Wednesday's Word: Beautiful Beings

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body

and knit me together in my mother’s womb.

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!

I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand!

And when I wake up, you are still with me!

Psalm 139:13-18

Have you ever sat and thought about how intricate you are as a created being? From the way your blood pumps through your body to the way you balance on two feet to the way your eyes take in the world... You are truly amazing!

God took time to create your being. He fashioned you with love and care. He didn't just give you a body, either. He gave you life! He plotted out a special purpose and destiny for you. He formulated a plan to allow you to be the best you that you could be.

Even as the Lord took care of you before you even made your appearance on this planet, He is always with you. He knows what you are facing, and He understands what you are going through. Today, take some time to give Him praise as the Creator of your fabulous self! Give Him honor for honoring you with His full attention. Send Him some love for how He has taken care of you.

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

Change Your Mind

Yesterday I encouraged you to start now with those new things that you want to tackle this year. One of the first steps in embarking on something new is to get a new mindset. The Bible says that how a person thinks determines who they are. (Proverbs 23:7)

Many of us are stuck in the same situations, dealing with the same problems, tolerating the same negative people and thoughts because of our thinking. We think we are less than, we think we don't deserve better, we think that what we are doing is all that we can... Today, I want you to drop your old thoughts and come into the new!

Do you know what God thinks about you? The Bible says this: For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. (Jeremiah 29:11) Now, if God Himself is thinking thoughts of peace about you, why are you tolerating thoughts that bring you stress, distress, and depression?

Change your thinking right now to reflect what God thinks about you! Find some empowering verses that you can memorize, post around your space, and meditate on daily. Let the Word of God - the Truth - get down on the inside of you and change you for the better.

You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you! (Philippians 4:13) You are joint heirs with Christ! (Romans 8:17) You are more than a conqueror with Jesus on your side! (Romans 8:37)

Don't try and embark on your new thing until you get a new mind and a new outlook. If you stay in the same thinking that you've been utilizing, you will go nowhere and January 2014 will find you in the same spot you're in right now.

Verse of the Day: And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2

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

Afternoon Ti: Thinking About This Homosexuality Thing...

So, I didn't want to give politics for our morning meditation. However, I could not help but be impacted by an announcement made by my President that's making headlines here in the United States.

As a Christian, I believe that homosexuality is wrong in the eyes of God. It's sin. I don't hate homosexuals - in fact, I have friends who are gay. I believe that all human beings deserve love and respect and the right to live their lives in peace.

However, I know that it is my responsibility as a Christian to point to Jesus, live my life in a way that is pleasing to God, and share the gospel with everyone. In sharing the gospel, I share my beliefs. In sharing my beliefs, I will undoubtedly offend someone else who does not share my beliefs.

As a minister of the gospel, I preach God's Word. In preaching God's Word I have to speak out against sin. All sin. But, it's one thing to preach against sin and another to set up laws that affect how a person lives their lives. In preaching against sin, I'm giving the person the decision to either serve God or do their own thing. It's up to them. In setting up laws, I'm either opening or closing a door that either frees up or hinders a person from doing something with their lives.

I know that God has placed His people in all areas of vocations within this nation. We sit on the highest courts and serve in the lowliest positions. We are teachers, lawyers, babysitters, maids, IT personnel, actors, pilots, you name it - a Christian's there.

But in our roles, is it our duty to allow our Christianity to influence our actions in our vocation? I mean, as long as something does not cause us to commit sin, should we care if it goes against our beliefs?

I'll give some examples:

• If I was a realtor, should I not take on clients who were looking for a house together that weren't married?
• Some pharmacists have already chosen to not sell contraception to women because they view it as going against Christian beliefs. Are they incorrect? Are they going overboard?
• Is it okay, as a teacher for me to teach the principles of Darwinism even though I know that the Creation story is the right one?
• As a politician, should I automatically vote according to my Christian values, or do I need to view the laws separately from my personal beliefs and vote according to the "best interests" of my constituents?

I don't claim to know all the answers. Just wanted to share my thoughts on the subject. I am definitely praying about this Obama thing. As much as I know homosexuality is wrong, is it unfair to bar them from the right to have a union in the same way a heterosexual couple is married?

I'd love to hear your thoughts and views on the subject.

Heaven On Earth

On this past Sunday, I had the pleasure of talking about heaven with my teens. It was interesting to hear their takes on what they thought heaven would be like and what we all would do there.

We had fun discussing all the greatness and grandeur of heaven, but I also made a point to remind them that some aspects of heaven we can enjoy right now.

