Truth.com: Halloween

Today's Halloween. As a Christian, I won't be celebrating.

This gentleman (SetFree21 on YouTube) drops some good research and scripture on why:

No matter what the world is calling today, it is still the day that the Lord has made! Rejoice in it!

Verse of the Day: ...for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 2 Corinthians 6:14b

Wednesday's Word: You Must Be Born Again

Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council.
He came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him."

Jesus replied, "Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again."
"How can someone be born when they are old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother's womb to be born!"
Jesus answered, "Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.' The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."

"How can this be?" Nicodemus asked.
"You are Israel's teacher," said Jesus, "and do you not understand these things? Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven--the Son of Man. Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him."

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.

John 3:1-21 (NIV)

 

 

Have you been born again? Are you living in the light? The word is clear: we must be born again. God sent His only Son so that we could have eternal life. Eternal life comes when we believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus has been lifted up on the cross. Believe on Him and find eternal life.

 

Have a blessed day!

Reminder: We Serve An Unconventional God

Below is a post that I did a while back on how we serve a unique God. Our God is never average or boring. He does everything in a spectacular way!
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We serve an unconventional God. He doesn't do things normally. He likes to be creative. He loves to show off His power and might.

When He wanted to bring forth His chosen people, He selected a previously barren couple who were well into old age. In looking for a leader to help deliver His people, He chose to use a scared young man who only had 300 men to fight with him. God plucked a shepherd boy off the country hills and turned him into a mighty man of valor and Israel's greatest king.

Our God can take nothing and turn it into greatness.

What situation are you facing? What's looking impossible in your world? The very thing you think can never come to pass is the very thing that God may use to show off His spectacular power. Your crazy situation can very well be an amazing testimony in the making.

You serve a God that can do anything with anyone! Plus, He's always looking for opportunities to show off. He's just looking for someone who believes that He can make it happen. All God needs is your faith.

Don't let your circumstances tell you that you've lost. Don't allow your surroundings to say what you can't do or who you can't be. God Almighty is your Father! The King of Kings is your Lord! You can do and be anything.

Verse of the Day: Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. 1 Corinthians 1:27, 28

For God's Glory

When Mary and Martha's brother Lazarus died, they were rightfully devastated. Of course they were upset with the death of their brother, but it hurt even more because they were close to Jesus. While Lazarus was still alive they sent word to Jesus for Him to come and minister to their brother. Yet, by the time Jesus showed up, Lazarus had been in the grave for a couple of days.

Martha voices her distress to Jesus: "...Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died." (John 11:21b) Mary reiterated the same view when she saw Jesus. However, Jesus was unfazed.  Even as he worked through his own emotions, Jesus pointed out that the occurrence was a prime opportunity to see God's glory.

Jesus had the family roll away the stone, and He called Lazarus back into the land of the living.

Sometimes we feel like Mary and Martha. We consider ourselves to be close to the Lord, but it seems as if our prayers have gone unanswered. We sought the Lord in times of true need, and it seems like He didn't show up for us.

Could God possibly be working something out in a way that will allow you to see His glory?

The Bible says that Jesus will never leave us or forsake us. He will never leave us hanging. He will always answer when we call. Even if your situation now seems unsolvable... even if it seems like the subject is dead... even if you have buried away the thing that you cried out to God about... don't let your faith die.

Continue to trust in believe in the God that can do exceedingly, abundantly, and above all that you can ask or think. It's never over, until God says so.

Verse of the Day: Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.

And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go. John 11:40-44

 

 

 

Thanksgiving Friday!

God is great and greatly to be praised! This is the day that the Lord has made, and I'm definitely rejoicing!

Today I'm thanking God for wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. I love that every day I wake up is a new opportunity for me to learn something new. It can be about God, myself, someone else, or the world around me. Whatever way it comes, I welcome growing in wisdom and knowledge.

I'm also thanking God for open doors. This weekend I have another opportunity to minister in a church outside of my own, and I am psyched to be walking in my calling! Thank You, Jesus, for opening doors for me!

I'm also thankful for you today. You all bless me more than you know. Just when you come and visit this blog, you bless my heart. I want to encourage you to walk in your calling as well. Do what the Lord has called you to do. Someone (me included) will be blessed when you are obedient to the Lord's will for your life. Don't be afraid to step out. God created you ready.

Verse of the Day: The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7

Free From Sin!

We can't help being born sinners. It is our natural birthright being born human. As hard as we may try to be righteous, our own efforts will always cause us to fall short of God's glory.

Abraham chose to sleep with Hagar instead of keeping the faith with his wife, Sarah. Ishmael was born and brought dissension and resentment into his home.

Moses allowed anger to overrule his obedience to God's instructions. He missed out on reaching the Promised Land as a penalty.

