Treasured Ministries

Offering women a biblical solution for inner healing

Aliene

Help! My Husband is Battling Pornography Part 3

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When you discover your husband is addicted to pornography, the enemy will often add the weight of lies such as “this is your fault” or “it’s hopeless” or “you were not good enough” NOT TRUE! Sadly, the church is silent or only stays surface to this sensitive topic and many times a wife is left wounded and marriages end. But it does not have to be this way.  

Today we continue with part two of Shelley’s story. Find courage and amazing insight to the true root causes of this issue as Shelly shares the second part of her epic journey from discovering her husband’s pornography addiction to fighting the battle with God’s truth. If you missed part one this two-part podcast, click here to listen.  

Pornography is sweeping our nation like a plague.  More and more marriages are being negatively impacted by it, day after day.  Many wives are mistakenly believing that by offering more sex to their partner, they will discourage their mate from viewing pornography.  Sadly, pornography is only a symptom of an even bigger problem(s) that lie underneath. Issues that have often gone untreated nor healed, are what lead men into this trap.  If you are a wife whose heart has been shattered by this epidemic, you are NOT alone!  There are important God-honoring steps you can take to partner with our war against pornography.   

Join us for part two of this two-part podcast as we offer encouragement, healthy boundary-setting tools, and truth from God’s word about this subject.  

If you missed part one of the podcast, click here.

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Help! My Husband is Battling Pornography Part 2

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Pornography is sweeping our nation like a plague. More and more marriages are being negatively impacted by it, day after day. Many wives are mistakenly believing that by offering more sex to their partner, they will discourage their mate from viewing pornography.  Sadly, pornography is only a symptom of an even bigger problem(s) that lie underneath. Issues that have often gone untreated nor healed, are what lead men into this trap. If you are a wife whose heart has been shattered by this epidemic, you are NOT alone! There are important God-honoring steps you can take to partner with our war against pornography.

In today’s podcast, Shelley shares her epic journey of discovering her husband’s addiction to pornography and how God worked in amazing ways to bring redemption. Join us for part one of this two-part podcast as we offer encouragement, healthy boundary-setting tools, and truth from God’s word about this subject. 

If your husband is struggling with Pornography, you are not alone. Ready for hope and inspiration? Please share this podcast with other women and help make a difference and join us for part two next week.  

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Core Strength

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As you wait and spread the wings of your heart through complete surrender, the very breath of God fills you with quiet strength and lifts your life to soar. And from that eternal perspective, you are carried with strength beyond your understanding for a purpose for beyond yourself.

“But those who wait on the Lord

Shall renew their strength;

They shall mount up with wings like eagles,

They shall run and not be weary,

They shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31

You were not made to strive in your limited strength. You were created to soar with godly girl power as you surrender to Christ and live for his glory. 

Godly girl power is God’s all-surpassing power. This is different from worldly power. Worldly power is outward control dependent on other people and things and focuses on self. Godly girl power is the inner strength of a woman led confidently by God to walk in love and live for his glory no matter what circumstances she faces. 

Love is the most powerful force, and that is what godly girl power is all about.

Be wise brave heart by letting this core truth anchor you during seasons of waiting. Disappointments can cause our hearts slowly to drift away as we pull up our self-protective measures. We take over the reins of our life again. Vow to pull ourselves up by our boot straps. Giving our whole heart to God seems risky, so while we might play the part by attending church, our hearts are far away from God. I’ve been there – how about you.

In our Nourish Scripture this week we see that this drift eventually happened to the church of Ephesus. They are reminded to reflect back to rekindle that love into action (Revelation 2:1-7).

Today is designed as a pause just for you to reflect and review the lessons we learned together on godly girl power through the book of Ephesians. Each truth is connected back to the respective devotion so you can linger longer on lessons that invite your attention. 

What truth was your favorite? Which one will you share with another that has been hit by a wave in life and needs to be anchored to truth so she won’t drift?

Above all remember you were created and redeemed to love God with all your heart and love others as yourself (Mark 12:30-31).  Love is the most powerful force in the world, and that is what Godly girl power is all about.

  • Power always comes from a source. Godly girl power comes only from God himself. To plug into God’s power, we must pause and pull into his presence daily.
  • God’s perfect love casts out fear. She who is brave is free to live for Him.
  • When a strong current of emotions hits your heart, reach out to Jesus for clear direction to stay steady on the path of your purpose.
  • Godly girl power flows from great expectations laid at the feet of our mighty God, who can do “immeasurably more” than we could ever ask in prayer. EXPAND your prayer life to reflect the greatness of our Almighty God.
  • One of the greatest gifts you can bring to the world is becoming the woman God created you to be. Part of that journey is to embrace your spiritual gifts and use them to love others and fulfill your God-given purpose.
  • Forgiveness carves a path for the mighty river of his love and power to flow.
  • Light overcomes darkness. Shine brightly. Love Bravely.
  • Allowing Christ to redefine our identity and the purpose for which we were created not only impacts our life but the lives of those around us. 
  • Wise women train hard for the race of a life that glorifies God by gearing up with God’s Word. Align your life with Godly girl power by putting on the armor of God.

Nourish Scripture: Revelation 2:1-7 

Help! My Husband Is Battling Pornography Part 1

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The betrayal of pornography inside a marriage is a deep wound to a woman’s heart. Often her feelings of betrayal are not validated, and her husband’s wound stays hidden under shame and never finds healing. In today’s podcast, we begin a four-part series on the topic of pornography and we bring a message of hope and cannot wait to share these resources with you.

Jeremy Wiles is the CEO of KingdomWorks Studios and the Director of its films. He founded KingdomWorks Studios in sunny South Florida back in 2012 with his wife, Tiana, who works by his side, writing and producing. Jeremy is also the creator of The Conquer Series– a cinematic DVD series for men on sexual integrity. Over 1,000,000 men have started their journey to freedom from pornography through the Conquer Series which is being used in over 80 countries. He is also in the process of developing a series to help women process the hurt and rejection they experience from pornography. Out of Jeremy’s struggle with this very issue, he became determined to not just talk about the problem of pornography but to find a solution and to share it with others.  

To learn more, find out how to contact KingdomWorks’ The Conquer Series, or sign up for their email newsletter, visit www.ConquerSeries.com. 

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Got Sword?

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You are God’s child. As his daughter, you can walk in the assurance that He can help you today with whatever battle you face—no matter what it is. 

The battles we face in life go far beyond what we can see. The enemy of our soul is behind the evil that wounds us and leaves us with feelings of insecurity and inadequacy. God wants to release his potential within each of us so we can walk in our authentic identity and bring the love of Christ to others. However, Satan, the enemy of our soul, would love to shut down our heart. When that happens, our world suffers and we all lose because every woman is created to bring value to this world.

God’s answer is to armor up and fight the war against the enemy God’s way. 

 “Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:13-17, emphasis mine).

God’s Word is our offensive piece of armor in the battle against the enemy of our soul. Jesus drew from the scriptures to defeat Satan’s manipulative tactics of temptation so he could stand firm (Matthew 4:1-11). You too can walk in victory, as you “take the sword with you” through memory and speak it out loud like Jesus.

Memorization allows us to have direct access to life-changing truths anytime and anywhere. 

Got sword? Godly girl power flows from a woman geared up with God’s Word. Defeat the enemy by dedicating five minutes each day to memorize God’s Word.

“I was 28, married, great job, loved the Lord, had just gotten back from another overseas mission trip, and was at the end of the first trimester of my first and long-awaited pregnancy! Life was great, and it was easy to say “blessed be the name of the Lord.” I meant it with all my heart, but it was easy because my life was easy.  

