Shine Your Light!

Today, more than most days during the year, I am reminded that I am serving the LIGHT of the world. While everyone else is celebrating darkness, fear, horror, and gore in the name of a good time, I realize how much work needs to be done for the Kingdom of God.

Jesus told us that we are God's light. We can't hide our lights under bushels. We have to place them on a pedestal so everyone can see the great luminance of of our God. Everyone should see God's light shining from us every day at all times.

Too often, we do hide our lights under bushels. Many times we hide our lights in order to blend in with the world we are supposed to be leading to the light. We quench our own fires in order to be found more acceptable by people who are lost in darkness. We would rather not 'bother' or 'annoy' someone who is on their way to an eternal life of misery than show them the answer we have found.

We have the light! We know the way for those in darkness to see! We have the answers to their questions. We know the way they can find peace.

We cannot afford to hide our light. We cannot afford to hold back the message of Jesus Christ. The world is crying out for answers but can't find their way because there is so much darkness surrounding them.

Don't let your light be hidden. Don't hold back the gift of eternal life from those who so desperately need it. Choose to place your light on a pedestal. Choose to open your mouth and share your testimony. Choose to offer Christ's love to someone in need.

Let your light shine, so others can find their way to salvation.

Verse of the Day: Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16

Prayer For Today

This morning, America is waking up and checking on the damage that Hurricane Sandy left on the East Coast. We already know that lives have been lost, homes and businesses destroyed, and landmarks demolished. People are still without power, some are stranded in their homes, and waters are still pooling in the streets and buildings of numerous cities.

Today, I wanted to pray for those affected by this storm.

Father, please be with those who were impacted by this hurricane. Thank You for keeping millions through the night and not allowing the damage to be as enormous as some were predicting. Strengthen those who feel weak, send your healing power to those who were injured. Comfort those who are hurting, and send help to those in need.

Lord, give wisdom to all who now have to figure out how to navigate a way back through the mess that was created. Bless all the leaders, officials, directors, and managers who are making decisions on today. Give knowledge and understanding to the business owners, heads of households, and others in authority as they decide what to do and when.

God, only You can help us to go about each day. Only You can guide our footsteps with surety that will not fail. Only You can show us the pathways when we see nothing. Only You know exactly how to help us face what we have never seen.

Thank You for Your love. Thank You for Your comfort. Thank You for Your peace.

Amen.

Verse of the Day: But you are a tower of refuge to the poor, O LORD, a tower of refuge to the needy in distress. You are a refuge from the storm and a shelter from the heat. Isaiah 25:4

Seeing God in Everything

Some of the greatest and most poignant passages of scripture were written in fields as a man was tending sheep. While watching after his flock, David penned psalms of praise to the Lord. Looking after his lambs, David found ways that his relationship with his herd mirrored his relationship with the Lord. In the midst of his regular routine, David was able to find God.

Today, I want to encourage you to find God in your regular routine. Think about your activities and how they mirror your Christian walk. As you take care of different tasks throughout the day, find moments to lift up praise and worship to your heavenly Father. As you interact with others, choose to remember the love of Christ and allow that to influence your behavior.

Maybe you'd like to go a step further. Take a short break and pen a poem or paragraph to the Lord. Express to Him what's on your heart. Pour out to Him whatever you are feeling. What I love about David was that nothing was off limits. He was totally transparent before God. Whether he was afraid, angry, restless, joyful, or somber, David expressed it to God and was able to still honor the Lord in the midst of any situation. You, too, can do the same.

Let today be a day of wonder, reflection, and praise to the Lord. Honor the Lord in your work, study, play, and fellowship. Recognize God in the world around you. Spend time worshipping Him in all that you do.

Verse of the Day:  I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together. Psalm 34:1-3

Thanksgiving Friday!

Hello Everyone! Sorry I missed out on posting this morning. Still - today is a day of thanksgiving!

This week I'm thankful for the Lord's joy. In spite of so many different issues, circumstances, and things that I had to work through, I remained full of joy. God has kept a song in my heart and a smile on my face. The joy of the Lord really is strength. Thank You, Lord for Your joy.

I'm also grateful for my purpose in God. I've spent some time in prayer, and God has reminded me of his promises for my life. I am so humbled and amazed by what God has chosen for me to fulfill while I'm here. My present and future are bright, and I'm flying like an eagle! I thank God for granting me favor. Thank You, Jesus!

