Put Your Love on Display

I'm back from vacation! I'm rested, relaxed, and refreshed! I had so much fun seeing all of my family, and I can't wait to go back again.

In the midst of all of the hustle and bustle, love was on full display. There was love for family, love for friends, love that sacrificed, love that gave above and beyond, love that spoke up, love that was silent... It was an all-out lovefest!

It's easy to show love to family and friends. It's not hard to show kindness to people we like. The true testament of our faith comes when we reach out to strangers. Our love really is shown when we give it away to those that others feel are 'unlovable'.

Jesus told us that the world would know we were His followers because of the love we displayed. He constantly spoke about love and forgiveness. He taught that keeping the peace should be our highest priority. To Him, we couldn't give an offering without making sure that things were made right between people who had offences with us first! (Matthew 5:23, 24)

Are people able to see your Christianity through the love you display? Can they tell you're a follower of Christ from how you treat them? Would someone be able to observe you throughout the day and see the love of Christ shine through?

Make sure your love is on display today!

Verse of the Day: By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. John 13:35

Throwbacks!

Hey Everyone! Hope you enjoyed your weekend. Right about now, I'm driving back from my trip to Louisiana, so I decided to post some of my favorite old posts for you to enjoy today. One thing that's great about the Word: it never gets old!

Been feeling blah lately? Click here for some JOY!

Trying to get rid of a bad attitude? Click here to learn how to lose it!

Need to turn that dream into a reality? Click here for some motivation!

Been running here, there, and everywhere? Click here to learn why you might wanna slow down!

Still waiting on something God's promised you? Click here to strengthen your patience for the answer!

I'll be back on the post tomorrow.

Thanksgiving Friday!

Oh give thanks unto the Lord for He is good! His mercies endure forever and His truth endures beyond time!

I'm so glad it's Friday! Right now, I am enjoying family and friends in New Orleans. It's my grandmother's birthday celebration, and I'm glad I got a chance to come down and celebrate with her. I haven't been down here in ages! Thank You, Lord, for family. Thank You for blessing me with such a great group of people to love.

I'm also thankful for rest. It didn't really dawn on me until a few days ago, but I am tired! I need to rest! This vacation came right on time. I've been so busy with things here and there that my body was screaming for a break. Thanks, God, for the opportunity to vacation.

So, what are you thankful for today? How has the Lord blessed you? Make sure you give God some praise today!

Verse of the Day: O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy... Psalm 107:1, 2

Family Time

After God created Adam, He realized that it wasn't good for Adam to be alone. Adam needed a family. He needed a wife to be his helper, and he needed children to fulfill God's command to "be fruitful" in the earth.

Cunningly, the family was where satan chose to strike first. Initially, he caused Adam and Eve's union trouble when he tempted Eve in the garden. As soon as God questioned their decision to disobey Him, Adam threw Eve under the bus blaming her for the whole thing. Then, when the pair had children, satan was able to use Cain's jealousy and turn it into a murder between brothers.

The rest is history.

All throughout the Bible there are stories of how families betrayed each other... how jealousy ripped families apart... how greed caused rifts between parents and children... how favoritism wreaked havoc... how pride brought pain...

The devil knows that if a family is able to remain a strong unit, they can do great things for the Kingdom of God. If a family is in harmony, they can spread more love and joy in the earth. If a family is whole, there is one less group of people who are too distracted with drama and negativity to pay him any mind.

God designed families. He purposefully put together families to bring Him glory.

Think about it: He chose Mary for a reason. He knew that she would accept the great task of bearing the Messiah. God chose Joseph to be Mary's husband knowing that he would do the honorable thing by her when she revealed that she was pregnant and not by him. When they worked together in harmony, they were able to facilitate the birth of our Lord and Savior.

Think about your family. There's a reason why you have the mother, father, sisters, brothers, grandmother, adopted parents, guardians, etc. in your life. It's no accident how you ended up the way you have.

The devil would love for you to focus on the family dramas - the slights, the attitudes, the forgetfulness, the grudges - in order for you not to have a fully functioning unit. He would love for you to bemoan the fact that you come from a broken home. He would love for you to focus on the abuse you suffered at the hands of a loved one. Satan would love for you to continue the bitterness toward your siblings that keeps you apart from them.

But God wants to use you and your family to bring Him glory. He wants to turn all the negativity around for your good. He wants to use the hurt to bring healing. He wants to transform the chaos to peace.

