A God Kind of View

The Apostle Paul went through a lot in his life after he dedicated his life to Jesus. He was ridiculed, jailed, whipped, put under house arrest, questioned by other Christians, undermined in his ministry, as well as a host of other things. Yet Paul was able to go through all that he went through because he kept his mind on Christ.

Paul knew that in the larger picture, it was more important for him to spread the gospel than to be swayed by the circumstances around him. Paul recognized that he could not give up or give in. He saw that the temporary pains and disappointments could not compare to the joy and reward that he gained in following Jesus.

I often look at my father who is going through a great battle right now. Despite being unable to walk or use his hands, my father still does so much! He is still preaching and teaching the Word of the Lord on Sunday mornings. He still takes care of what business he has with our family and church. My father has not lost his joyful spirit or the great love in his heart.

My dad is able to keep his sweetness because he sees things in terms of eternity. He recognizes that God's plans for him will ultimately prevail. He knows that God's Word is sure. And because of that rock solid faith, my father can face each day with a smile.

So this week let's challenge ourselves to look at things in the scope of eternity. Instead of focusing on what's going on in the natural, let's acknowledge the spiritual. Instead of accepting the devil's negativity, let's adhere to what God says about us.

Yes, we all have trials and circumstances that we have to face. But we can face them head-on knowing that in the end we overcome! We don't have to be sad, depressed, or downtrodden. God's Word tells us that we win in the end! Have faith, and believe God's Word.

This week, let's strive to be kingdom minded. Nothing should be able to steal our joy or keep us from enjoying our lives.

Verse of the Day: We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed... For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:8, 9, 17, 18

Thanksgiving Friday!

Wow, it's Thanksgiving Friday already! This week kind of sped by.

This week, I'm doing a special Thanksgiving Friday. I'm highlighting one of the major people I'm thankful for: my father.

My dad will be celebrating his 60th birthday this Sunday, and I am so thankful that he is still alive and with me. Right now my father is battling an illness, and we are all praying and believing for the Lord to heal him.

In the midst of this whole thing, my father has been a true example of what it means to have faith in God. He has remained faithful to God's Word, he has maintained his joy in the Lord, and he has not lost his hope. My father is still one of the most joyful people I know, and he continues to preach the gospel like he did before he became ill.

Growing up, my father was always a prime example of a man who showed love, tenderness, strength. He showed me what a man of God is, and he has set the standard (very high) for my future husband. I love my dad so much.

Thank you, Jesus, for blessing me with such an amazing man as my father!

Verse of the Day: Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. Exodus 20:12

Who Cares What They Think!

This morning I was having a conversation with a co-worker about how people today seem so consumed with what other people think about them. They are willing to go into debt, reorder priorities, and overlook necessities all in the name of 'keeping up with the Joneses.' No wonder America is in the state it's in.

People join clubs, volunteer, and participate in other social activities all because it looks good to other people. Some people are in debt up to their ears all because they have to buy the latest clothes and gadgets in order to stay up with the latest trends.

Everyone is concerned with what everyone else thinks of them. No one wants to appear like they need help of any kind. And this need for affirmation causes some people to get off track.

Some of us may do the same things with regard to our faith. We don't talk about our insecurities, problems, or concerns because we want to seem to have it all together. We're quick to testify, but slow to ask for prayer. We put up a front during Sunday morning services because we don't want to reveal how much we're actually hurting inside.

We're so worried about how other people will see us, that we miss out on the One who can help us out of our troubles.

God is the One who matters. His is the viewpoint that we should be most concerned about. He is the One who has a front row seat to look upon our hearts.

There's a saying that goes: Man has no heaven or hell to put you in. At the end of the day, those people that we're so worried about can ultimately do nothing for us. In the perspective of eternity, they have zero influence.

Our Heavenly Father, however, does control heaven and earth. He is the One who holds the answers all of our questions. He is the One who can turn our lives around and upside down.

So, why are we not more concerned with pleasing Him?

Today, don't be so concerned with what other people think. Instead, ask yourself what God thinks of how you're living. Is He pleased with how you're running your life? Is He happy with the choices your making? He's watching everything you do... Make sure He's proud of it all too.

