How Does the Company You Keep Effect You?

Can two walk together, unless they are agreed? Amos 3:3 NKJV

*Perfect example of not being around unequally yoked people. Sometimes we put ourselves through unnecessary headaches because we are around individuals who aren't seeking God for real, do not have respect for our walk on Christ and thoughts, and who are either close-minded or trapped by the things of the world. Why keep putting yourself through that type of judgment? Follow Christ to be guided to more peaceful connections.

I feel like the above verse applies to even those who claim to be believers, but our bond. 2 Corinthians 6:14 applies to those who do not seek God at all in my opinion. Be careful what and who you deal with that is outside of God's will for YOUR LIFE...That's the very thing that leads to setbacks.

Are You in a Cave???

https://youtu.be/39DWB1enNjk

Being Authentic

https://youtu.be/W5X8V-Z_Rh0

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.

In Him Do You Live...

1 Peter 3:15 ESV

but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect...

*We live in a time when people will question your belief in God and His son,  Jesus Christ. They may even call you confused, but you know what God has planted in your heart.  In Him do you live, move, and have your being... We have to be prepared to protect that, but most importantly pull others in through love. It's not enough to support yourself and those like you... You've got to be prepared to be a vessel of influence for those who question you.  May God guide your tongue, may your life truly reflect Him,  and may you be prepared to explain why and how Jesus is beneficial... Your life is a testimony of His love and grace.. Don't you EVER forget that...

Anxiety

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

Being anxious is a branch of anxiety that creeps up in the spirit, and causes pressure and even the desire to escape. We become anxious for change when we are extremely tired of people and things...You may even feel that need to loose the pressure by going off on God's people, especially those who misjudge or do not try to understand. However, the outcome of pressure and anxiety only causes suffering, which hinders yourself. I want to be set free from it's control, and I pray you do too. Therefore, let's work on letting go and letting God handle things, and if you are a person who causes anxiety for others, think about the seed you are sowing. Peace makers aren't mediators or mess carriers, but are led by God when coming between His people and a problem.

Wisdom combined with Action and Beliefs

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

James 5:16 ESV

*I confess that I don't have it all together all the time. Sometimes I judge, talk about people, lack faith, and think the wrong things. I'm human, but my spirit overcomes with reminders that convict me. Better yet, I am working hard to follow peace continuously and be led. I hope we all can be led to the assistance of an accountability partner that will keep it real, but also keep it in love. Let your issues morph into insight that leads to a testimony, and may our hearts be open to others... Even our enemies..

The Power of Love

Ephesians 5:2 (ESV)

And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. 

*Love is truly a sacrifice, especially when you don't like or want to be around someone. Let's be honest: It can even make you wonder if it's worth even putting forth the effort. However, God thought we were worth the effort despite our lack of obedience or actions. We may even try to love people when it's only convenient to us, but God inconvenienced himself to sacrifice His son despite our faults. Love is a powerful gesture that can soften the heart of even the most uncaring individual. The love of God has gotten through to people and changed their hearts regardless to how they originally felt. Perhaps love is the very thing we need to utilize to cause change, but most importantly to make peace within ourselves. May our love grow more sincere, and also may it become more consistent. How deep is your love, and how often do you use it? I definitely need more love..Do you?

His Will, Not My Way

James 4:2 (NIV)

You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God.

*God spoke volumes in this verse today, highlighting all the efforts we put forth to obtain what we want while never doing the simplest method of all: Asking Him. Think about it: We overwork ourselves, over think, whine when others obtain what we desire, cry, formulate plans of action, try new methods, but we often don't adequately run things by the Father to first see if it is even His will or discuss how should we really go about obtaining our desires. Look at how much turmoil and unnecessary strains we put ourselves through, when all we have to do is just ask Him and wait to be guided. At times, we even cause unnecessary hardship to come upon ourselves because we don't wait long enough. God also wants us to be specific, but ask Him if our specifications are in line with His word, will, and way. Save yourself the drama and extras by learning to live with His guidance and talking to Him, rather than living and learning the hard way. Please, pray for each other in this area. I know I have fought unnecessarily hard enough, and I hope you have too.

No Condemnation

Romans 8:1-4 (ESV)

8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. 3 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 

*When you are in Christ, there is no need to feel bad about a mistake. The idea is to ask God to help us change our thought process, and to learn from the situation or choice. However, do not fall into condemnation about it, or allow others to hang it over your head. If we are truly in Christ, we know that He has already paved the way for us to be free from sin. Even more so, our love for God should make us want to remove ourselves from sinful situations that can lead to habitual behavior. Find peace in letting go in order to gain more.

Shortcomings

James 3:2 (ESV)

For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.

*God is reminding all of us that we ALL fall short and miss the mark. Therefore, stop pretending to be perfect. If you claim to be perfect, then you can control all aspects of your body. Furthermore, since we all fall short, we need to remember this aspect when dealing with each other...This helps us remember the humility and patience behind longsuffering. It should also serve as a reminder to assist one another rather than ridicule, keep your distance if God is drawing you to that person, or judge. If we all stumble, then we need to not act as if someone is doing something that has never been heard of when they fall short. People often "throw shade" or look down upon others when we have our own demons that we battle. Wouldn't it be great if we could understand the shortcomings of others, and utilize our strengths to help them during their weakness; instead of writing them off or putting our mouth on them? Our words speak volumes of who we are, but our actions depict what we are really about. Are you representing God in both areas? Be willing to admit your shortcomings in order to understand and help with the shortcomings of others.