Today, bring your family up before the throne of God. Ask the Lord to show you what He had purposed when He gave you the family that you have. Ask Him to show you how to begin to heal whatever pains are there. Ask Him to show you how your family - as messed up as it may be - can bring His Kingdom glory.

God loves family. He wants all of us to enjoy our families. Yes, things may be difficult and trying, but all it takes is allowing the Lord to step into those difficult and trying spaces... Then you will see the glory of God.

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

Know Where You're Going?

In studying the life of Jesus, one thing I love was His focus. Jesus knew His mission, did what He had to do to prepare for His purpose, and when His time came to shine, He went full steam ahead.

Jesus knew from an early age that He was on Kingdom business. As a young child, He spent His time in the synagogues and temple talking with the priests and religious leaders of the day. Jesus was well versed in Scripture and even had His teachers in awe!

Jesus didn't rush into His calling either. He followed the timing of the Lord. Jesus didn't start His ministry until He was about 30 years old. That leaves a significant amount of time where Jesus was in the background, hidden, preparing for His destiny.

When the time came for Jesus to start His ministry, He made sure He followed the proper steps. He knew that He had to commit to fasting and prayer in order to prepare Himself. He also went through temptation from the enemy proving the strength of His convictions to fully follow God's plan. Jesus also was baptized by John the Baptist prior to going forth in ministry.

And once Jesus went into ministry, He was fully committed to fulfill everything that was being asked of Him. Jesus travelled from town to town preaching the gospel. He healed all that came to Him. He subjected Himself to the sneers and accusations of the haters. He mentored twelve men who would become His legacy after His death. Jesus stayed in constant prayer with the Father. And even though He did take time to rest, He was always ready with the Word of God for those who came to Him in need. Jesus walked out His purpose to the point of death knowing that He would be resurrected on the other side.

Jesus was a man who fully understood His call, purpose and destiny in God.

Studying Jesus' life inspires and challenges me in my purpose as well. Do I fully understand my purpose? Do I know my next steps? Am I able to withstand temptation when it comes? Can I remain faithful to the call in the midst of haters? Will I be able to stay true to the call even in times of pain and heartache?

Jesus is our pristine example of how to live a life walking with the Lord. He had such a relationship with God that He knew His exact steps and the exact timing of His life. Can you say the same? Do you know what season you're in? Are you walking in step with God's plan?

Don't just live your life without purpose. Don't allow time to pass you by without walking in your destiny. Whether you're planning, positioning, preparing, or walking it out, your purpose in God should be known to you. As you follow God's instructions for your life, you will make the impact He created you for in the earth.

Verse of the Day: The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Psalm 37:23

There's Nothing Too Hard For God: Believe It!

There's a popular saying in the church that goes, "There's nothing too hard for God." We Christians like throwing that phrase around. We say it with our chest puffed out because the phrase reiterates that the God we serve is so powerful, nothing can stop Him, nothing can beat Him, nothing can make Him fail.

Yet, when problems come our way - I mean serious problems - why do we get so fearful? Why do we worry? Why do we stress wondering how we're going to make it through? We're the same folk who boast that our God can do anything, but our 'big' problems make us shake in our boots.

Do we really believe there's nothing too hard for God?

When you believe something, you're at rest. You're at peace. Right now, I'm believing that my chair is going to continue holding me up. I'm not worrying about falling on the floor in the next moment, I'm not stressing out about how to make this chair strong enough to hold me. I'm at peace. I'm not even thinking about it. I believe in the strength of this chair to hold my weight.

If we can put simple faith in a chair, how much more should we be able to put faith in our God? If He told us something, why should we not believe Him? If He made a promise, who are we to think that it will not be fulfilled?

Still, we do it every day. We face a problem and try to take it on by ourselves because deep down we're not fully sure that God is really able. We look at the size of our challenge and get intimidated. We forget how great our God is, and we succumb to fear. We worry instead of standing on God's Word.

Today, take a moment and check your faith level. Do you really believe that God can do it? Be honest. And if you don't believe, bring your doubts to God! He is so loving and will honor your honesty. And then He will prove His Word to you. He will show you that, yes, He can handle it.

There is nothing too hard for God. We just have to give Him an opportunity to showcase His strength.

