Tag: #peace

Reframing the Trials: A Powerful Perspective on God’s Preparation

by Angela K. Crow-Mitchell

We pray to God for wisdom, and it’s a genuine request, so that we can stay in step with the Holy Spirit. However, do we realize it doesn’t happen overnight and isn’t delivered in a shiny box? There are some things to consider, such as whether it is acquired through trials and challenges.

We often wonder why we face challenging times, but we rarely think about what we’re learning from them. Maybe it’s an answer to our prayers. It just doesn’t look like what we expected, so we question God.

Does any of this sound familiar? Challenges are never easy while we’re going through them. We don’t literally ask for God to give us trials, but that’s precisely how we learn and grow. It builds character. Our daily choices often reflect the wisdom we hope to have someday, even if we aren’t aware of it.

It makes you think:

  • What daily choices am I making today that my future, wiser self would appreciate?
  • What does the wisdom I aspire to have look like in action right now?

It’s a beautiful way to frame personal growth—that aspiration is quietly guiding our daily efforts.

Without testing, there is no growth. Challenges strengthen us and show where we stand in our faith journey. Peter mentions being grieved by many trials: “So that the tested genuineness of your faith – more precious than gold that perishes through it is tested by fire – may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:7, Emphasis added). In essence, those who believe are tested like precious metal, so that our faith is purified and proven to be genuine.

We often focus on the painful situation—the what we’re experiencing—instead of the valuable lesson—the why or what it is creating in us. Difficult times can be opportunities to build qualities like:

  • Resilience
  • Patience
  • Empathy
  • Deeper Faith

If a prayer is for strength, maturity, or a deeper connection, the answer may not be easy, but it is a challenge that requires developing those qualities. It involves shifting focus from circumstantial comfort to character growth.

Indeed, God’s ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are not ours (Is. 55:8, ESV), something we must remember to help it make sense. It’s a call to trust the process and the ultimate purpose, even when the immediate experience is confusing or painful. The “tough time” is the necessary ground for a new type of growth.

Paul says we are all being transformed into the image of God from one degree of glory to another (2 Cor. 3:10). This is the process of sanctification that happens over time, not an instant change. This includes, but is not limited to, our moral character, true knowledge, and many God-given abilities (ESV Study Bible Notes).

The New City Bible plan, where I am currently studying the book of James, titled “Wisdom for Practical Life,” emphasizes that godly wisdom is gained through years of learning God’s Word, allowing God to correct us through trials, and being humble. This includes discipleship, training, and being corrected by others, as well as admitting our pride, selfishness, and sin by putting them to death and following Christ faithfully. This relates to my previous blog, ‘Repentance and Rest: Key Elements to Peace.’ This is how we grow in godly wisdom, and how character is formed – in the simple actions and decisions of daily life.

Christ is formed in us, and wisdom is revealed in how we live (1 Cor. 1:30). God takes up residence in our hearts. Our actions, choices, and treatment of others reflect the guest residing in our hearts. It moves faith from a set of external rules to an internal drive for goodness. In turn, this helps us develop strength and resilience to face the challenges that come our way.

God did not leave us alone to handle them; instead, He helps us through them and encourages us to persevere and not give up. I hope this allows you to reflect on the trials and challenges you face in the future with a new, powerful perspective. Maybe whatever you’re going through is preparing you for God’s plan in your life.

The core reflection is to see the trial not as a roadblock, but as a training ground.

  • Instead of asking, “Why is this happening to me?” we can ask, “What is this preparing me for?”
  • Instead of feeling abandoned, we are reminded that we are being actively equipped.

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (Gal. 6:9, emphasis added).

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness” (James 1:2, emphasis added).

Repentance and Rest: Key Elements to Peace

by Angela K. Crow-Mitchell

We all fall short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23, ESV). Don’t stop there…the rest of the verse says, “and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”

Last week, I discussed The Magnitude of Grace and God’s love for us. This week, I want to continue focusing on grace and emphasize the importance of daily repentance, which brings peace. As we seek holiness, we should ask for forgiveness of our sins to create more space in our hearts for the Holy Spirit to dwell.

