7 Habits of People Who Place Radical Trust in God

7 Habits of People Who Place Radical Trust in God

1. They accept suffering

"I knelt down and wept, thanking the Lord. The Lord showed me that regardless of men's evil plans for me, he had not forgotten me and was in control of my life. Suffering is not the worst evil - sin is. I would prefer not to suffer, and do sometimes pray for the relief of suffering. But I prioritize it lower. I focus more on not sinning than not suffering. "

2. They accept the inevitability of death

"People who place great trust in God can only do so with a heaven-centered worldview. I think in terms of eternity, not in terms of calendar years."

3. They have daily appointments with God

"I have never heard of a person who had a deep, calm trust in the Lord who did not set aside time for focused prayer every day. Spending at least an hour or two if circumstances permit - focused on nothing but prayer every day. First thing in the morning, centering myself in Christ before tackling anything else the day may bring."

4. In prayer, they listen more than they talk

"I'd heard enough stories of people praying for something very specific, then receiving it. What I eventually realized is that their ideas about what to pray for came from the Holy Spirit in the first place, they spend so much time seeking God's will for them, day in and day out."

5. They limit distractions

"Technology comes with a huge temptation to feel a general increase in urgency in our lives. I have to reply to that email! Respond to that Facebook post! Re-tweet that tweet! Listen to that voicemail! We are constantly bombarded with demands on our attention. Periods of silence where we can cultivate inner stillness and wait for the promptings of the Holy Spirit, are increasingly rare."

6. They submit their discernment to others

"If they discern that God is calling them to something, especially if it's something big, they ask trusted Christian confidants to pray about the matter and see if they discern the same thing. And when others warn them not to follow a certain path, they take those indicators very seriously."

7. They offer the Lord their complete, unhesitating obedience

"Being part of a prayer group in which people often spent hours of time in prayer, most of it is listening in silence. When and how God asks us to do something."

A reflection on spiritual growth and progress.

Spiritual Gifts - Stir Up the Gifts!

Spiritual Gifts in the Bible

• Prophecy
• Serving
• Teaching
• Exhortation
• Giving
• Leading (Administration)
• Mercy
• Wisdom
• Knowledge
• Faith
• Discernment
• Evangelism
• Hospitality
• Speaking
• Celibacy

Today I want to highlight prophecy.

Not all of those who prophesy are prophets Paul says in 1 Corinthians 14:31 that all can prophesy, but he also asks, “Are all prophets?” and the answer is “no.” Paul speaks both of “spirituals” and of “gifts of the spirit” and the two are not the same. A “spiritual” is a manifestation – a breaking forth – of the power of the Holy Spirit in prophecy (or in healing, working a miracle, etc.) 

A “gift of the Holy Spirit” is the equipment which fits an individual to take his or her particular role among God’s people. In other words, Paul says that many can prophesy by a “working of the Holy Spirit,” but that only some have the “gift” to be a prophet.

The Prophet's Role

• Receiving and proclaiming the “word.”  A more apt description of this responsibility would perhaps be “obeying the promptings of the Spirit.” A crucial part of the prophetic ministry is immediate and obedient response to the urging of the Holy Spirit, whether that be a prompting to speak a message, perform a prophetic action, or even to refrain from speaking for a time. The Lord said to Ezekiel “Whenever you hear a word from me, warn them in my name” (Ezekiel 3:17). When the Lord told Jeremiah to go visit the house of the potter, Jeremiah went (Jeremiah 18). When the Lord told Isaiah that King Hezekiah would recover from an illness, Isaiah immediately went to the king with that message, even though he had prophesied only moments before that the king would not recover (2 Kings 20). When Agabus heard the Spirit telling him to bind the hands of Paul and prophesy, he did so at once (Acts 21:11).

• Actively seeking out God’s will and God’s word. The prophet bears a responsibility to place himself or herself continually in the presence of God, seeking to hear the word of the Lord and asking the Lord for guidance and direction, for encouragement or rebuke.

• “Stirring up” the prophetic gift. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians that “prophets can always control their prophetic spirits,” or as another translation puts it, “The spirits of prophets are subject to prophets” (1 Corinthians 14:32). Paul means primarily that prophets can refrain from prophesying when that is appropriate.

• “Watching over” the prophetic word. The Lord told Ezekiel, Jeremiah, Isaiah, and the other prophets of Israel that their responsibility went beyond the first time they spoke the word he gave them; they were to continue speaking that word until Israel either responded to it or finally rejected it.

