Prayer...Colossians 4:2

Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Colossians 4:2

When you focus on the things you don't have you begin to undervalue the blessings God has given you.  Then feelings of resentment and shortchanged start to build up.  It can happen in our prayers when we only make requests.  Take a moment and think through the ways you are blessed and thank God for them.  When you truly realize the amount of blessings in your life you truly feel loved by God.

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Listen to Correction...Proverbs 15:32

If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding. Proverbs 15:32

Discipline can be a hard thing to take, especially as an adult when we are so used to getting everything our way. But isn't it true that when you fight discipline it only makes things worse? Those who fight it end up feeling the pain much harsher. Public figures who deny scandals and later turn out to be true are disciplined much harsher. Don't fight it and grow.

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Lift Each other up...Philemon 1:7

Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God's people. Philemon 1:7

When friends get together each encounter promises to hold a time of connection.  Sometimes we need to vent and release emotions but if we aren't careful we can leave them feeling burdened and drained.  When you connect with your friends, do they walk away refreshed and thankful for your love?  What act of kindness could you do for a friend today to lift them up?

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Relationship with God...1John 2:4

If someone claims, "I know God," but doesn't obey God's commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth. 1 John 2:4

Having a relationship with Jesus will keep you grounded and leaning into a growing faith. A growing faith is a good sign. In a relationship, truth is spoken, conviction is felt, and confidence in God strengthens. Walk in the truth and obey God's commandments.  Was there a time in your life when you weren't living in the truth?  What were the circumstances?

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What drives you? Ecclesiastes 4:4

Then I observed that most people are motivated to success because they envy their neighbors.  But this, too, is meaningless - like chasing the wind. NLT Ecclesiastes 4:4

What drives you and your purpose in being successful?  Do you resent your neighbor because of what they have?  The wrong motives for success can keep you from actually enjoying success.  Otherwise, you will never become successful in your own eyes.  There will always be someone more successful to come along.  As Solomon says, keeping up with the Jones' is fruitless.

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Owe Nothing...Romans 13:8

Owe nothing to anyone - except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God's law. (NLT) ( Romans 13:8 ) 

If you don't show your love for someone, it may appear to others that they are not loved.  Are you sidetracked by your busy day that you're forgetting the little things?  Those little things add up and become powerful enough to send the wrong message.  Overcome this and send a loving message.  What speaks to your loved one?  If it's confidence, encourage them.  If it's feeling pretty, compliment them.  If it's strength, support them.  Fulfilling this law will honor God.

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Watch Your Tongue...Proverbs 21:23

Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble. Proverbs 21:23

Sometimes emotions can get the best of us and cause us to say words we don't truly mean. Or we are charged with emotions and choose words with different implications than we intended. When you get in this state do your best to stabilize and then try to communicate emotions when you can better watch your tongue.

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Eye of a Needle...Mark 10:25

In fact, it is easer for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God! (NLT) ( Mark 10:25 ) 

No one ever really thinks of themselves as being rich and we often characterize our wants as needs. When you look around and see those who have less it's easy to let your heart harden over time and ignore them. We even go so far as to tell ourselves "I can't give to this hungry man, because I have to pay for my 'need.'" Don't allow your wants to be stumbling blocks to the Kingdom of God.

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Hardened hearts...Ephesians 4:18

Their minds are full of darkness; they wandered far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. Ephesians 4:18

Our heart becomes hardened when we choose to ignore that inner feeling inside which nudges us to do or say something. When this feeling is ignored too many times the heart becomes insensitive to conviction and it becomes hardened. It's important to realize the impact of our actions or inactions.  Have you declined your compassion to others with a hard heart?

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Your Word...Psalm 119:105

Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105 

When you find yourself in sticky situations, it's important to arm yourself with God's word. The way it translates into real life is through memorizing scripture. You will find that the word of God comes to mind when you need it most. Go ahead and prepare yourself by choosing a verse each week to tuck into your heart.

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Alive with Christ

You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. Colossians 2:13

Do you behave like someone who has been forgiven of their sinful nature? Do you dance with joy, sing out loud, or forgive those who wrong you?  Those are only a few qualities of a forgiven person. If not, focus on the undeserved grace you've been given, then you can experience the joy. God has wiped away our sins, so let's act like it.

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All you need...2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Each time he said, "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That's why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Do you ever find you keep running into your failures or weaknesses?  When you are faced with the reality of your own weaknesses, it's humbling and cathartic.  Change your attitude towards weakness and see it as an opportunity to look to God to meet the need. Ask God to step in where you falter. He is sufficient.

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Don't give up...Galatians 6:9

So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Galatians 6:9

Some days are simply overwhelming and as such bring feelings of just wanting to quit. God desires us to be persistent in what we do for when we do good. Maybe you’re trying to mend a broken relationship with a family member but some days are very tough. Sometimes work can become hectic and unforgiving. And sometimes it’s a dream of yours to work on something that you’re passionate about and are gifted in. There are peaks and valleys for all of these journeys but remember to be strong, be hopeful and believe in your heavenly father.

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Share your burdens...Galatians 6:2

Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

Do you know how much burden your spouse is carrying? It’s easier to connect and grow together when hardships and stress is balanced between you and your spouse. Don’t let this tilt too much. Make an effort to check in and help where you can. If the heavier load is on your end, be mindful of how the imbalance is affecting your love and patience. Then work towards the middle and you will please God.