Join us for Day 14 of Soul Detox and then join us for discussion and community in the comments below!
Each week as a community, we choose a piece of Scripture to memorize together. The Soul Detox plan will continue through these Sundays, but we will also have a Weekly Truth to share with you! Use the lockscreen as a way to help memorize this week’s Truth!
Weekly Truth | Mark 11: 25
And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins. {NIV}
{We will be doing one official lock screen for each plan! If you design one, please leave a link in the comments!}
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30 thoughts on "Weekly Truth | Day 14"
I fill my mind with so many toxic words and thoughts that at times my mind does not stop racing. Then when I do have a positive thought I dont follow through. My self control is at ZERO! I need to listen to HIS word and believe in my prayers and believe in myself. Trust in myself.
Lord, God you loved me first, you have showered me with your grace. I'm thankful for the blessings you have given me. I now need to love mself te way you love me like I love yu. I need to trust myself like I trust you. I need to have faith and believe in myself as I belive and have faith in you. Amen
All things are possible through you!
I've fallen behind but I have to stop and write. I had a horrible time with connecting the verse to the lesson. One, this verse haunts me to the point I just really don't like it. I know, not good to say but I don't! It's misquoted and twisted so much and I have my own issues with it. I remember quoting and praying his exact verse while in the midst of a miscarriage. I had so much faith and felt it was proof that this would not happen to me. And again I had this move to my heart as I watched paramedics try and revive my son and not say it because I was afraid. I had doubt and God sent his grace and mercy to me and my son lived. And I wondered why? I know God's hand is all through whatever story my life will be. And so I read and asked God today to open my heart and help me see past my issues with this verse. And, thank you Father, he did. God will move mountains for us. He loves us so much he would let hem jump to the sea but not if they take us off the path he has planned for us. The Message says "I absolutely urge you to pray for everything large and small in this God-life and you will get God's everything. ". I signed up for the everything deal. So I was again broken this morning in my gratitude and awe that God has been willing to move mountains in my path and out of my path so I can live my life to his glory and and to show me his comfort and healing. It gave me opportunities to be surrendered in my God-life so I could be shaped and molded by the maker himself. That is amazing. So how do I stop saying toxic thigs to myself? By opening my heart in Faith and closing my mouth to doubt and my own plans and opinions. Letting God guide this God-life he has let me have.
I'm sure we all can list many toxic words that we consistently speak to ourselves. What's contradictory in my circumstances is believing in my mind that God will change my circumstances, but speaking with my mouth something different. God, thank you for showing me the ways that will continue to hinder my move forward. Releasing toxic thoughts and words of myself today!
Lifting you up in prayer Autumndawn, that his light will radiate and disperse all toxicity. You are loved and valued!
Cynthia, you always amaze me with your wonderful reflections.
And Ellen, your hope fills my heart.
My toxic thoughts have been dispersed today. The Holy Spirit has touched me and filled me to overflowing. God is so good.
*Ladies, this is not the Sue from earlier today posts. I think I’ll need to modify my name so as to not confuse anyone.
Btw Sue, you are valued! How can you not be, your a daughter of the King! And beside, you’ve got a great name! Lol
I really thank God for this website and you lovely sister's out there. I am learning to keep my mouth shut and be silent at times, and listen to the holy spirit to guide me so i can think before i start poisoning my heart and other people with toxic word. Thank you Holy Spirit.
Awesome reading and conversation today, ladies!! Let's all commit to praying for each other this week, 'cause we're not in this alone! Much love!
Verse 24 was the one that caught me today:
"therefore, I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." (BNIV)
tha tis so encouraging, yet I struggle. I want to be bold and i want to be faithful, but I don't want to fall into the "name-it-and-claim it" trap. where and how does one draw the line?
I speak many toxic words to myself. some of them are people pleasing. If I know I've upset someone, it really bothers me. Also, I speak things like, "I can't handle this," "I can't do this," etc. about things I need to do. things I can definitley counteract with god's Word, but do I always? no.
