Day 254: Recap

I know today's post is very late than what I usually do, and that's not entirely on accident. However I wanted today's recap to be different. I know a lot has been going on in the world recently and in America to be specific. However, there is so much go on all over the world that what we need to do as the body of Christ is,  pray but also put those prayers and concerns to action. Find out ways to help even if it isn't through monetary donations. There is so much more we can do than send money, we can donate our time, open our homes, hold clothing drives, get prayer groups together, rescue groups, start putting our plans to action.

I would like to point out a few issues and natural disasters that have.
The Floods in Houston Texas, Sierra Leone, and South Asia
Hurricane Harvey (which caused the flood of Houston), Hurricane Irma which hit the Florida keys, and hit south Florida today. Puerto Rico has been hit pretty bad.
An 8.1 earthquake that hit Mexico
Fires in the West Coast.

Also a recent decision made by our President to repeal DACA. This will ruin the lives of many young immigrants who either came here as a child or were brought here as a child to have a better life. People are being sent back to a country they never considered their home. People are being pushed out of there homes because they aren't the right nationality, or they weren't born in the right place. They are going to lose everything.

There is so much going on, I cannot stand by and not address. For those of you that are directly affected by these disasters, no words can relieve what you're going through. But you are in my prayers and so many others around the world. You are not in this alone.

Today I just want you all to take the time and pray, pray for our country and pray for this world. There is so much disaster, heartache, inequality, and pride. Just pray over your country and this nation. Take the time to do something about what is going on, volunteer, donate, open your home to someone in need, etc. Help those who are in need and continuously pray for those affected by the recent disasters and decisions made in the world.

I love you and I hope you have an amazing day or evening, be sure to share this with someone and come back tomorrow for Day 255!

Day 231: Don't Be a Stumbling Block

(I apologize for the lateness, it has been a long night and a very long day.) 

Romans 14:13

So let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall.

Romans 14:19

So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.

This week we’ve talked about deciding what is right for us, and not judging people who choose to live their lives differently than we do. Today I want to talk about how we can sometimes become a stumbling block to our brothers and sisters in Christ when we choose to do certain things. Many times it isn’t intentional, we don’t get up with the mindset of causing someone to stumble. Many times it’s the way we act towards our fellow Christians and how we treat them because we don’t agree with their decisions or lifestyles.  The main point I want to stress here today is, don’t do anything that will cause your neighbor to fall. One example being, if we decide for ourselves that it is okay to drink alcohol, the right thing to do would be to abstain from it around someone who is a recovering alcoholic. It is the Christian thing to do. We must learn to lift one another up and do all we can to contribute to someone’s growth.

I love that the scripture starts off by saying, “Let’s stop condemning each other…”. This is so important because one, there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. Second, from what I have experienced in my life, a lot of condemnation stems from unnecessary judgement, selfish desires, and ulterior motives. We often do things in the name of Jesus in order to “improve the body of Christ” when it’s really just a selfish way to improve our image as a Christian. Things have been said and done to people that should never be said or done. We never really know what someone is going through, or why they have made the decisions they have made. We don’t know why someone’s lifestyle looks the way it does. So to condemn someone because we don’t agree with them or their lifestyle is a bit childish. We are not here to pressure or guilt our neighbors into living the same exact life we have chosen to live. We are here to love people, no matter who or what they are.  I believe there is something much bigger than whether we agree or disagree, that doesn’t matter. What does matter is that people are not turned away by your judgemental face and comments. What matters is that we put someone’s soul before our opinions. What matters is that we do not become the obstacle someone has to get over in order to get to Christ. It’s much deeper than just not drinking so your friend doesn’t feel like they’re going to relapse. We’re talking about people’s souls here and how we can either contribute to their growth in Christ or be the reason they stumble.

