Payback

"See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone." 1 Thessalonians 5:15 

Morning! I had a completely different message to send out this morning, but life happened lol. This morning was my first day back in the office since Wednesday afternoon. I had literally been at work for about 5 minutes when I got a call from a disgruntled customer. One who felt the appropriate way to get answers to his problem was by yelling and telling me how incompetent I was. When in reality, he doesn't know how to listen to get the answer to his question. Anyway, customer service is a lot like Christianity. You have to put your pride aside, exercise an incredible amount of patience, and treat people well regardless. How do you react to people who do not demonstrate the love of Christ? Happy Monday! 

Gratitude

"Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name." 1 Chronicles 29:13 

I've seen a photo circulating that says, "What if you woke up today only with the things you thanked God for yesterday". Doesn't that out things into perspective? I think we get so used to life as we know it, that we don't recognize just how blessed we really are. Since we can never thank God enough, let's make a conscious effort to express gratitude to The King. Sending hugs from South Beach :) 

"I will praise the name of God with song, And shall magnify Him with thanksgiving" Psalm 69:30

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 :) 

Unbothered

"Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, gladden yourselves in Him]; again I say, Rejoice!" Philippians 4:4 

Joy is something that comes from within. Circumstances and outside factors cannot affect it. When we rejoice in The Lord, it should radiate from us. Unbelievers should wonder how you're so "unbothered". People should enjoy your presence instead of avoiding it. Today, focus on rejoicing in The Lord and everything else will be positively impacted. Happy Tuesday! 

"Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure." Psalm 16:9

A Giving Heart

"Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God." Hebrews 13:16 

How willing are you to share what you have been blessed with? When you see a need are you quick to meet that need or do you count on someone else to do it? The material things of this earth are only temporary, yet we still get attached to our stuff, money and time. God recognizes and appreciates a giving heart. 

"Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed." Proverbs 19:17

Selfless

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." Philippians 2:3-4

It's so easy to be giving and selfless when we're in the mood or mentally prepared for it. (For example: volunteer work, missions, church functions.) In our daily lives, are we genuinely happy to let the car cut in front of us at the last minute? Are we offering to do things for people because it's "the right thing to do" or because we want to have the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5)? 

 Honestly, sometimes I feel as though the works should revolve around me and everyone should look out for my best interest. Unfortunately, I've been gut checked by the Holy Spirit many times in that area. :) Now, I'm constantly renewing my mind in that area and genuinely looking for ways to serve others. We're called to submit to Christ and we need all the practice we can get! Are you selflessly submitting to Christ or simply selfishly serving your flesh? Happy Friday! 

To live is Christ

Apostle Paul stated "to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21). He simply meant that everything he did in his life was to bring glory to God. Paul was constantly pursuing Christ, seeking Him, bringing people to the knowledge of Him. Granted it is extremely unlikely that we will become martyrs for our faith, but we should still be fearless and faithful in our walk with Christ. To live is Christ. Who does your life reflect? Happy Thursday!