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! 

1 Corinthians 15

"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:58

According to scripture (Colossians 3:23-24) we are to do all work like we're working for God. What if nobody acknowledged your efforts, commitment, selflessness? It doesn't matter. We're not working to please people, but to please God. And guess what? He sees you and your work is never in vain. Keep on keeping on this Tuesday! :) 

Also, 1 Corinthians 15:55 is quoted in Kari Jobe's song "Forever." It's a powerful song, especially for this time of year. 

Lent (Day 1)

“Even now,” declares the Lord,“return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” Joel 2:12

Today is the first day of Lent! Yay! I am looking forward to see what God does in your life over these next 46 days. However, we don't fast to "get" anything from God. In fact, fasting is taking our eyes off of earthly distractions to fix our eyes on things eternal. As Matthew 6:16-18 says, fasting is a personal endeavor between you and God. Take this time to earnestly seek the Lord about EVERYTHING. What is his will for your life? How can you serve him?  

If you're having trouble selecting what to fast from, consider the opposite. Maybe you can add something that you've been meaning to, but haven't fully committed to. 

Here are some ideas: 

1. Waking up an hour earlier to spend quiet time with God.
2. Starting a Bible reading plan
3. Committing to praying for a specified time (minimum) per day
4. Turning off the TV/ electronics between the hours of ____ and ____
5. Breaking away from unhealthy/ unproductive relationships
6. Eliminating secular music
7. Censoring television shows/ movies that are not uplifting and encouraging 
8. Committing to a scripture memorization plan

Ultimately, a fast should CHALLENGE you. Whatever you decide to do, should cause you to lean on the Lord for support because it is a SACRIFICE. 

*Note: Lent ends: Thursday, April 17