Sound Doctrine

"He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it." Titus 1:9

Sound doctrine is essential for growth in our Christian walk. We must become "pulpit critics" (a term from boundless.org). Meaning, whatever is being taught from the pulpit should align in scripture. We shouldn't be relying on someone else's revelation for our salvation. Turn to the scriptures mentioned and make notes of things to study later. Preaching should convict and inspire change through the Holy Spirit. Be careful what you're feeding your spirit! Happy Fri-yay! :) 

"Having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people." 2 Timothy 3:5

http://youtu.be/00-6OyXVA0M

Courage

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

Courage isn't the absence of fear, it's acknowledging it and persevering. Believers are called to stand firm on our beliefs and convictions, regardless of what the world says. It takes courage to share your faith, to tithe when you have a financial need, and to trust God with your whole life- not just parts of it. As the saying goes, with great risk, there's a great reward. When we live according to the word of God, we can never go wrong. Be bold and courageous for The Lord because he's crazy faithful. Happy Thursday! 

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Know Him

"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 

Smart phones give us access to the entire world with the swipe of a finger. We see inspirational posts, a nice saying about God here or there and a maybe a quick morning devotional. Nothing is wrong with these but they shouldn't be the only elements to our relationship with God. Let them serve as a catalyst to study more about a topic, meditate on related scriptures, or pray about certain areas. The Lord was us to KNOW him. It takes time and energy to build and cultivate a relationship, but it's so worth it in the end. 

"His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him--though he is not far from any one of us." Acts 17:27

Selfless Prayers

"Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." James 5:16

Prayer is an earnest request from you to your Heavenly Father. You are petitioning Him for your needs and desires. However, when was the last time that you genuinely and earnestly prayed for someone else? It's so important to take our eyes off of self and intercede on behalf of others. I challenge you this week to devote more prayer time for others than yourself. Prayer changes things. Happy Tuesday :) 

"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people..." 1 Timothy 2:1

Closer

"But from there you will seek the Lord your God and you will find him, if you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul." Deuteronomy 4:29 

As I listened to a worship song this morning (Closer by Steffany Frizzle), I heard these words: "pull me a little closer, take me a little deeper, I want to know your heart". As we seek God, it shouldn't be for our selfish gain. It's to learn more about Him, to find what breaks his heart, to learn how to serve him with our lives, and to honor him. This week, meditate on some ways that you can grow closer with your Heavenly Father. Happy Monday! 

"I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me." Proverbs 8:17

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