Heavenly Connection

Clarity, direction, productivity, whatever we lack wisdom in can be answered through prayer. Often we find ourselves drained trying to figure everything out on our own. It's time that we leverage our heavenly connect to save time, energy, and our sanity. :) Seek Christ. He's waiting.

"Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known." Jeremiah 33:3 

God is greater...

"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:18 

As believers in Christ, a gracious spirit is essential, regardless of current circumstances. God is bigger than our issues. He's greater than our frustrations, so adopt a grateful heart that withstands the unpredictability of life.

Celebrate the small wins

I'm sending you all virtual high-fives! :) 

Zechariah 4:10 "Do not despise these small beginning, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin..."

Take time to celebrate and appreciate progress. Other people's successes (or failures) have nothing to do with the call on your life. If you're busy comparing your beginning to someone else's middle, discontentment will reign. Today, commit to taking an inventory of your wins, and thank God for every last one! 

P.S. I apologize for my mini hiatus but I'm back! I also post tons of inspiration on all of my social media platforms, so follow me there! :) Happy Tuesday!

"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:58 

Social media: 

Instagram, Twitter, Periscope: @CaseyCarea

Facebook: Casey Sharperson

Celebrate the small wins

I'm sending you all virtual high-fives! :) 

Zechariah 4:10 "Do not despise these small beginning, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin..."

Take time to celebrate and appreciate progress. Other people's successes (or failures) have nothing to do with the call on your life. If you're busy comparing your beginning to someone else's middle, discontentment will reign. Today, commit to taking an inventory of your wins, and thank God for every last one! 

P.S. I apologize for my mini hiatus but I'm back! I also post tons of inspiration on all of my social media platforms, so follow me there! :) Happy Tuesday!

"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:58 

Social media: 

Instagram, Twitter, Periscope: @CaseyCarea

Facebook: Casey Sharperson

Let God Be God

The temptation to busy ourselves with things of this world is great. Usually, it's with the purest intentions. We're not trying to tell God how to be God, but we'll "help him out a little." You know, running ourselves ragged with work to push us to the next level career wise or in other aspects of life. When our lives become so busy that we're neglecting or shortening our time with God, it's time to reevaluate. Be still. Rest in Him. 

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10

*sharing more on this tonight at 8 on the Periscope app! Download the app and follow me @CaseyCarea* 

Worry Wart

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." Romans 15:13

Since iron sharpens iron (Pvbs 27:17), I try to surround myself with people who are positive and cause me to grow. However, sometimes I encounter worry warts. (People who are consistently talking about the worst case scenario, live in the worst case scenario, and thrive off feelings of fear, doubt, and anxiety.) As a believer, the unknown is familiar territory, since we live by faith and trust that God has our steps ordered. If you're a worrier, that should free you! We only can control our reactions when we face adversity. What do your words and actions reveal about you? Happy Wednesday!  

Hidden Talents

"For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them." Matthew 25:29

Many might be familiar with the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30. The master allotted money of various amounts to 3 different servants. Those who were given more money, invested and grew the amount. The one who was given the least hid the money but eventually lost it. I heard a message last weekend, where the pastor said, "Hiding your talents communicates to God that you are unappreciative". Yikes. It made me reflect... what has God given us that we haven't fully accepted? Are we walking in purpose? A form of worship is using the gifts that God gave us to glorify him. What are you doing with your talents? 

Tried and True

"As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him." Psalm 18:30 

Do you ever find yourself doubting God? Of course you would probably never say that aloud, but the heart tells a different story. Fear, anxiety, worry, and the need to rush God are all signs that we don't trust the God's ways are perfect. God's word has been tried and true. As believers, we have a relationship to the same God who parted the Red Sea, delivered Jonah from the belly of the whale, and raised Jesus from the dead. Just because we don't understand God's timeline, doesn't mean that we should question it. Surrender whatever it is that's holding you back and causing unrest in your spirit. Happy Monday! 

Wake Up

"For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14 

I believe that God is perfect and sovereign which means that all of his children have a special anointing to impact the world. However, just like Esther, we have a choice to take action or to stay silent. What is it that God is calling you to do in this season? Whatever it is, make Jesus famous. As the song says, "Wake up child, it's your time to shine, you were born for such a time as this"-Jake Hamilton, The Anthem. Happy Thursday! 

...as unto The Lord

"Like a snow-cooled drink at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to the one who sends him; he refreshes the spirit of his master" Proverbs 25:13 

The messenger in this verse can be likened to an employee and the master to an employer. The Bible tells us to work as unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23 ). As believers we should be described as teachable, adaptable, trustworthy, dependable, and a pleasure to be around. We should be a help and not a hindrance. How are your relationships with your superiors? How can you refresh their spirit? How can you serve God while serving others? Happy Wednesday!

"Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people" Ephesians 6:7

Thrive where you're planted

"They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do." Psalm 1:3

I read a quote this morning that said, "if you're not growing, you're dying." It almost sounds harsh until it's applied to a tangible example- like a plant. If it's not flourishing and being fed, it's withering. Unlike a plant, we have a choice of where we live and if we thrive or die. Are you planted on good ground (a healthy church)? Is your environment (circle of friends) fueling you with harmful of helpful nutrients. Are you in direct son-light (plugging into God as your power source)? If not, you're not growing. Today, think of some areas that you may be malnourished, submit them to God, and grow, grow, grow! Happy Tuesday! 

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! 

World Changing Prayer

"Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up." Luke 18:1 (quick read only 8 verses!)

I saw a quote that said "if all your prayers were answered, would it change the world or just yours?" Yikes. Convicted. I have to remind myself that unsaved people around the world, government leaders, the family unit, Christian leaders, soon to be martyrs, and [insert literally everyone and everything] need my fervent prayers. I should be praying for the world with as much passion and faith as I do for people that I know personally. It's easy to keep a routine of prayer- hitting a few key (probably selfish) points and going about the day. This week,I challenge you to make a list of 5 world changing prayers. Take them to God earnestly until they're on your heart daily. Happy Tuesday! 

Connecting the Dots

For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Philippians 2:13

The word works is in present tense, which means that God is working right now. Not that he will work in you when you get your life together. Not that he worked in you before xyz happened. God is ALWAYS moving, guiding, and leading to weave an intricate design that we call life. At times where it feels like God is quiet or you don't see progress towards a particular goal- journal and reflect. Sometimes we can miss the beauty of the little things because we're so focused on the end result that may or may not be God's will for us. Take time to recognize God's faithfulness and your growth. Happy Thursday! 

A Good Work

"...being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6 

Often times we get distracted by the earthly things that take our focus off of eternity. Our eyes should always be on Christ, not the amount of works that we can do. Everything was completed on the cross. We cannot "do" enough to "earn" God's love. Once we become saved by Grace, The Holy Spirit begins working and doesn't end until we meet The Father in Heaven. So let's rebuke busyness, distraction and distress and adopt a peace that surpasses understanding. Happy Wednesday!

"He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 1:8

People Problems?

We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother. -1 John 4:19-21

Our love for God should translate into a love for people. The solution for loving difficult people is love Christ more deeply. Relying on his strength and not our own. We all know people who can push our buttons, annoy us, frustrate us, and even cause discontentment to rise up in our hearts. It's at those times that we turn to Christ and pray that our minds are renewed and that we begin to see the good qualities in them versus our negative viewpoint. Happy Tuesday! I'm back from my mini hiatus, renewed and eager to share what God's placed on my heart!

Merely Stewards

"To the LORD your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth and everything in it." Deuteronomy 10:14

Since God owns everything, we are merely stewards of his possessions. When we are asked to give 10% of our income to build the kingdom, we should be honoring God in how we manage the remaining 90%(Proverbs 3:9-10). If we view our material things as blessings and gifts from our Heavenly Father, our perspective should change. Selfishness with our possessions should be replaced with grace and a giving heart. So guard your heart against the "me, myself, and I mentality". Everything you own is His. Happy Tuesday! :) 

"One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want." Proverbs 11:24

For musical inspiration listen to Withholding nothing by William McDowell.

Friend Audit

Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” 1 Corinthians 15:33 

The voices of others can drown out the voice of God. The people we choose to spend our time with can either propel us forward to pull us back. Often, we think that we're strong enough to stay true to the Word of God but hanging out with those who do the opposite. Or maybe our "friends" aren't supportive and they sow seeds of doubt and confusion. Both scenarios are contrary to how we are called to live as believers. Do a friend/ associate audit. Are they building you up with the Word of God or crowding out that still, small voice of the Holy Spirit? Happy Tuesday! Listen to For Your Glory by Tasha Cobbs for inspiration :)

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another." Proverbs 27:17

Closer

"For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul?" Mark 8:36-37 

Sometimes what's hindering us from growing into a deeper relationship with Christ is lack of focus. Spending quality time with our Heavenly Father is not a priority for us. It comes after we give our best efforts to work, school, friends, and family. So by the time we get around to scripture, we only have energy to read a verse or two and then we start the process over. True heart transformation occurs from not only a willingness for the Holy Spirit to mold us, but also giving Him the time to do so. Challenge: This week, move around your schedule to spend at least 30 minutes a day in prayer, meditation, and Bible study. Happy Monday! 

For musical inspiration search "Closer" by Bethel :)

What's Holding You Back?

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2

With the next few messages, we'll be looking at things in our lives that can drown out the voice of God and can hinder us from growing closer with Him. The media is a huge factor that could push us closer or further away, depending on what we feed our spirit. The music that we listen to, the shows and movies we watch, and even who we follow on social media should be considered. When we cloud our minds with things contrary to the Word of God all day, a 5 or 10 minute devotional will not be enough to combat the negativity. If what you watch and listen to is not edifying to the body of Christ, change it. If you want suggestions or recommendations, let me know! Happy Friday!