Change of Plans



Things don't always go according to plan. God is apparently choosing to teach me this principle by experience. The last few days issues have popped up unannounced, plans have changed direction in a moment, and circumstances have kept me from my regular schedule.

Usually I struggle with unforeseen troubles. I like order. I like predictability. I like to know what's going on and when.

However, living for God is never predictable. Serving Him means that we allow Him to cut into our schedules and interject His plan.

David was just fine chilling on the hillsides, watching his father's sheep and writing poetry. Yet, God popped in and had him anointed to be king of Israel.  The widow woman had planned to make  her last meal for herself and her son, but God sent over the prophet who asked her to give him the last that she had. Her obedience saved her life and the life of her son during a great famine.

All twelve disciples were out living their own lives when Jesus walked through and called them off of their previous posts. Their acceptance of His call transformed them and the rest of the world through them forever.

Would we even know who these people were if they had shunned the call of God? What would have happened to them if they had resisted the sudden change of plans that God produced?

When God shows up in your life and points you something that wasn't even on your schedule, don't balk at His request. If what He's showing you seems entirely out of your range of thinking, don't push it aside in fear.

Go after what He's showing you! Accept the call that He's placed on you! There is only be greatness and success in following His Word. Don't allow your limited thinking keep you out of your destined purpose in Him. Who knows? God's call could save your life, the life of someone else, or the destiny of this entire world.

Verse of the Day: ...I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me. Isaiah 6:8

Let's DO It!

I'm still meditating on becoming God's MVP. Becoming God's best requires a hefty load of sacrifice.

Think about the MVP's of sports teams. They're usually the ones practicing longer. They always push themselves harder. They see their weaknesses and turn them into strengths. They study their craft. They eat, drink, and breathe their sport. They don't settle for second best.

How much more should we push ourselves to please God with our lives? We should be giving our all to turn into the beings He created us to be. We should be working to turn our weak areas into strong ones through His Holy Spirit. We should take the quality time to study His Word. We should eat, drink, and breathe the things of God. We shouldn't settle for second best.

Don't trick yourself into thinking that mediocre is okay. Just living is not your purpose. God has implanted you in this world for greatness! Press a little harder and be great! Don't just imagine what God can do with you... Go out and be those things that you see in your mind.

Yes, it will take some work. I'm sure it will take some time. But don't give up! Don't get tired of pressing toward the goal! There's greatness out there that you can reach. You cannot fail with God on your side!

No matter what He has called you to do, don't do it in an average way. Do it in an excellent fashion. Take it to an extraordinary level. Showcase the big God who gave you that goal, dream, and vision. Our God is awesome! Let your life reflect His awesome power in every way.

Verse of the Day: Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. Ephesians 3:20, 21

Still on the Pottery Wheel...

It's one thing to know God's Word. It's another thing to live God's Word.

Lately my cry has been Psalm 51:10 - Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. It seems like I am encountering situations that are making my fleshly side sit up at attention. I'm recognizing my reactions and responses, and I know that God is not pleased. Shoot, I'm not pleased!

I was in prayer on yesterday asking God to cleanse my heart and make me more like Him. I realized that God was allowing these circumstances to come to show me the places where I still need work and deliverance.

I was just thanking God for my progress and celebrating my spiritual growth, and God shifted me back into the repair lane. He showed me that I wasn't as together as I thought I was.

I can only be grateful. My God loves me so much that He wants me to be the best I can be! He cares that I embody His love fully, and that I live my life as a total witness to what His transforming power can do.

Don't lose heart when God allows you to go through His purifying fire. Yes, it is painful to see our faults. It is difficult to change into the image of Christ. Our flesh doesn't want to follow God's ways, and it chafes under His pruning hand.

However, there is joy in knowing that we are living in a way that pleases the Father! There is peace when we know that our every action brings a smile to His face! It also boots our witness when we can share honestly how the Word has changed us and transformed us into new creatures.

Stay in the fire! Don't give in. You're being made into His image.