David allowed lust to reign in his flesh and he committed adultery with another man's wife which led to murder when she became pregnant. The child born out of that union died as God's punishment.

All of these men were great men of faith. They believed God, followed after Him, and obeyed the Lord's commands. Yet they still sinned. They still had to deal with the consequences of those sins.

What I love about these examples is that their stories do not end with their sin. They went on to seek - and find - forgiveness from God. The Lord saw their contrite hearts and forgave them of their errors.

Abraham and Sarah eventually had their own son who went on to found the Israelite nation. Moses may have missed out on reaching the Promised Land, but he lived to witness the nation he led walking into God's promise for them. David married the widow and they had a son together who went on to be one of the wisest and richest kings in Israelite history.

Maybe you have sinned and are dealing with the consequences of your choice. Yes, you can't avoid the results of choosing to sin - every action has a reaction. But, you have God's grace and mercy with you as well. You don't have to live in bondage. You don't have to be cast down. You don't have to think that the Lord no longer loves you.

When you come to the Lord seeking His forgiveness, He is ready and willing to give it to you. He knows you're human. He knows that you aren't perfect. What's so wonderful is that God forgives and forgets! He won't hold it over your head, He won't throw it in your face down the road... It's as if you never made the mistake.

Today, bask in the power of God's forgiveness. Realize that God's grace and mercy are with you. Release yourself from the grips of guilt and gain your freedom in the Lord's love for you.

Verse of the Day: The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.

He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:8-12

Wednesday's Word: Meditate on This

Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus. You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.

 

Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them. And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules. And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor. Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things.

 

Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach. And because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained. So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen.

This is a trustworthy saying:
If we die with him,
we will also live with him.
If we endure hardship,
we will reign with him.
If we deny him,
he will deny us.
If we are unfaithful,
he remains faithful,
for he cannot deny who he is.

 

Remind everyone about these things, and command them in God’s presence to stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them.

 

Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.

1 Timothy 3:1-14 (NLT)

 

Paul's words to Timothy are applicable to all saints in their walk with Christ. We should always remember who we are in Jesus and do the necessary preparing, thinking, and actions to make sure we are living and preaching the Good News on a daily basis. Meditate on what Paul says in these verses as you go about your day today. "...the word of God cannot be chained"!

 

 

There's Always A Reason to be Thankful

Feeling down today? I dare you to feel the same way after watching this video clip:

Life is never as bad as it seems. You always have something to be thankful for!

There are more video clips about Nick Vujicic on YouTube. Or you can visit his own website at www.attitudeisaltitude.com.

Verse of the Day: 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 100:3-5

Fruit Inventory

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Galatians 5:22, 23

Reading over these verses, did you see anything that’s already fruitful on your personal spiritual fruit tree? Are your 'boughs' overflowing with any of the attributes in those verses?

Now, it’s one thing to show love from time to time. It’s nice to display faith and meekness when you remember. However, are any of these qualities second nature to you? Do they flow out of you without a second thought? Or, do you find yourself having to will yourself to show a little temperance? Or does the thought of longsuffering make you shudder?

Bearing fruit is a process of reproduction. Whatever we are, we reproduce. When we become more like the Spirit, our fruit will reflect His presence in our lives. Yep, I’m saying it. The fruit your bear is a direct indicator of your growth in God. So if you have a lot of junk growing on your tree, you are definitely not allowing the Spirit to have His full way in your life.

Often, we don’t bear fruit. We just pick up fruitful traits when they are convenient or suit our needs and then promptly set them back down when we want things our way. We don’t take the time to dig deeply into God’s word and allow it to change our hearts. We’ll read a verse or chapter here and there, nod our heads in agreement, think that we should do better, and move on down the same path. We don’t allow the insight to effect change.

There’s a verse in the Bible that states that whatever a man thinks in his heart is what he is. (Proverbs 23:7a) What do you think about? What does your mind meditate on? Is it God’s goodness and His Word? Or are you thinking about how you can do more of what you want to do? Are you thinking about how to please God in your walk with Him? Or are you trying to figure out how to make your life more enjoyable for yourself?

We call ourselves the children of God, but how many of us are bringing pride to the family name? Do we reflect the Spirit of God in our daily lives? Or does our lack of spiritual fruit place us in another orchard all together?

Verse of the Day: Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. John 15:18

Ask And You'll Receive

 

Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name,
 he will give it you.

Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive,
 that your joy may be full.

John 16:23, 24

 

Asked anything of the Lord lately?

 

God is ready, willing and able to fulfill your request. He doesn't want you to lack any good thing. The Bible says that when we ask according to God's will, we can be confident that the Lord will not only hear but answer our request.

