Spiritually Unequal Marriage

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Anxiety’s Remedy

My Friends, I will confess that I experienced an upside down week. On several occasions I was pulled into anxiety (fear). Can I just tell you I don’t dwell in…

My Friends,

I will confess that I experienced an upside down week. On several occasions I was pulled into anxiety (fear). Can I just tell you I don’t dwell in the land of anxiety often and as I look back on the two incidents that threw me off my game, I’m now mad.

The enemy comes to kill, steal, and destroy our peace and joy. And many times in our unequally yoked marriages, he schemes to use our spouse and our children. Sheesh!  Does that somehow seem unfair to you as it does to me? Well, today SUMites. Let me share some truths and this next week, we will not live in anxiety but in peace and joy; the atmosphere of heaven.

Are you in?

Happiness- The root word is happenings. Our circumstances.

When our circumstances (happenings) overwhelm us and we feel all alone, isolated, distant from God. The enemy is aimed straight at your life and his goal is to keep you in anxiety fretting over all the “happenings” in your life.

Joy- is rejoicing in the Spirit. Rooted in God. The goodness and faithfulness of our Papa.

When we remain in the posture of joy, we DEFEAT the enemy. So how do we do that? It’s on our face crying out and it’s a life of thanksgiving. I’m telling you that if you spend even 20 minutes thanking the Lord for all that you have, you will change the atmosphere of your heart, your day and dare I say, even your spouse and kids.

So I challenge you. Every morning this week, take out your journal, write down in any random order the gifts, blessings and abundance you have in your life. Then watch as all of heaven rejoices with you and hell trembles.

Thankfulness is the key to open heaven’s gates and to rest in the reality of our Lord’s Presence.

Now here is your promise:

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:4-7 

Now the challenge: In the comments we are going to break anxiety. Praise the Lord with Thanksgiving there. I will be praying along with you and I want to know on Friday that you experienced the power, love, peace and joy of our Father and the Kingdom of heaven.

Comments

30 responses

  1. Teresa T Avatar
    Teresa T

    I thank the Lord for Lynn and Dineen’s ministry, and for my local pastor, Eric. I am thankful for my fur babies, the ever sweet Misti America, the loving Blackbeard (both cats) and crazy puppy Nick. That my unequally yoked hubs is generous. That I have a job. That it was sunny today. That Lynette checks in on my well being and Jo encourages me. For Eugene that leads Bible study at work. For yarn crafts that entertain me. For my family and best buddies. For scripture that sustains me. Amen.

    Reply
  2. tamara Avatar
    tamara

    I thank the Lord that I am saved through His Grace – My life is rich because Jesus lives in me – and the more I open my heart to His Love and Grace, the more anxiety-worriy must disappear – where the Light: God is, there is no darkness.
    I too will forever be grateful for this ministry – I learned so much – today I lead my own ministry with the ladies here and love to check in every so often to see how things are going for you all!
    Today I dont worry anymore – our God is in charge – I am sad – sometimes lonely and sometimes disappointed – but – not hopeless or waifer in faith – because –
    we have an AWESOME God – He is more than enough –
    be blessed everyone and hope to read soon that breakthroughs continue for us and for our spouses – Praise God and in Christs love,
    Tamara

    Reply
  3. Heidi Avatar
    Heidi

    Amen, Amen, Amen, good word Lynn!!!!! Thankfulness IS key, and specifically in those times when we feel anything but thankful. God can use ANY circumstance and turn it in to something (or someone) beautiful, it’s like thanking Him in advance. It’s in these moments that we have a special oportunity to demonstrate faith, trust and expectant hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. Gen 50:20 You intended to harm me, God intended for good…. Praising God in the midst of the storm changes the atmosphere drastically, He is the original recycler, NOTHING goes to waste??!!!
    Love you bunches Lynn??

