Tag: Obedient

Join this Club

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Join this Club

With a splitting headache, I made myself get redressed. Black skirt, rouged sleeved blouse, and heels since I was unsure of the evening’s dress code. Better to be slightly over than under. Quick kisses on checks, and I was out the door. It had been awhile since I’d gone to an event solo.

“Event” is a bit of a stretch. This was a meeting. First one of its kind I’d attended. Not knowing what to expect was nervociting (nervous and exciting at the same time). Compounding matters was the location I’d never been to coupled with navigating rush hour traffic. The parking lot only held a smattering of vehicles, so my timing was spot on.

Thankfully, my name was on the list when I entered, making check in a breeze. I began taking a lap around the room, and a familiar face appeared. We exchanged pleasantries. I apologized for my lackluster demeanor—head still beating through my skull, causing everything to be more difficult than it would normally.

Continuing on, I see a mini boutique set up, which I of course found something to purchase knowing it would benefit the club. With a fresh water bottle in hand, I turned and faced the tables where people had already begun sitting. This is always the fun part: finding the right group to join. Strategically, I choose the one front and center where, it appeared, plenty of open seats were available. To my relief, this assessment was correct, and I quickly introduce myself as “new.”

As the room filled, my headache became more demanding. I search for my AirPods in an attempt to drown out some of the noise with calming music. No dice, left them at home. Why on Earth did I decide to come tonight? I take a deep breath and tell myself it’ll be ok. I can do this, it’s just a couple hours.

The meeting begins. Following the agenda provided on the table, things move relatively swiftly, then finally the guest speaker was introduced. It was apparent from her bio that she was firmly entrenched in this group. Energetic, she bounced around the various avenues she’d taken to arrive before us today. It was inspiring listening to the way each twist and turn led to another; however, at this point in the evening, it took great effort keeping up with all the words. My brain’s processing powers had started slowing when these words slapped me to attention:

“When nothing comes out…”

She was referring to her work as an artist, rather, when as an artist, her creative side suddenly stopped flowing. She couldn’t paint. Not that she was physically incapable of putting brushstrokes on a canvas, it was just blank. Nothing was coming out. Simulataneously, her boys were at the age where they required more of her attention, so she switched focus, concentrated energy on her family, and that was ok. She was exactly where she needed to be. Painting would wait, which was hard but ultimately ok as well.

For months now, I’d have a momentary flash of something to write, then POOF! Gone. Nothing was coming out. No matter how hard I grasped for the thread that tickled my brain, I was left empty handed. The proverbial pen had dried up. I often wondered…was that it God? Did I write all that you’d have me say? While some might have called it writer’s block, I knew in my heart this was something else.

Have you ever had a “dry season,” where it feels like you’ve somehow wandered into a desolate dessert? Where you feel lost, maybe abandoned, like someone just plucked you from one place and dumped you into another? Join the club. It sucks. All that had come easily for me was suddenly ripped away. I was left uncomfortable, insecure, staring at my own blank canvas.

When nothing comes out, or things don’t go the way you think it should, it feels like a wasteland. But even in the most barren spaces, where gaps and cracks of what “should be” are painfully more visible, a great cavern of sorts—solidarity still exists. Congratulations! You’ve officially joined a club where the membership is free but not binding. Others have gone before you. Some are right there with you. More will find their way in too. Just remember: you do not have to remain in the club.

You might not find this as revolutionary as I did in that moment but simply hearing an unspoken “I’ve been there too” was lifegiving water to my parched pen. It didn’t matter that I hadn’t written in months. That chasm was bridged when I recognized and received the outstretched hand before me.

It’s ok.

I was not alone.

This slump, season, or series of unfortunate events cannot derail us from any plans God has already set into motion.

“I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for.”

Jeremiah 29:11 GNT

Whatever cataclysmic “thing” that’s eating at you, don’t think for a moment that He isn’t right there, in the thick of it, watching over you. He is infinitely mightier than anything that might come against. Know that. The very moment you confessed Jesus is Lord, you were granted membership into a club of eternal grace. A place of goodness and powerful source of hope.

