No Cause for Complaint

It is far too easy to complain. Reasons to gripe seem to appear everywhere: the pain we feel, the trouble we have to tangle with, the attitudes others give us, the injustices poured upon us... the list for reasons to complain is never empty.

Yet, it is not Christlike for us to complain. Jesus never complained. Even though he was constantly stalked by throngs of people, even though he had no real place to call home, despite being constantly challenged by the Jewish leaders... He never said a word.

Paul chose not to complain. In fact, he counted it a joy to suffer for the cause of Christ! Even when he was beaten, imprisoned, mocked and ridiculed, Paul counted everything a blessing. (Philippians 4)

We have been redeemed by Christ's sacrifice. We no longer are bound to sin, hell, or the grave. We have been counted righteous before God. We have the privilege of direct access to the throne room of God. The Holy Spirit is always with us, ready and waiting to guide and direct us as we go through life. Whatever obstacles or challenges we face, we were already declared victorious over it all.

We have not one reason to justifiably complain about anything.

Today, let's challenge ourselves to rejoice in the Lord always. Let's look to send up words of thanksgiving in place of complaints during today. We are blessed beyond measure! There's no need to complain.

Verse of the Day: My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. James 1:2-4

Joyful Every Day

This morning I woke up with a song of praise ringing in my spirit. It was pretty cool. I actually laid in my bed and let the song repeat a couple of times, so I could continue in praise.

Later on this morning, I had to follow up on something information I received this weekend, and the news I received wasn't so great. It totally knocked the wind out of my sails. My mood changed, and I started feeling a bit low.

BUT!! - I remembered how beautifully my day began, and I resolved to keep it on that level. I was not going to let anything ruin my day. I resolved to get back to joy.

So, I had to remind myself of who I am in Christ. I had to remind myself that the Lord is the One who fights my battles. I prayed a prayer of faith and left my problem with the Lord.

This morning I'm reminded of Paul who taught himself to be content in all situations. He faced the ridicule of people... the pressure of starting and stabilizing new churches in immensely hostile environments... prison cells... physical beatings... loneliness... But Paul learned that no matter where he was, God was with him.

Paul didn't let his circumstances dictate his mood. Can you imagine what might have happened if Paul focused on what he was going through? We might not have half of the New Testament that we do! Because Paul was able to focus on the Lord and not on his situation, he was able to overcome adversity and leave a legacy that has greatly impacted the Body of Christ.

The Christ within is our strength. The joy that is found in the Lord gives us strength when we are weak. Today, don't allow what is going on around you to make you miss out on the ever-present joy of the Lord. Stay strong! Stay joyful! Remember who you are in Christ!

Verse of the Day: ...for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, [therewith] to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:11b-13

Praise In The Midst of Adversity

Today is starting off to be... a day. Things are not going as smoothly as I would like, I have items piling up that all need prompt attention, I have one major problem I have to figure out asap, and I'm not feeling so hot physically. Plus, I logged on here and could not think of one thing to write on. Not one.

Today was shaping up to be the perfect set up for stress, negativity, and frustration.

BUT...

I am choosing to fix my mind to be positive. I am choosing to fix my attitude to be pleasant. I am going to give God praise for another day of life! I am going to praise God for employment! I am going to lift up my hands and thank Him for health and strength!

In the midst of what seems like chaos and awaiting stress, I am choosing to remember the great God I serve. I am choosing to think on His goodness and love. I am making the choice to adjust my actions and reactions to His will.

I will not succumb to stress. I will not get a nasty attitude. I will not grow frustrated. I will not get sick!

I WILL rejoice in the Lord always, and again I will rejoice! I WILL give thanks in the midst of adversity, because I know the Lord is working all things together for my good. I will acknowledge God in all of my ways, since He will guide my feet on the right paths. I WILL give Him all my problems, concerns, and troubles... He'll take care of them much better than I ever could.

SO...

Today is going to be... a great day! Because of all that's going on around me, I will get to experience the wonderful saving power of my Heavenly Father. I will get to experience the greatness of His peace that passes all understanding. Today, I will walk in the comfort of His strength.

Today, make sure you lean on the great God you serve to bolster you through any hardness you face. Don't allow your emotions and attitude to take on negativity. Remember the majesty of your Savior. Take hold of your benefits in Christ! No weapon formed against you will prosper. You can and will succeed!

