An Affirmation for Your Mouth

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AFFIRMATION

My mouth is pure, redeemed, and growing into the purposes of God. I choose words that are excellent and praiseworthy, full of faith and favor. I release blessing over others and myself. I refuse to partner or participate with negativity, pessimism, gossip, slander, self-slander, rage, belittling, comparison, cursing, cussing, or taking God's name in vain. When I feel these words enticing me to react, I will stop, and respond to the Holy Spirit by pausing, taking a breath, and choosing the language of honor.

Psalm 19:14 (NLT)

May the words of my mouth
    and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing to you,
    O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

The mouth is a journey. Old habits die hard. But they are not invincible. I still struggle with ugly things coming out of my mouth when I experience pressure or anger related to my computer, traffic, or my hubs.

This does not excuse my words though. If we are in Christ, we carry the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. Certainly, that means we carry enough power within us through the Holy Spirit to guard our tongues.

• If you struggle with self-deprecation…

• If you just can't "not share" that conversation you overheard…

• If you scream ugly things at your technology… (hello, I’m Rachel, and I'm guilty)

• If you are a self-proclaimed pessimist…

• If your temper sends you sputtering and muttering…

• If you don't have a filter because it broke years ago…

• If you've talked like a sailor for 40 years and think that's just "who you are"…

THERE IS HOPE!

Write out this affirmation and verse on a 3x5 card today and take it with you. Speak life and blessing over every person you encounter. Notice the clerk at Target. Compliment the Starbucks barista. Pray favor and blessing over that person that bugs the junk out of you. Release encouragement instead of cynicism. Besides, critics and cynics are miserable.

God is really happy, joyful and peaceful. He's not fretting about what's on the news. He is stronger than ALL negativity.

(Photo by Simon Maage on Unsplash)

Use prayer to develop intimacy with God and to declare His Kingdom over your circumstances. Don't waste your words on complaining. He is very aware of your situation, so your words are better spent on thanksgiving and alignment with His Kingdom. Faith pleases God, not whining.

• If you want to speak revenge…thank God for His vindication that sets you be free to forgive and be joyful.

• If you are upset with your spouse…release God's kindness and ask God to stir up hunger and thirst for His Word and values. If there is a particular thing they do that is bugging you, ask God to help them "notice" and awaken to the Holy Spirit's promptings. (All of the sudden they might  "notice" the dishwasher needs to be emptied…it can be that practical.) Release selflessness over your marriage - that means you too.

• If you are lonely…thank God for being your friend, and for always listening to you. Then spend time just hanging out with God.

• If you are angry at your computer, or the IRS, or your bank statement…take a breath, and ask God for help. Declare that you're resting in Him to take care of the issue.

Kingdom Principle: Whatever you're experiencing that's negative, release the opposite force with your mouth. Example: If you're experiencing fear, release the faith of Jesus over yourself.

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Instead of going on and on about the negative issue, declare the good thing and God-thing you expect to see come to pass.

Speak as if God actually has the power to change things. 

It's a better way to pray.

It's a better way to live.

It's a better way to speak.

Have a week full of beautiful words!

Joyfully,

Rachel B.

PS - My online store is temporarily closed until Wednesday, September 25, 2019. I’m on a bit of an expedition in Ireland. #amazing

Patience, Patience, Patience. Ain't Nobody Got Time Fa Dat!

(Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash)

I started ruminating on patience recently. After time with the Trinity this morning, it became obvious that Father, Son, and Holy Spirit have a lot of thoughts around patience. It is one of their favorite virtues.

• Patience is faith that's grown comfortable with God's timetable.

• Patience is faith that is active even in the waiting room.

• Patience drives out irritation.

• Patience is no where to be found in the kingdom of darkness...it is a Heavenly Kingdom attribute. The enemy is running out of time. God is not.

• Patience is homegrown fruit cultivated in the soil of Holy Spirit. It's sweet and delightful when you offer it to others.