    Reply
  4. Stephanie Avatar
    Stephanie

    I am thankful that God is the God he is and that he loves me. I am thankful for this ministry and how it blesses me each post I read. I am thankful for waking up to my beautiful Children and for my husband. I am thankful for my marriage regardless of the hurt and pain. I am thankful for life, love this moment and the one to come. I am thankful that we have a job, a home and all the other blessing that I have. I am thankful for the work that God is doing in me and for the changes that Are yet to come.i am thankful for hope,faith, grace, and mercy all of which I am standing on right now

    Reply
  5. Martha Bush Avatar
    Martha Bush

    I am thankful for Lynn and Dineen’s ministry; it certainly brought changes into my life. Thankful for my SUM group at my church. Thankful to have met women all over the world who encourages one another on this journey. Thankful for my children and grandchildren who are involved in ministries of their own. Thankful for my spouse being a good moral man. For my girlfriends who are the sisters I never had. Thankful for my 91 year old mom who still calls me her baby. (Oh yes) So thankful for the comfort of the Holy Spirit in every storm of life.
    And yes, I am thankful for the laughter that God and I share. He really does have a sense of humor.

    Reply
  6. Ashley Avatar
    Ashley

    I’m thankful for the unconditional love of Christ that even when I feel like a mess, He loves me. For His grace that even when I fall short, He loves me. When I feel alone, He loves me. He sees me. He is there.

    Reply
  7. Diane Avatar
    Diane

    I so needed this today….. Thank you Father God, for truth, your Word, Your love. even when I am unlovable. Your Love never fails and your mercies are new every morning I could not make it even one hour without you, Jesus. Thank you for my husband and my son. thank you for your provision. for a home, food, clothing, my church family, for Lynn and Dineen and the SUMite family. When I feel like no one understands the pain of being in a spiritually unequal marriage, I can come here and know I am not alone.
    Amen

    Reply
  8. Deborah Avatar
    Deborah

    I am so thankful for this word today. Since Easter I have had an anxiety filled week that has taken me to a bad place. I am thankful for rhis challenge. I am thankful that my God is here even when I feel alone. This message proves ir.

    Reply
  9. Heidi Avatar
    Heidi

    What Im Thankful for:
    This community and the friends I have been blessed with through it.(Thelm particularly??)
    Our loyal, loving leaders Lynn & Dineen (whom I also consider friends).
    A unconditional loving God, whewww!
    An extremely loving family
    My life being spared many times, brought to mind due to recent event. A display of Gods relentless love??
    The continued growth towards my Eddie’s salvation (was blessed and surprised by his prayer at the dinner table a week ago)
    My walk with Jesus buddie, my dog Emma.
    A growing intimate relationship with God.
    Food every day, deserving or not there is food on our tables. Food we have the luxury of choosing what, when, and how much. Not just any food to stop hunger pains. (Just blows me away when I think of that, 3rd world countries, and even homeless in our own neighborhoods aren’t concered about “what” they it only “if” they eat).
    My new friend Darius who teaches me lots, a homeless man who wants nothing??
    My life free of abuse, and full of love….GRATEFUL
    My beautiful daughters and their loving hearts
    My parents who’s love for one another is timeless, and and conquers against all odds.
    My health
    Freedom to worship
    The thrill of living in a time of revival!
    God’s creation. Man!! It still amazes me just as when I was a child, the awesome displays of a good storm, and just the sheer beauty that continues to renew itself, much like we were designed to be.
    Well I think this list will never end, so I will end it here, I am so very greatful for you all, and that God lead me to this ministry five years ago as his prodigal daughter coming home??????

    Reply
  10. Cindy Costello Avatar
    Cindy Costello

    I too have been struggling with anxiety and negative thoughts and I had been rid of it for soooo long. It just reminds me how quickly the enemy can get in there and mess me up! Lynn and Dineen your blog is always a breath of fresh air to me and I am very thankful for what you do and who you both are in Jesus! Thank you so much for the reminder to be thankful!!!! I am thankful…
    – that my husband went to church on Easter Sunday. And, he came back again this week. Skipped worship because he doesn’t like the music but he came!!! Thank you, Jesus!
    – that after many months of waiting God answered prayers about my daughter’s roommate situation. She had a roommate that wasn’t paying rent and after trusting in the Lord and not freaking out she finally paid in full!! Thank you, Jesus!
    – God sends me cardinals to show me he is with me!
    – I have a wonderful church community around me!
    – I have a place to live, food to eat, a family who loves me!
    – I have my faith! What a gift!
    – God recently gave me the opportunity to teach children again through Bible Study Fellowship!
    – Spring is here!
    – My relationship with my husband is better than it ever has been thanks to God intervening over 5 years ago!
    – I am able to care for my mother in her 90s.
    – I am redeemed!
    – God loves me unconditionally!
    – God’s mercy is new every morning!
    – God has a plan for my life!
    Praise his name!!!!!

