A true friend vs an associate

Friendship is one of the most valuable assets one can have.  The bible states in Proverbs 18:24 that "there exists a friend sticking closer than a brother". It also shares that "bad associations spoil useful habits" in 1 Corinthians 15:33.  So, what is the difference between a true friend and an associate?  Should your mate be your friend first?  Do you know how to make and keep a good friend?  If you are young should your parents have a say in who you are friends with?  Are you friends with someone for the right reasons?  Are you friend worthy?  And are your friends worth having?  Tough but real questions. Definitely worth pondering on....

Hardwork

“How long should you try? Until.” ~ Jim Rohn

Work Ethic seems to be universally accepted as one of the most important factors contributing to one’s success. The harder you work – the more successful you’ll be. “Do a bunch by lunch…be a winner by dinner!” ~ Unknown.

And in this day and age, with so many things spiraling out of control and leaving us in tougher and tougher economic situations, it can feel good to get a grip and take charge over at least one aspect of our current situation that can have a significant impact on our future success. Although not necessarily easy to control, with the right mindset, and the right map, you’re sure to get to where you want to be a lot faster than from laying down, eating leftovers, and watching your favorite TV shows. 

Remember, “The most practical, beautiful, workable philosophy in the world won’t work – if you won’t.” ~ Unknown.

We’re not saying that breaks are bad. But, when you can align your life passion with purpose and persistence, the lines between ‘working’ and ‘playing’ dissolve and become one ever flowing part of your life. 

Find your passion, work extraordinarily hard on it (without really ‘working’), and take control of your future successes! 

Work

The difference between hard work and working hard is when you actually apply your hands to it. 

You can either stand off to the side and spectate and even say you are not cut out for this or it's too much for you to handle OR you can get your hands in the work and be a part of the legacy. 

The choice is yours ....

Love

..... and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

http://bible.com/1/matt 19.19.kjv

We often see this scripture with the emphasis on doing everything in our power to absolutely love our neighbor as the bible says to..........As we should. :)

But, we can really only love them as we love ourselves first. 

Right?? 

Spend time knowing how much God loves you, embrace and love it....then use it as your reference to extend the same to others.

Hard work

The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied - proverbs 13:4 

No doubt about it, hardwork pays off every single time!!!! 

What's in your hand?

A fellow Righteous Woman said to me a few months ago "what is in your hand?"

She addressed that question to me because she was encouraging me to step out and do what I am called to do and that all I need is in my hands.

Some, and I hope all of us have passions and desires and things we are excited about doing. And if you are like me and it doesn't require a lot, as in its second nature to you, then, it's also in your hands.

Be encouraged, as I was encouraged and step out into your calling. There is just not enough time to hold back anymore! 

Hanging on - for how long???

We pray and pray and pray for a sign, a signal, something to show up so we can move in a certain direction.

Sometimes, our prayers are self-centered and has nothing to do with God's

will.

Maybe the answer you need has already been revealed but you are still hanging on for the answer you want 

How long will that be? 

Daily

Make it a daily act to encourage at least one person. You never know what the person next to you is searching for. You never know what a little bit of encouragement, mercy, favor, grace can do for a person in desperate need. 

Bless someone today! 

Proud

Don't be ashamed of who God has called you to be. Don't hide behind it, don't water it down and definitely don't had suppress it.

Be proud of the work God has done in you and do your best to be confident in it 

Forgiveness

Forgiveness is when you take something someone has done to you and you crumble it up like a piece of paper and you throw it in the garbage - just as The Lord does with us. 

He never speaks of it again, never brings it up again, doesn't torment us with it.... He truly absolutely totale really forgets it.

This is our example....

Be

Don't be a people pleaser. Be a God pleaser!

More and better rewards in doing so.

Blessing

I encourage you to bless The Lord at all times. Let His praise and worship be continually in your mouth.

When things aren't going well, when things are great, when it all doesn't make any sense whatsoever..... try worshipping. Not just for what He can do (which He can and will) BUT for who He is (which He forever will be. 

Our Great Counselor who is also the Prince of Peace; a Lover of our souls and a Friend that's Mighty to save; He has Compassion and is a Strong tower; He is Worthy, Righteous and the Holy One; the Everlasting Father AND in all His deity, He still hears me whenever I call.

Now, that's love! 

Big and small

What are you believing God for? How big is it and how many little beginnings are you willing to put in? 

It's ok to think big but we all have to start somewhere....small.

You may know where you want to be in a year, five or ten years BUT it doesn't mean you are ready for that promise - you still have to go through the process.

Dive in and enjoy your small beginnings. They'll get you somewhere big....soon 

Trust

I remember an old worship song we used to sing "when Jesus says yes, nobody can say no". We literally sang that line over and over and over again, for as long as we wanted to. Back then, while that sounded extremely repetitious, it was and still is totally worth reminding! 

Jesus has the final say! 

Fight

Know in your heart that every battle or stronghold you face, fight, fear or win is not carnal. 

(For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places Eph.6.12.)

With that understanding, fight not with the carnal but with your spiritual strength. Pray, fast, seek counsel, hear and listen to what God has to say over you and your situation AND let that and that alone be the roadmap to your victory.

Commit

Commit yourself unto God daily. Set yourself apart from evil and wrongdoings. Make it a plan to do what is right and protect what is good.

Remember that you are fearfully and wonderfully made; therefore, be of good behavior.

Abstain from fleshly desires that only lead you to destruction. Those momentary desires will fade away but heavenly blessings are everlasting.

Blessed

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. 

Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. 

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. 

Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. 

Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. 

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 

Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

http://bible.com/1/mat.5.10.kjv

Character

It's pleasing to the heart to know that God's promises are yes and amen.

When He makes a promise, He keeps it. 

What about us? When we make a commitment to God, friends, family, neighbors and colleagues, can we be trusted to keep our word? 

Not only is this a trust issue, it also speaks of our character. Say what we mean, mean what we say, stand by our word, deliver as promised, be a good stewart, etc. 

Remember that we always leave an impression. So, choose what kind we will like to leave behind 

Your work

Whatsoever you desire to create with your own hands; or showcase of your work; or present as your passion, do it with great preparation, practice and timing. 

Knowing that your handprint, your reputation, your legacy will be tested, and tried; present with excellence! 

Happy New Day

Happy New Year Righteous Woman!

Take today as a brand new day, and not necessarily a brand new year. Stay focused as you always have. Don't drag your emotions into setting unrealistic goals and unattainable resolutions...all in the name of a new year.

I encourage you to take this day as another day and seek God with all your heart. Go after His will, direction and way; and trust that He will carry you through it all. 

One day at a time ladies...one day at a time...