Thanksgiving Friday!

Whoo! It's Homecoming, and things are on full tilt over here! I hope you've enjoyed a blessed week.

Today, I am thankful for my relationship with the Lord. Entering into this new year of life, I've reflected, and I can honestly say 'it's good to know Jesus' and 'where would I be without the Lord?'.

God has kept me, guided me, filled me with His love, girded me with His strength, given me wisdom when I didn't know what to do, comforted me when I was in sorrow, lifted me up when I was weak...

He's surprised me with blessings I didn't deserve, given me family and friends to surround me with love, taught me about His awesome power, given me purpose and a destiny for my life...

Knowing the Lord is the best thing anyone could have! It's so amazing that God is allowing me to get as close as I want to Him! I am so thankful for His love.

Lord, I thank you for our relationship. I thank you that as I move forward in life we will get closer and closer. I give you praise that I am growing in your grace and love.

Make sure you offer up some thanksgiving today!

Verse of the Day: Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse [your] hands, [ye] sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. James 4:8

Yeah, It's My Birthday!

Happy Birthday to ME! Today, I am celebrating another year of life!

I'm so grateful at how the Lord has kept me this year. It has been a year of some great highs and some heartache. Yet, I am amazed at how the Lord has kept my heart and mind. I can say without a doubt that you can have peace that passes all understanding in Christ!

Usually I share my favorite scripture of Jeremiah 29:11, but this year we'll do my runner up scripture:

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear:

because fear hath torment.

He that feareth is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18

I love this scripture because at one time I struggled with fear. I was afraid to talk to strangers, afraid to go outside of my comfort zone... I was even afraid to utilize my own talents and gifts because of how I thought other people would react.

Yet this scripture reminded me that I have no need to fear. I have the perfect love of Christ on the inside of me. Greater is He that is in me than anything the world could throw my direction!

So when fear would come my way, I'd remind myself that fear could not coexist with God's perfect love. I decided to allow the love of God to take me to my perfect place in Him. Fear is no longer holding me back from moving forward.

Don't let fear hold you back from your destiny! Allow the Lord's perfect love to move you to the place where He wants you to be.

Verse of the Day:  There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18

Let the Holy Spirit Minister To You Today

The Bible says that the Lord will be our comforter when we need it. After Jesus left the earth, He sent the Holy Spirit to us who is our Comforter.

So, why do we allow ourselves to become worried or distressed?

Perhaps you need to take some time today to allow the Holy Spirit to comfort you. In your prayer time, just sit in God's presence and allow Him to minister His Comfort to you. Rest in the Lord and allow Him to take your troubles and cares on His capable shoulders. Let your Heavenly Father minister healing to your heart and solace to your soul.

The Holy Spirit also helps us to remember the promises of the Lord to encourage us to keep going. When we allow the Holy Spirit to minister to us, He will remind us of God's Word and the victory that we have in Him. He will speak directly to our situations and show us how to move forward.

You have the Holy Spirit inside of you. Don't allow the cares of this world to distract you from the fact that
you have immediate comfort for your every trial. Don't be so consumed with your problem that you don't pay attention to the Holy Spirit. He is there to remind you of your victory in Christ.

Let today be a day that you cherish the gift of the Holy Spirit's presence in your life. Allow Him to minister and talk with you as you go about your day.

Verse of the Day: But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. John 14:26

Afternoon Ti: Giving Back

In honor of #GivingTuesday, I would like to encourage everyone, again, to take a moment today and give to someone else in need. It can be large, it can be small, but do something! It's a privilege to be a blessing.

Jesus took a moment to observe some givers one day as He visited the temple. One rich man made a great show of the offering that he was able to drop into the bucket. But, it was a woman who caught our Savior's eye. She only dropped in two small coins, but Jesus knew she had given everything she had to the Lord.

Would you be able to give your all to God? If He asked right now, would you be willing to empty your bank account, savings, cash in your stocks and bonds, throw in your hidden stash and give it to God?

