, it sets you free, and shows the fruit of God’s love instilled in you.
AWESOME NEWS
Everyday Miracles
Make sure you get the news directly in your Email. Simply “Join the Family” using the sign-up form on the right.
Miracle Stories & Songs
It’s so exciting to share with you because God is on the move. I have updates for you. Miracle stories, new music, and more updates. It’s so awesome! Look what God is doing!
Check out the details below.
While my husband and I are enjoying a Summer break, I’m recovering from a hip injury that took place last Feb. 2017. The recovery has been longer than expected and it’s still not over. Just recently, doctors have discovered a groin injury, hernia and hamstring injury. It was all as a result of that initial injury.
It’s been just over a year since we have been off the road, with limited ministry engagements but we are pressing forward and beginning to accept opportunities to minister for 2019.
So how am I taking advantage of the downtime?
I’ve been writing music and books, as well as digging my heals in my faith, believing for a miracle. It’s no wonder that the song I chose to record is a song I wrote in August 2017 called, “Everyday Miracles”. I’ve been expecting a miracle every day and focusing on walking in God’s presence every day, where the miraculous happens.
The enemy thought he immobilized me with this very serious hip injury, they say will result in a hip replacement, but I’m seeing miracles! A woman was just diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma. We’ve witnessed her tumors shrinking before she had a chance to start her chemotherapy. A single mother, named Rachel, with 3 small children was diagnosed with cancer. Her Father asked for prayer during a Live Facebook session. We continued to pray for Rachel during that week. Three weeks later, we received a message from Rachel’s Father that she was completely cancer free! Hallelujah! There have been other miracles, such as provision, and God has made a way for those who were seeking direction from him. It’s a powerhouse of prayer on Facebook Live. Be sure to join me! Just follow these instructions >>> “LIke” my page and then click “Following” and choose the option “see first.” That way you’ll see all the wonderful things God is doing, right on your Facebook newsfeed.
NEW SONG
“Everyday Miracles” is a brand new song! I want to thank Life 100.3 Ontario’s Christian Super Station in Barrie Ontario for sponsoring this song. The song was produced by Andy Horrocks at AME Studios. I’m so excited for you to hear it next week when the Lyric Video is released.
I am so excited about this new song. The hope and the drive that this song has is wonderful. It’s also the perfect Summer song for cruising to the beach (smile). I have even created some custom designs for mugs, T-shirts and tote bags to celebrate the release next week! Stay tuned for updates.
Hurdles in Life
Have you ever felt like life is an obstacle course? Life in 5 is a 5-minute word of encouragement from the Word of God to keep your eyes on Jesus. It’s a quick “pick-me-up” for your day. Watch Now
CALENDAR
This September I will be in Pembroke, speaking and singing at the Pembroke Crisis Pregnancy Banquet and then ministering in Ottawa area during the weekend. In October, I’ll be ministering at a Women’s Conference, and tending to some local Women’s Ministry events in London Ontario. We are beginning to book now for 2019. Booking inquiries can be made online HERE
Wings to Victory Radio
Only God could have done this! Now Wings to Victory Radio Devotionals are airing on radio stations from UK, Ireland and New York. Just look at the map with all those lights showing the listening audience is across the map. Wings to Victory Radio Devotionals now has its own website. Please stop by, visit, enjoy some devotionals and encouraging radio devotionals. Visit Wings to Victory Radio Devotionals.
Stay tuned for the release of Everyday Miracles next week! 
Love and Blessings,
Brand New Song
Laurie is releasing a brand new song entitled “Everyday Miracles” to Christian radio on June 25th, through Bridge Music Promotions.
The song is first being released to radio and then promoted to the public all week long on social media.
For the last 2 weeks, Laurie has been sharing miracle stories and encouraging faith on Live broadcasts on her facebook page.
Coming up in the following week, she will have a guest share their heaven experience in the throne room after she died and came back to life. You won’t want to miss her story, You’ll also hear more about Laurie’s personal miracle stories as you stay tuned.