“What types of toxic words are you saying to yourself? What steps do you need to take to stop saying these toxic words to yourself?” My toxic words to myself usually have to do with questioning whether someone likes me or not and if I get the sense they don’t, then more questions as to why. I’ve got people-pleasing tendencies stemming from insecurities growing up as a fat kid who got teased a lot–had toxic words spoken to me from a young age. God has done a great work in me, both physically and spiritually over the last 15 years, so I don’t have that intense insecurity anymore, but I do have lingering effects. I just will continue to be in the Word on a regular basis and speak truth to counter the lies. I also commit to desire to please God and not man. Cynthia, thanks for sharing your perspective on why Jesus cursed the fig tree, because I have often wondered that same thing! Prayers for you all today, sisters!
I had to look up commentaries on the passage today because I found it perplexing. I am thankful for those who study the Bible in a scholarly way to help people like me have a better understanding!
The toxic thoughts I think of myself often involve intense focus on the times in my life that I have messed something up, failed, fell short, etc. I think what has been helping me is (I'm a visual person) so I imagine a big rubber stamp with the word "rejected" on it and stamping that thought. I then try to recall scripture to speak truth over myself. I need to write down verses so I can get to them more easily (or memorize them).
Sue, its easy in today’s world to falsely find our value in how much money we may or may not make- society is all about materialistic things. But you have given something of far greater value! You gave yourself and all YOU may have desired, (a career, travel, whatever!) up to raise kids that now have wonderful lives (because of you) and that contribute to society!
I’d say you have done a wonderful job, and that you’ve got immense value!!
I’ve thought the same about myself time and again
when I’ve struggled to accomplish my best on very little. We don’t have all kinds of expensive toys and gadgets so but today’s standards I’m a failure…
But I’m not!!
And neither are you!
Praying you’ll realize this, and know how very important you are!!
Have a blessed day! :)
I loved the message this morning, and it was right on point with where I was when I got up. I have to remember to believe it will come about, and not in my time but in His, when He is ready. I sometimes worry to much, think to much about something and then over-think some more. I ask for a sign and when I don't get it, I get discouraged. Sometimes I have probably over looked the sign. I also love the reminder this morning that we need to forgive in order to be forgiven. The question of "what type of toxic words are you saying to yourself?" confused me at first, what does this have to do with the reading? Holding onto things, bitterness, anger, resentment are all toxic so when you ask Him to forgive your trespassers you are in turn letting go of those things that have a hold on you. I know that a lot of my toxic thoughts to myself are based on regrets of something I've said to others or how I've handled myself.
Great reading this morning!
As I have shared many other times, I really struggle with thinking and speaking toxic things about myself; it’s really an ongoing battle, with me wondering so much of the time if I am just being brutally honest with myself (my dreams are dead, I’m a failure, I’m too old, my talent, while pretty incredible, still isn’t good enough) and what are the lies of the enemy. Today, I am really struggling. I want to speak life and fight lies, but I don’t want to live in fantasy delusions about my life, but be able to accept the failure and all of it and be able to move on with what I have instead of keeping on wanting what I never will have. Sorry, I’m not very uplifting today.
Has anyone read Joyce Meyer’s Power Thoughts? It gives concrete steps to change your thoughts through God’s Word and to say them and pray them. There are 12 in all, each one to be concentrated on daily for 3 weeks (becomes a habit). It is amazing really, I have given 5 copies away and each person is changing their life one thought at a time. His Word is powerful and this tool helps by giving a concrete plan. God Bless!
Autumn, turn that frown upside down…ok that was cheesy! But really you've just given an example of your toxic thoughts to yourself. So answer the rest of that question, how can you stop them? We all struggle with this from time to time, even the most positive and upbeat person has to have a rough day every now and then. We all have demons. We all have short comings. We all are, human. Don't look at your "failure" but look at what you have accomplished and where you are. And be thankful. Being thankful for what you have reminds you of just that, what you HAVE. The grass isn't always greener, maybe you are right where you are supposed to be? I hope you can find some uplifting light today!