Our commitment to Jesus is a trust that He will take care of us no matter what. And we should have that trust because we know He is the sovereign God. He holds the entire world in His hand. He has brought us to this point, and He is keeping us whole by His mighty hand.

We should gladly be able to give whatever the Lord asks for to Him. Nothing should be too dear, too precious, or too great. All of our riches could never compare to the matchless majesty of our Lord.

That woman gave all she had because she esteemed who God was. She gave her last to the One who could supply her every need.

Today, search your heart and find a way that you can esteem the God you serve. No, you may not empty your bank accounts, but there is something that you can give to the Lord to signify your trusting Him with your life.

Verse of the Day: And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living. Mark 12:41-44

Afternoon Ti: #GivingTuesday

I've already been posting about the importance of us giving back during this holiday season on last week. This morning I ran across a really cool idea: Giving Tuesday. The creators felt that after the Black Friday and Cyber Monday activities, it's only right that people take time to give back to someone else who is in need.

Giving Tuesday is set for tomorrow, and there are lots of ways to get involved. You can give of your time or money, and there are plenty of places nationwide that have programs set up. You can find out more about the official business here. Or, you can just plan to go out and give back to someone on tomorrow on you own.

Either way, I think it's an awesome idea. Let's be a blessing this year!

You Have the Power

One of Jesus' most awesome miracles was during a raging storm. The sky was black, winds were howling, waves were crashing, and the boat Jesus was on was filling up with water. Jesus' disciples just knew they were going to die.

Yet, Jesus stood up and calmly spoke to the storm. "Peace be still." Three words were spoken, and immediately everything calmed down. (Mark 4:39) The disciples couldn't believe it. They were shocked that even the winds and waves obeyed the words of Jesus.

Our Savior has assured us that the same power that was given to Him was given to us. We have the same authority to speak words of life that causes our situations to change. All we need is faith in Christ.

So, don't be consumed with the winds that are billowing. Even if it looks like you are about to sink, stay strong. Remember that Jesus Christ - the same man who brought peace to violent storms - lives on the inside of you. You don't have to be afraid. You don't have to fear that you will perish.

Just pull up you faith and use your authority. Command your situation to come in line with the word of God. Anchor your faith in Jesus trusting that He will cause the peace of God to come into your life. As you obey Him, the Lord will keep His word. He will cause all things to work together for your good.

Take hold of the power that Christ has given to you. Don't allow yourself to be beaten down by your circumstances or situations. You have the authority to call change to come. All you have to do is use it.

Verse of the Day: Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. John 14:12

Happy Thanksgiving Day!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope you are enjoying family, friends, food, and fellowship today. But even if you are enjoying a quiet day to yourself, or even if you had to work - today is a day of thanks regardless!

Today, I am thankful for so many things. But I want to take this time to share my thanks for you. So many times I log on and see how many people have been reading what I've been posting. It is so humbling to see how many people value what I'm writing enough to come back again and again. Thank you so much for encouraging me with your readership!

Have a blessed day everyone. If you think you have absolutely nothing to be thankful for - take a deep breath in... now breathe out... I think you just got one.

God loves you! (That makes two!)

Verse of the Day: I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD. Psalm 116:17

Thanksgiving Week

So, it's Thanksgiving week, and people are starting to prep for the coming holiday meal along with friends and family who will be visiting. As we patron grocery stores, clean up our homes, and buy gifts and decorations, let us not forget those who are hurting this year. Right about now, many folks are struggling, hurting, and wondering how things are going to work out. Maybe you're one of those people.

What is important to remember is that we are still here. As long as we are still breathing, God has a work for us to do here on earth. He still has a plan for us that He wants to fulfill. We have something to look forward to. We have something to be thankful for.

So, take the time to pray for someone else. Show someone outside your special circle that you're thankful for them. Give a little love being mindful of the great love that you have received from Jesus Christ. Remember that no matter the struggle, God knows how much you can handle. He's not going to let you fall.

This week let's open our eyes to the world around us. Let's make intentional efforts to put a smile on someone's face and joy in someone's heart. Call an old friend, do a good deed, reach out to a stranger, and spread the love of God.

