Closer

"For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul?" Mark 8:36-37 

Sometimes what's hindering us from growing into a deeper relationship with Christ is lack of focus. Spending quality time with our Heavenly Father is not a priority for us. It comes after we give our best efforts to work, school, friends, and family. So by the time we get around to scripture, we only have energy to read a verse or two and then we start the process over. True heart transformation occurs from not only a willingness for the Holy Spirit to mold us, but also giving Him the time to do so. Challenge: This week, move around your schedule to spend at least 30 minutes a day in prayer, meditation, and Bible study. Happy Monday! 

For musical inspiration search "Closer" by Bethel :)

Know Him

"And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him." Hebrews 11:6 

Smart phones give us access to the entire world with the swipe of a finger. We see inspirational posts, a nice saying about God here or there and a maybe a quick morning devotional. Nothing is wrong with these but they shouldn't be the only elements to our relationship with God. Let them serve as a catalyst to study more about a topic, meditate on related scriptures, or pray about certain areas. The Lord was us to KNOW him. It takes time and energy to build and cultivate a relationship, but it's so worth it in the end. 

"His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him--though he is not far from any one of us." Acts 17:27

Closer

"But from there you will seek the Lord your God and you will find him, if you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul." Deuteronomy 4:29 

As I listened to a worship song this morning (Closer by Steffany Frizzle), I heard these words: "pull me a little closer, take me a little deeper, I want to know your heart". As we seek God, it shouldn't be for our selfish gain. It's to learn more about Him, to find what breaks his heart, to learn how to serve him with our lives, and to honor him. This week, meditate on some ways that you can grow closer with your Heavenly Father. Happy Monday! 

"I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me." Proverbs 8:17

Abbreviated Quality Time

"If we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us" 2 Tim 2:12

Do you ever find it hard to have good quality time with God? You know, life gets so busy that your time with Him gets shortened to only a few minutes? I know the feeling. Even in those times, I still know the latest music, trending topics, reality shows, and the list goes on. Sometimes I'm not intentionally looking for that info, but encounter it daily- whether through a social post, a quick YouTube clip, or talking to friends. In reality we can do the same with The Word. Turn on a sermon, scroll through scriptures on your device, pray in your spare time. Let God know that he's the priority in your life. Happy Wednesday! 

"Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!" 1 Chronicles 16:11

Busy?

"I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart.” Psalm 40:8 

I've been finding myself super busy lately - running around, working, and doing a bunch of other things. This weekend, I'm slowing down, meditating on the Word, and refocusing. I challenge you to continually seek God for direction. We should never be too busy to spend quality time with our creator. Happy Friday! 

Distractions

"It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it." Isaiah 55:11

Spending daily time in the Word isn't the easiest thing, because there are so many distractions. Work, sleep, television shows, entertainment, friendships, and other relationships can interfere with study time. Most often, there is time but we choose not to take advantage of it because we don't feel like studying. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, our emotions are fickle! We can't base our relationship with an unchanging God on our ever changing emotions. Just because you don't feel different after every quiet time, doesn't mean that you aren't changing. Isaiah 55:11 reminds us that His word always produces fruit, it will not return void. As long are you're reading/ studying with a pure heart, you are growing, maturing, and learning. Happy Tuesday! 

The Mind of Christ

"For, 'Who can know the LORD's thoughts? Who knows enough to teach him?' But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ." 1 Corinthians 2:16

How many times have you found yourself telling God what to do? Telling Him about the best job, school, or potential mate for you, without leaving room for His will is pretty ridiculous. Let's not think more highly of ourselves than we should (Romans 12:3). Instead, let's spend time with God daily to get familiar with his voice. Let's seek him for answers and guidance. Let's strive for a heart like His. Are there areas that you need to trust God more? Release them and let God work! Happy Wednesday! :) 

How To: Pray

"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him." 1 John 5:14-15

Prayer is a powerful tool that is easy to take for granted. Prayer is more than running down a list of things that we want from God. It's a time where we can go humbly to God and reveal that we don't have all the answers and we need him on a daily basis. When we pray continuously (1 Thessalonians 5:17) The Lord works in us and molds us into the people that we were called to be. This weekend, I challenge you to speak with God more. Prayer doesn't have to be super formal all the time. Ask for his guidance in your daily activities. Pray for people you encounter throughout the day. You can even pray about what to eat for dinner tonight. It may sound far-fetched but you'll definitely become more sensitive to Holy Spirit. Happy praying! :)

How To: Quiet Time

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Psalm 119:105

If we want God's word to lead us on a daily basis, we have to know what the Bible says. This is where quiet time comes in. This is a time where distractions are eliminated and quality time is spent with God. This time varies from person to person but I've included some ideas for you to use. I tend to do a combo of this list 1) listen to praise and worship music 2) prayer (for yourself and others) 3) reading the Bible 4) working through a devotional 5) listening to sermons 6) reading biblically based books 7) journaling. In all of those, the goal is to gain a deeper understanding of His word. God can speak to you when you're seeking Him. Can you hear from him if you're constantly surrounded by people, social media, cell phones, and TV? What does your quiet time consist of? Let me know if you have some suggestions to add to the list. Happy Thursday! 

"But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night." Psalm 1:2

How To: Spend Time with God

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness" 2 Timothy 3:16

If your goals include growing in Christ, deepening your relationship with Him, and striving to become more like Him, you have to spend time with Him. In the natural, we don't strengthen relationships by only talking when we need something. It's the same way with God, he's not a magical genie. He wants to talk to us frequently! Reading John 11:35 (Jesus wept) once a year and singing the Johnny Appleseed prayer won't cut it! LOL Seek The Lord for clarity and understanding before you start reading and studying. Set a time that you're able to get quiet before God and listen to Him through His word. You will begin to see positive changes in your life, guaranteed. Happy Wednesday! 

New Year Resolutions

"May He grant you your heart's desire and fulfill all your plans!" Psalm 20:4

God has made so many promises of prosperity, joy, success, and love to those who love Him. He cares for YOU! Take time to tell God your plans, declare His promises for your life, and be open to His will. Honestly, His plans are so grand that we can't fathom them! Spend time sharing with God just as you do with your friends and family. He wants to hear from you. If you want this year to be amazing, put God first in everything. Happy Friday! :) 

"For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit." Romans 8:5

The faithfulness of Christ

"His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23 

The prophet Jeremiah wrote the book of Lamentations as Jerusalem was being invaded by Nebuchadnezzar. Out of those horrific times came beautiful verses that are still used for comfort in time of trouble. What we experience can be used to encourage others. As you wonder how your grades will turn out, how the bills will get paid, if a relationship will work out; consider writing those thoughts down. As you continue to document, you will see God move in mighty ways. God has not forgotten about whatever you're facing. Endure and praise God all the way through.

"Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!" Psalm 100:2

(Original Post: November 15)