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!  

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! 

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

Lead the Way

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you." Psalm 32:8 

Yesterday, I decided to cut some corners and take the easy way. I simply put my lunch Tupperware right into my work bag. "Something" told me that I should put it in my lunch bag or at least a plastic bag, but I shook the feeling. Later that day, I noticed that some of the food had made its way to the lining of my tote. Think of all those times,big and small, that the Holy Spirit was leading but we choose to do our own thing. He is always guiding, but it's our choice and free will to follow his ways or ours. Happy Wednesday! :) 

Inventory

"The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” Lamentations 3:24

Our God is infinitely gracious. Have you tried to take an inventory of blessings? It's impossible to do, yet I'm sure there are still things that you wish you could change. However, I can guarantee that there are numerous people who would love the privileges that you've been given. Let's remember that as believers, our hope should only rest in Christ- not a paycheck, a relationship, technology, or anything else. As a negative thought tries to creep in, cast it down and give thanks. Happy Wednesday! 

"My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever." Psalms 73:26

From the tip of my toes...

"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." Romans 12:1

I absolutely love this song by Steffany Frizzle. She sings, "From the tips of my toes, to the top of my head, they're going to know I love you." This song and Paul's letters to the Roman church mirror in saying that we are representatives of Christ as all times. Our bodies and lives are not our own. In fact, we're living Bibles (2 Cor 3:2) to show the world who we serve. Who do people encounter when they're with you? As a believer, it should be Jesus. Happy Tuesday! :)

Knowledge

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

In the age of the Internet, we can find the answer to virtually any question or problem. It makes people's opinions fact and creates experts out of anyone with a keyboard. Criticism is rebuked and followed with eye rolls. As christ followers, we recognize that adaptability is essential to walking by faith. We should seek more knowledge, welcome critique and grow from it, knowing that all things work together for our good. As I start a my new job today, I praise God for the opportunity to grow and experience his faithfulness minute by minute. What knowledge will you acquire today? Happy Monday! :) 

Knowledge

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

In the age of the Internet, we can find the answer to virtually any question or problem. It makes people's opinions fact and creates experts out of anyone with a keyboard. Criticism is rebuked and followed with eye rolls. As christ followers, we recognize that adaptability is essential to walking by faith. We should seek more knowledge, welcome critique and grow from it, knowing that all things work together for our good. As I start a my new job today, I praise God for the opportunity to grow and experience his faithfulness minute by minute. What knowledge will you acquire today? Happy Monday! :) 

His Power Revealed

"But for this purpose I have raised you up, to show you my power, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth." Exodus 9:16

When reading and studying the Bible, it's imperative to avoid taking scriptures out of context, by reading surrounding text. God was speaking to Pharaoh, who had hardened his heart and enslaved the Israelites. Isn't it amazing that God raised up Pharaoh to bring opposition that ultimately shows God's glory? God has his hand upon the believers and the unbelievers alike. Our minds cannot fathom His ultimate plans. What have you been raised up to do? Are you walking in your divine purpose? Happy Wednesday! :) 

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD." Isaiah 55:8 

Joyful

"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." Romans 12:12 

Yesterday, I was in an unbelievably good mood. Joyful, may be a better word. I was joyful because I was beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I started to see the fruits of my labor were coming to fruition and my prayers had not fallen on deaf ears (1 John 5:14-15) I'm just humming away at my desk and I get convicted. *sigh* The Holy Spirit reminded me that my joy should not be based on whether or not I get my way. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Of course there's nothing wrong with giving God the glory, but we should have a constant attitude of worship, regardless of our situation. He is so faithful. Let's be joyful at all times. Happy Tuesday! :)

"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

Bold

"Proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance." Acts 28:31 

I saw a secular war movie recently and was absolutely floored that one of the main characters was nicknamed "Bible". Within minutes of meeting soldiers, he asked if they were saved and believed that Jesus Christ is Lord. He had a sense of urgency. He knew the next moment wasn't promised so he made a point to share the gospel no matter where he was. What if we had that same boldness? What's the salvation status of your friends and family? Plant those seeds. Happy Thursday! :) 

Strength in Weakness

"For the word of the Lord is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness." Psalm 33:4

Happy Tuesday! I want to apologize for the inconsistency of the messages for the past few weeks, I've had so many things going on! The Lord has opened quite a few doors, so I've been out of my morning routine; I appreciate your patience. 

Anywho, let's just discuss how faithful God is. I've seen time and time again the truth to Paul's statement in 12:10 about God's strength being made perfect in our weakness. God is able to do his perfect work when we recognize our weaknesses and frustrations and give them to him. That act of surrender shows him that you want to please him and be in his perfect will, not his permissive will. We have to stop holding on to our lives. Release and watch God work. 

Be Still

“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

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. Happy Thursday!

The Early Morning

"In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there." Mark 1:35

As the book of Mark begins, Jesus is active in ministry- casting out demons and healing. Even though he was doing the work of The Lord, he still found it necessary to spend quiet time with The Father. What's even more amazing is that it is believed that Jesus woke up at 4AM that day. Think about it, when you've done a full day of work and volunteering, the last think you want to do the next day is wake up early! At least, that's true for me. Jesus prioritized and realized that His personal time with God should never be forsaken, no matter what the flesh is feeling. Seek the kingdom daily. Happy Friday! :) 

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

Gratitude

"Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!" Psalm 105:1

I've heard the saying "Gratitude turns what we have into enough." Everyday, we strive for set goals. We work towards more responsibility, more money, more things, and even more friends. However, if we have a mindset of gratitude, what we have is enough. We are grateful for our current state, and we realize that God is still faithful, if we don't receive anything else. Gratitude is counter cultural, but so are most Christian principals. Are you grateful for your portion or are you constantly grinding for more and never being satisfied? Have a marvelous Monday! :)

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever." Psalm 136:1

Good and Perfect

"Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow." James 1:17

A biblical definition of "good" is whatever is morally correct, accurate, and virtuous. Sometimes we only give God credit for one type of blessing. You know, the making a way out of no way blessing. The ones where manna comes from heaven (See Exodus). However, God protects us from ourselves. Sometimes he'll shut down opportunities because it could be detrimental to our growth. So, I'm challenging myself to thank God for cancelled interviews, missed promotions, financial strain, [insert other struggles here], because He only provides what is good and perfect for His children. Happy Friday! :)

"Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:38

Legacy

"For the righteous will never be moved; he will be remembered forever." Psalm 112:6

God blesses those who align their lives to the Word of God. Psalm 112 says that the righteous are steadfast, unmovable, unshakable, and can withstand whatever comes their way. This is only possible because their hope is placed in their ever present help. God remains the same (Hebrews 13:8), which means that if he was faithful in Bible times, he will be faithful today. Focus on what you're called to do regardless of what your job, society, friends, family, or your bank account tell you.The life you live today will impact your legacy on earth and beyond-- "...the righteous are remembered forever." Happy Thursday! 

"But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children’s children..." Psalm 103:17

Trust In Him

"He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD. His heart is steady; he will not be afraid, until he looks in triumph on his adversaries." Psalm 112:7-8

When we wholeheartedly trust in the Lord, we do not measure success by worldly standards. Therefore, typical "bad news" such as not receiving that scholarship, promotion, or job won't consume us. Trusting God through everything that comes our way should be our focus. We measure our worth according to righteous standards. You will steer where you stare. What are your eyes fixed on today? Happy Wednesday! :)