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!

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

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

1 Corinthians 16

"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love." 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Words to live by. Although the Bible was written ages ago, I'm convinced the writers knew #thestuggle. Lol Some verses just jump off the page/screen and speak directly to my situation. I've committed this verse to memory for when I'm frustrated, annoyed, nervous, anxious, and doubtful. When we speak things enough, we actually begin to believe and internalize them. What are you speaking over yourself? Happy Wednesday! Can you believe we've finished another book in the Bible?! Craziness. 

1 Corinthians 12-14

"There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them." 1 Corinthians 12:4

1 Corinthians 12 breaks down every spiritual gift and how it affects the body of Christ. (I've written about Spiritual gifts a ton already) 

"When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me." 1 Corinthians 13:11

1 Corinthians 13 is probably the most familiar because it's the "love chapter". Love is a term that's used so often, that it can lose it's power. Are you really demonstrating love on a daily basis or are you still living like a selfish child? *yikes* 

"Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit..." 1 Corinthians 14:1

Chapter 14 really breaks down the gifts of speaking in tongues and prophecy. There are so many mixed messages about what they are, when they should be used, but in the end, God has already provided us with a manual. 

Happy Monday! What has been your favorite verse or chapter in 1 Corinthians so far? 

Matthew 28

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20

What a beautiful promise! The Lord is with us when we're at our highest points-and at our lowest. He's with us regardless of what our fickle emotions and feelings tell us. These two verses are definitely worthy of memorization. Our power is in the word of God. When we're able to stand on scripture in our time of need, we snatch all power from the enemy. This weekend, think of ways that you can fulfill The Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20). Share with someone about The Lord's unconditional love for you. Share your testimony to lead others to Him. 

I pray that you enjoyed the study of Matthew as much as I did! 

Happy Friday! :) 

Matthew 27

Seriously, who doesn't love a Beyonce reference remixed for Jesus? :)

"And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke open..." Matthew 27:50-52 

When the temple curtain was torn, it was a visual representation of the new covenant. The temple veil was sacred and represented how sin separated man from God. With the veil torn, and Jesus' sacrifice, we can have a personal relationship with God. We're able to pray to him, repent to him, worship him, live for him. He gave his life for YOU! That's the definition of true love and commitment! Today, reflect on what Jesus' death and resurrection mean to you. Are you living as though Christ lives inside of you? Happy Thursday! 

Matthew 14- Valentine's Edition

 

But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

“Come,” he said. Matthew 14:27-29

Jesus and Peter walking on water is a well known story of faith, but since it's Valentine's Day, let's look at it another way. Peter had to really love Jesus to trust that he would be able to walk on water too. He had that kind of love because he saw Jesus do all these amazing works (ie. feeding 5,000+ people in Matthew 14:13-21). He had witnessed God's faithfulness over and over again; Peter didn't question Jesus when he was summoned out of the boat.  

Similarly, you have seen miraculous works in your own life. But do you love Jesus enough to step out and do something extraordinary? He's bidding you to "come." You have to be crazy in love with Jesus to trust him with no questions asked. You have to be crazy in love with Jesus to know that he has plans to help, not harm you. You have to be crazy in love with Jesus to submit yourself as a humble servant. You have to be crazy in love with Jesus to follow him in less than favorable conditions.

On this Valentine's Day, think about how you demonstrate your love and devotion to Christ. What's your relationship status? Do you only call him when you need something? Are you consistently in communication with him? Do people know about your relationship? 

Happy Valentine's Day! 

WARNING: These songs will take you into worship! Proceed expectantly

David & Nicole Binion: My Heart Cries (start at 2:07)

I originally heard this in a medley of songs that William McDowell performed. "My heart cries for more of you... I wanna see your face, feel your embrace, come fill this empty place inside my heart..."

William McDowell: I Belong to You

"I've been captured by a love I can't explain. Now you have me, and I'm forever changed..."

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)

Steadfast Love

"Know therefore that The Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love Him and keep His commandments..." Deuteronomy 7:9

In children's church and nursery this Sunday, I asked the kids to each say why they love Jesus. The common theme was the depth of God's love for use and how he'll never forsake us. From a 5 year old child's perspective, it's a simple idea, but somehow as we grow and develop, things can change. We may wonder, "How is God loving me through this situation" or  "Why am I constantly being tested?" No matter what we do or what's going on in our lives, God is right there with us. Be encouraged!

"If we are faithless, He remains faithful- for He cannot deny Himself" 2 Timothy 2:13

(Original post: October 16)

Fragrant Love

"Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in  Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of its knowledge in every place" 2 Corinthians 2:14

We have an infinite amount of things to be thankful for, but sometimes we take those things for granted. This verse says that through us, people come to the knowledge of Him. Think about how long a a pungent scent lingers in the air once the source is gone. When believers leave a place, people should recognize that something different, unique, and special about us. Honestly, it could be something as simple as speaking to the cashier instead of ignoring them as we tap away at a text message. Today (and everyday) give thanks to God and demonstrate/ share the love of Jesus with someone you encounter.

How are you treating others?

(Original Post: September 18, 2013)