Verse of the Day: The LORD looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men. From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth. He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works. Psalm 33:13-15

Limitless Love

When Jesus appeared to His disciples after He was resurrected, they were no doubt overjoyed. After suffering through the agony of seeing Jesus suffer and die on the cross, they had spent the following days in seclusion and despair.

Then, the news came that He had risen! And their hearts were filled with joy. When Jesus then came in their midst they were probably overcome with emotion and love.

Still, in the middle of all of the joy and love that was flowing, I suspect Peter felt twinges of guilt, sadness and shame at the sight of His resurrected Lord. Peter probably recalled how he had betrayed Jesus before His death, and Peter may have wondered what Jesus' response to him would be.

You never see Jesus ask Peter to apologize. You never hear Jesus officially forgive Peter. It wasn't necessary. Jesus had already paid the price for Peter's sin. He had already shown forgiveness in His death and resurrection.

Yet, Jesus did take the time to let Peter know that all was well between them. After showing His perfect love on the cross, Jesus asked Peter whether he loved Him as well. When Peter responded that He did, Jesus told him to go and show that love to others. (John 21:15-17)

God's love for us is just as limitless as it was for Peter. We may not have outright betrayed our Savior, but we have participated in actions that have defied Him in our daily lives. Yet, when our hearts are convicted, and we repent, all the Lord asks of us is to show His love.

We were already forgiven when Christ died on the cross. He took care of our sins - past and present - in that one act so many years ago. Our forgiveness is already certain.

However, that love that has no limits only asks us to show love. That love that keeps giving of itself asks us to give it out in the same way. The love that was willing to lay down it's own life asks us to commit our own lives to it's cause in the same way.

Today, as you think on God's limitless love for you, make sure you are pouring out that same love to someone else. The same way that you were forgiven of the unforgivable, make the effort to forgive someone else in that same spirit.

God's love for us is limitless! So, we should strive to show limitless love to others.

Verse of the Day: Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13

Heaven On Earth

On this past Sunday, I had the pleasure of talking about heaven with my teens. It was interesting to hear their takes on what they thought heaven would be like and what we all would do there.

We had fun discussing all the greatness and grandeur of heaven, but I also made a point to remind them that some aspects of heaven we can enjoy right now.

As Christians, we can enjoy the continual presence of God in our everyday life. We can choose to stay actively connected to Him, we can hear His voice, and we can spend time in worship whenever we would like. We can experience the fruit of the Spirit like joy, peace, and love every day. We can participate in corporate worship with other believers. And, even though we may not see them, we do have angels surrounding us in this world.

It's so incredible that God lets us get a taste of heaven before we get there! Through a song of worship, a touch of love, or an act of kindness heaven can be transported right to our doorstep.

Have you experienced a touch from heaven lately? Have you thought about the greatness that awaits and the pleasures you can partake in right now?

As you go about your day today, ask the Lord to bless you with a "heavenly moment." Go even a step further and give someone else around you a touch from heaven as well. Speak a word from God, perform an act of kindness, take some time to laugh with someone who needs to smile... All of these bring heaven right here to earth.

Verse of the Day: Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. John 14:1-3

Attitude Adjustment Needed: Put It On Repeat...

So, this morning I was awakened early out of my sleep with a phone call about nothing. No emergency. No fire to put out. Just someone calling me because they were up already and felt like talking.

I am not a morning person. It takes a while for me to feel like myself at the start of the day. So, I was not in a good mood after receiving my early morning call.

From there, I got another phone call and some text messages that only added to my frustrations and work I had to do later in the day. Then I had to rush and take on an extra task that I was not planning to do. On top of that I had to come in to work and run around in circles trying to get things in place before the start of the day.

I was really on the way to being a grouch all day.

As I was walking through the hallway though, I became aware of my attitude and the nastiness I was feeling inside. I didn't like it.

Right then and there I said a prayer asking God for forgiveness and help. What I was experiencing wasn't that deep. I had no reason to be in such a foul mood, and I knew it. Today, I'm thankful that God is merciful. I certainly needed some mercy today.

So, I went back through my blog and found this post. Apparently, this is a test that I will continue to take until I pass. I'm reposting it because I clearly need to just pray today. Would you say a prayer for me too?

Thank you. :)

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Attitude Adjustment Needed!

