Join us for Day 13 of Soul Detox and then join us for discussion and community in the comments below!
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40 thoughts on "Day 13"
Day 13
Leave a Reply
40 thoughts on "Day 13"
Thanx Nadia LR!! I soo appreciate your answer!! I’ll take all the help I can get, lol … I pray you WILL all be together, complete in Christ. I feel if you believe
in God, you always will to some degree. Seeing you praying everyday, going to church, etc. will soften his heart, eventually. I’ll pray for that day!!
Kary- just write your comments here, where you did! The reading for the day is up above, we’re following the SOUL DETOX plan. Hope to “see” you more here!! :)
This is my first time doing any thing like this. So I would like to know how to go about giving my feedback or sharing my story!
Hi Ibukun!
Thanx for the wonderful testimony, I bet you sang beautifully! And Thanx for telling me you “slipped up” in your group. Try as hard as I might, those words just pop out sometimes… hopefully less with time!
Blessings to you Sister!
Sing a song for our Father! :)
Last time I got life-giving words of encouragement was from my classmates last week. I’m studying music at University and I was having a problem with an Aria I was given to sing. I had completely given up rehearsing it and I concluded that I just couldn’t do. I started praying for a miracle but God did not quite give me the miracle I was expeecting (which was another piece) he gave encouraging words to my classmates to speak over me and He gave me a classmate that was willing to take out time to help me with my piece. He kept saying that I could do it and that I would do beautifully well. My heart was just soaked from so much encouragement. I couldn’t help but look to the heavens and say “that was You, God!”
I’m curious if there are a lot of you ladies that are married or in relationships with non-believers??
How do you make it work if he is not saved?
Do you stay/ or are you SUPPOSED to stay with him and try to bring him to the light?!
For how long do you try?!
I’m not trying to pry, it’s something I’d like to know more about. I don’t have a home church or pastor to ask, and I’m still very early in my walk with the Lord… So if anyone knows about this subject- your thoughts or comments would be welcomed!
Excited to go to church tomorrow- maybe I’ll find my “home” there!! :)
Hi Ellen MR :) I'm also very new to walking with the Lord, but I did ask this exact question of my Pastor, so I'll tell you what he said. My husband used to follow Christ, but due to several factors in his life he now does not. I believe (and my Pastor confirms this) that I was brought to my husband to help him find his faith again. My husband watches me go to Church with our children, sees me read my bible and hears me pray. He sees me try to live so that I bring glory to God through my work at home with our family and I hope and pray that he sees the light again. I pray for him daily also. My pastor told me the story of a lady who was married to a non believer and although it took 20 years of her praying daily and her husband refusing to accept Christ as his saviour he finally saw the light and became a very active member of their church. So I live in hope and trust in God that he'll work on my husband's heart and we'll be a complete Christian family one day.
Hi, Ellen. I too am a believer whose husband left the faith. I find comfort in Paul's message to the Corinthians, "Now, I will speak to the rest of you, though I do not have a direct command from the Lord. If a Christian man has a wife who is not a believer and she is willing to continue living with him, he must not leave her. And if a Christian woman has a husband who is not a believer and he is willing to continue living with her, she must not leave him. For the Christian wife brings holiness to her marriage, and the Christian husband brings holiness to his marriage. Otherwise, your children would not be holy, but now they are holy. (But if the husband or wife who isn’t a believer insists on leaving, let them go. In such cases the Christian husband or wife is no longer bound to the other, for God has called you to live in peace.) Don’t you wives realize that your husbands might be saved because of you? And don’t you husbands realize that your wives might be saved because of you? Each of you should continue to live in whatever situation the Lord has placed you, and remain as you were when God first called you. This is my rule for all the churches." (1 Corinthians 7:12-17 NLT)
I have not read these books myself yet, but I heard the following are good resources: In Christ Alone by Darla Stone and Winning Him Without Words by Dineen Miller and Lynn Donovan. Praying for you!
Amen!
"Words are powerful; take them seriously. Words can be your salvation. Words can also be your damnation."
