Walking in Love and Truth
Let's take a moment to reflect on the profound influence of our words and the people we associate with. Engaging in gossip and negative talk can drain our joy and disrupt our peace. Proverbs 18:21 says, "The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit." Therefore, it’s essential to be mindful of our speech and the company we keep. When we indulge in slander, we give the enemy a foothold in our lives, as Ephesians 4:27 warns, "And do not give the devil a foothold." Slander spreads like an infection, so we must diligently guard our hearts.
At the same time, isolating ourselves from those who struggle with sin isn’t always the solution. Galatians 6:1 advises, "Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted." Instead of cutting them off, we should aim to be godly examples, extending love and compassion. Who else will guide them, help them grow, and disciple them if not us? Love, as described in 1 Corinthians 13:7, "always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." It binds us to one another and to the Lord, uplifting rather than excluding.
Steps to Overcome
1. Reflect Christ in Your Actions :
Show love, patience, and understanding to those around you. Be a godly example. (1 Peter 2:12: "Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.")
2. Guard Your Heart :
Be mindful of the conversations you engage in and avoid slander and gossip. (Proverbs 4:23: "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.")
3. Stay Connected :
Build a community of strong believers who can support you and help you grow in your faith. (Hebrews 10:24-25: "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.")
4. Pray and Seek God :
Continuously seek God's guidance and wisdom in all your interactions and decisions. (James 1:5: "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.")
James 4:7 reminds us, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." When we draw near to God and resist the devil, we find peace and strength. By loving and supporting those who struggle, we fulfill the command in Galatians 5:14, "For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"
Let's create an environment where God's love and truth prevail, lifting each other up and growing together in faith. Remember, love binds us together and strengthens our walk with the Lord. Let us be examples of Christ's love, helping those who need guidance and support.
God bless you all! 🙏
- @JayJayasuriya
Faith Over Fear | Christ Centered Business Owners | ☕️ CoffeeTALK with Misty + Jay
Christ Centered Business Owners
Your Business as a Ministry: Reflecting Christ in the Marketplace
As we kick off another day of creativity and hard work, let's remember the incredible opportunity we have to use our businesses as platforms for ministry. Each day, we have the chance to reflect God's love, grace, and truth in every interaction and transaction.
Let’s remember that our businesses are more than just a means to an end; they are opportunities to reflect Christ’s love, serve others, and build a Godly culture. Here are five ways to use our businesses as ministry:
1. Reflect Christ in All You Do :
- Scripture : Colossians 3:23 reminds us, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters."
- Insight : Let your dedication and excellence in business be a testament to God's work in you. Showcase integrity and compassion, mirroring the character of Jesus.
2. Serve with Love :
- Scripture : Galatians 5:13 encourages us, "Serve one another humbly in love."
- Insight : Our businesses give us unique opportunities to serve others. Approach your clients, employees, and partners with a servant’s heart. Show genuine care and concern for their well-being, going the extra mile for a client or supporting a fellow entrepreneur.
3. Share Your Faith :
- Scripture : 1 Peter 3:15 says, "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have."
- Insight : Don’t be afraid to share the hope you have in Christ. Your story of faith can inspire and uplift those around you, encouraging others with the difference Christ has made in your life.
4. Build a Godly Culture :
- Scripture : Proverbs 16:3 reminds us, "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans."
- Insight : Create an environment where biblical principles are lived out. Encourage integrity, compassion, and excellence. Let your workplace be a beacon of light and positivity.
5. Pray for Your Business :
- Scripture : James 1:5 promises, "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."
- Insight : Seek God's guidance and wisdom in all decisions. Make prayer a cornerstone of your relationship with God concerning your business, and seek His blessing over every aspect of it.
Let's be intentional today about using our businesses not just as a means to an end, but as a platform to glorify God and impact lives for His kingdom. Together, we can create a ripple effect of faith, hope, and love in the marketplace.
May your day be blessed, and your business be a beacon of Christ’s light! 🙏✨
#URministry #ChristCenteredBusinessOwners #FaithInBusiness #GodPreneurs #ChristCenteredEntrepreneurs #BusinessAsMinistry #MarketplaceMinistry #CCBO
Why it's Important to include a Videographer in your Wedding Budget
As wedding videographers, we've often heard couples express regret over not hiring a professional to capture their special day. The truth is, your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and ensuring every precious moment is preserved is crucial. Here's why investing in a professional wedding videographer is worth every penny:
1. Capture the Full Spectrum of Emotions:
Unlike photos, videos capture the dynamic range of emotions throughout your day, from the vows and speeches to the laughter and tears at the reception.
