Giving Us Power
Acts 1:8, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”
Greetings friends! First, let us just take that moment to not only prepare ourselves for the day, but take that moment to thank God for your eyes opening up to a new day. There are millions around the world that have not gotten to welcome another day; some whom God decided were ready to see heaven; ready to receive a new body, and be welcomed into the arms of Jesus. We must first, every morning we are given, to thank God, then make a request known to accept the power He provides that carries us through each day. We are to ask for a power within that brings His strength, that inner strength that will help us to do good, to serve others, help others, to witness using our testimony, to live a Godly life. When we see God’s power working we understand our weakness, which is often the place for divine strength. As we accept God into our hearts we have given Him the authority to work in and through us to achieve His plan. When God enters He gives us the power to focus on empowering others to want to do His will, to oppose any worldly sins, to have authority over spiritual darkness. God’s power through the Holy Spirit is delegated to show Him in authority, then generated through each of us with talents, ambitions, giving hearts. This new-found power is the Holy Spirit placing us in service, healing, witnessing, rather than selfish gain. Our power is in our testimony, our struggles, our resilience, our endurance; showing God gives us everything, and in everything we should be giving back to Him. This brings us to the realization that we alone have no power; without the spirit of God and His power we cannot succeed. To overcome anything negative or worldly, we must rely on God’s immeasurable power and not our own. So, if you can, today, take a moment and thank God for the power He provides so that we can continue in His blessings, continue working for Him, continue to trust in His plan.
Scriptures:
Read: Hebrews 6:10-11, II Timothy 1:7-8, Luke 10:19-20, Isaiah 40:29-31, Ephesians 6:10-12, Philippians 4:13, I Corinthians 2:4-5, Ephesians 3:20-21, John 14:12-13, 2 Peter 1:3, I John 4:4, Romans 1:16, Colossians 1:10-12, Matthew 28:19-20
Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank you for your giving us the spiritual power to move through this world, to overcome evil, to become Christ-like. Thank you, Lord, for the ability to take your power and show others how to accept your forgiveness, your mercy and grace. Help us Lord, to thank you daily for all that you have done and will do for us while we are here on this earth. Amen.
Looking for the Home in Glory
Revelation 21:3, “And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.”
Hello friends! Welcome to another blessed day the Lord has provided! Let’s take a moment to breathe in that air that fills our lungs, to feel God’s presence enter into the depths of our souls. May we know that by breathing in His presence we can allow Him to move in our lives so that we can take on whatever this day brings. I want to reach out and see if you ever find yourself at a point where you wonder about heaven; about whether what you are doing will lead you there! Are we daily looking toward that eternity with God; the day we can begin worshiping and praising, singing to Him in all His glory? Has our life been the example of true Christ-like behaviors, actions, giving, honoring; that would be pleasing to Him? Are we just getting by, being complacent, forgetting the goal is to share, do, be what He called us to be? Trust me, it is hard, but when we allow Him to completely lead, guide and help us to succeed in being that person He handpicked, chose, decided we could do His work; we have just begun! Maybe, just a few moments in the day, stop and reflect on what heaven will be like; what extraordinary things it holds! Can you not take that moment to realize that family are already there celebrating, rejoicing, enjoying the splendor and the presence of God, real presence, actually seeing the face of God? Jesus referred to His heavenly home many times; He showed the longing for returning; for sharing that home with all of us. Can you not imagine a real home with everyone as family; no one left out, everyone communing together? Some say it will be the new Jerusalem, or the New Testament church; a place that surpasses any church structure here on earth; and there are some magnificent ones all over the world. In this moment, as you ponder on it; have you been looking for that place? Have you been working toward that home; the one with no pain, no sorrow, no fighting, no competition, no evil? Jesus said He would prepare a place for us, a place full of joy, peace and communion with Him. Today, just think on it for a moment, then look at how you are living, how you are working, how you are sharing His promises; then ask yourself that question; are you looking for a home in Glory?
Scriptures:
Read: Deuteronomy 4:29, Revelation 21:1-4, John 14:1-3, II Corinthians 5:1-8, Hebrews 11:10,16, Philippians 3:20, Colossians 3:1-4, Psalm 26:7-8, Psalm 84:1-12, Hebrews 13:14
Prayer:
Dear God, thank you for the promise of a heavenly home in glory that we can forever worship with you in eternity. Thank you, God, for giving your son to hang on a cross in our place; for the sacrifice that allows us that promise of a home in glory. God, we ask humbly that you remind us daily of your mercy and grace; that you place a heart inside us that wants only to live a Christ-like life pleasing to you. Help us, God to keep looking for you. Amen.
Living Testimony
I Peter 3:15, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:”
Good morning! Praying that you have greeted today with an attitude of positivity and will help you today share your testimony. We can never know when our testimony can be used; moments come at random, when we least expect it. As many ministers, pastors and evangelists have seen; even in their sermons; a true-life testimony allows people to be personally connected; open because they were open. Many people can read stories all day long, but, when they are encountered by someone who gives their personal story that includes that testimony of receiving God’s grace and mercy; they have reached hearts and souls that now accept that they too can be saved! From the biblical standpoint, many scholars say a living testimony is a lifestyle change, a person that lives that change in their actions, their behavior, their words; by living Christ-like. This is also where the quote, “you may be the only Bible someone will read”, which is reality is so true! There are people watching Christians today because they are searching for God and don’t know how to find him! By you becoming a living testimony, you are proof that God accepts anyone, everyone, no matter your circumstances, no matter how much money you have, no matter what others may say about you; God chooses His disciples/children, not because they are equipped but so He can equip them! When we show our testimony by doing good works, we have given another way to glorify God; a visible and authentic faith that people can see. As we share our personal testimony we are proving we were once lost, ashamed, and on a road to hell; BUT God intervened and saved. Our trials during our life journey are transformed into victories by God; showing He has fought alongside of each of us. Your testimony is never about you, but about what God can do! So, today, why not live a testimony that is pleasing to God, and not only share your personal story, but prove you can be a living testimony!