So this morning I was in a funky mood. I woke up because of God's grace since my alarm certainly did not go off like it should have done. Then I forgot that I had to go get some gas before I started my commute to work, so I was about 10 minutes late getting on the expressway. The drizzling rain did not help lift my spirits at all (or move traffic along, for that matter).


I arrived to work with the work coming to greet me as soon as I walked in the door. I mean, can I get my coat off first, please? Yes, I was starting on work items - that weren't even my normal responsibilities - before I logged onto my computer. My bad attitude was turned all the way up. I was so not feeling today.

While doing the other person's job (they were blessed to be off today), I happened to ask one of my co-workers how they were doing just to make conversation. Listening to her response literally made me feel like the most ungrateful, selfish person on the planet.

In comparison to her, I was experiencing bliss! She was going through real issues and if anyone was entitled to be a little sour, it was her. Yet she still had a pleasant smile on her face. There was no trace of anger, attitude or crabbiness in her voice.

I immediately repented of my bad attitude and made an internal adjustment. Thinking about things later, I had to admit that I allowed that mood to overwhelm me. I woke up upset, but I didn't choose to put a stop to it and take on the joy of the Lord. Instead I wallowed in it, and probably made some room for it's growth as the morning went on.

So, I am going to work to give thanks in all things. Life is a blessing, and I should give praise at every opportunity. With all that Christ experienced and does for me, I should always strive to reflect His light no matter what's happening. How can I reach someone if I'm walking around wrapped up in a funky attitude?

Lord, help me to be a better person even when things don't go according to plan. Help me to realize that if it's happening, it's a part of your Master Plan. You still have everything under control, so I can just rest in You. Thank You for Your forgiveness and grace.

Verse of the Day: Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. James 1:2 (NLT)

**Did anyone else catch that I said I woke up because of God's grace, but I still had an attitude? Lord, help me!**

Thanksgiving Friday!

I'm glad today is Thanksgiving Friday. With all of the craziness going on around me... it's imperative that I stop and thank God before I get out of line over here.

This week, I'm thankful for progress! This blog's readership is growing, my creative juices are flowing, and I'm excited about what God is doing. I'm thankful to see improvement, grateful for all of your eyeballs, and I'm looking forward to blessing you with all that God has laid on my heart. I'm truly thankful for all of you.

I'm also thankful for wisdom. I had to share some advice with my friends this week, and I was so glad that I knew what to say! Reading God's Word, applying His principles, and spending time in prayer isn't just for you. It's for you to be able to bless someone else! Thank you, Lord, for Your wisdom!

Lastly today, I'm thankful for hope. Without hope, where would we be? There's this song in the movie The Prince of Egypt that says hope is "hard to kill." And that is so true. No matter what comes up, no matter how unbeatable the odds, no matter how dire the situation, there's always some little shred of hope that refuses to die. Thank You, Lord, for keeping me hopeful! Thank You Lord that I'm not succumbing to despair!

What are you thankful for this week?

Well, lift up your voice and let the Lord know!

Verse of the Day: Having hope will give you courage. You will be protected and will rest in safety.
Job 11:18 (NLT)

My, How You've Grown!

While Jesus' ministry was going on, He wasn't just serving the people. He was also training His disciples to do their own ministry work after He was gone. At certain points, Jesus sent the disciples out on their own to get real world experience of the skills they had been taught.

Returning from one of their treks in the field, the disciples were bursting with enthusiasm of how successful their time was. They were amazed that even the devils had to obey the name of Jesus. (Luke 10:17)

The disciples went out and did things that they didn't even know they were capable of. Jesus, however, knew how they had grown. He sent His disciples out to do the work because He knew they were ready. He had planted in them the seeds of life, and He wanted to show them that those seeds had sprouted forth beautiful plants.

When was the last time you looked back at how you've grown in the things of God? What areas can you point to with pride knowing that you've matured?

I can honestly say that I've grown in the practical knowledge of my faith. I had scriptural knowledge, but now I have historical background, cultural knowledge, and practical application points to utilize in my faith-walk. It's one thing to know what the scriptures say. It's another to know the how, why, and when of scripture.

I've also grown in patience. I used to have a very short fuse. I wanted things to happen now, and would get impatient very quickly when things weren't moving fast enough for me. Now, I can sit and wait patiently with my mouth closed. I may be thinking some things... but at least my mouth is closed. I'm working to harness those thoughts!