Autumn, I feel your pain! I'm an artist (a dancer, specifically) and I have such thoughts myself because my own path has been unconventional. BUT! I think Satan LOVES to play with our insecurities and our circumstances to feed us lies… And dear sister, that is what I believe you are going through right now. I pray that Jesus' healing and protection and truth pour out on you right now, as I type this. I pray that He reveals to you the plan He has for you, which involve the talents that He created you with – that was no accident, believe me. I will be praying for you this week!!
So thankful for today's postings. I try to be a positive person…with everyone else and forget sometimes to give myself a break. Being a stay at home mom when my kids were little and then just a part time employee for most of my life so that I could be there for my family I now find myself doubting my worth. My kids have grown up and made wonderful lives for themselves. Now I feel kind of like I'm not worth much since I don't have a career or make much money. So today I ask the lord to remind me of how much he loves me and values me. And that I will remember my value comes for him and not the world.
Sue, you are His daughter, which is a big deal! No career or salary, big or small or whatever, can take that away from you. Your place in His heart and His kingdom makes you royalty! I have struggled with this, too, but then He reminds me of the big, eternal picture. We are worth more than we realize! :)
thanks Jessi it helps to be reminded of that!
Sue, like so many others, I am right where you are. One-time co-workers who chose a different path are nearing the end of the "working years". At 51, I am just getting started! During a recent conversation with my 20-year-old son about my "road not taken", his simple response was, "yeah, but I'm glad you were our mommy." It was a gift to hear those precious words.
God has a plan for each of us, and directs our paths accordingly. I thought of your post today when I received the following link in my inbox this afternoon. A word of encouragement that every mother needs to hear:
http://www.aholyexperience.com/2013/02/god-made-a…
You may be in a new phase of life, Sue, but I know God has amazing plans in store for you. In Christ, the best is always yet to be!!
At times we equate nice sayings with Scripture. We perhaps give a nice "Christian-y" quote to a friend going through a trial. Sometimes those quotes can be toxic to that person and hurt them.
The other day someone told a friend of mine (her teenager is having an agonizing time with the chemo prescribed for bone cancer) that God would never give her more than she could handle.
Oh? Where in the Bible do we find that "truth"? So now a friend is left hurting while questioning her "amount of faith" or her relationship with a God that has obviously burdened her with far far more than her human strength can bear.
Scripture taken out of context and misapplied according to our whim can also be toxic. We need to be so immersed in His Word that no one can mislead us from the truth. I pray today that the Spirit will give me the right words of comfort for my sister. Words that will edify her and bless her.
Amen to that! Praying for your friend and your daughter as they travel their difficult road. Thanking god for you who they need at this time.
I can relate! I think people say these things with good intentions but do not realize the potential devastating impact it can have on the recipient. When I was younger my father had cancer and there were many people who spoke "truth" about his situation and the future. He died. It has been a struggle over the years to reconcile my faith with my reality. It changes my perspective on prayer. At this moment in my life, what I can say, from my own understanding, is that God's ways are not my ways. And there is something very powerful having a person to walk through the trials with you. Sometimes they need only say "I am here with you in this. You do not walk alone." I believe that though we have what feels like unbearable trials, he can send his comfort through his people to hold up those who are feeling crushed by life. Praying for you and your friend.
I agree with you lisabethjean, wholeheartedly! But I think the scripture people use, or misuse, there is 1 Corinthians 10:13, "There hath no temptation (or test or trial) taken you but such as as is common to man: but God is faithful, He will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way of escape, that ye may be able to bear it."
As one with a chronic illness I do think God makes a way of escape, although it is not the one I was always looking for :) . We must be ever so sensitive in dealing with those who are fighting sickness, especially the terminally ill or chronically ill, who are in pain 24/7. It is hard for them to understand why they must go through these things and then some unknowledgeable but hopefully well- intentioned soul comes along and speaks confusion in their mind and they think it is their fault or they should be healed, etc, etc. Trust me, been there, done that!