Oh my. Didn't these words just jump right out at me! I know I'm guilty of speaking and thinking many things that have not been very nice over the years. I really needed this wake up call. I so badly want to be a good person, a more loving and kind person and a more self controlled and patient person. I need God's grace to achieve this. I need his forgiveness for my mistakes and lapses in judgement. I know I can be the wife and mother I need to be with his love. I'm also going to make a conscious effort to give those life giving words to others who need them. Like Christie, I also pray that my words and thoughts be full of love and that they be genuine.
I read this passage and it made me wonder if I just need some sort of spiritual duct tape for the thoughts, toxic thoughts, that overwhelm my mind and tumble out of my mouth. I too was reminded that a huge part of what I say is from what is in my heart and I would add, possibly what I dwell on mentally. I think that now I am starting to understand more about getting away from things to just sit and be. I am awestruck at how much negativity about others floods my mind. I do not like that my words can be so powerful but if that is what God says then I have to take it to heart.
On the devo question, when I was a teenager and going through some rough times because of bad choices, I had a youth leader who would regularly send me cards full of life-giving words about the good she saw in me. I remember reading them and thinking she really does not know me! How can she see such positive things in me!? I did not understand it but I know it gave me hope.
My prayer is that I would speak words of hope and life and that they would be genuine.
Thanks Leah:-)
God really does have a sense of humor. I just went to my Ephisians devo. The scripture today is Ephisians 5:8. “For you were once darkness, but now you are children of light in the Lord. Live as children of Light.
I kind of think he’s hearing me! Lol
Ok ladies, I thought “I” had it under control, this toxic thinking. I wake up praising God, read scripture, and I’m ready to go. Or so I thought…
And then I am confronted with angry words from my husband, and it pushes all the wrong buttons. I stop, take a breath, pray for help, and…I can’t seem to let it go. Boy, satan really knows how to attack. And so, here I am, re-reading the blogs, looking deep in my heart, asking God for forgiveness. I’m starting to see this is a constant battle that must be fought. Praying that God will shine his light thru me as a true testimony for my husband, who still has not found this beautiful blessing of grace from God.
Ladies, pray for me, that my light will shine. Thanks.
Prayers for you, Sue!
Sue, this is something I'm struggling with, too! Isn't it crazy how different our mood and attitude can be within the space of one day?! I start the day great, and by the evening, my husband and I are fighting and saying mean things. Satan is relentless. I will be praying for you, knowing firsthand the challenges you're facing!
Sue, I have the same experience. And I have struggled so with trying to figure out the solution. And over and over God just keeps telling me to trust Him. Trust Him. Trust Him. The more we love Him, the more we will show that love to others – even those difficult people. I struggle with this so much when it comes to my husband. And I say really mean things to him – of course in my mind in retaliation. But Christ, Who had ever reason to defend Himself because He was 100% blameless and 100% right – didn't when beaten, falsely accused, stripped, mocked. . . And all for me and for my husband. And when am 100% right or 100% blameless? I know all this in my head but the next time I have had enough those horrible words are likely to spew out. Father, I pray right now that You will heal our hearts and our relationships. I pray that You would bless our communication with our husbands and our children and others. I pray You would help us communicate in effectively and with Your love and grace, I don't want to give the enemy a foothold in my marriage or my home. Help me be diligent in Your strenght! I love You so much. In Jesus Name I pray!
Praying for you, Sue!
I have been reading "Love Not the World" by Watchman Nee and the chapter I read this morning (Chapter Eight: Mutual Refreshing) was fantastic. I take notes as I'm reading and ended up writing down pretty much everything in the chapter. Then, I read the daily Soul Detox devo and felt like the two lined up so well!
The chapter I read was talking about when Jesus was washing His disciples' feet. Nee suggets that this passage is highlighting the Lord's desire for us to refresh one another…that our time in the world leaves a sort of inevitable residue that isn't necessarily sin, but a kind of tarnish or "layer of dust over everything" that can make it difficult to connect with the Lord easily in prayer or when reading the word. He suggets that this ministry of refreshing one another is in a sense "wiping away the layer of dust" from one another (similar to washing each others' feet) and that this presents a united front against the world. And this ministry isn't limited to a select few with a unique calling. It is accessible to everyone. It is a simple as an encourging word, praying together, etc. LIFE GIVING WORDS. :)
Jesusgirl71- I sooo hear you today! We wrote about the exact same thing!! Praying for BOTH of us!
