Pass the Test

"The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure." 1 Corinthians 10:13 

Don't you just love how plainly the New Living Translation is written? Everyone has things that they're dealing with and no temptation is harder or easier to pass than another. As you are renewing our minds and changing your hearts to be more like Christ, the tests will come harder than ever. As soon as you claim contentment, peace, joy, patience, etc. you will be tested in those areas. Be prepared. Put on the whole armor of God daily, and don't allow the trials and frustration to keep you bound and steal your joy, because that's what the enemy wants. Can I get an amen? :) Happy FRIDAY! 

Guidance

"For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him." Philippians 2:13

This scripture eliminates every excuse anyone has ever used in an effort to not walk in their God given purpose. If the Holy Spirit lives in you, he supplies you with all the fruits of the spirit and skills that you need to use in every aspect of your life. You can pass the tests. You can make the conscious effort to allow the Holy Spirit to lead your life according to God's will. Are you looking to please God or your flesh? Happy Thursday! :) 

#HeartCheck

"As water reflects the face, so one's life reflects the heart." Proverbs 27:19

Many profess Christianity and that they know God for themselves, but what does their life show? When the Holy Spirit dwells within you, things that break Jesus' heart, break yours. You're convicted of things that you once loved or tolerated. Your discernment won't allow you to hang out with certain people. Does your lifestyle match what you say is in your heart? 

"A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of." Luke 6:45

Happy Wednesday! :) 

Matthew 12

“Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit." Matthew 12:33 

And we're back to the tree analogy :) A healthy tree grows because of a a strong foundation. It's roots are healthy and grounded in good soil. There are enough nutrients to circulate throughout the entire tree, no parts are lacking. The environment is one where the tree can flourish and thrive. The exact opposite is true for a wimpy, dry tree with unsavory fruit.

Take a moment to view yourself as the tree. What are you rooted in? Is your foundation the Word of God or the word of man? Are you getting your nutrients from junk-gossip, negative media, people's opinions?  Or are you getting your nutrients from good, sustainable food- healthy relationships, wise counsel, prayer, fasting, uplifting media? Based on what you're taking in, is your fruit savory or rancid? #heartcheck

Challenge yourself to cut off the infected branches that are holding you back from walking in your God-ordained purpose. Seek the Lord for guidance in how to do so.

"Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart" Psalm 97:11

Happy Wednesday! :)

Proverbs 12- Attitudes & 'Shade'

"Fools have short fuses and explode all too quickly; the prudent quietly shrug off insults" Proverbs 12:16

Is it necessary to retaliate every time someone lies or "throws shade"? Does there always have to be a Twitter rant, an Instagram repost, or a Facebook status explaining how people should "stay in their lane"? As believers, we are instructed to love God and love people (Matt 22:34-40) and forgive those who have wronged us infinitely (Matt 18:21-22). No, these scriptures don't mean that we are to accept abuse, but if we are forced to be around negative people, show the love of Christ. However, if it's not necessary to be around those people, remove whoever and whatever disturbs the peace.

"Rash language cuts and maims, but there is healing in the words of the wise." Proverbs 12:18

Are you the person who's constantly negative with a short fuse? Repent and earnestly pray for God to soften your heart. He'll do it!

(Original Post: December 12)

Our Light

"In my inner being I delight in God's law" Romans 7:22

So often people say "let your light shine" and the like. But what does that mean? As we draw closer to Christ and learn more about Him, we begin to change. We develop/ hone in on the fruits of the spirit. We're kinder, more patient, more giving... We begin to feel joy in doing the works of The Lord. But that only comes through a relationship and can't be perpetrated. Let's put the same effort in spiritual body that we do our external body. 

"To be spiritually minded is life and peace." Romans 8:6

(Original Post: November 14)