#beckyalcantar

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2022 Fast - Pastor Becky Alcantar (J2W)

Have you ever attended a seminar, read a self-help book, or listened to an inspirational speaker and walked away compelled and ready to conquer that one thing that has been holding you back?

You signed up for a class, bought the equipment, made the appointment, cleared your calendar.  Yet, in between that rush of adrenaline to take over the world and the day you had determined to begin, the catalyst seemed to evaporate into thin air?

You had a good start-- but a few weeks or months in you realized you’d forgotten all about it?  And there you were in your old ways, living the same life, working the same job. You resorted to dreaming and thinking about it again, counting your regrets and being hard on yourself rather than taking action steps.

Why is it that we know what we need to do, but have trouble doing it?

It’s an age-old question, really. One that Paul pens in the Bible. In Romans 7:19 we find the all-star apostle asking the same question: I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. Beyond our motivation, intent, or desire to make changes in our lives, there is a real struggle.

Scripture tells us in Romans 12:2 to be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

Science tells us that every conscious thought we have is recorded in our cerebral cortex. When we have the same thought again and again it creates a memory trace. The more it’s repeated, the deeper it forms, creating a pattern of thought. So, with intentionality, we can create new words, thoughts, and patterns of thought creating a new mind!

So if scripture and science agree that we can change our thoughts, and therefore our actions, what are the obstacles we need to overcome?

●      We’re stuck. Our patterns and behaviors are learned. And if these were learned from a negative experience, we can be stuck, unable to take action. A negative experience can stop emotional development. Emotional development makes up the building blocks for growth. Without these building blocks, we may not have learned responses for moving from A to B. In order to move forward, we have to look back and address those negative experiences that are paralyzing our progress today.

●      We’re moving too fast. Rather than being stagnant, we’re moving too fast. When we move too fast, we press on even when we lack. Lack of sleep, lack of hydration, lack of nutrition, lack of support, lack of a stable emotional state, lack of knowledge, and a reserve of wisdom to draw on. Lack is fuel for unconscious impulsiveness rather than logical, conscious, rational thoughts and emotions. Impulsiveness will sabotage every good intention. Can we slow down long enough to allow the reflective part of our brain to assess, make a plan, and take action? Can we outsmart our impulsive system by filling up our reservoir with life-giving thoughts, habits, and processes long enough that when we are hungry, angry, lonely, tired, or overwhelmed we don’t topple what we are building in our lives?  

●      We’ve made some agreements - Action starts with belief. Often, our ability to act is more limited than we realize, not because of any inability or deficiency, but because we may be locked into thought patterns to which we have a stronger allegiance than we realize. Books and mentors can assist us in finding the paths that can take us to the goals we desire, but they can’t address for you the beliefs you harbor that are committed to resisting change. These are limiting beliefs that sabotage the possibility of change and can talk you out of any decision you’ve made, triggering failure before any action has even happened. What limiting belief have you agreed with? What have you made an agreement with that needs to be broken?

●      We tend to hide what most needs changing. The parts of our character that most need change are what we work hardest to conceal. Scripture says that the heart is deceitful and prone to all manner of harmful acts and behaviors (Jer 17:9). We are hardwired to avoid pain, it’s our survival mode. But breaking old habits is uncomfortable and redirecting negative thought patterns is challenging and takes intention, persistence. and consistency. And so we tend to keep our old habits. Even when they’re unfulfilling and unwelcome, the familiar is more comfortable than the risk of exposing our anxiety, insecurities, and worries. What old habits are you holding on to, just in case change gets too hard? There’s no room for the new, when the old is filling up that space.

●      We’re afraid. Fear will physiologically hold us back. It doesn’t decide how our lives will go, but it can keep us from going forward if we allow its unchecked voice to run in our mental dialogue. Fear only exists in our thoughts of the future and 90 percent of our fears are emotional. If you fear discomfort, if you fear failure, if you fear success, or if you fear rejection, you activate stress and anxiety, telling your mind and body that there is a threat. Just like we’re hardwired to avoid pain, we are hardwired to avoid a threat.  Fear will freeze change. It’s why scripture tells us not to fear over 200 times in the Bible.  What do you believe that is making you afraid?

