Transforming Tuesdays: God Rewards The Good & Faithful Servant

Have you ever done a good deed? Often times these are things that we don't even want to do but do anyway. That's called sacrifice! It's such a good trait to have. What about the things that you do because you are expecting something good in return? We all do it, but it's not right. We should do things out of the goodness of our hearts and if we are blessed by it, then so be it and if not, then oh well life goes on.

Today's reading focused on faithful servants. This is a place where we should ALL strive to be! Why? Because God rewards faithful servants. Today on my way home from class I was thinking about all of the tragedies that have been happening today and I immediately became frustrated. What happened to the value in life??? What happened to people doing good because that's the way they were brought up? The high disregard for life often makes me drop to my knees in my morning prayer sessions and honestly this goes beyond the recent Boston bombings...everything seems to be getting worse. However, through it all God continues to show his face the only problem is, that people only seek him when things are out of control. What if we seek God when things are great? This way, when things get bad (because they will), we'll be comforted to know that God was there all of the time. 

God rewards good deeds and we all like rewards. What rewards do you constantly encounter?

• If you study, you get a good grade
• If you perform great at work, you get a bonus
• If you do your chores, you get money
• If you're a humanitarian and volunteer in your community, you can receive a reward

The list can go on. Rewards are always an incentive to do well, and we know that the idea of receiving something in the end is not always a bad thing. The issue comes when people begin to grow frustrated at the speed of the reward. We're so used to a microwave society that we expect expect expect expect, yet we don't even gift half as much as we expect. That doesn't even make sense, because if you're supposed to get out what you put in, then I guess you're not getting a lot. But that's when God comes in!!!

What happens when you're rewarded while serving God's kingdom??? Everybody knows that when God comes into the picture, everything is sooooo much better. Even when it's bad it's better that's how amazing he is. Here are a few testimonies that I know of from friends when they put God first:

• If you study and pray, you'll be accepted into the top university of your choice, no matter your financial situation or academic situation.
• If you pray before work and go above and beyond, you get a promotion. Someone I know who is fresh out of college landed her dream job and after less than six months working there, she received not one, but two promotions.
• If you do your chores and read your Bible before bed, you'll receive a full scholarship to the school of your choice that will allow you to further your education.
• If you volunteer in your community and bring people to God, you're name can become on the next ticket ballot for mayor of your city.

I don't think people really understand how imperative it is to have God at the foundation of your life. With him, all things are made new and on top of that, his blessings have NO limit. I can't even begin to count my blessings because I am too afraid that I might miss some. I know that I am in perfect health, I am not wealthy but I don't want for anything, and I have perfect peace. Also, I know that no matter how rocky the road of life gets, I'll remain blessed.

In Acts, Tabitha was a woman who believed in God and always did things for people. She was a lady with a kind heart and unfortunately she passed away. However, before her burial she was brought back to life by Peter. Acts 9:39-41. Then there was Rahab who was a prostitute whose life was spared during the fall of Jericho because she hid spies. Joshua 6:22-23. Then there was Job who kept his hope alive because he feared God. He knew that God wouldn't let anything happen to him.

Don't let anyone get in the way of doing what you were called to do. God rewards his servants and one thing you would hate to do is miss out on a reward bestowed by God. I remember when I was a little girl my mom would always tell me, "Be careful what you do today and how you speak to people. You never know, you might encounter an angel. Always be ready to present yourself to the world." As a little girl I always thought she was doing the most lol. Now that I'm older her words are golden. There are times when we are tested. You never know how much you can impact the life of someone by simply extending a hand....try it!

