Category Archives: Healing

Finding Reality Beyond The Image

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Over 6,000 BSF global members are studying the Book of Romans this year. Below is a synopsis of this study. Today’s scripture is from the Bible app.

Paul explained in Galatians 1:10 AMP that our purpose is not to impress or try to please man but rather focus on God.

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In Romans 1:16 he wrote: For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” (Romans 1:16)

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What was pertinent then is pertinent today. The methods of people pleasing and popularity changes over time, but very much remains the same. Christ has always been the answer.

The Book of Romans expounds on this subject.

I recently had a conversation with a friend about this scripture and the impact of social media on young people today, especially the influencers who are committing suicide in such substantial numbers. This scripture speaks to their dilemma. Are they seeking to please someone or are they trying to follow Christ? Most of them are trying to be popular with men and in so doing the extreme is losing themselves. Living in a void that only sees the image they have created and not the true image of themselves. This scripture is pertinent to our society today, because it’s not just the influencers that are online, it is the public face that so many people try to project to the point where they really lose the essence of who they are in Christ. I am going to find this to be an interesting study this year and will share more from time to time.

Romans: The World’s Most Influential Letter (Excerpt from the BSF study guide)

Introduction Lesson Notes:

Overview

Focus Verse

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” (Romans 1:16)

Outline

·  The Influence of Romans

·  The Background of Romans

·  An Overview of Romans

Engage

People everywhere long for connection and community, yet division often dominates our world. Differences in political views and theological perspectives often create tension and break relationships. Crime and corruption go unchecked, and tolerance is demanded—but only for what is popular. Those who follow Christ are often mocked and marginalized. 

These challenges are not new. When Paul wrote from Corinth to the early Christians in Rome, they faced similar struggles. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Paul penned one of the most influential letters ever written—the book of Romans. In it, Paul explained the good news of Jesus and how the salvation He offers changes everything. The gospel has the power to bring all people from guilt to grace. As we begin this new year studying God’s Word, we will discover how Romans speaks to life’s biggest questions and deepest difficulties. It teaches us about salvation, grace, and the new life we have in Christ. Romans explains timeless, essential truths for today and eternity.

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We Are Commanded To Forgive

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From the Voice of Hope

God keeps speaking to me about forgiveness, telling me to share this message with you. ‘It is time to forgive and move forward with your life’. Recently I wrote two posts about forgiveness and today my sister sent me a message on forgiveness that seems to tie it altogether. He is speaking to me in the same way He is speaking to you. We have all been hurt, we have all hurt others. We have all been bound by the sin of unforgiveness. 2026 is our year to forgive and move forward.

Please listen to Lysa TerKeurst’s message. She is a renown speaker and many of you have read her books. This may be one of her most profound messages that will free you from unforgiveness if you are still struggling with God’s command to FORGIVE.

Cut and paste the link to open the message.

https://youtu.be/vVGh0kxR0lQ?si=uI46JmlqiaLEoqzm

May God give us the strength to forgive.

I Forgive Me

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I was listening to Gospel/Christian music this morning, and a song titled “I Forgive Me” by Soul Medicine was playing as I jogged. I believe one of the greatest challenges we face is not forgiving others—it is learning to forgive ourselves. We are both our own best friends and our own worst enemies. We are both saved by grace and sinners. God forgives us but in opposition, Satan tirelessly undermines our blessing by introducing doubt.

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If we doubt and listen to our own negative self-talk we are negating God’s forgiveness. We must learn to master the authority God gave us to silence the voice Satan whispers in our minds. His voice is very convincing, His temptation is seductive to ignore. After we succumb, he accuses us of our wrongdoing and tells us we are shameful. To truly accept God’s grace, we must learn to silence the voices of doubt and shame. We are willing to accept God’s forgiveness but unwilling to forgive ourselves, thus negating God’s forgiveness. As long as we live in this world, we will struggle and fall short, but Christ’s sacrifice has freed us from eternal condemnation. While God’s forgiveness is assured, Satan works relentlessly to sow seeds of doubt. Doubt steals self-acceptance. When we listen to negative self-talk, we risk undermining the grace God has given us. Accepting God’s forgiveness means silencing the voices of shame and regret. If we do not do this, our past mistakes linger, holding us back from moving forward and fully embracing forgiveness.

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God has given us the authority to silence the whispers of the enemy. However, Satan’s voice is persuasive and he continually tries to convince us we are beyond redemption. If we are beyond redemption, forgiving ourselves seems impossible. True acceptance of God’s grace requires us to master these doubts. When we do not forgive ourselves, we keep the memory of our sins alive, nullifying the freedom God offers.

To profoundly move forward, we must forgive ourselves as God forgives us—letting go of shame, silencing doubt, and embracing the new life Christ has made possible.

As true believers, let us embrace the power of forgiveness—not only towards others, but also ourselves. Just as God has graciously forgiven us, we are called to release self-doubt, shame, and regret, and to accept His grace wholeheartedly. This year, I encourage you to make self-forgiveness a priority, allowing God’s love to renew your spirit and guide you toward a future filled with hope and confidence.

I am attaching the track, I Forgive Me below:

https://music.apple.com/us/album/i-forgive-me/1819791680?i=1819792226

Seek God. He is your Hope.