I had no idea why I made myself attend this meeting, especially feeling like I did, but I was so thankful I did. Sharing her confession of faith and obedience instead of rebellion was exactly what I needed to hear. Peace replaced shame. Passion resurrected. Hope restored.

After the meeting wrapped up, I waited patiently to thank her for her words. She said she had prayed that she’d touched someone with her testimony. Yes, indeed, Jane you did exactly that.

Friends, it’s in sharing our vulnerable moments, where we cry out, question, and sometime rebel, that He is closest.

“For he will give his angels orders concerning you,

to protect you in all your ways.”

Psalm 91:11 CSB

Currently, I am finishing this while sitting in a dentist chair, mouth half numbed, awaiting my doctor’s return with a book on my lap. This opened a door of conversation and brought the opportunity to share my struggles. In my newfound confidence, I uttered the words “I’m a writer,” something I had not claimed in months. My “by chance” meeting with Jane, on a night I could have easily missed, allowed me to once again provide an avenue back to Him. In exposing my weakness, when nothing was coming out, God filled the cracks and granted access to once more be His vessel.

Your vulnerable admission that you don’t have it all together could be the very thing someone else needs to hear, at just the right time.

Join this club.

Be that person.

Let’s get REA/L together.

Community

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Community

What does community look like for you?Does it need to be in the perfect location? Lots of mature trees and green space? Maybe in city center? Near the important things? Work, school, Target? Should it have a pool, dog park, or other amenities?

These are the things I see on HGTV’s numerous homebuyers wish list. As someone who’s recently looked at houses, I can honestly say, most of these would also be high up on the community list for me. These are all the “creature comforts,” locationally speaking. Community, as in a place, is only one of five basic types. The other four (interest, action, practice, and circumstance), I’d argue, are far more valuable because they are relational.

Common interests. A call to action for making some kind of impact. Practicing similar work, recreational, or kid activities. Bonding through everyday or crisis situations. These are also what I’d call “community.” And these—these are huge motivators for staying in communities.

Just after “Love the Lord your God” as Jesus’ first Commandment is this: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37-39)

We often think of “neighbor” in terms of proximity, or again, location; however, I do not believe this is what Jesus was talking about. Not. At. All. I think we need to go back a few pages in Matthew to chapter 7: “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets” (verse 12 EVS).

The Golden Rule. We are all familiar with it. Probably memorized it before we left first grade. Somehow though, I think a majority of us throw this rule out the window when it doesn’t “suit” us. Myself included (ouch that hurt to say).

Community (neighbors) are either brought together or torn apart by how this Golden Rule is applied. *Read that again*

Now, I realize this is a generalized statement, but it seems like part of society has traded kindness for convenience—fed by the “me first” mentality. It’s just easier to focus on my needs, my priorities, my ideology. This is taking loving thyself (the second part of the second commandment) totally out of context, and to the detriment of others.

Kindness DOES matter. How you treat another person, both in person or behind the scenes, matters. Proverbs 17:22 (NLT) says, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.”

We are a broken people, living in a broken place. But hear me out, there is good news! If we abide by the Golden Rule, apply the second Commandment, and work to BUILD community…my friends, what a blessed respite that would be! A beautiful Heaven on Earth experience, in a real, tangible way.

Today, let’s pray these pearls of wisdom the Bible lays out (starting with ourselves) over our family, friends, community, and those we may not currently see eye to eye with in accordance with our Lord’s Commandments. Amen.

Delicate Diligence

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Delicate Diligence

After my first physical therapy appointment, I’m trying to convince my body and brain that PT is my new favorite. Unfortunately, it’s not working. My quads are crying from the sheer exertion required to attempt standing. My biceps/triceps are exhausted from taking the brunt of the work. My head is pounding from the sensory overload of it all, as well as the determined focus required to coerce connections that once came freely. While PT is not my current favorite, it is the vehicle I must diligently utilize in order to transport myself back to normal.

Normal. That word has certainly taken on a new meaning, hasn’t it? We are living in a time where so many things do not look or feel at all normal. Try envisioning giving birth, grieving a loved one, getting married, graduating, or any other significant life event in this unprecedented time. None of it seems normal, not everyday life nor any special occasion, at least, not what we used to call normal.

