Delayed Miracles

"Then he touched their eyes and said, “Because of your faith, it will happen.” Then their eyes were opened, and they could see!" Matthew 9:29-30

Jesus performed numerous miracles throughout his time on earth. Though they were all different, there was one constant factor: faith. In this story, Jesus simply asked if the blind men believed and the miracle occurred. Maybe you're on the verge of a breakthrough, but The Lord is simply waiting on you to trust Him, without any questions or doubt. Tye Tribbett said "He did it before, he'll do it again!" Nothing is new under the sun. Are you delaying progress by focusing on your situation? Look to Christ. Happy Monday! 

Great Expectations

"All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay." 1 Peter 1:3-4

If that doesn't make you two step, I don't know what will! An inheritance, as defined in Webster, is the passing on of possessions or genetic qualities from parent to offspring. Choosing to accept Christ makes us a child of God and a member of this beautiful family. Our life is so much greater that the small trials we experience on earth (1 Peter 1:6-7). Let's live in expectation of that great things God will continue to do for us on earth, and the magnificent things waiting for us eternally. Happy Friday! 

God's Faithfulness

"Teach me your way, LORD, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name." Psalm 86:11

Today, think about how God has shown his faithfulness. Meditate on all that he has blessed you with- health, mobility, employment, education, family, friends... I'm sure you'll find that you're blessed beyond measure and that God's faithfulness is not disrupted by your fickle emotions and sinful ways. Although material things make life more "comfortable," we are to rely on God's faithfulness and not what he can provide for us. He's holy and there's none like him. 

"Now therefore, our God, we thank you, and praise your glorious name." 1 Chronicles 29:13

Happy Thursday! :)

#HeartCheck

"As water reflects the face, so one's life reflects the heart." Proverbs 27:19

Many profess Christianity and that they know God for themselves, but what does their life show? When the Holy Spirit dwells within you, things that break Jesus' heart, break yours. You're convicted of things that you once loved or tolerated. Your discernment won't allow you to hang out with certain people. Does your lifestyle match what you say is in your heart? 

"A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of." Luke 6:45

Happy Wednesday! :) 

You-nique

"For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." Ephesians 2:10 

Has anyone ever told you, "you're different..."? Whether it was meant with a pure heart, or with condescending motives, it's true. You are different. You are set apart. You were bought with a price. You are a masterpiece created by The Creator. You should walk a little different. You should have a joyful disposition. You should demonstrate the fruits of the spirit. Because you're unique, nobody can complete your God-given purpose quite like you. 

"I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well."Psalm 139:14

Happy Tuesday! :) 

Priorities

"Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is." Ephesians 5:15-17

The Word compares our lives to a vapor (James 4:14). Since we only have 24 hrs in a day, it's vital that we maximize that time. This week, seek God about your schedule. What you value most can easily be determined by what you spend the most time and money on. You say you want to make good grades, but how much do you study? You say you want to hear from God, but how much do you read and study his word? What does your current schedule say about you? Where do your priorities lie?

Busy?

"I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart.” Psalm 40:8 

I've been finding myself super busy lately - running around, working, and doing a bunch of other things. This weekend, I'm slowing down, meditating on the Word, and refocusing. I challenge you to continually seek God for direction. We should never be too busy to spend quality time with our creator. Happy Friday! 

Self Control

"A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls." Proverbs 25:28 

A city with broken-down walls has no protection. Since it is susceptible to attacks, there is no peace and anxiety is always present. Yes, telling people off and throwing tantrums is condoned in reality television, that is NOT real life. There are consequences for having no filter and acting off of impulse. So when emotions run high, vent to God. He won't judge you, but he'll restore your peace and fight your battles. Rest in Him!

"Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalm 139:23-24

Happy Thursday! 

For the love of likes

"Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ." Galatians 1:10

Nowadays, our level of influence is determined by the numbers-followers, likes, recommendations, reposts... This verse reminds us that we shouldn't live for the likes. We live our lives for an audience of one. The Rapper KB said it best "Preach the gospel, and stand back, Look for changed lives not for hand claps" (lyrics from 'Church Clap'). We're not believers who seek humans for validation and confirmation. If we keep our eyes on Christ, and follow his direction, lives will be changed simply as a result of our obedience. We don't have to search for venues to preach to people. We don't have to have a marketing pitch to get people to follow us and read our posts. Remember, God opens doors that no man can shut. Are you promoting yourself or Christ? Happy Wednesday! 

