Perfection

"God's way is perfect. All the LORD's promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection." Psalm 18:30 

Psalm 18 really ministered to me this morning. What a sweet reminder that 

God always has our back! He protects those who trust and rely on him alone. If discouragement and discontentment rise up in your heart today, meditate on these promises. Happy Tuesday! :) 

"For who is God except the LORD? Who but our God is a solid rock?" Psalm 18:31

"God arms me with strength, and he makes my way perfect." Psalm 18:32

Count the Cost

"For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?" Luke 14:28 

Luke tells us to "count the cost" of our decisions. We are called to do all work well, like we're working for The Lord. My best friend says that we need to develop the spirit of No. We can't do everything and our activities definitely should not compromise the amount of time that we spend in The Word. So before agreeing to be superman or superwoman, consult The Father. How does he want you to spend your time? Happy Friday!

"The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." Proverbs 16:9

What about your friends?

"Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel." Proverbs 27:9

Take a look at your friends. Can you count on them to give you wise counsel? Do they direct you to God's words versus their own? In the same vein, what kind of friend are you? Are people drained when they finally escape your presence or are they content, feeling better than before? Let's focus on nurturing friendships that cause growth rather than regression. Don't allow bad company to corrupt your morals (1 Corinthians 15:33). Happy Wednesday! :)

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up..." 1 Thessalonians 5:11

You-nique

"For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." Ephesians 2:10 

Has anyone ever told you, "you're different..."? Whether it was meant with a pure heart, or with condescending motives, it's true. You are different. You are set apart. You were bought with a price. You are a masterpiece created by The Creator. You should walk a little different. You should have a joyful disposition. You should demonstrate the fruits of the spirit. Because you're unique, nobody can complete your God-given purpose quite like you. 

"I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well."Psalm 139:14

Happy Tuesday! :) 

Worn Out?

"...Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?" Galatians 3:2-3

Have you ever found yourself running on empty? Feeling like you're doing everything in your power but things seem pretty stagnant? *raises hand* I'm definitely guilty. Galatians 3 reminds us that we can't do things in our own strength. We start out trusting God, praying, fasting but over time, we get comfortable. We can feel as if God has given us all the answers; therefore, we continue on and ask God for help when we hit another snag in our plan. Newsflash: God doesn't want to be the last resort! He doesn't want to only be trusted when everything falls apart. He doesn't want to hear from us only when we're fed up and tired. God longs to be first in our lives in every season...even when we feel like we have it all together. Are you intentionally including God in your daily life? Are you sitting at his feet, seeking direction? Happy Monday!

Our strength vs. God's grace

"How foolish can you be? After starting your Christian lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort? Have you experienced so much for nothing? Surely it was not in vain, was it?" Galatians 3:3-4

Accepting Jesus as Lord and savior of our life is an act of faith. But instead of submitting things that are not of Christ to him, we try to change by our own efforts. This is how we become stagnant and struggle with the same things constantly. We need God's grace and direction to love holy lives. What is it that you need to submit to Christ? Your attitude, language, friends, relationships, health, school, or work? You shouldn't be the same after accepting Christ. It's Friday! Have a great weekend :) 

"throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy." Ephesians 4:22-24

He knows

"The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good." Proverbs 15:3

I love this verse because it shows that God is knowledgable of all that you do. If you're demonstrating good character, working hard behind the scenes, growing spiritually, and doing other positive things, God sees that. Of course you shouldn't do anything for recognition of man (Colossians 3:23), but doesn't it feel amazing to be thanked and spoken highly of? Whether or not that happens in the natural, God thinks highly of you. He knew the flaws and imperfections that you would have and STILL created you! You have a divine purpose. *insert praise break here* ha! Happy Monday! :)

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you" 1 Peter 5:6

"And to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:19

Emotion led vs. Spirit led

"...make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 1:5-8

There will be times where we're following Christ, operating in his will, and getting tested. Those thoughts of feeling unworthy, inferior, under qualified, over qualified, etc, can end up fueling our actions. They can cast doubt on past decisions. Once we get off track and possibly quit, the enemy has won. Being emotion led vs being spirit led can cause us to make rash decisions that lead us away from our purpose. In the end, Christ wants people sold out for Him. If you are unable to complete the assignment, he will raise someone else up to do it. Before making decisions seek God for his blessing. 

(Original post: November 22)

A Red Sea Experience

Exodus 14 is the story of Moses parting the Red Sea at the Lord's will. (Go back and read the deets, it's powerful). This story is an example of how God will put us in positions that give us the ability to truly see his glory. He will allow us to get to the Red Sea with enemy army on our tails; there's no escape but through prayer and faith in Him. Reflect on a time where only God was able to make that happen. What can you learn from the situation? Has your faith been strengthened since?

"No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so you can endure" 1 Corinthians 10:13

(Original post: November 18)

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)