Matters of the Heart
Stagione 1
di Kimberly S. Davis, Ed.D.
Have you ever felt completely alone or distant from God? Have you ever questioned God about his presence in your life/circumstance(s)? I have and I am here to tell you that God has not moved or left your side. He is always right where we left Him. We often steer away from and leave His presence, but God never leaves us nor forsakes us. He is still in the same place we left him waiting with open arms so draw closer to Him,
"Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience." James 1:3 Oftentimes, we encounter disappointment, hurt, failure, grief, etc. that tests our faith, but they are exactly that a test so don't allow it to taint your faith. Stay encouraged and have that long and strong faith that says no matter what I may or may not see or what may or may not happen I will continue to BELIEVE. Don't have safe faith, but choose to have that strong, long, big faith that ensures God you are patiently believing in and trusting Him. Those test and trials are only developing our endurance, steadfastness, and patience that will help us walk into all that God has for us.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. Hebrews 12:1 As we go through life, we will encounter all types of distractions, disruptions, disappointments, detours, delays, etc. that will affect our ability to stay focused, BUT we have the power to RESET our focus or practice staying focus. I share different ways to STAY focused and/or RESET your FOCUS.
There is so much WISDOM in the Book of Proverbs. I definitely recommend reading, studying, and meditating on each chapter. It will provide answers to many of our questions and peace in our struggles. Our hearts devise a plan, but God's wisdom is what we need in executing, waiting, understanding, etc. God holds the answer(s).gu
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 Don't be so attached to what you think your life is supposed to look like or how you think it is supposed to go because God's plan and purpose for us is always greater. Therefore, TRUST GOD and allow him to lead, guide, direct, provide, strengthen, etc. He knows what's best for us and who we need to be to receive and/or walk into what He has for us.
The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. Lamentations 3:22-23 Although we may fall, we can get back up again and keep pressing forward. Whether we sin, make a mistake, hurt others, step outside of His will, etc., He is faithful in forgiving us and providing us with His mercy each new day. His Love is not performance-based, but is faithful, unconditional, and never-ending. GOD LOVES YOU!
So we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are unseen; for the things which are visible are temporal [just brief and fleeting], but the things which are invisible are everlasting and imperishable. II Corinthians 4:18 I want to remind you that God has a plan for a future and hope for you so stay the course and DON'T GIVE UP. What you see with the physical eye is temporary and will change, but what we don't see is eternal. God is at work. Use your spiritual eye to see and believe that God will work all things together for your good and this too shall pass. BE ENCOURAGED MY FRIEND!
For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst. Matthew 18:20 I am praying for YOU.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phillipians 4:7 Make peace your priority in every circumstance or situation. Seven ways to practice peace: 1) Be selective with how you spend your time. 2) Be prepared to say "no" nicely. 3) Resist procrastination and exercise self-discipline. 4) Eliminate key distractions. 5) Set appropriate boundaries for interruptions. 6) Modify your life. 7) Pray and "Listen".
Principles for "living a life you love": Learn to accept and love yourself; Maximize your strengths and minimize your weaknesses; Stay in your lane but "Stand Out"; Make "Love" the central theme of your life; Surround yourself with Godly influences. These are some of the key principles I have and still live by daily.