Trusting God with Idols

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5 

Yes, we need to pay bills, make good grades, progress in our careers, but we can't allow ourselves to make idols out of those earthly tasks. An idol is anything that takes your focus off of Christ; anything that you spend more time meditating on than the word of God. Don't make an idol out of school, work, relationships, or money, because we know that God is a jealous God. And if we're really honest, worry, stress, and anxiety are signs of lack of trust in our father. Today, examine your heart, what are your idols? Let go of them today and meditate on Psalm 37:23-25. 

Happy Tuesday! 

Faith Practice

"The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail." Isaiah 58:11 

A practice of faith is declaring God's word despite your current state. It's believing that since God promised it, your visions and dreams will come to pass. This week, I challenge you to incorporate this verse into your prayer life daily. For me, I'll also pray for guidance for my dream job that satisfies my financial and career goals (that will ultimately glorify him). What will you be seeking The Lord about? He'll answer when you call on him. Happy Monday!

"And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him." Hebrews 11:6

Freedom- Psalm 38 #SheReadsTruth

Psalm 38

Sin. We were born into, we live in it, and Romans 3:23 says "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God". BUT Jesus died for it. Still, we allow guilt and shame to overtake us. Still, we beat ourselves up about what we've done. How can this oh so holy God use us lowly sinners? 

I envision the Psalmist (Psalm 38) in a fetal position, with tears streaming down his face, terrified about what else could go wrong. His world is falling apart verses 1-17 and things seem bleak. However, verse 18 reads, "I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin." This is the turning point. He's not comfortable in his sin. He's not making excuses, he's come to his father in an act of surrender.

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9

There is freedom in confession. No longer is the Psalmist bound by his transgressions (Psalm 28:13). In the same way, we are forgiven. Guilt, fear, and anxiety are no more. We are FREE. 

Lord, do not forsake me;  do not be far from me, my God. Come quickly to help me,  my Lord and my Savior. Psalm 38:21-22

Psalm 38:21-22 is a prayer of submission. When we pray, we have to be prepared to do what He asks us to do. We have to be ready to accept his loving, helping hand. Because He will come when we call (Isaiah 65:24) 

Happy Friday!

Unplugged

"It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones" Psalm 127:2

When was the last time that you "unplugged"? Have you stepped away from the incessant "ding" or vibration from your phone? Sometimes I get so busy working overtime, coming home tired, but sacrificing my sanity. The Lord gives rest to the weary (Jeremiah 31:25). He's a Starbucks that's open 24/7 and his services are free of charge! When you're worn out, who or what do you turn to? The Lord doesn't sleep, so cast your worries and anxieties to him... he wants them! 

"You can go to bed without fear; you will lie down and sleep soundly." Proverbs 3:24

Quick Tip for Success: Patience

"Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him;

do not fret when people succeed in their ways,

    when they carry out their wicked schemes." Psalm 37:7

Wait on the Lord. Isn't that the most common phrase tossed around in the church and among believers? Such a simple phrase, but it's not so simple to live out. Sometimes it can feel as if everyone around you is getting a revelation from God. Everyone around you is moving forward, acing classes, getting their dream job, going on exotic vacations... but you feel stuck. But it's in these times that you should seek his face all the more. This season is preparing you for your next step. Take advantage of this time of preparation and enjoy the season that you are in. Don't focus on other people's timeline to "success." Your journey is specific to you because you were uniquely designed. 

"Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." Joshua 1:8

My portion

"Whom have I in heaven but you?

    And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

26 

My flesh and my heart may fail,

    but God is the strength of my heart

    and my portion forever" Psalm 73:25-26 (NIV)

In this season of Lent (or any time of fasting), it can be easy to become focused on rules and restrictions. You start to crave the very thing that you're giving up, which can cause you to lose focus. However, Psalm 73 puts it all into perspective.

When I think of the word "portion," I immediately think of food. A portion is an allotment, a serving, it's all that you need to be satisfied, it is ENOUGH. God wants to be our portion. He wants us to be so consumed with Him that we no longer focus on the trivial things of this world. He wants us to be so consumed with his will for our life that we no longer fast out of obligation, but out of a desire to grow closer to Him. 

So when the world starts to look appealing, get to this place: 

"...I’m in the very presence of God—

    oh, how refreshing it is!

I’ve made Lord God my home.

    God, I’m telling the world what you do!" Psalm 73:28 (MSG)

Psalm 130- God's Unfailing Love #SheReadsTruth

This post is also linked on www.shereadstruth.com! :)

Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord; Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. (Psalm 130:1-2)

Have you ever been there- stressed, overwhelmed, depressed, anxious, worried, [insert other negative emotions here]? Instead of seeking comfort from televisions, relationships, and other distractions, seek Him. Those are the times where God is longing to hear from you. He's longing for you to depend only on him and not your own strength. 