 

Are you lacking full joy? Maybe it's because you have yet to ask of God what you really need. Often we make our own (selfish) requests to the Lord for what we want, but we neglect to petition Him for what we need.

 

Today, I want to challenge you to take some time and go before the Lord. Settle into His presence and examine your life. Look at what is missing. Look at what is lacking. What do you need? Ask of your Heavenly Father what you need. Ask Him, in the name of Jesus, to fill out what is missing so that your joy may be full.

 

Jesus came that you might have life and have it more abundantly. Are you living that abundant life? Maybe it's because you did not ask the Lord for what you need.

 

Verse of the Day: And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. 1 John 5:15, 16

Wednesday's Word: Endure to the End

 

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

 

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.

 

God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.

 

So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.

James 1:2-8, 12-16 (NLT)

 

 

Troubles are allowed to give our faith the opportunity to grow. As we face our storms, we can freely ask of the Lord for wisdom to overcome. He will give us what we need, and all we have to do is trust Him with all our hearts not leaning on our own understanding. The Lord will bless us for enduring to the end. We are His prized children, and He will not keep any good thing from us.

Strength With Others

I am independent by nature. I like to go at things on my own, tackle my own problems, and face my weaknesses alone with God. I know in my head that being a Christian means that I am in a community of believers, a family who worships the Lord as a unit. However, my own inner pride and self-sufficiency keeps me keeping my own pains, faults and mistakes private. I feel that I can remedy my situations alone with God.

However, this is not scripture. The Bible explicitly tells us that we are to share our weaknesses, so that we can help each other walk the road of righteousness together:

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.

The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

James 5:16

 

Sometimes in order to attain healing, we need the prayers of our brothers and sisters in Christ. We need to share our burdens with each other and allow our righteous brothers and sisters to minister the healing power of God into our lives. We need to share in order to be repaired.

 

We cannot be too prideful to share our faults, especially when we cannot overcome those weak spots. We cannot distrust those who are walking in Christ with us. We cannot afford to be afraid of being embarrassed and stop ourselves from reaching wholeness in Christ.

 

So, if you are like me, independently trying to battle through your weaknesses and shortcomings alone, please take heed to the Word of the Lord today. Find yourself someone who is standing righteously before the Lord, ask the Lord to show you one of His men or women whom you can confide in. Confess your faults and allow them to pray for you and counsel you in the things of God.

 

None of us can walk this spiritual walk alone. All of us need someone to help us through.

 

Verse of the Day: Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. Ephesians 4:15, 16 (NLT)

 

Afternoon Ti: Got 22 Minutes?

Hey, do you have 22 minutes? Well, if you do, check out this TED talk from Rick Warren. It's an old clip, but the insight he shares is timeless! I love to talk purpose, and this man has tapped into a whole 'nother level in the genre.

Enjoy!

Thanksgiving Friday

Today, I'm just thankful.

I'm thankful for life and health.

I'm thankful for love and peace.

I'm thankful for family and friends.

I'm thankful that I have a three day weekend!

I'm praising God that I finished my book and am moving forward in the purpose He has placed in my hands.

Lord, I thank you for all of your blessings. I praise you for all that you have done for me and those around me. I cannot understand the magnitude of your love for me! Yet, I'm so grateful that it is there. You continue to love me in spite of my actions. I am so blessed to call you my Father. Help me to show the same love that you have shown me. Amen

Today, make sure you life up some praise and thanksgiving to the Lord as well. He is more than worthy of your praise!

Verse of the Day: Praise the LORD! How good to sing praises to our God! How delightful and how fitting! The LORD is rebuilding Jerusalem and bringing the exiles back to Israel. He heals the  brokenhearted and bandages their wounds. He counts the stars and calls them all by name. How great is our Lord! His power is absolute! His understanding is beyond comprehension! Psalm 147:1-5

Afternoon Ti: Holy Help

 

And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us.

We were given this hope when we were saved.

(If we already have something, we don’t need to hope for it.

But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.)

And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness.

Romans 8:23-26a (NLT)

 

At times it can be tough to hold on to our faith in the Lord here on this earth. There is so much injustice, sin, and temptation blatantly running rampant in our world today. It can be hard at times to hold on to our faith in the face of so much.

 

In these verses, Paul shares that the Holy Spirit is our help for these times. He is to be our strength when we are weak. He is our present example of our future heavenly joy.

 

How often do you take advantage of having the Holy Spirit? Do you listen to His voice? Do you follow His promptings? When He reminds you of God's Word, do you obey?

 

The Holy Spirit is there for you. He is there to help you patiently and confidently wait on the Lord's promises for your life. Don't leave Him out of the equation. Don't allow yourself to suffer without His help. When you are weak, He is strong. Allow the Holy Spirit to help you.

