Gifts to Advantages

When we use the gifts and the advantages God gives us to further His work while doing our own, our accomplishments will grow. In the middle of the Old Testament in the Bible; God placed the Chronicles. And then in one chapter of those Chronicles He had the life of Jabez placed for a specific reason. I have always heard “nobody reads the Chronicles because all it contains is the lineage.” But, while reading through the Bible I found this story in those Chronicles of a man who placed his total belief in what the God of Israel could do! Jabez took time to THANK God and then he ASKED the Lord to enlarge his territory. He was a good man but he knew that he was to spread the word to others as well as in his community; then across the world! When we put our trust in the creator, all things become possible. Bro. Billy Graham spoke a comment years ago, which I believe sums things up. He said, “When wealth is lost, nothing is lost; when health is lost, something is lost; when character is lost, all is lost.” Your character is what God gave you, and it contains your gifts. Your advantage is that God can carry you into and out of everything whether good or bad. By asking God you have done His bidding. Just think of the advantages of being part of that heavenly home someday! So get up, get going! Use what you have inside as an advantage to live a joyful fulfilled life and remember life is a gift! Use your gifts to build up others along your path so they too can use their gifts to receive advantages to a heavenly home!

Scriptures:

Read:  1 Chronicles 4:9-10, Matthew 7:7-8, Colossians 3:17, James1:17, Colossians 1:10

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for today. Thank you for the gifts you have bestowed on me! I come asking that you take these gifts and help me to use them in a way that will honor you and also will reach others who I come in contact with on a daily basis and to others I may see just in passing. Please enlarge my territory so that my gifts will grow while also spreading your love by being your vessel. Open the doors to the advantages awaiting in my journey! Amen.

Love Thy Neighbor

Hello Neighbors! Are you experiencing a grumpy, negative, or sad co-worker? Maybe the person behind you at the store seems hurried? Are the cars behind you already honking before the light changes? Find the positive in every encounter. Smile at the frowned up person you are walking by. Greet that individual who seems locked into their phone as they almost trip. Why not just wave at those cars and honk the horn back! I worked in the medical field and sadness was always around. I found the majority of people remember the kind words, the caring hugs, and the smiles. I also experienced another type of neighbor by working in retail. Every person entering that store already has a million things running through their heads! Task are already numbered and they are intent on getting to what they came for with no interruptions! A kind greeting, a cheerful conversation brings out the good in everyone. Sometimes just voicing, “have a good day”, becomes a gentle sigh of relief; not just for them but you too! We see it written everywhere that everyone is fighting their own battles within their own lives so BE KIND! Reaching out to others leaves the options open to oneself. Loving our neighbors is opening our hearts to any possibility no matter how unexpected. When we treat others as we would want to be treated, there is a greater compassion on both sides. That moment that you reach out, you may have saved a life, boosted confidence, gave encouragement to keep going; it is part of God’s plan. Become as little children, love all and treat even the “mean/angry” with kindness. It is amazing what will happen!

Scriptures:

Read: Proverbs14:21, Proverbs 27:10, Matthew 22:37-39, Leviticus19:18, Luke10:25-37, Matthew 7:12, Galatians 5:14, Mark12:31, Ephesians 4:32

Prayer:

Lord, I come to you humbly asking for the ability to choose kindness toward others. Please grant me compassion, understanding, resilience toward those who seem to need kindness the most. And Lord, though this is one of the hardest battles to accomplish, I’m am willing to give it my all. Please come fill me with patience at those times that I want to take the negative approach and let me be kind! Thanks for allowing me this day to show others what kindness can do. Amen.

