Afternoon Ti: 10 Reasons Why I'm Glad I'm Saved

Okay, so we all know the top 2 reasons why it's great to be a Christian: serving the One True God and being blessed with eternal life. Now, I'd like to list my Top 10 Reasons Why I'm Glad I'm Saved (in no particular order):

1. The Creator of the Universe considers me His friend... and not just an acquaintance-type friend, but a true friend. He'll let me as close as I want to get to Him.

2. I have a guidebook (the Bible) to help me through any situation I face.

3. I can get in contact with my God 24/7 every day of the week at any time, and He's actually hearing me.

4. I am blessed beyond measure!

5. I no longer have to be condemned in my sins. I've been redeemed!

6. Following His word gets you back way more than you put in.

7. Christians (the real ones) are some pretty awesome individuals. I'm glad to be a part of that number.

8. The One who knows and controls whats going on right now and in the future is guiding my footsteps... I can't go wrong!

9. It makes me feel so special considering the great sacrifice that Jesus went through just for little ol' me.

10. I am living a life now that's pre-set for me to win over the enemy. No matter what, I know I'm a winner!

Why are you glad to be saved? Let a sista know!

Thanksgiving Friday!

Happy Friday, Everyone! These weeks keep flying by! It's about to be August. Can you believe it?

I am so thankful for answered prayer. I have been holding up some things before God for a while, and God gave me one answer this week! It's right on time and exactly what I was believing for. Hallelujah! God is so good! Thank you, Jesus.

I am also thankful for health and strength. God has blessed me to be a healthy individual, and that is a priceless gift. I do not like being sick. I can't remember the last time I had to take a sick day.

Yet, even when faced with illness, my God is a healer. I am thankful that He is also restoring my father's health and bringing him back to tip-top shape! By Jesus' stripes, my father was healed, and I thank God for the manifestation! (1 Peter 2:24)

What are you thankful for today?

Well, take a moment and give God some thanks!  ...Also, check in some time this afternoon. There'll be some Afternoon Ti for you!

Have a blessed weekend!

Verse of the Day: And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD: it shall rejoice in his salvation. Psalm 35:9

Don't Miss Your Answer!

Could that really be it, Lord?

Yesterday I talked about keeping the faith and continuing to expect God's promises to be fulfilled no matter how much time passes. I used the example of the father who kept watch for his prodigal son from a parable Jesus taught.

When the prodigal son returned, he was drastically changed from how he was when he origanally left home. The son left home rich, full of life, and filled with a spirit of revelry. After his luxurious partying, a famine came and the boy had no more money. The best job he could find was feeding pigs, and he was so hungry that he would have eaten what the pigs were munching on!

One can only imagine the downtrodden, emaciated, dirty, and bedraggled boy that made his way back home. In spite of his altered appearance, his father saw him, and - even from afar - knew that it was his son!

Sometimes we can see our promise coming toward us, but we overlook it because it doesn't look like what we believe our promise should. We have in our minds exactly how our promise should be, so we fail to acknowledge our answered prayer when it comes.

That is why it's so important to have a relationship with the Father. It's key to spend quality time talking to Him and hearing His voice. That way, when He sends things across our paths, we know exactly what they are and what to do with them.

The young man who you just give a passing acknowledgement to just might be your husband. That hobby you just think as fun may be your direct line to prosperity. Those ideas you have might lead to your purpose if you walk them out.

So, as you stay in expectancy for the fulfillment of God's promise, keep your eyes peeled for the answer. It might be staring you in the face!

Verse of the Day: Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. Jeremiah 33:3

Keep the Faith!

In Luke 15, Jesus tells the parable of the Prodigal Son. Usually we look at this passage focusing on the boy who runs off and parties away his inheiritance only to be welcomed back with love and forgiveness by his father. But, I feel that we can learn a lot from the father as well.

In this story, the father is a representation of our Heavenly Father. We directly see how he shows love, forgiveness, and generosity to his son. But we can also see an example of faith and hope.

Luke 15:20 states that the son was a great ways off when his father saw him coming. That means that the father had to be looking far down the road with the hopes that his son would return.

