God's Guidance

Matthew 7:7 ESV

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 

*If we don't ask, we can't receive an answer. If we don't seek, we can't find what we need or desire. Lastly, if we don't knock on the doors God places in front of us, we can't figure out which one is truly for us. Don't be afraid to move through life,  but do so in accordance to God's guidance, and not based on your previous experience or own understanding. Every door is not meant to be walked through. Also notice that God is really giving instructions here as to how to guide you:You first need to ask Him, then you seek the answer based on the info He gives you,  and then He guides you with that info on where to go. The word is full of steps.. Are you adhering to them,  or leaning to your own understanding?

Read the Entire Chapter-What are You Running From?

Then the Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?” “A staff,” he replied. The Lord said, “Throw it on the ground.” Moses threw it on the ground and it became a snake, and he ran from it. Then the Lord said to him, “Reach out your hand and take it by the tail.” So Moses reached out and took hold of the snake and it turned back into a staff in his hand. “This,” said the Lord , “is so that they may believe that the Lord , the God of their fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob—has appeared to you.”

Exodus 4:2‭-‬5 NIV

*We have the tools that can aid us in God's will and purpose for our lives. We just have to be willing to use them,  and not be complacent. Many times people are so in fear, or are too busy dwelling on what they don't have, that they don't see what God is willing to do for you or what He has placed in front of you. Don't be more reliant on things and people outside of His will, more so than stepping out on faith. We are more than what the trap of the comfort from complacency. What are you giving into, settling for, or running from vs what God wants you to do?

Oh, How He Loves Us

Matthew 1:23 ESV

"Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel"(which means, God with us). 

*God loves you so much that His son was born to not just save you, but connect with you. God understood us inside and out prior to coming to this world, but He loved us so much that He desired to be relatable to us.  Even after the resurrection and leaving the Holy Spirit, He promised to never leave us no matter what you do. I personally don't know your circumstance or heart this Christmas, but I do know that God can soften it, change things around for you, and alleviate you if you trust in Him more and follow Him. He has been my best friend since I let Him in and truly followed Him, and I wouldn't trade the connection for anything in the world. We all could stand to become closer to Him. Will you meditate on how much He is there for you this Christmas season?

Love Walk

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13:13 NIV

*When we move from this life to the next, one of the measures of our eternity is based on how much we loved.  Notice when you love people, it overshadows the negativity. Love is a powerful tool, and can change any dynamic... Even the hardest battles connected to the worst individuals. It can also be one of the greatest gifts. I know I continue to grow into this area,  and sometimes it can be challenging. Take the time to think about how you love, or if it's done according to God's will. How is your love walk this holiday season?

The Just Shall Live by Faith

To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.

Proverbs 21:3 NIV

Sometimes doing what is right isn't a walk in the park... It takes strength, courage, and allowing your spirit to take over..particularly when the person or scenario isn't being too kind to you. Yet, God sees the unjust of the situation, and that you are doing His will when you don't stoop to the level of the injustice. God is here to fight our battles, comfort us when we are upset, and send the right people to encourage us. You are actually acting as an encourager when you are obedient in doing the right thing by faith. Hold on to what you know is right, and don't let others change what God has put in you.

His Will

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.

1 John 5:14‭-‬15 NIV

I think many times we assume that God knows what we want,  we ask one time and let the be the end of it, or we ask things outside His will and become upset when it isn't received. The first measure in obtaining a desire is knowing whether it lines up with the word of God.  Then, ask Him to come into your life and show you what His will is for your desire as you ask for it. What we expect may not be what we should be looking for... Most importantly, don't give up. Keep asking until you receive an answer.

Anxiety Vs Faith

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6‭-‬7 NIV

*It's easy to become antsy when you desire change or the element of something more deeply. However, allow that anxiety to turn into a fuel that sparks the desire to discuss how you feel with God. We have to learn to let go and let God, and not continue to function under pressure or anxiousness. God can do more with your confession, and your willingness to invite Him in then you can with your anxiety.

Being Equally Yoked

Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?

Amos 3:3 NIV

Being equally yoked is not just concerning a relationship with a spouse, but also in friendships as well. I find that every friendly face is not willing to help you grow, stick by your side, or is a part of God's plan. People pretend to know this, but think about your current circle... Does it represent God,  or does it represent your own desires. Keep these questions in mind as you choose friends or a significant other:

Are we equally yoked?

Should I continue this path?

Is this God’s will for my life?

Is this person willing to be obedient to God’s will in everything?

Will this relationship bring glory to God’s kingdom?

From personal experience, I have been burned by friendly faces, people pretending to be nice, and even those who claim to the love the Lord. Friendships and significant others are powerful titles, and are people meant to help you grow. Be careful who you give that title to...