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Monday, January 30, 2017

Applying His Word

James 1:22-25 (ESV)

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. 

*So many people know the word of God, but do not apply it. Knowledge is only powerful if it's utilized. Otherwise, it becomes stored information that is taking up space. Also, not applying the word effects a person's choices, prolongs your situation, and definitely hinders credibility if a person knows the word yet exudes worldly behaviors. Don't just speak about it or try to use it when it's convenient. Be about it. After all, can a person truly have a relationship with God if they don't apply His word? It's there to establish and grow that relationship, protect you, and guide you. How can you ask God for things if you don't even know or trust what His word says?

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Watch Your Connections

Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial ? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?

2 Corinthians 6:14‭-‬15 NIV

*No matter how nice they treat you, or no  matter how much of a light you think you will be, we have no business connecting with unbelievers and those unequally yoked. It may not seem like it at first, but it will come back to bite you be it causing more of a struggle that you didn't have to go through..Or, you end up subjecting your heart to things that hinder and/or hurt you. It is our job to guard our hearts. Let God send the right people...Just ask him. Don't take it upon yourself to subject your spirit to everyone. Your growth and next phase in God depends on it...You can't take everyone with you.

Friday, January 13, 2017

Stay Focused on God

Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

Joshua 1:8 NIV

*It is a must to keep godliness around you as much as possible...God is always trying to help us grow, provide encouragement, and reveal things to us. However, the world is field with noises that are designed to be distractions. Meditating and surrounding yourself with the word of God helps remove distractions, keep us grounded, and push us into a closer relationship with Him. In that relationship are the promises of God that fulfill your desires. Make God the priority in all you connect to, and He will make your desires become His priority.

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Soul Ties

Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame.

1 Corinthians 15:33‭-‬34 NIV

*"The people in your life can be one of the most important spiritual assets or be one of your worst curses. Those relationships that are a curse to you are toxic." #SoulDetox...Many people feel that they can keep the same people in their lives, but continue to grow in God. This is often not true. If these people are stagnant or causing you to repeat some of the same sins and cycles in your life, then this would be a primary example of bad company. Sure you can love them, but that doesn't mean that you need to include them in your circle. Even Jesus chose disciples to help fulfil His purpose and meet a need. Everyone did not have that privilege. Don't let loving people cause you to love without guidance and love haphazardly. Your growth is influenced by the company you keep, and your mindset is based off of who you are around. You even pick up habits from people who you allow in your life. If you find yourself assuming things about others before getting to know them or not desiring to understand other individuals, that too can be based off who you are around. Open up your heart to be guided by God to the right people, and open your mind to accept individuals outside your normal circle. Your growth and blessings depend on it...

Saturday, January 7, 2017

Who is Priority in Your Life?

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Matthew 6:33 NIV

*When you remember to take care of God's house, even more so than your everyday job, He will take care of you. Volunteer at church by using the gifts you were given as you seek Him, and the rest will be added.. He should be first in our lives. After all, God is the one who gave you that job and those blessings.

Tuesday, January 3, 2017

Gifts of the Spirit

We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

Romans 12:6‭-‬8 NIV.

*We were all given talents,which aid in being a vessel for God. These gifts were not meant to be hidden, but freely given in order to have a live depiction of God's grace and love. Pray about your talent,  and ask God about what you can do to show love,  and how can you help advance His kingdom. 

Monday, January 2, 2017

Follow Peace and NOT What's Practical

The Lord will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the Lord your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom.

Deuteronomy 28:13 NIV

*It's a new year, but you may still feel the same or be faced with the same issues or aspirations. Perhaps the new year has inspired new motivation or new ideas for the situation, or perhaps the year being new doesn't matter because you're still looking at the same stuff. Either way, it's understandable and the common theme between both states of mind is "what's next," and/or "how do I get there?" First,  no matter where you mind is, you have to remind yourself of the promises of God and how He views you. Next, submit to listening to God by praying and focusing on receiving an answer with peace, and not incorporating your own thoughts or plan of action. If we look back on why things have not come to pass,  it could be because of our own doing and thinking versus being solely reliant upon His guidance and being obedient. If you plan anything this year, start with letting go and asking for guidance from God... Then, follow peace: Not anxiety, not things of your own experience, not what feels good, and most certainly not what is practical.  Clear your mind, take God out of a box, and praise for all He has done and is capable of doing and not what you want Him to do.. That's when clarity comes.