    Reply
  11. Caroll Avatar
    Caroll

    I’m thankful to be able to worship freely, finding this ministry and the strength that it brings for so many. I’m thankful for my husband, our children and grandchildren, our families. I’m just thankful for the work of God in our lives. Stay blessed ladies!:-)

    Reply
  12. Heidi Avatar
    Heidi

    For those struggling with anxiety, I hope this calming technique of breathing in Jesus will help
    https://www.facebook.com/amessagefromgod/posts/10153229674287838
    Love me,
    A former severly afflicted anxiety target

    Reply
  13. Joanne Avatar
    Joanne

    My Spirit is jumping Lynn!
    I sensed your distance over the past week here and I apologize for not touching base personally when the Spirit whispered your name. Prayers however are always a connection.
    Thank You Father.
    I know my words are being heard these days to sound “compassionless” but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
    Your story of illnesses Lynn and the emotions and struggles others here have shared with open hearts have fired me up to STORM the Throne and ASK.
    WHAT IS UP with all this and WHY are we walking in circles like Isrealites still?!!!!! WHERE is the GATE Lord God to deliver us OUT? I personally am desiring to see something SHIFT BIG TIME! It’s TIME!! TEACH ME!
    Well…my gate He led me through was to a teacher named Andrew Wommack.
    PRAISE THE LORD!!! mp3 downloads of His Wisdom delivered!
    The reason God led me to Andrew specifically was because He knew I would relate to his personality. This man has a passion and Holy fire for God’s WORD to be received with clarity and living revelation. My world has been spinning since God gave me the word “WORD” on my SUM fast last year. Jesus has been teaching me through Holy Spirit the depth and power this word actually contains and instead of just marveling at these revelations now, I am learning through the teaching programs God has brought to me, I am suppose to WORK the WORD to SEE the CHANGE we so greatly desire for ourselves and EVERYONE He brings to us daily to touch.
    The reason I sound so “hard hearted” now is that one message, as your post has opened this door for me to share Lynn, was a lesson on how to harness the emotions the enemy uses against us. I have had two extreme opportunities now to put this to the test and honestly?…application of this lesson was like watching a “magic show.” Hate to use that term but it’s the only way to describe it.
    What happened through harnessing the immediate emotion that began rising up helped me recognize there were two streets to take. Emotion Avenue (Earth) or The Cross Road (Kingdom). Choose The Cross Road. There is more POWER and HEALING on that venue.
    I know it sounds unloving to say, “DON’T FEEL THAT WAY! It’s the enemy wanting to play with your mind!” But…when you experience something personally and witness it working because God is in it, you can’t help yourself from grabbing people’s arms and pulling them to your side to share what you learned and experienced in hopes they too will simply try applying it on their own. This is Agape love which does not compare to the love we experience and know here on earth. This is our Spiritual World where we have to actively live in. Holy Spirit can use our Spiritual senses to walk us through our circumstances with Spiritual emotions now but we have to CHOOSE LIFE. (KINGDOM Life)
    Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is, His good, pleasing and perfect will.
    Romans 12:2
    Lynn. Your verse post Philippians 4: 4-7 AWAKENED within me at my time of playing with the emotion of FEAR at work AFTER Herc was healed of his own fear. God pointed this out and this verse came to my heart in a whole new perspective.
    God’s perspective: THINK on these things and they will erase the earthly emotion that is NOT from Me. When you choose to meditate on THESE Spiritual emotions I desire for you, strength and power are your’s to endure.
    In that moment I realized also that Jesus IS my EVERYTHING!?? “DUH”
    He is my Doggy Sitter and I need not fear!!!
    My Jesus doesn’t come to sit with me and entertain my earthly emotions by wrapping His arm around my shoulder and patting me gently saying, “There, there” handing me kleenex to wipe away my tears. What He does instead is He grabs my face in His hands and holds my eyes FAST and HARD on HIM to HEAR His WORD teaching me for such a time on HOW TO GET OVER the stone the enemy threw on my path so I can STAND on the ROCK!!!!
    Looking back I realized that even in grief Jesus doesn’t host pity parties. It was my face again He held to teach me just as He did with the woman at the well. His WORDS are Spirit and they are Life. He wants us to learn so we can teach His ways. His goal for us is to KNOW Him completely so we WILL BE STRONG! Even as He carried His Cross, “another” came alongside Him to “help lift the weight that was bearing down” on Him at thee appointed time of His journey to Calvary. That person did NOT physically hold Jesus up. He took the weight.
    God in action.
    PRAISE YOU LORD for the fresh ways You are growing us together here and helping with Agape love to lift the weight of one another’s Cross as we journey FORWARD to live in a STRONGER sense of our Spiritual and Supernatural Life.
    THANK YOU JESUS for holding our face fast and firm on YOU!
    AMEN
    Father let our testimonies strengthen and lift one another. Not bring added weight.

