Join us for Day 9 of Soul Detox and then join us for discussion and community in the comments below!
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41 thoughts on "Day 9"
Day 9
Leave a Reply
41 thoughts on "Day 9"
Proverbs 15:13 A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is crushed. ESV This makes me so sad. For so long I have been depressed. I try to pretend for the sake of my children and others, but oh how terrible to do this to my soul. I just want to cry. Why? It's absolutely unnecessary to do this to myself when the depression comes from the toxic thoughts (lies) I've been telling myself… I'm not good enough, I can't do anything, I am such a burden. Yuck!
The enemy is pleased with this kind of living. I don't want to give him the satisfaction. Too bad satan, I'm going to be cheerful and happy now, I am done believing this cacamame story and am on to living God's design for my life, and I am not sorry I am no longer your puppet!
Wow I am just SO BLESSED to be part of this community of amazing, honest and beautiful women!! I am praying for all of you and thank you for sharing your heart & God given revelations!
Have an amazing day and week!
I thank God for this devotional at this time during my life. I am really trying to be conscious of my thoughts and the words I speak.
Words are powerful and God has given them to us so that we may speak life to and build up others.
I pray that by the end of this week that the Holy Spirit will teach me all that He has for me concerning the way I use words. I pray that I will be a vessel used for the uplifting of God’s Kingdom; not tearing it and the people of Gid down. Amen.
I have, in this last year, been through the fire in my marriage. And because of this trial, I have definitely learned verse 1 “A gentle answer deflects anger”. It was without a doubt, the wisdom that saved my marriage of 32 years. Even today, I still had to remind myself of using a gentle voice to calm a customer at work, deflecting her anger. Such wisdom in those words…
Learning how to enact verse 23 “to say the right thing at the right time” would be such a blessing.
May God direct my heart in that!
Ladies of SRT, praying for you all. May wisdom continue to flow through these words, and may the light of God shine all around and in between us.
Amykelly213, prayers are lifted for you and your brother & his family. :-)
I read everyones comments -SO appreciate this group of women who are REAL and recognize that God is still working on them and thrum them. Ladies – please pray for me. I work in a very toxic environment – today has been a particularly challenging day because I just felt like the enemy is having his way with my boss and a few others there. I want to be upbeat and positive but I feel downheartened. I want people to be kind to each other and to willingly work together. I know God can change all circumstances or His plan may be for me to move. It simply is not clear to me right now. God Bless You All!
My dear sisters,
I cannot express the great peace your words and prayers have brought me. I praise God for each of you!! One of the many results of my sin over the last year, and probably the most difficult to bear, is the loss of friendship. And with that has come great loneliness. But, I feel like I have tons of friends and family in this community. We may never meet face-to-face, but my life has been enriched just from our encounters in this group!! I thank God I found you all! Your words have built me up and kept me going all day.
All this brought me back to 1 Peter 3:4 where it says to have a quiet and gentle spirit. After almost a year of marriage this has undoubtedly been the biggest lesson/trial and a continual one at that. Having been an "Independant" woman living on my own away from family for 5 years before marriage and living with my husband it has been a whole new experience in clothing myself with a quiet and gentle spirit.
After many tears shed and voices raised I'm learning what it means to be this and the results it has had on me and our marriage. I thank The Lord for Helping me in this. The joy that comes from obeying God in this area has made me so much happier and feels like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders.
Praying you all have a glorious day! Let me know if I can be praying for anything specific.
Ok here is a question. not to put down my husband, but he tends to cut things or people down. LIke today he was takling about some football article about some player and I forget what it was but he was focused on the negativity. this happens in the morning before work, when I am trying to ekep the negativity out of my life. how do I keep some of this from infecting my thoughts? or how do I keep from either spouting back and keep a patient, calm attitude?
I'm with you! My husband is often very critical and judgmental. It seems to infect our entire household. I don't really feel the need to be critical to others but I do to him, just to "get him back". So not showing Gods mercy or grace I know! God has shown me that with my husband it is a generational curse so I've been praying doing battle in that area. But I get very discouraged. I just need to keep my focus on the Father and trust Him completely! And take care of what He has set before me and let Him take care of the rest. Remember where Christ is there is no darkness at all. We have the Light! I have to just keep shining it in the dark places!
I think it is the same with my husbnad. he calls it the (omitted last name) family sarcasm. he said his father and grandfather has it. he doesn't like it but he definitely has it. guess I just need to pray more.
