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.

Give It Up!

One day, a man came to Jesus looking for the key to eternal life. This man was a person who followed after the Law from when he was a child. The Bible points out that he was rich and he had the status of a ruler among the community. This man was wise enough to see that Jesus had insight that other leaders of the day had not attained.

However, Jesus expertly tapped into the young man's weak spot:

Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich. Luke 18:22, 23

 

This young man could not give up everything to follow after Jesus. Even though he recognized the wisdom and power Jesus had, he could not give Jesus full reign of his life. He could not give up his title, his money, and he possessions for the eternal life that Jesus had for him.

 

What do you have in life that is precious to you? It may be your job, your car, your status in your church, or your beautiful home. Can you honestly say that those things aren't more important to you than your relationship with Jesus? If He asked, would you freely give it all up for Him?

 

Today, check your heart. Are you holding on to something that God is asking you to let go of? Are you placing something of this world as your first priority instead of your Savior?

 

Don't miss out on your eternal blessings for the temporary things this world has to offer! Allow yourself to put Jesus first, so you can reap the heavenly rewards that never expire. No matter how dearly you held the things you give up, they can never match what the Lord will give you in return.

 

Verse of the Day: And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake, Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting. Luke 18:29, 30

 

 

Stay Faithful!

This past week, my church has been reading the book of Nehemiah. This man of God was a bold, determined, prayerful man of God. I encourage you to read his story. It has definitely helped push me back into what I know God has placed in my hands.

When Nehemiah heard about the state of the wall of Jerusalem, he was so moved that he gave up his distinguished position in the king's palace and travelled back to Jerusalem to make things right. He gathered together the people of Israel and inspired them to work as a team to rebuild the walls.

There were people who ridiculed Nehemiah's mission. There were naysayers who dissed the quality of his work. Enemies sent up threats to attack his efforts.

At every turn, Nehemiah consulted the Lord in prayer. His resolve to stay prayerful kept him from making mistakes. His connection to God maintained his strength and resolve to finish what had been placed on his heart.

Nehemiah's faith led him to do what would have seemed impossible. With his leadership, the group was able to rebuild the walls of the city of Jerusalem in fifty-two days.

What did God lay on your heart? What moved your spirit so much that you knew God was calling you to action? What 'wall' is waiting on your rebuilding touch?

Don't allow the haters, the detractors, or your enemies to keep you from completing what God has placed in your hands. Stay faithful to what you have been called to complete. You are in the midst of walking out a miracle. You can't give up!

Today, purpose in your heart to keep going. Stay prayed up, so you can finish the work. God gave you the project. Don't let it fall to the wayside.

Verse of the Day: So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work. Nehemiah 4:6

My Apologies

I have been missing.

I am sorry.

Originally, I was just going to be taking a break to complete my master's degree. I got it. (Hallelujah!) Then, I was taking a break to recover.

One week turned into two. Two weeks flipped into a month. Before I knew it, several months had passed, and I had not returned to writing.

It wasn't for a lack of desire. I love writing these posts. I enjoy praying and asking God what to share. I consider it a blessing to be able to use my gift to inspire, equip, and uplift the body of Christ.

Yet, I allowed complacency, laziness, and procrastination to steal these last few weeks from us. I apologize to you, and I have apologized to my Heavenly Father. I am so thankful for your words of encouragement and inquiries about the status of this blog. It meant so much to me to hear that you all missed your "Morning Ti". I pray you can forgive me. I ask you to keep me in your prayers moving forward.

Morning Ti, anyone?

See you in the morning!

Tiara