How Does God See You?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesday's Word: Keep Going!

Today I wanted to share some scriptures from God's Word to help encourage you as we've reached the midpoint of this week.

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses,

let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us,

and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith;

who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross,

despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 

Hebrews 12:1, 2

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.

Philippians 3:13, 14

Look to those witnesses who have run before you. Remember the testimonies of those who have gone down similar paths, faced similar challenges, and overcame. Keep going! You can and will overcome anything that faces you!

Don't let sin trip you up! Don't allow your past mistakes to keep you from moving forward! Keep going! You have a high calling with a great reward waiting on you! You have a life of purpose to fulfill! Keep moving forward in the Lord!

It doesn't matter how long it's been, it doesn't matter how hard the road is... If Jesus endured the cross knowing the the joy that waited on the other side for Him, we can endure any temporary pain knowing the joy of our promise in God is waiting for us on the other side.

Let the Word work on the inside of you today. Stay encouraged. Keep pushing. Your victory is sure. Your promise is solid. You can and will obtain it - all you have to do is keep going.

You Are Blessed!

It's a new day, a new week, and a new chance for you! Today, I want to encourage you to look at your life with new eyes. Look for the silver lining in whatever issues come your way, find the blessing in the midst of the storm... Before you complain, find a reason to give God praise. Remember - things could always be worse. There is someone else who is dealing with a heavier load than what you're carrying.

You are blessed!

You have another day of life! God is worthy to be praised. Every day you wake up is a new opportunity. Forget about what happened on yesterday. It's over and done with. No matter what your mistakes, no matter what you did, today is a time for you to begin again.

In order to move forward, you have to look forward. Even if you see dark clouds gathering or if you're already in the midst of a downpour, you still are able to move forward. It may not be the mile that you wanted... but every inch is new ground covered. Stay encouraged! Keep moving!

You are blessed!

I love David's example. This man wrote the greatest book of poetry giving honor to the Lord.

Much of David's work was written during hardship. David lived for a time on the run for his life from the king. He also committed adultery and suffered a loss of his infant son due to his sin, and David's family faced much turmoil during the final years of his life.

Yet in between the lines of David's anguish... In the midst of his cries for help and rescue... David found it within himself to remember the Word of the Lord. He chose to remember the great God that he served. He took courage knowing the Lord was on his side. David was able to find the blessing in his storm.

In spite of whatever you are facing, God is still in control. No matter how devastating yesterday was, you woke up to a brand new day today. Follow David's example and find a way to give God thanks. Take a moment to remember the great God you serve. Look forward with a smile on your face recognizing that in spite of it all you're a winner.

You are blessed!

Verse of the Day: I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD. Psalm 27:13, 14

The Greatness Inside

So, the Olympics are over. I enjoyed watching people push themselves to their physical peaks and go after a goal with everything inside them. Some achieved golden glory, others were eliminated within the first few moments.

We saw these athletes in their glory, basking in the magnificent spotlight. What we missed were the years of hard work, the early mornings, the lonely training sessions, the tireless practices and workouts. We didn't see the events missed in order to train, the hours spent in the weight room, and the aching of tired muscles.

We all aren't Olympians. Yet, there is a greatness sitting inside of all of us. There is a greatness that we were created to achieve, a height that we were born to reach, a spotlight waiting for us to step into. All of us have something great that God wants us to experience not only to impact our own lives, but to impact the world.

It takes hard work and discipline to make it to the top. Not everyone utilizes what it takes to achieve great success. Some are too lazy, some give up at the first sign of failure, others don't believe in themselves and don't even attempt to try for greatness.

Are you working hard towards your goal? Are you striving to achieve the greatness God has planted deep within you?

Yes, the road may be lonely. Working hard is sometimes monotonous. Not everyone may understand our drive, and it can be discouraging when others don't identify with your dream. It can be difficult when roadblocks force you to change course. And using all your strength to keep moving forward can be tough.

