Child-like Faith

and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me. Matthew 18:3‭-‬5 NKJV

*Many times there are people who say whatever, or convey the word to others in whatever fashion that fits their own agenda or understanding. You even have those who are bold enough to try to tell God what to do, or choose to do something based on their own will and then have the nerve to ask God to bless it. We all can stand a lesson in the consistency of being more like a child in receiving guidance, wisdom, and exercising humility to apply what we have received. As a matte of fact, it would give us our innocence back in humbling ourselves to see things the way God wants us to view things & people vs what we've experienced. Children are forever learning, growing, and impressionable...They need the proper guidance and have hope in all things. The world takes that away. May er come back to the basis of childhood, and the innocence of being impressionable for Christ.

God Over Everything

With my soul I have desired You in the night, Yes, by my spirit within me I will seek You early; For when Your judgments are in the earth, The inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.

Isaiah 26:9 NKJV

*Seek God first before the start of anything be it your day, a choice you have to make, or before finalizing any reason or action at all. We have to learn to seek His face FIRST, and make Him a part of every aspect of life. Otherwise, we will be like those of the world and only notice His power when judgment or something happens. You don't want to keep learning the truth of righteousness through hardship, but through making God a part of your every day routine...That's how you are guided and advance. #Humble

God Over Everything

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:16 NKJV

*Let the light that God placed in your heart shine for His namesake.. He is the focus, and you are the vessel. However, the honor that He receives will allow you to feel His love, & you will be rewarded for honoring Him among all people in all environments. Honoring God and carrying out His will should never cease, no matter what environment or connection you encounter...

Grow in Humility

Humility is the fear of the Lord ; its wages are riches and honor and life.

Proverbs 22:4 NIV

*Being humble helps you appreciate life more because you remember where you came from, and how only God was and still is the one that continues to guide and help you excel. Your appreciation for His guidance helps you see and value the development process. Be anxious for nothing because being able to see the value through humility will help us appreciate the end result more.

Being Budget Conscientious

Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds;

Proverbs 27:23 NIV

*Every pay check, I take the time to ask myself about my savings, review my payoff goals,  and budget for a treat if I can afford it.  All this comes after paying my tithes and my bills. I know sometimes we desire to do things, and your eye is set on specifics, but being aware and real about your situation is far more important  than any moment  of shopping pleasure. Plus,  if you do the right thing by God, He will always give you what you desire at the right time. Even when you have overflow, if you embrace the wisdom of a budget,  you still do not allow yourself to be ripped off by over-priced things. Take the time to really review your financial situation. Now,  ask yourself what do you consistently see... Does God come first?  Do you give as He leads you in order to enhance your harvest?  Are you too lax in your giving without keeping account into your responsibilities, and whether it's your own doing or God's?  Do you limit yourself based on your budget instead of faith?  Are you selfish? Does business come before pleasure? Keep track of where you are today with a budget and plan more in order to be more financially free tomorrow, and build upon you and your family's future.

Pride vs Humility

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,

Philippians 2:3 NIV

In today's society, people do anything for attention, likes, hearts,  or to gain interest including compromising their mouth and actions. Even more so,  think about the blessings and people you miss out on connecting with because of assumptions or the need to be the spotlight. If people could learn to see beyond themselves, they will be able to bless them selves with new opportunities, more wisdom, and have a better understanding of people. Don't allow selfishness and the inability to see outside your thoughts and circle be what stunts your growth.

Blessings of the Lord

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.

Psalm 37:7‭-‬8 NIV

*Seeing people obtain what you've always desired,  by their own means, is nothing to be envious about. The best things in life,  that are sustained, come from God. These things are also a part of your purpose, instead of being achieved for temporal gain. It's better to wait on God,  and allow Him to prepare you then obtaining something prematurely that may hinder your growth and create lack because you aren't sure how to handle or maintain it...

Correction

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid.

Proverbs 12:1 NIV

Lord,  help me to be humble when I am wrong and corrected. May the correction be done in love without malicious intent, and may my response be the same. Also, help me to correct others in your in your will.

Ever notice how people become attitude  prone when they are corrected,  as if what they say should go regardless of if it's wrong or right? There is pride behind that reaction, especially if others have been accepting to their demeanor or thoughts. Even with this reaction,  we must still be led on how we handle these people. We must also look to God on what to say or even how to say it. Also, for those who are accepting to poor behaviors, ask God to help you be strong enough to correct in love instead of ignoring the problem.

Lastly, be led on if you should correct it. Just because things are different from what you experience, doesn't mean that it's wrong. Let's be open to receiving wisdom, and understand how to give it as well.

Foundation of Humility

By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life.

Proverbs 22:4 KJV

Humility is the foundation that upholds the promises of God. He knows what will make or break you, and what you are truly ready for...May God be sought after first, allowing the desires of our heart to follow. We must humble ourselves in order to be edified and prepared for the promises and expansions of life.

Humility and Truth

if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV

People would rather defend a lie in order to keep doing what they enjoy or are use to, instead of trying the truth and freeing themselves up for something new. People are often afraid of change and realness; therefore, they look for ways to justify lies in order to support complacency. We must remember to let go by humbling ourselves to the truth, admit there is a need for change, and open our hearts to the directions of the Father. How will you ever grow if you don't open your mind to embrace the unknown by faith, and let go of what has held you back? Make room for healing and correction in order to be prepared to support something new and greater....