If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you. (Psalm 130:3-4)

But we have the audacity to hold grudges. We, mere humans, harden our hearts to those who have wronged us. Meanwhile, The Creator, offers his children an immeasurable amount grace. That grace allows us to continue to serve Him with a pure heart, even after we've messed up. *praise break*

I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. I wait for the Lord  more than watchmen wait for the morning,  more than watchmen wait for the morning. (Psalm 130:5-6)

Waiting is a foreign concept, in today's society. We are not accustomed to waiting for letters, harvest, meals cooked from scratch, or dial up internet :). I actually find myself willing the microwave to speed up cooking popcorn (max 2 minutes)! This concept of waiting is one that has not changed since the beginning of time. But the cool thing about waiting on God is that he'll never be late. He'll never forsake you. Waiting is a time for preparation and expectation. (See 2 Peter 3:9)

Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption. He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins. (Psalm 130:7-8)

*drops mic* What commentary needs to be added? The Lord is unfailing. We simply have to trust in him. 

I have been obsessed with this cover since I saw Joe perform it live last year. This song is Psalm 130 in a nutshell. 

Happy Friday!

Lent (Day 2)- Seeking God Diligently

"being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6

God has a divine purpose for your life. Yes, I'm sure you've heard that before, but have you really internalized it? Think about it, the creator of the universe, created you impact the world. You are a world changer. Whether or not you are participating in Lent, you can still seek God diligently. The Word says that those who seek the Lord will find him (Jeremiah 29:13). Set aside time, away from the clutter, away from the hustle and bustle of life and ask Him questions like: 

• What have you created me to be?
• What have you created me to do?
• How can I use my gifts and talents to bring you glory? 
• How can I be a light today? (Matthew 5:16)

You may not have an Apostle Paul moment (Acts 9) where a thunderous voice from heaven tells you all the answers, but He will answer you...in his time. Happy Thursday! 

Lent (Day 1)

“Even now,” declares the Lord,“return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” Joel 2:12

Today is the first day of Lent! Yay! I am looking forward to see what God does in your life over these next 46 days. However, we don't fast to "get" anything from God. In fact, fasting is taking our eyes off of earthly distractions to fix our eyes on things eternal. As Matthew 6:16-18 says, fasting is a personal endeavor between you and God. Take this time to earnestly seek the Lord about EVERYTHING. What is his will for your life? How can you serve him?  

If you're having trouble selecting what to fast from, consider the opposite. Maybe you can add something that you've been meaning to, but haven't fully committed to. 

Here are some ideas: 

1. Waking up an hour earlier to spend quiet time with God.
2. Starting a Bible reading plan
3. Committing to praying for a specified time (minimum) per day
4. Turning off the TV/ electronics between the hours of ____ and ____
5. Breaking away from unhealthy/ unproductive relationships
6. Eliminating secular music
7. Censoring television shows/ movies that are not uplifting and encouraging 
8. Committing to a scripture memorization plan

Ultimately, a fast should CHALLENGE you. Whatever you decide to do, should cause you to lean on the Lord for support because it is a SACRIFICE. 

*Note: Lent ends: Thursday, April 17

Distractions

"It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it." Isaiah 55:11

Spending daily time in the Word isn't the easiest thing, because there are so many distractions. Work, sleep, television shows, entertainment, friendships, and other relationships can interfere with study time. Most often, there is time but we choose not to take advantage of it because we don't feel like studying. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, our emotions are fickle! We can't base our relationship with an unchanging God on our ever changing emotions. Just because you don't feel different after every quiet time, doesn't mean that you aren't changing. Isaiah 55:11 reminds us that His word always produces fruit, it will not return void. As long are you're reading/ studying with a pure heart, you are growing, maturing, and learning. Happy Tuesday! 

Worn Out?

"...Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?" Galatians 3:2-3

Have you ever found yourself running on empty? Feeling like you're doing everything in your power but things seem pretty stagnant? *raises hand* I'm definitely guilty. Galatians 3 reminds us that we can't do things in our own strength. We start out trusting God, praying, fasting but over time, we get comfortable. We can feel as if God has given us all the answers; therefore, we continue on and ask God for help when we hit another snag in our plan. Newsflash: God doesn't want to be the last resort! He doesn't want to only be trusted when everything falls apart. He doesn't want to hear from us only when we're fed up and tired. God longs to be first in our lives in every season...even when we feel like we have it all together. Are you intentionally including God in your daily life? Are you sitting at his feet, seeking direction? Happy Monday!