I know for me, last Thursday I wasn't having the greatest morning. I was very grumpy because I've been stressing lately, however that did not stop God from using me and taking me out of element (so I thought). I remember two of my friends were having interviews for an amazing program and they wanted prayer that they would get it. I remember coming upstairs to wish them good luck before the interview and they were like let's pray. In the back of my mind I'm like that's a great idea!!!...as long as I'm not the one praying out loud lol. Unfortunately after arguing for about 2 minutes as to why I wasn't going to be the one praying, I was unanimously selected and I had to lead the prayer. I was so nervous because these were friends who've never been to church with me although they know my love for God. Nevertheless, I led the prayer right there in the library of the school...I didn't mumble, I didn't speak under my breath, I spoke loud enough for people to know who I was praying to, what I was praying for, and why. I felt liberated!!! I submitted (as Jael said yesterday) and allowed God to use me. No one knew what the moment did for me, but I felt like it added the fuel to my fire within. That was another thing that I had conquered. Now I don't know what my reward will be for allowing God to use me, but I don't care. The greatest reward at that moment was the fearlessness that transpired during that moment.

Today's challenge: Do something you wouldn't normally do today. Allow God to use you!!! This can be through the form of a smile, a hug, listening to someone's problems, paying someone's food at dinner, or calling an old friend who has been on your mind. When you work for God, it doesn't take too much out of you before you realize that everything that he asks of you is doable.

It's never too late to TRANSFORM YOUR TUESDAY!!!

TRANSFORMING TUESDAYS: JAMERA

Merciful Monday: Keep Calm and Submit to God

²¹“Submit to God, and you will have peace;
    then things will go well for you.
²² Listen to his instructions,
    and store them in your heart.
²³ If you return to the Almighty, you will be restored—
    so clean up your life.
²⁴ If you give up your lust for money
    and throw your precious gold into the river,
²⁵ the Almighty himself will be your treasure.
    He will be your precious silver! (Job 22:21-25)

A lot of times, when we hear the word “submit” it is often used in derogatory terms. Although it is impossible to live life without every submitting to someone or something, the word seems to have a negative connotation. Submission is most often associated with slavery and surrender. The true definition of the word, however, is “to yield oneself to the authority or will of another” (Merriam-Webster).

The Bible talks a lot about submitting to authority figures such as spiritual leaders, parents, teachers, etc. But Job 22 tells that most of all, we need to submit to God.

I believe that submission is the principal crux of Christianity. Nearly every Bible lesson illustrates this point. When Moses was told to go to Pharaoh and command him to let the Israelites go, he had to submit to God in order to free the people. When Joseph was told that Mary was pregnant, he had to submit to God in order to father the greatest man that walked the earth. And when Saul went blind, he had to submit to God in order to be healed. I can go on and on with stories, but the point is that submission is the first step to recovery! By submitting, we openly admit to God that we need his help because we can’t do __________ (insert whatever problem you are facing) all alone.

Ok you may be asking: “What are the benefits of submitting??” Job 22:21 says that these things will happen when you submit to God:

• You will find peace
• Things will go well for you
• You will be restored
• The Almighty himself will be your treasure

Doesn't that sound so comforting? I know that I struggle with all of these things sometimes, but most of all with finding peace. I always say that I am easily annoyed (God is working on me though!). I let things get to me and I focus on small details, but it is so awesome to know that when I submit to God and let him handle things for me instead of trying to work them out on my own, he will give me HIS peace which passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7).

“Do not be stubborn, as they were, but submit yourselves to the Lord. Come to his Temple, which he has set apart as holy forever. Worship the Lord your God so that his fierce anger will turn away from you” (2 Chronicles 30:8).

Today’s Challenge: When problems arise for you today (no matter how big or how small), remember to worship the Lord and submit yourself to him. He will lead and guide you; he will help you find peace.

Merciful Mondays: Jael

^“For the Lord your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon you or destroy you or forget the solemn covenant he made with your ancestors.” Deuteronomy 4:31

Salvation Sunday: Be Strong and of Good Courage

Is there a circumstance that fear is hindering your progress? Is there a decision that you have to make but you don't know what to do? Are you praying unto God and asking God but there is some doubt creeping in? Today's reading deals with the concept of being strong in the Lord!!

