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Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Your Spiritual Best is Success

2 Timothy 2:15 (ESV)

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

All we can do is try to do our best to represent Him each day, and be open to His guidance. Sure, we may fail at times, but that doesn't mean you stop trying. The issue is when you don't try at all, and go along with your own agenda. There is also an issue when you are without faith, despite how much you love God. Faith takes action, and pursues truth and His promises. There is no complacency and stagnant behavior in faith...What are you doing to change your way of thinking and pursue the truth? Are you giving it your all the way God is telling you to and allowing His super to be put on your natural, or have you done your own modifying?



Monday, December 21, 2015

Our You Keeping Yourself and Impacting Others?

Galatians 6:1 (ESV)

Brothers,if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. 

*It is important that the body of Christ learns to properly correct people by assisting them, and not persecuting others. We are not here to condemn people, but to walk in love to show them the way. Even more so, we must not criticize because we are no different from others, and have the potential to fall short in that same area. As we guide people, we must also prepare our hearts and minds not to be tempted or circum to the pressure the other person is experiencing. God takes on the burden. You are only meant to be the vessel that influences the situation positively. If you are thinking about helping someone and believe you may fall short while doing so, you should definitely speak with God and see if that circumstance is even an assignment for you in the first place. Even more so, consult with God on how you go about your actions. Remember, we should never leave people in a mess as we are our brother's keeper. However, we must also ask God to order our steps because we don't want to be caught up in a mess either. Be discreet as well..boasting about what you do or talking about someone isn't helping the issue either. Enjoy your day.

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

The Truth is the Light

1 John 2:24-25 (ESV)

Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise that he made to us--eternal life. 

*Sometimes I feel as though I have lost my way... Like life doesn't make sense, and I am not even sure where my path is going. However, as long as I don't veer off the path, God is still in control even when I can't see the beauty of the forest through the trees. If we remember what we have learned from His word, and hold on as well as act on it, we will always receive clarification and His promises even during the most confusing times. We may not be aware of where we are headed at the moment, but we do know we are going in the right direction when we revert back to the word and seek Him. I ask you all today to pray for me and each other...Pray for clarity, the acknowledgment of the truth, and that we always refer back to the word when we are lost or feel as though things aren't adding up. The truth always sets you free, and there is always a lesson to be learned when you combine what you are going through with God's word.

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

The Eyes of Love

Proverbs 10:12 (NIV)

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

*Bitterness causes tension and separation among people...It may not necessarily be that you hate the person, but if you keep dwelling on their wrong doing or discussing your dissatisfaction, it does nothing to make the situation better. If anything, it makes things worse because you are now viewing them with a judgmental eye and playing God. It is fine to correct people in love as you are led, but nitpicking and gossiping about what they do or who they are is not of God nor is it walking in love. You are just spreading your opinion. Love helps us see past what the person did, and allows to see the root of the problem as to why they did it in order to know how to pray effectively and help. Love helps us understand, but humbles us to remember that we are not above the fall that others have circum to...As you are around others today, instead of analyzing them, love on them and be the answer to the hurt they are feeling. You never know what a person is going through nor the fruits of their mindset until you ask God to show you in love...

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Setting the Tone with Your Mood

Proverbs 25:15 (ESV)

With patience a ruler may be persuaded, and a soft tongue will break a bone. 

*Most people become upset if a person speaks to them in a harsh manner. No one really appreciates a forceful tone, or being relayed a message in a poor manner. In fact, about 80 percent of how you say things is more of the focal point than what is actually said. Therefore, take the time to analyze how you come off when you say things. Even with your best intentions at heart, your communication skills may be flawed if you are too aggressive or have a poor attitude.. Particularly when it is unnecessary. There is a saying that says to say what you mean, and mean what you say. However, does your tone reflect a different meaning from you are saying?

Monday, December 7, 2015

Unconditional Love Causes Change

Psalm 103: 8-10 (ESV)

8 The Lord is merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
9 He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever.
10 He does not deal with us according to our sins,
nor repay us according to our iniquities.

*God's love towards us is always there, and never changes. Despite our flaws, He loves us and wants to be around us even if we aren't perfect. Even in a sinful moment, He still handles us with love and kindness in order to mold our hearts to desire to do the right thing, verses handling us in accordance with what we've done. Now, that's unconditional love... Ready and willing to motivate, never leave, and not allow a person's mistakes to dictate who they really are...They are seen with the eyes of love in order to impact the possibility for change. Imagine if we treated each other like that...What type of change would that cause for their life and yours?

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Choices

James 1:12-15

 12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

*God is a straight forward God, and does not provide us with temptation or confusion. If we are confused, we need to ask for wisdom. If we are tempted, it's because our flesh wants to surrender to our own desires. There is always the truth, which provides a way out. Whether we choose to obey it is our choice. We choose to do the right thing, or bring extra and unnecessary hardships on ourselves. Either choice brings consequences as we continue to indulge in a specific type of behavior or choice, but whether that choice is positive or not is up to us. Everything we do is because we have chosen to do so...What choices are you making today? Is it really in line with His will? Will it help or hurt you in the long wrong? Are you really considering the best option, even if it is one that is not appealing? Is your treatment of others coming from the effects of your choices? Being honest with ourselves will get us more clarity and better results, than hiding behind ignorance when you know the truth....