2. Preserve Live Reactions and Sounds: Videos encapsulate not just the sights but also the sounds of your day. From your "I do's" to the cheer of your guests, these auditory memories are priceless.
3. Miss Nothing:
Often, you’ll be busy during the wedding; a videographer ensures that none of the special moments go unnoticed, from a tear rolling down a parent’s cheek to friends busting moves on the dance floor.
4. Professional Quality:
With professional equipment and expertise, videographers deliver high-quality visuals and sound, ensuring that your wedding film is something you’re proud to show off.
5. More Than Just a Video—An Heirloom:
A well-crafted wedding video serves as a family heirloom that can be cherished for generations, capturing the essence of your family's history.
6. Storytelling:
A skilled videographer doesn’t just capture events but weaves them into a compelling story, complete with all the emotions, energy, and love of your wedding day.
7. Unplugged Guests:
With a professional handling the video, your guests are free to enjoy the moment without distraction, ensuring their presence is felt rather than viewed through a phone screen.
Wedding Videos Types Typically Offered:
- Teaser REEL: A quick preview of your wedding day, perfect for sharing on social media.
- Highlight REEL: The most popular option, capturing the essence of your day in a few minutes.
- Ceremony Cut: A focused film on your ceremony, capturing every moment from multiple angles.
- Documentary: A longer format that details almost every aspect of your wedding day, often running up to an hour.
Remember, wedding cinematography can often be as costly as photography due to the extensive post-production required to craft your story. However, the ability to relive your wedding day, with all its emotions and beauty, is truly invaluable.
In conclusion, a wedding videographer is not just an expense but an essential investment in preserving your memories. The value of a beautifully crafted wedding video grows over time, becoming a treasured keepsake you'll return to again and again to relive one of the most joyful days of your life.
Learn more about our services @UnityREEL : www.UnityREEL.info
How to Ensure You Are Absolutely Hearing from God vs. the Enemy
Hearing from God is one of the most vital aspects of a Christian's spiritual journey. However, distinguishing between God's voice and the enemy's can be challenging. Here are some key principles and scriptures to help ensure you are hearing from God and not from the enemy.
1. God’s Nature: Gentle and Peaceful
God’s voice is gentle, peaceful, and never rushed. He is patient and kind.
- Isaiah 30:21 (NIV): “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.”
- 1 Kings 19:12 (NIV): “After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.”
God speaks in a still, small voice, encouraging and guiding without force or haste. The enemy, however, often tries to rush, pressure, or push us into decisions.
2. Alignment with Scripture
God will never say something that contradicts His Word. The Bible is the ultimate authority and the foundation of truth.
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV): “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
- Psalm 119:105 (NIV): “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
Anything you hear should be checked against the Bible. If it contradicts Scripture, it is not from God.
3. Confirmation through Prayer and Peace
God’s direction will often be confirmed through prayer and bring peace, not confusion.
- Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV): “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
- Colossians 3:15 (NIV): “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”
If you feel a sense of peace after praying about a decision, it is likely from God. The enemy’s voice often brings anxiety, fear, and confusion.
4. Counsel from Godly Advisors
Seek counsel from mature, godly Christians who can provide wisdom and discernment.
- Proverbs 11:14 (NIV): “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.”
- Proverbs 15:22 (NIV): “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”
God often confirms His guidance through the counsel of wise and trusted believers.
5. Discernment through the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit helps us discern truth from falsehood. Ask for His guidance and discernment.
- John 16:13 (NIV): “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.”
- 1 John 4:1 (NIV): “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
Rely on the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth and to reveal any deception from the enemy.
6. Testing the Spirits
Scripture instructs us to test the spirits to see whether they are from God.
- 1 John 4:1-3 (NIV): “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God.”
The enemy often uses doubt, lies, and confusion to lead us astray. Testing the spirits helps ensure we are hearing from God.
7. Examine the Fruit
The results of following God’s voice will produce good fruit in your life and the lives of others.
- Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV): “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
- Matthew 7:16-20 (NIV): “By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.”
If the guidance leads to the fruit of the Spirit, it is likely from God. The enemy's influence, conversely, often results in discord, strife, and negativity.
8. Obedience to God’s Commands
God’s voice will always lead you to obey His commands and live righteously.
- John 14:15 (NIV): “If you love me, keep my commands.”
- James 1:22 (NIV): “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
True guidance from God will align with His commandments and encourage righteous living.
Conclusion
Hearing from God requires discernment, prayer, and alignment with His Word. By relying on the Holy Spirit, seeking godly counsel, and examining the fruit of your decisions, you can ensure that you are following God’s voice and not the enemy’s deception. Stay rooted in Scripture, remain prayerful, and trust in God’s gentle and guiding presence in your life.
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