Knowledge is Power

Proverbs 15:14 (ESV)

14 The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge,
but the mouths of fools feed on folly.

*While reading this, it spoke volumes to me...If we desire to understand people and things better, we should seek knowledge on best practices, how to handle it, or what to do and say. We should not speak on things we do not fully understand, did not seek clarity on, or haven't taken the time to research. Everyone thinks they know things, but the fact is that no one is well rounded in every topic. Furthermore, when it comes to people, you don't know why they made that decision or took that route until you seek wisdom..It can be as simple as speaking with them and asking God what to say, or as deep as needing to increase your knowledge by taking part in educational sources. Regardless, I hear so many people criticize others while commenting on what they don't know or believe to be right. Remember, God made us different for a reason..One of those reasons is to learn from each other. Per a conversation I was having last night, we think too much into things or are quick to criticize others before being like God, and learning to understand through love before we jump to a conclusion. Besides, some of us are seeking someone to understand, and to receive that harvest you need to sow that type of seed. Let's work on not putting our mouth on someone or something that we haven't expanded our minds to investigate and asked God what to do and say first.

Walking in Love

Psalm 145:8-9 (ESV)

8 The Lord is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

9 The Lord is good to all,
and his mercy is over all that he has made.

*As I meditate on God's love this morning, I think about how steadfast His love is and how I want to be more like Him...Humanistically, we become tired of people and get rid of them if they don't do us right, we are not flexible or open to others as we should be, we look for others to give to us even though we may not do them the same way, we speak and think  poorly of others despite our faults, and sometimes we just become plain sick of individuals. Let's take it a step further...Let's say we are the type of people who do what God tells us to do towards people, but our harvest has yet to manifest...Well, then we are the type of people who give up. Whatever your type, God remains the same...Forever loving no matter how we treat Him. He is patient and caring, but truthful and corrective in love. I've never experienced a love like this, and I want to be more consistent in displaying this love of God without feelings come into play. Feelings of love towards people last for a moment, but God's love goes beyond the feeling of that circumstance... It is deeply rooted and grounded to love in spite of anything. He sees you as His beautiful creation that is still being shaped and molded by Him, if you allow Him to continue to be the artist. He sees what you are capable of being and wants to help you get there. Wouldn't that be great if we could learn that as people?...Of course, associate with who God leads you to, but I crave the ability to love through longsuffering and toleration when I don't I want to be there. How's your love walk?

Love Conquers All

Romans 13:10 (ESV)

10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

*No matter the situation, you can never go wrong with loving others. Love is the ultimate way for you to find peace, be the bigger person, and even move and move forward without holding a grudge. Love leads to other action that contribute to the betterment of our health and well being, while having a powerful effect on even the person with extreme bitterness. God is love, and He wants us to share that love with other people. In order to work on our love walk, we must continue to ask how would God handle the situation, what would He say, or how would He do things? How is He asking us to show love? At the very least, learn to love yourself and understand the love of God. This will help you respect, love, and value others. Spread love today...You never know who needs it, and who you can inspire.

Protection and Redemption

Psalm 3:3 (ESV)

3 But you, O Lord, are a shield about me,
my glory, and the lifter of my head.

*Sometimes we want things so badly that we miss the warning signs. However, God amazingly keeps us, and lifts our head out of the fog of our desires to show us the truth. The way He sweetly informs us while giving us a choice is beyond amazing. Even when we make the wrong choices, we still have so many opportunities to remove ourselves from the temptation or the issue. There is always a way out, and even more so, there is protection from God if we are willing to receive it. Therefore, don't beat yourself up over a mistake. (I often do that, especially when it comes to the wrong relationship.) Just become more aware in Christ, and continue to build yourself up in Him to avoid unnecessary stress and hurt. Even when we make mistakes, there is a lesson to be learned and the positivity behind the fact that you've been freed!

What is Your Focus?

Colossians 3: 1-2 (ESV)

1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

*Many times, we are focused on what the world tells us we should be doing... We set that idea as a goal, and focus on achieving it. We also make our own plans to follow, and constantly try to modify the plan if we are dealing with a situation or people that we prefer to be removed from. However, solely focusing on what we want and what we believe is best can be exhausting and often frustrating. We have to learn to turn our minds towards what God wants and what will assist us towards spiritual betterment and peace. He wants us to have an unexpected end, and the things we do on earth influence what we will experience after we pass on as well. So, ask yourself what are you focused on that makes life more difficult? And is that of God? Did you receive a word from heaven to deal or not deal with that? Take your mind off what society tells you, and ask God where is He trying to guide you.