Let's fill this week with Thanksgiving!

Verse of the Day: I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving. Psalm 69:30

Thanksgiving Friday

Happy Friday! We have arrived at another weekend, and I'm looking forward to the next two days off from work.

Today I'm thankful for wholeness in Christ. It's so amazing that everything we need can be found in Him. I have received forgiveness, justification, and deliverance from the Lord. In addition, I have found unconditional love in my Heavenly Father. No matter what I do, where I go, how I feel, the Lord is always there reaching out to me with His arms of love. On top of that, I have found my purpose in Christ. I know why I am here, what I'm supposed to do, and I have the Lord to guide me to get to my expected end.

I don't have to look to anyone to make me feel loved or fulfilled. I don't have to wander around aimlessly wondering what my life is really for. I don't have to die in sin and be lost for eternity.

Every single thing that I need I have in the Lord.

Thank You, Father, for making me whole!

What's great is this same wholeness is available to you as well. You don't have to go through life feeling unfulfilled in any area of your life. All you have to do is give your life over to Jesus, and He will fill every nook and cranny of with His love.

I love Jesus!

Have a blessed weekend...

Verse of the Day: For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Ephesians 3:14-19

Stay In Your Lane

I am blessed to know some pretty amazing people who are doing great things for the Lord and living in their destiny and purpose. Looking at them, I am grateful to see how God can take someone and elevate them as they walk out what He created them to do. It just motivates me to want to better in my own life as well.

Just last night I had to remind myself to "stay in my lane" and not get sidetracked because of what I saw someone else doing. I had to remind myself that just because I can do something, doesn't mean I should do it. God has a unique calling that is all mine. If I go stepping in someone else's lane, I'll only trip up myself.

It reminds me of David's desire to build the Lord a temple. He had the means to do it. He was the king of Israel, he definitely had the riches, and he loved God so much. The Lord deserved a dwelling place where He could dwell permanently, not some tent. David knew he had a vision to show honor to the Lord.

Yet God told David to stay in his lane. He had called David to the battlefield. It was David's purpose to destroy the Lord's enemies. God had purposed for another man to build his temple. So, David obeyed the Lord and did not build Him a temple. (2 Samuel 7)

A lot of times we can mean well in some of the projects we set out to do. Something just grabs our hearts, and we set off to get it accomplished. We can have all the plans and abilities to get it done. Yet, it never was a part of God's plan to have us take on those projects.

Make sure you are staying in your lane and doing what God wants you to do. Don't get distracted with what someone else is doing. Even if you have a great idea, run it by the Lord and make sure it's in His plans for you. As you stick to what God has for you, you'll see great success and your life will be blessed.

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

Today, A Throwback... Tomorrow, I'll Be Back

Today, I'm taking a mini-breather. I've been running far too much, and it has caught up to me! So enjoy this throwback post from a while back. I'll be back sipping Ti with you tomorrow!

Take Advantage of the Quiet Times

After the excitement and bustle of yesterday, I am relishing the relative calm of this morning. I'm actually sitting still and able to collect my thoughts. Right now I can actually focus my thoughts and get my bearings for the day.

The quiet moments provide the best opportunities to hear from God. When God was making Himself known to Elijah, He sent a windstorm, earthquake, and fire. Yet God was not in those occurrences. The Lord came to Elijah in a still, small voice.

It is in the stillness we hear what will carry us through the storms, quakes, and fires of life. When we take advantage of the times of serenity to get before God and hear His voice, we will have what we need when all we hear are the winds whipping around us.

Too often we allow the quietness of life to lull us to sleep, and we miss out on quality time hearing from the mouth of God. If everything is fine around us, we don't press into the Lord's presence as fervently, we don't feel the pull to make sure we hear from Him.

However, when the winds start to blow and the world shakes around us, we are quick to call out His name. In our times of distress, we start to pray more fervently and even go into deep prayer and fasting just to hear an answer from Him about our situation.

