Thanksgiving Friday!

Another week down! Can you believe it's about to be April?! How are you doing on your Purposed living? Still keeping up with your plans made at the beginning of the year? Don't let it slip!

Today I'm thankful to have the day off! God always provides when we need it.

I'm thankful for joy! I'm glad I don't have to be sad, mad, or depressed. I can choose joy, and I'm choosing it today! Hallelujah! God is so good! Why shouldn't I be joyful? He has done so much for me, and I'm glad He calls me as His own. Thank You, Lord, for your joy!

I'm thankful to be back in school. I'm getting used to homework and checking in again after my long break. This class is interesting. It's the history of American Christianity. Right now we're in the colonial period. It's amazing how much our country was founded around religion and the freedoms attached. I'm thankful that my country allows me to worship freely. I appreciate the foundations laid by my country's forefathers to make this a free country.

Lastly, I'm thankful for the blessings of the Lord. They do make one rich and don't add any sorrows! I am so blessed with love, friendship, family, grace, salvation, forgiveness... the list could run for ages. Thank You Lord for filling my life with Your blessings! Without You, where would I be?

What are you thankful for today? Make sure you stop and give God some praise!

Verse of the Day: The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it. Proverbs 10:22

Afternoon Ti: Meditate on This

The morning got away from me, and the afternoon is full. Take a moment and meditate on this word from the Bible. It just blessed me!

Psalm 32
Oh, what joy for those

whose disobedience is forgiven,
whose sin is put out of sight!
Yes, what joy for those
whose record the LORD has cleared of guilt,
whose lives are lived in complete honesty!
When I refused to confess my sin,
my body wasted away,
and I groaned all day long.
Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me.
My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat. Interlude

Finally, I confessed all my sins to you
and stopped trying to hide my guilt.
I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the LORD.”
And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone. Interlude

Therefore, let all the godly pray to you while there is still time,
that they may not drown in the floodwaters of judgment.
For you are my hiding place;
you protect me from trouble.
You surround me with songs of victory. Interlude

The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.
I will advise you and watch over you.
Do not be like a senseless horse or mule
that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.”


Many sorrows come to the wicked,
but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the LORD.
So rejoice in the LORD and be glad, all you who obey him!
Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!

Motivated to Move

After Jesus appeared to the disciples after His resurrection, He told them to wait for the Holy Spirit to come upon them in Jerusalem. The disciples were obedient to Jesus, and waited in prayer. Once the Holy Spirit came on them they received His power, might, and direction. And they were motivated to move out and spread the gospel.

The disciples traveled all over to various cities near and far spreading the good news of Jesus to everyone they encountered. They weren't worried about having connections, knowing people, or even whether they would be safe. They were only concerned about spreading the love of Christ.

In their journeys, they encountered many hardships: prison, mocking crowds, open challenges from other religions, inquiries from the government, beatings, and even death. Yet they continued to spread out. They stayed motivated in their endeavors. They allowed the fire of God to keep burning in the pits of their stomachs to the point where they would not be silent.

They had received their mandate from God, and they stuck to it.

What has God asked you to do? What fire did He strike in your heart for you to carry out? Are you still motivated to move? Or, has your initial zeal died down?

Make sure that you are staying motivated to do what the Lord has told you to do. Don't get weary in well doing or allow the cares of the world to distract you to stagnation in the things of God. Keep going! Keep running! Keep working the vision that God has given you.

Because of the consistent efforts of the apostles, the gospel had a firm foundation on which to thrive and was spread all over the world. We have the Bible today because of their work and diligence in the things of God.

Who knows what your faithful efforts for the Lord will produce? Who knows what future generations will be impacted by your obedience to God's word. Keep it up!

Verse of the Day: Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Hebrews 12:1, 2a

Distracted?

Cain was distracted by jealousy. (Genesis 4) For Abraham, it was unwarranted fear. (Genesis 20) David was distracted by a woman. (2 Samuel 11) Samson too. (Judges 16) The Israelites wanted to be like everybody else. (1 Samuel 8) Jacob wanted to please his mother. (Genesis 27)

The devil knows our number. He knows what he can throw out to get us off the track that God has us on. He knows which buttons to push to make us begin to doubt God's way, to lose faith in the plan God has laid out for us, to start living in a way that isn't pleasing to God.

