Working to Progress

In striving to be like Christ, sometimes I feel that the bar is set impossibly high. Yet, God's word instructs us to make Jesus our ultimate example in how to lead our lives. (1 Peter 2:21-25)

One facet of Jesus' character has be weighing on my mind lately. With the coming of Easter, I have been reflecting on Jesus' journey to the cross, and His response (or lack thereof) has been challenging me.

Jesus was falsely arrested. He was mocked and beaten by Jewish leaders. He was deserted by His disciples. He was questioned by rulers. Crowds, who just days before had heralded Him as their king, screamed for Jesus' death. Jesus was whipped, forced to carry His own cross, and nailed to that cross. All the while, He was being mocked, berated, and cursed.

He never said a word in anger.

He never opened His mouth in rage.

He had no accusing words, hurtful retorts, or vengeful speeches.

Jesus was nothing but respectful and gracefully went through the trial that He faced. He kept the end goal in mind, and remained true to His destiny.

Often, we go through trials and attacks - mind you, no where near the level of attack that Jesus faced. Yet, we "forget" who we are and say things out of character. We arm ourselves with vengeful weapons and go into defense mode. We snap and say things we don't mean. We hurt those who hurt us. We do things that we regret.

We are called to be like Christ. We are challenged to be more like Him.

I am working on having Jesus' character in the face of an attack. I'm working on keeping my mouth closed to nonsense and only speaking words seasoned with grace and respect. I'm working on recognizing the enemy and not giving him any ground in adverse situations. I'm working on keeping my end goal in mind, and staying true to my God-given destiny.

We are all works in progress. Let's just make sure we're working to progress!

Verse of the Day: For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. 1 Peter 2:21

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

Walking Worthy

Several times in the New Testament, we are encouraged to "walk worthy" of the Lord. Walking worthy is an active practice requiring that one consistently remembers Who has redeemed them. None of us are really "worthy" of our salvation. All of us are sinners who were saved by God's great grace.

However, in thanksgiving for the gift that we have been given, the very least we can do is aim to walk worthy before God. Walking worthy involves getting the wisdom and knowledge that the Lord has for us in His word and applying that knowledge to our every day life.

Many of us are experts at garnering the Lord's wisdom. We have all kinds of study Bibles, prayer books, devotionals, and even Bible dictionaries and concordances to assist us with our study. Every Sunday, we dutifully take notes from the pastor's seromons. We stop by the tables after service and purchase all kinds of dvds and cds.

Yet, how many of us are applying all the knowledge we have? How many of us when encountering a real life issue, put into application all the head knowledge we've gathered up?

Today, I want to encourage you to "walk worthy" of your salvation! Put all your "Christian smarts" to good use and live out what you've been reading about! Apply what you've been studying! Put to good use what you've been hearing from the pulpit!

God has given you His most precious and special gift of salvation. What about your life reflects that?

Verse of the Day: That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: in whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins... Colossians 1:10-14

Looking Back With A Smile

Saints, we've made it! 2012 is fading into the past, and we are looking into a whole new year.

As we move forward, it's important to celebrate what we have gotten accomplished this past year. So often people look backwards with regret. We look back with sadness thinking of all the things that haven't happened, things we didn't do, places we didn't go, and all of those instances where we were disappointed.

But today, let's think back on 2012 with some pride. Let's enjoy what we did do, let's take note of what was accomplished, let's smile about those beautiful memories we were able to make this past year. We just completed 365 days of life! There's some greatness tucked in those days, and we should acknowledge that fact.

Personally, I'm thankful for the opportunities that I was given to speak and preach this past year. I love ministering God's Word, and I welcome every opportunity I receive to share what God has revealed to me. It's a privilege and an honor, and I'm thankful that God has blessed me to participate in such a way in the body of Christ.

I'm also pretty proud of how well I did in seminary this year. With everything that has been going on, I was still able to maintain my A/B status, and I am on track to graduate this summer. I have learned so much in my classes! Everything that I'm learning only reignites my passion to share the gospel with truth and clarity.

