The battle between flesh and the Spirit, a more general description to this battle is temptation…
Definition: Biblically, temptation is a physical and/or mental desire to sin – a deep craving for something that stands in direct contrast to the Word of God.
As Christians, we live in a broken world. We still face difficult situations and pain that appears to have no answers. Still, we can rest on God’s Word and the firm truths within.

There is something that all of us have in common, no matter who you are or what you are or what your position in life is,  how educated you are or how uneducated you are, how spiritual you are, there is one experience that all of us have in common. And that is the experience of temptation. The Bible makes it truly clear in several passages that temptation is the appointed lot of all of us.
Temptation begins in your mind. It starts with desire; temptation usually starts in a small way – it’s just that ”one little area.”
Temptation arises from three major sources. The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, the pride of life: “Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.” (1 John 2:15-17 NLT)
Everyone experiences temptation. No one is exempt. Even Jesus experienced temptation when He was in the flesh, but He did not sin. (Hebrews 4:15).
Temptation is not sin. Being tempted is not sin but acting upon it, is sin.
One purpose of resisting temptation is to glorify God. “These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold – though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So, when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.” (1 Peter 1:7 NLT).
There is always a way of escape. You do not have to act upon temptation.
In every temptation, God provides a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Jesus Christ suffered and died to provide a way for people to be reconciled with God. We as humans now have two choices: we can come to Jesus for forgiveness and cleansing from our sinful hearts. It gives us the right to enter into the kingdom of God. Or we can reject Jesus’ offer and stay out of the kingdom of God….

When Christ died, he was resurrected, and ascended to heaven, he began what I would call the “new age,” by which I simply mean that to some extent, God’s kingdom has already begun. For example, Paul says in Ephesians 2:6 (NLT): “For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus.”

In other words, Christians are already with Christ in heaven! However, we are clearly still living life here and now on this earth – we are still members of this ‘present world’ (Titus 2:12). There is an “overlap” between these two periods. As a result, we experience a tension between what we were (and to some extent still are), and what we are going to be (and to some extent already are).
This is the reality of the Christian life: we are not what we once were, but we are not yet exactly what we will be. Therefore, on the one hand, we are free from sin – righteous, but on the other hand we sin and fight against it daily. Martin Luther put it as follows, ‘simul iustus et peccator, both righteous and a sinner’. This is exactly what Paul says in Galatians 5:17 NLT: “The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.”

If you know your Bible, you are probably not surprised that Paul spoke so frankly about his struggles with temptation and sin.
Paul’s consistent appeal is that Christians live out who they are now in Christ (read Colossians 3).
Paul explains this further in Romans 6: “For we know that the sinful man that we were was crucified with Christ, that our sinful existence might be ended. So, we are no longer slaves to sin.” Also “We know that the sinful man that we were was crucified with Christ, that our sinful existence might be ended. So, we are no longer slaves to sin.”
In other words, Christians is at war: The war between the desires of the flesh and the Spirit.
Therefore, when you fight sin, you must be courageous it is a sign of a true spiritual life!
Journal Writing:
• Mantra: The devil whispers, “You are a sinner and you have failed God. You are not worthy.” But you boldly say what God says about you, “I am the righteousness of God.”
• Memorize and meditate on 1 Corinthians 10:13.
• Declare John 3:17 is true: “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”
• Pray a daily prayer: Jesus, Your Word states, “the Grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness.” By Your Grace, Jesus, empower me to reject sin. Fill me with Your Spirit and remind me that I am a new creation in You. Although I once walked in sin and darkness, by the salvation I now possess, I no longer am bound to walk in those former ways. To You, who gives the power to be witnesses in our lives, and by Your Son’s name, I pray. Amen.
• Reprogram your mind: Your life will always move in the direction of your strongest thoughts. Temptation starts with desire, stop tempting thoughts the minute they enter your mind. Write the thoughts down, reframe the thought. (Reframing: creating a different way of looking at a situation, person, or relationship by changing meaning. Reinterpreting the meaning of our lives based on God’s truth.)
• Read the Bible; Bible study are essential to living a life of victory over temptation. Meet temptation with the Word of God. Study the temptation of Jesus recorded in Matthew 4:1-11. He met every temptation with the Word of God. You can do likewise even David declared that he has hid God’s Word in his heart to keep him from sin (Psalm 119:11).