I still have areas where I can improve - and I always will - but it's nice to look and see some areas where I've grown.

Today, take some time to look at the areas you've improved in with your own life. Give God praise for your growth and maturity! Then ask God to help you tackle those things yet left to be strengthened. If you can grow and mature in one area, you can grow and mature in another. Nothing's impossible with God!

Verse of the Day: But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:18a

Believe In Yourself

...We ask ourselves – who are we to be brilliant, beautiful, talented, and fabulous.

But honestly, who are you to not be so?... - Marianne Williamson

This year is still a year of purpose. Are you still walking out what God has placed in your heart?

I love this quote from Maya Angelou. It speaks to the heart of some things that I struggle with quite often. I'll begin a project, or start an endeavor, only to step back and try and "see" it from other people's eyes.

I pick whatever it is apart: It's not as good as so-and-so's... It doesn't have as much as hers... I'm not as talented as he was... Didn't someone already speak on this already?

It's amazing how quickly I can discredit myself. I line up all my little reasons and stop whatever I was doing. Just like that. I'm done.

Yet God created me - He created you - for a reason. There's something unique in our DNA that gives us abilities or qualities that no other person on this planet can do. We just have to believe in ourselves. We have to believe that God has placed that greatness in us for us to share with the world.

I was encouraging one of my friends last night to keep pressing towards a goal that he has. He's been working at things for a while and was getting discouraged because he wasn't seeing the results he wanted. I told him to keep going. He was born to succeed at his endeavor. He is talented beyond belief at what he does. I saw no reason for him to quit.

You'll never get a 'yes' if you quit asking, I said. The door won't have an opportunity to open if you don't knock. It's funny how you can speak life to someone else, but it's hard to convince your own self to act right.

So, today, let's have some faith in ourselves. Today, let's throw the excuses, self-criticism, and complacency aside. We were made in the image of God! (Genesis 1:26) We were called forth to fulfill His purpose! (2 Timothy 1:9) Who are we to discredit His work? Who are we to question the gifts He placed on the inside of us?

You can be successful! You can fulfill your dream! Believe in yourself.

God already has.

Verse of the Day: I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. Psalm 139:14

Recognize the God Moves

The Lord moves in mysterious ways. Often it's in ways that we normally wouldn't pick or via avenues that we normally wouldn't travel. A move of God doesn't always come the traditional way. But if we keep our spiritual eyes open and our ears listening to the Holy Spirit, we can position ourselves to be a part of His miraculous moves.

The majority of the spies who scoped out Jericho were so busy looking at the negatives - the giants, the fortified walls, etc. - that they counted themselves out of a blessing. It was Joshua and Caleb who saw that the Lord could cause Israel to defeat the nation.

When the Hebrew boys were taken into captivity, their charge could not see how eating meals of vegetables and fruits would keep them as healthy as the other men who were feasting on the king's rich meats and foods. Yet, as the Hebrew boys kept up their diet, they fared far better than those around them.

When Jesus arrived on the scene, some people sneered that nothing good could come from Nazareth. They scoffed that the man they knew as the son of a carpenter could be a great prophet of God. And we all know that son of a carpenter went on to prove He was indeed the Son of God.

Every day God is working miracles around us. He is always orchestrating great moves and causing people to overcome, triumph, and succeed. Far too often, though, we miss out on his mighty moves.

Maybe we're like those scouts and we're focusing too much on the negatives in our vision. Or, maybe we are like the man in charge of the Hebrew boys. We are so used to the way things normally work, we distrust the new thing that God is placing in our path. Or, maybe we are like Jesus' community. We see someone that we've known for a long time and can't fathom how God could possibly use them for greatness.

Don't let your natural vision keep you from seeing the miraculousness of God! Don't let your normal thoughts keep you from taking in the higher thoughts of your Father! When God opens a door, don't look through with apprehension or distrust. No matter if it doesn't compute on your end, best believe that it works out on God's end! Go ahead and run through that door!

Today, keep your eyes peeled for the moves God is trying to make in your life. And when God presents and opportunity, take it! Don't question, analyze, or try to figure it out. Just move forward in faith.

