Conviction and Judgement

Genesis 3:8 "And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden"

And then there was conviction! This is a continuation of the "Ignorance of Bliss" post so, if you haven't read it take a moment to check it out. Once Adam and Eve realized they had wronged God they were overcome by the spirit of conviction. That is a feeling that I know all too well. As children of God we cannot do wrong and not feel convicted by our actions. Just as Adam and Eve did we tend to run even further from God which plays even further into the plan of the devil. We stop praying, praising, and worshiping because we feel as though we are unworthy of the Kingdom, which is ultimately true.

This situation with Adam and Eve was the first implication of God's grace and mercy towards us. Although they deserved to die for being disobedient to God (after all He had done for them) He spared their lives and forgave them. BUT, His forgiveness did not come without consequence. Just as many of us can be found guilty of doing, Adam and Eve tried to justify their actions. Adam even had the audacity to try to blame God in Genesis 3:12 saying "The woman whom YOU gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate". Have you ever blamed everybody else for your actions except for yourself? My pastor says "The most painful diagnosis is self-diagnosis". We have the most difficult time seeing our faults and holding ourselves accountable for our actions.

We are sinful beings by nature which means we all know or will know the feeling of conviction. It is in these moments that we are able to gain knowledge and grow mentally and spiritually. Don't ignore it!

#FearlessFAITH 

Ignorance is Bliss

Genesis 2:25 " And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed"  

As a part of my goals for 2016 I've made a commitment to start and complete the "Bible in a Year". (And now that you all know you all can hold me accountable) As I was reading Genesis 3 the quote "Ignorance is Bliss" came to mind. Now, this quote is often misunderstood and misused so I thought we should delve into it today. Ignorance is simply defined as the lack of knowledge or education. Having defined that term I think we can admit to possessing ignorance in some areas. Now, moving on to the word bliss, which is simply defined as a state of extreme happiness. Incorporating the two definitions gives us a better understanding of the quote thus defining the quote in its entirety as being happy because you simply have no knowledge of anything that will inhibit said happiness.

So why did this come to mind while reading Genesis 3? Well, life in the garden of Eden (Genesis 2:8-25) seemed to be well. God had provided all Adam's needs. He had given him food, shelter, work, and a help-meet. Both, Adam and Eve, were given the knowledge they needed for the task that had been assigned to them. They were happy, blissful if you will, because they had no reason not to be. Then in comes the serpent with his tactics of temptation convincing Eve to go against the instructions of God and just like many of us she fell into the trap. Although the Bible doesn't specially make mention of it I'm sure Eve thought she was happier in her ignorance than she was with the knowledge she had gained in knowing good and evil. Ignorance truly was Bliss for them.

As for us today, we must understand that there are some things that God intended for us not to know or experience. Not because He strives to deprive us, but because He has promised to protect us. Eve may have been the first to fall victim to the deceiving behavior of the devil, but she surely wasn't the last. We've all had our eyes on a forbidden "tree" perhaps many forbidden trees and most of us have probably fell victim just as Eve did. Yes, satan is still successfully using the same tactics today as he did in the beginning of time. He tries to interfere with the communication between you and God (Genesis 3:1 "Has God indeed said, 'You Shall not eat of every tree of the garden'?") when you know God told you otherwise (Genesis 2:16-17). He tries to convince you that God is a "softy" and will not punish you as He said He would (Genesis 3:4-5). In all of this the very thing that God has told you that you should not desire satan then makes you desire it (Genesis 3:6) and after you have acquired it you realize it wasn't all that the devil hyped it up to be.

#FearlessFAITH #IgnoranceIsBliss  

Seek on Fleek!

1 Chronicles 16:11 Search for The Lord and His Strength! Seek His Face Always!

Winding down the month of January peeps & we pray that our posts have been helpful in putting this year in the right perspective. We must prepare and we must adhere to the Will of God to live a more pleasing life to Him! A great part of making God smile is getting to know Him. As we continue to prepare ourselves for a fantastic year in Christ let's make it our business to explore more of God. I mean think about it. Doesn't it make you feel special when someone you love genuinely tries to learn you. Anyone who cares about you wants to know your dislikes and your likes in hopes of being one of the few people who makes your day.