Scriptures:
Read: Matthew 5:16, Revelation 12:10-11, II Corinthians 3:2-5, 1 Peter 3:15, I Peter 2:9,21, I John 5:10-15, II Timothy 1:8-10, Hebrews 4:12, I Timothy 6:12-16, Acts 1:8, Matthew 10:32, II Timothy 3:14-17, Psalm 66:16-20, Titus 3:8, Romans 8:28
Prayer:
Father, today we come thanking you for your Son’s sacrifice for our sins that we can now live a Christ-like life that proves we are a child of the King. Thank you, Father, for your mercy and grace in every step of our journey. Father, thank you, for giving us the words to say when we use our own experience, to become a living testimony. May we show others the sacrifice you made for each of us; proving your love is eternal and everlasting. Amen.
Not Just A Story
Matthew 22:32, “I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.”
Salutations to all! Are we waking to another day of positive expectations of what the day will hold? Have we already decided that no matter what comes our way, we are going to face it with prayer, with the armor God provides? For many, facing the day can be a challenge because they haven’t yet found Jesus or maybe they have neglected Jesus because the world is providing a negative way they are accepting. There are so many reasons to doubt all things. The devil works daily at finding ways to manipulate each one of us into not trusting the story of Christ, the truth of the Bible, and that God doesn’t love us. People will force themselves to not accept that having the faith, trust and love of God can work miracles in everyone’s lives! They will also believe in the scientist, the researchers, the scholars because they SEE the results of findings, but are they seeing what God has behind those findings? But those same scholars, scientist and researchers are now actually finding the truth of God’s word; actual discoveries that are proving the existence of the stories! The story, the actual facts that God exist, His son Jesus died on a cross for our sins, and He rose again; just like the prophesy foretold! The story is not just a story; it is actual people in the Bible that are a part of all our history; our genealogy; they were once here on this earth, they believed so why can’t we? Brace yourself, the prophesies, predictions, premonitions; they have been occurring year after year, and the end times are here. It is not just a story, but a declaration that God is in control, He holds the keys to heaven and hell, and He has given us the guidelines to follow to endure everything that will come to pass. The stories in the Bible were written by actual people who witnessed, believed, lived and died to proclaim the truth of God. The story is this; we need to place our faith in Him and trust, obey, believe that God sent His son to pay the price that our sins were forgiven. That giving your heart to Him is the ultimate story that has a happy ending; not the world’s story, but God’s! Trust your soul to Him; work toward eternity with Him; it’s really not just a story!
Scriptures:
Read: Matthew 22:31-32, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, I Peter 2:21, I Corinthians 2:11-16, Psalm 19:1,7-10, Romans 1:19-20, II Peter1:21, Matthew 5:18, John 10:35, John 5:39-47, Hebrews 4:12, II Corinthians 3:3, John 17:17, II Corinthians 4:7
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we come now humbly asking forgiveness for not believing the story, for doubting the true existence of such a loving, giving, protecting Father. Thank you, Father, for the guidelines that your chosen people wrote from the words that came from you directly into a book that we can read, learn, and teach to others. Thank you, Father, for the sacrifice of your son for removing our sins, and allowing us the opportunity to be your children. Help us Father, to trust your story as the only truth, help us to share that story to the world. Amen.
Hands Up
Psalms 134:2, “Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the LORD.”
Morning! Welcome to a new day! Blessings to you this day that is waiting for you to push through with only positive thoughts and actions! Today, let’s talk about how we lift our hands in praise, in worship, in reverence to God. So many churches today look upon open reactions in a worship service to be unbecoming which is truly sad. Even in Jesus’ time, followers showed their praise, showed their reverence by lifting hands, singing, dancing, swaying; openly letting God know they were asking Him to come into their hearts, minds and souls. How did we get so far away from actually showing our praise? By lifting our hands, we have surrendered to God; we have allowed complete reverence to Him becoming our savior, master, teacher, protector. As we go to the altar to call on Jesus in prayer, we kneel, we relax and open our hearts to being filled with His presence. We are showing our desire to receive what God is offering, and allowing Him to provide us with the ability to “go ye therefore”, with His blessings, His guidance, His approval. In Timothy, they encouraged us to pray while lifting “holy hands”, the hands that are to reflect a pure heart, a Christ-like character, a Godly life that is free of wrath or doubts. The raising of hands means to let go of sin, let go of doubt, let go of anything that doesn’t represent the goodness and mercy of God! I feel like it’s a “reaching” of heaven, a release of all the burdens up to God for Him to take care of; an avenue for His grace and blessings to come down to us. As we lift, raise our hands we have made a declaration of reliance on Him. If we are anywhere and God’s presence touches us within our hearts we need to show Him that we accept by lifting our hands in praise! Whether in the car, on a bus, on a train, on a plane, in a crowd; wherever you are at a moment that brings you enlightened peace and surrender; lift your hands! Why do you think there are so many Psalms written, why there are so many moments of praise, so many blessings awarded yet not thanked? Ultimately, we need to realize in everything give praise, give thanks, bad or good circumstances; get your hands up, lift them high!
Scriptures:
Read: Psalm 134:2, Psalm 63:4-5, 1 Timothy 2:8, Psalm 28:2, Nehemiah 8:6, Psalm 63:3-4, Lamentations 3:41, Philippians 4:6, I Kings 8:22-23, Psalm 134:1-3; Psalm 141:2; Luke 24:50-53
Prayer:
Precious Father, thank you for the ability to show you praise at any given moment; how by lifting our hands we are inviting you to reside within us. Thank you for all that you provide, all that you protect, all that you are doing and will do to keep us worthy. Help us Father, to show our gratefulness, to let others see how praise is powerful and healing. Amen.
Hear My Praise Roar
Psalms 100:1-2, “Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. 2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.”
