Words to Live By

Inspired by Pastor Craig's New Year sermon (which could have easily been inspired by my Dad), here is my personal Top 10 list of focus thoughts to dwell on and speak out loud every day! (And explaining why I chose each of them underneath.)

1. My life belongs to God and He directs my steps; I will trust Him and fear no evil.
   This goes with my choose life goal, and reminds me that I cannot control the timeline of my life and death, nor that of anyone I love. God is sovereign, and He is trustworthy.
2. I love Jesus with all my heart, mind, soul, and strength.
   Because living this out changes everything.
3. My identity, security, life, and value are found in Christ alone.
   Reminding myself that my job, marital status, friendships, accomplishments, etc. do not define me.
4. God is always with me and He cares about the details of my life.
   This strengthens me and is comforting when I feel alone or unseen.
5. I have a God-given purpose here on earth, and my life brings glory to God.
   Because this is critical to remember and focus on when I long for escape and heaven.
6. I choose the pain of discipline over the pain of regret; Christ in me is stronger than the wrong desires in me.  I have God-given self control, and I want my health to be transformed from the inside out.
7. I speak life and encourage others daily.
   I believe this is a strength God has given me, so I want to take that more seriously and not minimize it or belittle its importance.
8. I love people and believe the best about others.
   It's easy to be cynical after relational pain, but I want God to renew my heart to be more Christlike here.
9. The life of God inside me restores the health of my body, soul, and spirit.
   Again, this goes with choosing life, walking in the Spirit, and allowing God's life and healing to flow through me more and more.
10. I am a woman of God, redeemed by Jesus Christ; loved, pursued, and chosen; equipped with words of life; clothed in strength and dignity; commissioned here and now; gifted by the Spirit; forgiven and unbound!
    This one is Beth's "Identity Declaration," which I memorized in 2014 but have not verbalized or focused on much lately. I know the Holy Spirit has brought it to mind in certain situations where I needed to remember these truths, and I trust that He will do the same with everything on this list!!

"Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything in love." ~1 Corinthians 16:13-14