For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord , and he pondereth all his goings. Proverbs 5:21 KJV
*God is watching how we choose to react to things and people. He is reviewing us to see if we can handle either what we are asking Him for, or if we are ready to go to the next level. How we treat situations now is sowing into our next steps. Remember, in everything we do God is watching and analyzing.
Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead...
Philippians 3:13 NIV
*So many dwell on mistakes from the past... So much so that it hinders your ability to move forward, or embrace your future relationships. Our past mistakes are forgiven by God; therefore, ask for forgiveness and ask how to move forward. Dwelling on things does not promote change, but learning from it and moving forward with a renewed mindset does. Allow God to free your heart from bondage in order to move forward mentally, physically, financially, emotionally, and spiritually.
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NIV
Food for Thought:
"Every one of us has a propensity toward certain sins. It is important, though, that we rein in our flesh and that we are temperate in all things because our lifestyle affects our message."
Whatever we do in life effects our witnessing... It's important to still be real, but don't be worldly and allow what you witness to not impact your own lifestyle. People need to see God in you to draw closer to Him. What separates you from the world if you are of it? Do you talk the talk, but have issues walking the walk? What are you doing to keep your heart and mind in submission?
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
John 10:10 ESV
*The thief is always looking to still, kill, and destroy... especially when if comes to our confidence in who we are called to be. He loves to emphasize our mistakes, use people to make you feel bad, or bring up what we lack in order to hinder our confidence. However, unlike people, God never called us to be perfect. He just desires that we have enough humility to be used. We live in a society where people see your flaws before seeing theirs, they set parameters to meet requirements, but praise God that He owns it all and is able to use the weak to prove His power to the strong and haughty. I know I'm not perfect, but I am powerful because I can admit my mistakes, work through them, and still be used by God! What about you?
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...
Psalm 30: 8-11 (NIV)
8 To you, O Lord, I cry,
and to the Lord I plead for mercy:
9 “What profit is there in my death,
if I go down to the pit?
Will the dust praise you?
Will it tell of your faithfulness?
10 Hear, O Lord, and be merciful to me! O Lord, be my helper!”
11 You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;
you have loosed my sackcloth
and clothed me with gladness,
12 that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever!
*Guys, when I read these versus, it reminds me of all those desires that I have had to quit... Just through in the towel due to feeling of being trapped or like I just couldn't get it right. I reflected on those who have been confused by the enemy and actually taken their own life due to these feelings. Then, God reminded me of how His work, your purpose, and your life would be in vain if you give up. What good are you to Him, others, or yourself if you give up? When it feels the hardest is often when we are on the presupus of our breakthrough. Notice how the verses depict a sudden change... Let's pray for one another to hold on and believe for change. We must uplift one another, and individually keep the armor of God on (Ephesians 6:10-18) in order to be protected and be delivered from the war with our minds, flesh, and the illusion of hopelessness.
Psalm 86:4-5 (ESV)
4 Gladden the soul of your servant,
for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. 5 For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.
*Sometimes it's good to take a break from people and sort things out with God. God understands even when no one else seems to...His steadfast love never changes. At times, when we feel too much controversy, hurt, or inconsistency with others then it's good to just have a session with you and God. It doesn't always necessarily mean that you are the problem, but perhaps He is trying to get your attention... Take a moment to relax with Him to seek fulfillment and find happiness in order to learn how to deal with situations that make you feel less...
Photo credit: Author unknown (A Facebook share)
My hope is to be able to love everyone the way Jesus does, and my prayer is that all of us truly know Him and how He views you...May you know your worth, and never settle again...
Luke 12:6-7 (ESV)
6 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. 7 Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.
*Many of us know that God has the ability to take care of us, and we shouldn't worry about anything. Some of us are even aware that living in fear will get you know where; however, the disconnect for many is actually TRUSTING in God to supply EVERYTHING and submitting to HIS GUIDANCE. Do you really understand your value to God? If so, there would be no need to stoop to someone's level, hinder our bodies with foreign substances, or take it upon ourselves to take action without seeking God's guidance or plan. You see, everything you believe, say, and do or desire to do may not be in line with the Father. If you do not allow Him to completely order your steps and show you what He has for you, then you are unaware of your full potential and value He has placed on your life. You are only going by what you know and have experienced. If you don't realize your own worth, then you have definitely lost sight of how to properly view and communicate with others. How you treat and REALLY feel about others is a reflection of how you feel about yourself, and how your relationship is with God. Whatever you worry about or feel disgusted by when it comes to others is the very thing God wants to work with you on...He wants you to let go and trust that He knows you and all your inner thoughts. Surrender to Him..He is waiting for the truth to come out of you, for you to realize your value, and He wants you to receive what you are entitled to, once you become aware of your importance in His plan.
Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV)
23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
*If we expect full results from God, we should work on giving Him a 100% in everything we do. Half stepping may only produce half finished results. Remember, whatever you sow is also what you will reap (Galatians 6:7). Let's work on reaping the full benefits that God has for us by giving Him our all, and representing Him to the fullest in everything we do.
Luke 12:6-7 (ESV)
6 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. 7 Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.
* Sometimes we all have those moments when we think we have been forgotten by God...Moments when you just accept life, let go, and claim that "it is what it is." That springs from thinking God has forgotten...forgotten about your deepest desires, providing you with a pathway to reach goals, or perhaps you think He is too busy with larger things to even be troubled with you and your "little" things. So, you become complacent, accept any old thing, settle, or take things as they come rather then hitting it head on with the force of God. I get it, trust me...I'm there, but operating in this mindset means we have forgotten our value. This is the value of our place in His kingdom, and the price that was paid to save us. No matter what, remember your worth and His promises if you have dedicated your life to Him. Save yourself from the restraints and low value of the world, and receive your inheritance through Him. Let's pray for each other in this area, and ask the Father for guidance in receiving what we are worth...
Don't be a part of the STANDARD, but be on STANDBY to encourage others to dare to be different...Ppl should not DEFINE u, but you should DEFY the norm set by ppl...
Jeremiah 29:11(KJV)
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. #ExpectTheUnexpected
Anyone can get sex anytime or any place they desire, but what is sexy is someone who waits on the appropriate timing of the Lord....#RealTalk #HoldOn #GoodThingsCome2ThoseWhoWait
