*New Study Alert* The Gospel of Matthew

"I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you." Psalm 119:11

How are we to know what is pleasing and displeasing to God without studying his word? We have to study the scriptures and seek Him. I thoroughly enjoyed the Proverbs study in December (reading a chapter a day) and received some great feedback from it. Since then, I've been praying about doing another study with a different book. So starting tomorrow, I'll be reading a chapter a day from the book of Matthew. The Gospel of Matthew has been considered to be the most important of the 4 Gospels. I'm excited!

"How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word" Psalm 119:9

Getting tested?

"The night is far gone and the day is almost here. Let us then drop the works and deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light." Romans 13:12

Every morning we should be clothing ourselves in truth. Why? Because there's a certain peace that comes from communicating with God first thing. There are many days that I personally get tested about the words I posted that morning! James 1 tells us not to back out of trials, but to pass the tests. I heard someone say, "the retest is always harder." Is your armor on? Happy Thursday! 

*February I'm going to be studying from a chapter in Matthew everyday. Get excited!

Noah Type Faith

"It was by faith that Noah built a large boat to save his family from the flood. He obeyed God, who warned him about things that had never happened before. By his faith Noah condemned the rest of the world, and he received the righteousness that comes by faith." Hebrews 11:7

How many people thought Noah was crazy for building an ark when not a drop of rain had fallen? When God calls us to do something, everyone will not understand. Why? Because family members, "friends", and peers were not given the vision/ instruction that you were. Don't allow naysayers and negative people determine your faith walk with Christ! 

Speaking of preparedness, let's come together to pray for those who are greatly affected by the snow/ice storm. I can't imagine being forced to sleep in schools, department stores, or on the side of the road! Stay warm!

My friend posted this picture of the bread aisle in South Carolina when the forecast called for snow, even though the current temp was 60 degrees! 

Pity Party of One

"Finally, brothers [and sisters], whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things" Philippians 4:8

Yesterday morning, I decided that I was going to have a pity party for one. Just thinking about how annoying it is get up and go to work...in the cold...and miss out on fun stuff (like sleep). Let me tell you, as soon as it started, I was convicted. And I was upset because the party was about to get good! Haha Honestly, how our days unfold depends on our thoughts, words, actions, and perspective. I had to change my attitude. Instead of focusing on a list of negative things, I focused on the positives. This is something that we should do daily. I'll write down good things and reflect on the at the end of the day, week, or month. It can be so easy to let a few negative things ruin our attitude and that ain't nothin but the devil! What are you allowing to consume your thoughts?  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]

Our strength vs. God's grace

"How foolish can you be? After starting your Christian lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort? Have you experienced so much for nothing? Surely it was not in vain, was it?" Galatians 3:3-4

Accepting Jesus as Lord and savior of our life is an act of faith. But instead of submitting things that are not of Christ to him, we try to change by our own efforts. This is how we become stagnant and struggle with the same things constantly. We need God's grace and direction to love holy lives. What is it that you need to submit to Christ? Your attitude, language, friends, relationships, health, school, or work? You shouldn't be the same after accepting Christ. It's Friday! Have a great weekend :) 

"throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy." Ephesians 4:22-24

Relax!

"If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers- most of which are never seen- don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I'm trying to do here is get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met." Matthew 6:30-33 

This is why I love reading scriptures in different translations. One of my favorites is The Message, which the passage above came from. It's beyond clear and in plain English. There is so much beauty and intricate design in things that we overlook (wildflowers, snowflakes, seashells). God took time to take care of the little things in nature, surely he'll take care of his children! Let's not look like the world who stresses, worries, and panics. Let's look like followers of Christ who have peace that transcends understanding (Philippians 4:7). Happy Thursday!

I took this at La Paz Waterfall gardens in Costa Rica. I seriously love orchids...and pink... and flowers haha