When David sinned against Bathsheba and Uriah (2 Sam 11:1-17), it was hurtful not only to them but to God. When he humbled himself in repentance and asked God to “Create in me a clean heart, O God, renew a right spirit within me” (Ps. 51:10, ESV, Emphasis added), he was being completely honest with God. He recognized the wrong he had done and humbled himself before God, asking for mercy (Biblica Study Bible). This can be our prayer also.

The heart is what God sees and cares about. Some sins are apparent, like David’s; others may not be. If we’re unsure of our offenses, we can ask God to reveal them to us and pray for His help to change and bring glory to Jesus Christ in everything we do.

I mentioned that God desires for us to be with Him and be still; to acknowledge Him in all things (Prov. 3:6). Making this a daily discipline leads to peace and prepares us for success when challenges arise.

“In returning (Or repentance) and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and trust shall be your strength” (Is. 30:15, Emphasis added).

The ESV Study Bible emphasizes that the genuine way to achieve victory and peace is through repentance and rest. Additionally, by opening more space in our hearts via repentance, we invite more of the Spirit, which results in liberation from condemnation, guilt, shame, sin, death, the old covenant, and spiritual blindness to the gospel. This freedom also provides access to God’s loving presence (2 Cor. 3:17).

The promises of the old covenant pointed to Jesus, while the new covenant changes people’s hearts and makes them right with God forever. Some struggle to understand this concept until the Spirit of God removes the veil and helps those who turn to God understand it (Biblica Study Bible). Only through Christ is the veil taken away (2 Cor. 3:14).

The freedom that comes with the Spirit is completely real, and we are meant to live in that freedom for ultimate peace instead of the guilt and shame inflicted on us by the enemy’s lies. After we put the flesh to death, we are alive in Christ and are not to continue in sin but rather allow the Holy Spirit to transform us to the likeness of Jesus Christ (Romans 6:1-4).

This is what Jesus meant when He told the Pharisees to clean the inside of the cup first; they were worrying over cleaning the outside (or their appearance) when the inside was still filthy. He was referring to the obvious internal condition of their hearts (Matt. 23:26). By accepting Christ, one becomes all that God requires (2 Cor. 5:21). We are to put on Christian virtues, otherwise known as the breastplate of righteousness, as a guard against the things of this world that corrupt our hearts (Eph. 6:14).

This imagery suggests that this righteousness isn’t just a legal declaration, but an active, daily practice that protects the heart and mind from corruption and the spiritual attacks of the world. It serves as a reminder that a renewed identity in Christ should lead to a life of moral and ethical integrity, and that this lived-out righteousness is a defense against evil.

God supplies all the spiritual weapons we need, along with the power of the Holy Spirit inside us, to fight off the attacks and temptations from Satan. We are never alone in the fight and have everything needed for victory. God always provides a way of escape (1 Cor. 10:13). We can also fight for one another.

This is why community with like-minded people is so important. “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another” (Prob. 27:17, emphasis added). If we are struggling with sin in our lives, we can ask a trusted friend to pray with us and for us and hold us accountable.

Shift your perspective and make it a daily habit to rest in the shadow of the Almighty, humbly seeking forgiveness and mercy, and strive to become more like Jesus every day, pursuing holiness. Notice the peace that grows in your heart as you create more space for the Holy Spirit to work.

God wants the best for you. God sees you and hears you.

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty (Ps. 91:1, Emphasis added).

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom (2 Cor. 3:17, Emphasis added).

“Do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct” (1 Peter 1:16, Emphasis added). “You shall be holy, for I am holy (Lev. 11:44, Emphasis added).

Jesus’ Name is Everything

by Angela K. Crow-Mitchell

Anxiety has a way of creeping in. Sometimes, it catches me off guard and pounces like a squirrel that spots a vulnerable nut.

If I wake up a little later than usual or am dealing with a time change that can wreak havoc with my routine, time creeps up on me, and before I know it, I’ve not had my quiet moments with God to set my day off right before heading into a busy workday.

This is when the enemy finds a crack in my armor and slips in to yank my chain with subtle anxious thoughts or feelings. If not put in its place, it can spiral quickly.

My dear husband prays peace over me and reminds me of the pace of grace. I am reminded to breathe! I press pause and take five minutes with God to reset my intentions. I reaffirm my focus and claim the peace Jesus offers (John 14:27, ESV).

