S.I.S.T.A.H.S. MINISTRY

Brooks J. Young believes her God-given purpose is to help women, regardless of race, class, or religion. To realize this goal, Young founded Touching Heart Ministries in 2004. "I personally went through low-self esteem, fear, and lack of self control. If not for God’s grace and mercy, I would still be living a life void of purpose and allowing things to hinder me in my walk and relationship with my Heavenly Father.



God is my reason for founding Touching Heart Ministries. He pulled me out of my circumstances and literally saved my life. Before my spiritual transformation, I turned my emotions outward and made it my business to inflict pain on others because of all the times I had been on the receiving end of pain. Now I am making it my business to rebuild what has been torn down in the lives of other women, and encourage them the way I have been encouraged."


Be blessed,

Brooks J. Young
Founder & Executive Director of Touching Heart
Web: www.TouchingHeart.org
E-Mail: Brooks@TouchingHeart.org
Bus: (757) 301-0778
Fax: (425) 740-9045

"However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him."

~ I Corinthians 2:9 (NIV)


God is speaking about some changes in your life but you are afraid. This week, I want to encourage to not be afraid and to step out. Even if you make a mistake, it won't be the end of the world.

Go through the doors He is opening. You may even have to take a few steps in some direction and see that doors that once had a closed sign is now open just for you. God leads step by step. He may never show you step two until you take step one. When you are faithful over little things, He will show you the next step, and by then your faith will grow to handle it.

Step out in God's timing into the things you feel He is leading you into.

Thoughts to Ponder: What are the "weights" in your life that is causing you not to walk into your destiny? Why are you "afraid" to take step one??



* ~ * ~ *

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,

I thank You for being Almighty God. I thank You in advance for increasing my faith. I thank You for opening each door that I need to walk through to reach my destiny. Lord, today, I make an effort to step out into things that You have called me to do. Although, I do not see the full picture, I know that in Your timing you will reveal more. I ask that right NOW, You order my steps as I step out on faith.

In Jesus Name,
Amen.

"Then Balak said to Balaam, "and she said to him, "As surely as you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the LORD. (27) I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. (28) So now I give him to the LORD. For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD." And he worshiped the LORD there."

~ I Samuel 1:26 - 28 (NIV)


To do what she promised (1:11), Hannah gave up what she wanted most - her son - and presented him to Eli to serve in the house of the Lord. In dedicating her only son to God, Hannah was dedicating her entire life and future to God. Because Samuel's life was from God, Hannah was not really giving him up. Rather, she was returning him to God, who had given Samuel to Hannah in the first place. These verses illustrate the kinds of gifts we should give to God.

Thoughts to Ponder: Do your gifts cost you little (Sunday mornings, a comfortable tithe), or are they gifts of sacrifice? Are you presenting God with tokens, or are you presenting him with your entire life?



* ~ * ~ *

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,

I thank You this morning for the gift of life. I thank You in advance for my "double portion". I thank You for being You all by Yourself. Forgive me for not dedicating myself as a living sacrifice. Forgive me for not giving y=You my entire life. Give me strength to endure life's obstacles. Protect me. Cover me with Your blood. Continue to speak to me as I strive daily to be all that You have called me to be; even when I do not understand it all -I know that in my "due season" I will give "birth" according to Your plans and purpose over my life.

In Jesus Name,
Amen.

"Then Balak said to Balaam, "Come, let me take you to another place. Perhaps it will please God to let you curse them for me from there."

~ Numbers 23:27


Balak took Balaam to several places to try to entice him to curse the Israelites, He thought a change of scenery might help change Balaam's mind. But changing locations won't change God's will. We must learn to face the source of our problems. Moving to escape problems only make solving them more difficult. Problems rooted in us are not solved by a change of scenery. A change in location or job may only distract us from the need for us to change our heart.

Thoughts to Ponder: What is God telling you about your heart?



* ~ * ~ *

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,

I come to You thanking You for the gift of life. I thank You for making a way out of no way. Lord, I ask right now, that You create in me a clean heart and a steadfast spirit within me. Lord, teach me how to be more like You and less like myself. Cleanse my soul and renew my mind!

In Jesus Name,
Amen.

"But this I recall and therefore have I hope and expectation: (22) It is because of the Lord's mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His [tender] compassion fail not. (23) They are new every morning; great and abundant is Your stability and faithfulness."

