 Bible Verses on the Power of Your Story |

Scripture Writing and Prayer Prompts


9 septembre 2019
 Aller au-delà de votre passé , invites de journal de prière , but et appel , mot de la semaine
 0 commentaire
 par info@estherdorotik.com
With tears in her eyes, she sheepishly approached the front for prayer. As her story
exposed the painful root of her tears, I quickly recognized the aligning hand of God in our
paths. I, too, had tragically lost someone, yet unable to grieve because of the magnitude
of the story and the fear of others knowing. Immediately, my soul felt her concealed pain,
experienced her volcano of emotions, and yearned for her healing.
By the end of our time together, drenched tissues in hand, we parted ways knowing God’s
powerful story of healing and repair was a story He began writing years before.

History, written on the pages of your life, has power and needs to be read. The
brokenness of our lives creates a story of God’s power.
Votre histoire est importante. C'est important pour Dieu; il est nécessaire aux
autres. Aussi grande ou minuscule que vous croyiez que votre histoire soit, Dieu vous l'a
confiée pour aider les autres à surmonter.

Cette semaine, ma prière est que Dieu fasse de nous un livre ouvert avec des mots écrits
par l'auteur lui-même.

Verset clé: Ils ont triomphé de lui par le sang de l'Agneau ET par la parole de leur
témoignage …  Apocalypse 12:11
 Lundi - Dieu ne change pas nos vies, ne guérit pas nos maladies et ne fait pas de
miracles pour que nous les gardions pour nous. Votre histoire de ce que Dieu a fait
dans votre vie fait de vous un témoin persuasif de ceux qui vous connaissaient
«avant». Quelle est la personne qui bénéficierait de votre histoire? Commencez à
demander à Dieu de fournir l'occasion parfaite de partager.
 L'homme dont les démons étaient sortis a supplié de l'accompagner, mais
Jésus l'a renvoyé en disant: «Retournez chez vous et dites combien Dieu a fait pour
vous.» Alors l'homme est parti et a dit partout dans la ville combien Jésus avait
fait pour lui.  Luc 8: 38-39
 Mardi - Il y a un effet de cascade lorsque nous partageons nos témoignages, le flux
en cascade allant bien au-delà de ceux avec lesquels nous partageons. Paul a dit que ce
qui lui était arrivé a non seulement fait connaître l'Évangile à ceux de sa vie, mais que
d'autres ont commencé à partager courageusement. Demandez à Dieu de révéler tout
rocher de peur ou de rejet bloquant le flux précipité de son histoire. 
 Grâce à mes chaînes, la plupart des frères dans le Seigneur ont été
encouragés à prononcer la parole de Dieu avec plus de courage et sans
crainte.  Philippiens 1:14
 Mercredi - Le Père de la compassion réconforte, nous renforce, nous encourage et
nous remplit d'espoir en période de lutte. À son tour, Il nous demande de réconforter
les autres de la même manière. Dieu vous conduit-il pour réconforter quelqu'un qui
parcourt une route que vous avez déjà parcourue? Chaque essai vous aide à devenir
apparentable à quelqu'un d'autre.
  … Qui nous réconforte dans toutes nos afflictions afin que nous puissions
réconforter ceux qui sont dans n'importe quelle affliction avec le confort avec
lequel nous-mêmes sommes réconfortés par Dieu. 2 Corinthiens 1: 4
 Jeudi - Nous vivons dans un monde avec un profond désir de faire taire le nom de
Jésus. Comment le monde connaît-il notre Sauveur si nous, ses enfants, ne le
partageons pas? Passez du temps à demander à Dieu d'élever votre niveau de
proclamation audacieuse, de ne pas reculer face à l'adversité, mais plutôt de faire
avancer Son Royaume avec amour.
 «Quiconque me reconnaît publiquement ici sur terre, je le reconnais
également devant mon Père céleste. Matthieu 10:32
 Vendredi  - Nos histoires de rédemption et de puissance de Dieu sont l'un des
cadeaux les plus influents que nous pouvons transmettre à nos enfants et petits-
enfants. À la lumière de l'œuvre de Dieu dans votre vie, cherchez Sa direction pour
savoir comment vous pouvez partager vos erreurs et vos succès avec eux. 
 Nous ne les cacherons pas à nos enfants, mais nous raconterons à la
prochaine génération les actions glorieuses du Seigneur , sa puissance et les
merveilles qu'il a faites. Psaume 78: 4
Que ces versets nous rappellent que l'histoire de Dieu racontée à travers votre témoignage
a le pouvoir de façonner et de façonner l'avenir.

Pour de grandes ressources d'autres blogueurs chrétiens, suivez-nous sur Pinterest .

 Bible Verse Reading Plan and Prayer Prompts
on Asking God for the Impossible
 September 1, 2019
 Cultivating Faith, Powerful Prayer, Prayer Journal Prompts
 2 Comments
 by info@estherdorotik.com
My husband’s a gym junkie. He loves the weight room, the protein shakes, and the ability
to lift more than he did before. Until, one day, he couldn’t. Without warning, he raised a
weight, and his rotator cuff tore – completely.

Life is full of limits, isn’t it? My 5-foot three-inch height limits my ability to reach things
on top shelves, change lightbulbs (even with a stepladder), and jump high enough to do
much of anything.

Our physical boundaries often confine us to unreachable barriers. We strive in our

strength with our abilities to overcome, and, without warning, we break.

But are limits really a bad thing? While it’s hard to say I like boundaries, they remind us
we are finite beings who need a God beyond our confines. We need a God with infinite
abilities.

If your life or current circumstances have limited your ability to reach something, to jump
to new levels, or has restricted you to what you view as a mediocre life, you have been
gifted with a divine invitation. An invitation not to endure your limits but to acknowledge
His limitless ways of accomplishing things beyond your control.
This week, I pray these verses help you choose to see your limitations as a divine
invitation from the One who can do far beyond anything you can ask, think, or imagine.