How do we overcome these obstacles?

●      Pray. There is no better way to slow down impulsiveness, and confess some beliefs we’re harboring, or admit to some fear in our lives than in prayer. Often just voicing these, and placing them in the light, gives us better perspective, which takes us to the voice of God in scripture where it encourages, strengthens, and provides truth when we’re struggling. Make this your first step when seeking direction.

●      Write them down. If fear is your obstacle, ask what are you afraid of? Why are you afraid? When are you afraid? If you’re moving too fast, ask why won’t you slow down? When don’t you slow down? What do you believe will happen if you slow down? And so on and so forth. Uncover the experiences, beliefs, agreements, fears, and hidden self that need to be addressed.

●      “Do” it all away. “Letting go” can seem so abstract, but the process of doing-- acting, failing, learning, adjusting, then acting again-- is something most of us can respond to when our instinct is telling us to “hold on.” Start by committing to “do” two minutes each day for a week. Then work that up in increments until you’re fully immersed in a new habit.

Practicing these three steps will give your brain the evidence it needs to convince yourself that you not only know what to do, but you have been, and can be successful. So that the next time you’re challenged to conquer a new area in your life and you know what it is you should do, you’re ready.  

[lifechurchgb]

A Mother’s Heart: The Untold Story

I first became aware of my emotions in Motherhood. I often joke that I was like the grinch, and on the day my daughter was born my small heart grew three sizes that day!  I didn’t know that I had such capacity to love, feel, connect, share laughter and have empathy. I could share all my golden moments and the beautiful memories we’ve created.  But I don’t want to give you my highlight reel today.

Because I also didn’t know the plethora of other emotions I would experience as a mom. The beautiful picture I had painted when planning for a family wasn’t quite what I experienced when I first brought my bundle of joy home.  I struggled with the dark side of my emotions.  

Maybe you’ve also encountered the other side of your emotions - when the baby has been crying for what seems like hours. When you haven’t slept and no amount of rocking, singing, shushing has been able to console your baby and you have found yourself frustrated, anxious, crying, yelling, sad or falling apart.  

And you’ve questioned - how am I going to do this? How am I going to be a good mom? Or even why did I want to be a mom in the first place?

You are not alone.

Motherhood is full of highs and lows - the question is - how do we keep our emotions balanced in motherhood so that we can be the Mom’s we know we can be?  So that we can be good Jesus Mom’s?

In John 8:31-32, Jesus says: “If you abide in My word ... you are truly My disciples. And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free” (AMP).

It’s easy to spot a friend’s problems or my children’s problems. It’s more difficult for me to see my own problems, which means I have to SEEK the truth about me. It takes a little more work and a little more time.  But with the help of the Holy Spirit, each of us can face the truth, obey God’s Word and make positive changes for our own emotional well-being.

Our emotions can overwhelm us when we don’t understand where they are coming from.  So the first step is to KNOW the TRUTH and we do that by:

1.  GETTING TO THE ROOT

Our emotions are a blessing - they our red flags which let us know when there is a problem beneath the soil of our hearts. Hosea 10:12 verse tells us to break up the unplowed ground.  Because our external (emotional) responses are an indicator of an internal issue.

Once we are aware of what the underlying issue is, we can dig, deal and dispose of it - making room for truth and positive thoughts and  the emotions that come with being a mom.  

Motherhood gives plenty of opportunity to discover what seeds are in the soil of our hearts. Seeds we were unaware of, that were planted in our own childhood experiences or expectations, or something that was said or done to us that is affecting our responses.

Galatians 5 talks about the fruits of the spirit as well as fruits of the flesh and basically communicates one simple truth:  All seeds bear fruit.  When placed under pressure, and as a mother, you will feel pressure, what seed is it that will bloom into action?

You can’t change the fruit of your life until you change the root.

2.  BREAKING THE CYCLE

Did you enter into motherhood with high expectations?  Or maybe even unrealistic expectations?  Have you felt devastated or been hard on yourself when things didn’t turn out like you imagined?  

