Worry Wart

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." Romans 15:13

Since iron sharpens iron (Pvbs 27:17), I try to surround myself with people who are positive and cause me to grow. However, sometimes I encounter worry warts. (People who are consistently talking about the worst case scenario, live in the worst case scenario, and thrive off feelings of fear, doubt, and anxiety.) As a believer, the unknown is familiar territory, since we live by faith and trust that God has our steps ordered. If you're a worrier, that should free you! We only can control our reactions when we face adversity. What do your words and actions reveal about you? Happy Wednesday!  

He cares

“Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you." Isaiah 49:15 

Yesterday's message turned out to be so timely for me because I found myself overwhelmed at work as the emails continued to flood my inbox and my to do list grew longer and longer. As I started to stress at my desk, the Holy Spirit reminded me to heed the earlier message. I prayed that God would help me prioritize, be productive, and calm. He delivered. (Duh!) I got more done and was congratulated by my superiors about the great work that I was doing. God is so faithful. He cares about every aspect of your life, just surrender. Happy Thursday! 

Dear Worrier:

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

We are called to cast all of our cares on to God (1 Peter 5:7/ Psalm 55:22). We were not built to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders (Matthew 11:28), but to trust in our Lord (Proverbs 3:5-6). He's a provider, comforter, peace giver, protector, healer and anything else that we need. When those feelings of anxiety about the future come, cast down those thoughts (2 Corinthians 10:5) and meditate on His word, His promises, His truth. We can't add a single moment to our life by stressing or worrying! (Matthew 6:27) Happy Wednesday!

Deuces

"And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?" Matthew 6:27 

Have you ever found yourself worried and anxious about something, only to find out later that everything worked out better than you ever imagined? I have. Then I'm annoyed and wondering why I wasted energy on trivial matters, instead of trusting, wholeheartedly that God would work it out. Many times we know the scriptures in our minds but our hearts and emotions have a hard time grasping these simple truths. So relax, everything will work out as it should. Chuck the deuces to stress, anxiety, and worry and live a life free in Christ. 

"Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad." Proverbs 12:25

City Life Chronicles

"Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." 1 John 4:4

This morning, I was greeted with a citation on my car. Yay. Apparently, I was expected to pay some sort of random city tax to park in front of where I live. Needless to say, I was pretty heated. After I calmed down and read the fine print on the ticket, I recognized that I'm not liable for the $100 fine. I simply have to contest it and explain the situation. 

How often do you get worked up and anxious about things that are out of your control? God tells us to not even worry about the small things because he's in control. We already know that he's ride or die...literally. So I challenge you, the next time your flesh rises up in frustration and anxiety, to cast down those thoughts (emotions) and make them obey Christ. Focus on what he has promised and rest in him. Happy Wednesday :) 

1 Corinthians 16

"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love." 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Words to live by. Although the Bible was written ages ago, I'm convinced the writers knew #thestuggle. Lol Some verses just jump off the page/screen and speak directly to my situation. I've committed this verse to memory for when I'm frustrated, annoyed, nervous, anxious, and doubtful. When we speak things enough, we actually begin to believe and internalize them. What are you speaking over yourself? Happy Wednesday! Can you believe we've finished another book in the Bible?! Craziness. 

Unplugged

"It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones" Psalm 127:2

When was the last time that you "unplugged"? Have you stepped away from the incessant "ding" or vibration from your phone? Sometimes I get so busy working overtime, coming home tired, but sacrificing my sanity. The Lord gives rest to the weary (Jeremiah 31:25). He's a Starbucks that's open 24/7 and his services are free of charge! When you're worn out, who or what do you turn to? The Lord doesn't sleep, so cast your worries and anxieties to him... he wants them! 

"You can go to bed without fear; you will lie down and sleep soundly." Proverbs 3:24

Matthew 11: New Bible App!

“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. 