Praying for the church

I believe that an integral and important part of the prophet’s task is unceasing prayer for the Christian community. The prophets, because they knew what the mind of the Lord was, were in a position to pray more effectually than other members of the community. They had a clearer picture of what God was doing, and so they knew when prayer was most needed. They were also able to pray true “prophetic prayers,” in which the Holy Spirit directed and guided their very manner and words. “Upon your wall, Jerusalem, I set watchmen. Day or night they must never be silent. You who keep Yahweh mindful must take no rest. Nor let him take rest till he has restored Jerusalem” (Isaiah 62:6, emphasis mine).

Prophets, then, are not people who simply leave themselves open to the possible inspiration of the Spirit. Rather, they are entrusted with a task demanding responsibility and vigilance on their part. They are to make themselves active in the role which God has assigned them.


The life of the prophetNo one can effectively serve God in a position of real responsibility unless his or her life is solid and stable, in both its Christian and its normal human aspects. A person afflicted with serious emotional or psychological problems cannot be trusted with a place of responsibility and authority within the community. God offers healing and strength to those who need it, but they should receive that healing before they are allowed to function in a prophetic service

Manifestation of spiritual gifts

• An ongoing and consistent exercise of prophecy.
• A prophet should manifest a powerful and effective exercise of prophetic gifts. True prophecy can be manifested with more or less spiritual power.
• A prophet should have the ability to “stir up” the gift.
• An abiding prophetic gift usually includes a true gift of revelation which operates consistently.

One clear mark of a true prophet is revelation!

Through the prophets God reveals mysteries, brings to light his plan, and makes known things which have been hidden.Paul tells us that each person should use the gift he or she has received according to the measure of the gift given (Romans 12:3). Not all prophets are called to prophetic service in the same way or to the same degree. But there is among them a true “family resemblance.”

Christianity should be inherently mystical, because that's God's nature.

Seek to understand. The fact is, if you don’t experience the supernatural like these individuals then you potentially won’t understand their experiences.
Romans 11:29 says, “For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.” “Without repentance” means that God won’t change His mind about what He has called you to do. If God has called you, that calling is still there, whether or not you have obeyed. And if God gave you a gift—if He gifted you along a certain line—that gift is still there!

“Most spiritual gifts die not by outright rejection, but by distraction. Our gifts won’t reach the heights of their potential if we refuse to use them on our knees.”

Warnings

• Beware when spiritual gifts are used as a means of manipulation, power, or control in personal and/or church relationships. And notice, they're all going to start with “beware.” That's a warning sign. 
• Beware when spiritual gifts are used as a means of manipulation, power, or control in personal and/or church relationships. When God is working, and the Lord Jesus is exalted, and the Spirit of God is bestowing gifts and operating in the body of Christ, it’s for the common good. It builds people up. The focus is on the Godhead, not on the gifts. Any time someone comes to you, or someone you know, and says, “God revealed to me that you're supposed to do this, or do that,” a big, red light ought to flash on the dashboard.
• Beware when anyone claims to have the ability to give, or bestow, any particular gift, if you follow their formula. Notice what it says in 1 Corinthians 12:11. He goes on to say, “All these gifts are of the same Spirit, and He gives to each one just as He determines.” He is speaking of the spiritual gifts. He says, “God gives, or bestows, gifts,” literally, it's, “as He wills.” The Greek word is a very interesting one. It means “as He chooses, after careful deliberation.” Remember, we said, “We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them.” If God has a plan for your life, and He's going to gift you to fulfill the plan for your life, then the gifts that He gives you are not going to be given through some other person, somewhere, sometime, some way. Truth is, people don't bestow gifts, God does.
• Beware when any particular gift is made universal evidence of spirituality, salvation, or other spiritual blessing. Skip down to verses 29 and 30, chapter 12. By the way, as I read this, too – in English we can't quite do it. But he's going to ask questions. But, grammatically, you can ask a question, and you can use just one little word that automatically tells you that it's a rhetorical question, and the answer is “no.” And that's this case. So, these are not just questions, “Are all apostles?” It's “Are all apostles?” Emphatically, “No.” Okay?
• Beware (spiritual abuse) when the focus of a church service ministry or religious event is on spiritual gifts and their manifestation, rather than on the giver of the gifts, and His agenda for the Church. This is where you hear about “the miracle service,” as advertised.
• Beware of comparing your gifts with anyone else’s. It always leads to carnality. Do not compare your gifts.
• Beware (warning light) of using spiritual gifts and the energy of the flesh to fulfill personal ego needs or impress other people. This is another one that I don't think you grow out of. Beware. Beware. Be on your guard. Watch over your heart with all diligence. When you have a spiritual gift, you can take a gift – it’s like a tool. God doesn't take away the tool. You can be in the flesh. God will honor His Word, and He will honor the tool, or the gift, that He's placed in your hand. But I can use my gift, and you can use your gift, not in submission to the Spirit, but in the energy of the flesh, and it produces not good things.Beware of confusing spiritual gifts with spiritual fruit as the evidence of spiritual growth and maturity. 
• The final warning here is, beware of viewing the discovery, development, and deployment of your spiritual gift as either an optional exercise, or interesting but not serious responsibility. Now, I've given you two passages: Ephesians 4:7, and 2 Corinthians 5:9 and 10.

Your spiritual gift action plan

• Write the word: commit to discover, develop, and deploy your spiritual gift in the local body. And when I say “commit,” what I mean is, “God, before You” – this is lordship.
• Pray seriously, seeking divine guidance. Don't you think God wants to show you? Didn't Jesus say, “Ask, seek, knock”?
• Study the gift passages in God's Word. This isn't just some mystical thing. Get your nose in the Word.
• Get quality counsel. Quality counsel. Find people who really know you, people who are spiritually mature, and people who will tell you the truth. And, by the way, that's a rare combination.
• Test the waters. And I just put for six or eight weeks. Maybe it's better for three or four months.
• Examine the fulfillment factor. This is not the easy factor. When you're in your gifts.
• And the final one here is, recognize God's evident blessing. When you are in your gifts, it doesn't mean that things are going to change overnight. But God will use your life.

You are His workmanship. He has wonderful works for you to walk in. And those works are going to be highly determined by the supernatural endowments given to you by Jesus.

“The short prevailing prayer cannot be prayed by one who has not prevailed with God in a mightier struggle of long continuance.”- E M Bounds

* Romans 11:29 says, “For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.” “Without repentance” means that God won’t change His mind about what He has called you to do. If God has called you, that calling is still there, whether or not you have obeyed. And if God gave you a gift—if He gifted you along a certain line—that gift is still there!

Paul told Timothy to “stir up” the gift that was within him, saying, “Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands” (2 Tim. 1:6). If you want to walk out God’s plan for your life, it’s time to stir up that gift within you!

Ephesians 4:8,11–12
8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men...
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.

The “gifts” in this passage refer to the fivefold ministry gifts: apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, and teacher. You may or may not be called to the fivefold ministry.

Lewensbed

 

Die dag sal kom wanneer my liggaam op 'n wit laken sal lê

wat netjies onder vier hoeke van 'n matras ingevou is,

in 'n hospitaal wat baie besig is met die lewendes en die dooies.

Op hierdie tydstip sal 'n dokter vasstel

dat my brein ophehou het om te funksioneer,

en dat my lewe so afgeloop het.

As dit gebeur,

moenie probeer om my kunsmatig met 'n masjien aan die lewe te hou nie.

En moenie dit my sterfbed noem nie.

Laat dit my lewensbed genoem word,

en laat my liggaan hiervandaan geneem word om ander mense voller lewens te gee:

Gee my oë

aan die man wat nie meer 'n sonsopkoms,

'n baba se gesiggie, of die liefde in 'n vrou se oe kan sien nie.

Gee my hart

aan iemand wie se hart hom niks anders as eindelose dae van pyn gegee het nie.

Gee my bloed

aan die tiener wat uit die wrakstukke van 'n motor gehaal is sodat hy kan lewe om sy kleinkders te sien speel.

Gee my niere

aan iemand wat op 'n masjien steun om van week tot week te bestaan.

Neem my bene, elke spier, elke weefsel en elke senuwee van my liggaam,

en vind 'n manier om 'n kreupel kind te laat loop.

Verken elke hoek van my brein, neem die selle indien nodig, en laat hulle groei sodat moontlik eendag 'n stom seun vir die klap van 'n kolf sal skreeu en 'n dowe meisie die geritsel van reën teen haar venster sal hoor.

