Enlarged Territories

"David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years. At Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months, and at Jerusalem he reigned over all Israel and Judah thirty-three years." 2 Samuel 5:4-5 

Chapters 2-4 detail the war between The houses of Sail and David. (Side note: I'm sure the movie 300 took some scenes from these chapters haha) What you'll notice is that David was not anointed to rule his entire territory immediately. There was a process that needed to take place prior (coming in tomorrow's message). How is God preparing to enlarge your territory? How are you handling what He has blessed you with already? If you were blessed with more, would you be able to handle it? Happy Wednesday! :) 

Inventory

"The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” Lamentations 3:24

Our God is infinitely gracious. Have you tried to take an inventory of blessings? It's impossible to do, yet I'm sure there are still things that you wish you could change. However, I can guarantee that there are numerous people who would love the privileges that you've been given. Let's remember that as believers, our hope should only rest in Christ- not a paycheck, a relationship, technology, or anything else. As a negative thought tries to creep in, cast it down and give thanks. Happy Wednesday! 

"My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever." Psalms 73:26

Good and Perfect

"Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow." James 1:17

A biblical definition of "good" is whatever is morally correct, accurate, and virtuous. Sometimes we only give God credit for one type of blessing. You know, the making a way out of no way blessing. The ones where manna comes from heaven (See Exodus). However, God protects us from ourselves. Sometimes he'll shut down opportunities because it could be detrimental to our growth. So, I'm challenging myself to thank God for cancelled interviews, missed promotions, financial strain, [insert other struggles here], because He only provides what is good and perfect for His children. Happy Friday! :)

"Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:38

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."

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! 

Gratitude

"Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name." 1 Chronicles 29:13 

I've seen a photo circulating that says, "What if you woke up today only with the things you thanked God for yesterday". Doesn't that out things into perspective? I think we get so used to life as we know it, that we don't recognize just how blessed we really are. Since we can never thank God enough, let's make a conscious effort to express gratitude to The King. Sending hugs from South Beach :) 

"I will praise the name of God with song, And shall magnify Him with thanksgiving" Psalm 69:30

Matthew 26

Matthew 26 is the story of Jesus' betrayal and arrest. Honestly, I get slightly annoyed every time I read it. Could you imagine KNOWING someone was going to stab you in the back but not acting on it? Jesus knew that some of his "ride or die" friends (Matthew 26:35) would not be there for him when things got rough. Regardless of the prophesies, Jesus still chose to love Peter and Judas. 

Life application: People are bound to hurt and mistreat you because of our sinful, carnal nature. The power comes in your response. Christ followers are called to stand out and love those who are hard to love- because you're hard to love sometimes too (Romans 12:9-21). Speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) when someone hurts you. Next time someone doesn't treat you right (according to your standards), I challenge you to begin to pray for them. Not just, "Bless their heart," but a genuine prayer like for a family member or your best friend. Romans 12:14 says to bless, not curse those who hurt you. You'll deepen your faith and mature as a result. Happy Wednesday! 

New Year Resolutions

"May He grant you your heart's desire and fulfill all your plans!" Psalm 20:4

God has made so many promises of prosperity, joy, success, and love to those who love Him. He cares for YOU! Take time to tell God your plans, declare His promises for your life, and be open to His will. Honestly, His plans are so grand that we can't fathom them! Spend time sharing with God just as you do with your friends and family. He wants to hear from you. If you want this year to be amazing, put God first in everything. Happy Friday! :) 

"For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit." Romans 8:5

Proverbs 20

"A farmer too lazy to plant in the spring has nothing to harvest in the fall" Proverbs 20:4

As the saying goes, "That'll preach!" Haha in order for us to fulfill God's promises for our lives, we have to put in work. We may have to get up earlier or go to bed later, but that season won't last forever. Do you have an idea that God placed inside of you? Are you actively seeking Him for direction (Proverbs 20:24)? Or do you value movies, television, or your social life so much that sacrificing them would be too difficult? Demonstrate your faithfulness to God because He's always faithful to you! Happy Friday :) 

"Don't be too fond of sleep; you'll end up in the poorhouse. Wake up and get up; then there'll be food on the table." Proverbs 20:13

Proverbs 11- Generosity

"The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller. The one who blessed others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped" Proverbs 11:24-25

Since Christmas is exactly 2 weeks away, what better topic than generosity? :) It's so easy to get consumed by material things at great prices, during the holidays. But being generous is more than giving gifts. It includes spending time, helping others, and doing selfless acts. Let's focus on how we can be a blessing to people we know as wells as strangers. The Lord looks at our hearts (1 Samuel 16:7), so of course we shouldn't give solely to get blessings, but we should give from a pure heart. Although we may not see millions of dollars fall from the sky instantly, The Lord is taking notes. He won't forget about his children.

(Original Post: December 11)

Proverbs 10- Wealth Building

"The Lord does not let the righteous go hungry, but he thwarts the craving of the wicked. Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth." Proverbs 10:3-4

I don't know of anyone who dreams of having financial struggles and hardship in their future. In fact, Instagram tells me everyday how people are "stacking money" and "building empires." But what does true wealth building look like? It's asking God to lead you into your purpose, trusting that you will be provided for, and working diligently and consistently. The Word says we are to do all work as unto The Lord (Colossians 3:23). Even if the tasks seem meaningless, remember, that all things work together for the fulfillment of your purpose. So, don't get discouraged if results aren't immediate, stay focused on Christ, not your situation.

(Original Post: December 10)

Emotion led vs. Spirit led

"...make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 1:5-8

There will be times where we're following Christ, operating in his will, and getting tested. Those thoughts of feeling unworthy, inferior, under qualified, over qualified, etc, can end up fueling our actions. They can cast doubt on past decisions. Once we get off track and possibly quit, the enemy has won. Being emotion led vs being spirit led can cause us to make rash decisions that lead us away from our purpose. In the end, Christ wants people sold out for Him. If you are unable to complete the assignment, he will raise someone else up to do it. Before making decisions seek God for his blessing. 

(Original post: November 22)

A way out of no way

"But The Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one" 2 Thessalonians 3:3 

No matter what circumstances we find ourselves in, The Lord will protect us. Though at times things seem impossible (see yesterday's post), The Lord will make a way out of no way. He will make things occur that were out of the question or not an option. Daily, I am blown away by his faithfulness! Even if there's a little doubt mixed in with faith; He always provides for his children. Worried about something? Give it to God and rest. 

"Blessed be The Lord, who daily bears us up; God is our salvation." Psalm 68:19

(Original Post: November 19)

Lessons from Moses

Exodus 3:7-15 is an exchange between Moses and God after Moses was told to free the Israelites. Moses was not the most eloquent and he felt inadequate. 

"Moses said to God, 'Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh" Exodus 3:11 

But Moses was chosen for a reason and was successful when he obeyed God. There may be times when you feel like you don't know enough Bible verses, don't have enough speaking experience, or whatever else, but God can use you. He has a plan specially tailored to your gifts and talents. Allow Him to use you and answer the call for your life! 

(Original Post: November 12)

Contentment

"Be content with such things as you have. For He Himself said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'" Hebrews 13:5

As believers, we are told that we should be content in every season. But how feasible is that? It seems as soon as contentment comes, so do the changes. I have come to the conclusion that once we truly are content, God sees it fit to stretch and mold us to be more like Him. Although we never "arrive" to a perfect place in Christ, know that if you're truly content, then you're growing in Christ. 

(Original Post: November 11)

Annoying people...

"When a man's ways please The Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him." Proverbs 16:7 

There have been times where it seems like things aren't going right and there's issue after issue...for no reason! That's so frustrating but this verse is the answer. It's not our place to say everything we may be thinking at the time. Instead, we should keep on the path that God set for us, knowing that we will encounter some opposition. Next time someone gets under your skin, pass the test and show the love of Christ.

"The Lord will fight for you, and you should hold your peace" Exodus 14:14

(Original post: November 8)

Wisdom & Knowledge

"For The Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity" Proverbs 2:6-7

It's so comforting to know that if we need direction, understanding, and wisdom, The Lord will give it to us. When He speaks to us, we gain understanding and a new perspective. How open are you to receiving wisdom and direction from The Lord? Have you sought Him for guidance in every decision?

"For wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul" Proverbs 2:8

(Original post: November 7)

...For or Against

"Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters" Matthew 12:30 

The great thing about God is that he's not the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33). Jesus spoke words from God that were so clear - we're either followers of Christ or not, because there's no in between. How do we know if we're truly following Him? Our fruit tells it all. (Matthew 12:33) Our fruit is our lifestyle, what we say, do, and even wear. If we've had an encounter with Christ, our lives should change, because we are new creatures in Him. 

"..put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" Ephesians 4:22-24

(Original post: November 6)

Spiritual Check-up

"...be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." James 1:22(-24) 

How many people do we know who can quote partial Bible verses or even call out the name of Jesus in times of distress, but their lives are contrary to The Word? It seems that we are quick to recognize others shortcomings before our own. Chances are that we have probably had a fit of road rage, ignored a charitable opportunity, or even used foul language. All those things are contrary of The Word also! Daily, we should be praying for The Lord to make our heart like His and gradually change from our worldly ways. Just like we get bodily check-ups, we should do spiritual ones as well. Are you living according to God's word? Where can you improve? 

(Original Post: November 5)

Thoughts vs. Future

"For as he thinks in his heart, so is he" Proverbs 23:7

Our mind has the power to propel us forward or hold us back from our destiny. Proverbs 4:23 says that we are to guard our hearts. This applies not only to external factors, but also to internal things, like our thoughts. Remember to cast down thoughts that are negative and discouraging with positive affirmations and encouraging verses. What are your thoughts doing for your future? 

 "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." 2 Corinthians 10:5

(Original post: November 4)