Losing Ashlee

Losing Ashlee

Written by, Minister Kim Johnson

It’s been almost two years since you left and it hurts just like it was yesterday. You were the best friend anyone could ask for and you were always there to protect me, no matter what!

When my thoughts stray to you I instantly feel a heaviness in my heart and my eyes begin to water.

I will never, ever, forget you my dear best! and loyal friend.

The Bible tells us in Psalm 34:18, “that
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

Since I believe everything that God tells me , I know that I will see you again and that God is with me, even in this!

Continue to Rest In Peace Ashlee…

Believers Hurt Too

Written by Minister Kim Johnson, author of I Am My Sister (Women Helping Women)

Believers Hurt Too

I was taught that people who know the Lord shouldn’t show their feelings, especially if they are hurt or grieving. The belief is, it shows a lack of trust in God and a weakness to the world.

But now that I know God for myself, and have a relationship with Him, I know that, that way of thinking isn’t correct.

For instance, in the Book of Job 1:20, when Satan was allowed to test Job, Job lost everything. And Job showed great emotion. In fact, Job was so distraught that he tore his robe, shaved his head, and fell to the ground and worshiped.

This tells me that even with someone like Job who demonstrated so much faith and trust in God that he too felt emotions. The thing is this, when tragedy strikes, believers hurt just as much as anyone else. We grieve, but not as those that have no hope (1 Thess. 4:13). We worship in tragedy, knowing nothing can separate us from God and the love He has for us (Rom. 8:35-39).

My brothers and Sisters when trouble comes your way, and it will come, give yourself permission to feel your emotions, but grieve with hope.

Apostle Paul in the Bible taught the Christians in Thessalonians about the second Coming of the Lord. Not understanding all he said, they became concerned about their love ones who are already passed on. Paul explained that because of Christ, we always have hope, and we are assured that we will see those we love again (Charles Stanley Bible).

Brothers and Sisters do you hear me! it’s alright to feel things too.

Please Don’t Be Afraid

Please Don’t Be Afraid

Written by Minister Kim Johnson

Saints, while this storm is raging all around you please do not be afraid. God is with you. He IS working everything out. I know it may not look like it, especially when you see so many people dying and your loved ones are becoming sick; and you, yourself are trying to avoid sickness. I don’t know what else to say to convince you other than, this is a true test of your faith in God.

For those that have not been tested, and who say, “trust God, ” I say, it is easy for you to say “trust God” when you, yourself, are not being tested.

But the thing is this, my friends, we must trust God in the middle of this raging test and storm, even though we know we cannot Control the situation; because God tells us too.

The Bible tells us in Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

And, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5).

Saints, please keep on praying, and know that God is in Control and He is with you!

Brothers and Sisters, do you hear me, don’t be afraid….

Waiting When God is Silent

Written by Minister Kim Johnson, founder of ‘I Am My Sister (Women Helping Women)’

Waiting When God is Silent

God used to talk to me ALL the time when I was preparing for my previous conferences and I was able to do as He instructed step by step. But when I began preparing for my third women’s conference I couldn’t hear God’s voice all the time. I would hear Him now and then, and sometimes so quietly I questioned if it were Him talking to me or me talking to myself.

As a person that does not like to get a head of God, I started feeling unsure of myself and being a little double-minded. I knew that it was the enemy messing with me, which made me feel even more desperate to hear from God. I did not want to mess up with God or do anything on my own accord; so you can imagine what I was going through.

I think, during that time, it was one of my more difficult walks with God.

One of the hardest things that I have had to do in my life is to wait on God especially not hearing clear directions.

Silly me tried getting peace by asking pastors and other religious leaders what they thought or what I should do, but I still had that empty feeling inside of me after they prayed and talked to me, lol.

I finally realized that I was still in my way. I was the obstacle. I was doubting that God would speak to me.

In the Charles Stanley Bible, Pastor Stanley breaks down what I was going through eloquently and I finally understood what was happening. He writes that, “We will have difficulty listening if we come to God with uncertainty, doubting that He is going to speak.

Instead, we are to approach God confidently and expectedly, anticipating that He will communicate with us. Such an attitude expresses our faith and demonstrates that we believe His promises.

Another problem is disobedience. God instructs us, but we do not like His answer. Perhaps we want more information before we step out on faith. Maybe the Lord is commanding us to release something that is important to us or directing us to act in a way that is terrifying, challenging, or unpleasant. Either way, we want Him to change His mind and plan.”

The thing is this Saints, “ we need to keep on listening attentively and prepare to submit to whatever the Lord tells us. Our heavenly father will speak, and when He does He will bless us greatly.”

