Soul care Archives - Page 3 of 4 - Faith Assembly Grand Detour

Control Freak

Posted on 03/26/2018 in Devotions, Real Life, Soul Care, Spiritual Growth | Tags: Control, fruit of the spirit, Grace, Peace, Real Life, Soul care, Spiritual Discipline, Spiritual Growth

Mar '18

I’m going to be upfront and honest here.

I’m a control freak.

I am a Type A personality, having to ensure everything is figured out. I need to be the one in the driver’s seat. Having a background in the military and law enforcement; I have my day planned out, I am task driven and I will make decisions… well, decisively!

Because let’s face it: a so-so decision is better than no decision at all… am I right?

Let’s put the brakes on that thought process for just a minute. As we have been talking about peace this month, I couldn’t help but think of the peace I have missed out on in my own life because of my control freak mindset.

It really just boils down to these simple thoughts:
I’m afraid of not having control of my life and my family.
I’m afraid of not having control of my job.
What if something bad happens?
Can I prevent this from happening to my kids?

Somehow, I don’t think I’m alone in feeling this way.

God tells us in John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

I seek to control the world around me, but the world around me will not bring peace to my life. As a result of sin in this world, bad things will happen, loved ones will die, my children may make bad decisions as they grow up and the list goes on.

I cannot control any of these things, but what I can control is my thought process, resolve to focus on God’s word and remember His promises. One of these promises being that he will never leave me or forsake me- in good times and in bad.

“Let go and let God”… have you heard of that saying?

I’m working on this very concept in my life and I want to encourage you to do the same.

As we release control and let God take over, I know we will begin to find a peace that is only from our Father. A peace that passes all human understanding.

He is our ultimate daddy and he cares for our wellbeing more than anyone on this earth.

He wants us to be at peace with ourselves, with others and most importantly with Him.

So let’s take the brakes off now and re-examine my first thoughts through this prayer:

God, I am asking you to take control. Let my Type A personality be used for your glory and not to try and control the world around me. Lord, help me to slow down in life and not rush to make decisions, but rather seek your council and wisdom first. I ask you Father that as I allow you to take control, you bring a peace in my life that I have never experience before. Help me Jesus to not be a control freak, but rather to let go of control and let you do your perfect work. Thank you for your peace. In Jesus name, Amen.

Author:

Ryan Bivins

Husband, Father and Christ-Follower

Ryan leads worship at Faith Assembly

Feb '18

Soul Tattoo- What Defines You?

Posted on 02/24/2018 in Devotions, Real Life, Soul Care, Spiritual Growth | Tags: Identity, Soul care, Spiritual Growth, Theology, Truth, Worldview

Feb '18

The Scripture is full of references that talk about the soul and the spirit.

It’s so important in fact, that the Old Testament mentions it over 785 times and the New Testament over 103 times.

It’s pretty clear that in God’s big story for mankind, our souls- the essence of our inner most beings- is important to Him- so important that He sent His son to die for our sin, our weaknesses, and our shame. Our soul is the thing that makes us unique. It’s how we relate to others and how we understand ourselves. It comprises who we are.

Often our souls feel like a roller coaster- sometimes weary or unsure- sometimes comfortable, content or even at peace. We all have invisible tattoos (so to speak) that make an imprint on our souls… earthly things that work to define us. They may have been in the past or are currently influencing our perspectives.

They can make a mark so deep that the imprint may feel like it will last forever.

So the question is this: what defines you?

Are you allowing your past, your education, your mistakes, your job, your talents, ministry, kids, marital status, successes… whatever- to define who you are? The world would project this onto you… especially your failures! This should not be! You see friend, when we allow these things to define who we are, we have embraced a false identity. We are then allowing everything but God to define our worth.

This is why God says we must examine our hearts.

He knows that if we embrace a false identity, we are vulnerable to the enemy’s schemes and lies. This leaves us vulnerable to the many traps the enemy of our souls delights putting right in our path. He loves to plant seeds of self doubt, confusion, relationship drama, unforgiveness, bad decisions, selfish pride or self-hatred… even disobedience to the God we say we love.

But with God’s Truth, He tells us that if we place our soul identity in Him, nothing can touch the essence of who we are! When we believe on His name and claim Christ as our Savior, we are a new creation found in Christ Jesus. No longer do we have to be defined by those old things. We are now sons and daughters of the King of Kings!

Hebrews 6:18-19 says

“Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us.

This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls…”

This Truth of our identity isn’t always something that we “feel”… but rather God’s Truth that we must choose.