Jesus’ name is everything to me because it helps me stop spiraling. He is my peace and Waymaker, calm in the storm, and light in the dark (John 8:12). One whisper of His name settles my spirit and sends the enemy packing. Instead of anxiously striving, I find solace and joy that carries me through whatever the day holds.

Jesus is the living water for our dry, thirsty bones, which need refreshment in any season (John 4:14). I pray for a fresh encounter with the Holy Spirit that revitalizes and strengthens us to persevere until Jesus’ return. As Peter reminds us, God is not slow to fulfill His promise but is patiently giving others a chance at repentance, not wanting anyone to perish (2 Peter 3:9).

Perhaps this should light a fire under us to share the Good News with more people. Paul says that everyone who calls on the name of God will be saved (Rom. 10:13). Still, he continues to ask, how will they call on God if they don’t believe, and how will they believe in God if they have never heard the Good News (Rom. 10:14)?  

With this series of questions, Paul highlights the chain of events necessary for salvation through Christ (Rom. 10:14-15). The ESV Study Bible notes the logic of Paul’s plea: People will call on Jesus to save them only if they believe he can do it; belief in Christ cannot happen without the knowledge of Him; one only hears about Christ when someone proclaims their testimony and saving message; the message cannot be declared unless God sends someone to do so.

Let us give hope and show others that Jesus Christ’s name has the power to save and is the weapon of choice against the enemy and darkness of this world.

“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns;” (Isa. 52:7; Rom. 10:15, emphasis added).

“Pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest” (Matt. 9:38, emphasis added).

Jesus Says…

by Angela K. Crow-Mitchell

Psalm 23 brings comfort to many, including me.  Still, I realized recently that I had never really taken the time to process it on a deeper level. David wrote Psalm 23 out of his own experience as a shepherd (I Samual 16:10:11, Holman Christian Standard Bible). It is a Psalm of confidence and trust portraying God as a caring shepherd and dependable guide (NLT Chronological Bible). We are the sheep, wise enough to follow the One who knows the way.

As it turns out, sheep are completely dependent on the shepherd for provision, guidance, and protection. In the NT Jesus is the good shepherd (John 10:11, HSBC) and the great shepherd (Hebrews 13:20).

When I began researching more about this scenario, I decided to compare different translations to see how the wording varied. Mostly because when I read “I shall not want” in the English Standard Version) I had a little trouble understanding how ‘want’ is being used, because it seemed to me, that someone could misinterpret it to mean David did not want the Lord as his shepherd, even though I knew that wasn’t true.

As I read other versions, the one that stuck with me the most was the Holman Christian Standard Bible, which translated it as, “There is nothing I lack” (v1, emphasis added). I can understand that better, so I wanted to go deeper to see what other words stood out to me. The next one was, “He lets me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside quiet waters (v2, emphasis added).

I know when I am searching for peace, these words comfort me. I proclaim them as promises. Learning to do this helps defeat the enemies’ tactics of disturbing our peace and dispels his lies. Have you ever sat beside a quiet stream and allowed yourself to relax and enjoy the therapeutic peace that bubbles up inside you? God wants us to have peace, like sheep, He leads our thirsty souls to still waters.

This reminded me of another favorite verse, talking about a person who follows God and meditates on His word, delighting in His instruction: “He is like a tree planted beside streams of water that bears its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither” (Ps. 1:3, emphasis added). The HSBC explains that we can learn to follow God by meditating on His word. Jeremiah also mentions this by saying the man who trusts in the Lord and has confidence in Him is like a tree planted by water, it doesn’t fear the heat or worry when a drought comes, but it continues to bear fruit (Jere. 17:7-8).

So, we see that our trust in God to guide us as a good shepherd does, leads to peace and rest. When we have peace and rest, we produce fruit in our lives more abundantly.

Last week, I started a Bible plan by Kyle Winkler entitled, Permission to be Imperfect. One reason is that I realized that I am very hard on myself when I make a mistake. I am in a season where I needed to be reminded about God’s grace in this way. One of the biggest things that stood out to me is that the Hebrew word for Eden is delight. Winkler explains that God established a rest for us and wants us to remain in it. He went on to say that our Eden means “God’s delight” and that there is a perpetual state of rest in God’s delight.