The Bible says that in every temptation there is a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13). Look for the alternative and use it!
Follow these ways to deal with temptation:
• Remove yourself from the situation – You know what they say: out of sight, out of mind. When temptations are at their worst, it is best to avoid putting yourself in a troubling situation.
• Distract yourself- When you feel a temptation coming over you, do your best to distract yourself. Take your mind somewhere else, do something else.
• Predict and prioritize the outcome – predict the outcome of giving into your temptation and ask yourself if it is worth it. If you focus more so on the aftermath, you are more likely to resist your temptation.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3: 5-6
“Darkness comes. In the middle of it, the future looks blank. The temptation to quit is huge. Do not. You are in good company… You will argue with yourself that there is no way forward. But with God, nothing is impossible. He has more ropes and ladders and tunnels out of pits than you can conceive. Wait. Pray without ceasing. Hope.” – John Piper
Ask God to lead the way, and He will direct your path.
Leni

Leni Snyman

Pastoral Counsellor (special interest in trauma).

The post Breaking the hold of temptation appeared first on Cup of Faith.

If we really have to be honest with ourselves, I believe there is not one person that has not had a bad experience in life, from childhood memories to trauma experienced from unexpected events. It is important to understand that not everyone has the same ability when it comes to working through these experiences. People are often ashamed to go and ask for help from a registered counsellor or a therapist. Some people choose to live in denial which puts a huge burden on the mental capacity to try and cope with these emotions, thoughts and memories.

This oftentimes leads to people turning to all forms of coping mechanisms, to try and escape the hurt, shame and total disillusionment. The occurrence of mental health-related conditions in society has seen a rapid increase in the last couple of decades. The impact of the worldwide pandemic that is currently still part of our everyday lives has also had a major impact on people’s lives. Seen that May is a time to raise awareness for those living with mental or behavioural health challenges and to assist in reducing the stigma that so many people experience. To help those people find resources and practical tools that can be used to improve their mental health and increase their resilience.

One of the many coping mechanisms people turn to, to try and cope with anxiety, depression or any other related mental behavioural challenges is self-mutilation. The specific focus of my post is therefore to create awareness and offer some guidance on what self-mutilation is and how to approach this harmful behavioural pattern.

What is self-mutilation? The most common form of self-mutilation is cutting and or burning (but some people cut on less noticeable areas of the body), pulling out hair, hitting yourself, scratching yourself, breaking your bones intentionally or ingestion of anything that could be harmful to the body. People who struggle with self-mutilation do this in a response to deep inner pain, brokenness, loneliness, despair and underlying depression.

Cutting is a destructive unhealthy coping mechanism. If no solution is found to these feelings of hopelessness and fear, then it can only escalate into desperation that can manifest into an attempted suicide. It must be understood that the motive for these actions of self-mutilation is not self-destructive in nature — on the contrary, it is an attempt for the person to feel better (because the emotions are greater than themselves).

Self-mutilation is an unhealthy way or attempts to try and manage your emotions. Cutting releases endorphins in the brain, an action that creates a detachment from reality. The desired emotional relief to the person is the search to an escape from reality or to be caught in a euphoric state. Euphoria is an overwhelming feeling of happiness, joy, and well-being.

People experiencing euphoria may feel carefree, safe, and free of stress. Suicide is seen as a permanent solution, whereas self-mutilation is seen as a temporary solution to a long-term problem.

Critical to a breakthrough from self–mutilation lies in the process of healing of memories (also known as inner healing) followed by a potential need for the prayer of deliverance.

Journal Activity:

Write down any negative statements that you say about yourself on a regular basis. This will include the words “never or always”, such as, “I always do the wrong thing.” —rewrite those statements inflexible terms, in a more positive style such as, “Sometimes I make good decisions.”
The idea is to recognize that we rarely live life in the absolutes of “never” or “always,” and a good outcome is as likely as a bad outcome.

Be reminded that a positive attitude and actions create more positivity.
Saying the positive, flexible statements out loud whenever the negative thoughts try to creep back into your consciousness will also help change this destructive behaviour.

Bible Study

Read Luke 18:1-8 –Why did Jesus feel the need to tell a story? Stories help us remember, the connection to stories happens in a different place in our hearts and in our heads rather than just being a statement in general. Jesus had two points he wanted to imprint onto the hearts of his disciples. Firstly, He wanted them to be dedicated to prayer and make it a consistent part of their lives. Secondly, He wanted them to know that they must never give up, no matter what the circumstances might be.

