Inventory

"The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” Lamentations 3:24

Our God is infinitely gracious. Have you tried to take an inventory of blessings? It's impossible to do, yet I'm sure there are still things that you wish you could change. However, I can guarantee that there are numerous people who would love the privileges that you've been given. Let's remember that as believers, our hope should only rest in Christ- not a paycheck, a relationship, technology, or anything else. As a negative thought tries to creep in, cast it down and give thanks. Happy Wednesday! 

"My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever." Psalms 73:26

Facing Challenges

"It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he causes me to stand on the heights." Psalm 18:32-33

Let's imagine that we're training to be body builders. We're eating right but when I comes to exercising, it's difficult. We're more comfortable lifting light weights, because the more weight, the more difficult it becomes for us. In the same way a body builder shouldn't shy away from a challenge, christians shouldn't either. If we were never placed in situations to grow, we would stay baby christians, surviving solely off of what mature christians feed us (1 Cor 3:2). God doesn't take challenges away, but he will provide the tools, support, and strength that we need to accomplish his will. So cast you worries, nerves, and cares on to Christ and grow, grow, grow! (1 Peter 5:7) 

More Than Enough

"When the vessels were full, she said to her son, “Bring me another vessel.” And he said to her, “There is not another.” Then the oil stopped flowing." 2 Kings 4:6

I love the story of the widow's oil in 2 Kings 4 (read through it when you get a chance). Basically, a widow was responsible for her husbands debts and she had no collateral except her sons, who were to be sold into slavery. The prophet Elisha gave her instructions to provide a space for God to move. When she did, there was overflow. She had more than enough to survive; she was able to thrive. Do you leave room for God to work in your life? Do you allow enough space for him to move in a mighty way? Happy Thursday! :) 

Bloom

"The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands." Psalm 138:8 

The idea of "bloom where you're planted" has been on my heart this week. There's never a perfect time to start walking in purpose. There will always be opposition, doubt, and fear that creep in as distractions. A platform is not needed. Simply start where you are and God will meet you. Happy Wednesday! :) 

"In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will" Ephesians 1:11

From the tip of my toes...

"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." Romans 12:1

I absolutely love this song by Steffany Frizzle. She sings, "From the tips of my toes, to the top of my head, they're going to know I love you." This song and Paul's letters to the Roman church mirror in saying that we are representatives of Christ as all times. Our bodies and lives are not our own. In fact, we're living Bibles (2 Cor 3:2) to show the world who we serve. Who do people encounter when they're with you? As a believer, it should be Jesus. Happy Tuesday! :)

Knowledge

"An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge." Proverbs 18:15

In the age of the Internet, we can find the answer to virtually any question or problem. It makes people's opinions fact and creates experts out of anyone with a keyboard. Criticism is rebuked and followed with eye rolls. As christ followers, we recognize that adaptability is essential to walking by faith. We should seek more knowledge, welcome critique and grow from it, knowing that all things work together for our good. As I start a my new job today, I praise God for the opportunity to grow and experience his faithfulness minute by minute. What knowledge will you acquire today? Happy Monday! :) 

Knowledge

"An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge." Proverbs 18:15

In the age of the Internet, we can find the answer to virtually any question or problem. It makes people's opinions fact and creates experts out of anyone with a keyboard. Criticism is rebuked and followed with eye rolls. As christ followers, we recognize that adaptability is essential to walking by faith. We should seek more knowledge, welcome critique and grow from it, knowing that all things work together for our good. As I start a my new job today, I praise God for the opportunity to grow and experience his faithfulness minute by minute. What knowledge will you acquire today? Happy Monday! :) 

His Power Revealed

"But for this purpose I have raised you up, to show you my power, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth." Exodus 9:16

When reading and studying the Bible, it's imperative to avoid taking scriptures out of context, by reading surrounding text. God was speaking to Pharaoh, who had hardened his heart and enslaved the Israelites. Isn't it amazing that God raised up Pharaoh to bring opposition that ultimately shows God's glory? God has his hand upon the believers and the unbelievers alike. Our minds cannot fathom His ultimate plans. What have you been raised up to do? Are you walking in your divine purpose? Happy Wednesday! :) 

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD." Isaiah 55:8 

Joyful

"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." Romans 12:12 

Yesterday, I was in an unbelievably good mood. Joyful, may be a better word. I was joyful because I was beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I started to see the fruits of my labor were coming to fruition and my prayers had not fallen on deaf ears (1 John 5:14-15) I'm just humming away at my desk and I get convicted. *sigh* The Holy Spirit reminded me that my joy should not be based on whether or not I get my way. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Of course there's nothing wrong with giving God the glory, but we should have a constant attitude of worship, regardless of our situation. He is so faithful. Let's be joyful at all times. Happy Tuesday! :)

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." James 1:17

Rooted

"See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ." Colossians 2:8 

Just before this verse, Paul explains that we should be rooted in Christ. If we are not relying solely on Him, we lose focus. We will chase every opportunity to be more, make more, do more, which ultimately only glorifies self. We shouldn't allow friends, family, or society to dictate the direction of our lives. When the Holy Spirit guides our steps, we will not fall prey to "hollow and deceptive philosophy". Trust in God alone. Happy Friday! 

"For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority" Colossians 2:9-10

Flawless

"As for God, his way is perfect: the Lord's word is flawless; he Shields all who take refuge in him" Psalm 18:30

Faith is defined as reliance, loyalty, or complete trust in God or someone else. Living for God requires us to have unwavering faith in Him-not our bank accounts, degrees, friends, families, or anything else. God promises to provide everything we need and more when we trust in him. Our lives are not meant to be perfectly planned by us. There needs to be a faith gap that only God can fill. Serving a perfect and flawless God means that we shouldn't have a care in this world. (Proverbs 30:5) Let's live like it! Happy Thursday! :)