Category: Strength

Forget the Former

Forget the Former

by madepiecebypiece ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

We all have past memories and live with regrets.

Our hearts have experienced loss or bondage from trauma which keeps us stuck. Some minds may be consumed with memories they can’t get past. Some focus on the loss, the betrayal, and the deep hurts.

If your mind is living stuck on things that have happened in the past, know that isn’t what God wants for you.

We must forget the former and shift the focus to at all that God is going to do in the future!

We must feel the pain for a season, but then we must pick ourselves up and push forward. If there is breath in our lungs, then God still has purpose for us.

Losing or failing doesn’t mean our life ends. If we chose to remain stuck in the past, we will miss out on the good things God has yet to do in the future.

My friends, I know it hurts because I’ve been there and had to let go and give it to God. I had to accept I will never understand why some situations and circumstances occurred or why individuals I tried to help or pour into chose to wrong me.

We all want answers and explanations for closure.

But…

What if we were not meant to understand? What if God is just calling us to accept and to trust him?

If you are experiencing feeling stuck in your past, pray and ask God for strength to shift your focus. Ask him to help you turn and look to the new things which lie ahead, to the future.

Isaiah 46:18 tells us to forget the past and look to the future plans he will create for us.

Now depending on the version of the Bible you have or look at, he tells us this in different ways; but the main point all Bible versions share is “forget” what has happened previously [because it is done and out of our control] and look to what He will make happen.

When we keep our minds stuck in the past, we likely will miss what he is planning to do.

Today, can we dig deep to find the strength to anticipate the goodness that is yet to come from God? Forget what was, forget what hurts, and focus so that you may see what is coming!!

Isaiah 43:18 Versions:

Isaiah 43:18 NLT- But forget all that— it is nothing compared to what I am going to do.
Isaiah 43:18 CEV- Forget what happened long ago! Don't think about the past.
Isaiah 43:18 NKJV- Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old.
Isaiah 43:18 NIV - Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past

The Prophet Isaiah here is speaking to the people telling them not to remain focused on their captivity. He is telling them that something new, something better is to come. God is calling us to look to him and to stop focusing on our circumstances. We are not to remain paralyzed looking back at our failures and shortcomings, that’s slavery, but instead we are to focus on the freedom we will have in Christ.

With eyes focused behind us we will not see what lies ahead. The focus must now be on the hope for a new future.

God has blessings to come. Now is the time to trust him!!

Pray with me:

♥️ Heavenly Father,

We are all carrying some kind of regret or turmoil deep within our hearts. Some of us mentally stay in the past and take comfort in pain because they don’t know how to let go and stop living in their past.

Some of us are battling feelings of betrayal and abandonment from people we expected to stand by us. Some of us feel defeated because our plans and dreams haven’t worked out successfully. And some of us just feel stuck and without hope that the pain can ever end.

Father, hearts are in need of your healing so Father, we call you today, to strengthen us and shift our minds onto the hope of the future to come. Holy Spirit, we call on you today to comfort us as we let go and let you heal the wounds we have allowed to take root. Lord Jesus, uproot the old and renew our minds and heal our hearts, so that we may keep our minds and hearts stayed on you and focus on your promises.

When we follow you, Lord, the best is yet to come. So remind us that you have a future for us. Remind us that healing will not be found when we live in the past. Holy Spirit, heal our deep wounds so that we can move forward, seeking after the purpose you still have us here for. Remind us oh God, that joy comes in the morning and tomorrow is a new dawn. Reveal to us all, the blessings that our pain blinds us from.

Father God, rise up your people to walk in their God ordained purposes and assignments! There is joy left to feel and work yet to be done. In Jesus name, help us to look forward to what you are going to do and may we be willing vessels knowing that you will restore and bring a hope that is brand new! In Jesus name we pray, Amen 🙏

Growing with you, Sandy

Lead Me to the Feet of Jesus

Lead Me to the Feet of Jesus

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God put a word on my heart for someone last night and I believe many are hurting and in need of this word.

“𝘞𝘢𝘪𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘑𝘦𝘴𝘶𝘴.”

Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?

2 Corinthians 6:14

When we enter into relationship with someone who does not share our same values or calling, we become unequally yoked.

No peace can be found in this type of relationship. You will hurt one another. As one pulls in one direction, the other will pulls in the opposite direction. You’ll each be left feeling alone and frustrated.

Some of my ladies need to hear this, we cannot change a man, only God can! I had to learn this & when I finally did, the peace of the Lord fell upon me, and washed away all of my pain.

