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? 

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! 

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

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! 

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! 

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!

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! 

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

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

Matthew 27

Seriously, who doesn't love a Beyonce reference remixed for Jesus? :)

"And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke open..." Matthew 27:50-52 

When the temple curtain was torn, it was a visual representation of the new covenant. The temple veil was sacred and represented how sin separated man from God. With the veil torn, and Jesus' sacrifice, we can have a personal relationship with God. We're able to pray to him, repent to him, worship him, live for him. He gave his life for YOU! That's the definition of true love and commitment! Today, reflect on what Jesus' death and resurrection mean to you. Are you living as though Christ lives inside of you? Happy Thursday! 

Matthew 26

Matthew 26 is the story of Jesus' betrayal and arrest. Honestly, I get slightly annoyed every time I read it. Could you imagine KNOWING someone was going to stab you in the back but not acting on it? Jesus knew that some of his "ride or die" friends (Matthew 26:35) would not be there for him when things got rough. Regardless of the prophesies, Jesus still chose to love Peter and Judas. 

Life application: People are bound to hurt and mistreat you because of our sinful, carnal nature. The power comes in your response. Christ followers are called to stand out and love those who are hard to love- because you're hard to love sometimes too (Romans 12:9-21). Speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) when someone hurts you. Next time someone doesn't treat you right (according to your standards), I challenge you to begin to pray for them. Not just, "Bless their heart," but a genuine prayer like for a family member or your best friend. Romans 12:14 says to bless, not curse those who hurt you. You'll deepen your faith and mature as a result. Happy Wednesday! 

Matthew 24

"So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him." Matthew 24:44 

This chapter describes the second coming of Christ. If you've ever seen or read the Left Behind series, it's a pretty accurate depiction. We must have a sense of urgency. We don't know when Jesus will return. We don't have time to "get our life together" in our own strength and in our own time. We have to take a continuously look at our heart. What are we spending our time doing? Kingdom building or things of this world? (See Matthew 24:45-51). Get busy about God's work and have a happy Monday :)

Matthew 21

Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” Matthew 21:21-22

We love to loosely quote verse 22. It's another great verse about how amazing God is. However, we have to remember that God isn't a genie in a bottle. He's not a magician who gives us everything that we ask for regardless of his will. Yes, when we give our hearts to God, and live for him, we do have the Holy Spirit within us. We do have authority to lay hands and call out the name of Jesus. But let's not look at this verse for selfish desires. Let's seek God and listen to the Holy Spirit's guidance about what and who to pray for. When we pray in accordance to God's will and have faith THEN we will receive what we ask for. 

"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." Mark 11:24

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!