Treasured Ministries

Offering women a biblical solution for inner healing

Authentic Relationships

Irrational Thoughts

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How Do I Stop Irrational Thought?

Hi there,

Today was a hard-hitting, yucky thought day. Worry and fear danced in my mind as my inner dialog grew irrational; attacking me with aggressive arrows of lies related to a past hurt.

The enemy went after healed ground.   

My shield of faith felt too heavy to lift against those attacking arrows.

It’s hard enough to deal with irrational thoughts. When you feel discouraged for having those thoughts in the first place, this secondary struggle just adds insult to injury.  I was feeling defeated, insecure, and downright frustrated.   

I then recalled a powerful truth a mentor once shared with me that fanned the smoldering ember of my faith into a burning flame. “The power of the cross breaks every chain that the enemy attempts to wrap around your thoughts.” You see, the enemy of your soul is not creative. He is the opposite of our Creator. So when we are reminded of past hurts, it is only Satan up to the same old tricks he has been using since the garden.  

Is the enemy attacking your thoughts? He is playing those games because he knows the God-given potential you hold. 

In today’s message, find what you need for faith-filled thoughts that will lead to a life of purpose and freedom.

Ready? Let’s go! Treasured Ministries is on this journey with you—every bold, beautiful, brave step at a time. 

ONWARD,

Aliene

▶️Watch today’s Teaching Message on YouTube or listen to the podcast below.

At Treasured Ministries, we believe the remedy for codependency is a healthy connection with God and others. But often, knowing how to do this God’s way can be confusing when we are so used to people dependency. The Treasured Tribe offers a biblical healing process through the Nourish Method and a safe, private, authentic online community for women to cheer you on as you grow.  

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Boundaries Are Biblical 

Are you interested in learning more about how to set boundaries in God’s way AND support Treasured Ministries at the same time? Join the Treasured Tribe, access our new Boundaries are Biblical class, and find a supportive community to cheer you on! 

Save the date!

Join us for a transformative four-day spiritual retreat at the Cove in Ashville North Carolina July 23rd-26. 

Treasured Tribe Retreat – Treasured Ministries

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Finding Healthy Friendships (Part Two)

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Four Steps to Cultivate Authentic Friendships

On the other side of an unhealthy friendship, I found myself pulling away, keeping to myself. Oh, I had many acquaintances. Company was not lacking, but my God-given desire for deep connections felt starved. I closed my eyes and prayed, “Teach me, Lord, how to start again – how to do friendship your way.” God used Mary and Elizabeth’s precious, priceless friendship to give me biblical steps to take to find those friendships in my life. I share those steps in our podcast this week.

Miss last week’s episode? We’ve got you covered! Listen to part 1 of Finding Healthy Friendships by clicking here.


Want to make a difference? Here are three ways you can help our ministry grow at no cost to you: 

1. Subscribe to our podcast. 

2. Write a review of the podcast. 

3. Forward the episode to a friend.

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Finding Healthy Friendships (Part One)

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What is Healthy Biblical Friendship?

One of the greatest mistakes I ever made was getting enmeshed in an unhealthy friendship. My experience was traumatic, and I had to learn how to “do” friendship again – God’s way. 
Tucked inside the Christmas story is a beautiful picture of friendship by God’s design. Part of my journey back to healing was shifting my understanding of healthy biblical friendship through these precious verses. I am passionate about sharing what I discovered with you – because you were not created to carry life alone! This week we kick off our podcast series on healthy friendships. Subscribe to our podcast and listen to part one to discover what I learned that changed my life through God’s Word.


Want to make a difference? Here are three ways you can help our ministry grow at no cost to you: 

1. Subscribe to our podcast. 

2. Write a review of the podcast. 

3. Forward the episode to a friend.

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Emotional Distancing

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Do you find yourself worrying about things you have no control over? Do you often times take on the burden of the happiness of others? Are you striving to please others and experience shame if you fall short? Treasured One, you were not created to carry the burdens of others. Discover how you can create more margin in your life through the practice of emotional distancing.  

Sacred Rest by Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith   

Watch the Treasured Tribe Talk on Authentic Friendship   

Download your FREE copy of our Authentic Friendship eBook   

Want to make a difference? Here are three ways you can help our ministry grow at no cost to you: 

1. Subscribe to our podcast. 

2. Write a review of the podcast. 

3. Forward the episode to a friend.

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Authentic Love

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People are not the source of agape love, but often we move them to the center, which creates unhealthy relationship cycles. Agape love, which comes only from God, is what our souls thirst for. Want more? Today’s podcast is an audio message taken from You Belong to the Bridegroom. This 12-week study on the book of Mark written by Aliene Thompson is a part of the Nourish Bible Study Series. Discover how to push through the crowd and pressures of this world and press into Jesus. To find out more about the Nourish Bible Study Series, download the FREE chapters, watch corresponding videos or find out about resources available for small group leaders, click on the link: http://treasuredministries.com/nourish-bible-study-series/

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Unhealthy Friendships

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Wise women guard their close relationships to give themselves fully to God. We are called to be in community and work with others, but not every relationship is good for us. Want more? Today’s podcast is an audio message taken from Brave Heart. This nine-week study on the book of Joshua and his journey into the Promised Land was written by Aliene Thompson and is a part of the Nourish Bible Study Series.  If you’d like to discover more about the Nourish Bible Study Series and download your FREE chapters, click here.