• Patience is okay when the future is not quite in focus because it knows God has perfect vision.

• Patience is the front door to peace, gentleness, and kindness. Patience allows you to cross the threshold and welcome those behind you. It's a door for you to walk though, and a door that opens in you. 
  
  

Do any of these pearls resonate with you? Which one?

AFFIRMATION

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, You are full of patience and never rushed or late. As I trust You, I am learning the flow and timing of your ways. I experience Your gentle, unhurried presence when I choose to value patience. The next time I encounter irritation, I will remember that this is my custom-made opportunity to practice patience.

SCRIPTURES

Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. Gal. 6:9 NASB

Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools. Ecc. 7:9 NIV

So Jacob worked seven years to pay for Rachel. But his love for her was so strong that it seemed to him but a few days. Gen. 29:20 NLT

***

May our love for our Lord be so strong that our hearts are content to wait on Him with faithful expectation. And may we all stop driving our cars like hurried maniacs.  =) Amen.

Joyfully,

Rachel B.

***

TWEETABLES

Patience is faith that's grown comfortable with God's timetable.

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Patience is faith that is active even in the waiting room.

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Patience is the front door to peace, gentleness, and kindness. Patience allows you to cross the threshold and welcome those behind you. It's a door for you to walk though, and a door that opens in you. 

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New pocket book from Rachel!

50 Pearls to Deepen Your Faith. Only $5!

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Affirmation for Decluttering?

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AFFIRMATION

I am getting organized and uncluttered so I can steward God's heart and will with passion and precision. I am getting ready for promotion and the "more" God has planned for me. I will be faithful in big things because I am faithful in small things.  

I gotta tell ya, organization is not my strong suit. I have to put a lot of effort and attention into being organized and remembering things. I don't organize things in the same way on any given day. My husband is befuddled as to how my mind "organizes" (if you can even call it that!)

Even though organization and de-cluttering may not be your gift, it IS a huge gift to yourself and to your soul. Last year over a period of several weeks I began to un-clutter my house, one room at a time. It felt GREAT!

(Photo by Onur Bahçıvancılar on Unsplash)

When I began to go through my room, shelves, drawers, closets, and cupboards, I had a great sense of peace, accomplishment, and relief when I finally did it. My mind became more focused. My anxiety level dropped.  The process made room for peace, and potential upgrades. I slept better.

I wonder if the Lord wants to upgrade our thinking, our peace, and our focus? We have to make room for it. We have to say no to some things so we can experience a better yes.

If we don't steward what God has currently given us, He won't give us more. It would be foolish for Him to give us more. The more would actually burry us!

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I think this is the crux of this affirmation. Do you want to be ready and open-handed to grasp the direction, wisdom, upgrades, and blessings God wants to send your way?

He can't if we aren't ready. This means we need to take moments to prepare our space, home, heart, finances, and (for me) my computer - to clear the way for God to move.

(Photo by Chungkuk Bae on Unsplash)

Have you considered this reason to de-clutter? It's not just about having a tidy space. It says to the Lord, "I am thankful for everything You have entrusted to me. I am going to continue to steward well, and be a person you can trust with things, people, and ministries."

I challenge you to consider what might need space in your life. Look at the way you currently steward your "stuff" and your relationships. Is there anything you could do today to take a simple step forward in the right direction? That's where you start.

It's been one year since I did my last de-clutter. I'm due. My emails and computer desktop look like chaos. The paper pile in my kitchen is a beast.

I look forward to making some time, and chipping away at these spaces so that I can be a faithful steward. It's as simple as that.

If you are interested in a couple resources, check out:

1. Declutter Your Way to Success by Terri Savelle Foy.

2. Clutter-Free: What Jesus Has to Say About Your Stuff by Kathi Lipp 

Also Kathi provides a free download called 50 Ways to Reduce Stuff.

PS - if you live with a pack-rat, don't throw away their stuff. The relationship-bomb is not worth it. Stick to your own stuff. After a while, invite them to take a step along side you. Then give them the freedom to choose.

