Creamy Chicken Chili

Slow cooker Creamy Chicken Chili

1 can black beans (rinsed and drained)
1 can corn (undrained)
1 can rotel (undrained)
1 package Ranch dressing mix
1 tsp cumin
1 Tbsp chili powder
1 tsp onion powder
 1 8 oz package Fat Free cream cheese
2-3 chicken breasts

Directions: Place chicken breasts in crock pot; pour undrained can of corn and undrained can of rotel over chicken; drain and rinse black beans, add to slow cooker; Stir in seasoning and ranch mix.  Lastly, top with cream cheese.  Cook on high for 4-6 hours or on low for 7-8 hours.  Just before serving, remove chicken and shred with forks; return to slow cooker and stir just until everything is combined.  Serve with tortilla chips.

Garnish with:
shredded cheese
greek yogurt/sour cream
avocado slices
green onion
cilantro



Devotional

Fear

Memory Verse: "For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, and love and self discipline."
- 2 Timothy 1:7

Imagine you're a little kid.  You've just learned that your Dad has been transferred which means that the whole family is starting new schools and a new chapter in life.  Now imagine its your first day at your new school.  No matter how brave and confident you are, it's only natural that you are going to feel a little nervous and fearful when you walk into your new classroom full of strange, new kids, people and surroundings.  And this is where you make a choice...are you going to walk in scared, shy, with your head down trying not to make eye contact with anyone?  Or, are you going to hold your head high, boldly ready to face this new challenge?  You see, many times we can't change the situtation but we can change how we react to it.  

In 2 Timothy 1:7, Paul writes to Timothy encouraging him as well as reminding him that "God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, and love and self discipline."  But it is up to us which spirit we choose! Just like we choose which channel to watch on TV, we can choose which attitude to tune our hearts and minds to.  So when you feel nervous, anxious or fearful, remember that God has already given you a spirit of power, love and self discipline.  We just have to change the channel and tune into God!

Questions:
1.) what makes you anxious, nervous or fearful?
2.) in those times, what can you remind yourself of to help you not feel afraid?
3.) Will it always be easy to choose a spirit of power over a spirit of fear?
4.) how can memorizing God's word help me when I'm afraid?

God's word is alive a powerful!  I'n fact, the word of God is so powerful that it is referred to as "the sword of the Spirit" in Ephesians 6:16.  The very word of God is a weapon.....our weapon!  Whenever we feel nervous or afraid, it is a wonderful blessing to know we have God's promise of power and courage to lean on.  Lets pray and thank Godfor that promise and ask for his help in choosing that spirit over a spirit of fear.

*memorize 2 Timothy 1:7 as a family *