Verbrand dit wat oorbly en strooi die as

in die wind om die blomme te help groei.

As jy iets moet begrawe,

begrawe my foute, my vooroordeel teen my medemens.

Gee my sondes aan die duiwel.

Gee my siel aan God.

As jy my wil onthou,

doen dit met 'n vriendelike woord of daad teenoor iemand wat dit nodig het.

As jy alles doen wat ek gevra het,

sal ek vir altyd lewe.

Try Me

Remember what you must do

when they undervalue you,

when they think

your softness is your weakness,

when they treat your kindness

like it is their advantage.

You awaken

every dragon,

every wolf,

every monster

that sleeps inside of you

and you remind them

what hell looks like

when it wears the skin

of a gentle human.

Nikita Gill

Let Them


Let them speak. Let them gossip. Let them believe whatever they want to believe.
What others think or say about me, is none of my business. I have no desire to clear my name.
I just let them.

I am under no obligation to make someone comfortable with me, my boundaries or my choices.

It's not my responsibility how someone feels about me, my boundaries, my choices or my confidence.

How others feel about me is not my responsibility.

What others think of me, those are not my thoughts, not my responsibility either!

Other people's actions are not my responsibility. 

I'm leaning in on that, heavy!

I can leave people and situations that are not promoting my growth.

I am no longer holding on to things that are weighing me down.

I'm leaving them where they are because that is going to promote my growth!




I am both hellfire and holy water. The flavor you taste depends on how you treat me.

Gold That Is Tested In Fire

2 Corinthians 4:8-10
We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— 10 always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.

Job 23:10
But He knows the way that I take;
When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.

Proverbs 17:3
The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.

Psalm 66:10
For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried.

Psalm 12:6
The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.

Proverbs27:21The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, And a man is valued by what others say of him.

1 Peter 1:7 
So that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Job 23:10
But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold.

Proverbs 17:3 
The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and the Lord tests hearts.

Zechariah 13:9 
And I will put this third into the fire, and refine them as one refines silver, and test them as gold is tested. They will call upon my name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘They are my people’; and they will say, ‘The Lord is my God.’”

Psalm 66:10 
For you, O God, have tested us; you have tried us as silver is tried.

James 1:12 
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

Isaiah 48:10 
Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tried you in the furnace of affliction.

1 Peter 4:12 
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.

1 Peter 1:6-7 
In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 3:13 ESV / 40 helpful votes

Each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done.

Psalm 66:10-12 
For you, O God, have tested us; you have tried us as silver is tried. You brought us into the net; you laid a crushing burden on our backs; you let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water; yet you have brought us out to a place of abundance.

1 Peter 4:12-13 
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.

1 Peter 1:1-25 
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. ...

1 Peter 1:6 
In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials,

Revelation 3:18 
I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see.

1 Peter 5:10 
And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

Malachi 3:3 
He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the Lord.

Isaiah 1:25 
I will turn my hand against you and will smelt away your dross as with lye and remove all your alloy.

1 Peter 1:8 
Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory,

Isaiah 43:2 
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.

Romans 8:19 
For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.

James 1:2-4 
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Hebrews 12:29 
For our God is a consuming fire.

Psalm 12:6 
The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times.

Romans 5:4 
And endurance produces character, and character produces hope,

John 15:1-27 
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

Jeremiah 9:7 
Therefore thus says the Lord of hosts: “Behold, I will refine them and test them, for what else can I do, because of my people?

Proverbs 25:4 
Take away the dross from the silver, and the smith has material for a vessel;

Proverbs 8:19 
My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold, and my yield than choice silver.

Luke 3:16 
John answered them all, saying, “I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

Psalm 17:3 
You have tried my heart, you have visited me by night, you have tested me, and you will find nothing; I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress.

1 Peter 1:5 
Who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Matthew 19:28 
Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Proverbs 27:21 
The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and a man is tested by his praise.

James 1:3 
For you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.

2 Thessalonians 1:7
And to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels

Jeremiah 23:29 
Is not my word like fire, declares the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?

Numbers 11:1 
And the people complained in the hearing of the Lord about their misfortunes, and when the Lord heard it, his anger was kindled, and the fire of the Lord burned among them and consumed some outlying parts of the camp.

James 3:6 
And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.

Numbers 16:35
And fire came out from the Lord and consumed the 250 men offering the incense.