Key Verse: Jesus said, “What is impossible with men is possible with God.” Luke 18:27
 Monday – Hezekiah knew it was a simple matter for the shadow cast by the sun to
move forward, so he chose to ask for the impossible (move backward), and the Lord
answered. So often we ask God for the simple matters we “think” He will do. Confess
anything holding you back from asking God for the impossible.
 It is a simple matter for the shadow to go forward ten steps, said Hezekiah.
Instead, have it go back ten steps. 2 Kings 20:10
 Tuesday – If we believe we’ve already received something, our natural response is
gratitude. Spend time asking God for the impossible and thanking Him in advance for
His answer. 
 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe you have
received it, and it will be yours. Mark 11:24
 Wednesday – After working all night for nothing, Christ tells Peter to try again.
Though the request made no sense, Peter obeyed resulting in so many fish two boats
began to sink. Immediately, Jesus redirects Peter’s destiny. Sometimes, our
 impossible situations are simply a redirection. Is God asking you to try the impossible
again? Does your response mimic Peter’s, “But because you say so…” 
 Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught
anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” Luke 5:5
 Thursday – Jesus asked His disciples for a humanly impossible task far beyond
their resources – to feed 5000+ people. For them, and us, this impossible request was
a divine invitation to see the Miracle Maker. Do you see your current inabilities and
limitations as a divine invitation? Or do you allow them to defeat you?
 But Jesus said, “You give them something to eat.”  “With what?” they
asked. Mark 6:37
 Friday – Before heading to the Cross, Jesus knew all things were possible but not
suitable. It’s essential to recognize that although all things are possible for Him, not
all things are within His will. Like Christ, we must be willing to accept answers that
are contrary to our desires. Where has His answer been hard to accept? Ask God for
a greater desire for His will over yours.
 And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup
from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” Mark 14:36
May these verses serve as a reminder that we serve a God greater than us, more powerful
than heaven and earth who fights our battles and helps us in our impossible situations.

For great resources from other Christian bloggers, follow along on Pinterest.
 Laying Down Our Stones – 6 Steps to Forgive
Someone Who Has Hurt You
 July 14, 2019
 Moving Past Your Past, Renewing Your Mind, Spiritual Warfare, Struggle of Surrender
 1 Comment
 by info@estherdorotik.com
If you’ve lived for any amount of time, you know the pain of wrongdoings and the
resistance of forgiveness. Let’s face it, forgiving is hard. It requires humility. Surrender.
The laying down our stones. We want payment for our pain. In essence, we want the
person to experience the pain they’ve inflicted.

With bricks of anger, bitterness, distance, and resentment, we build walls of protection
around our hearts. The problem is, when we keep others out, we’re also keeping God out.

Years ago, I had a Texas-sized splinter that proved more resilient with each attempt to get
it out. Months later, if I stepped wrong, the sudden reminder of its presence would rear its
ugly head. It remained under the surface just enough to hurt.

Much like that pesky splinter, painful points in life tend to sit just under the surface
waiting to be triggered. While the initial pain comes from the incision, over time,
“infection” grows and festers due to the bacteria of unforgiveness. Yes, unforgiveness is a
bacteria. It grows in dark places, multiplies quickly, and infects tender heart tissue.

The reality is, like our physical bodies, which were designed to reject foreign things, our
spirits were designed to reject the foreign idea of unforgiveness.

Unforgiveness, like a festering splinter, rears its ugly head causing pain when touched.
So what is forgiveness?
The original term meant fully released. In essence, forgiveness is surrendering the claim
to make them “pay.” You’re freeing yourself from the bitterness, resentment, hatred,
grudges, and jealousy that forms as a result of unforgiveness — choosing to forgive
releases you from the negative focus that shadows unforgiveness.

What forgiveness is not.

Forgiveness is not releasing what they’ve done as being okay. Forgiveness also does not
require repeated exposure to the pain. Years ago, my daughter had a friend she adored.
This friend was fun and silly with a wild imagination. The problem was this friend had a
way of hurting my daughter with her words and actions. We had many conversations of
forgiving to move forward as friends. But one day, I watched my daughter’s face as the
sheer excitement of sharing good news with her friend turn to painful disappointment. I
pulled her aside and explained that forgiving doesn’t mean returning to the treatment of
someone who refuses to change. Times may come when we must forgive yet move on.

Can you go on without forgiving?

You most certainly can. BUT there is a silent, swift and stifling cost of unforgiveness.

The fact is, unforgiveness leads to a root of bitterness. In the story of Cain and Abel
found in Genesis 4, bitterness and anger compelled Cain to kill his brother but not before
a powerful forewarning. In verse 7, God warns Cain, “sin is crouching at your door; it
desires to have you, but you must master it.”
Hebrews 12:15 says, “See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root
grows up to cause trouble and defile many. When we miss the grace of God and refuse to
extend it to others, we are cracking the door on the sinful ways desiring to annihilate us.
We are planting a bitter seed. And like the weeds in a yard, if they’re not pulled, they will
quickly overtake and kill the good grass.
We must master it. Unforgiveness not only causes trouble for you but also defiles loved
ones who bear the brunt of calloused comments and angry attitudes.

Why should we forgive someone who’s

hurt us so badly?
Three reasons.

First, because God is merciful and forgiving, even when rebel against Him (Daniel 9:9).
In God’s abounding love, He has chosen not to treat us as our sins deserve but instead
cast them as far as the east is from the west; two points that never meet (Psalm 103;8-12).
He is quick to extend grace. Are we?

