Thanksgiving Friday!

One day I'll get to nap like this!

Happy Friday, everyone! We made it to our three day weekend. Let the relaxation begin!

Well, I hope you get to relax. I will be busy - as always - doing homework, reading, and taking a quiz for my class. I'm investing now to reap the rewards later!

This week I'm thankful for wisdom. Watching the Republic National Convention and hearing all of the political speeches, spin, and appeals... I'm glad God has given me the gift of wisdom during this election season. There's so much going on, it boggles the mind! I'm trusting on that wisdom when I go to the polls, and I'm believing God that He will guide this nation in the direction He wants it to go regardless of who wins.

I'm also thankful for the examples of those who have gone before me. Right now I'm reading about Billy Graham, and it's so inspiring how he has lead his organization with dignity and integrity. I also have witnessed the leadership example of my parents. Seeing them react to negative situations with the love of God, watching them get through hard situations... I've been given a "behind the scenes" look of how to lead the right way. Thank You, Lord, for blessing me with good examples to follow!

Finally, I'm thankful for progress. No matter how small, progress means you're moving forward. It could be a small step, but that small step is progress towards the ultimate goal. This week, I've seen how God is progressing things in my life, and I am truly grateful. Progress is a sign of growth. I'm not regressing or stagnating - I'm progressing. God is good!

What are you thankful for today? How is God proving Himself faithful to you? Go on and give Him some praise!

Verse of the Day: The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Psalm 92:12

Growing Fruit

Today's post is the opening of my upcoming book. Hope you enjoy!

It would have been wonderful if the moment we accepted Jesus as our Savior our whole beings were changed into loving, Christ minded, God obeying creatures. However, this was not the case. Our sinful desires and tendencies remained with us after we said the Sinners Prayer. We were just empowered to overcome those desires if we chose to fight against them with the Lord’s help.

Many of us ignored the call to arms.


Simply because our souls have been saved from hell does not give us a ‘pass’ to continue on in the same behavior that we engaged in prior to being saved. It became our responsibility to transform ourselves into the image of Christ in our thoughts, attitude, and behavior.

In other words, it was time for us to start growing fruit.

Developing fruit requires sacrifice on our part. Many of us have lived with wrong behavior so long, it’s second nature to us. We are quick to catch an attitude when something doesn’t go our way. We’ve perfected the lies we tell to cover our errors. If someone crosses us, we relish in retaliating and putting them back in their place. Insert your sin here.

Yet these kinds of actions grieve the heart of the One who saved and delivered us. It is His will that we live a loving life showing mercy, humility, and peace to others. As He has shown us love, it is only right that we show Him love in return by following His will.

Our desires should take second place to His desires. If God doesn’t like it, it should be crossed off of our lifestyle list.

The Bible says that we can make the necessary changes by renewing our minds. Renewing here means that we have to retrain ourselves to think along the lines of the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God. We have to kick out every thought that’s not acceptable to God and actively sacrifice our will and replace it with His will. (Romans 12:1, 2)

Sacrificing our fleshly will and renewing our minds will be all the more easier as we actively follow after God. He has already given us His Holy Spirit to help guide us in the right way to go. We just have to make the effort to listen and obey Him instead of ignoring His gentle tugs to do better.

This is a process that takes time. It requires dedication, discipline, and resolve. Yet going through the process will result in our becoming more like Him.

Verse of the Day: So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. Galatians 5: 16, 17 (NLT)

Why Do You Believe?

I read an interesting article this morning about a woman who walked away from her faith and is now an atheist. What caught my attention is that she listed her reasons for walking away from religion but I couldn't find any reasons for her to disbelieve in God.

So that got me thinking. It's true. Some aspects of faith are illogical - they don't make sense to our human minds. Many aspects of Christianity rely on belief in a supernatural element. There are tenets that hinge on the spiritual, unseen realm. They require a solid foundational belief that God is real.

Many people today are introduced to Christianity by going to church. They're taught to believe there's a God "somewhere". They're taught to read the Bible. They're taught to say their daily prayers.

But we don't teach how to seek God. We don't instruct how to hear His voice. We don't spend quality time showing others how to build solid, personal relationships with the Lord. People view faith in God as adhering to a set of rules, living according to a moral code, or simply church attendance.

