Tuesday

My Epic Fail at Taking Thoughts Captive | Kelly Balarie | Guest Post

I'm so honored to have Kelly Balarie, friend, author, speaker, fear fighter, and faith cheerleader, post on the blog today. I love hosting Kelly here on the blog because her love of God's Word and enthusiasm to help us get His Truth firmly planted in our hearts and minds is what we are all about here at Captive Heart. 

The enemy of your soul wants nothing more than to jump into our weakest moments and ambush our faith, leaving us weak and exhausted and doubting the Lord's love for us and even doubting our own worth.  


In her latest book, Kelly gives us the tools to equip heart, spirit, and mind to take every thought captive and replace it with the truth of God's Word...so that we can stand firm against the enemy's schemes to destroy us. 

So grab a cup of coffee/tea and join us. I hope that you are blessed by her words today!  

Oh...and Taking Every Thought Captive releases today!! Congrats to you, Kelly on the birth of this beautiful book baby!! 
Follow the links in the post below to get your copy today!!


My Epic Fail at Taking Thoughts Captive 
by Kelly Balarie


I don’t know how to improve. Is God’s grace really for me – such a mess up? How could God ever save me when I’m acting like this? Will He really change me, or the situation I’ve found myself in? 


Friends, yesterday I was so deep in a pit of stinking thinking, I could no longer see God’s faithfulness. It was bad. God seemed far. Self-condemnation was near. I was getting everything all wrong. I was thinking all wrong and I knew it. I’m a bad wife. I’m not loving my kids well. I haven’t made good decisions. I am letting people down. A heavy weight of sadness was trying to creep up on me. I could feel it calling my name. It wanted me to give up, ball up, and cry out in bed. 


Ever been there? 


I can’t say I handled everything right yesterday. In fact, I did horribly. And, for me, as an author of the book, “Take Every Thought Captive: Exchange Lies of the Enemy for the Mind of Christ,” it made me feel like a hyper-hypocrite.

Here I am presenting a book on how to stand firm in truth, and to be like Jesus and I am in a pit of despair. Ain’t one of us perfect. There by the grace of God, go I. All I know is – I stand hand-in-hand with you, as a fellow sinner, without Jesus. 


This I know about me: Without God, there’s not much good to report. 


Frankly, not one of us is going to think perfectly. Not one of us will be positive all the time. Not one of us will always believe the best about others, hope the best for our future, and love like a perfect little angel. What do we do in this place when, like Paul said, what we don’t want to do, we do? 


Do we scream and give up? Do we fight like a wild woman? Do we numb ourselves?


Frankly, seeing the weight of our own mistake feels crushing – like French-pressed coffee – under the weight of everything being forced down on it.


There is only one thing that gets us out; it is key to taking thoughts captive. It is something we can’t just know cerebrally, but we must receive wholeheartedly. It must go past just being mental to being heart-transformational; then, we break prison bars open!


Do you know what I am talking about? It is a little 5-letter word that changes everything: grace (God’s equipping, empowering, and enabling free gift of help and restoration).


Not one, not ever, has saved themselves.


“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Eph. 2:8-9 NIV)


It is God’s undeserved, unwarranted, and unearned grace that is still working, still saving, still transforming, and still making a way for us, on Earth as it is in Heaven.  Yes, we are saved for eternity, but grace still has earthly application.


“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (Heb. 4:16 KJV)


When we receive God’s grace, we receive prison-bar-breaking freedom.

A mind receiving grace goes about thinking:

  • My mess is big but God’s empowering grace – that sets me free – is bigger.
  • I can’t change me, but His power to sanctify me and to change me is radical and working.
  • Jesus saved me and, by grace, He still saves and helps those who come to Him in prayer.
  • God’s grace is enough; His power is made perfect even in my weakness.
  • God knows me, right where I am today. He still loves me and helps me. 
  • I am not lost or abandoned; I am wanted.
  • All of God + none of me = a complete work of what He wants to do. 
  • The pressure is off. 


Friends, I can’t say that I was the picture-perfect image of a biblical woman taking thoughts captive yesterday. Hardly! But I can say God’s grace is enough. It is working for me. It is helping me, even when I don’t feel worthy. It is teaching me, even when I feel like a lost cause. His grace is more powerful than my natural mind. And, in receiving, I trust in that!  


Prayer: 

Father God, frankly I don’t feel that great about myself. I feel like I have let you down. I am sorry. Will you forgive me? Will you also give me all the grace and mercy I so desperately need? I don’t want to be just a hearer of your Word. I want to be a doer of it. I want to show love to others and myself. I want to be kind to myself even when I falter. I want to see myself as holy and blameless because of the finished work of Jesus on the cross. God, help me to receive your grace and not to mark myself out because of what I see in the natural. I trust you. I ask for your grace and I receive it now. In Jesus’ name. Amen.


About the Book, “Take Every Thought Captive”

In Take Every Thought Captive: Exchange Lies of the Enemy for the Mind of Christ, author and speaker Kelly Balarie encourages readers to seize the power of God's Word to not only profess truth, but possess it in their mind, heart, and actions.

Take Every Thought Captive helps readers:

  • transform their minds and release the worries, burdens, and lies from the enemy
  • pray through times of mental and emotional strife
  • become warriors and fight for God's plan and purpose
  • use God's Word proactively instead of living defensively and defeated

For prayers, scriptural encouragement, and a Take Every Thought Captive Worksheet, visit:www.ITakeThoughtsCaptive.com


About Kelly Balarie

Kelly Balarie, author (Battle Ready, Rest Now, Take Every Thought Captive), speaker, and blogger, delights in joining hands with women as they go through life's ups and downs. To see God move to revive hearts, restore relationships, and bring hope to weary souls are highlight moments for Kelly. Beyond this, Kelly has led spiritual growth Bible study groups and has been seen on TODAY, The 700 Club, Crosswalk.com, iBelieve.com, and (in)courage. Her work has also been featured by Relevant and Today's Christian Woman. She lives with her husband and two kiddos on the East Coast.

Get all of Kelly’s blog posts by email


___________________________________________



I just want to say thank you, Kelly, for joining us here today. I know that God is going to use your new book in the lives of so many people. I pray that your ministry continues to be enriched as you listen and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.


If you, our readers, have questions for Kelly, please leave them in the comment section below.




Are you new here?
Follow me on   FacebookTwitter, Instagram, or Pinterest.

Monday

THE JOURNEY: Movie Review and Giveaway

If you love Andrea Bocelli or just beautiful music and scenery, see Andrea Bocelli's music special in theaters this week. Again...I've had the privilege of pre-screening the movie to give a review. Keep reading to the end of the post and check out my giveaway! 

Overview

Title: THE JOURNEY

Studio: TBN

Genre: Music Special

Run Time: 

In Theaters: Palm Sunday, April 2, release date. 

Director(Music Videos): Gaetano Morbioli

Director/DP: Paolo Sodi

Cast: Andrea Bocelli, Tori Kelly, Michael W. Smith, TAYA, Beatrice Venezi, Tauren Wells, 2Cellos, 40 Fingers, Katherine Jenkins, Clara Barbier Serrano, Ramin Bahrami, Matteo Bocelli, Solevoci Gospel Choir

Buy tickets here: THE JOURNEY 

About The Movie

THE  JOURNEY is a musical exploration of the moments that define us, songs that inspire us, and relationships that connect us to what matters most in life. 

Bocelli and his wife Veronica travel on horseback along Italy's Via Francigena, an ancient road traveled by pilgrims for centuries in the footsteps of the apostles and saints. Along the way, they are joined by friends Michael W. Smith, Tori Kelly, Tauren Wells, TAYA, and many others with world-class performances in some of Italy's most magnificent venues and majestic locations.

You’ll be swept away by the beauty of THE JOURNEY. Experience the awe of the music, the Italian landscape, meaningful conversations, and the reality of hope, faith, and love.



 “My wish is that the movie can offer an invitation to fully live and recognize our daily miracles.” ~ Andrea Bocelli.


 “We journeyed by horse for over 300 kilometers along a path that was not always easy to travel, but absolutely beautiful, made of meadows and forests; sacred places filled with lasting testimonies of faith, full of art of incredible beauty, and views in front of which one can’t but ponder about creation and the miraculous work of our Heavenly Father.” Andrea Bocelli talking about his movie, THE JOURNEY, in theaters beginning Palm Sunday, April 2 

My Review 


πŸ’›πŸ’›πŸ’›πŸ’›

"Through my grandfather, I was reminded that life is short, a precious miracle...not to be wasted."  ~ Andrea Bocelli

This movie is a gift. It is a journey with Andrea and his wife, Veronica as they travel on horseback on an incredibly beautiful journey.  The music is interspersed in a beautifully seamless way that allows you to just enjoy the journey with them. 

I'm a musician so you would expect that I would love this movie for its beautiful music, talented musicians, and moving performances. And yes, I do love that about this movie. Beyond that, there is the ethereal effect of the beautiful sweeping Italian countryside as they journey on horseback. But the message and heart of this movie really come from the dialogue between Andrea and his fellow travelers.  The songs interspersed serve as the vehicle to further expound upon the message. It's in the pause...the stops in those quiet places of worship along the way where the message hits the heart. 




"I love passing down stories of faith to my children...it is a gift to watch them walk their own spiritual journeys."  ~ Andrea Bocelli





I believe this movie will bring hope and a fresh wind to many who are still a bit weary from the past few years. Many times when we have gone through hard things, it is followed by a time of fresh hope. A time to breathe and live again. A time of renewed faith, hope, and love for God and our fellow man. 