Show God that you care by taking time out of your day to spend with Him. This is applied for every day. Let's not make it just one day out of the week or during mid week Bible study but EVERY day. He is deserving of your time because He gave it to you, to us! Wouldn't you want to get to know the Person that created you in the womb? The Person that died for you? The Person that continues to bless you in your filth? Remember, our goodness is but filthy rags in comparison to such a Holy God. No, we rather take MORE time out doing everything else but getting to know Jesus. Let's break that habit. Encourage your family to collectively spend more time with God or your spouse, friends etc...if those are people who seem to capture more of your time than God. Sacrifice five mins in the morning. Then another five throughout your day and end with five at night. Keep that 5-5-5 in mind then add to it. Let nothing and I mean NOTHING stop you from getting all that you can on this earth in regards of a growing relationship with your Father. The reason the world is in bad shape is because the church is in bad shape. People need to see us seeking Jesus daily. If we don't lift Him up, then we have missed the point completely.

#SeekHim #SmileChallenge #PrepareToProsper2016

Be the One

Philippians 2:4 "Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others" 

Hello FRIDAY!!! Let's get right into it! When I was a teenager learning to drive my mother told me "when you are behind the wheel it is important to look out for yourself and everyone else around you". For the most part that instruction has helped keep my driving record "okay".  I have now come to realize that this concept can be applied to life in general especially as a young woman seeking continual growth in Christ. As saved individuals it is our duty to be the hand that uplifts versus the hand that pushes people down. Giving or uplifting is not limited to things of monetary value and in most instances those things that aren't of monetary value have the most value. Honestly, people that are at low points in their lives aren't necessarily hurting financially. Usually it is spiritually, mentally, emotionally, or physically. So, simply lending your ear to listen or your mouth to encourage can make a huge difference in the life of someone who has reached that point. Sometimes even just your presence can change atmosphere because your presence should mean God's presence.

While our personal salvation is only enough to save ourselves the results of that salvation should reflect in how we treat others. Understand that none of this is solely about us individually, but it is about the body of Christ as a whole. Never cease to observe and be in prayer for those who surround you. Blessings flow from hand to hand and heart to heart which means we can't let our blessings stop with us we have to use those blessings to bless others. Don't wait on others to do what you see needs to be done or said YOU BE THE ONE!!!

#FearlessFAITH #BeTheOne

Be Prepared

Luke 21:36 "But keep on the alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man."

On our quest of renewal in this new month and in this new year we must be prepared to endure all that comes with that process. Understand that when you open up and hand over your life to God the devil and his counterparts will not be pleased. You then become a "traitor" and the "enemy" since you no longer fight for him rather you are now fighting against him. Don't be alarmed by the obstacles you will face because no matter what it looks like the victory is already yours. You may feel a since of emptiness overcome you at some point along your journey and that is okay. That point of emptiness is such a critical point in the process because it is in that moment you are able to see that God has purged you of all things that aren't of him (hurt, bitterness, jealously, anger, unforgiveness, and etc.). Your emptiness is indicative that greater is coming and that it is now time for Him (God) to pour into you and fill you up with His Word, His love, His kindness, His trust, His forgiveness, and so on so be prepared. Others will embark on the same journey as you; however, you are only to be concerned with yourself prepare yourself so that you are lost in darkness. Recall "The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins" in Matthew 25. Preparation was key and that still holds true today. How will you prepare?

Preparation is studying the Word of God and understanding the tools you need to for the circumstances and situations that awaits you. 

#BePrepared 

Smile!

Hello people! It is Friday and today's topic is simply the word, "smile." I know we usually go into the year wondering what God has planned for us. We write our desires down sometimes too quickly. When was the last time we asked God, "What does He want from us oppose to what we want from Him?" This year, YES year, I challenged us all to make God smile. Believe it or not He makes us smile every day! Even on those seemingly bad days, His Spirit is right there comforting us back to perfect Joy.

It is already written in His Word that He will never leave us nor forsake us. His promises are declared throughout The Bible to His people. So relax! It is going to work out! We should be more inclined to explore more of Him and living what we read day to day! Everyone falls short which means everyone has something they need to improve. I pray our worship is more pleasing. I pray our lifestyle screams Jesus LIVES! Let's give more not just to people we know. Allow God to use you in front of perfect strangers. Remember, we could be entertaining angels. Allow God to improve you this year. Make Him proud! He is your Father, right? Let us all strive to make Dad smile!

#SmileChallenge #MoreofYOU #Selfless2016

Shattered by Shame, Restored by Grace

Shattered by Shame, Restored by Grace by Megan Sullivan

1 Peter 5:10 "But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you" 

As we work to renew, re-educate, and redirect ourselves this month we prepare ourselves for God's restoration. Over the weekend I had the opportunity to read the book shown above "Shattered by Shame Restored by Grace" by Megan Sullivan. This book is packed with life lessons that many of us can relate to in some way or another. Shattered by Shame Restored by Grace teaches us to always be obedient and trust God no matter how bad we perceive the situation. We all may have situations occurring in our lives but we are not to let those situations overtake our lives. God can amazingly take our "mess" and turn it into a message, our test and turn it into a testimony. Understand that as children of God He is always in the midst of every situation and that it is our job to seek Him, listen to Him, and follow His guide. Get ready to be restored!!!  

