None of us like to be corrected when we make a mistake or fail to do something we needed to do.  But being corrected doesn't mean you are a failure.  And, don't let pride cause you to reject any discipline given.  Being humble within the situation will help you avoid extremes.  


If we don't learn to take correction, advice or discipline from another then how can we learn or grow as a mature person?


How we respond to the criticism will be an indicator of our wisdom and maturity.  Resist being defensive about receiving criticism.  


We don't have to like criticism or discipline to accept it.


Hebrews 12:11 - "For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it."

God is with us all day, every moment of every day.  What about when we're faced with an assault, either on ourselves or our family?  Do we stand up for Christ and have the courage to be ridiculed or even tortured for Christ?  


God will give us what we need, when we need it. The Holy Spirit will use things to help us be ready when the hour of testing comes.  But, we must be ready ahead of time.  Set your mind on heavenly things.  Don't live your life stressed out, worrying about what could happen or depressed about the future.  


We shouldn't be surprised at the trials we face in life.  God talks about it in the bible.  Read it for yourself.  


Are you denying Christ in your life?  This could be as simple as not giving God credit for something He's done in your life. 


Pray daily.  Pray that you aren't arrogant enough to think you can get through life on your own.  Pray that God helps you depend on Him ONLY.


If we deny Him, then He will deny us before God. Think about it.


Matthew 10:33 - "But whoever denies Me before men, I also will deny before My Father who is in heaven."

Are you a Christian in name only?  Are you constantly repenting from your sins?  You can express your faith not only in word, but also in deed.  Faith is not authentic unless it responds to life in certain ways.  You must have a changed life that demonstrates a willingness to obey God in all things.  


We should be striving to please God continually, not just when it's convenient for us.  We should be taking the time to understand others before jumping to conclusions.  This is what usually gets us into trouble.  Listen carefully before speaking your mind.


Have self-control when you are being attacked.  Being a good listener is a Godly skill.  Understand what's being said to you and if it is an attack, try and let God's Holy Spirit fill you with an overwhelming peace.  Then answer with humility.


It does no one any good to lash out at someone that is attacking you.  You'll be surprised at how your lack of anger may calm them at the same time.  


Listen, slowly speak in love.


Ephesians 4:26 - "Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger."

Read this in my devotion this morning and it stuck with me:  "If we continue to seek Him, we will continue to see Him."


Seeking God's face is a conscious choice.  Instead of just mentally coasting through your day today, stop and mentally, quietly, try to see Him.  God reveals Himself to us in His word.  Without reading the Word then it's almost impossible to understand this concept.  Am I always doing this?  No, but I strive to do this.  I try to see God in everything I do.  Some days I fail, others I thrive on feeling His presence and watching Him move obstacles out of my way.


The world and all it's stumbling blocks will totally throw us off track to where we're blinded by God's presence.  The great obstacle to seeking God is pride.  So, humility is essential to seeking God.


If you look for Him, He will reveal Himself to you.  Are you doing this today?  Are you seeking Him?


1 Chronicles 16:11 - "Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always."

It's easy to be faithful and upbeat/happy when things are going your way.  But, how about when things are dull, same thing every day, nothing's changing.  Are we faithful then?  Are we thanking God for the a new day and new opportunities?


It's easy to lose our passion, easy to get discouraged.  It really doesn't take much faith when things are going well, getting good breaks, everything is falling into place.  


There is something going on, whether you see it or not, when you're faithful in the routine; your character is being developed, your spiritual muscles are getting stronger.  You are being prepared for where God is taking you.  The routineness of life is not exciting, but it is necessary.  


God is always preparing us for something greater, something better than what we could ever imagine.  


Are you being excellent where God has you now?  You'll never make it there if you're not faithful where you are.  Sometimes God is not changing the circumstances because He's using the circumstances to change us.


Stay faithful friends.  God sees your faithfulness today.


Exodus 19:5 - "Now then, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own possession among all the peoples, for all the earth is Mine;"

Did you start out bold for Christ, but sometimes find yourself discouraged, overwhelmed by society's demands?  Sometimes we fail to see in the natural the unfolding of earthly situations in relationship to what God is doing in the spiritual realm.


If we want to hear God's voice, we have to be close enough to hear Him.  We can't be afraid of what people might think of us if they know we're identified with Him.  


Are you a risk-taker for Christ?  Or are you sitting on the sidelines, hoping someone else will do it.


Fear is best described by this acronym:  False Evidence Appearing Real.


Many times what we fear doesn't even happen.  We're wasting our energy, time and sanity on useless negative thoughts.


Be courageous for Christ.  After all, He hung on the cross for you.


2 Timothy 1:7 - "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."

God is clear in His instructions to us.  We are to be set apart from the world, but this doesn't mean that we just hibernate in a cave, away from everyone.  In fact, God commands us to go into the world and make disciples in His name.  We are to seek out those who are lost and tell them about Jesus.


To be set apart means that God has His hand on us for a specific purpose.  Even though we may not be a preacher or in the ministry, our ministry is in the day to day living.  We are set apart for His purpose.  He will build character in us so that when it's time for us to 'go on the frontlines' we will be ready.


Don't get drug down by the evil in this world. Set yourself apart and listen to what God is calling you to do.  It could be as simple as walking across the street and inviting your neighbor over for dinner!


Romans 12:2 - "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

This is what God is doing for us right now.  Fighting our battles.  Moving unseen obstacles.  Those who are Christians, who are living for God, this is the hope we have each day.


There are probably things going on in your life right now that you're not even aware of.  There are dangers ahead that God is stepping in and fighting for you.  There are obstacles that God is working to remove, right now, to get you to the destination ahead.


Little faith is not a permanent label.  Even if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, nothing is impossible for you.

Think about it.  If we  have little faith, then little glory is seen through us.


He's fighting for us right now, don't discount this.  Whatever obstacles are in your way, He knows how to move.


Mark 11:23 - "Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be taken up and thrown into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him."