Influences of Ephesians

Ephesians 4:17-24 (NIV)
¹⁷ So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longerlive as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. ¹⁸ They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of Godbecause of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. ¹⁹ Having lost all sensitivity,they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.

²⁰ That, however, is not the way of life you learned ²¹ when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. ²² You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;²³ to be made new in the attitude of your minds; ²⁴ and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

*Today, God instructed me to leave us with more of the word to start our weekend. As holidays arise, we are often caught up in the hype of what the world tells us to do in order to celebrate and/or have a good time. Sometimes these very suggestions cause us to compromise our beliefs, what God is telling us not to do, which  takes us away from focusing how we are called to conduct ourselves vs how the world tells us to celebrate. As a believer, you can have fun and still stay sober minded towards the things of Christ. If any compromising occurs, it is because we choose to participate in darkness rather then seek alternatives that provides protection yet allow fun. Let's be mindful of who we are called to be and be consistent in that, vs who we allow ourselves to become due to allowing the manifestation of poor thoughts and influences. Let's also seek God for the right accountability partners, as well as be open to lovingly hold others accountable as well.

Moving Forward Correctly

James 4:8 (ESV)

8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

*The more time we spend talking to God, obtaining His opinion, and listening to His guidance are more  elements that allow us to grow closer to Him. God is already close to us because He knows everything about us including our problems, weaknesses, strengths, and desires. However, we often choose to do things our way or function as normal without concerning the very individual that knows all and sees all. He is even aware of what is best for your future. Therefore, wouldn't we want to become closer with someone who can benefit you, and who truly cares? Let's pray that we are more consistent with doing the right things by being in His will in order to gain His trust, and submitting ourselves completely in order to be entrusted with even more. You can't move forward if you are constantly going back and forth.

The Sincerity of Love

Romans 12:9 (ESV) Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.

*Many times, we show love to people and others because we feel it is good karma or our Christian duty. However, love is not a chore. It is an emotion filled with sincerity and compassion, which often causes empathy in order to relate to others. If you aren't sure how to properly love, use Christ as an example. Think on how God continues to forgive, help, and strengthen you. Think on the sacrifice of His son, Jesus, and how it cost Him pain and life to provide an opportunity of new life for you. If nothing else, think of how much you may have longed for someone to sincerely relate or understand you. God can show you how to show love, on different levels, for each person in your life. However, we must be willing to learn and seek positivity. If you focus on negativity or allow bad things in your life, then there will be no room for good...let alone love. To miss out on showing love is to miss out on being able to sow and set up sincerity for yourself. What you sow is what you will reap.

Desirable Wisdom

Proverbs 19:2 (NIV)

Desire without knowledge is not good—
    how much more will hasty feet miss the way!

*Many of us desire things without doing the homework on how to receive it, what it takes to maintain it, and how to go deeper in it. There is a haste to receive and be blessed, but do we have the wisdom of knowing the responsibility that comes with the blessing? This is why it is a good idea to take our time to seek God and obtain insight on the desires of our heart. He wants us to have those desires, but He also wants to fully prepare us as well. How often have we seen people obtain grant things only to lose them due to lack of preparation, dedication, or education on how to maintain? Today, let's focus on obtaining wisdom by asking God for guidance on how to handle our desires...Seeking Him first allows all to be added and maintained.

Love Uncensored

Hebrews 13:1-3 ESV

Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.

*Many times, we are so wrapped up in our own affairs that we forget about each other, the lost, and those less fortunate. We desire people to remember our feelings and to love us, but what seeds are you sowing towards others in order to receive love in return? Even more so, how do you view other people, their situation, and their feelings? Is it based on your own understanding, or do you see them the way God does? God constantly emphasizes brotherly love throughout the word, especially in this context; therefore, this has to be one of the key elements of making it in life. This type of love is not about picking and choosing, lust, or loving for a short period of time. This is a steadfast love, with nothing fake about it, that should dwell in our hearts towards our fellow man at all times. Loving others depicts our love for God, and creates peace. How much love do you show daily, or is it about how much love is shown towards you? Place yourself in someone's shoes, and view them as God sees them. Does that change their value?

Make HIS Move Your Next Move

Proverbs 16:1-3

To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue.
² All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord.
³ Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.

*Notice that our plans may not be what God has in mind when it comes to our life. We may think we know what to do or how to solve something, but God could be trying to lead us in a different direction. You may even believe you are making the best decision for your life and others, but God knows our true motives behind what we do and if selfishness is involved. God's plan for us is a sure thing. There is no need for a backup, a "just in case," or any other way we rationalize alternatives. He is here to guide us, and remove those elements of confusion that may not get us anywhere at all. He truly promotes a straight and narrow, and has your best interest at heart because He knows the end result. We just have to let go of what doesn't line up with Him to replace it with what does...Let's pray that each of us finds clarity, and uncovers our next move.

End It with Patience

Ecclesiastes 7:8 (ESV)

8 Better is the end of a thing than its beginning,
and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.

*Many of us try to hold on to what we know, which prolongs your current state rather then you excelling to another level. We may pretend as if we have moved on while still looking back and wondering...We have to learn to let go in order to remove what we have envisioned, which makes room for God's vision. Therefore, let go of what you know is dead, a waste of time, not of God, and does not have your best interest in mind. Move forward in patience to wait for what God truly has for you, have an open mind on what He is guiding you to, and prepare or learn more about it in order for you to recognize it and know how to handle it when your blessing arrives.