April 23rd, 2018

I finished up this book a few weeks back.  I love this one!!  It is a must read if you have a mind like mine.  My favorite sections were "Training Your Thoughts" and "Winning Over Worry".  I think I am going to go back and read the 10 chapters in those two sections again soon, just for a quick reminder!

Training Your Thoughts
- Whatsoever things are true...   think on these things.  Philippians 4:8

She says in the book, "...choose to "think on these things" -these comforting, tender, and rock-solid, never-changing truths about God's care and concern for us- rather than focus on our own faulty thoughts or feelings."

God cares for us!

These four points she made in this chapter are really good.
*I am fearfully and wonderfully made, no matter what I or others think about me.
(Psalm 139:14)
*He has a grand plan and purpose for my life, no matter how the present may look.
(2 Timothy 1:9)
*He has given me spiritual gifts that I can use to benefit other believers, no matter how I may be floundering or failing at the moment.
(1 Corinthians 12:7-11)
*I am always loved and accepted by God, no matter what I experience or who may reject me.
(Romans 8:35)
I think chapter 3 in the section Training Your Thoughts was just what I needed.  Just as she admits that she second-guesses other peoples motives, I do this as well.  She uses this as an example, "She hasn't called me in awhile, I must have done something to offend her."
She advises to simply ask yourself, "What is true?"  This will help to stop the second-guessing, the analysis, and the introspection that hinder the development of healthy relationships.  She says, "Until someone tells you that you have offended them, only think on what is true.  Choose to think no evil about people," she says.  "Determine to trust what others say and do.  Count on others to come to you when you have failed them and count on God to reveal where you have offended them, " she continues.  

It may sound silly, but this was something I was struggling with.  I analyze everything, and just about everyone.  Constantly wondering who I have offended or why this person did this or said that,  what did I do.  My mind was driving me crazy!  I am so glad I did this Bible Study and realize I need to keep these words on my heart and in my mind. 

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8

I do not want to make this post too long, but I do want to share a few more points from chapter 5. 

She says, "Your God is the God of the past, the present, and the future! He has promised to guide you throughout your life and receive you to glory afterward.  "Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory."  Psalm 73:24    "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever."  Psalm 23:6

*Nothing will ever happen to you that God does not already know about.  
(Psalm 139:1-4)
*Nothing will ever happen to you that is a mistake.
(Psalm 139:4,16)
*Nothing will ever happen that you cannot handle by God's power and grace.
(2 Corinthians 12:9-10)
*Nothing will ever happen to you that will not eventually be used by God for some good purpose in your life.
(Romans 8:28)
*Nothing will ever happen to you without God's presence.
(Matthew 28:20)

God Knows All About Your Life!

In reading this book you'll learn to -
*grasp God's purpose for life... and move toward it.
*trust the Lord in all things...even those you don't understand.
*think on what is true or real...about God and about your life.
*live one day at a time...without worry or anxiety.
*navigate the maze of life...successfully.
​

Note:  By recommending this book I am not suggesting you follow the author, nor am I saying I agree with everything she has ever said.  I had never heard of her prior to the title of the book catching my eye on the book shelf.    Like I always say when I recommend a book, I am a strong KJV girl.  This book uses other translations.  I encourage you to read this book, however, pull out your Bible and read the verses for yourself to see what it says!  I would never recommend a book that changes doctrine of God's Word.   If I read a book, for instance this one, that has a good message, and sticks with the teaching of the Word,  I will share it with you!   Happy Reading! xoxo