Autumn Dawn- I’ve been to your blog- BEAUTIFUL!! I’ve always kind of subscribed to the belief that artists are extremely sensitive- that’s why they struggle with depression sometimes. It’s been wonderful to watch the Lord work in you! Praying for your continued faith in Him!
Brandi- you’ve shown His grace in praying for me since I first came to SRT! You show it all the time.
Gail- praying for you, I understand completely what you’re saying! I need to be more encouraging to my older kids. I think they’ve “got it”, but we ALL need encouragement!! :)
AmyKelly- hope your weekend continues to be all you need! He has taken loving care of you, keeping you busy and having your husband there to lean on. Blessings!! Grace! Healing…
Thank you Lord! For providing your word for all of us to draw on, for whatever our need may be.
Let’s shine our lights Sisters! In gratitude and praise for all He provides!!
Amen!
Yikes!! After an intensely revealing week, today’s reading just reinforces that “say only what helps, each word a gift” Eph 4:29 MSG, because if I don’t, “For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned!”v.37 NIV
I think I’m in trouble… I know now after reading these scriptures in this study that I HAVE TO CHANGE!!! I am not the kind of person to say mean things unless provoked, after all I soo know how crappy words make you feel. But in my “other life” I was also someone who cussed- All. The. Time.!! I really did not think it was that big of a deal…now I know differently! But once in awhile, something will slip out, and these “slips” are not OK! I even won’t use “OMG” anymore without texting “OMGosh” as the substitution, trying to correct myself … I don’t want to be condemned for careless words and cussing…I hope for just “a little more grace” to see me thru, and in my heart I know that its just NOT OK!! I think in today’s world we minimize the “little” things- “at least I’m not out there killing someone, or robbing someone” etc…
to justify our actions, our “little sins”. Isn’t that God’s job?! I know I’ve been judge and jury for myself for too long- letting myself off for what i consider my smaller offenses…
So I think I’m in trouble.
Have a blessed weekend Sisters!
Hello Ellen!
When it comes to the cussing, I totally understand where you’re coming from. I’ve been there very recently. About two weeks ago, in my youth fellowship group, we were discussing sex, drugs and hoow we as believers have to pick out new coping habits for stress and frustration. I was saying that being accountable to a mature christian helps and somehow “shit” slipped out of my mouth. Extremely embarassing. But I think God will make a fool of us so we can come to Him for strength and ability to speak the right words. Have a toxin free day!
"For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks."
That really moved my heart this morning.
Filling my heart w/His Word + truth and praying the overflow will be fruitful in all I do — words I write and speak, art I create, relationships I build and nurture… Everything for Him and His glory.
Good morning ladies! Not sure what just happened but I had already posted this then realized it was not showing up here… some how I had ened up on Day 13 of 2012’s Soul Detox. Huh? …anywho… reposting:
The devotional assignment brought to mind an experience I had ages ago–back in high school, my sophomore year I think. I did a presentation at a state FHA convention on self-esteem and how unrealistic images of women and girls–so prevalent in our society and media–negatively impacts developing girls’ self image/self esteem. My one & only competitor in my group was a thin, very pretty girl. I was judgmental and thinking how she must be one of the “popular girls” (everything I was not) and is surely “stuck up” and what is SHE doing presenting on such a serious subject. She came up to me after I presented and spoke such wonderful life- giving words of compliments to me! Imagine my surprise–AND disappointment in myself for my judgmental toxic thoughts about her! It was such an impactful lesson for me at the time to not “judge a book by its cover.” And now, in hindsight, demonstrates to me just how POWERFUL words are–as I recall this vivid memory from 20+ years ago! Have a blessed day, ladies!
I was convicted because I realized that just like the Pharisees were questioning Jesus in HOW He was performing miracles, sometimes I am guilty of the same…sometimes amidst God’s provision, I question Him still…wondering if maybe there was a better way…wow! How yucky is that when I think about it!
Continuing… As for a time when I was encouraged, it was a few days ago when one of you told me how much you appreciate my posts and how I keep it real. That meant so much to me.