Lastly, I'm grateful that I was able to show love to an amazing man - my father. I'm not sitting here with regret over something I didn't say, or full of guilt because of an argument that was left unresolved... every day I was able to serve him, show him affection, and give him the honor he was due because of how he loved and raised me as my dad. I am reassured and at peace because I know that he is with my Heavenly Father, and I will see him again.

There's a host of things both big and small that I could list in addition to these. But, my aim is for you to reminisce on what you've done this year. What are you proud of? What made you happy? How did you grow? What did you learn? What are the sunny days and happy times of 2012 that you're pleased about?

Take some time and think back with a smile on your face. Let's go into the New Year with some joy!

Verse of the Day: Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8

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

Get Uncomfortable!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Step forward and watch what God does with you!

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

Growing...

Today, I'd like to share a bit of what God's been doing in my life.

Lately God has been helping me grow. When I get angry with someone or frustrated with their actions or have my feelings hurt from careless words, I find myself taking a moment and talking to God. What begins as my pleas for justice or complaints of criticism or cries of pain ends with me contemplating things that I could have done better, ways I could have reacted in love, ways that I carelessly spoke out of turn....

Each time I am humbled and silenced by how much I still have left to learn.

It's so easy to get caught up in the moment. Pride can flare up in a flash. Emotions can cloud good judment. A perceived slight builds into a quest for retribution. All to quickly I can dip into behavior that I know is not reflective of who I am in Christ.

God is showing me that I am better. I don't have to give into pride, I don't have to react in turn, and I don't have to inflict pain just because I am hurting.

I am better.

I am better because God loved me enough to send His Son. I am better because His Son chose to die for my sins. I'm better because when I chose to accept His Son as my Savior, I received forgiveness, love, and redemption. On top of that, I am counted as a joint heir with Christ and get to live eternally with Him in Paradise!

I am better.

As this better person, I can react in a better way to the world around me. I don't have to sink to the level of sin. I don't have to make hasty decisions that leave lasting scars. I'm not always the victim, but now I see how I can be victorious in every situation.

It's not always easy. I'm not all the way there yet. Sometimes it literally hurts to swallow back that smart retort or respond in love to anger. But knowing God is happy with how I'm living and understanding how love can change any circumstance is helping me grow.

Knowing that I can do it, makes me want to do it all the more. God's growing me... and I love it!

Verse of the Day: The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Psalm 92:12

Family Time

After God created Adam, He realized that it wasn't good for Adam to be alone. Adam needed a family. He needed a wife to be his helper, and he needed children to fulfill God's command to "be fruitful" in the earth.

Cunningly, the family was where satan chose to strike first. Initially, he caused Adam and Eve's union trouble when he tempted Eve in the garden. As soon as God questioned their decision to disobey Him, Adam threw Eve under the bus blaming her for the whole thing. Then, when the pair had children, satan was able to use Cain's jealousy and turn it into a murder between brothers.

The rest is history.

All throughout the Bible there are stories of how families betrayed each other... how jealousy ripped families apart... how greed caused rifts between parents and children... how favoritism wreaked havoc... how pride brought pain...

The devil knows that if a family is able to remain a strong unit, they can do great things for the Kingdom of God. If a family is in harmony, they can spread more love and joy in the earth. If a family is whole, there is one less group of people who are too distracted with drama and negativity to pay him any mind.

God designed families. He purposefully put together families to bring Him glory.

Think about it: He chose Mary for a reason. He knew that she would accept the great task of bearing the Messiah. God chose Joseph to be Mary's husband knowing that he would do the honorable thing by her when she revealed that she was pregnant and not by him. When they worked together in harmony, they were able to facilitate the birth of our Lord and Savior.

Think about your family. There's a reason why you have the mother, father, sisters, brothers, grandmother, adopted parents, guardians, etc. in your life. It's no accident how you ended up the way you have.

The devil would love for you to focus on the family dramas - the slights, the attitudes, the forgetfulness, the grudges - in order for you not to have a fully functioning unit. He would love for you to bemoan the fact that you come from a broken home. He would love for you to focus on the abuse you suffered at the hands of a loved one. Satan would love for you to continue the bitterness toward your siblings that keeps you apart from them.