We have to stay vigilant against the tricks of the enemy. Joseph is a perfect example of what it means to stay on task. He had the opportunity to commit adultery, but he stayed true to the Lord and fled the scene. He had every right to grow bitter while he languished forgotten in jail, but he maintained his connection with God. Even when he held the perfect position to exact revenge on everyone who betrayed him, he remained righteous in the eyes of the Lord. (Genesis 39-43)

Out of Joseph's steady walk of purity and love for God, he was exalted to a high position and was able to deliver his whole family from famine. He gained riches and honor, prestige, and fame. All because he stayed true to his faith.

Distraction can lead to temptation which can lead to sin. We all have moments where we pause and have to choose between right and wrong. Let's make the devil angry today and choose the right thing to do! No matter if no one will see or know of our decisions, let's always choose the righteous path in God.

No matter how much you may want to go the wrong way, remind yourself of what happened to the men mentioned at the opening of this post. Then remember what happened to Joseph. Which chapters do you want to have included in your life story?

Verse of the Day: “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! You can make this choice by loving the LORD your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the LORD, you will live long in the land the LORD swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” Deuteronomy 30:19, 20

Being a Believer

The tragedy that befell Trayvon Martin has been haunting my thoughts this past week. Looking at his innocent face and knowing how he was taken away breaks my heart. It's sad that this is the nation that I live in.

Yesterday at my church we wore hoodies in honor of Trayvon. We prayed for his family, this nation, and covered our children under the protection of Jesus Christ. I'm glad that we have the power of the Holy Spirit to cover and guide us. I'm glad we have the Lord's protection and can hear His voice. It comforts me to know that I have His angels watching over me.

I had the privilege of bringing the Word on yesterday as well, and I spoke about what it means to be a believer. As believers in Christ, we are to go into the world and preach the good news to every creature. We are to be sharing God's love with everyone that we come across.

Jesus also instructed us to make disciples out of those who believe. A disciple is a follower of Christ. A follower of Christ adheres to His commands, and they try live their lives in ways that are pleasing to God. Too many people in this world claim Christ but do not reflect that claim in their daily walk.

You never know when someone's time is up. That person you come across may be dead tomorrow. Do they know Jesus? Have they been cleansed of their sins? It's our responsibility to present them with that option.

Even those who we come across that know God may need to get to know Him a bit better. Are they hearing from God? Do they know their purpose in God? Are they practicing biblical principals in their lives?

Can you imagine how brightly this world would shine if everyone who was saved lived their lives like Christ asked us to?

We say we believe in Christ. As believers, we should be doing the one thing He asked us to do before He left this earth: Share the amazing gift we received from Him with the world.

If we do our part, we could drastically reduce the number of tragedies like Trayvon's in this world.

Verse of the Day: And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Matthew 28:18-20

Thanksgiving Friday

I apologize for missing out on yesterday. I got flooded with things and the day just ran away from me. I had to take a selah moment. It was so necessary. And God, in His infinite goodness, met me where I was and brought me to where I needed to be. I feel so much better! I'm back to my regular self.

Today I'm thankful for God's mercy. I'm glad that it's not a one-time thing. My God's mercies are new every morning! No matter how much I fall, no matter how many times I mess up, and no matter how many times I disappoint Him... He is always waiting there ready to show mercy, ready to welcome me back into His arms of love.

I'm so blessed.

Yesterday I was meditating on the greatness of Christ's love for me. I thought about how much He sacrificed for me. I was humbled, convicted, and stirred in my faith to follow Him all the more. How can you not love a God like Him? Thank You, Jesus, for Your great love.

I'm also thankful for God's strength. The Scripture is true: when we are weak, He is strong. We just have to reach out to grab hold of His strength. We have to keep ourselves firmly planted in His grip. We have to allow God to be that strength for us. God, I thank You for being strength to me!

What are you thankful for this week? What has God done that has left you in amazement? Go ahead and give God some praise!

Verse of the Day: And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9

Distant Love

Lately I've been feeling a bit distant from God. Through my own busy schedule, I've somehow found myself disconnected from the One who loves me most.

These last few days I've had it in the back of my mind that I need to take some time, sit down, and get into the presence of the Lord. Yet I haven't made the time.

I can tell the difference. My patience is short. I'm not as friendly as I normally am. I'm not taking the time to show love to others. I'm just living. I'm running here and there getting things done. I'm checking things off of my long list of things to do.

But I'm not feeling fulfilled. I'm not feeling complete. Something is off. And I know exactly what it is.

Me and My Father haven't spent any time together. I haven't allowed Him to pour out His love on me. I haven't been able to lay my burdens down at His feet. My mind has not had a chance to rest in Him.

So, today is my day of rejuvenation. Today is my day to get it right. I'm so thankful that I have a Father who forgives, a Savior who understands, and a Holy Spirit who comforts me through it all.

Maybe you've been going through your own busy period as well.  Perhaps you've been saying that you need to take some time to get in God's presence. Maybe  your spirit is crying out to meet with God too.

Don't let another day pass by without you having some quality time with the Lord. Don't allow your busy schedule to keep you out of the throne room of God. We need visits to His presence to live this life victoriously. We can't stay on track without in-depth conversations with the Lord. With Him we receive guidance, strength, and joy. We can't keep missing out on our portion.

Verse of the Day: Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people. Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works. Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD. Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually. 1 Chronicles 16:8-11

Abundant Life

Jesus said that He came so we could have an abundant life. Are you experiencing a life that is full and overflowing? Are you waking up each day full of joy and excitement because you get another day of life? Are you reveling in the promise of each new day? Are you enjoying the life you live?

Jesus gave us everlasting life through His sacrifice on the cross. With His sacrifice, we are now joint heirs to the Father with Him! We have the privilege of being able to experience life at a whole 'nother level!

Never once do you see Jesus depressed. Not one time is He described as downtrodden. There is no scripture where Jesus is sullen and withdrawn.

Yes, He had moments of sadness. He felt grief, anger, and even stress. But Jesus did not let those moments overtake His life. He did not allow His human emotions to fully encompass His spiritual nature. He stayed full of the fruit of the spirit.

We too, can experience a life like this. We don't have to wake up depressed. We don't have to remain full of anger. We don't have to be downtrodden or distressed.

We have abundant life in the Lord!

Jesus has blessed us with the gift of abundant life. Make sure you're taking full advantage of your gift. If you're having trouble, remember His great sacrifice and the promise you have in Him. Read His Word and remind yourself of His great love. You don't have to just live... you can live in abundance!

Verse of the Day: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

John 10:10b

Beautiful Feet

The temps are hot here in Chicago, and people are breaking out the summer gear early to deal with the weather. Folks are rocking shorts, t-shirts, and... sandals.

One thing I can't stand is when people rock sandals without making sure their feet are presentable. Notice I said feet. Someone could have nicely polished toes while their heels look like they haven't even been touched. That's never a good look.

The Word tells us that the feet of those who carry the gospel are beautiful. Those who take the time to step out of their comfort zones to take the time to reach the lost have fabulous looking feet.

Have you carried any good news lately? Have you gone out of your way to minister to someone who doesn't know the Lord?

Or, are you too busy making sure that your personal agendas are being taken care of? Are you so concerned about your own business that you're not considering those who are in desperate need of God?

Make sure you are taking the time to witness God's love. One thing that's great about the warmer temperatures is that there are more people out and about. It just increases the pool you can pull from to strike up a conversation about Jesus.

Keep your feet looking pretty by carrying the gospel of Christ!

Verse of the Day: And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things. Romans 10:15

Thanksgiving Friday!

It's Friday! I'm praising God for another week gone by.

Last night, my pastor encouraged my heart as he remembered how God had blessed him over the years with his ministry to our church. Just hearing my pastor praise the Lord about His greatness filled my spirit with joy. God is still on the throne doing great things in the earth!

Today, I'm thankful for God's protection from dangers seen and unseen. I know of times where it only could have been the Lord that saved me from accident and harm! Looking back at some of the things I used to do and company I used to keep... God has shielded me from so many snares of the enemy. Thank you, Lord, for Your loving protection.

I'm thankful also for God's Word. No matter what I am facing, even when I find it hard to pray at times, the Word of the Lord has been there to comfort, encourage, rejuvenate, and strengthen me. My favorite place to turn is Psalms, but there are countless passages in the Bible that help me when I don't know what to do or think. Thank You, Lord, for Your Word!

What are you thankful for today? What can you look back over in your life and be grateful for? Go ahead and praise the Lord!

Verse of the Day: The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him. Psalm 28:7

About The Father's Business

I'm feeling a bit sluggish this morning, but I'm sipping on my tea so hopefully I'll wake up soon.

Jesus was always different from the rest. When his family went up to Jerusalem for the Passover, He - at twelve years old - chose to go to the Temple to discuss the Word with the doctors and scholars who were present. While the other kids were probably running around enjoying the festivities, Jesus was taking the time to sharpen His mind.

He was so serious, He wound up getting left behind by Mary and Joseph. When they returned for Him, Jesus told them that they should have known that He would "be about my Father's business." (Luke 2:49)

Life has a way of taking over. We sometimes can get caught up with the happenings of the days... beautiful weather, friends, events, tv shows, and other distractions have a way of entering in and getting us off focus at times. Not to say that we can't have a spontaneous moment and enjoy the world around us, but we also have to make sure we are taking care of our "Father's business."

Jesus knew a golden opportunity when He saw one. Leaders from all around the region had descended on Jerusalem for the Passover. Here was a time for Him to speak with men He might never again have the opportunity to chat with. He grabbed hold of His window and made the most of His time.

We too have to make the most of our time. No matter what is happening, we need to make sure that we are doing all we can to carry out the will of the Father. We can't idle away our days, or get lazy in our quest for destiny. We must always stay on track and stay focused in God.

Today, make sure you spend some time working on your purpose in God. Don't get distracted by the little things that seem to pop up and take over. Stay focused so you can accomplish God's will for your life.

Verse of the Day: And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? Luke 2:46-49

Be Fruitful!

The first commandment God gave to Adam and Eve after He created them was to be fruitful and multiply. He told them to reproduce more of themselves in the earth.

Each time God created something, He looked to make sure it was good. Before He moved a step forward, He made sure what He had created was up to His standards. So, when He told man to reproduce, He was telling Him to reproduce something good.

I believe that's why satan was so quick to move to get Adam and Eve to fall into sin. He knew that if they reproduced, he would have a harder time getting sin to take root. He had to strike before they reproduced after the goodness of God. And, as evidenced by Cain's murder of his brother, satan's strategy was right on point.

Now we can all see that sin has taken this world over, and it is multiplying and producing its deadly fruit all over this planet. However, God's goodness is still in existence on the earth. It dwells in those who love Him and have accepted His Son as their Savior.

But how many of us are being fruitful and multiplying? How many souls are being changed from the world of darkness to the Kingdom of Light? Have you been fruitful? Can you point to anyone and say that you introduced them to Christ?

Today, let's make an effort to produce some fruit! Let's tell someone about our Savior, let's influence someone to do the right thing, let's let our lights shine so someone can be drawn to the love of God.

Verse of the Day: And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it... Genesis 1:28a

He Heard You

Right now our phone lines are down in the office. It's so frustrating to pick up the phone, dial a number, and get a beep letting you know that you can't get through. Things that can get taken care of in 30 seconds via phone now require a bit more leg work, a bit more time, or have to just be put on hold until a later date.

Sometimes prayer can feel a bit like this. You sit and pray only to finish feeling like you weren't heard. You offer up a request and don't quite feel like God heard. Things seems disconnected as you sit and wait for an answer from the Lord.

Daniel sat and fasted for days seeking God for an answer to the questions on his mind. God immediately sent an answer, but the angel wasn't able to reach him until about twenty days after he had begun praying.

One thing we can be sure of is that God hears us and is sending the answers that we seek. He heard Ishmael's cries in the wilderness. He heard all of the prayers of Job. When David cried out, the Lord was there to comfort him. Even when Jonah was deep in the belly of the fish, the Lord heard his prayers.

No matter what you may feel, God is listening to your prayers. He hears every word you speak, and He knows every thought that runs across your mind.

Better than that, God hears you and He will answer. He loves you too much to leave you hanging. His love is working on your behalf even as you read these words. Don't let the silence stop your prayers. Don't let how you feel keep you from actively seeking the Father. As soon as you open your lips toward Him, He is providing the solution.

Verse of the Day: And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. Isaiah 65:24

Where Do You Draw The Line?

So, our boys did not take state. We came in fourth. It was sad, but I know we all were grateful to be in the running. We got down there, and a lot of other schools would gladly have wanted to go as well. The prep starts for next year...

Every once in a while my friends and I will have discussions about where to draw the line as Christians. We talk about whether it's okay to watch certain shows, go certain places, participate in certain events... We know we are in the world and not of it, but there a so many ways a person can interpret that scripture.

Some of my friends think it's okay to have a drink as long as they're not getting drunk. Some say that it's cool to watch certain shows as long as they're not emulating that behavior. Others think it's alright to go to a club every now and then just to have a fun night out.

