"For whatever is in your heart determines what you say. A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart." Matthew 12:34-35
According to scripture, what occupies our minds and hearts will eventually come out through spoken words. Just like we are able to speak life over situations, we can also speak death over situation. Words are powerful! We should choose words that will propel us to where we want to go in life- that begins with guarding our heart against negativity (Proverbs 4:23)
"For as he thinks in his heart, so is he" Proverbs 23:7
(Original Post: September 30)
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Success is inevitable!
"Commit your actions to The Lord and your plans will succeed" Proverbs 16:3
Being disciplined to work hard for something is good, but when we commit to follow while doing so, success is inevitable. We can get caught up in trying to do everything by ourselves, but God wants to help and guide us throughout our lives. Don't allow the enemy's lies of loneliness and solitude take root in your heart. The Holy Spirit is with you, as a believer.
If there's something that seems stagnant in your life, give it to God and rest in Him.
"It is good for workers to have an appetite; an empty stomach drives them on." Proverbs 16:26
(Original Post: September 27, 2013)
Being disciplined to work hard for something is good, but when we commit to follow while doing so, success is inevitable. We can get caught up in trying to do everything by ourselves, but God wants to help and guide us throughout our lives. Don't allow the enemy's lies of loneliness and solitude take root in your heart. The Holy Spirit is with you, as a believer.
If there's something that seems stagnant in your life, give it to God and rest in Him.
"It is good for workers to have an appetite; an empty stomach drives them on." Proverbs 16:26
(Original Post: September 27, 2013)
Wisdom from God
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who give to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him" James 1:5
Having a relationship with God requires communication. When give our cares to Him and ask for guidance in every area of our lives, we will receive it [guidance].The Lord wants to bless and care for his children, just as earthly parents should.
If you need wisdom about anything, I challenge you to increase your time spent in God's presence for a greater understanding.
(Original Post: September 26, 2013)
Having a relationship with God requires communication. When give our cares to Him and ask for guidance in every area of our lives, we will receive it [guidance].The Lord wants to bless and care for his children, just as earthly parents should.
If you need wisdom about anything, I challenge you to increase your time spent in God's presence for a greater understanding.
(Original Post: September 26, 2013)
Letting your light shine
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven" Matthew 5:16
It's not always possible to publicly declare our devotion to Jesus Christ (ie. public schools or other religiously neutral environments). In those times, our lives should look different. We should stand out (Romans 12:2), work harder, and emulate the characteristics of Christ.
"Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people." Colossians 3:23
(Original Post: September 25, 2013)
It's not always possible to publicly declare our devotion to Jesus Christ (ie. public schools or other religiously neutral environments). In those times, our lives should look different. We should stand out (Romans 12:2), work harder, and emulate the characteristics of Christ.
"Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people." Colossians 3:23
(Original Post: September 25, 2013)
What are you afraid of?
Living in the US, it's so hard to imagine being taken hostage simply because of religious affiliations. Sadly, religious persecution is occurring in various parts of the world. But, the Bible addresses topics such as these, because they were happening even in biblical times. (It's so awesome how relevant The Word still is, even thousands of years later!)
"Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf" 1 Peter 4:16
Have you ever refrained from sharing Christ for fear of being judged or talked about? The law allows us to freely express our religious beliefs, so what are we afraid of? Human judgement? We all know humans are fickle!
"If the world hates you, know that it hated me [Jesus] before it hated you" John 15:18
(Original Post: September 24, 2013)
"Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf" 1 Peter 4:16
Have you ever refrained from sharing Christ for fear of being judged or talked about? The law allows us to freely express our religious beliefs, so what are we afraid of? Human judgement? We all know humans are fickle!
"If the world hates you, know that it hated me [Jesus] before it hated you" John 15:18
(Original Post: September 24, 2013)
Wait, Jesus Cares About Social Media?!
"I tell you, on the day of judgement people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." Matthew 12:36
It was on my heart to share the power of words. We must give an account for every word spoken aloud, through text, tweet, and even Instagram posts. Yikes! Thank God for grace :)
Instead of using our words to complain, gossip, or cause destruction, here are some positive alternatives:
It was on my heart to share the power of words. We must give an account for every word spoken aloud, through text, tweet, and even Instagram posts. Yikes! Thank God for grace :)
Instead of using our words to complain, gossip, or cause destruction, here are some positive alternatives:
- Prayer
- Sharing the gospel
- Encouraging others
How will you use your words?