As a result, they can be tricked into seeing Christianity as invalid. They can be persuaded that "God" can mean different things to different people and still be correct. They can even go as far as to not believe that a God exists and see Him as a "nice idea".

Why do you believe? What persuades you that the Lord is real? Have you had a personal encounter with the Lord? Can you say that you know that God is real with certainty?

If you haven't experienced God on a personal level, I encourage you to seek God. Simply ask God to reveal Himself to you. Ask Him to speak to you, to show you His existence in a way that will give you a certainty beyond any doubt that He is real.

I know that the Lord will answer your request. How do I know? Because I asked Him for myself one day, and He answered my call. I know God is real, and no one can make me think any differently.

Verse of the Day: But the LORD is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king... Jeremiah 10:10a

Feeling Lost?

Sometimes in life we lose our way, and wake up one day wondering how we got where we are. The place we find ourselves is foreign. We know we're not in God's will, but we don't know how to get back to Him.

In those times when we feel lost and alone, God is still there reaching out to us. When we are afraid of what we're facing, unsure of how to get back on the right path, and nervous about being accepted into the fold again, God is standing by.

In Jesus' parable of the lost sheep, he speaks of a shepherd who leaves his 99 sheep in search for the 1 that was lost. In the same way our Good Shepherd is willing to go into the highways and byways looking for us when we lose our way. He does not want to see any of us left behind.

We just have to position ourselves to accept His help when He comes. We have to follow His instructions to find our way through foreign territory. We have to let go of sin in order to bring our spirits back into right relationship with Him. We have to surrender our will to the Lord's will in order to get back on the right path.

We don't have to stay lost. We don't have to stay separated from God. No matter how far off we may have gotten, know that your Heavenly Father will go any distance to bring you back to Him.

Today, if you're feeling lost, cry out to the Lord. Ask Him to show you how to make your relationship right again. Tap into courage and take the necessary steps to let go of sin and embrace God's will for your life.

It doesn't matter how lost you may feel, God knows right where you are.

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

Shalom!

My church has been meditating on shalom, and that is what I am speaking over today: SHALOM!!!

I am speaking God's peace, wholeness, and good health over every area of my life and the life of my loved ones. Worry, stress, sickness, and lack cannot have any place in my space! Everything must line up with God's Word in Jesus' name!

I also speak God's peace over you. Let the Lord be magnified in your life as well! You are an overcomer over anything that comes your way!

Jesus was a man who walked in total shalom. Whatever situation He encountered, He was able to put back into the balance that God wanted it to be in. If there was sickness, Jesus brought healing. Where there was hunger or thirst, Jesus was able to provide food and drink. In the midst of confusion, Jesus brought order. In ignorance, our Savior brought wisdom and knowledge of the Kingdom.

As we live our lives striving to be more like Jesus, let's take on His example to bring shalom (peace, wholeness, and health) to those we encounter. As carriers of the power and knowledge of God, we have the ability to set things right if we just step out in faith.

Keep your eyes and ears open for opportunities to bless someone else today. If you encounter a tough situation, pray with faith for God's wisdom to get through it successfully. When lack tries to show up, get in touch with your Father who has more than enough to fill in the gap.

Let today be a day full of Shalom!

Verse of the Day: Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27

Thanksgiving Friday!

Happy Friday! We've made it through another week with God on our side!

I am thankful for new beginnings today. I started a new school year at work, a new class online, I'm coaching a new squad, and I have a new mindset as I move forward. I am beginning to really understand what it means to live on purpose. God has me here for a reason, and I'm making it my top priority to live each day for that reason. Thank You, Lord for new beginnings!

This week I'm also thankful for the strength of the Lord. I have been busy - so busy I need to seriously take a day or two off just to chill. Yet in the midst of all of the running around, projects, deadlines, and planning, God has help me up with His mighty hand. I've been able to get things done all because of the inner strength I've received from Him. Father, I thank you for your strength!

I'm also grateful for support. Everywhere I turn, there is someone in my corner cheering me on, encouraging me, and making sure I'm okay. God is so good! I don't ever have to feel like I'm alone. He's blessed me with so many amazing people to keep me going when things look shaky.

