A random tuesday

 It’s not marijuana that enlightens us. The closer we get to the Lord, the more we are able to see see. I am able to see the idols. The idol of idleness, the idol of comfort, the idle of control. I am able to name it and renounce it in the name of Jesus. Sin opens the window for spirits of darkness. It invites the battle that happens in my spirit that says I need more comfort. 

I did not think I needed to be sober from even nicotine, but the Holy Spirit convicted my spirit, and once that obedience took place, I was able to hear his voice, see His hand and allow Him to refine me. 

I was not convinced that I needed to look like him morally. But slowly He taught me the different “small” places in my life that were keeping me from the Kingdom

I believe I have shared that my dad works with some inner city kids to get them out of the streets in Birmingham. One of the kids, Amari has been quite devout in meeting with dad and studying the word. Amaris mom died a few weeks ago and now is staying with my parents. His brother is known for being one of the gangs “killers.” He sold the car my dad had bought for the mom before she died without considering Amaris need for it. Amari is just one of the 35 boys in the ministry.

I would love to ask prayer for protection for my dad and some of the leaders of this ministry (as well as prayers for the boys.)

One leader was diagnosed with ALS and was just given two weeks to live. Another leader had his windows of his house shot out by a gang member. My dad is still in severe pain from his last surgery and had another emergency surgery yesterday (thankfully only a detached retina)- but he will have to be face down for two weeks. 

He planned a three day trip for just us next week (because he “didn’t know how many healthy days he has left”). Because he will need to be face down for 2 weeks, he told me last night we have to cancel. 

His attitude has been nothing but pure gratitude for life but I know his body is wearing out. Please pray for my dad, the leaders, Amari and the rest of the boys. 

I would love some direction here.

I have struggled with anorexia since I was 9. I asked for help in high school but my parents didn’t have the money nor did they want me to embarrass them at the church counseling center. I havent wanted help since then with recovery until now. 

My daughter is about to turn 9 and is struggling with shame and her weight. I have never known how to teach her how to eat well. I am a single working mom and I try to give her good meals but they are more convenience meals. She is a very tall and a little overweight. She is starting to struggle emotionally with my lack of direction in this department. I don’t have money for therapy. How do I teach her a good relationship with food without shame.

I didn’t sleep a wink last night. I had been a little discouraged by the spirit of dissension and attack I had been experiencing the last two days. But I literally prayed out loud with my girls, and it completely left in the spirit of joy just filled our car. I was reminded of who our God is. and what he can do. in the million ways he has provided a way of deliverance.

16Let me emphasize this: As you yield to the dynamic life and power of the Holy Spirit, you will abandon the cravings of your self-life.  17When your self-life craves the things that offend the Holy Spirit you hinder him from living free within you! And the Holy Spirit’s intense cravings hinder your self-life from dominating you! So then, the two incompatible and conflicting forces within you are your self-life of the flesh and the new creation life of the Spirit. 

18But when you yield to the life of the Spirit,  you will no longer be living under the law, but soaring above it!

19The behavior of the self-life is obvious: Sexual immorality, lustful thoughts, pornography, 20chasing after things instead of God,  manipulating others,  hatred of those who get in your way, senseless arguments, resentment when others are favored, temper tantrums, angry quarrels, only thinking of yourself, being in love with your own opinions, 21being envious of the blessings of others, murder, uncontrolled addictions,  wild parties, and all other similar behavior.

Haven’t I already warned you that those who use their “freedom” for these things will not inherit the kingdom realm of God!

22-23But the fruit  produced by the Holy Spirit within you is divine love in all its varied expressions: 

joy that overflows, 

peace that subdues,

patience  that endures,

kindness  in action,

a life full of virtue, 

faith that prevails,

gentleness of heart, and

strength of spirit. 

Never set the law above these qualities, for they are meant to be limitless. 

24Keep in mind that we who belong to Jesus Christ have already experienced crucifixion. For everything connected with our self-life  was put to death on the cross and crucified with Messiah. 25If the Spirit is the source of our life, we must also allow the Spirit to direct every aspect of our lives. 26So may we never be arrogant, or look down on another, for each of us is an original. We must forsake all jealousy that diminishes the value of others.