Finally, I'm thankful for the amazing weather Chicago has been experiencing. It's been a breath of fresh air to have these warmer temps. I know winter's frost is coming, but I have enjoyed the sunny skies and balmy weather. Thank You, Lord!

What are you thankful for this week? How has the Lord blessed you? Be sure to stop and give God praise!

Verse of the Day: O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people. Psalm 105:1

Keep Growing!

God is helping me. He is strengthening my mind and heart. He is causing me to understand what it means to lean not to my own understanding. Where I would usually spazz out or get upset or be frustrated, I find myself encouraging myself, taking moments to pray and calm down, and choosing to walk in love.

So glad I'm growing.

Today, I want to encourage you to keep pressing toward the mark of the prize of your high calling in Jesus Christ. Don't get weary in well doing. Don't get complacent in your journey with the Lord. Trust that the Lord is leading you to great things. Embrace moments where you can experience God's supernatural power and strength.

Don't let circumstances, feelings and emotions, and old memories block you from moving forward in God. Take charge of your actions and choose to remain on the Lord's side.

And keep growing in the Lord.

Choose to be blessed today. Choose to be like Christ.

Verse of the Day: Thou hast planted them, yea, they have taken root: they grow, yea, they bring forth fruit... Jeremiah 12:2a

Listening to the Lord

Today is a day of prayer for me. I am purposing in my heart to offer up continual prayer throughout the day. I am especially opening up my ears to hear what God has to say to me instead of just listing out my items.

Prayer is vital to our lives as believers. Communication with our Father keeps us in tune with what He is doing and gives us guidance as we go through life.

Jesus led a life of prayer. He was always consulting the Father, always listening to hear from the Lord. Those times of prayer let Jesus know when to be baptized, when to go into the wilderness, when to begin His ministry, and which cities He was to visit. Every move Jesus made and word He spoke was initiated by God's Word.

Are you living a life that is led by the Lord? Are you allowing the Lord to guide your footsteps, words, and decisions?

Prayer is not just a time for us to bring petitions before God. It's not supposed to be just a session where we list out all our wants, needs, and desires.

Prayer is a time for us to get in to God's presence and listen to what He has to say! Prayer is our special opportunity to hear God's strategies for what He wants to do with our lives.

Today, I encourage you to spend some time in prayer as well. Turn of the iTunes, tv, and internet. Hang up the phone. Get still and listen for God's voice. Really listen to what He has to say to you today. You may be surprised by what treasures He has to share with you.

Verse of the Day: For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. Romans 8:14

Is Your Light Shining In Darkness, Or Just Brightening Up An Already Lit Room?

In my last class, I came across something interesting in my reading concerning evangelism. Most people get saved because of a friend or family member who leads them to Christ. The majority of people don't get saved in a church setting.

On top of that, most of the active evangelists are new Christians. Most Christians who have been saved for some years don't evangelize. We are too busy socializing with our saved friends, attending our Christian events, dealing with our Christian issues... The lost doesn't come up that much. Sure, we talk about saving souls and winning the world for Christ. Yet, when it comes down to it, we are usually preaching to the choir.

Now, as I was reading I was struck. That is me plain and simple. I have to go back to my college days to identify any friends I have that do not know the Lord. Right now, my contact list is full of saints. I'm missing it somewhere. I need to broaden my circle.

Jesus did leave us a great example. When He came to earth, He didn't hang with the rabbis, the leaders of the church, or the priest. Jesus kicked it with the tax collectors, the publicans, and those that were despised by the society of His day.

Why?

Because they were the ones who needed His light. They were the ones who needed to have the Kingdom revealed to them. They were the ones who were lost. And Jesus came right in and showed them the way to right standing with God.

So, for all of us (I am definitely included), how many people in darkness are benefiting from our light? How many friends do we have that don't know the Lord? When is the last time that we were able to share our testimony with one of our friends or loved ones? How often do we get to model Christ to someone who truly does not know Him?

We were all told to go into the world and preach the gospel. Too many of us are staying comfortable in our self-made bubbles and not venturing into the world.

Today, ask the Lord to show you someone who needs your Christian friendship. Ask God to send someone who is truly lost across your path. Open up your mouth and share your testimony with that loved one that you know needs Jesus. Take some time and show concern about someone's eternal well-being today.

