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

 

 

True Forgiveness

Lately God has been dealing with me about forgiveness. In our society we like to say, "I'll forgive, but I'll never forget." We say that we forgive someone, but we always hold the offence against them. We never allow their error to be fully erased in our hearts.

Imagine if God treated us the same way! How many of us consistently offend the Lord - often in the same areas - and He consistently chooses to forgive us completely. When we ask for His forgiveness, He forgives and remembers our sin no more.

I know for me God's mercy and grace are two of the greatest things I love about being His child. No matter how much I mess up, the Lord is always there to take me in.

Yet, we humans have long memories. We never forget the one time someone offended us, let alone a couple of failures! We hold on to hurt, and we use that against those that seek redemption. But, how can we act this way as Christians? The very fact that we were forgiven for so much should motivate us to forgive someone else for the small things that they have done to us.

I'm not going to act like forgiveness is easy. I know how hard it can be to truly forgive. Yet, it is our responsibility as Christians to show love. We are to show the same kind of love that we've been shown by our Heavenly Father. If you find it hard to forgive, ask the Lord to strengthen you to get to the place of forgiveness. Allow His love to help you to love someone else in return.

Today, choose to show forgiveness. Purpose in your heart to really forgive that person who has wronged you. Even if they have not apologized, make it right in your own heart so that you can stand free before the Lord.

Verses of the Day:
Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. Matthew 18:21, 22

For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Matthew 6:14, 15

Flashback: Faith Decision Moments

Yesterday I was blessed to minister the word impromptu during our service. It's amazing what the Lord can do! The Holy Spirit is amazing because I had no clue I'd be speaking.

What came to my mind was a post that I've done speaking on deciding to move forward in faith. So many of us are looking at the open door God has provided, and we are deciding in some form or another not to walk through it.

Maybe it's fear. Maybe it's complacency. Perhaps it's doubt.

No matter what is holding you back - reconsider. God is holding an open door in front of you! Why would you not want to walk through?

Today, make the decision to trust God's Word. Decide to walk forward in faith!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Choose to move forward.

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

12 Days of Christmas: Obey Without Question

Mary is given a lot of attention with the memory of Jesus' birth. Joseph deserves a lot of credit as well in my book.

Here was a pretty great young man who thought he was about to marry a pretty awesome girl only to have her tell him that she's pregnant. He could have easily outed her to her friends and family and brought her under some severe scrutiny. Yet, Joseph was such an honorable person that he decided just to have Mary sent somewhere privately to have her avoid shame and ridicule.

However, when the angel of the Lord showed up, Joseph believed God's Word. He saw that the child Mary was carrying was of the Holy Spirit. He took Mary as his wife and did not consummate their union until she had Jesus.

God's plans are often no where near what our plans are. I'm sure taking care of a brand new wife and a child that wasn't his was nowhere in Joseph's plans. Yet, he was obedient to the Lord even to the point of taking the family to Egypt to avoid Herod's wrath. He literally picked up and moved away from his family, friends, and community without question.

When God places something different in your pathway, do you readily follow after His will? Are you willing to obey even to the point of moving entirely out of your comfort zone?

If God is showing you His plan for your life, don't question, analyze, delay, or ignore it. Just obey! Your obedience places you on the pathway of purpose. Your compliance to God's will sets you up for amazing experiences, joys, and accomplishments you will never know if you just stick to what you're familiar with.

Today, tell God that you will obey His word no matter what.

Verse of the Day: But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost... Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS. Matthew 1:20, 24-25

12 Days of Christmas: Jesus' Choice

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

I'm home this morning recovering from this cold that finally seems to be leaving my body. It feels good to just sit and rest instead of running here, there and everywhere like I normally do.

Today, our blog is officially 12 days from Christmas! (No, I haven't gotten a single present yet.) This time of the year is important for Christians because it marks our remembrance of Christ choosing to come to the earth to save mankind.

Can we meditate on that for a moment? Jesus - God's Son, full of power, seated in glory, with the omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence only God can have - chose to come down to earth. He chose to take on a body made of the dust of the ground. He chose to shed His glory. He chose to give up His life of splendor.

