"And we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."  ~2 Corinthians 10:5b (NIV).

Taking captive EVERY THOUGHT.  Every thought meaning every single thing that passes through our brains.  Good and bad.  Right and wrong.  When we have any sort of thought, put it to test of whether it is obedient to Christ:  "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."  ~Philippians 4:8 (NIV).  

When I begin to think about how I feel I need new clothes, I will take these thoughts captive, and turn them into obedience: I have plenty of clothes that are in good condition, and scripture tells us, "Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.  Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?...And why do you worry about clothes?  Se how the flowers of the field grow.  They do not labor or spin.  Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.  If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you - you of little faith?" ~Matthew 6:25, 28-30 (NIV).  Whenever I begin to think about how I "need" to go shopping, I will stop and remember these verses, and will turn my focus back towards God.

When I begin to feel lonely, or miss an old relationship, I will take these thoughts captive, and turn them into obedience: God led me to where I am in life right now, and I listened for His guidance when making decisions in past relationships.  Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths" (ESV).  Whenever I begin to think about how I miss someone or miss a relationship, I will stop and turn my focus back towards God.

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!  :)  

Proverbs 3:5-6 Life Application

"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."  ~Proverbs 3:5-6

While we want to fully trust in the Lord with all of our hearts, it is so much easier said than done.  Emotions cloud our minds and judgments, and the ways of the world make it easy to think that it's okay to do things our way once in awhile.  To live a life of abundance, which He wants to give us, we must trust and submit to Him completely!  

But how???

The Life Application Study Bible says this about Proverbs 3:5-6: 

"Leaning has the sense of putting your whole weight on something, resting on and trusting in that person or thing.  When we have an important decision to make, we sometimes feel that we can't trust anyone - not even God.  But God knows what is best for us.  He is a better judge of what we want than even we are!  We must trust Him completely in every choice we make.  We should not omit careful thinking or belittle our God-given ability to reason; but we should not trust our own ideas to the exclusion of all others.  We must not be wise in our own eyes.  We should always be willing to listen and be corrected by God's Word and wise counselors.  Bring your decisions to God in prayer; use the Bible as your guide; and then follow God's leading.  He will make your paths straight by both guiding and protecting you."  

"To receive god's guidance, said Solomon, we must acknowledge God in all our ways.  This means turning every area of life over to Him  About a thousand years later, Jesus emphasized this same truth (Matthew 6:33).  Look at your values and priorities.  What is important to you?  In what areas have you not acknowledged Him?  What is His advice?  In many areas of your life you may already acknowledge God, but it is the areas where you attempt to restrict or ignore His influence that will cause you grief.  Make Him a vital part of everything you do; then He will guide you because you will be working to accomplish His purposes."  

We must make seeking Him in every area of our life a priority!  Once we do this, we open our lives up to the abundant blessings He has for us!  

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) 

Trusting His Timing

Trust - firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something 

I have a firm belief that God is reliable, and will always provide and take care of me.  

I have a firm belief in the truth of God's Word.  

I have a firm belief in the ability of God to do amazing things with and in my life.

I have a firm belief in God's strength to provide me with strength, and to do incredible and seemingly impossible things.  

But why do I struggle with having a firm belief that God's timing is perfect?  

Sometimes (ok, often times!) I struggle with trusting God's timing.  Most days, I truly love my life and where I am at in life.  Other days, I feel frustrated with the wait for some of my heart's desires.  Why do I not have a higher-paying job already?  Why can I not find a good job in the field that I have a degree in?  Why do I not have a husband yet?  I could ask "why" questions all day, but I must remember to focus on the blessings I DO have, instead of my lack of what I THINK I need!  

In her book Stressed-Less Living, Tracie Miles says "I had temporarily and inadvertently allowed the frustrations to become my focus, instead of the life-saving promises of the Bible."  Sometimes, I allow my frustrations to become my focus, instead of focusing on Jesus Christ. When I realize this, I immediately pray for forgiveness and help on re-focusing myself.  The following scriptures are some of the ones I reflect on and guard my heart with when I feel the enemy is attacking:  

• Proverbs 3:5 (MSG) - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding."  Whenever I read this scripture, it reminds me that I do not need to have all the answers!  Even though I may not understand why God is making me wait for certain things, I have to trust (have a firm belief) that He has a reason for my wait.  
• Romans 4:16 (MSG) - "This is why the fulfillment of God's promise depends entirely on trusting God and his way, and then simply embracing Him and what He does.  God's promise arrives as a pure gift..."  If I want to receive His amazing promises and blessings, then I must trust God with everything - including His timing!    
• Romans 14:17-18 (MSG) - "...Your task is to single-mindedly serve Christ..."  This is the only thing that God asks of us!  Serving Christ is the only thing I should be focused on in my life - not acquiring wealth, not worrying about when I will have a husband, or anything else that the enemy tries to distract me with.  
• Psalm 37:4-5 (ESV) - "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.  Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will act."  I trust God with my life, and I know he will give me the desires of my heart - I cannot question his timing, because He has reasons for the wait!  
• Romans 5:3-5 (MSG) - "There's more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we're hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next.  In alert expectancy such as this, we're never left feeling shortchanged.  Quite the contrary - we can't round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!"  God teaches us patience in our times of waiting, and uses this to help us draw close to Him.  He will fill our lives with abundant blessings!  

