City Life Chronicles

"Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." 1 John 4:4

This morning, I was greeted with a citation on my car. Yay. Apparently, I was expected to pay some sort of random city tax to park in front of where I live. Needless to say, I was pretty heated. After I calmed down and read the fine print on the ticket, I recognized that I'm not liable for the $100 fine. I simply have to contest it and explain the situation. 

How often do you get worked up and anxious about things that are out of your control? God tells us to not even worry about the small things because he's in control. We already know that he's ride or die...literally. So I challenge you, the next time your flesh rises up in frustration and anxiety, to cast down those thoughts (emotions) and make them obey Christ. Focus on what he has promised and rest in him. Happy Wednesday :) 

Matthew 20

Matthew 20:1-16 is the parable of the workers in the vineyard. The vineyard owner hired different workers at various times in the day, but paid them equally. Of course those who worked all day were annoyed because others only worked for an hour. Have you ever felt like that? You've been working and sacrificing diligently only to get the same pay or recognition as someone who hasn't done nearly as much? It's natural to have a Kanye reaction... lol

Kanye made it known that he's been working at his clothing line significantly longer than Sway. In his mind, Sway should have no opinion of the topic. 

So, it's natural to want to go off on someone and prove your credibility, but then again, it's also natural to sin. You have to tell our flesh to shut up! Your labor is not in vain. God sees you and hasn't forgotten about you!

"From heaven the LORD looks down and sees all mankind" Psalm 33:13

*This is a judgement free zone, but this interview cracks me up every time. It's so outrageous! Let's conduct ourselves as calmly as Sway does in times of adversity :) 

Proverbs 19

"People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the LORD." Proverbs 19:3

Yes, God allows us to go through trials and tribulations (see Job). Other times, our pain and strife is self inflicted. Since God gives us free will to choose Him or choose the world, we can find ourselves in tough situations. For example: did you score low on your test because God wasn't faithful or because you didn't study? Did you ignore all those red flags and your unsettled spirit about a person only to be heartbroken in the end? Instead of asking God "Why me?!" Repent, learn from mistakes, and give it to God. He can turn ANY situation around for His glory! 

Here's a Christmas bonus:

"Lots of people flock around a generous person; everyone's friend is the philanthropist" Proverbs 19:6

Consider what you can do/give this season, other than presents, and do it! Happy Thursday!