Overcoming

Today we will overcome. We will overcome fear, fatigue, stress, anger, despair, and anything that brings negativity to our souls. We need to consciously direct our thoughts to something new. It’s helpful to keep a running list of good things to ponder—things that motivate you, that are true, and that bring joy! The grace of God fills me when I pray letting me know that the better day is coming. End times are here and I know where my home is going to be! In Isaiah 1; 9; 42; 53, Jeremiah 1-2; 32-33; Daniel 1-6; Amos 1-2; Jonah 1-4; Malachi 4, the authors told of people called to do the will of God. They each believed they were not worthy and couldn’t possibly succeed. But, they overcame, by trusting in God’s plan. You are worthy! You do have what it takes to succeed in this earthly world! Take that chance, take that leap of faith. Whether it’s a job, completing college, finding a new church, buying that first home, joining the gym, starting a new relationship, beating an illness or disease, etc. God places obstacles in your way to gain your trust in His ability to know you and to give you a plan. Do you know what the hardest part of overcoming really is? It is believing you are fearfully and wonderfully made by God to be yourself! He believed in you in the beginning of your journey and will be believing in you through the rest of it! BELIEVE-TRUST-OBEY! You can overcome. Be positive and defeat negativity! Be an overcomer!

Scriptures:

Read: 1 John 5:4-5, I John 4:4, Romans 8: 37, Isaiah 41:10, Psalms 46:1 Revelations 2: 7, Revelations 3:21, Romans12:21, John 16:33.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I come to you in earnest, asking you to provide the strength I need to overcome every obstacle that stands in the way of whatever you have planned for my day, my week, my year, my life! Thank you for today and the opportunity to step out on faith knowing you are my present help in every situation. I can overcome with you! Amen.

Faithful and Good

Morning to all! Let us start the day with the prayer that will help us to gain faithfulness and goodness! Let’s take what that devil, the enemy, wanted to steal and make evil and turn it around into something good! As we start the day, let us remember to use our God-given abilities to bring glory to Him! When we use outward actions like spreading the gospel or helping others, we are going to receive the joy of the Lord. Also, if we remember that God rewarded us with great responsibilities when we accepted the call and chose Him to enter into our hearts to make us brand new! Bringing that faithfulness into our daily lives gives us the desire to be more like Him. A faithful servant can be characterized by humility, obedience, diligence and integrity; all while exhibiting our compassion and commitment. Find your inner joy by showing the devil he cannot still your joy, because your joy comes from the Lord! When you start showing your actions as being loyal with a selfless attitude, you are letting others see that the goodness of the heart can please God and help you gain a closer walk with Him. By continuing to maintain a focus on good works, whether at the job, at school functions, at family outings, church functions, even vacations; you are modeling that behavior for others to see, thus showing them how much better life is when we are doing good! In every day, we must remember that unbelief and disobedience can lead to unhappiness; dragging us back into the abyss that God with His mercy saved us from! God tested the Israelites time and time again. We face trials daily but when we put the devil behind us and realize the importance of faith and obedience; our goodness will come alive and show outwardly! As a faithful and good believer, we will then see God’s blessings show up. Do not rely on quick fixes when the devil comes at you but rely on God’s blessings; even if it takes a little longer! Sometimes it’s the waiting that is blessing you! Stay faithful and good; the beauty is in doing what is right however long it takes!

Scriptures:

I Peter 4:19, Romans 4:20-21, Romans 3:28, I John 4:18, Hebrews 2:13-15, Matthew 17:20, Psalms 23:4, I Corinthians 4:2, I Corinthians 10:13, I John1:9, Heb3:2,9, II Tim.2:13, Heb.10:24, Rev.2:10, Matt.25:21, Heb.3:5, I Cor.1:9, II Thess.5:3, Rev.17:14, Gal.5:22-23, Prov.28:20, Ps.36:5, Ps.40:10, Deut.32:4.

Prayer:

Precious Father, we come to you believing that in all things your goodness and mercy is everlasting. We ask humbly that you continue to create in us a clean and good heart. We thank you for daily helping us through the evil of this world by surrounding us with your love and protection. As we go through each day please guide us in the goodness that can come from our faithfulness. Lead us Lord, even in troubles so that we know that goodness is waiting up ahead for us. Amen.

Are You Empty?