In Joshua, the theme or phrase that is seen repeatedly is be strong and of good courage. Joshua is told by God to stay strong in God. Basically, Joshua is to keep trusting in God. Joshua is being commanded by God to move forward and take the land that is promised unto them. And God keeps saying to trust in Him an stay strong. Keep the faith because He is with Him. Many times God gives a word or a promise for us to pursue. Many times fear or an obstacle steps in our pathway. Unfortunately, we allow that situation to stop us from moving. We don't realize who we serve. We limit Gods power by not allowing Him to move us to where we need to go. We don't allow God to work miracles and open doors on our behalf. Is there a job or something God has promised you that something is blocking your vision? Did God promise you that job or opportunity? So, why are you letting some situation stop you from receiving what God has given and promised you? Where is your faith? Why are you not calling on God? Be of good courage and be strong in the Lord.

Joshua sends two spies to check out the city of Jericho. Now, this city was blocking their view of their destination. Instead of Joshua allowing it to stop them, he sent two spies into the city. Because Joshua trusted in God, the two spies met a harlot who helped them escape safely and asked for her family to be saved. She heard what miracles had been performed and stepped out in faith. In this process, doors opened for both parties. For Joshua, the two spies got away safely thanks to the lady. And to the lady, she received the opportunity to be saved at the end of the destruction of Jericho. When you trust God and act upon his will, you never know what doors will open up and you never know what He has in store for your life. Just gotta stay strong and trust God!!

Now, in Acts, the apostles were being persecuted for preaching the gospel. But, they were doing it because God called them to do it. God  assigned them to preach the good news to the world. These apostles went around the world and were scattered. However, they trusted God for Him to make ways. In the process of their obedience, God led people to them that were hungry for God. As Christians, God is going to lead us to people that are hungry for God. As his children, we have an obligation to help those in need of hearing the word. Luckily, we don't receive persecutions like the apostles do. We are not crucified or poisoned or stoned. The worst we get now is attitudes or being made fun of. As Christians, we need to remember to trust God and let Him lead us.

For those that are waiting on God for direction, just trust God. Sometimes God just wants his people to just wait on God. Have you ever prayed fervently and tried different options to get the answer from God? When you do all that you can, stand on the promises of God. Keep trusting God and just stand on Him. Donnie McClurkin sang it best!!! After you've done all you can, you just stand!!!

Recently, I was pulled from a program that dealt with my future. It devastated me and shame came all over me. I didn't know what to do with myself. I prayed unto God and just asked for direction. I kept asking for his perfect will to be done. And I kept praying. I asked others to pray with me. Eventually, I got to the point where I stopped stressing and gave the shame that I had to God and let Him lead my life. Honestly, once I fully trusted God and just stood on Gods word, I received peace and understanding. I encourage you that if a stumbling block gets in your way of your purpose or promise, be strong and let God have His way.

Stay blessed and be strong!!!

"This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. "
Joshua 1:8-9

Salvation Sundays: Steven Gable

GUEST BLOGGER APRIL: A TRUE Relationship with God- Praise Him through the good and the bad

We Need the LORD:

We are all human. And most things, we cannot do through just human strength; we need God’s help, his guidance and direction, his strength, and his salvation. We as followers of Christ must seek him and praise him as much as we can.

How many of us have such crazy faith that no matter what comes your way, you PRAISE and TRUST God 100% throughout the day in each situation? During trials and tough situations, we struggle with doubt, with faith, and we even question the works of God. But just always remember: HEAVENLY FATHER KNOWS BEST!!! And he wants nothing but the best for you. Pursue a strong and true relationship with God.

*James 1:2-4- Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

A special relationship

Many only call on the name of Jesus, or pray, or finally turn to God only when we feel that we need him; when we feel helpless. A special relationship requires time, sacrifice, commitment, and communication. For example, say you had a friend, a family member or even a significant other. They say they appreciate you, they care about you, they love you, BUT the thing is, your friend, or family member barely stays in contact with you. The ONLY time when they bother to call you or come to see you is when they NEED something from you, like money, advice, property, food, or shelter. Personally, I believe that I would be deeply offended because it doesn’t seem like a true relationship. I wonder how God feels, when I don’t take time out to talk to him during my good times, and only pray or bother to seek Him when I need his strength during hard times.