Every day is an opportunity for us to be like Christ. We have the benefits of salvation and freedom from sin. There is a whole world out there that is dying to get what we have.

Verse of the Day: And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. Mark 16:15

You're NEW!

During this time  my church is meditating on the word new. Something new is a thing that has never been seen before.

We were made new creations in Christ. Therefore, we should be living in a way that is no way connected or reflective with our selves before Christ.

When Saul came to the Lord, he was completely made over. He even got a new name - Paul. And this man went from a person who was personally hunting down Christians to have them killed, to a man who risked his own life to preach and minister the gospel to the Gentiles. He went from labeling Christianity as blasphemy to declaring the sovereignty of Christ before councils and kings.

Jesus made Paul brand new.

What about you was made new when you met the Savior? What changed?

Today, think about your journey with Christ. Reflect on the newness He brought into your life. Remember the old you? Give God praise that that person no longer exists and you have a new life because of Jesus! Walk in your new life today. Go out and purposefully see things from a new perspective.

As you walk as a new creation in Christ, don't allow the '"old" you to spring up and participate. That "old" you has passed away. You are now a new creature: blessed, righteous, loving, and following the will of God. Don't fall back into your old ways - remember: you are new!

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

Thanksgiving Friday!

God be praised for another day! I am blessed today, and I know that I am!

My day began with an issue, but as soon as it popped up, a song of praise rang through my spirit. Thank You, Lord, for keeping me in a place of praise! That song has been helping me through this entire morning.

 I'm also thankful for the Word of the Lord. There is nothing that you could ever face that is not addressed in God's Word. He has left us His will for us in all things. Whenever I need comfort, wisdom, or strength I can always turn to the Word of God. I also love it when I'm not even looking for something in particular, and find a verse or passage that blesses me in a special way. Thank You, Lord for Your Word!

Finally, I'm thankful for the love of the Lord. There is nothing that can separate me from His love! There is nothing, no one, and no situation that can keep Him from loving me! So amazing! I don't deserve one bit of it, but He still chooses to overflow my cup with His love every day. It feels so good to be loved.

What is making you smile this week? What joys have the Lord given to you? Make sure you take a moment and offer up some praise and thanksgiving to Him!

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

Are You Up to Date?

Yesterday I in my personal meditation, I was thinking about being in the Lord's will. I was mulling over being up to date and current with God's will for my life.

When you're up to date or current on your bills, it means you don't owe anything. You're not behind, you're not getting penalties, and you're not being charged late fees. All is well between you and the creditor.

And last night I was considering whether everything was well between me and my Lord.

When you think about it this way, it emphasizes the importance of being current in the will of God. Who would want to be behind and facing penalties with God?

It shows how King Saul lost his throne. It underscores why Jonah was thrown overboard and swallowed by a great fish. It clarifies why David and Bathsheba's child was taken away.

In all of those instances, the people of God were out of His will. They had put off obedience. They had chosen their own path. They had delayed a right response to the Lord.

So they had to face the consequences.

Are you reaping penalties for not being up to date or current with God's will for your life? Are you considering putting off obedience for your own way?

Be wise and take note of the examples we have before us. Don't allow your temporary feelings to block you from eternal blessings. As long as you allow God to be in control, you will reap the benefits. But if you want to take control... you'll reap the outcome of that as well.

Verse of the Day: Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness. Psalm 143:10

Obedience

Today I'm meditating on being obedient to the Lord.

When God shows us something new and asks us to comply with His Word, it is our duty to get in line with His will. Many times, however, we hem and haw, make up excuses, say we'll do it later, or ignore the Lord altogether.

Yet, when you're fully committed to the Lord, you can't let something He's told you go unheeded for too long. The Holy Spirit has a way of nudging you. He'll bring people across your path saying some of the same things. He has a way of bringing up the subject to make you pay attention. You won't be fully comfortable until you choose to obey.

Often we are afraid of what we think will happen if we obey. We are intimidated by what we think we can't handle. We are too comfortable where we are, and we don't want to move to where God is directing us.

Yet, obedience brings peace. Obedience brings new opportunities. Obedience brings God's favor and blessings.

Let's all purpose today to follow the Lord's instructions for our lives. Let's stop making excuses and just go with God. Let's choose to be obedient.

Verse of the Day: Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people... Exodus 19:5

People Are Watching!

