A few years ago I regularly volunteered at a rescue mission. While there, I worked closely with the Pastor who over saw the location. As I watched him, there were some occasions I thought his temper was too short and he was too harsh. Of course there were many people there who needed help, but he would daily encounter people who were trying to take advantage of the system, harm other residents, or didn’t appreciate the help they were getting. I didn’t know the Pastor when he first started his job…how hopeful he was to make a difference…how passionate he was for those who were in need, but it was clear that dealing with negative, evil people had since hardened his heart.

There have been times that I willingly bought food for people in need on the street, but other days, because of people who were clearly trying to take advantage of my kindness, tried to ignore those who are in need.

Jesus made a powerful prophecy for the last days. He prophesied that BECAUSE of evil, the sincere love of many will grow cold.

Matthew 24:12 (NKJV)

¹² And because lawlessness (sin) will abound, the love of many will grow cold.

Has negativity, dysfunction, racism, violence…evil ever made you angry?

Do you have a family member or friend who has given so many chances to change that you don’t feel sorry for them any more?

Has being mistreated made you feel justified in disliking, or even hating someone?

When people seem to confirm negative stereotypes, does it push you towards racism?

Have those who abuse systems designed to help cause you to lose compassion for those who are truly in need?

Have you found yourself to love less? Be careful, because it can lead to being loveless.

The devil wants to use the evil in the world to harden your heart. He wants to find the right button(s) to press to make you the mirror image of that you see as evil.

Please don’t let allow the bad in the world to harden your heart.

BE BLESSTIFIED!

Everyone wants to look good. Men want to be handsome. Women want to be beautiful. Do you know anyone who doesn’t?

Many people work towards looking good and being healthy – and yes there is a difference. That’s why when you see or hear advertisements for gyms and diet plans, very rarely is it that they promote good health. Think about it. Most of the time it’s about…

Being sexy…

Being attractive…

Getting into shape…

Buns and abs…

Right?

We groom. We work out.  We watch our diets. We purchase clothes. We do what it takes to look and feel our best. We do what it takes to maintain our health and a good quality of life.

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There’s nothing wrong with wanting to look good as long as we don’t become obsessed. Consider what the word of God says…

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1 Timothy 4:8  (NKJV)

⁸ For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.

1 Peter 3:3-4  (NKJV)

³ Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— ⁴ rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.

The bible isn’t saying it’s a sin to ‘get your hair done’, wear jewelry or wear nice clothes. It’s saying that you shouldn’t rely on that to make your beautiful. It’s saying that your true beauty should come from the godliness that’s inside your heart. He wants you more concerned with your inner beauty than outer beauty.

Even those who don’t have the so-called characteristics that society deems ‘beautiful’ in the context of each individual’s culture, can be viewed as beautiful and attractive when you can see the light of God on the inside – their loving, vibrant, lively, humble spirit shines through!

Have you become obsessed with your appearance? Are you feeding your flesh more than your faith? How many times a day do you check yourself in the mirror?

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HAS YOUR MIRROR BECOME YOUR PLACE OF WORSHIP?

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Here is a great test to give yourself…

Are you spending more time with your face in a mirror than your bible?

Do you use the camera on your phone to view yourself more than you use your bible app?

Do you know anyone obsessed with their appearance? Is it you?

There’s a thin line between good health, looking your best and worshiping oneself.

Please don’t let your mirror become your place of worship.

BE BLESSTIFIED!