Worth the Wait

I wait for the Lord , my soul waits, And in His word I do hope. Psalms 130:5 NKJV

*Sometimes we desire something that feels like it will never come...Notice that I said FEELS...That doesn't mean that feeling is true. While we wait on things that we do not have the ability to change without God's grace and intervention, we have to use His word as encouragement and strength. Even if you have to Google scriptures on the topic, do not grow weary or complacent...Wait on the Lord. His strength is made perfect in your weakness, and anything He has for you is worth the wait. Don't settle for a cheap copy or knock off...Wait on the real McCoy.

God MUST Come 1st!!!

I have set the Lord always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will rest in hope. For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption. You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalms 16:8‭-‬11 NKJV

*No matter where I go in life or what I accomplish, God is my foundation and will ALWAYS come first. He is who put me there, and we have to always keep His purpose in mind in order to keep Him first. I prosper because of Him alone. When my soul prospers, I prosper. I am only prepared because of His wisdom and training, and I will always be His humble servant..All praise goes to Him.

Level Up vs Throwing Up

https://youtu.be/8LLYfzhK5Xw

Prepping With God/ Food 4 Thought

https://youtu.be/VZ7YskBNtPc

With God, All Things are Possible

He answered him and said, “O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him to Me.” Then they brought him to Him. And when he saw Him, immediately the spirit convulsed him, and he fell on the ground and wallowed, foaming at the mouth. So He asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. And often he has thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” Mark 9:19‭-‬24 NKJV

*What I love about this story is how God illustrates faith, and how calm you are suppose to be when you have faith. Can you imagine a demon convulsing in a person, and Jesus just stands there cool, calm, and collect while being unbothered and asking a question? He isn't moved by chaos. I also LOVE the vulnerability of the dad who is asking for help in believing, and Jesus helps his unbelief..The dad seemed drained, but still knew to cry out with what little faith he had to ask for help. We all can cry out to God that way. I know I have..Most importantly, we need to prepare for change. The disciples desired to help, but were unprepared. Are you prepping yourself in God to make a difference in your life, and the lives of others?

Reboot and Rest

However, the report went around concerning Him all the more; and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by Him of their infirmities. So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed. Luke 5:15‭-‬16 NKJV

*Even Jesus had to rest and get a away from crowds and the demands of people at times. Don't be afraid to report, take a moment, and reboot.

Death to Our Expectations 4 Life in His

This is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him, We shall also live with Him. If we endure, We shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us. If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself. II Timothy 2:11‭-‬13 NKJV

*To me, this is a new year's resolution all by itself: Dying to self in order to go deeper in God. God has so much for us, and it is often depicted and given in ways we do not expect. However, we must die to our own expectations, and ask God what are His? Are your plans and resolutions of God, or of your own doing? Don't waste ANYMORE TIME & EFFORT ...

Leave It to God

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! Psalms 46:10 NKJV

*Sometimes we need to remember who God is, and the fact that He always has everything under control. We don't have to do anything extra when we trust Him, & allow Him to guide us. People of this world have different plans to get them through...Ones that take more work, but as a believer what don't have to do what everyone else is doing when you trust in God.

Change for God

So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.

Hebrews 10:35‭-‬36 NIV

*Don't throw away who God created you to be to fit in with society. Who you are, the part that doesn't go against the word, is necessary for your calling and will aid in helping you recognize and handle your blessings. Don't change because human say you should, and don't try to change others..Allow God to do the guidance and changing. You know what He told you to work on vs what needs to be altered.

Who is Priority in Your Life?

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Matthew 6:33 NIV

*When you remember to take care of God's house, even more so than your everyday job, He will take care of you. Volunteer at church by using the gifts you were given as you seek Him, and the rest will be added.. He should be first in our lives. After all, God is the one who gave you that job and those blessings.

The Process

The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.

Ecclesiastes 7:8 NIV

In the beginning or even during a process, we often can't see the end results. We just have to trust God,  and remind ourselves that faith is the substance of things hoped for... The evidence of things unseen (Hebrews 11:1). In the end,  if we are obedient and allow God to guide us, we will reap a harvest. However, until the harvest comes, learn from the process. We all could stand a lesson that helps us grow. In the mean time, hold on to the promise and ask for guidance.