While it remains true that we all get to choose the lifestyle we want to live and that looks different for all of us but at the end of the day we are all one body, We work together, we function as one body. We cannot have the hands falling while the head is sitting high and mighty. We must work together and live together in harmony. We must learn to put our differences aside because they don’t matter and live to serve Christ. That is our common purpose, we are followers of Christ. No matter what, at the end of the day we all follow one God, live off of one Word, and believe in one Gospel.

All this to say, we are to live in harmony with one another and lift each other up. While we are living our own lives and making our own choices, be mindful of how they affect others, We can sometimes be a stumbling block without realizing it. Just because we are living our best lives and choosing to do what we have decided is right for us does not mean that we forget that there's a whole other world out there. There are other people who need us to lift them up, pray for them, and not cause them to stumble.

Reflection/Prayer Time

Take the time to respond and have a conversation with God. Respond however you feel led, and talk to God about that response. You can talk to God about how you may have been a stumbling block to others or how others have been a stumbling block to you. Ask God to remove those specific blocks from our path. Pray for the body of Christ that we will live in harmony with one another.

I love you and I hope you have an amazing day or evening. Be sure to share this with someone and come back tomorrow for day 232!

Day 221: Unpacking Romans 12- One Body, Different Functions

Romans 12:3-8

Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves,measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.

There’s two subjects I want to touch on today, one obviously being, we are all one body and we are all different. We move differently. We work differently, and we function differently. However, through our differences we work together to operate as one body.

We as a people function as the body of Christ. God has called us to different areas has given us different gifts and purposes. Some of us are preachers, some of us doctors, musicians, performers, scientist, etc. Even though we all have different functions we work together as one body. If all of us were the same, how would we make up a body? I love the symbolism of a body, because one part of the body does not work without the other neither do they function the same, but they do not work as a body without each other. The foot is not the same as the hand and the mouth isn’t the same as the eyes but they are all part of one body. They don’t work separated, The foot cannot function on its own, the eyes cannot stand on their own. All of these part come together to make one body. That’s what we are, we are the pieces that come together to form the body of Christ.  The overall point is that we work together as one body. We do that by doing our part within the body of Christ and not trying to take on someone else's job or calling. We must know who we are in Christ in order to help elevate the body of Christ. We are part of why it functions and if we aren’t doing our part than we are messing up more than we think. We may not think we are doing much but without us, the body cannot function correctly.

My next point is, don’t look down on or think you are better than someone because of where you are in Christ. We as a people are one, we are one body, I can’t stress that enough. What I’ve seen in the Christian community far too often and it is some of the reasons we stand so divided. Envy, competition, and arrogance. A body doesn’t function when the eyes are jealous of the leg, or when one part sees itself superior to the next. There should be no competition within the body of Christ, it is not about who saves more souls, or who can bring the most people to church. It’s not about who can quote the most scriptures or any of that. It is about doing what we were sent here to do, living out our God given purpose. It’s about lifting our brothers and sisters up and praying for them to grow and succeed. It will never be about rejoicing in their downfall. We do than far more often than we think.  

When God made us, He made us equal. He loves us equally. We are to love each other the same way, to love our neighbor as ourself. We don’t look down on anyone or think we are better than the next person. We cannot walk around thinking of ourselves higher than what we are. Either we walk in humility by choice or allow God to humble you and the latter isn’t flattering at all.

All this to say, we are one in Christ and nothing should divide us. We are meant to function together as one body. Yes, we are different, but we are also one in the same. It’s pretty mind blowing when you think about it.

Response/Prayer Time

Respond in whatever way you feel led today. Go over the passage we focused on and study the scripture, and have a conversation with God. Pray unity within the body of Christ. Pray for God’s people and pray that God will lead you to where He wants you to be.  

I love you and I hope you have an amazing day or evening! Be sure to share this with someone and come back tomorrow for Day 222 to continue unpacking Romans 12. Have an awesome day, I love you!

Day 188: Whose Job Is It?

Galatians 6:2

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

John 15:12

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.

Proverbs 3:27

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.

Luke 3:11

John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.”