Verse of the Day: For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8, 9

Follow This Blog!

So, I've decided to put the blog on Twitter! You can follow the the tweets via @MyMorningTi.

I look forward to tweeting with all of you!

God's Creative Splendor

I'm not really a nature girl. I don't hike or bird watch or visit forest preserves or anything like that. I can't stand being outside if it's too hot or too cold, and bugs will clear me away from any area.

Yet there is something about God's creation that you can't ignore.

Just looking at a simple flower or considering that that tiny bug is a working little organism that can carry ten times what it weighs... Seeing how the dew sparkles on the grass in the early morning or watching the sky turn beautiful pastel colors at sunset... Feeling a breeze on your neck or listening to the birds sing their song...

God really is a Master Designer.

He created a world full of splendor and mystery. With all of our technology and insight, we're still discovering secrets about our planet every day.

This world has been spinning for years and God has it all working together in perfect harmony. It's amazing how plants, animals, the weather, the seas, and the land itself are all connected to each other.

The creatures that He fashioned shows the depth of His creativity and wisdom. Even the landscape gives testament to His awesome work.

When was the last time that you paused to take in the natural beauty of our world? How often do you stop and marvel at God's glorious creation?

Take some time today to slow down and take a look at the natural beauty of the world. Some of us may have to really search to find something natural in our highly "developed" surroundings, but make some effort to find something. God created that animal, plant, cloud, or breeze...

Isn't God amazing?!

Verse of the Day: When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? Psalm 8:3, 4

All For His Glory

Yesterday, I talked about how you are the key to your own success. I've been meditating on this for a minute, and it is so amazing how God has ordered our footsteps!

At Moses' birth, God already had him walking on purpose. It was no coincidence that his mother sent him off down the river to escape the Egyptians, that Moses was found by the princess, that he grew up in the palace. God even used Moses' sin - the murder of the Egyptian who was beating an Israelite - for Moses' gain. It was no coincidence that Moses had to get out from the place of comfort he had always known and strike out into the wilderness.

God used each and every instance to prepare Moses for his destiny of leading the Israelites.

The fury that Moses felt seeing his kinsman abused, showed him that he had a deep love for his people. Despite growing up in Egypt's palace and knowing the rich and easy life, Moses still had a connection to his kin that was deep and visceral. He would need to tap into that connection over and over again when the people of God tried Moses' very last nerves on their journey to the Promised Land.

When Moses returned to Egypt, he already knew how the palace protocol worked. He was able to get an audience before Pharaoh because of his previous connections. No other Israelite would have even been entertained.

Moses needed to go out into the wilderness in order to meet the Lord. It was in Moses' time of solitude that he was able to hear from God and discover his purpose. Even while he shepherded his father in-law's flocks, Moses was gaining some skills he would need in shepherding God's people.

Look back at your life. Everything that has happened, God has allowed to happen. From your greatest privileges to your darkest defeats, God has ordered your steps. They're all there for a reason. They're all there to push you to your destiny in God.

Even now you may be in a painful place, hard situation, or a spot that doesn't seem to make sense. Maybe you're trying to recover from some sinful behavior, and you're feeling the guilt of your ways pressing down. Perhaps you've gotten a huge victory, and now you're wondering what's next.

God has you in mind! He's working all things together for your good. Don't allow yourself to lose hope, to despair or to even give up! Don't get comfortable where you are, keep your eyes ahead to the place where God is taking you to. As long as you're still breathing, He has work for you to do.

God is orchestrating your life for His glory. Every item in your life He will use to bring you to your expected end. No matter how things may seem right now, you have a great future ahead of you. And if things seem pretty great - buckle your seat belt - God can do even better than that! (Ephesians 3:20)

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

Your Success

This morning I was blessed to catch Pastor Mike Freeman's broadcast on television. He said something that caught my ears: "You are the main ingredient to your success."

He elaborated on how God has already stacked the deck for us. God has given us His Word, His Holy Spirit, His wisdom... He's given us the talents, gifts, and attributes we possess and has placed us in the right spot for us to take advantage and live a fully sustained life.

The only thing we have to do is grab onto what He has given us, and do the work. If we never move, we'll never see the greatness God has placed on the inside of us. This is powerful when you think about it.

