And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Hebrews 13:16 NIV
*No matter the situation, our ability to impact others positively will conquer all. We have to learn to ignore how we feel about people, and focus on doing God's will.
For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord , and he pondereth all his goings. Proverbs 5:21 KJV
*God is watching how we choose to react to things and people. He is reviewing us to see if we can handle either what we are asking Him for, or if we are ready to go to the next level. How we treat situations now is sowing into our next steps. Remember, in everything we do God is watching and analyzing.
We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
Romans 12:6-8 NIV.
*We were all given talents,which aid in being a vessel for God. These gifts were not meant to be hidden, but freely given in order to have a live depiction of God's grace and love. Pray about your talent, and ask God about what you can do to show love, and how can you help advance His kingdom.
Ecclesiastes 5:10 ESV
He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity.
*Have you ever noticed how people who receive or maintain money are not satisfied? None of us are... We think we have a specific amount, in our head, but notice how when it's received an automatic desire comes up to reach the next financial goal. This is why God wants us to love Him more than money. He can guide us on how to spend it, and how not to let it control you. More money often equates to more responsibility... Are you balancing your responsibility, or is it making or breaking you? If you lost it all today, who would people say you are?
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NIV
Food for Thought:
"Every one of us has a propensity toward certain sins. It is important, though, that we rein in our flesh and that we are temperate in all things because our lifestyle affects our message."
Whatever we do in life effects our witnessing... It's important to still be real, but don't be worldly and allow what you witness to not impact your own lifestyle. People need to see God in you to draw closer to Him. What separates you from the world if you are of it? Do you talk the talk, but have issues walking the walk? What are you doing to keep your heart and mind in submission?
Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid.
Proverbs 12:1 NIV
Lord, help me to be humble when I am wrong and corrected. May the correction be done in love without malicious intent, and may my response be the same. Also, help me to correct others in your in your will.
Ever notice how people become attitude prone when they are corrected, as if what they say should go regardless of if it's wrong or right? There is pride behind that reaction, especially if others have been accepting to their demeanor or thoughts. Even with this reaction, we must still be led on how we handle these people. We must also look to God on what to say or even how to say it. Also, for those who are accepting to poor behaviors, ask God to help you be strong enough to correct in love instead of ignoring the problem.
Lastly, be led on if you should correct it. Just because things are different from what you experience, doesn't mean that it's wrong. Let's be open to receiving wisdom, and understand how to give it as well.
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
Galatians 6:7-8 NIV
It's not just what you sow that's important, but the reason behind your sowing. You can do all the right things, but be doing it out of trying to impress or fit in. You can also hold back, despite what God has placed on your heart. Neither of these is from a pure heart of giving. God loves cheerful giver, and He wants us to share from the heart. This is why man looks at the outside and the action, but God looks at the heart and the motive. May God help us not to sow for selfish gain; instead, may it come out of love, and a desire to represent Him. May what we sow and reap be a continuous chain of love, and not be done out of obligation or for bragging rights.
When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your unfailing love, Lord , supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.
Psalm 94:18-19 NIV
*When I feel like my faith is slipping and that all may be lost, God's love emerges at it's strongest point to remind me of His capabilities, what He has done before, and He sends a human vessel to aid in loving me as well. In life, even as a believer, it's inevitable to have times when you will want to throw in the towel or say forget it. You may even feel slighted or cheated...I know I have, but God always sees us through and the blessing is greater than the trial...The greater the adversity, the greater the blessing. Therefore, don't judge people on their stumbling or during their low points...Be used by God to love them back to life. After all, these verses depict how He knows we aren't perfect and need love and help. Allow Him to help u in order to be a testimony and help for others.
Isaiah 26:9
My soul yearns for you in the night; my spirit within me earnestly seeks you. For when your judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness.
ESV
*When ppl in the world are busy trying to find fault in others, it is our job as believers to depict God's love while guiding people to redemption. No one needs a constant slap in the face for their mistakes, but they do need guidance and love to prompt the heart to change. How are we depicting that sort of guidance? Helping to elevate others in turn helps to elevate yourself bc what you sow is what you reap. As a believer, ppl will reach out to your light because they long for truth no matter how long they have been in darkness. Will you give it to them, or dim your light due to selfishness or to fit in?
Matthew 7:15 (ESV)
"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
*Just because someone has a word for you, it does not mean they were designed to speak into your life. Sometimes people think they hear from God, but are spewing forth opinions of the flesh; Other times, people are sent on an assignment to throw off your dreams or thought process as you get closer to your blessing. If someone is meant to give you a word from God, He has or will speak to you too. He will also provide confirmation and peace. Always follow that peace, pray, and be honest with yourself when you believe you have encountered a sign or wonder. You often have wisdom on the inside of you to detect whether or not that is the truth. Know the difference between what you are making it out to be, and what God is really saying about person or situation. Sometimes we want things to happen so badly that we are willing to accept any information obtained, even though we are fully aware of the truth. Ask God about words that are spoken and themes that are provided before embracing the cause and information. Also, be careful as to what you say to others. Our fleshly opinions can cause discouragement of a life time. Speak the word only.
As we go into the weekend, let's remember not to just focus on our own lives and those we know or take interest in, but those who need are interest to trickle down at the very least as a prayer in hopes of peace and guidance for Paris...
Philippians 2:4-English Standard Version
Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Today, I ask the Lord to help us with how we view people and treat each other... There are so many assumptions made, empty promises, and a lack of compassion yet a desire for others to be helpful or compassionate. Are we really sowing what we expect to reap in this area, or pretending to do so...#BeWhatYouWish2Attract...#UntilThen,BeWithGod
Matthew 7:12 So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
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Galatians 6:9-10 (NIV)
9Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
*Many times we may become tired of being the positive one, the faithful one, the person who cares for others when it feels like others do not care, or maybe you could even be tired of being the only light for Christ in a dark environment. To be honest,it takes a lot of energy to properly be these aspects and more. However, we must hang in there and learn to do things through the strength that Christ provides (Philippians 4:13) rather than our own strength. Your light could be the only one that shines on the truth, and allows someone to make the choice to choose a pathway towards Christ. If we do not give up, we will be rewarded because through all the struggles for Him, He sees and has not forgotten. If you actually pay attention, you will notice that He sends bits of encouragement and people to encourage us if you are within His will and fighting for His cause. However, what is lacking the most is how we treat each other...especially those who are believers. Many of us are so quick to be kind to the world, but treat our brothers and sisters in Christ very harshly. These are people who are still growing in Christ too...People who need your love, strength, and consideration... Not your criticism, judgment, and attitude of "I will deal with you when I feel like it." Notice God points us out for a reason in this verse because He knows we are already going through a lot by being different and living for Him...The last thing we need is to turn against each other when we were meant t be the vessel to strengthen one another. So, as you go about your day, think about your actions for God and how you treat people. Even think on the reason why you do the things you do, and why people do or don't want to be around you. Is it due to standing strong in Christ, or is your flesh getting in the way and causing issues? Do you really exercise the golden rule, or even realize what type of seeds you are sowing based on your words and actions?