For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

These are a few of my favorite verses. Recently, I have been challenging myself to memorize more scriptures. It's much more effective to quote scripture versus saying "I know there's a scripture that talks about..." which I'm guilty of haha

Here's a screenshot from the app

But I found an app that solves this problem! Yay! It's called Bible Minded. Try it out! Happy Tuesday :)

"I have hidden your word in my heart that I may not sin against you" Psalm 119:11

Matthew 6

“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven." Matthew 6:1 

Sharing the gospel should come from a genuine place. We shouldn't post scriptures for "likes" and for people to think that we are super saved saints. God knows our hearts (Luke 16:15), and knows if we are doing his work for him or if we are fueled by fleshly motives. 

It's not necessary to boast about what you're doing for the kingdom. If you are tithing regularly, faithfully serving in ministry, uplifting others, God sees that. He will reward what's done without recognition (Matthew 6:4). 

"...for your Father knows what you need before you ask him." Matthew 6:8

Chapter 6 talks about getting into our prayer closets and seeking him. It's not necessary to pray extravagant prayers full of cliches to reach God. In fact, God appreciates a simplified, heartfelt prayer, which is where "The Lord's Prayer" comes from. I love how the Bible takes all the pressure off praying. God knows what we need before we ask him?! So, no need to stress about what to include in your prayer time, he will offer direction. 

 This chapter is packed with verses that talk about humility. It says the same thing about prayer, fasting, righteousness, and wealth. Don't do things for recognition. The whole world does not need to know that you're fasting or spending 20 hours a day praying. These are personal matter and unless you're sharing with people who keep you accountable, keep it to yourself! (That's from the Casey International Version haha)

"Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?" Matthew 6:27

The Lord ensures that the smallest organisms are fed. How much more care does he give his children- the beings that he made in his image? He cares for YOU! Don't stress about clothes, transportation, your job, your paycheck. If you give your cares to him, he will provide. Here's proof: Philippians 4:19, Luke 6:38, Ephesians 3:20, and sooo many more!

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:33-34

I don't know about you, but I'm just going to tell God my issues, spend crazy amounts of time with him, and RELAX (relate, release! Do ya'll remember that episode from A Different World? lol)

Fun Fact: I read this chapter a few weeks ago, and it inspired me to do this Matthew study! 

Happy Thursday!

Getting tested?

"The night is far gone and the day is almost here. Let us then drop the works and deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light." Romans 13:12

Every morning we should be clothing ourselves in truth. Why? Because there's a certain peace that comes from communicating with God first thing. There are many days that I personally get tested about the words I posted that morning! James 1 tells us not to back out of trials, but to pass the tests. I heard someone say, "the retest is always harder." Is your armor on? Happy Thursday! 

*February I'm going to be studying from a chapter in Matthew everyday. Get excited!

Relax!

"If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers- most of which are never seen- don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I'm trying to do here is get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met." Matthew 6:30-33 

This is why I love reading scriptures in different translations. One of my favorites is The Message, which the passage above came from. It's beyond clear and in plain English. There is so much beauty and intricate design in things that we overlook (wildflowers, snowflakes, seashells). God took time to take care of the little things in nature, surely he'll take care of his children! Let's not look like the world who stresses, worries, and panics. Let's look like followers of Christ who have peace that transcends understanding (Philippians 4:7). Happy Thursday!

I took this at La Paz Waterfall gardens in Costa Rica. I seriously love orchids...and pink... and flowers haha

Fear and Worry

"When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid.What can mere mortals do to me?" Psalm 56:3-4 

It's easy to fall victim to fear and worry. We wonder if our grades are good enough, if our finances will improve, if we are on the right career path, and the list goes on. Anytime we start to feel fear and worry, we have to check our flesh and remind ourselves who is in charge. God did not give us the spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7). As quickly as those thoughts come up, we can cast them down in the name of Jesus (2 Corinthians 10:5)

"I sought the Lord and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears." Psalm 34:4 

(Original post: October 11)