Why worship?

"Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness." Psalm 29:2 

 Although last week was amazing with tons of great news about my career and business, that's not the only reason I worship. As believers we should give glory and honor to our Heavenly Father for who he is rather than what he can do for us. Earthly blessings are only a small glimpse of eternity. Worship in spite of every situation. 

For those who don't know, I am a member of the liturgical dance ministry at my church. We had our Sunday sermon through dance and here a snapshot. A few videos are an on my Facebook page! 

Happy Monday! 

Also, I'm posting less frequently here and more on my other social media pages. Be sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated :) 

Love you all! 

Heavenly Connection

Clarity, direction, productivity, whatever we lack wisdom in can be answered through prayer. Often we find ourselves drained trying to figure everything out on our own. It's time that we leverage our heavenly connect to save time, energy, and our sanity. :) Seek Christ. He's waiting.

"Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known." Jeremiah 33:3 

God is greater...

"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:18 

As believers in Christ, a gracious spirit is essential, regardless of current circumstances. God is bigger than our issues. He's greater than our frustrations, so adopt a grateful heart that withstands the unpredictability of life.

Celebrate the small wins

I'm sending you all virtual high-fives! :) 

Zechariah 4:10 "Do not despise these small beginning, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin..."

Take time to celebrate and appreciate progress. Other people's successes (or failures) have nothing to do with the call on your life. If you're busy comparing your beginning to someone else's middle, discontentment will reign. Today, commit to taking an inventory of your wins, and thank God for every last one! 

P.S. I apologize for my mini hiatus but I'm back! I also post tons of inspiration on all of my social media platforms, so follow me there! :) Happy Tuesday!

"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:58 

Social media: 

Instagram, Twitter, Periscope: @CaseyCarea

Facebook: Casey Sharperson

Celebrate the small wins

I'm sending you all virtual high-fives! :) 

Zechariah 4:10 "Do not despise these small beginning, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin..."

Take time to celebrate and appreciate progress. Other people's successes (or failures) have nothing to do with the call on your life. If you're busy comparing your beginning to someone else's middle, discontentment will reign. Today, commit to taking an inventory of your wins, and thank God for every last one! 

P.S. I apologize for my mini hiatus but I'm back! I also post tons of inspiration on all of my social media platforms, so follow me there! :) Happy Tuesday!

"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:58 

Social media: 

Instagram, Twitter, Periscope: @CaseyCarea

Facebook: Casey Sharperson

Let God Be God

The temptation to busy ourselves with things of this world is great. Usually, it's with the purest intentions. We're not trying to tell God how to be God, but we'll "help him out a little." You know, running ourselves ragged with work to push us to the next level career wise or in other aspects of life. When our lives become so busy that we're neglecting or shortening our time with God, it's time to reevaluate. Be still. Rest in Him. 

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10

*sharing more on this tonight at 8 on the Periscope app! Download the app and follow me @CaseyCarea* 

Worry Wart

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." Romans 15:13

Since iron sharpens iron (Pvbs 27:17), I try to surround myself with people who are positive and cause me to grow. However, sometimes I encounter worry warts. (People who are consistently talking about the worst case scenario, live in the worst case scenario, and thrive off feelings of fear, doubt, and anxiety.) As a believer, the unknown is familiar territory, since we live by faith and trust that God has our steps ordered. If you're a worrier, that should free you! We only can control our reactions when we face adversity. What do your words and actions reveal about you? Happy Wednesday!  

Hidden Talents

"For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them." Matthew 25:29

Many might be familiar with the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30. The master allotted money of various amounts to 3 different servants. Those who were given more money, invested and grew the amount. The one who was given the least hid the money but eventually lost it. I heard a message last weekend, where the pastor said, "Hiding your talents communicates to God that you are unappreciative". Yikes. It made me reflect... what has God given us that we haven't fully accepted? Are we walking in purpose? A form of worship is using the gifts that God gave us to glorify him. What are you doing with your talents? 

Tried and True

"As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him." Psalm 18:30 

Do you ever find yourself doubting God? Of course you would probably never say that aloud, but the heart tells a different story. Fear, anxiety, worry, and the need to rush God are all signs that we don't trust the God's ways are perfect. God's word has been tried and true. As believers, we have a relationship to the same God who parted the Red Sea, delivered Jonah from the belly of the whale, and raised Jesus from the dead. Just because we don't understand God's timeline, doesn't mean that we should question it. Surrender whatever it is that's holding you back and causing unrest in your spirit. Happy Monday! 

Wake Up

"For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14 

I believe that God is perfect and sovereign which means that all of his children have a special anointing to impact the world. However, just like Esther, we have a choice to take action or to stay silent. What is it that God is calling you to do in this season? Whatever it is, make Jesus famous. As the song says, "Wake up child, it's your time to shine, you were born for such a time as this"-Jake Hamilton, The Anthem. Happy Thursday! 