Or maybe you’re living by OTHERS EXPECTATIONS.  We tend to suppress a lot of negative feelings and experiences because of the pressure to live up to others’ ideas of the kind of mother we should be. God forbid they would find out we are not perfect.

It’s not wrong to feel frustrated, disappointed or upset, the problem becomes when we cling to these emotions and allow them to control us and prevent us from moving into what God has planned for us.

Hosea 10:12 tells us to reap the fruit of his unfailing love.  Meaning, He knows you’re NOT PERFECT.  He knows you’re a work in progress.  You didn’t surprise Him and you don’t disappointment him.  

So how do we BREAK THE EXPECTATION CYCLE?  

Acknowledging your feelings: There’s healing in the naming. Just acknowledging your feelings resolves 90% of emotions.

Seek Wise Counsel: An experienced mom can help correct your perspective and expectations.  Isolation is the enemy!

Seek God: When the storm of emotions start picking up we need to seek out our ANCHOR (“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure Hebrews 6:19)

3.  KNOWING THE REAL ENEMY

The WAR ROOM movie makes a great point:  Know the Real Enemy.  Your kids, your husband, your emotions, your mistakes, and YOU are not your enemy.

In the wild, a predator will seek out the young and young mothers. And the same is true with our real enemy.  

The Bible says the serpent is crafty, like a lion seeking whom he may devour - watching, waiting.  HE often knows our potential, as individuals, mothers, wives and leaders, far before we ever discover who we are. And if he can distract us and influence us and convince us of arguments and pretenses that contradict God’s truth about who we are (2 Cor 10:5), then he can influence your influence.

And the TRUTH is - Your influence as a mother is powerful. The bible says that the power of life and death is in your tongue - to teach, love, support, help, encourage.

James 4:7 says “Submit yourselves then to God.  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” So don’t be discouraged. Don’t be distracted.  Don’t get derailed. Instead: Decide. Be determined. Seek God in the moments you are tempted to submit to the negative emotions. Seek his truth to combat the negative thoughts.

Be encouraged today! Because like Philippians 1:6 says “I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Becky Alcantar

[lifechurchgb]

Moving Forward

Isaiah 61:1 says: “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted ... He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.”

As Jesus people of the 920 we are called to love like Jesus and share the good news of salvation to those who are brokenhearted. But, before we can do that - we ourselves need to learn to pause and take time to grieve.

Grieving isn't just something we do when there is a tragedy in our lives. It's also a tool that is available to us to help us cope and process every change or transition in life.

Life is a series of transitions.  We’re either getting through or entering into change almost daily.  Birthdays, milestones, graduations, new houses, new jobs, new cities - the clock ticks and we experience another change. With change we can experience personal losses, hurts, disappointments and stress that give us ample opportunity to grieve.

I love the analogy of grieving as sorting through the treasure and the trash. It's the process we go through when we have to move from a house. We don’t want to carry any unnecessary baggage, so we sort through and get rid of some things and keep others.  

Grieving help us through the in-between, when we are both remembering and hoping.  

We are relational creations, that love.  When we genuinely love we attach ourselves to people and places that are finite. We can avoid attaching ourselves to people and places, but we know that is not what we are called to do.  We are Life Church: we love God, we love people. So in choosing to love, we must also choose to grieve.  

Every good thing comes to an end.  And some things that are not good must end. We can deal with it in one of two ways.  We choose to either:  1. Avoid it  or 2. Go through it.

Most often, we tend to avoid it.  We tell ourselves that we have to be strong and we don’t have time for the uncomfortable process of grieving.  And in the process of pressing down the memories building and anticipation rising in us, we exhaust ourselves and aren’t able be our best.

But Ecclesiastes 3:4 says "...there's a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance."  And in each of these the time of mourning and weeping is put first, telling us that BEFORE we can laugh and dance, we must first sow in tears and mourning.

In Jewish culture, their practice of mourning is called "Sitting Shivah" in which they invest 7 days of mourning after a burial.  They confine themselves to their family home, removing every distraction and go straight through it.