But God wants to use you and your family to bring Him glory. He wants to turn all the negativity around for your good. He wants to use the hurt to bring healing. He wants to transform the chaos to peace.

Today, bring your family up before the throne of God. Ask the Lord to show you what He had purposed when He gave you the family that you have. Ask Him to show you how to begin to heal whatever pains are there. Ask Him to show you how your family - as messed up as it may be - can bring His Kingdom glory.

God loves family. He wants all of us to enjoy our families. Yes, things may be difficult and trying, but all it takes is allowing the Lord to step into those difficult and trying spaces... Then you will see the glory of God.

Verse of the Day: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Got A Question? Ask!

Reading through my Christian blogs and websites this morning, it's apparent that the church is recognizing all the change going on, and people are wondering if some of those changes are going to drift over into the church. Young people are asking questions about their faith. Some folks are challenging established beliefs. Christians are wondering if in this 'evolving' world, should the church evolve too?

What I love about our faith is that God is always there to talk with us and show us more of Himself. When we have questions, He will take the time to answer them. When we have concerns, He will find ways to alleviate them. We just have to be open to seek out the answers and keep our ears listening out for His voice.

Jesus was a living example of our relationship with God in His interactions with the disciples. Whatever questions they had, reasonable (How many times should I forgive?) or borderline (Which one of us will sit on your right hand?). Jesus made sure He answered. Even when the Pharisees and Sadducees came with their questions rooted in disbelief, Jesus answered every one.

There is no question too great. No question to silly. No inquiry too small for God to handle. Even when the apostles were trying to figure out how to minister and fellowship with Gentiles, through prayer and God's wisdom, they were able to get an answer.

What questions do you have about your walk with God? Are the changes around you causing you to wonder about what to believe? Even if your views are unshakable, do you think about how to relay those beliefs to others in a loving manner?

We have a God who is always there and holds all the answers. We just have to seek Him out and trust that He will answer our questions. Sometimes seeking God takes some work. We may have to read our Bibles a little deeper. We may have to study and pray more than we regularly do. We just might have to sit and wait on the Lord's still small voice.

Just know that your searching is not in vain. Know that the answers you seek are coming. When God shows up, there won't be a shadow of a doubt left in your mind as to what to believe. One thing we can rest assured in: God is thorough.

So ask away! Look to the Lord for the answers that you seek. You'll definitely find them in Him.

Verse of the Day: Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Matthew 7:7, 8

Purified

Today, people are big on drinking filtered or bottled water. We have our own bottled water dispensers in our homes and at our jobs. We have gadgets that we use to attach to our faucets that will filter the water that flows from our taps. We even have filters in our refrigerators to give us cold filtered water any time we want.

No one wants to drink water they feel is contaminated. Everyone wants the water they drink to be purified. Even though we know that the water we get for pennies out of the tap is 'safe' to drink, we would rather pay dollars for the water that we know has gone through extra purification processes. Because of our desires, the bottled water business is booming.

In the same way, God desires our spirits to be purified as well. After we turn to Him, He wants us to go through the processes that will take away the sinful habits and mindsets and turn us into purified spirits that reflect the God that we have accepted.

In the book of Revelation, God spoke to the Laodiceans about how their behavior was before Him. The church of Laodicea had not fully committed their lives to the Lord. Yes, they had accepted His Son, but their actions did not fully reflect their Christianity. They chose to rely on their own riches and strength instead of fully surrendering to the Lord. As a result of them staying complacent in their faith, God said that He would reject them. (Revelation 3:16)

Once we accept Christ, it is our responsibility to submit ourselves to the purification process of the Lord. In this process, we must fully surrender ourselves to the purging power of God. We have to allow our will to become subject to His will. We have to rid ourselves of what He doesn't like and take on what He does.

It is a process. It doesn't happen overnight. Yet, in the end, we will come forth like pure gold, shiny and pure, sparkling with God's holiness.