We need to relax and just chill, God hears us, we just need to stand still and wait on the Lord.

Brothers and Sisters do you hear me, are you ready to stand still and wait on the Lord even when He is Silent?

Don’t be Jealous of People

Written by Minister Kim Johnson , Founder of “I Am My Sister (Women Helping Women)”

One of the things I have learned in life is that you are either in a storm, coming out of a storm or about to enter into a storm. And that, what God has for you, is for you, and only you.

So my question is this, why are people jealous of one another?

Think on this my brothers and sisters, we have no idea what tribulations and thunderstorms that people go through in their lives. As such, we need to understand that the glory we witness in people is sometimes the manifestation of their pain that may have pushed them into their purpose or what we see in them currently. So if that is the case, why be jealous of anyone?

Do you want to go through the pain that they went through to get to where they are now?

I don’t think so! Know this, the blessing that is designed for you, is for you only, and it is on its way, in God’s timing.

In the Bible it tells us that there is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven (Ecclesiastics 3:1).

Brothers and Sisters do you hear me? Are you willing to wait on the blessing designed for you, and only you?

Oh…Christmas Eve: Thank You God

Written by Minister Kim Johnson, founder of I Am My Sister (Women Helping Women) Ministry

Sitting here thinking about my Christmas’ as a child and how exciting and innocent they were. My brother and I could barely sleep Christmas Eve night in anticipation of Santa’s visit and all the presents we would receive.

Today, the excitement I feel comes from being grateful and thankful that I have God in my life and understanding that Jesus is the greatest gift that I have ever received.

My dear brothers and sisters I am also grateful that I am able to share the greatest gift of all with you, Jesus Christ!

The Bible tells us in 2 Corinthians 9:15, “the greatest gift we could ever receive is salvation through the death and resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ. The reason we should embrace the privilege of giving is out of love and thankfulness for all God has already provided for us” (Charles Stanley Bible).

Brothers and Sisters do you hear me? Do you express your love for the Lord with an overflow of thankfulness in your heart?

Feeling Emotional: in the Diner

Written by Minister Kim Johnson, founder of “I Am My Sister “Women Helping Women)

Life is so funny. You never know when grief will hit you. Something as simple as watching someone else tend to their love one can affect you.

I was eating in my favorite diner watching this woman help her elderly father put on his coat. I said to the woman “you are such a blessing” and she told me that her dad was such a good guy. As I continued to watch her fuss over him, the tears began to flow from my eyes uncontrollably.

I inwardly laughed to myself because I had to go to the register and pay for my food and I didn’t want the cashier to see my blood shot eyes.

Brothers and Sisters, it was my greatest pleasure to care for my grandfather.

Being a caretaker can be difficult but at the same time, rewarding. If I had to do it again, I definitely would.

Westchester Diner

Letting Go of the Love of My Life!

Written by Minister Kim Johnson, founder of “I Am My Sister (Women Helping Women)

I had to let go of a relationship with a man that I loved with all of my heart. In my spirit I knew he was not the one for me. It was difficult to let go, because it was a sole tie relationship. God quietly spoke to me every time I was with him. To me, this man was perfect. But God told me “just not for me.”

I’m telling you this readers, to tell you that, hearing the voice of God is important, and listening to that voice is just as important. Obedience can save you from unnecessary heartache down the road too.

Brothers and Sisters, walking with God is not easy, but it is worth it!

Are you Called to give up something you love for the sake of obedience?

I’m good now, whew!!! Thank you Jesus for always talking to me! And for loving me that much!

#iammswhw

My Prayer: An excerpt from My Journey

Written by Minister Kim Johnson, founder/owner of “I Am My Sister (Women Helping Women)

When I was going through a divorce many many years ago, I was extremely sad. And although I had a relationship with God, it was not like it is today.

To ease my pain I would write to God in a journal. I wrote daily and about every emotion I ever felt. As I look back over my notes, I can definitely see the growth in my walk with God and how far I have come from those sad days.

Here is a sample of one of my writings, titled, “My Prayer.”

“God my prayer is that you will forgive me for being weak and lacking the knowledge of Your Will. I pray that You forgive me for not studying Your Word when I was still at home with my husband. Shoot! Maybe if I had of been reading the Bible I would have understood how to deal with our issues, instead of walking away.

God, forgive me for not standing still in the past. I am praying for focus, wisdom, unwavering faith, patience, to be obedient, to stay in control, to be kind, gentle, and a humble person, Amen.”

Basically, my Brothers and Sisters, I want you to know that when you are going through tough times, writing can be a tool or an outlet you can use to lift you up.