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?

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?

Edification in the Word

Romans 10:17 (ESV)

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. 

*The more we read and indulge in His word, the more it builds our faith. The word of God covers all topics, and explains why we should or shouldn't do things. It can also provide peace and guidance during a given situation. If we experience moments of insecurity, if we are unsure of things, or perhaps we may be emotional then it could be because we are not feeding our spirit and gaining reassurance through the word. God is the God of guidance and reassurance. He never wants us to be in the dark, or feeling beside ourselves in a given situation. I pray this week that we find clarity through Him and His word, and I pray we remove ourselves from the equation and submit to His will, allowing us to be open to listen and be edified.

The Truth Will Set You Free

Galatians 5:1 (ESV)

For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. 

*When God removes people and things out of our lives, or when things have been revealed to you, walk in the freedom of the truth. Do not remain in bondage just to hold on to what you know and feel comfortable dealing with...The sooner we let go and allow change, the more stable we become in order to prepare and advance to the next level. Stand firm on what God shows you regardless to whether it meets your expectations because it is part of a greater plan, and it will provide a more stable and greater outcome. Ignorance is never bliss when you have the option to choose the truth. Walk in the fullness of it in order to receive your unexpected end...Spinning your wheels is not spending your time wisely...

Light Afflictions, Hardcore Blessings

2 Corinthians: 4:15-16 (ESV)

 15 For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.

16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

*As life moves forward, we will go through things no matter how old we become or how deep in Christ we are. An earthly day may pass, but God's promises will last forever. The things that we go through for His name sake are in no comparison to the reward that is in store for us. He loves us when others do not, and He has our back when everyone else may have left us or found fault in us. Ultimately, if is not the actions of the people that matter, but whether we are moving forward in God and with Him by our side. Yes, some things will hurt and bother us, but we combat that hurt by getting rid of elements that are not of God and focusing on Him. Let's not forget His promises, nor why we are here...Our purpose, His protection, and the power bestowed upon us is far greater than anything negative that we can experience. May we pray for each to remember these things.

Freedom of Choice vs Freedom of Guilt

1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV)

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 

*There is nothing too tempting that you are forced to circum to it. There is also nothing that you are experiencing that someone else has not already gone through. We are here to share our mistakes with one another without judging. Things are magnified based on how we see it, how we handle it, who we choose to talk to, and the reason behind why they are done because of what we choose to do. Even when the pressure is high, there is always an outlet of escaping from being tempted to do the wrong thing. Whether we take it or not is a part of our right to choose. Choose the way that speaks to your spirit and gives you peace. If what we desire goes against God, than there is a better way of doing things. Don't yield to what is quick, easy, useful, or fulfilling because you think so...Walk away from an unnecessary hardship towards your outlet of escape, and your path to righteousness. The reward will be much sweeter in the end, than sweet for a moment and chaotic to fix.

Mind Modification

Proverbs 3:7-8 (ESV)

Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. 

*Many individuals always feel that they know what's best, that they are making the best choices, that they are correct in their way of thinking, or offering the best advice. However, these choices and expressions are often done based on our own experiences, how we have been influenced, or our environment that may not necessarily line up with the word of God. This is why we should be guided by God in what we say, do, or the conclusions we come to because we are constantly planting seeds and representing Him. Even if what we say and believe sounds good or is fact, it still may not be the appropriate time to share that information until God tells you too. That's why we need to consult with God on everything we do and say, and be open to modifications based on what He places on our hearts and drops in our spirit. I know I could stand to be more in tuned... How about you?

Challenges Lead to Changes

Romans 8:31-32 (ESV)

31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?

*Often we have a full plate set before us at the start of the work week, and we have the pleasure of working to ingest it, even when there are things on if that we don't like. Well, the initial intake may be hard to chew and swallow, but we have a powerful digestive system that is designed to break down things, take in what we need, and remove unwanted waste. Isn't that something like life in general? People and circumstances may put something before us that we may have trouble taking in or adjusting to, but God is the powerful source to help us see the good, and remove the bad while all the while reminding us to remember His promises and utilize what He gave us to obtain them...Strength and the ability to process things through, while removing the unnecessary. So, remember that if God is for you and gave you all you need through His son, who can rob you of seeing things His way and working if out for your good? Better yet, who can keep anything good from you despite what is presented before you? A challenge represents the ability for change...Speak life and take action for that change to occur. Let's pray for positive change this week, and the unacceptance of the norm and some old agenda...Not just for you, but others as well.

Love!!

1 John 4:7-8 (NIV)

7Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

*Being spiteful due to the action of others never solves a problem...If anything, it makes the situation worse due to negativity, often assumptions are created without facts, and you're hurting yourself based on the negative seed you're sowing. God loves us regardless of what we have done or said, and waits for us to come out of darkness and talk with Him.  We are required to do the same, even if it's loving from a distance. There are also so many individuals who claim to love people, but do not act on it...Loving yourself and others is more than words...It's whether or not you are acting on His word, and truly treating others how you want to be treated. May God work on our hearts in order to exercise true love towards one another while we work on our relationship with Him.