Philippians 2:3 NLT, “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.”
This verse completely goes against what our culture promotes nowadays. Thinking of ourselves first is what we are encouraged to do. People trying to impress other people is often the norm, and humility is totally out of the question, because it is considered by many to be a sign of weakness. However, the Word of God assures us that these type of self centered actions will lead to a downfall, because they are rooted in pride, and pride comes before a fall (Proverbs 16:18).
Photo by: Andrea Piacquadio of Hungary 🇭🇺
While Jesus lived here on Earth, He lived a life of love and humility, yet He had all power in His hands. He never tried to exalt Himself above others, yet He was a King. He never compromised His standards, yet He took time out to be with people who were different from Him. Jesus always considered the needs of others and so should we. His words and actions proved that He considered the needs of others and so should ours.
I pray God will empower us to live according to His Word and not give in to any ungodly cultural norms. I also pray He would soften our hearts to walk in love daily by considering the needs of others.
14 But I trust in you, Lord; I say, “You are my God.” 15 My times are in your hands…Psalm 31:14-15 (NIV).
I’m very thankful for the way God holds each of our days safely in His hands. He is with us every step of the way guarding our paths. Only He has the ability to make sure that the details of our days go perfectly according to His plans. We don’t have to be anxious for anything. He faithfully provides all we need. His goodness and mercy follow us all the days of our lives. His unconditional love covers us no matter where we go.
Remembering how far God has brought me and the blessings He has given me, even over the last year as I’ve gone through many changes, makes my heart rejoice. I’m thankful to have the basic necessities of life and so much more. When we take time daily to reflect on the goodness of God, it makes a difference in our life. It enables us to see how amazing our God is, and how much He cares for us.
I pray that as you reflect on God’s goodness, your heart would be filled with thanksgiving, joy and hope. God’s Word declares that when we hope in Him, we will never be put to shame (Psalm 25:3).
Colossians 4:5 NLT, “Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity.”
This verse reminds us that as Christians our actions are on display. Non-believers are watching us to see if we live as we profess. God gives us daily opportunities to respond to those around us in love. He will give us the wisdom we need to live wisely and have an impact. He will give us the words to say when needed, words that will speak life and truth to those who are hurting.
It’s important for us to make the most of our opportunities, especially with the upheaval that is going on in our world today. The injustices and discrimination we see are not beyond God’s power. He sees all and knows all. Many feel hopeless, but through Jesus we can help bring hope. It is a privilege as a Christian to have the Spirit of God live through us and use us to do good.
Persist in prayer because prayer changes things. Persist in love because love never fails.
This month marks one year ago that my daughter graduated from college (May 1, 2019). I always loved my visits to the college campus, which was located right in the heart of Miami. Seeing the young adults around the campus as I drove to my daughter’s dorm, was a joyful experience for me. I felt excited for them. There was something about the atmosphere on the campus that seemed so fresh and promising.
Campus Main Entrance
During my daughter’s four years at the university, she was a resident in almost every dorm on campus. Moving her in and out of dorms became a part of our normal routine. Her favorite dwelling were the campus studio apartments that she stayed in during her final semester of her senior year. It was her first time being in her own personal space, without roommates or suite mates.
Campus Studio Apartments
I learned from watching and listening to her that dorm life is certainly not without challenges. However I’m thankful she was able to endure the ups and downs. She did amazing! I told her Panther Hall (the freshman dorm) would always be my favorite one because that is where her journey began. During her junior year (if I remember correctly), she lived in Everglades Hall. Everglades Hall always gave me a sense of sadness. The year before she moved in there, a young man was found in his room, he passed away from a drug overdose. He was a junior with one more year to go. My heart went out to his parents who lived out of state in North Carolina. Can you imagine getting that call?
Everglades Hall
I will always have fond memories of my college mom days. Especially our time together on the weekends, when she was able to come home for visits. Or those beautiful sunny Saturday afternoons I’d make my way to Miami (about an hour drive) to spend the day with her. Miami has many great restaurants, and we enjoyed visiting them!
The best vegan pizza I ever had!
