What is Your Motive and Demeanor?

Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. Galatians 5:26 NKJV

*This is one of the main issues that I see amongst believers: The spirit of envy, trying to compete with one another, and always questioning each in order to make the other person feel bad. Since when did God award people to be the judge and jury? Why do people provoke each other, rather than be a listening ear and help each other? What is the point in competing when we are all in the race together?...No sin holds less weight than the next. Today, I encourage you to evaluate how you carry yourself. Are you always looking for faults? Do you care or just waiting to respond and pick at others? What is your real motive?

Healing and Guidance

And his servants came near and spoke to him, and said, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do something great, would you not have done it? How much more then, when he says to you, ‘Wash, and be clean’?” So he went down and dipped seven times in the Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God; and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean. II Kings 5:13‭-‬14 NKJV

*This is a primary example of why it pays to have the right people in your life. Even when the guy with leprosy got in attitude about the way HE THOUGHT he should be healed, someone was there to remind him to be obedient, and do things the way the prophet told him...Not what he thinks should happen. Sometimes the way you think a blessing will come is not the way God sends it. Don't be so influenced by your own thoughts that you can't receive it another way. Also, surround yourself with people who will not be "yes" men, but those who will lovingly tell you when you are wrong, and guide you to the right source or way. Notice I said "lovingly," and not harshly. Also, these people have your back for real. The whole chapter is worthy of reading...

Being a Confidant

Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. James 5:16 NKJV

*As believers, we are suppose to be able to talk to one another, and receive advice and support. This should be lopsided, or to the opposite extreme, hidden to convey "perfection." I'm not saying spread your business, or cast your pearls, to any and everyone...Be led. However, we as Believers need to do better about being listeners and being there for one another, instead of it being lopsided.

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.

The Right Connections

Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Philippians 2:1‭-‬4 NKJV

*Here is my thing: How are we suppose to be on one accord, looking out for one another, or even develop REAL and vested friendships when Believers can't keep it real, don't really talk to each other unless they need something, don't invest in their friendships, or Lord forbid criticise others? We were meant to connect and actually invest in connections, which some should lead to accountability partners. How can you have that if you take more than you give, rarely feel like being bothered, aren't led to the right people by God alone, or just plain are off doing your own thing?

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...

Mouth of the South Vs Being Discreet

Matthew 6:2 ESV

"Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.

*People often feel the need to announce things because of an insecurity that they have within themselves. It makes them feel important, but what they don't know or maybe don't care about is how they are compromising the person's trust and their integrity. Nine times out of ten, when a person comes to you for help, there is a possibility that they had to humble themselves to do so. The person would probably like you to be discreet, and not broadcast how you helped the situation. Now, unless we are using it as a testimony, what does it benefit if you say anything? Better yet, what is the motive behind expressing your deeds?  God sees our hearts and motives,  and He knows when we are looking for accolades. Think of how your mouth impacts your testimony and your credibility.

Transparency with the Right Tribe for Your Quest

when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.

Ephesians 4:21‭-‬22‭, ‬24‭-‬25 NIV

*This is EXACTLY what I'm referring to when I say we all need someone to be transparent in order to grow and move forward. You don't have to share your true feelings and business with the world, but you need a small group where you feel safe or at least one person that you can be real with... Then,  you both can work with each other to release, overcome, and grow if that maturity is there. If your connection or group doesn't promote growth, or if you don't release your faults,  or aid in the listening process then the group becomes stagnant and superficial. This keeps you from being real and discovering who God really called you to be or knowing what He wants you to work on. The people we associate with should also walk in love,  and not judgment or fuss. Think about who you allow to pour into you, and pay attention  to whether you have peace and if that's where God wants you to be...

Connections

Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.

Romans 12:15 NLT

Anything that occurs in life is not meant to be shared or done alone. Open up to let the right individuals love and help you. Ask God for the right company, and an open heart.

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.

Consistency with God

Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.

Psalm 68:19 NIV

God is the only consistent individual that continues to stick by our side when humans may fail. He is always there to uplift and carry us through our concerns. He never gives up on us, and bares with us over and over again, while all the while giving us guidance on how to make changes. I'm so greatly I'm not alone, and I hope you know you aren't alone too...I just need to continue to talk with Him more, and cast my cares upon Him. That way, I can let go of the emotion from man and embrace the consistent love of God.