Wednesday's Word: True Righteousness

Today's word comes from Isaiah. Right now my church is meditating on this whole chapter, and it has been ministering to me. As you read, think about your life's witness, consider how you treat others, really investigate the motives behind your actions toward both God and man.

“Shout with the voice of a trumpet blast.
Shout aloud! Don’t be timid.
Tell my people Israel of their sins!

 

Yet they act so pious!
They come to the Temple every day
and seem delighted to learn all about me.
They act like a righteous nation
that would never abandon the laws of its God.
They ask me to take action on their behalf,
pretending they want to be near me.

 

‘We have fasted before you!’ they say.
‘Why aren’t you impressed?
We have been very hard on ourselves,
and you don’t even notice it!’
“I will tell you why!” I respond.
“It’s because you are fasting to please yourselves.
Even while you fast,
you keep oppressing your workers.

 

What good is fasting
when you keep on fighting and quarreling?
This kind of fasting
will never get you anywhere with me.

 

You humble yourselves
by going through the motions of penance,
bowing your heads
like reeds bending in the wind.
You dress in burlap
and cover yourselves with ashes.
Is this what you call fasting?
Do you really think this will please the LORD?

 

“No, this is the kind of fasting I want:
Free those who are wrongly imprisoned;
lighten the burden of those who work for you.
Let the oppressed go free,
and remove the chains that bind people.

 

Share your food with the hungry,
and give shelter to the homeless.
Give clothes to those who need them,
and do not hide from relatives who need your help.

 

“Then your salvation will come like the dawn,
and your wounds will quickly heal.
Your godliness will lead you forward,
and the glory of the LORD will protect you from behind.

 

Isaiah 58:1-8 (NLT)

How Does God See You?

When the angel of the Lord visited Gideon, he greeted him as a "mighty man of valor". (Judges 6:12) Gideon did not hold this sentiment. He saw himself as the youngest son of a poor man in Israel. One of the lowest on the totem pole. But God didn't see Gideon that way. God saw Gideon as a valiant warrior who would lead Israel to crush their enemy.

Abram had no children. Not one solitary child to carry on his name. But God saw him as the father of nations, and changed Abram's name. (Genesis 17:4, 5) For years, Abram was called a "father of nations" while he had no children. God saw that Abraham's future was filled with descendants who would become God's chosen people.

When Gabriel visited Mary, he called her a blessed and favored woman of God. (Luke 1:28) Mary was puzzled with the greeting. She didn't see anything particularly special about herself. But God knew she was destined to give birth to the Messiah.  The Lord knew that she was worthy to raise the Son of God.

How does the Lord see you? What name does He have for you?

So often we allow our present situations the authority to dictate how we see ourselves. But we need to begin to see ourselves the same way that God sees us. While we are noticing our lack, our need, and our failings, God sees our victorious, prosperous, destined selves.

Today, go before the Lord and ask Him to show you how He sees you. Allow your Heavenly Father to minister to your inner man the great person that you really are. You are God's special creation. You're not ordinary. You're not average. You're not plain.

You're unique. You are one of a kind. You are God's spectacular child!

Verse of the Day: Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! Psalm 139:14-17

Motivation Monday: The Gift of Life

Today you have been blessed with the gift of life. God has you on this earth for a reason. You have a purpose.

God has placed you in this moment for you to make an impact for His Kingdom. There isn't a task too small or a move too insignificant if it is a part of God's plan for your life. All you need to do is step out and do what God has called you to do!

Too often we put off for tomorrow what needs to be addressed today.

We consistently allow fear to hold us hostage.

We trick ourselves into thinking that we don't have anything left to offer.

We look at others and reinforce the lie that we aren't as good as they are.

God's purpose for you is just that: for you. There is no one else on this planet who can achieve God's plan for your life other than you. If you don't fulfill what He has purposed for your life, that plan that He designed for you falls to the side. If you don't go after the destiny that the Lord created you to achieve, that you're purposed to accomplish, that you're assured to obtain.... why are you here?

Don't let today go by without going after what God has for you! Don't allow the hours to slip past without you embracing God's will for your life! Don't let frustration, complacency, or procrastination steal another minute of your destiny!

Today you have been blessed with the gift of life. What are you going to do with it?

Verse of the Day: You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. Psalm 16:11 (NLT)

How to Love

Despite receiving great love, it’s difficult at times to show love to others consistently. Let’s be honest: our first instinct is not to show love but to be selfish. If we feel like it, if it’s the right person, if it’s easy to do… then we’ll show love. If things don’t line up just so, we’ll be hard pressed to show any kind of love.

But, as Christians we are striving to be more like Jesus. We are His ambassadors, and He was the epitome of love. We have to learn how to give the same kind of love that He gave.