Holy Spirit Guidance

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

Isaiah 30:21 NIV

*Do you ever have moments where you aren't sure what to do, where to go,  whether or not you should get close to someone,  or just feel like you need guidance in general? I think we all have thought this way, but there is always a credible source to turn to who is known as the Holy Spirit. This is God's voice guiding us through life. Sometimes we forget to take advantage of this source because we are often trying to figure it out ourselves. If you feel like you should have done something, or if there is an unction of peace that you feel in your heart... That would be God. Also, it's important to note that nothing that the Holy Spirit tells you will go against the word of God. Therefore, get to know His word in order to hear from Him clearly. Then, go for it!  Only fear and disobedience can hold you back...

Living for God or Humans

Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.

Galatians 1:10 NIV

*Winning the approval of humanity is an endless task that never provides peace, or a steady conclusion. There are ups and downs, rarely contentment, or consistency in pleasing humans. However, pleasing God is consistently a pathway towards growth, always laced with love and good intentions, and the guidance behind it is well-rounded. This is what gives you the peace to deal with people. Live for God, and people will follow.. If you live for people, confusion will follow. Be who God made you to be, and see how many souls you win in the process...

Strength During Weariness

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:30‭-‬31 NIV

Our daily strength to move on and forward,  particularly in God's will for your life, is not something we rely on men to consistently help with... Our strength comes from God. Everyday,  He has a new level He is trying to get us to reach, renew our minds,  and restore our ways back to the original truth of His promises vs the heartache and disbelief that the world has placed in our minds. It takes a desire and faith to want to move forward in this manner, and only that can be provided through a relationship with God. Let's pray for each other daily, and strengthen ourselves with His word.

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...

Direction

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

Romans 3:23‭-‬24 NIV

*We all have fallen short in comparison to God's way of telling us to live, but it's important that we don't stay there. We have to realize that God's grace gives us the option to move on and forward in the right direction. It's up to us to take the opportunity, and not keep doing the same things habitually that get us no where.

Distractions from Positivity

Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

*James 1:21 NIV

Sometimes there are things and people in our lives that serve as distractions, and keep us from going deeper in God. Often, we have large to subtle distractions that take our mind off of God's positivity, and keep us trapped in negativity. We become so overwhelmed by what isn't there, due to the confusion of evil, that we don't accept the possibilities of what could be or what is currently occurring in our lives. Don't limit yourself to negativity or habits that hinder the vision God is trying to give you. Take a stand to remove distractions, and embrace what He is trying to show you even if it looks different from what you imagine.

Light Afflictions, Hardcore Blessings

2 Corinthians: 4:15-16 (ESV)

 15 For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.

16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

*As life moves forward, we will go through things no matter how old we become or how deep in Christ we are. An earthly day may pass, but God's promises will last forever. The things that we go through for His name sake are in no comparison to the reward that is in store for us. He loves us when others do not, and He has our back when everyone else may have left us or found fault in us. Ultimately, if is not the actions of the people that matter, but whether we are moving forward in God and with Him by our side. Yes, some things will hurt and bother us, but we combat that hurt by getting rid of elements that are not of God and focusing on Him. Let's not forget His promises, nor why we are here...Our purpose, His protection, and the power bestowed upon us is far greater than anything negative that we can experience. May we pray for each to remember these things.

Making Way for Peace and Change

Isaiah 32:17 (NIV)

17The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; its effect will be quietness and confidence forever.

*We are promised peace and many things in the Bible, but often it is our responsibility to prepare ourselves and atmosphere for the things God has promised. For instance, peace is available to us, but it is dependent on how we conduct ourselves/who we choose to be around/ where we go/ and how we treat others. Personally speaking, God touched my heart about merry-go-rounds, and continuing to be around the same type of people,but expecting peace or different results. Sometimes you have to ask God who or what elements should be in your life to receive what you've always desired, or even how to handle things. Change can be unknowing or even uncomfortable at times, but it often works out for the better. I'm ready for some peace and something new...I'm tired of the same scenario and attitudes with  different faces or in a different location....How about you?

Learn to Live with God

Psalm 121:5-6 (NIV)

5The Lord watches over you the Lord is your shade at your right hand;6the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.

*God is constantly speaking to us and trying to protect us if we are willing to listen. He is our protection 24&7, and if we are obedient and die to our flesh then we will have fewer negative consequences. God is not trying to keep you from enjoying life.. .He is trying to spare us from experiencing unnecessary hardships and heartaches. Sure, you will still go through things in life, but if you let go and ask for His guidance and covering, then the challenges will be handled better and less drama will occur. How much are we willing to go through without Him? Let's learn to live with the aid of His guidance, and not live to learn and be full of regret.