What seems to make you fall apart can eventually reform you. What if these words are true; the deeper you know your brokenness, the deeper you can experience being loved. “I fall because I am broken but I rise because I am worthy, and I fall again because I am broken but I always rise because Jesus saved me!”

I want to encourage you to trust in Him as well, and wait on Him (Psalm 46:1, Psalm 27:14, Hebrews 12:1-3; Proverbs 23:18).  God promises His children a future filled with hope. He will help you through current circumstances. You may not see it right now and don’t understand how He is working in your life, but He will not abandon you. I want to encourage you that HOPE has a name and His name is Jesus. Mindfulness mantra: A good phrase: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13

Prayer

Jesus, I know there are things I need to do to feel better, but just thinking about them seems exhausting. Jesus, help me take the first step. And when that first step is taken, help me take the next and then next step that I may walk in victory with You. Lead me to a place of serenity where this fog of fear and doubt will lift, that I will feel lighter, happier, healthier, and in control of my emotions. Grant me the patience to accept Your plan for my life, and to live in faith in the expectation of a blessed life in Your Grace. Jesus, help me to never give up as I seek Your will, Your presence, and Your help through prayer. Amen.

Helpful Resources

If you battle with a form of self-mutilation or you know someone who does, we want you to understand this article will only point you in the right direction.

Find help from a professional, licensed counsellor, or therapist — for you or someone else. (These contact numbers are for assistance in South Africa. Please consult an online directory for help in the region where you reside).

SADAG Mental Health Line
011 234 4837

Akeso Psychiatric Response Unit 24 Hour
0861 435 787

Leni Snyman

Pastoral Counsellor (special interest in trauma).

The post Open Wounds appeared first on Cup of Faith.

Do you sometimes feel that much of your life is a waste? Do you find yourself looking back on things that have happened, decisions you’ve made or not made, missed opportunities through the years? Feelings of being stuck in the same place, …and you were pretty sure, the level should have been higher? Being stuck is like quicksand. The more you try to get out, the deeper you sink.

Our minds want to push, control, and manipulate. It stems from insecurity, and the devil would like to keep us stuck, so that he can judge and condemn us with his lies. There’s always something that you feel drawn to do during these periods (you just need to start trusting your inner voice of reason). You’re not completely stuck, not in every area of your life. When these times come like waves, focus on the Word of God.

“He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes, with the princes of his people” – Psalm 113:7-8

Psychologists tell us that a sense of meaning and purpose is very important for longevity and emotional wellbeing. We all want to be secure, loved, and remarkable, but how do I get there?

Try these steps:

• Let go of the past.
• Learn to be present by starting with this simple mindfulness practice:
  • Sit comfortably.
  • Place one hand over your heart.
  • Take 5 deep breaths.
  • Pause and reflect – be in the moment (mind your negative thoughts)
  • Affirm while you feel your heartbeat:

The Lord will work out his plans for my life— for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever. Don’t abandon me, for you made me. – Psalm 138:8

• • Take another 5 deep breaths.
  • Write in your journal your feelings and thoughts. Pray about them.
  • Ask Jesus to show you your purpose. Praise Jesus for recycled Grace (build on gratitude).
  • “In Jesus we know we are recycled Grace, He is the Light and Love, The Recycled Redeemer. You were born to have a purpose, you have a story, an influence, a meaning, love to give…”
• Explore your purpose.
• Change your perspective of life.
• Start with small changes.
• Believe in yourself.
• Consider talking to a professional if you experience any unhealthy thought patterns.

Let’s pray together:

Jesus, what an awesome and resourceful God You are! You take the “garbage” from the landfill of our lives and create something beautiful out of it. Teach us to value what others call castaways–and give us the resources and the creativity to help bring purpose and healing to our lives and to those who need it most. Thank you for recycling every mistake, every sin, every piece of doubt and hurt from our lives, and for giving us a new purpose that will ultimately glorify You!
Praise to Jesus who has redeemed us and given us life!
Amen

Leni Snyman

Pastoral Counsellor (special interest in trauma).

The post The Recycled Redeemer appeared first on Cup of Faith.

I believe that every Christian has gone through or will go through a dark night of the soul where deep doubts and fears flare-up, but to overcome those fears is as simple as staying in the Bible faithfully, day by day.

Desmond Tutu once said, “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.”

