Don't give up now!

 Children of God, You must understand that you are not to give up! How can a farmer harvest great fruits and vegetables if he stops planting seeds, doesn't nurture the plants, or doesn't reap? Just like the farmer we have to endure until we are where God needs us to be. We must allow God to plant seeds (His word) in us for growth, we must allow Him to nurture us, in order to be exactly who we need to be. Don't give up on God when you are so close, or you may not be able to reap the great blessings in store for you! 

Galatians 6:9 says, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." 

You can apply this significant scripture to any circumstance God has led you to, or is trying to lead you to. Do not be afraid of what could happen, because he will always be on your side to protect you. When Elijah was confronted by 3 kings and 150 men at separate times God destroyed them all because Elijah was faithful and obedient. Ask your self, are you faithful and obedient to the Lord? Things might be tough now, may seem impossible to do, may be too much to handle, but GOD has made you more than a conqueror. Do not expect to know the answers from the test if you never took it. In other words don't expect to grow if you've never been through anything.  If you trust the Lord you would not be frightened by what the storm looks like.  The Lord is in control of the winds and the rain. In order to become greater you must complete your test. Actually, you should rejoice when you are tested because you know that testing of faith produces endurance. Endure until your testing is over (James 1:4). If you need wisdom, ask the Lord and you shall receive it because he is generous. Do not doubt yourself, or your situation because then you are doubting God. When you doubt Him you lose your chances of receiving what you asked for. Know that you are again, More than a conqueror. Encourage yourself and trust Him. James 1:12 also states ,

 "Blessed are those who endure when they are tested. When they pass the test, they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him."

 Let this be your encouragement to persevere and be strong! Trust in the Lord and be guided by his wisdom. He is our refuge. He is the maker of the heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them- He remains faithful forever. God bless!

Is God truly your desire?

Matthew 22:37 
"Jesus replied, Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and all your mind."

This Scripture is very pivotal in regards to being a faithful Christian. The Lord loves us all so much that he sent his one and only son to sacrifice for our sins. He did not say, if you love me I will send Him..He did it because He loves us genuinely, without asking Him to.  The type of love Christ displays for us is considered agape, meaning to love someone who is undeserving, regardless of disappointments. Agape is considered the highest form of love. This love from him is constant and it has no end. Now, Our job here on Earth is to reciprocate that same type of love back to him. It is required of us to live a life according to his will in order to inherit the Kingdom. An inheritance from family may come easily. however, this inheritance from the Lord comes with sacrifice and a desire to want it. People tend to think, "well, I love God and he knows that. So I don't have to change this about me." or "God knows my heart, therefore he will forgive me anyways." People go as far as thinking "Well, I pray everyday so the Lord will accept me, I'm going to heaven."
Now, It is true that God knows our hearts, however He says in His Word, 

"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 7:21)

 When you truly love God, he will be your desire. You will be willing to give up all of your bad habits, impure ways, and unfruitful thoughts; Simply because you love him. Have you ever loved some one so much that you were willing to change things about yourself in order to keep that person happy? Or have you ever lived a different lifestyle just to keep a person around? So why is it that people can not give themselves away for the Lord who is worthy.
He wants the best for our lives, which results in living according to his will. If you do so you will be favored in the kingdom, you will receive eternal life and not death. So ask yourself this question today, "Is God truly my desire?"

Check out this song on youtube: Kierra Shierd-Desire