Verse of the Day: I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Revelation 3:15, 16

Big God

What's so great about God is that He can never be fathomed or contained. As long as man has been on the earth, as many scholars and ministers have searched the Scriptures, as deep as people have progressed in their knowledge of God - there is so much more that has gone untapped. We will never reach the limit. We will never know it all.

That's how big our God is. That's how great our Lord is. That's how much higher than us He is.

I take comfort in my great, big God. Because of His grandness, He comes up with solutions that I would never dream of. He finds ways to bless me that I could never figure out on my own. He's set up principles in His Kingdom that will cause me to live a blessed and favored life as I follow after His instructions.

He is so amazing!

What have you learned about your big God lately? How has your relationship with Him been enriched as you've gotten to know the Lord? What things in the Word have you come across that you are excited to learn and apply to your life?

Take some time today to give God some praise and thanksgiving. If you haven't had any new revelations about your big God lately, spend some time in His presence and in His Word and listen to what He reveals to you. Every day is a new opportunity for you to grow in God!

Verse of the Day: I will extol thee, my God, O king; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever. Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever. Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable. Psalm 145:1-3

Stormy Days

Life is full of changes. We have days where everything seems to go right. We have days where everything seems to be falling apart. There are times that the sun shines bright, and there are times when the wind blows, rain falls, and clouds block our skies.

Stormy days have a way of unsettling us. No one likes to go through a storm. No one likes to have their world rocked beneath them. But, storms come to help us to grow. And, not all storms are bad.

In the Bible we have lots of examples of how storms can affect our lives.

Storms can come as a result of disobedience to God (sin). God decided to send a storm to cleanse the earth of sin. Only Noah, who was righteous in God's eyes was saved. Jonah ran straight into a storm that God caused because Jonah chose to run away from the call of God. It wasn't until Jonah volunteered to surrender his life that the storm quieted down.

But not all storms come as a result of sin.

A storm that Paul experienced also proved God's saving power. Even though the boat Paul was sailing on was completely destroyed, no one lost their lives and Paul was able to minister the gospel effectively to all that travelled with him.

Jesus used storms to point to the power of God as well. He showed the disciples that even the winds and the waves will obey words of faith. He showed Peter that you can even walk on water if you keep your eyes fixed on the Savior. Through Jesus' example we learn that we don't have to fear any storm that comes our way.

Maybe right now you are in the midst of a storm. Just because the winds may be blowing or the rain coming down, it doesn't mean that all is lost. This may be a signal that you need to ask God for forgiveness for a transgression that you did. Or it could be that you are going through a storm so someone else can see God's saving power. After you come through your storm unscathed, you'll be a better witness for the Kingdom.

Or, God may have possibly allowed your storm to come for you to use your faith. He may want you to grow in prayer or knowledge of His word. A storm may be just what you need to stand strong in the Lord and see what faith in Him can do.

So, yes, the wind blowing, rain falling, boat rocking, waves crashing, and dark skies may be the last thing that you want to experience. But God will never allow you to go through more than you can handle. There's a reason why you are going through the storm. Don't get so distracted with looking at the waves crashing around you that you start to sink. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus and you will find yourself walking on solid ground while everything else is in chaos around you.

Verse of the Day: And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? Mark 4:37-40

Attitude Adjustment Needed: Put It On Repeat...

So, this morning I was awakened early out of my sleep with a phone call about nothing. No emergency. No fire to put out. Just someone calling me because they were up already and felt like talking.

I am not a morning person. It takes a while for me to feel like myself at the start of the day. So, I was not in a good mood after receiving my early morning call.

From there, I got another phone call and some text messages that only added to my frustrations and work I had to do later in the day. Then I had to rush and take on an extra task that I was not planning to do. On top of that I had to come in to work and run around in circles trying to get things in place before the start of the day.

I was really on the way to being a grouch all day.

As I was walking through the hallway though, I became aware of my attitude and the nastiness I was feeling inside. I didn't like it.

Right then and there I said a prayer asking God for forgiveness and help. What I was experiencing wasn't that deep. I had no reason to be in such a foul mood, and I knew it. Today, I'm thankful that God is merciful. I certainly needed some mercy today.

