Keep the Iron Sharp

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

Proverbs 27:17 NIV

In any relationship, we are suppose to serve a purpose in helping to grow that individual with the guidance of God. If you are experiencing everything in that relationship, but God and growth then there's a good chance you are with the wrong people. Even more so,  if you stay,  you have now personally chosen to stifle your own growth and purpose. Is having a good time for a moment, an easy time for a second, or holding on to people who do not mean you well more important than God's will for your life?  Let God guide you to people who will sharpen you,  and not just people who make you feel good... There's more to life than that...

The Weight of Your Name

Proverbs 22:1 (NIV)

22:1 A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches,
and favor is better than silver or gold.

*As you may have heard and know, your name carries a lot of weight... It depicts who you were, where you are today, and can provide signs of where you trying to get to...We call this our reputation. What kind of weight does your name carry? Better yet, is your reputation and weight up to part with God's standards? If we conduct ourselves according to the will of God, no matter what we've done in the past, our name can be wiped clean and depict a new creature in Christ. If we choose not to go this route, our name will reflect who we truly are because that hidden nature behind our name will come out and reflect our true beliefs and intentions...God knew how much your reputation weighs on your ability to minister and reach His people, which is why it holds more value than riches and can provide you with more favor than money can buy. Do you know what reputation your name depicts, and is it a reflection of Christ? It's never too late to make changes, but you have to choose to do so...

Store Properly

Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV)

19Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

*As we begin the work week, I pray we do not become lost in what we need to obtain physically... I hope we will remember to work according to God's guidance, and supply our heavenly home with riches from the things we do for Christ. God wants us to enjoy the elements of Earth, but it must not become our focal point. We are here for a purpose that runs deeper than riches, and will impact our success on Earth and the honor we receive in heaven. Let's let go and depend on God, and all things will be added. Your dependency, obedience, and humility depict what comes to us.

Your Blessings are Not of This World

Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

*Sometimes we are so overwhelmed by our desires that we operate by worldly principles in order to obtain them, rather then seeking our Father and receiving His guidance. We may even become driven by the thought of receiving it or getting things done as quickly as possible, or by any means necessary. That drive may turn into what fuels us rather then the directions of the Holy Spirit, and the reassurance of God coming through with what is truly right for you. Remember, we are not to circum to the anxiousness that the world has taught is to thribe on, but we are to be governed by a higher power (God) that has already guaranteed us the promises of Abraham. We just have to be guided and act on how God tells us to obtain our heart's desires. God made us with specific goals and blessings in mind which will take specified instructions, just for you, in order to obtain these things. Therefore, calm yourself and realize who you are to Him...Now, pray and feel the peace of how to go about your day, walking fully in your purpose ad promises of the Lord.

Contamination Leaves No Room for Purity & Promises

2 Corinthians 7:1 (NIV)

Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.

*The promises include receiving our heart's desire (Psalm 37:4), having life more abundantly (John 10:10), and receiving exceedingly and abundantly all that we ask (Ephesians 3:20)...These are to name a few. There is so much that God wants to show us and provide, but are we willing to do things to show our love towards Him and His people? Are we willing to clean up our lives from things that are distracting us from receiving clear instructions on what God really has for us, what He is trying to show us, or  instructions on how to prepare? Do we take enough time to cultivate and go deeper in our relationship with Him? Do we want Him more than the stuff? Everything that contaminates your body and spirit is just a distraction that is designed to keep you complacent and away from the next level. Take the time to be honest and truly think about what's holding you back, and how we have become so complacent with who or what we know that it keeps us from embracing the right things or something new that you've always wanted...

Spirituality vs Logic

Proverbs 3:7-8  (NIV)

7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. 8 This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.

*There are times when we have tried to do, say, or advise others without consulting with God first. As humans, we often allow worldly logic to outweigh spiritual guidance, we assume, we rationalize, and we are so quick to give advice without including God in the conversation or scenario. Think about it: How many times have you made decisions based on what you know, what you assume, or past experiences without experiencing what God is trying to tell you? What's even sadder is how we try to force this way of doing and thinking on someone else without even considering the way God wants you to present things. Thus, creating a cycle God never intended that you are now responsible for. Some of us have probably even went through the extreme of cutting people off or taking a step back before you have a conversation with God. Let's work on assuming less, and listening to the Father more; rid yourself of your own wisdom, and embrace His; and lastly practice revamping your thinking to connect with your spirit rather then lean on your own understanding of what's logical.

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.

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.

Heartburns Covered by God

Psalm 73:26 “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

*I'm sure we all have had times when we have been disgusted, annoyed, or upset by someone or something. Our flesh may have even gotten the best of us by reacting to the issue before thinking things through. Perhaps it was even the slightest reaction of talking about the person or rehearsing the situation with a friend, even though we should just go to God in prayer about it. This is an example of our flesh failing. Particularly, if we have not listened to God on what to do or how to handle things. Never the less, God's mercy prevails during any situation and we can rest in Him.

We are able to rest to take a moment to think through the situation with Him, take a break from it period by learning to give it to Him, renew our mind on how to move forward with His instructions, and find a peace of mind. You see, we will have humanly reactions, but thank God for His mercy and grace. He covers us with mercy because He forgives our thoughts and if there is a reaction, we in turn develop mercy towards others, and because we are including Him in everything His grace will abound towards us. I pray you let God in the situation, but most importantly in your heart.

Disciplinary Check

Hebrews 12:11 ESV
For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

*The fruit of righteousness can be found in Galations 5:22-23 (NLT) which consists of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. By these fruits, we will become prosperous in all the ways that our heart desires. However, we must first obtain and master discipline to acquire these fruits. Having the discipline to do what you know you should goes hand- in-hand with trying to avoid what you shouldn't do. This includes completing God-given tasks that may include coming out of your comfort zone. What is even more important to recognize are those little foxes that are spoiling your vine of opportunity (Song of Solomon 2:15). What do I mean by this? I am referring to those little things in our lives that we need to fix, get rid of, and tidy up that are keeping us from our harvest and release. Things we don't think are harmful or that have become habitual in our life cycle. In being transparent with you, it is my time. Yes, I have been on time every now and then, but I should be especially early for church. Arriving at God's house EARLY is more important then any appointment, job interview, meeting, or scheduled event that we can attend. So much so that my tardiness has caused a delay in my release from hardship, and moved God's mercy until I fix this issue. Sure, we may sow seeds, follow His every instruction, tithe, provide guidance, or whatever else He tells us to do. However, none of it matters if we don't have discipline to acquire enough love to take those "minor issues" into serious account. To acquire that love, we must acquire discipline. Mistakes happen, but habitual habits aren't excused. I challenge u to review those hidden or minor issues in your life that could be eating away at your harvest and spoiling your vine.