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!

God like forgiveness

"They refused to obey and did not remember the miracles you had done for them. Instead, they became stubborn and appointed a leader to take them back to their slavery in Egypt! But you are a God of forgiveness, gracious and merciful, slow to become angry, and rich in unfailing love. You did not abandon them" Nehemiah 9:17 

In Chapter 9, the Israelites are praying, fasting and confessing their sins. Nehemiah returned to a broken Jerusalem where the people were backsliding, worshiping idols, and forgetting the faithfulness of God. Although God's chosen people had turned their backs on him, God demonstrated grace, patience, love and forgiveness... repeatedly. Since we are made in God's likeness, we too should be quick to forgive, slow to anger and overflowing with love. We also have the gift of the Holy Spirit which allows us to love those who persecute us, who mistreat us, who take advantage of us, who lead us on, who steal from us, who lie to us, and the list goes on. God loves us unconditionally, and we should extend the same grace to others. Forgiveness is a like a  muscle that gets stronger and stronger with each use. The more we practice forgiveness, the easier it comes! Happy Tuesday!

*This topic was requested, so if you have something that you would like me to discuss, let me know :)

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! :) 

A New Perspective

“And if you faithfully obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all his commandments that I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the Lord your God." Deuteronomy 28:1-2

Happy Tuesday! I was at a conference over the weekend where networking and gathering information was the goal. The more knowledge and understanding I received, the more discouraged I became. I started to think, "Wow, these people have it all together, and I'm completely unqualified in this area..." The Lord reminded me that networking and building your personal brand is good, but He has the final say. He opens doors, windows, and ceilings that no man could ever shut. If we are faithful with our portion and obedient to His word, we have nothing to worry about!

For His Glory

On today's edition of Turn up for Jesus Thursday :), I wanted to share the lyrics of my current obsession. The song is called, "For Your Glory" by Tasha Cobbs. It's the ultimate anthem for anyone who wants to put their desires aside for God's plans.

As you listen, allow the words to resonate with you. Are you willing to do anything to please God or are you still holding on to some things that he wants you to let go of? Are you willing to go through uncharted waters to follow Him? Happy Thursday! 

For Your glory

I will do anything

Just to see You

To behold You as my King

I wanna be where You are

Peace is where You are

Joy is where You are

And Love is who You are

"You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might." Deuteronomy 6:5

The Impossible

"‘Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you." Jeremiah 32:17

I heard this quote yesterday morning: "Just because you don't see a way, doesn't mean that there isn't one. We serve a supernatural God." It's tempting to look at situations through our limited perspective. We reason, analyze, and focus solely on the natural. However, don't we serve the God who parts seas, heals the blind, and resurrects the dead? If God has willed it to be done, it will be. No matter how impossible, he'll make a way. Happy Wednesday! 

"For nothing will be impossible with God.” Luke 1:37