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!