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! 

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. 

Dream On

"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." Romans 12:12

Recently, I've been reflecting a lot on dreams -understanding those ideas and goals that God placed inside of each one of us. I thought about the life of Joseph and how he had dreams but he had so many obstacles (slavery, jail, gossip) to overcome before it came to pass. I just want to encourage you to remain faithful in cultivating those God-given dreams, even if the fruit is slow to show itself. Happy Tuesday! 

Surprise, surprise!

“My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. Isaiah 55:8

Has God ever surprised you? Like, you're going about your day and something awesome happens. Now, you wanted this "something awesome" to occur, but you were by no means expecting it. It's a reminder that we cannot fathom the extent that our Heavenly Father wants to bless us. I love this prayer that reminds us to be open to the unexpected. Happy Tuesday!

 "O Lord, give me the grace to be content with what You give to me.

  No! More than that, let me rejoice, in all You send me—it’s Your choice! —Anon."

1Corinthians 9

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize." 1 Corinthians 9:24 

Apostle Paul discusses the importance of self discipline in verses 24-27. He compares our walk with Christ with athletes training for a competition. If the athlete wants to have a chance to win, they train. They equip their mind and body for the ultimate test. In the same way, we should be arming ourselves with scriptures to cast down distracting thoughts and positioning ourselves in alignment with God's will. What have you sacrificed to gain traction in this race? 

Happy Wednesday! 

Matthew 13

"When he taught there in the synagogue, everyone was amazed and said, 'Where does he get this wisdom and the power to do miracles?' Then they scoffed, 'He’s just the carpenter’s son...and so he did only a few miracles there because of their unbelief.'" Matthew 13:53-58

This passage shows Jesus, the son of God, doing his Father's work, walking in his purpose. He's healing people, giving them hope, perspective and encouragement. However, when he returns to his hometown, people can only focus on his upbringing, his family, his circumstances. They could not get past the labels that they had placed on him. Has anyone ever tried to corner you with their critiques? Have people judged you off of your past and not your future? No big deal, Jesus went through the SAME thing!

But look at this, because Jesus' neighbors were so narrow-minded, they missed out on seeing Jesus in all his glory. He didn't do many miracles there. So what your BFF from elementary school doesn't like your convictions? Somebody, somewhere needs to hear your story. Somebody somewhere needs to be empowered through your poetry, music, writing, painting, or dancing. Everyone can't walk with you into your destiny, so don't allow the naysayers to stifle your gifts. You are talented. You are special. You are a vital part of the spiritual body.

Are you allowing the crowds determine your walk? Jesus didn't. Are you greater than him? Ha! #jesusjuke ...of course you don't think you're greater than Jesus, but it does make you think...

Happy Snowy Thursday!

Matthew 10

“Don’t think you have to put on a fund-raising campaign before you start. You don’t need a lot of equipment. You are the equipment..." Matthew 10:9

Right before this verse, Jesus tasks 12 people to spread the gospel to their neighborhoods. He emphasizes that in order to be effective, they don't need to go to the ends of the earth, they can go right into their neighborhoods and make a difference. What I love about verse 9 is that it removes every excuse. When God gives us something to do, a task to complete, he will provide everything that we need to complete it. What excuse have you been giving God to not fulfill what he called you to do? Whatever it was, fugetaboutit *in my most convincing mafia voice* and let God show you how faithful he is! 

"And don’t worry about what you’ll say or how you’ll say it. The right words will be there; the Spirit of your Father will supply the words." Matthew 10:20

You don't have to be an eloquent speaker to share what God placed inside your heart. Since we were created uniquely and in His image, we ALL have ways to serve the kingdom (ie. Spiritual Gifts). Jesus told the 12 harvest hands to go into their neighborhoods and share the gospel in a vernacular common to that place. Your testimony, your accent, your style of dress are all things that can be used to draw people Christ. Be You! 

Because The Holy Spirit resides in us (those who have accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior of their lives), we have 24/7 access to him. If we find ourselves at a loss for words, we can ask The Holy Spirit to guide and direct us to the most appropriate words for that moment. There have been many times that I don't know what to write in these morning devotionals and I sought additional direction. On those days, I get feedback like "that's just what I needed to hear today" or "How did you know that's what I was praying about?!" How awesome! You never know how significant the impact your words and actions will be when you heed His guidance. How much better would our lives be if we applied this same principles to EVERY aspect of life?

What were your favorite parts of this chapter?

Happy Monday! 

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)