Deuces

"And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?" Matthew 6:27 

Have you ever found yourself worried and anxious about something, only to find out later that everything worked out better than you ever imagined? I have. Then I'm annoyed and wondering why I wasted energy on trivial matters, instead of trusting, wholeheartedly that God would work it out. Many times we know the scriptures in our minds but our hearts and emotions have a hard time grasping these simple truths. So relax, everything will work out as it should. Chuck the deuces to stress, anxiety, and worry and live a life free in Christ. 

"Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad." Proverbs 12:25

Boldness

"The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion." Proverbs 28:1 

The definition of righteousness is the state of moral perfection required by God to enter Heaven. While it is true that we cannot become righteous due to our own works, righteousness is obtained through our acknowledgement and acceptance of the acts of Jesus Christ. So believers have the power to be as bold as lions. They can expect to hear from God and reap the benefits of obeying him. What do you need to be bold about today? 

"So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most." Hebrews 4:16

Defending the Faith

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15 

Often times, I've heard this verse referred to as evidence that we need to know the word of God in a personal way. I want to take it a step further and say that we should also be studying the word for a deep understanding, so we're not swayed by false teaching, and ultimately, so we can be effective disciples. Now, the majority of the people around me ascribe to other world religions. In turn, I find it increasingly important to know what I believe and why. So if I'm asked why I'm a Christian, I have a sound answer. If you're interested in apologetics (defending the faith), let me know and I'll share some resources with you. Happy Thursday! 

"I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." Psalm 119:11

Restored

"Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him." Colossians 3:10 

There may be times that you feel worn down, weary, frustrated, or unloved. Thank God that you serve a God of restoration. A God who can restore your zeal to do the mundane things of life. He will grace you with patience and understanding in every season. Reach out to Him, and let him know that you need his presence daily. Allow Him to fill you up when you're drained. Happy Wednesday! 

Decisions

"And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left." Isaiah 30:21

The Bible teaches that believers are to seek Christ and he'll direct their paths. However, I can be a witness and say that God does not always speak as clearly as we want him to. We want a big flashing sign that says "do this, NOW!" Or a complete outline of our lives for the next 15 years. I've found, that sometimes he just wants us to take a step of faith. He wants to know that we trust him even when we don't understand. Are we willing to sacrifice our comfort zone in an effort to draw closer to Him? Step out the boat and run on water :). Happy Tuesday! 

"But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere." James 3:17

Honoring God

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31 

Everything you do has the potential to bring honor to The Lord. The small decisions that you make can spark an interest from others. For example, if your demeanor is constantly joyous and smiley, people may ask you how you're so happy everyday. That's the perfect opportunity to share what God has done in your life. Same goes for clothing choice, food preferences, word selection - everything. This week, make a conscious effort to consult God about the little things to make sure you're bringing glory to him and not yourself. Happy Monday! :) 

"For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever!" Romans 11:36

Pass the Test

"The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure." 1 Corinthians 10:13 

Don't you just love how plainly the New Living Translation is written? Everyone has things that they're dealing with and no temptation is harder or easier to pass than another. As you are renewing our minds and changing your hearts to be more like Christ, the tests will come harder than ever. As soon as you claim contentment, peace, joy, patience, etc. you will be tested in those areas. Be prepared. Put on the whole armor of God daily, and don't allow the trials and frustration to keep you bound and steal your joy, because that's what the enemy wants. Can I get an amen? :) Happy FRIDAY! 

Contentment vs. Complacency

"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19 

I don't know about you but, I absolutely love this verse. It's awesome that God provides our needs, but what about our wants. What if we have shelter, food, clothing, employment but are dissatisfied with the quality of one or all of them? We are called to be content but when does contentment become stagnant settling? I've been finding myself asking those questions recently- I honestly don't know the answer. My thought is that if you want something to change, pray about it, start making moves to change it, but be willing to let God direct the process or tell you to abort the mission. In the end, he will provide. Happy Thursday! :) 

Run On Water

Matthew 14 talks about when Jesus and Peter walked on water. Sometimes people focus on the fact that Peter lost his faith, began to sink, and had to return to the boat prematurely. Personally, I find it incredibly admirable that Peter even trusted Jesus enough to request to step out on the water. In your life, has The Lord told you to take a step of faith and to leave the safety of your "boat"? I heard a friend say that they wanted to have faith to run on water. That means abandoning all reason, trusting God's plan with their whole heart, and believing the "impossible". That's my prayer for myself and you as well. Run on water. Happy Monday!

"Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 5:1 

Oceans by Hillsong is based off of Matthew 14 as well. 

Quote from Nina J.- www.propergirl.com

Trust in Every Season

"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

If we claim the title of "Christian," yet don't trust God, we are in direct conflict with the word of God. He has never forsaken us. Even when life seems to fall apart, He's there. If you're at a place of discontentment with your season, practice casting ALL your cares onto Christ. He was built for them, you weren't. Happy Friday! :) 

"He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord." Psalm 112:7

Justice

“For I, the Lord, love justice; I hate robbery and wrongdoing. In my faithfulness I will reward my people and make an everlasting covenant with them." Isaiah 61:8

The conversation about bad things happening to good people has been had countless times. Although there are many theories, one thing we know for sure, is that God is good and just. And we can guarantee that God will work out every situation so that He may be glorified in the end. Happy Thursday! :) 

"Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good." Romans 12:9

Scriptural Relevance

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness" 2 Timothy 3:16

I heard some statistics the other day about young people and their views on the Bible. A large number of people thought that the Bible is a "good book" to be used kind of as a guide. The contents may or may not be true, but it's nice. 2 Timothy negates that logic. The Bible is literally God's word and the contents are to be internalized, respected, and lived out. Studying the word will guide us in ways that prepare us for eternity while benefitting us on Earth. So if God tells us to refrain from something, it's for protection. If God tells us something is essential, it's for our growth. Happy Wednesday! :) 

Graceful Conversation

"Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." Colossians 4:5-6 

"Outsiders" in this verse is referring to nonbelievers. Every time we're in the presence of people who aren't Christian, is an opportunity to demonstrate the love of Christ and share the good news. If you were the only Christian that someone encountered, would they know? Would they see something different in you? Happy Tuesday! 

Prosperity

"[blessed is the one] who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season & whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers." Psalm 1:2-3 

As believers, we know that God keeps his promises. Here, we have a guarantee that we will be prosperous as we are in tune with the word of God. Prosperity may not be money, but it could be quality relationships (or something else that brings glory to Him). All in all, it's never a waste to spend time in the presence of God. He is faithful. Let's gain our energy, nourishment, and strength from God's word, not the world. Happy Monday! :) 

Maestro

"From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands" Acts 17:26 

God created every person who has ever walked this earth. He assigned each with a purpose and a destination. God "marked out their appointed times in history." Whew! That's some powerful scripture! 

"God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us." Acts 17:27

Yes, we have a purpose and plan, but we need to seek him to discover it. Although we encounter quite times where God feels distant from us, he's right there, orchestrating it all. 

Happy Friday! 

Joy of The Lord

"Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy are in his dwelling place." 1 Chronicles 16:27

Many times, strength and joy are found together, woven throughout scripture. Think about it, when you're down, and lack joy, you're more likely to succumb to the enemy's attacks. Imagine that joy is your "immune system". You must constantly make an effort to feed and nurture it. Nehemiah 8:10 says "the joy of The Lord is your strength," so joy in The Lord will power you through whatever comes your way. Strive for joy and strength will come. Happy Thursday! 

"Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always." 1 Chronicles 16:11

The Law

"Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law." Psalm 119:18 

Some people think that the Bible is just a book of outdated rules that no longer apply to the modern world. In Psalm 119, David is praying for a deeper understanding of the law. He wanted to view things from a spiritual perspective instead of a carnal, worldly one. When we read scripture with our spiritual eyes, we don't view commandments and decrees as sabotage, but as protection. Happy Wednesday! 

"For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified." Romans 2:13

Religious Persecution

"But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15 

In the United States, we pride ourselves in having freedom to choose. We can make the daily choice to live for Christ or to live for the world. It broke my heart when I heard of the Sudanese woman who was sentenced to death for refusing to recant her Christianity. Her story of faith, dedication, hope, and prayer is inspiring. The fact that she has truly given her heart to The Lord regardless of what her country says. Please keep her and the other Christians who are persecuted across the world in your prayers. Have a blessed Tuesday! 

Here's the whole article- 

http://www.cnn.com/2014/05/15/world/africa/sudan-christian-woman-apostasy/

Strength in The Lord

"...Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." Nehemiah 8:10B 

Psalm 119:11 says "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." When scriptures are memorized, it's easy to recall what God's word says about a particular situation. When your emotions are under attack, reflect on Nehemiah 8:10 because God's promises always come to pass. Happy Monday!