Usually, I come back to one example that really helps me. With whatever I'm doing: If Jesus were to appear in the room, would I want to switch up my behavior? Would I want to change the channel? Would I want to turn off the music? Would I want to change what I'm wearing? Would I want to put down my glass?

That to me ends all discussion. If you wouldn't do it with Jesus standing right there, don't do it at all. Jesus is doing more than standing right next to us, He's living inside us. He's with us everywhere we go, witnessing everything that we do. All of our actions should be pleasing to Him.

Have you had any of these discussions with your Christian peers? How do you determine where to draw the line?

As you go about your day today, remember that Jesus is going about your day with you. He's witnessing all of it. Is He pleased with how you are living your life?

Verse of the Day: What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20

Thanksgiving Friday!

It's been an exciting week! I'm thankful for the boys' winning their game, and our possibility to win state. I'm thankful for the spring-like temps that have been visiting the Chicagoland area. I'm thankful to be alive to enjoy this wonderful world.

It's faith in God that makes us thankful. Knowing that God has a hand in the amazing life we live causes us to open our mouths in praise. And when the Lord hears our gratitude and gratefulness, He is all the more inclined to give us more.

When one of the lepers saw that he was cleansed by Jesus, He turned back and gave God praise. Jesus saw the man's act of thankfulness, and told him that his faith had made him whole. (Luke 17:19)

There were nine other lepers who got cleansed that same day. They still walked away with their physical healing. But the one man who turned back and rightfully praised the One who made it possible - he received healing in every area of his life. He was made complete. He was fully delivered.

Make sure you are keeping up your attitude of thankfulness. Don't forget to give proper praise to the One who's making it all possible. It's one thing to be blessed here and there. It's another thing to be blessed in every area of your life!

Have a great weekend!

Verse of the Day: And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole. Luke 17:15-19

Prayer Covering

Every day, I read through the blogs and websites to get my daily dose of news. I also make a point to check out the Christian websites to get a sense of what's going on in our community. This morning I was just shaking my head as I was reading about some of the things our churches are facing both from the world and their own pews.

Being a PK (Pastor's Kid) I always think about the leadership. And I had to say a quick prayer for some of the leaders of the churches I was reading about. Then I said a prayer over my own leader asking God to strengthen him as well.

God has provided us leaders to watch over our souls and guide us in the faith. They are human beings just like us, however. They are subject to temptation, they have to deal with sin, and they have inward struggles just like we do.

You know how difficult it can be just keeping yourself in check. Imagine if you had to watch over a whole church! Our leaders are truly a gift from God. We, as their followers, should make sure that we are keeping them covered in prayer and doing what we can to make their job easy.

Too many leaders fall prey to the enticement of the enemy. Pride, fame, greed, and sin snare up too many leaders who could not stand strong. And the enemy loves to exploit their downfall.

There are countless others who are working diligently, day in and day out, doing their job in an excellent manner and staying true to the Word of God.

I pray that you are part of a ministry that is led by one of God's men/women of integrity. If you are, make sure you are consistently covering them in prayer. Pray that they remain strong in their calling. Pray that sin does not enter into their lives. Pray that they keep in constant communication with the Lord. Pray that they are bold enough to do what God is asking of them.

Even Jesus needed the prayers of the disciples when He was about to go to the cross. You don't know what your leader has to face or what is challenging them right now. The Holy Spirit does know. And your prayers can make a difference.

Verse of the Day: And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. Jeremiah 3:15

Afternoon Ti: JoyFULL!

Our boys' basketball team is going to STATE! So excited over here. And it's been a flurry of activity, so I apologize for posting late today. But, life is good!

Since I'm feeling good today, let's keep on talking about joy.

Jesus told us that He came so that our joy may be full. Joy is different than happiness. Happiness is an emotion that comes and goes. Happiness can fade at the drop of a dime. Happiness is contingent on outside factors.

But joy transcends happiness. Joy is something that emanates from within. Joy is a state of the mind and heart. Joy is not influenced by outside factors.

Joy is the reason why Paul and Silas were able to sing at midnight in the jail cell. Joy caused the apostles to keep on preaching the gospel in the face of adversity. Joy gave David the strength to dance for hours with the return of the ark of the covenant. Joy caused the Samaritan woman to go and tell her whole village about the goodness of Christ.

Have you tapped into your joy in the Lord lately? Have you allowed the greatness of God to transform your heart to the place where nothing shakes you? Do you have joy no matter what circumstance you're facing?

