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Talking to God is a natural part of my daily routine, mostly through casual conversation and worship. But when something I'm asking God takes longer than I expect, my prayers can begin to sound more pitiful than powerful. When that happens, I know it's time to pick up my Bible and call for backup. . Paul's prayer for the Philippians is one of my favorite prayers from Scripture because it's a prayer motivated by love that we can still pray today. . "I pray that your love will overflow more and more and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ's return. May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation-the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ-for this will bring much glory and praise to God." (Philippians 1:9-11 NLT) . Paul understood the divine connection between love and a joyful life. That's why he asks God to give the people spiritual discernment so they and us would know what REALLY matters - that we are fully known and fully loved by God. . Christ-like love has a domino effect on people. God's love for Paul spilled out onto the Philippians, which he then prayed for that love to overflow into the lives of others. Prayer is the ultimate expression of love. Who can you pray for today? https://www.instagram.com/p/CLpY8KuhTNF/?igshid=56rm3vsykd53

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Have you ever wondered why the apostle John describes himself as the disciple whom Jesus loved? His reference sounds boastful on the surface, but after studying John's character, I don't think pride had anything to do with his answer, and here's why. . A prideful person would not leave his old way of life to become one of Jesus' 12 disciples. Yet, John passionately followed Jesus, listening, learning, and witnessing the miracles He performed and how He loved people. The Aramaic language gives us another reason to doubt pride as John's motivation; it reads "the one Jesus showed mercy to." I'd say that reflects humility rather than pride, wouldn't you? . Jesus rocked my world when He became my number one priority, and I believe the same thing happened to John. The emphasis in John's phrase is not on himself; he remains anonymous. Because the spotlight is on the love of Jesus, scholars suggest John didn't see himself loved more than the other disciples - he saw himself as the one whom Jesus loved! . The same is true for you and me too. No one will ever love us the way Jesus does, and he proved it by dying on the cross. If you've never experienced intimacy with Jesus, it's because He's waiting for you to make the first move. You've got nothing to lose and everything to gain, so go for it, sweet friend; I promise you will never regret it!❤️ https://www.instagram.com/p/CLmbRHCLLky/?igshid=kg8civos3y2t

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Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. While that may sound like an odd greeting to you and me, the apostle Paul used it all of his letters. Usually, I read it and keep on going, but this morning something urged me to dig a little deeper. I'm glad I did because Paul's repetition is a clue that it goes beyond a formal greeting. . As advanced as the English language may be, it often falls short in correctly translating the original languages of the Bible: Aramaic, Hebrew, and Greek. I read several commentaries before looking up the Greek words translated as grace and peace. Because my heart feels the weight of hate ripping our country apart, I'll share what I've learned about peace today. . The general English definition of peace describes a stress-free state of security and calmness contingent on our circumstances and environment. The OT concept of peace most commonly relates to a relationship of love and loyalty with God and with one another. But as new covenant believers, Jesus' death on the cross gives new meaning to peace. Messianic peace, eirene in Greek, is subjective; instead of being swayed by the winds of circumstance, it's solidly rooted in the person and power of Christ. . Now let's take what we learned above and connect it with Paul's greeting, which sums up his entire Gospel message. Paul's telling us that we already have the peace of Christ - a tranquil state of a soul who knows her story ends well because Jesus is her Savior. I know it, but sometimes I forget to act as I believe it, so I'm thankful for Paul's reminder. How about you? https://www.instagram.com/p/CLcUd2Rrofk/?igshid=rr37q4htrmbc

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No matter who you are, where you're from, or what you have or haven't done, God can bring glory from your story! https://www.instagram.com/p/CLZp-nPLe0S/?igshid=1tb06n5jsa3a2

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So if you're serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don't shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that's where the action is. See things from his perspective. (Col 3:2 MSG) . In Colossians 3:2, Paul urges us to set our minds on things above, so we don't get weighed down by the worries of this world. Paul understood how our thoughts affect who we become. Since God's ultimate goal is for us to be more like Jesus, He directs us to Scripture, the only place we will gain an understanding of heavenly realities. . Maybe you're like I used to be, uneducated about the spiritual blessings God gives to us when we accept Jesus as our Savior. Contrary to my assumptions, God doesn't make us wait until we get to heaven; some of the spiritual blessings Paul refers to are available to us today. Transforming the way we think unlocks the door to receiving divine favor, wisdom, and the ability to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit. . Jesus is the real deal, my friends, and He wants to prove it to you. He shows me that the more I relinquish control of my life and ask to be led by His Spirit, the more He reveals His glory and favor in my life. So I, too, urge you to open God's Book, invite His Spirit to lead your life, and let the transformation begin! https://www.instagram.com/p/CLXGQwCLSar/?igshid=17y5udoqhw0vp

