God Is So Good...

The story of 10 year old Willie Myrick has touched me so much! This young boy was kidnapped, but his song of praise led to his release!

I don't even care for the song "Every Praise", but the words are impacting me as I think about where this young boy could have ended up. God is truly our Savior, Deliver, and Healer. Every praise belongs to Him!

To read Willie's testimony CLICK HERE.

Afternoon Ti: Lift the Savior Up!

Often, when Jesus ministered to someone they could not contain their gratitude and told everyone they knew about what He had done:

Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you. And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it. But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country. Matthew 9:29-31

And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him. And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee. Mark 1:27, 28

The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? John 4:28 29

Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee. And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel. Mark 5:19, 20

How often do you share the greatness of what God is doing in your life? It's one thing to share during a testimony service with other Christians. But, how often do you share God's marvellous works with everyone you know?

You may share stories of your blessings - but do you give God the credit? Do you exalt your Heavenly Father to the point where others want to learn more about Him?

Today, I want to challenge all of us to put Jesus on blast. We should broadcast His goodness to all we know. We should share His wonderful works with our friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers whether they know Jesus or not.

Today, let's give God His just praise, so others can see how great God really is.

Verse of the Day: And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. John 12:32

Praise in the Middle of It

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! It's a new week, a new day, and a new opportunity for us to show the glory of God to those around us! Let's take advantage of this week and utilize every day to it's full potential. God has granted us life, so let's make the most of it!

Today I am reminded of Paul and Silas. These men took every opportunity to glorify the Lord! The did not even let being imprisoned stop the praise that came forth from their beings. When they were beaten and locked away in chains, they did not despair. They were not despondent. They lifted up joyful praises to the Lord! And the praises they offered were so sincere and so full of love that they caused heaven to break loose not only their chains, but everyone in that jail's chains! On top of that, the praises of these two men were so impactful, they caused the jailer and his whole household to come to know Jesus! (Acts 16:22-40)

What kind of praises are you lifting up in the midst of your situation? Don't allow circumstances to shut you up! Open up your mouth and glorify your Father in heaven. Your praise could be the key to breaking you out of your chains! Your praise can loose somebody else's chains! Your testimony in the midst of the storm could be the one thing that brings another soul into the kingdom of God!

No matter what you are facing, where you are, or what you are doing - God is still worthy of praise!

Verse of the Day: And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed. Acts 16:25, 26

Testimony Thursday

Last night, my church had a wonderful service of praise and testimony before the Lord. We shared what God had been speaking to us and how we had seen Him moving in our lives. It was quite encouraging. So, today I thought I should share a testimony with you.

God has really been keeping me and my family. As some of you know, my father passed away this past September. Since his passing I have missed my father every single day. But, you know what? God has blessed me to walk with happiness and joy.

I know that my father is safe and having an awesome time in heaven. But that knowledge alone is not what is keeping me full of joy. God has sent supernatural strength and encouragement to me. He has eased my fears, comforted my heart, and buoyed my spirit.

There was a time where I thought I would turn away from God if He allowed my father to die. Yet, I have drawn closer to God. In my time of weakness, I drew near to the Lord, and He gave me everything I needed. I simply reached out my hand, and the Lord grabbed me up in His arms.

I'm so blessed!

So, be encouraged today. Maybe your heart is heavy or you are experiencing sorrow and loss. Choose to come close to your Heavenly Father and watch how He comforts you and fills you with His peace! I am a witness that the Lord is a present help in the day of trouble. (Psalm 46:1)

I'm sure you have a testimony too. Share with a friend what the Lord is doing in your life. Encourage someone with how God is blessing you. Take some time to brag on your Father today!

Verse of the Day: My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. Psalm 34:2

Growing...

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

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

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

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

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

I am better.

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

I am better.

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

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

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

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

My, How You've Grown!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My God is Great!

One thing I've learned is that people love to brag about other people they are proud of. From proud parents to friends (even associates) of someone who has done something notable, everyone loves to talk about their connection to someone they think is great.

Usually when someone boasts on others, it causes the other person to acknowledge the greatness in the person receiving praise and sparks an interest in that human being.

David said that he boasted on God. He bragged on the greatness of the One who was ordering his footsteps. And as a result of that, David was able to bring joy into the lives of those around him.