Many verses in today's reading were ones I have heard before, but many also spoke to me. I am trying to speak more life-giving words, but I know that there are times I don't. I need to concentrate more on what I say because I'm drawing a blank when trying to think right now of which i speak more of. I think words spew out too often that I don't even think about.
This week's words have been so convicting for me. Last week, I overheard two of my co-workers talking about me and saying that it always surprises them when they remember I'm a Christian. I was heartbroken to say the least. What toxicity and negativity have I been revealing in the way I carry myself at work? I find that I often hide behind blindly following along with the crowd in order to avoid conflict and confrontation, but, clearly, all that has done is make it so that people don't see Christ in me at all. Lord, please help me to have the strength to show everyone the good works you have done in my life and to proclaim my love for you loud and clear!
Oh Alyssa, that is so upsetting. I often fear the same thing. Sometimes the devil lies to me and tells me there is no use in changing now because they will all just look at you and see you as a self-righteous hypocrite. I will be peaying for you that you have the courage to make your Christianity clear and that you will have opportunities to show his loving care to those around you.
I have a quote above my desk that says:
" you can tell more about a person by what he says about others than what others say about him"
We carry a responsibility to be life giving, thinking and talking about those things that uplift others- that avoid gossip.
I am frequently challenged to really watch my words especially in an office setting of women.
This devo today really encourages me that this is truly God's desire for us- proverbs 5:14 the discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly (NIV)
Julie I really like your saying. I am going to use it. Thnks for sharing
Gossip is something I struggle with also – thanks for your honesty and encouragement to work on this
Today I was drawn to verse 11 — "Death and Destruction lie open before the LORD– how much more the hearts of men!"
Most times my toxic words to the ones I love are a direct result of the "secret" toxic thoughts I harbor in my heart. God knows the ugliness I often cultivate in my soul. May today He cleanse that poison & fill my mind with the Word… so full that it spills from my lips in praise.
After again reading today’s passages in different types of bibles, I found The Message much easier to understand. Word play in older versions can be a bit difficult to understand exactly what is being said! I found all the verses to be truthful and life affirming. Now to apply these good Christian values to my life…I start the day out strong, but as “life” happens, I begin to fade and not guard my tongue as well. Unfortunately it’s my family who does get the brunt of it! It’s more impatience than anything- by then it’s been a long day, I’m hurting big time and I just want some peace and quiet! I forget how hurtful a short answer barked out can wound, especially to little ones. Not only do we need to watch WHAT we say, we need to watch HOW we say it!
Lord, please help me to control what I say, how I say it, and let only positive come out!! No one deserves to be wounded with words! Use me to be encouraging and uplifting to all! In your glorious and loving name I pray, and give Thanks for each and every new day, for the chance and the ability to change my ways, Thank you Father for your grace! AMEN!!
So encouraged by your post and your prayer!
I desire to speak and think on more life giving words than toxic words/thought. I find myself around people doing the toxic stuff and I find myself giving in. This is not all my people that I am around. But what do you do when you have close family/friends that you just cant through out of your life? Speaking toxic and destroying people with my words was something that I often did before coming to Christ. I did this so people wouldnt see my flaws and failures. I would go along with and laugh at others. This is a behavior that I do not want to creep back and consume me. I desire to think and speak life giving words.
Thanks for that Autumn Dawn! This is so positive!
AmyKelly, you are a much valued member of this community- your honesty and clarity are a gift!
Your sisters are praying for you! May your brother’s family stay well and safe!
The verse that hit me strongest was verse 4, about a willful, contrary tongue breaking down the spirit. How often I experience this very thing, by speaking negative, toxic words that tear me down instead of lining up what I say with God's Word in order to encourage myself! I am praying God help me – help us all – delivering us from contrary self-talk, that what we say about ourselves lines up with how God sees us and what He says about us as His beloved and cherished daughters. Instead of beating myself up when I miss it, I want to celebrate how far I've come and remind myself that I AM MAKING PROGRESS. I read a blog post today that goes along with this; what it said so blessed me, I want to share a bit of it here:
"Why are we so brutal with ourselves?
Why do we nurse old failures like a wounded friend?
Why can we offer grace to a stranger, but not to us?
Why do we replay our mistakes over and over in our minds – tolerating, even embracing the lies that form?