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If wisdom comes with age, why was it so much easier to make decisions when I was in my 20's? Lord knows enough years have passed that my head should be full of knowledge by now, so why am I making things harder than they need to be? After pondering this question, three reasons came to mind: . 1) The pain and consequences of past decisions cause me to doubt my ability to make wise choices, 2) What feels right to me is often contrary to the opinions of those around me, and 3) What will others think about me if I'm wrong? . Wow, I see a common theme here - fear. . Sometimes we have to get thoughts out of our heads and into the light before we can see the fault-line in our thinking that keeps us from acting on faith. Then we can look to God's Word to dispel the negative emotions and behaviors that control us. . Here are a few Scriptures I rely on when I need help choosing God's path when I come to a fork in the road: - Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Ps. 119:105 - The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Ps. 37:23 - This is what the LORD says-- your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is good for you and leads you along the paths you should follow. Isa. 48:17 - The LORD says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Ps. 32:8 - We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps. Prov. 16:9 . Friends, I pray these verses will help all of us remember - it's not the number of years we accumulate that brings us wisdom; it's the amount of God's Truth we know and rely upon that enables us to make decisions with confidence. https://www.instagram.com/p/CLU2CV9LNGv/?igshid=16vy44g9ulmle

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"No matter what is going on around us, we are in control of what goes on within us." ~ Tracie Miles, Living Unbroken (link in bio) . Oh, sweet sister, I've felt the same pain and battled the same toxic thoughts - I want you to know, you don't have to do this alone. If you've given your life to Jesus, He's living inside you and not only willing but WANTS to walk alongside you through this barren season. Pray, read your Bible, and use this time to invest in your relationship with Him. I promise you; He's a miracle worker, a waymaker, a promise-keeper that NEVER disappoints! https://www.instagram.com/p/CLFOpPfrqTX/?igshid=sp8m0byo9c8w

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Nope, nada, nought, zero, zilch, zip - But you'll never know until you taste and see!! https://www.instagram.com/p/CLCkX01LZKH/?igshid=1st6q0ldow38c

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“satan never wastes a fiery dart on an area covered in armor” ~ Beth Moore https://www.instagram.com/p/CK1UY_Ird9c/?igshid=1cydutkokkasj

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Isn't it odd that we use anti-virus protection for our computers and our bodies but not for the thoughts that roll around in our heads? Though we may have guardrails in place for the way we speak to others, we're sitting ducks when it comes to the words we say to ourselves - and the devil knows it . Researchers are paying attention to our thoughts, and they suggest that we should too. According to Michigan State University Extension's Stress Less with Mindfulness program, a person has around 80,000 thoughts a day. 90% of these thoughts are ones we've had before, and 80% of these are negative. Thank God, negative thoughts can be recognized and changed, but it takes intentionality and lots of practice. . Since it's impossible to think two thoughts simultaneously, we must pay attention and be selective with the words that live in our heads. When we make reading God's Word a priority, it immunizes our minds and infuses us with the Holy Spirit's power and protection against the lies and flaming arrows of doubt the enemy hurls our way each day. If you don't own a Bible, you can download a free app called YouVersion that features more than 2000 versions of the Bible, including audio as well as more than 800 reading plans on specific topics in the Bible designed to enhance our understanding and application of Scripture. https://www.instagram.com/p/CKzCSEJLxkY/?igshid=1yx33yudyrf5

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No matter how you feel, God's love for you is real. Sometimes we question whether He loves us or not because our concept of love is limited to our human minds and fickle emotions. But God's love endures forever, no matter how many mistakes we make. If you still have doubts, check out what the Bible says about God's love for the Israelite's; despite 40 years of disobedience, His love for them remains unchanged❤️ https://www.instagram.com/p/CKwCFD-LG1g/?igshid=1q91e4iwbdbpl

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No foe can stand against a woman with fearless faith! The Lord is my revelation-light to guide me along the way; he's the source of my salvation to defend me every day. I fear no one! I'll never turn back and run from you, Lord; surround and protect me. (Psalm 27:1 TPT ) https://www.instagram.com/p/CKmDS9xL2hc/?igshid=7vrby8jberjj

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I'm a lover of people with an innate need for approval and acceptance, which often leads me to overcommit my time. But God's teaching me that I have to be selective if I want to be effective; I must learn to say no to the things that keep me from doing what He's calling me to do. . Consequently, one of my goals for 2021 is to be more intentional with the things that take up space on my calendar. Before saying yes, I pause and ask myself if committing to this task will keep me from pursuing my calling to write, and then I pray about it. Oh my goodness, to say I'm astounded by the results is a monumental understatement!! . I share this praise report for two reasons: . 1. to bring glory to my sweet, sweet Father who is the supplier of every good thing in my life, and . 2. to encourage anyone else who feels bogged down with tasks and commitments that keep you from stepping out in obedience to what God's calling you to do. . Friends, I can confidently promise you, anytime you choose to pursue God's plans over good plans, He'll soon astound you too! https://www.instagram.com/p/CKjouatLRhM/?igshid=1cgvsbps56y29