They do this because they know that grieving allows us to be free from the burdens of hurt, pain, fear, anxiety, guilt, depression and sorrow.  And to move forward, we need to make space for what's ahead.  When we don't grieve, we risk hoarding items that no longer belong. We risk carrying baggage that has no place in the future we are passing into.

Even Jesus on his way to healing and raising Lazarus from the dead, stopped to take the time to weep and mourn his friend’s death.  Why would Jesus mourn?! He is GOD, he knew his friend would be raised up.

But he also knew the necessity of grieving, and so he wept to encourage us to do the same, to unburdened ourselves so we too would be free to receive and celebrate the miracle to come.

When we choose to bypass the pain of grief, we may also bypass the subsequent joy.  

Isaiah 61:2 says: “He has sent me to tell those who MOURN that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.”  It doesn’t say, to the boldest or to the strongest, or the busiest, it say to those who mourn.

The person that has made the choice to go through the process of grieving is one that has made room to receive God’s favor and the joy He has ahead for us, as we move forward.

Becky Alcantar

[lifechurchgb]

Chasing Busy

Does it seem like every time someone asks you how you’re doing, your reply is:  I’m so busy!  Is busy weighing you down? If so, why are you chasing busy?  

Busy in itself is not necessarily a negative. Simply defined it is to be active doing something or to be full of work, people or things.

But if what’s fueling our busyness is tainted, bad fuel is going to steer us away from our purpose, and not toward it.

What can taint the fuel?  Maybe it’s anxiety or fear.  Perhaps you can’t trust others, or are afraid of not having enough.  Are you facing challenging circumstances and you feel you need to keep moving to keep up, or perhaps you use being busy to avoid facing your circumstances? Maybe you have apprehensions that whatever held you back in the past will cause you trouble today.  

Whatever the bad fuel, when it’s influencing our “busy”, soon we are not chasing after purpose, we are chasing after “shoulds”.  

And the question becomes:   What are you really chasing?

Are there “shoulds” in your fuel tank?  Like:

You should be staying up late to get ahead, too much rest isn’t really productive.

You should be working late, or taking work home, at the expense of time with your family, to get ahead in your career.

You should be living a life of sacrifice now (sleep, family time, Jesus time), because there will be time for that later.

You should save for a bigger house, like your brother because he’s successful.

You should only rely on yourself, because no one else can be trusted.

We make the assumption that “busy” will bring us fulfillment and happiness.  

In our busyness, we don’t have time to do our daily devotions or get into the Word, so we turn to the fast food of information in exchange for true knowledge - TV, facebook, and the internet become the worldly source that fills our minds and hearts.  And what does the world say?  

If you buy a nicer car, you will be happy.

If you have money, you will be happy.

If you lose weight and are uber fit, you will be happy.

If you get that new job, then you’ll be happy.

My friends:  The world is a liar.

Busy does not equal successful.  When we start believing that busyness will bring us success, we are being fueled by fear, not by God.

Soon we are not just busy, we’re busier or the busiest. And the definition of  busiest is to be foolishly or intrusively active and full of distracting detail.  

Busy stems from fear of never being enough. Busy strives, going to unhealthy extremes. If we stay busy, how can our lives be meaningless, right?  We are “full”, packed, booked, “needed”, scheduled. Busy covers our emptiness.  Busy says I’m in control. So much so that God can’t get a word in edgewise.

The truth is that busy is the enemy of peace.  Busy takes us away from our purpose. Busy means we’re moving too fast to see, notice, and experience life’s joys.

Busy will not bring you happiness, worth, or an abundant life (Love, Peace, Joy).  Jesus says in John 10:10 that: “I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows.”

Too many of us live by an equation that never balances.  Busy = Time Working + More Time Working = Abundant Life.

The True Formula?  Rest in Christ + Meaningful Work = Abundant Life

How does that look? 

Work from Rest, don’t Rest from Work.  

Intentionally think about your rest, intentionally think how you’re filling up - and do that!  Then do meaningful work from the overflow of that reservoir rather than a fuel tank running on empty.  