Brothers and sisters do you hear me? Are you going through something and need a tool or an outlet to help you to feel better? Have you considered writing?

#iammswhw

In the Comfort Zone

Written by Minister Kim Johnson, founder of I Am My Sister (Women Helping Women)

It’s so easy to live our lives in the comfort zone. In the comfort zone we feel safe.

In fact, In the comfort zone we find ourselves attached to things not good for us or in situations that stop us from reaching our full potential.

Saints, I’m here to tell you that God wants us to move out of the comfort zone.

Sure, I know that sometimes it’s just not that easy and that it’s easier said than done. I also know that you worry about what will happen to you. You question whether or not, you will fail or success.

The thing is, you cannot reach your full potential if you don’t do what God is calling you to do , even if it makes you uncomfortable.

Scripture tells us, the apostles in the Bible left their comfort zones to follow Jesus. They willingly went into situations that were dangerous. They were arrested and threatened, but they were willing to serve God (Matthew 19:27).

God calls us to Obedience, even if it is difficult. Are you willing to step out on faith and do what He is calling you to do?

#iammswhw

Reference: Charles Stanley Bible

How are you Praising God?

Written by Minister Kim Johnson, founder of I Am My Sister (Women Helping Women)

As Christians we can’t live our lives only praising God on Sunday. We have to live our lives praising God in everything that we do, All the time and every day of our lives.

We don’t want to be like the people in Jesus’ time. Scripture tells us that the crowd praised Jesus on Sunday and rejected Him on Thursday (Luke 19:28-44 and Luke 22:48-65).

Brothers and sisters, we need Jesus in every aspect of our lives and we need to stay focused on Him 24/7.

It’s really very simple, we can praise God by the way we live our lives. By not letting people take us out of character and by having faith that He will always be there for us in the good and bad times of our lives.

Brothers and Sisters do you hear me? Are you praising God everyday or only when you are in trouble or on Sunday’s?

#iammswhw

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https://www.iammysisterwomenhelpingwomen.org

Don’t Lose Your Faith

Written by Minister Kim Johnson, founder of I Am My Sister Women Helping Women)

As an anointed…called Christian, it is possible to lose faith, especially if you have enough setbacks in your life . Even David in the Bible lost his faith and hope for a moment. Psalm 13:1-6, tells us that David was all alone and momentarily felt that God had left him asking God “how long would He hide His face from Him.”

The thing is this, “at times we might feel as though God has hidden Himself from us. Yet these times do not last. Often He is testing us to see if we will continue to follow Him according to the truth of His Word, regardless of our feelings” (Charles Stanley).

As such, my brothers and sisters, we must try to remember how in the past God helped us, and know in our gut that God will not let us down this time either.

Brothers and Sisters do you hear me? Do you know that you can trust God?

Amen.

Pray, Trust and Wait on the Lord

Written by Minister Kim Johnson, founder of I Am My Sister (Women Helping Women)

Every time I have ever waited on the Lord I was blessed beyond what I could have imagined. And every time I have moved ahead of God’s timing it was a disaster in the long run 🙄.

Brothers and sisters, God hears your prayers. Trust that He is working it out in your favor.

In the Bible it tells us “Do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day” (2 Peter 3:8).

Charles Stanley explains it like this, “God simply does not run this world by our timetable, His view of time is inherently different from ours. What feels like a delay to us is right on schedule by His calendar. He often makes us wait, not to frustrate us, but to deepen our trust in Him.”

Brothers and Sister are you willing to be patient and wait on God for your prayers to be answered?

References

Charles Stanley, Life Principles Bible, p.1497.

Confidence

You are beautiful whatever size you are. Own it! Know it!

Confidence!

I write about this, because there was a time in my life, as I gained weight, that my confidence and my mindset couldn’t adjust. It took a lot of mental work on my part to realize that I was beautiful no matter if I were thin or heavier.

I got it now!!!!

Sister to Sister, do you know that you are beautiful?

Trust the Process

Trust the Process

Written by Kim Johnson, founder of “I Am My Sister (Women Helping Women)”

When life throws us a curve ball or should I say, when we enter into “suddenly” storms there is a physical and mental process that is taking place. And sometimes our minds can’t adjust that quickly to what is happening or to the sudden news. We begin to wale and cry, we ask God why has He forsaken us, and where is He. We even ask God to take the pain and suffering away from us.

But the thing is my brothers and sisters, in every step of what you are going through you are being built up, you are being strengthened, you are learning to depend on God, and He has your full attention.

And while He has your attention He is able to remove the things in you that are not pleasing to Him and able to mold you into a better version of you. Glory!