May the Lord give you rest and organization for your soul and body!

Joyfully,

Rachel B.

Affirmation for Getting Unstuck

Sometimes we just get stuck… (Photo by Tomas Tuma on Unsplash)

AFFIRMATION

I am capable of change. "Stuck" is not who God created me to be, and it is not who I am. As I awaken to the Holy Spirit's voice in my life, I am energized and surrendered to the changes, renewal, and new ideas He wants to bring about in my body, mind, and spirit.

SCRIPTURE 

Romans 12:1-2 (The Passion Translation) 

 12 Beloved friends, what should be our proper response to God’s marvelous mercies? I encourage you to surrender yourselves to God to be his sacred, living sacrifices. And live in holiness, experiencing all that delights his heart. For this becomes your genuine expression of worship.

2 Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you, but be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think. This will empower you to discern God’s will as you live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in his eyes.

 _____

Romans 12:1-2 (New Life Version)

12 Christian brothers, I ask you from my heart to give your bodies to God because of His loving-kindness to us. Let your bodies be a living and holy gift given to God. He is pleased with this kind of gift. This is the true worship that you should give Him. 

2 Do not act like the sinful people of the world. Let God change your life. First of all, let Him give you a new mind. Then you will know what God wants you to do. And the things you do will be good and pleasing and perfect.

Sometimes we get stuck because we become close-minded about ourselves and our ability to grow.

The only person who gets to decide if you grow or not is you.

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When you tell yourself that you are capable of growing, learning new things, gaining new mindsets - you are! Don't get stuck simply because your mind says, "I can't change." Who says?

• Who says you have to be stuck with dysfunctional thought patterns?

• Who says you have to live your whole life riddled with anxiety?

• Who says you are never going to get well?

• Who says depression is your destiny?

• Who says your past determines your future?

• Who says it's too late?

• Who says you're too old?

• Who says you can't lose that weight?

• Who says you can't memorize that Scripture?

• Who says you can’t learn a new ________.

• Who says your situation is not redeemable?

You know who says all that crud? The enemy. Because he wants you stuck, hopeless, and useless.

And do you know why? Because he is stuck, hopeless, and useless.

That is actually making me laugh out loud right now. For real.

(Photo by Kat Yukawa on Unsplash)

Don't listen to that stupid voice telling you that you can't change. It's lying to you. Even if it sounds compelling and authentic, it's still a lie. Don't listen to lies. Don't get stuck "in your head" when your head is telling you anything less than the truth.

Speak this affirmation over yourself. Speak it over your circumstances. God is greater than anything you and I will face. Get into the Word of God and find out what He says about you! Go listen to that Lauren Daigle song, “You Say.” That will get you going in the right direction!

God goes before you and has already prepared ways for you to walk in victory.  That's the truth!

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Joyfully,

Rachel B.

The Pearl of Water and Salt

Hello my friend!

I just got back from a wonderful songwriting trip to Israel. I had some fears before I left, but the LORD took care of each one as I faced them and flew to the other side of the world.

I had the opportunity to go to Israel several years ago, but my health was not good and I walked around with a migraine for most of my time there. I was praying that this time would be different and awesome. God completely answered that prayer.

I could tell you a thousand things about the trip, but let me share just one pearl or “aha” moment I had while I was there. We visited the site where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found - Qumran. At the top of that mountain is a view of the beautiful Dead Sea. You might not associate the word beautiful with Dead Sea, but I can assure you, from this mountain top, that water looks breathtaking. As I was enjoying a quiet moment with the LORD and staring down at the Dead Sea, God began to speak to me about salt, life, death, and water.

We often think water is the primary need for life. It’s true we would die without water in our bodies. However, it dawned on me that we need salt too. In fact, if you go to the hospital, and they give you fluids in an IV bag, it is Normal Saline. It’s water + salt. Our bodies actually needs salt to function and live. If we get too low on either salt or water, we die.

