New Year, New You

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." 2 Corinthians 5:17

Morning! I pray you had a blessed Christmas! As we enter into the New Year, most people are making resolutions, vowing to be a changed person by tomorrow. But the reality is, most resolutions only last 12 days. Believers know that for true transformation to occur, there must be a heart change. The goals and dreams you have for 2015, should be submitted totally to Christ. Allow him to mold and shape your year. Happy New Year! :) 

Stewardship

"These also King David dedicated to the LORD, together with the silver and gold that he dedicated from all the nations he subdued" 2 Samuel 8:11 

David dedicated his earnings to God, and his territory continued to grow. David understood that everything good was from the Lord (James 1:7) and belonged to Him. Believers are to be stewards of their finances; seeking counsel and direction from God. Christians are called to tithe at least 10% of their income to build up the kingdom. 

Are you honoring God with your finances? Are you seeking him daily? In the end, it's all to glorify God. Happy Thursday! 

Dance Like David

"...I will celebrate before the Lord. I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes..." 2 Samuel 6:21-22

This is David's reply when one of Saul's daughters questioned him about dancing for the Lord. David is the ultimate example of praise and worship. He served the Lord willingly and praised Him unabashedly. When God blesses you and keeps you, how do you praise him? Does it shallowly depend on what song is playing at church? Let's honor God by sending up praise offerings often. Happy Monday! 

"Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe!" Psalm 150:4

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

Become Greater

"And David became greater and greater, for the LORD, the God of hosts, was with him." 2 Samuel 5:10

At this point, David is conquering territories and proving his doubters wrong. Verse 10 is a great because we can apply this directly to our lives. When God has anointed us to do something and we walk in that calling, he will bless and establish our territory. So, go ahead and insert your name in the verse. You have been chosen for such a time in this. Step out on faith and do what God has called you to do! Happy Friday! 

Enlarged Territories

"David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years. At Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months, and at Jerusalem he reigned over all Israel and Judah thirty-three years." 2 Samuel 5:4-5 

Chapters 2-4 detail the war between The houses of Sail and David. (Side note: I'm sure the movie 300 took some scenes from these chapters haha) What you'll notice is that David was not anointed to rule his entire territory immediately. There was a process that needed to take place prior (coming in tomorrow's message). How is God preparing to enlarge your territory? How are you handling what He has blessed you with already? If you were blessed with more, would you be able to handle it? Happy Wednesday! :) 

Defeated Enemies

"They mourned and wept and fasted till evening for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the army of the Lord and for the nation of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword." 2 Samuel 1:12

As you'll recall, a few verses earlier, David received word that King Saul and his son, Jonathan, had been killed. King Saul and his army were hunting David because he was anointed to be the next king. David had an atypical reaction. The fleshly desire is to gloat and celebrate that his number one enemy had been defeated. Instead, he honored the former king by mourning. Let's do a heart check this morning. Have you fasted and prayed for your enemies? For the people who did you all types of wrong? Have you prayed for their salvation? Sorry for the conviction this early in the morning :). Happy Tuesday! 

The Wait in the Promise

In 2 Sam 1-10 David received word that King Saul and Jonathan died.  In 1 Samuel, you'll see that David was anointed king years prior to actually seeing fruit of that. In fact, he was on the run from King Saul for 8 years. So, David gets a word and promise from God but still had an army trying to murder him. Key take aways: 1.God's timing is perfect; you may hear from God, but still have to wait 2. You can be in the will of God and still face adversity 3. God will take care of your enemies. David did not seek out Saul to kill him. He trusted The Lord to meet his needs. (Part 2 Tomorrow!) Happy Monday! :) 

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! :) 

Faith like Peter

"Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said.Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus" (Matthew 14:28-29)

Happy Monday! I pray you had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend and took that time to thank God for your portion. In this passage, Peter, a skilled fisherman exemplified the a huge amount of faith. His faith allowed him to overlook his fears, the storm, his shipmates, and all other distractions. He had tunnel vision that was focused solely on Jesus. In what ways can you act in faith? What are you praying and believing for that only God can do?