4GIVEN

Bottled up anger is a like a ticking pipe bomb that’s ready to detonate at the slightest disturbance. Ephesians 4:26-27 says, “In your anger do not sin: Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” Notice, Paul did not teach that all anger is wrong, but it’s what you do with your anger that counts. When the unchecked pipe bomb explodes most will take the path of least resistance and say, “I am only being human!” Well, when you default into “just being human” and feed your carnal nature, you give the enemy permission to take control of the situation. Anger rooted in our own sinfulness is dangerous and destructive to others and to ourselves. Unchecked anger among family and friends will break fellowship and bring damage to our precious relationships. How many times have you angered God? His response to our poor lack of judgment is found in Hebrews 8:12, “And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins.” Bottom line: we must be careful to heed the closing exhortation of Ephesians 4, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32). If you feel like detonating…..LET IT GO!!! Remember when you hold on to anger, you run the risk of becoming bitter and resentful, which provides the enemy with a foothold in your life and relationships! Just so you know; foothold in the Greek is translated “moomad” (moh-om-awd) and it means a standing ground. So in other words, when you yield to anger you’re literally give Satan which represents darkness standing ground in your life….is this what you really want?

One of the GREATEST moments in our life is when we are at our WEAKEST because the power of God is being PERFECTED in us!!

“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. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

#BHG

(ByHisGrace)

Constructive criticism is not really for the faint at heart. Some people often become offended, angry, and resentful the moment someone disagrees with their action(s) or ill disposition. Well, I got good news for you, constructive criticism is the process of offering valid and well-reasoned opinions about the work of others. A true friend will speak the truth even when it’s hard to hear: “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy” (Proverbs 27:6). Since God loves people and wants the best for them, He points out faults, shortcomings, and sins. Jesus was quite critical of the Pharisees’ hypocrisy, and He expressed His disapproval forcibly on several occasions (e.g., Matthew 23). However, Jesus’ criticisms were always truthful and, ultimately, loving. When criticism is grounded in love we fulfill the command written in Ephesians 4:15 (“speaking the truth in love”) should be our primary guide in criticism. Godly criticism is true and loving. It comes from a humble, caring heart that wishes the best for the other person. It is not bitter, condescending, insulting, or cold-hearted. Bottom line; never assume every critic is a hater. Not everyone is hating on you. Some people might just be telling you the truth and perhaps maybe you should open your heart to listen.

Are you in the middle of a challenge, hardship, or struggle but don’t know if you can stick it out or make it through? Well, if this is you, just know your not alone. We have all been in stuck between ‘a rock’ and ‘a boulder’! We have all experienced the cessation of hitting rock bottom! However, one thing that has helped me to remember to be strong during difficult circumstances is the blessing of perseverance through extreme adversity. James, 1:12 put it this way, “Anyone who meets a testing challenge head-on and manages to stick it out is mighty fortunate. For such persons loyally in love with God, the reward is life and more life.” Truth is, I believe God knows anyone can give up because it’s the easiest thing in the world to do. But He also knows that if we hold on to His unchanging hands that our reward far out weighs the challenges, hardships, and/or struggles we endure here in this wicked world filled with wicked people! I Peter 5:10 confirms, “ And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. I leave you with this question; “Do you remember the guy that gave up?” Well, neither does anyone else! Be bless on purpose and remember your greatest blessing is always in front of you…never behind you!

#NoWords

God will never leave us empty nor will He ever abandoned us. He always restores what we lose and He returns everything the enemy steals! And if He ask us to put something down, it’s only because He wants us to pick up something greater. Thankfully, God does have a plan for every one of us—and the reason is because He loves us, and wants us to have what is best for us. God’s hope for our future is about second chances, about choices and new beginnings.

Oftentimes, people will forget what you say, they will forget what you do, but they will never forget how you made them feel! It’s imperative that we all treasure each of our earthly relationships because time is forever fleeting and we don’t know the day nor the hour of our last breath. So please don’t take life nor people for granted! We have but one life to live and love those around us!!

#BeBlessOnPurpose

Father God, not my will but Your will be done!! In Jesus’ name, amen!

God SAVED you because He loves YOU and there is nothing you could ever do to make Him love you any more or any less! His love for His children is deeper than any ocean and higher than the skies above (Ephesians 3:18-19). Therefore, above all else know that God’s love is the greatest; it’s amazing, it’s abundant, it’s all powerful, it’ comforting, it’s compassionate, it’s constant, it’s all consuming, it’s endless, it’s eternal, it’s extravagant, it’s forgiving, it’s sacrificing, it’s faithful, it’s gracious, it’s merciful, it’s peculiar, it’s healing, it’s holy, it’s immeasurable, it’s infinite, it’s indescribable, it’s incomprehensible, it’s kind, it’s gentle, it’s jealous, it’s limitless, it’s meteoric, it’s new every morning, it’s all encompassing, it’s priceless, it’s patient, it’s relentless, it’s reassuring, it’s reliable, it’s selfless, it’s steadfast, it’s unending, unchanging, unfailing, unconditional, and unstoppable!