World Changing Prayer

"Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up." Luke 18:1 (quick read only 8 verses!)

I saw a quote that said "if all your prayers were answered, would it change the world or just yours?" Yikes. Convicted. I have to remind myself that unsaved people around the world, government leaders, the family unit, Christian leaders, soon to be martyrs, and [insert literally everyone and everything] need my fervent prayers. I should be praying for the world with as much passion and faith as I do for people that I know personally. It's easy to keep a routine of prayer- hitting a few key (probably selfish) points and going about the day. This week,I challenge you to make a list of 5 world changing prayers. Take them to God earnestly until they're on your heart daily. Happy Tuesday! 

Connecting the Dots

For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Philippians 2:13

The word works is in present tense, which means that God is working right now. Not that he will work in you when you get your life together. Not that he worked in you before xyz happened. God is ALWAYS moving, guiding, and leading to weave an intricate design that we call life. At times where it feels like God is quiet or you don't see progress towards a particular goal- journal and reflect. Sometimes we can miss the beauty of the little things because we're so focused on the end result that may or may not be God's will for us. Take time to recognize God's faithfulness and your growth. Happy Thursday! 

A Good Work

"...being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6 

Often times we get distracted by the earthly things that take our focus off of eternity. Our eyes should always be on Christ, not the amount of works that we can do. Everything was completed on the cross. We cannot "do" enough to "earn" God's love. Once we become saved by Grace, The Holy Spirit begins working and doesn't end until we meet The Father in Heaven. So let's rebuke busyness, distraction and distress and adopt a peace that surpasses understanding. Happy Wednesday!

"He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 1:8

People Problems?

We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother. -1 John 4:19-21

Our love for God should translate into a love for people. The solution for loving difficult people is love Christ more deeply. Relying on his strength and not our own. We all know people who can push our buttons, annoy us, frustrate us, and even cause discontentment to rise up in our hearts. It's at those times that we turn to Christ and pray that our minds are renewed and that we begin to see the good qualities in them versus our negative viewpoint. Happy Tuesday! I'm back from my mini hiatus, renewed and eager to share what God's placed on my heart!

Merely Stewards

"To the LORD your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth and everything in it." Deuteronomy 10:14

Since God owns everything, we are merely stewards of his possessions. When we are asked to give 10% of our income to build the kingdom, we should be honoring God in how we manage the remaining 90%(Proverbs 3:9-10). If we view our material things as blessings and gifts from our Heavenly Father, our perspective should change. Selfishness with our possessions should be replaced with grace and a giving heart. So guard your heart against the "me, myself, and I mentality". Everything you own is His. Happy Tuesday! :) 

"One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want." Proverbs 11:24

For musical inspiration listen to Withholding nothing by William McDowell.

Friend Audit

Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” 1 Corinthians 15:33 

The voices of others can drown out the voice of God. The people we choose to spend our time with can either propel us forward to pull us back. Often, we think that we're strong enough to stay true to the Word of God but hanging out with those who do the opposite. Or maybe our "friends" aren't supportive and they sow seeds of doubt and confusion. Both scenarios are contrary to how we are called to live as believers. Do a friend/ associate audit. Are they building you up with the Word of God or crowding out that still, small voice of the Holy Spirit? Happy Tuesday! Listen to For Your Glory by Tasha Cobbs for inspiration :)

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another." Proverbs 27:17

Closer

"For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul?" Mark 8:36-37 

Sometimes what's hindering us from growing into a deeper relationship with Christ is lack of focus. Spending quality time with our Heavenly Father is not a priority for us. It comes after we give our best efforts to work, school, friends, and family. So by the time we get around to scripture, we only have energy to read a verse or two and then we start the process over. True heart transformation occurs from not only a willingness for the Holy Spirit to mold us, but also giving Him the time to do so. Challenge: This week, move around your schedule to spend at least 30 minutes a day in prayer, meditation, and Bible study. Happy Monday! 

For musical inspiration search "Closer" by Bethel :)