Well, I know you have your list of thanksgiving praise reports. Go ahead and lift up a shout of praise to the Lord!

Have a great weekend!

Verse of the Day: Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. Psalm 100

Are You Living What You Know?

If God came down to take an inventory of how you've been living for Him, would you be able to stand with your head held high, or would your head be hanging in shame? Would God be able to give out compliments about how great of a job you're doing, or would He have critiques about so many things that you can be doing better?

The Bible says that we should diligently work to be approved by the Lord. We should actively strive to interpret His Word and live our lives in accordance with it. Our aim should be to obtain His favor.

I can't tell you how many times people have told me Well I know I should do better... or I know one day I have to get it right... or That's on my list of things to improve about myself... If we know better, we should do better. God is not looking for what we know, He's looking at what we do - how we live our lives.

All the more, the Bible sends a grave warning about those of us who know better, but still act contrary to the Word of God! Once we know what God has to say on the subject, our responsibility is to line up with His will. Period. Not next week, not tomorrow, not an hour later. Now.

Today, strive to be that workman that has no reason to be ashamed. Remember the Word that you know and try your best to live it. We know that God is always watching over us, but imagine that today is your inspection day. Are you getting high marks or demerits?

I know I already got some things to get right. Thank God for mercy!

Verse of the Day: Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 (NKJ)

God Might Be In It

I admire the Pharisee Nicodemus. He was able to recognize that God was working through Jesus after observing His ministry to the people. Nicodemus saw that Jesus would not have been able to perform the miracles He did without the help of God.

Jesus' ministry was a radical ministry. It wasn't built on rules or traditions like what the Jews were practicing at the time. It's foundation was love and forgiveness. Jesus didn't view God as apart or aloof from man, but He regarded the Lord as His Father someone with whom He could have a close relationship with. Jesus performed miracles that boggled the mind and told His followers that they could do the same.

Many learned men who witness Jesus' ministry chose to ignore the glory and focus on what they knew. They knew Scripture. They knew tradition. They knew the rules of man. Jesus was out of the box. He didn't line up with what they knew.

So, instead of seeing the God working in Him, they chose to see how Jesus didn't fit. They chose to focus on how Jesus was out of line with tradition and their rules. They missed that Jesus was creating a whole new space of love and grace.

But Nicodemus recognized that God was moving in a new way, and he came to Jesus to get answers. He came to Jesus to fill in the blanks. The resulting conversation is the cornerstone to our salvation ministry.

I love that God can use new and different things for His glory. He uses foolish things to confound the wise. Though He always remains the same, the Lord uses ways we could never imagine to display His glory and love.

Many of the Pharisees of Nicodemus' day missed out on recognizing who Jesus was. They were so caught up in what they believed to be correct, they missed when the answer to their greatest prayers showed up on their doorstep.

Don't allow your preconceived notions about what it means to be a Christian, or what ministry looks like, or how you think things should be keep you from experiencing a move of God. Don't dismiss something as unholy just because it's not done in the way you think it should be done.

Look beyond what you know and seek the presence of the Lord. You may be surprised how He has chosen to manifest Himself.

Verse of the Day: There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. John 3:1, 2

Created in God's Image

Well, I'm back in school. So, you all will now get to be blessed by what I'm learning in my classes again! Yesterday, I had to read on the imago Dei or the image of God. What stood out to me is that everyone is created in the image of God.

God takes the time to hand-craft each and every one of us into His image. He purposefully chooses to create all of us, and He then forms us to look like Him. All of humanity bears His image and likeness. Every single one of us.

Many people on this planet - although bearers of God's image - choose to live in a way that looks nothing like our Heavenly Father. People choose to follow their own selfish desires and whims despite their actions being contrary to God's Word.

Can you imagine what would happen if we all fully embraced being created in the image of God? What changes would break out if we simply chose to conform to the image of God in every area of our lives? How much would things improve if we began treating each other like the image-bearers of God that we actually are?

Jesus stands as our prime example of what it means to fully embrace being created in the image of God. Jesus walked the earth with authority. He knew no fear. Jesus treated His fellow man with love and respect no matter who they were. Even people who were supposed to be His enemy got shown the love of God when they came across Jesus' path.