Verse of the Day: But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand. Isaiah 64:8

God's Faithful Love

We're back at it again, Saints! How was your weekend? Mine was AWESOME! God came and visited me and my family. I am so blessed to have heard from heaven and am so encouraged in my walk with Him. All it takes is one word from God to turn any situation around.

I'm so grateful for God's love. Today I am meditating on the faithfulness of God's love. It is the one thing that never fails! No matter what we do, where we go, what's going on, or how we feel.... God's love is still right there.

We may have times were we don't feel His love or think that He has abandoned us. Yet, it's only a smokescreen. God never fails! He's always there to encourage, uplift, and embrace us.

When we stumble and fall, His hand is always outstretched for us to grab onto. Even when we turn our backs on Him, He still stands ready and waiting for us to come back to Him. And when we do, He receives us back into His love with no condemnation. His mercy flows out to us anew.

Isn't God so good?!

Make sure you give God some praise today for His faithful love. Thank Him for remaining faithful to you even when you wavered in your walk with Him. Spend some time giving Him some love back today. He deserves our affections and gratitude.

Verse of the Day: The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. Jeremiah 31:3

Thanksgiving Friday!

The world is yours!

Today is a great day to be full of Thanksgiving! God has been good to us, hasn't He?
I am so excited about what God is doing in my life, and I am excited about what I am doing for His Kingdom.

This week our Apostle has been teaching on becoming the Most Valuable Player. If God told you that He wanted you to be the MVP in your arena this time next year, what would you have to do to get there? What things would have to be shut down? What qualities would have to be strengthened? What gifts need to be sharpened?

It's pretty awesome when you sit down and think about it. God has created us all to be the best of the best. He has already placed inside us all the tools we need to succeed. So why aren't we out there lighting up the court?

Let's put aside fear, complacency, procrasination, fear, apathy, laziness, intimidation...did I say fear? Let's put all those things to the side and focus on what God originally blessed us with. We have the greatest assets of anyone! We should use them instead of letting them sit stagnant!

Be encouraged. You can do it! Have a blessed weekend...

Verse of the Day: For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10

Pumping The Brakes

This morning was shaping out to be one of those days. Before I even got logged on to my computer people were walking up with requests that could not wait. I logged on only to find out I was filling in for someone who didn't feel it was necessary to inform me of their absence (a constant offence). The phone was buzzing, work was waiting, people were asking, and my patience level was quickly diminishing.

Thank God for the word we chewed on yesterday! (Philippians 4:4-8) The Holy Spirit brought the verses back to my remembrance, and I had to pump my brakes. I took a deep breath, said a prayer, and gave my frustrations to God. I thought about the bigger picture. I even said a few words over my absent co-worker.

You know what?

My whole mood changed. Even though I was in the midst of all the same chaos, work, and demands, I was able to see things from a whole 'nother point of view. God's point of view. I was filled with peace and able to smile.

Perfect example of why it's important to spend time in God's Word: You never know when you're going to need it!

What Word are you standing on today? Don't let it go! Hold on and have a fabulous day no matter what!

Verse of the Day: Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105

Chew on This!

Sometimes it's just good to meditate on God's Word. It speaks for itself and is powerful enough to change your thinking, attitude, and behavior on it's own. Commentaries aren't always necessary.

Today, I'd like to leave you with a few verses to chew on. Don't just breeze through them. Read them slowly and think about what the words really mean. Then re-read it again. Allow the Lord to minister to you through His word.

Have a blessed day!

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Philippians 4:4-8

Get Your SHINE On!

God has blessed all of us with valuable talents, gifts, abilities, and qualities. However, we often play down our assets fearful of being seen as vain or prideful.

"You did a fabulous job on that presentation!" Well, you know I barely pulled that thing off. It was nearly a disaster!
"You have the prettiest smile." Girl, after seven years of braces, I better!
"You really threw down in the kitchen today!" I just put a lil' something together, that's all...

Stop diminishing your shine! When people notice your God-given traits, don't brush it off as something minimal. Embrace your beauty! Embrace your gifts! Own your talents and skills!

God didn't bless you with what you have just for you to play it off as something regular. You are extraordinary and unique! That's exactly what He created you to be! You can embrace your specialness without being prideful. There is a way to say "thank you" without being haughty.

The humble aren't invisible or silent. It's just that when the humble speak, they give honor to whom honor is due. They remember that it's the God who created them who gave them all that they have. They know that any praise or thanks they get really belongs to Him.

So, when you get your compliments and folks recognize your shine, don't dim the lights! Just shine your light on the One who lit the fire in the first place.

I see you shining! Keep up the great work!

Verse of the Day: Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. Isaiah 60:1

Did You Get It In Writing?

Before we begin, just want to give a Father's Day shout out to my Dad. He is the best father a girl could ever ask for! I'm so grateful for all he has done for my family, church, and countless others. Love you, Dad!

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For as long as I can remember I've kept a journal. I have countless notebooks everywhere filled with my writings. I've kept diaries, written poetry, started novels, sketched out plays, and jotted down ideas. I've also kept journals of my times with God.

I have notes from Sunday services, revelations from my personal time with God, and my personal prayers written down in their own special books. I make a point to go back through these books to read and remember my spiritual journey.

Last night I received encouragement just re-reading a word that the Lord had given me one night while I was in prayer. Looking over His thoughts and instructions for me helped me to sharpen my focus and gave me reassurance.

Whenever God speaks to your heart, take the time to write it down so you can have a record of exactly what He said. Over time, our brains can get fuzzy and we can lose the essence of what was originally given. Writing while the words are still fresh will ensure that we can stay continually blessed from what God has said.

Think of how you use the Bible and continue to go to its pages for instruction, strength, and assurance. We know exactly what God requires of us because it's right there written down plainly for us to see. How much more can you gain strength from what God has personally revealed to you in your individual walk with Him?

Every word from God should be cherished and treasured. Make sure you write it down, so you can get the full impact of His words.

Verse of the Day: Follow my advice, my son; always treasure my commands. Obey my commands and live! Guard my instructions as you guard your own eyes. Tie them on your fingers as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Proverbs 7:1-3

Thanksgiving Friday!

Today I am a little sleepy, ya'll. Was up early and in the bed late yesterday, so I'm feeling it now. Still, I am thankful! God is so so good.

I'm grateful for the privilege to work with some fabulous young people. I'm telling you, no matter how much we may shake our heads and worry about the next generation, there are some young ones who are on the track of greatness. I am consistently impressed and motivated by their hunger to make their mark in the world.

Take a moment and do something positive for the children and teenagers that are coming up behind you. You never know how much of an impact your words or service will have. Plus, you could be the one voice of 'reason' that they respond to. You never know!

Lord, bless these teens and keep them on the straight and narrow.

I'm also thankful for change. There's a couple of friends of mine who are moving to new places, shifting to new jobs, entering into marriage... There's change going on all around me. I'm happy for them, and I'm excited too because I know that my turns coming! God I thank you for blessing the ones that I love, and I pray that they continue to follow Your lead and guidance.

Be sure to give God some praise and thanksgiving today. Have a great weekend!

Verse of the Day: Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD. Psalm 34:11

Zip the Lips!

Currently I am on a quest to diminish and eventually eradicate my complaining. It's gotten to the point where I notice when I'm in the middle of the complaint, and I get ticked at myself for what I'm saying. It's just so unnecessary. Half the time nobody's around to hear me groan anyway.

Things are bound to happen that we don't appreciate, and people are going to act in ways that make us cringe. There is a time and place to acknowledge those moments. However, every little thing that rubs us the wrong way does not need an accompanying comment of derision.

As Christians, we are the salt of the earth. (Matthew 5:13) We are supposed to be living our lives in a way that "seasons" the world with God's love. Walking around spreading our sour grapes is counter-intuitive to our mission. We should be speaking life. We should be recognizing the good in others. We should be praising and uplifting those around us.

