Pruning

"Every branch in me (Jesus) that does not bear fruit he (God) takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he (God) prunes, that it may bear more fruit." John 15:2 

Pruning is the act of cutting off parts in order to improve the whole. When plants are pruned, the ugly that was hidden under the fruit and flowers is revealed. Over time, the plant recovers, grows, and is healthier and more fruitful than before. The same goes for us. When we are serious about living for Christ, God may prune us of people, activities, jobs, or anything else that is hindering our growth. Instead of resisting, we should endure that season to reveal our best self. Happy Friday! 

"May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy" Colossians 1:11

Kindness

"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." Ephesians 4:32

Kindness is what most people expect from others but are reluctant to demonstrate. This is usually because when kindness is extended it's taken for granted. Like when you hold the door open for a stranger and they don't acknowledge your existence. Rude. But good thing believers don't measure their worth by people's standards, but by the ones The Bible sets. Think of some ways that you can be kind daily...with a smile and a pure heart. (No eye rolling or giant sighs allowed ha)  Happy Thursday!

"A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself." Proverbs 11:17

Worship

"Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you." Psalm 63:3 

The grace, peace, and favor that God extends to is daily is a gift that we don't deserve. Since God is unchanging, we can rely on him unlike the roller coaster ride that we call life. Through everything we are called to worship. How often do you find yourself glorifying God with your speech? Only on Sunday or when prompted? If you're praying for a breakthrough, confirmation, or direction, try increasing your worship and allow the Holy Spirit to work within you. Happy Wednesday! 

"I cling to you; your right hand upholds me." Psalm 63:8 

*I love this song! It's the perfect complement to today's verses*

Tick...Tock...

"But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day." 2 Peter 3:8 

The calendar system, time, and speed were all created and implemented by man. Yes, schedules keep order but they can also created confusion. People began to think that they control time and a plan can fix everything. But according to the scripture, God doesn't operate off of your biological clock or your self imposed timetable.  Life is but a vapor (James 4:14) compared to eternity. Trust God's timing and allow your waiting period to grow and develop patience in you. Honestly, waiting for what's next never ends, so you might as well enjoy it! Happy Tuesday! 

Rest Up

"Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and the sight of your eyes..." Ecclesiastes 11:9

I don't know about you, but I'm excited about the weekend! I'm guilty of working all week and then over scheduling my weekend in an effort to get the most out of it. This weekend, I vow to to rest and rejuvenate... for at least one day...or one hour :). Regardless of your plans, don't neglect spending quality time with our Lord and Savior. He wants to hang out with you too! Haha Happy Friday!

"A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22

Created to Worship

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." 1 Peter 2:9 

People were created to worship. We were put on this earth to bring glory to God, our creator. Although we were made this way, it may seem awkward to raise our hands in church, sing loudly, or even clap our hands. However, we have no problem loudly singing the lyrics to our favorite song, jumping up in excitement when our team scores, or losing our minds when we see/ meet a celebrity. Just as naturally as those expressions of praise come, we should practice extolling our king in a similar manner. Challenge yourself to increase your praise and to worship like nobodies watching. Happy Thursday! :) 

"Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!" Psalm 95:6

What about your friends?

"Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel." Proverbs 27:9

Take a look at your friends. Can you count on them to give you wise counsel? Do they direct you to God's words versus their own? In the same vein, what kind of friend are you? Are people drained when they finally escape your presence or are they content, feeling better than before? Let's focus on nurturing friendships that cause growth rather than regression. Don't allow bad company to corrupt your morals (1 Corinthians 15:33). Happy Wednesday! :)

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up..." 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Dive Deep

"Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law." Psalm 119:18

Today, God's word is readily accessible through apps, social media evangelists, devotionals, televangelists, and more. We can get a quick pick me up when scrolling past an inspirational quote or our favorite bible verse posted over an artsy nature photo. While those things are great, they should be used as additives, not replacements to our daily time with God. We are to STUDY to show ourselves approved (2 Timothy 2:15). So use that great thing that you read as a launching pad to go deeper into the Word. Don't stop with a surface understanding. Really seek God and ask him to direct your study time. Happy Tuesday! :)

"How can a young [person] keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word." Psalm 119:9

Confirmation and Gut-checks

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Hebrews 13:8

Have you ever been praying about something and God gives you confirmation? Not just once, but multiple times? For me, there were about 5-6 separate occasions within a three day timespan. You would think I would get the memo, but still I found myself using reason to not trust God and step out on faith. You already know I was gut-checked by the Holy Spirit :) We have to remember that God's promises are still applicable today. He's the constant factor in our lives that we can always count on. Are you trusting in him or yourself? 