He references Hebrews 4:9-11 to illustrate that just as God rested, there remains a Sabbath rest for God’s people. Paul establishes a connection of obedience and rest emphasizing the need for perseverance. Anything we can do to please God comes from His working in us, not anything we did to earn it on our own (ESV Study Bible). The New Living Translation points out two types of rest, a spiritual rest that benefits us now, in knowing the Good News of our Salvation through Christ, and that we can trust in His finished work. We can also enjoy the blessings of peace with God later – an eternal rest where we will enjoy God’s presence (Is. 26:19; Rev. 14:13, NLT).

Winkler does a spectacular job of explaining how God loves us even in our imperfection. The definition of sin is to miss the mark or fall short of God’s best. The law revealed our need for a Savior. The moment Jesus died, God stopped the clock on counting sins against us, past, present and future. Sinning less is a natural byproduct of loving God and realizing His love for us (Winkler, Permission to be Imperfect).

Jesus says, “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28, HSBC, emphasis added). The NLT Study Bible describes this as a complete and perfect rest in Jesus Christ.

What a remarkable realization – we don’t have to carry the weight of our burdens – God does that for us. We can experience peace.

I noticed that when I have less peace, is when I need more rest. Resting on God’s promises and proclaiming them aloud helps me get through my day. Not only does God offer peace and rest, but He also delights in giving us these good gifts. God lets us rest on these promises.

In replacing lies with the truth, Winkler points out that God’s unconditional love means that our weaknesses are meaningless and instills godly confidence (Permission to be Imperfect).

We need godly confidence to persevere. When the enemy tries to snatch our peace, we can use God’s Word and promises to speak life. Try speaking Jesus’ words and promises next time you feel anxious, fearful or stressed. Take it from me, it works.

Here are a few “Jesus says” statements we can proclaim:

Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Your heart must not be troubled or fearful” (John 14:27, HSBC, emphasis added).

Jesus says, “I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33, ESV, emphasis added).

Jesus says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (John 11:28, ESV, emphasis added).

Not surprising, as I was working on the research for this message, I heard a song for the first time, entitled, “Still Waters” by Leanna Crawford. Take a few minutes to listen to the words.

Triggers

by Angela K. Crow-Mitchell



According to The
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in their Campus
Health newsletter, “A trigger is a stimulus that elicits a reaction. In the context of mental illness, “trigger” is
often used to mean something that brings on or worsens symptoms. This often
happens to people with a history of trauma.”

Triggers can show up when we least expect them. The above article
also provides more information about triggers and responses to them that may be
helpful. Someone recently said that a trigger is an area where healing must
occur. That can be true for some, but for others who have received healing, it
can be a warning – perhaps it is like when we touch a hot burner – if we’ve been
burned before, our reaction is imminent.

Triggers can also act as signals, alerting us to potential
harm. With self-awareness and discernment, we can heed the messages our body
and brain are sending. Often, a red light flashes, indicating a situation that
mirrors a past experience of pain or hurt.

That is not to say that the person or thing triggering the
alert always intends to harm us, but spiritual discernment is necessary. So,
how do we know if the situation is harmful or if the trigger is negatively
affecting our emotions and causing the reaction?   

Our emotions can sometimes lead us astray, but we can always
take a step back, breathe, and seek the truth. Are the person’s actions and
words in harmony? Do they align with the principles of love from a biblical
perspective (I Cor. 13:4-7)? If these truths are evident, are we allowing the
fear of being hurt again to cloud our judgment? This is a tactic of the enemy.
Satan would love to sow discord in godly relationships. If you give him an
inch, he’ll take a mile. That’s why it’s crucial to recognize his strategies
and ask God to remove anything not of Him – or, as I like to say – shoot him in
the foot.

Reminding ourselves of God’s promises and who He is also
helpful. There are many, but three things immediately come to mind: peace,
comfort, and trust. Our God is an everlasting rock (Is. 26:4,
ESV), whom we can trust.  He comforts those
seeking Him and pursuing righteousness (Is. 51:1-3). He offers perfect peace to
those who have faith in the promises of God (Is. 26:3).