From this observation the LORD pointed out two truths to me.

1. God brings life out of dead things. The Dead Sea is so salty that if you drink even a little bit, it will cause dehydration and death. However, the Dead Sea is also full of minerals and salt that are used for cosmetics, food, and nourishment to the body. It’s just like God to take something that is “dead” (we have literally named it “Dead”) and bring sustenance, life, and good out of it. The Dead Sea is not really dead at all. It is full of substances we need for life.

   Maybe you have some “dead” places in your life…God can bring life from that place and to that place. Ask Him to come into your Dead Seas and bring His Living Water. Perhaps it’s a dead or distant relationship with your child or your spouse. Maybe it’s some kind of dead place in your body - an illness that is causing death. Release His living water to those places. Invite Him to flow into those dead areas, cells, and bones, and bring life.

2. Since salt and water are both required for life, this is a great reminder that we are to be in partnership with God. Jesus is the Living Water, but He calls us the “salt of the earth.” Salt and water in the right combination are the substances of life itself. You and I, the salt of the earth, when flowing with Living Water, have the capacity to nourish the nations. We nourish our families, our friendships, our spheres of influence through this life-giving water that runs through our own salt.

   The LORD flowing through us causes us to become the “Normal Saline” that revives, restores, and heals humans hearts and bodies. Imagine that. Keep in mind though, the right combination is a whole lotta living water, and a little bit of salt. More Him. Less us.

   Colossians 1:27 tells us that Christ in us is the hope of glory.

Question: Is God’s living water flowing through you? Is it nourishing you so that you can nourish others? Are you full of an abundance of salt that lacks living water? Are you thirsty? Are you craving the living water to come and fill you? What are you willing to do about it?

Salt + Water = Life.

You + God = Life.

I want to thank you for praying for me on my trip. I felt those prayers, and I could literally feel the LORD giving me His strength and living water for every step of the journey. Thank you for praying!

Be nourished my friend. God loves you and wants to be your Living Water.

Joyfully,

Rachel B.

PS, if you are not on Facebook, here is a video of “Down to the River”, a song we wrote after being baptized in the Jordan. We enjoyed several opportunities to write songs while we were there. I love all the songs, but this one is so much fun! Enjoy and be blessed.

Face Your Fear

(Photo by Nils Nedel on Unsplash)

Several years ago I had an opportunity to visit the Holy Land. I was excited and had great hopes for the trip.

Shortly after I arrived though, two things set in. One - a pretty strong, steady migraine that lasted most of the journey. That was tough. It stole a lot of my energy and enjoyment. This trip was also before I was diagnosed with Lyme Disease. I had no idea why my physical body was not keeping up with regular people. I was hanging out with the really nice old lady who used a cane. We became buds.

The second thing that hit was what I call the "Disneyland effect" that has somewhat taken over many of the holy sites in Israel. I wasn't expecting to see ornate churches with loads of chandeliers and candles. Or to see lines out the door waiting to "pay" to get in to get baptized at the Jordan River. Something inside me just went, "Ugh! This is not Jesus!"

And although the Disneyland effect is definitely not the crux of Christianity, I believe there was so much more to be experienced if I had simply let that expectation go. About the third day into our trip I heard the Lord gently whisper, "You don't have to defend me against all this tourism and consumerism. I am strong enough to handle all of this. Just relax and enjoy being with me in my hometown. "

I didn't know that I was offended on behalf of Jesus, and that I was trying to defend Him. That's really silly when you say it out loud. However, Jesus knew I needed to hear that. It definitely helped. And for the record, even though there is some tourism and Disney-like things in Israel - GO ANYWAY. It's worth it!

Since most of my time there was busy visiting sites with a splitting headache, I remember gently asking God toward the end of the trip if I could come back sometime when I felt better. There was no answer right then. But I simply whispered the desire to Him in that moment.