Second, because forgiveness is a command. What if we were forgiven to the extent we

forgave? In Matthew 6:9-15, as Christ taught his disciples how to pray, we come across
this verse, “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” He then goes on
to say, if you forgive, you will be forgiven; if you do not forgive, you will not receive
forgiveness. It’s a harsh reality, but one that requires utmost attention. How can we ask
God for something we refuse to extend?
Third, because forgiveness isn’t just a command but also a gift. A treasure to be opened
and shared. One that releases you from bitterness and heartache down the road. You see,
forgiveness is God’s gift to us, but our forgiveness of others is our gift back to Him.
How often must we forgive?
Much like Peter in Matthew 18:21-22, we’re probably not prepared for the answer to this
question: over and over and over and over. Because we consistently receive His
forgiveness, we must continuously release His forgiveness. I don’t know about you, but
not a day goes by that I don’t need God’s lavish gift of forgiveness. We can’t withhold it
from others if we want to receive it ourselves.

How do I know if I’m harboring

unforgiveness?
While I’ve included some questions below, the best answer to this is prayer. God knows
the heart better than any human question can reveal. Spend time asking God to unmask
any unconfessed sin of bitterness, resentment, and unforgiveness.
Does anger or resentment surface when someone’s name comes to mind?
Do you have a hard time not thinking negative thoughts about an individual?
Do specific memories trigger deep pain or bitterness?
Do you cringe at the sound of someone’s name?
Do you wish an individual pain or suffering?
Do you relieve the moment?
Do you feel jealousy arise when you think about where that person is in comparison to
you now?

How can we extend forgiveness?

Forgiveness is only found through Christ and understanding how much He has forgiven
you. Because he who has been forgiven much loves much, we can more easily love others
and thereby forgive them when we realize how much we have been forgiven. Apart from
Him, we can do nothing, including forgive (John 15:5).

I’ve seen firsthand what living in a painful past can do. The bitter words that ooze from
someone’s mouth. The glares that could effortlessly pierce a metal shield. The volcano of
anger arising from their core and the resentful attitude toward others. Yes, I’ve watched
loved ones walk down the path of grievous brooding, unaware of the festering foreign
object of unforgiveness.

Whether the offense is big or small, if you’re struggling to forgive someone, you’re not
alone. Here are six steps to help us lay down our stones and walk down a path of
flourishing forgiveness.

Step One – Acknowledgement

Let’s face it, hidden things tend to fester. The longer it remains buried, the more
powerfully vast the root system becomes. The first step to extending forgiveness is
through acknowledgment. Simply put, acknowledgment is admitting and accepting
 Acknowledgment = admitting + accepting

Admit what has been done to you or stolen from you. As with anything, admitting the
pain brings it out of the shadows where light can shine truth on it. Admit the shame,
dread, grief, anger, and anything else associated with these occurrences.

Accept. Accept that though these painful points in the past deeply hurt God has authority
over them. He alone has the right to judge (Romans 12:19). And, because God is a
righteous judge, He will make all wrongs right. It might not look like the “payment plan”
you had in mind, but trust that He knows your heart, sees the whole picture, and knows
what’s best.

 
 

Step Two – Confess

Many of us have experienced things way beyond our control. Perhaps it was a parent’s
abandonment or abuse, the betrayal of a spouse, or the evil act of a stranger. In these
circumstances, forgiveness can feel unfair and impossible. Start by confessing how
you’ve held onto unforgiveness. Or, perhaps it’s God who you’ve blamed. Maybe the
treatment you’ve received has left you disappointed in God. Whatever the case may be,
confess how you’ve dealt with the pain in your strength and your desire to lean on Him
instead. He is your Strongtower and fully able to support the weight of your pain.
While there are many times we had no choice in the act, there are certain instances when
our actions might have contributed to someone else’s selfish act. Confess your part, if
any. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us
from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Confession cleanses our soul and allows us to
move forward in forgiveness.

Step Three – Remember

Remember it’s a command, not an option or an opinion. We’ve been commanded to
forgive. As children of God and not God, we don’t have the option to follow some
commands while ignoring others. Nor do we have the authority to say, “I don’t believe
they deserve forgiveness because…” When we choose unforgiveness, we are choosing to
dethrone God and sit in His place.

I get it, the deeper the hurt, the harder it is to forgive. But with God, it is possible.
Unforgiveness is a shackle that keeps you locked to the person who hurt you. Forgiveness
is the key to freeing yourself. Isn’t it time to walk away from that prison cell?

 
 

Step Four – Renew

Renew your mind. The fact is, “forgive and forget” does not exist. We have to learn that
when those painful thoughts and memories surface, we must take them captive – held by
force, caged, arrested – and make them obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). Focus
thoughts on anything lovely, pure, wholesome, and praiseworthy. Over time, those
thoughts and the feelings that once caused deep pain and bitterness, lose their power.

Step Five – Filter

Filter your feelings through God’s word. It’s hard to know the Author’s intent and desires
if we don’t ground ourselves in the Book of Life.

It is God’s word that has the power to divide between hurt and healing, pain, and purpose.
Allow His word to prune the thorns of unforgiveness and thistles of bitterness. He alone
can judges between the thoughts and attitudes of the heart (Hebrews 4:12-13). Allow Him
to be the anchor of your emotions.

Step Six – Repeat

Repeat. Sounds simple enough but perhaps one of the most critical steps. Even years after
the grievous wound, sounds and environments can stir those emotions you thought were
gone. If you’ve practiced step four and five, repeating the process should come a little
easier. But be on your guard, because you have a real enemy with a real motive to steal
your peace, kill your relationship with God and others, and destroy your destiny (1 Peter
5:8). Unforgiveness is a rough detour he often uses.

I, too, have fought the painful surrender of forgiveness. But forgiveness truly is a gift. It
is the master key that unlocked our relationship with God when we first believed, and it
continues to unlock our freedom. So today, if you hear His voice leading you to forgive
someone, do not harden your heart (Hebrews 4:7). Instead, open your heart to the One
who holds every beat it in His hand. Release the unforgiveness and receive undeniable
relief and joy.
What’s holding you back? Leave me a comment!

