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The Rest of Paul's List

8/21/2023

The process of healing from trauma is a long-term process. I can’t repeat that enough.
When you have focused on whatever is true, honourable, and just, continue with the rest of the items on Paul’s list: whatever is pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, or worthy of praise.

In each case follow the four steps:
1) Ask God to show you what is part of the attribute. But make sure you do your part! Read the Bible with this in mind. Listen carefully to the songs that you sing or others sing. Ask others. If you are really looking for God’s answers, you will be amazed at what the Holy Spirit will show you.
2) Write down what God tells you
3) Share what you learn with at least one person.
4) Try to repeat what you have learnt at least once in the morning, once during the day, and once before you go to sleep.

This will keep you busy for weeks and with time you will notice the transforming healing work that God is doing. You can also follow these steps with your children, your family and others.

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Thinking About What is Honourable and Just

8/21/2023

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The next two things on Paul’s list are what is honourable and what is just.

Today, I challenge you to take the same four steps.

1) Ask God to show you what is honourable and just
2) Write down what God tells you
3) Tell at least one person what God has told you is honourable and just
4) Repeat what God has told you at least once in the morning, once during the day, and once before you go to sleep. If you do that, you make it possible for God to talk to you and help you heal from trauma.

Looking for things that are honourable and just? Read the book of Proverbs or the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). I become overwhelmed if I read too many verses because each verse in each of these passages has such powerful advice. Here is what I have found helpful. Read until you find at least one thing to do that is honourable and just. Then stop and write it down. Take a few days to practice and make these actions a habit. Then read more and repeat the four steps. Remember, time is needed before we reap results.

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Focus on What is True

8/19/2023

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Perhaps you feel that nothing is true anymore! You have heard so many lies, had so many promises broken, that you no longer believe anyone or anything to be true.

Remember Paul and his list (Philippians 4:8-9)? If anyone had reason to feel hopeless and forsaken by God, it would be Paul, He experienced multiple beatings that brought him near to death! He was betrayed by his own people (the Jews), the Gentiles, and false brothers.! He found himself in danger whether in the city, the wilderness, or at sea, he was in danger! Year after year!

But what does he say?
So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 2 Corinthians 4:16

How did he renew his inner self? Through his thoughts. First on Paul’s list of things to think about is “what is true”. Even during the worst of times, there are things we can know to be true. In faith, I urge you to take four steps.
1) Ask God to show you what is true. Take time to read the Bible, even if only a few verses. Not sure what to read. I suggest the Gospel of John or the letter to the Philippians.
2) Write down what God tells you
3) Tell at least one person what God has told you is true
4) Repeat what God has told you at least once in the morning, once during the day, and once before you go to sleep. If you do that, you make it possible for God to talk to you and begin healing you from trauma.

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Right Thinking Leads to Victory

8/4/2023

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Wrong thinking leads to wrong feelings. Wrong thinking pulls the heart and mind apart. Soon we are strangled by worry. Thoughts are real and powerful, even though they cannot be seen, weighed, or measured. Wrong thoughts may be the greatest enemy that we face in overcoming trauma.

God talks about the importance of good thoughts in Isaiah 26:3-4.
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock. (Isaiah 26:3-4)

It may sound too simple but it is true. Peace comes from thoughts focused on God. What can you do each day to focus your thoughts on God?

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SWIRLS OF NURTURE

The Rest of Paul's List

Thinking About What is Honourable and Just

Focus on What is True

Right Thinking Leads to Victory

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