The big question today is, whose job is it to know when our neighbor is in need, and more importantly whose job is it to act on our brother or sister’s behalf?

Before answering that question I want you to refer to the scriptures above but also to the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37).

The statement that stands out to me the most in that passage is in verse 33. It says, But a Samaritan as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion.

Compassion - a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering.

The prefix com- means “with”, “together”, “in association”.

The thing about compassion is, it is about our feelings toward another person. It’s not about us, it’s when our heart breaks for someone else, or rejoices for another person. Compassion is not about us, it is about our neighbor.  With that being said, where is our compassion for one another? What happened to good Samaritans? I know there are many out there, we have to step up. All of us should be like this good Samaritan. We have let our communities be so divided, and the world is filled with so much hate that we are letting our brothers and sisters hurt and die because we don’t like them, or we don’t agree with their lifestyle or it’s not our problem or responsibility. If not ours whose responsibility is it? We have allowed our selfish judgements cloud our ability to be empathetic, and it is ridiculous.

It would be great to note that Jews and Samaritans in that time did not get along, like at all. This is a rivalry that dated back to times of Joseph, centuries have passed and this battle is still standing. We can assume that the hurt man was Jewish because he was traveling from Jerusalem. But it also great to note that a Jewish priest passed him by.

Here’s what happened in a nutshell. Israel divided into two kingdoms, the northern kingdom and the southern kingdom. The northern kingdom was conquered by Assyria, the southern kingdom was captured by Babylon. Both kingdoms were taken into captivity. Jews in the northern Kingdom began to worship the idols brought over by the foreigners, along side God.  Seventy years later after being held in captivity,  a remnant of 43,000 was permitted to return to Jerusalem and rebuild. However the Samaritans who now inhabited the Northern kingdom ‘vigorously opposed the repatriation and tried to undermine the attempt to re-establish the nation’. The full-blooded, monotheistic (serving one God) Jews detested mixed marriages and the worship of their northern cousins. For this reason the Jews and Samaritans have hated each other for centuries.

I tell you the backstory to all this because in the story of the Good Samaritan, he was not concerned that this man was a Jew and that he was supposed to be at battle with him. It didn’t matter because his compassion for this hurting man was more important, it didn’t matter that he was a samaritan. It mattered that he was a man that needed help. Which brings me back to my original question,  whose job is it to know when our neighbor is in need, and more importantly whose job is it to act on our brother or sister’s behalf? It is our job, it is our responsibility to be there for our brothers and sisters in need. To have the same compassion for others that Jesus has for us. It does not matter who the person is, what lifestyle they are living, or whether we like them or not, our compassion for others must be bigger than our differences. If we see someone in need it is our job to do what we can to help. There are too many people in need and hurting for us to walk pass and ignore it, or pretend we don’t see it. What if the shoe was on the other foot? We’d want someone to help us, The bible teaches us to treat others as we want to be treated.

Let’s get to the point where we hold so much compassion in our hearts for our neighbors. That’s how we will be united as a community. When our compassion for one another forces us to put our differences aside and be there, lend a helping hand. When our compassion for one another becomes bigger than our differences, that’s when we will start to make progress. We have to look away from ourselves and our own selfish desires and selfish rules and beliefs and see someone else. Compassion will unite us.

Reflection/Prayer Time

Talk to God about what we discussed today. Ask him to give you compassion for His people your neighbors, Talk to Him about putting those differences aside, whatever they may be, and be united with our brothers and sisters.

I love you, I hope you have an amazing day. Be sure to share this with someone and come back tomorrow for Day 189!

Day 172: One Heart, One Soul, One Love- Day 2

Acts 28:2

The native people showed us unusual kindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and was cold.

The most interesting statement in this scripture is “unusual kindness”. Meaning the kindness that these native people of Malta showed them was rare, it was strange. This wasn’t the type of kindness you would experience everyday especially being a stranger in a new land. However, just because the kindness was unusual and strange does not mean that it was not good. It was really good actually. They saw people in need, they saw people who needed help and gave them a helping hand.