Verse of the Day: Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27

Know No Fear!

Yesterday I had the opportunity to encourage one of my friends who was going through a tough spot. I normally try to encourage those around me who need it, but this time I was especially motivated to say something because I saw my friend slipping too far into worry and fear. My friend was starting to stress out and I could see that the enemy was trying to lead them down into depression.

When trouble comes sometimes it's easy to just grab hold to fear, worry, and despair. We concentrate on what could go wrong, we start to fear that the worst could happen, and we stress out over the negative outcomes.

As believers in Christ, we should never give place to the enemy's suggestions! We should never entertain his lies or the fears he presents to our minds. Yes, we have to be practical in life and think ahead. Yet, with our relationship to the Lord, we should be thinking ahead with victory in mind! There is no reason for us to fear, worry, or get depressed. Even if the worst possible scenario does happen, God has us in the palm of His hand. He is still in control. We will still gain victory in the end.

Don't allow the 'what-ifs' of life to pull you down into a negative place. With God all things are possible! With Him, nothing can overtake you! Stop focusing on the negatives and start thinking on the positives! Everywhere you look there is evidence of God's love for you! Just being able to breathe in and out is evidence that He is keeping you.

Yes, things may be looking dark. I understand that the prognosis may actually be grim. It may seem like everything is going against you. But even if the only thing you have to hold onto is the fact that you are redeemed by Christ's love, that is more than the whole world against you!

Don't despair. God's got you. Rest in the strength of His embrace.

Verse of the Day: The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident. Psalm 27:1-3

Willing To Obey

Peter's first introduction to Jesus was Jesus' use of his boat to preach from. After Jesus was finished with His sermon, He asked Peter to go out into deeper water and let down his nets to catch some fish. Peter told Jesus that they had worked hard the night before and caught nothing. Yet, after hearing Jesus' powerful words, Peter said: "...nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net." (Luke 5:5)

When Peter obeyed Jesus, he caught more fish than he could handle alone! Peter's willingness to obey the Lord at His word caused him to become blessed beyond measure.

Many times we may labor in our efforts only to see little or no results. We work hard looking for solutions or increase only to find more questions and lack.

When God steps in (or we step towards Him finally) and He gives us instructions, it's always in our best interests to follow His word without question.

I'm sure Peter was exhausted after working all night. He had just cleaned his nets from their fruitless efforts, and now Jesus was asking to use them again. It was broad daylight, so as a fisherman Peter knew that the probability of catching more fish was small.

But Peter still chose to obey.

Maybe God is asking you to do something that seems out of place. God may be requesting you do to something you've done on your own before without results. He may be requiring you to pick up and try something that you feel is impossible.

However, if you are willing to obey God's Word, He will bless you beyond what you can think. Your obedience opens the door for Him to work all things together for your good. When you step out in faith, He can back up your actions with results.

Don't hesitate to obey God's Word. No matter how crazy, hard, or improbable it may seem, if it is the Lord's request, you would be a fool to ignore it.

Verse of the Day: Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness. Psalm 143:10

Do What You Need To Do

Many of us are wise beyond our years. We always know what to do. We can counsel people through problems. We can offer sound suggestions to those who are confused. We read the news and shake our heads at the folly of others.

Yet, when it comes to our own lives, many of us embody the "do as I say, not as I do" lifestyle. Despite our wide berth of knowledge, we can't seem to connect it with what we actually do with our own lives.

I'll use myself as our example for the day:
I know that I should be eating healthier and exercising. Yet, I still choose to eat the junk food and desserts while telling myself that I'm too "tired" to exercise today. (I'm too tired every day.) I know better than to act certain ways, and I still find myself engaging in thoughts or behavior that I know is displeasing to the Lord. (Thank God for forgiveness!) Even where my purpose is concerned, there are things that I know I should be doing to prepare and position myself, but I keep procrastinating about what I have to get done.

What is it that you are lacking to do? Are you telling other people things that you are not living yourself? Are you wise on the inside, but foolish on the outside?

Today, let's shut our mouths and start to do. Let's be about the business of the Kingdom and align our actions with God's purpose for us. Let's not be hypocritical in how we live. If we know what's right, let's do what's right!