Fast forward to now, I am writing this about to board a plane to Tel Aviv. I have to be honest, there's a little bit of fear in me that I am going to have a repeat experience. I'm not worried about the Disneyland effect this time. I'm well aware of it. But I have had this nagging fear about not feeling well and not being able to enjoy the trip. So you know what? I've been taking it to Jesus. I voiced some of my concerns with my team leader. They know my backstory. And I have people praying for me as I go. But I also…just have to get on the plane. Just go. Just say yes. Kick fear in the face and MOVE! Fly.

There's something about doing the very thing you are afraid of that sets faith in motion. #faithpearls

 

That's what I'm doing today: facing my fear.

A couple weeks ago I had a really rough day. I felt like I had Malaria/flu/unable to carry a thought -  all over again. I had a choice in that moment to go to my fear and my worse case scenario, or I could trust Holy Spirit, get in touch with my prayer warriors and ask for support. That's what I did. That big, scary, fatigue-worn day was just that - one really bad day. It wasn't me going back into 10 more years of horrible Lyme Disease. It was just a "Lymie" kinda day.

I believe our prayers move mountains. I believe that faith and prayer and declarations matter. I believe what we choose to dwell on matters. I want to encourage you, to take your thoughts and words captive. Make them obey the Word and promises God has given you. Tell your problem how powerful God is. Tell your sickness to leave. Text your friends and tell them you are believing for___________. And ask them to agree with you and God in prayer.

Your true friends will be glad to help!

As I am overcoming my fears over the next two weeks, (and writing amazing, life-changing songs in the Holy Land with other songwriters, right??), I encourage you to pick a fear and tackle it! Hit it head on. Let faith lead. You won't regret it. It may not be easy, but it will be worth it. Jesus will be with you.

I'll catch ya on the flip side! Until then…Shalom!

Joyfully,

Rachel B.

PS - I am really STOKED to be going to Israel. I would LOVE IT if you shot up a prayer for me. Thank you bunches!

Affirmation for Healing

(Photo by Aarón Blanco Tejedor on Unsplash)

Before we get to today's affirmation, I would like to provide some helpful information. Sickness is a part of the curse, the fall, and it was not God's original intention for us. The Bible teaches this. The primary way we know this to be true, is that man was not originally created to die. Man was to live with limitless communion with God in the Garden - in perfect health, vitality, and life. It was after sin was introduced and chosen that sickness, infirmity, shame, and disconnection from God occurred. Because of this, we know that God's heart towards us is health and life.

I believe we are called to bring the Father's heart and will to our world. This is what Jesus teaches when He taught the disciples to pray the famous "Lord's Prayer". In this beautiful prayer, Jesus says, "Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done." These are key phrases and clues on how to pray. If we were to dig into the Greek, we would hear the command form of these phrases…and they'd say something like, "Kingdom of God: COME!! Will of God: BE DONE!" They are emphatic and declarative in nature. That's the original meaning and grammatical structure.

Question: Why would Jesus tell us to pray like this?

Perhaps it is because there is so much that happens in our world that is NOT His heart, intention, or will for us. He's not un-powerful or timid, but He does give us the freedom to choose and make decisions. We all make horrible decisions at times. This prayer reminds us to pull the heart of heaven down to earth. It reminds us to be in communion with God and to call down His will and heart for us. Our prayers and words matter.

That's what this affirmation is about. From personal experience, I've seen a lot of people experience prolonged illness. I've walked through it myself. I believe sickness is a plot of the enemy to steal, kill, and destroy. God, however, is so redemptive in nature, that He often uses the sickness, that the enemy has brought on us, to bring glory to Himself and to save others. This doesn't mean that sickness should get glory. Nor that sickness is God’s “fault.” This does mean that God is really good at being redemptive. It also means that when we experience sickness, we should keep our eyes open to how God is going to use and redeem the situation. And, simultaneously, it is right and good to PUSH BACK against that sickness; to go to the doctor, to do the treatment, to seek prayer. We are in alignment with God and His kingdom when we stand up to it, push back, rebuke, and cancel the demonic assignment over our lives.

