1 Corinthians 10

"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 that you can endure it." 1 Corinthians 10:13 

Since we have the gift of free will, there are always options. We have the ability to follow the Holy Spirit's lead out of temptation, or follow the enemy into temptation. You know what tempts you, once you recognize that, avoid those situations like the plague. If you know you have a gossiping problem, practice self control and seek new companions. If you're fleeing from sexual immorality, don't chill and watch redbox movies into the wee morning hours. We don't have to be a slave to our sin, Jesus has offered us freedom in Him. 

Are you seeking to please Christ or your flesh? Happy Thursday! 

Freedom- Psalm 38 #SheReadsTruth

Psalm 38

Sin. We were born into, we live in it, and Romans 3:23 says "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God". BUT Jesus died for it. Still, we allow guilt and shame to overtake us. Still, we beat ourselves up about what we've done. How can this oh so holy God use us lowly sinners? 

I envision the Psalmist (Psalm 38) in a fetal position, with tears streaming down his face, terrified about what else could go wrong. His world is falling apart verses 1-17 and things seem bleak. However, verse 18 reads, "I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin." This is the turning point. He's not comfortable in his sin. He's not making excuses, he's come to his father in an act of surrender.

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9

There is freedom in confession. No longer is the Psalmist bound by his transgressions (Psalm 28:13). In the same way, we are forgiven. Guilt, fear, and anxiety are no more. We are FREE. 

Lord, do not forsake me;  do not be far from me, my God. Come quickly to help me,  my Lord and my Savior. Psalm 38:21-22

Psalm 38:21-22 is a prayer of submission. When we pray, we have to be prepared to do what He asks us to do. We have to be ready to accept his loving, helping hand. Because He will come when we call (Isaiah 65:24) 

Happy Friday!

Matthew 19

"...it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” Matthew 19:24 

Just before this, a rich man asked Jesus what else he had to do to get into heaven. The rich man had kept all the commandments, so Jesus told him to sell everything to follow him. But, the man did not. Obviously, the mans stuff meant more to him than his relationship with Christ. Yikes. The Holy Spirit may be telling you to let go of something and give your whole heart to him. Are your finances, friends, grades, material things worth more than your salvation? Today, let's take an inventory of our lives and work on making our hearts like Jesus'. Happy Wednesday :) 

Matthew 18

Matthew 18:7-9 says that whatever causing you to sin, you should cut it off. Now, you aren't going to literally rip your eye out or cut your hand off, but if you're trying to stop cussing, you could avoid listening to music with profanity in it. If you're trying to stop gossiping, you can turn off the gossip filled reality TV shows. If you're working on controlling you thoughts and being more positive, stop hanging out with negative people. You have a part to play in your walk with Christ. Let's not seek sin. Let's seek the kingdom instead. What needs to be cut off in your life? 

Happy Tuesday :)

Lessons from a Tuskegee Airman

"Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it." James 4:17 

Have you ever seen a need but not taken action? You knew that you had the ability and desire to help and make a difference, but didn't do it? Surely you weren't sinning intentionally. You may have thought you were unqualified, someone else was better suited, or maybe you felt you didn't have time. But all of those excuses are tricks of the enemy. If God lays it on your heart to do something, that means you're fully equipped to make it happen! Strive for Christlikeness and listen to that small voice that tells you to pick up a fallen article of clothing in a store. Listen to that tug at your spirit that tells you to step out on faith and apply for that job. Position yourself to be used by God. Happy Monday! :) 

Note: Do Not trust everyone to take clear iPhone pictures! Ha

Last weekend, I had the opportunity to hear Colonel Hiram Mann speak and have dinner with him afterwards. He's a member of the 23rd class of Tuskegee Airmen and a World War II veteran. At 92 years old, his mind is so sharp that he didn't use any notes. At dinner he ordered a vodka tonic, maybe that's the secret? (Just kidding...) 

As he spoke, it reminded me of my grandfather, a Marine WWII veteran, and others who broke the color barriers in the military. If they had allowed society to hold them back, they would not be legends that they are now. If they had allowed naysayers to kills their dreams, who knows where our society would be. Similarly, people are waiting on YOU to do what God has placed in your spirit. You too can have a story of effecting change and inspiring others.  

[Another fun fact about the Colonel: He was married for 71.5 years. At 20 years old, he and his wife eloped for $2...which he had to borrow from his mom. LOL]

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 :)