Also, we have been blessed with the privilege to live our lives in direct fellowship with the Creator of this universe! We live with the benefit of being His children and with the knowledge that we will spend eternity in heavenly splendor! Every moment we breathe should embody our remembrance and gratitude for these things.

So, that one person messed up. - A-gain. Yeah, it's extremely hot out, and you hate the heat. Your boss is getting on your nerves with the same old foolishness. Yes, you have to repeat the same thing to the same people over and over and over again!

Trust me - out of anybody - I GET IT! But, we also need to get an understanding of Whose we are and what we have been blessed with.

We're King's kids! Blessed by the Best and headed for eternal glory. Those other things are minuscule in comparison! Let's zip our lips and keep it moving.

Verse of the Day: Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. Ephesians 4:29

Yeah, He Knows Your Heart Alright...

One of the top phrases that sets my "Fake and Phony Meter" off is God knows my heart.

I have no issue with the phrase, I have issues with the users of the phrase. More often than not the speakers of this line utilize it to appear like they care about the things of God, but they really just want to do their own thing.

The line is given as a trite excuse, a lame cover-up, and a token get-out-of-service-free card. I've seen it used so many different ways:

I know I don't attend church regularly... but God knows my heart.
I would give tithes to the church, but I have this trip I'm saving for... God knows my heart.
So I like to spend the occasional late night doing things that I know God doesn't approve of... He knows my heart.

Yeah, He knows your heart alright. He knows that deep down, you don't do all those things because you don't want to. He knows that your heart is not fully in love with Him because you still selfishly hold on to all the things that you want to despite His displeasure with them.

Think about what you're saying! God knows your heart. Think about it. Let it sink in. He knows the true reasons for everything you do. He knows how deeply you love Him. He knows how much you want to be obedient and follow His will.

He also knows how much you don't.

No condemnation. Just a little food for thought. Before you pull out that old tried and trite excuse that you love to lean on, be honest with yourself and God. Better the truth than a lie.

For those of you that use the words justly, I'm not knocking you. Just pray for the phrase abusers.

Verse of the Day: Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

The Fruit of Longsuffering

Did you know that one of the evidences that you are living in God's Spirit is that you are able to endure injury, trouble, or provocation long and patiently? That is the exact definition of longsuffering which is one of the Fruit of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22)

Just thinking on that shifts my entire outlook! A character trait that I'm supposed to have as a Christian is that I endure long periods of trouble. Could that be why all these things are swirling around me? Maybe God's trying to put some fruit of longsuffering on my tree!

When we encounter times of trials, we want God to fix things quick. We see it as our right as His children to ask Him to take away the pain and the suffering. We are king's kids! Nothing good should be withheld from us!

Yet, maybe those times of hurt and those times of heartache were allowed to foster the fruit of longsuffering in our lives. God may have allowed the pain to work on our patient trust in Him.

It's easy to trust someone that immediately responds, always has a ready word, and quickly moves on our behalf. It's much harder to wait - patiently - for someone to come through after we have asked (sometimes more than once) and a significant time period has elapsed.

Did they hear us the first time? Are they going to be able to fulfill the request? Do they even care? Can't they see that we're in trouble?!

All of those questions we should already have the answers to when it comes to our Heavenly Father. We should already know that he hears us, is able to help us, cares about us, and sees that we're hurting. Yet, it is in the times of extended trials that we are able to prove that to Him and to ourselves.

Can you continue to trust God in the midst of an extended trial? Do you have some fruit of longsuffering hanging from your spiritual tree?

As you continue to seek God concerning those issues that you are facing, allow Him to perfect the fruit of longsuffering in your life.

Verse of the Day: But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. 1 Peter 5:10

Afternoon Ti: Is It All A Dream?

Can I cut back in for a moment?


So, this morning I was doing my normal blog trolling – reading up on the latest news of the day, and getting my laughs in from my favorite blogs. I came across a new blog that had listed a quote from Terrance J, an on-air personality from BET:

…when following your dreams you will be temporarily inconvenienced…

Now, I know Terrance J may not be the most insightful person on the planet, but today that little line rang like a gong in my head. I found myself asking myself whether I was inconvenienced lately for my dreams. The answer was no.

