Translate

Monday, August 31, 2015

God is Near and Dear to Our Hearts

Psalm 73:28 (NIV)

28But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.

*Being close to God helps add peace to any situation no matter what it looks like. When we are close to Him, we learn to treat things and people better because we see you things through His eyes, and perform to the ability that represents a kingdom mindset. Doing things is no longer about man, but about how God sees you and what He wants you to do. Our refuge and rewards come from Him... Man is just the vessel. Operate under His guidance to make it through, and to do what we are suppose to do. There is more to life when we incorporate, listen to, and are guided by God.

Thursday, August 27, 2015

Leave Punishment Out of Love

1 John 4:18 (NIV)

18There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

*Imagine if we really loved each other in spite of...Imagine the peace it would bring, and the unnecessary stress/assumptions/& drama would be at an all time low. When I read and meditate on this verse, I feel like it is referencing how fear is the punishment we put ourselves through based on our past experiences, so we punish others by not loving them unconditionally because we weren't always loved. Deep right? BUT, what if our actions didn't depend on the reciprocation of others...What if we could love like God? He loves us despite how we ignore, forget to consult with, mistreat, take for granted, or abandon Him. Yet, He still loves and waits on us no matter how disgusting we are...I don't know about you, but I become disgusted with people and their actions. Now, imagine if I didn't react based on that disgust or if you didn't. You see, it is not a sin to get upset with people or even distance yourself. The sin is based on our reaction and whether or not God would disapprove, and if we are punishing them...Thus become the judge. Love can be rough, but not if your heart is first in line with God making it easier to line up with others. Let's pray and work on acting on that today...Understand them the way God would, and ask Him how to do so.

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Receiving the Right Understanding

Proverbs 26:12 (NIV)

12Do you see a person wise in their own eyes There is more hope for a fool than for them.

*We have to be careful about our decisions and how we arrive at results or conclusions. What we choose in life should be based on the word and wisdom of God, and not the rationalization of the Earth or our past experiences. It's important to learn from the mistakes of the past, but do not allow the hurt/results of a previous situation/ or fear aid in your decisions or depict your capability. God provides the Holy Spirit to aid in guiding us, and He sends Godly counsel to keep us. Don't assume you know more, no matter how many times you've been through a situation. Repetition only occurs because their is a lesson to be learned that you haven't received yet. Instead of us basing things off of what we believe we know, ask God to show you in order to help you grow. Besides, has leaning to our own understanding ever really gotten us the highest results?

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Great is His Faithfulness: What About Yours?

Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV)

22Because of the Lords great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.23They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

*Despite what we have done or said, God's grace often spares us from evil and from what we really deserve. Can you imagine a love so strong that no matter what you do, you're forgiven? All you have to do is ask? Of course, what we say and do has a consequence, but forgiveness and protection are always available if we accept it. Everyday we rise, that is a new day in the Father...clean and ready to lead you in the right direction. Yesterday is a thing of the past, and today is the focal point to help you build upon a better tomorrow...Great is His faithfulness! If God can be like that, we as humans need to practice being like Him...Let go and do not hold a grudge, love in slight of, and use your wisdom to guide others...That would be your great way of showing your faithfulness towards God.

Monday, August 24, 2015

Align Your Mind and Spirit

John 6:51 (NIV)

51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world...63 The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life. 64 Yet there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him.

*In this chapter, God is discussing the importance of believing in and following Him. He also demonstrates His power by feeding the crowd with only five loaves of bread and two fish, and by walking on water. However, the major emphasis that He wants to point out today is in the word above to go along with these miracles. How many of us see God show up in our lives, but yet continue to operate in the flesh and do our own thing? We treat people poorly, participate in habitual sins, and do whatever we feel despite how God has been good to us and how He continues to show His glory. Yet we claim to believe in Him, and are even bold enough to believe for things even though our actions say otherwise. Our God is awesome and capable of all things, yet we keep looking for other outlets and betray Him by leaning to our own understanding. Today, exam what you do and say vs what you claim to believe. Does it align, or do you confess one thing and do another? There are miracles waiting around the corner for us all, but are you really in belief for them or do you secretly carry unbelief in your heart. May our spirits overtake our flesh and give life to our situations. Lord, help our unbelief.