    Reply
  14. Joanne Avatar
    Joanne

    Mark 16:15 ~ And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.

    Reply
  15. Heidi Avatar
    Heidi

    I totally agree, lift one another in love, displacing shame and guilt. I love the story of Jesus healing the man with leprosy, as it was in those days the people believed that having leprosy was a curse, but not Jesus he looked upon him with eyes of love, granting his request to be healed with His loving touch, removing the shame and guilt of the people. Healing both his body and spirit??

    Reply
  16. Dineen Miller Avatar
    Dineen Miller

    I am so thankful for this community, my SUM family. I am walking in joy despite what is happening around me in my daughters and even woke up in the night singing! God is so GOOD! Thank You, Abba Father, King Jesus, and Holy Spirit for YOU! We love and adore You. Amen!

    Reply
  17. Heidi Avatar
    Heidi

    Neen!!!! That is awesome??!!! I been having the angels sing to me too in my sleep and wake with the same song in my head, for 2 nights its been “I Will Rise”

    Reply
  18. Lynn Donovan Avatar
    Lynn Donovan

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    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fa8w7mGug0c Awesome. Love you Heidi 

    Reply
  19. Karyn Avatar
    Karyn

    Lord, thank you for your blessings, however small. Thank you that my husband is copying more and more of my parenting style with our kids, using more of my same words to them. Thank you now with his work that he spends several straight hours in the car with a very believing man. For my daughter, who’s 8, I am thankful that when she got her new backpack she had me take off the cross keychain from her old backback and reattach it to the new one. 🙂 Thank you that she’s particular about what books she likes and has really loved this new novel that talks about You (Ask My Mood Ring How I Feel). I’m thankful that my 10 year old son’s new best friend has a mom who is a very, very faithful Christian. I’m thankful that You led me to read aloud the Narnia series to my kids and that when my son got halfway through the second Harry Potter book he stopped reading, unimpressed. And thank you for Lynn & Dineen’s writings!- Please bless these women! In the name of our great Jesus, Amen.

    Reply
  20. Jenni R. Avatar
    Jenni R.

    Father, thank you for ALWAYS taking care of me. Thank you for my husband, Joseph, who I have had the privilege of praying for for 15 years. Thank you that despite our differences, our love and commitment for one another is strong. Thank you for my amazing little boys, Elijah (8) and Arrio (5). Thank you for their childlike faith in You! Thank you for their hugs and kisses, they always warm my heart. Thank you for opening this door of opportunity for Joseph to step into this new job. Although it is not his yet, I am trusting in You and claiming that it IS his already…thank you Father! Thank you for transforming my heart and mind. Thank you for Your forgiveness and Your amazing love! And thank you for this wonderful community!