But what that wonderful scripture is really speaking to us is that God DOES make a way of escape so we are able to BEAR it….and that comes from putting our complete trust and hope in Him. Spending time with Him, being washed in the Word and bathed in true worship, where our real strength comes from….then I am able to BEAR this trial, that is my ESCAPE!
Thank you for this wonderful thought my dear sister! And I will pray for your young friend, if I could help her in any way I sure would be happy to.
@Ellen MR Thank you for your testimony this morning! It has truly encouraged me because I too struggle with allowing negative thoughts to sometimes overwhelm me. You story gives me hope (WOW 15 years); I will remember you in my prayers. “… And a child shall lead them.” (Your daughter is a blessing!”
The Holy Spirit is truly awesome. Everything Jesus did and does has purpose. Reading this morning Mark 11:12-25, the incident with the fig tree bearing no fruit.
I have always wondered why He cursed the tree; it had no fruit because it was not the season for bearing fruit. I have always thought it was strange for Jesus to curse the tree; I thought it unfair. This morning I saw the Scripture from another perspective; Jesus’ perspective!
Jesus is Lord! God is Sovereign. God’s creation is suppose to respond to the desires of the Creator; God determines the times and the seasons. Not only does He determine times and seasons; His desire usurps times and seasons. Everything is under His control! When He desires for something to occur it does; not a minute sooner or later than when He desires it.
God decides when it is the season for fruit to be produced! The creation is subjected to the Creator. Even out of season because Jesus desired fruit, there SHOULD have been fruit. His PURPOSE? He has given us power to speak to those things in our life that are unfruitful and kill and remove “those” things.
Our words do have power. Our words do produce life or death; it is how God created us. We are made in His image. We must therefore make a decision to think before we speak. “As a man thinketh so is he.” We must therefore speak life!
Well-said!
Holy WHOA, this is awesome! "God decides when it is the season for fruit to be produced!… Even out of season…" – preach, Cynthia! :)
Hmmm, what toxic words do I say to myself? Far too many- I’m not going to even put it out there.
But, I am trying to change that! I have really gained so much that is positive from this study/studies with SRT, that its been a game changer for me!
I began this walk with no idea what to do or where to start. So I hit the bible icon that my daughter had downloaded to my phone and out of all the options on YouVersion, I picked She Reads Truth!!
It was the middle of Dec. and they were in their Advent study. I thought” I really don’t even know what “Advent” means?!” Why not find out? I’m not conveying the TRUE meaning of Christmas to my kids- time for a change in our lives…
And my Lord Jesus led me here!!!
As I’ve said, it was a game changer for me.
I don’t listen to those derogatory words and thoughts in my head (when they come) hardly at all. I gave 15 years to the enemy, and I WON’T GIVE ANYMORE!!! He had a hold on me for far too long and it’s time to turn it all around-for me, and for my kids. I’m DONE.
And it’s the BEST thing that’s ever happened!
I Thank God for leading me, and give Him all the glory for the changes and the work He has done in me! I praise Him for those changes and pray He continues to shine His light in and thru me, that I become the person He wants me to be. I can do no less than my best for Him, when all He wants in return is my faith and to show how He works in us. That others will notice these changes and be compelled to see what brought them about, and learn about our Father! That I would speak life giving words that would bring others to faith…how amazing is that???
I can only accomplish that with His help. And with a desire to do His will, now that I understand better about what He wants for His children. Thank you SRT, for leading me down the right path! I hope I can keep my eyes forward, towards Him, with a full heart that overflows to my mouth,
speaking the TRUE life giving words that so many still need to hear!!
Thank you Father, for all you’ve done!!
Thank you SRT, and all of you women who are a part of this community!
Have a blessed day!
This is awesome Ellen, praise Jesus!! I have no doubt so many of us can relate in our own lives, with our own stories… I know I can! Thank you for sharing your a bit of your heart. SRT truly is a game changer :)