To set your mind on Spirit is Life and Peace! Romans 8:6

I like so many scriptures, but I use these I’m going to share as guiding scriptures for my life. I have used different scriptures at different times and in different seasons, but these are like staples for me. And I like to read the same scripture in multiple versions. One of my favorite versions of the Bible right now is The Passion Translation.

Trust in the Lord completely, and do not rely on your own opinions. With all your heart rely on him to guide you, and he will lead you in every decision you make. Become intimate with him in whatever you do, and he will lead you wherever you go. Proverbs 3:5-6 TPT 

I also really like verses 1-4 of chapter three, and Proverbs 4:20-27. Psalms and Proverbs are some of my go-to, cry out, and claim scriptures.

Also,

Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” Mark 9:24 NIV

I feel this way sometimes and pray this scripture often. I do believe but I also have doubts and fears at times. I take all my emotions to God knowing He can handle them, and He can change me!

And,

He said to them: “You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile. But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean. Acts 10:28 NIV 

I used to beat myself up for not knowing or not already having done or been doing better. Then thankfully God showed me that I did not know before He showed me. He showed me in His perfect timing. As He makes me aware of something then I need to allow Him to work in me as I spend time with Him to improve in the area.

Then there is,

If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” Daniel 3:17-18 NIV 

I know God is able to deliver me from whatever I am facing but even if He does not, I choose to praise Him. Trusting Him.

Each year I like to choose a word or group of words as my focus for the year then I choose a scripture to go along with it.

For example, one year my word was HOPE and I chose, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 NIV. 

One year my word was STRONG (thinking I wanted to be spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically strong) and I chose, 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.” Joshua 1:9 NIV. 

A few years ago, I wanted to be ROOTED, GROUNDED, CENTERED, and I chose, “Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:7 NLT 

Two years ago, my word was BELOVED, and I chose, “Look with wonder at the depth of the Father’s marvelous love that he has lavished on us! He has called us and made us his very own beloved children.” 1 John 3:1 TPT. 

Last year, I chose the word, LIGHT, Then Jesus said, “I am light to the world, and those who embrace me will experience life-giving light, and they will never walk in darkness.” John 8:12 TPT 

I heard a friend say in a sermon, “Follow the LIGHT into deeper understanding, appreciation and connection with our loving God,” and was inspired.

This year my word is DISCIPLINE. Now all discipline seems to be painful at the time, yet later it will produce a transformation of character, bringing a harvest of righteousness and peace to those who yield to it. So be made strong even in your weakness by lifting up your tired hands in prayer and worship. And strengthen your weak knees, for as you keep walking forward on God’s paths all your stumbling ways will be divinely healed! Hebrews 12:11-12 TPT

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28-30 MSG

May we seek and discover God’s Goodness and Grace and Love and Peace and Hope and Security and Confidence as we go to Him, as we get away with Him, as we recover our life, as we walk with Him and work with Him, as we watch how He does it. May we learn the unforced rhythms of grace and learn to live freely and lightly! Amen!

I encourage you to talk to God, all the time, like you would your best friend. Tell Him everything! 

“Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.” Psalm 62:8 NKJV 

And the verses before that verse say, “My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory; The rock of my strength, And my refuge, is in God.” Psalm 62:5-7 NKJV 

Seriously I could just keep going, sharing TRUTH. I love God’s Word!

Seize life! Eat bread with gusto,
Drink wine with a robust heart.
Oh yes—God takes pleasure in your pleasure!
Dress festively every morning.
Don’t skimp on colors and scarves.
Relish life with the spouse you love
Each and every day of your precarious life.
Each day is God’s gift. It’s all you get in exchange
For the hard work of staying alive.
Make the most of each one!
Whatever turns up, grab it and do it. And heartily! Ecclesiastes 9:7-10 MSG 

Amen.