Additional Bible Verses On Forgiveness:

Genesis 50:15-21
Ephesians 4:32
Colossians 3:13
 How Confession Cleans The Soil Of Your Heart |
Scripture Writing and Prayer Prompts for
Confession
 August 24, 2019
 Drawing Close to God, God's Word, Prayer Journal Prompts
 2 Comments
 by info@estherdorotik.com
Come rain or shine, she’s out there every morning. Without fail, this petite older woman
handpicks (yes, handpicks) the leaves from the yard, sweeps the sidewalk, and waters the
flowers. Boy does her yard beam with pride! Knowing the secret to a beautiful, thriving
yard, she faithfully commits to caring for it daily.
Like that sweet elderly woman, we too must daily dig deep into the soil of our hearts,
purging anything that contaminates our walk with Him.  Confession is the act of
examining our yard, sweeping dirt off the walkway, and allowing Him to handpick fallen
leaves.

In Psalm 32:3, David put it this way, “When I did not confess my sins, my bones wasted
away through my groaning all day long.”

Sin and self-reliance is a heavy burden we were not

meant to carry. Because confession breaks that
heaviness and restores joy, we will approach confession
in five areas this week: confidence, conformity,
contentment, conflict, and compassion. Will you join me?

Key Verse: I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord – and you forgave the
guilt of my sin.” Psalm 32:5
 Monday – Every day, we place trust in things. Cars, planes, jobs, and people are
just a few. Today, spend time confessing any areas where you have placed more trust
or confidence in the situation or person than God. This area is key to all other areas.
 It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. Psalm 118:8
 Tuesday – Living in the world but not becoming like the world is a high charge
requiring constant supernatural attention. Confess any areas in your life that appear
 more like the world than His Kingdom. Ask God to conform you into the image and
likeness of Christ. 
 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of
your mind… Romans 12:2
 Wednesday – Whether it’s financial, relational, possessions or work, life has a way
of stretching us in the area of contentment. Where do you struggle to find
contentment? Spend time in confession and seek to discover one (or more) thing to
be grateful for in this area. Contentment=great gain
 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content,
whatever the circumstance. Philippians 4:11
 Thursday – One synonym for compassion is grace. Knowing how much we have
received God’s compassion should propel us to be the face of grace to those around
us. Confess where you struggle to “wear” compassion, asking God to reveal the root
cause.
 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves
with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12
 Friday – Praying for those you love comes easy. God’s doesn’t ask us to travel an
easy road but rather an exceptional road paved with love and prayer for our
enemies. Confess any lack of love in conflict and pray for someone who has hurt you.
 But I say to you, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless
those who curse you, pray for those who spitefully mistreat you. Luke 6:27-28
Confession discloses the secrets of our hearts that He already knows, allowing us to rise
up with a free conscience. I pray these Bible verses and prayer prompts draw you closer
to the heart of the One who already fully knows you and wildly loves you.
For great resources from other Christian bloggers, follow along on Pinterest.
 You Are Christ’s Letter To The Broken – Do You
Make People Want To Read?
 July 26, 2019
 Cultivating Faith, Purpose & Calling, Trust & Obey
 7 Comments
 by info@estherdorotik.com
I walked over to the trash and threw the book away. Not only was the book not worth
reading, but I certainly didn’t want anyone else reading it. As an avid reader, I know
within the first few pages of a book if I wish to continue reading, toss it in the donation
pile, or throw the book away.

From the moment people cross the threshold of our lives, they are reading our “book” of
life. If they made their decision about Christ based on our lives, would they continue
reading? Would our lives and how we represent (RE-present) our Savior hook them,
making them want to turn each new page? Would they toss Christianity aside as dull or
irrelevant? Or worse, would they throw the idea of a loving God in the trash? Brennan
Manning perfectly worded it this way,

“The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians who acknowledge
Jesus with their lips, walk out the door, and deny Him by their lifestyle. That is what an
unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable.”
How we encounter those who so desperately need to know Christ is a life and death
matter. As a young adolescent, I made up my mind about the church and the “god” they
claimed to know.

When my life yelled, “Help me!” their marginalizing attitude screamed, “Get out!” Now,
looking back on those moments, I can honestly thank God for them. Not because of the
hurt but because of the healing power of understanding. In such a profound way, I relate
to those who have rejected Christ because of the lack of Christ they see. Having been on
the receiving side of graceless Christianity, condemning glares, blatant ignoring, and
grave gossip, I mourn for those who will never know the Healer because of the hateful
actions of believers.

Yes, we will ALL miss the mark. There will absolutely be times when we fail to extend
grace; after all, there is only One who is perfect. But, as followers, we have to make the
most of every opportunity to fulfill our primary purpose.

What is your purpose as a Christian?

If you’re alive (which is a requirement for reading this) you have a mission. An eternal
mission with an everlasting crown. Your purpose = His people. Our purpose is to know
Him and make Him known. Notice the order. We can’t make the one true God known on a
daily basis if we don’t take the time to get to know Him intimately ourselves. The
primary reason we are still walking on this beautiful earth is that there are people – His
children – who He’s asking us to reach. It is a big calling, and some days it feels
impossible, but there is an invaluable reward money can’t buy. The rude co-worker, the
unbelieving spouse, the aggressive cashier, defiant teenager – they are not your
adversary; they are your mission.
How do we fulfill this purpose?
 Make it your goal to please Him.
Daily, we must die to self, pick up our cross, and follow Him. Our fleshly desires are a
powerful thing, but when we choose to lay them down, we receive a supernatural
power that allows nothing to move us and desperately wants to make Him happy.

