It's Not About You!

At times we find ourselves tempted to do more for ourselves than we do for others. That is a selfish way of living. With the pressure of feeling the need to accomplish so much in life, we often overlook those around us in pursuit of our own dreams. This is a lesson I had to learn this week. Even when it comes to the things of God, we can find ourselves overbearing and inconsiderate of the interests of others.

God does not want us to live this way. When we take the time to find out how we can be a blessing to someone in need, we will find that our needs will be met. Slow down in life! Take a step back at times and look around you. You'll be surprised at how God has orchestrated your steps. The very person you overlook will be that same person who hold the key to your deliverance. Don't be selfish, be a blessing and watch your needs be fulfilled!

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."

~Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV)

Give It Up!

Your heart will always be attached to what is most valuable to you. If you have placed more value in the temporary things of this world over the eternal things of God, then your heart will care more for those things than for God. We may never openly say it, but our actions will always show the true intent of our heart.

In this Christian journey, we are called and chosen to serve God with all of our hearts. If we are so focused on the material things of this world, we will find ourselves pushing God out of our lives. Let's not fall into that trap. Give God your whole heart! Don't worry about the things of this world. Trust and seek God and everything your heart desires will be made available to you.

"No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money...Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need."

~Matthew 6:24, 33 (NLT)

This Is The Life!

Forgiveness is the key that unlocks your blessings. Whenever you harbor unforgiveness in your heart, you block the FLOW of blessings in your life. The unfortunate thing is that many people are holding grudges against themselves and do not realize that their prayers will not be answered unless they let go of the past.

The word in the bible that means forgive means to send away, let go, yield up, and expire. What are you holding on to that you need to let go of, or send away? What are you allowing to keep your prayers from passing through the ceiling? Give them up today! Let those things expire so that you can move forward with your life. You must be FOR-GIVING in order to release the FLOW of blessings in you life.

"I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you've received it, it will be yours. But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too."

~Matthew 11:24-25 (NLT)

This Is The Life!

God has chosen you to be his example to the world. This means that you will endure trials because our enemy does not want us to 'Declare God's Praises'. But we must remain faithful. We must continue to 'be of good cheer', because God's word declares that if we suffer with Christ, we will also reign with him.

Let's continue to fight the good fight. When people attempt to bring us down to their level, let's raise them up to ours. When we are tempted to wander from what we know to be the right way to live, let's resist the enemy. When we feel down and in despair, let's remember that our trials are only temporary. God wants us to prosper, because when we do, we have the opportunity to give Him glory! Continue to let your light shine so that people will see you and want to know the God that you serve!

"You are the light of the world. You cannot hide a city that is on a mountain. Men do not light a lamp and put it under a basket. They put it on a table so it gives light to all in the house. Let your light shine in front of men. Then they will see the good things you do and will honor your Father Who is in heaven."

~Matthew 5:14-16 (NLV)