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vcccharlotte
🤔 Feeling anxious or “stressed” lately? What have you been thinking on? It’s imperative that regardless of our current circumstance - good or bad - that our mind is focused on God, and that we have a desire to walk in His will and way for our lives. Then He can “keep” our minds with an unexplainable peace that the world can’t even comprehend (John 14:27). The peace that God gives is consistent and unbothered by circumstance. So remember to bring God any cares and concerns that you have. Trust that He will move on your behalf and give you the wisdom, favor and direction that you need (Proverbs 3:5-6). He will NEVER leave you. He will NEVER fail. 🙌
📖 “But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” -Lamentations 3:21-23 ESV
🙌 Good morning new mercies! God has has blessed you with an entirely new set of them today. Yes…He is faithful and because of His faithfulness, we can be faith FULL; we can put our hope in Him. He is dependable and consistent, and His heart towards us is compassionate. So never tire seeking God’s direction and/or walking in His purpose for your life. If you’ve missed the mark, His grace is sufficient; if you’ve hit it, it’s still only because of His grace.
Take the time to reflect on and thank God for His love for you this morning. Appreciate His “leading” of your life (Psalm 23, Isaiah 30:21). Because of God’s faithfulness to us, our hope and faith IN HIM can be renewed afresh this morning and the next, just like his mercies. He is a good Father! May we represent you and the family well today (Ephesians 2:19)!
📖 “But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.” -Galatians 5:22-23 AMP
🤔 In order for us to walk harmoniously with God and reject our carnal nature, we have to ensure that the fruits of the spirit are actively “growing” inside of us. Love, inner peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control are all fruits that should be developing and bearing witness in our personal character if God’s Spirit is in us, and we are allowing Him to change us from the inside out. Just as fear & love - light & darkness - can NOT co-exist, neither can we walk in the spirit and in the flesh simultaneously.
The more we grow and mature in our relationship with God, the more we are able to reject carnality. The “fruit” will be visible to those around us; and as representatives of Christ, it’s important that others know us by our fruit, especially love (John 13:35). Ask God for His help in making sure that you are providing the best “environment” for your fruit to be harvested in. Sometimes, that simply means being aware of what we are exposing our spirit man to (entertainment, unfruitful conversations, associations, etc.). So stay sensitive to the Holy Spirit. The maturation and condition of your fruit depends on it. HappyGrowingSeason!
“The Lord is near to all who call on Him, To all who call on Him in truth (without guile).” -Psalm 145:18
Our Heavenly Father desires to be near us at all times. He wants to be “in our midst” and to work in and through us daily (John 14:12, Ephesians 2:10, Philippians 2:13). We only have to call His name, humble ourselves and come to Him with a pure and humble heart. Regardless of where the paths of your feet tread today, determine to commit your life to God and yield to Him for wisdom in your decision-making. When you do, you set the scene for Him to act on your behalf (Psalm 37:5, Proverbs 3:5-6). Rest and have confidence in knowing that today. Have a blessed day.
Good morning! As we prepare our hearts and minds for service this morning, let us remember Pastor’s message on the importance of unity (Romans 15:5-6). As believers, God wants us to not only be a constant source of encouragement, love and kindness to one another in spirit, but we should never take for granted the physical opportunity we have to ourselves to do just that. We need God, and we each other. May we rejoice as we walk in - unified - through His gates this morning, trusting and believing that He will continue to help us grow & develop us both individually and collectively, as a body (Psalm 138:8).
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall read [and meditate on] it day and night, so that you may be careful to do [everything] in accordance with all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will be successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified or dismayed (intimidated), for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” -Joshua 1:8-9 AMP
How’s your diet been working out so far in 2019? Not talking about your nutritional diet (though we wish you the best in that area too lol). How has your spiritual appetite been? Most likely you’ve heard the expression “You are what you eat!” at some point in your life and with that statement is the connotation is that whatever foods you are consuming on a daily basis - good or bad - can affect your physical well-being. Well, in the same light, whatever you are meditating on a regular basis whether it’s God’s Word or entertainment, social media, etc. will eventually influence and affect your spiritual health and your outlook on the world and the Kingdom of God. God desires and has called for us to meditate (think deeply or focus one's mind for a period of time) on His Word so that our spiritual man is strengthened and so that we will know His heart and become aligned with His will for our lives. By obeying His Word, we set the scene for God to bless and prosper us! On top of that, He’s promised that He won’t abandon us while we walk in obedience. He’s promised to be with us every step of the way! Glory to God! Have a blessed & prosperous Friday.
