The Un-Perfect Walk with Christ (visit www.TristaDaniell.com for more content)

Is your walk with Christ perfect? If you’re anything like me probably not.

Living in the world of flesh is difficult. Our flesh wars against the Spirit of God that dwells in those who have accepted Christ, encouraging us to indulge in our passions/desires over the better things of God. It can be easy to get caught up in our desires and allow ourselves to become corrupted by sin, but we don’t have to stay that way. Those who follow The Way of Christ know the way to restoration and forgiveness – acceptance of the salvation offered through Christ’s death and resurrection to life. When are committed to following Christ, including diligent study of YHWH’s Word, prayer, worship and service to the Lord, we can be confident of God’s promise to transform us into the image of Christ (2 Corinth 3:18; Psalm 84:7; Romans 8:29). You may not be perfect in your walk today, but you are being transformed and perfection is coming as long as you remain in Christ (John 15:1 -8).

Can you imagine if the story of King David would have ended when he murdered Bathsheba’s husband to hide her pregnancy? Man would have certainly condemned him, but God said this is not the end (2 Samuel 11 – 12). What about Peter denying Christ to the Romans in the midst of Christ’s trial? Man would have said Peter was unworthy because he denounced Christ in His darkest hour (Luke 22:34; John 18: 15-27); but God said NO! Peter is My rock, I have called Him and I know his end from his beginning (Matthew 16:18). God told Joseph he was going to make his brothers bow down to him and the next thing you know Joseph was sold into slavery by his own brothers (Genesis 37), THEN falsely accused of rape and thrown in jail (Genesis 39)! By all accounts, it looked like Joseph’s “little dream” was just an illusion…but fast forward a bit and we find God did exactly what He promised (Genesis 41). Joseph was over the entire land of Egypt and His brothers did indeed come and bow down to him (Genesis 42 – 45).

Looks can be deceiving, especially in this world where everything we see is perception (John 7:24; 2 Corinth 10:7). What you look like today is only a reflection of who you are eternally in Christ (1 Corinth 13:12) --- and I say who you are, because it’s already done (Hebrew 10:10, 14); we’re just in the process of realizing, accepting and walking in it.

 “Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.” -1 John 3:2

You are called. You are loved. You are a child of God. Don’t let anybody tell you different.

Selah. 

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Are you called to consecration?

Are you willing to consecrate yourself to the Lord? What does it mean to consecrate: “To make or declare (something, typically a church) sacred; dedicate formally to a religious or divine purpose”. Not many are willing to do this. To consecrate yourself is to formally set yourself apart for the work of God and His work only. The consecrated enjoy a greater intimacy with Most High as a result of their consecration.

Consecration is not something one takes lightly. It’s not a vow to make rashly (Ecclesiastes 5:5-6; Proverbs 20:25) because it comes with great sacrifice [and greater reward]. The consecrated must be sincere in heart and devoted in Spirit because one cannot consecrate himself and return to the things that defiled him; this is an abomination to the Lord and He will not be pleased (2 Peter 2:20-21).

Some of us have been called to consecration. If you are called. You have been gifted with all you need to answer the call (Hebrew 13:21; Philippians 2:13; 2 Timothy 3:17). Praise God for His loving and patient hand. He will prepare those He has called to be consecrated unto Him; and when the time is ready, they who have been called will be holy in His sight (Ephesians 1:4; Leviticus 20:7; Colossians 1:22; 2 Timothy 2:21).

This is why King David still asks, “Now [this moment], who is willing to consecrate himself today [right now] to the Lord [God YHWH]?” 1 Chronicles 29:5

No need to fret. If you are called to consecration, God will make it plain and make it so. All you need to have is a willing Spirit and willingness to trust Him.

I AM SAYS TO THOSE HE HAS CALLED: Be at peace little one, for I AM has consecrated you to holiness. It has already been done. 

365 Days of Thanks...not just one.

“Now, our God, we give You thanks and praise Your glorious Name, Yahweh.” 1 Chronicles 29:13

The month of November reminds people to be thankful. We see daily expressions of thanks throughout social media as people join the “30 days of thanks” challenge and share their blessings with the world. It’s a beautiful idea, if only it lasted throughout the year. Sadly, after today many people will go back to the old habits of overlooking the things they have to be thankful for. Black Friday rolls around and suddenly all that we have to be thankful for has to compete with all the new stuff we don’t have. “Thankful” people are lining up outside of stores to buy a bunch of stuff they don’t need mere hours after sitting down to a meal to say how “thankful” they are for all they have.

This year, let us remember our gratitude should extend beyond a tradition and a social media post; our gratitude should extend from our hearts. It should be sincere. It should honestly and humbly appreciate all that we have each day.

True gratitude appreciates all it has, no matter how little, because it understands everything we have is a blessing someone else is praying and waiting to receive.