(Photo by Jason Briscoe on Unsplash)

What am I saying? Stand up to sickness. Don't let it be the loudest voice. Don't make it comfortable in your body or let it become your status quo. Fight! And if you're too weary to fight, find a tribe that can fight with you and for you! Find your prayer warriors. They are out there. And they are ready to stand with you and do spiritual warfare with their prayers.

I realize eventually we all die. There's no getting around that. And we all get the flu or colds and various things throughout our lives. We don't need to pretend that we aren't sick (if we are). We don't need to sensationalize or make up a miracle. BUT, and this is a big but, our mindset makes a huge difference in our healing.

Our mindset and our words make a huge difference in our health or sickness.

So please, please, be careful little mouths what you say!

Be sure to release and speak life over yourself. Release Jesus' healing virtue over yourself and your loved ones. This is good and right to do. Everywhere that Jesus went, while He was on earth, He healed people. God is in the business of healing! Align with His heart about this. Get it deep into your spirit. God is a Healer, and He wants to heal - even you!

I hope you'll speak this affirmation frequently and fervently over yourself, knowing that you are lining up with God's point of view!

AFFIRMATION

I declare that all sickness, infirmity, affliction, depression and anxiety are rendered powerless over my body, mind, and spirit in Jesus name. All assignments of sickness, infirmity, affliction, pestilence, depression and anxiety are hereby revoked in the name of Jesus Christ.

SCRIPTURES

Isaiah 53:5 NLT “But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed.”

Matthew 8:14-17 ESV “14 And when Jesus entered Peter's house, he saw his mother-in-law lying sick with a fever. 15 He touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she rose and began to serve him. 16 That evening they brought to him many who were oppressed by demons, and he cast out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick.17 This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: ‘He took our illnesses and bore our diseases.’ ”

This Matthew passage makes clear that Jesus not only heals our sin, but also our sicknesses in our bodies. He bore our physical diseases. This is why it is good to stand with Jesus, in agreement, and push against sickness.

You might have a million questions bouncing around in your brain. I certainly don't have all the answers. Healing, as beautiful as it is, sometimes get controversial in the church arena. I really don't know why. I encourage you to keep it simple. Jesus healed and Jesus prayed. Go and do likewise.

Joyfully,

Rachel B.

Over-Achiever PS:

If you want an additional boost on healing in Scripture…

Psalm 91 is a POWERHOUSE, and it's a great one to memorize!

Affirmation to Stop Approval Addiction

[Photo by Jose Aragones on Unsplash]

Affirmation:

I declare the addiction to man's approval broken over my life. It is my highest honor to honor Who is highest in my life: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. May every other noise bow to the voice of my Heavenly Father. God is my greatest cheerleader, coach, and friend.

I need this affirmation! How about you? I love to make people happy. Sometimes that's possible, other times that's like trying to salvage the Titanic. Approval addiction looks different on all of us.

It can look like…

• Perfectionist tendencies

• Inability to make decisions

• Asking everyone's opinion on something

• Changing your clothes three times before leaving your home

• Over-cleaning your home

• Standing with a hunched/closed, or apologetic posture

• Making excuses, over-apologizing, or providing disclaimers (songwriters are notorious for this!)

• Not speaking up (never expressing your opinion)

• Speaking too much (dominating a conversation)

• Fatigue or short-fused from trying to figure out people's expectations of you

• Minimizing your successes (to keep the playing field level and to not intimidate)

• Exaggerating your successes (to look better in front of others)

• Striving (whatever that means to you)

• Giving up because it's never "good enough"

Any of these hit ya in the heart? Me too. I need to speak words that break off this over-attachment to approval. This addiction hides behind the real desire to be loved. Ultimately that's why we become approval junkies. We want people to like and love us. Why? We need love. Love is good. It is how God has wired us. Sometimes we attempt to meet our own needs though by trying, striving, and becoming everything everyone else wants us to be so that we experience love, belonging, and attention. 