I want to remind you of the following truth – there is hope in His resurrection, there is the Gospel of God and that should change everything that you do. Let me assure you – if you look at your life and you are not living in the hope of your salvation, then the devil is lying to you.

A lot of people in this world trust in different things, but I am talking about trusting with hope. Daily prayer will invite God into our lives and help us establish a deeper trust.

We are anchored in our soul; we are not drifters. God is offering you a sanctuary of peace…but TRUST is the key. – Hebrews 6:19

I keep a journal with my Bible, and start with a prayer just asking that God speaks to me through His Word, giving me the knowledge to understand what He is laying on my heart, and then handing Him every single one of our burdens, worries, and fears.

Use the following acronym as a daily affirmation in your journal.
H – have
O – only
P – positive
E – expectations

There is hope when you trust in God for you know that it does not matter what comes today, it does not matter what comes tomorrow,

I know where my soul rests – Psalms 62:1

I know my soul is in the hands of God. I know that my salvation is in the hands of God and everything else becomes easier. If we can trust God with our very soul for eternity, how much easier is it to trust Him with the simple things that we are faced with every single day?

We know that we need to live with hope, we need to have trust with hope, and finally, we need to have faith with hope.

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. – Psalm 119:105

Leni Snyman

Pastoral Counsellor (special interest in trauma).

The post Uplifting your Hope-Meter in Life appeared first on Cup of Faith.

They said to him, “Inquire of God, please, that we may know whether our way on which we are going will be prosperous.” The priest said to them, “Go in peace; your way in which you are going has the Lord’s approval.” – Judges 18:1-9

Throughout our lives, we will go on unknown paths. Sometimes it will make us feel fear and doubt, especially, if we go through difficult times. We might feel lost and like we can’t seem to find our way out of the situation, but take heart, God is with us, every day!

God walks with us on our path, we are never alone.

Our faith is our compass, the Holy Spirit our guide and God is our protector. We don’t need to feel overwhelmed; God is in control (make that your daily affirmation).

Enjoy the view, embrace the unknown and sing of a song of joy!

Leni Snyman

Pastoral Counsellor (special interest in trauma).

The post Stand Firm appeared first on Cup of Faith.

King Solomon teaches us to be careful about how we think because the quality of our thoughts will always determine the quality of our life.

Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life. – Proverbs 4:23

All of the time, our brains are turning over thoughts (a new study has found the average person has more than 6000 thoughts every day). However, we are not consciously aware of most of them because it happens relatively fast.
Our automatic thoughts, however, play an important role in our emotional well-being.

People often think that the feelings they experience are caused by external events, situations, and the actions of others, but it is what we think about these things that really determines how we feel.

• Specifically, it is our thoughts and beliefs about the situation or person that makes us feel and respond the way we do.
• Thoughts come automatically to us and we are often not conscious of how or what we are thinking.
• There are 3 kinds of automatic thoughts: neutral, positive, and negative
• If we feel distressed, it is often because we are thinking particularly negative thoughts that contribute to us feeling distressed.
• If we want to improve how we feel, we need to begin by becoming more aware of what we are thinking and changing our thoughts (reframe).

Feelings are not Thoughts

Do our thoughts turn into feelings that have the power to control our behaviour and lives? When we first try to distinguish thoughts from feelings, it can be easy to confuse them. We might be used to talking about thoughts and feelings as being part of the same experience, but it is more helpful to separate them and remember that feelings are not thoughts.

2 Corinthians 10:5 tells us that we are to “Demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

A journal is also a very helpful tool to write down your feelings and thoughts. This will help you to take them apart. You can pray about your feelings and thoughts and ask God to give you the scripture, write it all down.

Use this acronym for journal writing:

T- is it true?
H-does it honour God?
O-what is its origin?
U – is it uplifting?
G – does it involve guilt?
H – is it helpful?
T – is it a temptation?
S – does it strengthen you?

Seek the truth in your thoughts.

Choose to focus your thoughts on the right things. We are to think about those things that are “true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable – Phil. 4:8

When we think about those things, God promises to give us His peace. It is not easy to reframe your thoughts, however, it is possible! As God empowers you to focus your mind on the right things, it will become easier. You can develop a new frame of reference, based on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy.

Leni Snyman

Pastoral Counsellor (special interest in trauma).

The post Thoughts, are they always true? appeared first on Cup of Faith.