The Look of Help

Psalm 121:1-2 (NIV)

1 Lift up my eyes to the mountains—
    where does my help come from?
² My help comes from the Lord,
    the Maker of heaven and earth.

*God is always sending assistance our way, especially during our time of need. Everything or everyone that comes to our aid is a reflection of God's love. We just have to open our eyes, hearts, and minds to notice and receive it. His help comes in forms that are unexpected, and ways we never planned... We just have to be open enough to receive, and also be a willing vessel to aid Him in helping others as well. I don't know about you, but sometimes I find myself open to God's help, but too busy planning how I think it should come rather than what or who He actually sends. God's aid is always there if we ask for direction and clarity, and become more aware of the resources He has given us and people that He has placed in our lives. Who or what are you missing out on?

We Need Each Other

Proverbs 15:22 (ESV)

22 Without counsel plans fail,
but with many advisers they succeed.

*Many times we don't desire to discuss what we are going through with others. We hold it in due to fear, judgment, false image portrayals, or we may not know who to talk with regarding our situations. However, there is strength in numbers, and God wants us to be reliant upon each other and not isolated when we are dealing with things. You may be surprised to find that you aren't the only one dealing with that particular issue. Also, our areas of weakness were meant to be edified by those who are strong in that area. This is why we must be aware of what others are going through in order to help edify each other in love, and to make a positive impact on one another. Please, be wise though and consult with God on who to share your information with. Discuss things as God leads you to the right people, but do not allow fear to keep you from having the discussion. We must also learn to be discreet and open-minded with one another because we need to be open to hear from God on how to walk in love and counsel people, and not condemn them, discuss their business, and of course be kind. May we all find covenant partners, come out of our shells, and look outside of our clicks to love on one another.

The Truth will Set You Free

Proverbs 16:1-2 (NIV)
1 The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.
2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit.

*God has an answer for every plan we try to come with, and every idea of that we believe is right. We all have a way of justifying what we do, or finding a reason for making a choice even when we know in our heart it's wrong. However, God looks at your heart and the truth that reins in our spirit to depict our real intentions and motives. We must learn to align our hearts with God, and listen to the Holy Spirit for what should be done rather than what we believe should be or needs to be done. God's thoughts are not our thoughts, and His ways are higher...He also knows the beginning and how things will end. Wouldn't it be better to trust Him? Don't make the mistake of leaning to your own understanding because you think it's right... There are a million and one ways to be blessed...Don't you want God to give you the best option? Plus, how many times have we fallen more so than triumphed when we start trusting in ourselves only? Be truthful with yourself, and listen to the Father.

Consider How You Treat People

Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV)

24And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

*Our job as believers is not just to win souls, but to keep each other encouraged in order for us to stay encouraged and focused on the path to fulfilling God's purpose. This includes encouraging all believers, and not just those you pick and choose. We all have struggles and strengths,and those strengths can help someone else out in their time of weakness if we look beyond who and what we know,and become more open to God's directions. Often, believers are some of the most interesting people to associate with because many forget to walk in love, but instead walk in their feelings or judgment. However, God tells us here that we shouldn't give up on meeting or being together because there is strength in numbers....That strength is found amongst each other if we are open to receiving as we are to giving our opinions, thoughts, and prayers. This is why we must be led by God on what to say and when to say it, which will help avoid taking matters into our own hands and continue to link believers rather than tear us a part. Consistency, guidance, obedience and love are the keys between our people and our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Love!!

1 John 4:7-8 (NIV)

7Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

*Being spiteful due to the action of others never solves a problem...If anything, it makes the situation worse due to negativity, often assumptions are created without facts, and you're hurting yourself based on the negative seed you're sowing. God loves us regardless of what we have done or said, and waits for us to come out of darkness and talk with Him.  We are required to do the same, even if it's loving from a distance. There are also so many individuals who claim to love people, but do not act on it...Loving yourself and others is more than words...It's whether or not you are acting on His word, and truly treating others how you want to be treated. May God work on our hearts in order to exercise true love towards one another while we work on our relationship with Him.

Think Outside Your Box

Hebrews 13:3 (NIV)

3Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.

*Everyday, we have people suffering around us and within our society, yet many do not care as long as it isn't effecting their households. God didn't call us to be an isolated group that only uplifts people we know, or individuals that effect our well being. He called us to reach out to all of mankind whether they are similar to you or not. You never know how much even the simplest of things mean to people. Therefore, ask God how to use you to impact others, especially those outside your circle. A person could be hurting right before your eyes... Don't be so self absorbed that you miss the opportunity to be a vessel for God. Ask Him to lead you in this area.