Sunday, August 23, 2015

Good Stewardship

We must learn to treat everything with a kingdom mindset...Learn to handle things the way God would, give things back they way you prefer them, and maintain what God gives you as though you are guarding and up keeping it vs wearing it out until it needs to be replaced. You see, you can't be trusted with greater if you aren't a good steward over what you currently have...What are you trying to get to, keep up with, and how are you maintaining and edifying to get to the next level? #SundayWord #ProgressIsAProcess #HowAreYouREALLYHandlingYours? #ThisIsNotJustYourBody,But #YourBelongings #AndThoseYouEncounter

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body

Photos: Found on Pinterest

Friday, August 21, 2015

Protection

Psalm 121:7-8 (ESV)

7 The Lord will keep you from all evil;
he will keep your life.
8 The Lord will keep
your going out and your coming in
from this time forth and forevermore.

No matter what it looks like or how it feels, we have the protection of God. We just have to trust Him, and learn to walk in the peace that passes all understanding when we focus our minds on Him. We also must learn to talk with Him more when fear tries to rise up, and never forget that He is always with you. You may feel like you have no control, but God is in control of it all. Allow Him to show you the way, and He will keep you in perfect peace and protect you whether you are in your darkest hour or the hour of celebration. However, we must remember to do our parts by seeking Him and focus on freedom and not fear in order to realize that our protection that never ceases. We are covered under the blood....

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Let Him In...Secrets are Nonexistent

Psalm 139:7-10 (ESV)

7 Where shall I go from your Spirit?
Or where shall I flee from your presence?
8 If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!
9 If I take the wings of the morning
and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
10 even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.

*No matter how we try to ignore or hide how we truly feel, God knows and sees what's going on in your mind and within your heart. There is no such thing as avoiding something because it is within you for a reason. Therefore, address it and do not run from it. If it is something that needs to be fixed, God is a healer and deliverer. If it is a task that needs to be done or an unfulfilled desire, then perhaps it is time to stop ignoring it and address it with the Lord in order to go to the next level. No matter what we do or how we try to hide things, there are no secrets with God. After all, He created you, and who better to know the ends and outs of the creation better then the creator. Also, remember that you were created for a purpose that goes far beyond the ends and outs of a "normal" day. Go beyond how you would normally handle things, and reveal them to God. The answer could be right in front of your face, and change could be around the corner of you can incorporate Him in everything and stop running or doing things on your own.

Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Go Beyond Your Emotions

Romans 12:11 (ESV)

11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.

*God doesn't want us to grow lazy in the things that make us happy, and forget to tap into the spirit for guidance and correction. For the feeling of happiness only lasts for a moment, and can be easily disappear or become jaded. However, seeking God and staying in tuned with Him spiritually provides longevity, and proper guidance that is not based on emotions. Being slothful is to be lazy...In this case, being lazy enough to utilize, get close to, or or pay attention to things that satisfy your emotions. This is only scratching the surface, or could even serve as a distraction from the bigger picture that God is trying to show you. Today, let's all work on growing and uncovering more depth spiritually, and go beyond the here and now or what satisfies emotionally...Find that drive in God leading you to the longevity of peace, and not the short-term zeal provided by a feeling.

Monday, August 17, 2015

New View with a Great Push

Isaiah 43:2 (ESV)

2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you.

* No matter what we're going through, God is with us. Regardless of how things feel or look, God is pushing us through. Even the experience of the situation goes smoother when you are with Him then without Him. Therefore, we must build on our relationships with the Father and ask Him to help us through it all. If you feel uncomfortable talking with Him, then you may want to examine how you are viewing yourself vs how much God loves. I'm not saying that being a beloved and building your faith is easy, but I do know that the support and connection with Him gives you strength and the will to continue. Let's pray for each other, and that we see the situation the way God sees it...And, that we are guided by God.

Friday, August 14, 2015

The Golden Rule

Matt. 7:12 ESV

The Golden Rule
12 So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

*I'm sure we have all heard of "The Golden Rule," but do we really abide by it or know how powerful it is? In Galatians 6, it talks about how whatever your u sow, you will reap... The same can be said with the golden rule...We must learn to respect and treat others how we wish they would treat us. In other words, lead by example. Think of it this way: No one knows what you have experienced, how you were brought up, or what your expectations are unless you tell them. It is our job to teach people how to work with us, and it is not fair to hold people accountable for something they know nothing about. Furthermore, it is also our job to work with others and understand how they are if we expect the same. This is called having an open mind and compromising. For instance, if you are blunt or rude, you can't expect others to be that way because we are all different. What we can do is work together to respect and use our differences to reach common ground, if you plan to deal with that person and establish a bond. However, first you must understand yourself and know how God sees you and who you REALLY are. Let's go back to the rude behavior example... Do you really believe God would want you to behave this way? Is that a true representation of yourself, or is it really a defense mechanism that you use to "protect" yourself. We must realize our true characteristics and how God wants us to do others before we can exude that to others, and expect them to give it back to us. Let's not operate out of hurt, convenience, trying to get the upper-hand, or any other defense mechanism or act of inconsideration. Let's really get to know ourselves, clean ourselves up with the love of God, which will then transfer into how to properly treat others. This love will finally develop into how others should be treating you, rather then a cycle of hurt you keep feeling bc of how you treat others based on past wounds and transgressions. The golden rule runs deeper then you know...Look beyond the surface.