2 Corinthians 1:20-22 (MSG)
Whatever God has promised gets stamped with the Yes of Jesus. In him, this is what we preach and pray, the great Amen, God’s Yes and our Yes together, gloriously evident. God affirms us, making us a sure thing in Christ, putting his Yes within us. By his Spirit he has stamped us with his eternal pledge—a sure beginning of what he is destined to complete.

Because of God’s overwhelming love for us, it’s that same love that will transform our souls into something beautiful, confident, at peace and blazing with purpose. This is the ultimate miracle- the transformation of the very essence of our being!

Let us make our “soul tattoo” permanent once and for all, by…

1) knowing the Truth

2) embracing the Truth

3) practice the Truth daily

4) make the Truth known as a testimony for God’s glory

For if we can run with the Truth of who we really are in Jesus– nothing…and I mean nothing-

will stop us from fulfilling the destiny God has planned for us to fulfill!

Author:

Michelle Marx

Wife, Mom and Lover of Jesus

You can read more of Michelle’s writing at Pianogirl Speaks.

Feb '18

The Ultimate Do Over

Posted on 02/20/2018 in Devotions, Real Life, Soul Care, Spiritual Growth | Tags: Grace, Gratitude, New year, Soul care, Spiritual Growth, Truth

Feb '18

People often use these phrases…

I wish I could do ________ again!
If I only had another chance to do _________.

Today, it’s… I want a Do Over!

I remember when I was on the 6th grade basketball team. I got to start the second half of the game. We all lined up for the tip off and I got the tip. I dribbled down the court for a layup… and missed! My teammate Tommy came to my rescue and got the rebound.

Then he told me I was shooting at the wrong basket! Boy, did I want a do over!

Remembering this experience caused me to think of God and His amazing love for all of us- no exceptions.

God sent His only son to be a sacrifice on our behalf. Through His sacrifice- and our acknowledgement and repentance of sin in our lives- we would have salvation thru the Lord Jesus Christ. This is our do over!

Acts 2:21 says
And it shall be that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord (talking of Jesus) will be saved!

This is the ultimate do over for us. But thank God the reality is this:

God extends do overs to us every day.

Knowing this, shouldn’t our goal be to be more like Jesus every day? I know we will fail at times, but our heart’s desire should be to live like Jesus every day.

Proverbs 21:2 says
Every man’s way is right in his own eyes but the Lord weighs the heart.

Psalm 63:8 says
My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me.

Every day our desire should be to…

Thank God for every breath we take
Thank Him for every blessing we receive
Thank Him for every obstacle we experience
Worship Him for every do over His love allows us.

I know this: our God is not a liar.
He has promised He would never forsake us, especially in those times when we have failed Him.

He is there lovingly and graciously forgiving us, promising to give us a do over. Thank you Jesus!

How many times has God graciously given you a do over?

Take a moment right now to thank Him for his mercies- new every morning- and His unfailing love that sustains you through each new day.

Author:

Ken Drew

Loving husband, dad, granddad and Elder at Faith Assembly

Feb '18

Fear & Anxiety… What Does God Say?

Posted on 02/12/2018 in Devotions, Real Life, Soul Care, Spiritual Growth | Tags: anxiety, fear, Real Life, Soul care, Spiritual Growth

Feb '18

Webster’s definition of fear is…

“an unpleasant, often strong emotion caused by expectation or awareness of danger”

“the concern about what might happen”

Fear is something that can rule and control every aspect of our lives.

I can tell you, I have often let fear control my actions, thoughts and words. I don’t like to say I was a victim of fear, because it’s my own personal choice to either live in fear or live with no fear. Living with no fear in today’s day and age is something that seems nearly impossible. I fear something bad might happen to my kids or that I may not have enough money to pay the bills.

We all have things that we fear, but you can choose to overcome those fears and live in confidence through Jesus Christ. The Bible has numerous encouraging words about fear, the hope and great confidence we can have in Jesus.

Joshua 1:9

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.

2 Timothy 1:7

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid; but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

Psalm 94:19

When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.

God gives us all the tools we need to overcome our fears and anxiety. We are His children and He tells us he will take care of our every need. When we look for comfort and hope in things like money, jobs, and personal security; our fear and anxiety will only be fueled in a negative way.

Psalm 115:11

You who fear him – trust in the Lord, he is their help and shield.

Having fear in the Lord is how we overcome the fears and anxiety of this life. This doesn’t mean to be scared of God, it means to trust in him, respect and have reverence towards him. When we develop a healthy fear of the Lord, he begins to put life into a perspective from his eyes.

One of my favorite verses is from Proverbs 9:10, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy one is understanding.”
Fear can sometimes be healthy, but when the fear and anxiety consumes our life,

it’s time to take a step back and remember what God says about it.