Exodus 19:18 
Now Mount Sinai was wrapped in smoke because the Lord had descended on it in fire. The smoke of it went up like the smoke of a kiln, and the whole mountain trembled greatly.

Romans 2:7 
To those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life;

2 Thessalonians 1:8 
In flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.

1 Corinthians 3:12 
Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw—

Romans 8:28 
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Luke 12:49 
“I came to cast fire on the earth, and would that it were already kindled!

Revelation 21:18 
The wall was built of jasper, while the city was pure gold, like clear glass.

Hebrews 11:6 
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

1 Corinthians 10:13 
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

1 Corinthians 4:5 
Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God.

Romans 2:10 
But glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek.

Matthew 25:21 
His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’

Jeremiah 23:28 
Let the prophet who has a dream tell the dream, but let him who has my word speak my word faithfully. What has straw in common with wheat? declares the Lord.

2 Chronicles 32:31 
And so in the matter of the envoys of the princes of Babylon, who had been sent to him to inquire about the sign that had been done in the land, God left him to himself, in order to test him and to know all that was in his heart.

Revelation 1:1-20 
The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near. John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood.

1 Peter 4:1 
Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,

Malachi 3:2-3
But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the Lord.

Deuteronomy 8:2 
And you shall remember the whole way that the Lord your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not.

1 Peter 1:18 
Knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold,

Colossians 2:8 
See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.

1 Corinthians 1:1-31 
Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and our brother Sosthenes, To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge.

Revelation 3:13 
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’

1 Peter 4:14 
If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.

1 Corinthians 3:9 
For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building.

Isaiah 40:31 
But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Exodus 20:20 
Moses said to the people, “Do not fear, for God has come to test you, that the fear of him may be before you, that you may not sin.”

Revelation 1:1 
The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John,

Malachi 3:2 
But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap.

Ezekiel 28:4 
By your wisdom and your understanding you have made wealth for yourself, and have gathered gold and silver into your treasuries;

2 Timothy 3:12 
Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

Isaiah 14:1-32 
For the Lord will have compassion on Jacob and will again choose Israel, and will set them in their own land, and sojourners will join them and will attach themselves to the house of Jacob. And the peoples will take them and bring them to their place, and the house of Israel will possess them in the Lord's land as male and female slaves. They will take captive those who were their captors, and rule over those who oppressed them. When the Lord has given you rest from your pain and turmoil and the hard service with which you were made to serve, you will take up this taunt against the king of Babylon: “How the oppressor has ceased, the insolent fury ceased! The Lord has broken the staff of the wicked, the scepter of rulers, 

Revelation 3:10 
Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth.

1 Peter 5:1 
So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed:

1 Peter 4:19 
Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

1 Peter 2:1-25 

So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. ...

1 Peter 1:7-8 
So that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory,

1 Corinthians 3:6
I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.

Romans 5:3-4 
Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,

Acts 3:6 
But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!”

John 11:1-57 
Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill. So the sisters sent to him, saying, “Lord, he whom you love is ill.” But when Jesus heard it he said, “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 

Job 7:18 
Visit him every morning and test him every moment?

Revelation 21:21 
And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each of the gates made of a single pearl, and the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.

Revelation 7:14 
I said to him, “Sir, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

Revelation 2:10 
Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.

1 Peter 2:4 
As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious,

1 Peter 1:10 
Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully,

Philippians 4:6-7 
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 5:22-23 
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

John 21:15-17 

When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.

Lamentations 3:1-66 
I am the man who has seen affliction under the rod of his wrath; he has driven and brought me into darkness without any light; surely against me he turns his hand again and again the whole day long. He has made my flesh and my skin waste away; he has broken my bones; he has besieged and enveloped me with bitterness and tribulation; 

Proverbs 16:16 
How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.

Psalm 119:1-176 
Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord! Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways! You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently. Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes! 

Psalm 19:9-10 
The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.

Job 1:22 
In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong.

1 Peter 5:7 
Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

James 5:1-20 
Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you. Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure in the last days. Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. You have lived on the earth in luxury and in self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. ...

2 Thessalonians 1:7-12 
And to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might, when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed. To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, ...

Colossians 2:3 
In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Philippians 2:3-4 
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Romans 5:3 
Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance,

Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

A New Beginning

God, thank you for protecting my heart from cowards.

Thank you Lord for healing my heart so that I do not attract future narcissists (cowards).

It must take a really special kind of *insane person to want to intentionally hurt and plan the downfall of someone else.

News Flash*

I will forever remain strong. I will fall time and time again, yet I will rise rise rise!!!

These past 5 months has been somewhat unimaginable. Having to deal with everything on my own. One tragic journey of a warrior who refuses to be a victim! Other peoples actions has nothing to do with me. I will not take accountability for their actions. We have choices everyday. I choose peace and healing over chaos and violence.

• I lost my mother. The most important person in my life. I grief every day for you. 
• We lost B-dawg. Our healer, and protector. My beloved "co-worker."
• Narcissist Alert* I dated a cheating, lying narcissist. A coward.
• Narcissist Alert* I "lost" my job because I chose to put my daughter first. 
• Narcissist Alert* I witnessed violence and at times I was even at the hands of those monsters. 
• My daughter was taken away. 
• Narcissist Alert* Healing from the narcissist after the final break-up.
• Raped and assaulted and defamation of character.

Most people would not survive one day in my life. Yet, I have God. He fights for me. He strengthens me. He loves me. He has great plans to prosper me, not to harm me. To give me hope and a future. The maker of heaven and earth is the One who strengthens me. It is He who gives me joy. I refuse to walk by sight. I walk by faith. It is undeniable that the thief - Satan - comes only to kill, to steal and to destroy! It is evident. You are predictable Satan and you will lose this battle! I am sober, and I am vigilant for my adversary, Satan, is walking around like roaring lion looking for someone to devour! Lets I  remind you Satan, you are dealing with The Lioness! 

My God did not give me a spirit of fear, but of love, and of power, and a sound mind! Greater is He that is in me than you who are in the world. I am wearing the full armor of God! I will overcome by His spirit! No weapon formed against me shall prosper. Every tongue that rises up against me in judgment, I shall condemn. For it is written Satan! Do not rejoice over me my enemy, when I fall I will arise. I love you my enemy. I bless you my enemy. I pray for you who spitefully use and persecute me. 

Jesus, you are my battle-ax and weapons of war: For with you I will break this nation into pieces; with you I will destroy kingdoms. I am more than a conqueror through You who loves me. I refuse to take revenge myself. I have given room for God's wrath to take over. Vengeance is Yours God, and You will repay! For the Lord my God is He who goes with me, to fight for me against my enemies, to save me. I am not terrified of them; for the Lord my God, the great and awesome God, is with me. 

He surrounds me. He has given his angel charge over me to keep me in all my ways. In their hands they shall bear me up, lest I dash my foot against a stone. Blessed is the Lord my rock. He trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle -  my lovingkindness loving God, and my fortress, my high tower, stronghold, and my deliverer, my shield and the only one in whom I take refuge, who subdues people under me. 

The Lord is faithful. It is he who establishes me. It is He who guards me from the evil one. My God will cause my enemies who rise against me to be defeated before my face; they shall come out against me one way and flee before me seven ways. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. My faith is my victory.

Satan, you have forgotten: 

Ελενη, means light!

Nothing is secret that will not be made manifest; nor anything hidden, that shall not be known and come to light.

For it is written! I submit to God. I resist you Satan. You must flee from me! God has given me authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt me.

In conclusion:

Psalm 91

1 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust.”

3 Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler
And from the perilous pestilence.
4 He shall cover you with His feathers,
And under His wings you shall take refuge;
His truth shall be your shield and buckler.
5 You shall not be afraid of the terror by night,
Nor of the arrow that flies by day,
6 Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness,
Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.


7 A thousand may fall at your side,
And ten thousand at your right hand;
But it shall not come near you.
8 Only with your eyes shall you look,
And see the reward of the wicked.


9 Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge,
Even the Most High, your dwelling place,
10 No evil shall befall you,
Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;
11 For He shall give His angels charge over you,
To keep you in all your ways.
12 In their hands they shall bear you up,
Lest you dash your foot against a stone.
13 You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra,
The young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.


14 “Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him;
I will set him on high, because he has known My name.
15 He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him,
And show him My salvation.”

I can't but my God can! 

FYI

Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

PLEASE EXCUSE ME while I grief my mother, while I heal from those who tried to kill me. To kill my spirit. Whilst I grief not being able to see my daughter. Loss and Loss and Loss. Please excuse me while I deal with everything on my own because giving up is not an option.