I think we can adopt this act of kindness from the natives of Malta. We live a world where a kind gesture is sometimes so rare that we don’t know how to accept it. We live in a world that is so self-centered and all about how we feel without considering anyone else. Let’s rebuttal that today. Let’s adopt this idea of unusual kindness. Give someone a helping hand that is in the need of it. Or just a simple kind gesture, it can go a long way. There are so many people in this world who are hurting and just need someone to talk to them or smile at them or see them as a human being. Let’s be the people to do that. Let’s be kind to everyone we come across, we never know how much it can help someone. We are here to spread love and one of the ways we can do that is being kind to someone. It’s so simple yet so big, and can mean the world to anyone.

One of the things plaguing our country right now is the refugee issue, the travel ban for muslim people, and the want to build a wall in order to keep people from coming into America. I know that not everyone has the same views, but I do believe that everyone should be treated equally, and have basic human rights. People are in need of help they are fleeing war and destruction in their own country and seeking a place of refuge and they should not be denied. People should not be denied and shunned based on their beliefs or race. When we made a vow to love unconditionally it means that we love all people, no one is off limits. Know that there are people who have it so hard everyday and they could use a break.

Response/Prayer Time

Take the time today to lend a helping hand to someone, have a conversation with someone, see how their day is going. Take the time to pray for those affected by the laws and bans put in order in our country. Pray for your country and it’s people and be nice to people today. We could all use it, some more than others,

I love you and I hope you have an amazing day. Don’t forget to lend a helping hand to someone and be kind today. Share this and be sure to come back tomorrow for day 173!

Day 161: The Beauty of Unity

Psalms 133

Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes! It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore.

Matthew 18:20

For where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am among them.

Ephesians 4:4-6

There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

One of my favorite things in the world to see is when people come together. It is a beautiful sight and a beautiful feeling, from church to concerts and music festivals, and peaceful rallies and protests. There is nothing like people coming together for the greater good. There is power in numbers and there is beauty in unity. There is nothing more beautiful than when God’s people come together in worship. This is why I love attending conferences where people of all ages, races, lifestyles, shapes, and sizes come together under one roof to glorify God, to worship together and build relationships, praying for one another. It’s beautiful.

There is also something beautiful about the smaller crowds, the scripture says that when two or three come together there He is. We don’t always have to be in big rooms and huge crowds. Some of the greatest moments I’ve had is with a few people in a room, where we’re praying together and worshipping together, pouring into one another. It is such an amazing feeling and sight to not only see it but to be a part of it.

I remember about a year ago, going to a new church, meaning not only was I new to the church, the church was just starting. A few of my friends from my school also attended this church. But the same group of us also attended the same small group and one evening started out as a bible study and turned into a night of prayer, prophecy, crying, and worship. There were about ten to fifteen of us in this room, from all over the world and country, there were two people from Africa, 5 people from London, two from California, and three from New Jersey, and a few more. What was so amazing about this night was seeing how God brought us all together from around the world for that specific night. I felt like I was in the upper room on the day of Pentecost. That night, lifetime friendships and bonds were formed. That night lives were changed and hearts were turned. It all happened because we decided to come together as one and be with God. I would love to share the full story of what happened that night but it is too much to write at the moment.  

When God’s people come together wonderful things happen. I’ve heard so many people talk about the division in the church or the division amongst Christians. But when I see the church I do not see division, I see people who are all a part of one body, serving one God. I see people loving each other unconditionally, and coming together every Sunday around the world to worship Him. There is no division in that. I see people coming together throughout the week to learn more about the word of God and tell people of His love. I see people loving like Christ, living like Christ. I see unity. Yes, there is are some division in the church but the unity of God’s people overpowers the division that tries to separate us.