"And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you." Psalm 9:10

Praying in the Spirit

"...I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding..." 1 Corinthians 14:15 

A lot of times the term "praying in the spirit" is interpreted as praying in tongues. If that's the case, there's a percentage of people who feel that they don't qualify to do so. When in fact, praying in the spirit simply means that the Holy Spirit is directing our prayers. Instead of praying for the things we know we want/need (ie. good grades, a great job, a relationship, etc), we pray on a deeper level. Whenever there is a person or topic that just "pops in your head," take a moment to pray for them, then add it to your prayer list. Praying in the spirit allows you to intercede on behalf of loved ones and people you may not know yet. It allows our self-centered prayers to be redirected to selfless prayers. Try it out this weekend :) 

Guidance

"For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him." Philippians 2:13

This scripture eliminates every excuse anyone has ever used in an effort to not walk in their God given purpose. If the Holy Spirit lives in you, he supplies you with all the fruits of the spirit and skills that you need to use in every aspect of your life. You can pass the tests. You can make the conscious effort to allow the Holy Spirit to lead your life according to God's will. Are you looking to please God or your flesh? Happy Thursday! :) 

Roadblocks

On my way to work, I was greeted with a row of orange cones, flashing lights, and a sign that says "Road Closed." Of course this would happen when I have a scheduled call that I can't be late for! As I was GPSing an alternate route to work, I started thinking about roadblocks in our lives. Have you ever been so set on doing something but the unexpected happens and causes you to stop and restrategize? I'm sure the road was closed for a good reason (ie. safety), but that didn't make it any less annoying. Next time things don't go exactly as you plan, seek God, think again, because He was probably protecting you from something far worse than running a few minutes behind (in my case). Happy Wednesday! :) 

Career Drama

"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 

Recently, conversations with friends have revealed that we're all looking for more out of our lives. We're consumed with thoughts about how we aren't where we thought we'd be at this time or we're now realizing that our career really isn't all that we thought it would be. All in all, a relationship status, career, salary, or friendships shouldn't define us. We don't find worth and value in those things. We should be depending on Christ's love and support, trusting Him to guide us daily. Happy Tuesday! 

*Side note: the first e-mail I read today said "Casey- You are a superstar in my eyes!!! Thanks so very much!" From a customer who did not think I was incompetent lol Great way to start the day! 

Payback

"See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone." 1 Thessalonians 5:15 

Morning! I had a completely different message to send out this morning, but life happened lol. This morning was my first day back in the office since Wednesday afternoon. I had literally been at work for about 5 minutes when I got a call from a disgruntled customer. One who felt the appropriate way to get answers to his problem was by yelling and telling me how incompetent I was. When in reality, he doesn't know how to listen to get the answer to his question. Anyway, customer service is a lot like Christianity. You have to put your pride aside, exercise an incredible amount of patience, and treat people well regardless. How do you react to people who do not demonstrate the love of Christ? Happy Monday! 

Gratitude

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

I've seen a photo circulating that says, "What if you woke up today only with the things you thanked God for yesterday". Doesn't that out things into perspective? I think we get so used to life as we know it, that we don't recognize just how blessed we really are. Since we can never thank God enough, let's make a conscious effort to express gratitude to The King. Sending hugs from South Beach :) 

"I will praise the name of God with song, And shall magnify Him with thanksgiving" Psalm 69:30

City Life Chronicles

"Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." 1 John 4:4

This morning, I was greeted with a citation on my car. Yay. Apparently, I was expected to pay some sort of random city tax to park in front of where I live. Needless to say, I was pretty heated. After I calmed down and read the fine print on the ticket, I recognized that I'm not liable for the $100 fine. I simply have to contest it and explain the situation. 

How often do you get worked up and anxious about things that are out of your control? God tells us to not even worry about the small things because he's in control. We already know that he's ride or die...literally. So I challenge you, the next time your flesh rises up in frustration and anxiety, to cast down those thoughts (emotions) and make them obey Christ. Focus on what he has promised and rest in him. Happy Wednesday :) 

Unbothered

"Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, gladden yourselves in Him]; again I say, Rejoice!" Philippians 4:4 

Joy is something that comes from within. Circumstances and outside factors cannot affect it. When we rejoice in The Lord, it should radiate from us. Unbelievers should wonder how you're so "unbothered". People should enjoy your presence instead of avoiding it. Today, focus on rejoicing in The Lord and everything else will be positively impacted. Happy Tuesday! 

"Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure." Psalm 16:9

A Giving Heart

"Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God." Hebrews 13:16 

How willing are you to share what you have been blessed with? When you see a need are you quick to meet that need or do you count on someone else to do it? The material things of this earth are only temporary, yet we still get attached to our stuff, money and time. God recognizes and appreciates a giving heart. 

"Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed." Proverbs 19:17

Selfless

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." Philippians 2:3-4

It's so easy to be giving and selfless when we're in the mood or mentally prepared for it. (For example: volunteer work, missions, church functions.) In our daily lives, are we genuinely happy to let the car cut in front of us at the last minute? Are we offering to do things for people because it's "the right thing to do" or because we want to have the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5)? 

 Honestly, sometimes I feel as though the works should revolve around me and everyone should look out for my best interest. Unfortunately, I've been gut checked by the Holy Spirit many times in that area. :) Now, I'm constantly renewing my mind in that area and genuinely looking for ways to serve others. We're called to submit to Christ and we need all the practice we can get! Are you selflessly submitting to Christ or simply selfishly serving your flesh? Happy Friday! 

To live is Christ

Apostle Paul stated "to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21). He simply meant that everything he did in his life was to bring glory to God. Paul was constantly pursuing Christ, seeking Him, bringing people to the knowledge of Him. Granted it is extremely unlikely that we will become martyrs for our faith, but we should still be fearless and faithful in our walk with Christ. To live is Christ. Who does your life reflect? Happy Thursday!