"Don't use bad language. Say only what is good and helpful to those you are talking to, and what will give them blessing" Ephesians 4:29
"If you don't have anything nice to say..." - Someone's Grandmother, once :)
(Original Post: September 23, 2013)
Is The Lord Listening?
"Then you will call upon me and come pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:12-13
Sometimes we find ourselves in a place where we've been praying, but there hasn't been any significant change or revelation. In dry seasons and times of silence, we should seek the Lord even more. The more we read His word and learn, more things will be revealed to us. That dry season may stem from our heart being hardened to the Spirit because we haven't been spending time with Him. In whatever case, God is calling us back to His presence. Heed it and spend quality time with Him.
One of my favorite worship songs is The More I Seek You by Kari Jobe. It' so incredibly powerful. Check it out!
Sometimes we find ourselves in a place where we've been praying, but there hasn't been any significant change or revelation. In dry seasons and times of silence, we should seek the Lord even more. The more we read His word and learn, more things will be revealed to us. That dry season may stem from our heart being hardened to the Spirit because we haven't been spending time with Him. In whatever case, God is calling us back to His presence. Heed it and spend quality time with Him.
Does God Hear Short Prayers?
"Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, 'Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I may be free from pain.' And God granted his request." 1 Chronicles 9:10
Occasionally we may find ourselves in a "prayer rut" and with all of the violence in the world, we may feel that we need extra protection. The Prayer of Jabez is a short but meaningful prayer that can be said anytime or anyplace. It is obvious that God doesn't require lengthy, eloquent prayers to hear and take action. Let's challenge ourselves and increase our prayer life so that we may be abundantly blessed.
(Original Post: September 19, 2013)
Occasionally we may find ourselves in a "prayer rut" and with all of the violence in the world, we may feel that we need extra protection. The Prayer of Jabez is a short but meaningful prayer that can be said anytime or anyplace. It is obvious that God doesn't require lengthy, eloquent prayers to hear and take action. Let's challenge ourselves and increase our prayer life so that we may be abundantly blessed.
(Original Post: September 19, 2013)
Fragrant Love
"Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of its knowledge in every place" 2 Corinthians 2:14
We have an infinite amount of things to be thankful for, but sometimes we take those things for granted. This verse says that through us, people come to the knowledge of Him. Think about how long a a pungent scent lingers in the air once the source is gone. When believers leave a place, people should recognize that something different, unique, and special about us. Honestly, it could be something as simple as speaking to the cashier instead of ignoring them as we tap away at a text message. Today (and everyday) give thanks to God and demonstrate/ share the love of Jesus with someone you encounter.
How are you treating others?
(Original Post: September 18, 2013)
We have an infinite amount of things to be thankful for, but sometimes we take those things for granted. This verse says that through us, people come to the knowledge of Him. Think about how long a a pungent scent lingers in the air once the source is gone. When believers leave a place, people should recognize that something different, unique, and special about us. Honestly, it could be something as simple as speaking to the cashier instead of ignoring them as we tap away at a text message. Today (and everyday) give thanks to God and demonstrate/ share the love of Jesus with someone you encounter.
How are you treating others?
(Original Post: September 18, 2013)
Prayer and Hope
"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may about in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit" Romans 15:13
The Lord can provide you with peace, hope, and joy when you trust in Him. The Message translation says "...filled with life-giving energy of the Holy Spirit" This means that prayer can re-energize us when we are weak, tired, and desperate for answers from Him. The Bible also says that even when we can't pray or don't know where to start, He's got us covered! (Romans 8:26-27) Keep pushing through! You can make it!
(Original post: September 17, 2013)
The Lord can provide you with peace, hope, and joy when you trust in Him. The Message translation says "...filled with life-giving energy of the Holy Spirit" This means that prayer can re-energize us when we are weak, tired, and desperate for answers from Him. The Bible also says that even when we can't pray or don't know where to start, He's got us covered! (Romans 8:26-27) Keep pushing through! You can make it!
(Original post: September 17, 2013)
Energy for Tough Times
"For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised" Hebrews 10:36
As believers in Christ, we will face obstacles, challenges, and hard times (1 Peter 4:12-14). But Hebrews states that if we continue on the path that God has for our lives, we receive the awesome promises that He has for us. We must continually let our light shine in every aspect of our lives. Don't quit! No matter what is going on in your life, you CAN make it through!