All to save your life.

He loved us so much that He was willing to risk it all on the chance that you would make Him your Lord and be saved from sin.

Amazing.

No matter what you do or don't get for Christmas this year, you've already gotten the best gift. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, chose to come down to earth and be put to death as a sacrifice for your sins.

As you go about your day today, think about the weight of that decision that Christ made. Get a new perspective of the deep love that Jesus has for you. Honor that love by showing great love to someone else that you may meet in your travels today.

Jesus chose to come to earth to save you!

You must be pretty special.

Verse of the Day: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Philippians 2:6-8

Keep Growing!

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

So glad I'm growing.

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

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

And keep growing in the Lord.

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

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

Your Choice

What I love about us is that we all have a choice. Nothing is pre-programmed or forced on us. We can choose God, or we can choose sin. We can choose to be complacent, or we can choose to act. We always have a choice, no matter the situation.

As human beings, we have the power to choose how we react. We don't have to be angry; we can choose to be at peace. Depression doesn't have to have it's way with us. We can choose to have joy.

Yes, some choices require much more discipline on our part. We may have to pull our emotions in, or train ourselves not to react negatively. However, once we make up our minds to do something, we have the power to make it happen. We just have to be willing to put in the work.

When Job lost everything he had, he chose to worship God. (Job 1:20) He didn't give in to despair. He didn't cry out curses against God. He bowed down and chose to worship in the midst of his pain.

As David faced trials and tribulation, rejection and rebellion, he didn't react in anger. He didn't slip into despondency. He chose encouragement. Even with no one else around, he took it upon himself to stay encouraged. (1 Samuel 30:6)

As Jesus bled on the cross, his body racked with pain, he wasn't angry. He wasn't bitter. He didn't even complain. He chose forgiveness. (Luke 23:34)

No matter what we face, we can choose the right path. We don't have to succumb to negative feelings or emotions. We can choose God's way. Sometimes it's easier to be angry. It's simpler to be bitter instead of choosing to forgive.

Yet, in looking at things in the picture of eternity, our lives will be richer when we choose God's way. David went on to be one of the greatest kings in history. Job was doubly blessed to replace all that he had lost. In giving His life, Jesus was able to become the Savior for all of mankind.

Today, ask God to help you to choose the right reactions and emotions. Think of how your life will be enriched when you choose the right way. Think of the blessings you will reap for choosing to rise above adversity. Yes, it may be difficult. Yes, it may require discipline. In the end, though, you will emerge as a strong, victorious example of strong character and love in the earth.

Verse of the Day: But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve... But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD. Joshua 24:15

Faith Decision Moments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Choose to move forward.

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

God's Plan For Your Day

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

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

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

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

There would be some pretty amazing things going on.

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

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

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

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

Living Sacrifice

In Romans, the Apostle Paul asks believers to present their bodies as a living sacrifice to God. To Him, it is our "reasonable service" to live upright and holy before the Lord because of His mercies toward us. (Romans 12:1) In other words, through His matchless mercies, God chose to redeem us and cleanse us from sin through His Son's sacrifice. Now that we are upright before Him, the least we can do is live a life that reflects our inward change.

It's that living sacrifice part that's the kicker. Something that's living is growing, changing, experiencing new things, waking up each day to something new.

Every day we wake up we have to choose to live holy. There is always some new adversity, some new attitude, some new heartache just waiting to knock us off our holiness lifestyle. If we're really honest, there's some old stuff that we come across every day that challenges us as well.

Living a holy life takes work. Pleasing God in all we do is a sacrifice. Our natures want to act nasty, we want to respond in anger, we want to be selfish...

But a life that's been transformed can't live that way. A life that's been renewed by Jesus' love can't live in anger. A life that's been given so much, can't bear being selfish.

We've been blessed to be made righteous and holy in the eyes of God. It's only reasonable that we sacrifice our wants and desires to match the wants and desires of the Lord. Our outer actions should match the inner change that salvation has brought to us.

Are you living holy? Are you reasonably living out your life according to God's mercies toward you? Or, do you need to make some adjustments to your behavior?

