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! :) 

Rooted

"See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ." Colossians 2:8 

Just before this verse, Paul explains that we should be rooted in Christ. If we are not relying solely on Him, we lose focus. We will chase every opportunity to be more, make more, do more, which ultimately only glorifies self. We shouldn't allow friends, family, or society to dictate the direction of our lives. When the Holy Spirit guides our steps, we will not fall prey to "hollow and deceptive philosophy". Trust in God alone. Happy Friday! 

"For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority" Colossians 2:9-10

Warning!

"Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you." Proverbs 4:6

An interesting thing happens yesterday morning; I set off the fire alarm in my place of residence. When it happened, I thought "surely that's not my toaster strudel, it doesn't even smell burnt!" I started thinking- God gives us warning signs when things could potentially destroy us. I would hate for the alarm to go off once there were flames engulfing the house. When you feel a check in your spirit, do you continue on your path, or do you stop and seek God for direction? Happy Wednesday! 

Reflections

"Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits" Psalm 103:1-2

Do you ever just sit and reflect on all the amazing things that God has done in your life? Consider all those times that you just had a "gut feeling" and when you followed it, you encountered all types of favor? In hindsight, you'll realize that it was the Holy Spirit guiding you through life. It's easy to get so sucked into the mundane day to day that we forget to acknowledge God's continual grace and favor; don't do it! He's so faithful. Happy Monday! 

The Past

"Thus says the LORD: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls..." Jeremiah 6:16

Do you ever look back at your life and consider how much grace has been extended to you? Or think, "if only I had listened to the Holy Spirit in that situation..."? Jeremiah was urged to reminisce about his former life, in order to move forward with confidence that he was making the correct decisions. Hind sight is always 20/20. If you aren't seeing major differences in yourself, you may be stagnant. Consider some ways that your life can reflect a life changing encounter with Christ. I read a quote that said "God's guidance in the past gives encouragement for the future". His was is much better than our own. Happy Tuesday! :) 

Praying in the Spirit

"...I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding..." 1 Corinthians 14:15 

A lot of times the term "praying in the spirit" is interpreted as praying in tongues. If that's the case, there's a percentage of people who feel that they don't qualify to do so. When in fact, praying in the spirit simply means that the Holy Spirit is directing our prayers. Instead of praying for the things we know we want/need (ie. good grades, a great job, a relationship, etc), we pray on a deeper level. Whenever there is a person or topic that just "pops in your head," take a moment to pray for them, then add it to your prayer list. Praying in the spirit allows you to intercede on behalf of loved ones and people you may not know yet. It allows our self-centered prayers to be redirected to selfless prayers. Try it out this weekend :) 

2 Corinthians 13

"Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?" 2 Corinthians 13:5 

When was the last time you did a spiritual assessment? You know, really took a deep look at your life? Does it reflect Christ? Do your conversations glorify him? Why are we so quick to "test God," when He has proven himself several times over. Instead, Paul tells us to test ourselves for Christ-likeness. Think about what fruit of the spirit you should mature in and make a plan to do so. Happy Tuesday! 

And the Corinthians study is finished! If you have any suggestions on the next one let me know... Jesus and I will discuss it :) 

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!

1 Corinthians 2

"And we have received God’s Spirit (not the world’s spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us."1 Corinthians 2:12

Those who have the Holy Spirit dwelling within them, have discernment. We're able to comprehend "spiritual realities" (1 Corinthians 2:13-14). The Holy Spirit will reveal Isaiah 64:4 ie: purpose, His plans for your life, direction, and clarity. Continually seeking The Lord will draw him closer to you and closer to your purpose. Happy Wednesday!