Wednesday's Word: You Must Be Born Again

Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council.
He came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him."

Jesus replied, "Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again."
"How can someone be born when they are old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother's womb to be born!"
Jesus answered, "Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.' The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."

"How can this be?" Nicodemus asked.
"You are Israel's teacher," said Jesus, "and do you not understand these things? Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven--the Son of Man. Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him."

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.

John 3:1-21 (NIV)

 

 

Have you been born again? Are you living in the light? The word is clear: we must be born again. God sent His only Son so that we could have eternal life. Eternal life comes when we believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus has been lifted up on the cross. Believe on Him and find eternal life.

 

Have a blessed day!

Motivation Monday: The Gift of Life

Today you have been blessed with the gift of life. God has you on this earth for a reason. You have a purpose.

God has placed you in this moment for you to make an impact for His Kingdom. There isn't a task too small or a move too insignificant if it is a part of God's plan for your life. All you need to do is step out and do what God has called you to do!

Too often we put off for tomorrow what needs to be addressed today.

We consistently allow fear to hold us hostage.

We trick ourselves into thinking that we don't have anything left to offer.

We look at others and reinforce the lie that we aren't as good as they are.

God's purpose for you is just that: for you. There is no one else on this planet who can achieve God's plan for your life other than you. If you don't fulfill what He has purposed for your life, that plan that He designed for you falls to the side. If you don't go after the destiny that the Lord created you to achieve, that you're purposed to accomplish, that you're assured to obtain.... why are you here?

Don't let today go by without going after what God has for you! Don't allow the hours to slip past without you embracing God's will for your life! Don't let frustration, complacency, or procrastination steal another minute of your destiny!

Today you have been blessed with the gift of life. What are you going to do with it?

Verse of the Day: You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. Psalm 16:11 (NLT)

Your Influence

The sign of a good leader is their ability to replicate themselves in others. Moses had Joshua. Elijah had Elisha. Jesus replicated Himself in His disciples. Paul helped Timothy grow as a leader.

In your life, who are you taking the time to pour into?

You may not consider yourself a leader on the same levels as the examples I've given, but you do have people watching you. You do have people who notice your good and bad habits. You do have people who notice your walk. It could be a coworker, your children, a neighbor, or a friend. Whoever it is, are you giving them a positive influence?

Take time this week to actively pour into another individual. Ask the Lord to show you who needs your positive influence. Ask Him to show you the right keys to place into someone else's hands.

As you focus on helping another person grow, you'll find yourself growing as well. As you share your wisdom, you'll learn some new things as well.

Don't keep all of your goodies to yourself! Go out and share what you have with those around you! You are full of priceless treasures that can be sown to produce a legacy that stands long after you are gone. Don't let the world miss out on your knowledge!

Verse of the Day: Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. Proverbs 27:17

Live Your Calling

Jesus came to earth to drastically improve our lives. With Him, we are reconciled back to God and can live eternally with the Lord. That eternal life begins when we accept Jesus. We don't have to wait until we get to heaven to experience our heavenly benefits.

In fact, Jesus showed us how to live when He was on the earth. Jesus walked in His calling and saw results. As He walked out His purpose, multitudes were drawn to hear His sermons. When Jesus stepped out in faith, miracles happened. His ministry caused people of all walks of life - shepherds, farmers, fishermen, carpenters, tax collectors, priests, and more - to experience the wealth of His wisdom.

I'm sure it wasn't easy. Jesus had to take time away to refresh Himself. At times He tried to escape the crowds only to have them follow Him to His hiding places. His own disciples at times did not understand His teaching. And then one of his closest disciples betrayed Him.

Yet, Jesus kept His eyes on the ultimate goal: salvation for all mankind. And because He persevered, He was able to reach His goal, and His one life became the saving grace for all of us.

Are you living out your best life? Are you walking in your call and enjoying the results? Are you seeing the fruit of following God's will? When troubles come, do you keep at it remembering the bigger picture?

It may be hard at times to live out our higher calling. Yet, because of Jesus, we have the added benefits of being God's children. Whatever we set out to do within God's plan will be successful. Sure, roadblocks will come. Yes, we will get tired. And there will certainly be people who let us down and even betray us.

Still, we can keep going knowing that our destination is sure... we can keep working knowing that we will reach our purpose in the Lord... we can endure the temporary pain seeing the great joy in our future.