What if Abraham had never left the comfort of his homeland and didn't move out like God told him?

What if Moses decided to stay in the comfort of the wilderness and live out his days as a shepherd instead of going back to Egypt to free the Israelites?

What if Joshua thought that the instructions that God had given him about marching around Jericho were just too ludicrous to work?

What if David had cowered at the sight of Goliath like all the other men of Israel who laid eyes on the giant?

What if Esther had come to the conclusion that it was too risky to go and see the king unsummoned?

All of these people stood on the brink of success and made the decision to go after what God had laid out in front of them. They chose to step out in faith and do the work that the Lord was calling them to. And their lives were never the same. Once they chose to move, God was able to steer them to their greatness.

Are you living a life of greatness? Are you experiencing the thrill of serving God in the exact capacity He created you for?

Or, are you still trying to decide whether or not you're going to follow after His word?

No matter how bizarre, uncomfortable, complicated, or unheard of... if God has shown you what you're here to do, your best bet is to put your hands to the plow and walk down the path. Your life's success hangs in the balance. Don't miss out on the greatness that could be yours.

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

My Brilliant Plan

I'm a planner.

I like to think ahead, arrange things, organize items into neat little compartments, and then sit back assured that everything will go smoothly because I planned ahead.

More often than not, though, my well thought out plans get altered at the last minute or thrown out altogether. Life has a way of coming in and doing away with plans.

Some people like to "plan" their faith. They know ahead of time how much money they're willing to give, how many hours they're willing to serve, who they won't show love to, how much time they're willing to sit in service...

They even do the same thing to God directly. They "plan" what part of their lives they're going to give to the Lord, they direct how God is going to use them, they set up their own plans of how their prayers will be answered and how their breakthroughs will come.

I'm so glad the Lord doesn't care one bit about our "plans." God has a way of stepping in and "messing up" all of our well-laid intentions. He has a way of entering into a situation and turning around to a totally different outcome.

And everything He touches turns to gold.

I'm sure the disciples had plans for their lives. They had already started walking down their paths. They were fishermen, tax collectors, and businessmen. They were already providing for their families and living out what they had determined was going to be their lot.

Yet, two words from Jesus put all their plans to an end: "Follow me." With those two words, all twelve disciples dropped what they were doing, put their plans to the side, and followed Jesus for the rest of their lives. And we all know what glorious examples they turned out to be.

I'm not saying it's bad to plan. It's always smart to have something together so life won't catch you unawares. What I am saying is to always make sure that the Lord has top billing, make sure He has the final say so over any plan you might make. If He comes in and wants to change up the show, your best move is to follow His directions.

Maybe right now the Lord is asking you to do something that doesn't quite fit into your game plan. Maybe it's something you've never seen yourself doing, or it involves doing something that you don't quite think you can do. But if God is asking you, why not trust in His sovereign wisdom and step out in faith? The worst thing that could happen...? Your life could become a shining example of God's miraculous power.

Verse of the Day: The LORD frustrates the plans of the nations and thwarts all their schemes. But the LORD’s plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken. What joy for the nation whose God is the LORD, whose people he has chosen as his inheritance. Psalm 33:10-12

Thank You, Jesus!

I can't keep going forward without acknowledging one of the biggest events in the Christian experience. This past weekend people around the globe stopped to remember the great sacrifice that Jesus made when He died on the cross for our sins. Reflecting on Jesus' great sacrifice, agony on the cross, and glorious resurrection helps all believers to cherish our salvation even more.

What I enjoy about this time is knowing that Jesus did all of this for us. He could easily have had angels rescue him the first moment the soldiers placed Him under arrest. Jesus could have called forth angels to stop the whip that tore into His flesh. Jesus could have stopped the hands of those that place the crown of thorns on His head.

But, He allowed it all to happen... just for us.

Jesus said Himself that no one could take His life. (John 10:17, 18) He had to literally lay His own life down in order to die. And He chose to lay it down for us.

Jesus knew sickness, He knew pain, He knew abandonment and betrayal, and He knew what it was to be apart from God in those moments when the Father turned away. Jesus subjected Himself to these things to free us from their grasp. Because He suffered, we don't have to. Because He was sick, we can be healed. Since the Father turned His back while Jesus languished on the cross, we can go boldly to the throne of grace.