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When life feels intolerable, unbearable, and overwhelming, this is the time to get on your knees and pray to the Lord. Psalms 121 expresses that He is our hope to those who seek him. One of the commentaries I read said, …when life turns rugged, where do you turn for help? What is your source for the confidence you need to face the headwinds of life? (Psalm 121 Commentary: Where Does Our Help Come From? ZondervanAcademic .com)

Psalm 121 informs us that we must focus on God and not the circumstances. We must rest on His Word and His promises. If we keep our eyes on Him, we acquire the confidence to stand strong in the face of the circumstance with inner peace and certainty that regardless of the outcome God is with us and has a plan to prosper us and not harm us, plans to give us a hope and a future. A future we could never imagine. (Jeremiah 29:11)

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When we focus on God we do not focus on the circumstances, we do not look to man for resolve. Only God’s power, mercy and grace can bring us through. No matter what, we are under God’s providence and protection. Yes – difficulties are part of life, and there are times when our expectations for our lives are altered by unavoidable circumstances. We may fail, the blessing is that we do not have to face our trials on our own. When we call on The Lord, He stands beside us, whispering directions to our soul. The Holy Spirit leads us beside still waters as our way of escape is strategized.

2 Corinthians 13:7 expresses that the Lord will protect us from the evil of sin and trouble. His protection provides safety and in due time resolve. Lift up your eyes, your help comes from the Lord.

Is this easier said than done? Yes. The evil one will elevate his attack. He will cause you to doubt and loose hope. However, like Jesus, you must rebuke him and hold fast to God’s Word. From where does your help come? Your help comes from the Lord. It is through Him that your confidence grows. It is through Him that you are led to a way out of no foreseeable way.

Looking to the Lord is an exercise of our faith. 2 Corinthians 5:7 reminds us that we live by faith, and not by sight (NIV); for we walk by faith, not by sight (NKJV); we live by believing and not by seeing (NLT). With faith we can look to the hills knowing God is our help.

Sounds of God

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God’s quiet voice, often described as the still, small voice, is a profound and deeply personal aspect of spiritual connection. It is the gentle and loving guidance that emanates from the divine, a subtle yet influential force that can shape the course of one’s life. This quiet voice has been depicted throughout history and across various religious and spiritual traditions as the tender whisper that stirs the soul, leading individuals towards acts of kindness, moments of insight, and decisions that align with their highest good. Whether it is recognized as the voice of conscience, the gentle tug of intuition, or the peaceful reassurance that comes during times of uncertainty, the quiet voice of God has the power to bring about profound transformation and a sense of inner peace. It is a reminder that divine presence and guidance can be found in the quietest of moments, in the subtlest of nudges, and in the whispers of the heart. Tuning into this gentle guidance enriches the spiritual journey, fosters a deeper connection with the divine, and offers a sense of purpose and fulfillment that comes from aligning one’s life with the wisdom and love of the divine.

Summary:

God’s quiet voice is a gentle, subtle presence that speaks to our hearts and souls. It’s a soft whisper of wisdom, guidance, and direction that can be easily overlooked if we’re not paying attention. This quiet voice guides us toward a life of purpose, meaning, and fulfillment through intuition, conscience, and inner conviction.

Reflections on Seeking Light

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Sometimes in life, we may feel drawn toward the complicated, the ambiguous, or even the troubled paths—those “murky waters” that can cloud our perspective and obscure the simple joys around us. Yet, within the clarity of everyday moments, there is an unmistakable splendor that reveals itself when we pause and truly look.

Finding God’s Beauty in Everyday Moments

The Call to Clarity

To avoid the murky waters is to choose clarity, wisdom, and peace over confusion and turmoil. It is a conscious decision to turn away from distractions and negativity, to seek out the goodness that is present in each day. This approach does not mean ignoring the realities of life’s challenges or pretending that darkness does not exist. Rather, it is an invitation to recognize the beauty that shines through, even amidst difficulty.

God’s Beauty in the World Around Us

From the golden hues of sunrise to the gentle laughter of friends, God’s beauty can be seen, felt, and experienced in countless ways. Nature, art, acts of kindness, and moments of quiet reflection all echo the divine presence that permeates creation. By attuning our senses and hearts to these reflections, we deepen our sense of gratitude and wonder.

Practical Ways to Find Beauty

  • Pause and Observe: Take time each day to notice something beautiful, whether it is a blooming flower, a child’s smile, or a piece of music.
  • Practice Gratitude: Make a habit of acknowledging the blessings, big and small, that fill your life.
  • Engage with Nature: Spend time outdoors and appreciate the intricate details of the natural world.
  • Seek Out Goodness: Look for acts of kindness, generosity, and love in your community and celebrate them.

Conclusion

God’s beauty is everywhere—woven into the tapestry of daily life. When we choose not to seek out the murky waters but instead focus on the brilliance and wonder that surround us, we align ourselves with hope, faith, and joy. Let this reflection serve as a gentle reminder to look for light, even when shadows fall, and to find God’s presence in all that you see.

There is a rainbow that appears at the end of many storms. It is a sign that it is the culmination of your challenge. Stand victorious and praise God.