Right now, “Everyday Miracles” mugs and tote bags are available as a gift when you donate to help finish Ministry Projects. See this link for more details.
Miracle Reports include a woman who has been experiencing her cancer tumors shrinking, after being prayed for, before she even started chemotherapy.
Don’t miss Laurie’s Live Facebook appearances. so be sure to join her facebook page, and click the “follow” button then choose “see first” — This way you’ll be sure to get notifications of her Live facebook appearances.
The Hurdles of Life
While it’s not the most shocking or surprising topic, everyone needs a word of encouragement that helps to get us over the hurdles of life, I pray this comes at the right time to encourage you in your journey.
Walking Through the Resurrection
DAY 1
According to Mark’s Gospel, he endured the torment of crucifixion for some six hours from the third hour, at approximately 9 am, until his death at the ninth hour, corresponding to about 3 pm. According to Jewish Calendar, Passover had just taken place, and Jesus was crucified on the Wednesday of that same week.
Jesus kept the Passover with His disciples (Matthew 26:19-20; Mark 14:16-17; Luke 22:13-15). That very evening Judas betrayed him. Jesus began his journey as the Passover Lamb for our sins.
How do you fit three days in the tomb when you count from Good Friday to Easter Sunday?
The Pharisees said to Pilate, “This deceiver said while he was yet alive, “After three days: I will rise again. Command therefore, that the sepulcher be made sure until the third day.
(Mt. 27:63-64).
Jesus himself said, “For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth” (Matthew 12:40).
On the eve of his crucifixion, he was placed in the tomb. He was entombed just before the sunset when the “high (Sabbath) day,” the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, began. There were two Sabbaths. A High Sabbath, associated with Passover, and the regular Sabbath on Saturday.
NOTE: The original Greek in which the Gospels were written also plainly tells us that two Sabbath days were involved in these accounts. In Matthew 28:1, where Matthew writes that the women went to the tomb “after the Sabbath,” the word Sabbath here is actually plural and should be translated “Sabbaths.”
HOW LONG WAS JESUS REALLY IN THE TOMB?
You might be surprised to know that Jesus was crucified on a Wednesday, died and placed in a borrowed tomb on Wednesday evening at the beginning of High Sabbath. Jewish Calendar considered Wednesday evening to Thursday evening as one complete day, then Thursday evening to Friday evening was the second complete day. The third day was Friday evening to Saturday evening and this was considered the weekly Sabbath according to Jewish Calendar. After the Sabbath, scripture tells us that the women went to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body as is the tradition with the dead. They arrived in the early dawn on the first day of the week, which according to the Jewish Calendar is Sunday morning. That was when they discovered the massive stoned that blocked the tomb’s entrance had been rolled away, an angel standing there and the tomb was empty. Jesus had risen from the dead before Sunday morning. Hallelujah!
Mark 16 Verses 1- 7
When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. 2 Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb 3 and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?”
4 But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. 5 As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.
6 “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’”
FACT; WHAT IS THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE EASTER BUNNY AND JESUS?
According to History.com, Easter eggs represent Jesus’ resurrection. However, this association came much later when Roman Catholicism became the dominant religion in Germany in the 15th century and merged with already ingrained pagan beliefs. The first Easter Bunny legend was documented in the 1500s.
DAY 2 – WALKING THROUGH THE RESURRECTION
Jesus compared his death to Jonah, who was in the belly of the great fish for three days and three nights.
Jesus himself said, “For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth” (Matthew 12:40).
Jonah had related his ordeal not only in terms of having been swallowed by the great fish but also as having been “at the roots of the mountains” (Jonah 2:6); that is, Jonah stated that “the earth with its bars was around” him in the confines of Sheol (Jonah 2:6), because he was physically dead in the belly of the great fish. Jonah was not in the ground (the grave), but his body was under water and his soul was separated from his body, and in the heart of the earth (and thus in Sheol). The account of Jonah enables us to understand that Sheol includes some location “in the heart of the earth” as Jesus said (or to use Jonah’s words, “at the roots of the mountains”). Thus Jesus entered the same place as Jonah (Sheol/Hades) for three days and three nights.
