Seek Wisdom

1 Corinthians 1:25-26New International Reader's Version (NIRV)

25 The foolish things of God are wiser than human wisdom. The weakness of God is stronger than human strength.

26 Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when God chose you. Not many of you were considered wise by human standards. Not many of you were powerful. Not many of you belonged to important families.

*Trusting in God and allowing Him to guide you every step of the way is always wiser then trying to figure things out on your own or with the wrong counsel. You may find yourself going in a circle, seeing the same circumstance, and having a tough time moving forward. You were never meant to go through life alone... The Holy Spirit was sent as comfort and for guidance. Think on where you were/are in your current state by not being saved...Now, think on how far your own thoughts or those not sent by God have taken you. Lastly, ask yourself whether the world's ability has helped accomplish more then God's ability, knowledge, and support....Stop beating a dead horse or seeking your needs or guidance from the wrong individuals, including yourself. Allow God to edify your thoughts, guide you through your situation, and help you rearrange your circle. Are your own capabilities, habits, and assumptions really helping you better yourself?

Victory and Favor

2 Timothy 1:8-9 (ESV)

8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, 9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began. . . .

*If you are a child of God, do not be afraid to represent Him and not fit in with the world. If the world doesn't accept you, be happy they do not and don't blame yourself. Sometimes people become upset with what they do not understand, or even what they wish they could become. It's our job as believers to help them get there, and if they aren't ready, then be a light amongst the darkness. We can be lights by sharing what we go through and declaring God's will and love. You never know who needs to hear it, or what someone else is going through... Your suffering, situation, and ability to overcome may be the very thing that brings them out. Remember knowledge is power, but only if u share it. Do not be ashamed of Him bc He wasn't ashamed when He took your punishment. Even more so, we will go through bc Christ went through... A rock must go through a process b4 it becomes a diamond...Go through declaring victory towards the enemy, and come out ready to tell the world!

What's Holding You Back?

Matthew 7:7-8 (ESV)

7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.”

*Many times people miss out on their blessings because they are afraid to ask for them, or following God's guidance and carry out the action of seeking Him in order to find what rightfully belongs to them. The process of receiving what's yours may be held up because you feel you aren't ready, aren't deserving, or you may not believe it even exists. Think about situations God has brought you out of, people He has tried to place in your life, or things He has given you...He felt you were worthy, so why not seek out & obtain your blessings with confidence? If you are afraid, then ask for wisdom and incorporate Him in your life more to help you with the balancing act. Remember, we can do all things through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:13). The problem is how we handicap ourselves be it due to lack of faith or complacency in sticking to what we know, instead of receiving what God promises and reaping what we have sowed. Ask yourself are you the one who is blocking your blessing?

Don't Circum to Complacency

2 Timothy 4:3-4 ESV

For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.

*As humans, we often utilize the experience we have gained in the world to justify our behaviors or situations. We except the myths of the world as being the truth, and we accept that there is no other way other than what we have learned through life's experiences. However, when you are saved there is ALWAYS a new way that God is trying to show you...One that is specifically tailored for you in order to bring you all you need and more, but you must trust Him. It's not about what you have been through or what you are currently involved in that may not be of God. The real question is whether you are willing to let it all go to become closer to Him. The closer you are to Him, the clearer you will be able to see ways around or towards what you desire. He is also not asking us to be perfect in establishing a relationship with Him...What He is asking is that we open our hearts and minds, and be honest about our lifestyles and what we need to do to follow Him. The only reason why we may feel complacent, in a rut, or circum to the sayings and beliefs of this world is bc we have not fully tried God...We may also desire to justify our behavior bc that's all we know, but there is so much more if you let go of what you know to gain more of what He can show you if you are willing to act on what your spirit believes...

Your Blessings are Not of This World

Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

*Sometimes we are so overwhelmed by our desires that we operate by worldly principles in order to obtain them, rather then seeking our Father and receiving His guidance. We may even become driven by the thought of receiving it or getting things done as quickly as possible, or by any means necessary. That drive may turn into what fuels us rather then the directions of the Holy Spirit, and the reassurance of God coming through with what is truly right for you. Remember, we are not to circum to the anxiousness that the world has taught is to thribe on, but we are to be governed by a higher power (God) that has already guaranteed us the promises of Abraham. We just have to be guided and act on how God tells us to obtain our heart's desires. God made us with specific goals and blessings in mind which will take specified instructions, just for you, in order to obtain these things. Therefore, calm yourself and realize who you are to Him...Now, pray and feel the peace of how to go about your day, walking fully in your purpose ad promises of the Lord.

