Press On

"For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised." Hebrews 10:36

Have you ever started off really motivated to do something and then overtime you slowly dial back until you've completely fallen off? This can be a special diet, exercise, reading the Bible in a year, or (insert any goal here). Making the daily choice to persevere through your feelings is what we're called to do as believers. Stay focused on your goals and remind yourself that you have the Holy Spirit within, helping you through. It's almost Friday! 

"As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good." 2 Thessalonians 3:13 

Help others

"Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." Philippians 2:4 

Last night, I was rushing (as usual) to take the metro into the city. As I'm next in line to add money to my metro card, a guy with an accent asks for my help in navigating to map and city. I proceed to get out of line and try to assist him with my limited knowledge, I knew I was going to be late, but God's timing was perfect. I helped the tourist, just barely made the metro, and got to the meeting place right on time. I was reminded that if we're open to the Holy Spirit's lead, we won't miss out. We'll be exactly where we need to be at the God ordained time. Let's not get so caught up in ourselves that we miss valuable opportunities to share the love of Christ. Happy Wednesday! 

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

Character of Christ

"Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all." 2 Thessalonians 3:16

Sometimes we need to be reminded about the character of Christ. When we seek God for answers or direction, it can be a challenge to distinguish his voice. Our Heavenly Father does not condemn, he convicts. He's not a God of confusion, but one of clarity. He's does not rush, but takes his perfect time. If it is God's voice, you will have clear confirmation, peace, and order. Seek him daily. Happy Tuesday! 

"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you." Isaiah 26:3

Draw Close

The Parable of the lost coin (Luke 15:8-10) was told by Jesus as a demonstration of the Father's love for his children. He is grieved when we begin to stray from him and he rejoices when sinners repent and come to him. As we stray, he will draw us back to him, like a lost sheep (Luke 15:1-7); however, our hearts need to be open to him. Do a heart check today. Is anything in your life pulling you away from Christ? What do you prefer to do instead of spending time with your Heavenly Father? Happy Monday! 

Protection

"The fear of the Lord leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm." Proverbs 19:23

I saw something on Instagram that said "God will wreck your plans before they wreck you." When things don't go as planned, look at it as God's protection. Maybe he wants to push you closer to him, to trust him more, and to rely on him instead of your intellect. Remember to submit your plans, thoughts, emotions, and desires to him daily. Don't allow your dreams to become idols in your life. Simply focus on him. Happy Friday! :) 

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10

Enjoy the Process

"For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay." Habakkuk 2:3 

If you've ever poured your heart out to God about something... anything, then you know the wait can be brutal. We live in a microwave society where we don't have to wait for much. However, God isn't affected by this manmade time system. He cares not about calendars and other tracking measures. He's sovereign and full of grace, which means his timing isn't even affected by our sin, mistakes, and slothfulness. Trust that every experience is preparation for the next phase in life. Enjoy the process. Happy Thursday! :) 

Give It Away

"The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." Proverbs 16:9

How many times have you found yourself asking something along the lines of "Lord, how do I know what your will for me is, if I have no idea what I like and what my passions are?" Currently, I'm finishing up a book by Elisabeth Elliot who addresses this question. She says that we ought to reevaluate and simply tell God that we'll do whatever he says. What if we stopped over analyzing, told God our hearts desires, and let him take control. Think of the amount of peace we would experience, if we stopped trying to control every aspect of our lives. Today, think of something that you've been trying to "make work,"submit it God, and leave it there. Happy Wednesday! 

"Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!" Psalm 27:14