A week after seeing my baby move around on the ultrasound, I was completely and utterly devastated when my baby’s heart stopped beating, and I would go in the hospital as a pregnant, hopeful, future mommy and leave empty-handed and heart-broken.  This was my first brutal taste of suffering in a sinful world.  

All of a sudden, I was forced to face what I had been taught, studied, and believed.  Was God really sovereign? How would this be worked into good? 

At the same time as this deep sorrow, I also was experiencing the abundant grace of the Lord and the peace that passes all understanding that I had read about and sung about all my life.  I had experienced a valley, and there was no going back to who I was before.  I felt that I was experiencing such an intense growth spurt as well as a new level of attacks from the enemy all at the same time. 

When we are walking through suffering with the Light of the World, Satan hates the glory that the Lord receives as we cry blessed be the name of the Lord and show Christ to the world.  The lies of the enemy are crafty. He would want me to believe this was my fault. He would want me to withdraw in shame and sorrow without hope and cover my light. He wouldn’t want me to share with the world the reason for the hope that I have and why I can in my pain lift my hands to my Lord and rejoice. 

 There was a battle going on and I was a new warrior. 

 I sought the wisdom of a well-respected friend and asked her to mentor me through this process, and the Lord used this Titus 2 relationship to change my life.  We gathered on a regular basis to pray, study the Bible, and read through a book together, but there was one thing in particular that the Lord taught me through her that stands out above all else.  She encouraged me to meditate on scripture and to memorize it.  I had grown up in church and had memorized verses here and there (and of course knew the key gospel verses), but memorizing chunks of scripture at a time was a daunting challenge. She encouraged me to pick a book of the Bible and just go for it one verse at a time.  

I, of course, was flooded with excuses of limited time and poor memory, but she said to me, “if I can do it, you can do it.”  Well, I humbly gave it a go.  It took a little bit to figure out what version worked best for my memory and to find a technique that fit me. I was slow, but it got easier and easier.  

Then, the most amazing thing happened!!!!  As I carried around the sword in my mind and on my heart, it was suddenly relevant all the time!  It was relevant in conversations with friends, coworkers, and it was my weapon in the times when I was alone and the enemy would whisper and seek to discourage.  

About six months later, I found myself back in the hospital toward the end of the first trimester of my second pregnancy.  What appeared to be another devastating miscarriage ended up being a sub-chorionic hemorrhage that would resolve, and eventually, I would give birth to my little boy. However, while laying in the hospital waiting for the ultrasound, I thought I had lost him.  I remember so clearly praying that the Lord would give me strength and grace to get through this again.  

This time was different though- I had my sword! 

I had the first few chapters of James already in my head and was able to meditate on it while laying there feeling anxious and afraid.  GAME CHANGER! WARRIOR! 

Wise women train hard for the race of a life that glorifies God by gearing up with God’s Word.

For me this was the beginning of a marathon of different trials, but the Lord is teaching me to fuel up with His word and run hard. He is teaching me how to prepare for battle! 

My next 7 years would include more miscarriages, an overseas move, the sudden death of my mother, and many other ups and downs.  

No matter the season, whether mountain or valley, studying the Word and memorizing the word will always produce fruit that glorifies God and points others to the Light of the World. 

This is a battle, ladies, and we shouldn’t wait another day to evaluate our training plans! You can do it and you must! 

Run hard and carry your sword!  If I can do it, you can do it!”

Nourish Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-20

Building Confidence

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God doesn’t call you to figure it out—he calls you to have faith. Childlike faith in God’s Word creates unshakable confidence to believe the impossible. 

Want more?  Today’s podcast is an audio message taken from Brave Heart. This nine-week study on Joshua and his journey into the Promised Land was written by Aliene Thompson and is a part of the Nourish Bible Study Series.  

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Legacy

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Hey brave heart, leave blessings in your wake for future generations and make a difference. You can spend a lifetime replaying your past or trying to change your family members. You can play the blame game. I know this – I’ve been there. This doesn’t solve things, and it gives power to people who cannot build God’s dream in your life.  

