Sunday, April 26, 2009

Anxiety Problem

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Dear Chris,

It seems like your life is full of anxiety, not only with claustrophobia but also concern for your mother. I know that claustrophobia is an anxiety brought on by fear and when this happens you must immediately start calling out to the Lord. Philippians 4:6 , "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication , with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." If you cannot remember this verse, then start saying aloud the Lord's Prayer over and over until you calm down. Satan hates the Word of the Lord and can only stay around so long before it drives him crazy. Satan loves to cause us fear, because it gets a hold on our emotions and then we cannot think straight. Our mind starts turning in circles and he wins the battle. You must feed your faith daily and not your fear. This is why having a quiet time is so important. It reminds you that greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world. Your God of faith will help you win your battles, but you must give them to Him and not go on your own strength. I am not clear as to what is wrong with your mother. This also has to be turned over to the Lord. Circumstances can definitely effect our lives but it doesn't have to steal our joy. You have to remember that sometimes God puts us in valleys so we will reach up to Him. I have never walked through a valley that I haven't come out stronger. I admit I did not enjoy the journey, but I knew and claimed that God was walking each step of the way with me. Read the Psalms, play chrisitan music and pray for peace and contentment. God is there waiting to help - let Him! Pray not only for your mother, but with her as well. You both need each other and God's presence at a time like this!
In Him,
Sandy

Thursday, February 05, 2009

A Suffering Adult Child

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Dear Lynn,

As a mother, my hearts aches with you. This problem with your daughter is one where you have to fall before Jesus and pray for His intervention. You may not be able to help her circumstances, but, as a mother you must be praying constantly! Our children become a ministry the moment they are born, and it carries over into their adult lives. As mothers, we want to spare them the hurts of life, but we both know we can only protect them for so long. I do not know where you are with your walk with God, but I do know God can see your mother's heart if you are His. If your daughter sees your faith, it might make her want her own if she sees it is enough for you. You cannot make her ask Jesus back into her life, but you can make her want what you have. I know you want what is best for your daughter and grandchildren but there is only so much you can do. If she keeps making the wrong choices, then God cannot bless her disobedience, but He will and can meet her where she is at. He is there waiting, but He will not interfere until your daughter repents and asks Him to. If this man is good to her and she loves him, they need to marry in order for God to bless their relationship. You both need to pray for this man to get a job where they can hopefully move closer to town where your daughter can have some companionship. Raising 3 little ones without an outlet would be hard on anyone (even Christians who serve their Lord faithfully). You might even speak to this man about how lonely your daughter is if you feel comfortable doing that. This is where we need to show her how big God is! Some people can keep their small God in a thimble, but if they know Him as they should, they would soon see He takes up the whole universe. If you have an extra Bible, give it to your daughter and tell her to reads Psalms daily. The scripture will give her hope! Also, if there is a church in her town, call them and ask them to visit her!. Many churches would be happy to do that! You can also buy her a little surprise just to let her know you are thinking of her. If you live far away, send her cards! Sometimes little things mean alot. Lynn, may God be with you while you travel this road with your daughter! Try not to get tunnel vision. In Acts 17:26, it tells us that God determines our boundaries! Maybe He has, but your daughter in this isolated place to bring her closer to Him.

God Bless,
Sandy

Friday, January 23, 2009

Finding A Friend In Isolation

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Dear Lynne,

So sorry to hear about your circumstances. I was a military wife for 23 years and moved often. It was hard, but I did have the other military wives and that helped. I know at times I felt life just was not fair and my husband had his job and other men waiting for him. I had the boxes and children to get in school. I look back now and realize that God had determined my boundaries (Acts 17:26) to make me become the person He wanted me to be. I had blamed my husband for so many years and then while we were living in Japan, a missionary told me I was blaming the wrong person and gave me that verse. I did not like that very much because it was so much easier to blame my husband than God.