Who knows how long the son was gone? It could have been a week, a few months, or a couple years! Yet, the father maintained his belief and hope that his son would return. He continued to look down the road. He never gave up.

Many times we grab onto God's promises only to lose our hope after time passes and we have yet to see it happen. We may stay on the wall for a few days, even a few months. But, with the passage of time, we can start to second-guess ourselves and doubt that God will fulfill His promise to us.

We stop looking down the road.

Don't give up! Don't give in! God will keep His promise to you! Keep your faith and maintain your hope. No matter how long it takes, God will come through for you when the time is right.

Keep looking down the road. You never know: Today could be the day your promise comes walking toward you.

Verse of the Day: As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him. 2 Samuel 22:31

Let's Celebrate!

Excuse me while I get
my praise dance on!

I'm in an odd mood (for me, at least). Usually, I'm pretty laid-back, mellow, and serene. That's not happening today. In fact, I believe I've felt this way before. Apparently, the bug is back!

Today, I feel like celebrating! I don't know what it is or why. Nothing's really changed. I still have the same things before God as yesterday. I haven't gotten a huge testimony or breakthrough overnight or anything. Still, I find myself joyful today.

Why not go with it?

And since you're reading this, you have to go with it too. Today you've got to put on your happy face. No sadness or depression for you today. No ho-hum or blase' attitude either. Time to perk up and find the cheer!

No use for just one of us to be feeling all extra-good for no apparent reason...

Now, let's justify this out-of-the-blue happy:

Today is a beautiful day! We are alive and breathing. The world is still spinning, and we have another opportunity to make an impact in it.

What else...?

We serve a Wonderful God! In fact, He's the One True God, the Maker of the Universe! And we have been given the privilege of being able to converse with Him one-on-one. Despite our sinful flesh, He sees us as righteous beings because we have accepted His Son, Jesus, as Lord.

He's even bequeathed to us a divine purpose, a reason for our existence on the earth. With that purpose, He has given us every tool we will need to finish the work He has called us to. Our every talent, skill, creative thought, and personality fit well within God's purpose for us.

Ah-mazing!

On top of that, He's blessed us with His everlasting love, the majesty of His peace, and the greatness of His grace. No matter what comes our way, we're safe in God's hands. -- Gotta love it!

So, let's celebrate today! Let's put on a smile, indulge in a laugh, and let God's joy take over. The only reason we need is that we serve a great God. No further explanation necessary.

Have a joyful, happy, beautiful, wonderful, amazing, gorgeous day!

Verse of the Day: Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance. Acts 2:28

Giving to God Works!

I've never really had an issue with giving. I was raised to be a tither and a giver, and I have seen God's blessings as a result. So, I know that principle works!

In fact, my first car came as a result of me confessing, sowing monetary seeds, and believing God for it. Pretty much every time I put something in the basket, I confessed God's word over my situation. I had no real money, no job, and no way of knowing how it was going to happen. I hadn't even asked my parents for one. But, on the day I graduated from high school, my prayers were answered, and I received my first vehicle paid in full.

Since that time, I have steadily increased my giving to God. I give my regular tithes and offerings, plus I give some monies monthly to a charity that I believe in. I have also challenged myself to give an 'extra' something per paycheck to someone or some cause that God brings across my path.

Now, I'm no millionaire or baller by any stretch of the imagination --- yet. However, my every need has always been met. Physically, spiritually, and mentally. I have never been in lack for anything!

I have a peace in my mind and heart that passes all understanding. God has kept me through so many difficulties and times when I wasn't sure what would happen. Each time He made a way.

Giving has been a principle with God since the time of Adam. We see how God showed favor to Abel and was displeased with Cain merely off of their offerings to him. (Genesis 4:3-5) There is another level of favor you can reach merely by giving to God in the right way.

Is God pleased with you in the area of giving? Have you experienced the favor of the Lord because of your willingness to give back to Him and to His Kingdom? Make sure you are continuing to place yourself in the position to be blessed by the way that you give!

Verse of the Day: Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. I Chronicles 16:29

Thanksgiving Friday!