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...

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?

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?

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.

We Need Each Other

Proverbs 15:22 (ESV)

22 Without counsel plans fail,
but with many advisers they succeed.

*Many times we don't desire to discuss what we are going through with others. We hold it in due to fear, judgment, false image portrayals, or we may not know who to talk with regarding our situations. However, there is strength in numbers, and God wants us to be reliant upon each other and not isolated when we are dealing with things. You may be surprised to find that you aren't the only one dealing with that particular issue. Also, our areas of weakness were meant to be edified by those who are strong in that area. This is why we must be aware of what others are going through in order to help edify each other in love, and to make a positive impact on one another. Please, be wise though and consult with God on who to share your information with. Discuss things as God leads you to the right people, but do not allow fear to keep you from having the discussion. We must also learn to be discreet and open-minded with one another because we need to be open to hear from God on how to walk in love and counsel people, and not condemn them, discuss their business, and of course be kind. May we all find covenant partners, come out of our shells, and look outside of our clicks to love on one another.

Consider How You Treat People

Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV)

24And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

*Our job as believers is not just to win souls, but to keep each other encouraged in order for us to stay encouraged and focused on the path to fulfilling God's purpose. This includes encouraging all believers, and not just those you pick and choose. We all have struggles and strengths,and those strengths can help someone else out in their time of weakness if we look beyond who and what we know,and become more open to God's directions. Often, believers are some of the most interesting people to associate with because many forget to walk in love, but instead walk in their feelings or judgment. However, God tells us here that we shouldn't give up on meeting or being together because there is strength in numbers....That strength is found amongst each other if we are open to receiving as we are to giving our opinions, thoughts, and prayers. This is why we must be led by God on what to say and when to say it, which will help avoid taking matters into our own hands and continue to link believers rather than tear us a part. Consistency, guidance, obedience and love are the keys between our people and our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Brotherly Love

Hebrews 13:1-6 (NIV)

1 Let brotherly love continue. 2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. 3 Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body. 4 Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous. 5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 6 So we can confidently say,

“The Lord is my helper;
I will not fear;
what can man do to me?”

*There are so many people outside of ourselves and who we know that require love. If we bother to open our eyes and look around, we will see many people that need the love of Christ. We are His vessels that can provide love, and remind people of His desire for their lives despite what they encounter daily. I won't harp on this subject, but allow the word to speak for itself... Are you focused on those you only know, or also those God wants you to know and impact? How's your love walk? Is your life lining up with what you believe? If not, it's never to late to make changes...

The Golden Rule

Matt. 7:12 ESV

The Golden Rule
12 So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

*I'm sure we have all heard of "The Golden Rule," but do we really abide by it or know how powerful it is? In Galatians 6, it talks about how whatever your u sow, you will reap... The same can be said with the golden rule...We must learn to respect and treat others how we wish they would treat us. In other words, lead by example. Think of it this way: No one knows what you have experienced, how you were brought up, or what your expectations are unless you tell them. It is our job to teach people how to work with us, and it is not fair to hold people accountable for something they know nothing about. Furthermore, it is also our job to work with others and understand how they are if we expect the same. This is called having an open mind and compromising. For instance, if you are blunt or rude, you can't expect others to be that way because we are all different. What we can do is work together to respect and use our differences to reach common ground, if you plan to deal with that person and establish a bond. However, first you must understand yourself and know how God sees you and who you REALLY are. Let's go back to the rude behavior example... Do you really believe God would want you to behave this way? Is that a true representation of yourself, or is it really a defense mechanism that you use to "protect" yourself. We must realize our true characteristics and how God wants us to do others before we can exude that to others, and expect them to give it back to us. Let's not operate out of hurt, convenience, trying to get the upper-hand, or any other defense mechanism or act of inconsideration. Let's really get to know ourselves, clean ourselves up with the love of God, which will then transfer into how to properly treat others. This love will finally develop into how others should be treating you, rather then a cycle of hurt you keep feeling bc of how you treat others based on past wounds and transgressions. The golden rule runs deeper then you know...Look beyond the surface.