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! 

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."

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!

The Importance of Fellowship

"And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near." Hebrews 10:25

This Christian life can feel like a roller coaster of emotions and experiences. One day you're in a mountain top experience only to be followed by a valley. Having a body of believers, a small group, and a mentor that you can share those life changes with is vital. These relationships should celebrate your success, rebuke your mess, and pour into you frequently. Today, consider some ways that you can pour into someone, identify someone to pour into you, and find more ways to grow spiritually. Happy Wednesday! :)

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." 1 Thessalonians 5:11

An Hour A Day...

"This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." Joshua 1:8

I'm doing a challenge to study and meditate on the Word of God at least an hour a day. I actually used to do this but then I got...busy. We can't allow our schedules to hinder us from spending quality time with our father. So this month, I'm getting back in the habit. Are you down for the challenge? Happy Friday! 

Dive Deep

"Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law." Psalm 119:18

Today, God's word is readily accessible through apps, social media evangelists, devotionals, televangelists, and more. We can get a quick pick me up when scrolling past an inspirational quote or our favorite bible verse posted over an artsy nature photo. While those things are great, they should be used as additives, not replacements to our daily time with God. We are to STUDY to show ourselves approved (2 Timothy 2:15). So use that great thing that you read as a launching pad to go deeper into the Word. Don't stop with a surface understanding. Really seek God and ask him to direct your study time. Happy Tuesday! :)

"How can a young [person] keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word." Psalm 119:9

Corinthians Study: The Qualified

"...few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful." 1 Corinthians 1:26-27 

We are equipped with everything that we need to work in the calling that God has for us. There are no excuses! I strongly urge you to read all of chapter 1 for yourself because there's so much good stuff in there! 

I'm so excited to start a study on 1&2 Corinthians for the month of April. I'll be reading a chapter per day. Corinthians addresses various topics including: jealousy, marriage, sexual immorality, spiritual gifts, and relationships. These books continue to prove themselves relevant even though they were written long ago. Happy Tuesday!

Matthew 10

“Don’t think you have to put on a fund-raising campaign before you start. You don’t need a lot of equipment. You are the equipment..." Matthew 10:9

Right before this verse, Jesus tasks 12 people to spread the gospel to their neighborhoods. He emphasizes that in order to be effective, they don't need to go to the ends of the earth, they can go right into their neighborhoods and make a difference. What I love about verse 9 is that it removes every excuse. When God gives us something to do, a task to complete, he will provide everything that we need to complete it. What excuse have you been giving God to not fulfill what he called you to do? Whatever it was, fugetaboutit *in my most convincing mafia voice* and let God show you how faithful he is! 

"And don’t worry about what you’ll say or how you’ll say it. The right words will be there; the Spirit of your Father will supply the words." Matthew 10:20

You don't have to be an eloquent speaker to share what God placed inside your heart. Since we were created uniquely and in His image, we ALL have ways to serve the kingdom (ie. Spiritual Gifts). Jesus told the 12 harvest hands to go into their neighborhoods and share the gospel in a vernacular common to that place. Your testimony, your accent, your style of dress are all things that can be used to draw people Christ. Be You! 

Because The Holy Spirit resides in us (those who have accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior of their lives), we have 24/7 access to him. If we find ourselves at a loss for words, we can ask The Holy Spirit to guide and direct us to the most appropriate words for that moment. There have been many times that I don't know what to write in these morning devotionals and I sought additional direction. On those days, I get feedback like "that's just what I needed to hear today" or "How did you know that's what I was praying about?!" How awesome! You never know how significant the impact your words and actions will be when you heed His guidance. How much better would our lives be if we applied this same principles to EVERY aspect of life?

What were your favorite parts of this chapter?

Happy Monday! 

Matthew 6

“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven." Matthew 6:1 

Sharing the gospel should come from a genuine place. We shouldn't post scriptures for "likes" and for people to think that we are super saved saints. God knows our hearts (Luke 16:15), and knows if we are doing his work for him or if we are fueled by fleshly motives. 

It's not necessary to boast about what you're doing for the kingdom. If you are tithing regularly, faithfully serving in ministry, uplifting others, God sees that. He will reward what's done without recognition (Matthew 6:4). 

"...for your Father knows what you need before you ask him." Matthew 6:8

Chapter 6 talks about getting into our prayer closets and seeking him. It's not necessary to pray extravagant prayers full of cliches to reach God. In fact, God appreciates a simplified, heartfelt prayer, which is where "The Lord's Prayer" comes from. I love how the Bible takes all the pressure off praying. God knows what we need before we ask him?! So, no need to stress about what to include in your prayer time, he will offer direction. 

 This chapter is packed with verses that talk about humility. It says the same thing about prayer, fasting, righteousness, and wealth. Don't do things for recognition. The whole world does not need to know that you're fasting or spending 20 hours a day praying. These are personal matter and unless you're sharing with people who keep you accountable, keep it to yourself! (That's from the Casey International Version haha)

"Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?" Matthew 6:27

The Lord ensures that the smallest organisms are fed. How much more care does he give his children- the beings that he made in his image? He cares for YOU! Don't stress about clothes, transportation, your job, your paycheck. If you give your cares to him, he will provide. Here's proof: Philippians 4:19, Luke 6:38, Ephesians 3:20, and sooo many more!