However, life either continues on or it doesn’t. I’d like to say the choice is entirely ours but that would be a supremely arrogant statement. Truth is, now more than ever, we are reminded how little we have total control over. Frustrating, isn’t it? You’ve probably heard this at least once before: all you can control is your attitude, effort, and communication. I know this is something often taught to athletes. But I’d like to add one more: your faith.

You see, when things feel anything but normal, our faith (or lack there of) is what will guide our attitude, effort, and communication. Will we seek solace in our faith or lash out with our lack of it? Will we allow His Holy Spirit to fill us with peace or unfruitfully fester from fear? These are choices absolutely within our control and will unequivocally influence our attitude, effort, and communication.

All of these, including our faith, require diligence. It is especially easy to lose focus when there are so many things vying for our attention, the worst of which are rattling around inside our heads. Or maybe that’s just me? Maybe I’m the only one with a mind battle at war, the two sides being the easy way or hard way.

The devil instigates his evil schemes inside our minds. He bends and blurs truth until it is almost unrecognizable. He wants us to take the easy, sometimes sinful, way to lure us into his web of deception. However, Jesus overcame the devil’s temptations, and so can we.

“My dear children, you belong to God. So you have defeated them because God’s Spirit, who is in you, is greater than the devil, who is in the world.”

1 John 4:4 ICB

What settles the score in the easy way versus hard way mind battle is inevitably our faith. What we believe in our core. Whether we will listen to what the world says or heed scripture, which tells us this:

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33 NLT

Jesus tells us point blank we will face “the hard way” on Earth through MANY trials and sorrows. It won’t be one trivial trial or simple single sorrow. Scripture, unfortunately, says “many,” of both (hence the word “and”). The good news, however, is if you’ve read the back of the book, then you know who wins: we do, through the gift of Jesus and all the sacrifices He made on our behalf!

So my friend, while whatever you may be facing might not be your favorite, it may even be painful, it does not hold the power of having the final say. We do, through our faith in Jesus Christ, when we allow Him authority over our lives. It is in this delicate dance of handing ourselves over to Him, following His lead, and allowing His spirit to move us in the right direction that brings us through with the least missteps. Let’s open ourselves to His sweet melody while we sing along in praise, even if sometimes, it requires a little more diligence on our part!

Alone

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Alone

I have a friend group that’s absolutely precious. I love them individually, and together, we are a force to be reckoned with for sure. We pray for each other, listen through the vents, and laugh…a lot. These ladies are such a blessing to me, and I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that if I called any one of them in an emergency, they would be there in the drop of a hat.

Why is it, then, that I still withhold certain things? If I know I am unequivocally loved and accepted completely, why do I feel it necessary to wrestle with worry when I can share with those who care? What makes some things okay to reveal and others too dicey, too close to home? How can I be held dearly and yet feel so alone?

Can you relate?

By now, if you’ve been following Let’s Get REAL Together for any length of time, you may have noticed my brain thinks in acronyms. Here’s one that slapped me in my face when I was in bed, experiencing another episode, and feeling very much ALONE.

All

Lifelines

Oftentimes

Neglected

Erroneously

In my head, I recognize I am NOT alone. But in my heart? It feels cavernous… empty… isolated. Alone.

Maybe it’s me, giving the devil a foothold in my mind.

Maybe it’s my pride, withholding when I feel weak.

Maybe it is what makes me so dependent on God.

He created Eve for Adam because it is not good to be alone (see Genesis 2:18). He gave us His Holy Spirit (see 1 John 4:13) to draw upon when we feel weak and/or afraid (see Joshua 1:9). He died for our sins (see John 3:16) so we have the opportunity to cast all our anxieties at His feet (see 1 Peter 5:7).

The list and scripture references are endless, as is His love for us. And this, my friends, is why we are neglectful and erroneous in our thinking we are ever alone. Yes, the feeling may feel very real. Yes, the feeling should absolutely be acknowledged. HOWEVER, we have to be mindful in what we hold as truth. Feeling alone is just that, a feeling. Period. Nothing more.

It is when we attempt to validate this feeling with false facts or omitting truths that we become negligent. I am guilty of it. More times than I’d like to admit. And if left unchecked, it can literally destroy you on a cellular level. The mind body connection is undeniably, scientifically proven. Which is why we must emphatically follow this scripture:

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)

So the next time you feel alone, or scared, or overwhelmed, or insert whatever is counter to the fruit of His spirit (see Galatians 5:22-23), remember you ALWAYS have a lifeline to call upon. God is ALWAYS available, ALWAYS patient, and ALWAYS loves you. And yes, I am talking to myself in the mirror, while praying, my friend, you allow this to permeate you as well.

Risky Business

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Risky Business

January 14, 2020

Expertly engineered, it stood expectantly awaiting what came next. It’s purpose? To ignite and unite a multi-generation community, ushering in hope through its brilliant display. A beacon that would burn for hours through the night, into the next day. Its light not easily extinguished. If you’ve never experienced an Aggie bonfire, it’s truly an experience to behold.

We are made in similar fashion: skillfully created, never identically duplicated, with a specifically planned purpose waiting ignition. Once our fires are ablaze, purpose set into motion, we become beacons, offering hope, community, and possibility to others. But here’s the million dollar question: Will you allow yourself to be used and fulfill your purpose?

It’s risky business living out loud, on purpose. Someone will always have a comment about how or what they would have done differently. Someone will always question your motive or means. Someone will always try to knock you down, just for the fun of it. It’s risky business being on display, but without risk there is no reward.

Our greater purpose will not be achieved within our comfort zone. Period. Why? Because we would not have stretched far enough for anyone else to benefit. Our greater purpose involves more than just us! “God has given each of you a gift from His great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another” (1 Peter 4:10 NLT).

Your gift, your purpose, is unique unto you, but it is not meant exclusively for you alone. You, my friend, were made for more. Through the power of His spirit, you are called to be a light unto the darkness of this world. You are created to be seen so others may glorify Him. Stop hiding, tucked firmly under your comfort zone blanket, hoping you won’t upset the apple cart, and praying you can make it through the day unnoticed!

“My dear friends, stand firm and don’t be shaken. Always keep busy working for the Lord. You know that everything you do for Him is worthwhile” (1 Corinthians 15:58 CEV).

Some may say it’s risky business serving the Lord, working to fulfill His purpose, allowing others to plainly see. It’s risky operating under “that kind of pressure.” It’s risky being transparently vulnerable. What if I fail? What if people think I’m crazy? What if I’m not 100% sure of my purpose? What then?

“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 NIV).

Obediently trusting Him is always worthwhile, anything else is risky business.

The “Doing” Drug

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The “Doing” Drug

January 8, 2020

It’ll be different this year, I tell myself. I fervently prayed for revelation of my 2020 focus word (obedient). I will not be seduced by its addictive high. It’ll be different this year. I will remain open to His plan, center on what He desires of me, obey His still voice within. But that sweet siren’s song beckons me…my eyes are drawn to the cluttered counter, laundry piled on the couch waiting to be folded, Christmas still prominently displayed all over the house…the list accumulates. I begin doing, unaware of the intoxication power each completed task, and subsequent added undertaking, holds. I am, once again, hooked and enslaved by the “doing” drug.

It was obvious from a young age that I’m a Martha. A “go to,” “get it done” girl. I’ve always enjoyed being called upon to complete a job. It makes me feel important. And I’m good at it, the “doing.” I excel when given tasks and a deadline. I make sacrifices to ensure whatever project or event comes to fruition, appearing to having it all under control…because that’s part of the gig. I have to make it seem like it was no big deal. I don’t want anyone to see me as unable or weak. Been there, done that when I was physically not capable and certainly don’t want to be back in that boat, thank you very much!

This is NOT obedience, and I full well know it!

But the “high” that comes with the doing drug, crashes over me like a tidal wave. I am sucked into the riptide, pulled back again and again until my body is worn by its crushing weight. In my “Martha” frenzy, or truthfully addition, I become weak and worn. My judgement becomes clouded, which frustrates the daylights out of me. I end up crashing, like an addict who’s had too much. Shut down rapidly and unexpectedly, like my iPhone when I’ve neglected it too long.

What’s your drug of choice? Is it “doing” like me? Is it binge watching? Is it eating? What temporarily soothes you till you are comfortably numb? What takes away the ache? What silences those feelings? THAT’S your drug, your addiction. It’s intoxicating powers do not last, and at some point, we all come down off our high. Here, before our next “fix,” is where we have a choice. Do we allow ourselves to be swept up again in this cyclical battle? Or do decide ENOUGH?! While our war wounds are not visible to others, it does not take away the pain we feel. It does not remove the scars that have accumulated. It is the unseen strife that we wrestle with daily, on top of whatever else the day brings. Cue the infamous words of SNL’s Church Lady, “Well, isn’t that just special…”

I see you, my friend. I struggle too. My brain and body feel so battered, it’s simply easier to keep this ball rolling than to change tracks. My prayer, in confessing this to you, is that you will not feel alone. Maybe in sharing our weak moments, we can become stronger together.

“Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
(Ecclesiastes 4:12 NIV)

My sweet oldest claimed this as “The Year of REA/L” for me along with Exodus 13:13: “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” In those moments, breathe with me. Know that He IS fighting for you. Know that you are not alone. Know that you have a friend in me.

Soon, you will see a “prayer services” tab on the web site. It would be my privilege, if you feel comfortable in sharing, to pray with and for you. Sometimes all it takes is speaking out those strongholds to free you from their entanglement. I see you, my friend. And I am here to listen…

Transform Not Conform

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Transform Not Conform

November 19, 2019

As I looked down at my taco, thankful it was especially hearty this morning, I had an idea. I would do the unthinkable—open up the tortilla, spread out my breakfast, and eat it with a fork. It seemed completely ludicrous as I did this; however, I was able to take my time as I savored it. I was able to enjoy a normal forkful, instead of a monstrous mouthful. I was able to prolong my meal, not worrying about speed or size of each bite for fear of its filling falling out and spilling everywhere. I ate, peacefully and purposefully, relishing in this newfound novelty I’d discovered, enabling me to intentionally slow down something could have easily become robotic and mechanical. Applying the unwritten “code” on the taco-eating program.

At first, I didn’t understand the stares I received. Was there something on my face? Did I spill on my shirt? Then, as I looked around, I realized I was the only one “sacrilegiously” eating my breakfast taco. It was obvious this was simply odd behavior. Finishing scanning the tables in front of me, my eyes landed on a man seated off to my left side. He too had decided against the “traditional” taco eating tradition, and as he brought his fork up to his mouth, our eyes met. Briefly, a smile flashed across his face, an acknowledgement, if you will, of our unspoken bond before he took his bite. I returned the favor, raised my fork, gave him a little nod and smile in “cheers” fashion. Happily, I went back to enjoying my breakfast.

When I finished eating, I looked over again towards my comrade, and noticed he’d already left. I was slightly saddened, as if I’d missed an opportunity. Though we had not spoken a word to each other, I felt we’d made a connection. It was an “I see you” moment— a recognition and validation of the other. How much a stranger’s approval meant in that moment made me realize how difficult it is for us to go against the grain and do something “outside” of the norm.

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect” (Romans 12:2 NLT).

So often we look at others, longing for acceptance, and believe if we could just duplicate their actions, we too would be included, valued, respected. This type of conformance is not only confining, trapping us in a copycat mindset, it derails us from fulfillment of His purpose.

We only have one lifetime to figure out how we want to spend eternity. It’s up to us to step out, make ourselves available to receive His direction—no matter how outside of the box everyone else finds it. And in the following, we are perfect in our obedience, which pleases Him beyond measure.

All this from a taco, I know. His revelations come in unique ways for each of us. There was no mold when you were formed, my friend. When we will stop unnecessarily trying to cram ourselves into one?

The Subtle Sin

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The Subtle Sin

November 5, 2019

When contemplating the gravity of God’s Ten Commandments, we tend to give more “weight” to numbers 6, 7, and 8 (thou shalt not murder, commit adultery, steal). If we abstain from these “big three,” then we foolishly believe we are obedient in following His commands. While this is partially true, we are obeying three of His commandments, the recognition that there are SEVEN additional and equally important commands gets bypassed, lost in translation, much less applied.

