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Friday, February 27, 2015

All Things Through Christ

Proverbs 11:28 (ESV)

28 Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf.

*If there is more trust in anything other then God, then you are due to fail. Matthew 6:33 tells us to seek God's kingdom first, then ALL things will be added...Whatever you desire will come to pass if you put God first. God has blessed you with every positive means that you have. If we place those things over our time with Him, those things can end up slipping away. Ask yourself what's more important, and who is it that has your best interest out heart and can get you ahead?

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

God's Guidance

God will instruct me and teach me in the way I should go. He will guide me with His eye. (Psalm 32:8 NIV)

*If you are unsure what choice should be made today, how to go about doing something, or if you are stuck between a rock and a hard place then seek God for help. He was the one who has kept you this far...No human has that capability. Regardless of the circumstance, God will see you through. Therefore, do not be afraid. Choose to follow where God is leading you, telling you want to do, and be glad about it. What He provides, no human can take away. What He says, no human can cross it. Let God know and let it go...

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Uphold Those Who Need Upholding

1 John 2:4-6 (ESV)

4 Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, 5 but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: 6 whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.

*Many people believe as long as they aren't doing the blatant sins, then they are operating as a faithful believer. Sure, it is great if you pray, avoid elements that lead to sin, and avoid the obvious sins like sex, lying, etc. However, what about loving your neighbor as yourself? What about forgiveness? People seem to tuck the smaller rules of thumb away, and focus on the big one. Some may even chastise others regarding "bigger" sins while they hide their "little" issues that can lead to big ones. Let's pray to be aware of our own issues before we hide behind or notice the faults of others. We all have fallen short, and it is our job as believers to not only take heed to God's commandments and guidance, but to help others do the same as well. There are enough pressures in learning to avoid it...Let alone if people try to place pressure on you by judging.

Monday, February 23, 2015

Deliverance in Guidance

John 10:1-5 (NIV)

“Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.”

*One thing that most people try to do is figure out something, try to create change, or take action without being led by the right source. Sure, having faith is great, and without works it is dead...HOWEVER, have you consulted with God on what those works should? OR, are you taking action based on what you know, just going through life and hoping change will fall out of the sky, or are you one who is afraid of receiving guidance and instructions? We all must learn to be led, and how to decipher, or be willing to admit when you are led by something other then what God would tell you. It is not our job to take matters into our own hands because we are incapable of seeing the beginning and the end. It is our ability to receive guidance and be real with God in order to avoid unnecessary hardships. As a beautiful person once said, God is there to place us on the right path and guide us to safety. However, it's up to you if you are willing to allow Him to take you there...

Growth vs Desire

Every day may not be your favorite, every person may not be your cup of tea, and perhaps every task you are given may not be what you asked for...BUT, God knows what you can handle and where He is trying to take you to...Growth is more important then a temporary desire that may be ever changing. At least u can grow and know how to handle that change.

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Reconstruction

1 John 2:28 (ESV)

28 And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming.

*Whatever we say, do, or think is never truly hidden. God sees and knows all. He remembers what we have forgotten, especially if we have written off sins off as being ok, if something needs to be reconciled, or if ignorance is utilized to ignore habitual habits that need to be addressed. Let's do better since we know better in order to avoid shame, and repent and ask for help wherever we fall short.

Friday, February 13, 2015

Influences of Ephesians

Ephesians 4:17-24 (NIV)
17 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longerlive as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18 They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of Godbecause of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19 Having lost all sensitivity,they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.

20 That, however, is not the way of life you learned 21 when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

*Today, God instructed me to leave us with more of the word to start our weekend. As holidays arise, we are often caught up in the hype of what the world tells us to do in order to celebrate and/or have a good time. Sometimes these very suggestions cause us to compromise our beliefs, what God is telling us not to do, which  takes us away from focusing how we are called to conduct ourselves vs how the world tells us to celebrate. As a believer, you can have fun and still stay sober minded towards the things of Christ. If any compromising occurs, it is because we choose to participate in darkness rather then seek alternatives that provides protection yet allow fun. Let's be mindful of who we are called to be and be consistent in that, vs who we allow ourselves to become due to allowing the manifestation of poor thoughts and influences. Let's also seek God for the right accountability partners, as well as be open to lovingly hold others accountable as well.