It’s funny. I can put my life on a rigid schedule where I am up late after putting in 8 hours at the job, doing homework on my lunch, and going to the library for hours on Saturdays in order to get this Master’s degree.

But I can’t set aside a few moments consistently to accomplish the dreams that I hold dear. I can’t turn off the tv for a few moments. I find myself to be too exhausted to work. I get caught up in the little things and lose all my free time.

Clearly, I like dreaming. Living would just take too much more effort, I suppose.

So sad.

And so telling.

Evidently my dreams are not as important to me as I thought. I seriously need to get motivated.

Are you being ‘inconvenienced’ for a dream? I hope so! The payoff will be sweet.

Back to your regularly scheduled program…

Stick With It!

The Lord sees all that we do. He sees our faithful work, dedication, and drive. He hears our cries for help and is moved by our struggles. He sees it all, and He's working it all together for our good.

We can become discouraged at times from the day-to-day monotony of working our purpose in God. At times it can seem like what we're doing isn't worth it, that we're not appreciated, or that someone else is doing a much better job than we're trying to do.

As we continue to remain faithful, however, God has a way of causing every little thing to fit together in a beautiful story of fulfillment. We will reach a place where we can look back and see how God sustained us, elevated us, and caused us to do what we never would have dared to dream.

Don't get weary in well doing! Don't allow the cares of this world to keep you from finishing your work in God! Continue to persevere and stay with the call of God on your life!

Even Jesus had moments where He grew frustrated while ministering to people who weren't fully grasping what He was teaching. (Matthew 17:17) But He stuck with them, and those very men turned the world upside down after Jesus went back to glory.

Stay with the vision! Don't give up! If it's from God, your work is not in vain. God will reward your work in due season.  Keep on pressing... God's sending the blessing.

Verse of the Day: Thus saith the LORD; Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears: for thy work shall be rewarded, saith the LORD... Jeremiah 31:16a

Thanksgiving Friday!

Folks, another week has gone by! Can you believe it's June? Time is flying past!

Today I'm thankful for God's revelation. Last night, our church had an awesome Bible study learning about giving. It is so important that we have a Kingdom mindset! So often we're concerned about me, me, ME that we forget that our number one priority as a Christian is souls.

Yes, God wants you to live a blessed, happy, prosperous life. He wants your heart's desires to be fulfilled and your dreams to come true. But more than anything, He wants your unsaved neighbors, friends, and loved ones to experience His love in the same way that you do. For some, the only way that will happen is through your life's witness.

It's time for us to get our focus right! When we do, He take care of all those other things.

I'm so grateful for the wisdom that God has given to me. I'm also thankful for being able to let go of this big issue that's been weighing on me lately. Now that I've truly given it up, I feel so much better, and I trust God to handle what I myself could not.

Have a blessed weekend, Everyone. Make sure you go out and be a blessing to someone else, too!

Verse of the Day: But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33

God's Got Something Better

Recently I've been mulling over an outcome of a situation in my life. The result was not what I wanted or expected, and I've been wrestling with it ever since.

I've gone over the what ifs and the how comes. The why mes and maybe ifs showed up too. I found myself thinking of ways the verdict could be overturned and daydreaming about 'miracle' resolutions.

Last night I believe I finally bumped into reason.

God allowed what happened to happen. He saw fit to let me go through what I experienced. Yes, it may not have been what I wanted, but He allowed it just the same. If God allowed it, I have to accept that it's part of His will, and yesterday it dawned on me that there is something better out there.

If God allowed that door to close, it must mean that there's something better for me! No matter how much I may have thought the old thing was perfect, clearly it was not. God allowed it to leave my life because there is something better. I just need to trust Him.

I may say I trust God, but my behavior these last few weeks showed differently. God can do exceedingly, abundantly, above all that I can ask or think, so what's the use in me creating scenarios of what ifs and should haves? (Ephesians 3:20) I think I'll take His purpose over anything my brain can conjure up.