Nothing is wrong with crying out to God in our times of need. But wouldn't it be awesome if we already had a word from God that we could hold onto when the storms came? Wouldn't it be a great feeling to have the winds come the day after you spent time conversing with the Father and you have the exact tools to get you through the trial?

Don't let the quiet days keep you from God's company. Continue to go before Him even in the good times.

Verse of the Day: And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him... I Kings 19:11-13a

Fully Committed

This morning I've been thinking about the word commitment. When we committed our lives to God we entrusted them to Him. We gave our lives over to the Lord trusting that He would keep them safe. We commended them to His care.

Yet, many of us committed our lives to the Lord on a contingent basis. We confessed Christ and believed in our hearts. We knew that giving our lives to Jesus would ensure us eternal life and guarantee us entrance into heaven's gates.

But our commitment to Christ extends far beyond our confession of faith. It involves living a daily life in line with the Word of God. It entails living our lives in service to others. It means giving up our will for God's.

When we committed ourselves to the Lord, we were telling Him that we thought His way was the best way. We were signaling that we were giving up our desire and submitting to His.

Too many of us are not fully committed to God. We've said that He is our Lord, but our actions don't reflect that. We came to Him confessing that He was our Savior, but we haven't allowed Him to free us from all that we were bound to.

Today, think about what it means to be committed to the Lord. Look at your life and assess whether you've committed everything to Him. See if there's any places where you're still living what you think is best and not what God says is the best.

Ask God to help you to fully commit to His will. Allow His sovereignty to lead and guide you. Remember the day that you came to Christ recognizing His true saving power. Then let Him free you from all the things that you are bound to.

Verse of the Day: ...nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. Luke 22:42b

Don't Forget Your Benefits!

David actively took time to remember the benefits of being in relationship with the Lord. Do you take time to remember the perks of being a child of God?

First of all, we have received forgiveness of our sin and were given righteousness in its place. That alone trumps everything right there. We are no longer sinful creatures in the eyes of God. Because of Jesus' sacrifice, we are seen as blameless individuals worthy enough to spend eternity in heaven's glory with our King.

We also have the benefit of being able to have a personal relationship with our God. In fact, we can come boldly to the throne with whatever request or subject we want to talk about, and the Lord with talk with us! (Hebrews 4:16) Whenever, whatever, wherever we like, God is always ready and willing to listen.

In addition we have the added benefits of the fruit of the Spirit. As we live our lives according to God's Word, we get to experience love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, faith, meekness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22, 23) Who wouldn't want to have those things bubbling up in their lives?

There are so many more benefits to being a child of God. Take some time today to remind yourself of your benefits. Explore the Word and find out some things that you might have forgotten or overlooked.

Like any other benefit, the benefits of the Lord are there waiting for you. You just have to take advantage of them. Make use of your benefits today! Don't let your benefits just sit by the wayside unused. Take full advantage of the joy of being in God's Kingdom!

Verse of the Day: Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits... Psalm 103:2

Thanksgiving Friday!

Today is a day of praise elevation and joy! God is doing some great things, and I am thankful for how He is orchestrating my life! It's so good to be alive and full of the joy of the Lord!

I thought I'd switch things up this week and post some of my fave praise and thanksgiving songs, so we can lift up a joyful noise to the Lord!

Enjoy!

I'm Thankful!

I'm so grateful the Lord is always with me!



I will bless the Lord at all times, and I will continuously praise His name!



Verse of the Day: Sing unto the LORD; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth. Isaiah 12:5

Testimony Thursday

Last night, my church had a wonderful service of praise and testimony before the Lord. We shared what God had been speaking to us and how we had seen Him moving in our lives. It was quite encouraging. So, today I thought I should share a testimony with you.

God has really been keeping me and my family. As some of you know, my father passed away this past September. Since his passing I have missed my father every single day. But, you know what? God has blessed me to walk with happiness and joy.

I know that my father is safe and having an awesome time in heaven. But that knowledge alone is not what is keeping me full of joy. God has sent supernatural strength and encouragement to me. He has eased my fears, comforted my heart, and buoyed my spirit.