The Book of James 5:10, basically tells us that “God uses our valleys to get our attention, to examine ourselves and to change our behavior. If you are willing to change what needs to be changed, you will emerge from adversity closer to God, more mature as His child, and with far greater potential to reflect the love of God to the world around you” (Charles Stanley Bible, Life Principle, p. 1483).

Brothers and Sisters, do you hear me? are you willing to go through the process?

Have Faith in Dark times

Written by, Kim Johnson-Founder of “I Am My Sister (Women Helping Women)”

Sometimes it’s hard to remember to have faith when we are going through a rough patch in our lives, even when we know the word of God.

But the good news is, when we surround ourselves with friends and family who know the Word of God, too. We can count on them to remind us of what we already know, which is “to have faith even though we are in a dark place.”

Sister to Sister do you have people in your life that can pray and intercede for you?

Be a Blessing

Everyone needs a blessing. We all need to be encouraged, edified, complimented, and appreciated.

And YOU have the ability to bless others. Be thankful that God not only blesses you, but that He has made you a blessing.

We all get weary at times and need other people to let us know that we are valuable and appreciated (Joyce Meyers).

So be a blessing to someone today. Amen

Sister to sister do you hear me? Are you willing to be a blessing to someone?

Walking in Obedience

Written by Kim Johnson, Founder of I Am My Sister (Women Helping Women) LLC

One thing I have learned is, when God calls us to do something, We should do it immediately. In the long run we are going to do it anyway, Either the hard way or the easy way, lol.

As for me, I don’t like consequences and I don’t want God to give my assignment to someone else, so if I know it’s God talking to me, I’m jumping.

Did God ask you to do something you’re struggling to do? Don’t forget Jonah in the Bible (Jonah 1:1-4).

The good news is we can repent.

God never turns away from a truly repentant heart, even if that heart beats in a man who tried to run away from Him. The Lord often uses affliction, not to punish us but to bring us back to Him (Charles Stanley Bible, p. 1049).

Doing What God Called Me to Do

Written by Kim Johnson, Author of immysister.org

Sometimes God calls us to do things that we really don’t want to do. Some of the reasons we may not want to do them are, we lack self-confidence, we may doubt our ability to succeed, we don’t feel qualified, or, as simple as, we just plain ole are too tired and afraid. But! On the other hand, when God gives us a vision and we follow through with it, in spite of what we might be feeling, we are walking in obedience and demonstrating faith/trust in God.

As for me, I want to be obedient and I want to do what God calls me to do. However, I am no different than anyone else, walking in obedience is hard for me too.  Especially, if it involves a lack of sleep, stress, driving some place I don’t want to go and dealing with difficult people.

Nevertheless, I have learned to push past my feelings and trust God no matter what I see, because I don’t like consequences and I don’t want God to give my assignment to someone to else.

In any event, the bible tells us that blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it (Luke 11:28, NIV).  Charles Stanley explains that God always promises to bless joyful obedience.  And that we delight God’s heart when we choose to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to do what He commands us to do.  Often, God’s greatest blessings come as a result of our willingness to do something that appears very insignificant.

So ask yourself, has God been challenging you to do something seemingly unimportant that you have rationalized by saying, it’s too difficult, I don’t want to, or I have to pray about it first?

The thing is this, our obedience always benefits others. God often rewards others in particular, those closest to us as a result of our obedience. For example, when a father obeys the Lord, his entire family reaps the reward of God’s blessings.  Likewise, a child’s obedience will bless his or her parents.  This does not mean that those who choose to disobey the Lord will escape His discipline because of someone else’s godly walk. His call to obedience always demands our response.  However, when we live obedient lives, those who know and love us will sense the peace and joy he has given us.  And, instead of conflict, there will be contentment and that is just one part of experiencing God’s goodness (pg. 1198).

Sister to Sister do you hear me, are you walking in Godly obedience?

Reference

Stanley, C. F. (2009). Life Principles Bible. In C. Stanley (Ed.). Thomas Nelson.

Copyright © 2017- 2019, This Blog is presented by I Am My Sister (Women helping Women) LLC 

Unauthorized use and /or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited.  Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to immysister.org or I Am My Sister (Women helping Women) LLC with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Timing is Everything

 Written by Kim Johnson, Author of immysister.org and I AM My Sister (Women helping Women) LLC

Sisters, I’ve been thinking about “timing” for a while now.  I met a guy a few years ago that I fell in love with, but the timing just was never right for us, so we never got together.  I still love this person too, but I realize that some relationships or situations are not meant to be.  I like to believe that everything happens in God’s timing and not one minute before.  In the bible, scripture tells us that “there is an appointed time for everything.  And there is a time for every event under heaven” (Eccl. 3:1).