I give, Lord. I may not understand why it went down the way it did, but I trust that You wouldn't have allowed it if You didn't have something better lined up. Thanks for loving me enough to bring me to Your perfection.

Verse of the Day: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Change Starts With Me

I've been listening to my girl Joyce Meyer, and she has been preaching to me! This week she is airing some throwbacks, and the messages are on change.

Lately, my heart's cry has been for change. In every area of my life - literally - I see the need for change. My job, ministry, personal life... All of it is in need of a change.

However, in Joyce's messages, she made some good points. Often we cry out for change, but do nothing. Then we come back around the bend again, and complain about how things still need to change.

Change begins with us. When we cry out for change, that is an indicator for us to change something. Change is not just going to drop out of the sky simply because we recognized the need for it.

We have to change our thoughts, our behavior, our friends, whatever it may be, and it is our action that will spur the change that we seek. Even if all we can do is fast and pray about it, that is still a change in our behavior. Once we make the change in ourselves, we get in the position for God to work out the completion of that change. Joyce said it well: "When you do what you can, God will do what you cannot."

I have a lot of change that I'm seeking. Thus, I have a lot of things I need to get in motion. If I don't move, I really don't want the change. If I don't move, I really don't have a right to complain about how things are not the way I would like them to be. Change starts with me.

Verse of the Day: He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap. Ecclesiastes 11:4

Time to Let It Go

I like to think that I get along well with most people. There are very few folks who I don't care for right off the bat, and usually those folks turn out to have issues and cause problems. I like to think that my 'inner radar' saves me from a lot of drama. When it goes off, I pay attention.

However, living as long as I have, there are some people who have done me wrong or my family or my friends. Once you do me wrong, it's hard for me to let that go. I've been working on being more forgiving and letting go of grudges - or should I say, not creating any grudges.

Every now and then, something will happen that will cause me to remember things that happened a while ago, and I'll find myself still feeling anger and resentment toward a person who did me wrong. As much as I would like to think that I've moved on, I find that I still haven't fully forgiven others.

In those times, I take a moment to pray and ask God to give me a clean heart and a right spirit. (Psalm 51:10) I also pray for the individual who I felt wronged me and ask God to bless them. (Luke 6:28) Then I lay that situation on the altar for my heavenly Father to take care of. (1 Peter 5:7)

As we continue to grow, we must make sure that we are not neglecting our roots. We must make sure that old hurts and old grudges are not holding us back from new blessings. When the Holy Spirit reminds you of an area where things aren't right - even if it happened years ago - take some time to get your heart right with God. He's not bringing it back up just for you to have a moment of reflection, He wants you to have a moment of true growth.

Verse of the Day: I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings. Jeremiah 17:10

Show Some Love

Happy Monday, Everyone!

Our church has been going through the study The Blessed Life, and it has truly been a blessing to me. We recently viewed a dvd where the minister asked the question "Who is first in your life?"

As Christians, most of our knee-jerk answers would be God. Yet, if we would take a close, honest look at our day-to-day activities and behavior, God is not anywhere near first at all.

We may acknowledge Him, pray, and even read our Bibles every now and then. However, those times are often significantly shorter and occur less frequently than the times we spend watching tv, partaking in our favorite hobbies, and doing all the other things that take up our time every day. Even if we get a surprise block of time, do we even think to give some to God? (Be honest!)

We serve a jealous God. He wants all of us. He knows that we have to work, take care of our families, and have time for ourselves. He understands that. He's looking at our hearts. Our hearts reveal what we truly love. Our hearts show where we've placed our devotion. Do our hearts reflect our spoken love for God? Or, are we just giving Him lip service?

Just a thought to kick off your week. Let's love on God in both word and deed this week. Remember, as we pour out our love on Him, He will pour out His love on us, and our God is a fabulous giver!

Verse of the Day: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matthew 6:21

Thanksgiving Friday!

This has been a fabulous week! Mostly, because it zoomed by, and the weekend is here again!

I'm excited because I get to meet my mentees tomorrow. I am really looking forward to serving as a mentor. It's something I always wanted to do.

I'm grateful for God's goodness this week. He is so good to me in so many ways! God answered a simple prayer that I prayed this week in such a profound way. I couldn't help but give Him praise because I knew that it was His hand moving in the situation.

I'm so glad I serve a God who loves me so much that He'll even bless me with the little things I desire.

Thanks is also due to God for letting my family know that He has not forgotten us. He gave my family encouragement this week where my father's healing is concerned. I'm glad to know that God is still working on the miracle, and that we will not be forsaken.

What are you thankful to God for this week? Make sure you say 'thank you' and give Him some praise! Have a great weekend!

Verse of the Day: Thou hast given him his heart's desire, and hast not withholden the request of his lips. Psalm 21:2

Your Words Have Power

Words hold power.

God Himself demonstrated this fact when He created the universe. He merely spoke and things became. When He created man, He fashioned a creature in His image and likeness giving Him dominion over the earth. One of man's first assignments was to name the creatures of the earth. Whatever Adam called the being, that is what it became known as.

Our words hold power. Many people recognize what positive speaking and thinking can do for a person's outlook, behavior, and destiny. How much more can be accomplished through speaking the Word of God!

I often remember the story of Abraham when God challenged him to sacrifice his only son. Abraham had waited years for Isaac to be born. Then God asked him to give him up as a test of Abraham's love for God.

In the midst of facing his greatest heartbreak, Abraham's mouth stayed in faith. Even as his son inquired where the animal was for the sacrifice, Abraham merely stated, "The Lord will provide the lamb for the offering." (Genesis 22:8)

He didn't sink down into fear or despair. He didn't rail in anger. Abraham stayed in the position of faith down to his very words. And God honored Abraham's faith-filled words by providing a ram in the bush sparing Isaac's life. (Genesis 22:13)

How often do we allow pressures, trials, and concerns to cloud our speech? When we go through trials, do we continue to speak the Word of God? Do our mouths consistently reflect the God that we serve?

Don't allow your circumstances to circumvent your positive speech. Stand in faith believing that God will do what He said and speak His words of life. Your very breakthrough might depend on the words that come out of your mouth!

Verse of the Day: The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness. Proverbs 10:32

That's Love!

I am noticing a trend going on in the world. A lot of people are validating their behavior (or other's behavior) on the simple basis that "God is love."

God is love so I can do what makes me happy regardless of what the Bible might say about it being wrong. God is love so why would He not want you to do whatever pleases you? God is love so however you choose to display your 'love' is okay with me since all love comes from God.

People have equated God with a jolly man in the sky that just wants us all to have a good time, do whatever we feel, and act in whatever manner brings us joy. No matter what the Word might say. Any rebuttal against apparent is viewed as judgment - and you know the Bible says we shouldn't judge others.

It makes no sense. How can you describe God in one verse? Yes, God is love, but He told us that if we loved Him we would keep His commandments. (John 14:15) And it's those very commands that people break while shouting that God is okay with it because He is love.

It reminds me when I was a kid. I had loving parents that wanted me to enjoy life and be happy. But their love hurt sometimes. They had rules in the house. They set boundaries. I couldn't just act any way I chose. And when I did get out of line, they disciplined me. That discipline hurt.

Despite the hurt, I knew they were still acting in love. No matter how unfair I thought their rules and boundaries were, I knew they were doing what was best for me (if not at the time, I realized it later).

So it is with our Heavenly Father. Yes, He is loving and wants us all to enjoy our lives and live in happiness. But He also set rules for us in His Word. He created boundaries for our behavior. He put guidelines in place to make sure that we had the best life possible. (Hebrews 12:6)

Yes, it may sting that we can't just do what we want, when we want, and how we want. However, there is a reason for it all far beyond what we can see. If we love God, we'll trust that He is guiding us correctly.

We do serve a God who is love. But if we love Him at all, we'll get to know what He wants from us and live accordingly.

Verse of the Day: Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome. 1 John 5:3 (NLT)