The Bible says that you will know a tree by it's fruit. (Luke 6:44) Many of us are fronting like we're healthy trees, but we just have a whole lot of leaves and no substance hanging on our branches. We don't want to turn out like the fruitless tree Jesus cursed! (Mark 11:13, 14)

We know better, so let's do better.

Verse of the Day: For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God... Colossians 1:9, 10

Humility

God rewards those who are humble. There is an element in genuine humility that touches God's heart.

Jesus - even being King of Kings - allowed Himself to be humbled to come to earth in the form of a human being. While here, Jesus did not take on a spirit of pride or superiority, He remained humble enough to play with little children. He had a servant's heart and went as far as washing His disciples' feet.

With Jesus as our example, we too should be showing humility in all that we do.

None of us are better than any other person. We can't even comprehend the complexities and workings of our own bodies, so who are we to think that we are above anyone else?

The same God who created us created them. The same way we were offered salvation from sin, they are too. The same promises that we have in God's Word are left to others as well.

No matter how 'good' we may feel we are, no matter how much we may think we have done for the Kingdom, we still cannot come up to what we rightfully owe to the Lord. It is His all sufficient grace that covers us and makes us worthy to come before Him.

The spirit of pride is what caused satan to be cast out of God's presence. It was when he believed he was "better than" that he got into trouble. Don't let pride get you off track.

Yes, you are talented, purposed, beautiful, and gifted. Yet, you cannot forget that you didn't make yourself that way. Your Heavenly Father created you. He's the one that gave you your talents, gifts, and abilities. He's the one that's allowing your brain to continue to function so you can retain all the wisdom you have. He's the one that's guiding your footsteps and creating your great life in Him.

Don't fool yourself into thinking that you did anything alone. God has empowered you to get where you are and to go where you're going.

Stay humble. Remember who you are because of Christ, and allow that to inspire you forward.

Verse of the Day: A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit. Proverbs 29:23

A God Kind of View

The Apostle Paul went through a lot in his life after he dedicated his life to Jesus. He was ridiculed, jailed, whipped, put under house arrest, questioned by other Christians, undermined in his ministry, as well as a host of other things. Yet Paul was able to go through all that he went through because he kept his mind on Christ.

Paul knew that in the larger picture, it was more important for him to spread the gospel than to be swayed by the circumstances around him. Paul recognized that he could not give up or give in. He saw that the temporary pains and disappointments could not compare to the joy and reward that he gained in following Jesus.

I often look at my father who is going through a great battle right now. Despite being unable to walk or use his hands, my father still does so much! He is still preaching and teaching the Word of the Lord on Sunday mornings. He still takes care of what business he has with our family and church. My father has not lost his joyful spirit or the great love in his heart.

My dad is able to keep his sweetness because he sees things in terms of eternity. He recognizes that God's plans for him will ultimately prevail. He knows that God's Word is sure. And because of that rock solid faith, my father can face each day with a smile.

So this week let's challenge ourselves to look at things in the scope of eternity. Instead of focusing on what's going on in the natural, let's acknowledge the spiritual. Instead of accepting the devil's negativity, let's adhere to what God says about us.

Yes, we all have trials and circumstances that we have to face. But we can face them head-on knowing that in the end we overcome! We don't have to be sad, depressed, or downtrodden. God's Word tells us that we win in the end! Have faith, and believe God's Word.

This week, let's strive to be kingdom minded. Nothing should be able to steal our joy or keep us from enjoying our lives.

Verse of the Day: We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed... For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:8, 9, 17, 18

Believe In Yourself

...We ask ourselves – who are we to be brilliant, beautiful, talented, and fabulous.

But honestly, who are you to not be so?... - Marianne Williamson

This year is still a year of purpose. Are you still walking out what God has placed in your heart?

I love this quote from Maya Angelou. It speaks to the heart of some things that I struggle with quite often. I'll begin a project, or start an endeavor, only to step back and try and "see" it from other people's eyes.

I pick whatever it is apart: It's not as good as so-and-so's... It doesn't have as much as hers... I'm not as talented as he was... Didn't someone already speak on this already?

