What's Your Focus?

Colossians 3:1-4 (NIV)

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your[a] life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

*If we align our thoughts with God, and ask Him to help us focus on His will for our lives, then everything that concerns us will work out with His guidance and our faith in action, and everything we desire will fall into place. When we realize we belong to Him and make Him the head of our lives, then all issues seem less of a burden and clarity appears because the problem no longer takes over our mind or outweighs other elements of our lives...We now free ourselves of worry and embrace the freedom of things God has delivered us from and blessed us with in spite of everything. God becomes the heavy weight, and makes the weight of this world light. After all, His yoke is easy and His burden is light (Matt. 11:30) because there is nothing too hard for Him, and He takes on our cares. So, as you begin your week, focus on the positive and watch the negative disappear. There is no room for faith and failure within God's plan for you and His purpose for your life.

Suit Yourself with God

Ephesians 6:13 (ESV)

13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.

*The only way to get through the day, and be guided to the right source for change is by allowing God to prepare and cover you. Sure, we can use other elements to get us through, but those are temporary and will not completely solve the problem. As a matter of fact, any substitute other then God will only prolong the situation or cause a slight change that may last for a short time. Don't sell yourself short...Put on the whole armor of God for complete protection and ultimate change. Each of us must be equipped in our own, special way for our personal journey. God knows what you need throughout your journey; therefore, let Him prepare and guide you.

Growth vs Desire

Every day may not be your favorite, every person may not be your cup of tea, and perhaps every task you are given may not be what you asked for...BUT, God knows what you can handle and where He is trying to take you to...Growth is more important then a temporary desire that may be ever changing. At least u can grow and know how to handle that change.

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.

Rewards of Focusing on God

Psalm 37:4 ESV

Delight yourself in the Lord , and he will give you the desires of your heart.

*Notice that before receiving the things of God, we must focus on Him. Focusing requires the ability to get more in tune with the word, seek God for guidance, being obedient and stop procrastinating, and remove elements of us doing what we feel vs what is right. A feeling alone only lasts for a moment and fulfills only what we desire at that time. However, obeying an unction from the Holy Spirit can impact you long term, and continue to provide balance over the course of your life. There is no desire that is to small or great for God to provide. It's just up to us whether we are ready to incorporate Him in our lives, decisions, and desires that will determine when or even if something or someone will manifest through His perfect will. Seek God first, and all things will be added (Matt. 6:33).

Grow with One Another

Ephesians 1:18 (NIV)

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people...

*This week, I pray that we all truly develop an understanding of why we have been placed on Earth; the importance of our calling vs just going through life; and that we no longer embrace only what we've come to know, but be willing to receive and grow in what God has promised. We settle because we are afraid of being disappointed; we give up because we don't understand how precious we are to God and His plan; and we become emotional because we haven't truly cast our cares on God. Let's help each other grow and find balance according to the will of God because we are the body of Christ and cannot function without one another; we all have strengths and functions that can help one another; and it is meant for iron to sharpen iron...not allow it to become dull and useless. We are human and capable of mistakes, but we are also meant to bounce back in those areas by loving one another.

Open Up to Make Room to Be Entrusted

Great responsibility is required of those who desire greatness...

Ephesians 6:10 KJV

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

*This short verse speaks volumes about God's capabilities, especially when it comes to your own lifestyle. Yet, we are slow to entrust our life to the very one who gave us life. We are often aware of God's capability to enhance the lives of others as we listen intently to their testimonies, we notice all the good elements of the planet that bring us happiness, and we celebrate the victories we receive or that others arrive at daily. Yet, we still can't quite grasp the desire to seek Him for EVERY aspect of our own lives....We still freak out even when we know who is on our side; we are still making our own plan of action to fix a situation; we still set our own scheduled; you are still telling people how you feel vs what you should be led to say; and we still open up our mouths to say the opposite of what He promises. Why is that? Could it be that you are so in tuned with getting your point across that you can't put God first? Believing in His capabilities and not remixing it with our own words and agendas seems to be a stronghold for many, yet it is so simple to fix...Think about it: Matthew 6:33 tells us to seek ye first the kingdom of God, and all things shall be added. Yet, in those simplistic instructions, people still miss the mark to get their point across or try to be in or a part of things they were never meant to face. I challenge you today to think of the areas that you never discuss with God, barely visit with Him on, or every now and then place before Him. Take these things and people before Him to see what He says, and watch Him place His super on your natural understanding when you bare all to Him.