I go to school in Philadelphia the city of brotherly love, a city founded on biblical principals. We as Christians are called to live a life full of love, we are called to love our neighbors. We are part of one body and we work better together, There are many things we can do on our own, but there is nothing like coming together as a united front. The body of Christ cannot be separated and still function as one. If anyone needs to live in unity right now it is us, It is Christians, followers of Christ, it is the people who know that there is a hope beyond what we can see. It is pleasant to God when He sees His people living in unity. So let’s not just come together on Sundays but let’s live in unity with our brothers and sisters every day of our lives.

They say music is the one thing that can bring the world together. Let’s change that, let us, as the church and body of Christ bring people together. Whether it be through music, art, or any outlet we have. We can use what we have to bring unity to this world.

Prayer Time

Take the time today to pray for unity amongst the body of Christ. Pray for someone other than yourself today. Pray for the church, and that division will cease amongst God’s people.

I love you, I hope you have an amazing day or evening. Be sure to share this with someone and come back tomorrow for Day 162!

Day 79: Let's Recap!

It's been a great week, not only did we reach 75 devos, CRAZY!, but we also had a guess writer. Here's a little recap of what went down this week.

Day 72:In the Meantime
We  started the week off talking about patience, waiting on God and what to do while waiting. We focused on Psalms 27:14, 46:10. The two points we made today were: 1. In the meantime, don't jump the gun, and 2. In the meantime, slowdown and enjoy life.
"Don’t miss out on what’s right in front of you because we are too busy to see the blessing before our eyes. Life isn’t always about getting somewhere, it’s about the experiences, and lessons on the way".

Day 73: Where Do We God From Here

Today we talked about jumping, taking a leap of faith. We focused on a few scriptures today: Matthew 7:7, 14:28-31, James 2: 17-18, and Philippians 4:13.

"Sometimes when we feel stuck it means that we have to take a leap of faith to get to where God wants us to go. When we reach the end of a chapter in our lives and don’t know where to go that is where we look to  God for direction, and if He tells us to jump, we have to. If we don’t we will stay in a place where we will be stuck forever. The only way out is to leap, we can’t step we have to jump. Everything we’re looking for, everything we need will be on the other side, leap and watch God allow you to soar. You can do it, put that fear aside, get a running start and JUMP! "

Day 74: Removing What is Dead

Today we talked about dropping the dead weight that is holding us back from reaching our full potential, or keeping us from growing in Christ. We focused on John 15:2.

"Once the dead branches are removed, God continues to prune the healthy branches. Meaning he makes sure that everything dead is cut away, making room for more growth. If we want to grow, if we want the fruit we bear to be good, we have to let go of the dead branches, we have to remove everything from us that is dead. That is the only way we will grow, and be able to make that leap of faith. "

Day 75: This One Thing I Ask

Today we talked about David's desire to be near the Lord all the days of His life. We focused on Psalms 27:4.

"I think David knew, He had a knowledge of what real living looked like. He knew that if He had everything and not God He had nothing at all. But He knew that with God he had everything even if that meant his earthly possessions were bare. God can give us anything we want, and anything we ask, but what would that one thing be. David wanted eternity with the one true King. He wanted to be in the presence of the Lord for all His days. That’s what real living is, Out of everything I ask for and out of everything you have given me, here is the one thing I want more than anything,that  is to be close to you. "

Day 76: Don't Judge Me

Today we had a guest writer, Mrs. Ariana Edgar, she talked about not judging others, and having a nice slice of humble pie. She focused on: James 4:11-12, 1 Timothy 2:11, and Matthew 28:19-20.

" We are not meant to think of ourselves more highly than others or go around pulling out specks in people’s eyes, especially when we have a rotting plank in our own! haha! But as a Christ followers we are supposed to pursue holiness and encourage others to do the same in their journey".

Day 77: Faith Based Living

Today we talked about what it means to live like Christ, and why when we are fully devoted to Christ we do not have to prove our Christianity because our lives speak for themselves.

