Debbie Barker, Bible Teacher, Speaker, teaches us a clear path on how to move our thought world from a place of worry and anxiety to the kind of peace God offers us. Once you receive God's peace, Debbie also described how we can maintain His peace, no matter what the circumstances are, big or small. This is a 2 Part Series to help guide us into the abundant life God has for us.
Podcast
Show Notes
To reach Debbie Barker, go to her website at: www.barkerministries.org
"Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational (logical, intelligent) act of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you]."
Romans 12:1-2 AMP
In order to change our thinking, recognize God's Word is alive and not merely knowledge. When we believe in what God says, we can see transformation in our lives.
"Don't let your heart be troubled." John14:4 HOW?
God gives us free rule and reign in our lives. IT'S A CHOICE to submit to God and allow His Word to transform or change us.
"I'm responsible for the thoughts I think."
"Peace I give you... let not your heart be troubled." John 14:27
"There's a God peace that He wants each of us to rule and reign in."
Peace is not contingent on my circumstances.
If we don't renew our mind daily, our emotions dictate what we feel. Our emotions dictate where our faith can be.
It is possible to have good, healthy thoughts and to keep healthy thoughts. Difficult if we listen to negative ones - low self-esteem or "I CAN'T" words.
"Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God."
Philippians 4:6
WHAT IFs... lose job, spouse wants a divorce, bad doctor report, kid problems
NO MATTER WHAT COMES UP, big or small, we don't have to take on ANXIETY.
"I tried it, but it didn't work" excuse - like learning to cook, takes time and practice to perfect a recipe. Once learned, can do without looking at the recipe.
God wants us to take everything to Him.
KEY: PERSISTENCE. DONT GIVE UP!
How to Stay in Peace
God will hear us when we speak to Him.
He's caring and loving and will help us.
"Every thought is a seed. It will produce after its own kind. My feelings are in direct relation to the thoughts I had yesterday."
Whatever things are... Philippians 4:8
practice what you've learned
meditate on it
fix your mind on it
model your way of living after this
Ask yourself: Are my thoughts - true? noble? lovely? pure?
Replace thoughts if they are contrary to this verse.
The quickest way to stop a thought is to speak out loud what God's word says, what truth is.
i.e., to not live in fear, I'm going to speak out loud 2 Timothy 1:7 that "God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of love, "Don't know if I can?" excuse - Philippians 4:13 says "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
"When God gives you a direction, even a correction, He confirms it with peace. God doesn't scare you into obedience."
Unsure if something is from God? Ask yourself...
Is it peace filled?
If it looses fear in you, what next? Go back to speaking out what the Word of God says over my circumstances. God wants His word to help us because it gives us abundant life He promised to us.
"cast your cares on Him" - He wants ALL our concerns 1 Peter 5:7
'take thoughts captive' - replace them with real truth. Be anxious for nothing - He heals. Don't allow the enemy to torment you. Don't waste time on negativity. 2 Corinthians 10:5
"You can't keep a bird from flying over your hear, but you can keep them from building a nest in your hair." - Brother Kenneth Hagin
Thoughts come, but I HAVE A CHOICE to let them stay, think on and allow them to grow or...
Trust God.
Let the Word produce life in you.
Let Him produce peace in you.
I choose to NOT live in fear.
God anoints and equips you to overcome things.
You’re not alone.
God loves you
Feelings can’t dictate your faith or where you are going.
Feelings come and feelings go and they can be deceiving.
Feelings are attributes on what you’ve been thinking on.
Cast it all ONCE IN FOR ALL on Him!
When we give our thoughts to God when we need to leave it with Him, don’t pick it back up.
“God didn’t take strikes on his back just for physical healing, that’s for emotional healing also. The word of God is true and He can bring healing and wholeness to every issue and depth of your soul and bring that life into your physical body too.”
Release the pain to Him (God)
Let God bring the healing
Receive the restoration He has for you
Once the Lord has brought healing to you for the anxiety then you won’t have those triggers anymore.