~ Lamentations 3:21 - 23 (NASB)


Jeremiah saw one ray of hope in all the sin and sorrow surrounding him: "The faithful love of the LORD never ends....Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning." God willingly responds when ask. Perhaps there is some sin in your life that you thought God would not forgive. God's steadfast love and mercy are greater than any sin, and he promises forgiveness.

Jeremiah knew from personal experiences about God's faithfulness. God had promised punishment would follow disobedience, and it did. But God also had promised future restoration and blessing, and Jeremiah knew that God would keep that promise also. Trusting in God's faithfulness day by day makes us confident in His great promises for the future.

Thoughts to Ponder: God has several long-term and short-term lessons for you right now. Are you doing your homework?



* ~ * ~ *

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,

Thank you, Lord, that Your mercies to me are new every morning, and Your love, faithfulness, and compassion increasingly strengthen my hope in You each day.

In Jesus Name,
Amen.

"My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord."

~ Isaiah 55:8


The people of Israel were foolish to act as if they knew what God was thinking and planning. His knowledge and wisdom are far greater than any humans. We are foolish to try to fit God into our mold-to make His plans and purposes conform to ours. Instead we must strive to fit into His plans.

Thoughts to Ponder: In what ways have we have we done things according to our will and not the Will of the Lord? In what ways can we consciously make a change to avoid this in the future?



* ~ * ~ *

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,

It is easy for us to assume that our thoughts are Your thoughts. Give us grace to listen to Your Word in our lives, trusting that You want what is best for us, as we pray, "Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy Will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil." I admit I have wanted "my way" too many times to count. I have made plans of my own without Your guidance. I have cried and pouted until You allowed me to get hurt so I would learn and be reminded that Your way is the only way. Today, I open my heart for You to direct my steps. Lord, lead me in the way I should go. I come to You for advice and for Your wisdom. I come to You for Your love as my Heavenly Father. Thank You for loving me, Your child, so much that You are willing to teach me so that I will learn and grow into the person You have planned for me to be.

In Jesus Name,
Amen.

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer".

~ Romans 12:12


A consistent prayer life requires faithfulness. We have to take the time, maintain focus and commit to not allowing too much time to go in between each prayer. And we need to not grow weary when our prayers seem to go unanswered.

The words Paul wrote to the Romans offer us some insight into the expectations that God places on our prayer lives. God doesn't require eloquence. He doesn't ask that our prayers be a certain length or that we pray a certain number of times a day. God asks that we be "faithful in prayer."

So what does faithfulness in prayer means? It means making prayer an ongoing, consistent part of our lives. It's being diligent to set aside time for prayer. It's developing a sense of awe and stillness before God. It's praying for someone when we promised we would. It's taking time to sit before God and ask for His direction rather than rushing through each decision. It's seeking out God's purpose in our lives rather than merely reacting to our circumstances. It's continuing to come to Him even when we don't feel that we're getting any answers. When we are faithful to pray -- to talk to our Heavenly Father -- we establish intimacy with Him. That alone is reason enough to be faithful.

* ~ * ~ *

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,

I'm sorry for allowing time with You to fall away and not be what it should. I have use that time I could have spent with You to do other things I've placed ahead of You. I'm so sorry Lord. Please forgive me. This week, please help me to set aside the time I NEED to be with You...just be with YOU. Help me to find peace and relax in knowing that You have went before me on the road that lies ahead of me. Let me rest in Your assurance that everything will be fine and You have it ALL under control Help me to follow Your schedule and not mine on the list of "things to get done" Bring restful sleep to my nights and energy to my days.

In Jesus Name,
Amen.

"Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart."

~ Psalms 37:4


As you begin this week, trust and believe that the Lord has you best interest at heart. He is always with you. He will never fail you. If you are looking for directions in your life…acknowledge Him…He gives good counsel. When you feel a wave of despair approaching…call on Him. Jesus is able to turn things around. He tells us over and over again in His word to fear not. He tells us that the enemy can't triumph over us. God is our defense. Trust God with your life…watch what He does in your life. Delight yourself in the Lord…He will lead you…He will guide you…He will direct you. "Come and see the works of the God, He is awesome in doing toward the sons of men." Nothing is too hard for the Lord!!