The promise of God finds their Yes and Amen in Jesus Christ
(2 Cor. 1;20).

Jesus told His disciples – “Peace I leave with you; my
peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your
hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27, emphasis added).
 That is also a promise for us. Instead
of worrying, we can be thankful and pray in all circumstances (I Thes. 5:18), releasing
it to God, who can carry the weight. I often find myself praying for God to take
all the things that are too heavy for me, which ends up being most things – but
that is okay – He is a good Father who delights in lifting our burdens and
giving us rest (Matt. 11:30).

When the Lord comforts Zion through Isaiah, he reminds them
to look to the rock from which they were hewn and to the quarry from which they
were dug (Is. 51:1). It may seem like a strange statement, but those seeking
the Lord can take great comfort in these words, knowing that we are secure in
the One who created us. We can be reassured that “Jesus Christ is the same
yesterday and today and forever” (Heb. 13:8). The Rock is a source of protection.

If you have sensitive triggers from past hurts, like me, take
time to sift through your emotions, ask God what is true, look to the Word for
comfort, and pray for discernment. Use your spiritual weapons to cut off
anything not of God, and cling to His promises for ultimate peace and relief as
you put your trust in the only One who can carry the burdens for you.

Triggers are not all bad, but they must be discerned as we
keep our emotions in check, not allowing them to take over our thoughts and
keep us from living our best lives in the moment without worrying about what
might happen tomorrow. As a friend recently said at church, ‘Tomorrow is not
promised.’ (His mom said it when he was growing up, and now he can relate). What
a fantastic perspective to adopt.

Triggers are real, and I am not dismissing them or the
painful emotions they cause. Instead, I want to share these truths and the hope
that we can overcome them through a relationship with Christ, our Rock, and
Redeemer of all things. It’s not always easy – but it is possible with God’s
help.  

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by
prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to
God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your
hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6-7, emphasis added).

“Your Word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my
path” (Ps. 119:105, emphasis added).



God Yearns for You

by Angela K. Crow-Mitchell

Looking back at the beginning of my journey of becoming a Christ-follower, I realize that it was a process – I didn’t immediately change my old habits, although I wanted to be closer to God. This process of being freed from sin is called sanctification. After repenting and surrendering my life to Christ and asking God what He wanted, the Holy Spirit began to work on my heart. He began to mold and reshape me and my character. Not only did I not want to continue with the old habits, but the conviction was also so firm that I could not hide it.

As I wanted to be closer to God, my old ways and sins had to make way for Christ’s new creation to form. The two cannot co-exist if we make room for Christ and have the relationship He intends for us.  Peace comes when we stop allowing our loyalty to be divided between God and the world.

We can’t feel the closeness and relationship we desire if we are still straddling the fence. But when we go all in – wholly surrendered to Christ – that’s when it all comes together, and we feel His presence, even though He has not gone anywhere – He is always with us – we are the ones who pull away. Feeling distant from God has a direct correlation to our sins. Once we repent and let God’s grace wash over us, the relationship begins to form as we make more room for Him in our hearts.

James points out that it is impossible to please God and the world simultaneously (James 4:4). When we come close to God, He will come close to us (James 4:8). Straddling the fence only makes us miserable. These verses from James echo Jesus’ message – “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other” (Matt. 6:24, Emphasis added). We must step closer to Him, knowing His arms are open to welcome us. He patiently waits for us to look in His direction and want His comfort. He is a jealous God who yearns for the spirit He placed within us to worship Him alone (James 4:5; John 4:23-24).

God never tempts us – temptation comes from our desires. God always offers a way out of sin and temptation (James 1:13-14). “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7, Emphasis added). We must learn to use our spiritual weapons against the devil by speaking Jesus’ name and bearing His armor (Eph. 6:10-18).

We can ask God to reveal anything we are holding on to and ask Him to help us remove it to make more room in our hearts His Spirit. David shows us how to do this, “Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life” (Ps. 139:24, New Living Translation, Emphasis added). Furthermore, he also gives us a prayer, “Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me” (Ps. 51:10, Emphasis added). A prayer I often recite.

Our goal should be to draw closer to God daily to allow more room in our hearts for His presence. I encourage you to take a step closer to God today and ask Him to help you yearn for His presence as He yearns for you. God wants to be your first love.