Today, let's live our life like Jesus. Let's remember that we were all created in the image of God. Let's remember that every person we encounter - no matter where they are in life, no matter how they appear, no matter how they act - they were created on purpose by God to look and act like Him!

Every human being deserves our respect and love. As we acknowledge how much care God put into creating them, we ourselves will take on more of His image ourselves.

Verse of the Day: And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his [own] image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. Genesis 1:26, 27

You Are Blessed!

It's a new day, a new week, and a new chance for you! Today, I want to encourage you to look at your life with new eyes. Look for the silver lining in whatever issues come your way, find the blessing in the midst of the storm... Before you complain, find a reason to give God praise. Remember - things could always be worse. There is someone else who is dealing with a heavier load than what you're carrying.

You are blessed!

You have another day of life! God is worthy to be praised. Every day you wake up is a new opportunity. Forget about what happened on yesterday. It's over and done with. No matter what your mistakes, no matter what you did, today is a time for you to begin again.

In order to move forward, you have to look forward. Even if you see dark clouds gathering or if you're already in the midst of a downpour, you still are able to move forward. It may not be the mile that you wanted... but every inch is new ground covered. Stay encouraged! Keep moving!

You are blessed!

I love David's example. This man wrote the greatest book of poetry giving honor to the Lord.

Much of David's work was written during hardship. David lived for a time on the run for his life from the king. He also committed adultery and suffered a loss of his infant son due to his sin, and David's family faced much turmoil during the final years of his life.

Yet in between the lines of David's anguish... In the midst of his cries for help and rescue... David found it within himself to remember the Word of the Lord. He chose to remember the great God that he served. He took courage knowing the Lord was on his side. David was able to find the blessing in his storm.

In spite of whatever you are facing, God is still in control. No matter how devastating yesterday was, you woke up to a brand new day today. Follow David's example and find a way to give God thanks. Take a moment to remember the great God you serve. Look forward with a smile on your face recognizing that in spite of it all you're a winner.

You are blessed!

Verse of the Day: I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD. Psalm 27:13, 14

Taste and See!

The Bible says that we should taste and see that the Lord is good.

When you taste something, you have to put it in your mouth and allow your tongue to touch it for you to experience its flavors. Sometimes it takes the influence of someone else letting you know that the food is good for you to take the morsel.

That's the way it is sometimes with our Christian faith. People know about God, they've heard things, or even had a casual encounter with the things of God. From these surface experiences, they've formed conclusions about what it means to be a Christian and decided that Jesus isn't the flavor for them. But they haven't fully tasted and seen how great God really is!

Have you ever seen something you thought you would not enjoy only to taste it to find out that it was delicious? Sometimes, that's what it takes in order for someone to come to Christ. We believers have to let others around us know how great Jesus really is, and then encourage them to try Him for themselves.

This includes spending time talking with God (prayer), reading His Word (study), participating in praise and worship, and fellowshipping with other saints (church). When all of these cylinders are pumping and in sync - you can't help but notice how great it is to be a child of God!

So, this weekend I encourage you to encourage someone else to "taste and see" God's goodness! Invite someone else in on how great God can be. Don't just tell them about the Lord and leave it at that - help them to fully embrace the things of God.

Don't keep your good God all to yourself!

Verse of the Day: O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. Psalm 34:8

Kids...

When Jesus was on the earth, He took time to minister to little children as well. Where His disciples saw children as a nuisance and being in the way, Jesus welcomed children into His presence.

Jesus recognized the innocence and quick faith that most children have. He saw that if a child is shown early the love of God, they can grow into strong men and women of God. This echoes what the Bible says on training up a child in the right way. When that child grows up, they will continue on that path.

Too often, we too are like the disciples - shooing away or ignoring the little children around us. We see them in a diminished importance, not as relevant as the adults around them. In those actions, we miss out on opportunities to be a part of building the foundation of a strong man or woman of God. How we teach, model, and live Christ in front of these children will impact their own viewpoints on God and Christianity.

We have to be mindful to set the right example. Even if you have no children of your own, you too have the chance to make an impact.You have opportunities to help shape children's lives.

It can be as simple as showing love, or as complex as turning life happenings into teachable moments. It can happen in displaying Christ-like character in the presence of little ones, or helping those little ones model Christ themselves.