As always, I like to encourage you with a song that has helped me. Take a moment to listen to Kari Jobe’s song “I Am Not Alone.”

The song doesn’t specifically mention fear, but it does paint a picture of someone who may be struggling with life, fears and anxiety.

Thank God for His love and for his ability to overcome our fears and anxieties. We are truly never alone!

Ryan Bivins

Christ Follower, Husband, Dad

Worship Leader, Faith Assembly

Dec '17

Living in the Light

Posted on 12/04/2017 in Devotions, Real Life, Soul Care | Tags: Real Life, Soul care, Spiritual Growth, Truth

Dec '17

Recently I was leading our congregation in the old hymn “Great is Thy Faithfulness.”

I’ve always been intrigued by a particular phrase in verse 1.

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father
There is no shadow of turning with Thee
Thou changes not, Thy compassions, they fail not

As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be

There is no shadow of turning with God.

Think about that for a minute.

A shadow is formed when an object blocks another light source.

This means there has to be an external light source in order for a shadow to be created.

There is no light source other than God. He is the source.
There is no shadow when He turns.
There is no other source of Light and Truth.
He is constant, everlasting, and never-changing.
Without Him, there is only darkness… not even a shadow!

Mind. Blown.

Consider James 1: 17

Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.

…or I John 1: 5-6

This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all. So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth.

So what does it mean then; to live, to worship, to embrace His light?

When we live and worship in the shadows, it may look a little something like this:

Living in fear, shame or regret
Faking it, in fear of being fully and honestly known
Denial of our own character flaws & how they impact others

Sweeping issues under the rug, hoping they’ll go away

Judging others, while ignoring our own secret stuff

Creating unnecessary drama or conflict

When we live and worship in the Light, it may look a little something like this:

Choosing to live in honesty, tempered with love & compassion
Embracing God’s grace and forgiveness, and extending that to others
Allowing for vulnerability & relationship, with ourselves and others
Realizing none of us are perfect, only humans saved by an incredible, merciful God
Exposing the lies we believe & replacing them with the light of Truth

Extending love, grace and peace to others

When we truly believe the concept that we are not the Source of Light and Truth- only God is-

we can then understand that we are mere reflections of His light.

We don’t have to perform. We don’t have to be harsh with ourselves or others.
We simply reflect Him.

It sure takes the pressure off doesn’t it?

But here’s the other thing: it also takes effort on our part… the practicing the Truth part.

Uh oh.

It takes digging into His Word, meditating on His Truth and intentional abiding in Christ.
It takes a whole lot of honesty and humble introspection.
It takes letting the Spirit reveal the Truth to us and embracing it deep in our souls.

It takes practice to flesh it out in our real lives, not just in our heads.

So I ask you dear friend, what are you reflecting?

P.S. I love this version of the hymn. Check it out!

https://youtu.be/ZiBXi7uDyg0

Author: Michelle Marx
You can read more of Michelle’s writing on her personal blog PianoGirlSpeaks,
or for Seedbed.com.

Nov '17

Thankful In All Things

Posted on 11/21/2017 in Devotions, Soul Care | Tags: Gratitude, Soul care, Spiritual Growth, Truth

Nov '17

Well, it’s that time of year again!

We gather with family, eat more than we should, laugh and talk around the table sharing memories…

what a wonderful effect celebrating Thanksgiving can have on us.

Many people, including myself, will reflect on the things in their life that they are thankful for:

Our spouse
Our children
Our parents
Our siblings

Our jobs

All the necessities of life

and the list

goes

on…

I know as Christians we want to be thankful, but at times people or circumstances can make it difficult to accomplish.

Lord help us!

Colossians 3:15 says,

…and let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you are called in one body, and be thankful.

Psalms 100: 4-5 says,

…enter His gates with thanksgiving and to enter His courts with praise, be thankful unto Him and bless His holy name.

God calls us to be thankful in all things, at all times, because of His great provision and love for us.

His care covers us, sustains us, and carries us through challenges in life that call us to thankfulness.

When we look at how He provides for us, we see His hand of provision through

every circumstance that faces us daily.

I want to encourage us to look at the things we encounter every day and give thanks for all the things the Lord is doing in our lives.

Let’s try every day to think of things to honor the Lord, allowing us to give Him thanks for all things.

It is amazing how the Lord works!

I started this blog last week just to find myself challenged to be thankful every day. This week has been a real test for me, but with God’s grace I am bound and determined to practice thankfulness continually.

With God’s help, you can too.

Author:

Ken Drew

Jesus Follower, Husband, Father, Grandfather and Elder at Faith Assembly