Take time in the next day or so and go see this movie. Just let it wash over you and just maybe you will find yourself filled with hope, feeling revived, and ready to traverse the journey that is set before you. 





*Many thanks to TBN for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions expressed are 100% my own. 
#TheJourneyTBNMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Buy tickets today to see THE JOURNEY in theaters starting April 2! 
Purchase tickets here: THE JOURNEY

Giveaway


Fun and quick giveaway! Hurry and enter because this giveaway ends at 11:59 PM EST on 4/11/23. I am giving away a $10.00 Amazon gift card to one blessed winner! 
(Note: This is limited to US winners only).

ENTER HERE... 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday

His Only Son: A Movie Review and Giveaway!

Angel Studios, who brought us THE CHOSEN, is releasing a new film, HIS ONLY SON. For the first time in a feature film, the controversial account of Abraham and Isaac will be brought to life. I've had the privilege of pre-screening the movie and I'm giving you a quick review here on the blog. Make sure you keep reading to the end of this post because I have a fun giveaway too!!

Overview


Title: His Only Son

Studio: Angel Studios

Genre: Drama, Historical Epic

Rating: PG-13, for thematic content and some violence

Run Time: 1hr. 46 min. 

In Theaters: March 31st, release date. 

Director: David Helling

Starring: Nicholas Mouawad, Sara Seyed, Edaan Moskowitz, Daniel da Silva, Luis Fernandez-Gil, Scot Cooper, Eta Pico, Aranna White, Ottavio Taddei, Nicholai Perez

Buy tickets here: His Only Son 


About The Movie


His Only Son recounts one of the most controversial moments in the Old Testament—when God commanded Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac on the mountain of Moriah. While traveling to the place of the sacrifice, alongside Isaac and two servants, Abraham is flooded with vivid memories from the years he and Sarah spent longing for the son they were promised—the son he must now lay upon the altar.


My Review 


πŸ’›πŸ’›πŸ’›πŸ’›

As the movie begins, we find Abraham being awakened from his sleep by the voice of God telling him to go to the mountain of Moriah to offer his son as a sacrifice to the LORD, God. Those who are familiar with this passage in Genesis 22, understand this as a time of testing Abraham's faithfulness to God. It is a particularly troubling story in the Bible that is hard to comprehend. 

Abraham sets out the next morning with Isaac, two servants, and the wood for the offering. Over the course of their Journey to the mountain, the movie realistically recounts moments of Abraham's life in flashback scenes. Going all the way back to the call of Abraham, or Abram as he was named. (Genesis 12). 

From the beginning and throughout his journey Abraham seems depressed, but that is most likely how he truly felt given his mission from God. He is tortured by the task before him, as he recounts his life up to this point. 

The movie gives off a very contemplative vibe, both in the actors' actions and their words, and in the beautifully orchestrated soundtrack, as well. 

I won't go into details so as not to spoil it for you. But I have to say, they handled some of the storylines in ways I had never considered. Especially in the way Sarah and Abraham, separately and together, handled the whole problem of Sarah being barren.  I really love the way they dealt with this. 

The performances were pretty good, Sarah grew on me as the movie progressed. But I thought that Nicholas Mouawad, as the Patriarch Abraham, was especially good in his portrayal. He pulls you into the story and into his soul. (At one point in the movie, he had me boohooing into my Chocolate Swiss Almond Haagen Daas...just sayin').

The movie opens with two verses, John 8:56 and 8:58. Two statements Jesus made to the Jews in the New Testament. 
"Abraham rejoiced to see my day; he saw it and was glad."

 "Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am."

 

In the last scene, we see a man on a cross...at the very place where Abraham had offered his only son as a sacrifice to God (or so some scholars believe), 2000 years earlier. The movie so clearly portrays the foreshadowing of the sacrificial love of God, the Father, through the death of His Son, Jesus Christ, on the cross.  This makes this an especially good movie to watch as we approach Good Friday. 

Go see it. You'll be glad you did. 


 "Because you have not withheld your son, your only son, all      the nations of the earth will be blessed."


*Many thanks to Angel Studios for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions expressed are 100% my own. 
#HisOnlySonMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Buy tickets today to see HIS ONLY SON in theaters March 31st! 
Purchase tickets here: HIS ONLY SON


Giveaway


Fun and quick giveaway! Hurry and enter because this giveaway ends at 11:59 PM EST on 4/5/23. I am giving away a $10.00 Amazon gift card to one blessed winner! 
(Note: This is limited to US winners only).

ENTER HERE... 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday

The TEXT Bible Review and Giveaway

I'm doing a quick giveaway this month. It's perfect for the month of January while we are all trying to establish new routines, setting new goals, and all the things we do when we get the chance to begin anew. 

