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.

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....

The Weight of Your Name

Proverbs 22:1 (NIV)

22:1 A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches,
and favor is better than silver or gold.

*As you may have heard and know, your name carries a lot of weight... It depicts who you were, where you are today, and can provide signs of where you trying to get to...We call this our reputation. What kind of weight does your name carry? Better yet, is your reputation and weight up to part with God's standards? If we conduct ourselves according to the will of God, no matter what we've done in the past, our name can be wiped clean and depict a new creature in Christ. If we choose not to go this route, our name will reflect who we truly are because that hidden nature behind our name will come out and reflect our true beliefs and intentions...God knew how much your reputation weighs on your ability to minister and reach His people, which is why it holds more value than riches and can provide you with more favor than money can buy. Do you know what reputation your name depicts, and is it a reflection of Christ? It's never too late to make changes, but you have to choose to do so...

Store Properly

Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV)

19Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

*As we begin the work week, I pray we do not become lost in what we need to obtain physically... I hope we will remember to work according to God's guidance, and supply our heavenly home with riches from the things we do for Christ. God wants us to enjoy the elements of Earth, but it must not become our focal point. We are here for a purpose that runs deeper than riches, and will impact our success on Earth and the honor we receive in heaven. Let's let go and depend on God, and all things will be added. Your dependency, obedience, and humility depict what comes to us.

Receiving the Right Understanding

Proverbs 26:12 (NIV)

12Do you see a person wise in their own eyes There is more hope for a fool than for them.

*We have to be careful about our decisions and how we arrive at results or conclusions. What we choose in life should be based on the word and wisdom of God, and not the rationalization of the Earth or our past experiences. It's important to learn from the mistakes of the past, but do not allow the hurt/results of a previous situation/ or fear aid in your decisions or depict your capability. God provides the Holy Spirit to aid in guiding us, and He sends Godly counsel to keep us. Don't assume you know more, no matter how many times you've been through a situation. Repetition only occurs because their is a lesson to be learned that you haven't received yet. Instead of us basing things off of what we believe we know, ask God to show you in order to help you grow. Besides, has leaning to our own understanding ever really gotten us the highest results?

Strength in Self Control

Proverbs 25:28 (NIV)
Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.

*Our hearts and minds encounter spiritual warfare daily: Sometimes we don't feel like being a vessel to help or shine light for others, we have to make choices on whether to adhere to the easiness of the wrong thing then follow through with doing what's right, or we may face opportunities that help determine how we govern ourselves be it completely Godly or lukewarm in nature. For instance if you find yourself willing to wait on God for a mate, but you keep trying to draw attention to yourself, that is a self control issue. If God told you to wait on a specific blessing, but you choose to go out and do what you have to bc you are tired of waiting, that is an issue of self control. Even eating more then you should is an issue of self control. There are so many things to be tempted by and that try to overpower your potential to exude self control, but we must pray for temperance. Temperance, which is one of the fruits of the spirit, (Galatians 5:22-23), is a Godly characteristic that gives us the ability to exude restraint and self control. By exercising temperance, we can be more focused on where God is trying to get us to, rather then desperation or or looking for alternatives to get there. Temperance restrains from things we are not meant to encounter or be bothered with, while helping us still stay focused on God's guidance to receive more then we expect. Therefore, as you celebrate this Memorial Day, think about the discipline soldiers showed in the military to carry out an assignment even till their death. That's the type of discipline we need to establish as we grow in learning self-control for the sake of properly carrying out and receiving blessings through God's will.