Greetings friends! May today be a day that brings joy, contentment, a moment where you can praise God in every way no matter where you are! Many times, as we are in public we refrain from letting anyone hear our joy! We find it embarrassing, and do not want to have anyone stare, or acknowledge that we are going against the “code”! Truth is, there is someone out there, whether a stranger, or friend, someone who needs to see you proclaim your love for Jesus! This world is not getting any better, because that is part of God’s plan. Sure, there will be times we feel it isn’t bad as it could be, but when we as Christians hold back our praise, our beliefs; we are letting worldly evil take the first seat, the highest pedestal. We all are in a spiritual battle against the devil who is working non-stop to quench the word of God, the praise of God, the saving power that is transforming people. When we see that word roar, we think of a lion with a mighty voice coursing across the lands for every animal to become aware of his presence. We know we would never roar our praise in public, or in a crowd, or a store; not because we don’t have praise; but because we conformed to the generational etiquette that says not to! But why should we wait for worship services, or public concerts, or praise nights at church? Why must we let the devil quench that voice that needs to do God’s bidding in sharing the gospel all over the world? Why must we confine ourselves to only speeches, sermons, or conferences? Roaring was viewed in Biblical times as a valiant cry, used to shake up the enemy or opponents; but why can’t we shake up the lost, unsaved people? The people of Jesus’ time had no problem using enthusiastic and sometimes undignified praise to proclaim God to everyone! Find your voice, find your roar, find the strength to proclaim at any given moment that you feel praise raise up inside you; share it! In today’s world, people NEED a good shaking up! Be brave, be resilient, be bold, be deliberate in letting others hear your praise roar!
Scriptures:
Read: Psalm 100:1-5, Psalm 7:17, Psalm 18:3, Proverbs 3:6-7, Psalm 27:4-5, Psalm 34:1, Psalm 59:17, John 10:10, 2 Peter 3:9, Revelation 21:4, Ephesians 3:19-21, Ephesians 5:18-20, Colossians 3:16, Psalm 105:1-2
Prayer:
Dear God, thank you for our voices; for the ability to share the good news of your love, your mercy and your grace. Help us, God, to find that inner strength that we can proclaim praise to you for all your blessings. God, we ask for forgiveness for quenching our voices; for not sharing more. Thank you, God, for our salvation, guide us God to see how we need to voice our praise more openly. Amen.
Perfect Passions
I Corinthians 9:24, “Know ye not that which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.”
Hello friends! Thank you for taking a moment of this day the Lord provided to join us in talking about our passion in God’s work. Let us also speak on how giving our all to everything we do can be a good thing. At the moment we first become Christians, we have a zeal in our hearts that is very hard to explain to someone who hasn’t felt it! Within this post, we want to express only God centered passions, not those of uncontrolled, selfish desired worldly sinful ones! We will not promote anything negative that the devil can use to steal our faith, or relationship with God! As children of God, our desires should only be those that bring honor and glory to Him. We are encouraged to use that “fire” we received at the moment He entered in, the moment we asked for forgiveness, the moment we gave our lives solely to Him. This passion is called Righteous passion; the one that will push us toward a desire to do only God’s will. The task of every day will include the joy of our hearts, the passion of sharing, the need for everyone to come and celebrate, to accept God’s calling! When the world tries to bring a sinful passion to overtake our desire to do God’s will, we will have His presence, His strength, His power to defeat! As we grow in our relationship with God, we will only want to help, serve, give, and rescue others. There will be a need to submit to God’s plan, a need to be Christ-like, a need to be filled with His presence. We will also learn that independent passions brought from the world will only leave us empty, and searching for the true passion that can fill us. If you find yourself letting negativity cloud your spiritual passion; stop, pray, get in the word, go to a seasoned Christian for encouragement. Always choose to get back to that spiritual fervor that you felt on your day of salvation! The world will try to distinguish whatever puts up a fight against evil, but stand tall, grab hold of God’s strength, and fight! Get and keep your enthusiasm for a perfect passion!
Scriptures:
Read: Matthew 22:34-38, Romans 12:11-12, Colossians 3:23, I Corinthians 9:24-27, Philippians 1:21, Hebrews 11:6, II Timothy 2:15, Philippians 3:8, Mark 12:30, II Peter 3:18, I Peter 3:15, Matthew 28:19-20, Ephesians 2:10, Philippians 2:13-15, Psalm 119:7,10,11
Prayer:
Father God, thank you for the spiritual passion that enters when we give our lives to you. Thank you for the guidance in your word that gives us the standards by which we can use our spiritual passion. Thank you for your continued presence that gives us strength when the world tries to steal our passion for doing your will. Amen.
Louder Than Unbelief
Hebrews 11:6, “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.”
Morning friends! Welcome to another day of positive and joyful thanksgiving for this day that God saw fit for each of us to be still alive. May today only be moments of good things and that if there are a few bumps along the way, we will praise Him anyway! We hear you Lord as the wind blows, as the birds sing, as the sun shines, and the clouds roll through the skies. The title today reflects on belief; on the way our belief can shout louder than any unbelief can. We all know that the Bible defines unbelief as the lack of faith, lack of trust in God’s promises, and even a deliberate rejection of the authority and truth of Christ! It can be that sin has invaded our hearts to place doubts and fears, a spiritual condition which the devil uses to keep us rebelling against God. Paul encouraged us to “walk by faith not by sight”, which tells us we should not travel the path of unbelief; never trust yourself to be what guides you. Jesus’ disciples followed Him, yet they still had doubts, inner feelings of where truth was; they saw yet they still denied in many ways. They listened as He explained over and over of His purpose, His upcoming death, yet they still had unbelief which saddened Jesus. Having faith allows us to see God’s plan for us, to overcome any doubts of unbelief by focusing on the scriptures, actively praying, and seeking God’s truth. We must fight the good fight of faith; and not do what Jesus’ own home town did when they let unbelief block their hearts from seeing miracles; from grasping that Jesus was truly the Messiah. When we pray asking, we must believe in the request, believe God hears us, believe He will make a way. When we feel a fear or doubt we must stop, focus, pray, then trust He has a plan. Note in your heart that the devil will push doubt into your heart, but your faith must be strong enough to defeat the unbelief! Make the devil understand that your belief will overcome his pressure of unbelief! Don’t let the seeing is believing mindset overrule the true fact that God is and will always be. He wrote the book, and He already knows the ending; the devil does too, so he fights us daily! Let your light shine brighter; be louder than unbelief!