There is a teaching that has been claimed as heresy because it says that Jesus went to Hell while his body was resting in the tomb. It appears that according to scripture, there is “some” truth to this teaching. Although, teachers today have not told the story with accuracy and so it’s been earmarked as a false teaching. We have been lazy in explaining the truth. Scheol or Hades, is actually a specific place, but today in our modern world, we have replaced it with the word “Hell”. This is inaccurate because Scheol/Hades is not the same place as Hell. Jesus did not go into hell but he did go into Scheol/Hades while his body was in the tomb. This is why Jesus referenced Jonah and being in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights. Read on to discover more….
Based on Jesus’s words to the thief on the cross in Luke 23:43, some Christians believe, that after his death, Jesus went to heaven to be in the presence of the Father. But Luke 23:43 doesn’t say that Jesus would be in the presence of God; it says he would be in the same place as the thief (“Today you will be with me in paradise”), Based on the Old Testament and Luke 16, it seems likely that the now-repentant thief would be at Abraham’s side, a place of comfort and rest for the righteous dead, which Jesus here calls “paradise.”
Following his death for sin, then, Jesus journeys to Hades, to the City of Death, I can picture Jesus ripping its gates off the hinges. He liberates Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, John the Baptist, and the rest of the Old Testament faithful, ransoming them from the power of Sheol (Psalm 49:15; 86:13; 89:48). They had waited there for so long, not having received what was promised, so that their spirits would be made perfect along with the saints of the new covenant (Hebrews 11:39–40; 12:23).
After his resurrection, Jesus ascends to heaven and brings the ransomed dead with him, so that now paradise is no longer down near the place of torment, but is up in the third heaven, the highest heaven, where God dwells (2 Corinthians 12:2–4).
Now, in the church age, when the righteous die, they aren’t merely carried by angels to Abraham’s bosom; they depart to be with Christ, which is far better (Philippians 1:23). The wicked, however, remain in Hades in torment, until the final judgment, when Hades gives up the dead who dwell there, and they are judged according to their deeds, and then Death and Hades are thrown into hell, into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:13–15)
Interesting huh?
FACT; WHAT WAS THE ACTUAL DATE OF JESUS’ DEATH ON THE CROSS?
Also according to Humphreys and Waddington, the lunar Jewish calendar leaves only two plausible dates within the reign of Pontius Pilate for Jesus’ death, and both of these would have been a 14 Nisan as specified in the Gospel of John: Friday 7 April AD 30, and Friday 3 April AD 33. Even more, scholars prefer a date in AD 33, If the events recorded in the gospels took place in AD 33, then this day, April 23, is the probable date. He was placed in the tomb on Wednesday, and rose at the end of Sabbath, Saturday by sundown, before Sunday morning,
DAY 3 — WALKING THROUGH THE RESURRECTION
Friday at sundown, according to Jewish Calendar, was the beginning of the third day that Christ laid in the tomb. We know that Jesus was laying in the tomb on Friday because scripture tells us that after the Sabbath the Women came with spices to anoint Jesus’ Body. Luke 23:55-56: Mark 16:1: “Now when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, that they might come and anoint Him.” The Sabbath was finished on Saturday evening.
HE has RISEN! Jesus rose in the darkness after the Sabbath (Saturday) before Sunday morning. The third day was the Sabbath. It started Friday evening and ended Saturday evening according to the Jewish Calendar.
John 20:7 tells us that the napkin that was placed over the face of Jesus in the tomb was not just thrown aside like the grave clothes. The Bible takes an entire verse to tell us that the napkin was neatly folded, and was placed at the head of that stony coffin. Is that significant? It was Hebrew tradition the folded napkin had to do with the master and servant, and every Jewish boy knew this tradition. If a napkin was thrown on the table in a ball, it meant the master was done his meal. However, if the master got up from the table, folded his napkin, and laid it beside his plate, the servant knew that the folded napkin meant, “I’m not finished yet.” The folded napkin meant, “I’m coming back!” He (the master, Jesus) is coming back! Hallelujah!