First, it starts with prayer. There’s no use trying to do anything without the help of the Holy Spirit! We’ve got to go before God and acknowledge that we want to change, we want to do better, and we want to show love. We have to ask for His help to soften our hearts toward others.

Once we ask Him to help us to change, He’s going to provide opportunities for us to live that change. People will start crossing our paths that need love. Situations are going to arise where we are going to be challenged to show love. God will place requests on our hearts for us to be love to others.

At first you may have to force yourself to do it. You may have to act out love even when you don’t genuinely feel it inside. As you keep practicing love, God will work the change in your heart.

Plus, there’s an added bonus: When you show love, you get it in return. Just like the Bible says, whatever you give out, you’re going to get back. (Galatians 6:7) When you push out love, you’re going to get a whole lot of love coming back your way. That should be a heap of encouragement to keep up the good work. Soon, love will become a habit, and after that second nature. Before you know it, the fruit of love will be evident in every area of your life!

Now, there will be times when you show love and don’t get it back in return. There is going to be that person who, no matter how much you try to show love, is going to throw a whole lot of hate back in your face. It is to those people that you should show the greatest love.

Jesus took the time - in the midst of the excruciating pain He was experiencing while He hung on the cross – to ask God to forgive those who had put Him there. He showed love down to the very person who had hammered the nails into His hands.

Jesus is our hero. He’s the One all of us should be trying to be like every day. If He can show love even to the folks who killed Him, the least we can do is love the people who hate on us. The more love we show, the more we become like Jesus. The more like Jesus we become, the prouder our Heavenly Father will be of us.

Verse of the Day: Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. 1 John 3:16-18

Wednesday's Word: Love

I went to a wonderful wedding yesterday and was reminded about the attributes of love. Let's all remember the true meaning of love today and share love with those around us!

If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.

 

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

 

Prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge will become useless. But love will last forever! Now our knowledge is partial and incomplete, and even the gift of prophecy reveals only part of the whole picture! But when the time of perfection comes, these partial things will become useless.

 

When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.

 

Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.

 

1 Corinthians 13

The Devil Wants to KILL You!

You are a fabulous being. God created you in an exquisite, perfectly unique way. He made you expressly for His pleasure, and your life is a testament to His great handiwork. (Psalm 139:14) He is proud of each breath you take.

As fine as you are, there is someone who hates every atom of your core. From the time man was created, the devil has been scheming, plotting, and interfering with God’s intended purpose for mankind. The devil’s very existence is now dedicated to thwarting mankind from living the life God chose for him to have.

The devil is one cunning creature, and he has studied you well. He knows exactly where your weak spots are, and he takes every opportunity to tempt you away from God’s chosen path. He offers his “treats” to you daily presenting them in such a way that it’s hard for you to resist. Lying becomes convenient, our flesh cries out to over indulge, our patience grows thin and we give in to harsh, angry behavior…

Each time you partake in the “treats” the devil offers up to you, you ingest something that’s sole purpose is to poison and kill your spiritual life in God. He wants you to get so hooked on his junk that you start neglecting the good fruit the Lord has available to you. As you succumb to the devil’s diet you will eventually stop partaking of the Lord’s bounty. Your spirit will grow sick and weak and your enemy will have prevailed.

You can choose instead to resist the devil, dig in, and go with the fruit of the Spirit the Lord has provided for you instead. The fruit He has for you produces life and brings blessings. It will cause your spirit to grow strong and enable you to live in victory while here on earth. God is your Creator. He takes pleasure out of your well being. Everything He has for you enhances your living experience. As you live according to God’s will, you cannot help but have favor and success.

So the next time you find yourself struggling to resist the devil’s temptations, remember his blatant agenda. He only wants to destroy you. Anything he brings your way is guaranteed poison. Why would you want to continuously partake in something that’s trying to kill you? Grab hold of God’s fruit of the spirit and thrive instead.

 
Verse of the Day: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22, 23

Greatest Love

It all began with love.

God spoke into the darkness and created this universe. He knelt down and fashioned man and breathed into Him the breath of life. He gave us charge of this whole world, and set us up to live in paradise.

Love.

When man sinned and broke the harmony that had been established, God found a way to restore the balance. He could have easily destroyed us and started over, but He cherished us so much. He knew that the only thing He had would repair the breech. His Son accepted the heavy call and asserted that He would come to earth to save mankind.

Greater Love.

Jesus shed His glory and took on the humble form of a servant. He was the physical embodiment of Love while He walked the earth. He led a blameless life and lived giving of Himself to those who were broken, hurting, and in need. Yet those very people Jesus helped turned on Him and condemned Him to die. Still, He chose to lay down His life so that those same people and the entire world could be saved.