Just know that God didn't plant the seed of greatness within you for it to go without sprouting into the great fruit of destiny. Remember that God created you to succeed. He's going to make sure that you make it to your purpose and destiny in Him.

Stay true to your call! Don't give up, and don't give in. You are a winner! You will reach the top, you will achieve your goal. As you continue to work in faith, God will help you achieve your destiny.

Verse of the Day: For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10

Keep Living the Right Life

Noah lived in a time when everyone was living a wicked lifestyle. Everyone was choosing to live according to their evil thoughts all the time. Yet, Noah chose to live a just life before the Lord. In the midst of literally everyone else going the opposite direction, Noah chose the narrow, righteous path.

As a result of Noah's choice, God chose to spare him when he decided that man's wickedness had gone too far. Mankind had gone so far that God decided to wipe them off the face of the earth. But, since our God is a just God, he knew that Noah did not deserve to die. So God made a way for Noah to survive.

If there hadn't been a Noah, we more than likely wouldn't be here. Because of his righteous living, we have the chance to live today.

Are you in a "Noah" situation? Does it feel like you're the only one living right in your world? Are you feeling like everyone else is turning their back on God while you're trying to live holy?

Don't give up! Don't get weary in doing what's right before God. Just like He saw Noah's upright life, God sees yours. Just like He chose to bless Noah and his family for righteous living, the Lord will bless you as well. When everyone else around falls apart because of the calamities of life, God will provide a miracle for you to escape.

No matter how hard it may seem, continue to stay on the right path. No matter how alone you may feel, remember that the Lord always walks with you. You are not by yourself. You have the Lord of All on your side, and He will make everything work out for the best on your behalf.

Verse of the Day: And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them. But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD. Genesis 6:7, 8

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

Thanksgiving Friday: Be Encouraged!

I know it's Thanksgiving Friday, and I usually post the things that I'm grateful for this week. But, today, I feel inspired to encourage you today.

No matter what's going on in your life, you have a reason to smile. No matter how bad things may appear, you have a reason to laugh. In spite of all the challenges that may be facing you right now, you can be at peace.

The Lord God is on your side! The King of Kings is fighting your battles. (2 Chronicles 32:8) You are guaranteed to win!

No, you may not understand things right now. Yes, you may be hurting deeply inside. It may not make sense as to why you're going through such trials.

BUT, you can take heart knowing that God is working all things together for your good. (Romans 8:28) You can be encouraged remembering that God didn't bring you all this way just to leave you hanging. (Philippians 1:6) He will make sure that He fulfills His promises to you. As long as you keep walking with Him, He's got you covered.

Don't give up! Don't give in! Don't fall prey to the pressures of life. Don't allow the enemy to steal your promises.

Take your heartaches to the Lord. Bring your worries to the Father. Whatever you can't figure out, place it in the Lord's hands and leave it there. Stop worrying. Stop fretting. Stop stressing yourself out.

Stand on the promises of God. And after you've stood your ground, stand some more. Don't get out of faith. Continue to trust that your God is not a man that He would lie to you. He's going to deliver you, He's going to work it out, He's going to bring it all together for your benefit.

Be encouraged today. Allow God's Word to hold you up. It's going to be alright. You're going to make it. You're going to win.

Verse of the Day: But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble. And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him. Psalm 37:39, 40

Take Heart, God's With You!

When it was time for Joshua to take over leading the Israelite people, God made sure that Moses encouraged Joshua's heart before he took the reigns. Moses reminded Joshua that the Lord was on his side and that he had no reason to fear. Moses even encouraged Joshua in front of all the people to make sure the people would not fear following Joshua either.

Joshua had a huge task in front of him. After living their lives as slaves, then wandering in the wilderness for forty years, it was finally time for God's people to obtain His promise to them. In order for them to receive the promise, they were going to go out and do things they had never done and fight giants and powers they had never imagined.

Without courage in their hearts and faith in God and their leader, the Israelites could have easily lost out on the promise God had for them. But they were able to march forward with boldness because they knew that the Lord was with them.