Loneliness is a tool of the enemy to get us down and depressed and feeling very much like no one cares. I know, I have felt the same way. Have you thought about volunteering or joining a Bible study? Whether or not they are friendly to you or not, you show them how a Christian reaches out to everyone with a kind word and a smile. You witness to them. Tell them you are lonely and ask if they have any suggestions. Do you like to read or do hobbies? The most important thing you can do for yourself and your husband is tell God. Ask Him to guide you in the direction where you can feel needed by others. Pray for a friend and get out there and do your best to stay busy. With it being a rural area it makes it hard but pray about that, too.

I am so sorry to hear about your little boy. Praise God you will see him again someday when you reach your heavenly home. What a homecoming that will be!

I know in my lonely valleys I got into God's Word and learned more about Him. There are some great studies you can do on your own if there is not one at church. Better yet, start you own study. In fact, ask the ladies over for dessert one night since they work. Or maybe you and your husband could give a barbecue on the week-end. You could also pray for the prayer requests at your church and send notes or call them to let them know you are praying for them.

Try not to take it personally, people are just too busy. They don't mean to be and most of them are probably unaware of your loneliness. Again, ask God to put some special people in your life that you can reach out to. Then hopefully they will reach back and take and become your friend.

In Him,
Sandy

Finding A New Church

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Dear Jessica,

If you feel uncomfortable where you are attending the church, that very well might be the Holy Spirit telling you to find another. It is God's way of connecting us with believers who can reach out and touch your life.

Have you called the churches and asked how active their singles' groups are and if they have a Sunday School Class and Bible study that you could attend? That is how I found my church. I took out the yellow pages and called until I found one that I was interested in. It worked!

Also, you might go to their websites and see for yourself how the church might appeal to you and also see what special activities they might have coming up. I know it is hard to go by yourself but you have to do your part before God can do His. Ask around. Visit different churches during the day, Wednesday Nights or Sunday Nights. Sometimes when you go when there are not so many you have a better chance of meeting other people.

Most importantly, keep praying to God and let Him know how you feel. He wants you in church more than you want to go. Join some different Christian activities around your area, volunteer at Christian Organizations. Every city has them. You can also ask around where you work - you might find a friend that way. Hang in there and I know God will come through - just keep praying and seeking.

God Bless,
Sandy

Saturday, January 03, 2009

Dealing With an Alcoholic Husband

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Dear Sharon,

My heart really goes out to you. I had a father who was a real beer drinker and my mom was a tea totler.. We all begged him for years to quit drinking beer to no avail. Then one day his health was affected and he stopped cold turkey. He wouldn't do it for his family, but he did it for himself. I really think that the alcohol desensitized him so much he had no idea how much he was hurting us. He did love us and we loved him dearly, but not his drinking.

The first suggestion I would like to give you is to gather with your two teenagers daily, join hands and pray to God that your husband's problems will be revealed to himself. He is the last one to see it and the last one to admit it. There is power in prayer and just praying together will be a strong force to strengthen your family. Please try this. It makes them feel so much better to know they are loved that much. That way they will learn the power of the Spirit.

You are going to have to ask God to see you through this one day at a time, one hour at a time and some days one minute at a time. You need to claim His promises and trust Him to give you the guidance you need. Stay in the Psalms and cry your prayers to the Lord. I know you want to save your marriage but it will take time. You are going to have to change your thought process and it will be costly. You see as the mom, you are the one that has the most power to keep your family together. You are going to have to be the one to die to self in order to give life to your family (Romans 12:1)

I know it doesn't seem fair that you have to be the one to sacrifice when your husband is the one causing the problem. You see you have the advantage because in order to get through the day you are going to have to be in God's Word first thing to put your armor on. If you are in the Word of God, you will generally be in the will of God. Your husband does not have that blessing. He is living in total disobedience and doesn't have a clue. He is existing in the flesh but not the Spirit and the Spirit cannot get to him because he numbs himself with alcohol. That is why you have got to pray that God will somehow make his beer seem repulsive in his mouth and he will want to rid himself of it. With God all things are possible. I am not saying you will get the results you want but You will receive the peace of God because you have done everything possible to save your marriage.

You have done everything you know how to do, now let God have a turn. Turn your husband completely over to Him and let God have His way. You cannot beat a dead horse, it isn't going anywhere.