𝗟𝗘𝗧 𝗠𝗘 𝗕𝗘 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗦𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗧𝗢𝗡𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧:

Getting involved in a relationship with someone who did not share my same religious views, or values pulled me away from God. It didn’t happen immediately, and I didn’t actually realize it was happening, until I felt so unworthy to even step foot back into my church.

Conflict and anger slowly became a daily part of daily life. Deep within I wanted this person to be the man I needed him to be: a man who pointed me to Christ, but he did not and he could not. Because when it came down to core values, there was division.

If your faith is important to you, wait for the one who will lead you to the feet of Jesus.

✝️Wait for the one who will pray with you and for you.

✝️Wait for the one who will go to battle for you in the spirit.

✝️Wait for the one who will love you the way Christ loves the church.

✝️Wait for the one who will do the kingdom work with you.

Do not settle, and if you have settled know you don’t have to stay there. Hold your head up high, repent and begin your walk with God again. Walk in confidence knowing that he created you for a partner who will grow beside you and cover you spiritually as you both mature in faith.

Doing it my way failed me, and it will fail you too. Eventually the high will fade and you’ll find yourself in a low place living in torment inside of your mind. My hope that my Love for God would be contagious and spill over into my partner, left me broken in the end.

I know that am not the only one to experience this or walk through this valley. Glory to God that there is no condemnation in Christ Jesus. And Glory to God that he is a God of restoration. Wait on the Lord!

There is joy in the waiting when you fall in love with Jesus ❤️🙏🙌

Pray with me:

Heavenly father, I lift up anyone who is hurting tonight, and being tormented by fear, division, mental or physical abuse or guilt and shame. Remind your children that you created each of us with a divine purpose. Help us to seek relationships that are divine appointments in line with your perfect will for our lives. Father God, today we come before you, and we repent of our sins. We ask you to forgive us for all the times we took our life into our own hands. Our lives are not our own. Everything we go through has purpose and is for your glory. Father God, strengthen anyone who is not in the place you have called them to, and give them the courage to move. May they open their hearts to you in full surrender. Father God, remove from all of us anything that is not from you or of you. Our hearts desire is to grow close to you and to walk in your purpose. May your will be done in our lives and through our lives. Father, may anyone who comes in contact with this word, surrender their heart, and fall at your feet. Lead us Lord, and show us what true love is. In Jesus mighty name we pray, Amen.

#madepiecebypiece #unequallyyoked #transparency #testimony #faith #restoration #ToGodbetheGlory #apieceofmystory #encouragement #joycomesinthemoring #healing #love #savior #Jesus

Happy Mothers Day!

Happy Mothers Day!

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Wishing ALL mothers [biological, expecting, spiritual, foster, stepmothers, adoptive, single, grieving, heavenly, grandmothers and pet mothers] a Blessed and Happy Mother’s Day! You all are loved, appreciated and honored on this day.

She is strong and graceful, as well as cheerful about the future. Her words are sensible, and her advice is thoughtful. She takes good care of her family and is never lazy. Her children praise her, and with great pride her husband says,”

Proverbs 31:25-28 CEV

Mothers have strength like no other. They are strong, resilient, caring and wise. They teach their families to be kind and persevere through anything that comes to destroy.

He grants the barren woman a home, Like a joyful mother of children. Praise the Lord!”

Psalms 113:9 NKJV

God may not have called you to bear your own children, but he can bless all women with a mothers heart to guide, love and be a blessing to those in need.

What is your mother? A lioness: She lay down among the lions; Among the young lions she nourished her cubs.

Ezekiel 19:2 NKJV

God gave woman an inner strength to birth and care for her children.

Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.”

Luke 1:30 NKJV

So many times we feel as though we are failing at motherhood. While motherhood has its beauty, it can be challenging and overwhelming. But know that God chose you for this role because you’re capable. You are honored and have his favor.

“Older women similarly are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor addicted to much wine, teaching what is right and good, so that they may encourage the young women to tenderly love their husbands and their children, to be sensible, pure, makers of a home [where God is honored], good-natured, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.”

Titus 2:3-5 AMP

Mothers are chosen to be a good examples to all, even those who are not their children.

“She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.”

Proverbs 31:27 NET

A mothers job never stops, she will always look over her children.

Show Yourself Kindness

Show Yourself Kindness

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Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Ephesians 4:32

When you make a mistake, you must be kind to yourself, and give yourself the same grace you would allow another person. But for me, showing myself kindness is an area I personally know I need a lot of improvement in. I’m hard on myself when I make a mistake and I find it easier to forgive others than to forgive myself.

