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Showing posts from January, 2019

A Second Look: As Far as the East is from the West

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( This post debuted on February 20, 2012. Next week, Female in Motion will return with new posts.) My church sends a check every month to a Hells Angel. Well, he used to be a Hells Angel. Now he's a missionary to Okinawa, Japan. Cool, huh? Talk about a radical conversion! This man left his past behind and walked forward into God's plan.  I wonder if the Japanese missionary is ever bothered by bad memories? I've worked out a great way to keep my past mistakes in the past. First, I ask myself some questions. Where is this bad memory coming from? Just because it's in your head, doesn't mean it came from you. It could be from the Father of Lies. Satan likes to keep you defeated.  Have you already prayed for forgiveness of this sin from the past? Then why dredge it up again? Dismiss it out of your mind. God has forgotten it. Jeremiah 31:34 says "...for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more." Time for you to do the same. The H

A Second Look: Mental Tug of War

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Photo courtesy of Wag! (This post debuted on May 1, 2017.) One of the major issues I struggle with is worry. It's pretty common today, especially for women. We worry and stew and let it affect our sleep, relationships, and faith walk. Let's face it...it's sin. When we don't trust God enough to do His job, or when we take His job away and try to do it ourselves, it is a recipe for disaster. I have found four steps that help me break the cycle. Now if I can just use them consistently. 1.  Recognize the thought --If it is negative and against Scripture, it must be from the devil. And he's a big, fat liar. 2.  Rebuke the sin --Just because it flits through our brain, we don't have to accept and absorb it as truth. Tell that sucker to take a hike! 3.  Request forgiveness from God --A simple prayer of true repentance will bring peace to your heart. 4.  Resolve to be vigilant against repeats --Build in positive thoughts, encouraging verse and phrases. Leave no ro

A Second Look: My God vs. The World's God

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(This post debuted on August 31, 2015.) I've heard some really weird ideas that people have about God and what He likes and dislikes. Here are a few comparisons: The world says God doesn't listen. I know He loves to hear from me. The world says hell will be a party. (It won't.) I know God is preparing a beautiful place in heaven just for me. The world says God has too many rules. I know He has given me freedom like I've never known before. The world says you have to be perfect before you walk into a church. I know God loves me just as I am. The world says God is intolerant. I know the only thing God hates is sin--not sinners. The world uses prayer like a genie in a bottle. I know God will supply all my needs. The world says that being a Christian is "too hard." I know He gives me the strength to face whatever challenges life gives. The world says He disapproves of their lifestyle. I know God loves all of us so much He sent His Son to die on the cross for o

A Second Look: The Uncomfortable Word

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This post debuted on August 22, 2016. I hope you enjoy the re-run. 2 Timothy 4:3-4 (KJV)   For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;   And they shall turn away  their  ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.  I've had a lot of mammograms. Some women say they are uncomfortable--even painful. A few moments of mild discomfort. When I get the results and know that I am truly clear and clean of any disease, it's so worth it. Sitting in the pew on Sunday morning, we tend to squirm in our seats when the preacher says something that pricks our conscience. We believe we keep our sins secret; no one can see what we do. But when the Word uncovers our shame, our pride is wounded and tender. Strong medicine is the only thing that kills what ails you--sin. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture  is  given by inspiration of God, and  is  profitable for doctrine, f