There was a time where I thought I would turn away from God if He allowed my father to die. Yet, I have drawn closer to God. In my time of weakness, I drew near to the Lord, and He gave me everything I needed. I simply reached out my hand, and the Lord grabbed me up in His arms.

I'm so blessed!

So, be encouraged today. Maybe your heart is heavy or you are experiencing sorrow and loss. Choose to come close to your Heavenly Father and watch how He comforts you and fills you with His peace! I am a witness that the Lord is a present help in the day of trouble. (Psalm 46:1)

I'm sure you have a testimony too. Share with a friend what the Lord is doing in your life. Encourage someone with how God is blessing you. Take some time to brag on your Father today!

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

Living United

So, yesterday America voted, and in addition to re-electing our President, we put and kept a bunch of other folks in leadership positions for our country. One thing that stands out to me is our glaring need for unity. Too many of us are screaming at each other, creating division, refusing to compromise, and keeping our nation from progressing.

The Bible exhorts us to work to stay united in the Spirit. As believers, there should be no division. No one should find the Body of Christ bickering, fighting, or working against each other. Sadly, the same kind of division that exists in our country is reflected in our churches.

Yet, God wants us to live in unity. He wants us to work together with each other, not against each other. He wants us to live harmoniously using all our different talents, views, and gifts to promote His Kingdom on earth.

In order to be united, we have to remember that our ministry is not about us. Everything we do is for God's glory. Whatever we do should line up with His word and His will. If we can't agree, we have to find a way to move forward without creating division.

When the apostles' began reaching out to the Gentiles, there were questions concerning whether men could eat unclean foods or had to be circumcised. Instead of fighting about things, they waited to hear from God. When God sent His word, they complied and were able to bring many people into God's Kingdom as a result. (Acts 11)

Division and strife only drive people away. As God's children, we are responsible to draw people to the Lord, not push them away.

Today, consider your individual walk and your ministry. Are your actions creating division? Are you working to be united with your brothers and sisters in Christ? Let's all make sure we are striving to be united in our walk with the Lord.

Verse of the Day: Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! Psalm 133:1

Get God's Instructions First

In walking with the Lord, it is always important to keep our ears tuned to hear His voice and instructions for our journey. He has blessed us with the ability to come straight to His throne with any question, problem, or conversation we want. And He responds to us with His wisdom! We should take advantage of our privilege.

Too often, though, we take it upon ourselves to make decisions arbitrarily. We go through our own decision-making process without seeking the Lord's infinite wisdom. Many times our decisions lead us down the wrong roads.

When armies came to attack Judah, Jehoshaphat went into fasting and prayer with the nation. He chose to seek God's wisdom before making a move. God instructed Jehoshaphat to stand still. As Judah lifted up songs of praise, God Himself sent forth armies to fight for Judah that killed every single one of their enemies. (2 Chronicles 20)

What might have happened if Jehoshaphat decided on his own to go out and fight? What if he had chosen instead to surrender? Yet, the king saw the miraculous power of God on display just because he chose to stop and ask God what to do.

Today, make the choice to stop and ask God what to do. When you come up to a decision, don't go into your normal routine of rationalizing, strategizing, or planning on your own. Take a moment to consult the Lord.

You just may see some of God's miraculous moves take place in your life.

Verse of the Day: Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's. 2 Chronicles 20:15b

God's Doing a New Thing!

Today begins a week of prayerful expectation for me. God is doing new things, and I am excited about what He is doing!

In God's Word we have numerous examples of God doing new things with His people. What I love about the Lord is that He always finds new ways to prove His power, might, and sovereignty.

He chose to bless Abraham with his promised heir long after Sarah was past childbearing age. He led Israel out of bondage by splitting apart an entire sea! The Lord brought them into the Promised Land by having their shouts of praise crumble walls that were wide enough for houses to be built within!

God did something new when He caused  fire to come down to consume Elijah's sacrifice in the face of the evil priests of the idol Baal. God showed His strength and power through His judge Samson who was able to carry city gates on his back.