Greatest Love.

We are free because of the greatest love known in the history of this world. We have eternal life because someone chose to love us when we were unlovable. Love gave us a new beginning. Love gave us no end.

As recipients of great love, we are asked to show great love in return. Just as we were shown love at our most lowly moments, we should reach out and extend love to those around us who are at low points in their lives. The exact way God’s love covered our nakedness, filled our area of need, fed our hunger, and visited our loneliness is the exact way we should give love to the world.

This love shouldn’t just be a random occurrence or meted out because we “feel” like it. Our love should have a constant flow. Regardless of how we feel, who the person is, or whether we feel that person is deserving, love should be something that springs out of us at all times.

None of us deserved God’s love. Yet He still chose to give His love. Even when we pushed Him away… Even when we abused His love... When we took His great love for granted… He still chose to give it without malice.

Greatest Love.

We are its primary recipients. We should be its primary givers.

Verse of the Day: Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. 1 John 4:10, 11

Thanksgiving Friday!

It's Friday!

This week, I'm thankful for encouragement. I was able to complete the first draft for my book this week (yay!), and I'm so amped to move forward with the next steps. It's been long overdue for me to finish a book, and I'm inspired to keep moving forward. Thank You Lord for giving me such a wonderful gift!

I've also been inspired to do better, be better, and look for greater in my life this week. As I've been finishing up my first draft I've been thinking over my life and where I am right now. I know where I want to go and what I want to accomplish. This week, I've been encouraged to step out and start walking toward my destiny. I can't sit on the side thinking forever. It's time to get moving! Thanks, God, for the nudge forward.

Finally, I'm thankful for hope. It's such an amazing thing. Hope sustains, heals, encourages, and motivates. Since my hope is secured in God, I know that my hope is rooted in faith, and my faith will not leave me disappointed. God is so good!

What are you thankful for this week? How is God keeping you?

Verse of the Day: I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Psalm 16:8-11

The Lord's Prayer (Part Three)

We've reached the final portions of our look at the Lord's Prayer.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil...

Other versions of the Bible phrase this section differently. The New Living Translations says: And don’t let us yield to temptation. God is never going to tempt you with sin. However, the devil is going to use every open door to try to trip you up.

When we are tempted, we have to acknowledge that God will always provide a way of escape for us. Temptations rise up every day. We don't have to give in to them. There is always a way for us to avoid sin.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power,

and the glory, for ever.

Amen.

Jesus closes his prayer the same way He opened it: acknowledging the awesomeness of God. It is the Lord's Kingdom that will last forever. His power will outlast all others. His glory will shine for eternity. He is the One who will reign forever!

It is important that we keep this fact always before us. We serve the one true God. Our God is above all others. He is the Mighty, Omniscient, Omnipresent, Omnipotent One. And He has granted us the privilege to go before Him personally in prayer.

In your prayer time today, lift up those areas where you are being tempted. Rebuke the devil, and ask the Lord for help to keep you from sin. Remember the mighty God you serve! He is so magnificent, and He is taking time to hear from you. Give Him glory and praise as you pray.

Have an awesome day today!

Verse of the Day: And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. Matthew 6:13

Wednesday's Word: Don't Give Up!

We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies.

 

Yes, we live under constant danger of death because we serve Jesus, so that the life of Jesus will be evident in our dying bodies. So we live in the face of death, but this has resulted in eternal life for you.

 

But we continue to preach because we have the same kind of faith the psalmist had when he said, “I believed in God, so I spoke.” We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus, will also raise us with Jesus and present us to himself together with you. All of this is for your benefit. And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory.

 

That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.

2 Corinthians 4:8-18

 

Paul gave this amazing testimony to the Corinthians. Although the apostles and early Christians faced great persecution and even death for their belief, they continued to preach God's Word. They recognized the greater power and reward in staying true to Christ.

 

What are you facing? What pressures are hemming you in? What is troubling you?

 

Don't give up on what God has placed in your hands! Remember that God's grace is sufficient for you. Allow your spirit to be renewed in Him. Remember those who have persevered through greater trials and went on to win! Think on the glory that Christ has in store for you.

 

Don't give up!

The Lord's Prayer (Part Two)

Moving on in our study of the Lord's Prayer, let's look over some more of Jesus' model.

Give us this day our daily bread.

 

I interpret this portion of the prayer as Jesus showing us that we are to ask the Lord to give us what we need. Think about it. If our daily needs are tended to by the Lord, we have no real reason to complain.

 

So often, we are looking at what we don't have that we neglect to acknowledge what we do have. Asking the Lord to supply what we need will remind us of how much we already have. It will show us that often what we want is not necessary to live a happy life in God.

