Flashbacks

All your sins are washed away!

You ever have moments where you suddenly remember something you've done in the past that makes you cringe?

Mine seem to pop up out of nowhere. At once I'm remembering my embarrassing moment and experiencing the shame, pain, and regret all over again.

These moments used to put me into a bit of a funky mood. I'd replay the scenario over and over in my head wondering just what I was thinking. I would criticize myself and shake my head at my folly.

However, lately I have taken control of my thoughts. I no longer allow flashback moments to dictate how I feel. Especially since I have repented for my sins and received God's gracious forgiveness! The Bible says that once He's granted forgiveness, He no longer remembers our sin. (Isaiah 43:25) So, why should I?

Yes, I will learn from my mistakes and work to not make them again. I will not let them hold me back from progressing forward in life. I will not carry around guilt and shame over something that Jesus' blood has released me from.

When those fleeting thoughts come and try to bring me down, I now choose to use them as a point of praise to glorify my Father who has redeemed me by His Son. Don't allow the past to hold you back. Remember that you are a new creature in Christ. Old things are done, everything is 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

Thanksgiving Friday!

When I look back over my life
And I think things over
I can truly say
That I've been blessed
I have a testimony...

That song is ringing in my spirit right now. I found out that one of my former co-workers passed away.

Every day we have is a gift! Tomorrow on this earth is not promised. As much as I would love to enter heaven's gates and fellowship with my Father face-to-face, I know that there is a work that He has called me to do here. I don't want to leave without accomplishing my purpose.

I know it sounds trite from overuse, but: Cherish each day, each person, and each moment while you have the chance. You never know.

So, today I'm thankful for life! I'm thankful for the life I have here, and I'm grateful for the eternal life I have in Christ. It is so good to know that no matter what, I am safe in the hands of the Master. Whatever comes my way, I am safe in Him.

I'm also thankful for my church family. We had a great discussion in Bible Study yesterday. It's good to have a dialogue where like minds can come together, learn from each other, and grow. I look forward to implementing the wisdom that was shared. God bless you all!

What are you thankful for today? Have you expressed your gratitude? Don't put it off. Gve God praise now! Share your love now! While you have the chance...

Verse of the Day: For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38, 39

Am I In Love?

Today my morning devotion had me in Psalm 119. Although what I was reading was emphasizing another point, the ending of verse 163 stood out to me: ...but thy law do I love.


I wondered to myself if I loved God's law. I know that I love God. I cherish the Word of God, and it's important to my daily life. Yet, did I love His commands and instruction?
 
When you love something, you have affection for it, you're enthusiastic about it, and you take delight in it. You take the time to get to know every inch of it. You get excited when you learn something new, and you can't wait to use or interact with whatever it is that has captured your heart.
 
Do I love God's commands according to the definition?
 
I certainly try my best to follow God's word. I do find joy in carrying out some of His instructions (Give and it shall be given..., Study to show yourself approved...). However, I know there are other parts of God's word that I do struggle to embrace wholeheartedly (Forgive and you shall be forgiven..., Pray for those who mistreat and abuse you...). Loving God's commands would mean that I would take delight in all of it, not just certain parts.
 
When you follow the instruction and principles that God's Word lays out, you cannot help but live a free and blessed life. His wisdom is beyond what we could fathom, and the results are certainly supernatural. What human would have ever come to the conclusion that giving to someone else would cause the giver to experience a greater blessing than the recipient?! Who could have figured that loving an enemy would bring peace to the abused?!
 
I love how God's ways take us to places of greatness. Yes, the journey may be difficult for our fleshly bodies to conform to, but the resulting benefits far outweigh the struggle.
 
So, does my loving the result mean that I inherently love the means? I have to think more on that. But I do admire David who was so enraptured with his God that he loved God's very instruction - and David lived before the grace and redemption of Christ!
 
What is your relationship with God's law? Do you love His commands? Or, do you just obey because that is what you know you have to do as a Christian?
 
Think about it as you go about your day today. Either way, make sure you thank God for His commandments and principles. If it wasn't for His instruction and wisdom, where would we all be?!
 
Verse of the Day: Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them. Psalm 119:165

Good, Better, Best....