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Are You Feeling Powerless During the Coronavirus Pandemic?

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3 Ways Overcome Powerlessness by Remembering Your Rescuer

Never before has there been such craziness in our circumstances. It is paramount that we remember our Rescuer during this season. We can feel pulled into a place of despair that puts us at the door of panic. But let us be intentional about seeking God’s face during this time. We may be social distancing, but we do not have to be spiritually distant. 

Some have said to me that they are choosing gratefulness during social distancing. They are using it as an opportunity to retreat into God’s presence so that they can then respond to others in love. I invite us all to look at our circumstances as a holy pause, one that is a gift from the Lord where we can find strength and refuge under his winds of protection. 

The coronavirus will not separate you from the Father’s love. It will not separate us from each other spiritually. We have a choice to use this time to build each other up in the faith—virtually!

Though we are miles apart, we are still one body (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). We are not in this alone. The enemy of our souls will attempt to create a drumbeat that speaks disparaging words about…

  • God
  • Others
  • Our circumstances
  • Ourselves

But I say no more!

It is time we remember the promises of God!

God Is in Control During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Many of you may feel isolated and powerless during this time of social distancing. Perhaps the drumbeat the enemy is playing in your ear right now is a repeat of an old tune you stepped to in your past. 

When situations feel out of control, we can unknowingly step into a place of a victim mentality. But as a child of God, you can depend on him rather than your circumstances. 

Here’s How to Remember Your Rescuer During the Coronavirus Pandemic

God Calls Us to Remember

“Don’t forget that you Gentiles used to be outsiders. You were called ‘uncircumcised heathens’ by the Jews, who were proud of their circumcision, even though it affected only their bodies and not their hearts.”—Ephesians 2:11 (emphasis mine)

The Greek word for “don’t forget” is to call to mind over and over again. Some translations say, “remember…” When we “call to mind over and over,” we are quicker to remember and rest in the place of God’s rescuing power. 

Therefore, when circumstances tell us to doubt, we can pause and proclaim God’s promises. As we proclaim, we are placed in position to receive Christ’s rescuing hand instead of focusing on the storms of life.  

Remember… You are not separated from God, but are now a citizen of heaven and in covenant relationship with him because of the blood of Christ!

God Calls Us to Reflect

Not only can we reflect on God’s goodness, but we can also be a reflection (or imitate God as the verse below says) so that others see him in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. 

“Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.”—Ephesians 5:1-2 (emphasis mine)

You may ask, “How can this be done while we are social distancing?” 

Treasured One, we can look at this situation as a holy pause. It provides opportunities to reach out to others and give a good word to them virtually. 

Spend some time each day reflecting on God’s goodness. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you a message to share with someone else. 

Even though we are exercising social distancing, we can share a message from our Rescuer that reflects his power by reaching out through…

  • Facebook
  • Text
  • Zoom
  • Skype
  • Phone calls
  • Facetime

And let us not forget handwritten letters!

God Calls Us to Renew 

As we wake each morning, let us renew our minds with a good report from the good Word. We can be overwhelmed and feel powerless when we see the giants in our circumstances of the coronavirus pandemic. 

However, we have a choice. Will we give a bad report or a good report?

There might be people or circumstances that push us to disagree with a good report, but let’s choose to renew our minds with God’s new mercies and grace today!

“The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.”—Lamentations 3:22-23 (emphasis mine)

The Takeaway

Treasured One, hear this: The blood of Christ covers you. When you are fearful or feel powerless because of the coronavirus pandemic, take a moment to pause and…

  1. Remember you are in God’s family.
  2. Reflect on and be a reflection of God’s goodness. 
  3. Renew your mind and agree with the good report of God’s mercies and grace. 

The blood of Jesus gives you the guarantees of an inheritance that blesses you with…

  • Rest
  • Peace
  • Restoration
  • Salvation
  • Redemption
  • Joy
  • Abundance!

Let us not adopt a victim mentality during the coronavirus pandemic, but instead adopt the mind of Christ. Pause for a moment and invite the Holy Spirit to open your heart and mind to seeing this circumstance from a different perspective, from your Rescuer’s perspective. 

“But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.”—1 John 4:4

Want Resources During Social Distancing? 

Check out the Treasured Devotions Series. Currently, we are going through Godly Girl Power–we are tapping into God’s power, which will empower us as women!

Join the Treasured Tribe, which will allow you to connect with others who are doing the Treasured Devotions.

Get started on a Nourish Bible Study Series. These 3 studies allow you to dive deep into God’s Word throughout the week. Get a group together and meet on Zoom, Facebook, or Skype weekly to discuss the study. 

Don’t let the enemy keep you from meeting together spiritually. What God has brought together, nothing can keep apart, and he is bringing women everywhere together virtually during this time!  