Ok ladies. forgive me if the wording in these verses is not totally exact, as I copied them from my iPhone and wrote them out on my note-taking app on my iPhone and now copying them here._33 Make a tree good, and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad, and its fruit will be bad for a tree is recognized by its fruit._Lord, I want to be a good tree bearing good fruit._and part of verse 34, "the mouth speaks what the heart is full of." ouch! I want my heart to be full of good, not eveil._"but I tell you that on the day of judgment, everyone will have to give an account of every empty word they have spoken." Ouch! I know I have spoken empty words in my life, many of them, yet I don't want to. I know I probably will again, yet saying that could affect my attitude. Let me not speak empty words, o God!_"for by your words, you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned." I know I have spoken many words that would condemn me. Lord, forgive me and help me!
Wow! "…for whatever is in your heart determines what you say." Matthew 12:34 NLT. I'm with @lisabethjean on this one…I could hardly see anything else! I have always made it my prayer, "Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips." Psalm 141:3.
The only way I will speak life-giving words to others is if my heart is full of the goodness of God and that comes from spending time with Him and in His Word.
Blessings!
Today speaking life-giving words and resisting negativity is tough. I recently got over the flu and a bad chest infection, I was feeling much better and looking forward to leading worship this sunday (we have a rota at our church and the worship leaders take turns leading…this is my Sunday), and now I have come down with another virus of some sort and am full of cold again. I can't sing like this, and it makes me miserable. I've been confessing healing scriptures and trying to remain positive, but it's tough when you feel so icky… On, top of it, I am scheduled to play and lend backing vocals to my husband who has a gig tomorrow evening… so, it's not quite as bad as if it would be if it was MY concert and I wasn't up to my usual singing standard but, still, I wanted to be able to be there for my husband. I can still play…but, I don't know what the voice is going otobe like…at this point, I am sounding more like a frog than a contralto. It's making me grumpy. So, I'd appreciate prayer, my sisters.
As for today's devotion… yeah, it's back to that total dependence on His grace… like yesterday with the instruction to let NO foul, poluting, worthless talk come out of our mouths. Today that's reinforced with Jesus' words telling us that we will be judged and give account for EVERY idle, useless word we speak. OUCH! All I can do is to cry out for more grace. I know I've spoken a few idle, worthless words today as I have gone about mopping at my watering eyes and dripping, stuffy nose while sitting at the piano trying to rehearse music for tomorrow and trying not to sneeze all over the keys. Lord, forgive me and help me. I thank You for giving me a heart after you – fill my heart with Your Word, that out of the abundance of my heart my mouth would speak life-giving words – words that minister grace, healing, blessing, encouragement, hope.
As for a time when I have been eoncouraged by life-giving words…well, most recently, that's right here, my sisters, with you. When you've let me know you were praying for me…how wonderful that is – how encouraging. It reminds me how much God loves me that he would put me on your hearts to pray for. :)
Autumn Dawn, I totally get you. As a singer and piano player myself, I so understand! My voice hasn't been right for a year when I got a bad cold in February. I think it may be on its way back, but it's so different and it's hard sometimes. prayers coming for you.
Good morning ladies. We are blessed with another great day. Yes, I love getting compliments and when I am encouraged it makes my day, I am on top of the world, I am great, I can do it ! I knew it all along, etc. All about me,feeling good and being motivated by others. I do encourage others with ease,in the church, in the workplace and every where. It is really important and I do love people and want them to grow in Christ. Meditating today on this devo, God has brought very clearly to my heart, my pride and the need to REALLY encourage my family as I do others…..I dearly love my husband and my kids, but my encouragement at times is automatic, just words–you know "good job, I know you can do it, or even,work a little harder, put some effort into it." Am I really encouraging? It is so easy when the kids are very young or when they become adults, and doing what pleases Mom! Teenagers…teenagers will challenge parents and tell what they really see! Encouragement becomes something else when things go wrong, not my way or not what is expected. Yes, I do see that it all comes back to ME, my way,look what they did to me,keep Mom happy. Mothers day every day? But today is a new day. God has shown me specific areas in my life that need His forgiveness and His grace right now. It is never too late to improve or do the right thing, for all things are possible with God. My family, I love them, how I do love them… But they need to really see God's love in action, at all times, through me…Pray for me sisters as I struggle to be a better wife and parent and thanks for the privilege on being able to read , meditate and share God's word with you. Blessings.
The verses that really stood out to me this am were the last two. . . Pretty direct stuff.