As Christians, we are living our lives for the Lord. It is Him we are aiming to please with our speech, behavior, and actions. He is the One who we look to each day for approval.

However, living in a world where there are so many other people, we also have to acknowledge that we are being watched. Whether we realize it or not, care or could care less, someone is watching how we live.

Our behavior is being analyzed, criticized, compared, discussed, and judged. And people are drawing conclusions.

Do we reflect Christ in what we do and say? Many people know that we claim to be saints, but does our behavior show that fact? Are people being turned off to our faith because of how we act?

When things don't go according to plan... When we grow angry or upset... When complications arise or people get on our nerves... Are we still presenting Godly characters to those around us? Are we still crucifying our flesh and choosing to live according to God's Word?

Just some food for thought as you go about your Tuesday.

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... 1 Peter 2:21-23

No Adjustments Necessary

Often when God gives us a promise, instruction, or request we take His words and modify them to fit into our own more comfortable views of what we would like. Instead of trusting His word completely, we tweak little sections here and there to make His word more palatable to our taste buds... or we ignore it altogether.

Abraham tweaked the word of God concerning his offspring. He believed that his wife was too old to bear children, so he took on a mistress. (Genesis 16:1-4)

Moses grew so angry with the children of Israel, that instead of speaking to the rock like God commanded, he struck the rock in order for water to spring forth. (Numbers 20:11)

Jonah ignored God's Word altogether after he took it upon himself to figure out what the outcome would be if he followed the Lord's call. (Jonah 4:2)

Those little tweaks and adjustments brought strife and division to Abraham's household, death to Moses, and landed Jonah in the belly of a great fish.

God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-seeing. At this very moment, He is keeping universes in motion. Galaxies were created by His very word.

Who are we to question it? Who are we to doubt His will? When He speaks to us and gives us the privilege of knowing His plans for us, who are we to think we can make any adjustments for the better?

Don't allow doubt, fear, impatience, or indecision to cause you to tweak God's will for you. Don't let your own narrow views cause you to adjust your sight off of what God is trying to show you.

If God told you something, you can trust it completely. If He is telling you to go right, don't you dare even think about going left. He's leading you to guaranteed greatness. Are you certain that your way will really be better?

Verse of the Day: Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. Proverbs 3:5

Thanksgiving Friday!

This is the day that the Lord has made, and I will rejoice and be glad in it! - I've been repeating that phrase over and over. I refuse to allow circumstances to dictate my mood today.

So, despite running around all morning, things not going according to plan, and this headache I am fighting: This is the day that the Lord has made, and I will rejoice and be glad in it!

Today, let's remember to give thanks to the Lord for He is good. We have our lives this morning. We have another opportunity to lift up ourselves as a living sacrifice to allow the Lord to use us as He sees fit. We have the chance to impact the world for the glory of God.

We are blessed!

Have a happy day, everyone. I appreciate your prayers. (Clearly I need them.)

And, again - This is the day that the Lord has made, and I will rejoice and be glad in it!

Verse of the Day: This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

Who Are You Really?

When the angel of God visited Gideon, he hailed him as a mighty man of valor. At the time, Gideon was hiding out by a wine press trying to scrounge food for his family. He was youngest son of a poor family. Gideon in no ways felt he was a mighty man of valor. (Judges 6:12-15)

Yet, the angel of God called him so. The angel saw Gideon how God saw Gideon. Gideon hadn't even fought one battle. Yet God knew that inside of Gideon there was a mighty man of valor that needed to be pulled out at that moment.

Mary was told she was highly favored among women and was troubled at the thought. (Luke 1:28, 29) She was a young, virgin girl. No real credits to her name. She had done nothing significant or extraordinary, so why would she be favored?

Yet, Gabriel saw her as the Lord saw her. Mary was chosen to bear the Son of God. She alone was the one considered worthy enough to bring the Savior into the world. God knew that inside of her were all the attributes necessary to bring forth and raise the Lamb of God.

Do you know how God sees you? Have you considered what God has hidden on the inside of you that he wants to pull out for His glory?

Every person He has created has a special purpose. God doesn't just have you here as a "filler" for all the other special people He created. No, you are special to Him as well.

Today, take some time and ask the Lord to show you how He sees you. Ask Him to reveal to you more of His purpose for your life. Ask God to help you to embrace His view of you.

You're not just some ordinary person. You are God's special creation for this moment and time. Stop seeing with your own eyes, and begin to see yourself with the eyes of the Lord.