I'm giving away a hardcover copy of The Text Bible! So check out the specs and my review and then enter the contest below! You can win a copy for yourself and order another for a friend with my 50% link...so read on!


About the Bible

The Text Bible is ideal for teens, young adults, new believers —and anyone who doesn’t feel confident studying the Bible on their own—to uncover God’s message to humanity in the Bible. His message for them:

To know God’s character and his plans for the world.

To see the truth about humanity.

To understand the hope they have in Jesus, and to share what they discover in God’s Word with others.

To begin a life-changing conversation with the God of the universe.

In this Bible, you are introduced to the new and memorable TEXT study method.  Along with this easy-to-use Bible engagement technique, answers to common questions, prayer prompts, and easy-to-understand study tips, The TEXT is a Bible that readers of any experience level will want to use every day.

Features

  • TEXT the Text: use the four-step TEXT study method to engage with Scripture
  • Big Q of the Text: big life questions with short answers
  • “Who is God?”: nearly 100 short devotions on the person and character of God
  • Praying the Text: Learn how to start praying God’s Word right back to him!
  • Get to Know the Text: brief explanations of people and events found in Scripture
  • Follow the Thread: navigate the Bible across topics
  • Anatomy of the Text: concise descriptions of literary devices and categories of Scripture found within the Bible, such as parables and apocalyptic books
  • Terms of the Text: brief definitions of important words to help us better understand and discuss Scripture
  • Clear and readable 9-point NET Comfort Print® typeface


My Review


I think this is an ideal Bible for students because it meets them where they are, doesn't talk down to them, teaches who God is, how to engage with Scripture, and how to have a personal relationship with him.

I believe the TEXT Bible study method that is utilized throughout this Bible is a great tool that will feel familiar to young people today. Because Scripture is the primary way God speaks to us, this easy-to-remember method is a simple, yet effective, way to engage with God's Word. It can be used with any passage of Scripture. 

I love the emphasis on the fact that the Bible is God's Word to us, and is the basis of our relationship with Him. When we T.E.X.T(engaging with the word through this simple method) the text of the Bible we begin a "life-changing conversation with the God of the universe, uncovering the Bible's message between God, humanity, and you." 

Some of the features I really appreciate about his Bible are the fact that there are wide margins to write or even draw in as you are reading or studying. So, lots of room for notes! 

Each Book of the Bible includes a great intro with the usual date, key verse, and author. There is a concordance, maps, reading plans, and other resources in the back as expected. Another fun feature included in the back is a Hashtag list with a list of hashtagged words with their related scriptures. 

But my favorite features are that each book intro includes a short sentence stating the purpose of the book and a section called  'Encountering Christ in (insert book name)'.

 I am a firm believer that Christ can be found in every book of the Bible...both Old and New Testament, so this feature is gold to me! 

The text threads are another great feature as they are introduced at the beginning of each book. As you are reading, there are tidbits that mention one of the 'threads' that were mentioned at the beginning of the book and it gives you other places within the text to follow the thread...with book, chapter, and verses provided. 

Young people are so used to being online and encountering this concept in articles and blog posts that say things like, "read more articles like this here", or "want to know more? Go to this link..." and they provide links to similar articles on the same topic. This is what the follow-the-thread feature feels like in this Bible. 

I would recommend this Bible to anyone that is relatively new to God's Word and wants to gain a greater understanding as they read. So it is great for new Christians, people just looking to understand the 'flow' of Scripture, young people, and students. I believe it can be used as a great discipleship tool with new believers. 

*Disclosure:
Many thanks to Harper Collins Christian Publishing for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

Get 50% off your copy of the NET TEXT Bible if you order before Valentine's Day(2023)!

That's about $25 for a Bible that is designed specifically with your tween, teen, or new believer in mind.

Ready to Order? 

Click the link below.

ORDER Here




About the Editors
Michael and Hayley DiMarco are the bestselling and award-winning authors of more than 40 books including Own It, God Guy, God Girl, and A Woman Overwhelmed. Michael and Hayley have now served as general editors on three Bible projects. Together, they work side-by-side at Hungry Planet, a company they founded that creates winsome and spiritually-based content for teens and adults. They live in Eugene, Oregon, where Michael serves as a pastor.

Giveaway
Enter below for a chance to win a copy of the TEXT Bible (Hardcover). 
*Limited to US residents only

a Rafflecopter giveaway

You can view a video on youtube of Momentum Influencer, Jean Thomason's, Interview w/ The TEXT Bible's Michael & Hayley DiMarco! Just click on the link below... of course after you enter the contest!

Watch the interview here:Momentum Influencers Interview with the creators of the TEXT Bible.

#TEXTBibleMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork