When I Can't, Then He Can!

For our OBS this week (which I HIGHLY recommend - this is another GREAT study), I chose to write some of my own "when-then" statements.  When we feel any negative emotions such as emptiness or uncertainty, we can use these statements to help us turn our focus back to Jesus.  These are my "when-then" statements, accompanied by scriptures that help me to remember them:   

• When I can't figure out what to do in regards to a tough relationship, then I will seek God's guidance and thank Him for giving me wisdom to guide my steps and actions.  
• Proverbs 3:5-6 
• James 1:5 
• When I feel as though I will never be able to make payments on my student loans, then I will thank God for always providing, and remember that all things are possible with Him.  
• Luke 18:27 
• Philippians 4:19
• Matthew 7:11
• Psalm 91:15 
• When I feel lonely, and as though I will be alone forever, then I will thank God for always being with me, and for never leaving me.
• Deuteronomy 31:6 
• Isaiah 41:10 
• When I feel as though I'll never have control over my eating habits, then I will thank God that he is transforming me, and that I can do all things through His strength.
• 2 Corinthians 3:18 
• Philippians 4:13 
• When work becomes overwhelming and I want to quit, then I will thank God for allowing me to have a job to work for Him, and for his peace and strength.  
• John 16:33 
• 1 Chronicles 28:20 
• Colossians 3:2-4,22-24 
• When I feel unsuccessful by the world's standards, then I will thank God for all the things He has helped me accomplished, for the blessed life He has given me, and for His grace that determines my real value in Him.  
• Romans 12:2 
• Luke 16:10-11 
• When I am worried that I have made a wrong decision or feel fearful for the future, then I will thank God for His will and for guiding me. 

• Jeremiah 29:11
• Proverbs 3:6 
• Philippians 4:6-7 

Statements Renee Swope included in her book A Confident Heart: 

• When I start to measure my value by how well I am doing as a _____ (employee, citizen, friend, daughter, sister, woman, etc), then I will thank God for the gift of my roles and for the gift of His unconditional love that determines my worth. 
• When I feel insecure about my position at work, church, or somewhere else, then I will thank God for the high or low position I have on earth and for my position on Christ that secures my significance forever.  
• When I feel an aching emptiness that I'm tempted to fill with food, television, or anything other than God, then I will thank God for being the strength of my heart and my portion forever - and remember that He is the One who satisfies the hunger and thirst of my soul.  

I hope some of these bless you as well!  If you have any "when-then" statements, please post them in the comments - I would love to read them!!!  Thank you for reading, and God bless!  :)  

Favorite Scriptures - Work in Progress!

I've decided to make a post where I can continuously add scriptures that I love as I run across them.  I have so many favorites and ones that I need to remember, so having them collected in one place will be helpful!!!  :)  Different versions also help me to understand His Word better as well.  In no particular order: 

• Philippians 4:13

• Actually, I don't have a sense of needing anything personally.  I've learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances.  I'm just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little.  I've found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty.  Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.  (MSG, v. 11-13) 
• I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  (NKJV) 

• Proverbs 3:5-6 

• Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.  (NIV)  
• Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure everything out on your own.  Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track.  (MSG)  

• Philippians 4:6-7 

• 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.  (NIV) 
• Don't fret or worry.  Instead of worrying, pray.  Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns.  Before your know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down.  It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.  (MSG)  

• Philippians 4:8 

• Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.  (NIV) 

• Colossians 3:23

• Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as if working for the Lord, not for human masters.  (NIV)  
• And don't just do the minimum that will get you by.  Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you'll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance.  Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you're serving is Christ.  (MSG) 

• Isaiah 26:3-4: You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.  Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal. (NIV) 
• Isaiah 41:10 
• Don't panic.  I'm with you.  There's no need to fear for I'm your God. I'll give you strength.  I'll help you.  I'll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.  (MSG) 

• Isaiah 43:2 

• When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.  When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.  