Have you boasted on God lately?

Boasting on God is not just talking about what He's done for you. Boasting on God is talking about how great He is, how powerful He is, how loving He is... Hearing about the One who can do anything can make just about anyone sit up and take notice.

So, today, let's make sure we take some time to brag on our God to someone else. Let's lift up our God just because He's God. As we open up our mouths and praise our Father, we will be bringing some joy into the lives of those around us.

Verse of the Day: My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. Psalm 34:2

Learning From Peter

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

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

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

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

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

Let The Lord Be Magnified!

A few years ago, my mother preached a sermon encouraging the church to allow the Lord to be magnified in their lives. I was meditating on this as I had to deal with a pretty challenging morning.

Allowing God to be magnified means that you make the Lord bigger in your life. You spend more time thinking of Him, reading His word, giving Him praise, talking about Him, sharing His love, living as He would want... Every area where you acknowledge the Lord, you turn up the volume.

When you allow the Lord to be magnified, it causes those around you to notice Him too. Often we tend to condense the Lord in our public lives. We don't talk about God too much because we don't want to be labeled as "super saved." We skip opportunities to witness for fear of other folks reactions. We shirk back from giving God praise to avoid getting curious looks.

But Jesus told us Himself that if we lifted Him up, He would draw all men unto Him. (John 12:32) We have a chance to have a perfect record where evangelism is concerned! All we have to do is magnify and lift up our Savior. He'll pull them in.

Magnifying the Lord also encourages us. It allows us to remember the greatness and splendor of our God. Giving Him greater space in our thoughts and behavior gives Him more opportunities to bless us and show us His mighty works. It brings us closer to seeing the fullness of who He is.

So, let the Lord be magnified in your life today! Let His love shine bright! Let His greatness be known everywhere you go! Lift up the Savior, and watch Him save and deliver those around you.

Verse of the Day: O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together. Psalm 34:3

God is So Good...

Today is a great day! It's my last day here at my current job, and I'm excited to move forward to the next one.

I prayed long and hard about changing jobs. I knew that where I was did not fit what I wanted in life. I applied to so many places, and prayed for change. Yet, it seemed like I was going nowhere. I got no calls, no feedback, no interviews. I grew frustrated because I wanted a switch so badly, but I had no where to go.

I finally made my peace with God. I told Him that I would keep searching, but if He kept me where I was, I would be content with His decision. I didn't want to move to a place that was out of His will. And I asked Him to show me the reasons why He kept me in the same place.

God answered my prayers and showed me some things about my tenure at that job. He showed me the relationships that had developed and the lessons that I learned. He revealed how my attitude had matured and how my patience had been refined.

Then He answered the root prayer and gave me something that puts me right on the path I want to go! I could not be any more happier or excited. God is good! Thank you, Jesus!

So, don't get discouraged when it takes a while for your prayers to get answered. It may take some months (or years, like me), but God does hear you. He is setting you up with the perfect answer that suits you the best. Keep trusting and believing. It's not in vain.

Verse of the Day: In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears...He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me. Psalm 6:18, 19

Giving to God Works!

I've never really had an issue with giving. I was raised to be a tither and a giver, and I have seen God's blessings as a result. So, I know that principle works!

In fact, my first car came as a result of me confessing, sowing monetary seeds, and believing God for it. Pretty much every time I put something in the basket, I confessed God's word over my situation. I had no real money, no job, and no way of knowing how it was going to happen. I hadn't even asked my parents for one. But, on the day I graduated from high school, my prayers were answered, and I received my first vehicle paid in full.

Since that time, I have steadily increased my giving to God. I give my regular tithes and offerings, plus I give some monies monthly to a charity that I believe in. I have also challenged myself to give an 'extra' something per paycheck to someone or some cause that God brings across my path.

Now, I'm no millionaire or baller by any stretch of the imagination --- yet. However, my every need has always been met. Physically, spiritually, and mentally. I have never been in lack for anything!

I have a peace in my mind and heart that passes all understanding. God has kept me through so many difficulties and times when I wasn't sure what would happen. Each time He made a way.

Giving has been a principle with God since the time of Adam. We see how God showed favor to Abel and was displeased with Cain merely off of their offerings to him. (Genesis 4:3-5) There is another level of favor you can reach merely by giving to God in the right way.