As a college mom, prayer for my daughter was always of utmost importance. I knew that she was now a young adult who had to start making her own decisions and experience life for herself. That’s never an easy transition for a parent, and it’s prayer that helps us through. We have to trust God that the lessons we taught them will resonate. We have to trust that He has a good plan for their lives.
Photo by: Nguyễn Lâm
College students need our prayers. College is a tough time for a young adult. Many of them are out on their own for the first time. Not only do they have a whole lot of school work, but they also have peer pressure, pressure from society to follow a certain path, big decisions to make about their futures, and many other trials they are trying to work through. They need our support. So please join me in praying for our young adult college students. Thank you for your prayers!
Colossians 4:2 ESV, “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.”
As I was reflecting on Mother’s Day, some very valuable advice that was given to me by my cousin Sandra came to mind. She said, “Always pray for your daughter, because there is something special about a mother’s prayer.” My daughter who is now 23, was about 11 years old when Sandra spoke those words. Her words of wisdom have always stayed close to my heart.
I know my mother has diligently prayed for me throughout my life. Her prayers for me have made a difference, and they continue to do so. As mother’s, we are so blessed to have the gift of prayer. We can’t be everywhere, we can’t know everything, and we definitely can’t fix everything (although we may sometimes try), but our Lord can. Knowing that He is always present, and that He is never without answers, is what gives us peace as Mom’s.
God’s love covers everything, all the joys and the pains of motherhood. I’m so thankful for His love, because no matter what changes in our lives or the lives of our children, His love will never change. I pray you find never ending strength and hope as you continue to trust God for His best in the lives of your children. He hears your prayers and always has a plan, so never cease to pray for your children.
Happy Mother’s Day! 🌷💛🌷
1 Thessalonians 5:17 (KJB), “Pray without ceasing.”
1 Thessalonians 5:17 GNT, “Pray at all times,” 1 Thessalonians 5:17 NLT, “Never stop praying.”
Prayer, is our lifeline. Being able to constantly communicate with our Heavenly Father, anytime of day or night is an honor and a privilege. Rather we’re tucked away in our secret prayer closet, or driving down the street, we can talk to the Lord. I love that we can ask God for help as we go about our daily tasks or even when we’re struggling with a work assignment. We can trust Him to bring the clarity and direction we need, no matter what the situation is that we’re facing.
Photo by: Ric Rodrigues of Brazil 🇧🇷
Choosing to trust God in the midst of our storms, and in the midst of uncertainty is the same as choosing victory. There is absolutely no difference. We can’t lose when we choose Jesus. No matter how circumstances may look at the time, by faith we know that He has already won our battles.
Remember, we don’t have to have all the answers, we just need to have Jesus, He is the answer. His presence, strength, and peace will sustain us. Sometimes the answers to our prayers come in the most unexpected ways. You never know how, when, or through whom the Lord will move on your behalf. Therefore, my brothers and sisters in Christ, never stop praying.
Psalm 5:1-2 ESV, “O LORD, hear me as I pray; pay attention to my groaning. Give attention to the sound of my cry, my King and my God, for to you do I pray.”
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for hearing and answering our prayers. We don’t have to carry our own burdens, because we can cast them on you. We give you all of our worries, doubts, fears, brokenness and pain. Thank you for promising to supply all of our needs according to your riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Help us to find contentment and peace in you during these difficult times. Keep our minds sound and filled with your truth. Protect our bodies from illness and disease, and keep us safe and healthy. Thank you for comforting us through the trials that we face. You are always near, and we thank you for your continuous presence with us. Thank you that your Holy Spirit leads us on level ground as we trust in Him daily. Show us areas of our lives where we need to repent. Give us a pure heart, and help us to draw closer to You, as we diligently seek you each day. Teach us to represent you well in all that we say and do. Speak to our hearts about the things that should be a priority in our lives, and help us to obey your voice. Thank you Father for loving us with an everlasting love. Thank you for the power of prayer and the joy of thanksgiving. Through your power working in us, may we love you, love others, pray without ceasing, and be thankful always, this is your will for us in Christ Jesus. Greater is He who lives in us, than he who lives in the world! Thank you Father for who you are and for all that you do.
In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
Have a blessed day and keep trusting in our God, His faithfulness will never end.
Drawing Closer to Christ 