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! 

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!

Excuses...

"Jesus said, 'No procrastination. No backward looks. You can't put God's kingdom off till tomorrow. Seize the day.'" Luke 9:62 

In Luke 9:43-62, Jesus is preparing the disciples for his ascension back to Heaven, by making his way to Jerusalem. People start asking if they can make the journey with him but they have excuses as to why they can't go right then. In the end he tells them that proclaiming God's word is more important than anything else. 

Have you been putting off submitting your life to Christ because you're young? Have you dragged your feet on doing something God placed inside of you? Are you not spending time with God daily because you're too busy? Let's take a step back and really assess where we are in Christ because we aren't guaranteed tomorrow! 

Happy Monday! 

Proverbs 5: adulterous singles

"For the lips of the adulterous woman drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil; but in the end she is bitter as gall, sharp as a double-edged sword." Proverbs 5:3-4

Overall, Proverbs 5 is a warning against adultery and temptation. How does it apply to a single person? (A single person is unmarried) Isaiah 54:5 says that we should be married to Christ first. Whatever tempts us and take us away from spending time with Christ can be compared to the "adulterous woman;" in the beginning everything looks appealing but ends up being the complete opposite. Just like an earthly relationship, one with Christ requires quality time and commitment. What's the status of your "marriage"? 

(Original Post: December 5)

Lessons from Moses

Exodus 3:7-15 is an exchange between Moses and God after Moses was told to free the Israelites. Moses was not the most eloquent and he felt inadequate. 

"Moses said to God, 'Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh" Exodus 3:11 

But Moses was chosen for a reason and was successful when he obeyed God. There may be times when you feel like you don't know enough Bible verses, don't have enough speaking experience, or whatever else, but God can use you. He has a plan specially tailored to your gifts and talents. Allow Him to use you and answer the call for your life! 

(Original Post: November 12)

Contentment

"Be content with such things as you have. For He Himself said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'" Hebrews 13:5

As believers, we are told that we should be content in every season. But how feasible is that? It seems as soon as contentment comes, so do the changes. I have come to the conclusion that once we truly are content, God sees it fit to stretch and mold us to be more like Him. Although we never "arrive" to a perfect place in Christ, know that if you're truly content, then you're growing in Christ. 

(Original Post: November 11)

Annoying people...

"When a man's ways please The Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him." Proverbs 16:7 

There have been times where it seems like things aren't going right and there's issue after issue...for no reason! That's so frustrating but this verse is the answer. It's not our place to say everything we may be thinking at the time. Instead, we should keep on the path that God set for us, knowing that we will encounter some opposition. Next time someone gets under your skin, pass the test and show the love of Christ.

"The Lord will fight for you, and you should hold your peace" Exodus 14:14

(Original post: November 8)

Wisdom & Knowledge

"For The Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity" Proverbs 2:6-7

It's so comforting to know that if we need direction, understanding, and wisdom, The Lord will give it to us. When He speaks to us, we gain understanding and a new perspective. How open are you to receiving wisdom and direction from The Lord? Have you sought Him for guidance in every decision?

"For wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul" Proverbs 2:8

(Original post: November 7)

...For or Against

"Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters" Matthew 12:30 

The great thing about God is that he's not the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33). Jesus spoke words from God that were so clear - we're either followers of Christ or not, because there's no in between. How do we know if we're truly following Him? Our fruit tells it all. (Matthew 12:33) Our fruit is our lifestyle, what we say, do, and even wear. If we've had an encounter with Christ, our lives should change, because we are new creatures in Him. 

"..put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" Ephesians 4:22-24

(Original post: November 6)

Spiritual Check-up

"...be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." James 1:22(-24) 

How many people do we know who can quote partial Bible verses or even call out the name of Jesus in times of distress, but their lives are contrary to The Word? It seems that we are quick to recognize others shortcomings before our own. Chances are that we have probably had a fit of road rage, ignored a charitable opportunity, or even used foul language. All those things are contrary of The Word also! Daily, we should be praying for The Lord to make our heart like His and gradually change from our worldly ways. Just like we get bodily check-ups, we should do spiritual ones as well. Are you living according to God's word? Where can you improve? 

(Original Post: November 5)

Thoughts vs. Future

"For as he thinks in his heart, so is he" Proverbs 23:7

Our mind has the power to propel us forward or hold us back from our destiny. Proverbs 4:23 says that we are to guard our hearts. This applies not only to external factors, but also to internal things, like our thoughts. Remember to cast down thoughts that are negative and discouraging with positive affirmations and encouraging verses. What are your thoughts doing for your future? 

 "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." 2 Corinthians 10:5

(Original post: November 4)

Habitual Thanks

"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

Thanksgiving is generally the one day of the year that people stop and think about all the things that they are thankful for. As believers, we should stand out from the world and continuously thank God and show gratitude to those around us. This month, consider making a conscious, daily effort to tell The Lord all you're thankful for. It takes 21 days to create a habit (just in time for thanksgiving day!)

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

(Original post: November 1)

Waiting on God

"So The Lord must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For The Lord is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for his help" Isaiah 30:18 

God is looking for someone who is waiting on Him to be good to them. God wants to be there for us to guide us in our journey, but we have to expect Him to move in our life. This means that no matter what disappointing things have happened in the past, we still expect God's grace and mercy. If we continually have a pessimistic attitude, we could limit our blessings. Eliminate the what ifs and doubts. Trust in Him. 

(Original post: October 31)

Godly Advice

"And your ears shall hear a word behind you saying, 'This is the way, walk in it,' when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left." Isaiah 30:21 

When making tough decisions we seek advice from friends, family members, and sometimes anyone who will listen! But who do we ultimately follow? The Lord hears our prayers and wants us to seek Him for wisdom and understanding. So He should be the first one we go to for advice, because he knows our path. If we feel the need to discuss it further, make sure that it's godly counsel because hopefully they'll serve as conformation of what God has already placed in your heart.

"Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." Proverbs 11:14

(Original post: Octoer 30)

Humility

"But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favor on me and not without results. For I have worked harder than any other apostles; yet it was not I but God who was working through me by his grace." 1 Corinthians 15:10 

Apostle Paul wrote the words of The Lord so clearly for us to understand and the books he penned teach us about church, relationships, and many other things about our Christian walk. Despite all of that, Paul remained humble (2 Corinthians 12:5-10) and still understood that his success was only do to God's grace and mercy. Paul wanted to make the best of his life because he realized that it was a blessing. You were given special gifts and talents for a reason. Are you using them to glorify God and lead people to Christ? 

(Original post: October 29)

Molded by The Spirit

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:2

Learning to adapt to new situations can be challenging because we get comfortable in a certain place. However, if we want to become more and more like Christ, we have to be open to some molding and pruning. The way to be more flexible is to change our perspective and seek wisdom and understanding from our situation. Let's not hinder our blessings by not being pliable by the Holy Spirit! 

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God" Colossians 3:16

(Original post: October 28)

Casting Cares

"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus" Philippians 4:19 

Being concerned about our past, present and future financial situation is completely natural. But we can't be so consumed that we forget who controls it all. As long as God is first in our lives, we have nothing to worry about. How comforting?! If you find yourself stressed, overwhelmed, confused, or any other negative emotion, take a moment to cast your cares onto Christ (1 Peter 5:7 & Psalm 55:22)

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

(Original post: October 25)

Static & Stagnant

"And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of The Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God." Colossians 1:9-10

In our walk with Christ, there's no ending point where we have done enough and learned enough. Our journey is constantly changing because we are continually being molded to be more Christ-like. If there is a point where you feel static, take an assessment of your life and make changes to make yourself more open to the Holy Spirit's guidance. Are you growing in Him? 

(Original post: October 24)

Living by the Spirit

"Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the spirit" Galatians 5:25 

How can we keep in step with the Spirit? One way is to pray. Since we have Jesus in our hearts we can speak with Him throughout the day. Incorporating our Christ in our daily lives allows us to grow and deepen our relationship with Him.

"I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name" John 16:33

(Original post: October 23)

Plans and Praise

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Jesus Christ Jesus for you" 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

So many times I find myself praying that God reveal his plan for my life, but honestly, 1 Thessalonians tells me all that I need to know. Although each person has their passions and desires from God, the ultimate plan is plainly stated. If you are wondering about a next step in life, take time to praise The Lord for all that He has already done to receive peace that surpasses all understanding.

"Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; your spirit is good, lead me in the land of uprightness." Psalm 143:10

(Original Post: October 22)