I know He uses my waiting times to help me grow in my faith and to teach me patience.  He will give me the desires of my heart when He knows I am ready for them.  I trust that His ways are the best, and that He will provide exactly what I need when I need it - He has not failed me yet! :)  

Working for the Lord!

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as if you were working for the Lord, not for man." 

~Colossians 3:23 (NIV)  

"Servants, do what you're told by your earthly masters.  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."  

~ Colossians 3:23 (MSG)  

This scripture is one I am trying to focus on at work.  How I am doing this:

• Instead of feeling overwhelmed and frustrated whenever I get more word piled on to my plate, I want to think of it as more work I can do for God, and more that I can do to glorify Him!   
• Each person I interact with I can be a blessing to.  Hopefully they will see God's light in me!  
• I can help make the lives of others easier:
• Patients - make the information about procedures or insurance benefits clear and easy to understand; make scheduling and paying (checking out) easy; smile and make them feel welcome and at ease.  
• Coworkers - help make their jobs easier by going above and beyond; leaving rooms and things better than I found them; helping make their time at work more enjoyable and rewarding.
• Other scriptures:
• Proverbs 22:9 (MSG) - "Generous hands are blessed hands, because they give bread to the poor."  
• Hebrews 6:10 (NIV) - "God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them."  
• Philippians 2:4 (MSG) - "Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead.  Don't be obsessed with getting your own advantage.  Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand." 
• Luke 6:38 (MSG) - "Give away your life; you'll find life given back, but not merely given back - given back with bonus and blessing.  Giving, not getting, is the way.  Generosity begets generosity."  
• John 15:12 (NIV) - "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you." 
• Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV) - "You are the light of the world.  A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.  Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."  
• Galatians 6:2 (NIV) - "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."  
• Galatians 6:9 (NIV) - "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."  

First Sunday as a New Member!

After a year of being involved at the church I have been attending, I officially joined last week.  I had not thought much about joining over the past year, because I had always been so welcomed there and already feel like part of a big, wonderful family.  All of the pastors there are incredible people and talented preachers; you can see and feel God speaking through them every Sunday!  Each service is a powerful worship experience.  

What sets it apart from other churches and makes it feel like a good fit for me is that the senior pastor encourages everyone to use both your heart and your head for knowing and loving God.  He says that it is good to ask questions and use your intellect, and that it is not bad if you do not agree with everything he says.  The church started in 1990 with the intention of starting a church for thinking people.  Learning and thinking are activities I love very much, so I feel that I was born to be a part of this congregation!  They also have a big focus on loving and serving others, and bringing light to a world of darkness.  I also love their purpose, vision, journey, and values: 

Purpose: To build a Christian Community where non-religious and nominally-religious people are becoming deeply committed Christians. 

Vision: Changing lives, transforming communities, and renewing the church.  

Journey: Knowing, loving, and serving God.  

Values: We will do God's work with the qualities we most value: integrity, grace, excellence, relevance, authenticity, passion, humility, faith, inclusivity, commitment, joy, and love.  

Throughout the past thirteen years, the church now has over 18,000 people worshiping, studying, and serving at four campuses.  I love that God's touch is now being felt all over the city, and that I get to be a part of this!  

Today's sermon was the second in a series entitled "Finding Joy in Real Life - 5 Habits for Living Well."  They have been giving out little playing cards with the scripture, prayer, and focus for the week with the bulletin:  

 I tape mine to the bathroom mirror, so I can see it and be reminded every morning to love others all day every day!  

Notes I took during the sermon:

• Religion should not be about making us happy, but about doing God's will.  It is not about going where we want and dragging God with us, but going where God calls us and following Him.  This will create more joy in our lives! 
• God tells us we need to speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves - the widow, the orphan, the alien (immigrant), and the poor.  
• This is exactly what I want for my life: "Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier.  Be the living expression of God's kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile."  ~Mother Theresa 

Referenced scripture in the sermon:

• Micah 6:1-8 
• Zechariah 7:9-10 
• Proverbs 31:8-9
• James 1:25 

It is my prayer and focus this week to speak up for the vulnerable and powerless who need me to speak out for them.  I pray that God gives me courage, and helps me to pay attention to those who need me.  I pray that I bestow kindness on every person I interact with, as a daily part of my life.  I pray that I will be a bold, courageous Christian, and do justice and kindness to everyone.  Have a blessed week!!!