Jesus was our perfect example. Throughout his ministry, even when it didn’t make sense or when the demands were high and especially in the midst of storms, He intentionally went away to rest and spend time with the Father.  And His three year ministry on earth was abundant.

Working from a reservoir of rest allows us to be fueled by God.  Stop chasing and glorifying busy, because let’s be honest, is it really working?  

Instead, start resting in and glorifying God.

Becky Alcantar

[lifechurchgb]

The Waiting Season

“I waited patiently for the Lord....” - Psalm 40.

We are certainly a society of little patience.  From tapping our foot at the microwave, to urging our smart phones and computers to download information faster, to buying the latest model of any given gadget because of its promised increased speed and capacity.

We see waiting as non-productive, and as something we either endure, escape or need to overcome...  

The Hebrew words for “waited patiently” in Psalm 40 sheds a more appealing light on the phrase.  The words are translated from the Hebrew qwh, which can also be interpreted as "to expect” or “to wait with anticipation.”  And with that definition we could read Psalm 40 as:  “I expected in anticipation for the Lord.”

God is the grand orchestrator of life!  He is totally capable of making the world move seamlessly without pause or hesitation.  Likewise He is also able to move us from one season to another without intermittent waiting rooms.  So why do we experience pauses?  

What is the purpose of waiting?

A pause in music or theatre is usually for effect.  It precedes a crescendo, a great revelation or some other event the author wants us to appreciate.  God wouldn't have us in a season of waiting without a purpose. Should you experience one, it is not unreasonable to conclude that there is something awesome about to be birthed.  

Your season of waiting?  It’s a gift!  It is grace and mercy and love from God your Father who is good and just and unconditional love himself.  It is a gift of time to prepare your heart, mind and spirit for the unknown seasons ahead.  Take advantage of it!

Be intentional.

Be fully present and soak in every moment.  Consider what God would have you know, see, learn and appreciate in this wait.  What needs mending?  What needs to be restored, renewed or strengthened in you or around you so that you will be ready to fully appreciate and live out the next and the new?  

Embrace your waiting, expect in anticipation from the Lord, prepare yourself, for the Lord who is Sovereign and good is ahead of you preparing the beauty of the season to come.

“I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I put my hope.” - Psalm 130:5.

Becky Alcantar

[lifechurchgb]

A Willing Heart

Busy, busy, busy is what we mumble and grumble at this time of the year.  Ask anyone how they are doing and they'll tell you they are over-extended, over- scheduled and over-worked.  It's as if it would be shameful to admit anything less.  

We are sufficiently busy!

And if we’re not careful, we can miss taking time to reflect on the reason for this now busy season: Jesus.

The wonder of this season lies in savoring the beauty and wonder of Christmas in the quiet moments.  The first snowfall, morning devotions next to a warm fire, cuddling with sleepy eyed pajama clad children enthralled with the wonders of Luke 2, and praying and singing carols with the one's you love on Christmas Eve.  

When we focus on the challenges, hardships, worries, troubles and hectic anxiety of today, we risk missing a life-changing moment, a God moment.  And the God moment of Christmas is this: the Word became flesh and dwelt among us so that instead we could live in the hope of love, joy, and peace.

One of the most important heart qualities that positions us to experience this moment is WILLINGNESS.  I Samuel 16:7 tells us that “the Lord does not see as man sees for the Lord looks at the heart.”  When God chose David to be king of his chosen people, it was based on the quality of his heart not in his position, possessions, appearance, talents or abilities.

And when the angel appeared to Mary, a young and simple girl, and told her God had found favor in her,  it was with a willing heart that she responded: “I am the Lord’s servant.  May everything you have said about me come true.” Luke 1:38 

This is not a complacent response.  It is not a submissive yes.  It is a willing consent from a heart that is centered on God.

It's a heart that knows that God cannot lie and does not fail, even when circumstances seem to contradict and overwhelm.  It is a heart that trusts that all will be well and good, though we cannot see how or when, as He unfolds His design.

And so she blessed her life by receiving His Word, and her Yes propels her into a purpose far greater than any she could have dreamed.   When given the opportunity to say Yes to God's plan and purpose for her life, it is her willing heart that makes it so.