📖 “Do not let mercy and kindness and truth leave you [instead let these qualities define you]; Bind them [securely] around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart. So find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man.” -Proverbs 3:3-4 AMP
🤔Are you known for showing mercy and kindness to others? Is that your “staple”? In addition to being defined as 'a thick piece of square-shaped wire' that is used as a fastener on papers; a 'staple' is also defined as 'a basic or principal element or feature'. Is one of the principal elements that defines your character mercy, kindness and/or love? We have the awesome responsibility and privilege of representing the King of all kings - the Creator of the universe (2 Corinthians 5:20). We are His ambassadors and that means communicating the “staples” of His priorities and passions with love and truth being at the core of them. So, for those of you that are more visual, just imagine as you go throughout the day that you’re walking around with little pieces of paper “stapled” to your shirt. On each of those pieces of paper is written the character traits that you are known for by others, only you can’t attach them to your garments yourself. Only those that interact with you can attach the staple and description based on what they honestly observe. Would you be proud or satisfied with the descriptions that you had to wear around or would you be ashamed? Let’s commit anew and ask for God's help in more accurately demonstrating the heart of God to others. Not only will it make God proud, but it will bring us favor both in His sight and in the sight of others. Have a blessed day.
🤔 The more we allow our hearts (convictions, priorities, etc) to mirror God’s, the more we become like Him; and the more we become like our Father, the more our faith is developed. Just as with any earthly relationship, the more time you spend with a person, the easier it is to trust them and “have faith” in them and their character. God’s given all of us a “measure of faith (Romans 12:3) and that faith is strengthened when we trust and rely in God and invest in our relationship with Him. In fact, it’s literally the only way to bring God pleasure. Seek Him diligently just as you would if you’d lost something of value to you. God will honor your heart and reward you and your faith in Him will grow even stronger. He is faith-full and proven 💯. You can firmly put ALL your confidence and trust in Him.
"Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly." -Psalm 5:3
Good morning! Have a request? Just like the psalmist David, we can give our requests to God and expect that God will answer us. In fact, we can put our confidence in the fact that if those request please and honor Him, that He will not only heart those prayers, but He will answer them (1 John 5:14-15, Isaiah 65:24, John 14:14) . So, remove any doubt, un-forgiveness and ask God to reveal any other hindrances. Then wait patiently on God. You can depend on the Lord. He will never fail you! Rest IN Him this morning. Have a great day!
“He who trusts confidently in his own heart is a [dull, thickheaded] fool, but he who walks in [skillful and godly] wisdom will be rescued.” -Proverbs 28:26 AMP
Enough said, huh? We are to trust in God - not in our own emotions, will and personal desires. We serve an omniscient God; He knows ALL things and there is no information, no secret that has the ability to hide itself beyond His watchful eyes. Instead of relying on our flesh or intellect, we are encouraged throughout the Word of God to instead trust in God (Proverbs 3:5-6) and to make sure that we are spirit led (1 Corinthians 2:11; Galatians 5:18,25). Walk in godly wisdom today. Your spirit man will always be more aware than your intellect will, and you will never be led astray when you allow the Holy Spirit to be your Compass. So don’t neglect praying in tongues throughout the day so that He can give you the direction you need and desire. Trust Him for wisdom, the words to say and for opportunities to share the Gospel - God's love - today. Happy Spirit-Led Thursday!
So we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us; we [as Christ’s representatives] plead with you on behalf of Christ to be reconciled to God. -2 Corinthians 5:20 AMP
Rise and shine! It’s definitely a GREAT morning: you have the privilege of being an ambassador of the King of all Kings and the Lord of all Lords. You’re a representative of Jesus Christ! Most country’s ambassadors are entrusted with the responsibility of representing and communicating the interest of their home country while residing in a foreign land.
In a similar fashion, we as believers are aliens, strangers in this world. The world’s customs and priorities are foreign to us. Furthermore, we are just “passing through” for a temporary assignment on earth and while we are here, God encourages us to not be conformed to the world. Though we physically reside in the world, our citizenship papers are in Heaven (Philippians 3:20). It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day circumstances of life, but it’s important that we not loose site of the mission that we are on as sons and daughters of God. Never forget that one key way to stay “in tune” with your heavenly homeland and to make sure you are fulfilling the assignment of the King of that land is to regularly pray in tongues. We get direction, wisdom, power and insight that others aren’t privy to. Remember, we are “living epistles” (communicators) of God’s ability! Embrace the assignment and expect Him to move on your behalf!