Good, better, best
Never let it rest
'Til the good gets better
And the better gets best

My mother used this little poem to encourage my sister and I as we studied in school. She motivated us to not settle for average or just okay. My mother wanted us to push ourselves to be the best that we could be.

I certainly was up for the challenge, and I was quite competitive with my grades. I always wanted the A. B's got a sigh, and C's were unacceptable. Even as I'm in grad school right now, I push myself to excel with every assignment I get.

This poem can also apply to our life's purpose. We should always look to improve ourselves. Whatever God has purposed for your life, you should seek to constantly put your best foot forward. What might have been your best last year, probably isn't the best you can do this year. There is always something new that you can learn and use.

Yesterday I took some time out to research some folks who are excelling in the area that I know God is calling me to. Just watching them in their element, studying their ministries, and surveying their businesses, I came away with pointers that I can use to help my better become my best. Even their shortcomings and failures are helping me better my craft.

Don't just settle for what you have now. Strive to get better, be better, and emerge as the best! Even Jesus started off at the feet of the teachers in the synagogue. You too, can take the wisdom of those around you to improve your stance and cause you to become the best person you can be.

Verse of the Day: Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Proverbs 4:7

The Strength of God

Hey, Everyone! I hope you all enjoyed your weekend and holiday festivities. I am certainly rejuvenated and refreshed after my time away to relax and reboot. Now, it's time to get back to work!
There's a pharmaceutical company who used the slogan: "Take comfort in our strength." They wanted people to be put at ease when using their products because of the effectiveness and track record of their brands. People would purchase their products simply because they recognized and trusted the name of the company who offered the goods.

In the same manner, we can take comfort in the strength of our God. We can be at ease when we implement His principles, offer petitions to His throne, and recommend His virtues to others. We can rest assured because we know His effectiveness and track record.

Yet despite our knowledge of the strength of God, we often grow restless and apprehensive when things don't happen the way we think they ought to happen. We grow weary while waiting on God's answer to show up. We lose heart when we allow the enemy to plant seeds of doubt and discouragement in our spirits.

Don't forget the strength of your God! Encourage yourself in His Word. Remind yourself of His goodness and what He's done for you in times past. Get into His presence and let His awesome glory surround you. There is no way that your faith can be shaken when you have experienced the greatness of God firsthand.

So, take comfort in His strength! Don't be moved by what you see. And when you see others around you who are experiencing the pains of life, send them to the best remedy that you can give: your Heavenly Father.

Verse of the Day: Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. Isaiah 12:2

Celebrate!

Happy Independence Day!

Today we are celebrating our freedom as a country. I, for one, am happy to live in a nation where I can worship God freely, read my Bible without fear, and go to church openly. It's a right that makes me proud to be an American. Sadly, there are many people around the world that do not have this privilege.

Make sure you take some time today to give God praise for allowing you to live in a place where you are not oppressed because of your faith. And say an added prayer for those in other countries who do face persecution because of their belief in God.

While we're celebrating freedom, let's send up a shout for our freedom in Christ! His sacrifice has given us access to our Father in Heaven. We can now boldly come to the throne and fellowship personally with our God. Isn't that awesome?

Don't take your liberties for granted! Cherish what you have as an American and as a Christian.

Enjoy your holiday!

Verse of the Day: If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. John 8:36

Thanksgiving Friday!

Happy Friday, Everyone! I am especially happy because this is the start of a three-day weekend, and this is prime barbecue season! I love me some ribs! Hopefully people are grilling this weekend, cause I definitely want a plate.

Back to why we're here...

I am thankful this week for rest! This weekend is actually a five-day weekend for me. I could tell that my tank was getting low. My neck was getting tight, and my tolerance level was quivering. Hallelujah for vacation days! God is good. Give me some time off, a good massage, delicious food, and a matinee... I'm good to go again.

I'm also thankful for God's Word. This whole week I have been meditating on some personal words that God gave me, and they have breathed new life into my spirit. Those words have helped me to regain my focus and bolstered me with encouragement.

I am so amazed at the love that God continually displays to me. To think that the God of the Universe cares enough about us that He would personally share His thoughts on our lives. Thank You, Lord, for guiding my footsteps.

What are you thankful for this week? Have you showed God your gratitude lately? Don't let any more time pass you by! Stop, and give God some praise!

Verse of the Day: Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28