Verse of the Day: And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible. Mark 10:27

Souls in the Balance

By now you've probably heard about the theater shootings in Aurora, CO. Yesterday, there were memorial services and prayer services to remember those that were killed and pray for the injured. Our President even put his agenda on hold to go and see about those hurting in that city.

In the midst of all the news coverage and happenings surrounding this matter, one thing keeps bugging me: somebody knew. Someone knew that the alleged shooter, James Holmes, was off. Someone knew that something wasn't right with him. Someone saw that he was not in his right mind.

Yet no one said anything. No one did anything.

As believers it is practically our job to notice those who are outcast, rejected, hurting, and alone. It is our responsibility to show love to the unloved, to give to those who have nothing, to be friends to the friendless. We are to spread Jesus' love to everyone we see who needs it.



Marc Piscotty for nbcnews.com



The question is whether we are taking the time to do something about the people we see who are in need.

 Are we reaching out to those that we see hurting? Are we going out of our way to show love to someone who needs it? Do we reach out to those who we see are all alone?

There are souls in the balance.

True, not everyone will accept the love of Christ. Not everyone will respond to a caring act. But someone will. There's someone who is just waiting on someone else to show that they care. There's someone who wants someone else to notice that they're hurting. There's someone who doesn't want to feel alone anymore.

That's where we come in. When we show God's love, when we follow the Holy Spirit and reach out, when we take on the mind of Christ and pay attention to someone in need... we can turn things around. We can change someone's life. We can rescue someone from despair.

Who knows? Our small acts of kindness could lead a person to the Lord. Our smile or hug could save someone from the grasp of suicide. Our love could ease the hurt of someone who was planning to hurt someone else.

We are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Are we doing our jobs? Does the world reflect our Christian actions? Is our faith impacting those we come in contact with?

We can't just live our lives in a bubble. We can't ignore the pain and hurt in the lives of those around us. We were given too much to be selfish. We were shown too much love to keep it all to ourselves. We have to start reaching out. We have to start living the life we claim. There are souls in the balance.

Verse of the Day: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord. Luke 4:18, 19

Thanksgiving Friday: Be Encouraged!

I know it's Thanksgiving Friday, and I usually post the things that I'm grateful for this week. But, today, I feel inspired to encourage you today.

No matter what's going on in your life, you have a reason to smile. No matter how bad things may appear, you have a reason to laugh. In spite of all the challenges that may be facing you right now, you can be at peace.

The Lord God is on your side! The King of Kings is fighting your battles. (2 Chronicles 32:8) You are guaranteed to win!

No, you may not understand things right now. Yes, you may be hurting deeply inside. It may not make sense as to why you're going through such trials.

BUT, you can take heart knowing that God is working all things together for your good. (Romans 8:28) You can be encouraged remembering that God didn't bring you all this way just to leave you hanging. (Philippians 1:6) He will make sure that He fulfills His promises to you. As long as you keep walking with Him, He's got you covered.

Don't give up! Don't give in! Don't fall prey to the pressures of life. Don't allow the enemy to steal your promises.

Take your heartaches to the Lord. Bring your worries to the Father. Whatever you can't figure out, place it in the Lord's hands and leave it there. Stop worrying. Stop fretting. Stop stressing yourself out.

Stand on the promises of God. And after you've stood your ground, stand some more. Don't get out of faith. Continue to trust that your God is not a man that He would lie to you. He's going to deliver you, He's going to work it out, He's going to bring it all together for your benefit.

Be encouraged today. Allow God's Word to hold you up. It's going to be alright. You're going to make it. You're going to win.

Verse of the Day: But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble. And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him. Psalm 37:39, 40

Living Sacrifice

In Romans, the Apostle Paul asks believers to present their bodies as a living sacrifice to God. To Him, it is our "reasonable service" to live upright and holy before the Lord because of His mercies toward us. (Romans 12:1) In other words, through His matchless mercies, God chose to redeem us and cleanse us from sin through His Son's sacrifice. Now that we are upright before Him, the least we can do is live a life that reflects our inward change.

It's that living sacrifice part that's the kicker. Something that's living is growing, changing, experiencing new things, waking up each day to something new.

Every day we wake up we have to choose to live holy. There is always some new adversity, some new attitude, some new heartache just waiting to knock us off our holiness lifestyle. If we're really honest, there's some old stuff that we come across every day that challenges us as well.