Are you empty? Do you feel there is a void inside? Have you allowed something or someone to hinder your fullness? Before we can fill up we have to be emptied of self, of pride, of negativity.  When we use the gifts and the advantages God gives us to further His work while doing our own, our accomplishments grow. Noah built a boat, but he was no longer empty. David trusted that God would use those stones. Faith filled him with courage! The woman at the well was filled with living water! The stories are endless! Think of your potential, think in terms of your spiritual depth. Sometimes our sense of spiritual realities can be strong and vibrant; but then at other moments, our hearts feel like lead weights and we find ourselves longing for God to dwell inside our souls again; but in reality, He never leaves. It is quite another thing to recognize that we; apart from God’s grace and His mercy, are hopelessly lost in our sins and spiritual debt. Though man has nothing to offer God that will equal, earn, or merit God’s righteousness; He still offers to fill us with His presence. No greater hope, peace, grace, or love can fill you like God can. Your inner self will need to open up to what God has in store for filling your emptiness. Let’s find the inner peace and allow God to fill you up.

Scriptures:

Psalms 107:1-9, Ephesians 3:19

Prayer:

Father, I come to you asking for your “filling up”! Lord grant me the strength to push out the negative by placing you in control. Thank you for allowing this day and the opportunity to be filled with your grace, mercy, peace and hope; but mostly your unfailing love! Go with me now into the day letting others see Jesus in me! Amen.

He Called My Name

Another day has come! We are blessed and thankful God allowed us to see this day! Today think about how we are called. Were you called to rescue people? Were you called to be a physician or surgeon for people? Maybe you were called to teach, instruct, lead. Could be that you were called to be a cashier on route to management? The calling is endless with so many choices! There comes a time when you will hear Him call you. That small voice inside your mind that beckons to you to listen. It will cause you to feel emotions against anything that is negative.

You will be trying to make a choice and if it’s the wrong choice God will call you by name! He will be that voice that says check that twice! Ponder on whether that choice will benefit you in this moment or in the future? You can choose to be called to the right choice. When He calls, He also provides the instructions in His word to guide you on your journey. Is He calling to you? Open yourself up to what He can offer, He has your plans already laid out, it’s up to you to hear Him calling your name!

Scripture Readings:

I Peter 2:9, Hebrews 12:11-13, Proverbs 4:26-27, I Corinthians 10:13, Matthew 20:16, Acts 9:15-16, I Corinthians 1:27

Prayer:

Lord, I come to you in humble praise thanking you for calling my name so I may have eternal life with you. Please give me strength to allow you to reach me, using your knowledge to guide me in all things of this world. Also, Lord, forgive me when I ignore your calling, but prick my heart so I can come back to you and hear your voice. Help me to discern the voices and know when it is you that is calling. Thank you again Lord for my calling, whether great or small. Amen.

Begin Anew

Here’s to new beginnings! Let’s get our praise on for being blessed to see today. Last year is on the back burner and today begins anew. The past can be a learning tool and taken forward only to allow no repeats! Always be thankful for the everyday things.

Those little things produce bigger things. Are you breathing? Are you physically able to get dressed and prepare for the day? And even if not, someone provided that assistance to allow you to have another day to complete the task of having the ability to begin anew.

Do you have a job and a way to get there? Even if you are a stay at home mom or grandmother you have a job. If you are a student your job is to get educated, assist your parents at home. It is a job. An athlete? Your job is to perform and do your best. Being an athlete is a job whether professional or as a student.

You can be the Bible that someone reads by living up to God’s word. Your actions are being watched by someone close, someone in passing, someone is always watching!

Today is new, a beginning to get your praise on and better yet, your life! Begin with God’s word. Reading John

1:1, “In the beginning was the word…” let’s get in the word to find what God has in store for the year.

God began with something small and created something large. First step is to just take a deep breath and

begin anew. (Read: Lam. 3: 21-26, II Cor. 5:17, Eph. 4:22-24)

Xxx

Dear Lord, I come to you now asking for guidance to begin anew. Asking you to empower my mind with your teachings from your word. I am asking that you dwell inside my heart so that my new life will show others that you Lord are the only way. Thank you Lord for this new day and the opportunity to begin anew.