I say unti you, that EVERY idle word that men shall speak they shall give account thereof in the day of judgement. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. Matt 12:36-37
As for the question posed tonus today. I have a lady in my life that is always such an encouragement to me. There was a particular time in my life when I was filled when shame and when I spoke with her her words were filled with such grace. No condemnation at all though she would have been justified in being upset or disappointed. That was the life-giving words we have been talking about and i know she was Gods instrument in my life – and stil is. It truly made a difference in my life. And I have never forgotten that. And I want to be His words, His grace, His mercy, His love to someone today. . .and everyday.
Brandi-
Thank you for sharing! If you havent already, let that lady know how much of an encouragement she is-I'm sure your words would be an enouragement to her as well!
"…For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks…."
That says it all, doesn't it? Today I pray that my heart be so full of praise for my Creator & Savior that my mouth spills out only blessing.
That's it. Perfect lisabethjean!!! Thank you. I was struggling with this passage until I saw your comment.
I know the question for the day is to remember a time I was encouraged by positive words, but the thought that came to me today's reading is" how good it makes me feel when I say something positive to encourage someone else! " They light up or just look happy. So for me it's a win win when positive words are spoken!
Describe a time when you were encouraged and uplifted by the power of positive, life-giving words.
This week my new sisters in Christ lifted me up with some pretty powerful words that not only had me crying tears of joy, but had me praising The Lord for newfound friendship. And I find words you all share each and every day, not even directed specifically at me, lifting me and filling me with confidence and assurance. God is good!
One verse that really struck me personally was verse 31: So I tell you, people can be forgiven for every sin and everything they say against God. But whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. (NCV). Having received this forgiveness and even having questioned my worthiness of this forgiveness, I always love seeing when my Lord points it out personally– from his lips, I mean red lettered ladies!– that all of my sins are forgiven!!! Amen!!
The last two verses also struck me, Cynthia. But I kept going back to verse 31 again and again. I am human and stumble daily. I can guard my tongue again and again, but I will always end up saying something careless or hurtful. I read something just last night that said a tongue only weighs 3 oz… But the damage it can do through hurtful or careless words can be so big! I thank God that His grace covers me. I'm saved by grace through faith and I can never repay that debt! But I will give myself to him and let him use me to the glory of his kingdom.
Weekend update: so far, so good. The Lord has kept me busy doing His work! When I could have been wallowing in self pity, He gave my husband and I a family in need and we set right to work to meet those needs. I was way too busy to wallow! And when I found myself alone last night going to the store, the devil tried to attack with thoughts of my old friends having fun without me or even talking about me… I "just happened" to have the cd of the Easter cantata we are preparing and turned the volume up high! It is not so easy to drive with one hand on the wheel and the other raised to God in praise, but He got me home!! And when those thoughts crept in my dreams (apparently I did a lot of thrashing and groaning in my sleep) my husband was there to wrap me in his arms and let me lean on his strength for a while. The weekend isn't over, but if it finishes like it started, I have every reason to praise The Lord for seeing me through another trial.
Thank you, friends! I love you all!!!
God is sooo good! Thank you for your testimony this morning! For letting us see how He is working! Will be in prayer still and in praise with you. . .He dwells in the praises of His people! Awesome!
Amen, sister, amen. God is great, and loves us so much. Continue to walk in His light.
Amy, I'm reading your precious comment on my phone and I went to hit the "like" and hit the thumbs down, so if you see that oops!! Your words are right on and blessed my heart. Thank you for sharing
And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you.” (Matthew 12:36, 37 NLT)
Sometimes seeing and being reminded of so much bad makes it hard to see good. it is like not being able to see the forest for the trees. We tend to magnify the wrong things.
The last two verses of Scripture hit me hard this morning. I don’t know why it is so hard to see the good before we see the bad…maybe it is a character flaw. That is certainly NOT how God views us! HELP ME FATHER!!!
I am a firm believer that we tend to attract who we are and this morning I am having a difficult time responding to the devotional thought.
Who doesn’t want to be acquitted? No one wants to be found guilty. God has made a way for each of us through Jesus blood and righteousness. He extended grace to me; why should I not extend it to others?
Your last line Cynthia "he extended grace to me; why should I not extend it to others?" so very true need to remember that!