Keep going. Don't give up. Remember Jesus' example. He's called you to follow in His footsteps. There's something great that you have to accomplish. There's a victory with your name on it. Go ahead and walk in your calling. Embrace your purpose and watch how your life will be blessed.

Verse of the Day: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10b

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

He's Right Beside You

I know the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me... You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. Psalm 16:8, 11

Many of us know that the Lord is with us. However, how many of us take advantage of the fact that the Lord is always right beside us?

David was unafraid of whatever challenge he faced because he knew that God was with him. He listened to the Lord's advice in how to live his life. And because David acknowledged God's presence, he lived a life of joy and pleasure.

Are you lacking direction? Do you not know what to do or where to go? Is your life without joy? Have you no pleasure in your way of living?

Perhaps you are missing out on the advantage of the Lord walking by your side.

The Bible says that the Lord will never leave us. He is always right there, ready, willing and able to help us in whatever we have need of. Even if it's something as simple as needing to smile, the Lord wants to help.

Today, take advantage of the Lord's presence. Allow Him to lead you, guide you, and fill your life with joy and purpose.

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

Throwback Thursday: Dying Daily

Here's an old post from the first year I started blogging. Enjoy!

Ever been on one of those great spiritual streaks? You know, when your life is so blessed, you're happy, loving on God, feeling His power work through you... The times where you get breakthroughs with every prayer, new insights with every scripture you read... You heart is full of love for your fellow man and nothing fazes you because you are God's child.


You know what always seems to happen to me with those times in my life? Some event, some person, or some situation always finds a way to trip that hairline trigger I have. Suddenly I find myself on the opposite side of committing some kind of sin, a sin I thought I had dealt with, conquered, and buried. Even worse, sometimes it's a new one that I didn't even know was an issue for me.

It doesn't have to be big, but just the fact that I was able to fall back into that sinful nature always sends a blow to my heart. The blessed high that was just enveloping my every moment is quickly lost, replaced by shame, regret, and sadness.

I have to go back to the altar and ask for forgiveness. Praise God that His mercy never runs out!

It's easy to forget that we are all works in progress... especially when we have a period of good behavior. The Bible says to not think more highly of ourselves than we should. The same chapter speaks on presenting ourselves daily as a living sacrifice. (Romans 12) We should willfully give ourselves up to the cleansing fire of the Holy Spirit to purge away all the impurities of sin whether we think it's there or not. Trust me, God will find a way to send anything hidden bubbling up to the surface.

Today's Verse: Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21

Hard Times

Life does not always make sense. Life is definitely not always fair.

I find myself in a period right now where there seems to be more going wrong than right. I have more questions than answers. And, I'm just trying to stand in faith and not question my way into doubt and unbelief.

The Lord has told us that His thoughts and ways are higher than ours. Since He's the One keeping this world spinning, I have to trust that what He allows is what's best for all of us in the end. Even when it doesn't make sense... Even when I still have questions...

Right now you may be in a situation where you don't understand what's going on. You may feel that life is dealing you a really rotten hand. You may think that you can't possibly take any more, but the hits keep coming.

So, today, I wanted to remind all of us of the kind of God that we serve.

Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust:

his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.

A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.

Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.

Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;

There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

Psalm 91:3-10

This passage was written either by David or Moses. Both men faced hard times. One led people from the hands of slave owners into the wilderness. The other was given a promise of greatness but then was forced into a life on the run, a life where he was being hunted like an animal. No matter which one wrote these words, the meaning still rings true: our God will take care of us.

In the long run, we will look back and see the sovereign hand of God orchestrating our lives to the fruition of His great purpose for us. Yes, right now we may be hurting, confused, or concerned. But we have no reason to fear. We have no reason to lose our hope. God is working all things together for our good.

Let's not forget that God still has the last say, and He has our ultimate good in mind.

Loving Me!

For the month of January I took a leave of absence from social media. No Twitter, no Facebook, no Instagram... I didn't even check up on my favorite blogs.

Those 31 days were awesome!

Don't get me wrong. I enjoy social media. I like staying in touch and seeing what's going on in the lives of my friends, associates, and the celebrities I follow. But, honestly, sometimes scrolling through news feeds can be... depressing.