“Church Hurt”, Healing and the Root Cause
Throughout my ministry, I have encountered people who have been seeking consolation and understanding because they have experienced deep wounds caused by Church Leadership or members of the local body. We’re not talking about small offences that just simply need clarification. We’re talking about feelings of abandonment, control, suppression, and a number of other means. The person feels betrayed, unsafe, and once that has been broken, it’s hard to gain trust again.
Jesus himself understands betrayal. The betrayal by one of his own disciples was part of the course of events that brought Jesus to his appointed time on the cross. However, there is also the realization that Jesus actually expected the betrayal that he experienced. He knew this was a part of the package. As a matter of fact, he prophesied it. Aside from the fact that Jesus does know what its like to feel hurt and betrayed, his betrayal is different. It’s different because he knew it was coming. We, however, are thrown off track and feel as though we’ve been hit by a Mac Truck, blind-sided by Leadership or fellow believers. If you’re reading this today because you’ve been hurt by the Church, I hope that what I share in the rest of this article will be insightful and give you what you need to further the healing process.
Yes, it’s a known fact, we will all experience betrayal. We begin to interact and develop relationships at a very early age. It starts at the very beginning when you’re little playmate steals the toy you were playing with, on that very first play date. We learn to give and take, with mutual sharing and trust as we grow in our friendships throughout our youth to adulthood. However, betrayal by Church Leadership is actually traumatic to the psyche of a person. The traumatized person can’t even be in the familiar surroundings of the church building that they once felt safe in because the attack has come from within their safety net. I’ve seen it many times as I’ve ministered to others throughout my ministry. I have also been there myself and so what I’m sharing is also personal for me too. The whole being, spirit, and soul carry that wound. It will eventually affect the overall well being of an individual who is betrayed. The answer to healing the wounds of betrayal is finding “closure”.
I’m assuming that you have walked through the Biblical steps to reconcile with your offender, and perhaps gone as far as trying to reconcile with the presence of other church leaders to support you according to Matthew 18:15-17. Once the pain will not subside, what are the steps to closure? I know it’s hard to come forward and say, “Hey, this happened to me when you did this. I don’t know if you’re aware, but I just wanted to let you know that your actions really affected me.” Why is it important to say these things? It’s because it sets you free, and sheds light on the circumstances for both you and the one who offended you. From there, you might learn that your hurt was caused by a simple misunderstanding. You might also learn that your offender had no idea that they did anything wrong. When you share with them, they may receive insight and realize that they need to be more aware of their own actions or priorities. It will also give them greater insight as to how they can be a more effective leader and Shepherd of their congregation. A simple practice of immediately addressing spiritual concerns as a priority, more than church activity and busy-ness, can accomplish greater things and bring about a healthier welfare for the hurt individual, the offender, the Leadership and the local body as a whole.
When you bring your concern to your offender and there is no reconciliation, “closure” is still necessary. The closure must take place at the time that you officially withdraw membership or involvement with that local body. This will prevent you from becoming “stuck” in your pain. Speak to the betrayer with a forgiving and non-vengeful heart, and simply express the need to move on so that you can take some time to heal. The simple mention of separating yourself from them to take time to heal will confirm that pain has been caused. A Pastor who does not consider how they have caused their own congregation member pain is not a Shepherd and quite likely has their own set of spiritual problems. God’s grace must be applied and must be the primary focus of that conversation. For some people, this will be a process for you to work through so that you can bring yourself to have this conversation with the offending Leader.
Here are some things to keep in mind.
It’s okay to cry. Psalm 56:8 says, “ You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.” How precious are the tears we shed? One day he will wipe them all away when we see him face to face, but he also collects all our tears, saves them and keeps track of all our sorrows.” The Psalmist David is expressing his trust in God, knowing that God will not forget his pain and sorrow.
God is on your side. The Psalmist David also expressed this when he says, in the midst of this troubling time, “This I know, God is for me” (Psalm 56:9, ESV) and “In God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me?” (verse 11, ESV).