And because Jesus rose up from the grave... we can experience eternal life!

Thank you, Jesus, for the sacrifice you made for us! Let our lives be pleasing in Your sight as we live in gratefulness for Your great work.

Verse of the Day: For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. 1 Peter 2:21-24

No Set Mold

When Jesus walked the earth, He kicked it with some folks and did some things that the upstanding religious people of the day frowned upon. Jesus went to parties with tax collectors and publicans, He actually paid attention and cared for the poor, He healed on the Sabbath... All of these things were not what the "esteemed" people of the day did.
Yet Jesus did them.

Today, many upstanding religious people have their "standards" of what good Christians are to do. They have rules of how they should and shouldn't look... where they should and shouldn't go... and who they should and shouldn't hang around.

I'm so glad that our Father doesn't look on the outward appearance but instead looks at the heart! Jesus told us to go into all the world and preach the gospel. Somebody's going to have to go to the "off limit" places and shine the light of Christ. Someone's going to have to go and touch the "untouchable" and guide them to the joy of the Lord.

Once these people are introduced to God, they may not dress or act the way traditional Christians think they should. Yet, the important part is that they offer up their lives to Christ. Once they allow His love to permeate through them and inward change will come that will far outweigh any outward action they could make.

So, don't be so quick to judge a person's Christianity by their outward appearance. Many of us are going to be surprised to see who's worshipping at God's feet when we get to heaven!

Verse of the Day: ...for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. 1 Samuel 16:17

Acts of Kindness

Because of the way society was ordered during the times the Bible was written, women didn't get to much shine on the pages. It took a woman of caliber to get mentioned in the Good Book. We do have Esther and Deborah, Mary and Elizabeth. Yet, there is one lady who came to my mind this morning.

Dorcas - or Tabitha - was a woman who was not known for her preaching or teaching. She wasn't a queen on a throne or mother to a prophet. Dorcas was an ordinary woman who just lived her life doing good deeds for those around her. She looked out for the poor and widowed. She used her gift of sewing to make clothes for those who had none.

Simple, right?

This woman's simple acts of kindness and generosity gave her friends and loved ones who cherished her greatly. They cared for her so much that when she got sick and died, they sent for Peter. When he came, they shared about her life and all the good that she had done for them. After seeking God, Peter performed a miracle and called Dorcas back from death.

Dorcas' generosity in life granted her more time to live.

Who knows what your simple acts of kindness do for those around you? Who knows how deeply someone will cherish something that you may think little of. A kind word, a hug, sharing your talent or gift can mean so much to someone who needs what you have to give!

Make sure you're using all your gifts for the glory of God! No matter how large or small, every action causes an effect. And, who knows? Your decision to go out of your way for someone else could inspire God to do something great for you!

Verse of the Day: Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.

 Acts 9:39-42

Daughter of the Most High

Last Sunday, my Apostle preached a powerful word about being a child of God. So often Christians continue to act 'normal' once they accept Christ.

We continue to have the same excuses. We expect the same mediocrity. We allow the ordinary to continue to be our regular routine.

But after we have accepted Jesus into our hearts, we become joint heirs to the Father with Him! We are children of the King of Kings! We should have no excuses, we should be experiencing the extraordinary on a daily basis, and the supernatural should be the most natural thing in the world to us!

We have an extraordinary God who views us as His sons and daughters. It would be one thing if we were just considered servants... even another if we were deemed friends... but we are a part of God's family! Let that sink in... God Almighty considered you family!

Family members get special access. They don't have to do things formally or put in special requests. Family can walk right in the house. They can put their feet up. They can have deeper conversations and share more intimate details others wouldn't share. Family partakes in the inheritance. Family gets the support when there is need. Family doesn't always have to explain or give special reasons for privileges.

We are a part of God's family. He considers you His child. Why should you think it's okay to struggle, be sick, have lack, or anything else negative in your life? God Almighty is your Father! He wants to take care of your every need! He wants to shower you with privileges only daughters and sons get!

Move out of the ordinary and into the extraordinary. Don't allow your life to be 'normal'. Tap into the abundant life Jesus spoke of when He was here. (John 10:10) Live your life to the max! Why not? You're a King's kid!

Verse of the Day: Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God... 1 John 3:1a