 2 Corinthians 5:9 | Matthew 16:24 | Galatians 5:16 | 1 Corinthians 15:58

 Be aware of the  enemy’s schemes.
We have a real enemy who also has a purpose for our lives. It’s simple – steal, kill,
destroy. His plan for your life is to steal your God-given purpose by killing your desire
for Kingdom mission and destroying your witness for Christ. We must be on our
guard, standing firmly behind our shield of faith.
  2 Corinthians 2:11 | Ephesians 6:11 | 1 Peter 5:8
 Make the most of every opportunity.
Did you know it grieves (saddens, agonizes, causes pain) God when we choose to
throw away opportunities by representing Him poorly? As Christians, held to a higher
standard, we are to be “very careful in how we live and wise in the ways we act
toward outsiders.” Our conversations are to be “always full of grace, seasoned with
salt, and used for building them up according to their needs so that it benefits all who
hear.”
 Ephesians 5:15 | Colossians 4:5-6 | Ephesians 4:29-30
 Recognizing your fragrance.
In the Old Testament, the fragrance of a sacrifice would rise to God. In the New
Testament, Christ became that fragrant offering. As children of Light, we are called to
be imitators of that same fragrance. Our lives should “smell” so good that
nonbelievers want to know the name of the “perfume” we’re wearing and believers
want to wear theirs’ more. This is our sacrifice to God.
 2 Corinthians 2:14 | Ephesians 5:1-2
 Regard no one from a worldly point of view.
When we view others from a human point of view, we are choosing to see them
through our preconceived perception, faultless expectations, and limited outside scope.
When we see them from a heavenly point of view, we see the hurting soul acting on
feelings of emotion they can’t control because they don’t have the Spirit to do so.

 1 Corinthians 5:16 | Proverbs 14:12

 Commit to not to be a stumbling block.
In looking out for the blind, God instructed the people to “not place a stumbling block
before them.” Likewise, because the enemy has blinded the lost, God gave us an
identical command. Spiritually speaking, a stumbling block is any hinderance, hurdle,
obstacle, or obstruction we allow that prevents them from seeing the pure grace and
love of the Gospel.

 Leviticus 19:14 | 2 Corinthians 6:3 | Romans 14:13 | Matthew 16:23

 Do everything in love.
Love is the superglue that binds our faith together. With love, we can wage war and
destroy walls of the enemy; without love, we’ve aligned ourselves with the enemy,
 and the battle is already lost. In rejecting God’s invitation to extend love, we are
rejecting Him because He is love. Our words and actions must measure up to His love
to win people for Christ. Every encounter is an invitation – a command – to love the
unlovable.

 1 Corinthians 16:14 | Colossians 3:14 | 1 John 4:8 | Romans 12:9-10 |

Proverbs 3:3-4

What is Godly love?

Love is the most powerful change agent, but the lack of love is just as powerful.

When the world rushes, love patiently waits. It responds in kindness rather than anger and
frustration. Words fueled by love aren’t rude or condescending. A heart responding in
love chooses to erase wrongdoings instead of pointing the finger of shame. It chooses a
way of humility, refusing to boast proudly. Love never fails. It never fails to hope for the
best or persevere through the worst. Love builds, not destroys.
In our encounter with others, we should aim to answer the following questions in light of
love.

 Do my actions glorify God?

 Do they comfort or condemn?
 Believe or berate?
 Inspire or incite?
 Encourage or enrage?
 Healing or hateful?
 Seek to be right or seek to make Him known?
 Are my actions in response to my wants or their needs?
 Is my Christian vocabulary larger than my Christlike love?
 Am I pointing to Christ or turning others away from Him?
If we have not love, we gain nothing (1 Corinthians 13). But, if we have love, we change
the world. Love is the greatest quality we have to offer.

You are God’s love letter to the world.

In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul poured out his heart reminding them – us –
“you yourselves are letters, known and read by everybody. You show you are a letter
from Christ, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of
stone but tablets of human hearts (2 Corinthians 3:2-4).”

Yes! We were created to be best selling novels, known and read by all. A book of love
passed onto others; one that is in circulation long after we meet our Creator face to face.

The painful reality is hypocrisy is alive and thriving in the church, but it’s not new. It is
the same painful sword inflicting damage as it was when Christ repeatedly rebuked it. But
it doesn’t have to be. Our walk with Christ can reveal the love of God to the world for
which He died. By His blood and following His way of love, we can change the world –
one encounter at a time.

You are the only “Christ” someone will ever see.

Prayer

Father, change the areas that aren’t in line with you, those that don’t reflect your love.
Give me eyes of mercy to see the lost and broken. Season my words with encouragement.
Grant me a heart posture that seeks to carry your cross to the world. Please forgive me if
my actions have ever turned someone away from you. Redeem those lost moments. Help
me to follow the way of love and be the face of grace. We ask these things through the
only name powerful enough to do it, Jesus. Amen!
For great articles from other Christian bloggers, be sure to follow me on Pinterest!
 FROM FAILURE TO FRUITFUL – GOD’S
PURPOSE FOR YOUR FUTURE IS FAR
BIGGER THAN YOUR FAILURE
 October 30, 2017
 Making Godly Decisions, Moving Past Your Past, Struggle of Surrender, Trust & Obey
 3 Comments
 by info@estherdorotik.com
At some point you’ve probably heard Newton’s law of motion: an object in motion stays
in motion with the same speed and the same direction unless acted upon by an
unbalanced force.
While this applies to the physical world, it also has a deep spiritual application. When
we’re running from God, headed in the wrong direction spiritually, sometimes it takes a
robust God-balanced force to stop us in our tracks.
Jonah knew all too well about this spiritual law of motion because God sent a violent
storm to stop his action of running. His story is often related to disobedience, and it most
certainly is, but perhaps the most significant story told here is the story of redemption.
Restoration for the heartless prophet, salvation for the helpless sailors, redemption for the
sinful city, and resolution for you and me.
God Provides A Way Out
But the Lord provided a great fish to swallow Jonah. Jonah 1:17
While God sent the storm that threatened the lives of Jonah and the sailors, we see in
Jonah 1:17 that He also provided a way out. Two things had to happen first though. In
verse 12 Jonah said, “Pick me up and throw me into the sea and it will be calm. I know
this is my fault that this great storm has come upon you.” Jonah immediately knew why
the storm raged on and how to change it. As soon as he confessed his sin and accepted
the consequences, “the Lord provided” the way out. We serve a faithful God who not
only forgives us but purifies us when we confess our sins. God’s ultimate purpose for
sending the storm wasn’t to destroy Jonah but to restore him.
 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify
us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
 I acknowledged my sin to You,  my iniquity I did not hide; I said, “I will confess my
transgressions to the LORD”; You forgave the guilt of my sin. Psalm 32:5