God has blessed me to be in touch with some amazing people, and logging on every day and seeing the latest engagement status, news of the launch of someone's business, pictures of my people enjoying fabulous vacations, and reading about how certain folks I know are becoming the news can be a bit tiring... and intimidating... and daunting. Especially when I know I'm not where I want to be in my life quite yet.

So, taking a break from all of that allowed me to focus on me. I got to enjoy my own sphere free of influence from outside sources. Instead of thinking about how much so-and-so is doing, I was able to focus on what I'm supposed to be doing. Instead of wondering how this person was able to get so far ahead, I was able to plan out my next few steps.

I was able to narrow my focus. I was able to see the greatness inside of me and not allow myself to belittle it just because someone else I know is doing their thing with a different flair.

My sabbatical may be a bit longer as a result of this.

Today, praise God for the greatness that He's placed on the inside of YOU. Embrace your uniqueness. Savor the place you're in right now. Enjoy the gifts, attributes, qualities, quirks, and personality that the Lord has blessed you with.

What do you do to stay focused? How do you keep your destiny walk free from distractions?  

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

Wednesday's Word: Steps of the Righteous

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand. Psalm 37:23, 24

Let's look at another angle:

The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand. (NLT)

And another version for good measure:
The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the LORD upholds his hand. (ESV)

Today, I want you to remember that the Lord is ordering your steps! You can take joy in your journey. You can delight in what comes across your paths. God is joyfully tending to every detail  of your life. That means the smallest of your worries has already been handled by the Lord.

Rest easy. No matter what comes your way - God is holding you up! Nothing can defeat you! Don't stay down! Rely on the Lord's upholding power! Your footsteps forward are established - sure, firm - through the Lord's power.

Stop standing still! Move forward! Every step you take with the Lord cannot falter or fail. Take some ordered steps today and watch where the Lord takes you.

Only God Can Satisfy

"When I get this new job, I'll finally be happy again..."

"Lord, send me my husband, so I can be content..."

"Starting this new business is going to make everything better..."

"Moving to a new city will help me have the fresh start I need..."

"Once we conceive and have a child, our marriage will get better..."

There is nothing wrong with a new job, getting married, or having a child. However, the motives behind why you want to do certain things can definitely steer you in the wrong direction. Are you placing your faith in the new job? Are you stacking your hopes on a move to a new place? Is your happiness linked to whether you get married or not?

We need to be very careful of where we are placing our faith. When we look to something to fulfill a void that only God can fill, we are placing our hopes on sinking sand. Only the sure foundation of the Lord can anchor us through the many storms of life. Only hope placed in Him will find us feeling safe and secure when everything around us is in chaos.

Nothing this world has to offer by itself will bring you peace and joy. Nothing. There are countless marriages that started off in bliss, but ended in bitter divorce. Many people have started jobs only to be let go months later. Countless people have traveled the world looking for answers to the ache in their hearts and found nothing.

Yet Jesus is our answer. When we accept His love and follow His plan, we find the joy that we had searched for all our lives. We find the peace that settles our souls. We find the comfort that only He can give.

Are you placing too much hope in the things this world has to offer? Make sure that you are placing your hopes in Jesus Christ. Trust me, when you have your heart fully in His hands, it doesn't matter if you're married, rich, and running the country, or single, broke, unemployed - you will be content.

Stop looking to other things to fill the void within you. Allow the Lord to fill the space in your heart with His love.

Verse of the Day: Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing. Psalm 145:16

New!

The song I shared above has been ringing in my spirit this morning. I know I've shared it with you before, but the words are powerful and true: Christ Jesus makes all things new.

It doesn't matter if you feel that you have totally wrecked your life. Jesus can take that wrecked life and turn it around to a shining, glorious testimony of His supreme power. He can take what we view as useless and make it an important facet of the Kingdom of God.

There is no depth we can sink to where He cannot draw us out. There is no sin too great that He cannot redeem us. There is nothing that can separate us from God's love. Not one thing.

Today, bask in the fact that God can make you brand new - He has already made you new when you accepted His Son. He doesn't care about your mistakes. He doesn't care about your missed opportunities. He doesn't care about your failures, your falling down, or your sin.

Under His grace and mercy, He can make you brand new. He can turn those things into tools to build up His Kingdom. Be encouraged! The Lord will cause all things to work together for your good. You've already received His saving power. Now accept the power of His forgiveness, grace, and mercy.

