Nourishment

The Power of Prayer

March 23, 2020 by Aliene

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!” (Ephesians 3:20–21 NIV, my emphasis)

Immeasurably more. Her eyes ran over those words and then lingered for a while. Immeasurably more. God can do immeasurably more than she could ever ask or imagine, according to HIS POWER.

She pondered on her faded prayers that had once been filled with so much passion.

A season of storms sabotaged her prayer life, making it small. Like the force of hurricane winds loosening the roots of a tall tree, the storms of life shook her faith to the core. The enemy lied to her heart about the storms and told her that God was not powerful . . . and her prayers faded. She felt afraid. She thought about her past year and the loss she had experienced. The loss in her life combined with her fragile faith made her feel powerless. Her insecurity swallowed her confidence. In response, her soul grasped for security by clinging too tightly to the people in her life, and she began to walk under the false illusion of control.

This led to more insecurity and fear because when she tried to control her circumstances, her circumstances began to control her. Worry, fear, and anger surfaced as she tried to control what ultimately, she could not.

And she was weary.

The Lord looked at his treasured one with love. No storm could ever separate them. He nourished her heart with truth and reminded her of the power of prayer. With tears in her eyes, she sank to the floor and let her prayers flow. People were there for her to love, but they could never give the security and life she was looking for.

Godly girl power flows from great expectations laid at the feet of our mighty God, who can do “immeasurably more” than we could ever ask in prayer.

Sometimes we can “self-sabotage” our prayer life because we pray based on what we think we deserve instead of WHO GOD IS. The enemy can use a storm, or our past, or even our religious traditions to keep our prayers small. Don’t let the enemy fool you, wise woman. Pray prayers based on WHO GOD IS and remain faithful regardless of the outcome. Don’t filter your prayers through what you think you deserve—let your prayers flow like a mighty river and let God filter the results through his pure and perfect will to bring glory to his name.

Hey, treasured one, revitalize your prayer life this week by recapturing the awe of your God.

The God you serve is an “immeasurably more” God. Yahweh is the source of your strength. The Lord is his name. King of kings. Lord of lords. He is a strong tower. A fortress. He is mighty to save. The winds and waves obey his commands. “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come” (Revelation 4:8). He is Lord over all. “For from him and through him and for him are all things.” (Romans 11:36)

Great expectations in our mighty God through prayer gives us the freedom to let go of trying to extract from people what only God can give us. When our expectations rest in the Lord, we can let go of others to truly love them.

Much as a watering can must be filled before it can pour water out and bring nourishment to plants, we must first be filled with his love to give love out. And as the watering can pours out to others, a greater capacity is created to receive even more. When we are trying to extract from people what only God can give us—it is as if we are watering cans going to other watering cans trying to find water.

Think of bold prayer as positioning yourself to fill your watering can to nourish your heart so you can nurture others. To have some understanding of God’s love, we must experience it. To experience it, we must receive it. Each time we experience his power in answered prayer pushes the roots of our soul deeper into his love and makes us strong as we trust in Him. Only when Christ becomes seated at the center of our heart through the humility of prayer and our roots are deep in his love can we truly love others with his love. And that is godly girl power (Ephesians 3:14–21).

Prayer will grow your roots deep in God’s love because you are placing your trust in him. When your roots are deep in God’s love, you will bear the fruit of his love to others.

You have only one life. Pray with great expectation. Live a life worthy of your calling by receiving his love and giving it to others. Fall on your knees in prayer and trust the one who can bless you beyond measure so you can be a blessing to others.

Nourish Scripture: Ephesians 3:14–4:6

How to Find Nourishment through God’s Word

November 29, 2019 by Aliene

Nourishment, by definition, is “the food or other substances necessary for growth, health, and good condition.” Nourishment through God’s Word feeds your soul. The richness of the Word not only provides the necessary ingredients you need to survive and thrive but also contains healing properties.

What do I mean when I say, “God’s Word contains healing properties”?

The kind of nourishment that is released through the Word of God takes our brokenness and gives us wholeness, it takes our weaknesses and empowers us, and it takes our hurts and heals our hearts.

When Jesus was led into the desert by the Holy Spirit, and was tempted by the enemy, how did he overcome? How did he find nourishment? Through God’s Word.

“During that time the devil came and said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.’ But Jesus told him, ‘No! The Scriptures say, “People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”’”—Matthew 4:3-4

The words of the Father sustained him and helped him overcome. The words of the Father are where Jesus found nourishment in times of great need.

And get this… when he chose to connect with those words—to believe, live by, and find nourishment in them—it set him on the path for his purpose. The Bible records that the next steps he took led him into ministry. While in ministry, his purpose became clear…

Point others to the kingdom of God
Help them see their kingdom purposes
Reveal the truth that each of us matter

…and culminated at the cross.

Discover Nourishment through God’s Word

Have you ever considered what it takes for you to survive? Air to breathe, food and water to sustain and grow, safety and shelter to protect—and for what reason? So that we can become who we were created to be; so that we can fulfill our purposes.

The Breath

“’For the Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.’”—Job 33:4 (emphasis added)

The Bread

“’I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever; and this bread, which I will offer so the world may live, is my flesh.’”—John 6:51 (emphasis added)

The Water

‘”But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.’”—John 4:14 (emphasis added)

The Safety

“I love you, Lord; you are my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.”—Psalm 18:1-2 (emphasis added)

The Shelter

“The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.”—Psalm 9:9-10 (emphasis added)

When circumstances press in, pulling us into the lies of depression or rejection, it can almost feel like the life is being sucked out of us. But nourishment through God’s Word is intended to give, create, and sustain life.

Jesus knows what it feels like to have a pressed soul. He cried out to the Father with heaviness on his heart (Mark 14:35-36). God invites you to do the same. Because you matter. Your purpose matters.

And here is the exhilarating part… Jesus wants us to thrive in our purposes! His words are meant to go above and beyond, to transform us and give us each an abundant life.

“’… My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.’”—John 10:10[b]

Nourishment through God’s Word Is about Connection

Oftentimes, we read verses, such as the ones above, and they wash over us. We feel the renewal they are meant to provide. But if they don’t nourish us, they can fall to the ground and form a puddle around our feet.

Your Savior wants to use those words to nourish your soul—immersing you, covering you, and connecting you to him. Because when your soul is nourished, you will flourish.

Nourishment through God’s Word is about connecting to it in a way that transforms you. A seed grows, thrives, and fulfills its purpose when connected with nutrient-rich soil, and God’s Word is that good soil for our souls.

When we connect to the Word, we naturally grow into who we were created to be.

Having a Plan to Find Nourishment through God’s Word

I don’t know about you, but when I have a plan, it sets me on a path that helps guide my journey. Many of us don’t know where to start.

Have you asked, “How do I find nourishment through God’s Word?”

Perhaps you’ve read verses time and time again, but you aren’t sure how to pause and let them nourish your soul.

When we have a framework that helps us connect to the Word, God opens our eyes and unlocks timeless biblical truths we never knew before.

Truths such as…

His nurturing attributes
Verses you can anchor your soul to
Messages you can share with others
His promises and purposes waiting to be released into your life

When You Find Nourishment through God’s Word, You Step into Your Purpose

Treasured One, the Holy Spirit wants to breathe into your life today, filling you up with the perfect love of God so that you fulfill your purpose.

God created you for a purpose. The cross serves as a reminder of God’s love and purpose for you—which is the greatest gift he has given you—inviting you to share it with others.

Connect to the nourishing words of Jesus today, and exhale knowing he has a plan and purpose uniquely designed for you. He is waiting for you to discover it as you cultivate a deeper connection with him.

The words you surround yourself with nourish the soil in which you will grow. Let’s decide today that we will nourish our souls, and soil, with the words of God.

Living words
Eternal words
Healing words
Life-giving words
Glory-defined words

Isn’t it time to find nourishment through God’s Word in a way that sets you free to discover your purpose?

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Making a Difference

June 26, 2017 by Aliene

Hey, brave heart, I love that you will jump into the unfamiliar. I love that you are bold. I love that you dare to do what I am asking you to do. I love your passion to pioneer. (Isaiah 42:16)

So be free to become the beautiful you I have created. (Ephesians 2:10)

Let go of what others say and find freedom to walk in your authentic identity in Christ by allowing my Words to frame your soul. (Galatians 1:10) Let go of every other hand you are holding so you can grab tightly onto mine. (Proverbs 29:25)

I am looking for someone whose heart is fully committed to me and not afraid to walk differently by following me completely. Walking outside the world-defined box takes you beyond what is temporary into living for eternal treasures. (2 Corinthians 4:14–18)

My presence and my purpose for you do not promise the absence of adversity; rather, they provide the assurance that you will never face adversity alone. (Hebrews 13:5) With me, you have a love that will never let you go. (Romans 8:38–39)

The Pioneering Spirit inside You

You see, I need someone to be first. (Isaiah 42:16) Yes, I am looking for the pioneering spirit inside you that says, I will not settle for what has always been. I want to uncover what can be. I need you to be the first in your family to walk a different way. (1 Peter 1:18–19) I see the generations beyond you who can be blessed. Indeed, my child, I have created you for this time appointed under heaven to leave blessings in your wake as you live for me.

When I formed the world, I did not rest until I’d made a woman, because she was needed to complete my plan. Today I still work to release the God-given potential within women, because they are an important part in a great story written for my glory.

So don’t be afraid to jump out of the boat. I created you to be brave! You’ll leave ripples of eternal blessings when you walk in courage, trusting in me. Fear is something you learned. Love is what you are wired for, and you’ll walk in love when you follow me because I am love.

My dear daughter, if I am for you, who can be against you? (Romans 8:31) My perfect love can cast that fear right out of you. (1 John 4:18) Nothing can separate you from my love—and my love is enough.

So walk in that security. If worry walks through the front door, push it back out by casting all your cares on me and trusting me with your whole heart. (1 Peter 5:7) And if waves of adversity steal your focus, get your eyes right back on me. (Matthew 14:30; Hebrews 12:1–2) Find a promise in my Word and cling to it with all your might. (Mark 4:20)

Yes, brave heart, flex your faith muscle. Walk differently by living fully for Christ. You are bold, beautiful, and brave.