God Of Second Chances

Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time. Jonah 3:1
Have you ever wondered why it took sinking to the bottom of a great fish for Jonah to cry
out to God? While I’d like to believe I would have immediately cried out instead of
saying “throw me overboard,” there have been times I’ve looked consequences right in
the face and continued in motion at the same speed, in the same direction. I’ve sat on the
throne trying to control it, superficially creating my own second chance. Rather than
confessing to God we often try to make our way out, leading us further from God and
deeper into consequences. Once Jonah asked for forgiveness, grace flooded the fish’s
belly and washed away the gap between God and Jonah. By seeking forgiveness and
surrendering our plan to Him, we bridge the gap sin creates between God and us. We’re
aligned with the Father’s heart and in a receiving position for our second chance.
 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of
refreshing may come from the Lord. Acts 3:19
God Uses Our Failures
At this, the men greatly feared the Lord, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and
made vows to him. Jonah 1:16
With God, not a moment of life is wasted. He knows that we’ve all fallen short of His
glory and yet He continues to choose us. Even when we disobey and fall flat on our face,
God can use it to reach others. Jonah’s failure as a running prophet led to the salvation of
the terrified sailors. They looked to Jonah for answers to the storm, but they ended up
finding the Savior who silences the storms. For Jonah, what started off as a failed attempt
to run ended up being the greatest ministry route. Trust that the Divine Author is writing
and perfecting your faith, even rewriting your failure into fruit. God’s purpose for your
future is far bigger than your failure.
 The sea was getting rougher and rougher. So they asked him, “What should we do
to you to make the sea calm down for us?” Jonah 1:11
 Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that
prevails. Proverbs 19:21
God delights in a truly repentant heart. With a contrite heart, He can take your failure and
make it flourish. He can use it to restore you to a greater understanding of who He is and
how much the Father loves you so He can use you in ways you never thought were
possible; ways that bring restoration to your soul and a story of redemption for others.

Pressing In

1. In looking back, do you see a time when God sent a strong unbalanced force to
intercept your path? What was the outcome?
2. Do you currently need a “But the Lord provided”?
3. Is there an area you’re trying to create a way out rather than relying on Him for
the way out?
4. Are you searching for answers to the storm rather than the One who silences the
storms?
5. Have you watched God transform your mess into a message? Share with someone
who might need the assurance.
 Walking out of Yesterday’s Shackles: When
You’re Physically Free But Mentally Enslaved
 July 22, 2017
 Fully Known, Wildly loved, Moving Past Your Past, Shame & Guilt
 3 Comments
 by info@estherdorotik.com
They laced up their shoes and headed for the starting line. What seemed to be a typical
half marathon soon changed as the contestants began strapping on weights. Arm weights.
Chest weights. Ankle weights. The ultimate challenge – run the race carrying the weight
they had recently lost. Runners strapped on 75 – 115 lbs as a reminder of what used to
weigh their lives down, keeping them from living to their potential.

On an elevated level, I am convinced we do this as believers. We strap on rejection, a

painful past, fear, guilt, and old habits and attempt to run the marathon of life. Burdens
that are no longer ours to bear, paid in full by the cross, continue to hold us down,
molding our identity, shaping our longings.

The Israelites were no stranger to this weird phenomenon. After 400 years of slavery,
they were finally free – physically. With each struggle in the desert, they longed to return
to their land of slavery. The chains that held them in cruel bondage and discouragement
were familiar, a sense of security in an unknown desert land. They were physically free
but mentally slaves.
For many of us, while we walk in freedom from the chains of death, we remain mentally
chained to our past. Not realizing God does some of His greatest work through the frailest
people.

Sound familiar? You’re not alone! When you find yourself returning to familiar chains,
strapping on the heavy load of a previous you, there are a few things you can do.

1. Understand This Is A Lifelong Battle

The enemy knows our name, but he calls us by our failures. As long as we are still
breathing, the enemy is still dangling memories, trying to get us to strap on the hurt.
Recognizing this is a lifelong struggle is a key to standing in victory and not feeling
defeated. It’s not a once win, always win. As believers, we are not absent from pain and
suffering caused by ourselves or others. Hurts will arise. Sin will creep in. We must be
ready, not exchanging the peace of freedom for the bait of slavery. Until we meet Jesus
face to face, the marathon of life continues. Remaining focused on the heavenly goal, we
will forget what is behind, strain toward what is ahead, and press on to the heavenward
prize.
 For in my inner being I delight in God’s law;  but I see another law at work in me,
waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at
work within me.  Romans 7:22-23
 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you,
as though something strange were happening to you. 1 Peter 4:12
 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one
thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on
toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ
Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14

KEEP PRESSING FORWARD ~  PHILIPPIANS 3:13

2. Choose Your Thoughts

Paying close attention to our thoughts is key to living shackle free. What we think comes
out in our actions and words. Physically held by force, bound by the Spirit at work in us,
our thoughts must become obedient to Christ. Anything – EVERYTHING – that sets
itself up against God must be crushed, annihilated, destroyed. This doesn’t mean ignoring
the thoughts because they seemingly return. It requires renewing your mind. Dwelling
on God’s Word, not the voices that call you back to former things. God’s desire is to use
the painful past to make a way in the wilderness, streams in the wasteland. He is doing a
new thing in your life! Do you perceive it?
 We 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.  2
Corinthians 10:5
 Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and
streams in the wasteland. Isaiah. 43:18-19
  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

3. Realize You Are Created Victorious

With every unwelcomed circumstance or thought, a choice is at hand. Will we choose to
be a victim or victor? The moment you accepted Christ, the weight He bore on the cross
broke the heavy shackles, and your burden lifted. His death and resurrection swallowed
slavery – for good! So, when those lies of defeat, discouragement, and bondage come
knocking, let the Savior answer. Under the pillar of the cross, we take our stand of
victory. The smallest victories are worthy of a celebration; turn them into a conversation
of gratitude with the King.
 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1
Corinthians 15:57 (NIV)
 For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your
enemies to give you victory. Deuteronomy 20:4 (NIV)
  Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Ephesians 6:10 (NIV)
 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved
us. Romans 8:37
4. Stand on the promise of God
We walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7) so who we are (or aren’t) isn’t nearly
as important as who He is. Even when you feel defeated, and the circumstances tip the
scale toward a victim, chose to stand on the promises of God. Heaven and earth may pass
away but God’s word will not. The foundation of His throne is faithfulness. He does not
violate His covenant or alter what His lips have already uttered (Psalm 89:34). Whether
you need strength, healing, courage, wisdom, peace, or anything else, stand on the gift of
His promise. Like any gift, though you have to receive it, unwrap it, and use it.

 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life
I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself
for me. I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained
through the law, Christ died for nothing! Galatians 2:20
 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the
new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17
 For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “YES” in Christ. And so
through Him the “AMEN” is spoken by us to the glory of God. 2 Corinthians 1:20 (NIV)
Father, thank you for taking the weight of the world’s sin so we can walk with our heads
held height. Help us to understand this lifelong battle, choose our thoughts wisely, walk
victorious and stand on Your promises. We want to be free both eternally and mentally.
Help me overcome the noise of my past. For no matter how many promises God has
made, we say “yes” and “AMEN”. All for the glory of God!
 Empty Well | How Your Story Is Meant to Bring
Him Glory
 August 9, 2016
 Fully Known, Wildly loved, Moving Past Your Past, Shame & Guilt
 2 Comments
 by info@estherdorotik.com
She gathered her things and headed out the door. “Surely, no one will be there at this
time,” she reassured herself. She had heard the snickering and seen the piercing glances
and just couldn’t handle it on this day.
The dust gathering on her feet couldn’t compare to the dirt her heart had collected
through the years. Peeling her eyes from the ground and looking up, she sees a figure
sitting in the distance.

Heart beating faster, she approaches her destination, head down, eyes focused on the
ground beneath her. “Will you give me a drink?”, the man asked. He was physically tired,
she was spiritually parched.

I love this story because in many ways it is my story. While most Jews did everything
they could to avoid the region of Samaria, Jesus walked right through it, AND
STOPPED. Not only did He stop, He approached a Samaritan woman living in sin.

A Samaritan, considered by Jews as impure. A woman, considered less than valuable,

living an impure life. Why?
Because His love for her, for us, runs
deeper than any cultural difference, social
standing, and certainly our sinful nature.
He initiated it with her and He initiates it with us.

I relate so well to her response, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can
you ask me for a drink?” Oh, how many times I’ve thought that same thing.

You, Jesus are God and I am a sinful person. I have lived a terribly sinful life and still fall
down and “scratch my knees” sometimes. How can you ask me for …? How can you use
me for …? If they knew what I’ve done…
The truth is, He does know what I’ve done and wants to use this broken vessel anyway.
A vessel many would have tossed away as trash, He valued as a treasure. His desire is
to lovingly mend the cracks, fill us up with Him, and use us to pour out life onto others.
“But, sir, this well is deep.” she reminded Him. Boy, have my wells run deep.

These empty wells I’ve chased have left me

unsatisfied, always wanting more.
Although I’ve been saved for years, I have always struggled with acceptance. Fear of
rejection has run so deep, keeping me from pursuing His greater calling.

Deep wells of rejection and pursuit of acceptance were the driving force for so much of
my life.

I don’t know if you’re chasing empty wells, you feel like you’ve fallen in a well, or your
well has run dry, but what I do know is the One who can restore you. He is the spring of
living water. The quench to your thirst. A well requires you to work for it but a spring,
comes with no work. No effort on your part.

“Are you greater than our father Jacob?” she asked. I laughed when I read this. Seriously!
I didn’t laugh because her question was dumb or think, don’t you know?! No, I laughed
because I have struggled with this question for years.

Are you greater than my history? My past?

My pain? Are you great enough, big
enough to take my history, my story,
redeem it and use it for your glory?
The answer…yes! How can He not use it, is the better question. A story filled with
dysfunctional childhood, young runaway, drugs, drinking, 14-year old marriage, high-
 school dropout, 16-year old mama, abandoned 7.5 months pregnant, divorced before the
legal age of marriage, abusive relationships, more drugs, more partying, close overdose,
relationship after relationship, deep thoughts of suicide, and even deeper thoughts of a
worthless life.
Yes, that was me.
Most can’t believe it now but that’s only because of the power of Christ’s love. He
approached me. He initiated His love for me, a sinful, impure “Samaritan” women. He
asked me for a drink from my deep, empty well and replaced it with a life-giving Spring.

So now, leaving my life behind, I run to tell others, “Come and see the man who knows
everything I’ve ever done” and loves me anyway.

Come and see the man who knows everything you’ve ever done and loves you anyway.

Come and see the man who saw your unformed body and declared, “It is good.” Come
and see the man who sees your crying and holds each tear in his hand. Come and see the
man who feels your loneliness and says “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake
you.” Come and see the man who knows your brokenness and declares “I am near to the
crushed and bind up their wounds”. Come and see the man who hears your anxious heart
and whispers “Be still and know that I am God.” Come and see the man who took your
chains and nailed them to the cross to set you, the captive, free.
Come and see this Man, the Messiah, the Lover of your soul, Deliverer of your freedom.
Come…

Bible reading from John 4:1-42

Bien vide | Comment votre histoire est destinée à

lui apporter la gloire
 9 août 2016
 Entièrement connu, follement aimé , dépassant votre passé , honte et culpabilité
 2 Commentaires
 par info@estherdorotik.com
Elle a rassemblé ses affaires et s'est dirigée vers la porte. "Sûrement, personne ne sera là
pour le moment", se rassura-t-elle. Elle avait entendu le ricanement et vu les regards
perçants et ne pouvait tout simplement pas le gérer ce jour-là.
La poussière accumulée sur ses pieds ne pouvait pas être comparée à la saleté que son
cœur avait accumulée au fil des ans. Décollant les yeux du sol et levant les yeux, elle voit
une silhouette assise au loin.

Le cœur battant plus vite, elle s'approche de sa destination, tête baissée, les yeux fixés sur
le sol sous elle. «Voulez-vous me donner à boire?», A demandé l'homme. Il était
physiquement fatigué, elle était spirituellement desséchée.

J'adore cette histoire parce qu'à bien des égards, c'est mon histoire. Alors que la plupart
des Juifs ont fait tout ce qu'ils pouvaient pour éviter la région de Samarie, Jésus l'a
traversée et s'est arrêté. Non seulement Il s'est arrêté, Il a approché une Samaritaine vivant
dans le péché.

Un Samaritain, considéré par les Juifs comme impur. Une femme, considérée comme
moins que précieuse, mène une vie impure. Pourquoi?

Parce que son amour pour elle, pour nous,

est plus profond que toute différence
culturelle, position sociale et certainement
notre nature pécheresse.
Il l'a initié avec elle et Il l'a initié avec nous.

Je comprends si bien sa réponse: «Vous êtes juive et je suis une Samaritaine. Comment

pouvez-vous me demander un verre? " Oh, combien de fois j'ai pensé la même chose.

Toi, Jésus est Dieu et je suis un pécheur. J'ai vécu une vie terriblement pécheresse et je
continue de tomber et de «me gratter les genoux» parfois. Comment pouvez-vous me
demander…? Comment pouvez-vous m'utiliser pour…? S'ils savaient ce que j'ai fait…
La vérité est, il ne sait ce que je l' ai fait et veut utiliser ce navire cassé de toute façon.
Un navire que beaucoup auraient jeté comme une poubelle, Il l'a évalué comme un
trésor. Son désir est de réparer avec amour les fissures, de nous remplir de lui et de nous
utiliser pour répandre la vie sur les autres.
"Mais, monsieur, ce puits est profond." elle lui a rappelé. Garçon, fais creuser mes puits.

Ces puits vides que j'ai chassés m'ont

laissé insatisfait, en voulant toujours plus.
Même si j'ai été sauvé pendant des années, j'ai toujours eu du mal à accepter. La peur du
rejet est si profonde, m'empêchant de poursuivre sa plus grande vocation.

De profonds puits de rejet et de recherche d'acceptation ont été la force motrice de ma vie.

Je ne sais pas si vous poursuivez des puits vides, si vous avez l'impression d'être tombé
dans un puits ou si votre puits s'est asséché, mais ce que je sais, c'est Celui qui peut vous
restaurer. Il est la source d'eau vive. Étancher votre soif. Un puits vous oblige à y
travailler mais un ressort, vient sans travail. Aucun effort de votre part.

"Êtes-vous plus grand que notre père Jacob?" elle a demandé. J'ai ri en lisant

ceci. Sérieusement! Je n'ai pas ri parce que sa question était stupide ou pense, tu ne sais
pas?! Non, j'ai ri parce que je me débattais avec cette question depuis des années.
Êtes-vous plus grand que mon
histoire? Mon passé? Ma douleur? Êtes-
vous assez grand, assez grand pour
prendre mon histoire, mon histoire, la
racheter et l'utiliser pour votre gloire?
La réponse… oui! Comment peut-il ne pas l'utiliser, est la meilleure question. Une
histoire remplie d'une enfance dysfonctionnelle, d'une jeune fugueuse, de drogues,
d'alcool, d'un mariage de 14 ans, d'un décrochage scolaire, d'une maman de 16 ans,
abandonnée enceinte de 7,5 mois, divorcée avant l'âge légal du mariage, de relations
abusives, de drogues, plus de fête, une surdose étroite, relation après relation, des pensées
profondes de suicide et des pensées encore plus profondes d'une vie sans valeur.
Oui, c'était moi.
La plupart ne peuvent pas le croire maintenant, mais c'est uniquement à cause de la
puissance de l'amour de Christ. Il m'a approché. Il a initié son amour pour moi, une
femme «samaritaine» impure et pécheresse. Il m'a demandé un verre dans mon puits
profond et vide et l'a remplacé par une source vivifiante.

Alors maintenant, abandonnant ma vie, je cours pour dire aux autres: «Venez voir
l'homme qui sait tout ce que j'ai jamais fait» et m'aime quand même.

Venez voir l'homme qui sait tout ce que vous avez fait et qui vous aime de toute façon.

Venez voir l'homme qui a vu votre corps informe et a déclaré: "C'est bon." Venez voir
l'homme qui voit vos pleurs et tient chaque larme dans sa main. Venez voir l'homme qui
ressent votre solitude et dit: "Je ne vous quitterai jamais, je ne vous abandonnerai
jamais." Venez voir l'homme qui connaît votre brisure et déclare «Je suis proche des
écrasés et panse leurs blessures». Venez voir l'homme qui entend votre cœur anxieux et
murmure " Soyez tranquille et sachez que je suis Dieu."  Venez voir l'homme qui a pris
vos chaînes et les a cloué sur la croix pour vous libérer, le captif.
Venez voir cet Homme, le Messie, l'Amant de votre âme, Libérateur de votre
liberté. Viens…

Lecture de la Bible de Jean 4: 1-42