Living a holy life takes work. Pleasing God in all we do is a sacrifice. Our natures want to act nasty, we want to respond in anger, we want to be selfish...

But a life that's been transformed can't live that way. A life that's been renewed by Jesus' love can't live in anger. A life that's been given so much, can't bear being selfish.

We've been blessed to be made righteous and holy in the eyes of God. It's only reasonable that we sacrifice our wants and desires to match the wants and desires of the Lord. Our outer actions should match the inner change that salvation has brought to us.

Are you living holy? Are you reasonably living out your life according to God's mercies toward you? Or, do you need to make some adjustments to your behavior?

Every day we awaken, we have the choice to live holy. Each moment we live is a chance to offer ourselves as willing vessels to our King. Let's make sure that we are not misusing God's mercy towards us. Let's choose to take on God's will of holiness for ourselves today.

Verse of the Day: I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. Romans 12:1

Have a Seat!

I've mentioned before that I consider myself to be a Martha. I am a person that likes to make sure that everything is in order, on point, and all details are addressed. I feel more at ease putting together projects and activities. I like planning and organizing. Just like Martha, I always want to put my best foot forward and make sure that things go forth in excellence.

The question is, when God shows up am I too busy worrying about what I'm doing for Him that I miss out on His arrival? When the Lord just wants to sit and talk to me, am I too concerned with arranging some grand gesture that I miss out on a powerful word? In my focus on trying to please Him with my actions, am I overlooking times for relationship building?

We all want to use our talents and gifts to make God smile. We want to use what He's given us in a way that will make the Lord proud. I'm sure Martha was an anointed hostess. She was vibing in her gift when Jesus came to visit. She probably felt that she was doing her part to make Jesus happy. She probably felt that all of her running around behind the scenes was needed for Jesus' comfortable stay in her home. No wonder she complained that her sister wasn't helping out.

Yet Mary recognized something that Martha missed. Mary saw that Jesus had come to their house for a reason. He didn't come to eat fabulous food or look in wonder at the decor of the home. He came to talk with them... He came to minister to them... He came to reveal more of Himself to them.

So Mary plopped right at Jesus' feet and drank it all in. Martha missed the memo.

Are you missing the memo right now? Are you running around preparing all these grand gestures for the Lord when all He really wants is to sit and talk with you? Are you so busy looking at what needs to be done/has to be done/should really be getting done that you're ignoring the fact that God is saying it can get done later?

More than anything God wants our hearts. He wants a relationship. He wants intimacy.

Sure, He appreciates your actions. He enjoys the fruits of your labors. But what He loves more than anything else is you. He wants more of you.

Before, during and after all of your planning, arranging, and organizing, make sure you take the time to sit at the Master's feet. Take the time to listen to what the Lord is saying. Before you run around getting busy with what you think will make Him happy, take some time with Him to really hear what is on His heart.

Verse of the Day: Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. Luke 10:38-42

Take Heart, God's With You!

When it was time for Joshua to take over leading the Israelite people, God made sure that Moses encouraged Joshua's heart before he took the reigns. Moses reminded Joshua that the Lord was on his side and that he had no reason to fear. Moses even encouraged Joshua in front of all the people to make sure the people would not fear following Joshua either.

Joshua had a huge task in front of him. After living their lives as slaves, then wandering in the wilderness for forty years, it was finally time for God's people to obtain His promise to them. In order for them to receive the promise, they were going to go out and do things they had never done and fight giants and powers they had never imagined.

Without courage in their hearts and faith in God and their leader, the Israelites could have easily lost out on the promise God had for them. But they were able to march forward with boldness because they knew that the Lord was with them.

You may be facing something new right now that has you trembling inside. Up ahead, there may be giants waiting on you to cross their path. But in facing the giants, you will be able to take hold of God's promise to you. In facing the unknown you'll be able to know that the Lord is with you.

Be strong and of good courage! The Lord is with you! He's bringing you to your promise!

Remember what He's already done for you. Remember how He saved you from bondage. Remember how He's kept you up to this very point.

Yes, what's ahead may be something you've never dealt with before. Maybe your instructions are something you've never heard of before (Walking around a city to make the walls fall, anyone?) But God is on your side! He won't let you fall! He won't let you be ashamed!

Be encouraged. Go forth and do it!