If you're not experiencing joy, take some time to go before God and ask Him to rekindle your joy. Remind yourself of His greatness, love and magnificence. Think of how much He's done for you, and remember your great prize in obtaining salvation. You have a reason to be full of joy! Don't miss out on it!

Verse of the Day: These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. John 15:11

Choosing Joy

This morning the devil tried.

He tried to steal my joy. I had to force myself to roll out of bed this morning. I was dragging myself around trying to get my responsibilities accomplished.

Then, someone went flat out lied to my face. And you all already know that I can't stand a liar. I had to stand there and count to ten just to keep my mouth closed. I was fuming walking back to my office when one of my co-workers stopped me as I was walking past. She said I looked sad and needed a hug. When she hugged me I started laughing, and I felt myself calming down.

Instead of going into my office to stew and fume, I went in and had a talk with God instead. I sat at my desk and remembered that the joy of the Lord is my strength. I said a prayer and let the Father minister His love, joy and strength to me.

I feel better.

I'm grateful for that small act of love that my co-worker gave me. I'm thankful for the reminder that even the smallest gesture can make a huge impact on someone. I'm glad that there is always a bigger picture, a greater plan, and something more important. The little things come and go. The Kingdom is forever.

So, now I'm going to pay it forward and perform an act of love for someone else. I'm not going to get worked up over little things and let them ruin my joy in Christ. I choose joy! I choose to stay joyful.

Verse of the Day: ...neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10b

Positioned for the Promise

Yesterday, our pastor preached about preparing for the promise of God.

When Jesus left the disciples, he told them to wait in Jerusalem for the promised Comforter. (Acts 1:4) The disciples obeyed Jesus, and waited.

But the disciples didn't just sit around twiddling their thumbs and hemming and hawing. They waited in prayer. They were talking to God continually keeping the line of communication open for God to speak and move. (Acts 1:14) And the instant God was ready to move, He had an open pathway and was able to impart the promise at once. (Acts 2:2)

So, how are you waiting on God's promise for you? Are you just sitting around waiting for your promise to just show up? Are you just letting the days slip by until God chooses to move?

Or, are you actively talking with your Heavenly Father? Are you staying before Him in continual prayer. If He chose to drop in and deliver your promise, are you even ready to receive it? Have you positioned yourself to receive from the Lord?

Don't just put the promises of God to the side as "something nice" that will happen "one day." Make sure that you are actively praying and keeping the lines of communication open with the Lord. He may want to move but is trying to talk to you first.

God has your promise, but you have to make sure you're positioned to receive it!

Verse of the Day: And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:1-4

Thanksgiving Friday!

Today I'm giving God praise for the wonderful weather we've been having. I'm grateful that our boys' basketball team is still in the running to go down to state. (Go Sting!) I'm glad that I have people who love me and bring joy to my life.

This morning I was laying in bed just thinking about my day before I had to get up and face it. I am really blessed. When I look over everything that is a part of my world, I am truly blessed beyond measure.

Lord, I thank you for giving me life and that more abundantly. I thank you for loving me so much and showing that love in ways that I could never have imagined. I give you praise that I have an exceptional purpose, destiny, and call in you. Thank you, Lord for giving me a reason to live! Thank you Jesus for making it possible for me to be made whole again.

My heart is overflowing with gratefulness. My mind can't fathom the depths of Christ's love. It's so deep and wide and encompassing! God is good.

Make sure you send up some thanksgiving today.

Verse of the Day: Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.  Psalm 100:4

My God is Great!

One thing I've learned is that people love to brag about other people they are proud of. From proud parents to friends (even associates) of someone who has done something notable, everyone loves to talk about their connection to someone they think is great.

Usually when someone boasts on others, it causes the other person to acknowledge the greatness in the person receiving praise and sparks an interest in that human being.

David said that he boasted on God. He bragged on the greatness of the One who was ordering his footsteps. And as a result of that, David was able to bring joy into the lives of those around him.

Have you boasted on God lately?

Boasting on God is not just talking about what He's done for you. Boasting on God is talking about how great He is, how powerful He is, how loving He is... Hearing about the One who can do anything can make just about anyone sit up and take notice.

So, today, let's make sure we take some time to brag on our God to someone else. Let's lift up our God just because He's God. As we open up our mouths and praise our Father, we will be bringing some joy into the lives of those around us.

Verse of the Day: My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. Psalm 34:2