Building Character

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Phil 4:12-13 (NIV)

It's easy to be content when things are good, bills are being paid, having the good job, good car etc etc... but what about when you don't have some of these things? Car isnt working, mortgage is behind in payments, and a big one here, no job? you say, Lord why?! I have asked myself this question multiple times in the past but then i realized the moral here is; God is building character within me. speaking from a human perspective we all feel like things are not working out and sometimes forget God is doing something greater. 
I woke up today and i started to think about the job i have. i know i have a job but the thing is it's not in my field of what i would love to do. (This may be the case with many who read this). I would prefer to work on cars and learn more about them, but (humanly) speaking i am working at a factory making cookies. This right here is how we think in the physical, but then i realized that this is just a stepping stone to my destiny. 
When we look at Paul we see a man who has gone through alot, was it his will... Probably not, but God was building Godly characteristics in him,and ultimately further him, and others! 
The worlds message to us all is "we must live big, driving the nice cars, big houses,and all that stuff" But the truth is we need God. For example having love, paitence or peace is so much better then having a Lambo. I want to encourage us all to not just go through our going throughs, but to be  content as well! We need not be discouraged because if God is in the vessel we can smile at the storm. You may not have the most ideal circumstances at this moment, but be joyful and rejoice in the Lord, knowing the fact we serve God is enough to shout Hallelujah when all else fails because in the end, we'll be up in the heaven rejoicing!

Be blessed

Worship!

Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshiper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth John 9:31 (KJV)

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Productions

When i think about worship, I look at it as apart of our Christian lifestyle. Worship is having reverence  and adoration for our God. and when you think about it, how could you not have such a profound love and admiration for someone who died for you! 
There's something about worship that God finds irresistible  It's so powerful that it moves God upon his throne. Now look at Job, he went through so much, God allowing satan to take everything from him, but because of his love and devotion to God, he did not curse him once. Even when his wife would say "Why do you still retain your integrity .. Curse God and die" But again... because of his devotion to God, he did not curse him. 
I want to let everyone know that when you worship God with your whole heart... he will fix your problems. it may not be right now, but it will happen. when we worship we are actually winning the fight, and when the enemy sees us worshiping God in spirit and truth.. he trembles. It's that powerful. John 4:23 speaks; But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. I stress the point "worship in spirit and in truth" because it is absolutely needed, as it says in the bible we must do so. God is not looking for fakers, but he's looking for someone who has a heart for him and someone who realizes that they're nothing without him. Don't wait for something to go wrong to worship God, but do it whenever you can, and you will be surprised by how much deeper you will go in God, if it can work for me, it can definitely work for you. Let us all apply this word to our lives! 

God bless

Leadership

Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them—the children of Israel. Joshua 1:2

We all know about the children of Israel and their journey to the promised land. Looking at Moses we realize it took a huge effort to lead the children of Israel. Being a leader is not an easy task, and finding a good leader is not always easy either. Taking a look at Joshua we see he has some real important quality's a leader should have. Some quality's that come to mind when you think of a leader is, honesty, boldness, commitment, and even the ability to inspire, but the most important out of all is submission which could also be humbleness. This quality Joshua did not lack, and plays a key role in his successful leadership. 
many people are reading this, and may be thinking this does not apply to me, but at some point in your life you have taken on the role of a leader, or play the part right now. You could be leading a team at work, a bible study group, be a parent, or even own a company. A important question we should ask ourselves from time to time is, "what kind of leader am i?"
A true leader is humble. as it says in James 6:4 God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. If you may lack the other quality's of leadership being submissive is huge, and will get you further in whatever roll of leadership you play, and not just leadership but life it self.
Also being a leader can sometimes be nerve wracking, but when we look in the first chapter of Joshua 1 we notice God specifically told Joshua to be of Good courage 4 times through out the chapter. God assured him that he had everything under control, all he had to do was be a vessel pretty much. He also said be not afraid nor dismayed for the Lord thy God is with thee wherever you go. This devotional is a bit different then what i normally right, but it i believe it is very important that we ask ourselves what kind of leader we are so we can do the best for others, and even ourselves.

God bless.

Pleasure in Infirmities

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Cor 12:9

Some may read the title of this devotional and think i am some what crazy, maybe so but 2 cor 12:8-10 fully describes how one can feel empowered in their weakened state. An infirmity is a weakness, nothing more, nothing less, we all have our weaknesses whether it be a physical ailment or mental, we struggle with in our bodies. 
I have always loved this specific verse because it is so powerful. As much of a pain it can be to struggle with our flesh, it can make us stronger. why? Because God is purifying us, As the smelter purifies Gold in the fire to remove the impurities, in turn God does the same thing. Quality's such as faith, long-suffering, humility and so many more are gained in the process. 
Through our limitations we learn to truly depend upon God, we realize that we are weak and that without God in the vessel we are no use at all. We also realize that our limitations do not only help build our Christian character but it deepens our worship to God! Paul would later say in verse 9 that he glories in his infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon him! this verse is so powerful, and i pray that it encourages you. This truly was a God given word, just knowing that even when we are weak, we're actually strong! We need to remind ourselves daily that we are more then conquers, and when we realize this we will go so much higher in God. Be blessed by Gods word.