Thursday, August 13, 2015

The Treatment of Others

Ephesians 4:32 ESV

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

*For most people there is an expectation that is automatically placed on others, and whether or not that person fulfills that expectation depicts how you treat them. Or, perhaps there isn't an expectation set, but the measurement of an eye for an eye...In other words, your behavior towards others is based off of what they do for you or how they treat you. Now, imagine if the same way you treat others is placed back on you...How would you feel, especially if you really liked or admired a person and they treated you poorly for no reason? The world is already cold, judgmental, and only favors those who fit whatever stigma or frame of mind that is pleasing. Let's not be like the world...Let's learn to love in spite of, be considerate, be honest, and open up to our sisters and brothers in Christ. If you're not sure about a person, ask God how to treat them. We are not here to place more hardship and judgment on each other...We are here to uplift. Imagine if people would treat each other the way God sees that person and how He tells you to view them...Wouldn't that be more comforting then our own assumptions? Furthermore, the measure you use to treat others will always come back to you...Tread and treat others through the wisdom of the Lord and not based on your past experiences.

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Reassurance to Persevere

Colossians 1:11-12 (ESV)

11 May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.

*For me, Hump Day feels more like a mountain to climb rather then reassurance of the fact that it's the middle of the week. No matter how we feel, even if you are on your last leg, the presence of the Lord is still near and His power can strengthen. In the midst of our weaknesses, we are suppose to have faith and give thanks in advance for the removal of our transgression. Today, let's not only pray to tap into his strength, but pray that others will find the ability to press in as well. Remember, the larger the trial the bigger the blessing...Please join your faith with mine that we see beyond the circumstance and tap into the opportunity that is at the threshold.

Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Patience is a Virtue

Habakkuk 2:3 (NIV)

2 Write down the revelation
and make it plain on tablets
so that a herald may run with it.
3 For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end
and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.

*When we are looking for answers, we often want it to come immediately...particularly if the situation is under time constraints. However, we must learn to wait on the right answer from God, and stop being anxious. The anxiety that we build up in ourselves leads to hasty decisions and settling. If you are facing a situation, then make it plan to God and be honest about what you are facing. Then, wait for His guidance. He will provide you with the proper revelation and confirmation on what to do during your time of need at the right time. We just have to be open to the answer and honest with ourselves. Remember, the answer from God is clear because He is not the author of confusion...It is also for your greater benefit, and can manifest into something far greater if we are patient and believe. I'm right there with you.

Sunday, August 9, 2015

Direction is Protection

2 Thessalonians 3:5 (ESV)

5 May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.

*Based off of our experiences and who we have encountered, our hearts can develop a protective covering that won't allow certain people in or you may have issues with letting go of others. God is love, so He will not remove someone or a desire from your heart, but if it is not of God then we must learn to refocus our energy on God and remove our focus from that individual or desire. We must guard ourselves with the word, but be open to what or who the Lord is trying to show you or give you. We must be careful not to waiver from the truth and love of God in order to focus on who or what we believe is best. The rationalization of our minds is in no comparison to the plan and promises of the Lord. Become more grounded and focus on Him to develop yourself and fix those issues that you keep running into. If we are steadfast in Christ, there will be no room for confusion or our own motives... Stay focus, and I pray when we aren't that we get there. Remember, the direction of the Lord is your protection.

Friday, August 7, 2015

Make It Do What It Do for God

Ephesians 2:8-10 (NIV)

8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

*Being saved and receiving the promises of God is not something you earn, but it is your divine right if you have enough faith to receive and act on the opportunity. What's been placed in your heart, once you are saved are desires, which all correlate together to fulfill your purpose. Every person you meet, everything you are given by God, and places He sends you are all a part of your purpose and destiny. The good things that you choose to do or not to do will impact your purpose filled path, and are based on the freedom of choice. Remember though  that every choice has a consequence be it positive or negative. Also, every act should be done because you love God, and not out of obligation or in hopes of pay back. Examine the things you're in, the reason behind why you do them, and what you choose to hold on to...Is in line with the word of God? Is it a part of His plan for your life, coinciding with the truth placed in your hurt, or is it a distraction that hinders the grace that has been placed on your life?

