Representing Christ

Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Romans 12:15‭-‬16 NKJV

*Maybe if more people were open towards relating to others, they wouldn't have the time or room for criticism...This is one of the steps of being humble. If you can find compassion for others, not only will you be able to understand others more, but you will truly represent Christ-like behavior.

Character in Christ

A good name is better than precious ointment, And the day of death than the day of one’s birth; Ecclesiastes 7:1 NKJV

*Having integrity is greater than riches because your representation of God, in how you carry yourself, will be what draws souls to Christ or repels them. Who cares if you have money to give away if your credibility is shot? Think on the leadership you've experienced be it in today's time or the past...Now, think about how their behavior influenced people. Even in the news, we have seen very poor behavior that mattered more than the person's financial stability...You can't buy character or a proper connection to our Savior.

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...

Love Conquers All

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.

Ezekiel 36:26 NIV

It's so easy to harden your heart in order to protect yourself. Some of us do this due to our experiences, or because of poor treatment or lack of others' inability to respect or understand you. Trust me, I get it because I have experienced this lately. However, we can't allow the ignorance of others to shut off our ability to love because there are people out there who need your love, and you need there's. God's heart always stays open for us no matter how we treat Him because He is waiting on you get rid of your old ways, and love Him back. Love conquers all, and softens even the hardest of hearts, while causing healing. Help restore someone with the love of God, and in turn watch how you become restored as well.

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?

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.

Our You Keeping Yourself and Impacting Others?

Galatians 6:1 (ESV)

Brothers,if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. 

*It is important that the body of Christ learns to properly correct people by assisting them, and not persecuting others. We are not here to condemn people, but to walk in love to show them the way. Even more so, we must not criticize because we are no different from others, and have the potential to fall short in that same area. As we guide people, we must also prepare our hearts and minds not to be tempted or circum to the pressure the other person is experiencing. God takes on the burden. You are only meant to be the vessel that influences the situation positively. If you are thinking about helping someone and believe you may fall short while doing so, you should definitely speak with God and see if that circumstance is even an assignment for you in the first place. Even more so, consult with God on how you go about your actions. Remember, we should never leave people in a mess as we are our brother's keeper. However, we must also ask God to order our steps because we don't want to be caught up in a mess either. Be discreet as well..boasting about what you do or talking about someone isn't helping the issue either. Enjoy your day.

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...

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?

Prayers for Paris 💗

As we go into the weekend, let's remember not to just focus on our own lives and those we know or take interest in, but those who need are interest to trickle down at the very least as a prayer in hopes of peace and guidance for Paris...

Philippians 2:4-English Standard Version
Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

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.

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.

Think Outside Your Box

Hebrews 13:3 (NIV)

3Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.

*Everyday, we have people suffering around us and within our society, yet many do not care as long as it isn't effecting their households. God didn't call us to be an isolated group that only uplifts people we know, or individuals that effect our well being. He called us to reach out to all of mankind whether they are similar to you or not. You never know how much even the simplest of things mean to people. Therefore, ask God how to use you to impact others, especially those outside your circle. A person could be hurting right before your eyes... Don't be so self absorbed that you miss the opportunity to be a vessel for God. Ask Him to lead you in this area.

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...

How Do You Treat Others?

Today, I ask the Lord to help us with how we view people and treat each other... There are so many assumptions made, empty promises, and a lack of compassion yet a desire for others to be helpful or compassionate. Are we really sowing what we expect to reap in this area, or pretending to do so...#BeWhatYouWish2Attract...#UntilThen,BeWithGod

Matthew 7:12 So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is  the Law and the Prophets.

Photo: Found on Facebook

What Are You Sowing?

Galatians 6:9-10 (NIV)

9Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

*Many times we may become tired of being the positive one, the faithful one, the person who cares for others when it feels like others do not care, or maybe you could even be tired of being the only light for Christ in a dark environment. To be honest,it takes a lot of energy to properly be these aspects and more. However, we must hang in there and learn to do things through the strength that Christ provides (Philippians 4:13) rather than our own strength. Your light could be the only one that shines on the truth, and allows someone to make the choice to choose a pathway towards Christ. If we do not give up, we will be rewarded because through all the struggles for Him, He sees and has not forgotten. If you actually pay attention, you will notice that He sends bits of encouragement and people to encourage us if you are within His will and fighting for His cause. However, what is lacking the most is how we treat each other...especially those who are believers. Many of us are so quick to be kind to the world, but treat our brothers and sisters in Christ very harshly. These are people who are still growing in Christ too...People who need your love, strength, and consideration... Not your criticism, judgment, and attitude of "I will deal with you when I feel like it." Notice God points us out for a reason in this verse because He knows we are already going through a lot by being different and living for Him...The last thing we need is to turn against each other when we were meant t be the vessel to strengthen one another. So, as you go about your day, think about your actions for God and how you treat people. Even think on the reason why you do the things you do, and why people do or don't want to be around you. Is it due to standing strong in Christ, or is your flesh getting in the way and causing issues? Do you really exercise the golden rule, or even realize what type of seeds you are sowing based on your words and actions?

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.

The Treatment of Others

Ephesians 4:32 ESV

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

*For most people there is an expectation that is automatically placed on others, and whether or not that person fulfills that expectation depicts how you treat them. Or, perhaps there isn't an expectation set, but the measurement of an eye for an eye...In other words, your behavior towards others is based off of what they do for you or how they treat you. Now, imagine if the same way you treat others is placed back on you...How would you feel, especially if you really liked or admired a person and they treated you poorly for no reason? The world is already cold, judgmental, and only favors those who fit whatever stigma or frame of mind that is pleasing. Let's not be like the world...Let's learn to love in spite of, be considerate, be honest, and open up to our sisters and brothers in Christ. If you're not sure about a person, ask God how to treat them. We are not here to place more hardship and judgment on each other...We are here to uplift. Imagine if people would treat each other the way God sees that person and how He tells you to view them...Wouldn't that be more comforting then our own assumptions? Furthermore, the measure you use to treat others will always come back to you...Tread and treat others through the wisdom of the Lord and not based on your past experiences.

Confessions Come From the Heart

James 5:16 (NIV)

16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

*Those who believe in Christ often lack transparency. There is a facade personality that is expressed by others, which masks what's really going on in their lives or how they truly feel. However, the need to pretend is often the result of who you have been around and how others have treated you when you express your true feelings. In this case, we must watch the company we keep. In the body of Christ, we are suppose to be able to come to each other and discuss issues that we have currently. Where I may be weak at, you could be strong and vice versa. However, we must learn to stop pointing the finger or pretending that people are perfect. In this life we continue to grow, and that growth process contributes to admitting areas that need work and being willing to fix them. God is also encouraging us to uplift each other, accept differences, and stop trying to assume things or have "one up" on someone. This is not the game of tennis, but a maze of life that we are all trying to figure out. Remember, everyone is different and it is not your job to change them. What is your job is to be used by God to have a positive influence and allow Him to do the changing. Be wise when you have a discussion with people, and be alert as to who God is telling you to speak with or not to speak with...Remember, just because you feel comfortable venting to them may not mean they are sent in your life to help you. However, be open to who He does send and be realistic about the areas that you need help in...

God has Many Battles to Fight 4 Us

Today's word is in the form of food for thought...Think/pray beyond yourself and your circle...

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