“God is a NECESSITY in our lives, NOT an option.

He must be our FIRST priority, NOT the last resort.”

Here is a song that expresses this type of relationship:

This song says “You say that you love me, and cant live without me. Then why do you call me only when you need me? Don’t wait until midnight!” Basically, the song is encouraging us NOT to wait until hard times to talk to God or to call on the name of the Lord. Strengthen your relationship with Jesus by learning more about him, taking more time to talk to him, and praising him more- through the sunshine, and through the storms. He wants ALL of us, not just a portion.

*Jeremiah 29:13: You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.

During rain or sunshine, call on the name of the Lord!

PRAISE AND SEEK HIM THROUGH EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE

Giving credit where credit is due:

When something works out for us, happens just the way we want it to, sometimes we get so wrapped up in ourselves that we forget to praise the One who brought it to pass! As Steven said a few weeks ago: “GIVE HONOR TO GOD, AND REMEMBER WHAT GOD HAS BROUGHT YOU FROM.” After all that he has done for each of us, HE DESERVES all of our praise.

Here is my testimony:

            I was a young teenager when I was diagnosed with a serious autoimmune disorder that affected nearly every part of my body. I was so sick down to my bones that I was no longer able to even walk. It changed my entire life, and made me see everything through a different perspective.

As long as I can remember, I got sick so many times every year- at least once each month. I experienced migraines, fatigue, damage to my kidneys/muscles/bones, memory loss, weight loss AND weight gain, heartburn, and even arthritis. I was put on medication for treatment, and had to take nearly 4 months of physical therapy to regain proper use of my legs. Because of this disorder, it was even easier for me to get sick, and my body struggled to fight every type of fever, virus, infection, cold and flu without a proper working immune system.

I ended up missing a lot of school, a lot of work, and had to spend several days at a time bedridden, because I was in such bad condition. When I was diagnosed, I knew I wouldn’t be able to get through it without God. So I praised Him, I prayed asking for guidance and comfort to get through my tough time.

My doctors, and my physical therapist have told me that since it is chronic and incurable, I would have to live with this illness for the rest of my life. But GOD had a different plan for me. It has been several years without any symptoms of this illness present in my body. It is now April 2013, which makes it an entire year and two months that I have not gotten sick at all. For me, THAT’S A RECORD! It’s been over a year that I have not missed one day of school, and have not had to call out from work because of illness! This past season, people everywhere around me were coming down with the flu, had sinus infections, and the common cold. I’m standing there in the midst of them with nothing but strength, health and GRATEFULNESS in my body.

NO illness, NO medication and NO boundaries. Thank You Jesus! By HIS stripes I have been healed. (Isaiah 53:5)

For the past several months now, God has revealed to me just how GOOD each day has been!!!! Another day that he has blessed all of us with!  Even if I had to shed a few tears, even if I received unpleasant news, no matter the circumstance, I still consider each day a good day. Why??? BECAUSE I REMEMBER WHERE GOD HAS BROUGHT ME FROM, AND WHAT HE’S BROUGHT ME THROUGH. And for that, God deserves all my praise. He saved my life, so my life belongs to Him!

THIS is why I got to praise God all the time under every circumstance.

THIS is why I must put Him at the center of my life, and continuously pray, and seek His face.

*1 Thessalonians 5:17-18: 17- Pray without ceasing, 18- give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Prayer: Dear God. Forgive me for the times I gave credit to myself instead of giving credit to You. Through the good and the bad, I will praise you. During rain or shine I will thank you. Help me to keep you as the first priority in my life. Thank you Jesus for all that you have done, and all that you are getting ready to do. Amen.

*Psalm 146:2 (ESV) I will praise the Lord as long as I live;
 I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.

Stay close to Jesus!! Be blessed, not stressed.

If he brought you to it, he will bring you through it.

GUEST BLOGGER FOR APRIL: GRACE