Contamination Leaves No Room for Purity & Promises

2 Corinthians 7:1 (NIV)

Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.

*The promises include receiving our heart's desire (Psalm 37:4), having life more abundantly (John 10:10), and receiving exceedingly and abundantly all that we ask (Ephesians 3:20)...These are to name a few. There is so much that God wants to show us and provide, but are we willing to do things to show our love towards Him and His people? Are we willing to clean up our lives from things that are distracting us from receiving clear instructions on what God really has for us, what He is trying to show us, or  instructions on how to prepare? Do we take enough time to cultivate and go deeper in our relationship with Him? Do we want Him more than the stuff? Everything that contaminates your body and spirit is just a distraction that is designed to keep you complacent and away from the next level. Take the time to be honest and truly think about what's holding you back, and how we have become so complacent with who or what we know that it keeps us from embracing the right things or something new that you've always wanted...

God's Timing

God's timing is the best time...Until that time comes, let the energy behind your aspiration be your motivation that causes preparation ...#GrowthOccurring

Plant Wisely

A seed was created with a purpose to grow... Whether or not it will blossom is determined by where you plant it, and how you care for it. Are you sowing into good ground, and taking on the faithful responsibility of cultivation? #Faith+NaturalActions=A Harvest...#Be guided

Remember Your Past to Move Forward

Psalm 107:1-3 (NIV)

1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.
2 Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story—those he redeemed from the hand of the foe,
3 those he gathered from the lands,
from east and west, from north and south.

*Always remember to be thankful...Not just for what you have now, but where He brought you from. Many times we forget about the obstacles we have faced in the past or challenges we thought we would never overcome... Yet, God saw fit to deliver you and allow His grace to be upon you regardless of how we let the enemy come into our lives. We often move on, and continue to fight the good fight daily while forgetting the lessons from the previous battles...Don't forget where you came from. Be thankful, and take these lessons into the future with you...This information may be the very thing that takes you to the next level. Most importantly, it is your testimony that you are required to share with others and speak of how WONDERFUL God is and will always be! Your praise takes you to the next level, and your humility proves you are ready for it...

Grace and Faith = Favor

2 Corinthians 7:1 (ESV)

7:1 Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.

*God has a covenant with His people and promises to supply your needs (Philippians 4:19), give overflow (Malachi 3:10), and give us our heart's desire (Psalm 37:4) just to name a few. There are several promises that He desires to fulfill, but He is waiting on us to receive them. We just have to operate under the elements of grace and stay in faith. God blesses us even when we are hard headed, but imagine the grace we would flow in if we removed things from our lives that didn't coincide with God...And if we stopped operating with malice or negativity towards one another. The blessings of the Lord are suppose to continuously flow. Don't allow anything to hinder your spirit, or any person to pull you out of His grace and peace by blocking your blessing. God is always trying to get things to us and desires a stronger relationship with His people, but are we willing to accept guidance, make room, and remove distractions to operate in His covenants.

More to It Than We Know

Romans 5:17 (ESV)

17 For if, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.

*The choices and ways that we see on Earth are not your only option. You are not condemned, doomed, or have to circum to the options that the world provides...Everything that doesn't work that way. If you open your mind, you will see that there are better alternatives with choosing God. The ability to accept Him into your life is free, which also presents freedom from feeling as though you have to accept the everyday norm. With this freedom is the ability to be covered by His grace, and the option of receiving endless possibilities if you believe. There is so much more to God then you can imagine if you are willing to open your heart to Him consistently and be guided by His word and the Holy Spirit. He is the way, the truth, and the light....

Open Lane, No Charge...Pay Attention

Isaiah 40:30-31 (ESV)

30 Even youths shall faint and be weary,
and young men shall fall exhausted;
31 but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

*We all become tired of the same old things...Same job, same ridiculous people, same atmosphere... The list can go on. However, in God there is change and renewing of the mind and circumstance. He is ready to supply you with strength to endure, and to cause change in the way you view or handle a situation. He is also waiting on us in order to provide a completely new ordeal if we only pay attention to the signs. We look for things to happen one way, or circum to how they usually occur. However, we never bother to look at the signs to notice that an outlet has been provided to take us to the next level. However, if you can't take heed and are blinded, then you become stuck in the same situations and connections. Look for renewal today... It may come in  a form you have been ignoring the whole time...