Whatever the method, children are an important part of God's Kingdom. Children are our examples of what it means to have faith in God. Children trust blindly and love freely. Children want to please those they love, and they try their best to make those persons happy.

Remembering that we are learning from each other, make sure you don't discount the children in your circle. Take time to engage with them. Tell them about God's love. Show them what it means to be saved.

Verse of the Day: And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them. Mark 10:13-16

Faith Decision Moments

In our walk with the Lord, we will encounters faith decision moments. In those moments, we will decide either to move forward in faith or shrink back in fear.

Moses had his moment right before he stepped in to see Pharaoh after his time in the wilderness.

David had his moment after he picked up those five stones for his slingshot before facing Goliath.

Esther's was right before she walked in to see the king unannounced.

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had their decision moment when the furnace doors were flung open and they felt the heat on their faces.

Peter's was right before he stepped out to minister to the crowds after the first outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

Right before these men and women of God faced their greatest time, they had one moment where they could have decided to turn back. They could have consciously decided to not believe God. They could have listened to the fear, doubt, and indecision that was probably present in their minds. They could have decided not to follow through.

But they chose to walk forward boldly in faith. And when they decided to move forward, God was able to do what man had never seen before.

Maybe right now you're facing you're faith decision moment. Maybe right now you're poised to move into something that no one's experienced before. Maybe the Lord has placed something on your heart that seems out of this world to you, and you are pausing wondering if you should really follow through with what He has spoken.

Don't be like Jonah and run from the call! At the least, be like Gideon and find some more courage before moving forward. But, most importantly, move! Do what God is calling you to do! Decide to move forward in faith and watch what the Lord does with your life.

On the other side of your fear is greatness. On the other side of the unknown is victory! Don't allow indecision to snatch away your dreams. Don't allow doubt to keep you from your destiny in God.

Choose to move forward.

Verse of the Day: Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. Hebrews 10:38

Give It Up Already

The Bible tells us to give our worries and problems over to God so that He can handle them for us.

A lot of us do bring our problems to God. We discuss them with Him during our prayer times. We ask Him for His help and guidance. We say amen...

And then we take our problems back on our shoulders and walk off wondering how we're going to make it all come together.

We serve a great big God. We serve a God who is all-seeing and all-knowing. He also loves us more than we could ever imagine. Why is it that we can't seem to fully trust Him to handle our problems? I know, to us they seem so big. But, to Him they are small potatoes! Yet we continue to hold on to our griefs and allow ourselves to worry and fret about how to resolve our problems.

The Lord doesn't want you to live in worry. He doesn't want you fearful or anxious. He doesn't want you going throughout your day stressed out. Jesus gave us His peace. (John 14:27) He assured us that His burden was light. Our Lord offered us perfect rest in Him. (Matthew 11:29, 30)

All we have to do is surrender. We just have to give up our need to control and be in charge. We need to surrender our will to the Lord's and trust that He is working it all out for us... even when we don't see it happening... even when we don't think it's coming together fast enough... even when the resolution is something that we ourselves didn't come up with.

We serve a great big God. We serve a God who loves us so much that He's willing to take on our problems and concerns. He's willing to fix things for us, so that we can live happily and at peace.

Too many of us are stressed out for no reason.

Today, take your concerns to God and leave them with Him. Allow your Heavenly Father to be that Father for you and solve your situations. Anything that He comes up with is much better than anything you yourself could have conceived. Trust Him to handle it.

Verse of the Day: Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 1 Peter 5:6, 7

The Greatness Inside

So, the Olympics are over. I enjoyed watching people push themselves to their physical peaks and go after a goal with everything inside them. Some achieved golden glory, others were eliminated within the first few moments.

We saw these athletes in their glory, basking in the magnificent spotlight. What we missed were the years of hard work, the early mornings, the lonely training sessions, the tireless practices and workouts. We didn't see the events missed in order to train, the hours spent in the weight room, and the aching of tired muscles.

We all aren't Olympians. Yet, there is a greatness sitting inside of all of us. There is a greatness that we were created to achieve, a height that we were born to reach, a spotlight waiting for us to step into. All of us have something great that God wants us to experience not only to impact our own lives, but to impact the world.