Ouch.

Praise God we are already loved. Praise God that His love, attention, and affection for us is unconditional. We don't have to get smart, work harder, be more efficient, be cool, dress more in style, or anything else. In all our bare nakedness - in both spirit and body, we are totally, and completely loved by Jesus. Whew. What a load off.

Let me give you a 3 word #faithpearl to help you if you're struggling in this area.

Rebuke and Rest.

What does that mean? Verbally speak out against that addiction and tendency. Tell approval addiction to buggar off. Tell it all about God's amazing, unconditional approval and love for you. Tell that addiction to leave in Jesus name. Tell approval addiction that it is a lie, and you refuse to believe it anymore. THEN…tell God how grateful, thankful, and at peace you are in His presence. Rest in His goodness. Thank Him for the rest, the repose, the redemption story He is writing in your life.

Rebuke - talk to your problem and command it to leave. Tell your problem how good God is.

Rest - surrender. Open up your hands and start your day there. When you get stressed or you feel the pressure rising, remind your spirit that you choose to rest in the One who has opened up heaven for you. Choose trust. Choose to take a deep breath and say,

[Photo by Simon Matzinger on Unsplash]

I rest in You, Jesus.

I rest in You Jesus.

I rest in You Jesus.

Do this as many times as you need. There’s no shame in overcoming an addiction. We have to set new thought patterns and renew our mind with straight-up truth. This is what sets us free and gives us the ability to come up for air, resting in the very heart of Jesus.

I want to hear my Heavenly Father's voice and heart. I want to be aware and awakened to His nudges. That means I must choose to silence those other competing voices by resting in His strength and power at work in my life.

I encourage you to speak this affirmation out loud each day, and to simply pray, "Father, quiet every voice that is not from You. I am hungry to hear You."

I hope you have a great week. If you haven't heard any of my new releases check them out on iTunes or on my website - RachelBarrentine.com

• Meditations for Hope

• Meditations for Peace

• Go in the Joy

• Shame off You 

Joyfully,

Rachel B.

PS - Watch the NEW video here.

Fun fact: I shot this ocean video footage on an iphone on my drive down and back to a catholic monastery in Big Sur, California. I did a “silent” retreat there last summer and that’s where God downloaded these affirmations I’ve been sharing. Full-circle awesomeness. The beauty itself is inspiring!

Affirmation for God's Strength and Provision As Savior

Photo by Edwin Andrade on Unsplash

AFFIRMATION:

I am not the Savior; the weight of the world is not mine to bear or fix. God is able and in control. I joyfully partner with God, resting in His strength, His provision, and His peace.

As Easter approaches, I'm reminded that God is sovereign, in control, and has already conquered the darkness. Every victory I experience now was procured at the cross and empty grave. Please let this truth seep into your soul because it changes everything.

If you are the type of person that tends to over-achieve, perform to succeed or be loved, or you struggle with co-dependency, this affirmation is just what the Good Doctor ordered. You and I don't have to save the world from pain or problems. In fact, even with our best efforts and over-achieving, we can't.

I’m thankful for the Savior. This means, I don't have to be one.

What is our role and mission? To love God and to love people. We must leave all the superhero stuff to Jesus. He is fighting our battles. His presence is always with us. We get to partner with God in what He is already at work doing. Our intentional decisions make a world of difference, but the ultimate saving and rescuing is in Christ Himself.

Give people Jesus.

I often experience a little bit of anxiety when people approach me with their health problems. Their issues are often heavy and complex. I am moved by their stories and pain. In those small moments of fear though, The Great Physician, quietly reminds me that He is the Healer. He holds every provision for their needs. My true responsibility and call is to give them Jesus. Nothing more, nothing less.

What does that look like? Honestly, this can look like a myriad of things. I can study and read health books and resources to offer practical tools for people. I can lay hands on and pray over people. I can listen and offer a gentle hug when they're hurting. I can surprise them with a gift of comfort in some way. Or I can make them a meal and bring it over.