Also consider joining a support group with the kids and that way you will be better prepared on how to handle the situation. There are support groups in every town so if you do not want to go where you are known, travel to another city. You need help! Forget your pride and do what is best for your family. It will be revealed sooner or later and God will not be mocked. Your husband's sin will be found out one way or another. Please remember that alcoholism is an illness and has to be treated as one. Try to meet your husband where he is at, but don't let him bring you and your family down. You have to get help so you can keep your family together. Your family will definitely be in my prayers.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

How Should I Handle An Abusive Ex-Boyfriend?

Dear Heidi,

I know the issues you are dealing with now are very stressful, but staying in such an abusive realtionship would not be worth the price. There are actions you can take to protect yourself and your property.

For starters get a good Christian attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney you can call a Women's shelter in your local area that deals with abuse and they might be able to give you some advice. For now I would change the locks on the doors and try not to venture out by yourself for now. If your parents live near, you might want to stay with them until he quits stalking you. Whatever you do, stay clear of him and do not go back to him just because of harassment.

I do not know how your relationship is with the Lord. If you are born again God is your protector. If you are not born again, you need to seek salvation. Do not do this out of fear, but you need the Lord in your life no matter what and He might have brought you to this place so you would go to Him. Remember that greater is He that is in us than hethat is in the world.

Monday, March 24, 2008

What Should I Do As A New Christian Mom?

Dear Michelle,

Welcome to the family of God.

Your life will never be the same and neither will the lives of your family. The first and most important advice I can give you is to be dedicated to spending time in the Word of God daily. If you are not in the Wordof God, you are generally not int he Will of God.

Satan will do everything in his power to keep you too busy to be in God's Word and to stress you out so you will not be the witness that God wants you to be.

Busy means:
B being
U under
S Satan's
Y Yoke

Also remember that you will slip up from time to time. God knows that and will extend you the grace you need when you repent and ask forgiveness.

Obedience is also very important whether we feel like it or not. Emotions can get in the way andreally mess up our choices. Go to God first and not to self. He usually knows what is best forus even though we do not undertand His ways of doing things.

As far as your children go. Let them see you read the Bible. Let them see you turn to God when trials enter you life and not turn to alcohol or drugs. You are to get your strength from God now and they need to see that. Mean what you say and say what you mean. If you cannot walk the walk and talk the talk, it is best to say nothing.

I will be praying for you and your family. May God not be able to bestow many blessings on you and your family now that you are His.

In Him,
Sandy Denton

Friday, December 14, 2007

Prayer and Encouragement

Dear Father,

We come to you with praise in our hearts that this sister in Christ has rededicated her life to you. Hopefully, this is a true rededicated and the fruits of her efforts will be shown forth by her deeds, obedience, disciple and love for you. Let her knowFather the love that you feel for her and that her rededication is precious in your sight. Hold her in the palm of your hand and keep her safe. May she always rememberthat you are the one true God and that you gave your life for her.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen

Adoption Visa

Dear Father,

We come to you and ask that this precious couple will receive their child before Christmas. What a precious and special gift that would be. They are so dilientlyand patiently waiting for this child and we know that it is in your heart that they be united.

Paper work is so hard to wait on when your heart is seeking someone to love.

Either way may they never forget about another baby that was delivered on Christmas Day so we could have a Savior.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen

Important Request

Dear Father,

We lift up this precious lady named Penny and ask that if she is not saved that you will send someone to lead her to You. She has so many serious problems. Her sister is dying and we pray for intervention of salvation and healing. We ask that you be with her as she takes care of her elderly mother. We pray for protection for Penny and her 10 month child from any harm from the man that is the father. We ask that the taste of alcohol will become repulsive in his mouth. We pray also for her brother and ask the same for him. We pray for salvation for both their souls.

We lift up these 3 christian women and ask that they may conceive or adopt babies. That is so close to a woman's heart.

We pray for depression to be taken from her father and healing of the health issues but especially for the softening of his heart.

We pray for Rick who needs salvation. The sin issues are bringing him into Satan's domain and we ask for his deliverence.

Father, the hurt runs deep and only you can fix the problems your way. Lead someone to each and everyone of these people for salvation before it is too late.