It's amazing how quickly I can discredit myself. I line up all my little reasons and stop whatever I was doing. Just like that. I'm done.

Yet God created me - He created you - for a reason. There's something unique in our DNA that gives us abilities or qualities that no other person on this planet can do. We just have to believe in ourselves. We have to believe that God has placed that greatness in us for us to share with the world.

I was encouraging one of my friends last night to keep pressing towards a goal that he has. He's been working at things for a while and was getting discouraged because he wasn't seeing the results he wanted. I told him to keep going. He was born to succeed at his endeavor. He is talented beyond belief at what he does. I saw no reason for him to quit.

You'll never get a 'yes' if you quit asking, I said. The door won't have an opportunity to open if you don't knock. It's funny how you can speak life to someone else, but it's hard to convince your own self to act right.

So, today, let's have some faith in ourselves. Today, let's throw the excuses, self-criticism, and complacency aside. We were made in the image of God! (Genesis 1:26) We were called forth to fulfill His purpose! (2 Timothy 1:9) Who are we to discredit His work? Who are we to question the gifts He placed on the inside of us?

You can be successful! You can fulfill your dream! Believe in yourself.

God already has.

Verse of the Day: I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. Psalm 139:14

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

Daughter of the Most High

Last Sunday, my Apostle preached a powerful word about being a child of God. So often Christians continue to act 'normal' once they accept Christ.

We continue to have the same excuses. We expect the same mediocrity. We allow the ordinary to continue to be our regular routine.

But after we have accepted Jesus into our hearts, we become joint heirs to the Father with Him! We are children of the King of Kings! We should have no excuses, we should be experiencing the extraordinary on a daily basis, and the supernatural should be the most natural thing in the world to us!

We have an extraordinary God who views us as His sons and daughters. It would be one thing if we were just considered servants... even another if we were deemed friends... but we are a part of God's family! Let that sink in... God Almighty considered you family!

Family members get special access. They don't have to do things formally or put in special requests. Family can walk right in the house. They can put their feet up. They can have deeper conversations and share more intimate details others wouldn't share. Family partakes in the inheritance. Family gets the support when there is need. Family doesn't always have to explain or give special reasons for privileges.

We are a part of God's family. He considers you His child. Why should you think it's okay to struggle, be sick, have lack, or anything else negative in your life? God Almighty is your Father! He wants to take care of your every need! He wants to shower you with privileges only daughters and sons get!

Move out of the ordinary and into the extraordinary. Don't allow your life to be 'normal'. Tap into the abundant life Jesus spoke of when He was here. (John 10:10) Live your life to the max! Why not? You're a King's kid!

Verse of the Day: Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God... 1 John 3:1a

Choosing Joy

This morning the devil tried.

He tried to steal my joy. I had to force myself to roll out of bed this morning. I was dragging myself around trying to get my responsibilities accomplished.

Then, someone went flat out lied to my face. And you all already know that I can't stand a liar. I had to stand there and count to ten just to keep my mouth closed. I was fuming walking back to my office when one of my co-workers stopped me as I was walking past. She said I looked sad and needed a hug. When she hugged me I started laughing, and I felt myself calming down.

Instead of going into my office to stew and fume, I went in and had a talk with God instead. I sat at my desk and remembered that the joy of the Lord is my strength. I said a prayer and let the Father minister His love, joy and strength to me.

I feel better.

I'm grateful for that small act of love that my co-worker gave me. I'm thankful for the reminder that even the smallest gesture can make a huge impact on someone. I'm glad that there is always a bigger picture, a greater plan, and something more important. The little things come and go. The Kingdom is forever.

So, now I'm going to pay it forward and perform an act of love for someone else. I'm not going to get worked up over little things and let them ruin my joy in Christ. I choose joy! I choose to stay joyful.

Verse of the Day: ...neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10b

Rise Above

This morning my co-worker was complaining how their happy mood was ruined by another person's grumpiness. I told him that he should never let someone else's emotions dictate his own. "You can choose to be happy," I said. "You can choose to rise above."

All too often we allow the cares of the day, other people's actions, and the like to blow our own emotions in helter-skelter directions. We catch an attitude because of someone else's behavior, we get depressed seeing someone else get what we wanted, we stop caring because it doesn't seem like anyone else does...

