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.

Using Wisdom

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them. Matthew 7:15‭-‬20 NKJV

*This is a biblical example of us being able to judge based on what a person does vs what they say. So many people say we are not suppose to judge...Yeah, you're not allowed to judge sin, and pray for the person. However, we are allowed to judge character and whether we choose to deal with people on different levels...This is referred to as judging the fruit they produce. If you don't evaluate character, you can't determine who is capable of completing a job, who is sent from God into your life vs who isn't, and you will always be fooled. Are you allowing God to lead you to the RIGHT people, or do you deal with any and everyone without using God's wisdom?

Let the Tongue Be Guided

Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. Ephesians 4:29 NKJV

*I really wish more people would allow God to help them do this...We have too many critics and not enough supporters; too many beggars and not enough rewarders, and too many opinions and not enough people being led to influence individuality in Christ.

There is No Denying God

Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalms 46:10 KJV

*No matter what a nonbeliever says or does, God will ALWAYS get the glory. One day, EVERY KNEE WILL BOW and EVERY TONGUE WILL CONFESS THAT JESUS CHRIST IS LORD. There is already no denying Him for real. You're wired for a connection with God...That void anyone feels is the lack there of. Plus, God is all around you, in every element, if you take the time to look. How can you REALLY deny Him??? So, why not take a moment to talk to Him...There is no such thing as happen stance or luck..It was predestined by God. Let go, and accept that...

Darkness 2 Light

You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. I Thessalonians 5:5 NKJV

*My heart aches to see how the enemy has tricked some people into believing they are stuck in darkness...How they believe there is no other way, but God is the way, the truth, and the light...You always have an option, and a way out. I don't care if you've hit rock bottom...There is no where to go, but up in God. Read His word, and ask Him how to apply it to your life and situation.  If I can go from homeless to being well, so can you even in other areas. We all have been sucked into lies, and tried it our way. Why not try it His way???

Connections

Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame. I Corinthians 15:33‭-‬34 NKJV

*Who you hang around can take a toll on who you are...It's easier for people to pull you down than you pulling them up. Be led by God on who you let in your circle. Ministering is one thing, but befriending everyone is another...

Enlightenment

Good morning...Food 4 Thought 4 Believers:

Everyone is different in their own way, and that difference helps fuel who God is molding you to be for different assignments and your overall purpose. Stop trying to change people into who you think they should be, because it's different from you, and view them as God would in order to respect and appreciate their differences designed for their purpose. Now, if God gives you a word for them then that's fine. However, trying to change people to fit your agenda is manipulation at its finest. If they aren't for you, then cool but don't assume or manipulate. Ask God to enlighten you and help you understand....#BelieverChallenge

*New International Version
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people...

He Has Answers

‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’

Jeremiah 33:3 NIV

I think we all have questions that we need answers to... I would even venture to say that in some areas, we are tired of going in a circle and dealing with the back and forth or unknown. Yet,  God is waiting to provide us with answers and a plan for preparation if we ask. Nothing is wrong with asking for help, clarity, or encouragement no matter how big or small the desire is... God cares about it all. Today, let's be open to the wisdom of God. He has much to tell you... Not just for your own benefit, but He may speak through you to get to others. Open your mind and heart to His guidance...

Relating on a Glorified Level

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Hebrews 4:15‭-‬16 NIV

*Many times people feel that God doesn't understand,  or that He is too busy taking care of larger issues to be concerned about the little ones... This is absolutely incorrect. No matter what you face, be it big or small, God has already faced it and would like to be your example in how to overcome it. As a matter of fact, He is waiting on you to discuss it with Him. Who better to relate to and keep your secrets,  but our sweet and open Lord and Saviour?  When there is no one else to talk to or understand, God understands... On a personal note,  I've spent many nights crying and/or speaking with God. This is not to say you will not require a connection with a human because no man is an island, but go to God first and see how that desire to run to everyone else begins to fade. We all could work on talking to Him more...

Desires that Inspire

For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory.

*Psalm 149:4 NIV

God loves us, and wants to see us prosper. He has no intentions of seeing anyone fail, but the prosperity through Him lies in His will for our lives.  Whenever He blesses us, there is a purpose behind it. This purpose coincides with being a blessing to others, being a testimony on His behalf,  and it is meant to aid you in the next step He has for your purpose on Earth. Consider your blessings the gate way to the next level in God no matter how big or small...Rather it be just Him showing you love to an assignment behind it,  He has many promises for us. The question is are we willing to take the time to spend with Him to see what He has for you? Go deeper in God, and the "stuff" will follow.