We ask in Jesus' Name
Amen

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Change of Heart

Dear Father,

We come to you and ask that you confirm in this woman's heart that she is saved. After that confirmation I ask that you touch her heart in a special way and let her know that it is you who is drawing her closer. Reveal to her that a relationship with you calls for discipline and obedience.

Let her know that she needs the disciple to get into your Word daily and the obedience to carry out what she learns. Reveal to her that chances are if she is not in the Word of God, she is not in the will of God because Your Word is Your love letter to us and light unto our paths. Hold her in the palm of your hand and let her know that you love her in a special way or your would not be pursuing her.

In Jesus Name,
Amen

Business Closed Down

Dear Father,

We come to you and ask for your intervention for her business. It is a shame that it was closed down for such a trivial complaint. We ask Father, that if this business venture is truly what you want for this dear person that doors will open and she will be able to keep her business. No matter what happens, let her accept it as coming from you.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen

Now In Oz (Australia)

Dear Father,

We come to you this day and liftthis person who wants to serve you up to the Throne of Grace. We ask for finances to be supplied, protection, wisdom and knowledge as service is being done for Your glory.

In Jesus' Name
Amen

Monday, December 03, 2007

Engagement Called Off

Dear Lord,

Please hold this daughter in your arms and let her know that you know all about this. Even though the problems may seem insurmountableto us, nothing is impossible with you.

Please help her understand that the timing may not be right for their marriage at this time, but that does not mean it will not happen.

When or if the marriage does take place, the foundation needs to be solid and with all the financial pressures, depression and other factors involved, it does not make for a sure foundation, but a weak one.

I pray that you will be with this couple and after a time of rest give them the knowledge and wisdom they need to glorify you by makingthe right decisions.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen

Shattered Family & Shattered Life

Dear Father,

We come to you and ask for forgiveness, healing and restoration for this man. If his heart is truly sincere in this we ask that his life be restored to one of worthiness and it will be glory to you.

May he become a husband and father that will reveal you love and show forth your righteousness.

All will not be easy and the enemywill attack at every corner, but Father we ask that this marriage be saved and the wife and son will come to know you because of the difference in this man's life.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen

God's Will

Dear Father,

I do not know all the details to this request, but you do. We ask that restitution and restoration be made to make peace and bring glory to you. There are wounds that need to heal and forgiveness that needs to be granted. Keep this dear sister brave but on her knees. We ask that you give her the grace to make it and the desire to be obedient so she doesn't backslide again. The only way to truly make it is to be in your Word daily. That way she will be in your will.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen

Marriage

Dear Father,

We lift this sister in Christ up toyou and ask that you give her a clairty of mind. She is so confused and she is listening to everyone but you. Keep her on her knees and in your Word so she can have the guidance she needs in this situation. Let her be content and not in a hurry to marry anyone because until she receives your peace and wisdom, no marriage can stand. Calm her spirit and if she does not know you, please show her the way to salvation.

In Jesus' name,
Amen

Struggling

Dear Father,

We come to you in the name of Jesus and ask that you help this single mom. The landlord's heart needs to be softened and the funds needto be provided. May she know you as her Jehovah-rapha - the Lordwho provides. Give her your knowledge and discernment with her finances andbless the lives of this mother and son.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen

Marriage Restoration and Healing

Dear Father,

We come to you and ask that restoration, forgiveness and asecond chance be given to this couple. Marriage vows need to be honored and we ask that the other woman who is involved will be removed from the situation. Only you can restore the love and take away all the ugliness. The wounds are deep and it will take time for the healing but will be well worth the wait. Please let them both want to make this marriage work and do what it necessary for it to work. Let them think of the other first and get self out of the way and keep it out of the way.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen

Thursday, November 08, 2007

Prayer

Dear God,

We come before you today and lift this father and son up to you. The bondage and garbage that we carry around with us will not effect only us but the people we love. It is all a tactic of the enemy and God we are asking you to break the bonds that the enemy has around this man and to restore his son with a newness of life and to renew his young mind. We also ask your blessings on this woman of faith who is interceding on their behalf. Act as the balm of gilead and heal their wounds.

In Jesus name,
Amen