II Chronicles 16:9 says “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.”  Is your heart willing?  The magi brought Christ gifts upon his birth. What is it that you need to give to Him as you prepare to celebrate the birth of the Savior?   Are you willing to commit yourself to His work?  Is there something in your life that you need to lay at His feet?

Resolutions are usually reserved for the New Year, but why not make a resolution this Christmas.  Let's look inward and consider how can you move closer to that willing heart so that you can also say YES and bring His plans and purposes to life here in the 920.

Merry Christmas friends.  

Praying for quiet moments for us all,

Becky Alcantar

[lifechurchgb]

Return to Joy

The Christmas season is upon us! Celebrations, gift giving, meals with family and friends, and carols giving thanks for the Savior’s birth. We can hardly contain the joy we feel during this time of the year! 

But for some, this season is one of sadness and remembering. While one family sings of gratitude and blessings, another is sifting through treasures and trash, trying to make clear the way to move forward. 

“Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” - Psalm 51:12

I remember the first Christmas after my mom passed away. Every decoration, every tradition, every memory seemed tainted with sadness. I wanted to go home, but home as I had known it no longer existed. Regret, longing and remorse weaved it’s way into every good thing. And as winter’s nights grew longer, so did the heaviness in my heart and the darkness in my thoughts. 

Difficulty is often a private affair, and suffering is done in silence. We try to mask the sadness, stuff the grief, and bypass sorrow. And in the isolation, feelings of shame and guilt can convince us there is no hope, turning our sadness into despair. 

But scripture tells us that the sorrow that comes with repentance brings hope. (2 Cor 7:10) And if we bypass the sorrow of repentance, we miss out on hope, and hope is the path to joy! 

Repentance is a sorrow towards our own sin. It’s the grieving of something that has been lost or feels wasted. It’s the recognition that we have turned away from God and chased other desires. 

For some that is a longing for what once was - the way we remember it - feelings of belonging and sounds of laughter that rise like embers with the sweet aroma of home. And we have been dissatisfied with God. 

For others, it is of dreams never realized that have left us disillusioned, frustrated, bitter or even angry. And we have isolated ourselves from God. 

Maybe for you - financial security escapes you, or you’ve lost a job or the prognosis from the doctor is not what you were expecting. And you’ve cursed God. 

I admit that in my grief, I had turned from God. In my loss, I chose not to believe his many promises - that He was for me and with me and that He does heal - though not always in the way we desire. Instead I had submerged myself in the hurt of loss. 

So how do we get from this place to that? How do we get past the lumps of sorrow in our hearts and find joy again? 

1. Grieve. Ecc 3:1, 4 says: “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. a time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance.” Grief is a release that allows us to bring closure to our past. Grieving allows us to be free from the burdens associated with the pain of disappointment and pain of unmet expectations. 

2. Surround yourself with people. Let others encourage you and share in the treasured memories that remain. Accept their help and allow them to bless you with kindness and care. Ask them to hold you accountable. 

3. Read God’s Word. His word is filled with truth that encourages, admonishes and tells us the truth when our heart is deceitful and our emotions are raging like waves in a storm. 

4. Pray. Speak to God. He cares for you! He knows your heart, and knows your hurt. 

There is no sorrow so great that Christ’s birth, life, and death has not already overcome. In John 16:33 he tells us "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." 

With that, I am believing that your sorrow will be turned into joy (John 16:20). I am praying your journey back to joy is swift this holiday season. 

Becky Alcantar

[lifechurchgb]

Jesus in our Emotions

Emotions are often perceived negatively, as if they are a weakness or a detriment to life.  And when emotions are left unchecked, they can definitely become tiresome.  But the good news is that God gave us our emotions.  And since it was God that gave us our emotions, HIS WORD provides the wisdom we need to manage them all.  

Hosea 10:12 is a great example of a verse in the Bible that gives us guidance when it comes to taking control of our emotions, in it there are five things that can help us be masters of our emotions:

1.CHOOSE:  Sow righteousness for yourselves

We can’t always control our circumstances, but we can choose our responses. At some point we need to draw a line.  We need to consciously decide to make the choice that we are going to respond in a way that HONORS GOD even when we’re _____________.  You fill in the blank: Stressed, tired, frustrated, annoyed, even provoked.  