Just like Joshua went ahead and was able to rout every enemy that stood in his path, you will be able to go forward with great success. Trust in the Lord Who is with you. Stand firm and don't doubt. Believe His Word and watch what He does with your faith!

Verse of the Day: Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. Joshua 1:9

Who Are You Following?

It amazes me sometimes how quickly the Body of Christ is turning away from the truths of the Bible. We are turning away from the Truth in order to satisfy our own selfish desires. We are paying more attention to what the world thinks about us and our beliefs than we are paying attention to the Lord.

Even our leaders our compromising the Word of God. They are sanctioning outright sin in some cases and leading God's people away from what is right.

It is so important for us to be on guard. We should always make sure what and who we are following is in agreement with God's Word. The source of what we build our faith on should be God's Word, nothing else and nothing less.

Jesus lamented the state of His people while He was on earth. And a large reason for their position was because of their leaders. The Pharisees, Sadducees, and priests were caught up in rules, money, and status. They were so concerned with their own selfish desires that the people were left wanting both physically and spiritually.

And when the Truth came in their midst, the Jewish leaders were blind. Instead of recognizing Who was among them, they ridiculed Jesus, questioned His teachings, and plotted His demise. There is only the mention of Nicodemus, a Pharisee, who came to Jesus in the cover of night who recognized that Jesus had to have come from the Lord. (John 3:2)

Who are you following? Are they pointing you to the Truth of God or are they compromising the gospel? Are they willing to follow the Word no matter how much it clashes with the world's view? Are they explaining away the Truth of the Bible, or are they holding firmly to what it states?

Make sure that you are following after a leader who follows what God says, not man. You can't afford to compromise... especially when your soul is at stake.

Verse of the Day: Be ye followers of me, even as I also [am] of Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1

Thanksgiving Friday!

It's Friday, and I'm giving God praise! I'm so thankful for life, health, and joy in my spirit. So many times we get caught up in the hustle and bustle, what we need to do/have to do/haven't done that we forget to take a moment and just breathe. So, I encourage you to take some time to breathe today.

Take a break from thinking, running here and there, worrying, asking, and just allow yourself to be still. Do you know it's difficult for some people to just sit still? (I'm one of them!) Even when physically still, their minds are racing back and forth thinking of any and everything. It can be exhausting!

So today take on the challenge to breathe and be still. Sit back. Clear your head. Relax for a moment. Allow the peace of God to wash over your spirit. Think about God's mercy, grace, and love.

We have so much to be grateful for. Make sure you take some moments today to think about them and give God praise for His blessings.

See you next week!

Verse of the Day: I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints... Psalm 85:8a

Guilt Free

Guilt has a way of seeping in, popping up in odd moments, standing up in accusation against us when we least expect it. We can be on the edge of happiness, and guilt will swoop in with all the reasons why we don't deserve to smile.

Yet, Jesus' sacrifice clears us from all guilt. Because of His love, we don't have to be ashamed of anything. By coming to Him, we find forgiveness, acceptance, and redemption.

On the night when Jesus was arrested, it wasn't just Judas who betrayed Jesus. All the disciples deserted Jesus and left Him alone. (Matthew 27:56) Later, Peter adamantly denied even knowing Jesus three times. (Matthew 26:69-75)

Judas' guilt was so great that he took his own life. Peter and the other disciples more than likely felt guilt over how they had abandoned Jesus. However, when Jesus arose, He didn't make them feel guilty. He didn't condemn them for their behavior. Jesus encouraged them and showed them love and forgiveness. He didn't even mention their slight. He simply challenged them to go out and spread the Good News of His love to others.

Jesus doesn't look at you and see all the wrong you've done. He looks at you and sees all of the amazing things you can do for His Kingdom! Don't allow feelings of guilt to stop you or shame you. You've been cleansed by the blood of the Lamb! You are blameless before Him!

If God doesn't see your sin, why should you give it any place in your thoughts? We all have sinned and fallen short, but where we lacked - Jesus' grace abounded all the more! We are free from guilt and shame! Don't let it hold you captive anymore!

Verse of the Day: 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. Psalm 32:5

Believe in Yourself

I've said this earlier this year, but it bears repeating: God created you on purpose. He made you for a reason. He put you together as a part of His large divine plan. You're not here by accident. It's not a fluke that you're breathing.

So, why do so many of us suffer through doubt, indecision, and low self-esteem? Why do so many of us second guess ourselves? Why do we hesitate to act on the dreams and aspirations that are in our hearts and minds?