" If we are not bearing good fruit, where are our roots planted? On what foundation do we stand? We must commit ourselves fully to Christ, and continue to make that choice every single day. Everyday we get up we choose to continue following Christ, we choose to dive into His word. We choose to pray and talk to Him, we choose the soil we are planted in. When we do this, and when we start to grow, the fruit from the tree will speak for itself".

Thank you for joining me this week, thank you for sticking it out thus far, stick with me all the way. I love you, I hope you've had an amazing weekend thus far. Enjoy your Sunday and make sure you share this with someone. Be sure to come tomorrow for Day 80!

Day 78: Faith Based Living

1 John 3:18

Dear children, let's not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.

1 John 2:6

Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.

I have found in my life that living is a collection of experiences. We don’t have to talk about living because it is just something we do, we wake up every morning with steady breath and heartbeats, we walk and talk we do things that shows for itself that we are living breathing beings. We don’t have to prove that we are alive, the breath in our lungs as our chest rises and falls is proof of life.

It’s no different  with our faith and this Christ-like life we are living. When we commit ourselves and our hearts to Christ our lives begin to look like His. Our actions become similar to His, we begin to live a life that is fully devoted to Christ and stands as a testimony of His, life, death, and resurrection, because we have committed our hearts to Him. When we are fully committed and devoted to God we do not have to prove our faith. We do not have to prove our Christianity because our lives speak for themselves. It’s the way we love, the way we live, the way we treat others, the way we walk this day to day life. When we are committed to Christ it becomes less about talking and more about the walking. We don’t have to force Jesus into our lives because He is already there.

I have found from experience that the times I was forcing Jesus into my life and trying to prove my Christianity was when I really wasn’t devoted to Him at all. When I had a desire to be a Christian, but no desire to live like one. That presented a problem, I was a sunday only Christian. But Monday through Saturday I had to keep up the image of a Christian. Fooling people into believing that I was a ‘Good Christian. Making sure I talked about God at least three times a day, read a few scriptures, and bragged about my Christian lifestyle. This was because I needed my life to look good, I had to talk about it because I wasn’t living it. It was rough, at times I didn’t even feel like a Christian, I felt like I was doing everything out of obligation, going through the motions. I was being a hypocrite. Not really experiencing God because my ego, and my lack of humility got in the way. See I wanted to be a Christian but I also wanted to be the center of attention, I wasn’t ready to let go of my pride and selfish desires. I wanted to find a way to fit God into my life, not realizing that if I just gave up my pride, my selfish desires that God had my life planned already, I fit into God’s plan, not the other way around.

-Dyamond

All that to say, when we are fully committed to Christ when we make the choice to follow Him with all our heart, and soul, and mind, and seek His face first, then we are living, we will not have to prove that love. Our lives will speak for us, Matthew 7:16 states, “You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act…” We are known by our actions not our words, by the fruit we bear.

If we are not bearing good fruit, where are our roots planted? On what foundation do we stand? We must commit ourselves fully to Christ, and continue to make that choice every single day. Everyday we get up we choose to continue following Christ, we choose to dive into His word. We choose to pray and talk to Him, we choose the soil we are planted in. When we do this, and when we start to grow, the fruit from the tree will speak for itself.

Live, don’t talk about it, just live.

Reflection

1. Where are your roots planted?
2. Do you find yourself trying to prove your Christianity?

Prayer Time

Think about the questions and answers. Reflect on what we talked about today and respond to God. Give Him every part of your being. If you have not fully committed our life to Christ, I believe that right now is the perfect time to do so. We all must make this choice and no one can make it for us, so if you feel the Holy Spirit tugging on your heart, that gut feeling, whatever it may be pushing you to respond, do it. Maybe you have never been offered the gift of salvation, if that’s you and you want to make that decision, you just have to believe it in your heart and confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and that He was raised from the dead. Wherever you are, you don’t have to be in a church or religious setting to give your life to Christ. There is no better time than right now.

