Chains Fall, Fear Bow

"Chains fall, fear bow, here now, Jesus you change everything." - lyrics from the song Holy Ground

I have been waking up singing these words over the past few weeks. (Not a bad way to get your day started!)

And it’s all thanks to the Behave conference, hosted by Diana Carter (of Because I’m His).

These words have been SUCH a blessing and anthem.

I don’t know about you, but sometimes in my hardest moments, I feel like I’m the only one struggling with something. I feel like the enemy does that on purpose, too.

Let’s choose to set our gaze on His promises, and rest in those instead.

Ready for more? Let’s get to it! Here are some of my other biggest takeaways from the Behave conference. I hope these might spark something in you, too. Thankful for how He encourages!

• “God sees you through Jesus colored glasses.” - Diana

• How beautiful is that?! Jesus sees us through the lens of pure love. How amazing would it be for us to put on those same Jesus colored glasses when we look at others in our lives? So humbled and thankful for the love He has for us. Such a good challenge for us to do more of the same.

• “Don’t believe lies of who “you’ll always be” or who “you’ll never be.” - Diana

• Um, wow. Isn’t that what the enemy loves to do. To have us lack hope through statements that are extremes. Friends, remember that, “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17) We can tap into the power of the Holy Spirit to be renewed, transform, and overcome. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is living inside you. (Romans 8:11)

• He created a perfect way for us to live, which is outlined in a Bible). He created us and therefore He knows the perfect way for us to live. - Diana

• Yesss. We make it so much more complicated than we need to. We are so fortunate to have His word with us. Up until a few years ago I’ll admit that I was intimidated by the word and relied most heavily on Christian books and devotionals for sustenance. But, I was missing out. There is so much power in the words in the Bible- they are truly life changing. (But, you may already know that!) If cracking open the Bible intimidates you a little bit, don’t worry. Grab a Bible in a year reading plan for guidance (She Works His Way and She Reads Truth both have some!), and simply stick with it. (Maybe ask a friend to do it, too!) You will be amazed at what happens.

• “Rest your thoughts on a foundation of truth, not on the flimsy foundation of what society says.” - Chanale Propst

• Goes so well with the thought above! What is our measuring stick? Is it what God encourages us to follow or the expectations society sets for us? If you want to feel a peace and confidence unlike any other, choose God.

• “Your gifts are meant to be used and to serve others. Share them proudly.” - Chanale

• This really spoke to my heart. Sometimes it can feel super uncomfortable to talk about gifts. Like bragging almost and hard for an introvert who doesn’t like the attention on her (Can any of y’all relate?). But… it made me think about the scripture that shares about this, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)

• “You can be terrified of the very thing you asked God for.” - Emily Turner

• Truth bomb. Kind of crazy, right? But think about it. Maybe it’s getting a promotion. Maybe it’s becoming a mom. Maybe it’s going on a big trip. We think we want something SO BADLY and then in happens and we think what in the world did we just ask for, and the fear, hesitation, and doubts come up. I have a blog post that dives deep into that coming your way soon. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or troubled. The Lord your God is with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)

• “You feel shame when believing lies because conviction is rooted in truth.” - Maria Abarca

• Preach it, Maria! This was eye opening. I don’t know if you’ve ever heard the phrase conviction is from God and shame is from the enemy. But Maria took it one step further making the connection that shame is rooted in lies, so let’s stop believing the lies, friends! Let’s focus on truth and use it as our foundation.

• “It’s a hard process of unlearning what you know.” - Emily

• Isn’t that the truth. We build up so many standards that are oftentimes, completely unnecessary. We forget Jesus, our true measuring stick. His way of life is simple and friends, He carries our burdens. Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)

• “Be who you needed 5 years ago.” - Diana

• Compassion. That’s the word that comes to mind when DIana shared this idea. I want to give my 5 years ago self a hug. To hold her shoulders, look her square in the eye, and tell her, “It’s going to be alright.” And when I think about that, it brings tears to my eyes. What about you? Who is that person you needed 5 years ago? What can you do more of to cultivate that in your life? Does it mean inviting a young woman to coffee or your bible study? Does it mean mentoring a coworker? Does it mean volunteering with the youth at church? Recognize that thing and then make a plan to go do it! Try it once and then maybe consider integrating that thing into your life. Relationships change so, so much. We are meant to be His hands and feet. It’s a privilege. Let’s do this, together. And speaking of… would love to have you come join GSCC’s private Facebook community, Fruitful Faith: Sisters in Christ Leading Intentional, God-Centered Lives!

• “How am I showing up for God’s people well?” - Panel

• Yes…. it’s so important to get quiet and consider how He is calling us to show up! Two of the questions I like to ask myself on a daily basis are, “How will I love God well today?” and “How will I share His love with others?”

• “”Around the corner” thinking is dangerous.” - Diana

• I love that Diana shared this and was so transparent about her own experience of how this dangerous thinking can creep into her life, too. I know I can get feel isolated and like I’m the only one who ever struggles with things like this (lies from the enemy, I know), so it was especially refreshing to hear Diana share. I’ve come to recognize that some of my moments of greatest joy are when I’m fully in the present. And there’s something big to be said about that.

• “Sometimes God answers you in the quiet and still.. There’s purpose in it.” - Panel

• Now isn’t this the truth…. I know that as a doer and achiever (I’m thinking I’m an enneagram 3 and ‘achiever’ is one of my top 5 strengths), it’s hard to slow down. But… when I do, that’s typically when I hear from God in the biggest way. And so I’m challenge to be quiet more often. I don’t want to miss out on what God has to share. Maybe you can relate, too <3

• “Don’t be one prayer or one worship away from your breakthrough. “ - Maria

• This got me fired up. Persistence is so big! It makes me think of Hebrews 12:1-3, too. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Let’s stay grounded in God and fix our eyes on Him. He is worthy!

• And lastly, is this lyric from the Holy Ground song,, “But only by the cross we come alive.” Simple yet powerful. He is the way, the truth, and the life. (John 14:6)

I hope this stirred something in your heart. We have a good, good Father and coming together in community to encourage, inspire and lift one another up can be so fruitful.

Comment below and let me know what the Holy Spirit is stirring inside of you!

His love,

Alexandra

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