    Reply
  21. Carolyn Avatar
    Carolyn

    OH Lynn you are so right, its not fair how he messes with our kids and spouses to bring us down!! I was praying hard again for my daughter today and yes doing a little of the self pity saying God, REALLY I been fasting and praying and pleading on her behalf, please intervene!! Then here I come home and read about you talking about Thanksgiving!! That is what I need to do! Thank you so much! I know I have alot to be thankful for!! I LOVE my family, am blessed with wonderful girls and a loving husband and wonderful parents and sisters that love me unconditionally. I am blessed with awesome friends that hold me up and laugh and cry with me. I am blessed with sight and hearing to take in all of God’s beautiful creation!! The weather is gorgeous today and I can WALK outside and enjoy it! I have more than enough food in my house to take care of my sweet tooth and veggies for my health 🙂 I have a wonderful blog that I can be creative with my writing on, and the list goes on. Thank you Lynn for the reminder that even when doubts come and we are overwhelmed with what seems to be overflowing our plate we can always find a reason to Praise God. He is faithful and LOVE HIM and fear you are not welcome here!!!Let PEACE REIGN in my heart and in all my fellow Summites hearts!

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  22. Carolyn Avatar
    Carolyn

    I just wrote a long post, not sure why it didn’t post!

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  23. Lynn Donovan Avatar
    Lynn Donovan

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    What He does instead is He grabs my face in His hands and holds my eyes FAST and HARD on HIM to HEAR His WORD teaching me for such a time on HOW TO GET OVER the stone the enemy threw on my path so I can STAND on the ROCK!!!! AMEN Joanne… Such a powerful word and encouragement. I adore you girl. You always revive my fire and set my feet to running again. Love you so much. Lynn 

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  24. Lynn Donovan Avatar
    Lynn Donovan

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    So weird Carolyn as I see your long comment arrived. But I went to the website and I don’t see any comments other than a box for my response. I will check into it with my host. Hugs. 

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  25. Lynn Donovan Avatar
    Lynn Donovan

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    Love you girl. Keep petitioning. Our prayers are sometimes all that stands between our children and their destruction. Love you. 

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  26. Marilyn Avatar
    Marilyn

    Hello from Typepad!

    Reply
  27. Carmen M Avatar
    Carmen M

    Lynn!!! This is simply fabulous! Oh satan will not like this one bit!! I am sooo thankful to my Jesus for this wonderful community. I praise Him for guiding me to you all, this has been a HUGE encouragement in my life. Specially during this season away from my pre-believer. It ALWAYS seems like we are on the same journey, I’m going through something and then I get an answered prayer by reading up on what my sisters share here…feeling soo loved!
    I proclaim and declare that the chains of anxiety be broken and cast into the pit as of today, from my life and that of my precious sisters. In Jesus’ name and authority.
    He is truth and light, and He is not like man, for He does not lie!!! He has promised us healing and we stand on His word.
    Lord I want to take this opportunity to thank you so much for providing for me financially. I am truly living Ephesians 3:20!!!
    At a meeting with my boss last Friday, she stated that I was doing a great Job, even called me her “secret weapon”. She is trading my ipad 3 for a new ipad air 2, she is giving me a $250. raise in May and another $250. raise in July. And to top it off, she needs a roommate for a high functioning client, she asked me if I was interested, not as a caregiver, but just as a roommate. This young woman lives close to my actual work area, (I live about 15-20 miles away) I would be living there rent free!!!!!
    I’m floored by Gods provision for me.
    Here I was back in december, barely making it on a part time, low paying job. But God was preparing me for this new opportunity.
    Did I mention I am a case manager for disabled individuals, helping them stay in their homes and coordinating their care. JESUS you are AMAZING!
    THANK YOU ABBA!!!

    Reply
  28. Carolyn Avatar
    Carolyn

    Thanks Lynn!! Love you! Glad my long post made it!

    Reply
  29. Lisa D'Eschambault Avatar
    Lisa D’Eschambault

    AMEN Lynn! One of my favorite verses, especially since my separation, is: “The JOY of the Lord is my strength” (Neh 8:10) Love you sis 🙂 xx

    Reply
  30. Gillian Avatar
    Gillian

    – a Living, loving God that fills my tank like no one else!
    – a husband that loves ME- even at my worst
    – a living God who is transforming my marriage and our lives
    – 4 sweet beautiful children
    – a wonderful house that fills iur needs
    – a yard and the nicer weather we’re finally seeing
    – good food to eat-
    – the blessing of a good job for hubby that lets me stay home w the kids

    Reply

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