So, I went back through my blog and found this post. Apparently, this is a test that I will continue to take until I pass. I'm reposting it because I clearly need to just pray today. Would you say a prayer for me too?

Thank you. :)

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Attitude Adjustment Needed!

So this morning I was in a funky mood. I woke up because of God's grace since my alarm certainly did not go off like it should have done. Then I forgot that I had to go get some gas before I started my commute to work, so I was about 10 minutes late getting on the expressway. The drizzling rain did not help lift my spirits at all (or move traffic along, for that matter).


I arrived to work with the work coming to greet me as soon as I walked in the door. I mean, can I get my coat off first, please? Yes, I was starting on work items - that weren't even my normal responsibilities - before I logged onto my computer. My bad attitude was turned all the way up. I was so not feeling today.

While doing the other person's job (they were blessed to be off today), I happened to ask one of my co-workers how they were doing just to make conversation. Listening to her response literally made me feel like the most ungrateful, selfish person on the planet.

In comparison to her, I was experiencing bliss! She was going through real issues and if anyone was entitled to be a little sour, it was her. Yet she still had a pleasant smile on her face. There was no trace of anger, attitude or crabbiness in her voice.

I immediately repented of my bad attitude and made an internal adjustment. Thinking about things later, I had to admit that I allowed that mood to overwhelm me. I woke up upset, but I didn't choose to put a stop to it and take on the joy of the Lord. Instead I wallowed in it, and probably made some room for it's growth as the morning went on.

So, I am going to work to give thanks in all things. Life is a blessing, and I should give praise at every opportunity. With all that Christ experienced and does for me, I should always strive to reflect His light no matter what's happening. How can I reach someone if I'm walking around wrapped up in a funky attitude?

Lord, help me to be a better person even when things don't go according to plan. Help me to realize that if it's happening, it's a part of your Master Plan. You still have everything under control, so I can just rest in You. Thank You for Your forgiveness and grace.

Verse of the Day: Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. James 1:2 (NLT)

**Did anyone else catch that I said I woke up because of God's grace, but I still had an attitude? Lord, help me!**

My, How You've Grown!

While Jesus' ministry was going on, He wasn't just serving the people. He was also training His disciples to do their own ministry work after He was gone. At certain points, Jesus sent the disciples out on their own to get real world experience of the skills they had been taught.

Returning from one of their treks in the field, the disciples were bursting with enthusiasm of how successful their time was. They were amazed that even the devils had to obey the name of Jesus. (Luke 10:17)

The disciples went out and did things that they didn't even know they were capable of. Jesus, however, knew how they had grown. He sent His disciples out to do the work because He knew they were ready. He had planted in them the seeds of life, and He wanted to show them that those seeds had sprouted forth beautiful plants.

When was the last time you looked back at how you've grown in the things of God? What areas can you point to with pride knowing that you've matured?

I can honestly say that I've grown in the practical knowledge of my faith. I had scriptural knowledge, but now I have historical background, cultural knowledge, and practical application points to utilize in my faith-walk. It's one thing to know what the scriptures say. It's another to know the how, why, and when of scripture.

I've also grown in patience. I used to have a very short fuse. I wanted things to happen now, and would get impatient very quickly when things weren't moving fast enough for me. Now, I can sit and wait patiently with my mouth closed. I may be thinking some things... but at least my mouth is closed. I'm working to harness those thoughts!

I still have areas where I can improve - and I always will - but it's nice to look and see some areas where I've grown.

Today, take some time to look at the areas you've improved in with your own life. Give God praise for your growth and maturity! Then ask God to help you tackle those things yet left to be strengthened. If you can grow and mature in one area, you can grow and mature in another. Nothing's impossible with God!