• Isaiah 43:18-19 

• 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.  (NIV)
• Forget about what's happened; don't keep going over old history.  Be alert, be present.  I'm about to do something brand-new.  It's bursting out!  Don't you see it?  There it is!  I'm making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands.  (MSG)  

• John 15:1-8 

• I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.  He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.  You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you.  No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine.  Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.  I am the vine, you are the branches.  If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.  If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.  If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.  This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.  (NIV) 

• John 3:30 

• He must become greater; I must become less.  (NIV) 
• That's why my cup is running over.  This is the assigned moment for him to move into the center, while I slip off to the sidelines. (MSG)  

• 1 John 4:18 
• There is no fear in love.  But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.  The one who fears is not made perfect in love.  (NIV)  
• There is no room in love for fear.  Well-formed love banishes fear.  Since fear is crippling, a fearful life - fear of death, fear of judgement - is one not yet fully formed in love.  (MSG)  

• Romans 8:6 - The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.  (NIV)
• Romans 12:9-13 

• Love from the center of who you are; don't fake it.  Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good.  Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.  Don't burn out, keep yourselves fueled and aflame.  Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant.  Don't quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality.  (MSG)  
• Love must be sincere.  Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.  Be devoted to one another in love.  Honor one another above yourselves.  Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.  Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.  Share with the Lord's people who are in need.  Practice hospitality.  (NIV)  

• All of Matthew 5 
• Matthew 5:44 
• 
  
• Matthew 6:33 
• Psalms
• 34:10
• 37:4 
• 40:4
• 46:10 
• 105:4 - Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. (NIV) 
• Proverbs
• 4:23 
• 16:3 
• Nehemiah 8:10 
• 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 
• Ephesians 3:17 
• Ephesians 4:26-27
• Ephesians 4:32 
• Galatians 5:22-23 
• Jeremiah 29:11 
• 1 Peter 3:3-4 

• 
  
• Joshua 1:9 

• Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.  (NIV)  
• Haven't I commanded you?  Strength!  Courage!  Don't be timid; don't get discouraged.  God, your God, is with you every step you take.  (MSG) 

I Will Be With You

"I have summoned you by name; you are mine.  When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.  When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.  For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior."  

~Isaiah 43:1b-3a 

This verse is so incredibly reassuring!  It literally warms my soul, and makes me feel loved.  To think that God is there to protect me in the waves and fires of our lives is incredible!  He is there when I am at work when I am fighting fires with patients or other people.  He is there in my relationships when things get heated so I don't get burned.  He is there in my family when I feel like the waves of major change, economic stress, and life in general will wash us away.  He is there when I feel I will be drowned in a deep river of stress, yet my soul feels dry.  He is there in all of this, taking care of us, keeping us safe.  He is in control!  

In the midst of all our hardships, grievances, suffering, trials, and tribulations, God is there.  He never leaves us - we just have to seek Him always.  If we do not actively seek Him every moment of every day, then we may miss His presence in our lives.  We cannot know the incredible power of God unless we seek Him.  He has already met us more than halfway; we must just go our half to meet Him! 

Thank you for reading, God bless!!!  :)  

The Sabbath

"If you watch your step on the Sabbath

and don't use my holy day for personal advantage,

If you treat the Sabbath as a day of joy, 

God's holy day as a celebration,

If you honor it by refusing 'business as usual,'

making money, running here and there - 

Then you'll be free to enjoy God!

Oh, I'll make you ride high and soar above it all. 

I'll make you feast on the inheritance of your ancestor Jacob."

~Isaiah 58:13-14 

I came across this scripture as I was reading the Bible this evening, and I was amazed yet again at how God always puts the perfect scripture in our lives at the right time!  This is literally how I spent my day - with God.  I arose this morning and prayed before church.  I then went to worship, which was amazing as always.  Chatted with my family, enjoyed the warm weather and some coffee with a friend, then came home and spent the rest of the day reading His Word, working on my online bible study, typing up my sermon recap, and praying.  And I must say, this is the best day I have had in a long time!  

