Encourage one another

One of the most disturbing things I've seen is a defeated Christian. I mean someone who looks like life is having their way with them. They have no hope, peace or joy. They are utterly defeated. They walk around telling everyone about their woes and problems. They don't know how to smile because they forgot and they have also managed to surround themselves with like-minded Christians. 

If you find yourself like the above believer I encourage you to get out. I encourage you to remember who and what you are. You are a chosen vessel. Gods beloved child. You are the apple of his eye. Stop focusing on the storm like Peter did and just walk towards him. Don't let your mind take you to places that God never wanted you to be. You must mature in him. He is seeking mature believers because then and only then will you be able to receive what he has next in store for you. He is God, he knows all about our shortcomings but you must always remember that God hates complaining.

I know that at times this walk gets hard and sometimes it feels as though everything is going wrong. If you knew where the Lord has me some of you would bury your head in the sand, but I know better. God has been too good to me and I know that there is nothing too hard for him. I stand on his promises daily and when I feel overwhelmed I'm reminded of the last time he brought me out. It is important as believers that we write down the things that God has brought us from. Use them as a reminder when he brings you to the next test or season. I know in this season that God is pruning some things that no longer are bearing any fruit. I know that God has not forgotten about me. I know that he has things working together for my good. 

The next time you find yourself complaining and murmuring filled with defeat. Remember that Jesus has already overcome the world. Remember that this is not your home. Remember that you have a mission on this earth and it is not to worry about self. Become selfless in Christ. In Christ there is joy, in him there is hope and he steady remains our peace. 

God loves you and so do I. 

-Kristina 

A man named Reynold

I know I have been gone for a few weeks. So many changes in my life right now. I know God is taking me through brokenness in order to be effective for his kingdom. I'm also on a journey to finally lose this baby weight. I've been married for three years and in that time we've had two beautiful babies. I told myself no more babies so there are no more excuses for losing this weight. 

I headed off to the gym yesterday and had an amazing time. I was just basking in the Lords presence, reading his word and listening to worship music. I love his presence even while working out. I spent over an hour in the gym and was back on the treadmill when I felt in my spirit it was time to leave. 

I got off the treadmill and jumped in my car and looked up to see this man sitting in front of the gym. He had bags with him and was eating cookies.  In my spirit, I felt the Lord leading me to talk with him. To remind him that Jesus loved him and that he cared. I did what I know to do best and talked myself right out of that one! I mean Lord for real! You want me, alone, to walk up to this stranger and tell him that you love him. Ha! I literally out loud was talking to myself. "What if he is crazy?" "What if he tries to hurt you?" "You should have someone with you this is not sound." 

I told myself for over ten minutes why I should not go up to this stranger. Then the Lord told me that was all the enemy trying to get me to not say it. I knew that if I did not go up to this man that I would not be able to forgive myself. I wondered if I did not go up to this man and he had just prayed "Lord do you still love me?" What if I was that answer. The Holy Spirit reminded me that he requires obedience over sacrifice. So I asked the Lord to be with me and walked up to this man. 

When I walked up to him. I said, "The Lord wanted me to let you know that he still loves you. I don't know why you are sitting here, by the way, why are you sitting here?" He said that he lost his job in March and did not have a home. He asked me for my name and I told him and asked for his and he said Reynold. We spoke for about ten minutes. We shook hands and he thanked me for telling him that and coming over. I gave him the cash that I had on me and he thanked me for it. We exchanged numbers and I told him that I would keep in touch. 

I say all of this to say that God requires our obedience. He wants to know that you will be obedient to do what he instructs you to do. He is not moved by our sacrifice he is moved when we obey. When we say "Yes Lord I'll obey." God wanted to reveal to me that if you will obey me not only will this please me but I have something in store for your obedience. You will never know what is on the other side of your obedience and how that will help someone else.

I encourage you to choose to obey what God is telling you. If he is instructing you to move then do that. If he is telling you to trust him then do that. Whatever God is telling you to do, do it.

-Kristina