Every day we awaken, we have the choice to live holy. Each moment we live is a chance to offer ourselves as willing vessels to our King. Let's make sure that we are not misusing God's mercy towards us. Let's choose to take on God's will of holiness for ourselves today.

Verse of the Day: I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. Romans 12:1

Right Obedience

When God blessed Abraham with a son, Abraham was overjoyed. He loved Isaac so much that God began to wonder if the child had taken first place in Abraham's life. To test Abraham's loyalties, God asked Abraham to offer up Isaac as a sacrifice to Him.

When Abraham heard the Lord's request, he didn't argue, he didn't complain, and he didn't talk back. He simply obeyed. Literally, the next morning, Abraham got up and set out to follow the Lord's command.

Abraham's heart had to be in turmoil and his mind utterly confused. Yet, he chose to obey the word of the Lord. Even when Isaac asked how they were going to make a sacrifice without a lamb, Abraham merely replied, "The Lord will provide the lamb."

When God saw Abraham's obedience, when He saw that Abraham was indeed willing to give his most prized possession up as an offering to Him, God intervened and spared Isaac's life. And the Lord did provide a ram in the bush to serve as the sacrifice instead. (Genesis 22)

Abraham endured this emotional test and passed God's challenge with flying colors. He obeyed immediately, he did not obey grudgingly or with the wrong spirit, and he kept his words in line.

Has God placed you in a challenge situation? He may not have asked you to sacrifice your child, but maybe He's asking you to sacrifice some time. Maybe He's challenging you to sacrifice in the area of giving. Perhaps He's testing you in the workplace.

Are you being like Moses? Are you simply obeying God without complaint? Or, are you talking back, questioning God's instructions, or even ignoring them altogether?

Our Father wants to know that He has first place in our hearts. He should take precedence over our jobs, our favorite hobbies, our friends, and even our families. He should be first always.

As our first love, we should have a deep enough relationship with Him to know that whatever He asks of us, He has our best interests in mind. We should trust that He will never lead us astray or cause us to fall. We should be assured that He loves us far beyond what we could think.

Maybe you are in a difficult spot. Maybe you feel that what God is asking you to do is unfair or painful. But, if we act in obedience like Abraham, the end result is God showing up and showing His love for us far beyond what we could have imagined.

Verse of the Day: If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures. But if they obey not, they shall perish by the sword, and they shall die without knowledge. Job 36:11, 12

Recognize the God Moves

The Lord moves in mysterious ways. Often it's in ways that we normally wouldn't pick or via avenues that we normally wouldn't travel. A move of God doesn't always come the traditional way. But if we keep our spiritual eyes open and our ears listening to the Holy Spirit, we can position ourselves to be a part of His miraculous moves.

The majority of the spies who scoped out Jericho were so busy looking at the negatives - the giants, the fortified walls, etc. - that they counted themselves out of a blessing. It was Joshua and Caleb who saw that the Lord could cause Israel to defeat the nation.

When the Hebrew boys were taken into captivity, their charge could not see how eating meals of vegetables and fruits would keep them as healthy as the other men who were feasting on the king's rich meats and foods. Yet, as the Hebrew boys kept up their diet, they fared far better than those around them.

When Jesus arrived on the scene, some people sneered that nothing good could come from Nazareth. They scoffed that the man they knew as the son of a carpenter could be a great prophet of God. And we all know that son of a carpenter went on to prove He was indeed the Son of God.

Every day God is working miracles around us. He is always orchestrating great moves and causing people to overcome, triumph, and succeed. Far too often, though, we miss out on his mighty moves.

Maybe we're like those scouts and we're focusing too much on the negatives in our vision. Or, maybe we are like the man in charge of the Hebrew boys. We are so used to the way things normally work, we distrust the new thing that God is placing in our path. Or, maybe we are like Jesus' community. We see someone that we've known for a long time and can't fathom how God could possibly use them for greatness.

Don't let your natural vision keep you from seeing the miraculousness of God! Don't let your normal thoughts keep you from taking in the higher thoughts of your Father! When God opens a door, don't look through with apprehension or distrust. No matter if it doesn't compute on your end, best believe that it works out on God's end! Go ahead and run through that door!