Thursday, August 6, 2015

Tomorrow May Never Come if You Don't Focus Today

Matthew 6:34 (ESV)

34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”

*On a day like today, it is easy to wish for the weekend...Perhaps your thoughts even go beyond that where you are wishing for the day to spend time with someone, wishing for a day when you don't have to work anymore bc of your own business, or wish for the day when change comes. Nothing is wrong with wishing and wanting, but when you start to become antsy or anxious then that's when an issue can occur and desperation may set in. The anxiety often causes us to make hasty decisions that get us outside the will of God. God could be trying to show you something or someone today that can assist your desire for tomorrow. He could even be trying to save you from something currently, but we are so distracted by what we want for the next day that we can't see the warning of today. There is nothing wrong with making plans for the future, but be on guard and aware daily of things that can distract or hinder you. Your decisions or what you miss out on today will impact your tomorrow. Be less anxious and more in tune to the Father who knows what today holds and what tomorrow will bring.

Wednesday, August 5, 2015

Double for Your Trouble

Isaiah 61:7 ESV

Instead of your shame there shall be a double portion; instead of dishonor they shall rejoice in their lot; therefore in their land they shall possess a double portion; they shall have everlasting joy.

*Sometimes we may wonder where is  God? Are the normalities or the suffering u go through daily really how your life is going to be? Where are the promises? Trust me, I understand. Sometimes we haven't received because we are blocking ourselves from our blessing, while other times it's just the game of patience. Either way, ask God for clarity... Sometimes we want to give up on seeking and asking, but God is faithful. I challenge you today to uplift someone who is going through. People are on the edge more than you know, and we are still vessels used to sow seeds in order to reap a harvest of our own.

Tuesday, August 4, 2015

Fearless

Psalm 27:1 (ESV)

Of David.

27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?

*Many times we may find ourselves in a state of fear. Sometimes we recognize it and other times it is a hidden issue, which is the very thing that keeps us complacent. If you are experiencing a block be it mentally, physically, emotionally, ask yourself is it due to fear of change? No matter what we are facing, God is with us every step of the way. Sabotage or unwanted changes are still under the submission of His control. Today, I am praying that we let go and let God. I too plan to work on always allowing God to guide and take the wheel bc without Him I will only run into a dead end. Let's work on increasing our faith, and not have a plan of action or a backup plan that has been developed through fear over time.

Monday, August 3, 2015

Salvation and Lifestyle

Romans 10:9-10 (ESV)

9 Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

*Being saved is not some complicated ritual. Anyone can be saved by simply confessing out of your mouth and believing in your heart that Jesus Christ is Lord. After that, the lifestyle you live is based on your love for Christ and not a ritual that you have to do as part of your salvation. Now, please understand that once you are saved, you cannot live your old life of sinning and grinning because habitual sin will still land you in hell. A mistake and repenting of that by asking God for forgiveness is one thing bc we all make mistakes, but continuing to do something does not  depict your love for God nor does it enhance your ability to allow change to occur in the mind and in your heart. Allow the confession of your mouth and your belief that Jesus died on the cross and rose again to influence how u see life and interact with others in it. Even more so, incorporate His word to bring about the solution for growth and change. There is a whole new way of thinking, doing, and receiving things if you act on what you believe...

Saturday, August 1, 2015

Confessions Come From the Heart

James 5:16 (NIV)

16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

*Those who believe in Christ often lack transparency. There is a facade personality that is expressed by others, which masks what's really going on in their lives or how they truly feel. However, the need to pretend is often the result of who you have been around and how others have treated you when you express your true feelings. In this case, we must watch the company we keep. In the body of Christ, we are suppose to be able to come to each other and discuss issues that we have currently. Where I may be weak at, you could be strong and vice versa. However, we must learn to stop pointing the finger or pretending that people are perfect. In this life we continue to grow, and that growth process contributes to admitting areas that need work and being willing to fix them. God is also encouraging us to uplift each other, accept differences, and stop trying to assume things or have "one up" on someone. This is not the game of tennis, but a maze of life that we are all trying to figure out. Remember, everyone is different and it is not your job to change them. What is your job is to be used by God to have a positive influence and allow Him to do the changing. Be wise when you have a discussion with people, and be alert as to who God is telling you to speak with or not to speak with...Remember, just because you feel comfortable venting to them may not mean they are sent in your life to help you. However, be open to who He does send and be realistic about the areas that you need help in...