Direction is Protection

2 Thessalonians 3:5 (ESV)

5 May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.

*Based off of our experiences and who we have encountered, our hearts can develop a protective covering that won't allow certain people in or you may have issues with letting go of others. God is love, so He will not remove someone or a desire from your heart, but if it is not of God then we must learn to refocus our energy on God and remove our focus from that individual or desire. We must guard ourselves with the word, but be open to what or who the Lord is trying to show you or give you. We must be careful not to waiver from the truth and love of God in order to focus on who or what we believe is best. The rationalization of our minds is in no comparison to the plan and promises of the Lord. Become more grounded and focus on Him to develop yourself and fix those issues that you keep running into. If we are steadfast in Christ, there will be no room for confusion or our own motives... Stay focus, and I pray when we aren't that we get there. Remember, the direction of the Lord is your protection.

Make It Do What It Do for God

Ephesians 2:8-10 (NIV)

8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

*Being saved and receiving the promises of God is not something you earn, but it is your divine right if you have enough faith to receive and act on the opportunity. What's been placed in your heart, once you are saved are desires, which all correlate together to fulfill your purpose. Every person you meet, everything you are given by God, and places He sends you are all a part of your purpose and destiny. The good things that you choose to do or not to do will impact your purpose filled path, and are based on the freedom of choice. Remember though  that every choice has a consequence be it positive or negative. Also, every act should be done because you love God, and not out of obligation or in hopes of pay back. Examine the things you're in, the reason behind why you do them, and what you choose to hold on to...Is in line with the word of God? Is it a part of His plan for your life, coinciding with the truth placed in your hurt, or is it a distraction that hinders the grace that has been placed on your life?

Tomorrow May Never Come if You Don't Focus Today

Matthew 6:34 (ESV)

34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”

*On a day like today, it is easy to wish for the weekend...Perhaps your thoughts even go beyond that where you are wishing for the day to spend time with someone, wishing for a day when you don't have to work anymore bc of your own business, or wish for the day when change comes. Nothing is wrong with wishing and wanting, but when you start to become antsy or anxious then that's when an issue can occur and desperation may set in. The anxiety often causes us to make hasty decisions that get us outside the will of God. God could be trying to show you something or someone today that can assist your desire for tomorrow. He could even be trying to save you from something currently, but we are so distracted by what we want for the next day that we can't see the warning of today. There is nothing wrong with making plans for the future, but be on guard and aware daily of things that can distract or hinder you. Your decisions or what you miss out on today will impact your tomorrow. Be less anxious and more in tune to the Father who knows what today holds and what tomorrow will bring.

Double for Your Trouble

Isaiah 61:7 ESV

Instead of your shame there shall be a double portion; instead of dishonor they shall rejoice in their lot; therefore in their land they shall possess a double portion; they shall have everlasting joy.

*Sometimes we may wonder where is  God? Are the normalities or the suffering u go through daily really how your life is going to be? Where are the promises? Trust me, I understand. Sometimes we haven't received because we are blocking ourselves from our blessing, while other times it's just the game of patience. Either way, ask God for clarity... Sometimes we want to give up on seeking and asking, but God is faithful. I challenge you today to uplift someone who is going through. People are on the edge more than you know, and we are still vessels used to sow seeds in order to reap a harvest of our own.

Fearless

Psalm 27:1 (ESV)

Of David.

27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?

*Many times we may find ourselves in a state of fear. Sometimes we recognize it and other times it is a hidden issue, which is the very thing that keeps us complacent. If you are experiencing a block be it mentally, physically, emotionally, ask yourself is it due to fear of change? No matter what we are facing, God is with us every step of the way. Sabotage or unwanted changes are still under the submission of His control. Today, I am praying that we let go and let God. I too plan to work on always allowing God to guide and take the wheel bc without Him I will only run into a dead end. Let's work on increasing our faith, and not have a plan of action or a backup plan that has been developed through fear over time.

Salvation and Lifestyle

Romans 10:9-10 (ESV)

9 Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

*Being saved is not some complicated ritual. Anyone can be saved by simply confessing out of your mouth and believing in your heart that Jesus Christ is Lord. After that, the lifestyle you live is based on your love for Christ and not a ritual that you have to do as part of your salvation. Now, please understand that once you are saved, you cannot live your old life of sinning and grinning because habitual sin will still land you in hell. A mistake and repenting of that by asking God for forgiveness is one thing bc we all make mistakes, but continuing to do something does not  depict your love for God nor does it enhance your ability to allow change to occur in the mind and in your heart. Allow the confession of your mouth and your belief that Jesus died on the cross and rose again to influence how u see life and interact with others in it. Even more so, incorporate His word to bring about the solution for growth and change. There is a whole new way of thinking, doing, and receiving things if you act on what you believe...

Confessions Come From the Heart

James 5:16 (NIV)

16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

*Those who believe in Christ often lack transparency. There is a facade personality that is expressed by others, which masks what's really going on in their lives or how they truly feel. However, the need to pretend is often the result of who you have been around and how others have treated you when you express your true feelings. In this case, we must watch the company we keep. In the body of Christ, we are suppose to be able to come to each other and discuss issues that we have currently. Where I may be weak at, you could be strong and vice versa. However, we must learn to stop pointing the finger or pretending that people are perfect. In this life we continue to grow, and that growth process contributes to admitting areas that need work and being willing to fix them. God is also encouraging us to uplift each other, accept differences, and stop trying to assume things or have "one up" on someone. This is not the game of tennis, but a maze of life that we are all trying to figure out. Remember, everyone is different and it is not your job to change them. What is your job is to be used by God to have a positive influence and allow Him to do the changing. Be wise when you have a discussion with people, and be alert as to who God is telling you to speak with or not to speak with...Remember, just because you feel comfortable venting to them may not mean they are sent in your life to help you. However, be open to who He does send and be realistic about the areas that you need help in...