God's the Motivator

Philippians 3:13-14 

Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 

ESV

*I will continue to push for despite how I feel, what I see, or even what I don't see. Faithfulness is staying loyal to the process, and faith is the belief in the promise.

Sacrifices

John 10:11 (NIV)

"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

*The sacrifice that we are expected to make in guiding people does not just mean protecting them until death, but it also highlights the ability to set our own thoughts and comfortability to the side to be used for God's will. Many times we think we are being beneficial in what we do based off our own merit and convenience, but what about when it isn't convenient or not within the realm of what you are use to doing? It's great to share the word in the way you know how, but what about God's way in order to help us grow and push other's past the surface. Laying down your life is often the sacrifice of being in environments (perhaps work) or around people you aren't use to or may not understand...but, God will teach you and your inconvenience will be beneficial to everyone in the end.

Humility with Christ

1 Peter 5:6 (ESV)

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you...

*Humility often requires that we are accepting to another's suggestion for improvement. We must learn to be humble enough to admit when we have a problem, and open for suggestions on how to fix it. God is the one who is trying to show us where we fall short in order to clean us up, and prepare us for the next level that He is trying to take us to...BUT, we must be willing to humble ourselves to being edified by the information He provides through different sources including some people. God wants to bless us and help us rise, but He wants you to completely surrender and let Him have His way in your life... Even if it is giving up things that hinder us and keep us from fully letting go with Him. Don't settle for the bare minimum or a mediocre life. Humble yourself for the specific reconstruction that He has for you in order to be blessed and prepared for what you've always wanted...Let go and let God...

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.

The Treatment of Others

Colossians 3:12-14 (ESV)

Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 

*It's easy to see the faults of others...It's even easier to dismiss yourself by ignoring those individuals, and removing yourself from having any interactions. However, sometimes God calls us to humble ourselves, and remember how He dealt with and is still dealing with us. He reminds us of His ability to love, have patience, and share in our deliverance. Shouldn't we humble ourselves to do the same with others? Even when we are led to correct, we are called to do it in love and meekness. People believe in tough love because they believe in allowing others suffer for what you believe is wrong. Sure there are consequences to all actions, but imagine if u had to suffer for everything. Would you want someone to walk in love with you, or walk in persecution? Let's evaluate how we want others to treat us vs how we actually treat other people.

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?

Interesting or Not ?

Philippians 2:4 ESV

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

*Have you ever noticed how easy it is to talk about your wants, needs, what bothers you, or what's on your mind? Yet, at times when others do the same thing, we tend to tune them out or think poorly of them just because you don't see their issue as a problem. Perhaps you even take the time to care about someone's needs, but it is only regarding those who are in your circle or those who satisfy you. All these things are still of your own interests...Things that intrigue you. However, what about interests that others have that aren't familiar, those that do not bring you pleasure, or those that are on another level. If you only take interest in people and topics that interest you, you may never broaden your perspective or stretch your capabilities. Go deeper in who and what God tells you to take interest in...You never know where your blessings are located...

Where is Your Mind At?

2 Timothy 3:1-9 ESV

But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.

*Ever wonder why God tells you to avoid people or leave them alone? It could be because they have Schizophrenia of the spirit, and God doesn't want that uncertainty to run off on you. This is not a joke: So many people claim to love God and live for Him, but do not listen to His suggestions on fixing your lifestyle, reaching out to others, or will not allow their mind to wrap their head around His possibilities. They claim to trust Him, but still date who that want to and not who they are led to; they love Him, but can't help or so much as listen to their brothers and sisters in need; they say they seek Him first for decisions, but yet they are still "doing what they gotta do;" or they ask for friends, but treat each other like crap or isolate themselves to one group. This list goes on, but what is a clue that their mental psyche is not aligned with the Holy Spirit is when they consistently do this on a regular basis. Sure, we all make mistakes, but in the last days inconsistent behavior is often confused with a mistake. Take the time to analyze your lifestyle, and ask yourself are you living in a bubble of what you view to be normal...OR, are you following the normalities governed by the word?

Prayer ALWAYS Changes Things...

Please join us in praying for America beginning this week on Wed., March 19th from noon - 1pm in praying for America. This will occur at FCC weekly at the above time. If you are unable to attend, then feel free to pray at your designated location during this time period. Let's combat the year of judgment through the protection of manifested love!

The Power Humility

Romans 12:3 (NIV)
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.

*Humility is a major part of obtaining what God has for us. First, we have to be humble enough to admit if there are things we need to clean up in our lives. We also need to be obedient with following the instructions God gives us to remove those things. This means seeking Him by prayer and supplication (meditating and standing on the word). Also, if u can show God He is top priority in your current state, u will find that He will be able to trust u with more and advance where u are today. Submitting ourselves to Him is part of the humility process. After all, if u can't handle a little then how will u act if u had a lot? We also have to watch how we compare ourselves to others, and whether or not we take their feelings and walking in love with them into consideration. Only being concerned about "me, myself, and mine" is not going to cut it. You are linked to other people and have the ability to make an impact on them. Be open to humbling yourself to be used by God, and I guarantee u will see the harvest in your planting. Notice that blessings come with instructions, and instructions are to be followed. Whether or not the process is complicated will lie in your ability to remain in faith, be obedient, and act upon humility.