It takes hard work and discipline to make it to the top. Not everyone utilizes what it takes to achieve great success. Some are too lazy, some give up at the first sign of failure, others don't believe in themselves and don't even attempt to try for greatness.

Are you working hard towards your goal? Are you striving to achieve the greatness God has planted deep within you?

Yes, the road may be lonely. Working hard is sometimes monotonous. Not everyone may understand our drive, and it can be discouraging when others don't identify with your dream. It can be difficult when roadblocks force you to change course. And using all your strength to keep moving forward can be tough.

Just know that God didn't plant the seed of greatness within you for it to go without sprouting into the great fruit of destiny. Remember that God created you to succeed. He's going to make sure that you make it to your purpose and destiny in Him.

Stay true to your call! Don't give up, and don't give in. You are a winner! You will reach the top, you will achieve your goal. As you continue to work in faith, God will help you achieve your destiny.

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

Thanksgiving Friday!

Happy Friday, Everyone.

This the day that the Lord has made, and I will rejoice in it!

God is so good! I'm alive, breathing, and able to take in this glorious day! I have another opportunity to do something great for God's Kingdom! I have the privilege of living under the blessings of the Lord and experiencing His benefits another day!

This week I'm thankful for provision. The Lord is a provider. Often, we may think of provision as something having to do with money or finances. But, this week the Lord has provided me joy in the midst of sadness, peace in the middle of chaos, and encouragement when my heart was troubled. Because of Him I am not worried, depressed, or downtrodden - I am holding my head up, and have a smile on my face! Thank You, Lord, for Your provision!

I know I usually have three, but today, that is what I can definitely see that the Lord has done this week. He has given me more than enough love by providing for my every need. It's true - you can't put a price on peace of mind.

What are you thankful for this week? How has the Lord blown your mind and blessed your heart? Give God some praise!

Verse of the Day: You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever! Psalm 30:11, 12

Keep Living the Right Life

Noah lived in a time when everyone was living a wicked lifestyle. Everyone was choosing to live according to their evil thoughts all the time. Yet, Noah chose to live a just life before the Lord. In the midst of literally everyone else going the opposite direction, Noah chose the narrow, righteous path.

As a result of Noah's choice, God chose to spare him when he decided that man's wickedness had gone too far. Mankind had gone so far that God decided to wipe them off the face of the earth. But, since our God is a just God, he knew that Noah did not deserve to die. So God made a way for Noah to survive.

If there hadn't been a Noah, we more than likely wouldn't be here. Because of his righteous living, we have the chance to live today.

Are you in a "Noah" situation? Does it feel like you're the only one living right in your world? Are you feeling like everyone else is turning their back on God while you're trying to live holy?

Don't give up! Don't get weary in doing what's right before God. Just like He saw Noah's upright life, God sees yours. Just like He chose to bless Noah and his family for righteous living, the Lord will bless you as well. When everyone else around falls apart because of the calamities of life, God will provide a miracle for you to escape.

No matter how hard it may seem, continue to stay on the right path. No matter how alone you may feel, remember that the Lord always walks with you. You are not by yourself. You have the Lord of All on your side, and He will make everything work out for the best on your behalf.

Verse of the Day: And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them. But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD. Genesis 6:7, 8

Handle With Care

Right now, millions of people are walking around thinking that no one cares. No one cares about them… No one cares about their problems… No one cares about a certain situation or issue… No one cares about the tragedies going on around them…

They walk around feeling helpless and alone. They don’t see any hope. They don’t feel any love.

Jesus’ ministry was so effective because He cared. He could have walked around performing miracles and preaching God’s Kingdom and not had as great of a result if He had not have cared in the midst of all of it.

Because Jesus cared He reached out to the lepers – a group of people the whole nation was instructed to shun because of their illness. Because Jesus cared He ministered to the Samaritan woman – a member of a race with whom the Israelites were enemies. Because Jesus cared He preached and ministered to the crowds when He Himself just wanted to rest and get away. Because Jesus cared He followed through on His mission all the way to the cross and the grave.