* ~ * ~ *

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,

I thank You for my deliverance in advance. I thank You for always carrying me into victory. Lord, I thank You that You are Man of Your Word. I thank You for all the spiritual gifts that You have given me. I may not know what they all entail but I know You will reveal them one by one to me. Lord, I simply just say, "Thank You"!

In Jesus Name,
Amen.

"Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!"

~ Esther 4:15 (NKJV)


Have you ever thought, "I'm just one person. My prayers can't make a difference"?

As you begin this week, stop thinking that YOU cannot make a difference. Begin walking in all that the Lord has called you to be. Esther was just "one" person. Her cousin, Mordecai, asked of her a MIGHTY task and although she was Queen...she needed courage, great faith and God's guidance through the circumstances. She risked losing more than her life but the life of millions in her country were in jeopardy as well. BUT she courageously did what she had to do and saved her nation.

As believers, we each have to take a stand for what is right, even if the result of our actions may bring ridicule or something worse. It's easy to be around our "Christian" friends and family, but those times when we are surrounded by scoffing unbelievers can be very challenging. Maybe you are the only Christian at work or at a family gathering- what do you do when confronted about your faith? Are you willing to risk banishment by your peers by standing up for what is right? You never know when your intercession and action may save lives.

As we go through 2008, may we accept everything the Lord has planned for us without apprehension, knowing His Will is better than any plan we could ever make. Let us put our trust in Him and live our lives in a way that we won't regret and not worry about what tomorrow will bring, knowing we are in the Lord's hands and may our lives be full of praises lifted to our King!



* ~ * ~ *

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,

I know that I am just "one" person but if You send me I will go. Father, I want to walk in every step that You have set before me. I know that by me being just "one" through You I can bless and save many. Lord, give me strength, wisdom and courage as I walk in my purpose and live victoriously!

In Jesus Name,
Amen.

"Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it"

~ Isaiah 30:21 (NIV)


We pray about a lot of things - desires of our hearts, protection for our families, strength in the times of grief. We need to know God's will in every aspect of our lives. We all want to be in the center of God's will. That's why we shouldn't pursue a career, move move to another place or make any major life changes without knowing that it is the will of God. When you ask the Lord to speak to your heart, He will do that. He will give you peace about a certain thing and lack of peace about others. We can be confident that whatever happens along the way, we don't have to worry because we are right where God wants us to be.

As you seek guidance, listen for God's voice. It will be there. Take a few quiet moments to wait on Him time to respond. When we live outside of God's will, we forfeit His protection.

* ~ * ~ *

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, Today I open my heart for You to direct my steps. Lord; lead me in a way I should come. I come to You for advice and Your wisdom. I come to You for You love as my heavenly Father. Thank You for loving me, Your child so much that You are willing to teach me so I will learn and grow into the person You have planned me to be.

In Jesus Name,
Amen.

"The mouth of the [uncompromisingly] righteous utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks with justice. The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide."

~ Psalm 37:30 - 31


We all know that words can either build someone up or tear them down. Words are powerful especially when there is a decision to be made. The Lord touched Jeremiah's mouth so that he could speak the words given by Him. Today, ask the Lord to touch your mouth so that you are able to speak words that are honest, wise and of truth.

Thoughts to Ponder: Meditate on the Lord constantly. Then when something unpleasant or unexpected happens, embrace it. Don't hate it. Don't think of how it could've been different. Don't even wish it would've been. The Lord is answering your prayers for wisdom by giving you your circumstances. He is blessing you with understanding through your trials. Embrace what the Lord is truly blessing you with, and thank Him.

* ~ * ~ *

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, I admit that in the midst of daily life, I caught up and at times, loose my focus on You. I'm sorry for the times that I've called on You only to save me from the struggle at that moment. Help me to keep Your words in my heart throughout the day so that when anything unpleasant or unexpected happens, I can embrace it to gain wisdom and knowledge from You. Thank You for everything You give me Lord, including my trials. Thank You for loving me enough to want me to be better than I am.

In Jesus Name,
Amen.

"A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps."

~ Proverbs 16:9 (NKJV)


As you start your day, allow God to order your steps in everything that you do. Use God's Words as motivation to be more like Him.

