Morning Y'all! I pray this post encourages you and gives God glory! Got suggested topics you want me to write about? Please comment below or email me at info@mocatoday.com.
How's 2021 coming along so far? I pray January has been a month of increased prayer, goal planning with God, and recharge for you!
Let us recap what we covered this month:
New Year. Fresh Start. Let's Get It! We reviewed the importance of prayer, fasting, and studying God's Word. We were also reminded about the importance of rest and covered 8 biblical keys to goal setting.
Contentment vs. Complacency. Believers are indeed called to learn how to be content in all circumstances and seasons. However, we learned there's a thin line between contentment and complacency... And, if we're not careful, our pursuit for contentment that pleases God can lead to complacency that displeases God. Therefore, God's balance is key! It's critical we stay connected to the Lord so we're empowered with God's discernment, proper balance, and wisdom concerning His will and plans for us.
Fear slowing or holding you down? The Word of God teaches the source of fear is the enemy, Satan himself, not God. Therefore, we should not give Satan the power to let his fear delay or stop us from doing God's will in our lives. Lois Evans, author of Seasons of Woman's Life, shared three practical steps to overcome fear.
Given everything we studied above and it being the last Tuesday this month, I want to talk about choosing well today.
What is choosing well?
For believers, choosing well is about making intentional choices that help us draw nearer to God, grow our relationship with Jesus Christ, and become more Christlike in how we think, act, and feel.
We can accomplish choosing well by living these three principles:
1. Seek God first.
We must seek God's kingdom first and above everything and everyone in our lives.
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. ~Matthew 6:33 (ESV)
Jesus Christ is King! And currently His Kingdom sits in our hearts, made possible by the Holy Spirit—
for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. ~Romans 14:17 (NKJV)
How do we get righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit?
Pastor Lyle Pettit from Calvary Baptist Church provides a practical summary:
Let God be first in your life! Put God first! Put spiritual things above material things!
Give God the first part of your day [with prayer and Bible study]!
Give God the first day of your week [keep the Sabbath]!
Give God the first part of your income [pay your tithes]!
Give God first place in your heart [study His Word, make Him ruler of your life, seek His will in all matters, become a Christ disciple]!
2: Grow our faith and always trust God, no matter the circumstances.
It doesn't matter what it looks like! We are called to walk by faith not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7), with the understanding and confidence that God is always with us and His sovereignty rules. Also, as children of God, we know ALL things work together for our good, for His purposes (Romans 8:28).
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know Him, and He will make your paths straight. ~Proverbs 3:5-6 (CSB)
If we want perfect direction in life, whether we are buying a house or looking for a spouse, choosing a vocation or planning a vacation, in all our ways we should acknowledge the Lord. He will not only guide us in the right way but also remove obstacles from our path. The apostle James admonishes us to consult the Lord's will when we need to plan our days (James 4:13–15).
Another commentary—
When our love for Him becomes the single, central longing of our hearts then it matters not which way we choose to take, for we will find that He is there leading, directing and communing with us - in love.
3: Choose to walk by the Spirit, not by the flesh.
We must choose to let the Holy Spirit lead our lives in how we think, act, and feel.
So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. ~Galatians 5:16-17 (NIV)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. ~Galatians 5:22-26 (NIV)
Christianity.com explains—
Walking by the Spirit denotes reliance upon Him. He leads the way, and we follow. As He speaks, we listen, heed His warnings, and obey His directions. The Spirit's way is a path of surrender which, although difficult, leads to fullness of life.
God's Spirit not only guides; He also empowers because the challenge of obeying Him is impossible in our own strength. The Holy Spirit supplies everything we need to live a godly life, and He produces His amazing fruit in us.
Being led by the Spirit should be the natural lifestyle of the sons and daughters of God. As you intentionally seek to maintain an awareness of His presence throughout the day, He is only a thought away. When your mind turns to Him, He gives sensitivity to the things of God and understanding about the situations and people in your life.
As we gear up for February and the rest of 2021, I pray you live the above principles and choose well so you can enjoy a growing, fruitful life with Jesus Christ!
Remember, it's about progression not perfection!
Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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God loves you! With Him, you got this! Until next post, may God give you His peace and blessings!
~Natasha
Just a few reminders:
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Just came back and read this one as well! Yes! Joy is a choice! Thank you for the reminder:)