Blended Not Shaken Ministries and Publications

Christian step/single parent and blended families ministry.

The Power of Prayer

The power associated with prayer must not be underestimated by a true Christian. Although the simplest definition of prayer is ‘talking to God’ and is of itself powerfully precious, prayer is also an effective weapon in fighting against Satan and his schemes. The Bible states that “the prayers of the righteous are powerful and effective.” (James 5:16b) We are told to “pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests; with this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all of the Lord’s people.” (Eph.6:18). His Word reassures us that He WILL hear ALL our prayers. But we also need the faith to believe that He will answer them as well.

“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”(Mark 11:24)

Praying the Scriptures

A sure way to enable powerful prayers from your lips is to pray God’s Word. Hebrews 4:12 says that His Word “is alive and powerful and sharper than any two edged sword.” (a weapon)

In speaking the scriptures, we align ourselves with His will and His way through His words, coming into agreement with Him- (it’s pointless to disagree with Him anyway, hence you should pity and pray for atheists, agnostics and the so -called Christian types who do not believe in Him nor adhere to what His Word actually says!)

I’ll use the scripture from 1 John 5:14 as an example of praying the scriptures..

“Dear Lord,

I bring ……….to you. I know you see my tears and hear my cries for deliverance from ……..I am reminded that I have “confidence in You. If I ask anything according to your Will, You hear me. And if I know You hear me, I know that I have the petition that I desire from you.” So Lord, now I wait for you to answer my prayer in Your time and in Your way. Amen”

If you are desiring to see answers to your prayers and breakthroughs in your situation, you must use scripture in your prayer life. This takes a level of commitment. The more apt you are at memorizing scripture, the easier praying the scriptures will become for you. Yet you cannot have scripture committed to memory without firstly reading it. Satan tries all the distractions under the sun to hinder Christians praying and reading their Bibles. Resist him as often as you are able. (this may include switching off your phone, turning off the TV, going to bed earlier in order to get up earlier the next morning or simply choosing to be less busy). We seem to be great at prioritizing what’s important to us. There is nothing of higher priority for a person who calls themselves a Christian than spending daily, quality time with the Lord in prayer and scripture.

Satan absolutely hates a Christian using scripture in their prayers. I can picture him covering his ears and fleeing.That is why prayer along with incorporating God’s Word within is a very powerful weapon. Try and imagine a war going on above and around you, unseen by the human eye. This war is being waged by Jesus’ angels and Satan’s demons. When Christians pray, the angels of God are empowered to battle on your behalf. When prayer covering is weak or non existent, evil prevails for a time.

God has given you powerful and effective gifts in the areas of prayer and His Word. I guarantee that if you use them, you will see Him work in miraculous ways and you will find yourself praying and reading His word more and more.

Blessings…

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TESTIMONIALS

What people say?

My Two Houses was one of my favourite books as a younger person. It helped me understand how I was feeling about having two homes. I feel as though Karina’s books have simplified a confusing situation, in a way for all ages to understand.

Charlotte

There is affirmation and encouragement to single dads and mums through “Let’s shout out to single dads” and “Sing a song to single mums”, anchoring their value, peace and endurance in the Word of God.

Librarian

Clear, fun explanations in “My family bush” of hard to decipher terms like half-brother and half-sister, full brother or sister, step-parent and how they connect to the relationships within a family.  Relating that to Jesus’ own family could be a revelation to children that their own family structure is not so different after all, that families who love and care for each other are part of God’s plan, no matter how they are made up.

Librarian

One step at a time: a step family journal“ is an honest, humorous yet life and faith affirming read for those approaching and in middle years. The use of illustrations in the text make it appealing and engaging.

Librarian

Karina’s books are very helpful when you struggle to relate to a child of separated or divorced parents when you haven’t experienced this yourself. I have quietly read or given time for a child to read one of the books and then wait for their responses. I find Karina’s books extremely helpful in my ministry to children.

Chaplain

I am often in awe of God’s amazing timing! My morning began with feelings of despair over a family relationship that had broken down. I poured out my heart to the Lord, seeking His comfort and guidance. A short time later there was a knock on my door and the postie handed me a package. It was Karina’s book “Sing a Song to Single Mums”. As I read, I came across a page that spoke directly to my situation!

Even down to the illustration! My day ended with renewed hope in God’s promise that He works all things… good things and bad things… together, for the good of those who love Him. I am so thankful to Karina for writing such a beautiful book and for the Lord’s timing in delivering it into my hands precisely when I needed to read it!

Single Mum

Caught in the Middle is one of my favourite books because, whenever I read it, I feel close to God.

River

I read My Two Houses with my entire Year 5 class. They loved it! It began a wonderful conversation which allowed many students to be vulnerable enough to be open about their feelings and situations at home as well as to a better understanding of what some of their classmates go through with divorced parents.

Primary Teacher

I have used My Two Houses with a 13-year boy during one of my sessions with him. He loved that he could relate so well with the book, stating, “That’s just like me” and I could see a change in his demeanour and body language in his knowing that there are other kids out there, just like him.

School Counselor

As a nuclear family, we love that the books contain so much scripture in teaching our children God’s word.

Ces, Father of 5, Pastor

Karina’s books give children permission to have their feelings validated and provide comfort and healing to their souls.

Tania

When it comes to blending 2 families together or doing it by yourself there are a number of unique issues.  If you find yourself in a role as a single parent, stepparent or trying to help siblings navigate their new situation it can be very tough.   

We at Focus on the Family Australia, want to help relationships and families  be as healthy as they can be.  We know it is not an easy task unifying 2 families or doing it solo.  

We highly recommend Blended Not Shaken Ministries to help provide some tools to cultivate a loving, blended or single parent home to achieve a sense of unity in your new family. 

Brett Ryan, CEO Focus on the Family Australia