Mind of Christ

by Angela K. Crow-Mitchell

Sometimes we do not recognize the bad things in our lives until we have something better to compare it to. I alternate running in two pairs of shoes. The other day when running, I noticed my right leg was a little more fatigued than usual. I stopped to stretch it out and continued my run. This week as I was running in the other pair, I noticed how great both legs felt. I realized, after running in the better pair, that the issue was the other shoes. If I had not had a better pair to compare it to, I might still be running in ones that caused the stress and never know it was the shoe causing it.

The best person we can compare everything in our lives to is Jesus. If we try our best to model after the example He set while on this earth in human form, we can know we are living our best lives. It is not always an easy task, but that is why staying in prayerful communication and thankfulness to God is so important. Last week was an emotional week, in a good way. My classes started again, and I am reading a book for class by Gutierrez, 2015, entitled, “Thinking Like Jesus: Understanding the Mind of Christ,” that focuses on Philippians 2:2-4. It has really touched me and given me yet another new perspective on being more like Jesus.

It encourages us to share with our friends and family- so here goes.

In a very relatable, practical application, that simplifies how to live out the mind of Christ within these passages. We sometimes may think that we are not capable or apt enough to apply and explain it, but this book has turned these verses into a simple checklist that we can measure in our own lives to see if we are living out the mind of Christ and if not, how to do just that.

Living out the mind of Christ is a three-fold mind-set: unity, humility, and selflessness. The word ‘mind’ in these passages means attitude or thinking. Which implies ‘action’ is needed. We must change our thinking to have the Mind of Christ. Circumstances never change a heart. They can only provide the environment in which a change of heart takes place.

The checklist:

Unity:

  • Affection
    • Love one another (reflecting the mind and example of Christ)
  • Spirit
    • In one accord (A deep commitment of love and know others)
  • Purpose
    • Keeping our focus on the reason why we are serving (Christ-centered, God-filled work)

Humility:

  • Not promoting self or stealing the Glory of God; The enemy of humility is pride- it is wise to acknowledge the daily safeguards that we must implement to protect us from our flesh.
  • It is not our words that reflect the attitude of humility rather the heart behind the words

Selflessness:

  • Not just one action but a continual/intentional action of support to others through spiritual and physical needs.

I realize I cannot put every great point in this one little blog post, but I hope you are able to take something away that helps you live out the Mind of Christ in your life. I encourage you to take time to meditate on these verses and ask God to reveal any areas in your life that could use some change of attitude towards others and help you think more like Jesus. We can begin by asking for forgiveness of our sins, so we can have a heart that acknowledges our need for Jesus, so we can experience true, God-honoring praise.

“Fulfill my joy by being like minded, having the same love, being of one accord, [being] of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Let this mind we in you which was also in Christ Jesus” Philippians 2:2-5

Is Negative Thinking a Choice?

by Angela K. Crow-Mitchell

I am an optimist; in case you did not know. I believe the best in people, until I am proven wrong. Even when people have bad intentions, I have seen God change their heart or bring good out of the situation.

I have experienced firsthand God’s mighty power and transforming my lemons into lemonade, time and time again. So, I can have faith that He will do it again, in any circumstance. It brings me peace to be positive. Does that make me naïve? For a very large portion of my life, I would agree. I was very naïve. But, God…you know the rest. Today is a very different story. I came through the fire and I am still positive. I know there are people I cannot trust as far as I can throw them- which is not very far; but I do not dwell on that.

When I see others who lean on the side of negative thinking and pessimistic views, I wonder- is that a choice? Is it in their DNA? Have they genuinely tried (with God’s help) to choose another path? The path of peace. Can they envision the concept of making lemonade? What if they were able to intentionally push out negative thoughts every day and choose to think positive? Would that be a life changer? I am truly curious and ask out of sincerity.

For any pessimists out there- please do not take this personal and respond too quickly without taking time for thoughtful reflection. I do know that I have times of doubt and fear- I do not linger there. I ask God to help me push it out so I can return to a place of peace. I guess I choose to think positive in that way. So as a natural optimist- is it easier for me? Probably. But does that mean it is not possible for a pessimist to do the same thing? It may be more difficult – but I think it is possible. What do you think?