Be Free At Last

John 8:31-32 (NIV)

31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

*At the end of the day, it doesn't matter what you have done or what people think and say. It only matters what God thinks and promises if we choose Him. Choosing God includes respecting and adhering to His teachings in the Bible, and not leaning on our own understanding. It is so easy to just read the word, hear it from others, or go to church. Yet, never live it or so much as apply it to your everyday life. What people fail to realize is how life is more smoother and filled with more promises if we zone in on what God is telling us and trying to show us vs what other people are doing or trying to make sense of in society. There is a world of opportunities and possibilities when we adhere to the word and it truly sets us free, while the organization of the world has designed an unorthodoxed system of compromisation and complication that is designed for failure. Even if you are a believer, you still need to be mindful of falling into the same habits, same worldly way of thinking, the trap of isolation, or the lack of dedication to grow and go deeper in the word daily. Traps are always set to get you caught up in a loop of confusion, a cycle of habitual sin, or a limited mindset that can't receive things that defy the norm. Allow God's teachings in His word to change your life today. He is always free to listen and help us...Can we take the time to set ourselves free by listening to Him?

Holy Censorship and Filtration

1 Peter 2:9 New International Version (NIV)

9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

   *No matter what we are facing on Earth, those of us who have chosen to be saved and truly live a life for Christ are considered His chosen people. We ALL have this option, but it is up to u to tske it. Therefore, as a selected individual, we have been chosen to represent God. That representation should be based on the word and our relationship with Him. If your life doesn't reflect Christ's image regardless to what you are going through, then you may want to examine your relationship with Him. For example, if you are going through a trial and still find the ability to receive joy, peace, and have concern for others then you will find your life is a representation of His and how He conducted Himself during His suffering on Earth. If you can still walk in love against those who do not mean you well without throwing it up in their faces, you are representing Him. Also, if you can resist temptation to participate in immoral behavior such as lying, cheating, sexing, gossiping, homosexuality, putting other gods before Him, drinking, etc, then you are representing His light despite living in a world filled with dark alternatives.
   God called us out of darkness into His marvelous light not just for the sake of our own enjoyment and freedom from bondage regardless of our circumstance, but to show others a positive alternative and ensure the ability of deliverance rather then a cycle of ups and downs that the word takes us through. When you embrace AUTHENTIC Godly living without remixing it with things in the world, then you will feel and be able to be the shining example God called you to be...

Distractions While Overcoming Distress

1 Thessalonians 5:15 NIV

Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.

*During my current moment of trials, I have had the opportunity to learn many lessons as I embark on going to the next level. One lesson in particular is not paying back the evil experiences and ridicule I have come across. In life, we all have gone through something. What may intensify that ordeal is the way others may view or treat you as you experience the growing pains of becoming a better person. You may even encounter individuals who add fuel to the fire, but know that it is a test....A test to see if you will remember God's promises over unruly behavior, implement His word during your moment of intensity, and still walk in love as Jesus did while baring the elements of the cross. Many times, the treatment you may sometimes experience from people and the breaking down of things is all a plot from the devil keep you from reaching the promises of God. These are known as distractions designed to help us veer off course, and prolong our circumstance. However, remember to stay focused on having life more abundantly (John 10:10), no matter what it looks like or how people treat you. Let them miss out on their blessings if they come across as negative or even sweet but out of the will of God, while you stay true to the course of God's will.

Purposely Made

Transparency Moment:

Even when I grow tired of being the person who loves the unloved, understands the selfish, and the person to embrace the spiritually psychotic, God reminds me of my unique qualities that are of His image, meant to serve His purpose, and then uplifted me to remind me of why I was made and the purpose behind my development (Psalm 139:13-16). His love and patience endures forever, and so must mine...My soul has a purpose far beyond what my mind may desire. However, I have dominion over my flesh, and so do u. Our callings may not be the greatest responsibilities to embrace daily, but they have to be done to ensure that God's will be done. However, always be led on the measure in which you do things, and remember that it is natural to desire to rest. God is a God of balance and order, and requires at least one day of resting in Him to renew your strength (Isaiah 58:13-14).

"I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well..."Psalm 139:14 NKJV. 

Your Struggle IS NOT Real

Friendly REMINDER 4 ALL OF US:

So many people are going through it this week, but please know we are in good company...For this is the week that Jesus knew that He would be praised one minute only to lead to His body being hung on the cross the next (Good Friday). He was beaten, battered, bruised, betrayed, mocked, drenched in bodily fluids, submerged into the pits of hell to free us from the very thing we are salty, saddened, disgusted with, or annoyed by today. I say all this to say God never meant for us to be bound by what we are going through. Instead, He was the ultimate example of fighting the good fight of faith, and having victory over what seems like a deadly, crappy, or ridiculous situation. Don't let your light afflictions overtake you, and cause u to miss out on the very reason for this Resurrection season! (NOT EASTER or egg hunting) WE ARE OVERCOMERS, and will OVERCOME these light afflictions bc Christ bore the heaviest weight when He died on Calvary and rose again....#HangOn&BeStrongWithMe #We'veGotThis #VictoryAlreadyWonThisWeek

2 Corinthians 4:17 (NIV)
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

Hard Worker for God

What you don't do today will impact how u look tomorrow...#PutInWork

Proverbs 13:4 ESV

The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.