This book is a good read and it is available for purchase on Amazon. 

Megan, it takes a strong-minded, faith-filled person to share their life on such an intimate level. Thank you so much for allowing God to use you.    

Surrender It All

Matthew 16:24-25 " Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it." 

Are you ready? It's the first MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY of 2016!!! Now, before you dive into the year with unrealistic expectations for yourself to achieve take a moment to check out Fearlessly CHALLENGED. Understand that this is a marathon, NOT a sprint so we have to pace ourselves as we grow and transform. Can we agree that there is nothing we can set out to achieve without God? Okay, good. With that being understood we must surrender ourselves to Him. Allow Him to go through and sort out what should remain and what should go in the year ahead. Make a decision to let God enter in to build the foundation for our lives as we move forward. If you already have a solid foundation then continue building upon that according to God's will, God's direction, and God's love.

The struggle to return to work/school this morning is over! Now it is time to go after what is yours during this time of newness.

#FearlessFAITH #2016

It's 2016!!!!

2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." 

WE MADE IT!!! It's a new year and what a wonderful year this shall be! If this is your first time reading our blog we welcome you and if you are a returning reader we thank you for your continued support. Please take a moment to visit our redesigned website Fearless FAITH. There you will be able to Fearlessly MEDITATE, get Fearlessly FOCUSED, and be Fearlessly CHALLENGED. We would like all of our readers to subscribe and prayerfully consider joining us in our quest for continued mental and spiritual growth.

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU
This motto has become increasingly popular during this time of year while simultaneously being heavily criticized on social media. The new year brings new hope for those who are in need of change. Those who have hope also have faith and wherever there is faith there is opportunity; opportunity for God to manifest. Think about the last time you started something new, it was an amazing feeling right? Whether it be a new career, a new school, or a new relationship there is just an undeniable feeling of excitement. The excitement of the endless possibilities ahead whether it ends in a lesson, a blessing, or both. Do not be discouraged from setting goals and making life changes due to the opinions of others. Surround yourself with people and resources that will help you and encourage you to be even better than you set out to be. Challenge yourself but most importantly believe in yourself. Here at Fearless FAITH we celebrate newness every day, every week, every month, and every year and we encourage you to set goals for the new year and if you're not sure where or how to start check out our page Fearlessly CHALLENGED for an easy guide for setting goals for this new year.

Growth is a form of change; therefore, as we grow we change. As our thoughts change our minds are transformed then as our minds are transformed our hearts are filled with God's love and strength. Our vernacular changes, our processes change, then our perspective changes. We start to see things that aren't as though they were. We start to understand things from a spiritual mindset versus a worldly mindset. Things that were perceived as unattainable are now within reach. Now, you are able to see why Jack or Jill didn't want you to tap into the newness that God afforded you. Water that seed that God planted in you during your season of drought. It's time to Renew, Re-educate, and Re-direct!!!

Fearlessly FOCUSED
As we enter into this new year we want to focus preparing ourselves for the changes and opportunities ahead. Therefore, our focus this month is to renew, re-educate, and re-direct.

Renew 
Romans 12:2 is the "go to" scripture for renewal as it is most applicable to today's spiritual struggle. It is so easy to get caught up in the ways of the world as there are so many ways for its ideals to infiltrate our minds. Before Fearless FAITH we (Kim and Marissa) use to encourage one another to die to self DAILY. We must understand that there is a daily struggle between us as Christians and the world that calls for daily renewal to stay on the path that God has for us. That means we must spend time with God not just for an hour and a half on Sundays, but everyday.

Re-educate
In order to live by the Word we must know the Word 2 Timothy 2:15. The most beautiful thing about the Bible is that you can read the same scripture over and over and each time receive a different revelation. This is because as our minds mature spiritually so does our eyes allowing us to see and interpret things differently. That is why it is so important to re-educate ourselves understanding that we can never be too wise and there is always a chance to go deeper into the Word of God.

Re-direct
The renewing and the re-educating will work together to redirect you towards God and His will for your life (1 Chronicles 22:19). Often times we get distracted and those distractions cause us to lose our way. Aren't we thankful that our God is so faithful to us that even in our deviation He finds a way to show us the way back to Him.

As we set out to take on this new year we ENCOURAGE you to set goals and/or resolutions. We look forward to you to joining in with us on our monthly focuses, challenges, and meditations to keep you going throughout your journey. Have a safe and happy new year!

#FearlessFAITH #2016 #SetGoals