"As for you brothers, do not grow weary in doing good." 2 Thessalonians 3:13
(Original post: September 16, 2013)
As believers in Christ, we will face obstacles, challenges, and hard times (1 Peter 4:12-14). But Hebrews states that if we continue on the path that God has for our lives, we receive the awesome promises that He has for us. We must continually let our light shine in every aspect of our lives. Don't quit! No matter what is going on in your life, you CAN make it through!
"As for you brothers, do not grow weary in doing good." 2 Thessalonians 3:13
(Original post: September 16, 2013)
Joy Is Coming
"For his anger is but for a moment and his favor is a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night but joy comes in the morning." Psalms 30:5
In the midst of life, it may seem as though things are stagnant, but struggles, disappointments, and complacency are brief. God's favor, grace, and mercy are forever. Everyday we should be filled with joy because all that God has done for us! Are your eyes focused on Christ or your situation?
"You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand there are pleasures forevermore." Psalms 16:11
(Original post: September 13, 2013)
In the midst of life, it may seem as though things are stagnant, but struggles, disappointments, and complacency are brief. God's favor, grace, and mercy are forever. Everyday we should be filled with joy because all that God has done for us! Are your eyes focused on Christ or your situation?
"You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand there are pleasures forevermore." Psalms 16:11
(Original post: September 13, 2013)
Deceitful Hearts and Honest Motives
"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? 'I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.'" Jeremiah 17:9-10
We're not perfect, in fact, we are born sinners (Romans 5:12), but once we are saved (Romans 10:9-10) we have a relationship with Christ. Even if we aren't able to quote every verse in the Bible or pray long, elaborate prayers, none of that matters. The Lord looks into our hearts and sees our honest desires and motives.
"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life" Proverbs 4:23
We must constantly ask ourselves, "What am I feeding my spirit," to assess if our motives are pure, holy, and Christlike; if they are, the Lord will be bless them.
(Original post: September 12, 2013)
We're not perfect, in fact, we are born sinners (Romans 5:12), but once we are saved (Romans 10:9-10) we have a relationship with Christ. Even if we aren't able to quote every verse in the Bible or pray long, elaborate prayers, none of that matters. The Lord looks into our hearts and sees our honest desires and motives.
"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life" Proverbs 4:23
We must constantly ask ourselves, "What am I feeding my spirit," to assess if our motives are pure, holy, and Christlike; if they are, the Lord will be bless them.
(Original post: September 12, 2013)
Blessings...and Work
"We plan the way we want to live, but only God makes us able to live it." Proverbs 16:9
"It pays to take life seriously; things work out when you trust in God" Proverbs 16:20
"Appetite is an incentive to work; hunger makes you work all the harder" Proverbs 16:26
God has promised his followers immeasurable blessings. Our dreams and deepest desires are there for a reason. Do your part: pray, read The Word, walk by faith and you will be successful. Our story is already written; we just have to live it!
(Original post: September 11, 2013
"It pays to take life seriously; things work out when you trust in God" Proverbs 16:20
"Appetite is an incentive to work; hunger makes you work all the harder" Proverbs 16:26
God has promised his followers immeasurable blessings. Our dreams and deepest desires are there for a reason. Do your part: pray, read The Word, walk by faith and you will be successful. Our story is already written; we just have to live it!
(Original post: September 11, 2013
Our Desires vs. His Will
"... and this is our confidence, that if we pray according to His will, He will hear us and give us what we ask for because our desires are in agreement." 1 John 5:14-15
God longs to give us the desires of our heart (Psalm 37:4) but our desires must be in line with His will for our lives. To ensure that we are walking according to His plan for us, we have a part to play. We must seek Him diligently in prayer and reading The Word.
"Yahweh is close to all who call on Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He will hear their cry" Psalm 145:18-19
Cry out to God. Let Him know that you need Him and you long to walk in His will. He wants your WHOLE heart. Be encouraged. Stay focused on your dreams, aspirations, and goals.
(Original Date: September 10, 2013)
God longs to give us the desires of our heart (Psalm 37:4) but our desires must be in line with His will for our lives. To ensure that we are walking according to His plan for us, we have a part to play. We must seek Him diligently in prayer and reading The Word.
"Yahweh is close to all who call on Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He will hear their cry" Psalm 145:18-19
Cry out to God. Let Him know that you need Him and you long to walk in His will. He wants your WHOLE heart. Be encouraged. Stay focused on your dreams, aspirations, and goals.
(Original Date: September 10, 2013)
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