I had been debating on whether or not to pick up some extra hours on Sundays at my part-time job.  I realize now this is the answer to my question!  God answered by scripture and by my experience today.  I literally felt like I spent the whole day with Him, talking to Him, listening to Him, learning from Him, loving Him, and being loved by Him.  As the passage said, I was free to enjoy God, and as I did He made me ride high and soar above everything!  I am so thankful for Christ, my church, and His Word!!!  

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His Promises are Kept!

Promises He has fulfilled in my life:

• He always provides: Philippians 4:19 - "And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus."  Even when the numbers in my bank account don't seem like they should add up, somehow they always do - He always provides!!!  
• He gives us strength: Isaiah 40:29-31 - 
  "He gives power to the weak
  and strength to the powerless.
  Even youths will become weak and tired,
  and young men will fall in exhaustion.
  But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
  They will soar high on wings like eagles.
  They will run and not grow weary.
  They will walk and not faint."  
  When I draw close to him, I always feel renewed and much stronger than when I try to face the world alone!  
• He gives us hope:  Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."  Without his hope, life feels hopeless, pointless, empty, and the future seems dim.  With his hope, I feel that all things truly ARE possible - I KNOW all things are possible with Him!  This gives me a much better attitude, and makes life so much better, more rewarding, and truly helps me to excel in life!  
• He gives us rest: Matthew 11:28-29 - “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."  When I draw close to the Lord, I find peace and am able to rest.  My soul feels calm and rested!  There is nothing else that calms me down enough to rest peacefully except focusing on God!  
• He gives us peace: Proverbs 1:33 - "But all who listen to me will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm.”                     John 14:27 - “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.  Nothing else has ever given me the peace of mind and spirit that focusing on and drawing near to the Lord!  Nothing even comes close!  When I am close to Him, I feel so much less stressed, frazzled, and worried - He is amazing!!!  

I pray you receive all of God's blessings too!  He WILL keep His promises to you, just draw near to Him, and put Him at the center of your life!  :)  

Verse Mapping Insights - Isaiah 30:15

Today's post is a rough outline of some thoughts and insights I had while doing some verse mapping with this week's online bible study verse!  Please excuse the rough formatting, I just wanted to get my thoughts down :)

"For thus saith the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength" 

~Isaiah 30:15 (King James Version) 

"Come back and quietly trust in me. Then you will be strong and secure.”

~Isaiah 30:15 (Good News Translation) 

Definitions with Google Dictionary:

• Salvation - A source of being saved or protected from harm 
• Repentance - feeling or expressing sincere regret or remorse about one's wrongdoings or sins 
• Rest - Ceasing work or movement in order to relax and refresh oneself 
• Quietness - Making no sound (this definition just sounds peaceful! Pun intended :) 
• Trust - Firm belief in the reliability, truth, and ability of someone or something 
• Strength - The emotional or mental qualities necessary in dealing with situations or events that are distressing or difficult 

By feeling and expressing to the Lord sincere regret and remorse about our wrongdoings and sins, and by ceasing work and movement at times in order to relax and refresh ourselves, we are saved and protected from harm. 

By making no sound in order to focus on the Lord, and having a firm belief in the reliability, truth, and abilities of the Lord, we develop positive and stable emotional and mental states that are necessary to deal with distressing and difficult situations.  

We need to regularly go to a quiet place to focus on the Lord, whispering to Him, and listening to Him. We need to trust Him and His great plans for our lives, and have confidence in Him and in our abilities with Him at our sides. This gives us strength to get through life, and the strength to persevere through whatever we go through! 

We are saved from bad things in live (stressors) by returning from any distractions to focusing on the Lord, repenting and confessing any sins, and resting in His perfect peace.

By focusing on Him, we find His perfect peace and are able to rest. This helps us to grow even closer to Him. This is all our salvation, which saves us from death, and a life of stress and pain!

God bless!!!  :)