When God formed you, He put everything inside of you that you would need. He believed that His remarkable creation - you - would accomplish its purpose. He tucked those dreams inside your heart, He placed those visions deep in your mind. He put all that inside of you believing that you would be the perfect person to get the job done.

Don't let fear and unbelief stop you from reaching your purpose! Don't let your own self trick you out of accomplishing the very thing you were created to do! God put you together, gave you the breath of life, and allowed you to be born for this very moment in time.

He believes that you can do it. It's time for you to believe it for yourself.

Go ahead and reach for the stars. Step out of fear and into your destiny. Stop making up excuses and do what you feel in your heart. The Lord of All believed in you enough to place all of that inside of you, the least you can do is back Him up and get it done.

Verse of the Day: ...for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him. Isaiah 43:7b

Matchless Mercy

Mercy: a manifestation of favor, especially by a superior; mercy, clemency, pardon

God's mercy is what delivered us from the penalty of sin. He took Jesus' substitutional sacrifice as payment for our sins and granted us His mercy. Because of this, we stand righteous before the Lord, we're able to come boldly into His presence, and are guaranteed to have an eternal life in Paradise with Him.

The Father's mercy is renewed to us every morning. (Lamentations 3:22, 23) Even though we are human, fallible, sinful beings in our nature, every day our Father chooses to show us mercy all over again. Despite how we may have failed Him the day, hour or minute before, our pleas for forgiveness are always heeded and granted. The Lord is faithful!

Isn't that amazing? The Lord gives us favor in spite of ourselves! There is nothing that can separate us from His love! There is nothing we can do to make Him take away His mercy. Once we accept His Son as Lord over our life, we are brought into His family for good. All of our mistakes, sins, and shortcomings are covered by Jesus' precious blood, and we are seen as pure beings in the eyes of the Lord.

The Lord's mercy is manifested in the blessings we receive as we develop a right relationship with Him. We enjoy peace in our minds, joy in our hearts, love for others, and wisdom as we navigate through life. God's mercy is a powerful tool!

None of us are worthy. None of us deserve it. None of us can ever live up to it's powerful effect.

But it's ours just the same.

Doesn't that make you love God all the more?

Verse of the Day: But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light; Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. 1 Peter 2:9, 10

Love Is What You DO

Love is a verb. It is an action. It is something you do. However, when it comes down to it, many of us resort to declaring our love rather than portraying our love.

Jesus was someone who exemplified love in literally everything He did. He came to this world out of love. He chose a humble life out of love. He took the time to befriend, mentor, train, and inspire the twelve apostles out of love. He performed miracles out of love. He taught the multitudes out of love. Even when Jesus was dying on the cross, He made it a point to forgive His killers out of love.

Jesus' life was a model of what it means to love.

Think about your life. Do you really show love? Or, are you one of those who just say that you love someone? When you do something for someone else, is it truly out of love for them? Do you limit your love to just those who are close to you, or is your love available to all? Do you love no matter how you feel, or do you continue to show love even when it's inconvenient for you?

As children of the King, we should allow God's love to transform us to the point where we show love like Jesus did. God's love should permeate our beings to the point where we can't help but to show love everywhere we go and to everyone we meet.

Yet, too many of us are comfortable being selfish or stingy and we allow our love-growth to go lacking. We don't allow ourselves the joy of knowing what it really means to exemplify love. We stop ourselves from reaching the maturity that go wants to bring us to in Him.

And we wonder why the world is in the amount of disarray that it's in...

Today, make the choice to show love. Allow the love of Christ to take over. Let love challenge you to grow in your Christianity. Choose to show love not just talk about it. When opportunities arise, consider what Jesus would do and choose to follow His example.

Our Savior chose a life of love and was able to bring salvation to mankind. What can you accomplish if you follow His example?

Verse of the Day: Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour. Ephesians 5:1, 2

Thanksgiving Friday!

Friday's come 'round again. I'm grateful for another opportunity to give God thanks.

Today I'm thankful for my church. We are celebrating 25 years of ministry this week! God has kept us and brought us through so much, and we are not the worse for wear. In fact, we are a strong unit displaying God's love to everyone who comes through our doors. We are truly blessed. Thank You, Father, for keeping our ministry. You've brought us so far, and I know that the best is on it's way!

