Commuter Struggles

"Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love." Ephesians 4:2 

This morning, on one of my many modes of transportation to get to work, a woman shuffled onto the bus. Since she was the last one, there were no more seats. She proceeded to ask if one of the men in the handicapped seats would allow her to sit. As the men stared at her, a young lady gave her seat up. Instead of simply saying thank you, she then began to rant about how the men should have stood up instead. We should not place our expectations on others but we should simply extend the same grace that God gives us. Happy Tuesday! 

"...God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6

Satisfied

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5

I saw The Walls Group and Tye Tribbett in concert a few days ago and amazing isn't a strong enough word to use. It was 3.5 hours of straight worship! If Tye ever comes to a city near you, GO! Anywho, The Walls sang this song called "Satisfied" and the lyrics are so on point. Basically, they're asking if they never got the job, material things, or the dreams that they prayed for didn't come true, would they be satisfied simply by the relationship they have with Jesus. Think about it. If NOTHING about your life changed, you would still have more than enough because of God's grace and provision. Look up that song on YouTube or Spotify and meditate on the lyrics. Are you satisfied...or nah? :) Happy Thursday! 

Actually, the entire EP is the bomb. It's only $5 on iTunes. Get you some hehe

Uninhibited Grace

"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." Ephesians 2:8-9

Grace is the reason that we can enter into a covenant relationship with God. We will never deserve the grace, favor, and love that comes uninhibited by Christ. In the same way, we should practice extending grace to people that we encounter daily. No, that lazy waiter doesn't deserve a tip, but grace allows you to tip the minimum to bless them anyway. Can you imagine if God kept track of our shortcomings and only gave partial blessings?! Happy Wednesday!

"But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8

Matthew 5 (Possibly my favorite chapter)

As I read over this chapter last night and this morning,  I had no idea where to start. I was wrecked...in a good way. I honestly considered posting Matthew 5 and then "dropping the mic" Ha! There's so much wisdom and comfort in this chapter! I pray that you read the entire chapter (click here!) and get all that you can from it! 

You're blessed- Matthew 5:3-12
*NOTE: I LOVE every single verse in this segment. I'm sure you will too*

Stressed? Overwhelmed? Annoyed? Anxious?
“You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule." Matthew 5:3

Friendships falling apart? Unemployed? Significant other actin' up? Depressed?
“You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you." Matthew 5:4
  
Broke? Feeling inadequate? Discontent?
“You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought." Matthew 5:5

Feeling judged? 
“You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom." Matthew 5:10

Letting your light shine- Matthew 5:13-16
"Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16

Your testimony isn't for you. It's to bring honor and glory to the Kingdom and inspire others on their faith walk. I've found that people love transparency and often times it will strengthen the bond that you have with them. What have you shared to encourage someone?

The Commandments- Matthew 5:21-32

“You’re familiar with the command to the ancients, ‘Do not murder.’ I’m telling you that anyone who is so much as angry with a brother or sister is guilty of murder." Matthew 5:21

Yikes! I'm guilty... very guilty. The Bible is leaves no grey areas. Later in the verses it says that words kill. We should be extending the same amount of grace the God gives to us. So what if someone cuts you off in traffic? So what people lie and mislead you? Let God deal with them. Don't clutter your mind with negativity. (Confession: I'm a work in progress. I'm definitely dying to myself daily- Galatians 5:24) Is Christ evident in your speech and thoughts?

Loving Others- Matthew 5:33-48
"If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that." Matthew 5:46

Do you love people who talk about you? Do you love people who nag you? Do you love people who discredit you? Do you love people who lie to you? We are called to be "perfect as God is perfect" (Matthew 5:48) How have you loved the hard to love this week?

Ok so I basically posted the entire chapter...oh well. I love how relevant this book is! What was your favorite part of this chapter? What was your least favorite part (because you were convicted lol)? 

Happy Wednesday!

Proverbs 17- Friendship, purity, & cheerfulness

"Friends love through all kinds of weather; and families stick together in all kinds of trouble" Proverbs 17:17

We choose our friends but can't choose our family. I heard a message that said even if the biological family is a mess, God gave us the church body to serve as another family. Are you growing in your church body? Are your friends pushing you closer to Christ?

"The person who courts sin, married trouble; build a wall and court trouble" Proverbs 17:19

We can't be lukewarm Christians, tiptoeing the lines of sin. This is also a great verse for keeping our lives and relationships pure. 

"A cheerful disposition is good for your health; doom and gloom leave you bone tired" Proverbs 17:22

Cheer and joy are a choice. We can choose to strive to praise and have joy at all times. That comes with the renewing of the mind and removing all the negative influences that causes us to have a sour attitude or disposition. 

Seriously, Proverbs 17 covers everything: gossip, friendship, leadership, arguments, wisdom... If you have a favorite topic or verse or anything, let me know! Happy Tuesday :)

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)

Proverbs 4- Not quite sin

"Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way." Proverbs 4:14-15

Not sending commentary about every verse in Proverbs is such a struggle! Lol There's so much wisdom in here! Anywho, there's this misnomer that Christians can be super reserved and can't have any fun. With that idea comes "How much can I get away with before I'm actually sinning?" But in actuality, we should turn away from evil and avoid it like the plague. This means using discernment and possibly having to say no to people and situations.  We are on this never-ending quest of Christlikeness, so we should manipulate our way of thinking to reflect that. Instead, let's ask ourselves "what else can I do to grow closer to Christ?" 

(Original post: December 4)

"Milk" of Life

"As newborn babies, desire the pure milk of the Word, that you may grow thereby." 1 Peter 2:2 

Apostle Peter used the example of newborns, because everyone has been around a new baby at least once. We see that babies don't care the circumstances or who's around; they want to eat when they're hungry. How much deeper would our relationship with Christ be if every time we felt "hungry" (lonely, stressed, overwhelmed, gracious, glad, confused...), we actually cried out to our Heavenly Father and received the milk/ Bread of Life? Wouldn't it be amazing to be so full of the Word that we continually grow into the people that God called us to be? Just food for thought :)

(Original post: November 26)

A lesson in love

"What does The Lord require of you but... to walk in all His ways and to love Him" Deuteronomy 10:12

The Lord's greatest commandment is to love (Mark 12:29-31). First, we are to love Him and second love others. The Bible doesn't limit loving others to: only family members we like, only childhood friends, and only significant others (while on good terms). We are to show love to the sales clerk that's cranky on Black Friday and even to someone who cuts us off on the road. In all situations remember that you aren't perfect and you've needed grace also. Why not give others the same?

"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love." 1 John 4:7-8

(Original Post: November 25)

Boasting in The Lord

"Thus says the Lord: 'Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.'” Jeremiah 9:23-24

Jesus tells us in the book of John that the only way to eternal life is through Him. It doesn't matter how "good deeds" a person does, how much money they do or don't have, or their level of education; a personal relationship with Christ is needed. We are nothing without Him, so let's share the light with the world. 

(Original post: November 21)

A Red Sea Experience

Exodus 14 is the story of Moses parting the Red Sea at the Lord's will. (Go back and read the deets, it's powerful). This story is an example of how God will put us in positions that give us the ability to truly see his glory. He will allow us to get to the Red Sea with enemy army on our tails; there's no escape but through prayer and faith in Him. Reflect on a time where only God was able to make that happen. What can you learn from the situation? Has your faith been strengthened since?

"No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so you can endure" 1 Corinthians 10:13

(Original post: November 18)