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Thursday, August 28, 2014

You Are Worth So Much More...

Luke 12:6-7 (ESV)

6 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. 7 Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.

* Sometimes we all have those moments when we think we have been forgotten by God...Moments when you just accept life, let go, and claim that "it is what it is." That springs from thinking God has forgotten...forgotten about your deepest desires, providing you with a pathway to reach goals, or perhaps you think He is too busy with larger things to even be troubled with you and your "little" things. So, you become complacent, accept any old thing, settle, or take things as they come rather then hitting it head on with the force of God. I get it, trust me...I'm there, but operating in this mindset means we have forgotten our value. This is the value of our place in His kingdom, and the price that was paid to save us. No matter what, remember your worth and His promises if you have dedicated your life to Him. Save yourself from the restraints and low value of the world, and receive your inheritance through Him. Let's pray for each other in this area, and ask the Father for guidance in receiving what we are worth...

Monday, August 25, 2014

Consider

Luke 6:31 (ESV)

Do to others as you would have them do to you.

*People are famous for always wanting attention, expecting others to be able to relate to them, or desiring to have their way. Some individuals will even cut others off if those who they are connected to do not adhere to their wishes, or give them the gifts or attention they feel they deserve. Now, let's place the shoe on the other foot: How does it make you feel when people treat you this way?...When a person is in demand, wanting all your time, demanding you stop what you're doing to answer them now, satisfy their need, or is inconsiderate then...What emotions does this trigger for you? You see, it is so easy to place demands on others that you are unwilling to adhere to yourself. Let's practice being the person we want others to be toward us, and take others into consideration as we would want them to do in our given situations...

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Overflowing by Grace

John 15:16 (ESV)

16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.

*Every encounter you have with God, the feelings you have, the word you receive,or the good thoughts that run across your mind are not by accident...It is God reaching out to you, and calling you to live a lifestyle for Him. He also wants to give you all the things He promised, but it takes going deeper in Him. Now, sometimes God will meet us where we are in our faith, but this can also cause you to sell yourself short. For instance, if you are asking God for $100, you could be selling yourself short from receiving more then enough. He loves you enough to give you what you ask, but think of how He views you: You are a precious child of God who has a calling...a gift to share to glorify Him. Why sell yourself short? Let's focus more on growing our faith for bigger and better, including God in our plans, and asking for His will to be done and for you to be equipped with more then enough to carry it out...

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Brand New

1 Corinthians 3:19-20 (ESV)

19 For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their craftiness,” 20 and again, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.”

*It's so easy to lean on your own understanding when it comes to situations or giving advice. Often, we refer back to pass experiences as a deciding factor of how we should handle a present circumstance. We should learn from the past, but that doesn't mean that you should bring it into the future. You are a new creature in Christ when you are born again (1 Corinthians 5:17), and should be seeking God for a word in due season and a new revelation. Your past is over...Let's move forward with God, and not allow pain, mishaps, or issues from the past to dictate our future. Your mind should be renewing daily, which causes change...Change provides growth, and growth is the key to unlocking faith that can lead to new possibilities...

Monday, August 18, 2014

Home Is Where the Heart Is...

Mark 12:30 (ESV)
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.

*There is a saying that states, "Home is where the heart is." This means that any place that captures your heart can be called home bc it is where you feel love and comfort. Well,the same idea applies towards God and the determination of how you view life daily. Wherever your heart lies is what you will focus on, and will determine how much comfort you receive. If your heart is with stuff, then the extent of you finding comfort will go as far as how that item or substance can make you feel, which is short lived. If your heart is solely with a person and your reliance on them, they are human and can disappoint you. However, if Jesus captures your heart, you are guaranteed to have the perfect person to allow your heart to find a resting place in...God should be your fortress, and where your dependency lies. He will govern things accordingly, and help guide you from experiencing more hurt then if you live a life without Him. Allow your heart to receive God's love, and give Him permission to live in you...

Saturday, August 16, 2014

Looks Aren't Always Deceiving

Ephesians 4: 1-3 (ESV)

1 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility
2 and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the
3 spirit in the bond of peace.

*There are many individuals that have a great calling on their lives and are in expectation of something or clarity from God, yet these same individuals do not even try to give God their all, continue to lean on their own understanding, aren't willing to change how they view others, or are still dabbing in things that are completely outside of His will. How can we be in expectation of a certain lifestyle or desire if we aren't showing enough discipline and seeking knowledge in order to be entrusted with such things? Think about it: If a person desires to be an executive of a company, but refuses to do the right thing on their current job, how can they be entrusted with an advancement? If you want to be an evangelist, but have trouble speaking lovingly to your brothers and sisters in Christ, then who can trust you with impacting the lives of strangers? Or perhaps you want a man or woman of God as a spouse, but yet you can't stop cheating on God or know how to even respect those individuals....The list goes on. We all have a calling on our lives, but those callings take preparation and dedication. Think about how many people have fallen because they weren't fully prepared for what they were seeking and received. Longevity is depicted in the love you display, your mannerism, and your ability to prepare. How are you portraying yourself vs what God called you to be?

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Spirituality vs Logic

Proverbs 3:7-8  (NIV)

7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. 8 This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.

*There are times when we have tried to do, say, or advise others without consulting with God first. As humans, we often allow worldly logic to outweigh spiritual guidance, we assume, we rationalize, and we are so quick to give advice without including God in the conversation or scenario. Think about it: How many times have you made decisions based on what you know, what you assume, or past experiences without experiencing what God is trying to tell you? What's even sadder is how we try to force this way of doing and thinking on someone else without even considering the way God wants you to present things. Thus, creating a cycle God never intended that you are now responsible for. Some of us have probably even went through the extreme of cutting people off or taking a step back before you have a conversation with God. Let's work on assuming less, and listening to the Father more; rid yourself of your own wisdom, and embrace His; and lastly practice revamping your thinking to connect with your spirit rather then lean on your own understanding of what's logical.