You may be facing something new right now that has you trembling inside. Up ahead, there may be giants waiting on you to cross their path. But in facing the giants, you will be able to take hold of God's promise to you. In facing the unknown you'll be able to know that the Lord is with you.

Be strong and of good courage! The Lord is with you! He's bringing you to your promise!

Remember what He's already done for you. Remember how He saved you from bondage. Remember how He's kept you up to this very point.

Yes, what's ahead may be something you've never dealt with before. Maybe your instructions are something you've never heard of before (Walking around a city to make the walls fall, anyone?) But God is on your side! He won't let you fall! He won't let you be ashamed!

Be encouraged. Go forth and do it!

Just like Joshua went ahead and was able to rout every enemy that stood in his path, you will be able to go forward with great success. Trust in the Lord Who is with you. Stand firm and don't doubt. Believe His Word and watch what He does with your faith!

Verse of the Day: Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. Joshua 1:9

It Is Well With My Soul

There's an old hymn with a refrain that says: It is well with my soul. Over and over the psalmist repeats that despite all that's going on, despite the trials that come from the enemy, no matter how much things try to block the way: It is well with my soul.

Life can be overwhelming at times. Things happen unexpectedly. Trials come unnanounced. Hardships pop up in our paths. But, not matter what goes on around us, we should be able to find God's peace buffeting us in the midst of any storm. We should be able to find courage to face any trial because the Lord is with us.

Sometimes that peace and assurance is right there. The trial may come, but it finds us strong and able to face it down with no problems. Other times, we may have to call upon that courage like David. Or, we may have to rehearse God's promises to us in our own ears. We may have to take the time to pray and ask our Father to visit us with His peace.

Either way, the Lord is there with everything we need to face any situation. That's why the psalmist can sing It is well with my soul. No matter what comes up, we have a way to face it, endure, and overcome. Nothing should shake us, scare us, or beat us. We are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus.

Be encouraged today! You have all the tools you need to face your situation. There is nothing too hard for the Lord, and He is with you! So, you can sing along with the psalmist: It is well with my soul!

Verse of the Day: As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me. Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice. He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me... Psalm 55:16-18

The Right Time

This morning I was cruising through my social media apps and I ran across some pictures of an event one of my colleagues hosted. Viewing those pictures was like seeing one of my dreams in real life except I was supposed to be there! I was supposed to be the host! I was supposed to be the one smiling in those pictures.

My heart felt a twinge of pain seeing someone else enjoying something that I had set up as a future goal for myself. And then I wondered if I should pursue what I had in mind at all. Would it now be seen as copying? Could it be as special if someone else had already done it?

But then I had to look at myself. I had had that idea for a long time. I did nothing with it. I just tucked it in the back of my mind for a later date. I couldn't be that mad. My friend had the same idea and ran with it. She put in the work, and she got to enjoy the benefits of her labors.

Then again, maybe it wasn't time for me to strike out. Maybe it wasn't my time to do that project. Maybe I was supposed to hold on to that idea for some more development to come. Who knows?

What I do know is that God doesn't bless us with dreams and desires just for us to sit and let them bounce around in our brains. He doesn't give us inspiration just because. He wants us to go out and do something. He told us to go into the world and preach His gospel. We can't just stand by while the world whizzes past.

Even if I wasn't supposed to move on my idea, I should have been at least covering it in prayer. That's one something I should have been doing. I need to be more focused on God's instructions for me in order for me to know that I am exactly in the spot He has for me. That will save me from looking at others and feeling disappointment about myself. When you know you're in God's will for you, you don't worry about what someone else is doing.

Do you have dreams and visions bouncing around in your head? Are you communicating with your Heavenly Father about the timing of those ideas? Do you know if you're in the right spot for your life right now?

Let's all begin anew today. Let's all take some time to pray and ask God to guide our footsteps. Let's all make an effort to follow the directions that God has for us. Let's use other people's success for our motivation not our disappointment. Let's all make the moves to get on God's timing and see how the glory of God shines in our lives as a result.

Verse of the Day: I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. Psalm 32:8

Remember Your Journey

Right now my church is in the midst of preparations to celebrate 25 years of ministry. When you think about it, God has kept us for a long while!

Looking back, it has been fun to reminisce about the wonderful times our church family has shared together. It's been inspiring to look back on memorable messages, conferences, and speakers. It's been impactful to see how God has carried us through trying times. It's been heart warming to see how the love of our congregation has matured and grown over the years.

Since I literally grew up in my church, looking back over the years I have seen how my own journey in Christ has developed. I've been blessed to see how I've grown and matured over the years. I can mark some things that I've overcome, and I can see those things that I have yet to conquer. I can mark how God has revealed to me and shaped my purpose. I can see how my love and relationship with Him has grown.

Do you ever look back on your Christian life? Do you think about how long the Lord has kept you or meditate on what He has helped you to overcome? Do you consider how much the Lord has revealed to you and how your relationship has grown?

It's good to sit and take note of how far you've grown. It will encourage you in your faith walk, and it will inspire you to keep going! Remembering the trials of yesterday that you were able to overcome with the Lord will help you to face the situations of today. Remembering the times you felt hopeless and lost will help you to stand strong and walk with surety right now.

Make sure you take time to thank and honor God for how far He's brought you. Take a moment and look back over the road you've travelled. You've made it this far with God's help! Now, look forward to the challenges ahead. Is anything too hard for the Lord? If He brought you to this spot, He can most certainly take you to your goal!

Verse of the Day: I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old. Psalm 77:11

Come Out of Dream Land!

All of us have dreams. We all have these scenarios that dance through our heads of things that we believe will make us exceptionally happy. Maybe it's getting a new job... It could be writing a novel... Somehow getting a whole lot of money, so we don't have to work... Or, maybe it's finally being able to fit into that size we've been chasing for years...

Many of us sit and mull over our dreams. We may even start planning and outline some action points for us to pursue. We might even start walking down the road to our goal.

Yet, so many of us lose steam and wind up giving up on our dreams. So many of us wind up never seeing the joy of fulfillment. So many of us look back with regret.

Today, I'm meditating on living the dream. And, you know what? Living the dream takes work. That's what stops a lot of us.

In order to get the new job, we've got to find it, send out our resume, interview, and secure it. Writing a novel means we have to take the time to write the novel. Money doesn't just fall out of the sky. Most of the time it comes from hard work and dedication to a great idea. Fitting into that size means we have to exercise and eat right.

So, a lot of us just default to regret. We give up and allow our dreams to remain dreams because it's too much work to make them real.

I don't want to wind up in regret. I'm sure you don't either. Let's all come out of dream land and make our dreams reality! Let's put our hands to the plow and work hard to achieve our visions of success!

Dreams can come true. Are you willing to put in the work to accomplish your dream?

Verse of the Day: Commit your actions to the LORD, and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16:3 (NLT, emphasis added)

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

All For His Glory

Yesterday, I talked about how you are the key to your own success. I've been meditating on this for a minute, and it is so amazing how God has ordered our footsteps!

At Moses' birth, God already had him walking on purpose. It was no coincidence that his mother sent him off down the river to escape the Egyptians, that Moses was found by the princess, that he grew up in the palace. God even used Moses' sin - the murder of the Egyptian who was beating an Israelite - for Moses' gain. It was no coincidence that Moses had to get out from the place of comfort he had always known and strike out into the wilderness.

God used each and every instance to prepare Moses for his destiny of leading the Israelites.

The fury that Moses felt seeing his kinsman abused, showed him that he had a deep love for his people. Despite growing up in Egypt's palace and knowing the rich and easy life, Moses still had a connection to his kin that was deep and visceral. He would need to tap into that connection over and over again when the people of God tried Moses' very last nerves on their journey to the Promised Land.

When Moses returned to Egypt, he already knew how the palace protocol worked. He was able to get an audience before Pharaoh because of his previous connections. No other Israelite would have even been entertained.