“The Lord is my SHEPHERD; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he LEADS me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He GUIDES me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.” -Psalm 23:1-4 NLT
You can tell from David’s reflections in the twenty third psalm that He was convinced that the Lord desires to lead His children every step of the way in our personal lives. Shepherds LEAD their flock every step of the way. The Good Shepherd LEADS us beside peaceful streams (He doesn’t want us anxious or to fret about anything; He wants us to rest IN Him. Philippians 4:6). He GUIDES you and directs your steps to walk in the will and purpose that He desires for your life (Psalm 37:23). Even when we may find ourselves going through tough times or in the presence of company that is ill willed against us, our Good Shepherd gives us perfect peace and never leaves our side (John 14:27)!
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God desires to not only lead your life not only for your benefit - though He desires good for you (Psalm 139:17) - but also so that He gets the glory and more men & women are led into the Kingdom as a result. Find comfort in His love for you today and don’t forget to stir up the gift by praying in tongues throughout the day. That’s one of the key ways He LEADS you on a daily basis and not just with big life decision but with the day-to-day ones. He will give you the words to say, how and when to say them, tell you who to speak to, who not to and even what to do. Allow Him to lead you into this blessed Monday morning and the remainder of your work week. #RestINHim
"You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you all whose thoughts are fixed on you!" -Isaiah 26:3 NLT
What we keep our eyes fixed on can eventually influence our perception on the world (Read the account of Jacob, Laban and the spotted sheep in Genesis 30:25-43) externally. In a similar fashion, what we keep our thoughts on can influence us both emotionally, spiritually and even physically. When our thoughts are fixed on our Father instead of others or the circumstance around us - good or bad - He gives us "perfect" peace, the type of peace that doesn't even make sense to the world (John 14:27). Rest IN Him today by keeping your thoughts and heart on Him. #HesGotYou
“O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand! I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence!” -Psalm 139:1-7 NLT
Where can we go that is beyond our Father’s watchful eye? Is it even possible to stray outside of His care? Nope…it’s impossible. So, why delay in opening up to Him for wisdom, for direction…for peace? Not only is He omnipresent; He’s also omniscient - He knows all. So wherever you go, whatever is on your mindHiding from His presence is the equivalent of hiding in broad delay in the middle of an open field…pointless. Perhaps that’s one of the reasons He prods us to not only trust Him but to seek Him for direction (Proverbs 3:5-6). He literally already knows the end from the beginning and can give you the wisdom and direction you need for your situation. In order to truly be “living” (active, full of life or vigor, functioning) epistles of our Father, our relationship with God cannot remain in a dormant state. We have to actively stir up the gift and rely on the Holy Spirit for day-to-day instructions and leading for the will of God to be in operation in and through our lives. Just like with any other meaningful relationship earthly relationship, God wants to be “present” AND “active” in your life. Stay sensitive to His voice so that He can be.
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…“My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” -2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NLT
Just as Paul finally came to revelation that God desired to use his (Paul’s) weaknesses and hardships to demonstrate His power, we must also stay mindful of the fact that God has a greater purpose for our weaknesses as well. There are no weaknesses, past failures or any idiosyncrasy in the eyes of man that are a match for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18). Mankind just isn’t that powerful (shrug). So, if you’ve received instruction from God and have been led to move in a certain direction but haven’t yet, don’t falter any longer! Not only is His strength made perfect in our weakness, but He honors our obedience. He is pleased when we step out and trust Him even when circumstances are beyond our control, and we don’t quite understand how things will work out (Hebrews 11:6). Most importantly, when God gets the glory, and it is evident that it is Him and not ourselves that have accomplished a feat, it puts the focus on God. Then He closes the deal by drawing that man or woman’s heart to Himself; and that’s what it’s all about if we are His ambassadors here on earth, right? Be blessed!