Is God pleased with you in the area of giving? Have you experienced the favor of the Lord because of your willingness to give back to Him and to His Kingdom? Make sure you are continuing to place yourself in the position to be blessed by the way that you give!

Verse of the Day: Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. I Chronicles 16:29

Pumping The Brakes

This morning was shaping out to be one of those days. Before I even got logged on to my computer people were walking up with requests that could not wait. I logged on only to find out I was filling in for someone who didn't feel it was necessary to inform me of their absence (a constant offence). The phone was buzzing, work was waiting, people were asking, and my patience level was quickly diminishing.

Thank God for the word we chewed on yesterday! (Philippians 4:4-8) The Holy Spirit brought the verses back to my remembrance, and I had to pump my brakes. I took a deep breath, said a prayer, and gave my frustrations to God. I thought about the bigger picture. I even said a few words over my absent co-worker.

You know what?

My whole mood changed. Even though I was in the midst of all the same chaos, work, and demands, I was able to see things from a whole 'nother point of view. God's point of view. I was filled with peace and able to smile.

Perfect example of why it's important to spend time in God's Word: You never know when you're going to need it!

What Word are you standing on today? Don't let it go! Hold on and have a fabulous day no matter what!

Verse of the Day: Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105

Now, Run Tell That!

Today is another day that the Lord has made, and I am so glad to be in it!

This morning I was reminded of the scripture: My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. (Psalm 34:2) It got me thinking of how we saints love telling when God does great things for us to each other. It seems like whenever there's a Testimony Service, the line is extra long full of people excited to share their personal story of God's goodness.

But when was the last time we bragged on God to someone that didn't know Him? When was the last time we were excited to share our testimony with our unsaved co-workers or friends? Why do we clam up about the God's favor, when we speak with those who don't know Him?

For me, it was a fear of appearing to 'churchy' or 'religious'. Plus, I didn't want to offend anyone or make them feel like I was pushing my religion on them. So, even when I would tell the stories of my testimony, I would omit certain key words or phrases to make things more palatable for them in my mind.

Yet, when you think about it, sharing how good God has been is the best way to shine His light! What better way to prove the greatness of your God than to share things He has actually done expressly for you?

People today need proof in order to believe. For someone who's searching for the answer, your testimony and boasting in God can be just the key they need to enter into a relationship with Him.

So, you know what the challenge for today is, right?

Let's all make a point to 'boast in the Lord' to someone who doesn't know Him today! Let's give God the honor He is due with someone who doesn't know who God is. Let's shine forth His light in the darkness!

Who knows? By the end of the day, we may have another testimony of how our sharing helped bring someone else into the Kingdom!

Verse of the Day: O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! Isaiah 40:9

Last Night Jesus Saved My Life!

Saints, I've got a testimony!

Last night I was driving home from work on a busy expressway going about 65-70mph. I was in the far left lane and started to merge into the right lane. There was a car in my blindspot that honked, so I made moves to get back into the left lane.

At that point my car started swerving back and forth. In my attempts to get control of my car, it spun out. My car did a 360 plus a 180 ACROSS THREE LANES OF TRAFFIC!! - The whole time I was screaming the name of JESUS!

After the first 180, I was literally staring at the lights of oncoming cars and just knew I was getting hit! I closed my eyes and braced myself for the impact.

My car continued to spin and came to a stop facing the wrong direction in the far right lane. I opened my eyes to see a car coming to a stop less than 10 feet from my vehicle.

I was able to do a three point turn to get out of the way and had a moment on the shoulder of the highway. My whole body was shaking and tears of joy were streaming down my face.

God just saved me from death right there on 290! My vehicle was not touched, I was not hurt, I didn't hurt anybody else... You can't tell me that the name of Jesus doesn't have power! You can't tell me that God doesn't deliver!

Hallelujah! I'm alive and well!

I could have easily been hit by the oncoming traffic. I could have easily spun the other direction into the median! BUT GOD! Hallelujah!

Let the Lord be magnified! Thank you, Jesus for saving me!

God is still on the throne, Saints! The same God that delivered me from danger is listening to your heart's cry and is answering you just the same. Keep trusting and believing because He is working it out for you!

Verse of the Day: He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. 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. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.
Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation. Psalm 91