Scriptures:
Read: Matthew 17:20, II Corinthians 5:7, Matthew 13:57-58, Mark 9:23-25, John 3:16, 18-19, Mark 16:16, Ephesians 2:8, I John 2:15-17, Romans 4:20, James 1:6, Matthew 7:20-21, Matthew 22:14, I Timothy 1:12-14, Isaiah 62:2, Romans 14:7-9, 18-23, John 20:27-29, II Corinthians 6:14-18
Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank you for your constant presence that reminds us you are the almighty God! Thank you, Lord, for the guidebook that can keep us grounded in faith, trust and obedience. Lord, we come now asking for forgiveness when we let the devil place doubt and fear in our minds. Lord, we ask believing that you can put the strength we need inside us so we can defeat the evil. Amen.
Death Defeated-the In Between
Isaiah 25:8, “He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it.”
Good morning! It’s Saturday, it’s the day after, it’s the day before. As His disciples and followers hide and cower, talk in disbelief of what happened, does time stand still? Do you take a moment to ponder on just what was going on in each of their minds? Does your heart ache for the feelings of loss, of fear, of brutal pain that each of them held inside their hearts? Do you see Mary, His mother, wrenching, grasping for peace, for understanding, for compassion from God? She knew, she always knew; but it still gives her pain, death tears at her heart. She was His mother, the chosen woman that God gave the appointed blessing of carrying His son; birthing Him, raising Him, bringing Him to the temple. It’s Saturday, the day after, the day between the death; before the resurrection. What are you doing? Are you searching your heart, pondering on the day, wondering on the Saturday, the day between? Can you grasp the thoughts Peter was now having after denying the one man, master, savior, that lead him, taught him, guided him; seemingly gone, taken, laid in a tomb? He couldn’t see Him, he couldn’t ask for forgiveness in person; he needed Jesus to be present, to be near in His earthly body; but it wasn’t happening! Jesus told them, time and time again, His death was coming, His purpose was going to be revealed, He was going to die. We have the opportunity to read and know the story; but do we feel what they felt on Saturday? Are we understanding what God means when He says, “there is purpose in the waiting”? It’s Saturday, between the death, before the resurrection. Are you ready for what tomorrow brings; what tomorrow means? Are you really understanding the WHY of what Good Friday was, and WHAT Sunday truly means? Are you taking time on the day between to see Easter, to see the true meaning, to feel what they felt that Saturday? Before you go do all those things families do to celebrate, to commune together, to get ready for Easter, take a moment to remember Saturday, the day after, the day before. Ask God to bring His presence into your heart and truly get ready because SUNDAY is coming!
Scriptures:
Read: I Corinthians 15:54-55, John 3:16-17, John 11:25-26, Isaiah 25:8, Revelation 1:18, I Corinthians 15:20, Romans 6:4, Revelation 21:4, II Timothy 1:10, Luke 12:4, II Corinthians 5:8-9, Ephesians 6:12-13, Hebrews 2:9-10, Romans 8:2, Revelations 12:10
Prayer:
Dear God in heaven, we come now asking for your presence to enter in and fill us with peace and content; with the understanding of the purpose of Jesus dying on that cross. God, we want to thank you for that sacrifice that gave each of us the opportunity to become one with you, to be saved by grace, to become your disciple; to begin a life renewed and ready to share that with others. God, today and always we ask for you to keep guiding, protecting, blessing us as we work toward that home in heaven. Amen.
Lost The Hold On Me
II Corinthians 4:18, “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
Good morning! Welcome one and all to another beautiful day in the Lord! May each of us start this day with only the thoughts that can bring peace, joy and contentment as the day goes on! Today, we want to focus on how we can be lost to the world’s negative expectations. Have you found yourself feeling as if you have lost control of everything or maybe just some things you thought were finally coming together? Maybe, just maybe, you haven’t lost that hold; possibly you have forgotten who you need, that can bring about that renewal of your own thoughts and actions. Just maybe, you became complacent; taking your eyes off what God had in store. Do you think that those hardships appearing are emphasizing that your character may be slipping away from the person God made you to be? The things you see as struggles may be a purpose God is using to help you find endurance, strength, and hope; and a renewed trust, faith in Him. These moments are meant to be opportunities for you to see you aren’t failing, you are falling away, and God is letting you see you’ve lost the hold on Him! When personal strengths fail, God’s strength will prevail! Remember to not take your eyes off God and His plan. Don’t wait for the battle to be over; shift your focus back to Him, praise Him in the storm. When Peter walked on the water to Jesus, he was fine until his focus looked away from Jesus! Everything we do relies on God creating the right path to follow. When we lose God’s hold on us, is when we try doing it all alone! Shift your focus back to the one who owns the storms; the one who can do all things. Psalms 23:4, “Yea, though I walk through the alley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and they staff they comfort me.” KJV Today, push yourself to accept, acknowledge, receive His hand as He offers it; I’d rather walk on water headed to heaven than sink in the depths of dark waters in hell. Find a way to get back; study, pray, acknowledge His help. Remember that God can’t lose the hold on you, unless you lose your hold on Him.
Scriptures:
Read: I John 5:4-5, Isaiah 41:10, Philippians 3:13-16, Proverbs 16:3-5, Romans 8:34-39, Proverbs 3:5-6, James 1:12-16, I John1:8-9, II Chronicles 7:14, II Peter 3:9, Romans 12:19, Psalm 40:12-13, Isaiah 40:29, I Peter 5:7, Matthew 10:39, II Corinthians 4:16-18, Psalm 23:4, I Peter 5:10
Prayer:
Precious Father God, we come now thanking you for the hold you have on us; providing protection, giving grace and mercy, loving us no matter what. Father, thank you for helping us see when we falter or sink because we took our eyes off of you. Dear Father, please continue to guide us as we battle this evil world; lay your words before us that we might study to know your commandments and honor them. Help us, Father, to not lose hold of your hand, or lose sight and focus on you and your plan. Amen.
Raise A Hallelujah
Psalms 113:3, “From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD’S name is to be praised.”