Discernment and Clarity

Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

1 John 4:1 NIV

*You can't believe everything you hear. If it doesn't agree with God's word, then it's not an idea or thought sent from Him. Choices and options are out there,  but it's  important to distinguish whether they come from God,  your own desire, or are from the devil. Ask yourself if what you do and think is approved by God, or have you turned it into a possibility that your hoping God will bless?... Yet, His word and guidance never confirmed that in the first place..

The Real You

She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.”

Genesis 16:13 NIV

*God is El Rai, and sees all we do while providing outlets and ways to help us. Don't try to hide who you are or what you really do behind clothes doors bc He sees, and He is waiting on you to invite Him in to receive what you need. Allow yourself to progress by divulging the real you, and purge the representative. We all are fearfully and wonderfully made...Enhance that aspect of yourself.

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.

Commitment

Psalms 37:5-6 (ESV)

Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday. 

*If we commit ourselves to God, our lives are brightened and all that was taken from us will be redeemed before the day is up. By choosing God, everything we aren't sure about becomes clear and the answer illuminated....We are no longer in darkness about our situations when we surrender to Him. The answer stands before us as clear as noon, and as quickly as lunch time arrives when we dedicate ourselves to God. What is it that we need to remove in order to be more dedicated? What is keeping us from hearing the answers? What do we trust in more than God's word? Ask God...

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.

Comparisons

Luke 6:42New International Version (NIV)

⁴² How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

*People often have a tendency to criticize others, but do not want anyone to say anything about their issues. Even more so, they often don't acknowledge that they have an issue to correct or need help with... This scripture speaks volumes on acknowledgment because we need to work on ourselves in order to better help others. Therefore, we acknowledge what is going on with us in order to understand why we have a certain perspective towards others, and why people have issues in certain areas. Now, many individuals tend to use this scripture to say that people should not judge them...WRONG. We are suppose to judge a tree by the fruit it bares, which will allow us to determine if God is calling us to help in this area, or if being around people or in a certain environment is where God wants us to be at that time. However, we judge it based on the word. When we use the word to judge things and allow God to speak with us, we find corrections that need to be made within ourselves in order to love on and better assist others. Therefore, we gain wisdom from God and His word to strengthen ourselves in areas in order to be a living testimony and assistance to know how to better help others. If we have a problem, we are not called to highlight the problems of others to make ourselves feel better...Rather, we are given access to this information to reflect on ourselves, and then be proactive in aiding others based on guidance from God and not our own assumptions and experiences.

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....

Clarity and Connections Through Love

Colossians 2:1-5 (ESV) 

2:1 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments.5 For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.

*What's amazing about these verses is how God is telling us that in order to advance, be blessed, and receive we must begin with love. Love opens the heart and mind in order to understand what God is trying to show you, you receive the wisdom to handle each situation, and also properly know how to find and take care of His blessings. Love is the main tool that starts the preparation process, leading you to His promises and wisdom to understand what He is trying to show you.  It also keeps you connected to His people by enhancing your connection with God, despite the fact that He is not physically present. Your connection with Him depicts how connected you will be to His people. However, He is always connected in spirit when you love and seek His wisdom. Even without love, He waits patiently on us to obtain it in order to feel His love. May we work on our love walk to unlock the door for many other avenues and blessings...

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.

Talk the Right Talk in Your Walk

Proverbs 15:1 (ESV)

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. 

*Words have power, and often determine the angle of the conversation and how far things will go. What we say coupled with how we say things carries a lot of weight, and determines the end result to the conversation. That's why it is always important to think before we speak, and allow God to lead us in what we say. Also, this doesn't have to just be for conversations to correct or fix something. God's guidance can help you even in situations when you may not know what to say when pursuing friendship, courtship, testifying, or opening up to people. Many times we often say things that convey the wrong message of intent, and do not depict what it is that we really desire. We must be able to convey what we need or what is desired in order to get the outcome that you desire, and what God wants. Today, let's work on speaking life into our situations and into others. Your faith can carry you through and trickle down to everyone else around you. If words have power and convey a certain message that causes action, what are you missing out on, saying conveying incorrectly, or dealing with when you don't have to?...Be positive in your words and tone, which will influence your actions.