If you have shelter, food and a warm bed you’re abundantly blessed and have much to be thankful for. If you have indoor plumbing you’re abundantly blessed and have much to be thankful for. If you’re reading this without fear of ISIS or some other terrorist organization running into your home and terrorizing your life….you are abundantly blessed!






Let us remember to be thankful each day of the year, not just this day, because YHWH remembers to be faithful each day of the year and not just one…






Remember, we’re called to “….give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18; as a result we should be “giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:20 Ask yourself, are you?






You are called. You are loved. You are a child of God.

Are you too full for God? ('God, For Sinners' Devotional Series)

Do you know what a manger is? It’s a feeding trough that also serves as a bed for cattle.  It is definitely not a place for a baby, or a Savior.

But, this is exactly where Jesus was born.

In a cattle bed.

The Greek word for ‘inn’, kataluma, also means “a lodging place”. When Joseph arrived at the Inn with a visibly pregnant Mary, they learned there was no place for them because the inn was full.  Instead of welcoming the Savior of the World in comfort, Mary gave birth in some uncomfortable, unsanitary place and had to put the Son of God in a feeding trough. A feeding trough! (Luke 2:1-20)

Each inn had an opportunity to welcome the Savior of the world but they were too full to accept Him. We’re much like those inns.

We can be so preoccupied with the things of the world that we aren’t available to Christ. We put our personal desires before our relationship with Christ and have the audacity to require Him to compete for our hearts.  Our “inns” are “full” with the things of this world and, in consequence, Christ’s transforming power is limited in our lives.  

Have you welcomed Christ into the lodging place of your heart; or, have you allocated Him to the feeding troughs because you didn’t have room?

Our hearts were created to be a “lodging place” for the Lord to make His home with us. When we welcome Christ into our “lodging places” (hearts), we open the door for His transforming power to “give birth” to our “new life” in Christ.  But we must have room to let Him in.

Do you?

Selah.

Personal reflection: Set aside 15 – 30 minutes today and write out the things that take priority in your heart. Not sure what those things are?  Spend time in prayer asking YHWH to reveal these things.  As He does this, write them down in a devotional or prayer journal.

If God is not at the top of your list it’s time to do some rearranging. First, confess the sin of putting the things of the world before God in repentance and receive God’s forgiveness (it is important you receive forgiveness). Then, ask Holy Spirit to help you put God first in all things, especially your heart and trust that He will.

If you know someone who can support you your commitment to keeping God first, share with them and set aside time each week to discuss struggles and successes. 

Two types of Righteousness: Which are you? Follow me on Periscope: @JustTristaDRA

They say the religious kids are selfish....before you start screaming blasphemy...listen.

This morning I read this article  which said children raised in Christian and Muslim households are less likely to be altruistic that their atheist and non-religious counterparts. I'll admit, my initial reaction was one of defense - how dare these secular God hating individuals attack little Christian and Muslim kids this way. The religious people are the most selfless in the .....then I stopped mid-thought. I heard Spirit speak gently as always....

Read.

So I read the report...and of course there were a number of negative comments from those identifying as Christian or Muslim. However, as I stepped out of my feelings and gave the article some serious thought (based on my experiences growing up in a Christian Southern Baptist church) I had to be honest. Some of what they wrote is true...

I can't speak for the Muslim religion...but as pissed off as some Christians get over this article...it's raising some valid points. Christianity is filled with selfish adults! I mean REALLY SELFISH ADULTS. You have more "Christians" trying to show up their "haters" and cutting people off because the relationship doesn't benefit them". Let's be real, if you can only befriend someone who benefits you - that's selfishness! The Word tells us to associate with those who can help us and those who cannot, associating only with people whom you can benefit from is showing favoritism which is not in keeping with the Character of Christ (James 2:9).

Sadly, many in the church do not see the selfishness because churches aren't teaching about selflessness and love as much anymore (it's all about that "breakthrough" blessing, what God can do for me) ...even the service to God is done out of selfish motives (I just don't want to go to "hell" or I want to get my blessings). We have pastors and churches putting out fliers that look like concert advertisements promoting themselves over God, people attaching "sexy selfies" to posts that are supposed to be about word of God.... and let's not get started on the whole "we are right and everyone else is ignorant and wrong and doesn't have a clue in hell who God is" attitude...totally not humble like Jesus.

 Many of those opposed to expanding healthcare in American and immigration consider themselves "christian" in spite of the fact that these are exactly the kinds of selfless acts Christ encouraged His followers to do (help the poor, the immigrant and the sick). You have a number of Christians who use judgement to make themselves feel better about not helping certain groups of people and treating them with disdain...yet we say we're unselfish...we say we walk in love. Maybe, just maybe...the article isn't so far off... ...what if this was a call for each of us to look at ourselves and our walks, our churches and our teaching to see if it lines up with the walk and character of Christ versus defending ourselves as perfect. But I digress.

Living "blameless" in Christ....how? #Faith Follow me on Periscope @JustTristaDRA