Salutations good friends! As we begin this day let’s just pause and give thanks to all God has given us so far in our journey through life. As you look at the title, are you wondering why or what is raising hallelujah? When we research the Hebrew phrase, we will find that they give it a meaning of “praise Yahweh”! Most people believe that it means a profound, joyful, shout of praise; a louder sort than just regular praising! Scholars and Christian leaders say that hallelujah is the type of praise that is exuded from the heavens, that this is the type of praise that we will participate in when we arrive there! Hallelujah actually declares that the Lord our God is omnipotent and reigns forever! Paul and Silas sang hallelujah in a jail cell to declare their faith, to find strength amidst their confinement, to show their suffering would not stop their ministry. All singing, praising, worshiping is part of heartfelt expressions of born-again believers to acknowledge God’s grace and mercy in tough times as well as in good times. Job praised God even after losing all that he had, including his children; he never doubted God would be there and take care of him. Jonah praised God while in the belly of a whale! David helped write the Psalms which are filled with the praises of hallelujah during hard times, during painful times; a constant call to God thanking Him for all things no matter the circumstances, because God never forsakes His people! Mary, the mother of Jesus, praised God even knowing the ridicule she would have to endure! Psalms 34:1, “I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.”, should be the scripture that explains why every moment we exist, we should raise a hallelujah to God! So, don’t hold back your praising, your worship, your sharing to others. Don’t be afraid for others to see, or to hear you, no matter where you are, being thankful and trusting in God is a real reason to raise a hallelujah!
Scriptures:
Read: Psalm 150:1,6, Psalm 149:1,6, Revelation 19:3-6, Psalm 34:1, Psalm 106:1, Psalm 113:1-3, Psalm 111:1, Psalm 135:3, Psalm 146:1-10, Psalm 112:1, II Timothy 1:7, John 14:6, Hebrews 11:1, Ephesians 3:20-21, Colossians 3:1-17, Isaiah 40:31
Prayer:
Dear God in heaven, we thank you for the ability to praise, honor and glorify you in hallelujahs, in song, in worship, out loud at any given moment. Thank you, God, for everything you are, everything you give unconditionally so that we can be in your presence in heaven. Thank you, God, for your son who gave more than we deserved, the offering that seals our fate when we surrender to you. Help us, God, to find strength in the hallelujahs. Amen.
Sing In The Storms
James5:13, “The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
Hello friends! I do pray today is finding you waking to new expectations of positive thoughts. Though this may be a repeated phrase of using positive in every post; we must know that when we give way to keeping joy, peace and love in every moment, the negative is held at bay! Even in days of sorrow, days of pain (physical & emotional), days of doubt and uncertainty; thinking on the good things, grasping at happiness, will lift you. This is where singing, praising, worshiping, thanking God, can change all situations for the better. The devil will use anything negative to pull you away from the positive, to pull you away from God and to cause the storms you may be going through as weapons. But, as believers, we really need to find an inner peace, and singing or music has a way of soothing the soul! You may doubt, you may ask just how singing praise could possibly help or change the situation. Any situation or trial or suffering moment can be transformed if you allow the positive to come in! Even in grief, have you not watched or participated in conversations where the good parts of that person gone, brings joy in the memories, the good times, the funny times. By choosing to think of funny, joyful things, pain can be eased, doubts can be taken away, peace rises above. When we shift our focus to God and His power, His faithfulness, His presence; singing His praise becomes a medicine like no other. Daniel praised God in the lion’s den, David praised God while hiding from his enemies, Paul and Silas sang praises in the prison. Our circumstances should not define us to becoming negative, but to thanking God for His ever-present love and protection. He didn’t say we wouldn’t struggle, we wouldn’t fear, we wouldn’t hurt, we wouldn’t have sorrow; but He did say that He would always be there. When we sing His praise, we are allowing God to bring His peace, His presence, His unfailing love into our souls. As we lift the name of Jesus in praise we are reinforcing joy to overcome evil; declaring that only positive goodness will defeat the negative. Let’s take a moment and realize that storms will come, but praise will lift you from them!
Scriptures:
Read: Psalm 107:28-30, Deuteronomy 31:6, John 16:33, 1 Chronicles 16:9, Psalm 7:17, Psalm 9:11, Psalm 18:3, Psalm 21:13, Psalm 23:4-6, Psalm 27:4-6, Isaiah 43:2, Psalm 121:1-2, Philippians 4:8,13,19, Psalm 46:10, Matthew 8:26, Psalm 150:1-6, Psalm 42:5, Psalm 69:30, John 3:16, Psalm 100:1-5, Psalm 59:16-17, Romans 8:28, Mark 4:39, Psalm 34:18, James 1:5-6
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we come today thanking you for your ever-present help at all times; for your presence in the good and bad times. Thank you, Father, for your continued guidance as we travel through this life. Help us Father, daily to accept your peace, your strength in times we may doubt, or falter to only seeing the negative. Please help us to sing praises during the storms and let you enter into our hearts with only peace and joy. Amen.
He Is Fighting For Me
Deuteronomy 3:24, “O Lord GOD, thou hast begun to shew thy servant thy greatness, and thy mighty hand: for what God is there in heaven or in earth, that can do according to thy works, and according to thy might?”
Greetings of joy to each of you today! We want to take a moment today to focus on whether you feel anyone ever takes your side, stands up for you. Do you recall anyone that came to your side at any point in your journey through this life? So many times, we just need someone to take our hand, or pat us on the back, or hug us, or just give a small encouraging word. I don’t mean that congratulatory, award producing grand gesture; but, the one that comes from a place deep within that holds more meaning than that speech, or that hand held award! There are those children that for once just needed a parent to acknowledge their existence wasn’t a mistake; that though they didn’t possess the 4.0 GPA, or the sports agility in every sport; they were still a capable, smart, good person, someone that was worth the fight! There are adults who work constantly trying to achieve or accomplish, just to prove themselves, wondering if anyone is fighting along beside them. God is fighting for them and you; He is watching over everyone! God’s word says He is with us always until the end of time; He is the beginning and He is the end; He is our protector, and fights for us daily. If we trust in Him, He will always be there. Our victory over death and the grave is our salvation and our believing Christ died paying the price for our sin. Christ fought the ultimate battle for each of us. Who do you think cheers the loudest when a new convert says yes to God; the heavens! Who do you think sings praises and welcomes home those who leave this world; the heavens! As we stand firm in our trust and faith in God, our struggles are lightened, and become His to fight. God will fight along with you during the physical, the mental, and the spiritual battles that you go through. Today, as you go through routines, schedules, work, or school; take a moment to SEE someone; then just acknowledge that someone by giving a kind word, a kind gesture, maybe tell them how much they are needed and how much God loves them. Encourage others so that God can not only fight for you but can fight for them too!