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, I admit I have wanted "my way" too many times to count. I have made plans of my own without Your guidance. I have cried and pouted until You allowed me to get hurt so I would learn and be reminded that Your way is the only way. Today, I open my heart for You to direct my steps. Lord, lead me in the way I should go. I come to You for advice and for Your wisdom. I come to You for Your love as my Heavenly Father. Thank You for loving me, Your child, so much that You are willing to teach me so that I will learn and grow into the person You have planned for me to be.

In Jesus Name,
Amen.

"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you."

~ Matthew 5:43:44


As we begin this week, let us pray for those who we consider an enemy. Pray for those who have hurt, humiliated, lied to, or abandoned you. Ask the Lord to come in your heart to show you how to forgive the way He has forgiven us each day for our sins.

Thoughts to Ponder: How much patience and forgiveness do you think it took for God to never give up on you? Would you be comfortable placing yourself in a position that assumes you are more deserving of grace than those who you have found yourself in conflict with?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I come to You today asking you show me the light that you have placed in my life. Lord, allow me to overcome persecution from others. Allow me to stand in trials that may come up. Lord, bless those who bless me and those who curse me.

In Jesus Name,
Amen.

When He told them what they could expect for themselves: "Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat--I am. Don't run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I'll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you?


~ Luke 9:23-25 (The Message)

Wouldn't it be nice if being a Christian meant, no more struggles? Seriously. . . wouldn't it be great if, upon making the decision to follow Christ, you could rest assured in never having to go through another trial?

We're not promised that, however, and the reality of being a Christian is some sort of suffering on some level is inevitable. The difference is, as a Christian we are promised to never go through it alone . . . God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. "So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" Hebrews 13:5-6 (New International Version).

Struggling. . .

It may not be what I want. . . but Jesus knew He must die for the sins of the world. . . and He submitted.

I may be uncomfortable. . . but nothing like the nails that pierced my Savior's hands. . . to fulfill the Lord's plan.

It may be humiliating. . . but nothing like the jeers from the crowd who mocked the Lamb of God and watched Him suffer and die on the cross. . . for my salvation.

Struggling... don't run from it, embrace it. . .

embrace it. . .

embrace Him. . .

Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Please help me to surrender my life to You. Regardless of what others say or think of me, please give me the strength to do Your will continually, knowing You know my heart... and that's all that matters.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

". . . Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction."
~ Mark 5:34 (NKJV)

Are you so overwhelmed in your life right now that you seem to be grasping for what little faith you can muster? Do you find that deep down, you're really not sure how the tasks that need to get done will ever be finished? Are you feeling as if everything that needs to be done has become your focus and "afflicted" you and your faith?

"Faith can move mountains"... the stacks of paper on your desk, and the lists that seemed to be never get completed! Faith is believing in something unseen, and having faith in our Lord, is believing in Someone unseen. Don't look at your "to do's" and get discouraged. Allowing yourself to believe and feel those things is not having faith in the Lord. Believe in Him. Believe He will help you. Just believe, so that the Lord will be able to say to you, "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction."

Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father,

I pray that I will be focused on You, and that my faith in You will be strong. Do not let me get consumed with the things of the day. Do not let me stray from You while trying to get things done. Instead, I pray that You would be with me and guide me. I pray for my faith to be strong so You can heal me from my afflictions of this world. Bring me peace today Lord, and let me rest assured that You know all the answers and know how this will come to an end. Thank You Lord, that in a world of so much confusion, I can relax and have faith in You.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

"Do not love sleep, lest you come to poverty; open your eyes, and you will be satisfied with bread."
~ Proverbs 20:13 (NKJV)

Don't "sleep in" on the Lord and not spend the time He longs to be with you, and then get so overwhelmed with the things of the day and world, that you miss out on what He's given you in your life; this day... this very moment.

"Open your eyes" and seek Him first, and then, you will receive your "bread of life, hope, and strength" for the day, and the days to come.

Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for this beautiful day that You made. It is beautiful if for no other reason than that. Please give me the strength to wake up each day with the mind set that it will be a wonderful day. I pray that I will not give into laziness or procrastination, but remained focused on the tasks that lie ahead of me for each day. Lead me in the way that I should go. I pray that I will remain faithful to my goal and that I will seek You to give me my "bread" to continue and be fruitful in my efforts to get organized. I also pray that I would not get so caught up in what needs to be done, that I put You on hold. Help me to see all the blessings You've showered on my life.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

"Get behind me, Satan! You are an offense to me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men."
~ Matthew 16:23 (NKJV)

As we begin this week, let us remove our doubts. Keep the scripture above handy... memorize it... say it to yourself every time you feel yourself slipping. Every time one of those thoughts that make you doubt yourself come to mind, remember that you are doubting God. That just sounds ridiculous, doesn't it? Doubting the Creator of the Universe?! He believes in you, and with Him you can do all things, so don't doubt yourself, for He made you, and you are a work in progress... A process in which He is with you in all the way!

* ~ * ~ *

Thoughts to Ponder: Make a list of things that you have doubted and give them to the Lord whole-heartedly. What have you tried to do on your own instead of just giving it to God?

* ~ * ~ *

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

I want to be mindful of You and all the precious gifts You've given me. I pray that I will not feel overwhelmed and give into thoughts that undermine my abilities, therefore undermining You. I trust You to help me get the tasks that lie ahead of me done. I know that I can succeed. Let me draw my strength from You and not allow the things of men and this world to swallow me up, but instead, rely on You to free me once and for all.

In Jesus' name,
Amen.

"Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."
~ Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)


Be encouraged today to no longer stay within closed confining walls that you think are safe. Those walls are your psychological prison. Your human self seeks comfort, security and what is familiar. Your spirit seeks to soar and grow. Dreams will never be realized without risks. Love will never be experienced without exposure. Bodly go, do, be and have experiences of a new way of living. You've got to boldly go where you've never gone before.


* ~ * ~ *


Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father,

I confess that I have worried about too many things and today I give them to You. I release those worries, breathe in Your peace, and relax in knowing that You have everything under control. Please help me to remember the next time I begin to worry, to seek You first. In all the areas of strife in my life I come to You and give up the "what ifs" and "buts" and trust You completely. I don't know how I'm going to get the tasks that lie ahead of me done, but I will no longer worry about it, and instead look to You for the answers and guidance, and watch Your plan unfold in my life. Thank You for reminding me that worrying is a futile response to the Creator of Everything.

In Jesus name,
Amen.

(1) Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, (2) saying: "There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man. (3) Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, 'Get justice for me from my adversary.' (4) And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, 'Though I do not fear God nor regard man, (5) yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.'" (6) Then the Lord said, "Hear what the unjust judge said. (7) And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? (8) I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?"
~ Luke 18:1 - 8

* ~ * ~ *

To persist in prayer and not give up does not mean endless repetition or painfully long prayer sessions. Constant prayer means keeping our requests continually before God as we live for Him day by day, believing He will answer. When we live by faith, we are not to give up. God may delay answering, but His delays always have a good reasons. As we persist in prayer, we grow in character, faith, and hope.

If godless judges respond to constant pressure, how much more will a great and loving God respond to us? If we know He love us, we can believe He will hear our cries for help.

* ~ * ~ *

Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Release me from my thoughts and feelings of doubt. I give them to You in place of Your love and hope. I want to be mindful of You and all the precious gifts You've given me. I pray that I will not feel overwhelmed and give into thoughts that undermine my abilities, therefore undermining You. I trust You to help me get the tasks that lie ahead of me done. I know that I can succeed. Let me draw my strength from You and not allow the things of men and this world to swallow me up, but instead, rely on You to free me once and for all.

In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Today, stop comparing yourself to others. This train of thought only leads you on a downward spiral of negative feelings and negative self-talk. You will always see others doing more than you or less than you.

Change your focus. Start loving and honoring yourself. I encourage you to have a healthy self-esteem by acknowledging your strengths, progress and worthiness. Get back on track and stay the course with your own goals and dreams.

When you know in your heart that you're doing your best...there's no need for self-pity and stress.

* ~ * ~ *


Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for being by my side and always looking out for my best interests. I look to You for the answers. Lord, help me to change my focus so that I'm able to concentrate on things of You and not of this world. Lord, help me to have self-confidence. Please help me to keep from stumbling and falling. When I do, however, I pray that I would use that time to draw closer to You, and learn from the lessons You have for me. Uphold me today Lord, and give me the strength that I need to stand tall and walk through my life with confidence in You.

In Jesus' name,
Amen.