Are you guilty of making excuses for your bad behavior? Surely you’ve been in a situation where you should’ve shared the light of Christ with others, but you threw shade instead. You had an opportunity to say I forgive you, but you hardened your heart. Perhaps you heard about an old friend who was in need of comfort, but you ignored the tug of the Spirit to visit her due to fear. Have you also uttered these words?
God knows my heart.
The devil made me do it.
God is not through with me yet.
I’m a work in progress.
If you have, please pay close attention and choose to make at least one change today based on the scriptures shared in this message. That is my challenge to you.
Me: God knows my heart.
What God Says: The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve. (Jeremiah 17:9-10)
My prayer: Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. (Psalms 51:10)
Me: The devil made me do it.
What God Says: Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8)
My prayer: May the God of peace soon crush Satan under my feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. (Romans 16:20)
Me: God is not through with me yet.
What God Says: No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
My prayer: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Me: I’m a work in progress.
What God Says: I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:1-2)
My prayer: Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. (Ephesians 5:1)
You’re right when you say God knows my heart. He truly does. Thankfully, he won’t allow you to see it in its entirety. I think we’d all be shocked and saddened by what’s hidden there. That’s why it is imperative that you fill it with all good things — including the word of God. Remember that what’s stored in your heart will eventually pour out of your mouth.
Are you tired of making excuses for your bad behavior? I know I am! You’re a new creation, right? Some battles aren’t meant for you. Stay in your lane and on the right path. Your path is well-lit. All you have to do is walk it and stay out of God’s way. He doesn’t need your help to transform others. Only he knows what he has planned for them and for you. So, listen to God’s voice today and discover new ways to be transformed. The Potter wants to mold you, but if you’re like me (and I think you are), you won’t let anyone touch you that you don’t know. Amen? So, get to know him. I challenge you to start and end your day with the word of God. If you don’t know where to start, download a bible app and start a reading plan. We make time for everything else — reality shows, Netflix, and events, but we don’t set aside enough time for him. Remember, whatever we focus on becomes our God. Why not carve out some time for the lover of your soul? Your Battle Buddy is waiting on you, and victory is his. What will you change today?
Friends, please take a little time to enjoy my Music Monday selection for this week entitled “Victory Belongs to Jesus” by Todd Dulaney. I pray that it fills your head and heart with a message of hope and safety. May blessings abound! <3
Michelle, this is definitely food for thought. This really spoke volume to me. You touched on a couple of things that I need to make more time for and I am going to do a lot better. I’m definitely a work in progress, but I know with God, all things are possible.
Thank you and God bless.
Good morning, beautiful lady! I’m grateful that God spoke to you through me this morning. I pray that you are well. Have a lovely day. <3
Love this! And I recently discovered this song about 3 weeks ago and had it on repeat for a while because it ministered to my spirit!
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Two Are Better Than One!