 

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

 

It is so easy to keep a record of what others have done against us. I tend to have a long memory and have to consistently work on not holding grudges. One thing that helps is to think about how often I have sinned against God. I don't know about you, but my list is kind of lengthy. Yet, God has forgiven every single one of my sins.

 

He's forgiven every single one of yours as well.

 

Kind of makes it easier to forgive someone else, doesn't it?

 

Today as you pray, remember to ask for what you need. God knows your heart's desires. He also knows what is best for you. He will never leave you with less than what you need. And, that's in everything... spiritually, physically, and emotionally.

 

Also, make a point to lay out your faults before the Lord, and choose to forgive those who've wronged you. It is best to make the decision to forgive in your prayer time because sometimes true forgiveness will only come with the help of the Holy Spirit!

 

Have a wonderful day!

 

Verse of the Day: Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. Matthew 6:11, 12

Thanksgiving Friday!

It's Thanksgiving Friday!

This week I'm thankful to be able to just take a break and rest. My mom, sis, and I are on a getaway right now. It's been a long time coming, and I'm looking forward to having some time to breathe and relax. Even The Lord took some time to rest. Thank you, Lord, for giving me a chance to rest!

I'm also thankful for Gods peace-keeping power. There has been so much drama going on at my job this week! Thankfully, I have the peace that passes all understanding flowing in my soul. I've been pulling on that peace every day. Thank you, Jesus, for your peace!

Finally, I'm thankful for experience. Having gone through so much this past year, I've gained some wisdom, empathy, and insight. I've been able to use my painful experiences to minister to others, to pray for them, and to testify to them of what God can do. I am so thankful that I didn't just go through for nothing! Thank you, Father, for giving me such a rich experience that can help others come to know your amazing love!

What are you thankful for this week? Let The Lord hear you praise Him! 

Have a lovely weekend!

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

The Lord's Prayer (Part One)

I've been meditating on the Lord's prayer lately. Working at a Catholic school, it's almost like the 'default' prayer for people to say. Yet, when you sit and think about it, this prayer is pretty powerful.

When His disciples came asking Jesus how to pray, Jesus responded with this model for them to follow. If we go along with this example as well, we will find our prayer lives prospering.

After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father which art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name...

 

Jesus opens His prayer with worship. He begins by acknowledging how holy and sovereign God is. This not only shows the Lord respect, but it gives us the opportunity to remind ourselves of the great One that we have been privileged to talk to one-on-one.

 

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done in earth,

as it is in heaven...

 

After acknowledging the greatness of the Lord, who else's will would suffice? Nothing can trump God's awesome power, infinite wisdom, and omniscient wisdom. Opening ourselves up to the Lord's heavenly will allows us to walk out His kingdom desires on the earth. Isn't it amazing that God trusts us with the privilege of carrying out His plans in our daily lives?

 

In your prayer time today, start off in worship to the Lord. Remind yourself of how great He is. Meditate on His grand splendor. Then, open yourself up to His great will. Relinquish your plans to Him, and allow your Heavenly Father to orchestrate your day.

 

Verse of the Day: After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:9,10

Anchored in God

With floods washing away whole communities in Colorado, fires wiping out the progress in New Jersey, and a shooter on the loose in DC, America has been buffeted by one tragic scene after another these past few days.

Looking at this kind of news and seeing the devastation just reminds me of how important it is for people to be anchored in the Lord. We were never promised perfectly happy lives. God never told us that He would make every single day for us a perfect one. Some sort of storm will rain on our parade through the course of our lives.

God has given us the tools to make it through anything that comes our way. Even when it seems like everything is falling apart and tragedy is all around, God has made a way for us to go through with His strength, wisdom, and peace. We just have to stay anchored in Him.

Being anchored in the Lord means that whatever we go through, we keep ourselves firmly planted in Him. We stay in touch with Him through prayer, we continue to follow the path He has for us, and we walk according to His will in all things.

It's best to get anchored in God while the sun is still shining and no storm clouds are in sight. It's hard to hunker down when the wind is whipping and the waves are crashing into you.

Anchoring yourself in God consists of knowing His voice, having His word planted on the inside, and building a firm foundation of faith in Him.

God's voice will guide you when you don't know where to turn. Having God's word on the inside of your spirit will allow the Holy Spirit to bring those verses to your remembrance when your hope is fading. A firm foundation of faith will keep you from giving in to despair and will give you assurance to keep going.

Are you anchored in God? If a storm passed your way today, would you be able to stand firm in faith? Take some time while the sun is still shining to gird up yourself in the things of God, so you can successfully walk through whatever comes your way.

Verse of the Day: So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. Hebrews 6:18, 19

Give A Smile Day

One year ago today, my amazing father went to be with Jesus. He had the largest, most brilliant smile on the planet! My dad always found a way to bring other people joy and happiness.