What Does a Biblical Friendship Look Like?

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If you have been blessed with authentic biblical friendship, you know it is a beautiful gift of connection and safety. True biblical friendship adds comfort, love, and truth to our lives. It nourishes the soil of our souls so that when God’s Word takes root, it grows. 

Relationships either add to or deplete the soil of our lives. Biblical friendship is one that encourages growth and is filled with love and respect. Discerning connections in relationships can be hard, especially if we have been hurt in past friendships.

We may put up walls and find it difficult to confide in others. Or we unknowingly allow friendships that aren’t healthy for us to begin to develop, and when hidden motives emerge, they can cause deep soul hurts.

But there is great news, Treasured One! We can look to God’s Word to reveal to us what biblical friendship looks like. We know he wants us to grow into the women he created us to be. And he uses friendship and fellowship to nourish the seeds he plants in our hearts.  

It is for this reason we must be wise about those we choose to walk hand in hand with because “bad company corrupts good character” (1 Corinthians 15:33). Unhealthy relationships can leave us feeling depleted, robing the nutrients from our soil.

Biblical friendship matters. You matter. 

The Words of Jesus Tell Us What Biblical Friendship Looks Like

“’This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.’”—John 15:12-15

Biblical friendship is not based on power and authority. The authenticity of this beautiful gift allows you to confide in each other, knowing and trusting that the exchange of words is given to build up and encourage, never to tear down. 

The Holy Spirit guides us into all truth, and this includes truth about biblical friendship. Let’s pay attention when he speaks to our hearts about those we divinely connect with in each season of our lives.

5 Attributes of a Biblical Friendship

1) Biblical Friendship Is Rooted in Christ

“’I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.’”—Matthew 18:19-20

The bedrock of biblical friendship is the shared hope you have in Jesus. Jesus didn’t just teach those he considered friends—he also ate with, walked with, and prayed for them. There is power released when we take the time to gather in Jesus’s name. 

2) Biblical Friendship Has a Heart to Encourage

“So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.”—1 Thessalonians 5:11

There seem to be countless seasons in our lives. Seasons of great joy and seasons of sorrow. Every season needs encouragement—it’s just a matter of who needs it and who will give it. You may be the encourager this year and the one who needs encouragement next year. The joy of a biblical friendship is that the river of encouragement flows both ways. 

3) Biblical Friendship Has a Framework of Forgiveness

“’Do to others as you would like them to do to you.’”—Luke 6:31

We can enter friendships with expectations. But what would it look like if we were to connect within the framework of forgiveness instead? Biblical friendship mirrors this framework. This framework helps us set our expectations aside and simply treat others the way we want to be treated.  

4) Biblical Friendship Gives Wise Counsel 

“Without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisers.”—Proverbs 11:14

When we are open to hearing the wise counsel of a friend—words that point us to biblical truth—safety surrounds us. That safety nourishes us and helps us become the women God created us to be. Biblical friendship goes hand in hand with wise counsel.

5) Biblical Friendship Is Not Selfish

“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.”—Philippians 2:3-4

Biblical friendship looks out for the interests of others. We all likely have a friend who can drain us emotionally. It may be time to begin placing boundaries around this relationship and prayerfully ask God to place a tribe of women in your life who leave you feeling encouraged, hopeful, and alive!

Biblical Friendship | Using Discernment 

When we look at the words and actions of Jesus as our guide for nourishing biblical friendships, we see how he loved everyone, yet did not trust everyone. There is a difference. Trust is something that goes beyond the surface and is earned. It takes time to develop. 

We must take our emotions, thoughts, desires, and worries and lay them at the feet of Jesus, asking him to guide our steps. He has a plan for our friendships, and it is to help both involved take bold, brave steps of faith that lead to your respective purposes. 

We can trust the Holy Spirit’s guidance when it comes to discerning biblical friendships. Jesus knows the intentions of everyone. Therefore, when we allow him to be the gatekeeper of our hearts, we can be decisive women who live confidently and love unconditionally.  

“But Jesus didn’t trust them, because he knew all about people. No one needed to tell him about human nature, for he knew what was in each person’s heart.”—John 2:24-25

In Summary…

A biblical friendship is one of like-mindedness that is rooted in Christ.

A biblical friendship allows room for accountability and encouragement from both sides. 

  • “Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.”—Proverbs 27:6
  • “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.”—Proverbs 27:17

A true friend is one with whom you are comfortable being yourself. You can confide in them and completely trust that the words they say are intended to build you up. There is a shared heart of forgiveness and encouragement. 

It has been said that if you can count the number of true friends you have on one hand, you are blessed. Are you in need of a tribe of women who can speak encouraging words into your life? Or perhaps there is a brave heart in need of hearing wise counsel from you. 

Check out our Treasured Tribe HERE! Treasured Tribe is a private Facebook group where we gain strength by leaning into Jesus and pushing back the insecurities of our past—together. 

We aren’t meant to do this faith journey alone. Let’s join together in the Word of God and live free!