The Lord did something new when He performed the miraculous conception of Jesus in the womb of the virgin Mary. The entire life of Jesus accentuated that God was doing a new thing: the sick were healed, demons were driven out, people were restored, and the Kingdom of God was preached to those who had never heard about it.

Our God loves to do new things.

What new thing is the Lord doing in your life? Don't allow the unfamiliarity of something new to cause you to miss out on how God's trying to bless you! Let the Lord have His way any way He sees fit. Whatever He tells you to do, wherever He tells you to go, make sure you follow! Your something new is at the end of your journey.

One thing is guaranteed: God's new thing is always better than the old thing.

Verse of the Day: Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19

Every Day is a Day of Thanksgiving

Today, I am more than just thankful. I am blessed, humbled, motivated, excited, and anticipating! God has done so many great things for me, he is doing some great things right now, and I can see great things ahead of me in my future! For that, He deserves all my praise!

Life is full of unexpected twists and turns. Suddenly we can find ourselves facing challenges and heartaches that we never saw coming. Yet, the Lord is always there in the midst, taking care of us and loving us through the hard times.

In the same token, we can suddenly find ourselves receiving blessings and walking through open doors that we never thought would come our way! God is an expert at showing up and showing out! He can bless and prosper us in ways we never imagined.

Every day is a day to give God thanks. Every day is an opportunity to really open our eyes and see just how good the Lord is. No matter what is happening or how things seem, God is always worthy of praise.

Today, take some time to praise the Lord. Take some time to give Him thanks. Spend some time before His throne in worship. Love on Him and show Him how much you appreciate His love.

Today is a gift to you from the Giver of Life. Don't let it pass without acknowledging Him.

Have a blessed weekend!

Verse of the Day: Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever. Psalm 145:2

Recognizing God's Authority

In my studies today, I looked at the story of the centurion who came to Jesus in Caperneum. The centurion came to Jesus asking Him to heal the soldier's sick servant. There are a couple of details in this story that struck me and challenged me.

First: The centurion, a man who commanded at least 60-100 men, came to visit Jesus for the healing of his servant. The man was important. He said himself that he had many servants to tend to his wants and needs. Yet the anguish and turmoil of one man caused him to come to the Lord for an answer. The centurion's heart was so loving for one of his servants that he went out of his way to seek out Jesus to get Him to heal one of his men.

Are our hearts tuned in to those around us who serve? There are numerous men and women working hard every day, so that we have a better quality of life. No, we may not have servants in our homes, but there are many people whose services we use on a daily basis. Are we paying attention to their needs? Are we tuned into what is going on with them? Have we gone out of our way to get them the Answer for their needs?

Second: The centurion knew who to go to for an answer to a problem he could not solve. Who knows how the centurion came to know of Jesus. Maybe he heard Jesus preach and witnessed Jesus ministering healing to the sick with his own eyes. Or maybe the centurion had heard stories from other witnesses who had experienced Jesus first hand.

Either way, the centurion knew without a shadow of a doubt that Jesus was the answer for his need. He came to the Lord confidant that He could handle the situation. In fact, the soldier was so confident that he said that all Jesus had to do was say the word, and he knew his servant would be healed. The centurion recognized the power of Christ, and he knew how the process of authority worked. Because of the great power of Jesus, all it would take was His word for something to come to pass.

Are we aware - I mean really aware of the power that our God has? Do we recognize and respect the authority that He wields? When we come before His throne are we truly confident in His ability to answer us?

Because of the centurion's faith, his servant was healed within the hour. Jesus said Himself that day that many outside of the tribe of Israel would sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob because of their faith in God. (Matthew 8:11) Do we possess this kind of faith?

Today, take some time to meditate on the authority and power that Jesus has. Then, pray for someone that serves you. Ask God to meet their need, heal their heart, and grant them peace. Your great faith could cause someone's dire situation to turn completely around for the good.

Verse of the Day: The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.  For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. Matthew 8:8-10