Why do we sow righteousness?  So that we can reap.  Although we know an emotional response may feel good in the moment, it usually feels terrible in the aftermath.  When we sow righteousness, the Bible tells us that we get to reap responses that are pleasing to God. Responses that display love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)

2.  KNOW: Reap the fruit of unfailing love

Every CHOICE that HONORS GOD, reaps the fruit of his unfailing love. That doesn’t mean we EARN his unfailing love.  LOVE isn’t something that GOD DOES, it’s who HE IS.  He knows you’re a work in progress, he knows you’re IMPERFECT.  He knew that at the cross, and He gave his son for you anyway. He invested in you because he believes you will succeed.

Romans 8:38-39:  For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither the present nor the future,nor any powers,  neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation (EVEN YOU), will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

We are usually toughest on ourselves.  We hold ourselves to high expectations and even unrealistic expectations. But don’t be DISTRACTED by mistakes! Don’t be DERAILED by failed attempts. IMPERFECT progress is still progress. Each time you CHOOSE to HONOR God in your responses, in your situation and circumstance, you sow another seed that will reap the fruit of his spirit. Remember it takes quite a few seeds to reap a garden of fruit, it’s not a one time choice.

3.  DIG:  Break up the unplowed ground

Emotions are a blessing.  They serve as our RED FLAGS. They let us know when there is an internal problem at our root.  Once we are aware of it, we can dig past the surface to the deeper places where the root of our emotions reside - anger, fear, regret, shame, bitterness, unforgiveness, pride.  Once we get to the root, we can face, deal and dispose of it, making room for new life, new growth and maturity.

4.  SEEK:  For it is time to seek the Lord

Emotional people usually have A LOT OF LIFE going on!  Work, children, health issues, commitments, striving, trying, helping - they are people on the move!  And as people who are use to juggling life, we can read this verse and assume we need to do more and fix it ourselves. And when we overcommit and fail, we inevitably get overwhelmed by our emotions again.   

Because the truth is, this verse isn’t calling us to do more, but to do less. SEEK.  ABIDE. REST. SABBATH.  Isaiah 58:13-15 says “If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath, from doing as you please on my holy day if you call the Sabbath a delight and the Lord’s holy day honorable, and if you honor it by not going your own way and not doing as you please or speaking idle words, then you will find your joy in the Lord”

The KEY to reaping the fruits of the spirit is that I CANNOT attain them on my own.  They are fruits of the HOLY SPIRIT.  The only path to attaining them is in and through Him.

The definition of sabbath is to rest, to recover and grow, to remove distraction, to anchor, to remember and observe. How do we SABBATH? We spend time reading God’s word.  We meditate on the words of worship music.  We spend time being grateful.  We abide in the beauty of his creation.  We spend time doing whatever it is that focuses our MIND on God.

You see, our emotions are ruled by our THOUGHTS, and when our minds are focused on God. so are our emotions.  When we are masters of our minds, we become masters of our hearts and our emotions.

5.  REPEAT:  Until he comes and showers his righteousness on you

My emotions testify to the kind of relationship I have with Jesus and the effect HE has on my heart. I want it to be evident that I know Jesus, love Jesus, and spend time with Jesus every single day.

The verse says Until he comes, not if, or well maybe. I love that.  That’s a promise that He will shower us with righteousness.  Because He has said in Isaiah 55:11:  so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

We are reassured that if we implement these disciplines into our lives, He will meet us in our efforts and we will reap the fruit that only seeking to know God and Jesus, His son, will provide.

Praying you find Jesus in your emotions as you draw closer to Him.

Becky Alcantar

[lifechurchgb]

It’s Permanent

“You never get a second chance to make a first impression.”

Did you know that it only takes 7 seconds to make a first impression?  Your smile, handshake, speech, and eye contact in those first 7 seconds will leave a lasting memory.  Why is a first impression so important?  Because studies indicate that it’s nearly impossible to reverse a bad first impression.