Big ‘G’ or Little ‘g’

by Angela K. Crow-Mitchell

I thought I would expand on the Scripture I used in last week’s blog to dive a little deeper into Joshua’s challenge in 24:15 to ‘choose this day whom you will serve’. By this time in Joshua’s journey, he was in the last stages of his life, and he had seen many people be disobedient and the consequences that came from it.

As an assistant to Moses, he saw firsthand the idols and gods the previous generation worshiped in disobedience to God’s commands. He also had the opportunity, as a faithful servant, to succeed Moses to lead the people of Israel into the Promised Land.

We can relate the gods and idols of that generation to ours today. Anything we place ahead of GOD is an idol and a god (little ‘g’). I would venture to say we have many gods, although not in the form of a golden calf, but still just as detrimental to our lives if we place them before God and allow them to become the ultimate thing in our life instead of putting Jesus at the forefront.

Joshua was challenging the generation whose fathers had been disobedient. He was setting an example and asking them to choose if they were going to fall back into the patterns of the generation before them or serve the one true God. They continued to choose to serve God as they had seen what He did for them as they overcame many obstacles, saw miracles when God parted the water for them to pass, when the walls of Jericho fell after circling it for seven days, as God instructed, and the land given to them that God had promised, not to mention the many battles that were conquered with God’s help due to their obedience and putting God in His rightful place in their lives.

We may not have the same circumstances, obstacles, and challenges that generation had, but there is still a lesson to be learned. Just as we see the promises fulfilled in the OT in Moses and Joshua’s day, we can trust God to fulfill His promises through eternity by way of Jesus. Joshua and Jesus are the same name in Hebrew- symbolically, by faith and obedience to God, Joshua led Israel into physical salvation in Canaan, and Jesus leads all who believe him into eternal salvation.

The importance of Joshua’s challenge to the people of Israel is still relevant to us yet today- “choose this day whom you will serve.” (Joshua 24:15 ESV)  

But God…

by Angela K. Crow-Mitchell

Today, many of us are reflecting on the past year as we all want a fresh start, a do-over, and an end to the virus, hate, and injustices seen the last few months. In my reflection this morning, I was reminded of all the great things God has done this year. Even during a pandemic, God showed up in a big way to bring good to many. We can rest assured He is with us and still in control.

At this time last year, I had no idea I would be in school, working from home, and getting ready to welcome a new daughter (in law) to our little family. I sit in gratefulness and awe of an amazing God and Father who loves us and wants good for us. I am reminded of Ephesians 2:4-10 when Paul makes what the ESV study Bible calls, “the greatest short phrase in history of human speech”. “But God!” (emphasis added) Just before this, Paul paints a bleak picture of our sinful nature. We are hopeless and helpless on our own, following the devil and his sinful nature that we, as descendants of Adam, inherited at birth. Just when things are the darkest and all hope is lost…God steps in with mercy, kindness, and love; for those who are joined to Jesus Christ are saved from the terrible consequences of their sin and enjoy the benefits of Christ’s resurrection.

Have you ever loved something or someone so much that you set it free? You did not want to keep it, control, or manipulate it into staying with you just because you wanted it to so much. That is the picture of true love. You want to offer a choice to be with you because of love for you. God does that for us. He gave us the free will to choose Him. He sent His Son to die on our behalf so we could have eternal life, but He also asks us to choose whom we will serve. (Joshua 24:15) Do you want to choose this broken world and our sinful nature or the Father who loves us and wants the best for us for eternity?

I look forward to a new year, to see what God will do, what surprises He has in store, as I rest in the knowledge of His love, truth, mercy, and goodness. I invite you to join me in celebration of that truth, not fearing what is next because God is with us. Let us stand on a firm foundation, rooted deep in faith, serving and loving others as He loves us. I choose God. I choose joy. I encourage you to read and reflect on Ephesians 2:4-10 and just what that means for us.

I pray for restoration of relationships, and that God will close the gaps on the many divisions occurring among Christians and family members, the enemy is trying to destroy. But most of all, I pray that you will welcome the intimate relationship God is offering you today.

Happy New Year to all!  May the God of peace be with you in the coming year and beyond.