Making a Difference by Doing God’s Will

Jesus said, “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work.” (John 4:34, NLT, emphasis mine).

God’s will for us is revealed through his Word. As we respond to the Word and walk out God’s will for our lives in faith, the nourishment we receive will flow to others and we will become more and more the women God created us to be.

Nourish Scripture: Joshua 1

Take the next step by downloading Nourishing Your Heart to learn how to connect with God’s Word in a way that transforms your life.

Nourish Together

June 12, 2017 by Aliene

A pearl alone is a beautiful treasure. But when anchored with other treasures on a strong strand, the results are extraordinary. Similarly, when women are walking by faith in Christ and in fellowship with each other, we find strength to live as God intended.

Women anchored together in fellowship as they follow Christ find strength to flourish.

God never intended us to walk alone.

God never intended you to walk alone.

Opening Your Heart to Community

Opening your heart again to community after you have been hurt or betrayed takes a tremendous amount of courage. I know this by personal experience. I know how the fear of rejection can paralyze your heart. And I also know from experience that stepping back into a healthy biblical community one baby step at a time was a vital part of healing.

I have heard this so many times, and it is so true…. Community can be where we hurt – but it can also be the place we heal.

Healthy interdependent fellowship with other believers is foundational to our walk with Jesus.

God’s family is a gift to help you grow. Enrich your experience in God’s Word by inviting women to gather. Women are looking for community where they can find acceptance and encouragement to live their purpose. We are better together and when you build community, you change the world.

Joining Together Allows Us to Nourish Together

There is a strength that stems from a circle of women who stand together that is beautiful, quiet, and powerful. Each woman remaining true to her authentic God-given identity yet together in interdependence in a healthy community of love and truth brings a fullness to life and allows our gifts to flourish in greater measure.

Your study of God’s Word grows when you gather with other women. Lead a group. Build community. Change the world.

ONWARD!

Nourish Scripture: Acts 2:42-47

Take the next step and download Nourishing Your Heart to learn how to connect with God’s Word in a way that transforms your life.

Renew Your Mind. Change Your Life.

May 22, 2017 by Aliene

This past summer our family went out to dinner at City Kitchen in Beaufort, North Carolina, to celebrate a special occasion.

Oh my, do I love that place!

We sat outside on a wrap-around porch with creaky, uneven floors on the second story of the home like a marina. Surrounded by water that held fishing boats and a sky emblazoned with a golden sunset, the amazing ambiance played heavy competition with our delicious dinner. Items gracing our plates included barbecued sweet potatoes, shrimp and grits, braised collards, and seared tuna straight from the waters of the Crystal Coast—one of my favorite places on earth.

Memories made around a restaurant table are just as special as those captured at home.

On the way home, my husband asked us to share what stood out to us the most from our experience at dinner. Each of us shared something different. As we paused to identify the special things at the heart of the evening and share our memories with one another, we relived our time together at City Kitchen.

Reflect, Remember, and Renew Your Mind

The Lord who created us tells us over and over again in his Word to reflect, remember and renew our minds to his Word. As he nourishes our heart with truth – our spiritual food, he encourages us to return to that truth over and over again.

Like a canvas covered with brushstrokes of various colors and shapes, our minds are filled with the fears, heartaches, joys, and victories of our life experiences. Each experience adds a new brushstroke, and over time these brushstrokes begin to form a landscape. Our landscape shapes the way we think and then determines how we act.

While some of our brushstrokes are beautiful, others swirl together to build confusion and deception in our minds.

Allow the Word to Transform Your Mind

God’s kingdom operates differently from this world. Rather than being molded by the world, we need to allow the Word to transform our minds.

Jesus knew we would face battles. He taught the truths and kingdom principles that would equip us to navigate through this world. And he commands us to renew and remember because in our daily lives, we are prone to forget and drift from truth.

Past events often shape our thought life—those things we see, hear, and experience in our everyday life.

While those are actual experiences, they may not line up with God’s truth.

He wants us to live Kingdom minded with his perspective, with our mind set and controlled by His Spirit to experience life and peace (Romans 8:5–8).

Remain Steady on His Truths

Think of renewing your mind this way: every new truth is like a new brushstroke to capture the landscape of his kingdom. By increasing the capacity of our landscape, we live in greater measure in accordance to the truths in his Word.

Just like a boat tied to its anchor, God wants our thoughts to remain steady on His truths for our lives.

God alone is our Anchor of Truth. As an anchor exists to secure a vessel so it ceases to wander, God’s Word secures our minds and hearts to Him no matter what currents or waves we may face during the day.

This is why the third step in the Nourish Bible Study Method called Renew is completely devoted to this discipline.

Want to find your purpose? Renew your mind.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. -Romans 12:2

Nourish Scripture: Luke 8:1-15

Take the next step by downloading Nourishing Your Heart to discover the key to connecting with God’s Word in a way that transforms your life!