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

Living A Blessed Life

And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain:

and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:

And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven:

for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Matthew 5:1-12

For the next couple of days I want to focus on this passage of scripture. Many people are optimistic at the start of the year. We decree and declare that this year will be better, greater, and more significant than all the ones that came before. Yet, somehow, we tend to lose our zeal. Midway through the year we start looking ahead and writing off the year that we thought was going to be so great.

In this passage, Jesus is beginning to share what it means to live a blessed, Kingdom centered life with the great crowds who came to Him. Here, we find out how to get into the Kingdom, how to inherit the earth, how to find fulfillment, how to see God... and a host of other things.

What I find so intriguing, is that so many of the keys to obtaining God's promises for us are so simply obtained. All we need is a meek, humble, loving heart that strives to get closer to the Lord. Plain and simple.

Today, search your heart. Ask the Lord to reveal any places that are full of false pride, hatred, unforgiveness, and fear. Ask Him to remove the hardness and replace it with God's pliable love.

As we embark on our new year with excitement, we can only keep our zeal by reaping the blessings that come from living purely before the Lord. We can make this year one of the best years yet! We can do bigger, better, and more amazing things! We can reach our goals! All we have to do is remember who we are and how we are supposed to live as children of the King.

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

Start Now!

Well, I pray you had a blessed holiday. I certainly did! I had fun enjoying my family and friends and got some nice gifts along the way. God is good. Today we're back to our regularly scheduled programming. I'm sure many of you are at work trying to get back in the 'working' mode.

As we move forward, many people are now focusing on the impending new year. They're making lists of things that they want to get accomplished. They're trying to set goals for what they think they can do. Some people (like me) are already planning to eat better, exercise more, and live a healthier lifestyle once January 1 rolls around.

But, what I have learned (especially this year) is that tomorrow is not promised. None of us is guaranteed another day or week. Every day we wake up is a gift. Each day that we can get up and give God praise on this earth is a blessing. Why wait for tomorrow or next week? Why not start living better and living on task today?

Today you can start on your goals. Today you can start accomplishing your dreams. Today you can do better than you have for most of 2012. You don't have to wait for a new year. You can just start with this new day.

You've been blessed with a gift in today. Why not make it special? Go ahead and get on the path of greatness now. You may be surprised how much you can get done by next week!

Verse of the Day: LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am. Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah. Psalm 39:4, 5

Afternoon Ti: Speak Life!

I'm irked to no end when people call each other by detrimental names. Calling someone 'stupid', 'crazy', or 'psycho' does not sit well with me, even if the words are in jest. I take it to heart that our words have power.

Our Heavenly Father gave us the example of the power of words when He created the heavens and the earth. All He did was speak, and life sprang up. His words also changed the fates of Adam and Eve. With God's words, the ground would make Adam work for a harvest and Eve had to endure pain during childbirth.

The same life-giving power that the Lord has, we have as well in our mouths. We just have to learn how to combine our words with faith and be patient to see the manifestation of what we say.

Joshua's words held the sun and moon in pause position, so he could defeat his enemy in battle. (Joshua 10:12, 13) When Abraham was tasked with sacrificing his son, he put out words of faith with his actions that culminated in his son's life being spared and God providing a ram in the bush. (Genesis 22:8)

Jesus' life was full of examples of how our words can work. He healed with His words. He caused storms to cease with His words. He raised Lazarus from the dead with His words.

What are you doing with your words? Are you speaking life, or are you causing hurt because of what you are saying?

Your words hold power. What you say does have an effect. Don't allow yourself to fall prey what you yourself put out into the atmosphere. Speak life!

Verse of the Day: Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. Proverbs 18:21

Seeing God in Everything

Some of the greatest and most poignant passages of scripture were written in fields as a man was tending sheep. While watching after his flock, David penned psalms of praise to the Lord. Looking after his lambs, David found ways that his relationship with his herd mirrored his relationship with the Lord. In the midst of his regular routine, David was able to find God.

Today, I want to encourage you to find God in your regular routine. Think about your activities and how they mirror your Christian walk. As you take care of different tasks throughout the day, find moments to lift up praise and worship to your heavenly Father. As you interact with others, choose to remember the love of Christ and allow that to influence your behavior.