Pastor Charles Stanley explains it this way, in His wisdom and sovereignty, God sets an appropriate time for everything.  For instance, at the right time, Christ was born; at the right time, He lifts us up and that we shouldn’t run ahead of God’s timing! His blessings are always worth the wait (p. 759).

Saints! I want you to understand that nothing happens by accident and that God is in control of all things, even that great love that never happened for me. More importantly, if we wait on the Lord we will surely be blessed with what He wants us to have, because God wants the best for us.

Sister to Sister do you hear me? Do you know that timing is everything and that you will not miss what God has intended for you?

 

Reference

Stanley, C. F. (2009). Life Principles Bible. In C. Stanley (Ed.). Thomas Nelson. 

 

That One Moment I Felt Afraid

That One Moment I Felt Afraid

Written by Kim Johnson, Author of I Am My Sister (Women helping Women) LLC @ immysister.org

 As a Christian we are told not to be afraid because God is with us, and I believe that with all my heart.  But that day when I went into surgery, as I slid from the gurney onto the operating table, I felt a moment of terror.  A thought ran across my mind to tell the nurses that I had changed my mind.  I panicked for a moment.  But as quickly as that thought entered my head, the Holy Spirit began to minister to me. And I knew that whatever happened on that operating table, either way, I would be okay, because I had God.

Admittedly, even though I forgot Gods promise for a minute, I repented and I have no doubt that God forgave me. The thing is, we are not perfect people and sometimes our first instinct is to be afraid, but thank God we live under the Covenant of Grace, and that God forgives us over and over again, Amen.

In any event, in the bible it tells us, to be strong and courageous.  To not be frightened, and to not be dismayed, for the Lord our God is with us wherever we go (Joshua 1:9).

Saints, “when we face trials of any kind, we must remember that God is beside us.  When we experience joy, love and sorrow, God is close to us.  Nothing is greater than Him, and He has pledged never to leave us.  The only way we hinder the victory is through disobedience and unbelief.  So no matter what you are facing or how bad your situation seems, take courage, believe God, and do exactly as He says.  With God fighting for you, there’s absolutely no reason to be afraid” (Stanley, 2009).

Sister to Sister do you hear me? Do you know that God is with you at all times? Do you know that God Will work out whatever you have doubt about or what you are going through?

References 

New International Version. (n.d.). Joshua 1:9.

Stanley, C. F. (2009). Life Principles Bible. La Habra: Thomas Nelson.

Copyright – Kim Johnson and immysister.org, 2017- 2018.  Unauthorized use and /or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited.  Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Kim L. Johnson and immysister.org with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

 

Taking off the Mask

Taking off the Mask

Written by Kim Johnson, Author of “I Am My Sister (Women helping Women)” LLC @immysister.org

Every morning that I wake up, I thank the Lord for another day.  I pray to God that He shows me myself, and that there be more of Him, in my life, and less of me. Just knowing that I represent God, makes me want to be completely free of anything that might be holding me back from receiving all of His blessings.

I honestly believe that in order for us to be our very best, we need to evaluate ourselves and our motives. Shoot! When I asked God to show me, me, it wasn’t a pretty sight, lol.  But I was glad that He revealed me to me, because I was able to repent and ask God for His forgiveness.

Saints, too often we think we have all the answers, and that we are living the perfect Christian life.  The truth is, we are all sinners and that Jesus was the only One that was perfect.  When we don’t ask God to reveal things to us about ourselves, we may be sinning unknowingly.

Furthermore, when God shows us ourselves we are able to repent for the things that are not pleasing to Him. We walk a closer walk with our Father and we are able to make changes in our lives.

In the bible it says, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way” (NIV, Psalms 139:23-24).

Moreover, yes, everyone has skeletons, yes, everyone can play a part and wear a mask, yes, everyone can deceive others about who they are, but we can’t do anything about them, we can only do something about ourselves (The Ministry MAMA, 2013).

Sister to Sister do you hear me? Are you “wearing a mask, revealing a sinful lifestyle, covering the light of the Holy Spirit? If you are, it is to flirt with spiritual disaster both for yourself and the eternity of others. If we picture ourselves kneeling before God on the day of the Judgement Seat of Christ with our current lifestyle in hand. Would you regret it? Are you wearing a mask and covering the light of God within you? Are you causing others to stumble because you’re in open rebellion? Or is your breastplate of righteousness shining God’s light to the lost? Hypocrisy and sinful living should be dispensed of! (The Ministry MAMA, 2013).

References

The Family Place Church. (n.d.). Retrieved September 18, 2018, from https://www.tfpchurch.com/taking-off-the-mask.html

The Ministry MAMA. (2013, November 12). The Hidden Dangers of a Christian Wearing a Mask. Retrieved from https://theministrymama.com/2013/11/12/the-hidden-dangers-of-a-christian-wearing-a-mask/

Copyright – Kim Johnson and immysister.org, 2017- 2018.  Unauthorized use and /or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited.  Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Kim L. Johnson and immysister.org with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Faith that God ‘WILL’ Do What He Said

Written by Minister Kim Johnson, founder of I Am My Sister Women Helping Women) LLC

My faith is constantly being tested. It seems that the more I write about having faith, the more I am tested. There have been things that I have prayed about, only to have those prayers not answered, year after year, after year. 

But the difference, I think that I have now is, I have ‘hope’ inaddition, to my faith. I know that while it is uncomfortable for me, and NOT my will to wait on the things I am praying for, God has not forgotten about me. 

Scripture tells us that “Faith is confidence that the Lord will do what He has promised. It is not simply wishful thinking. It is the absolute conviction that God is not only willing, but also able, to accomplish all He has pledged to us, regardless of how our circumstances may appear or what obstacles may have to be overcome. As the Saints of old learned, your confidence in Him is never in vain, for “He who promised is faithful”(Charles Stanley Bible).

(Hebrew 11:1)- Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Brothers and Sisters God is working on your behalf. Don’t give up on what you are praying about! He hears you.

Self-Discipline and the Christian Walk

Discipline

Written by Kim Johnson, Author of immysister.org and I Am My Sister (Women helping Women)

I have always been able to control myself, even as a small child. Self-discipline was never really an issue for me, especially once I got it in my head that I had better do the right thing.  However…there have been times when my flesh hasn’t always fallen in line with my thinking.  I can remember a few times when the Holy Spirit told me to do one thing and I simply choose to do something else. I have to giggle when I think about it, because I rationalized my disobedience by telling myself that it was myself talking to me.   Sisters, I have loads of stories that I could share with you where I have listened to myself.  Some of my stories would make you laugh, and some, you would say, make me look pathetic. 

The thing is this, we cannot do everything we feel like doing as Christians.  We can’t tell people off because they hurt our feelings or offend us (even though we may want too).    And when people treat us bad or poorly we can’t treat them the same way. Instead, we have to let things go and pray for those that hurt us.  

I know you are probably saying it’s hard to do these things, but I’m telling you, you can do it;  I’m telling myself as well, because God knows, I am a work in progress.

Joel Osteen (2014), my favorite Pastor, tells us that “we cannot be loose in our morals.  We cannot let our flesh have its way.  We have to exercise self-control and discipline, we cannot say things, and then regret what we said later.  Had we been disciplined in what we said earlier, we wouldn’t feel bad later, and then wish we had never said it the first place.  Self-control and self-discipline go hand and hand, we must stay in control in all things and ways.”

The Apostle Paul also tells us about his own hard time when he was trying to do the right thing in his life and how it was a struggle.  He says, “What I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate (Romans 7:15-20).

“All of us can relate to the fierce internal struggle that Paul describes.  We find ourselves succumbing to sin, even though we want to honor God. The thing is this, until we stand in Jesus’ presence, we will all experience this battle.  The only way to win is by dying to ourselves so that Christ can live through us and by submitting to the Spirit’s overcoming wisdom and power”  (Stanley).

So what does dying to the flesh mean? According to the bible, the spirit is ready but the flesh is weak. The flesh is a source of temptation. The desires of the flesh can be sinful only if we give into them…we must die to the flesh by listening to the voice of God, and not ourselves! Dying in the Flesh is to trade your will, for God’s will, for your life.

Brothers and Sisters, do you hear me? Are you exercising self-control and self-discipline over your life?

References

Osteen, J. (2014, May 24). Being Disciplined and Rule Over Your Feelings. Retrieved from https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=being+disciplined+and+rule+over+your+feelings+sermon&view=detail&mid=7E2EEA1ED9D8F15A855B7E2EEA1ED9D8F15A855B&FORM=VIRE

Stanley, C. (n.d.). Romans 7:15-20. In Life Principles Bible. Thomas Nelson. rio

God Can Use Anything to Get You Back On Track

Written by Kim Johnson, author of “I Am My Sister (Women helping Women) @immysister.org

In the past few weeks my church has been teaching us about Spiritual Warfare and not letting the enemy get a foot hold into our lives. Basically, what they are teaching us is, if you give the enemy an inch, he will devour you whole, and eventually attack your family and everything else you love.