Scriptures:
Read: Exodus 14:14, II Chronicles 20:17, Deuteronomy 20:4, Deuteronomy 3:24, Isaiah 54:17, Psalm 34:17-19, Isaiah 40:31, Deuteronomy 1:30, Romans 8:31, Isaiah 41:10, Romans 8:28, 37-39, James 4:7, Isaiah 43:2, Joshua 1:5, Ephesians 61:11-18, I Timothy 6:12, Psalm 18:39, Psalm 138:7, Hebrews 13:5, Psalm 118:6, I John 4:4
Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank you for your presence when we feel no one is there. Thank you, Lord, for showing us we do not have to be alone when fighting the devil here on earth. Thank you, Lord, for the armor you laid out in your word that will guide us as we face this world. Please Lord, continue to be with us, for us, helping us to trust and obey; to give the burdens to you so our load will be lighter. Help us Lord to have a Christ-like character that can see others that need someone in their corner; someone to introduce you to them. Amen.
In The Presence Of My Enemies
Matthew 5:44, “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you,”
Morning dear friends! I pray this finds you already up and ready for the day ahead; full of thankfulness that God again saw fit to allow you the grace of another day. May today bring only positive emotions, occurrences, just joy in every moment! As in every day, we pray in earnest that anyone who is considered not a friend, not a foe; just won’t make an appearance in some awkward moment during our day or our week. We want to believe that joy only comes when we avoid the negativity of those who could cause harm, cause fear, cause distress mentally, will just finally realize they need to stay away from our inner circles. But, in all fairness, the devil uses this as a crutch to keep you from being what God called you to be. Though the people who fit that category can be eliminated from your life, the devil will pick others to put in that place. He will test you daily to see how he can ruin your peace and your relationship with God. Truth is, finding peace with your past is one daily prayer we all pray; and totally giving it to God, will aid in your restoration. This is why the scripture above becomes one that we need to learn and use at those times. God said to love your enemies, ask Him to bless them anyway, ask Him for the strength to do good toward even the hardest of hearts, to pray more fervently for their souls. This is not just to help them, but to truly help yourself; it gives you the freedom from your own heart becoming hardened. It allows you to find the peace that surpasses all understanding. This also, allows you to see that no matter how strong the devil thinks he is, God is stronger; and with God all things are possible. When we show love, it doesn’t mean we approve the wrong that the enemy does, it focuses on the heart and keeping hatred from dictating our actions. This means we do not become like them, we do not let the enemy win; we become Christ-like in character as well as in our hearts. When in the presence of any enemy, whether a person, place or thing; look to God and become a weapon that forces evil to leave!
Scriptures:
Read: Exodus 14:14, I Peter 3:15, Matthew 5:35-38,44, Romans 12:14,20-21, Psalm 18:1-6, 19-20,30-36,48-49, Deuteronomy 28:7, 2 Thessalonians 3:3, Psalm 109:2-4, Proverbs 24:17-22, Proverbs 16:7, Psalm 138:7-8, Exodus 23:20-22, Psalm 23:5, Psalm 34:7-10, Luke 6:27-28,35, Ephesians 6:10-18, John 16:33, Isaiah 41:10, Ephesians 4:32, Leviticus 19:18
Prayer:
Dear God, we come today thanking you for grace and mercy, for your presence when we face the enemy. Thank you, God, for the guidebook that can give us complete instructions on how to deal with whatever evil the devil sends our way. Help us, God, to call on you when we need strength, solace, understanding. Dear God, please continue to our real weapon against this evil world. Amen.
Already Chosen
John 15:16, “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Gather in my name, he may give it you.”
Good morning everyone! Are we finding ourselves turning over to slap the alarm or snooze button for just another moment of rest? Are we putting the blessing of another day on hold for just a few more minutes? I dare say, there are probably more people who do try to get more rest by snoozing the alarm than there are people who just GET UP! As in my generation, or rather the type of family I was raised in; there was NO snoozing, there was only getting up and there best not be moaning about it nor delaying it! As I got older, I tried the snooze thing, I tried the sleeping in on days off; to no avail. My body had already chosen that routine and nothing was changing it! As we look at the title, the word chosen stands out the most. The dictionary says, “having been selected as the best or most appropriate”; while the Bible says, “being handpicked by God for a specific purpose or relationship, rather than for a personal merit.” I bet you are saying, “hmmm…”! This lets us know that being chosen can lead to great things, or to bad things; it’s all in who chose you. Remember at school or church functions and you were standing there, biting your lip, keeping your head down, looking up to the sky; dreading one person to pick you while wanting another to choose you? The same in adult life, you waited for the interviewer to call back, you waited for the college to send an acceptance letter, you wait for a promotion, or recognition; it’s still about whether you get chosen! Truth is, God already chose you! Best part is, you don’t have to wait for Him to choose you! He keeps choosing you in every moment, through every fear, through every pain or suffering, through every obstacle the devil hurls toward you! God’s purpose is to help you realize it is a true privilege that you chose Him; that you initiate a relationship with Him and that He chose you despite your faults or your failures. You are chosen and set apart from the moment you were created! If you are wasting time on being chosen in the world; pause, reflect, then ask yourself if that choice is God’s choice. Then remember you are already chosen; if there is doubt about choices, ask God! He already chose the answer; just ask Him!
Scriptures:
Read: John 1:3, II Corinthians 5:17, Ephesians 1:4-6, John 15:16,19, 1 Peter 2:9, Isaiah 41:9-10, John 3:16, Jeremiah 1:5, Galatians 1:15-16, Matthew 6:24, II Timothy 1:9, Ephesians 2:8-10, Romans 10:9, Romans 8:28-29, Jeremiah 29:11, James 2:5, John 17:5, II Corinthians 13:5, II Corinthians 5:20-21, Mark 16:15, Proverbs 16:3, Deuteronomy 14:2
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we want to thank you for everything you provide, your love, your grace and mercy, your promises. Thank you, Father, for already choosing us even before we were formed; for knowing the plans you have for each of us, and your continued presence in our lives. Help us, Father, to choose you and not the world. Amen.
Keep Loving Me for Me
Ephesians 5:29, “For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church.”
Hello friends! Welcome to this day the Lord has made; given as a blessing, and let’s accept it now as another part of our journey. While we get ready to face the day, let’s just take a few moments to look at ourselves in the mirror. We see ourselves, we see the person in that mirror; but do we actually love that person we see? Have we put much effort into ourselves, or have we not thought of what our bodies need to survive and continue? Many times, we have read that love is the center of all things; that to love our neighbor as well as ourselves is a commandment and should not be taken lightly. God ask several times to those He chose to do His bidding, if they loved themselves; if they could love others the way they loved themselves. When you look now at yourself, can you say that you are giving your all to help your body to be that temple God wants it to be? Do you understand how treasured and loved you are by God; that you can be secure in that knowledge? When Christ died He paid the price for us, thus, our bodies are His, bought with a valued price. This explains why we should care for our bodies as if a temple; a sacred place. We need to love ourselves, our bodies; and care for them with everything we eat, drink or place in and around it. Our duty is to love ourselves even when no one else does; and with that love work to keep that body as a sacrifice, and in that, we must not have self-ambition or use of that body for evil purposes. So, as you look at yourself, take that moment, look not only at the outward appearance, but deep, deep inside, to the heart; are you really loving you? Jesus talked of resting, keeping a joyful heart. Daniel showed the king how eating properly in specific portions kept bodies strong. King Solomon wrote the Proverbs, a book of truth in every aspect of how doing the right, the good, speaking the right, the good, by following God, benefits your whole being! As you have pondered and hopefully come to the best conclusion, begin today, start loving you for you, start healing you by honoring your body, believe in yourself, trust God knows the real you, then see every day as a better day! The next time you look in the mirror, tell yourself; “I am going to keep loving me for me”, but most of all because God said to!
Scriptures:
Read: Mark 12:30-31, Psalm 139:14, Proverbs 19:8, Ephesians 5:29, I Corinthians 6:19-20, Genesis 1:27, Isaiah 43:1, Philippians 2:3-4, Jeremiah 31:3, Psalm 17:8, Song of Solomon 4:7, II Timothy 1:7, II Corinthians 5:17, Proverbs 18:10,12,15, Proverbs 27:1-2, Romans 12:2, II Timothy 3:1-5, 10-15
Prayer:
Precious Lord, today we want to thank you for creating us, for seeing us individually, separate as ourselves. Thank you, Lord, for allowing your son to die that we might live. Help us, Lord, to see our bodies as a temple, as a sacred creation of your hands. Help us, Lord, to understand and receive the knowledge you provide so we can better take care of that body. Show us, Lord, how to love ourselves while showing love to others, but most of all, show us how to love you. Amen.
Stories Only You Can Tell
I Peter 3:15, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:”
Salutations to you all! Another day has dawned upon us, bringing the opportunity to teach and show others we are positively going to take on today with only joy exuding from us! Yes, even you, grumpy pants! You have brought negative vibes from the day before and we need to pause right now and get in tune with God; accepting His guidance, His strength, His love; so that nothing can hinder us in the path today holds. The title today seems a little awkward, but it demonstrates how we as disciples of God can reach those who do not yet know the true meaning of salvation. As we journey through life, the experiences we have encountered, the moments of pain or suffering, the stories behind who we each are; play a role in the stories we can tell. Many of us will say, “I’m not telling anyone those secrets”, but your character, personality already tells them. Each good thing, each bad thing, each step you have taken on the path God laid out, has affected you within; thus, it has made you who you are! For most non-Christians, they look at the “so called” Christians to absorb the how and why of your choice to give God your life. I have paraphrased the quote by William J. Toms, “you may be the only Bible others will read”, for years because it is very true! I even tell my grandchildren that younger siblings watch them; all children watch parents, grandparents, adults around them; someone is always watching! In every life, every person here on earth, God offers us wisdom to live good lives. We are precious in His sight! Our stories need to be used as a powerful witness, the proof that even through pain, suffering, brokenness; God’s grace and mercy abounds! Use your stories to glorify God, bring you peace, help you show gratitude, to help those who do not believe, to accept God as the ultimate gift. The stories you live are already being watched; sometimes by strangers who only want to know just how God really works! They will see how God changed your heart, changed your words in speaking, changed your attitude toward life, and how your story is finding a happy ending, because you had Him on your side to help you endure everything! Take your stories only you can tell and live them out so others can make that same change!
Scriptures:
Read: Matthew 12:36-37, Psalm 107:1-2, Psalm 96:3, Psalm 19:1-14, Colossians 4:2-6, Ephesians 4:29, Proverbs 18:21, Luke 6:45, Psalm 119:101-115, Matthew 4:4, Romans 10:14-15, 17, Hebrews 4:12, Acts 1:8, I John 5:10, John 4:39-42, I Peter 3:15, Psalm 71:14-18, Matthew 5:16, John 15:26-27, Psalm 66:16, 20
Prayer:
Dear Lord, we come to you now asking for strength to tell our stories, to live life pleasing to you. We thank you for the knowledge you provide that helps us to live better, to act better, to just be better. Lord, we come asking for your grace and mercy to continue; to give us the words to share that will help a lost soul find you. Thank you, Lord, for all that you helped us through on our journey. Amen.
Release Reputations
Proverbs 22:1, “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.”