Yet we have the ability to choose to be happy. It's our choice to remain at peace. We can choose to dwell on the positives in life. We can choose to remain unaffected by others.

Since we know the Truth, possess the real love of God, and walk with Him as our guide, we have no reason to ever be swayed by what goes on in this world. We are possessors of the ultimate promise in Jesus, so why let a mere person stop us from walking in that light?

As you go about your day today, try to rise above any negativity that comes your way. Don't give in to the quick attitudes and refuse to dip into anger. Remember who you are in Christ, and what He has promised to you. Those little cares of the world mean nothing when compared to eternity. Don't let them keep you from walking in your eternal bliss.

Verse of the Day: The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me? Psalm 118:6

Climate Change

These last few days it has been rainy and gray in Chicago. Today, however, the sun is beaming through the window, and I'm experiencing a brightness of mood. Funny how the weather can influence your attitude at times.

The same way the sun can brighten up your face is the same way your spirit can be influenced by the environments you place it in.

If you're always hanging around negative, sour, complaining people, pretty soon you'll see yourself becoming a bit more negative, sour, and complaining too. If you tend to huddle with gossiping folk, you're tongue is probably wagging with some stories of your own. As the saying says: birds of a feather flock together.

I know as believers we are to be the salt of the earth, and we can't just hang around each other. And I know that some places we go (job, school, family) we really don't have any control over the environment.

However, we can control our friends and close confidants. We can control how we spend our free time. If we take the initiative to surround ourselves with positive, godly, and inspirational people and places we will increase our chances of bettering our spiritual mood.

So, if you're in a bit of a funk, maybe you need to switch up your environment for a little. Even if all you can do is take an hour to spend some time talking to the King, it helps. Let the Son shine on you and help you smile today!

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

He's Brought Me From a Mighty Long Way...

We're back again for another week! I pray you had a blessed weekend. Seems like I was just here penning Friday's blog. Oh well, let's hop to it!

This weekend I had the opportunity to reflect on my growth in God thanks to a paper I had to write for class. Even though I've been saved all my life, God has matured me and changed me in so many ways.

I used to have an ugly attitude. I mean ugly. I could be the nicest girl when things were going okay, but don't let me get mad at you! I've had some 'scenes' in my day that I am not too proud of. And I've said some things out of pocket that still bring a little twinge of regret to this day.

On top of that, I could hold a grudge. You wanna talk about a long memory? I had it, and I used it. I would not easily forget an offense toward myself, family, or friends. Once a person made my list, it was nearly impossible to get off it.

I could be a mean little girl...

But thank God for His mercy and grace! Thank God for allowing me to change!

It was definitely not easy (especially the grudge part), but I recognized that I needed to change. I realized how ugly my behavior was. I saw how my witness and example were being affected by my non-godly ways. And I resolved to change.

Changing was a humbling experience. I had to apologize a lot. I had to bite (sometimes literally!) my tongue a lot. I had to spend a lot of time in prayer and study before the presence of God to allow His Spirit to make me over.

It's so sweet to know that there's nothing impossible for Him! Thank You, Lord, for continuing to mold me into Your image!

How has the Lord changed your life? What things can you see that God has helped bring you out of? Take some time today to give thanks to God for helping you to get rid of your sinful ways!

Verse of the Day:  But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand. Isaiah 64:8

Bubbly...

There's an older woman who works in my office that I can only describe as...bubbly. She's always willing to help others out and goes the extra mile. She keeps a smile on her face and walks around humming a happy tune all day. She's bubbly...and not in the annoying way.

I am not bubbly. Granted, I have been more prone to smile since I am actually enjoying what I do right now. But bubbly I am not.

But one thing I can't help but notice is that her bubbly attitude puts mine in check. Whenever I talk to her, I can't help but walk away feeling brighter. I'm kinder to her than normal, because you can't help but be kind to such a warm, happy person.

Now, that's food for thought. You do get back what you put out. The kind words we share, the smile we give, the extra help that we offer... people do notice and will give us back what we put out.

So, let's challenge ourselves to be a bit more cheerful today. Let's pull up the joy of the Lord and allow that to be our strength instead of succumbing to those negative moods that easily overtake us. Let's see how many lives we can brighten by being a bit more bubbly!