...as unto The Lord

"Like a snow-cooled drink at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to the one who sends him; he refreshes the spirit of his master" Proverbs 25:13 

The messenger in this verse can be likened to an employee and the master to an employer. The Bible tells us to work as unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23 ). As believers we should be described as teachable, adaptable, trustworthy, dependable, and a pleasure to be around. We should be a help and not a hindrance. How are your relationships with your superiors? How can you refresh their spirit? How can you serve God while serving others? Happy Wednesday!

"Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people" Ephesians 6:7

Thrive where you're planted

"They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do." Psalm 1:3

I read a quote this morning that said, "if you're not growing, you're dying." It almost sounds harsh until it's applied to a tangible example- like a plant. If it's not flourishing and being fed, it's withering. Unlike a plant, we have a choice of where we live and if we thrive or die. Are you planted on good ground (a healthy church)? Is your environment (circle of friends) fueling you with harmful of helpful nutrients. Are you in direct son-light (plugging into God as your power source)? If not, you're not growing. Today, think of some areas that you may be malnourished, submit them to God, and grow, grow, grow! Happy Tuesday! 

Co-Heirs with Christ

"And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God's glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering." Romans 8:17 

In the past few weeks, I have had several conversations with people about how their work lives haven't exactly turned out how they imagined. From layoffs, impending job loss, and beginning a new job search, God has used me as a vessel to speak life into a situation and offer prayer and support. However, there should be a difference in how believers react to suffering and disappointment and how the world does. Jesus paid the price for us to not be consumed by stress, feeling overwhelmed, confused, anxious, and hurt. When we begin to let those emotions overtake us, it's time to surrender them. We know that we will face trials and tribulations. Pray for God's strength to endure through the trials instead of being crippled by them. Happy Wednesday! 

World Changing Prayer

"Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up." Luke 18:1 (quick read only 8 verses!)

I saw a quote that said "if all your prayers were answered, would it change the world or just yours?" Yikes. Convicted. I have to remind myself that unsaved people around the world, government leaders, the family unit, Christian leaders, soon to be martyrs, and [insert literally everyone and everything] need my fervent prayers. I should be praying for the world with as much passion and faith as I do for people that I know personally. It's easy to keep a routine of prayer- hitting a few key (probably selfish) points and going about the day. This week,I challenge you to make a list of 5 world changing prayers. Take them to God earnestly until they're on your heart daily. Happy Tuesday! 

Connecting the Dots

For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Philippians 2:13

The word works is in present tense, which means that God is working right now. Not that he will work in you when you get your life together. Not that he worked in you before xyz happened. God is ALWAYS moving, guiding, and leading to weave an intricate design that we call life. At times where it feels like God is quiet or you don't see progress towards a particular goal- journal and reflect. Sometimes we can miss the beauty of the little things because we're so focused on the end result that may or may not be God's will for us. Take time to recognize God's faithfulness and your growth. Happy Thursday! 

A Good Work

"...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 

Often times we get distracted by the earthly things that take our focus off of eternity. Our eyes should always be on Christ, not the amount of works that we can do. Everything was completed on the cross. We cannot "do" enough to "earn" God's love. Once we become saved by Grace, The Holy Spirit begins working and doesn't end until we meet The Father in Heaven. So let's rebuke busyness, distraction and distress and adopt a peace that surpasses understanding. Happy Wednesday!

"He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 1:8

People Problems?

We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother. -1 John 4:19-21

Our love for God should translate into a love for people. The solution for loving difficult people is love Christ more deeply. Relying on his strength and not our own. We all know people who can push our buttons, annoy us, frustrate us, and even cause discontentment to rise up in our hearts. It's at those times that we turn to Christ and pray that our minds are renewed and that we begin to see the good qualities in them versus our negative viewpoint. Happy Tuesday! I'm back from my mini hiatus, renewed and eager to share what God's placed on my heart!

Merely Stewards

"To the LORD your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth and everything in it." Deuteronomy 10:14

Since God owns everything, we are merely stewards of his possessions. When we are asked to give 10% of our income to build the kingdom, we should be honoring God in how we manage the remaining 90%(Proverbs 3:9-10). If we view our material things as blessings and gifts from our Heavenly Father, our perspective should change. Selfishness with our possessions should be replaced with grace and a giving heart. So guard your heart against the "me, myself, and I mentality". Everything you own is His. Happy Tuesday! :) 

"One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want." Proverbs 11:24

For musical inspiration listen to Withholding nothing by William McDowell.