Focus on Joy

James 1:2-3 (NIV)

Trials and Temptations
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

*God is not testing your faith...The enemy puts things out there to see how you will react. Our reaction is evidence of where our faith is...Developing perseverance deals with staying rooted and grounded in God, and giving the enemy push back to let him know he won't win. Also, you hold the power within to do the opposite of what the enemy is telling you to do. So, regardless of the situation, let's focus on God's possibilities and not transfer the focus to the enemy's poor efforts to knock you off your square. I choose to find joy, even if it's just God and me. What do you choose?

Photo credit: Pinterest

Do You Really Know What Love Is?

Proverbs 10:12 (NIV)

12 Hatred stirs up conflict,
    but love covers over all wrongs.

*If you truly have a dislike for someone or something, those feelings are eventually going to come out of your mouth because that's how you feel in your heart. You may not necessarily tell that person that you can't stand them, but chastisement, being rude, having an attitude, being disrespectful, or not trying to understand the other person is a form of hatred. We are not entitled to invite everyone into our personal circle, but we are called to love them. So, if someone chooses to back away or express concern of how you treat them, love will listen while hate will continue to say "I'm going to do it my way." Let's try doing it God's way. We have been put on this earth to work together, not tear each other down. We have enough hate in the world without contributing to it.

Distinctions of His People

Proverbs 18:2 ESV

A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.

*Happy 4th of July! On this rainy 4th, I wanted to be transparent with you and give you food for thought as plans may have slowed due to the rain. One of the things I have noticed is how people automatically categorize a person based on how they look, how they act, or what they stand for...Please, understand that when we do this, we often end up with a surprise because everyone is not going to be the way you have experienced them in the past, do not fit stereotypes, or will not exhibit the characteristics you assume or have been taught about from movies , etc. Furthermore, one of the biggest tricks is believing in zodiac signs and clumping people together from that angle. We are all individuals, and no matter how many characteristics that you encounter that are similar to someone else, that person is still going to have some sort of feature that makes them unique and different. Furthermore, just because people have similarities does not mean they are the perfect fit as a mate, friend, or colleague. What we need to do is drop the assumptions and listen to what God has to say about the person. For instance, if you get to know me, I am not some naive person that runs around wanting friends, begs you to become saved, or tries to people please....I am very wise in how I handle people, very specific about the company I keep based on my assignment of you or who God is telling me to connect with, and I pick and choose my battles. As a matter of fact, my flesh prefers not to deal with people at all because they constantly change, but thank God for the change in my heart in doing His work and knowing that no man is an island. Let's practicing first listening to what God is trying to tell us about people, and if given the green light, getting to know them without assuming they have specific duties or characteristics. As the great Fred Price Sr. once said, he treats everyone like they are a blank sheet of paper...Furthermore, he gives them the chance to write on that paper. Why can't we do the same? As they are writing, let's not over-analyze either, but learn to communicate to truly understand what the person is trying to tell us. I also encourage you to give everyone a fair chance, and not be so quick to judge one person while turning a blind eye to another. Also remember that our strengths were designed to help others in areas of weakness, and our weaknesses were designed to be strengthened by those God sends to help us. Life is about being guided by God, being open to the possibilities He can provide, and learning before living....especially with His people. Remember to be guided...

The Treatment of His Children

Galatians 6:10 (NIV)

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

*What is interesting how people have a tendency to place the same value on all people. Now, we should love everyone, but we should particularly keep those in the body of Christ encouraged because they have chosen to separate themselves from worldly behavior just as we have chosen to do so...However, there are many of us who treat those people poorly, but run behind people in the world expecting the love of a believer when they don't know how to give you that love in the first place. Then, we talk ugly or say off the way things to our brothers and sisters in Christ, and expect them to constantly take it and deal with us. Turning the other cheek does not mean that you don't operate in wisdom and remove yourself from hurt. Let's think about how we treat people, especially those in the body of Christ. Do we hold our brothers and sisters to standards that we don't even meet? Do we lie to them or are we rude? Do you say off the wall things and sow hurt, but expect to reap an overflow of love? Are you looking for love from individuals that are incapable of giving it to you until they come to know the Father in order to realize their worth and yours? Is your mouth so out of control that you say whatever and expect everyone to take it? Also, are you good at holding your tongue with people of the world, but say rude things to those in the body of Christ? Think on these things and make the changes that God places on your heart...