This week I'm also giving God praise for vision. Through His wisdom, we all can look at the road ahead and have His insight on the matter. We can avoid pitfalls, see ways to excel, and save ourselves time and energy with the Lord's help and guidance. This week has been a week of vision for me. I can see where God is taking me, and I'm excited. Thank You, Lord, for giving me Your vision for my life! My future is bright!

I'm praising God for His faithfulness as well. Jesus is a keeper. He has kept my heart, kept my mind, and kept my spirit at peace. Whenever a need has shown up, the Lord has never let me down. I am so blessed that even when I messed up, God remained faithful to me. His Word has never failed. I'm certainly not worthy, but He has deemed me righteous in His sight through His dear Son. Thank You, Lord, for Your faithfulness.

I'm sure you're over there bubbling up with your prayers of thanksgiving also. Go ahead and give God some praise for what He's doing for you!

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

What Would He Say?

The book of Job begins with satan presenting himself to God and telling of his whereabouts. In their conversation, God takes the time to boast on His servant Job. God proudly tells how righteous and God-fearing Job is and confidently allows satan to test Job to prove that His admiration of Job is justified.

This story got me thinking about what God would say when talking about me. Would He be able to beam with pride and say, Have you seen My girl, Tiara...? and be able to celebrate my walk with Him? Would He have just as much confidence in my faith as He did with Job? Even just in general conversation, what would God have to say about me?

It's pretty humbling considering God knows it all, down to our very thoughts. He knows our every heartbeat, intention, and emotion. With all of that, God knows whether we're really trying to live righteously, if we're actually living a life of love, or if it's all a facade.

What would God have to say about you?

Today, think about the life that you're living. Think about your relationship with the Lord. If God were to test your faith, would you pass? If God was asked to describe you, would He have more positives than negatives?

There is no question that God loves all of us. There is no question that we were made righteous by the blood of His dear Son. But, are we living lives that reflect that righteousness? Are we carrying ourselves in a way that God can be proud of?

Verse of the Day: And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? Job 1:8

Celebrate Your Freedom!

Well, the barbecues are heating up, the fireworks have been purchased, and the partiers are on their way. It's time to celebrate our nation's freedom once again!

As we celebrate the fact that we are a free country, let's also take some time to rejoice that we are free from the bondage of sin! We don't have to be held captive by the enemy anymore! Any time the devil comes with his suggestions and lies, we have the power to throw him out!

We have the privilege of being seen as righteous in the eyes of God. Because of Jesus' sacrifice, those sins we used to carry are now washed away, and we stand as pure as clean snow in the eyes of God. Amazing!

No longer do we have to be ashamed, no longer do we have to bear guilt, no longer do we have to feel like we are "less than". We are joint heirs with Christ! We, who used to be outcasts, are now called children of God!

So, enjoy the cookouts, the laughter, and the fireworks. However, in the midst of your festivities, make sure you take some time to thank Jesus for cleansing you from the detriment of sin.

Verse of the Day: Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. Isaiah 1:18

Afternoon Ti, Anyone?

Good morning! I pray that today finds you blessed and refreshed! I'll be blogging this afternoon today. See you then!

It Is Well With My Soul

There's an old hymn with a refrain that says: It is well with my soul. Over and over the psalmist repeats that despite all that's going on, despite the trials that come from the enemy, no matter how much things try to block the way: It is well with my soul.

Life can be overwhelming at times. Things happen unexpectedly. Trials come unnanounced. Hardships pop up in our paths. But, not matter what goes on around us, we should be able to find God's peace buffeting us in the midst of any storm. We should be able to find courage to face any trial because the Lord is with us.

Sometimes that peace and assurance is right there. The trial may come, but it finds us strong and able to face it down with no problems. Other times, we may have to call upon that courage like David. Or, we may have to rehearse God's promises to us in our own ears. We may have to take the time to pray and ask our Father to visit us with His peace.

Either way, the Lord is there with everything we need to face any situation. That's why the psalmist can sing It is well with my soul. No matter what comes up, we have a way to face it, endure, and overcome. Nothing should shake us, scare us, or beat us. We are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus.

Be encouraged today! You have all the tools you need to face your situation. There is nothing too hard for the Lord, and He is with you! So, you can sing along with the psalmist: It is well with my soul!

Verse of the Day: As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me. Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice. He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me... Psalm 55:16-18