Re: (CS4U) Fw: Living Free Every Day

EXCELLENT WORD, THANKS BREN!!

HUGS,

Toni

On Thu, Apr 7, 2011 at 10:54 AM, brenbear2260@gmail.com <brenbear2260@gmail.com> wrote:

-------Original Message-------   From: Living Free Every Day Date: 4/7/2011 3:53:02 AM To: brenbear2260@gmail.com Subject: Living Free Every Day   Living Free Every Day Bible Study Tools  |  Devotionals  |  Christian Living  |  Christian Faith  |  Online Community Thursday, April 7, 2011  Email    Facebook Twitter    Print    Free Newsletters Living Free Every Day® Choose to Forgive Today's Scripture "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Ephesians 4:31-32 NIV Thoughts for Today Forgiveness can be tough. Especially when someone has hurt us deeply or has maliciously abused us. How is it possible to forgive someone who has been so cruel? If you have not forgiven someone who has hurt you, remember that real healing cannot take place until you let go of all bitterness and unforgiveness. Forgiveness is a process that may require considerable time and much prayer. But with Christ's help, you can do it. He forgave his attackers even as he died on the cross. And he forgives us freely when we turn to him. How can we do less? Consider this … You have a choice. You can choose to continue as you are. Or you can choose to forgive. Forgiveness will allow you to experience God's peace and all the good he has planned for your life. Choose forgiveness today. It won't be easy, but God will make it possible. Ask him to forgive you for the bitterness and anger you feel. And then trust him to help you forgive your abuser and move on to the joy and fulfillment God has provided for you. Prayer Father, teach me to forgive. You have covered me with your grace and mercy. Forgive me for being so bitter toward the one who has hurt me. Help me to extend grace to this person. Help me to forgive. And help me to love. In Jesus' name … These thoughts were drawn from … Restoring Families: Overcoming Abusive Relationships through Christ by Janet M. Lerner, D.S.W. This study helps to minister to families caught in the cycle of abusive relationships. The curriculum deals with overcoming these abusive relationships through Christ and is recommended for use in support groups and Christian counseling. Ministers to families from abusive relationships Ministers to victims of family violence Deals with wounded emotions Deals with control and intimacy issues Presents a strong message of Christ as healer of abusive relationships Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples. Would you like to have these devotions appear daily on your church or ministry website? Learn More     PO Box 22127 ~ Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421 ~ 423-899-4770 © Living Free 2007. Living Free is a registered trademark. Living Free Every Day devotionals may be reproduced for personal use. When reproduced to share with others, please acknowledge the source as Living Free, Chattanooga, TN. Must have written permission to use in any format to be sold. Permission may be requested by sending e-mail to info@LivingFree.org. Rely on God 1 Corinthians 1:18 Blessed Birthday Believe

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Christian_Singles_4U" group.
To post to this group, send email to christian_singles_4u@googlegroups.com.
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to christian_singles_4u+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/christian_singles_4u?hl=en.

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Christian_Singles_4U" group.
To post to this group, send email to christian_singles_4u@googlegroups.com.
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to christian_singles_4u+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/christian_singles_4u?hl=en.

Re: (CS4U) Hugs

Oh, thank you SO much Bren.  I welcome the HUGS very much!!!

Love,

Toni

On Thu, Apr 7, 2011 at 10:50 AM, brenbear2260@gmail.com <brenbear2260@gmail.com> wrote:

I think Toni could use a few great hugs right now so please send some her way. Toni these are sent with all my love.

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Christian_Singles_4U" group.
To post to this group, send email to christian_singles_4u@googlegroups.com.
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to christian_singles_4u+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/christian_singles_4u?hl=en.

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Christian_Singles_4U" group.
To post to this group, send email to christian_singles_4u@googlegroups.com.
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to christian_singles_4u+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/christian_singles_4u?hl=en.

(CS4U) Personal Growth - Part 1

Personal Growth – Part 1

let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance
Proverbs 1:5

Here are some things you need to know about growth: 1) Growth is not automatic. You are only young once, but you can be immature indefinitely. Each year the lobster is forced to shed its shell; it is a pity we aren't! Come on, if you do not make personal growth your responsibility it will never happen. The road to anything worthwhile is always uphill, so the sooner you start climbing the closer to reaching your God-ordained potential you will be. 2) Growth today brings success tomorrow. What you sow today determines what you reap tomorrow. Oliver Wendell Holmes said, 'Once stretched by a new idea, a man's mind never regains its original dimensions' So what are you doing today to become more successful tomorrow? 3) Growth is your responsibility. When you were a child your parents were responsible for your growth, now you are. Robert Browning wrote, 'Why stay we on earth except to grow'. Good question! Yet few of us dedicate ourselves to the process. Why? Because growth requires change and most of us are uncomfortable with change. Gail Sheehy writes, 'If we do not change we will not grow, and if we do not grow we are not really living. Growth demands the temporary surrender of security. It means a giving up of familiar but limiting patterns, safe but unrewarding work, values no longer believed in, relationships that have lost their meaning. Taking a new step is what we fear most, yet our real fear should be the opposite' Can you think of anything worse than living a life devoid of growth and improvement?

Prayer
Heavenly Father, Help me to invest in growing and learning new things today that can help me tomorrow as I seek to be all that you have called me to be. In Jesus' Name, Amen

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Christian_Singles_4U" group.
To post to this group, send email to christian_singles_4u@googlegroups.com.
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to christian_singles_4u+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/christian_singles_4u?hl=en.

(CS4U) Is It From God - Part 2

Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
1 John 4:1

Paul told the Ephesian elders about one of his leadings. Listen: '...now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me' (Acts 20:22-23). Now, Paul was not being asked to do something contrary to his gifts; all the way to Jerusalem he would be preaching and strengthening the new churches. He was however, being asked to sacrifice his own safety and comfort in order to reach and bless others. Not every leading will involve pain and sacrifice, but some will mean gut-wrenching decisions that require you to choose between being comfortable or building godly character, amassing things or seeking first His kingdom, promoting yourself or serving others.
When it comes to following the Holy Spirit's leadings, here are a few cautionary points to observe: a) does it require you to make a major, life-changing decision in a very short period of time? b) does it require you to go deeply into debt or place someone else in a position of awkwardness, compromise or danger? c) does it require you to shatter family ties or covenant relationships? d) does it create unrest in the spirit of mature friends and counselors?
But let us not end on a negative note. While God wants you to test the spirits, He also wants you to step out in faith and follow Him. So do not be afraid.

Prayer
Heavenly Father – help me use discernment and your guidance in your word to lead me where you would want me to be. In Your Precious Name, Amen

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Christian_Singles_4U" group.
To post to this group, send email to christian_singles_4u@googlegroups.com.
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to christian_singles_4u+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/christian_singles_4u?hl=en.