I know at times I go about life as if I have blinders on. I have tunnel vision and can only see what relates to me and my needs, wants, and desires. Too often, I miss out on interacting with another person in a more meaningful way or doing a good deed that would bring a smile to someone’s face. All because I didn’t take a minute to notice… to care.

Do you care about those around you? Do you consider other peoples’ feelings, issues, and situations? Do you notice when someone around you needs some care?

Today, make an effort to care about what’s going around you. Turn off the tunnel vision and pay attention to the people, situations, and issues happening in your world. What can you do to show that you care? How can you give someone the same kind of attention that Jesus did?

Don’t just live today for yourself. Make it about someone else.

Verse of the Day: But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Matthew 9:36

Praise In The Midst of Adversity

Today is starting off to be... a day. Things are not going as smoothly as I would like, I have items piling up that all need prompt attention, I have one major problem I have to figure out asap, and I'm not feeling so hot physically. Plus, I logged on here and could not think of one thing to write on. Not one.

Today was shaping up to be the perfect set up for stress, negativity, and frustration.

BUT...

I am choosing to fix my mind to be positive. I am choosing to fix my attitude to be pleasant. I am going to give God praise for another day of life! I am going to praise God for employment! I am going to lift up my hands and thank Him for health and strength!

In the midst of what seems like chaos and awaiting stress, I am choosing to remember the great God I serve. I am choosing to think on His goodness and love. I am making the choice to adjust my actions and reactions to His will.

I will not succumb to stress. I will not get a nasty attitude. I will not grow frustrated. I will not get sick!

I WILL rejoice in the Lord always, and again I will rejoice! I WILL give thanks in the midst of adversity, because I know the Lord is working all things together for my good. I will acknowledge God in all of my ways, since He will guide my feet on the right paths. I WILL give Him all my problems, concerns, and troubles... He'll take care of them much better than I ever could.

SO...

Today is going to be... a great day! Because of all that's going on around me, I will get to experience the wonderful saving power of my Heavenly Father. I will get to experience the greatness of His peace that passes all understanding. Today, I will walk in the comfort of His strength.

Today, make sure you lean on the great God you serve to bolster you through any hardness you face. Don't allow your emotions and attitude to take on negativity. Remember the majesty of your Savior. Take hold of your benefits in Christ! No weapon formed against you will prosper. You can and will succeed!

Verse of the Day: Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27

Partners In Prayer

I am a strong believer in prayer. Prayer connects you with God, and it allows you to hear His voice. Prayer - when done correctly - has a way of calming your emotions and causing you to focus on what's really important.

I find it interesting that in a passage that speaks on effective prayers, we are instructed to confess our sins to each other and pray for one another.

Frankly, sometimes I find it difficult to confess my sins just to God, let alone another person! But, this verse is speaking to the great fellowship and family we are to have as believers. We all should have a confidant in our Christian walk. Some folks call them accountability partners or prayer partners. Whatever the name, we should all have someone who we can be transparent with in our walk with God.

None of us know it all. All of us fall short of God's glory. When we can humbly admit our faults, we are able to grow and change for the better.

On the flip side, when we can listen to someone admit where they've gone wrong and not judge or condemn them... When we can keep their confidence and not go gossip to others... When we can embrace them still in love and bring them up before the Lord... That's when our prayers become effective. That's when our prayers produce results.

Do you have someone with whom you can share your struggles? Is there someone else praying with you about the things you are dealing with? If you don't, ask the Lord to show you another believer that you can trust to stand with you in faith.

Are you a trustworthy person with whom someone can confide in? Are you believing God for someone else's breakthrough and not just your own?

Make sure that you are taking full advantage of the power of prayer. Sometimes you do need another person in your corner. Sometimes it takes the faith of another person standing with you to see something come through.

Verse of the Day: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. James 5:16 (NLT)

Thanksgiving Friday!

Happy Friday, Everyone! It's been a wonderful week! I've been back at work preparing for this new school year, registering for school, and watching the Olympics. (Is it okay that one of the things I'm thankful for this week is Gabby winning gold in gymnastics? History was made! So happy for her.)