Currently, I'm thankful for a strong, stable, unmoving office building... It is pitch black outside my window, and the rain is whipping around out there!

Seriously...

I'm thankful today for backup! God really does know how much we can handle and will never give us more than we can bear. This week I was asked to do an assignment for our church anniversary, and I didn't know how it was going to get done. I was working on lunches and had a couple late nights... but God sent in someone who took up the rest! Thanks to them, the project is done, and I have not gone bonkers getting it done. Thanks, Phabian!

I'm also thankful for God's creativity. This morning driving in to work I got some great ideas for our church's teen ministry. I'm excited! Only God could have birthed these plans. I'm excited to get to work...

Finally, I'm thankful for answered prayers. Hope always springs eternal, it just doesn't always flow like a geyser. Sometimes it's a small trickle. My hope had dwindled down to this mere trickle, and I knew that I needed a refreshing. This week, God encouraged me, and my hope is surging forth again in a steady stream. Praise God for His encouraging power!

What are you thankful for this week? Make sure you give God some praise!

Stay cool, ya'll!

Verse of the Day: But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more. Psalm 71:14

Real Sacrifice

In life we often face the choice to sacrifice. More times than not, we choose to take that loss. We give up comfort for family. We rearrange things for friends. Our desires and wants get pushed to the side, so someone else's desires can be fulfilled.

Sometimes those sacrifices are huge, and we may feel the sting for days. Yet no sacrifice is greater than the one Jesus endured for us when He came to earth and died on the cross. He was sitting in the heavens, enjoying the splendor of His Kingdom when the Father turned and asked Jesus to give up His position to go down to earth to save us.

Can you imagine?

You are the holy SON OF GOD, and you get asked to leave your prime position to go down to a sin-filled world in the form of a mere fleshly human being with no status or prestige. On top of that, you have to die a painful, humiliating death for those creatures many of whom will reject you, doubt you, or mock you down the line.

Would you say yes?

Jesus did.

He performed the greatest sacrifice. As a result, He receives the greatest glory. We have a chance to experience eternal life, grace, and fellowship with the Father because of Jesus' love.

Amazing.

Take some time to give Jesus thanks for His great sacrifice today. And when you face those times where you have to sacrifice your will, and it seems so hard... remember Jesus' journey here and what He endured.

Verse of the Day: Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Philippians 2:5-8

Worthy Walk

Ephesians 4:1 encourages us to walk worthy of the vocation we're called to. In short, we are to live our lives in a way that honors the job that God has called us to do here on the earth.

Often I rejoice because I don't hold an official 'title' in the church. I haven't yet been ordained for any office, I'm not addressed as 'minister' or 'pastor' or even 'evangelist.' To me, there is a heavy weight that comes with those designations. Those people have been singled out as leaders in the body, and as a result are (or at least should be) held to a higher standard.

I do know the call of God on my life though, and I do believe a place of that sort lies in my future. So, if anything, I should be heeding the words of Paul and living my life in a way that honors God's call on my life.

We all may not be called to full time ministry, but we were all called by Jesus to preach the gospel to everyone, lay hands on the sick, and cast out devils. (Matthew 16:15-18) Have you been walking worthy of that call lately?

If you opened your mouth to preach God's word, would some people have a problem accepting it from you because of how you currently live your life? Do you take the opportunity to pray for the sick around you, or do you shirk back in fear of being rejected or labeled as a fanatic? Is there a devil shaking with fear in the pit of hell because you used the name of Jesus and sent that little imp back to the pit?

Just some food for thought. How we talk, walk, and act should match the faith that we proclaim.

Verse of the Day: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy... 1 Peter 1:15a

You're In a Position of Privilege

Last night while I was having prayer and devotions, God shined a light on another facet of His goodness. Our Father doesn't have to do anything for us. Just because we pray, doesn't mean He has to listen. Just because we have a need, doesn't mean God has to meet it. Just because we cry out, doesn't mean He has to save us.

Yet He does. Our God has given us the privilege of His personal touch.

But He doesn't stop there.

The Lord could make the lives of those He loves a breeze. We could pass our time on earth without a care, concern, worry, or need if He so chose.