Thursday, February 12, 2015

Moving Forward Correctly

James 4:8 (ESV)

8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

*The more time we spend talking to God, obtaining His opinion, and listening to His guidance are more  elements that allow us to grow closer to Him. God is already close to us because He knows everything about us including our problems, weaknesses, strengths, and desires. However, we often choose to do things our way or function as normal without concerning the very individual that knows all and sees all. He is even aware of what is best for your future. Therefore, wouldn't we want to become closer with someone who can benefit you, and who truly cares? Let's pray that we are more consistent with doing the right things by being in His will in order to gain His trust, and submitting ourselves completely in order to be entrusted with even more. You can't move forward if you are constantly going back and forth.

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

The Sincerity of Love

Romans 12:9 (ESV) Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.

*Many times, we show love to people and others because we feel it is good karma or our Christian duty. However, love is not a chore. It is an emotion filled with sincerity and compassion, which often causes empathy in order to relate to others. If you aren't sure how to properly love, use Christ as an example. Think on how God continues to forgive, help, and strengthen you. Think on the sacrifice of His son, Jesus, and how it cost Him pain and life to provide an opportunity of new life for you. If nothing else, think of how much you may have longed for someone to sincerely relate or understand you. God can show you how to show love, on different levels, for each person in your life. However, we must be willing to learn and seek positivity. If you focus on negativity or allow bad things in your life, then there will be no room for good...let alone love. To miss out on showing love is to miss out on being able to sow and set up sincerity for yourself. What you sow is what you will reap.

Saturday, February 7, 2015

Desirable Wisdom

Proverbs 19:2 (NIV)

Desire without knowledge is not good—
    how much more will hasty feet miss the way!

*Many of us desire things without doing the homework on how to receive it, what it takes to maintain it, and how to go deeper in it. There is a haste to receive and be blessed, but do we have the wisdom of knowing the responsibility that comes with the blessing? This is why it is a good idea to take our time to seek God and obtain insight on the desires of our heart. He wants us to have those desires, but He also wants to fully prepare us as well. How often have we seen people obtain grant things only to lose them due to lack of preparation, dedication, or education on how to maintain? Today, let's focus on obtaining wisdom by asking God for guidance on how to handle our desires...Seeking Him first allows all to be added and maintained.

Friday, February 6, 2015

Love Uncensored

Hebrews 13:1-3 ESV

Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.

*Many times, we are so wrapped up in our own affairs that we forget about each other, the lost, and those less fortunate. We desire people to remember our feelings and to love us, but what seeds are you sowing towards others in order to receive love in return? Even more so, how do you view other people, their situation, and their feelings? Is it based on your own understanding, or do you see them the way God does? God constantly emphasizes brotherly love throughout the word, especially in this context; therefore, this has to be one of the key elements of making it in life. This type of love is not about picking and choosing, lust, or loving for a short period of time. This is a steadfast love, with nothing fake about it, that should dwell in our hearts towards our fellow man at all times. Loving others depicts our love for God, and creates peace. How much love do you show daily, or is it about how much love is shown towards you? Place yourself in someone's shoes, and view them as God sees them. Does that change their value?

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Make HIS Move Your Next Move

Proverbs 16:1-3

To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue.
All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord.
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.

*Notice that our plans may not be what God has in mind when it comes to our life. We may think we know what to do or how to solve something, but God could be trying to lead us in a different direction. You may even believe you are making the best decision for your life and others, but God knows our true motives behind what we do and if selfishness is involved. God's plan for us is a sure thing. There is no need for a backup, a "just in case," or any other way we rationalize alternatives. He is here to guide us, and remove those elements of confusion that may not get us anywhere at all. He truly promotes a straight and narrow, and has your best interest at heart because He knows the end result. We just have to let go of what doesn't line up with Him to replace it with what does...Let's pray that each of us finds clarity, and uncovers our next move.

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

End It with Patience

Ecclesiastes 7:8 (ESV)

8 Better is the end of a thing than its beginning,
and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.

*Many of us try to hold on to what we know, which prolongs your current state rather then you excelling to another level. We may pretend as if we have moved on while still looking back and wondering...We have to learn to let go in order to remove what we have envisioned, which makes room for God's vision. Therefore, let go of what you know is dead, a waste of time, not of God, and does not have your best interest in mind. Move forward in patience to wait for what God truly has for you, have an open mind on what He is guiding you to, and prepare or learn more about it in order for you to recognize it and know how to handle it when your blessing arrives.