Maybe you'd like to go a step further. Take a short break and pen a poem or paragraph to the Lord. Express to Him what's on your heart. Pour out to Him whatever you are feeling. What I love about David was that nothing was off limits. He was totally transparent before God. Whether he was afraid, angry, restless, joyful, or somber, David expressed it to God and was able to still honor the Lord in the midst of any situation. You, too, can do the same.

Let today be a day of wonder, reflection, and praise to the Lord. Honor the Lord in your work, study, play, and fellowship. Recognize God in the world around you. Spend time worshipping Him in all that you do.

Verse of the Day:  I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together. Psalm 34:1-3

You're NEW!

During this time  my church is meditating on the word new. Something new is a thing that has never been seen before.

We were made new creations in Christ. Therefore, we should be living in a way that is no way connected or reflective with our selves before Christ.

When Saul came to the Lord, he was completely made over. He even got a new name - Paul. And this man went from a person who was personally hunting down Christians to have them killed, to a man who risked his own life to preach and minister the gospel to the Gentiles. He went from labeling Christianity as blasphemy to declaring the sovereignty of Christ before councils and kings.

Jesus made Paul brand new.

What about you was made new when you met the Savior? What changed?

Today, think about your journey with Christ. Reflect on the newness He brought into your life. Remember the old you? Give God praise that that person no longer exists and you have a new life because of Jesus! Walk in your new life today. Go out and purposefully see things from a new perspective.

As you walk as a new creation in Christ, don't allow the '"old" you to spring up and participate. That "old" you has passed away. You are now a new creature: blessed, righteous, loving, and following the will of God. Don't fall back into your old ways - remember: you are 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

People Are Watching!

As Christians, we are living our lives for the Lord. It is Him we are aiming to please with our speech, behavior, and actions. He is the One who we look to each day for approval.

However, living in a world where there are so many other people, we also have to acknowledge that we are being watched. Whether we realize it or not, care or could care less, someone is watching how we live.

Our behavior is being analyzed, criticized, compared, discussed, and judged. And people are drawing conclusions.

Do we reflect Christ in what we do and say? Many people know that we claim to be saints, but does our behavior show that fact? Are people being turned off to our faith because of how we act?

When things don't go according to plan... When we grow angry or upset... When complications arise or people get on our nerves... Are we still presenting Godly characters to those around us? Are we still crucifying our flesh and choosing to live according to God's Word?

Just some food for thought as you go about your Tuesday.

Verse of the Day: For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed [himself] to him that judgeth righteously... 1 Peter 2:21-23

Chasing After the Best

Our society is obsessed with getting the best. We want the best job, the best house, the best clothes, the best cars. People overwork themselves so they can have more money to go to the best restaurants, and buy the best shoes and handbags. Even worse, people are in seas of debt after chasing after the best things that money could buy. Even people who supposedly have the best are still chasing after bigger and better things.


We put so much emphasis on outer appearances. We want other people to see us and admire us. We want to appear like we have it all together. We want to project to the world that we are enjoying the best things in life.

We don't want them to know the truth. We don't even acknowledge the truth ourselves.

Chasing after the best things the world has to offer only leaves you feeling emptier than when you began. No matter how much money you have to buy all the best things you can order, you will still want more. You can never fill an inner void with physical things.

It is only Christ who can fill that ache on the inside. Only true relationship with Him will bring contentment and peace. Jesus is the only One who can bring real satisfaction.

Maybe you are saved, but you find yourself still chasing after what the world has to offer. You might have Jesus and still feel the need to run after other things to make yourself happy.

You already have all that you need! It's one thing to accept Jesus as your Savior, but it's another to accept Him as your Lord.

Allow Jesus full access to your heart. Give Him precedence over every area of your life. Spend time with Him, talk to Him, read His Word, spend time in worship. And watch how your life changes.

You'll see that void begin to fill. You'll learn what it's like to walk in perfect peace. You'll discover how you can be content in any situation. You'll be able to live with real joy.

With Christ in your life, you already have the best. Don't discredit the Gift you received when you received Christ. When you put Jesus as your Lord, all that other stuff you thought was the best will show up. But, you know what? It won't even mean as much to you anymore. Because you'll know you already have the greatest treasure of all: Jesus Christ.

Verse of the Day: But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. Luke 12:31