Friend Audit

Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” 1 Corinthians 15:33 

The voices of others can drown out the voice of God. The people we choose to spend our time with can either propel us forward to pull us back. Often, we think that we're strong enough to stay true to the Word of God but hanging out with those who do the opposite. Or maybe our "friends" aren't supportive and they sow seeds of doubt and confusion. Both scenarios are contrary to how we are called to live as believers. Do a friend/ associate audit. Are they building you up with the Word of God or crowding out that still, small voice of the Holy Spirit? Happy Tuesday! Listen to For Your Glory by Tasha Cobbs for inspiration :)

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another." Proverbs 27:17

Closer

"For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul?" Mark 8:36-37 

Sometimes what's hindering us from growing into a deeper relationship with Christ is lack of focus. Spending quality time with our Heavenly Father is not a priority for us. It comes after we give our best efforts to work, school, friends, and family. So by the time we get around to scripture, we only have energy to read a verse or two and then we start the process over. True heart transformation occurs from not only a willingness for the Holy Spirit to mold us, but also giving Him the time to do so. Challenge: This week, move around your schedule to spend at least 30 minutes a day in prayer, meditation, and Bible study. Happy Monday! 

For musical inspiration search "Closer" by Bethel :)

What's Holding You Back?

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2

With the next few messages, we'll be looking at things in our lives that can drown out the voice of God and can hinder us from growing closer with Him. The media is a huge factor that could push us closer or further away, depending on what we feed our spirit. The music that we listen to, the shows and movies we watch, and even who we follow on social media should be considered. When we cloud our minds with things contrary to the Word of God all day, a 5 or 10 minute devotional will not be enough to combat the negativity. If what you watch and listen to is not edifying to the body of Christ, change it. If you want suggestions or recommendations, let me know! Happy Friday! 

Take Me Back

"But as for me, I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me." Micah 7:7 

Happy Wednesday! There are countless verses in the Bible that tell us to how to maximize our relationship with God. But why are there still times that we don't want to pray, read our Bible or meet with a body of believers? Over the next few days, we'll look at a few things that may be crowding out the voice of God or hindering you from spending quality time with him. So if your fire for God has started to fizzle, pray that He will ignite that flame again. Just like Andrae Crouch said, "take me back to when I first believed."

Effective Prayer- Nehemiah 1

In studying Nehemiah 1, I learned the 5 elements of effective prayer. My Bible lists them as: praise, thanksgiving, repentance, specific request, and commitment (Nehemiah 1:5-11). The book of Nehemiah is centered around the rebuilding of the walls around the city of Jerusalem. Throughout that time we see how prayer is the starting point before any decision is made and before any action is taken. In the same way, we are to seek God continuously about everything. When we do that, we put our expectations, burdens, ideas, and feelings in His hands. 

"For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly." Psalm 84:11

Declare It!

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Happy Tuesday! I often have conversations with people who are struggling in some area of life. Whether they're discontent with their job situation or not motivated to study the Bible and everything in between. I offer the exact same advice that has worked for me time and time again. We are to speak life and biblical truths over our situation. What does the Bible say? Declare it, pray it, share it. Your heart and mind will catch up. 

Seeds of Comparison

"But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor." Galatians 6:4

Have you ever gotten inspired to try something new only to research your interest away? Meaning, you started seeing what other people were doing and thought it's too hard, too complicated, or too much competition. Galatians tells us that we should only be concerned on comparing our work to ourselves. When the Holy Spirit places a dream inside of you, he will provide everything you need to accomplish it no matter what else is going on in the world. Don't allow seeds of comparison, fear, and discontentment  to grow in your heart. Happy Tuesday!

Your Hearts Desire

"May he grant you your heart's desire and fulfill all your plans!" Psalm 20:4

Being that my birthday weekend has come to a close, I've been able to reflect on God's goodness. He knows the desires of the hearts of his children. He will fulfill every one of them that's in line with his will and his timing. Which means, that we constantly should pray that our hearts look like his  and our lives are pleasing in his sight. I'm continuously blow away by God's faithfulness. He cares about every aspect of our lives. Have you thanked God today? Happy Monday! 

He cares

“Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you." Isaiah 49:15 

Yesterday's message turned out to be so timely for me because I found myself overwhelmed at work as the emails continued to flood my inbox and my to do list grew longer and longer. As I started to stress at my desk, the Holy Spirit reminded me to heed the earlier message. I prayed that God would help me prioritize, be productive, and calm. He delivered. (Duh!) I got more done and was congratulated by my superiors about the great work that I was doing. God is so faithful. He cares about every aspect of your life, just surrender. Happy Thursday! 

