Humility

A life lived in humility is difficult. . .

I like to associate the word sacrifice with the word humility, both have similar meanings. Humility is an action where one seeks to help others, with no intention of receiving anything in return. We demonstrate humility by serving the Lord in and through our actions of love towards others.

“[Christ] Made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. . . and being found in appearance as a man, he humbled Himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross.” – Philippians 2:6, 8

Humility can be practiced in and through my vocation. I recognize the purposes for which I have been placed in the locations I am currently at. When at work, I have the opportunity to serve. It is my responsibility to learn how to have a good attitude by putting my heart and mind into everything I do, so I can learn to practice humility.

How can I better serve today?

Mikaela Nicole

What are you asking for?

Here is an old devotional I just pulled out. It was written almost a year ago for a missions trip I went on to Honduras, entitled . . .

What are you asking for?

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”Matthew 7:7 (NIV)

I found myself frantically running in all directions searching for the right answer to my insecurities. After reading this verse, it was as if a light dawned upon me when I recognized I failed to present my request before the Lord. Many times, we find ourselves searching for answers in the wrong places. As I reflect upon this passage, the words “desire” and “passion” come to mind. Are the desires of my heart aligned with the desires God wants me to have? Are my passions selfish or are they in response to my dependence on the Lord’s will?

Prayer is an illustration of our complete dependence upon God. Our willingness to present our requests to God demonstrates our faith and trust in Him. God is sovereign; He works all things for the good of those who love Him. Why then do we hesitate to go to Him first and foremost?

King David encourages us in Psalms 37:4 to “Delight yourself [ourselves] in the Lord and He will give you [us] the desires of your [our] heart[s].” It should be our goal to find full contentment in the Lord. As we seek to discover His truth in our lives, we will find ourselves surprised by how our desires change and are instead in tuned with the Lord’s desires for our lives.

“The clearest answer is found in the words of Jesus. ‘Ask and God will give it to you.’ The first step in understanding the Bible is asking God to help us.” Max Lucado

The Lord has placed each one of us on a specific mission’s trip for a reason. It is God’s desire to fulfill His purpose in each one of our lives. Let us take time to reflect upon the purposes of each team’s ministry. What would we like God to accomplish on the trip and in our life? Through our team members’ lives as we serve the Lord?

Before you go back to your daily routine, take time to stop and pray. Ask the Lord to make Himself known to you. I am amazed at the outcome of the events of my day when I choose to surrender my agenda before the Lord, delighting in Him, seeking to accomplish His desires. It is more fulfilling to live for the Lord than to live for myself. Listen to and observe those around you. Seek out individuals you sense need to be uplifted and affirmed. Recognize your teammates’ ability to be used by the Lord. It is therefore my encouragement for you, to feel loved by the Lord and those around you.

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Mikaela Nicole

Transparency

Effective leaders are transparent. . .

Everyday I have the opportunity to make or break the people I come in contact with. If my actions and motives are selfish, I guarantee I will probably break the person I come in contact with.

As a teacher, my attitude towards life will be reflected in my actions directed at my students. Therefore, I must surrender my will to the Lord daily and set aside those things I wish to accomplish in my own personal agenda, be it with friends, family, relationships, or future aspirations.

It is difficult for the human mind to only focus on present occurring events. Our minds rush to focusing on our own personal future. It is in those instances I am learning to be careful, because I begin to worry about or imagine things I should not be trying to take control of.

Christ calls us to live life to its fullest and to cast all of our anxieties upon Him. Failure to do so results in lack of maturity and faith.

As a friend, I must learn to meet the needs of those I care for. Sometimes the best way to let my friend know that I love and care for them is to be silent and wait patiently.

"You simply have to be yourself -at any age -as God made you, available to Him so that He can work in and through you to bring about His kingdom and His glory." - Luci Swindoll

I am therefore, learning to be always transparent. Navigating through life is a journey, but may I never forget that it is first and foremost a blessing. I have the opportunity to count each day as a privilege and make the most of it. The interactions and conversations I have with others are a gift. Each person has blessed me in their own unique way.

Learn to be transparent; never afraid to be yourself; the person God created you to be.

May you feel loved and appreciated today.

Mikaela Nicole

Entry # 1

Welcome to my Blog!

This blog is intended to illustrate my thought, opinion, and purpose.

Blogging is a good way for me to demonstrate to my viewers what is on my mind. With the fast paced life and technology today, many people are beginning to lose their ability to effectively communicate their thoughts and ideas.

These words, are an expression of my life. Thank you for following.

Mikaela Nicole