Satisfied

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5

I saw The Walls Group and Tye Tribbett in concert a few days ago and amazing isn't a strong enough word to use. It was 3.5 hours of straight worship! If Tye ever comes to a city near you, GO! Anywho, The Walls sang this song called "Satisfied" and the lyrics are so on point. Basically, they're asking if they never got the job, material things, or the dreams that they prayed for didn't come true, would they be satisfied simply by the relationship they have with Jesus. Think about it. If NOTHING about your life changed, you would still have more than enough because of God's grace and provision. Look up that song on YouTube or Spotify and meditate on the lyrics. Are you satisfied...or nah? :) Happy Thursday! 

Actually, the entire EP is the bomb. It's only $5 on iTunes. Get you some hehe

1 Corinthians 8

"Anyone who claims to know all the answers doesn’t really know very much. But the person who loves God is the one whom God recognizes." 1 Corinthians 8:2-3 

If we, mere humans, had all the answers, would we need God? Would we need faith? If we knew how our sin would impact our calling, we wouldn't need a savior. The fact that we don't have all the answers and we choose to have faith and trust in God draws us closer to him. He knows and recognizes those that diligently seek him. He loves those who love him. 

Also, go see "God's Not Dead" if it's playing in a theater near you. It is a phenomenal movie! Let me know when you see it and we can chat about it. Happy Tuesday :) 

1 Corinthians 4

"Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God." 1 Corinthians 4:5

Only God can judge me. We've all heard it. Most of the time people say it to justify their sin. Every time I hear it, I want to say, "doesn't that scare you?!" Although their intent is flawed, the statement is still true. It's not up to us to expose everyone's flaws, shortcomings, or their deliberate sinful actions. We can share what God places on our hearts, but we're not Jesus. We don't have the power to save everyone. Let's make sure our hearts are in order to receive praise from God about our work on earth. Happy Friday!

Psalm 130- God's Unfailing Love #SheReadsTruth

This post is also linked on www.shereadstruth.com! :)

Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord; Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. (Psalm 130:1-2)

Have you ever been there- stressed, overwhelmed, depressed, anxious, worried, [insert other negative emotions here]? Instead of seeking comfort from televisions, relationships, and other distractions, seek Him. Those are the times where God is longing to hear from you. He's longing for you to depend only on him and not your own strength. 

If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you. (Psalm 130:3-4)

But we have the audacity to hold grudges. We, mere humans, harden our hearts to those who have wronged us. Meanwhile, The Creator, offers his children an immeasurable amount grace. That grace allows us to continue to serve Him with a pure heart, even after we've messed up. *praise break*

I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. I wait for the Lord  more than watchmen wait for the morning,  more than watchmen wait for the morning. (Psalm 130:5-6)

Waiting is a foreign concept, in today's society. We are not accustomed to waiting for letters, harvest, meals cooked from scratch, or dial up internet :). I actually find myself willing the microwave to speed up cooking popcorn (max 2 minutes)! This concept of waiting is one that has not changed since the beginning of time. But the cool thing about waiting on God is that he'll never be late. He'll never forsake you. Waiting is a time for preparation and expectation. (See 2 Peter 3:9)

Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption. He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins. (Psalm 130:7-8)

*drops mic* What commentary needs to be added? The Lord is unfailing. We simply have to trust in him. 

I have been obsessed with this cover since I saw Joe perform it live last year. This song is Psalm 130 in a nutshell. 

Happy Friday!

Matthew 14- Valentine's Edition

 

But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

“Come,” he said. Matthew 14:27-29

Jesus and Peter walking on water is a well known story of faith, but since it's Valentine's Day, let's look at it another way. Peter had to really love Jesus to trust that he would be able to walk on water too. He had that kind of love because he saw Jesus do all these amazing works (ie. feeding 5,000+ people in Matthew 14:13-21). He had witnessed God's faithfulness over and over again; Peter didn't question Jesus when he was summoned out of the boat.  

Similarly, you have seen miraculous works in your own life. But do you love Jesus enough to step out and do something extraordinary? He's bidding you to "come." You have to be crazy in love with Jesus to trust him with no questions asked. You have to be crazy in love with Jesus to know that he has plans to help, not harm you. You have to be crazy in love with Jesus to submit yourself as a humble servant. You have to be crazy in love with Jesus to follow him in less than favorable conditions.

On this Valentine's Day, think about how you demonstrate your love and devotion to Christ. What's your relationship status? Do you only call him when you need something? Are you consistently in communication with him? Do people know about your relationship? 

Happy Valentine's Day! 

WARNING: These songs will take you into worship! Proceed expectantly

David & Nicole Binion: My Heart Cries (start at 2:07)

I originally heard this in a medley of songs that William McDowell performed. "My heart cries for more of you... I wanna see your face, feel your embrace, come fill this empty place inside my heart..."

William McDowell: I Belong to You

"I've been captured by a love I can't explain. Now you have me, and I'm forever changed..."

Matthew 5 (Possibly my favorite chapter)

As I read over this chapter last night and this morning,  I had no idea where to start. I was wrecked...in a good way. I honestly considered posting Matthew 5 and then "dropping the mic" Ha! There's so much wisdom and comfort in this chapter! I pray that you read the entire chapter (click here!) and get all that you can from it! 

You're blessed- Matthew 5:3-12
*NOTE: I LOVE every single verse in this segment. I'm sure you will too*

Stressed? Overwhelmed? Annoyed? Anxious?
“You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule." Matthew 5:3

Friendships falling apart? Unemployed? Significant other actin' up? Depressed?
“You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you." Matthew 5:4
  
Broke? Feeling inadequate? Discontent?
“You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought." Matthew 5:5

Feeling judged? 
“You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom." Matthew 5:10

Letting your light shine- Matthew 5:13-16
"Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16

Your testimony isn't for you. It's to bring honor and glory to the Kingdom and inspire others on their faith walk. I've found that people love transparency and often times it will strengthen the bond that you have with them. What have you shared to encourage someone?

The Commandments- Matthew 5:21-32

“You’re familiar with the command to the ancients, ‘Do not murder.’ I’m telling you that anyone who is so much as angry with a brother or sister is guilty of murder." Matthew 5:21

Yikes! I'm guilty... very guilty. The Bible is leaves no grey areas. Later in the verses it says that words kill. We should be extending the same amount of grace the God gives to us. So what if someone cuts you off in traffic? So what people lie and mislead you? Let God deal with them. Don't clutter your mind with negativity. (Confession: I'm a work in progress. I'm definitely dying to myself daily- Galatians 5:24) Is Christ evident in your speech and thoughts?

Loving Others- Matthew 5:33-48
"If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that." Matthew 5:46

Do you love people who talk about you? Do you love people who nag you? Do you love people who discredit you? Do you love people who lie to you? We are called to be "perfect as God is perfect" (Matthew 5:48) How have you loved the hard to love this week?

Ok so I basically posted the entire chapter...oh well. I love how relevant this book is! What was your favorite part of this chapter? What was your least favorite part (because you were convicted lol)? 

Happy Wednesday!

He knows

"The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good." Proverbs 15:3

I love this verse because it shows that God is knowledgable of all that you do. If you're demonstrating good character, working hard behind the scenes, growing spiritually, and doing other positive things, God sees that. Of course you shouldn't do anything for recognition of man (Colossians 3:23), but doesn't it feel amazing to be thanked and spoken highly of? Whether or not that happens in the natural, God thinks highly of you. He knew the flaws and imperfections that you would have and STILL created you! You have a divine purpose. *insert praise break here* ha! Happy Monday! :)

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you" 1 Peter 5:6

"And to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:19