Verse of the Day: But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:18a

Learning From Peter

Peter is one of Jesus' more interesting disciples to me. He was the one who recognized that Jesus was the Messiah. (Matthew 16:16) Peter cut off a soldier's ear when they came to arrest Jesus. (John 18:10) Later on that same night, Peter was also the one who denied Jesus three times. (John 18:15-27) Jesus commissioned Peter then three times by asking Peter if he loved Him. (John 21:15-17)  Peter was the one who preached the first sermon after the Holy Spirit came on the early Christians. He was the leader of the apostles. (Acts 2)

We can learn so much through all of Peter's ups and downs. One thing we can learn is the power of God's redemption. Peter was known for his anger and language. Yet God was able to turn his fierceness into a passionate love for Jesus, and He molded Peter's sharp tongue into an ear-grabbing tool to lead people to the cross.

We can also see through Peter that no matter how we may mess up, Jesus is always there to forgive us. We may "deny" Him through our behavior, we may reject Him with our ways, but when we turn to Jesus with contrite hearts full of love, He is waiting to receive us again.

No matter how we may have acted before, when we fully surrender our lives to God's will, He can take us and still use us for greatness in His kingdom. Don't let your past mistakes keep you from your glory in God. Don't allow negativity to keep you from being used in the kingdom. Allow God to redeem you and mold you into a force to be reckoned with on His behalf.

Verse of the Day: And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Matthew 16:18

Work What You've Got

It's the beginning of another week, and I just want to give thanks to God for blessing my weekend. It was filled with games, studying, church services, and bus rides, and I'm glad to say that it was all blessed. I got to minister to the youth with my crew on yesterday, and we had a wonderful time! I'm proud to see my friends go forth in their anointing.

Just wanted to give God some praise for a fabulous weekend before moving forward with this week.

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I'm still focused on purpose. This morning I was thinking about how the Bible encourages to live our lives utilizing all of the gifts God has given us.

Jesus illustrated this thought in His parable of the talents. (Matthew 25:14-30) A master leaves his servants with varying amounts of money (talents) while he goes on a trip. Most of the servants take that money, invest it, and are able to increase their amounts of money. However, one servant simply buries his in the ground and does nothing with it.

When the master returns and sees how the servants have multiplied his money, they are given more money to be responsible for.

It's the last servant who angers his master. This servant has his money taken from him, and he is fired.

In the same way, God has given us all talents. We all have various valuable gifts on the inside of us that God placed there for us to purposefully use for His glory. It is our responsibility to 'invest' in our gifts, work them to make them better, and use them in the world to bring in returns for God's Kingdom. When God sees how faithful we are with what He has given us, He will be all the more inclined to entrust us with more.

However, many of us don't utilize our gifts for God's glory. We hoard them to ourselves, use them selfishly, or devalue them altogether. God didn't just give you that talent for you to keep it all to yourself! You better open up your gifts and let the world be blessed!

When you get to heaven, what account will you have to give to the Lord? Will you be able to inform Him of how you used the gifts He gave you to bring others to Christ? Or, will you be trying to explain why you never used your gifts at all?

You've got some valuable assets. Don't let them just sit and collect dust. Don't let them get buried deep inside. Pull them out and use them for the glory of God!

Verse of the Day: To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away. Matthew 25:29

No Time For Pain

Today I was in a little pain. I hate being in pain. So, I keep pain medication on me. Thank God for His revelations to mankind!

I said a prayer, took my pain pills, and waited. Those 30 minutes seemed like forever. But I was able to persevere because I knew that help was on the way.

The pains of life, however, are often not so simple.

God allows the pains life brings to happen in order for us to grow in our knowledge of Him and His love. He allows those times of pressure to give us opportunities to press into His presence. He lets the storm winds blow, so we can anchor ourselves more deeply in Him.

Sadly, we often want just a quick remedy. We want to say our little prayer for God's help, and see Him instantly come through for us. We want the pain to leave immediately.

It's true. No one likes to experience pain. No one wants to suffer heartache. Yet God does everything for a reason. Everything works according to His plan.

Sometimes He does give us immediate relief. More often than not, He chooses to move at a slower pace than what we would like. He has a higher plan for us, and that may be the only way to get us there.

So don't just look on the surface of what you are going through. Set your mind on the higher plain that your Heavenly Father is on, and look with the eyes of the Spirit.