Moses needed to go out into the wilderness in order to meet the Lord. It was in Moses' time of solitude that he was able to hear from God and discover his purpose. Even while he shepherded his father in-law's flocks, Moses was gaining some skills he would need in shepherding God's people.

Look back at your life. Everything that has happened, God has allowed to happen. From your greatest privileges to your darkest defeats, God has ordered your steps. They're all there for a reason. They're all there to push you to your destiny in God.

Even now you may be in a painful place, hard situation, or a spot that doesn't seem to make sense. Maybe you're trying to recover from some sinful behavior, and you're feeling the guilt of your ways pressing down. Perhaps you've gotten a huge victory, and now you're wondering what's next.

God has you in mind! He's working all things together for your good. Don't allow yourself to lose hope, to despair or to even give up! Don't get comfortable where you are, keep your eyes ahead to the place where God is taking you to. As long as you're still breathing, He has work for you to do.

God is orchestrating your life for His glory. Every item in your life He will use to bring you to your expected end. No matter how things may seem right now, you have a great future ahead of you. And if things seem pretty great - buckle your seat belt - God can do even better than that! (Ephesians 3:20)

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

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

Solid Rock

Today... is a day.

I will lift up mine eyes to the hills from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord... (Psalm 121:1, 2) And I need that help today!

I pray all of you are having excellent days so far. Pray my strength...

God is good. Even in the midst of all of the busyness and things that have to be taken care of, God is still good.

It's nice to just take a minute and pause and think about the greatness of God! He is our rock in the midst of stormy seas. When everything around us is chaotic and troubled, we can cling to His steadfast love. It is so reassuring to have Him ever-present. It's heartening to know that no matter what or who starts acting up in our lives, our Father will remain steady, constant, and faithful.

When the disciples were on a boat that was being walloped by a severe storm, they feared that they were going to die. They were amazed that Jesus was resting peacefully on the boat. After they woke Him up, Jesus questioned their faith. And then He commanded the storm to cease. (Mark 4:36-41)

Don't forget Who's riding with you on your ship! The second you see God freak out - then you can freak out. As long as He is at peace, you can be at peace. And you already know God will never freak out. He will never be flustered, disoriented, or apprehensive. He knows it all, and He knows our glorious everlasting future.

Take heart. You are on solid ground. Things may be shaking, but you will not be destroyed.

Have a great day! (I know I feel better!)

Verse of the Day: Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Hebrews 13:8

Keep It Up!

This year we opened up talking about purpose and achieving progress in the destinies that God has given us. How have you been doing this past month? Are you still making progress? Are you still working towards your goal?

It can be easy to slip back into complacency. Working a vision is hard work. Remember, however, the great benefit! You are working toward your glorious purpose in God. You can't afford to stay where you are. Where you're going is much higher than your current place. Don't you want to go up?

King Solomon took seven years to build the temple. (1 Kings 6:38) Esther was in preparation an entire year before she ever laid eyes on the king. (Esther 2:12) Paul spent around three years after his conversion to learn from the Holy Spirit before he stepped into ministry. (Galatians 1:15-18)

Don't get discouraged in your time of preparation! Don't let the solitude, menial tasks, and foundation building keep you from completing your goal.

This time of blood, sweat and tears will be repaid with times of laughter, satisfaction, and joy! Keep pressing, keep working, and keep following the voice of the Lord. Don't get weary; your harvest is great!

Verse of the Day: He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich. Proverbs 10:4

Dealing With Defeat

It happens.

The loved one you were praying so hard for passes away. The promotion everybody knew you deserved gets handed to someone else. The weight you worked so hard to lose somehow crept its way back, and you're right back where you started. The man you thought was The One breaks up with you.

The pain of defeat can lead to anger, depression, denial, and doubt. Defeat can cause you to question your faith. It even has caused some to lose theirs.