Can we even see the progress we’ve made, or are we so fixated on our shortcomings that we’re blind to it?"
I recommend reading the whole post: http://www.chancescoggins.com/meeting-yourself-fo…
This really undergirded what God is working in/on me now : to, overall, be more positive about my life, and not choosing to dwell on the toxic negativity but, rather, overcome evil with good – in my thoughts and words!
Thank you sooooo much for I am crueler to my self than to other.
It seems so easy when I'm home or alone to focus on scripture and positive thoughts and words, but when I go to work I seem to be bombarded with negative people. I tend to want to chime in. I am trying and praying that I can stay positive and be the shining light that the lord wants me to be .
For me toxic thoughts usually result in me saying something negative. This was the norm for me. Funny I never knew that was me. Until a close friend brought it to my attention. That I was so negative. I was crushed. Funny once the blinds were off God began the process of giving me the opportunity to change my thinking. All through the Word of God. There are many occassions that the ole me tries and sometimes gets in. But the Holy Spirit reminds me they can’t stay
Lord help me to have a pure heart, a renewed spirit. I speak life and not death!
My dearest AmyKelly213 sometimes the enemy is the “inner me”. But not to fear “greater is HE” in us than that enemy. The enemy of self doubt, low selfworth. U have got to fight back, you must make a concious effort to fight. Shout above the chatter. This is imperative, its important for the kingdom. Girl you got kingdom work to do! What u say matters. Just since I’ve been here n this community u have blessed, and encouraged me with your words, your testimonies. Amy U know the truth now be free, what was past is past. It was, is a bridge to who you are now. Let go and let God.
You gotta want to be free. Think about it this way, if u redecorated your living room from top to bottombottom. New paint, wallpaper, furniture,carpet. But u had an ole chair, torn, dirty, smelley, that you felt you just could’t part with. You are keeping this chair because it feels good, its got lumps and bumps in all the right places. Familiar! But unfortunately whereever you move this chair in the room it doesn’t go. Well your thoughts about yourself are just like that chair. You keep sitting in the chair because its comfortable, its what you know. But Amy that chair no longer belongs. You gotta throw it out, for God has done a New thing in U. Throw out that self-doubt, shout over the chatter. You are Awesome!
Forgive my boldness, I would never try to deminish how you feel because I’ve been there, but one day I got sick n tied of being so miserable, up one day down the other. Plus its kinda hard to have a ‘pity tea party’ all by yourself. I was getting kinda lonely. lol. We sisters must hold each other up!
Always I pray for you. I have prayed for your brother and family. God bless.
This was EXACTLY what I needed and I praise God for your words! My heart is full!! Thank you!!
I think I tend to speak more toxic words than life giving words in my head, but out loud is the opposite. I think some pretty terrible things about people, but it would take a lot for me to say them to that person or gossip about it to someone else. However, because my thoughts aren't pure, I'm positive that toxic thoughts I have about someone or something comes across very clearly in my attitude and demeanor. The thing is, if I leave room in my thought life for toxic thoughts, there's no room for life-giving. So, while I may not say things out loud, I need to have a clean heart so God can work in me, enabling me to share life with others instead of secretly dwelling on toxicity.
Praying that God would clean out my heart so that I can act as He would, and share life and power with others. Give us teachable, humble hearts to hear you, God! Praying for you, sisters. Be encouraged as you go through the day and remember Christ. Have a great one!
It is so wonderful – the ability God has given us to make other hearts glad! We are blessed with so many words, that can be encouraging and uplifting to others. Our words can introduce those to God who are far from him, or they can pray with a friend when she doesn’t have words of her own.
Toxic words are exhausting. Toxic words can lead (and often do) to toxic emotions – guilt, regret, shame. Saying something in the heat of the moment may feel warranted and even relieving, but usually that relief lasts no longer than that moment. Later, I become very aware of how my words made a situation worse and how I could have approached someone/something in a more forgiving manner. Life-giving words! That’s where God dwells. I am hoping to focus more on life-giving words by giving more thanks! Especially out-loud thanks. I want my words to be gentle, a tree of life.
I want to say I speak mostly life-giving words & not toxic ones. But in pausing to think about it, I’m not so sure. I can get caught up in the office gossip and those words are definitely toxic. And then my words with my husband aren’t always the best. Lord, please help my mouth. Holy Spirit guard my lips and help me to speak only life giving words. Praying for you ladies today!