My Daddy!

Not having my dad here this last year has been difficult getting adjusted to. There's so much I want to share with him and questions that I want to ask him. All sorts of things small and large remind me of him. Yet, I know he's in heaven having a blast, so that makes things a bit easier.

I don't want to spend today depressed or wallowing in sadness. I may shed a tear or two, but I don't want to give in to sorrow. My dad wouldn't like that.

So, I am christening today "Give A Smile Day". I am going to go out of my way to do something special for someone that will make them smile as big as my dad did. It may be one person or two, someone close to me or a complete stranger. I just am aiming to bring a big bright beautiful smile to someone's face. I just want to give person a feeling of joy.
It would be so lovely if you join me! Purpose in your heart to make someone smile. It doesn't have to be a big thing or overly complicated. It could be as simple as paying for the person behind you in the drive thru lane, baking your friend their favorite treat, buying the homeless person on the corner lunch, or spending some quality one-on-one time with a loved one...

The possibilities are endless!

Let me know about all the smiles you create in the comments section! I'll fill you in on mine as well.

Verse of the Day: A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength. Proverbs 17:22

Thanksgiving Friday!

It's Thanksgiving Friday again!

This week I'm definitely thankful to be back blogging. I'm so grateful to be back sharing morning devotions and getting all of our days off to a wonderful start! Thank you, Lord, for this wonderful gift!

I'm also thankful for fresh vision. Recently I've been working with our children's ministry at the church on revamping our ministry. It has been so encouraging to work with the team to implement what God has for us at this point and time. I've been blessed with some amazing people! God is so good.

I'm also thankful for the opportunity to give back this week. Our school is doing a special walk for the Special Olympics today. It was heart warming to see their pledges come in for such an amazing organization. Thank You, Father, for all of those who care enough to give of their time, their money, and their talents for others. It's such a blessing to be a part of the human race.

What are you thankful for today? What has God done for you this week? How are you showing the Lord your gratitude for what He's done?

Have a great week!

Verse of the Day: O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. Psalm 95:1-3

You Can Do It!

Today was one of those wake up and hit the ground running kind of days. There's nothing like getting awakened out of your sleep with multiple requests for substitutes from teachers who can't come in. Then having each sub on your list unavailable to come in. Praise the Lord for strength and a working brain. I definitely needed it this morning. I was up to the daunting task and able to work everything out.

The Lord dropped in on Moses one day and made some pretty daunting requests. Moses had fled for his life from Egypt and had found a safe haven in the desert. Here, he had married a wife and established a way of living for himself by tending sheep.

Then God showed up.

The Lord asked Moses to return to Egypt. On top of that He asked Moses to speak to the Pharaoh. On top of that the Lord wanted Moses to ask the Pharaoh to release his Israelite slaves. On top of that Moses was to lead these freed slaves into the Promised Land God had chosen for them.

Whew!

Despite these drastic and intimidating requests, Moses chose to answer the Lord's call. He chose to be obedient to the tasks the Lord had placed in his path. We all know the epic results that followed.

What is God asking of you? Has He awakened your spirit to a great challenge? Is He asking you to take on a task that seems daunting?

One thing you can be sure of: you can do anything that God asks of you. If He's calling you to do it, you are well able to take on the challenge. Don't allow fear and intimidation to keep you from your great calling in God. You can do it!

Verse of the Day: I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13

Wednesday's Word: Send Out Some Prayers

The LORD is my shepherd;

I have all that I need.

He lets me rest in green meadows;

he leads me beside peaceful streams.

He renews my strength.

He guides me along right paths,

bringing honor to his name.

Even when I walk

through the darkest valley,

I will not be afraid,

for you are close beside me.

Your rod and your staff

protect and comfort me.

You prepare a feast for me

in the presence of my enemies.

You honor me by anointing my head with oil.

My cup overflows with blessings.

Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me

all the days of my life,

and I will live in the house of the LORD forever.

Psalm 23 (NLT)

 

God is faithful.

 

Despite all that has happened... In the face of all that is brewing on the horizon... God is faithful.

 

He has never left us or forsaken us. Ever.

 

As we are remembering the events of 9/11 today, please pray for all those affected by the tragedy. Yet, praise God for how he has guided us. He kept us through war, He stabilized us through choppy political waters, and He is yet keeping America strong.

 

Pray for our leaders. Pray for our President. Pray for Congress. Pray for all those who work behind the scenes.

 

Pray over your state, your city, and your community. Cover your place of residence in prayer.

 

Our Heavenly Shepherd has been faithful. In spite of it all our cup is yet overflowing with blessings. Praise the Lord for His guidance and love.