But God loves us so much that He allows us to arrive to positions of need. He allows circumstances to arise that may cause pain. He lets certain instances come to pass that confound us to where we don't know how we'll survive.

Why?

So, we can have the privilege of knowing His miraculous power firsthand.

There's something about experiencing God's awesome power personally that supercedes any scripture or Bible story or testimony you can find. When it's your needs that are on the line and God comes through, there is no explaining the fullness of joy and overwhelming love that washes over your spirit.

So, don't be downtrodden when tough circumstances come into your life. Keep your chin up as you fight against the enemy. Your God is watching your every step and guiding everything that hangs in the balance. Take courage knowing that you are being privileged to be placed in a position to experience God's wonder.

The harder the press, the more glorious the triumph. Not everyone can say that they've experienced God's glory personally on this earth. You will!

Verse of the Day: Come and see what our God has done, what awesome miracles he performs for people! Psalm 66:5

Accentuate the Positive

It's easy to dwell on the negative. Rehearsing hurt, disappointment, and defeat comes naturally to our minds. Yet finding the good in a hurtful situation.... Forgiving someone while we still feel the sting... Letting go of our pain and handing it fully over to Jesus... These things take practice and work.

But the benefits are so much sweeter!

One of my favorite life examples from the Bible is David. He went through just about everything that you can think of: He was overlooked by his family, and hated without cause. David had to live for years in hiding. His best friend was killed. David's sins were publically exposed for his whole kingdom to see. There was unrest in his family, and his own son tried to kill David to take over the throne.

In Psalms, however, we see the reflections of David's heart. In the midst of David's anger, frustration, and pain, the love that he has for God is overwhelmingly present. In the same chapters where he calls out for the destruction of his tormentors, he also reassures himself in the greatness of his God. As he remembers his foolish behavior, David recalls the forgiving nature of the Lord.

David didn't let the situations he faced block out his view of God. He remembered the sovereignty of the Father at all times, and kept God's promises and words close to his heart. Rather than hold on to bitterness, anger, heartache, and shame,  David sang songs of praise and worship. He was a man after God's heart.

I am constantly reading the book of Psalms for this very reason. Yes, I may face hardships in my life. I may mess up and disappoint God and myself. No matter how I feel, though, I must always remember that the God I serve is great! The God I serve is also forgiving and has a love for me beyond measure.

There's no reason for me to dwell on the negative. With God in my corner, I can always accentuate the positive!

Verse of the Day: The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.  He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them. The LORD preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy. My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD: and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever. Psalm 145:18-21

Thanksgiving Friday!

Yeah, girl.
Only God could put this smile on my face!

It's Friday! God is good, and I'm ready for the weekend.

Today I'm thankful for a lot, but I'll share three items. First off, I'm thankful for a wonderful Bible Study on yesterday. Our summertime Bible studies have been off the hook at my church! It's so good to be able to discuss real problems, issues, and concerns and get some real answers in return. I love my church!

I'm also thankful for God's faithfulness. This week, the devil has been trying to highlight some of the negative things around me. He's been trying to take my eyes off of God and have me put them on the problem. But I thank the Lord for Peter's story! I will not fall victim to the winds and the waves. (Matthew 14:31)

I will keep the faith and not doubt! As long as Jesus is in my field of vision, I cannot lose! He hasn't failed me yet. Thank you, Lord for your faithfulness!

I'm also thankful for God's creative vision. The Lord can take the foolish things and confound the wise. (1 Corinthians 1:27) Lately He's been talking to me about some simple things that I can start doing in order to get some big results. I'm stepping out in faith expecting to see my big God show up!

What are you thankful for this week? What's your testimony of God's goodness? Don't be scared! Open up your mouth and praise Him!

Verse of the Day: Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations... Deuteronomy 7:9

God's Love is Amazing!

This morning a song of praise to the Lord has been ringing in my spirit. I am so in awe of the God we serve!
No matter what the situation, our God is there for us. No matter how many times we falter, He's still waiting with open arms. Despite the countless times we've cried out to Him for help, He's always there with a ready hand reaching out to lift us up.

Our God is amazing!

He loved us so much that He sent His only Son to die for us so that we could be reconciled back to Him. (John 3:16) Jesus cared about us enough that He put aside His awesome stature in the heavens, and came down to earth as a humble man of no status. He took on blame that He didn't deserve, and suffered the criminal death of the cross for things that He never did.

All for you and me. Isn't our Lord the best! How could we not love Him back?

We don't deserve His unfailing love, yet He pours it out on us without measure. We don't deserve to be forgiven, but His mercy is new every morning. (Lamentations 3:22, 23) Our righteousness is like filthy rags in His eyes, yet through the blood of His Son we shine like clean white snow. (Isaiah 6:46, Psalm 51:7)

Lord, I am speechless to your beautiful love! Thank you for showering us with your love. We appreciate all of the love you give to us each day. Help us to live in a way that reflects how much Your love is working in our lives.

Have a blessed day everyone. Show someone some of that God-kind of love today!

Verse of the Day: But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:4-7

He Can Handle It

Please pray for your girl today. I am tired! I've kept waking up a couple times a night for the last few nights without being able to get back to sleep. Right now I'm counting down the hours til my lunch break, so I can go out to my car and get an hour's worth of sleep in.

Moving on...

--------

We are so blessed as children of God. We serve a God who is also our Father. As such, He takes a great interest in our well being, loves us, wants us to succeed, and helps us along the way. Our God is personal, caring about our every facet of life.

He cares so much that He told us to give Him our cares, and He would take care of them. (1 Peter 5:7) He doesn't want us walking around worried, insecure, or apprehensive. So, He will take any burden we carry off our hands. We just have to hand it over.

Are you carrying around any burdens? Is your heart sick with worry or fear?

There's no need for you to live that way. Your Heavenly Father will gladly take the load and remedy your situation. Why don't you give them over to Him?

Yes, you may have talked to God about it. You may have aired your issues and concerns in His ear. But did you leave your troubles with Him? Did you trust Him to take the information and figure it all out? Or did you pick up your burden again once you were finished speaking to continue to worry and fret about it?

We serve the God who holds all power in His hands! He knows the end from the beginning, and He can turn any situation around. Why not trust Him to handle your great quandaries?

We can only do so much. And what we can do is so very little. Give your burden to God. He won't leave you hanging. He won't forget you. He won't abandon you. He will answer your call.

Verse of the Day: He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. Psalm 91:15

You Know the Creator of Today!

Ok, Lord.
What's on the agenda for today?

Psalm 118:24 says: This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. I usually read this verse as one of thanksgiving to the great God who has created the earth, everything in it, and has kept things in motion to give us a new day.

This morning I was thinking on this scripture, and considering that the Lord made today.

Usually when we make something, we already have in mind what we want the end result to be. When we make a meal, we have an inkling of how it should taste. When we make clothes we have a picture in mind of what it's going to look like when it's complete.

In the same manner, the Lord has created today. He most definitely has in mind what He wants accomplished by the end of it! And since you're alive today, He certainly has a plan that He wants you to fulfill today.

Today could be your day of deliverance. Today could be your day of breakthrough. Your prayer could get answered today. God may have a person for you to meet today. He could have a special word that He wants to share with you.

Make sure you take some time to talk to the Creator of today. He holds all the information on what's about to take place, and you should make sure that you are in the exact position that He wants you to be in. Don't miss out on God's omniscient (all-knowing) power!

Take advantage of the relationship that He holds with you, listen for His voice, and obey! Who knows what He has in store for you today?

Verse of the Day: ...Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are His: And He changeth the times and the seasons: He removeth kings, and setteth up kings: He giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: He revealeth the deep and secret things: He knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with Him. Daniel 2:20b-22

Flashbacks

All your sins are washed away!

You ever have moments where you suddenly remember something you've done in the past that makes you cringe?

Mine seem to pop up out of nowhere. At once I'm remembering my embarrassing moment and experiencing the shame, pain, and regret all over again.

These moments used to put me into a bit of a funky mood. I'd replay the scenario over and over in my head wondering just what I was thinking. I would criticize myself and shake my head at my folly.

However, lately I have taken control of my thoughts. I no longer allow flashback moments to dictate how I feel. Especially since I have repented for my sins and received God's gracious forgiveness! The Bible says that once He's granted forgiveness, He no longer remembers our sin. (Isaiah 43:25) So, why should I?

Yes, I will learn from my mistakes and work to not make them again. I will not let them hold me back from progressing forward in life. I will not carry around guilt and shame over something that Jesus' blood has released me from.

When those fleeting thoughts come and try to bring me down, I now choose to use them as a point of praise to glorify my Father who has redeemed me by His Son. Don't allow the past to hold you back. Remember that you are a new creature in Christ. Old things are done, everything is new!

Verse of the Day: Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17

Thanksgiving Friday!

When I look back over my life
And I think things over
I can truly say
That I've been blessed
I have a testimony...

That song is ringing in my spirit right now. I found out that one of my former co-workers passed away.

Every day we have is a gift! Tomorrow on this earth is not promised. As much as I would love to enter heaven's gates and fellowship with my Father face-to-face, I know that there is a work that He has called me to do here. I don't want to leave without accomplishing my purpose.

I know it sounds trite from overuse, but: Cherish each day, each person, and each moment while you have the chance. You never know.

So, today I'm thankful for life! I'm thankful for the life I have here, and I'm grateful for the eternal life I have in Christ. It is so good to know that no matter what, I am safe in the hands of the Master. Whatever comes my way, I am safe in Him.

I'm also thankful for my church family. We had a great discussion in Bible Study yesterday. It's good to have a dialogue where like minds can come together, learn from each other, and grow. I look forward to implementing the wisdom that was shared. God bless you all!

What are you thankful for today? Have you expressed your gratitude? Don't put it off. Gve God praise now! Share your love now! While you have the chance...

Verse of the Day: For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38, 39

Am I In Love?

Today my morning devotion had me in Psalm 119. Although what I was reading was emphasizing another point, the ending of verse 163 stood out to me: ...but thy law do I love.


I wondered to myself if I loved God's law. I know that I love God. I cherish the Word of God, and it's important to my daily life. Yet, did I love His commands and instruction?
 
When you love something, you have affection for it, you're enthusiastic about it, and you take delight in it. You take the time to get to know every inch of it. You get excited when you learn something new, and you can't wait to use or interact with whatever it is that has captured your heart.
 
Do I love God's commands according to the definition?
 
I certainly try my best to follow God's word. I do find joy in carrying out some of His instructions (Give and it shall be given..., Study to show yourself approved...). However, I know there are other parts of God's word that I do struggle to embrace wholeheartedly (Forgive and you shall be forgiven..., Pray for those who mistreat and abuse you...). Loving God's commands would mean that I would take delight in all of it, not just certain parts.
 
When you follow the instruction and principles that God's Word lays out, you cannot help but live a free and blessed life. His wisdom is beyond what we could fathom, and the results are certainly supernatural. What human would have ever come to the conclusion that giving to someone else would cause the giver to experience a greater blessing than the recipient?! Who could have figured that loving an enemy would bring peace to the abused?!
 
I love how God's ways take us to places of greatness. Yes, the journey may be difficult for our fleshly bodies to conform to, but the resulting benefits far outweigh the struggle.
 
So, does my loving the result mean that I inherently love the means? I have to think more on that. But I do admire David who was so enraptured with his God that he loved God's very instruction - and David lived before the grace and redemption of Christ!
 
What is your relationship with God's law? Do you love His commands? Or, do you just obey because that is what you know you have to do as a Christian?
 
Think about it as you go about your day today. Either way, make sure you thank God for His commandments and principles. If it wasn't for His instruction and wisdom, where would we all be?!
 
Verse of the Day: Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them. Psalm 119:165

Good, Better, Best....

Good, better, best
Never let it rest
'Til the good gets better
And the better gets best

My mother used this little poem to encourage my sister and I as we studied in school. She motivated us to not settle for average or just okay. My mother wanted us to push ourselves to be the best that we could be.

I certainly was up for the challenge, and I was quite competitive with my grades. I always wanted the A. B's got a sigh, and C's were unacceptable. Even as I'm in grad school right now, I push myself to excel with every assignment I get.

This poem can also apply to our life's purpose. We should always look to improve ourselves. Whatever God has purposed for your life, you should seek to constantly put your best foot forward. What might have been your best last year, probably isn't the best you can do this year. There is always something new that you can learn and use.

Yesterday I took some time out to research some folks who are excelling in the area that I know God is calling me to. Just watching them in their element, studying their ministries, and surveying their businesses, I came away with pointers that I can use to help my better become my best. Even their shortcomings and failures are helping me better my craft.

Don't just settle for what you have now. Strive to get better, be better, and emerge as the best! Even Jesus started off at the feet of the teachers in the synagogue. You too, can take the wisdom of those around you to improve your stance and cause you to become the best person you can be.

Verse of the Day: Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Proverbs 4:7

The Strength of God

Hey, Everyone! I hope you all enjoyed your weekend and holiday festivities. I am certainly rejuvenated and refreshed after my time away to relax and reboot. Now, it's time to get back to work!
There's a pharmaceutical company who used the slogan: "Take comfort in our strength." They wanted people to be put at ease when using their products because of the effectiveness and track record of their brands. People would purchase their products simply because they recognized and trusted the name of the company who offered the goods.

In the same manner, we can take comfort in the strength of our God. We can be at ease when we implement His principles, offer petitions to His throne, and recommend His virtues to others. We can rest assured because we know His effectiveness and track record.

Yet despite our knowledge of the strength of God, we often grow restless and apprehensive when things don't happen the way we think they ought to happen. We grow weary while waiting on God's answer to show up. We lose heart when we allow the enemy to plant seeds of doubt and discouragement in our spirits.

Don't forget the strength of your God! Encourage yourself in His Word. Remind yourself of His goodness and what He's done for you in times past. Get into His presence and let His awesome glory surround you. There is no way that your faith can be shaken when you have experienced the greatness of God firsthand.

So, take comfort in His strength! Don't be moved by what you see. And when you see others around you who are experiencing the pains of life, send them to the best remedy that you can give: your Heavenly Father.

Verse of the Day: Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. Isaiah 12:2

Celebrate!

Happy Independence Day!

Today we are celebrating our freedom as a country. I, for one, am happy to live in a nation where I can worship God freely, read my Bible without fear, and go to church openly. It's a right that makes me proud to be an American. Sadly, there are many people around the world that do not have this privilege.

Make sure you take some time today to give God praise for allowing you to live in a place where you are not oppressed because of your faith. And say an added prayer for those in other countries who do face persecution because of their belief in God.

While we're celebrating freedom, let's send up a shout for our freedom in Christ! His sacrifice has given us access to our Father in Heaven. We can now boldly come to the throne and fellowship personally with our God. Isn't that awesome?

Don't take your liberties for granted! Cherish what you have as an American and as a Christian.

Enjoy your holiday!

Verse of the Day: If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. John 8:36

Thanksgiving Friday!

Happy Friday, Everyone! I am especially happy because this is the start of a three-day weekend, and this is prime barbecue season! I love me some ribs! Hopefully people are grilling this weekend, cause I definitely want a plate.

Back to why we're here...

I am thankful this week for rest! This weekend is actually a five-day weekend for me. I could tell that my tank was getting low. My neck was getting tight, and my tolerance level was quivering. Hallelujah for vacation days! God is good. Give me some time off, a good massage, delicious food, and a matinee... I'm good to go again.

I'm also thankful for God's Word. This whole week I have been meditating on some personal words that God gave me, and they have breathed new life into my spirit. Those words have helped me to regain my focus and bolstered me with encouragement.

I am so amazed at the love that God continually displays to me. To think that the God of the Universe cares enough about us that He would personally share His thoughts on our lives. Thank You, Lord, for guiding my footsteps.

What are you thankful for this week? Have you showed God your gratitude lately? Don't let any more time pass you by! Stop, and give God some praise!

Verse of the Day: Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28