I am on a journey of healing, so this means, seeking to learn why forgiving myself and having grace for myself is so difficult.

When I make a mistake, I tend to call myself names, and sometimes those around me have heard it. I’ve called myself dumb, I’ve asked myself what is wrong with you, I’ve apologized to others, and I’ve spent hours stuck in mind battle trying to understand how I could make such a “stupid mistake”.

Let’s just say I treat myself worse than I would treat any other human being who has made a mistake. Even the simple ones. Being hard on myself can be because I hold myself to a higher standard than I hold others, or because I’ve had others say those very things to me. But no matter what the reasoning or source is, I’ve realized this is no longer acceptable and must change.

The Bible says our tongues hold the power of life and death (Proverbs 18:21), and while I try my best not to use my tongue to degrade others, sadly, I can’t say the same for the way I have used my words or thoughts towards myself.

Yesterday, I felt Holy Spirit speaking strong to me telling me, it’s time to begin changing this. This happened after making what I felt was a crazy & ridiculous mistake. I felt lead to spend time trying to understand why is it truly easier for me to forgive others over myself. I felt lead to ask myself: “Do you think they deserve forgiveness more than you do? And the answer was no. They most certainly did not deserve forgiveness more than I did. And, I was not any more unworthy than they were.

A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself.

Proverbs 12:17

When we apply this Bible verse inwardly, we learn that us being hard on ourselves, ultimately only hurts ourselves.

If you are someone who tries to practice showing kindness to others, why do you do it? Is it because you don’t like hurting others? Is it because you want to be seen as a good person? Is it because you know it is just morally or biblically wrong not to be kind to others?…These are some of the things I’ve had to self reflect on.

Why are some of us able to protect others, yet we have no personal boundaries set to protect ourselves from our very own self-directed insults?

We are human. We will all make mistakes.

The above statement is something I have been told many times from both friends and family members.

If you’re someone like me who is hard on yourself, try to remind yourself of this when your thoughts start to move in before you place yourself on trial. YOU ARE HUMAN, ALL HUMANS MAKE MISTAKES. Let’s remind ourselves that there was only one perfect man who walked earth, and that was our savior Jesus Christ.

Going forward may we learn to allow mistakes to be an opportunity for personal reflection and growth.

May we begin to cut off the insults instantly, before we allow them to take root in our minds and become in-planted lies we believe. Doing this will take discipline and will not come easy at first. However, I have committed myself to begin doing the work to get to the point where I will see myself through God’s eyes. Will you make this commitment to yourself with me today?

Love is patient and kind.

1 Corinthians 13:

Let’s loves ourselves and be patient and kind to ourselves.

Jesus calls us to be humble and put others before ourselves. But this doesn’t mean we are called not to be humble towards ourselves and it doesn’t mean be harder on ourselves allowing negative self thoughts to take root. We all are God’s children. Our lives are a gift. So let’s learn to recognize when we aren’t extending to ourselves the same grace which we extend to others.

I know I’ve got to do better and be a better example to my daughters. Because I would never want them being hard on themselves or unkind to themselves. If you can relate, please leave a comment or contact me directly and let me know!! My prayer is that you too would learn to show yourself kindness. 🙏

~Growing with you, Sandy

She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness
is on her tongue.

Proverbs 31:26

Pray with me:

Father God, we thank you for your love. For loving us even during the times we aren’t loving ourselves. Father forgive us for not seeing ourselves the way you see us. Forgive us for the word curses we have spoke over ourselves without knowing that was what we were doing. Give us wisdom so that kindness will begin to flow from our tongues. May kind thoughts of ourselves run through our minds. In Jesus name, I declare the word curses we placed over ourselves are now broken. I decree that we will begin to show ourselves the same grace, mercy and kindness we extend to others. Holy Spirit, I ask that you move in and heal the hearts, minds and spirits of your people. Father God, remind them who they are.

Brothers and sisters pray these words to God right now with me: I am smart and not dumb. I am wise and not stupid. A set back does not mean I am stuck in this place of disappointment. I will reflect on why the instance, circumstance or situation happened the way it did. And I will get back up and acknowledge my mistake and try again. Maybe that means rescheduling the meeting, budgeting better and redoing finances, studying harder and retaking the test, correcting an error and resubmitting the application, pick yourself up and try again!!