In the words of Iris Global Ministries, "Love looks like something."

Giving people Jesus means loving them right where they are. But it also means I leave my superhero cape in the suitcase. God uses people to bring about His will in the world. But the heavy-lifting is on Him. He is the Savior, the Miracle-Maker, the Deliverer. And this truth sets me free to be a child of God that loves people, not a Savior trying to play God.

 SCRIPTURES

Job 26:7-8 (NASB) “He stretches out the north over empty space, And hangs the earth on nothing. He wraps up the waters in His clouds; And the cloud does not burst under them.”

Hebrews 1:3 (NLT) “The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven.”

I hope this affirmation helps take the pressure off. Take a deep breath. Pray for your loved ones. Lay hands on the sick. Then keep reminding yourself to give 'em Jesus.

Jesus is more than enough.

Joyfully,

Rachel B.

NEW MEDITATION 

Need some hope? I have a new Scripture meditation I just released. You can find "Meditations for Hope" on iTunes, Spotify, and other online stores. And just so you know, I planned these meditations so that you can take a deep breath between each Scripture. Let these meditations give your body and spirit an opportunity to decompress, rest, and be refreshed as you listen.

iTunes

Spotify

Amazon

NEW SINGLE COMING GOOD FRIDAY

I’m dropping a new single called “GO IN THE JOY” on Good Friday this week. It is a song well-timed for Easter. I hope you will check it out and enjoy this new tune.

Here is a Pre-Save link: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/rachelbarrentine/go-in-the-joy

Pre-Save Here

Affirmation for Victory

Photo by Wesley Eland on Unsplash

Affirmation

I am a warrior in the Spirit. No weapon formed against me or my destiny shall prosper. The LORD is my Personal Bravery. He fights for me every single day. He fights for the people He brings into my life to love. Together, our love fights for their blessing, freedom, and victory.

This is one of my FAVORITE affirmations! The Amplified Bible says that God is our Personal Bravery.

 SCRIPTURE

The Lord God is my Strength, my personal bravery, and my invincible army; He makes my feet like hinds’ feet and will make me to walk [not to stand still in terror, but to walk] and make [spiritual] progress upon my high places [of trouble, suffering, or responsibility]! [ For the Chief Musician; with my stringed instruments. ]  Habakkuk 3:19 (AMPC)

We do well to remember there is a spiritual battle going on that we cannot see. The "symptoms" of the enemy are stealing, killing, and destroying. Our battle is not with people, it is with the spiritual forces of wickedness. Sometimes people behave badly, but, this does not mean our battle is with them. Underlying all the junk in our lives is a liar who comes to destroy, distract, and detour us off of our God-given course. When you are frustrated with someone, remember that they are an image-bearer of God. That never changes. Turn your frustration on the enemy and begin to worship God by speaking out truth, praise, and adoration. Release God's healing, direction, provision, wisdom, bravery, and favor over the very person you're frustrated with. This will change the spiritual atmosphere in your life, as well as in the heavenlies.

For the record, satan is not God's equal. God has no equal. Jesus is quite literally unrivaled. The spiritual forces of wickedness pale in comparison to the Lamb who was slain. Let this give you courage, bravery, and boldness to stand your ground when junk flies at you.

We have quite a few guests come through our home in Tennessee. When I speak this affirmation I think of family, friends, and all the guests that stay with us from time to time. I believe by partnering with God to love each one, we release favor, freedom, victory, and blessing over their lives. Just as I receive God's great love for me, I begin to pour it out as a blessing to others. It's a full-circle love.

What do you think? Is there a part of this affirmation or verse that is being highlighted in your spirit? Let me know in the comments.

Have a victorious week!

Joyfully,

Rachel

PS - My new "Meditations for Hope" is launching next Friday - April 5th. Enjoy a fresh 10-minute scripture meditation. You can find it on iTunes and other music platforms.