Dear Worrier:

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

We are called to cast all of our cares on to God (1 Peter 5:7/ Psalm 55:22). We were not built to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders (Matthew 11:28), but to trust in our Lord (Proverbs 3:5-6). He's a provider, comforter, peace giver, protector, healer and anything else that we need. When those feelings of anxiety about the future come, cast down those thoughts (2 Corinthians 10:5) and meditate on His word, His promises, His truth. We can't add a single moment to our life by stressing or worrying! (Matthew 6:27) Happy Wednesday!

Not Today!

And I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?” Nehemiah 6:3

Nehemiah had a call from the Lord to accomplish a task. When his enemies, Sanballat and Geshem heard, they set out to distract him by inviting him away from the task at hand. Nehemiah's response is one that we should strive to model. Who are the Sanballats and Geshems in your life? They're the ones that seek to take your focus off of your calling and want you to spend time on frivolous things. Let's adopt the spirit on "No" and vow to nurture our God- given dreams. Happy Tuesday! :) 

Pride before the fall

"For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself." Galatians 6:3

Many times a brave face can turn into a proud spirit. We get so comfortable doing things on our own, that even when there's a need, we can't accept help. For me, yesterday was a perfect storm for disaster. I left my phone in my car, got sick at work, the ambulance came, everyone was worried and I couldn't do a thing about it. As I rested at home, I was completely embarrassed about the entire situation and God checked my pride. What areas of your life are you proud? Repent and give them over to God, he wants your anxieties, your pride, your attitude, everything that's not of him. Happy Friday!

So Close

In honor of MLK weekend, I went to a concert where CeCe Winans and Kevin Levar performed. It was a beautiful time of praise and worship! Kevin sang one of my favorite songs,  Destiny, which says: "Waiting on the other side of this test is everything you've prayed for, everything He's promised you..." You know that test that seems as though it's never ending? Persevere. This season won't last always but don't focus on your lack as the Israelites did in the wilderness (See Exodus). Find joy at all times! Happy Tuesday! 

"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him." James 1:12

Dream Big, Step Small

"Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin..." Zechariah 4:10

Zechariah was referring to building a temple, which I'm sure was a huge task given that motorized forklifts and cranes hadn't been invented yet. This verse is a reminder to not get overwhelmed with all that needs to be done, but to be joyful through it all. Is there a dream that you want to fulfill? Maybe you want the perfect job that makes the perfect salary. Whatever the case, you have to start from somewhere. As the saying goes, Rome wasn't built in a day. Happy Wednesday! 

"Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established." Proverbs 16:3

Opposite Day

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

Let's pretend that it's "Opposite Day." You know, the childhood game where you replace a word with the antithesis of it. The verse now reads something like this "the ignorant heart refuses to acquire knowledge, and the ear of the foolish hates seeking knowledge". We should continually be growing in our walk with God. That includes finding resources that clarify the scriptures, taking time to read and study, and making an effort to be a student for life. What knowledge are you currently seeking? Happy Monday!

"Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance" Proverbs 1:5

The Truth About Distractions

"I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways.I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word." Psalm 119:15-16

Distractions can come in many forms-media, people, hobbies, etc. Distractions can also come from our answered prayers. How? We'll beg God, fast for a change, cry out to him for our wants and needs (a job, a relationship, or financial gain) until he answers. Then, we're too busy or tired to get in our prayer closet. We've lessened our time with the father and have now turned him into a genie and our blessing into and idol. So let's nix the excuses. Nothing should distract us from our God. Happy Thursday!

Commuter Struggles

"Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love." Ephesians 4:2 

This morning, on one of my many modes of transportation to get to work, a woman shuffled onto the bus. Since she was the last one, there were no more seats. She proceeded to ask if one of the men in the handicapped seats would allow her to sit. As the men stared at her, a young lady gave her seat up. Instead of simply saying thank you, she then began to rant about how the men should have stood up instead. We should not place our expectations on others but we should simply extend the same grace that God gives us. Happy Tuesday! 

"...God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6

A worthy life

"Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God." Ephesians 4:1

Honestly, Paul could have dropped his mic after this line. What does a worthy life look like? Some synonyms for worthy are: righteous, exemplary, high-minded and suitable. Meaning, our life is to be lived without limits, since we have royalty in our blood. Everything we do should be honorable to God, since He was gracious enough to gift us with multiple gifts that glorify Him. A worthy life is not one filled with doubts and fear, but of faith and trust in a Faithful God. Is your life worthy? Happy Monday! 

Your words have been heard...

Then he said to me, “Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words." Daniel 10:12 

It's common for people to begin the new year with a fast. Eliminating distractions and focusing solely on Christ allows believers to gain clarity and understanding. Just as God heard Daniel's requests, he'll hear and answer yours. Even if you are not participating in an official fast, you can set aside time dedicated to strengthening your walk with Christ. He withholds no good thing from his children (Psalm 84:11). How can you grow in the year 2015? Happy Friday! :)