Guard your heart. Do not grow bitter or angry, Scripture says in Proverbs 4:23 that what you hold in your heart, affects your well being and perhaps your own destiny. Take a look ……The New International Version says, Above all else, guard your heart, for “everything you do” flows from it. The New Living Translation says, Guard your heart above all else, for it “determines the course of your life” and the English Standard Version says, Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the “springs of life”.
It’s okay to feel and express hurt. However, guard your heart so that the hazardous wastes such as bitterness and anger and other negative emotions, don’t cause blockage and prevent you from walking in the fullness of your calling and destiny.
Don’t Wallow. When we feel emotional pain, our first tendency is to withdraw. It’s okay to take time alone to process things, but be careful not to become isolated. You know that you have a “Godly tribe” of people you can trust. Reach out to them and ask them to pray with you. If you don’t, it will be easy for the enemy to dig a deeper “emotional grave” for you. If you isolate yourself too much, depression can set in. It then becomes harder and may take longer to be free from the trauma.
Don’t turn it into Gossip. Someone has hurt you but that doesn’t give you the right to tell everyone. You will poison others with words that only reflect your pain. It could paint the wrong picture of yourself and other people involved. You are not the judge of your offender. Let God work out the details of your offender’s own journey.
Remember God’s Faithfulness. Everything that you have experienced in the darkness, is not where you live. In the past, there were times when you experienced his faithfulness and direction. In the times of darkness, don’t doubt, what you have already seen in the light, All those times in your life, when you experienced God’s goodness, they remain a testimony of his faithfulness to you. His goodness is still there in the darkness because he will bring you through. He will dispel the darkness when you focus on him. John 1:5 says, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” When our eyes are on Jesus, and we follow after him, we have the light of life, as John 8:12 so evidently points out. ” When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Christ’s example. There is one key that is most important. It unlocks freedom for me and you. Jesus demonstrated it by his example on the cross. The word is “forgiveness.” It’s absolutely necessary that you and I walk in forgiveness so that every step ahead easily brings healing and restoration, and victory.
Recognize the true source of discord. Discord is the opposite of unity and dwelling in one accord. Even when we disagree with one another, God’s love is the common ground of our unity. However, when trust is broken, the door has been opened to one of the enemy’s greatest weapons in the church. It’s called “Discord”. He will stir it in every manner with the most common and only trick in his book. He does this through deception. Don’t be deceived to believe that the only source of your current situation is just the faulty actions of others. This is a good time to examine your own self to be certain that you did not play a part in the situation you’re facing. The enemy works through our own weaknesses, as well as the weakness and lack of discernment of others.
Enemy Cohorts
Proverbs 4:7 says that seeking wisdom brings understanding. Truly, this is the most important part of your struggle on the road to healing. There is wisdom and understanding when we realize that within the church, the enemy infiltrates with the Jezebel, Ahab and Leviathan spirit. This is the deception. The church really doesn’t know how to recognize the enemy’s game. This is a more comprehensive teaching for another time, but it stems from the story of Jezebel and Ahab. You can read this story in 1 King 16 and the chapters that follow. Jezebel was a wicked queen who practiced witchcraft. Her chief operation was to have control, while her husband Ahab, as King, failed to rule his district with the proper command of a king. She was a headstrong, self-willed, domineering woman, and with a moral weakling for a husband, and they worshiped the false god Bail. It is worth noting that the characteristics and influence of Jezebel, Ahab, and Leviathan enter through childhood wounds caused by Mother/Father relationships or rape, abuse, and molestation. Leviathan, who twists words of truth, can influence because of pride, rejection and emotional wounds. Whether the person is in leadership or not, the person operating under this influence may not even be aware. They simply act out through the issues that flow from their heart.
There is a failure to genuinely discern that we are imperfect human beings, influenced by the enemy, warring not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, powers of this dark world and against the evil principalities in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:12
When you have experienced trauma, disappointment, betrayal, and church hurt, it only makes sense to take time to heal …. but remember who the real enemy is.