Archive for STRAIGHT TALK for Women
Words That Build Up!
Posted by: | Comments“Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” Ephesians 4:29
When I was eleven, I attended a Junior High “Lock-in” at my church. We were playing games and having fun when one of the leaders came up to me and another girl and asked us to come with them. We followed them downstairs to the basement where there was a youth pastor who had come down from Kansas City, I think, to speak to us kids that night. I said “I think” because I don’t remember anything that happened at the church after this brief encounter with him. He said that God had told him to tell us that we were going to grow up into strong women of God and then he wanted to pray for us.
That is all I remember about that whole event. To this day, 28 years later, his words have remained embedded in my mind. I didn’t know who he was because we had never met before that night yet his words have impacted my life like nothing else. In fact I think I might just start a little search to see if I can contact the leaders who were there to see if they remember who he was so that I can thank him for those incredibly powerful words.
So how about your words? Are they encouraging those around you or are they damaging those around you? Our words can make a huge difference in someone’s life. Don’t waste another minute. Email someone you love and let them know how special they are.
That Pastor who spoke those encouraging words to me probably has no idea that I can still remember that moment like it was yesterday.
Don’t Let the Fear of Making Mistakes Stop YOU!
Posted by: | CommentsDo you ever feel inadequate to minister or share with other women? Do you ever hear that little voice that says “Who’s going to listen to you??” The fear of making mistakes keeps many of us fearful of stepping out in faith to pursue God’s calling for us. This morning’s podcast will help you overcome this fear so you can take that next step today!
God Loves You Inspite of Your Big Mistakes!
Posted by: | Comments“After looking in all directions to make sure no one was watching, Moses killed the Egyptian and hid the body in the sand.” Exodus 2:12 (NLT)
Doubting that God can use you to make a difference in this world? Feel like you won’t amount to anything? Plagued with guilt from past choices? This verse should wipe out any of those nagging doubts. God knew Moses’ past and still chose to use him to perform amazing miracles in Egypt eventually persuading Pharaoh to set the Israelites free.
Maybe you’re in a heap of trouble because you’ve just done a really dumb thing like buy that car you can’t afford or yelled at your kids for no reason, or used the Visa card one too many times and now you’re drowning in debt. My point here is that even if you are the cause of the trouble you’re in, God can still use you in great ways, too!
Will you decide to let God use your mistakes to make miracles today? If you’re thinking well Moses was probably a confident guy. Nope, wrong again. When God appeared to Moses in the burning bush calling him to be the one to lead the people out of Egypt; Moses protested over and over fearing the people wouldn’t believe him and complained he wasn’t good with words.
God already knows your big mistakes, your fears, and your doubts and He still loves you and has a plan and purpose for your future. Hope this encourages you today!
God Is With You Right Now
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If you feel alone or discouraged; I have good news for you today. God is with you right now wherever you are. He can hear you. He can see what you’re going through. He wants to help you!
“The Lord said to Moses, ‘Warn your brother, Aaron, not to enter the Most Holy Place behind the inner curtain whenever he chooses; if he does, he will die. For the Ark’s cover–the place of atonement–is there, and I myself am present in the cloud above the atonement cover.’ ”
Leviticus 16:2 (NLT)
Sometimes we forget that God is with us. If God was that close then– just on the other side of a couple of curtains; think for a minute where He is now! Because of what Jesus did for us on the cross, we are able to have the Holy Spirit living in us today! STOP…think about this. Do you understand what I am talking about? I think this is great news!
He’s hearing your prayers, He’s seeing your tears. He cares about your busy schedule today. He desires to let you know…HE…knows your every thought…yes, everything. He wants you to trust He can help you no matter what the challenge or frustration you might be facing today.
“For he who avenges murder cares for the helpless. He does not ignore the cries of those who suffer.”
Psalm 9:12 (NLT)
Our Thoughts Determine Our Outlook
Posted by: | Comments“On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’” (When he said “living water,” he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him. But the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet entered into his glory.)” John 7:37-39 (NLT)
Want to have a better outlook today? Think about this: If we believe in Jesus and have asked Him into our heart; we 
have his holy spirit living inside of us. Think about that. Are you discouraged right now? Are you worried about something? Are you uncertain and concerned about tomorrow? Are you depressed? Are you angry with someone? Chances are that you feel this way because of what you are thinking about. Our thoughts determine our feelings. Our feelings determine our outlook on a circumstance. Ultimately, our outlook on a circumstance determines our reaction to that circumstance.
I often discount positive thoughts because my circumstance seems so dismal and hopeless. We see death, destruction, doom all around and Jesus is telling us to hold on; he sees a miracle just around the corner. We immediately discount his encouragement because we can’t see beyond today.
How do you know what Jesus would say to you about your circumstance? Do these three things every day:
1. Read his word (Good place to start: Book of Matthew –first book of the New Testament)
2. Talk to him about everything you’re facing that day
3. Be quiet and listen
Next time discouraging thoughts flood your mind; stop, ask yourself: “Would Jesus be saying this to me?” If you read his word every day and talk to him every day; you will begin to discern real quick which thoughts are from Jesus and which ones are not.
-Kristy
Treasures In Our Trials: Psalm 34
Posted by: | CommentsToday’s Podcast:
Treasures in our trials podcast on Psalms 34
by Kristy Marcotte