I'm usually good at keeping my words from being toxic – except with my husband. I struggle. But my thoughts are what get me in trouble. It all starts there! Have to keep my focus, my trust in Christ!
I love read this ! I thank god for his words and messages
thank you for your prayers ladies :) i hold the intention today that my words may be life-giving!!
I've always been told I have a quick tongue and its gotten me in plenty of trouble over the years, so this weeks lessons have been more than a little convicting. I justify it all with saying that my loud mouth and quick wit is the way I'm wired up and that God will even use my flaws. But I also know that Gid speaks through his word and obviously He is telling me something. I want God to help transform my sharp words I know I use with even my husband into soothing cool words of healing and not sharp hot words that slice. And my kids… Words mean so much to them. This week and today I am praying for God to temper my mouth, my tongue and to be in my words. Transform them.
@AmyKelly I hope your day goes better. I've prayed for you this morning. I prayed for your brother as well. I'm worry for him has also pulled you down. All of this around you that is pulling you down is not of God. It's all there to distract and pull you away. Look back at your notes and some past comments from here to remind you of Hods power over all of this. That said I suffer from anxiety to so I know it's not so easy but sometimes we just need to remember, we need sometime to lift is high enough to look over all that fog or worry, regret and shame. Hang in there Amy.
@AmyKelly213 I just prayed for you. We have to renew our minds with truth when the lies come in. The best thing I have found to do was post scripture all around me. I do it on post its so they stick out. And that way I read them often. Our enemy wants you to be low so he keeps those toxic thoughts creeping in. Praying!
Ladies, what a great quiet time this morning. I am loving this soul detox. My favorite verse was Proverbs 15:13 – such a great reminder of how your attitude can change everything. Hope you all have a great day!
What types of words do you tend to speak most – toxic or life-giving?
Does it make sense that I try to speak more life-giving words but I accept the toxic ones more readily? I will do all I can to build up a person: compliment them, tell them how much I admire them… But when I receive compliments in return, I can't accept them or believe… Or I look for the ulterior motive. Again, I am my own worst enemy.
Sisters, this morning I am in need of great prayer. Prayers for my brother and his young family living in a dangerous country. But also prayers for me. 2013 has started off so much better than what 2012 was for me. I am slowly removing the chains of guilt and shame and accepting God's grace and all that comes with it. I don't want to go into any details– because I would be embarrassed by how childish it all sounds outside my head– but toxic thoughts crept back in yesterday and I am feeling lower than low. Hard to shake them. Thanks!
I think what you said makes a lot of sense! For some reason we think everyone else is great but we can’t see how special we are. Each of us is very special. God made each of us the way we are, on purpose, for his plan!
I pray for safety over your brother and his family. May The Lord wrap them in His arms and protect them. I also pray for peace for you. God, please help AmyKelly213, and all of us, to keep the toxic thought out! Give us eyes to see how beautifully and wonderfully you made us!
Prayers for you and your brother and his family! Praying a hedge of protection aroundnyour heart and your mind! Father, I lift up my sister to You this morning. I pray Father that You would comfort and strengthen her. I pray she would readily be able to feel Your presence today. That she would feel You anointing her head with the oil of joy. I pray your protection over her brother and his family. I pray You would keep them safe from ALL harm. I pray You would meet their needs in an awesome way. Reveal Yourself and Your strength and Your peace to Amy today! I thank You Father because You are All-Suffient! More than enough to meet any needs we have! Father, I come before You standing in the gap against the enemy and his tricks. Help us to keep our focus on You today! I love You. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
AmyKelly213 I prayed for you. Stay strong things will get better. Weeping may endure for the night but joy comes in the morning. Hang in there.
Yesterday was yesterday. His mercies are new today. The devil would like to beat you over the head with mistakes you made yesterday and steal your joy joy today. I know – happens to me all the time, but I have made a decision to fight against it vigilantly now. You have been making progress, focus on that and give thanks to God for it. No, none of us are where we should be, but all of us a part of #SheReadsTruth are not where we used to be, thank God! We are all progressing, and we can celebrate that – even when we do have setbacks, which we will. Praying for you and your family, dear Sister.
Praying and praying for you Amy! I definitely know where you are coming from and I struggle with the same guilt creeping into my head day after day. I pray that we will both rise up and find the strength in Jesus to arm ourselves with the Word and fight back against the enemy!