Tag: god

Psalm 37:25

I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread.

So many times we are challenged to remember all the ways God has provided. It is not easy to admit that we have been benefactors of the provision, grace, and mercy of God. The reluctance might exist because all human beings deal with a certain level of ego. It is in reflection that we find our routing and grounding once again.

Sometimes, we need to sit back and recall every moment that God has intervened in our lives. It is not always easy to see ourselves in the past. Some of the things in our past, we never wanna relive again. However, our recall gives us clarity on how we arrived in the season we currently dwell.

Take a moment today to do as the elders will tell us. “When I Think of the Goodness of Jesus and all that he has done for me my soul cries out hallelujah!” Give yourself an opportunity to praise God For every blessing that has come your way. Praise God for every struggle you have overcome. Give thanks to the Lord that your difficult seasons are not worn on your face. Remember God does not leave the righteous forsaken or begging.

Mark 8:36

For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?

I wonder what the cost is for aligning yourself with evil intentions? I wonder how much people are willing to spend to prosper on their terms? If I’ve learned anything, the price for serving the interest of the empire is way too high. My personality, my character, my humanity is not worth for fitting and giving away my soul.

While the thought may not be long, consider what you’re willing to give, in exchange for your God-given gifts, calling, and skills. What benefit will your talents offer the world in the hands of duplicitous hands? Remember, turning over yourself to the enemy means you forfeit the benefits and the reward that God has already set for your life.

I Corinthians 8:9-13

But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol’s temple, will he not be encouraged, if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idols? And so by your knowledge this weak person is destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died. Thus, sinning against your brothers and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.

Many times, we read the scripture and come to the conclusion that we don’t want to offend people with what we do. Even though the scripture deals with interactions with people that are transitioning away from an old life, we must take the moment to think about what it really means to have freedom that can cause one to tumble.

One of my goals is to address the dehumanizing of the pastor or minister. So many times we project our ideas of what we think the individual called of God should be. In moments that we don’t always admit, we place on a man or woman unreasonable expectations that only God could fulfill. So that man or woman struggles with their own identity while attempting to fulfill God‘s will.

As I read the scripture, I was convicted. While I may have free will, I don’t have liberty to use my freedom to cause anyone to trip over their feet. While many expectations may be unwarranted, I must always go to God and ask how I can best serve people where they are. I need the Lord to guide me on how to create meaningful relationships and not outlets of personal gain.

People are always looking for opportunities to feel needed and part of community. They are also looking for spaces where individuals can identify that. They are in a certain space in season of growth. The greatest way to demonstrate care and character is to intentionally meet people where they are. Maybe by doing this, we will always be able to tap into our humanity and leave expectations behind. Maybe by doing this, we will see each other for who we truly are—made in the image of God.