This week, I'm thankful for provision and being able to learn from mistakes. As I registered for my classes after taking the summer off, I learned that I had forgotten to do something rather important with regards to my schooling (How did I miss filing a new FAFSA?). As a result, my financial aid is on hold. I was so very disappointed. BUT, praise God, I had the money to pay for the class. I didn't want to use that money for school, but I'm grateful that I had it to use. I'm thankful I didn't have to wait one more semester to go back to school. Leaned a lesson. Grateful that I had it to pay. Praises be to God!

I'm also thankful for creative ideas. Last night, as I was in our church's prayer service, God showed me some things that I can do with my teens to enhance our ministry. These last few weeks, I'd been kind of concerned about them, and God showed me something simple to do to be a blessing to them. Thank You, Lord, for Your inspiration!

Finally, I'm thankful for mature people who can sit down and - even though the sides may not agree - have a fruitful conversation. I was a part of a couple of these talks this week. One was regarding the whole Chick-fil-A thing, another was concerning a relationship, and another was regarding faith. All of them were conversations where I learned from who I was talking to, was able to show respect for their opinion, and was able to properly voice mine. I may not have agreed with all of what was said, but I was happy to have a positive engagement. Thanks God, for opening me up to some positive learning experiences.

What are you thankful for today? How has the Lord brightened up your days this week? Take some time to give God some glory!

Verse of the Day: Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation. Psalm 111:1

By the Grace of God

Yesterday, I was able to throw my two cents into a lively discussion about faith. Some folks were wondering why Christians say that they believe the whole Bible, but in some respects ignore some of the rules that God put forth in the Old Testament.

It's true. We no longer stone people for sin. Some of us don't follow the dietary laws. We don't offer up animal sacrifices. We can wear whichever fabrics we choose. There's a lot of things that were put down in the law that God gave the Israelites that we don't follow today.

Are we being hypocritical?

No.

Jesus Christ is the reason why the law no longer applies. His sacrifice on the cross ended the need for any more animal sacrifices to absolve sin. His death and resurrection instituted grace in place of rigorous rules. Because of Jesus, we don't have to worry about a laundry list of laws. Through His love, we experience an inward change and are blessed with the Father's forgiveness.

True, there are some things addressed within the law that still apply under grace. Sin is still sin in God's eyes. Yet, if we come before Him repentant and ask for forgiveness, we receive His grace and are made right with Him again.

It's so amazing what Jesus accomplished for us!

Man has a way of getting caught up in rules. We focus on what we should or shouldn't do, we judge people by what we consider to be right or wrong. But under grace, all God is looking at is our hearts. He's looking to see a love for Him and a desire to please Him.

Our Father knows that when our heart is in the right place, our actions will follow. When we desire to please Him, anything we do against Him causes us remorse and we will work to make things right.

Today, give God thanks for the grace that He has shown you. Praise your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who freed you from the curse of the law. And show someone else that same amazing grace that was shown to you.

Verse of the Day: So it is clear that no one can be made right with God by trying to keep the law. For the Scriptures say, "It is through faith that a righteous person has life." This way of faith is very different from the way of law, which says, "It is through obeying the law that a person has life." But Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing. Galatians 3:11-13

God's Plan For Your Day

Every day, I sit at my desk and ask God, "What would you have me to write today?" Sometimes the ideas come quickly, other times I have to sit, think, and wait for inspiration. But I always come up with something to post on this blog.

This morning as I asked God this question, another question came up right behind it: "Lord, what would you have me to do today?"

It's nice to start your day off in meditation and devotion. Thinking about God's goodness and desires for us is always in order. Discovering ways in which we can better our Christian walk is beneficial.

But, can you imagine what would happen if we all just asked God what He would like for us to do each day? What would occur if we all took time to sit and listen for God's instructions on the day and then went out and followed His lead?

There would be some pretty amazing things going on.

Jesus kept His ear ready to hear everything God had to say. He knew which city to visit next and which routes to take to get there. He recognized which people He needed to spend time with, and Jesus was wise enough to know which words to use in order to reach them. His every step was ordered by God.

Do you include God's input in your daily decisions? Something as simple as changing where you go to get your breakfast this morning could have caused you to have a moment of destiny.

Don't miss out on what God wants you to do today! Make sure you include Him as you go about your day. Keep your ears cocked to hear His voice. Follow through with what He's asking of you, and watch how your life thrives.

Verse of the Day: Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. John 5:19