As Christians, we can enjoy the continual presence of God in our everyday life. We can choose to stay actively connected to Him, we can hear His voice, and we can spend time in worship whenever we would like. We can experience the fruit of the Spirit like joy, peace, and love every day. We can participate in corporate worship with other believers. And, even though we may not see them, we do have angels surrounding us in this world.

It's so incredible that God lets us get a taste of heaven before we get there! Through a song of worship, a touch of love, or an act of kindness heaven can be transported right to our doorstep.

Have you experienced a touch from heaven lately? Have you thought about the greatness that awaits and the pleasures you can partake in right now?

As you go about your day today, ask the Lord to bless you with a "heavenly moment." Go even a step further and give someone else around you a touch from heaven as well. Speak a word from God, perform an act of kindness, take some time to laugh with someone who needs to smile... All of these bring heaven right here to earth.

Verse of the Day: Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. John 14:1-3

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

God's Creative Splendor

I'm not really a nature girl. I don't hike or bird watch or visit forest preserves or anything like that. I can't stand being outside if it's too hot or too cold, and bugs will clear me away from any area.

Yet there is something about God's creation that you can't ignore.

Just looking at a simple flower or considering that that tiny bug is a working little organism that can carry ten times what it weighs... Seeing how the dew sparkles on the grass in the early morning or watching the sky turn beautiful pastel colors at sunset... Feeling a breeze on your neck or listening to the birds sing their song...

God really is a Master Designer.

He created a world full of splendor and mystery. With all of our technology and insight, we're still discovering secrets about our planet every day.

This world has been spinning for years and God has it all working together in perfect harmony. It's amazing how plants, animals, the weather, the seas, and the land itself are all connected to each other.

The creatures that He fashioned shows the depth of His creativity and wisdom. Even the landscape gives testament to His awesome work.

When was the last time that you paused to take in the natural beauty of our world? How often do you stop and marvel at God's glorious creation?

Take some time today to slow down and take a look at the natural beauty of the world. Some of us may have to really search to find something natural in our highly "developed" surroundings, but make some effort to find something. God created that animal, plant, cloud, or breeze...

Isn't God amazing?!

Verse of the Day: When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? Psalm 8:3, 4

How Are You?

So, I've been up all night, up all morning and my paper is.... not finished. Womp. I only have one page left, but still... So, here I am at work, half-sleep and counting down til I have to take another crack at finishing. Moving on...

How are you?

No, really. How are you? Have you sat down and considered it lately? I'm not talking about your current state of emotion. I'm talking about the very core of your being. What's going on inside? What feeling do you get when you are alone and still? - How are you?

A lot of times we are so busy living life that we don't take time to assess our mental, physical, emotional state while we're going through life.

Are you happy? Sad? Disappointed? Depressed? Tired? Joyful? Content? Indifferent? Hopeless? Lonely?

Take some time to get a clue as to what's going on with you. Any answer in the negative, you probably need to sit down with the Father and figure out how to change that situation around.

You're not here to just exist. You have a genuine purpose to fulfill. And while you're out here living it, you are supposed to be full of life of Christ! (John 10:10) God's life brings joy, peace, contentment, and fulfillment. If you're not experiencing these things - there's a disconnect somewhere.

Don't just let life wash over you. Don't let what you're going through affect your life in Christ. Don't just put on a brave face every day and ignore your own inner cries for help.

Jesus wants you to stay full of joy. With joy (notice it's not happiness, but joy), you receive peace and contentment. It's a wonderful way to live.

If you're not living your life with joy and peace, get before the throne of God and ask Him to show you how to get there. Ask Him to guide you back into His fulfilling way of life.

Verse of the Day: These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. John 15:11

A Thought.

I love to think.

I can sit and mull over something from every angle imaginable... and then start all over again.

Often, my thinking involves what could happen. If I do this, then this... If they say this, then I'll do that... When this comes in, I'll go here... On and on.

It gets worse when I'm facing a problem or challenge. I can work myself into quite a state contemplating all the scenarios that could go down. What's funny is more times than not, what actually winds up happening is something I never even thought of.

I do not even know why I keep up the habit.

Okay, yes I do. I like to feel like I'm in control. I like to feel like I have some kind of say over what is going to happen in my life. I want to feel like I'm prepared for whatever may come my way.

So, I think.

Yet what I should be focusing on is what I know. I know my God is ultimately the One in control. I know that no matter what happens, He's got my back. I know that there's nothing that will happen to me that He doesn't allow. I should be okay with that knowledge alone.

I'm working on it.

Verse of the Day: And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. 1 Corinthians 8:2