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:33-34

I don't know about you, but I'm just going to tell God my issues, spend crazy amounts of time with him, and RELAX (relate, release! Do ya'll remember that episode from A Different World? lol)

Fun Fact: I read this chapter a few weeks ago, and it inspired me to do this Matthew study! 

Happy Thursday!

Matthew 5 (Possibly my favorite chapter)

As I read over this chapter last night and this morning,  I had no idea where to start. I was wrecked...in a good way. I honestly considered posting Matthew 5 and then "dropping the mic" Ha! There's so much wisdom and comfort in this chapter! I pray that you read the entire chapter (click here!) and get all that you can from it! 

You're blessed- Matthew 5:3-12
*NOTE: I LOVE every single verse in this segment. I'm sure you will too*

Stressed? Overwhelmed? Annoyed? Anxious?
“You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule." Matthew 5:3

Friendships falling apart? Unemployed? Significant other actin' up? Depressed?
“You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you." Matthew 5:4
  
Broke? Feeling inadequate? Discontent?
“You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought." Matthew 5:5

Feeling judged? 
“You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom." Matthew 5:10

Letting your light shine- Matthew 5:13-16
"Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16

Your testimony isn't for you. It's to bring honor and glory to the Kingdom and inspire others on their faith walk. I've found that people love transparency and often times it will strengthen the bond that you have with them. What have you shared to encourage someone?

The Commandments- Matthew 5:21-32

“You’re familiar with the command to the ancients, ‘Do not murder.’ I’m telling you that anyone who is so much as angry with a brother or sister is guilty of murder." Matthew 5:21

Yikes! I'm guilty... very guilty. The Bible is leaves no grey areas. Later in the verses it says that words kill. We should be extending the same amount of grace the God gives to us. So what if someone cuts you off in traffic? So what people lie and mislead you? Let God deal with them. Don't clutter your mind with negativity. (Confession: I'm a work in progress. I'm definitely dying to myself daily- Galatians 5:24) Is Christ evident in your speech and thoughts?

Loving Others- Matthew 5:33-48
"If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that." Matthew 5:46

Do you love people who talk about you? Do you love people who nag you? Do you love people who discredit you? Do you love people who lie to you? We are called to be "perfect as God is perfect" (Matthew 5:48) How have you loved the hard to love this week?

Ok so I basically posted the entire chapter...oh well. I love how relevant this book is! What was your favorite part of this chapter? What was your least favorite part (because you were convicted lol)? 

Happy Wednesday!

Matthew 4

"Next Jesus was taken into the wild by the Spirit for the Test. The Devil was ready to give it. Jesus prepared for the Test by fasting forty days and forty nights. That left him, of course, in a state of extreme hunger, which the Devil took advantage of in the first test..." Matthew 4:1-3

The story of Jesus being tempted in the desert is a common one. However, I want to call our attention to somethings that I noticed. 

• Jesus was led by the Spirit to be tested

So often we think that because we're being tested, we've done something wrong. Jesus, the son of God, was blameless, should we, mere humans, expect something different? Jesus demonstrated that he trusted God's plan by following the Spirit for the test. Are you heading the call? 

• Jesus PREPARED for the tests

As Christians, we are guaranteed to be tested. Like the cliche says, if we fail to plan, we plan to fail. Prepare for the tests by studying the scripture, immersing yourself in the word (ie. podcasts, music...), ample prayer, and wise counsel. How are you preparing for the tests of life? 

• Jesus was vulnerable

Jesus hadn't eaten in 40 days. Are you kidding me?! I start to feel woozy at hour 4 of no food. I'm sure by that time, the rocks really did start to look like croutons. Vulnerability can cause compromise of values, beliefs, and progress. It's at these times that we have to have some accountability and people to call when temptations starts too look appealing. Are you putting yourself in compromising situations or seeking out environments that edify the kingdom?  

• The devil knew the state of Jesus' flesh and tested it

The devil knew Jesus hadn't eating, and took full advantage of that. The devil knows that you haven't been studying the word for yourself. He can then send false teachers on instagram, he can cause your "friends" to cast doubt into your spirit, and he can draw you to that music that stirs up your sinful nature. The devil doesn't attack where you're strong, but where you're weak! If you seek out God, he specializes in these types of situations (2 Corinthians 2:9)

Happy Tuesday! 

*New Study Alert* The Gospel of Matthew

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

How are we to know what is pleasing and displeasing to God without studying his word? We have to study the scriptures and seek Him. I thoroughly enjoyed the Proverbs study in December (reading a chapter a day) and received some great feedback from it. Since then, I've been praying about doing another study with a different book. So starting tomorrow, I'll be reading a chapter a day from the book of Matthew. The Gospel of Matthew has been considered to be the most important of the 4 Gospels. I'm excited!

"How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word" Psalm 119:9