Amen

Push Forward

Philippians 4:14, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

Today is blessed already. You woke up, you are still breathing. Whether you are in great health, disabled, confined to the care of someone else, you are here. Push forward! Read Proverbs 8: 22-30. God knew you even before you were formed. He knows what you are capable of being, and achieving. Begin a new day knowing someone is beside you.

God created you to be a blessing and a warrior. You may be tired, possibly worn. Push forward! When you feel hopeless, call on Him. Did Noah quit when the task felt overpowering? He believed and he Pushed Forward! Did Moses give up when the people stopped trusting? No he followed God and he Pushed Forward! Did Ruth go back the way she came? Of course not, she trusted in the God of her mother-in-law. She Pushed Forward. Did Mary run away because of her pregnancy? No, she knew God and she listened, she Pushed Forward!

We could keep naming Biblical people who made history over and over who chose their faith in the true God! We could name great ministers, soldiers, scientist, writers, athletes, that list goes on and on.

Today is yours and only you can decide to just Push Forward! (Read: Philippians 3:13-14, Isaiah 43:18, Proverbs 4:25, Joshua 1: 9)

xxx

Father, I come to you this day asking for the strength to push forward. I ask you earnestly to reside in my heart, that through your guidance I can take this day and move forward toward the goals you have laid before me. I want to thank you for another day to be able to trust in your guidance. Please Lord grant me the ability to show others your love can help push forward through all obstacles. Amen

It’s Time

Titus 3:5 ESV, “He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.”

Blessings friends! Here you are again. We have been given this day to pronounce, “It’s Time.”

Today is the next day but always a time to be what God has called you to be. You have let time be your downfall. You have let moments pass without grasping for the short straw! It is time for us to bring forth the inner being that God created inside each one of us. No more dwelling on things gone by. No more using excuses to block time you need to regroup and recharge. The past can bring you down if you dwell on the “what ifs”, or anything that seems to have been a wrong choice.

God knows the past, He knows your present and He knows your future. Make the time to follow through on removing all the negative things in your life that block your joy. It’s time to open up the positive thoughts and bring forth new beginnings, new ideas, new life! “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8 (NIV) As in every new day, there is a chance to make things positive! It’s Time! (Read: Ps 111:10, Rev 21:6-7)

xxx

Precious Father, I come to you now thanking you for allowing another day. I am asking for you to fill me with your presence and go with me into this day. Grant me Lord the ability to follow through on letting the positive overtake the negative. Please Lord help me to be what you have called me to be and let your strength be my guide to achieve all that you have in store for me.

Amen.

Are you Empty?

Jeremiah 17:7, “Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is.”

Are you empty? Do you feel there is a void inside? Have you allowed something or someone to hinder your fullness? Before we can fill up we have to be emptied of self, of pride, of negativity. When we use the gifts and the advantages God gives us to further His work while doing our own, our accomplishments grow. Noah built a boat, but he was no longer empty. David trusted that God would use those stones.

Faith filled him with courage! The woman at the well was filled with living water! The stories are endless! Think of your potential, think in terms of your spiritual depth. Sometimes our sense of spiritual realities can be strong and vibrant; but then at other moments, our hearts feel like lead weights and we find ourselves longing for God to dwell inside our souls again; but in reality, He never leaves. It is quite another thing to recognize that we; apart from God’s grace and His mercy, are hopelessly lost in our sins and spiritual debt.

Though man has nothing to offer God that will equal, earn, or merit God’s righteousness; He still offers to fill us with His presence. No greater hope, peace, grace, or love can fill you like God can. Your inner self will need to open up to what God has in store for filling your emptiness.

Let’s find the inner peace and allow God to fill you up. (Read: Psalm 107: 1-9, Ephesians 3:19)

xxx

Father, I come to you asking for your “filling up”! Lord grant me the strength to push out the negative by placing you in control. Thank you for allowing this day and the opportunity to be filled with your grace, mercy, peace and hope; but mostly your unfailing love! Go with me now into the day letting others see Jesus in me!

Amen.