Answered Prayers

"As soon as you began to pray, a word went out, which I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed..." Daniel 9:23 

Happy Monday! At this point of Daniel 9, an angel visited Daniel as an answer to his prayers. What I love about verse 23 is the fact that Daniel hadn't finished the prayer, but God had already answered it. Although God already knew what Daniel needed, prayer was the first step. Yes, God knows the heart (Jeremiah 17:10), yet he wants relationship and communication with his children. God answers prayers right on time- whether immediately like Daniel or if waiting is required like Abraham. Trust in his perfect timing. He hears you. 

"And whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him." 1 John 3:22

Psalm 25

"Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long." Psalm 25:4-5 

I challenge you to pray this prayer boldly. Ask God for guidance and instruction daily. Happy Wednesday!

Perfection

"God's way is perfect. All the LORD's promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection." Psalm 18:30 

Psalm 18 really ministered to me this morning. What a sweet reminder that 

God always has our back! He protects those who trust and rely on him alone. If discouragement and discontentment rise up in your heart today, meditate on these promises. Happy Tuesday! :) 

"For who is God except the LORD? Who but our God is a solid rock?" Psalm 18:31

"God arms me with strength, and he makes my way perfect." Psalm 18:32

Impossible

Ultimately everything we do should bring glory and honor to God. In order for that to happen, I believe He specializes in delivering in the 9th hour and allows us to go through until we finally surrender to Him. Our testimony should always point back to Christ. If you're only praying for things that are possible in your own efforts, I would challenge you to reevaluate. Are you truly trusting God with your life or are you living according to your works? Happy Monday! :) 

"If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you." John 15:7

Constant Praise

“Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously; let this be made known in all the earth." Isaiah 12:5 

Have you ever skipped quiet time with God because you're tired? I'll be the first to admit that I have...more than a few times. Flesh calls us to relax and unwind by doing mindless activities like watching tv or playing with apps. However, when God is pulling on you to spend time in his presence, do it! I was so tired after working 12 hours yesterday, that I definitely wasn't feeling like doing a bible study. But I did, and after that study I put some praise and worship music on and proceeded to do some housekeeping that I've been putting off for far too long. See, God inhabits our praise and he will meet you where you are. He's our lifeline, plug into him and he'll revive you. Happy Friday! :) 

"Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name." Hebrews 13:15

Thankful

"Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!" Psalm 107:1 

On this day, most Americans reflect on how September 11 impacted the nation and world forever. The Bible tells us that in all things, give thanks (1 Thessalonians 5:18). What are you thankful for? How has God provided for you thus far? As you assess, your current worries should lessen, because God has shown himself faithful time and time again. Happy Thursday! :) 

"Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" Ephesians 5:20

Trust In The Lord

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding." Proverbs 3:5 

This Bible verse can be found all over Pinterest sunsets, textgrams, and photo captions. However, this text can never be overused, in my opinion. Life experiences are always a learning opportunity but sometimes they hinder us by putting fear in our hearts. Have you ever not pursued something because of a failure that you encountered or observed? That's leaning on your limited experience. Do you feel as though everyone else is doing what God called you to do? That there's no room in the marketplace for your skills and gifts? Your gifts will make room for you! In what ways are you leaning on your understanding? Happy Wednesday! :) 

Crucified with Christ

"I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:20

What does it mean to be crucified with Christ? It means taking up your cross to follow Christ (Matthew 16:24). It means submitting literally everything to Him- including your dreams, aspirations, goals. Your only goal should be to follow God's will for your life. This is the process of killing your fleshly desires, and replacing them with an eternal focus. Honestly, what God has for your life is greater than you can even imagine for yourself. If you find yourself stressed, overwhelmed, or confused about your future, try total submission. Happy Tuesday! :)

"And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." Luke 9:23

Sow On

"For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life." Galatians 6:8 

The metaphor of sowing and reaping is used often throughout the New Testament. Believers are called to sow fruits of the spirit, righteousness (Proverbs 11:18), and things that bring life (Galatians 6:8). As we sow on good ground, God cultivates what we sow to bring glory and honor to him. We should never sow in hopes of getting anything in return. We sow simply because the omniscient and omnipotent God says that we ought to. As we build up others, we become less selfish, more giving, and exercise obedience to our Heavenly Father. Are you sowing in the flesh or in the spirit? Happy Monday! :)

"A buried seed brings fruit; a selfless life reaps an eternal harvest." -Anon

Count the Cost

"For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?" Luke 14:28 

Luke tells us to "count the cost" of our decisions. We are called to do all work well, like we're working for The Lord. My best friend says that we need to develop the spirit of No. We can't do everything and our activities definitely should not compromise the amount of time that we spend in The Word. So before agreeing to be superman or superwoman, consult The Father. How does he want you to spend your time? Happy Friday!

"The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." Proverbs 16:9

Complete

"So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority." Colossians 2:10

Once you accept Jesus Christ as the head of your life, you are complete. You no longer have to chase dreams, money, things, jobs, friendships, relationships and other forms of validation. In Him, you have everything you need to accomplish your purpose. You don't have to beat down doors to have someone notice you or subscribe to self promotion, because God is within you. Trust that he has everything perfectly orchestrated to bring him glory. Stay focused on Christ and everything else will fall into place. Happy Thursday! :)

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." 2 Corinthians 5:17

A Heart of Praise

"Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!" Psalm 100:2 

Happy Tuesday! I pray that you had a fun and relaxing Labor Day weekend. :) Today, meditate on the idea of praise and worship. The Lord relishes in our joy in Him. Having a heart of praise draws us closer to the father. It changes our attitudes from one of discontentment to one of thankfulness. We are all blessed beyond measure; furthermore, if we receive nothing else, He's done more than enough. What have you thanked God for today? #attitudecheck

"But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him." John 4:23