If you made the choice to follow Christ, rededicate, or to submit your life to Him fully, Go to Romans 10:9-10

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.

And repeat these few words,

Jesus I declare that you are my Lord and Saviour who died for my sin and was raised three days later. I repent of my sins and I give my life to you. I believe in my heart that you are the true living God. Thank you for saving me. In Jesus name, Amen.

Congratulations! The angels in heaven are rejoicing right now.

Be sure to come back tomorrow for Day 79 and everyday for the rest of the year!

Day 77: Don't Judge Me by Ariana Edgar

Today we have a guess writer, my Pastor and friend Ariana Edgar (pictured below). She and her husband Matt Edgar (also pictured below) lead Story Philly a church in Center City Philadelphia and just expanded to University City. If you are ever in Philadelphia stop by on Sunday evenings at 6 and 7:30pm.

How many times have we heard people say that sentence? And to be honest, I think a lot of times people use this sentence as a cop-out to live the way they want to live instead of living up to the Godly standard set before us. BUT there is some truth that rings to this catchy phrase.

A massive lesson that God has been teaching me lately is that He is the the ultimate judge… not us.

My husband and I started a church in Center City, Philly almost two years ago. And it is absolutely my favorite thing to do! For me #SundayFunday is the highlight of my week! I love building a flourishing community of people who come together and worship Jesus. I love that our church is such a relaxed, fun and welcoming place to be. All types of people come through our doors and hopefully leave experiencing the love of God.

My role in church, and as a general Christ follower, is to lead others to Christ in every way. Whether that’s leading a team, preaching a message, or doing one-on-one discipleship, I am always pointing people to Christ.

And as I develop, grow and mature in my relationship with God I am understanding more and more that I am undeniably fallible, will mess up, and will make mistakes.

I use to think that I understood God’s ways pretty well and that I was an A+ christian. Meaning I had it all together all the time; that there was no way I could mess up that bad as "So n’ So". I would think differently of "Blahsy Blah" because they’re so proud and they have no clue how wrong they are.

But I AM HUMAN and STILL MESS UP. And the saying is SO TRUE that pride comes before a fall. Even this past month I had to eat a big fat piece of humble pie and it shocked me right back to realizing that I am always, and WILL always be in need of a Savior. And that I can’t afford to hold on to any pride in my words, mind or heart.

So here’s the thing, it says in James 4: 11-12 >>>>

"Don’t speak evil against each other, dear brothers and sisters. If you criticize and judge each other, then you are criticizing and judging God’s law. But your job is to obey the law, not to judge whether it applies to you. God alone, who gave the law, is the Judge. He alone has the power to save or to destroy. So what right do you have to judge your neighbor?”

So heeeeyyooooo!! We are not meant to think of ourselves more highly than others or go around pulling out specks in people’s eyes, especially when we have a rotting plank in our own! haha! But as a Christ followers we are supposed to pursue holiness and encourage others to do the same in their journey.

As a Christ follower & leader (p.s. if you are Christian then you are automatically a leader ) we are meant to do this >>>

1 Timothy 2:11

"I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior."

Ariana translation: Go to God in prayer for everyone that’s on your heart. Be a source of encouragement to everyone around you. And live an upright life making sure that even the little toxins in your life are handed over to God immediately.

And this >>>

Matthew 28:19-20

"Go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Ariana translation: Your purpose on earth is to show people the love of Christ, have as many people as you can come to know Him, and have them walk the journey with you, pursuing perfection, until you go home to be with the Father in heaven.

Let’s be people who are constantly renewing our minds in the Word of God, who are seeing Christ as the ultimate example of how to live life on earth, and who encourage NOT judge each other to do the same. Keep yourself humble and know that God always has your back.

Guys... humble pie actually tastes sweet, so eat up!!

Much love,

Ariana

I love you all, I hope you have an amazing day or evening. MAke sure you share this with someone and come back tomorrow for Day 78!