Verse of the Day: Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began... 2 Timothy 1:9

Chasing After the Best

Our society is obsessed with getting the best. We want the best job, the best house, the best clothes, the best cars. People overwork themselves so they can have more money to go to the best restaurants, and buy the best shoes and handbags. Even worse, people are in seas of debt after chasing after the best things that money could buy. Even people who supposedly have the best are still chasing after bigger and better things.


We put so much emphasis on outer appearances. We want other people to see us and admire us. We want to appear like we have it all together. We want to project to the world that we are enjoying the best things in life.

We don't want them to know the truth. We don't even acknowledge the truth ourselves.

Chasing after the best things the world has to offer only leaves you feeling emptier than when you began. No matter how much money you have to buy all the best things you can order, you will still want more. You can never fill an inner void with physical things.

It is only Christ who can fill that ache on the inside. Only true relationship with Him will bring contentment and peace. Jesus is the only One who can bring real satisfaction.

Maybe you are saved, but you find yourself still chasing after what the world has to offer. You might have Jesus and still feel the need to run after other things to make yourself happy.

You already have all that you need! It's one thing to accept Jesus as your Savior, but it's another to accept Him as your Lord.

Allow Jesus full access to your heart. Give Him precedence over every area of your life. Spend time with Him, talk to Him, read His Word, spend time in worship. And watch how your life changes.

You'll see that void begin to fill. You'll learn what it's like to walk in perfect peace. You'll discover how you can be content in any situation. You'll be able to live with real joy.

With Christ in your life, you already have the best. Don't discredit the Gift you received when you received Christ. When you put Jesus as your Lord, all that other stuff you thought was the best will show up. But, you know what? It won't even mean as much to you anymore. Because you'll know you already have the greatest treasure of all: Jesus Christ.

Verse of the Day: But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. Luke 12:31

Let the Lord Fight For You

So many of us right now are facing battles and obstacles in our lives. Many of us are spending our days going through the motions of life while trying to figure out how to overcome roadblocks. We spend our nights lying in bed trying to figure out how to make ends meet. We can't relax because we are consumed with strategizing how to make things work.

Today I would like to encourage you to give it to God.

As believers in Christ, we don't have to allow the trials of life to overtake us. As joint heirs to the throne we don't have to figure out how to make things work. As children of the King of Kings we don't have to fight one battle in our own strength.

The Lord Himself has promised that He will fight for us. And any battle He fights, He has already won.

We don't have to struggle, stress, strategize, or worry. All we have to do is take our burdens to the Lord and leave them with Him. We have to leave them in His care trusting that He will work it out for us.

Too often, though we trust our own ability over the Lord's. We say we trust God to deliver us, but then we allow the discomfort of our situations to sway us. We take our eyes off of Him and start looking at the storms. We grow weary of standing on the Word and try to walk forward on our own strength.

Allow the Lord to be your fighter. Allow Him to be your deliverer. Give Him the opportunity to fulfill your miracle. Stop sabotaging your own breakthrough.

Yes, it may take more patience than you might expect. It may cause you to spend more time in prayer and fasting than you had anticipated. You may have to do some things that you weren't prepared to take on.

But the end result is victory! The final chapter is the fact that you win! It's guaranteed! Why not let God do His thing?

Today, give your battle to the Lord and leave it with Him. No matter how much you are tempted to take matters back into your own hands, use your faith and allow the Lord to work it all together for your good. It will definitely produce a better outcome than you can ever devise on your own.

Verse of the Day: The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace. Exodus 14:14

Afternoon Ti: Taking a Break

Today and the next few days are days of rest for me. I am long overdue to relax. Clearly - I missed letting you all know I was taking a break! So, I won't be posting on the blog until I get back. But I will leave you with these words from one of my favorite writers.

Trust in the LORD and do good.

Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.

Take delight in the LORD,

and he will give you your heart’s desires.

Commit everything you do to the LORD.

Trust him, and he will help you.

He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn,

and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.

Be still in the presence of the LORD,

and wait patiently for him to act.

Don’t worry about evil people who prosper

or fret about their wicked schemes.