Father God, we thank you for Holy Spirit conviction and for reminding us we can learn from setbacks and mistakes. Holy Spirit,lead us on this journey. Lord Jesus, remind us to love and show kindness to ourselves in the same way you do to us. We know only you are able, in your mighty name we pray, Amen.

IT IS YOU, that holds us together

IT IS YOU, that holds us together

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Some of us have multiple things or responsibilities going on at once. We are parents, providers, supporters, encouragers and also have manage protects and challenges in our places of work to juggle simultaneously as well.

Sometimes trying to manage all many things at once can cause us to feel as though we are living in chaos. This chaos can feel both organized and unorganized at times, and this can be overwhelming.

When chaos is all around, there is something we need to be reminded of: What seems like chaos to you, may appear as order to another. What appears as weakness to you, may appear as strength to another. What appears to be falling apart to you, may appear to be held together by another. It is all a matter perspective and faith.

So when you’re feeling as though chaos is all around you or that there is no one you can count on to be there for you, drop to your knees and lay it all at the feet of Jesus. This is what he wants from us; to come to him when we are weary or heavy laden (Mathew 11:28), so that he may give us rest and restore and renew our strength both physically and mentally.

We were not made to handle the struggles of life alone. So when your load is heavy and life is waring against you, call on Jesus. He will handle it all for you.

@madepiecebypiece

“Do not fear [anything], for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, be assured I will help you; I will certainly take hold of you with My righteous right hand [a hand of justice, of power, of victory, of salvation].’ Indeed, all those who are angry with you will be put to shame and humiliated; Those who strive against you will be as nothing and will perish. You shall search for those who quarrel with you, but will not find them; They who war against you will be as nothing, as nothing at all. For I the Lord your God keep hold of your right hand; [I am the Lord], Who says to you, ‘Do not fear, I will help you.”

Isaiah 41:10-13 AMP

No matter how big or heavy you feel your fight or burdens are, God will protect you and hold you together and handle all that is before you. God is mighty and powerful! He can move the mountains you thought were impossible to move.

Pray with me:

Heavenly Father, I thank you Lord for your unfailing love, grace and mercy. I thank you for always being here for me and for all of your children when we need you. Father God, tonight I pray for anyone who is up battling anxiety or fear. Father God, life can feel really overwhelming and hectic sometimes. At times there can be so much to handle that we are trying to prioritize but still feel as if life is a chaotic mess. The enemy is out to corrupt our minds and hearts. In Jesus name, I pray against the enemies plans, and I decree and declare peace will fall upon anyone who calls upon the name of Jesus. Tonight, I ask you LORD Jesus, could you cover them and replace their fear or anxiety with peace. Holy Spirit fill their rooms, comfort them and make your presence known, transforming their hearts and minds. Remind them, LORD Jesus, that you desire for us to call upon your name in our times of need, and that you are our helper and you will uphold them and fight any battle they are facing, whether it be mental, physical, or a health report or illness. Remind them Holy Spirit that they are not alone. May they take comfort in knowing GOD is with them, even through the darkest of nights. In Jesus mighty name I pray, Amen 🙏

I heard this song today and although I have heard it many times before, it inspired me tonight to write this blog post. If you are reading this and have found any encouragement through my words, I pray that this video will also uplift you and comfort you in your time of need reminding you that It is God who holds us together, and he always will when we call upon him.

Jesus will always be there, so keep him Over Everything

Jesus will always be there, so keep him Over Everything

by madepiecebypiece ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Jesus gave his life so that we could live. His sacrifice didn’t mean we would be promised a perfect life. Hard times will come. But he is with us through them.

Struggle is both inevitable and uncomfortable. But it has purpose. When we face hard times, he wants us to draw closer to him. He is by our side at all times and loves us more than anyone ever can or will.

“But now, God’s Message, the God who made you in the first place, Jacob, the One who got you started, Israel: “Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you. I’ve called your name. You’re mine. When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you. When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down. When you’re between a rock and a hard place, it won’t be a dead end— Because I am God, your personal God, The Holy of Israel, your Savior. I paid a huge price for you: all of Egypt, with rich Cush and Seba thrown in! That’s how much you mean to me! That’s how much I love you! I’d sell off the whole world to get you back, trade the creation just for you.” - Isaiah‬ ‭43:1-4‬ ‭MSG‬‬‬‬

May we always run to him in every circumstance and keep him above all else in life. Never loose hope, never give up and be reminded to never place anything before him. He is faithful and will be with you helping you get your through all hardships as long as you call on his name!