Yet, defeat in one area can be God setting you up for greatness in another area. We can never know the intricate greatness of God's ultimate plan. We can, however, always take comfort knowing that God is working everything - even our defeats - out for our good. (Romans 8:28)

So, when defeat knocks on your door, take the pain and questions to the Lord. Instead of running from His presence in anger, run to His arms and allow Him to ease your angst.

Hannah spent years feeling defeated in her barrenness. It was when she took her sorrows to the Lord, that He turned things around, and she wound up giving birth to one of the greatest prophets that walked the earth. (1 Samuel 1, 2)

David lived in apparent defeat for years when he lived on the run with a bunch of deadbeats as his friends. Yet, God raised Him up to become the greatest king Israel has ever had. (1 Samuel 22)

Your story is not over. As long as you're breathing, you are still walking to purpose. Don't let defeat keep you from your promised end. Don't let today's pain keep you from tomorrow's joy.

Stay tuned in to your Heavenly Father. He's got you safe in His arms. He's working it all out for your good.

Verse of the Day: But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:57, 58

Playing Favorites

Everyone has a favorite. A favorite song, a favorite tv show, a favorite food... We all have something that excites us, that gives us pleasure, that makes us smile.

Some of us have favorite people. We will go out of our way for them. We'll deprive ourselves to make them happy. We will do our very best to make sure they experience the very best. All because we prefer them over other people we know.

God - thankfully - doesn't play favorites. He doesn't do more for one than He would another. He loves us all equally, and He wants to do His very best to make sure we all experience the very best.

Sometimes it feels like God is playing favorites, though. We see other people getting blessed when we aren't. We go through our own heartaches when others around us seem to be full of joy. We pray and don't feel like God is giving us any answers while our neighbors are testifying of how God came and spoke to them.

How can God not play favorites when He blesses some and not others?

God is sovereign. He knows what He is doing. When He allows dark times in our lives, it's only because He knows that we can handle it. He knows that we can overcome whatever trial that comes our way. Plus, He's working out every situation for our good. (Romans 8:28) He's bringing every person to their expected end. (Jeremiah 29:11) And that end is prosperous for us all.

Today, you may be hurting, but God has allowed someone else to be full of joy just so they can encourage you. Tomorrow you may be the one that's full of strength for someone else who is at a weak point. You may not hear God's voice today, but tomorrow He may answer. God has everything in perfect harmony, so that all of mankind can be blessed.

God doesn't play favorites. He longs for all of us to love Him and to want to please and be close to Him. (1 Timothy 2:4) He sent His Son for all of us to be saved. (John 3:16) He doesn't want any one of us to perish. Whether your sky is gray or sunny, God is walking with you. He will never leave or forsake you. You are His special creation. You are His unique handiwork.

Don't ever forget how special you are to Him.

Verse of the Day: Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee... Jeremiah 1:5a

The Storm Is Going To End

Last Friday, Chicago was bombarded with its first major snowstorm. We got between six to eight inches across the city. The snow came down so fast, they couldn't plow it away fast enough! A drive that normally takes me 15 minutes took an hour and a half.

Today, it's a "balmy" 40 degrees in Chicago, and the snow that we all had to struggle to plow and shovel away has almost totally melted away. It's as if it never happened.

Right now you may be in the midst of a major storm in your life. The trial may be pounding you so fast you might find it hard to recover or even react. What you normally find easy may be taking you much more time and effort to complete.

Don't let the storm knock you out! Don't let the trial have the upper hand. Remember that all storms eventually end. It will get better! The sun will shine again. You will feel its warm rays on your face again.

No matter how much the winds of life may blow, no matter how tired you are of slogging through hazardous roads, no matter how your body may ache from trying to clear away the problems you face... take courage and strength knowing that the Lord is bringing you to your expected end. He will not let you perish! He won't let you fall. He has great things in store for you.

So, you may have to bundle up a little more than normal. You may have to plan your route ahead of time and allow for extra time. Just know that you will reach your destination safely. You will hit your goal. And the sun is going to come out again.

Verse of the Day: ...weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. Psalm 30:5