Check Yourself – Habakkuk 3:17-18

Even though the fig trees are all destroyed, and there is neither blossom left nor fruit, and thought the olive crops all fail, and the fields lie barren; even if the flocks die in the fields and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will be happy in the God of my salvation.

Habakkuk 3:17-18

Who we are……this is a subject near and dear to my heart.  I see people daily that profess to be Christians yet they are bitter, malicious, gossipy, whiners, and overall, people that are not being who God called them to be. As children of God, we are called to a higher purpose. We are called to love others, to seek forgiveness when we are in the wrong, to be humble in saying we are sorry, to promote peace, to be content with all the Lord has blessed us with, to seek his will above all else, and to be pleasant.  When people would rather be around those who don’t know God versus those who do, there is a problem!

Do a quick check to see if you are a pleasant person. Do you promote peace or stir gossip? Do you say you are sorry when you are in the wrong? Do people enjoy being around you or do people avoid you due to poor attitude? Are you argumentative? Again, God does not call us to argue with our brothers and sisters, he calls us to love.  Are you stuck in a “poor me” mindset that has left you bitter or do you daily praise the Lord for his blessings?

In all things, give thanks. As Christians, we should have the joy of the Lord. The thing about happiness is that it changes depending upon circumstances. Joy is from the Lord and is not disrupted by earthly circumstances.

Check your attitude, intentions, and your inner joy this week. If you are struggling, ask the Lord to restore your joy and to help you be the person he called you to be!

Traci

The Pure in Heart – Matthew 5:8

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Matthew 5:8

It is our duty to God as Christians to do the right and just thing. In fact, two of the fruit of the Spirit are faithfulness and goodness.  This includes recognizing when our sinful, fleshly nature is playing against what God would have us to do.  As children of God, we must not allow our flesh to rule our mouth, actions, nor intentions. This dishonors God and discredits our testimony.  I have spoken in the past about standing up for the right thing even when that means standing alone. Tonight’s devotion follows that same thought. As children of God, we must be faithful to his ways even when that means we are the only one doing right and just. This is where the Holy Spirit comes in. I try my best to allow the Holy Spirit to rule my attitude and my actions. When either is out of alignment with God’s will, the Holy Spirit is quick to convict me. It is never the actions of others that change my attitude, it is always the Holy Spirit.

Building off of that, when I make a decision, feel it is out of good intentions, and feel it aligns with the will of the Lord, I move forward not worrying about what others think. After years, I have learned God will let me know if I am doing something out of wrong intentions or if I need to change paths. There will always be the talkers but as long as your heart is in tune with the Holy Spirit and you follow his direction, he will never lead you wrong.

Ask the Holy Spirit to show you anything in your heart that is wrong and  any path that needs to be changed.

Traci

When Our World Becomes Too Small – Acts 10:34-35

God does not show favoritism, but in every nation the person who fears God and does righteousness is acceptable to him.
Acts 10:34-35

Tonight’s devotion is something God showed me long ago: we must not let our world become so small that our own problems and life consume it! When Gabe had cancer, we were told we would likely never have kids, and I had been told I would never run again, I had to get outside my own little world. I remember realizing that there were still people hurting in the world, there were still people battling depression and suicide, there were other people with cancer, there were mothers and fathers who had lost children, there were those addicted to drugs, etc. Basically, I had to remind myself that life is not fair and while I was hurting, there were many others hurting as well. These helped me stay centered and not focus on myself and my problems.

In America, our world is about us. We have a bad day and our world is shaken while forgetting there are children dying of starvation on a daily basis and so many other horrible things. We have let our world become too small. This is even more evident when you look at how Christians in America live. We are tempted by this and detoured by something else. Basically, our world has become so small that we feel petty excuses serve in God’s eyes as a sufficient reason for our lack of commitment to him. We feel that if one thing goes wrong, we must throw our hands up in the air and quit! With our childlike rebellion, we (those who know Christ) consume the churches prayer when there are people dying and going to hell. This is not to say we should not be human but we should be mature and realize that there is a bigger picture of the lost and hurting. Again, our world has become too small. We are too busy taking care of our own problems to help others. Our world has become too small.

In the chaos of the world today, we must not shrink our world to become all about ourselves. People need to hear the word of God and see the love of God.

Traci

Your Purpose – Corinthians 4:18

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:18

One thought was constant in my mind as we worshiped the Lord in last Sunday during service: He is my mighty one and I am his chosen one! This thought just kept going through my mind. During morning service, I was reminded that all my talents are about him (to bring God glory) and them (the lost)! This was another thought that continued through my mind. Every good thing is from him to be used for his glory and to reach the lost.

Be reminded this week of your purpose. Are you using your talents for God? Are you giving God all the glory? You are his chosen one and he is your mighty one.

Traci

I am a Pipe – John 15:5

I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
John 15:5

I am a pipe! Last week, I was lying in bed awake at 2:30 a.m. I was thinking on how great it would be if God would perform a certain miracle. I was explaining to God that if he done this thing; it would open this person’s eyes to his realness. I thought it would be really cool if God would allow me to be the vessel in this miracle but then realized that may not be his will. Then I thought (lots of thinking that morning) that it would be all God performing the miracle and receiving the credit. It was at that point that I thought on how I was the pipe and God is the water in all he uses me for. I should God put that in my heart. God showed me that a pipe alone is useless but a pipe (or vessel) being utilized is most valuable. Without a pipe, places or even homes cannot get water. Even an empty pipe yields the same result. However, a working pipe and water keep people alive. The most valuable part of a pipe and water is the water. Water gushes through pipes and this made me think of living water.

I just want us all to realize that no matter what God does in and through each of us, we are just the pipe. God is the water which is the purpose of the pipe. Without water, there is no need for pipes! No matter what success comes your way or what talent you have been given, realize that you are just the pipe. All the glory belongs to God!

Traci

Be Strong and Courageous – Joshua 1:9

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9

Last week, I mentioned a song I heard that I believed the Lord allowed me to hear right at the perfect time. It is called Help Me Find It by Sidewalk Prophets. It talks about trust and the Lord having his way even when it is hard. The song talks about if there is a road I should walk, help me find it and if I need to be still, give me peace for the moment. The words of the song are so powerful. I encourage you all to listen.

The song was at a moment last week when I was asking God “what?” I was asking “what do you want me to do? I keep telling you I want your will and nothing.” This song came on and it was God reminding me to ask for his help even when I don’t understand where I am going or what I need his help with. It was my frustration of knowing nothing and God’s reassurance of knowing everything.

I am going to reference today’s scripture multiple times this week because God gave it to me multiple times last week. Let today’s scripture reassure you that he never leaves your side. He is with you “wherever you go!”

Hope you all have a great week!

Traci

Thankful

I wanted to thank everyone who subscribes to the blog, those who stop by here and there, and those who “like” various post. Today is a day of thankfulness! I am most thankful to God for it is his words and guidance that make this blog all that it is!

I have some great post for next week. I hope you all have a great weekend!

Traci