Today, keep your eyes peeled for the moves God is trying to make in your life. And when God presents and opportunity, take it! Don't question, analyze, or try to figure it out. Just move forward in faith.

Verse of the Day: For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8, 9

Your Success

This morning I was blessed to catch Pastor Mike Freeman's broadcast on television. He said something that caught my ears: "You are the main ingredient to your success."

He elaborated on how God has already stacked the deck for us. God has given us His Word, His Holy Spirit, His wisdom... He's given us the talents, gifts, and attributes we possess and has placed us in the right spot for us to take advantage and live a fully sustained life.

The only thing we have to do is grab onto what He has given us, and do the work. If we never move, we'll never see the greatness God has placed on the inside of us. This is powerful when you think about it.

What if Abraham had never left the comfort of his homeland and didn't move out like God told him?

What if Moses decided to stay in the comfort of the wilderness and live out his days as a shepherd instead of going back to Egypt to free the Israelites?

What if Joshua thought that the instructions that God had given him about marching around Jericho were just too ludicrous to work?

What if David had cowered at the sight of Goliath like all the other men of Israel who laid eyes on the giant?

What if Esther had come to the conclusion that it was too risky to go and see the king unsummoned?

All of these people stood on the brink of success and made the decision to go after what God had laid out in front of them. They chose to step out in faith and do the work that the Lord was calling them to. And their lives were never the same. Once they chose to move, God was able to steer them to their greatness.

Are you living a life of greatness? Are you experiencing the thrill of serving God in the exact capacity He created you for?

Or, are you still trying to decide whether or not you're going to follow after His word?

No matter how bizarre, uncomfortable, complicated, or unheard of... if God has shown you what you're here to do, your best bet is to put your hands to the plow and walk down the path. Your life's success hangs in the balance. Don't miss out on the greatness that could be yours.

Verse of the Day: Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. Jeremiah 33:3

My Brilliant Plan

I'm a planner.

I like to think ahead, arrange things, organize items into neat little compartments, and then sit back assured that everything will go smoothly because I planned ahead.

More often than not, though, my well thought out plans get altered at the last minute or thrown out altogether. Life has a way of coming in and doing away with plans.

Some people like to "plan" their faith. They know ahead of time how much money they're willing to give, how many hours they're willing to serve, who they won't show love to, how much time they're willing to sit in service...

They even do the same thing to God directly. They "plan" what part of their lives they're going to give to the Lord, they direct how God is going to use them, they set up their own plans of how their prayers will be answered and how their breakthroughs will come.

I'm so glad the Lord doesn't care one bit about our "plans." God has a way of stepping in and "messing up" all of our well-laid intentions. He has a way of entering into a situation and turning around to a totally different outcome.

And everything He touches turns to gold.

I'm sure the disciples had plans for their lives. They had already started walking down their paths. They were fishermen, tax collectors, and businessmen. They were already providing for their families and living out what they had determined was going to be their lot.

Yet, two words from Jesus put all their plans to an end: "Follow me." With those two words, all twelve disciples dropped what they were doing, put their plans to the side, and followed Jesus for the rest of their lives. And we all know what glorious examples they turned out to be.

I'm not saying it's bad to plan. It's always smart to have something together so life won't catch you unawares. What I am saying is to always make sure that the Lord has top billing, make sure He has the final say so over any plan you might make. If He comes in and wants to change up the show, your best move is to follow His directions.

Maybe right now the Lord is asking you to do something that doesn't quite fit into your game plan. Maybe it's something you've never seen yourself doing, or it involves doing something that you don't quite think you can do. But if God is asking you, why not trust in His sovereign wisdom and step out in faith? The worst thing that could happen...? Your life could become a shining example of God's miraculous power.

Verse of the Day: The LORD frustrates the plans of the nations and thwarts all their schemes. But the LORD’s plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken. What joy for the nation whose God is the LORD, whose people he has chosen as his inheritance. Psalm 33:10-12

Where Do You Draw The Line?

