In the World...Not of It

"Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Ephesians 4:31-32 

The Bible was written thousands of years ago, but we're still dealing with the same problems! This weekend, like most, was filled with tragedy. Deaths that could easily been avoided had these scriptures been heeded, prejudices were put aside, and heart issues were addressed. This world is not our permanent residence, but while we're here, demonstrate the fruits of the spirit daily to those who "deserve" it and those who don't. Pray for this world fervently. Happy Tuesday! 

Greatness in the Midst

The Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35) is a story that takes place shortly after the resurrection. Jesus joins two men on their walk, yet the do not recognize him because they're riddled with doubt. Once they recognize him, Jesus vanishes. This story reminds me of how we can be oblivious to great things that are right in front of us. Sometimes we don't recognize blessings because they don't come wrapped in a package that we expect. It's so important that we strengthen our "spiritual eyes" to see things as The Lord does. Pray for clarity and understanding and realize that Jesus is always with you, even when you don't realize it! Happy Monday! :) 

Abundance

"Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us" Ephesians 3:20 

This week, my church has been doing Vacation Bible School for all ages. Last night's lesson was about Jesus feeding the multitude (Matthew 14). The teacher had us look at the story as one of abundance. He said, "imagine if you had $5000 worth of bills and $50 in the bank...but your dad was Bill Gates. You wouldn't worry about things getting paid, because your father has all the resources." In the same way, God will meet us in our deficiency. He always has more than enough, we simply have to submit ourselves, our problems, our everything to him. Happy Friday! 

No Apologies

"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." 1 Peter 2:9

You are called to be set apart. You're not expected to blend in with the norm or go along with what is common. In the words of Cornelius Lindsey, you should "Make no apologies" for who you are in Christ. It's alright to go against the grain to complete your God-given purpose, when few understand. I'm unapologetic. Are you? Happy Thursday! 

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:2

Instant Friends?

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." Galatians 3:28 

Have you ever met someone, then found out they were a Christian, and became instant best friends? Well that happens to me with every woman that I met at the Pinky Promise Conference the other weekend haha. There's something about knowing that other people think the way you do and believe the same things that changes the dynamic. It's like meeting a long lost family member because we're all a part of the body. Are the people that you fellowship with sharpening you or dimming your light? Happy Wednesday!

"And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near." Hebrews 10:25

Dream On

"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." Romans 12:12

Recently, I've been reflecting a lot on dreams -understanding those ideas and goals that God placed inside of each one of us. I thought about the life of Joseph and how he had dreams but he had so many obstacles (slavery, jail, gossip) to overcome before it came to pass. I just want to encourage you to remain faithful in cultivating those God-given dreams, even if the fruit is slow to show itself. Happy Tuesday! 

An Hour A Day...

"This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." Joshua 1:8

I'm doing a challenge to study and meditate on the Word of God at least an hour a day. I actually used to do this but then I got...busy. We can't allow our schedules to hinder us from spending quality time with our father. So this month, I'm getting back in the habit. Are you down for the challenge? Happy Friday!