Image source:
https://bible.com/bible/116/isa.43.2.NLT

Sometimes we are going to be put in the fire when we are following God, but we will not be alone!! Just as he protected Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego when they were thrown in a fiery furnace when they refused to serve the gods of Nebuchadnezzar, you too will be protected and will not be burned or consumed. The hard trials God will allow you face will be to draw you closer to him and strengthen you for the calling he has for your life.

“Nebuchadnezzar was so furious with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego that his face became distorted with rage. He commanded that the furnace be heated seven times hotter than usual. Then he ordered some of the strongest men of his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace. So they tied them up and threw them into the furnace, fully dressed in their pants, turbans, robes, and other garments. And because the king, in his anger, had demanded such a hot fire in the furnace, the flames killed the soldiers as they threw the three men in. So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, securely tied, fell into the roaring flames. But suddenly, Nebuchadnezzar jumped up in amazement and exclaimed to his advisers, “Didn’t we tie up three men and throw them into the furnace?” “Yes, Your Majesty, we certainly did,” they replied. “Look!” Nebuchadnezzar shouted. “I see four men, unbound, walking around in the fire unharmed! And the fourth looks like a god!” Then Nebuchadnezzar came as close as he could to the door of the flaming furnace and shouted: “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!” So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stepped out of the fire. Then the high officers, officials, governors, and advisers crowded around them and saw that the fire had not touched them. Not a hair on their heads was singed, and their clothing was not scorched. They didn’t even smell of smoke!”
‭‭- Daniel‬ ‭3:19-27‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Father God, we praise your mighty name and we give you all glory and honor for you are loving and good to us. Father, whenever we go through the trials in our lives, please remind us that we are not alone and that you are walking right beside our us through the fire. Remind us Lord not to become discouraged, not to lose hope, and remind us who we are. We are called by you for such a time as this and we must keep you above all things that come into our lives. Lord Jesus, whether you’re walking with us by our side, or our carrying us through the hardest times in our lives, may we never loose sight of the power we have through you. May we always praise you through the hard times and know that you are with us always. Father God, if we ever for a moment allow fear or doubts to begin to take route, remind us that we are sons and daughters of the most high! And remind us Oh God, that your word is our double edged sword which will defeat and destroy anything that is not from you. Lord, we thank you for loving us, protecting us, and directing our steps. In Jesus name, we pray, Amen 🙏

Growing with you,

Sandy

Sometimes You have to Sit with Your Feelings

Sometimes You have to Sit with Your Feelings

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We all have faced a time when something upset us and our feelings took over. When anger and frustration set in and we immediately wanted to tell “that person” a thing or two and give them a piece of our mind.

Reacting based on emotion may lead to saying things you will later regret.

Sometimes you just have to sit with your feelings. This is important to allow your mind time to process what happened. Identify how the occurrence left you feeling as you sit and allow your emotions to calm.

When the other person resorts to cursing you, insulting you and being hostile. You don’t have to respond.

“Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back.” — Proverbs 29:11 NLT

Let go and allow God to fight.

Leave your troubles with the Lord, and he will defend you; he never lets honest people be defeated. — Psalm 55:22

Sit with your feelings and pray. Ask God to direct you.

“What I say is this: let the Spirit direct your lives, and you will not satisfy the desires of the human nature.” — Galatians 5:16 GNTD

Listen to worship music and praise God for all of your blessings. Shift the atmosphere from one of frustration into one of joy and praise. For God is good and he can turn your circumstances and situations around and use them for your personal growth.

“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” — James 1:2-5 NLT

The next time you feel a need to defend yourself and react, leave it all in God’s hands!! He will work it all out for your good! Respond (only if you must) when you’re calm and allow yourself to be lead by the Spirit of the Lord and not by emotions.

Father God, I thank you for your love and for always there being there for us, protecting us, and ready to fight our battles when we call upon your mighty name. Lord, I lift up my brothers and sisters today who are in circumstances or situations which have their emotions heightened and going in every direction. Jesus in your name we come against anger, fear, frustration, sadness, and every negative emotion that is taking over their minds right now. Father, give them peace that only you can give and remind them Lord to take time to calm & pray, leaving things at your feet. Lead them Oh Father to respond according to your will and not their own. We know that you go before us and that you are fighting for us. So Lord, give them strength to call upon your name and lead them to respond with words that will not cause harm or pierce the heart of another. We know that you work things out for the good of those who love you, so we give you thanks father God in advance because we know that you will make a way and that you work their situations out. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Growing with you,

Sandy