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Monday, September 29, 2014

Trusting Our Father

Proverbs 3:5-6New International Version (NIV)

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight.

*It's so easy to let go of the idea of trusting God. Think about it: Every time we plan something and forget to consult with Him, that's lacking in trust; making certain moves or taking action without His permission is lack of trust; lastly, and one I fight with, is worry...Worry removes trust and hinders favor because you are too overcome by the circumstance to realize the possibilities. Let's pray for each other in this area. Trusting God opens the door of clarity and possibilities. 

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

The Truth of His Awareness

Psalm 139:13-16 (NIV)

13 For you created my inmost being;
    you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
    your works are wonderful,
    I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book
    before one of them came to be.

*God knows who you currently are, where you came from, and your purpose for your future. He is also aware of every thought, hidden agenda, plan of action, or process you have participated in while being on Earth. He CREATED YOU...Therefore, there is no need to hide things from Him. You may as well be honest, even if you are living one way and pretending with others...He knows you. The best part is that through it all, He loves you. Therefore, love Him, and let Him know what's going on. We all could talk more with God...Today, pray for people who may be living a lie, unaware of how much God cares, or may have lost hope.

Monday, September 22, 2014

Trial by Faith

Hebrews 5:1-5 (ESV)
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

*Trials will come our way, and tribulation is often placed upon us as a form of discouragement. However, when you are in Christ, you have a more powerful source then any coping mechanism that the world offers...You have the blood of Jesus and the power He has bestowed in us to overcome. We come to Him by faith for assistance, and He provides us with guidance on how to see our way through; endurance that shapes and molds into individuals that cannot only withstand the test of time, but a person who is now ready for the next phase of blessings; and then He grants us with deliverance, no matter what it looks like, because we trusted in Him. So, rather then the muffled suppressants that are temporary, our Lord in Savior provides us with full deliverance and the ability to end things once and for all. There is no other way to receive such a wonderful finale of overcoming it all, and growing stronger in Him.

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Trial By Fire

Proverbs 3:11-12 ESV

My son, do not despise the Lord ’s discipline or be weary of his reproof,  for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.

*Every trial is actually setting up the opportunity for a divine appointment, every test is the beginning of a testimony, and every issue is the initiation of growth to get us to the next level. The only thing that stands between us from the process's beginning to end are the actions we take, and whether trust is created between God and ourselves. May we pray for each other's strength in the Lord, and to receive understanding on what we are suppose to learn and receive during these times....#ThinkBeyondYourself

Thursday, September 11, 2014

It's All in the Mind

1 Samuel 12:24 (ESV)

24 Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you.

* I know we all have asked ourselves what are we doing, if this is for us, or why do we even bother? Even though it seems as though things can't be understood, are a waste of time, or you may even wonder why you were given the assignment in the beginning, know that everything is a process of moving you forward towards greater. Most importantly, every opportunity is a chance for you to represent God, reach out to his people, and be a living testimony. After all, if you can represent well during trying times or with the little things, it only opens the door for you to receive greater. When things begin to aggravate you, think of God and focus on all He has done for you rather then the few bad time that He is always capable of bringing you through. Most importantly, your faithfulness now determines the well-being of your outcomes and final results later.

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Love Changes Things

Romans 12:9-10 (ESV)

Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.

*When we do something for someone, it should never be forced or regretted. Our actions should be filled with God's love. We also, should not be in expectation for repayment or trying to make someone earn our love. For the love of God is free, and His mercy endures forever. Too many times people bring up what they have done for someone, try to manipulate people because of what they have done, use people for what they can do, or have a poor motive of needing attention or trying to force change in a connection that's based on what you chose to do for someone. Your reward comes from God, and may come through another vessel other then the one u sowed into...Also, we do not manipulate people into giving, or cop an attitude when they do not give because that's motivated by leaning on your own understanding. God is love, and His love comes free without trying to force something out of or with  someone. It is not our job to change people, but to love them in faith that God's love through us will make a change.

Friday, September 5, 2014

Compassion = Growth

Leviticus 19:18 ESV

You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.

*Throughout the Bible, it speaks of how we should view and treat people. There is often a reference of love, and the indication of how much love to give by viewing the person as you view yourself. Let's go deeper in that: Some people are always saying that they don't understand how or why someone could do something. I have even heard or even criticized others myself in regards to their actions or thought process. Now, let's check out how God wants us to view them: If we place ourselves in their shoes, their once was a time when we weren't living right, weren't  familiar with something, or sought compassion and didn't find it based on a subject that was unclear to us. Wouldn't you want to break the chain of judging people on topics they don't know about, or criticizing them for what could be strong holds or habits that they have trouble letting go? You see, we acquire wisdom in areas not to keep to ourselves, or use it as a way to judge people. We are meant to share it to uplift one another, teach each other, and have compassion whether you have been there and done that or known someone who has...Therefore, really think before your assume, criticize, or make haste to dismiss. Perhaps that person was placed in your life to not only help them grow, but to help you develop as well...particularly in seeing them the way Christ would.

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Pray Before You Act

Zechariah 7:9-10 (ESV)

9 “Thus says the Lord of hosts, Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another, 10 do not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the sojourner, or the poor, and let none of you devise evil against another in your heart.”

*No matter what level you are on in Christ, poor judgment, inconsideration, ungodly conversation, and lack of love and kindness has occurred among many of us. Some are quick to jump to assumptions without being honest enough to admit that they don't know the full story, nor do you even take the time to understand the person. Others often harden their hearts and not allow the right element in, while confusing this with the idea of protecting themselves. This is actually the first step towards loneliness, isolation, and perhaps even limiting yourself to a by avoiding the challenging but yet rewarding experience of meeting new people. Other individuals tend to group those who are different, make an assumption, and isolate yourself from people who are not like you. Then lastly, there is the ever so slight moment of devising evil against someone who you think wronged you. People often do something as simple as plan not to speak to an individual, or you may have even taken steps to seek revenge. Yet, you haven't bothered to communicate the issue with your brothers and sisters. Notice that all these behaviors go against the love of God. Now, please do not confuse His love with the idea of letting everyone in your close circle. Always seek God for guidance and balance, but there is no reason for poor judgment, misconceptions, misunderstanding, lack of showing love, lack of witnessing, or isolating yourself to one group. You never know how you are meant to be used as a vessel to impact a life for Christ. Therefore, consult with God in everything you do and say before you take your ideas and behaviors into your own hands...You may be missing out on your blessing...

Monday, September 1, 2014

More Then What It Seems


1 Corinthians 15:58 (KJV)- Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

*Labor Day is a holiday that allows most people to enjoy a day off work. It also initiates the idea that summer is coming to an end, and that fall is on its way. It can be a day of lounging, taking off from the usual hussle and bussle of life, and/or enjoying friends and family. Life offers many opportunities for you to take a break and chill, which is fine. However, there are no days off when it comes to being a part of God's kingdom and carrying out His will. We are expected to represent Him to the fullest, seek opportunities that He provides to reach the lost, and pray without ceasing. We are also encouraged to be aware of evil, distractions, and think beyond ourselves in order to be open to His instructions. Therefore, enjoy your time to relax, but don't let your guard down. There is much to edify within ourselves, plenty to seek in order to receive all God has for you, and many to reach as we come to not just a close of a season, but a close in time when we no longer have to be bothered with the cares of this world. Don't just go through life as instructed or insinuated by a holiday; Live it to the fullest by impacting, reacting, and being on one accord with God's will and instructions to make the most out of life. We have more to look forward to then just a holiday, and I am so ready for it as I hope you are...