Co-Heirs with Christ

"And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God's glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering." Romans 8:17 

In the past few weeks, I have had several conversations with people about how their work lives haven't exactly turned out how they imagined. From layoffs, impending job loss, and beginning a new job search, God has used me as a vessel to speak life into a situation and offer prayer and support. However, there should be a difference in how believers react to suffering and disappointment and how the world does. Jesus paid the price for us to not be consumed by stress, feeling overwhelmed, confused, anxious, and hurt. When we begin to let those emotions overtake us, it's time to surrender them. We know that we will face trials and tribulations. Pray for God's strength to endure through the trials instead of being crippled by them. Happy Wednesday! 

World Changing Prayer

"Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up." Luke 18:1 (quick read only 8 verses!)

I saw a quote that said "if all your prayers were answered, would it change the world or just yours?" Yikes. Convicted. I have to remind myself that unsaved people around the world, government leaders, the family unit, Christian leaders, soon to be martyrs, and [insert literally everyone and everything] need my fervent prayers. I should be praying for the world with as much passion and faith as I do for people that I know personally. It's easy to keep a routine of prayer- hitting a few key (probably selfish) points and going about the day. This week,I challenge you to make a list of 5 world changing prayers. Take them to God earnestly until they're on your heart daily. Happy Tuesday! 

Trust in Every Season

"And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you." Psalm 9:10

If we claim the title of "Christian," yet don't trust God, we are in direct conflict with the word of God. He has never forsaken us. Even when life seems to fall apart, He's there. If you're at a place of discontentment with your season, practice casting ALL your cares onto Christ. He was built for them, you weren't. Happy Friday! :) 

"He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord." Psalm 112:7

Thousands of 'Friends'

"My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth." 1 John 3:18 

In a time of social media, we are quick to call somebody a "friend." But of those thousands of friends and followers, how many would we inconvenience ourselves for? That could be taking them to the airport or listening to them vent after a long day at work. We show how much we care for people not only by what we say, but what we do. The Bible says that we are to recognize a tree by its fruit (Matthew 7:16-17). What is your fruit saying about you? Are your actions matching your declarations? 

(Original post: November 26)