So, our boys did not take state. We came in fourth. It was sad, but I know we all were grateful to be in the running. We got down there, and a lot of other schools would gladly have wanted to go as well. The prep starts for next year...

Every once in a while my friends and I will have discussions about where to draw the line as Christians. We talk about whether it's okay to watch certain shows, go certain places, participate in certain events... We know we are in the world and not of it, but there a so many ways a person can interpret that scripture.

Some of my friends think it's okay to have a drink as long as they're not getting drunk. Some say that it's cool to watch certain shows as long as they're not emulating that behavior. Others think it's alright to go to a club every now and then just to have a fun night out.

Usually, I come back to one example that really helps me. With whatever I'm doing: If Jesus were to appear in the room, would I want to switch up my behavior? Would I want to change the channel? Would I want to turn off the music? Would I want to change what I'm wearing? Would I want to put down my glass?

That to me ends all discussion. If you wouldn't do it with Jesus standing right there, don't do it at all. Jesus is doing more than standing right next to us, He's living inside us. He's with us everywhere we go, witnessing everything that we do. All of our actions should be pleasing to Him.

Have you had any of these discussions with your Christian peers? How do you determine where to draw the line?

As you go about your day today, remember that Jesus is going about your day with you. He's witnessing all of it. Is He pleased with how you are living your life?

Verse of the Day: What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20

Remembering the Surrender

Time for some transparency: So, lately I've been struggling with being alone. I haven't been single this long since I was in high school, I think. I mean there has been no one on Ti's radar. Not even a bug a boo.

And this has been since January.

I'm not struggling with being lonely. I got over that a while ago. I have faith to know that God's plan will prevail and He will bring me to my expected end. Husband and kids will be there when it's time.

Recently, however, there's been a new person trying to holla at me, and I've entertained some conversations and hung out with him a few times. No problem there. The issue is my own mind, thoughts and emotions. Because of this person's personality and tendencies, I could easily revert back to some of my old tricks and take advantage. I could even slip up and do some bigger things that I would most definitely regret.

All because Ti hasn't seen anyone on her block in a minute.

Last night I had a little chat with myself at the feet of the Father. I had to remind myself of who I was and Whose I was. I am a new creature in Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:17) Old things are passed away, and there is no need for me going and resurrecting what I have repented of. It was nailed to the cross for a reason. I had to cool my little self down.

So, I shook myself, adjusted my footsteps, and determined to stay on the path God has given for me to walk. I won't give up my joy for some times of fun. (Thanks, Joyce Meyer!) I'm going to remember my surrender. I gave it up to Christ for a reason. I'm not going to mess it up for anything.

Moving forward...

Verse of the Day: Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.


Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.


Philippians 3:13-16

For Your Listening Pleasure:

It's Really All His

Many Christians use the phrases: My life is not my own and I'm living for Jesus and It's not about me. Yet many of us fail to understand the gravity of those types of statements.

Every facet of our existence is possible because of the love and power of God. There is nothing in, on, of, or about us that we had any power in placing there ourselves. Down to our very bodies, we own nothing of 'our' lives. We actually serve as stewards over the lives God has given us.

A steward is one who takes care of the affairs of another. Our role is to take care of God's affairs via the bodily vessels God has granted us. We each recieved a unique body, unique abilities, unique talents, unique families, and other qualities in order to fulfill our one-of-a-kind assignment. It is our job to make sure that our Heavenly Father's purpose is carried out in a manner pleasing to Him.

We should live our lives purposefully choosing to honor our true Owner's wishes. Our actions should reflect choices that are in His best interests. Any major decision we make should go through a consulting session with the true Stockholder, our Lord and Savior.

When we truly live our lives in a manner that reflects God's ownership, we can't help but see the favor and blessings of God. As we die to our selfish wishes, we will see more of our own desires fulfilled because of our obedience to the Father.

Verse of the Day: For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. Matthew 16:25

There's Purpose in the Details

Esther is by far my favorite character of the Bible (aside from my Savior, of course.) There's something to be said for a woman who can fulfill her destiny with beauty and a banquet. I have read her story so many times, and still find new insights with each read.

