Empowered!

For Week 1 of our Online Bible Study on "Made to Crave," our word of the week is #empowered.  Just saying the word to myself makes me feel stronger!  The Google definition of "empowered" is as follows: "Give (someone) the authority or power to do something; make (someone) stronger and more confident, especially in controlling their life and claiming their rights."  I LOVE this definition!  God is the only one who can always help us feel stronger and more confident, and who gives us power over the things in our lives that seem to have control over us (including our thoughts and choices).  He is the one who empowers us, if we make the choice to seek Him.

For this blog post, I recorded a couple of times throughout this week that I have remembered the word of the week, and how it affected me.

Monday morning - started a new job.  I felt so many emotions: fear and anxiety of the unknown, mixed with excitement for a new beginning and hope for a fulfilling career.  The training that morning was overwhelming, and I was beginning to feel completely unsure of myself and my abilities.  Even though all my new co-workers were friendly, I really missed my previous co-workers, who had become my best friends and confidants.  I doubted I had made the right decision to change jobs.

Over lunch, I went and prayed and poured my heart out to God over a cup of coffee (Starbucks can help everything, right? :)  He reminded me that through him, I am EMPOWERED.  Alone, I WILL feel insecure, fearful, and anxious; but with Him I can get through anything!  He also reminded me that He has great plans for my life and directs my paths (Jeremiah 29:11, Proverbs 3:6), and He led me to this new position.  Thanking Him for this reminder and for His comfort, I went back to work and had a much better afternoon.  It was still overwhelming at times, but everything went well and I enjoyed my time!

Tuesday morning - nine degrees outside.  My cat was snuggled up tight, and I did not want to get up and go for my run before work.  I remembered that God has given me good health, and that I need to maintain that and take care of this earthly body He has given me (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).  He empowers me and gives me the strength to get up and face the cold, and this helped me get up and go run!

I pray you feel #empowered by God often!  Seek Him and you will find Him and His strength!  God bless :)

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) 

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!  :)