Psalm 37:3-7

Let the Lord All the Way In

There's a reason David asked the Lord to create in him a new heart and renew the right kind of spirit inside him. You can't do it on your own. No matter how hard you try to do things right, you will always fail. Always. Even Paul, one of the greatest leaders in the Kingdom of God, said that when he tried to do right he would do the wrong thing. (Romans 7:21) There is no way we can maintain a pure heart before God on our own.

In order to live righteously before the Lord, we have to submit all of ourselves over to His care. We have to allow the Lord to come in and fill us with His Spirit. We have to listen to the promptings of the Holy Ghost when He tells us things to do.

When we allow the Lord free reign with all of us, He is able to come and do a work on our inner man. He is able to form new hearts within us and renew our spirits.

Often though, we don't want to give the Lord everything. We'll give Him only so much of us. We put up boundaries to how far He can go with His transformative power.

Jesus showed us that in order to follow Him we had to give it all up. We had to have no allegiance that was greater than the one we shared with Him. When we give Jesus our all, He is able to change us into beings that reflect His grace, power, and love.

Not too many people are walking around looking, talking, and acting like Jesus. Then again, not too many people have chosen to give Him their all either.

Today, ask the Lord to come into all the spaces of your life. Allow your Heavenly Father to take full control and form you into what He knows you can be. Let go of your restrictions and boundaries and watch how God changes you into His image.

Verse of the Day: Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

Living for Eternity

Right now in my class we are studying on living on earth with a constant view of heaven. We are getting a better understanding that this earthly life is temporal, and only what we do in light of eternity really matters. I find it ironic with all that's been going on in my life lately.

One thing has stuck out: Only two things on this earth will last forever: God's Word and His people. Everything else falls away and means nothing in the long run.

God's Word never fails. We can hold on to it because we know that it will always fulfill it's purpose. We can have faith in it because it never returns void. It will accomplish all God sent it forth to do.

So, why do we pay so much attention to what other people say? Why do we spend our lives sitting being entertained by all these other voices, opinions, and views that are contrary to God's Word?

In the end, those words will fall short. They will let us down. They will tell us lies. They will fail. Yet, God's Word stands forever.

God's people last forever too. Because of the resurrection life we received from Jesus Christ, we no longer have to fear death. We are owners of life everlasting in Paradise with our King. We don't have to live in fear. We don't have to be afraid of an earthly passing. Yes, our earthly beings will pass away, but our spirits will live on forever.

Knowing this truth, it is so important that we bring other people over into the eternal life of Christ. Those who don't know Him are doomed to the horrors of hell for eternity. In light of this short life, we should be doing all we can to save those who need to be redeemed.

So, why are we fearful to tell others about Christ? Why don't we speak up when we see people hurting who don't know the Lord? What makes us apprehensive about evangelizing?

Just some nuggets to think about as you go about your day. Time is flying!

Verse of the Day: For the wages of sin [is] death; but the gift of God [is] eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23

Get Uncomfortable!

We live in a society that is programmed to make us comfortable. However we want to live our lives, we can do it to our personalized pleasure. The world is ready to bend at our command in order to make us comfortable. We can live, work, and play to our own specific pleasures.

Yet, it is life outside of our comfort zones that challenges us and causes us to grow. If we stay inside of our own little bubbles and never stretch beyond our own borders, we will never reach our full potential.

Often God asks us to do something beyond our comfort level. He comes to us asking us to stretch ourselves beyond what we know and love.

He asked Abraham to leave the comfort of his homeland. (Genesis 12:1) He told Moses - a self-proclaimed man of slow speech - to speak on behalf of a nation. (Exodus 4:10-12) The Lord called Isaiah - a foul mouthed man - to prophesy His holy word. (Isaiah 6:1-5) He called David - a shepherd of no reputation - to be the greatest king Israel had ever known. (1 Samuel 16:11-13)

Each time the Lord was ready to do a great work, He chose someone whom the world would never think of to fulfill the task.

What is God asking you to do? How is He asking you to stretch beyond yourself?

Sure, you may have excuse after excuse as to why you can't possibly do what God is asking. But, think about it - God is asking you to do it! He will never put more on you than you can handle, so... you can definitely do all that He is asking of you.

Don't allow yourself to remain comfortable. Step out of the bubble and stretch to your high calling in the Lord! Trust in the God who created you. He knows your true capabilities and gifts. He knows what you can do better than your own self. Allow Him to lead you to your great destiny in Him.

Step forward and watch what God does with you!

Verse of the Day: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. Ephesians 1:11, 12