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Priority One

Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. — Jeremiah 29:12-13 (NIV)

*How deep is our heart in it for Christ? It's so easy to say you love something...we love food, music, activities, etc...BUT, how deep is our love for God? Is it just words while you live an alternative lifestyle? Do you take enough time out for Him? How do you treat His people, and do you seek Him on how to treat others? Is He as important as your daily routine? God is waiting for you to fall deeply in love with Him...He is waiting to capture your heart, but is your heart willing to completely open up to Him? The higher His priority is in our lives, the deeper when can go with Him and the rest will be added (Matt. 6:33).

Monday, August 11, 2014

Free at Last

Galatians 5:1 ESV

Christ has set us free for freedom. Therefore, stand firm and don't submit to the bondage of slavery again.

*This week, be free by putting Christ at the forefront of all your decisions and way of thinking. Don't allow the cares of this world, previous decisions, regret, or past thinking to take away your freedom to start over fresh. Each day is an opportunity to be in the presence of God no matter your location. Be free in walking in love, setting your mind free of regret, removing yourself from isolation, and get rid of things u pretend to be or do week after week. Be true to yourself by letting God in to free your heart and soul through renewing your mind. Life is so precious, and it is even a blessing to have the ability to change and not confirm. After all what has your own way, or walking in the slavery of how the world tells you to go, done for you? Perhaps it is free will that will allow new opportunities if you trust God and focus less on yourself and the norm.

Friday, August 8, 2014

Grace

2 Corinthians 8:7 ESV

But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also.

*You may be familiar with the saying, "When you know better, you do better." (Mya Angelou) Now, think on the meaning of that in comparison to this scripture. As you grow, or should be growing, in your understanding of faith and walking in love while developing an understanding of the importance of showing grace towards others as God shows it towards you. Thinking of it this way: Many people have compassion for a child who doesn't know any better. Therefore, you do not come down as hard on them when they mess up, but you are willing to train and explain the right way of doing things. That child may even be spared from punishment because of their lack of understanding. Now think on how God applies that towards us...Jesus hasn't came back for the second time because He is waiting on everyone to hear of and have the opportunity to except faith and the love He offers. That's the activation of grace and mercy through the understanding of love. We are responsible for doing the same: We can't expect a person on a different level or of an ungodly mindset to always understand. That's when it is our responsibility to show grace, and walk in love to teach. So, as you wrap up your week, think on those you have lost patience with or criticized and make an effort to up your tolerance through walking in love and meditating on God to activate grace in teaching them how to understand you, but most importantly see God in you...

Thursday, August 7, 2014

It's Yours

1 Peter 2:9 New International Version (NIV)

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

*Sometimes we are so boggled down by failures, opinions, poor decisions, mishaps, or the normal standards of the world that we forget our own worth in the eyes of God. We have many talents, a lot to offer, and are promised the desires of our heart...yet, we settle for what doesn't challenge us, what doesn't capture our heart, an unequal yoke, or the imbalance that derives from laziness. Don't get caught up in settling, which is a trick of complacency to hold you back. If something or someone is worth it, then believe you are worthy of receiving it. If you desire it, then ask God's how it can be yours. Don't be your worst critic...be the individual that is motivated enough to seek God whole heartedly, and boldly go to His thrown to claim what He promised.

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Love

Ephesians 5:1-2:

Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

*Jesus is our ultimate example of how to conduct our lives, and how to walk in the fulness of the blessing of the Lord. We all have special talents, ideas, and things to share for the glory of God and to reach others. However, what good is it if you are doing your own thing with it or you don't know how to treat people? Before we can be efficient in anything, we must learn how to love...Love is the key to winning hearts and creating bonds. However, we must first learn how to love God in order to love each other more efficiently. If you are reading this, know that I love you enough to desire to listen to God and sacrifice time in hopes of drawing you nearer to Him. How do you show love? Is it enough according to God's will, or is it something you feel as though you have to do. Love is a feeling of desire, not pressure from force. How are things with your love walk?

Monday, August 4, 2014

Receiving Peace

Isaiah 32:17 (NIV)

17 The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; its effect will be quietness and confidence forever.

*Notice how we must find peace before we can receive anything else. Finding peace can be as simple as looking at the good vs the bad, and mediating on the positivity that is in your life. Finding peace may be,easy at times, but maintaining that peace is where the challenge kicks in...Today, ask God give you peace and provide you with the wisdom and guidance on how to maintain it by staying in His will and desiring His ways. Even be aware of who or what God is trying to place in your life or remove in order to receive peace. Some of us are drowning in sorrow, the inability to fully believe or commit, or the inability to change...Let's encourage and pray for each other to let go, let God, and receive that peace that passes all understanding.

Friday, August 1, 2014

The Battle is the Lord's

Exodus 14:14 NIV

14 The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.

*Sometimes we are so busy coming up with a plan of action to combat a situation, and do not even notice that God is already taking care of things on our behalf. You are doing extra things for nothing. Before going into combat mode, seeking revenge, or looking for a way to change things, ask God what you should do. Invite Him in your life to assist with the situation. You may find that you do not need to do anything at all, but wait on Him to declare victory and keep the faith by prayer and supplication. The battle is already won, but we have to trust in His plan of action before coming up with strategies for ourselves. People are even sent to help you, but it is your responsibility to seek God and know what to do, and how He will do it for you.