OR Brave heart, you can trust God your Heavenly Father and move forward. I like that better – don’t you?

Inside God’s design for family, wives are to be loved as Christ loved the church. This love was sacrificial. It was costly. It brought beauty. Daughters are to be valued and raised without anger through unconditional love. Wives are to respect and submit to their husbands. Indeed, inside God’s family framework we find a model of how God intends to relate to us. The family should be a place of rest, solace, love – a place where we are free to make the mistakes necessary to uncover our true potential – a refuge from the storms of life.

Sadly, under the weight of a broken world, the reality of a perfect family is fractured. Every woman has imperfections in her family. While God’s framework for family is perfect… we are not. The perfect family does not exist because there are no perfect people. But sometimes those fractures are so great, that our hearts can carry deep wounds. I believe this grieves the heart of God.

Be wise brave heart. As much as there is a God that loves us and wants us to have his design for family, there is an enemy of our souls who would love to destroy family. Don’t believe his lies that God’s framework for family doesn’t work – it was fallen humanity that was not there to love you.  

Never forget that Paul’s description of God’s family framework in the book of Ephesians, he writes about our war with the enemy. This order in scripture is no accident. The enemy knows that there is strength in family and would love nothing more than to destroy God’s design (Ephesians 5:21-6:20). 

God in his great redemption has a plan for restoration for our hearts through Jesus. You have a heavenly Father that wants to nourish your heart with truth so you can live the life you were created and redeemed to live. As God’s adopted children through Christ, we can reach out to our true Father and hold on to him.

The key is to turn to God, live by the Spirit, and allow Jesus to have the greatest impact in your life. Researching and analyzing our family can help us understand why we are the way we are, but only the Holy Spirit can change us from the inside out. This is godly girl power. ONWARD!

This is not easy. No one would question that our background shapes our character. The people in our lives influence the way we are. 

All of us have those negative cycles that may feel like inescapable realities. But the reality is we can break the cycles by making new choices. We can choose new life and new legacies for our children. God brings a solution that surpasses self-help, self-determination, and self-effort: God’s solution is found in sonship. God not only adopts you but longs for you to live “led” as his daughter.  

Through Christ, we are adopted into a new family and given the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to walk in a new way of life. It’s not an instant change. If you want to live in the freedom of this new family, God will lead you on a slow and deep journey of beautiful internal transformation. This journey is called discipleship. It’s a lifetime process directed by the Holy Spirit. Listen, follow, and watch God unravel cycle after cycle as you surrender to him. 

Cutting new paths is not easy and takes time. Cycles, even if they are destructive, feel comfortable, so moving beyond them is a process.

Leave blessings in your wake for future generations and see new legacies continue to emerge. Reestablish God’s framework in YOUR family and leave a legacy. (Be the first if you have to, brave heart. What an honor!) Could there be any greater blessing in life than that?

 While your family background may influence your character, it doesn’t define your God-given destiny. May the gospel of Christ, which brings you into God’s family give you hope to live beyond your broken family by living by the Spirit. You are a treasure.

Nourish Scripture: Ephesians 5:21-6:9

Warrior-Style Prayer

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Facing a battle? Seeking deliverance to make a difference? You will face situations in life that can only be resolved with prayer (Mark 9:29). Mighty woman of God, answer adversity with prayer and watch our Almighty God move mountains. You are not alone. You are not powerless. Jesus said there are some things in life that can ONLY be cast out through prayer. Under the enemy’s attack? Fall on your knees!

Inside today’s podcast, find inspiration and direction for a bolder prayer life so you can continue to the purist of your purpose and be all God created you to be!

Our personal prayer sheets, which can be found inside the Nourish Notebook, are designed to help you develop a bolder prayer life that flows from your study of God’s Word. Click here to order your Nourish Notebook today!

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