“But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of money, and then everyone would laugh at you. They would say, ‘There’s the person who started that building and couldn’t afford to finish it!’” -Luke 14:28-30 NLT
Just as we should “count the cost” pertaining to our relationship with Christ and what a totally committed life to Him looks like and requires of us as believers; the same principle can and should be applied to our personal lives. Oftentimes the regrets or failures that we’ve encountered in life are not because of an inability to achieve our goals; rather, it’s the result of a failure to properly plan or estimate what is needed - whether it is financial sustenance, emotional resiliency, godly wisdom, etc. The Word of God would lead us to believe that there is great value in documenting the vision, plan and purpose that God has spoken to our spirit (Habbakuk 2:2). It’s the beginning of a new year and you hear new “resolutions” thrown out from every angle. Unfortunately, many will never accomplish any of them because they neglect to take the time to write them down, pray over them and look over them regularly. Writing down our goals or the instructions God gives us not only keeps us organized and focused on the next steps and what is needed, but it also keeps it at the forefront of our minds. What is the vision or purpose God has for your life? Have you even consulted with Him about it?
Once your vision is written down, then as soon as you wake up every morning, you have some sense of direction for your life. Seek God’s direction for your life’s purpose, as a whole, and for day to day direction when needed. He’ll give you insight on what to do, who to speak to, what to say and when. Resolve today to let Him lead your life, He has your best interest at heart, so resolve today to let Him lead your life. After that, write down what you hear from Him and meditate on it regularly. #GodsGotYou
As we soberly begin to prepare our hearts and minds for yet another year that the Lord has blessed us with, let’s not forget the mindset and demeanor that the Word of God encourages us to have as we come to Him for mercy, grace and/or direction about any matter. Like a curious toddler saunters over to their mom or dad at least 50x a day to ask them whatever question pops into their head - God expects that level of boldness. We are to come to Him with the upmost respect but with an equal confidence in the fact that He loves us and that our well being is held in very high esteem in His eyes.
Just as fear and love cannot co-habitate in our hearts (1 John 4:18), neither can faith and fear. We must become like children (Matthew 18:2), trusting once and for all that our Father God cannot and will not lie to us. He cares about you and desires to meet you at the point of your need. Those TRUTHS will never change (Numbers 23:19, Hebrews 13:8; Jeremiah 29:11). So as you continue to trust Him for direction moving into this New Year and possibly new season in your life, trust that He will provide for you every step of the way (you don’t need to try to make anything happen). Your heart, emotions, spirit and physical well-being are all safe with Him, so rest IN Him.
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“The steps of a [good and righteous] man are directed and established by the Lord, And He delights in his way [and blesses his path].” -Psalm 37:23 AMP
What path are you taking? Are you allowing God to take the lead in your life? If you are a child of God and have made the commitment to obey the instructions of your Father, God is leading you step by step - like a young child - in the path that He has desired and purposed just for you…and He finds pleasure in doing it! The Holy Spirit is the guide that He has graced us with to give direction to our spirit man while at the same time giving peace and comfort to our soul, regardless of how the path may appear to us. Sometimes the path God leads us on may be outside of our comfort zone, we may feel uneasy because it’s not what we’re use to. However, we can always rest assured that God not only has our best interest in mind, but He is daily perfecting those areas that concern us (Psalm 138:8), and He specializes in making unsteady steps firm (Psalm 119:133) because He is a Good Father. Make a conscious effort today to allow Him to lead you through your spirit man (pray in tongues). He has already established your next steps. Just trust Him.
“Because he set his love on Me, therefore I will save him; I will set him [securely] on high, because he knows My name [he confidently trusts and relies on Me, knowing I will never abandon him, no, never]. “He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. “With a long life I will satisfy him And I will let him see My salvation.” -Psalm 91:14-16 AMP
In need of assistance? Just call on Jesus! It’s interesting to see how the characteristics of so many “super heroes” that we are familiar with like Superman & Batman, pattern themselves with being just “one call away” from those that are in need of their help. Well, our God & Savior has promised that if we know His name, He will answer us and be an ever-present in our time of need (Psalm 46:1); but unlike other superheroes, He is not limited to just physical protection, but is well able to save our our souls and heal us both physically and emotionally! He is not restricted to the laws of gravity or time or to assisting one person in need at a time! He is able to assist us all simultaneously - and it doesn’t phase Him. Despite the fact that our sinful nature technically made us the ‘villain’ and separated us from our Creator, this HERO still died for us to reconcile our relationship with Him. He’s got all power (Matthew 28:18)! So, don’t fret today over anything…remember your Superhero, Savior and Friend already knows, but He’s just “one call away”. Talk to Him, give Him your burdens and seek His direction in the situation. He’s got you, and He’s more than able to bring you out! Have a blessed day.