Good morning! May today be all that you have asked God to let it be! We want to begin our day with only positive vibes, generating them onto each family member as we ready for the day. If you are single, we want those vibes to fall off at work, school, or in others presence so that positivity is everywhere! So many times, we are saddled with trying to keep our reputations filled with that same positivity. In other words, are we giving off the wrong ideas of what our character or lifestyles should be reflecting? Some do say that a reputation must be built over time; that it isn’t something you just inherit or that comes naturally. But, as a child of God, shouldn’t we be reflecting our Christ-like life with only trustworthiness, integrity, empathy, love? As we build our reputations, are we studying the Bible to enhance those Christ-like qualities; are we ensuring that even with success, wealth, we have used each of the “fruits of the Spirit”? Herein lies the question of whether the growth of our reputation is based on others opinions, their criticisms, or are we relying on God’s judgement? For a believer, we must let our reputations be cultivated with honesty, with the love of God and others, and keeping our word. If we are having a little problem with that definition, we need to release that worldly reputation and get back to the one that pleases God; the one that will connect better with others, and that will give us a more peaceful life. Even ministers, pastors, evangelist, popes, priest, nuns, even deacons, must live to better standards than the world wants; they must follow God’s guidance. How can each of those assist us in our journey if they do not follow Christ’s lead? How we live our lives is essential to show non-believers that a relationship with God can make life so much better. So, today, as you get those routines going, as you drive to work, as you do chores and errands, stop for a moment and ponder on whether you are in the reputation that will give you happiness, contentment, a lasting relationship with God and others, or are you living for someone else’s standards? Get into a conversation with God and ask for His help in releasing the wrong reputation so the right one will take over!
Scriptures:
Read: Proverbs22:1, 1 Timothy 3:2-7, Eccl.7:1, Prov.3:3-7, I Pet.2:12, Acts6:2-4, Phil.2:5-18, Matt.5:16, Prov.10:7, Phil.1:25-27, Prov.20:11, James3:10-15, Phil.4:7-9
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we come now thanking you for staying beside us, guiding us, providing for us. We thank you, Father, for your patience and understanding; your love that pricks our hearts so we will open our eyes when we have failed you. Father, today, fill us with your presence, so we can show others that this world has no opinion greater than yours. Help us today to get back to where we need to be in the relationship with you; seeing the true Christ-like reputation that we should be showing others. Amen.
Don’t Count Me Out
Psalms 34:18, “The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.”
Greetings dear friends! Let’s take a moment to be thankful for God’s grace and all that He gives us. As we wake, and start our day, let’s allow Him to enter in with His presence, His guidance, that will bring positivity to every moment we experience today. As you look at the title, think about good things you have been blessed with and how each was because you counted, you were enough, you endured! So many times, we let the devil deceive us into thinking we don’t count, we are not enough, no one loves us, we can’t fit in to that group, or our past defines us. The devil is a lie! You are valued, full of potential, and have a purpose under God’s grace. Even when you are told you are not worthy, God sees you, fellow Christians and believers see you. God tells us in His word that even when we fall seven times or seven times seven, we will rise again, because the one who is in control will provide, protect and lift you! God doesn’t choose the equipped individuals, He chooses individuals whom He can equip to do the work. We can be counted on because God finds your worth because we are His children, we are not in need of anyone’s approval, nor their opinions of us. God will never abandon His people; this is His promise. He doesn’t promise that life will be easy; but He does promise that He will be beside you no matter what you go through along your journey. When you forget and let the world tell you that you are a failure; stop, regain your focus and pray; then study in His word to find every called person in that word. Read their stories of rejection, denial, disappointment, pain, suffering; their belief that they were not good enough; then read how God used them for His purpose! Study how those who others counted out, brought mighty changes to the world! Open your eyes to see that you are His; you cannot be counted out! Psalms 139: 14, “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” David wasn’t perfect, but he was perfect for the plan God laid out! Chose today to not be counted out!
Scriptures:
Read: Romans 12:2, Hebrews 6:9-11, Matthew 10:39, Matthew 16:25-27, Mark 8:34-38, John 8:12, Psalm 33:20-22, Psalm 34, Matthew 25:40, Luke 1:37, Romans 12:1-21, Psalm 27:1, Deuteronomy 31:6, Psalm 27:14
Prayer:
Dear God, we come now thanking you for making each of us just the way you intended. God we are asking you to give us strength to accept that we are made in your image, to work at being Christ-like, to stand tall and do what you called us to do. Thank you, God, for everything, thank you for your mercy and grace. Amen.
Nothing To Prove, Nothing To Lose
II Timothy 2:15, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
Hello friends! Welcome to another blessed day God is providing so that we can enjoy and possibly share the words, actions, that could bring someone else this same joy of living in Jesus! As we navigate our lives, we often think there is going to always be something to prove, something to express; just looking for approval in some sort or other. Again, we were not created to find ways to please anyone here on this earth. What could we actually gain by believing that the opinions of others will get us to heaven? In what capacity will someone else’s opinion or thought help us to gain salvation, trust God, obey His guidance, or even succeed as a Christian, a disciple of God? Yes, God gives ministers, pastors, evangelists the messages, words to say that can open up feelings and emotions that trigger our need to receive God’s call to becoming forgiven, saved and redeemed. But, who ultimately provides the knowledge used by each? Every person that provides you with crucial advice, shows you their experiences; all trusted God, relied on the path He chose for each of them! Each of us should never focus on performing for human approval or believing that they hold the key to how your life is planned out. Rev. Billy Graham was a great minister for God, but he never asked any of us to prove ourselves to him. He knew “from whence cometh my help”; He followed only the God of creation so that the promise of the Father would be fulfilled when he was called home! Yes, you should do your best at anything you are involved in, like career, education, sports participation; always pushing yourself to do better in anything you want to succeed with. But, yes but, never allow yourself to think you need an approval of another, only God. Do it because God is leading you toward a heavenly home! You have nothing to prove here to this world; you only need to show God you accept His call; nothing to lose but everything to gain!
Scriptures:
Read: Galatians 6:4-5, 2 Corinthians 13:5, 2 Timothy 2:15, Galatians 1:10, 1 Corinthians 4:5, Romans 12:2, Proverbs 12:2, 23, I Thessalonians 5:21, Philippians 2:12, Colossians 3:2-4, Jeremiah 29:11, Matthew 7:7-8, Proverbs 14:26, Psalm 34:4, II Chronicles 15:7
Prayer:
Precious Father, thank you for showing us daily that we are somebody to you and that you are the only approval we need. Thank you, Father, for saving us, protecting us, providing for our every need. Father, continue to give us strength when the world tries to pull us back in. Help us Father, to trust in your promises. Amen.