I’ve read this book twice and then had the privilege to study and share this beautiful bible study in Philippians. I have learned so much and have so many take-aways and I hope I will be intentional in keeping them at the forefront of my mind and heart.
Some things that grabbed my attention…
“Doubt steals hope.” – Chapter 3
“When Ann said those simple words – ‘Jennie, this isn’t who you are” – she was right. In my soul I knew it. This wasn’t who I was. I loved God. I was a believer. I trusted Jesus and prized my faith. And God was not going to let go of me.'” – Chapter 4
“For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21
“A heavenly Father gave everything for me to be free. Everything so I could choose this way out! He built the way out with the love and blood of His Son, Jesus. When we think thoughts that lead to life and peace, we don’t just get better thoughts, we get more of God.” – Chapter 5
“Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.” Romans 8:5
“The only true self-help is for us as followers of Jesus to believe who we are as daughters and sons of the King of the universe and to know that our identities are secure by the shed blood of God’s own Son. But self-help can offer only a better version of yourself; Chris is after a whole new you.” – Chapter 6
“The enemy wants you to settle, to find a way just to survive and be somewhat happy. Because of Jesus, every fight has been ultimately won. Victory? It’s already yours. It’s already mine.” – Chapter 7
“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10
“Why is the simplest, best thing for our souls’ long-term health so crazy difficult to do? I’ll tell you: because real, connected, intimate time with Jesus is the very thing that grows our faith, shifts our minds, brings about revival in our souls, and compels us to share Jesus with others. It’s where the spiral stops. To put it plainly; all hell is against us meeting with Jesus.” – Chapter 8
“So instead of letting the enemy hold us captive in isolation, let’s remind ourselves of this truth: I have a choice. I can remember that the Spirit of God lives inside me and He will walk with me as I reach out to others who are just as human and just as in need of connection and grace as I am.” – Chapter 9
“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. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:6-8
“God has called us to hope, to joy, to perseverance – to think on what is true!” – Chapter 10
“Jesus came for us – for you and me, with our arms crossed. Bitter, cranky, unsure, doubting, cynical, negative us. I know I said the interrupting thought that shifts all the others is I have a choice. And there is one reason that is true. It’s because Jesus first chose us.” – Chapter 11
“But lasting joy will come only when God is the center; not when I am empowered but when I rest in His power. Humility reminds us of this truth. It says, ‘Relax. Your only hope is Jesus.’ Humility says, ‘Not only do I see you, but I choose to elevate your needs above mine.'” – Chapter 12
“When we make the brave shift from victimhood to gratitude, we affirm our understanding that God remains committed to redeeming all things.” – Chapter 13
“Surrender. And obey. Go give Him away, it’s how we’re supposed to live.” – Chapter 14
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1
“Because of Jesus…you can choose to be still with God instead of distracting yourself, you can choose to let people know you instead of isolating yourself, you can choose to stop being afraid of what the future holds and trust God, you can choose to delight in God and the people around you, you can choose to be grateful no matter what, you can choose to get out there and do something.” – Chapter 15
“Only God can take the thing we want to hide and build the greatest story we will ever tell.” – Chapter 16
And there is so much more! Build your teams! Connect and share the last 2%! We have a choice, stop the spiral and take those thoughts captive (one at a time!), speak God’s truth over them and choose to believe God! Live free!
5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:5-11 ESV
In January and February, I read and did a study with this book as well by Rebekah Lyons “Rhythms of Renewal” – Trading Stress and Anxiety for a Life of Peace and Purpose. Although I don’t feel like I struggle with stress and anxiety (except for these past few months) it is really helpful in showing you how to get into routine with REST, RESTORE, CONNECT and CREATE. Some of the same principles from GOOYH are here and the session videos are also on Study Gateway.
Christy Hoagland 