Of course, Esther was not just beauty alone. She had a solid head on her shoulders. She respected the advice and wisdom of her cousin Mordecai, and she acknowledged the power and foresight of her God.

When the time came for Esther to fulfill her moment of destiny, her task seemed simple: Go and talk to the king and tell him not to have the Jews killed. Simple enough, right?

Yet Esther chose to fast for three days before she went forward with her task. Who knows what God shared with her during that fast?

Some things we do know: She did not present her request right in the king's throne room. She chose to have a banquet instead. She invited the very man that wanted her people killed as well. Once the banquet was in progress, she chose to postpone her question one more day.

Esther's spiritual eyes and ears were open. She knew exactly what was going on, and she went forward on purpose. Who can tell what was gained from having a banquet instead of just making her request? We can't know how it helped to postpone her question until the next day. As a result of her strategic actions, however, she was able to save the Jews from certain destruction and had her enemy destroyed at the same time.

You also may know exactly what you have to do in order to meet your moment of destiny. But take a cue from Esther, and take some time to get before God anyway. Allow Him to show you the details of what you may need to get in place before you move forward.

You may be thinking to make your request in the throne room, but God may want a banquet setting instead. You may want to only have the ones you love around you, but God may just have you invite the haters to make an open show of the enemy.

Our God is a God of order, and He always has your best interests in mind. Though you may know His final will for your life, take some time with God and make sure you go over the steps you must make to arrive there as well. He can direct you to a far better end than you could ever imagine.

Verse of the Day: He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him. Daniel 2:22

Inspired to...?

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been inspired in my life.


It’s happened through watching someone perform at their very best… reading a profound passage in a book I came across… listening to a sermon from an anointed preacher… hearing how someone was able to become rich from following their passion…I could go on and on.

Yet inspiration in my life has taken a long time to put down roots and grow into positive change in my life. I’ve successfully accomplished a few goals I took on after being inspired, but if I had fully driven myself from all the inspirations I’ve received over the years… I might be on some Oprah type level right now.

It’s one thing to feel inspired. It’s a whole different story to be inspired.

What has inspired you in your life? Have you done anything positive because of it? Are you just feeling the inspiration for a moment and then continuing to live the same way?

Back in the day, many people were inspired by the lives of Jesus. They were so inspired that they went throughout their countries proclaiming His gospel, working miracles, and leading sinners to the cross.

Some men were inspired to write, and with their words, we have become witnesses to Christ’s love as well. Paul didn’t even personally know Jesus when He was on earth, yet Paul wound up writing a majority of our New Testament!

So we can’t just let inspiration slip through our fingers. We can’t sit idly by and dream about what we could do, who we could be, or where we could go.

Let’s go out and do it! Let’s go live our lives and inspire someone else.

God didn’t create us just to be spectators. We’ve got our own amazing story to live!

Verse of the Day: And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works… Hebrews 10:24

Run It By Him First...

Today I am still on house arrest from the "Blizzard of 2011".

Yesterday my mom and I tackled our driveway, and we were able to clear a path for one car to get out to the street. It took a little over two hours. After we were done shoveling and snowblowing, my back was on fire! I took a long shower and hooked up the heating pad for some relief.

This morning I woke up and was feeling fine. I was determined to go in to work, so I went out and tried to clean off my car and make a little more room for the car to squeeze out.

Can I tell you my back is talking to me now? And I'm soo tired! I guess I should have given myself a bit more time to recover from the strain of yesterday.

Too often we can make assumptions and put ourselves into situations that we're not quite ready for yet. We see something we want, and we rush in only to be thrown off our feet.

We need to make sure our decisions are approved by the Ultimate Decision Maker, our Heavenly Father. He knows how much we can handle, and He can see the angles of the issues that we cannot. He knows the desires of our hearts and wants to fulfill those wants. However, He also knows how much we can bear and won't overload us.

We just have to trust His Word that He knows what's best. I can't tell you how many times I ignored the tug of the Holy Spirit and went on and did what I wanted only to regret what I did. The Lord won't steer you wrong!

So, let the Lord in as you make your plans and decisions. His oversight will help keep you on the right track and victorious in all you do.

Verse of the Day: Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. John 16:13