Busy?

"I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart.” Psalm 40:8 

I've been finding myself super busy lately - running around, working, and doing a bunch of other things. This weekend, I'm slowing down, meditating on the Word, and refocusing. I challenge you to continually seek God for direction. We should never be too busy to spend quality time with our creator. Happy Friday! 

Self Control

"A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls." Proverbs 25:28 

A city with broken-down walls has no protection. Since it is susceptible to attacks, there is no peace and anxiety is always present. Yes, telling people off and throwing tantrums is condoned in reality television, that is NOT real life. There are consequences for having no filter and acting off of impulse. So when emotions run high, vent to God. He won't judge you, but he'll restore your peace and fight your battles. Rest in Him!

"Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalm 139:23-24

Happy Thursday! 

For the love of likes

"Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ." Galatians 1:10

Nowadays, our level of influence is determined by the numbers-followers, likes, recommendations, reposts... This verse reminds us that we shouldn't live for the likes. We live our lives for an audience of one. The Rapper KB said it best "Preach the gospel, and stand back, Look for changed lives not for hand claps" (lyrics from 'Church Clap'). We're not believers who seek humans for validation and confirmation. If we keep our eyes on Christ, and follow his direction, lives will be changed simply as a result of our obedience. We don't have to search for venues to preach to people. We don't have to have a marketing pitch to get people to follow us and read our posts. Remember, God opens doors that no man can shut. Are you promoting yourself or Christ? Happy Wednesday! 

Trusting God with Idols

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5 

Yes, we need to pay bills, make good grades, progress in our careers, but we can't allow ourselves to make idols out of those earthly tasks. An idol is anything that takes your focus off of Christ; anything that you spend more time meditating on than the word of God. Don't make an idol out of school, work, relationships, or money, because we know that God is a jealous God. And if we're really honest, worry, stress, and anxiety are signs of lack of trust in our father. Today, examine your heart, what are your idols? Let go of them today and meditate on Psalm 37:23-25. 

Happy Tuesday! 

Faith Practice

"The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail." Isaiah 58:11 

A practice of faith is declaring God's word despite your current state. It's believing that since God promised it, your visions and dreams will come to pass. This week, I challenge you to incorporate this verse into your prayer life daily. For me, I'll also pray for guidance for my dream job that satisfies my financial and career goals (that will ultimately glorify him). What will you be seeking The Lord about? He'll answer when you call on him. Happy Monday!

"And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him." Hebrews 11:6

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!

Unplugged

"It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones" Psalm 127:2

When was the last time that you "unplugged"? Have you stepped away from the incessant "ding" or vibration from your phone? Sometimes I get so busy working overtime, coming home tired, but sacrificing my sanity. The Lord gives rest to the weary (Jeremiah 31:25). He's a Starbucks that's open 24/7 and his services are free of charge! When you're worn out, who or what do you turn to? The Lord doesn't sleep, so cast your worries and anxieties to him... he wants them! 

"You can go to bed without fear; you will lie down and sleep soundly." Proverbs 3:24