He may be allowing the hurt to push you out of your comfort zone into the greater realm of His glory. He may be staying silent to bring you deeper into His Word to learn truths you would have never gone after otherwise.

Stay strong. Obviously God knows that you can handle it, or He would have never sent it in the first place.

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

Ain't No Rock...

Good morning! I pray you all had a wonderful weekend. I sure did. Had a Holy Ghost party with my African brothers and sisters, went out to the zoo with my Goddaughter, and had a encouraging time in the Lord on yesterday. Then today God blessed me with favor to start of my day! Praise God for His many blessings.

While I was at the service on Friday, I was struck by the different forms of praise that went forth. Not everyone that touched the mic could hit a perfect key. Some of the people on the stage were clearly nervous. A few dancers might have missed a step or two.

But every person was making the effort to praise and worship God from their heart. One singer voiced it perfectly: I'm not gonna let the rocks cry out for me!

Their examples ministered to me so much.

Being a veteran church-goer, sometimes I find myself getting complacent in worship. I won't be swayed into standing on my feet unless the music moves me or the singer can really blow... I won't holler 'amen' unless the preacher gets it super hot... I find myself comparing the service to other ones that I've attended in the midst of the one I'm supposed to be engaged in at the moment.

I'm shaking my head at my own self.

The service on Friday reminded me. No matter what's going on... No matter how I may feel... God deserves my praise always. It's not my job to critique who's on the platform. It's my job to connect with the Spirit and enter into worship. At least those people have taken the huge step to publicly praise and magnify God. Who am I to sit back and judge? It's a worship service. Not American Idol.

No more will I sit on the sidelines and look for reasons to praise God with the person on stage. The very fact that they're praising God is reason enough for me to join in with them.

Verse of the Day: And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out. Luke 19:40

Flashbacks

All your sins are washed away!

You ever have moments where you suddenly remember something you've done in the past that makes you cringe?

Mine seem to pop up out of nowhere. At once I'm remembering my embarrassing moment and experiencing the shame, pain, and regret all over again.

These moments used to put me into a bit of a funky mood. I'd replay the scenario over and over in my head wondering just what I was thinking. I would criticize myself and shake my head at my folly.

However, lately I have taken control of my thoughts. I no longer allow flashback moments to dictate how I feel. Especially since I have repented for my sins and received God's gracious forgiveness! The Bible says that once He's granted forgiveness, He no longer remembers our sin. (Isaiah 43:25) So, why should I?

Yes, I will learn from my mistakes and work to not make them again. I will not let them hold me back from progressing forward in life. I will not carry around guilt and shame over something that Jesus' blood has released me from.

When those fleeting thoughts come and try to bring me down, I now choose to use them as a point of praise to glorify my Father who has redeemed me by His Son. Don't allow the past to hold you back. Remember that you are a new creature in Christ. Old things are done, everything is new!

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

Good, Better, Best....

Good, better, best
Never let it rest
'Til the good gets better
And the better gets best

My mother used this little poem to encourage my sister and I as we studied in school. She motivated us to not settle for average or just okay. My mother wanted us to push ourselves to be the best that we could be.

I certainly was up for the challenge, and I was quite competitive with my grades. I always wanted the A. B's got a sigh, and C's were unacceptable. Even as I'm in grad school right now, I push myself to excel with every assignment I get.

This poem can also apply to our life's purpose. We should always look to improve ourselves. Whatever God has purposed for your life, you should seek to constantly put your best foot forward. What might have been your best last year, probably isn't the best you can do this year. There is always something new that you can learn and use.

Yesterday I took some time out to research some folks who are excelling in the area that I know God is calling me to. Just watching them in their element, studying their ministries, and surveying their businesses, I came away with pointers that I can use to help my better become my best. Even their shortcomings and failures are helping me better my craft.

Don't just settle for what you have now. Strive to get better, be better, and emerge as the best! Even Jesus started off at the feet of the teachers in the synagogue. You too, can take the wisdom of those around you to improve your stance and cause you to become the best person you can be.

Verse of the Day: Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Proverbs 4:7