Temptation vs God's Will

James 1:13-14

Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.

*Temptation is in the mind of the beholder...God is never tempting u, and no one can "try u" or "test your inner gangster" unless u allow them to. Whenever u feel tempted, it is often your inner most desires that are coming out and trying to push u to find a quicker way to satisfy that need or want. Consider it a test of your will power, which is often one of the hardest test to pass. However, greater is He that lives on the inside of u then the adversity that wants to manifest within. We just have to ask ourselves if the temptation that we feel, long for, or crave lines up with the will of God for your life or with His word. In being transparent, I have longed to leave GA and explore a new state...the devil tempts with financial means to get me out of my current state, and pokes at that longing for financial overflow and stability. However, I have to ask myself if that opportunity is really a gain or a guarantee that will get me out of His will. I know it can become hard sometimes and u long for fulfilment and gain, but are u really going to gain if u lose everything in the end from being outside of His will? 

Season of Sincerity

Ephesians 4:1-3

1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

*We are called for many unique purposes in God's kingdom, but one of our more unified callings is to be our brother and sister's keeper. "Keeping" refers to sincerely having their back when needed be it for a good or bad situation. Also, providing anything that u can from simply a listening ear to a more tangible item if prompted by God to do so. Being gentle always  softens the heart and soothes the soul. U never know what a person is going through, and of course u know that u can win more flies with honey then u can with vinegar. So, even in correction u must walk in love. Think of how u would want to be treated in any given circumstance. Think of what aggravates u, what may come off as confusing or rude, or how u have wanted someone to be concerned just to know that someone cares. Now exercise the positivity of how to handle those situations towards those around u. It gives them peace and courage to know that in such a cold world, there is someone who can be SINCERELY loving...not just doing it begrudgingly because it feels like u have to because if that is your reasoning, then it is best if u didn't do it at all. God wants us to freely give tangible items to Him...how much more do u think He expects us to emphasize love, especially since He first loved us while we were in sin. This holiday season, think beyond yourself and your needs to FEEL the needs of someone else. Now exercise that feeling through love...u never know who is secretly in need of gentleness and crying out to u for it. U may be there last hope...

Thankful Thoughts

Matt. 5:5
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

*As u enjoy food, family, friends and/or quiet time, take one moment out of your festive day not to just thank God and reflect on your own blessings, but ask the Father to bless others as well. There are some who are better of then us this morning, but there are many who are a lot worse. Don't just count your own blessings, but reflect on ways to use those blessings to help someone else. Remember, being blessed goes beyond u...we are attached to others, and have the power to make a difference if we humble ourselves to God's guidance. This in turn not only helps others, but will impact the success of your future as well... Happy Thanksgiving. Eat a little something in dedication to all of us. ;-) 

Thanksgiving

He deserves all the glory and all the praise because He will never leave you nor forsake you. Praise Him for what He has brought u through, and for what He is going to do!

The Author of Clarity

1 Corinthians 14:33
King James Version (KJV)
For God is not the author of
confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

*Every blessing from God is given through a smooth transition, and there is direction that comes with it on how to obtain it. How we take the direction, if we choose to follow it, and how we handle the direction and blessing determines if we receive that peace God promises us. God is not in the mode to make your life harder, nor does he set out to use gastepo tactics to give u added pressure. He is in the blessing business, but of course it requires obedience and submission. How we handle this period of edification often determines the smoothness of the transition. Don't beat yourself up if u have adjustment issues bc God is there to help u, but don't get these issues mixed up with confusion or whether or not He loves and cares about your needs either. Despite what ppl may believe, He cares about the least of things to greatest...He cares if u are being tempted to larger issues like if u are homeless. No problem is to big or small for Him to handle; therefore, He has no need to confuse u by picking or choosing what He is concerned about in our daily lives, or how u will be blessed to get over these things. Remember that things from God can't produce a negative and a positive at the same time. For example, someone who is a true friend cannot love and judge u at the same time constantly, otherwise u may want to review the friendship. Also, remember, things that are confusing or cause u to think twice may not be from Him...so, pray for discernment and receive your clarity.

Transparency Moment

Have you ever looked at other people and admired their situations, desired their blessing, and longed for your own situation to change? I know I have...I have even wondered if I had done something wrong or missed a window of opportunity because a person was able to receive the very blessing that I wanted at a quicker rate. Now, no one ever knows what people have truly and completely gone through to obtain their blessing...better yet, perhaps what you are viewing may not be an actually blessing at all. BUT, for whatever reason you just wished something positive would happen for you or turn in your favor. I understand and know how you feel.

I am currently in faith regarding the obtainment of not just any job, but the correct career move that will satisfy my heart and steer me on the correct financial path; I am believing God for my mate and working on wrapping my head around the fact that a man could exist that understands my way of thinking; and I am believing for a complete turn around in my family and friend connections...the desire for true love and connections that are not just based on selfishness or when someone wants something. Believe with me that God can turn our bad into a good, our confusion into clarity, and our desires into actualities. For faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things unseen (Hebrews 11:1). Have faith, my friends, that the desires of your heart will be met (Psalms 37:3), and let's work together on remembering and trusting that God is not a man that promotes lies..He keeps His promises forevermore (Numbers 23:19).

Strength

If u fit this description, it says a lot about u.