Worship Beyond Your Words

Romans 12:1 ESV

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

*Every time we deny our bodies, hearts, and minds from participating in things that are not of God, we are worshipping Him. When we choose to do this, we are letting God know that He is more important then any momentarily feeling or pleasure that only last for a short time while His love endures forever. This is your way of TRULY showing appreciation towards Him. He loves you, and wants you to avoid unnecessary hurts, failures, and experiences. We will go through enough without adding more to it. Every time you deny the temptation of the enemy, a grace is put on you to move forward in that lifestyle...Pure, holy, and concentrated on excelling in God. This is how we move to the next level, effectively carry out His will, and receive the blessings He has for us. Therefore, next time you have a choice to do the wrong or right thing, ask yourself is it really worth it???

Is It Really Approved?

Galatians 1:10 ESV

For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.

*You would be surprised to know how many times in a day we are after approval...We seek approval from our performances at work, from our friends or family when we ask for advice, or even within ourselves when look in the mirror or compare our current state to our past. Regardless of the measures in which you may do this, it is an act of wanting to feel justified by any means that you prefer to make yourself feel better. However, ask yourself why the opinion of others matters to you...Even more so, what effort are you willing to put forth to  receive their approval? Now, is that effort more then the effort you put forth towards God? Does His opinion even matter to us, or is it tossed to the side due to your lack of connecting or desiring Him? Everything we do and say carries a reason behind it, but does that reason line up with God's thoughts of you or plans for you? Today, let's pray we each become more focused on the goal God has set for us (Philippians 3:15-16) and the plans He has for our lives...AND LESS focused on seeking short-term approval from others. If we seek God first, then favor with people will come automatically.

Light It Up

John 8:12 ESV

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

*We live in a dark world, but that doesn't mean we have to be in the dark about the answers to life or even embrace dark situations. Jesus is the light of the world, and a lantern unto our path...He provides security, clarity, protection, and guidance no matter what we face on Earth. If you are a part of the insecurities and the lack of stability of darkness, it's because you choose to be that way. Find your way out by moving into the light...Darkness suppress while light addresses...Seek clarity for yourself through God.

Beyond Your Needs

Proverbs 27:10 ESV

Do not forsake your friend and your father's friend, and do not go to your brother's house in the day of your calamity. Better is a neighbor who is near than a brother who is far away.

*A lot of times people only go to others, including so called friends, when they are in need. There is almost the concept of pulling someone out like a tissue, (only when u need them), using them, and then throwing them away after they have satisfied your need. People even throw others away if they are unable to meet your needs, despite how kind the person is to you...You may he throwing away a divine connection, and you don't even realize it. This is why it is important to learn to understand those that God places in your life, reach out to them other then when you need something, and ask the Father if and how to grow with the individual. It is better to establish a bond and be close to someone, then be distant from them until you feel like you need something and want to be bothered with them. Now, of course, everyone is not meant to be in your inner circle; however, all people were not meant for you to utilize only to satisfy your need either. Look beyond yourself to ask God who to connect and grow with, and who is the vessel that can further assist you. Remember, your help comes from God. Therefore, seek Him first in order to avoid being misguided or assisting in the mistreatment of others.

Guidance in Verbiage and Actions

Proverbs 25:15 (ESV)

15 With patience a ruler may be persuaded, and a soft tongue will break a bone.

*Every situation is not meant to be handled with aggression or force. Sometimes it's the kindness behind a suggestion, and the gentleness secured in an uplift that causes change to occur and persuasion to happen. Think about the last time you judged, went off on, forced, got smart with, or "stated your piece" without considering God's guidance or walking in love. Did it go over well? We are called to cause change, and persuade hearts...This in turn impacts our own, but it is all in how you say it more so then what is said. Yes, be bold...But, does that mean be bitter or boastful? Sure, be passionate...But, does it that mean be forceful? There is a time and place for everything, but use God's timing to act according to His guidance, and speak the way you are led...

Building Your Faith

For further reading, please check out this very helpful link:
http://www.rhema.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1032:possibility-faithyou-can-have-it&Itemid=141

Job 42:2

"I know that You can do all things, And that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted."

*I'm sure many of us know that God is capable of doing all things. However, the part that often holds us back is building our faith to believe that, and asking for guidance rather then acting prematurely. Sure, faith without works is dead, but have you asked God what it takes on your end to receive the full manifestation? Or, do you tend to jump to conclusions or block out His suggestions? Today, I want to provide you with a link on how to build your faith. Copy and paste it in your Google browser, and let's pray for each other that we are guided by God as we meditate on His word. Remember, we are what we believe. In being transparent, I stumble, but I still hold on and act on my belief for greater.

Trust God Within to Outwardly Receive

Isaiah 43:1-2 (NIV)

But now, this is what the Lord says—
    he who created you, Jacob,
    he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
² When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.

*God made us; therefore, He knows everything about us, what we will face, and the decisions we plan to make. He has placed a calling on all of our lives with a specific pathway to follow. However, it is up to us to embrace Him and except the fact that He knows what's best,while we are still trying to figure ourselves and things out. This week, let's pray that we all learn to let go and let God without making our own decisions from assumptions, getting in our own way, or focusing on the here and now instead of the blessings and possibilities to come if we only trust Him.