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Self-discipline begins with the mastery of your thoughts. If you don't control what you think, you can't control what you do. ~Napoleon Hill . I struggled with a negative and critical mindset for years because it was the native language of my childhood home. I remember wanting to think differently, but no matter how hard I tried, I failed. Eventually, the ongoing cycle of failure, disappointment, and discouragement led me to seek help from God through His Word. . Through teachings from the apostle Paul, I'm learning salvation is just the beginning of a life-long transformation of mind, body, and soul. The Holy Spirit (not me) changes my thinking through consistent study of scripture - we don't just read it; we eat it, chew it, and meditate on it until it becomes part of our core thinking process. In a sense, we're no different from flowers; the blooms' beauty depends on how well we cultivate and nourish the soil. Thus, a renewed mind is one that is consistently saturated, fed, and controlled by the Word of God. . Friend, if you're in an ongoing battle with negative emotions, I want you to know you can be set free from the captivity of your mind. An earnest desire to change the way we think is not sufficient; renewal of the mind only happens with Christ's power - not ours. (Phil 4:13) Since I know this struggle well, I'll give you a few tips that God's given me in my journey. . 1) Pray, ask God for help as you seek wisdom from His Word. (Jam. 1:5) . 2) Give yourself (and others) permission to be human. When we chose to believe, God gives us a new spiritual and moral capability that a mind apart from Christ could never achieve. (1 Cor 2:9-16) . 3) Water your mind with thoughts that are true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. (Phil. 4:8) . Finally, when you stumble and fall, don't stay there. Fix your mind on Jesus and repeat the steps above. Remind Him and yourself that you know His word, which means you also know He's our trustworthy Shepherd who loves you so much that He'll leave the ninety-nine to bring you back home. (Matt. 18:12; Luke 15:4) (at Woodstock, Georgia) https://www.instagram.com/p/CKg-LxZLRTI/?igshid=1byp4qar3d1ir

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A woman who walks with God ALWAYS reaches her destination https://www.instagram.com/p/CKeoTlEr43U/?igshid=5kpgzv4p1xk1

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As a writer for Jesus, my goal is always to share what the Lord teaches me in hopes of encouraging others. So when I read a book that meets that need for me, I have a hard time putting it down. That's the challenge I'm facing today. Living Unbroken by @traciemiles is a must-read for any woman dealing with the death of a long-term relationship. More than once, I've caught myself saying, "me too!" out loud as I read some of Tracie's thoughts and struggles she faced during her divorce. . One of the responsibilities of being on a launch team is to provide feedback to the author as we read the book before release to the public. When asked if there's a specific statement that I relate to, this quote stands out to me above all the rest: . "We can use alone time as a catalyst to build our relationship with God and learn to love ourselves again." . When we feel let down by God, our natural response is to turn away from Him in anger and expect unhealthy habits and behaviors to numb our pain. In my case, I remember what hurt most was knowing God was in control and allowing my painful circumstances. I'd already given all I had to be all-in with Him - my job and the financial security it offered, what else could He want? . I could never have imagined the miraculous power and sweet intimacy available to us when we resist the urge to turn away and snuggle up with Jesus instead. What He revealed to me, the way He loved me to a place of wholeness I've never known before, could not have occurred any other way. I'm convinced He reserves a special place in His heart for women like us. As His ambassadors and recipients of His marvelous grace, it's our job to show others the way. Through Tracie's book, she's doing what few of us have the platform and resources to do. I've read countless books on healing since my divorce, but of all the books I could recommend, this one's my first choice for a friend in need of hope in a season when she feels like she's lost it all. #livingunbroken https://www.instagram.com/p/CKU-AswLNhI/?igshid=z50eemro4kox

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Worship and praise strengthen my faith and protect my mind in turbulent times. Whenever the enemy begins to battle my mind, there are two weapons I can count on to deliver victory: praying scripture and worship and praise through song. . Praying scriptures (aloud if possible) My go-to battle comes from the prophet Isaiah, . "You will keep her in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You because she trusts in You." (Isaiah 26:3) . While there are many beautiful Scriptures that I like to pray back to God, Isaiah 26:3 helped heal my mind as God delivered me from an abusive marriage several years ago. The power of God's Word is truly astonishing to me! . The Hebrew word translated as mind means imagination that forms and frames up one's reality. Like the frame of a house, it's the structure that keeps the house standing. When our thoughts are fixed on the faithfulness of God, He faithfully keeps us from falling. . Music connects with our emotions on a much deeper level than words alone, so listening and singing along with our favorite worship songs can dramatically change our mindset. While it's incredibly effective against warfare in our minds, it's also a great way to keep our minds focused on God as we walk through our daily routine.❤️ https://www.instagram.com/p/CKR7if5r635/?igshid=ng3ibq9jizno