Today, I submit to you that I regularly and unconsciously break the tenth commandment. “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor” (Exodus 20:17 NIV, emphasis added). No, I do not covet in a lustful way, which is how I believe most perceive this commandment to indicate…as if an extension to committing adultery. Breaking this commandment is something I call the subtle sin. Sin we frequently commit without realizing it. Sin that doesn’t hurt others (or does it?). Sin that appears harmless until it’s cleverly hidden thorns wound you, deteriorate your ability to live in wholeness, and rob you of contentment. Please allow me to explain…

You shall not covet…Covet (defined by vocabulary.com) is a verb: “wish, long, or crave for (something, especially the property of another person).”

To not covet, is to not compare. To not be jealous of another. To be content with yourself, your situation, your surroundings. The tenth commandment looks a little different now, doesn’t it?

We compare ALL the time, at least that’s what I catch myself doing! Ourselves to another. Our current self to one of five, ten, fifteen years ago. Our stuff to our neighbor’s stuff. Our talents to someone else’s talents. We covet when we compare. Period. This is a difficult concept to swallow, especially because it’s something we all do.

We live in a fallen world, where we wrestle and are restless.

We are ravaged by a hunger for more.

We constantly crave others’ things.

We complain. We compare. We covet. We live a live life of discontentment.

Imagine this with me. A well educated man of means, living fat off of lies, wielding justice as he saw fit. A man both feared and respected. A man who was suddenly struck blind, dramatically altering life as he knew it. Now, this same man, suddenly redeemed, had his blinders literally removed, and began experiencing a significantly different and difficult life . While living out his new-found God-given purpose, he spent years imprisoned, yet continued joyfully praising His redeemer. Doesn’t seem plausible, much less desirable, does it? However, this is exactly how the apostle Paul learned how to live in obedience of God’s Tenth Commandment.

Paul writes, “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want” (Philippians 4:11-12 NIV). These words written from a jail cell.

“How is this possible?” you may ask. Why is Paul so content? What enables him to move past wanting, longing, and craving his former “comfortable” life? The answer is found in the next scripture verse.

“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13 NRSV).

Paul experienced lives in extreme polar opposite circumstances, yet he actively chose contentment, gratitude and praise in the arduous–not through his own strength, but through Christ.

Can you fathom this type of peace? A life without coveting, craving, or comparing? An abundant life, glorifying Him, whatever the circumstances?

“Of course, there is great gain in godliness combined with contentment; for we brought nothing into the world, so that we can take nothing out of it; but if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these” (1 Timothy 6:6-8 NRSV).

My desire, in a world where coveting and comparing are commonplace, is contentment. Urban Dictionary states, “Contentment is true peace of mind and has absolutely nothing to do with any external pleasure or condition, but rather your attitude.” I want to live in this kind of joyful obedience. I yearn for this all encompassing peace. Will you join me, leaning into contentment and turning away from the subtle sin?

Capture Each Thought

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Capture Each Thought

October 4, 2019

We were sitting in a local coffee shop that morning. She was pouring her heart out about how she felt…the thoughts she kept coming back to. As I listened to her ache, an image appeared before me.

“See those berries,” I said. “Imagine each of them are the thoughts bunched up in your mind. Now, grab the one you just described to me, the one where you weren’t sure. The one where you questioned whether or not you were good enough. That one. Pluck it off the branch and let’s see how it aligns with His Word. If it doesn’t, then toss it aside because it is no good.”

This is an active daily process we must do, if we want to be REAL with ourselves.

“We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5b NIV).

So often our thoughts run away from us. Unknowingly, we allow the devil in through the backdoor of our brains, and he plants his seeds of doubt. His lies begin to spring up, like weeds, as they quickly cover our fertile ground. The devil is crafty and cloaks his lies so they appear true. This is why we must earnestly capture each thought, examine it, and line it up with God’s truth.

You absolutely can control what thoughts you allow residency. We are what we think. And you, my friend, are royalty, a priceless heir to His throne, His creative masterpiece, who’s worthy of His love. Let’s hold onto these truths, grant them access to flourish, shape who we are and how we treat others.