With this in mind, and as I began to apply the messages to my life, I found myself and my ministry being attacked. Now this didn’t surprise me one bit, but the magnitude of it still weighed me down anyway. I have to tell you, I am so thankful, that I have a rescue God who is right on time, ALL the time.

Let me explain, now this may be a little comical, but God used a movie to get me back on track. Okay, so I started watching this movie with my daughter but I was a little preoccupied with something else, when suddenly, the movie caught my attention. The movie was the Karate Kid, starring Jayden Smith and Jackie Chan (don’t laugh at me readers). In the movie “Han (played by Jackie Chan) promises to teach Dre (played by Jayden Smith) Kung Fu. As Dre trains he learns movements that he is able to apply to his life. Han takes Dre to a Taoist temple in the Wudang Mountains where he himself was trained by his father and while they are there, Dre watches a woman making a cobra copy her movements” (Weintraub, 2010).

As I watched Dre being mesmerized by the woman and the cobra, I was reminded of my walk with God and how my moves must be reflective of Him. AND, how I can’t let anything distract me from what He called me to do. Keeping my eyes and mind focused…steady…and locked on God… no matter what!

As a matter of fact, the bible tells us, that it is very easy to become distracted if we don’t keep our eyes on God at all times. Joel Osteen (2018), my favorite pastor breaks down the scripture Mathew 13:23-24, “about a man who went out to his field and planted wheat in the ground. He sowed good seed. This represents that he was doing the right thing, honoring God with his life, and being good to others. But while he slept, an enemy came in and planted weeds. The man didn’t know what had happened. He was expecting to have a great harvest; after all, he did all the right things. But the weeds sprang up among his wheat anyway.”

In other words, the scripture is telling us that sometimes things happen in life. Weeds spring up that we don’t have anything to do with. The key is to keep the right attitude and stay focused on the goodness of God. And when these unexpected challenges happen, we can say, “It’s just another weed. I didn’t sow it, I don’t have to reap it.” Then we can keep the door open for God to move on our behalf (Osteen, 2018).

Sister to Sister do you hear me? Are you keeping your eyes focused on God?

 

References
Osteen, J. (2018, May 20). When Weeds Spring Up . Retrieved from https://247devotionals.com/joel-osteen-sermon-when-weeds-spring-up-May-20-2018/

Weintraub, J. (Producer), & Zwart, H. (Director). (2010). The Karate Kid (2010 film) [Motion Picture]. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TheKarate Kid (2010 film)

Copyright © 2017- 2018, This Blog is presented by I Am My Sister (Women helping Women) LLC. Unauthorized use and /or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to immysister.org or I Am My Sister (Women helping Women) LLC with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

 

 

Loving Me

pexels-photo-774866.jpeg

Written by Minister Kim Johnson, Founder of I Am My Sister (Women helping Women) @ immysister.org

As I look in the mirror and examine the scars left behind from breast cancer surgery, I see a beautiful woman staring back at me. A woman that finally realizes her own self-worth, and a woman ready to live life on her own terms.

Self-acceptance hasn’t always been easy for me, I mean, I have always thought that I was pretty but there were certain aspects of me that I didn’t like. If only I could hide this area, or cover this up, and drape and conceal this or that, I would look perfect. But no matter how I fixed those areas of me, I still didn’t accept me.

One day I had ah ha moment and realized that the part of me that needed to be fixed was the inside of me. I needed to stop judging me and being so hard on me.
Too often in life, circumstances and situations change our view of ourselves and we become our own worst critics. We dwell on the negative aspects of ourselves, thinking we can never change or do better. The fact of the matter is, we need to change our mindset about ourselves and get rid of that negative thinking.

My favorite Pastor Joel Osteen, whom you may hear me quoting quite often, described it best, he said, “Our minds are like computers. We can have the fastest most powerful computer but it won’t function well without the right software. We know how PC viruses contaminate a computer. Not because the PC is bad; but that someone reprogrammed the software.

Fortunately for us, God created us as a masterpiece. With the right software. To be victorious, confident, strong, creative, and able to do all things thru Christ. We were programmed to live a victorious, abundant, faith-filled life. We just have to get rid of the viruses in our software and tell ourselves what our Creator says about us. I am blessed. I am valuable and soon we will be back to our original software.”

Sisters, we have to learn to hit the delete button when negative thoughts come, and remember what the bible tells us, we are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14).”

Sister to Sister do you hear me? Are you loving you?

References
Osteen, J. (2014, June 21). Reprogramming Your Mind. Retrieved from http://anointedmessagesnotes.blogspot.com/2014/06/reprogramming-your-mind-joel-osteen.html

Put it on the Shelf

Put it on the Shelf

Written by Minister Kim Johnson, Founder of I Am My Sister (Women helping Women) @ immysister.org

My cousin and I used to talk about putting things on the shelf and leaving it there. For us, putting things on the shelf is a metaphor for “stop worrying, God is in control.” It is also a reminder that God hears our prayers and will take care of everything…so RELAX.

In fact, the shelf, has taught me personally how to stay in peace, over and over again. It’s the mental mind map that I use to visualize God working out my problems. You see, I’m the type of person that has to use visuals and images to get things deep down into my gut; but once it’s down in my gut, it becomes a part of my immediate and instinctive thought pattern.

The bible tells us, “be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6).

Basically what I am saying to you is, stop stressing over things you have no control over. Put all of your financial difficulties on the shelf, put your health issues on the shelf, your depression on the shelf, your job worries on the shelf, your unemployment on the shelf, your home on the shelf, your relationship on the shelf, your marriage on the shelf, your boss at work on the shelf, that rejection on the shelf, hope, love, expectations or your WHATEVER on the shelf! And let God take care of it for you.

Brothers and Sisters do you hear me? “Do you know that God is the only One who has the power and wisdom to deal with every issue perfectly, and that you have nothing to fear?” (Stanley, 2009).

So why not just put it on the shelf….

 

References
Osteen, J. (2018, September 2). God’s Got This. Retrieved from https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=god%27s+got+this+joel+osteen&view=detail&mid=2824BE8044E7949DD8652824BE8044E7949DD865&FORM=VIRE
Stanley, C. (2009). Life Principles. La Habra, CA: New American Standard Bible.

Copyright – Kim Johnson and immysister.org, 2017- 2018. Unauthorized use and /or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Kim L. Johnson and immysister.org with appropriate and specific direction to the original content

The Healing Power of Writing

                                          The Healing Power of Writing
Written by Kim Johnson, author of I Am My Sister (Women helping Women) LLC @immysister.org

I was thinking about my dog Ashlee and how much I miss her, and so, I decided to write. For me, writing is very therapeutic, it eliminates my stress, helps me connect with my emotions, keeps my mind healthy, it helps me to relax and I get to spend quiet time with the Lord.

With that being said, below is a snippet of how I am feeling right now and how I use writing to ease my grief and sorrow:

“I thank God for the Animal Shelter that rescued Ashlee and for allowing me to adopt her in the latter part of her life… I can only imagine the experiences Ashlee must have suffered prior to her rescue, because the scars of them were evident in her behavior.

A part of me still can’t figure out why anyone would want to deliberately abuse an animal, but I do understand the world that we live in today. I’m just grateful that my Ashlee was one of the lucky dogs who escaped.

When I look back on my relationship with my loyal friend, I think about how much she did for my state of mind during the most difficult years of MY life. In hindsight,
I guess it’s safe to say, we rescued one another. We were both broken and needed to be loved and repaired which we received from one another.
Ironically, now that I am all better and feeling joy once again in my life, God took my Ashlee home to doggy heaven. Oh, but in my imagination…Ashlee is no longer suffering from diabetes or the trauma of her earlier life, she’s running free, and happy as can be in heaven.

If I were to write a letter to Ashlee, it would go something like this:

Dear Ashlee,
How do I begin to tell you what you have done for my life? People think it’s crazy to cry over your death because you are a dog. But to me, you were the most loyal and dedicated friend I have ever had. You got me through some rough times too. Remember that time when my marriage ended and I cried all the time? You were the only one who knew… oh, how grateful I was that you were there.
Remember that time when I had a hard time at work and I came home stressed out? You were right there with your head on my knee, letting me pet you. I could tell in your eyes that you wanted to comfort me.
Remember when we took those long walks in the park and how I cleared my head and talked with God about my dreams? And, and, remember when you used to run up the middle of the street, and how I ran behind you screaming at all the cars to stop so that they wouldn’t hit you, LOL, you were so naughty.
And remember when I broke up with RKO and you laid your head in my lap to comfort me as I cried; I never felt alone or scared with you by my side. Those were the days my friend and you will be forever missed.”

Rest in Heaven,
Your mother, Kim

Sister to sister do you hear me? Do you have a story you want to write about? Have you ever thought of writing or journaling as therapeutic?

 

Copyright – Kim Johnson and immysister.org, 2017- 2018. Unauthorized use and /or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Kim L. Johnson and immysister.org with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
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