Verse of the Day: A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. Proverbs 17:22

Never Would Have Guessed It...

Have you ever found out that someone you knew was a Christian, and you were totally surprised? You found out that they were saved, active in church, and (supposedly) loved the Lord, but all you knew about them was that they had a stank attitude, loved to curse people out, and could drink anybody under the table?

We should never judge a person's status as a Christian. What goes on in their spirit is between them and God. But we can remember the truth that Christ gave us as we consider our reaction to learning that some folks actually belong to our team: You will know them by their fruit. (Matthew 7:20)

What we put out is how people will know that we love the Lord. How we go through life and react to the joys, pains, and challenges it brings, is a direct indicator of our relationship with the Lord. Many people have no knowledge of our love for God because we never show them the fruit of His indwelling in our spirits.

Instead they see our negative behavior: We're the first one cop an attitude. We complain about every little thing. When people are looking for a helping hand, we are nowhere to be found. When things go wrong, we spazz out and start to panic...

We may not be as bad as the person described in the beginning of this post, but we may not be doing any better in reflecting Christ in the world. If someone who didn't know was asked whether or not you were saved, what would their answer be? Would they have to guess, or would they know for a certainty?

Make sure your life is bearing the fruit of the Savior of your life. The more you reflect and lift up Christ, the more others will be drawn to him through you.

Verse of the Day: Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16

It's Raining Rings!

I'm so happy for you!
Really... I am.

It is my heart's desire to be married one day to a wonderful man of God. Currently, there is no one on the premises that even hints at filling that role in my life. So I'm learning how to be content.

While I'm learning to be content and letting patience have its perfect work in my life, it seems like a majority of my single friends and acquaintances are getting engaged and/or married. For the last few weeks, it's like I was getting marital news every other day. No. Lie. It's raining rings all around me.

In prior years, this would seriously have made me question my existence. I would spend days wondering if I was on the right track, if God really heard my prayers, and be spending some serious time before God's throne trying to get a sense of when my turn was ever going to pop up.

However, I can honestly say that I am content. My time with the Lord has shown me things about myself, about Him, and about my purpose right now that lets me know that everything is exactly where it's supposed to be right now. I have no reason to complain. My day is coming.

It took a while to get to this spot. But this spot is much better than the envious/worried/anxious place I used to reside in. Right here, I can celebrate the changes in the lives of others while cherishing my own corner of the world.

Can you celebrate with someone who gets exactly what you've been believing God for? If your friends popped up with a new fiance/job/car/house/insertyourprayerrequesthere could you honestly praise God with them? Or would a piece of your heart be breaking because they got it, and you're still waiting?

Depending on your answer, you might need to spend some more time talking to the Captain of your ship. Because no matter how your life pans out, you should be content, trusting that God has you right where you are supposed to be.

Verse of the Day: But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. I Timothy 6:6, 7

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

Shoulda, Coulda, Woulda

I shoulda done that
 when I had the chance!
Now look at me...

Shoulda, Coulda, and Woulda are a sneaky trio. They come sliding in to visit every now and then whispering their groans about how you Shoulda done this, and Coulda done that, and if you Woulda done something else you'd be better off. They cluck their tongues and shake their heads disapprovingly at the current state of your life.

If we're not careful, we can find ourselves entertaining them, inviting them to have a seat in our minds. We let them stay awhile, and before we know it, we're in a depressed mood lamenting the perfection that Shoulda, Coulda, and Woulda been.

Yeah, you might have missed a few opportunities. Okay, so if you would have done some things differently, you might be at a different spot. Don't let these three take you hostage! Stand strong against their onslaught of disappointment and regret.

There's nothing you can do about the past. Today is what you have, and this day was made for you to rejoice in! (Psalm 118:24) Remember that the Lord is ordering your steps. (Psalm 37:23) He is in full control. As long as you're following His lead, you can rest assured that you are in the perfect spot for you right now.

So, stop listening to Shoulda, Coulda, and Woulda! Kick them out of your thoughts! Evict them out of the corners of your mind. Keep the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost as the primary residents of your soul instead, and watch what you accomplish moving forward!

Can, Will, Do, and Did will become your new best friends!

Verse of the Day: ...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. Philippians 3:13, 14