The Voice of Truth

Has fear ever kept you from accomplishing God's purpose for you? I have. I have been working through many of my fears lately. I know that God has called me to some level of ministry speaking. This made me squirm. I'm a naturally shy person and this didn't seem to fit to me. I was reminded of 2 Timothy 1:7 which says

 "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and a sound mind."

 Fear is not from God. He's the one who gives us the ability to do what He has called us to do. So now came conquering other fearful goals. I knew that starting a devotional blog was on the list. I had stopped myself from doing it being fearful that people wouldn't read it or care what I wrote. I came to the realization that my true audience is an audience of ONE. That fear started to crumble. Leading a Bible study was next. I knew that was something God wanted me to do but I kept putting it off. Satan kept whispering to me that I couldn't do it. The song Voice of Truth by Casting Crowns reminded me of what I could do once I trusted Him and turned my back on my fears.

 Oh what I would do to have
The kind of faith it takes to climb out of this boat I'm in
Onto the crashing waves

To step out of my comfort zone
To the realm of the unknown where Jesus is
And He's holding out his hand

But the waves are calling out my name and they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
Time and time again. 'Boy, you'll never win!'
"You'll never win"

But the voice of truth tells me a different story
And the voice of truth says "Do not be afraid!"
And the voice of truth says "This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth   

"Whenever I'm afraid, I will trust in you" ~Psalm 56:3

Allow God to conquer your fears and trust that He has given you the ability to do His will!!

Purposeful Change

I know that I have many flaws. But instead of beating myself up about them and feeling guilty, I've decided to figure out practical ways to help myself avoid some pitfalls. One of my biggest flaws is dwelling. It causes many problems in my life. Something big or small may happen and I'll hold onto it and run it over and over in my head. I have destructive internal dialogues about things all the time. One of the easiest places for me to have one of these dialogues is in the car while I'm by myself. Even with Christian music going, it doesn't seem to matter. So I came up with something that I have implemented to help. I decided to write particular verses on spiral bound index cards. I stuck them in the space under my radio and kept the verses out to hang down vertically so I can see the words. I have the following verses available to remind myself that I need to keep my thoughts God-honoring:

Finally brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are lovely whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praise-worthy -meditate on these things. ~Philippians 4:8

The end of a thing is better than its beginning; The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. Do not hasten in your your spirit to be angry. For anger rests in the bosom of fools. ~Ecclesiastes 7:8-9

Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. ~1 Thessalonians 5:14

I pull out my verses every time I drive on my own. It has helped curb my negative thought life tremendously! What are some practical things you can implement in your own life to

                                                                                   purposefully change?