“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭55‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Worry: allow one’s mind to dwell on difficulty or troubles.

I come from a long line of worriers. How about you? Is it your natural tendency to automatically worry?

As I have shared this week, I recently began a new trial and God is teaching me how to deal with worry. On this Worry-Free Wednesday I want to share some of God’s messages to me.

First of all, God directed me to put in place visual reminders to not worry. On the day this season began, my natural instinct of worry kicked in. I began going over all the “what if” scenarios in my head. I cried out to God for guidance and direction and as only He can, peace came in unexpected ways. As I scrolled through Facebook I landed on the Lysa Terkeurst post featured in today’s picture. Immediately God nudged me to start an album in the photos on my phone. I titled the album “worry” and as I run across encouragement for times of worry, I place it in the album. When I feel worry creeping back in I turn to the “worry” photo album for immediate solace.

Secondly, God reminded me of something I read years ago about turning our worries into prayers. I immediately began rephrasing the “what if” scenarios into prayers.

Lastly, I relied on the daily spiritual disciplines God has led me to put in place. I continued my morning routines of rising early to read devotions, pray, and write in my gratitude journal. Spending time with God and intentionally looking for things I am thankful for, even in the storm, has allowed me to change my focus from worry to praise. This practice has helped mold my attitude and outlook.

Although I am genetically dispositioned to worry, my Heavenly Father is teaching me how to truly be worry free. Our God is bigger than any troubles we face. After all, He has overcome the world!

“‘I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.’” ‭‭John‬ ‭16‬:‭33‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“So if you faithfully obey the commands I am giving you today—to love the Lord your God and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul—”
‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭11‬:‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Click the link and join me for See You Saturday. We are all loved and redeemable!

“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭1‬:‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Check our Ray White on IG, @D.Ray.White

Apple Podcast: “Old Roots New Fruits” by Holly Furtick

Song “I Got You” by Zach Williams

Julie Wicker’s 2023 Word and Mantra

Deborah Ard’s 2023 Word and Mantra

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭12‬-‭14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I have enjoyed talking about the different types of love this past week. Today I will highlight Phila Love which is considered friendship love. The words in the above photo that describe this love are fondness, organic, and affection. There is a quote that I love by Jess C. Scott, “Friends are the family you choose”. I truly believe that God organically puts all the right people in our lives just when we need them.

Paul writes in the verses above that as God’s chosen people we are to clothe ourselves in certain virtues. When I think of friendship, these same virtues come to mind: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and love. I am so that thankful to have a circle of Godly friends that love me and are patient with me.

Have you ever thought of Jesus as being your best friend? In the song “What a Friend” by Matt Maher, he sings about that friendship. Just like our earthly friends fill our cup, Jesus fills it so that it runs over.

Monday – Word and Mantra for 2023

Tuesday – Eros Love

Wednesday –Storge Love

Thursday – Agape Love

So far this week we have talked about Eros love and Storge love. Today I want to highlight Agape love. It is the highest form of love. Agape love involves faithfulness, commitment, and an act of the will. It is distinguished from the other types of love by its lofty moral nature and strong character.

Agape love is beautifully described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

When I think of my word “love” for 2023, agape comes to mind. Paul illustrates this faithful, committed love well in our key verse. The word “always” really speaks to me. There is never a time when God doesn’t love us, even when we are lost.

We also read about this faithful, committed love in the parable of the lost sheep found in Luke. In the song, “Reckless Love” by Cory Asbury the lyrics mimic that parable. He sings, “Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending reckless love of God. Oh, it chases me down, fights till I’m found, leaves the ninety-nine”. On this Thankful Thursday I encourage us to meditate on the parable below. Take a moment to reflect on all the times God has rescued us and persevered for us. Let’s rejoice with God through song and prayer.

“Then Jesus told them this parable: “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” Luke‬ ‭15‬:‭3‬-‭7‬ ‭NIV‬

Monday – Word and Mantra for 2023

Tuesday – Eros Love

Wednesday –Storge Love