Let Him In...Secrets are Nonexistent

Psalm 139:7-10 (ESV)

7 Where shall I go from your Spirit?
Or where shall I flee from your presence?
8 If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!
9 If I take the wings of the morning
and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
10 even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.

*No matter how we try to ignore or hide how we truly feel, God knows and sees what's going on in your mind and within your heart. There is no such thing as avoiding something because it is within you for a reason. Therefore, address it and do not run from it. If it is something that needs to be fixed, God is a healer and deliverer. If it is a task that needs to be done or an unfulfilled desire, then perhaps it is time to stop ignoring it and address it with the Lord in order to go to the next level. No matter what we do or how we try to hide things, there are no secrets with God. After all, He created you, and who better to know the ends and outs of the creation better then the creator. Also, remember that you were created for a purpose that goes far beyond the ends and outs of a "normal" day. Go beyond how you would normally handle things, and reveal them to God. The answer could be right in front of your face, and change could be around the corner of you can incorporate Him in everything and stop running or doing things on your own.

Go Beyond Your Emotions

Romans 12:11 (ESV)

11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.

*God doesn't want us to grow lazy in the things that make us happy, and forget to tap into the spirit for guidance and correction. For the feeling of happiness only lasts for a moment, and can be easily disappear or become jaded. However, seeking God and staying in tuned with Him spiritually provides longevity, and proper guidance that is not based on emotions. Being slothful is to be lazy...In this case, being lazy enough to utilize, get close to, or or pay attention to things that satisfy your emotions. This is only scratching the surface, or could even serve as a distraction from the bigger picture that God is trying to show you. Today, let's all work on growing and uncovering more depth spiritually, and go beyond the here and now or what satisfies emotionally...Find that drive in God leading you to the longevity of peace, and not the short-term zeal provided by a feeling.

New View with a Great Push

Isaiah 43:2 (ESV)

2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you.

* No matter what we're going through, God is with us. Regardless of how things feel or look, God is pushing us through. Even the experience of the situation goes smoother when you are with Him then without Him. Therefore, we must build on our relationships with the Father and ask Him to help us through it all. If you feel uncomfortable talking with Him, then you may want to examine how you are viewing yourself vs how much God loves. I'm not saying that being a beloved and building your faith is easy, but I do know that the support and connection with Him gives you strength and the will to continue. Let's pray for each other, and that we see the situation the way God sees it...And, that we are guided by God.

The Golden Rule

Matt. 7:12 ESV

The Golden Rule
12 So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

*I'm sure we have all heard of "The Golden Rule," but do we really abide by it or know how powerful it is? In Galatians 6, it talks about how whatever your u sow, you will reap... The same can be said with the golden rule...We must learn to respect and treat others how we wish they would treat us. In other words, lead by example. Think of it this way: No one knows what you have experienced, how you were brought up, or what your expectations are unless you tell them. It is our job to teach people how to work with us, and it is not fair to hold people accountable for something they know nothing about. Furthermore, it is also our job to work with others and understand how they are if we expect the same. This is called having an open mind and compromising. For instance, if you are blunt or rude, you can't expect others to be that way because we are all different. What we can do is work together to respect and use our differences to reach common ground, if you plan to deal with that person and establish a bond. However, first you must understand yourself and know how God sees you and who you REALLY are. Let's go back to the rude behavior example... Do you really believe God would want you to behave this way? Is that a true representation of yourself, or is it really a defense mechanism that you use to "protect" yourself. We must realize our true characteristics and how God wants us to do others before we can exude that to others, and expect them to give it back to us. Let's not operate out of hurt, convenience, trying to get the upper-hand, or any other defense mechanism or act of inconsideration. Let's really get to know ourselves, clean ourselves up with the love of God, which will then transfer into how to properly treat others. This love will finally develop into how others should be treating you, rather then a cycle of hurt you keep feeling bc of how you treat others based on past wounds and transgressions. The golden rule runs deeper then you know...Look beyond the surface.

The Treatment of Others

Ephesians 4:32 ESV

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

*For most people there is an expectation that is automatically placed on others, and whether or not that person fulfills that expectation depicts how you treat them. Or, perhaps there isn't an expectation set, but the measurement of an eye for an eye...In other words, your behavior towards others is based off of what they do for you or how they treat you. Now, imagine if the same way you treat others is placed back on you...How would you feel, especially if you really liked or admired a person and they treated you poorly for no reason? The world is already cold, judgmental, and only favors those who fit whatever stigma or frame of mind that is pleasing. Let's not be like the world...Let's learn to love in spite of, be considerate, be honest, and open up to our sisters and brothers in Christ. If you're not sure about a person, ask God how to treat them. We are not here to place more hardship and judgment on each other...We are here to uplift. Imagine if people would treat each other the way God sees that person and how He tells you to view them...Wouldn't that be more comforting then our own assumptions? Furthermore, the measure you use to treat others will always come back to you...Tread and treat others through the wisdom of the Lord and not based on your past experiences.

Reassurance to Persevere

Colossians 1:11-12 (ESV)

11 May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.

*For me, Hump Day feels more like a mountain to climb rather then reassurance of the fact that it's the middle of the week. No matter how we feel, even if you are on your last leg, the presence of the Lord is still near and His power can strengthen. In the midst of our weaknesses, we are suppose to have faith and give thanks in advance for the removal of our transgression. Today, let's not only pray to tap into his strength, but pray that others will find the ability to press in as well. Remember, the larger the trial the bigger the blessing...Please join your faith with mine that we see beyond the circumstance and tap into the opportunity that is at the threshold.

Patience is a Virtue

Habakkuk 2:3 (NIV)

2 Write down the revelation
and make it plain on tablets
so that a herald may run with it.
3 For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end
and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.

*When we are looking for answers, we often want it to come immediately...particularly if the situation is under time constraints. However, we must learn to wait on the right answer from God, and stop being anxious. The anxiety that we build up in ourselves leads to hasty decisions and settling. If you are facing a situation, then make it plan to God and be honest about what you are facing. Then, wait for His guidance. He will provide you with the proper revelation and confirmation on what to do during your time of need at the right time. We just have to be open to the answer and honest with ourselves. Remember, the answer from God is clear because He is not the author of confusion...It is also for your greater benefit, and can manifest into something far greater if we are patient and believe. I'm right there with you.