Likewise, our reactions are also difficult to retract.  And our reactions are a direct result of the state of our emotions. God gave us emotions so we can experience life, feel, connect, and share laughter and love.  

However, if I allow my emotions to get control of me and don’t get control of my emotions, I can quickly head down the road to an emotional outburst!  And I’ve learned the hard way that an emotional outburst may feel good in the moment, but feels terrible in the aftermath.

Psalm 19:14 says: “May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”  When I choose to take control of my emotions and respond in a way that pleases Him and that reflects Jesus in my life, I am choosing to walk a path that is GOD-PLEASING versus SELF-PLEASING.

How we respond and interact with family, friends, acquaintances, co-workers and strangers make a long and lasting impression!  It’s like writing on them with a Sharpie.  What we say and do leaves a permanent mark on people.  Is that mark one that reflects a life filled with Jesus?  Do you leave people better than you found them? Do your words and actions build up and encourage others?  Are you kind? Are you patient? Are you forgiving?

My emotions testify to the kind of relationship I have with Jesus and the effect HE has on my heart. I want it to be evident that I know Jesus, love Jesus, and spend time with Jesus every single day.  I want Jesus to be reflected in my emotions. And honestly, I get PLENTY of opportunities to practice showing that Jesus is Lord of my heart AND my emotions, my actions AND my reactions.  No matter what circumstance I find myself in right now, I have to realize that how I react to that situation is key to how others see Jesus in me.

“And I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:19-20

So I challenge you to consider the following today:  What type of impression are you making? Is the message you’re writing on those around you, a message that reflects Jesus and is God-pleasing or one that does not and is self-pleasing?

What we say and do leaves a permanent mark.

Becky Alcantar

[lifechurchgb]

I Surrender!

Before I open my eyes each morning, my “To Do” list for the day already fills up my thoughts. Bills, obligations, commitments, work deadlines - before I even get out of bed I can feel overwhelmed!  Add in some squabbling kids, lost homework, spilled milk at breakfast, a load of laundry, a pressing clock  - it’s not long before I’m an anxious, scattered mess, shouting out directions like a drill sergeant and rushing the family out the door. Ugh!  I need self control.

A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls.- Proverbs 25:28, NLT

Self-control is the ability to control one’s emotions and behavior in the face of external demands.   It is an attribute I aspire to daily, and daily I find myself failing to achieve this much desired trait!  The temptations to react, speak carelessly, get into “a mood”, and even satisfy a temporary desire or indulgence that contradicts all of my good intentions are constantly within reach. 

Why is it that the more I try to practice self-control, the more I find myself failing?  It is the same question that the apostle Paul asked himself in Romans 7:21: I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong.  

The problem is that in striving and fighting to maintain control I am doing the very thing that the Bible tells me will fail in  Jeremiah 17:5-9: “Cursed is the one who draws strength from mere flesh”   

Self control isn't about me taking things into my own hands. Because if I look to myself,  I am limited by myself!  My own knowledge and experience is what has brought me to my broken down state and my hectic mornings!  

Even though I am determined each day to be in control of all of my thoughts, words, actions and behaviors, I must concede that self-control is a gift of the Holy Spirit.  And so the true key to self-control in my life lies not in how much I can do, but how much I can surrender.

Don’t misunderstand.  

I don’t mean to imply that self control in my life is completely out of my hands.  I absolutely take responsibility for my words, thoughts and actions.  The fact is that disciplines in one’s life are crucial.  Like any area in our life that we want to improve, having self control requires setting priorities and then the dedication, attention and practice to master this character trait.  

And as I seek to know God more - his word, his truth, the history of his pursuit of his people and his love for us - I start to understand his Sovereignty. If I look to God, who is greater than me and is the source of all knowledge, all wisdom and all control, I begin to see that as I seek Him first and become more like him, the gift of self control blossoms in my life as His Holy Spirit helps and guides me each day. More of Him, less of me.

“For the Spirit that God has given us does not make us timid; instead, his Spirit fills us with power, love, and self-control." (2 Timothy 1:7)

Becky Alcantar