This isn't a masquerade but we are trying to portray someone else when living this life as a Christ-follower. A life that exhibits the virtues and actions in Romans 12 will help other people to see past who we are and onto someone else. This is the hope as Christians so that we can share who Jesus is with people. But even if you don't believe in Him, you cannot deny these acts of service and love because of what they are.

Matthew 11:28-30 ESV

28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Following Jesus and enjoying life are not opposite ends of the spectrum. Let's connect to find out more about how that can look in your own life.

Let's connect on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn!

This isn't a masquerade but we are trying to portray someone else when living this life as a Christ-follower. A life that exhibits the virtues and actions in Romans 12 will help other people to see past who we are and onto someone else. This is the hope as Christians so that we can share who Jesus is with people. But even if you don't believe in Him, you cannot deny these acts of service and love because of what they are. 

Romans 12:9-13 ESV

9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

Following Jesus and enjoying life are not opposite ends of the spectrum. Let's connect to find out more about how that can look in your own life.

Let's connect on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn!

Today, I just felt like checking in on you. Every now and then we need to be reminded that the things we feel are okay. Your story isn't over. Please don't give up on the bigger picture. Feel free to make adjustments and pivots but don't walk away. People love you and care about you. If you need someone to talk with, I'm always here.

No particular verse was discussed today but this is one of my favorites that does deal with this sort of encouragement. 

Romans 8:28 ESV

28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Following Jesus and enjoying life are not opposite ends of the spectrum. Let's connect to find out more about how that can look in your own life.

Let's connect on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn!

The starting lines are full of excited partakers. But the finish line is not as populated. Not enough people have the patience or dedication to see a commitment through. Your life has no doubt been full of new and exciting seasons. The end of a thing comes with a much more gratifying and satisfying feeling because you walked through the entire process to the end. Hang in and hang on, you've got this. 

Ecclesiastes 7:8 ESV

8 Better is the end of a thing than its beginning,
and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.

Following Jesus and enjoying life are not opposite ends of the spectrum. Let's connect to find out more about how that can look in your own life.

Let's connect on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn!

We are striving for money, power, and success. It's in every commercial and advertisement across the different media platforms. But the greatest way to live a blessed life is to exhibit the fruit of the Spirit in your everyday. Study these fruits and God will begin to ripen them in your life. Intentionally follow Him today. You got this. 

Galatians 5:22-23 ESV

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Following Jesus and enjoying life are not opposite ends of the spectrum. Let's connect to find out more about how that can look in your own life.

Let's connect on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn!

There is a time and a season for just about everything. I'm sure you have experienced a good amount of transition and change in your life. The new outfit once was excited but now you're ready to throw it out. Your old job once had that fresh and exciting energy. Now you've lost a loved one and don't know how you should feel or live going forward. Make space to mourn. Feel the emotion of loss and grief. Take the time to listen and learn during those moments. Then you'll experience growth as you move forward from that heartache. 

Ecclesiastes 3:3 ESV

4 a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

Following Jesus and enjoying life are not opposite ends of the spectrum. Let's connect to find out more about how that can look in your own life.

Let's connect on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn!

The world is full of work and hustle. Every advertisement is encouraging you on how you can do more with less time, less effort, and for less money. But we fill our cups to the top without prioritizing some of the most important things. Rest and recovery are a huge part of life that we try to push off for the very end. What if you thought of your rest as a foundational part of your growth? Give yourself the permission and allowance to rest on a regular basis. 

Genesis 2:1-3 ESV

1 Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. 2 And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. 3 So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation.

Following Jesus and enjoying life are not opposite ends of the spectrum. Let's connect to find out more about how that can look in your own life.

Let's connect on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn!

The currency of worry only buys heartache. Your life is one big process that you can either worry and stress over or you can let go and let God work. Everything is playing a role in forming the person that you are going to become. Seek the opportunity to value and get the most out of each day in order to let go of some stress. 

Philippians 4:6 ESV

6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Following Jesus and enjoying life are not opposite ends of the spectrum. Let's connect to find out more about how that can look in your own life.

Let's connect on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn!

Is there a limit on your love? If you require some measure of performance before you can show or serve with love then stop and reflect on what Christ's love has done in your own life. If we are seeking to imitate His life on this earth, then we'll need the help of the Holy Spirit to love an enemy and serve a counterpart in such a way that does not glorify ourselves. This is a hard and challenging task but it is not impossible. Higher your love limit by lowering your expectation of return. 

Romans 5:6-8 ESV

6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Following Jesus and enjoying life are not opposite ends of the spectrum. Let's connect to find out more about how that can look in your own life.

Let's connect on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn!

This lesson from Luke 2 is an interesting moment. We see Jesus being an astonishing and talented student while still in his youth. Achieving this type of educational intrigue at the age of 12 is amazing but not the goal I'm asking you to seek for yourself or your children. Instead, take an honest look and assessment as to how earnestly you're seeking wisdom and insight into your faith. Be humble and seek God. I'm praying for you. 

Luke 2:42-49 ESV

42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom. 43 And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, 44 but supposing him to be in the group they went a day's journey, but then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances, 45 and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.” 49 And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?”

Following Jesus and enjoying life are not opposite ends of the spectrum. Let's connect to find out more about how that can look in your own life.

Let's connect on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn!