This month, I found myself swept up in the "traditions" of Christianity while leaving my heart behind. It's been my discovery that this practice is not pleasing to God so, I let it go. Let's discuss!

Takeaways:
1. God is not pleased with routine. (Isaiah 58)
2. If your heart is not in it, it means nothing. (2 Corinthians 9:7)
3. Give god what He desires most: your heart.
4. Repent, be honest, and ask how you can move forward!

From the outside looking in, can others tell you're a Christian? We have to stop making conscious decisions to blend in and "relate" to the world. We are SET APART. It's high time we start acting like it. 

Takeaways:
1. We cannot serve two masters.
2. Standing in God's truth does and will pay off.
3. Scoffers/Haters are to be expected. 
4. There is beauty and wisdom in purity & consecration.

In light of 2023's vision board parties and vicious goal setting, we can find ourselves in a frenzy of selfish ambition and forced futures. It should not be so. As Christians, we are called to submit ourselves to Christ and in following His direction, find purpose and fulfillment. Let's dive in.

Takeaways:
1. Vision is God given.
2. A true mark of servanthood is submission.
3. It's okay to live day-by-day.
4. Focus on your current mission & trust you'll get your next one when it's time.
5. Selfish ambition is sin and rooted in anxiety and pride.

Key Scriptures:
James 3:14-16
James 4:13-16

Happy New Year, Valley Village!

As the end of 2022 approaches, we often become nostalgic and want to reflect on the closing chapter of the year. Let's.

Takeaways:
1. To reflect on your spiritual journey this year, think back on the storms, leaps of faiths, and challenges you've faced.
2. Reframe how you think about "unanswered" prayers in one of two ways: (1) you may have been asking for something on your time and not God's. or (2) He DID answer your prayer and you just (a) don't like what He said or (b) had different expectations of how He should've answered it. 
3. When you set goals and plans, check in with God and submit them to Him!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

In the last two weeks of 2022, we often reflect on our successes and failures of the year and make plans for the future. Have you ever considered reevaluating your metrics of success and bringing them into alignment with what God is pleased by? Let's discuss.

TakeAways:
1. Success can be defined as the accomplishment of God's will.
2. A successful Christian may not look successful to the world.
3. The goal is to store up Heavenly treasures, not just Earthly ones.
4. Poverty and prosperity gospels do not accurately describe God's plan for us. 
5. Small obedience leads to purpose. The fulfillment of purpose is success.

When God gives you a seed--be it an idea, business or gift, He is entrusting you to plant and take care of it. With this in mind, have you been doing the best you can?

TakeAways:
   1. The Parable of the Weeds (Matthew 13) teaches us to plant and watch for the enemy until harvest time.
   2. Procrastination, laziness, and inactivity are robbing you of your anointing and harvest (i.e. King Saul in 1 Samuel)
   3. Don't underestimate the necessity and impact of your seed. People need you! (i.e. Abraham)

Have you ever explored the thought that you may need to forgive God? Unforgiveness in our relationship with Him can harden our heart and weaken our faith.

Takeaways:
1. Realize your hurts, disappointments and perception of "unanswered" prayers are in your way. 
2. Demystify your relationship with God. In the same way that you need communication, healing and forgiveness in a regular relationship, you also need these things with God.
3. Remind yourself of His character and His promises. Go to Him about this and to His word. 
4. Create space for faith. Dare to dream again. Start planning out your vision again. Regain a faithful heart.

We've all had our fair share of problems with lust whether it be porn, fornication, fantasizing, or the like. Let's talk about how we can get help from God and for ourselves.

Takeaways:
1. Let go of your shame. Romans 8:1
2. Invite God into your struggles and be open to His correction. 1 Corinthians 3:16
3. Get ahead of your triggers and set yourself up for success.
4. Prioritize community and accountability partners to help you stay the course. 2 Timothy 2:22

Trusting God's timing is SO HARD sometimes. Let's talk about why we wait and how we can be a little more patient.

Takeaways:
1. Having less is not a punishment but an invitation.
2. Comparison is not worth the cost of being in God's will.
3. Let go of your timeline. It does not serve you.
4. Rushing the process can cost you longevity. {King Saul 1 Samuel 13}

We often get so wrapped up in ourselves that we forget to thank God for everything we have and how far we've come. Let's discuss.

Takeaways:
- Today was a prayer of yesterday.
- Acknowledge how far God has brought you and where you are now. 
- God's promises are not only material but transformative. 

Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesearethevalleys