Changes

Hello Everyone! Today is the day we will be open to all changes. Maybe you want a caramel frappe’ instead of a Chia Tea! Perhaps you will skip that croissant and have a fruit parfait. In this world today any change can be difficult. We rely on repetition or routine; never changing the obvious. Often we come to believe that nothing needs changing, readjusting, added to, transformed, or just made different! Sometimes our relationships are the same but need a crucial altering or amending. Are there ways to better that connection by just making one adjustment, a change? Change your words, change your actions. People will notice the small things. You will see the change and then you will see the difference that change can make in everything around you. We don’t wear the same clothes day after day, (unless unknown circumstances are the reason) we make changes. The list of reasons for doing so is long. By changing we take off the old and replace with the new. 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” So, becoming a child of God enhances your ability to change; all because He places the desire in your heart to be NEW! Do you not notice that your own attitude changes when you switch from work clothes to comfort clothes? At home, you are more relaxed; but why not carry that attitude of positivity to work, school? Believe me, others will notice, and you might get surprised that the atmosphere changes! Why not use this same example by using changes in our everyday language, attitudes, attributes, quest, thoughts! Mentally, many of us like that the routine never alters; and that their life never changes. But if we realize we really don’t have to do drastic changes just begin subtly. Those simple changes will just be a challenge and not a mental break. Once you changed your regular life to a God life, every other change will fall into place because you are changed! Make that effort today and change at least one thing you do routinely every single day! Make that change with enthusiasm and an open heart, even your family will join in! Incorporating new with old just makes life more exciting!

Scriptures:

Read: Isaiah 43:19, Romans 12:2, 2 Corinthians 5:17, 2 Corinthians 4:16, Ephesians 4:22-24

Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank you for this day. Grant me the ability to see change, to make change, and to accept change. Help me to see that some things must change to keep our lives running smooth. Lord please give me strength in the adjustment to whatever change comes along my journey. Allow me to adjust in a way that is pleasing to you as well as those around me. Please empower me to find your guidance in every step of every day. Amen.

Jesus Does

Today we are again given the opportunity to begin another day. Maybe your mind today is cluttered with the negative thoughts again. First let’s thank God for this day and anything it may give us! Next, let’s get a little reasoning to questions that are clouding our minds. Stop thinking on why family or friends don’t have your back, or be by your side; Jesus will and Jesus does. Stop wondering why or when will someone actually be your protector, your encourager, a confidant; when Jesus already is. Truth is, you have always had that one constant standing by you in every moment. That still small voice you sense, that unknown whisper in the back of your mind. He uses the voices of loved ones, the memories of loved ones, through dreams or thoughts. Jesus does encourage you and protects you through everything, even when you don’t know who He is. Jesus does know who you are. Jesus does know your past. Jesus does know your future. When you have fallen away into the abyss of this world and feel there is no way back, and that you have no answers; Jesus does. No sin is so great that He cannot reach you. No problems that feel so overwhelming, that cannot be corrected or solved by you are no problem for Jesus. Opening up to believing, acknowledging, accepting God’s continued grace, mercy and love, you will become less clouded in all thoughts. Just take today to allow what Jesus does to fill your mind, heart and soul. No matter what awaits in the next moments, know without a shadow of doubt that Jesus does!

Scriptures:

Read: Matthew 21:22, Colossians 2:6, 1 John 3:22, Psalms 46:10, John 10:14-15, Romans 8:27-28, Ephesians 3:19

Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank you for another day. Grant me the ability to know that Jesus does know my needs and He will always be the one constant. Allow me to understand that not everyone is here to be of good service, though you created them to be. Help me to pray for those loved ones who need to gain insight into your love, your grace and especially your abilities to be there in times of need. Help me to be more like you, to be a servant to others in their time of need, and to trust that you can and will be there always. Amen.

Possibilities

Hello Again! The morning is here and another day breaks free to allow endless possibilities! Are you only focused on work? Or are you focusing on just getting to work? Just making it to the sitter’s? But isn’t the day full of possibilities? It is possible to make positive things happen just by believing they can! The first one is that you woke up! Then you got ready. We make way for any possibilities that are sure to happen with our daily preparations! First, did we thank God for this day? Bringing our prayers to God at the start of the day ensures that we are willing to let Him open up the possibilities. Just by that calling on Him you are already prepared to face the good, the bad or even the ugly! It is possible that your day will be a good one. And then brace yourself on a positive energy if this day seemingly does not end up being as good as you expected; cause in all things there is good when we see the positive! Good things do come to those who wait! Thinking through with positive vibes allows the negative to flee. It provides that open door to better things. Ruth chose to stay with her mother in law. She chose to believe possibilities were waiting for her in that foreign land that became home; that was God’s plan. Her possibilities opened up many good things. (Ruth 1:16-17) Possibilities are always endless. Life is as we choose for it to be. Choosing to take the positive possibilities will enlighten your load. Say it now, “Possibilities await”!

Scriptures:

Read: Luke 1:37, Matthew 19:26, Mark 9:23, Luke 18:27, II Peter 1:5-7, Ephesians 3:20, Matthew 17:20, Proverbs 3:6

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I come now thanking you for endless possibilities! Please grant me the understanding of the way positive thoughts can aid in the ability to get through all things. Allow me to use my faith in your guidance to see that all things are possible through you. Take me now into this day and others to follow, trusting in you to keep me on the path to positive possibilities. Amen.

Finding Joy

Morning! Push all the negative thoughts out! Finding that inner peace takes only a moment. When you opened your eyes, did you say thank you Lord? Did you pray for a good day with only positive vibes? If you questioned your joy by letting in negative thoughts; STOP IT! Push that rewind button; even when you are running today’s agenda, or schedule, or daily task through your mind, breathe; then think “joy is coming”! When we fill our souls with happy thoughts we can suppress that darkness and bring the joy up to the top! David struggled more as an adult than as a young shepherd in his father’s fields. He reached into the depths of his soul to again feel the presence of God. Even on the run he lamented over his struggles and his deficiencies. His one constant was knowing a God who could take a boy from the fields and lead him to the palace. Psalms 23 says it all! Look it up right now; see and feel that same emotion! He felt restored in every moment by finding joy and peace within. He found looking towards the end goal of being in the presence of God one day. Though there are trials, temptations, heartaches, pain, true joy is coming! Find joy in everything by thinking positive! I may have spilled my coffee but I could have spilled it in my lap! Even in the simple things you do as your morning routine, find the joy. If you have children, you already see the joy as they rush around with you getting ready! If you have a pet instead, you see the joy in them because they see love in you! Use a positive thought in anything that lets negative emotion come up. Even in sorrow, think of only the happy times; the good memories that filled you with smiles or laughter. There is joy in all things; you just need to find yours in everything! Keep telling yourself joy will heal and fill!

Scriptures:

Read: Psalms 23, Psalms 15:11, Psalms 66:1, John 15:11, Psalms 30:5, John 15:11, I Peter 4:13

Prayer:

Dear God, thank you for this day. Thank you for all the joy in my life. Please continue to dwell inside my soul that I can share the joy you give me with everyone around me! Please help me push any negative thoughts from my mind and replace them with positive ones! Let joy be seen every day through me so someone can see there is positively no other way to receive it except through your love! Let me find joy even in the hard times and give thanks that you are there to help me through all of it! Amen.

Masking the Real

Morning! Yeah, there is no way to mistaken when the morning has arrived! You can’t delete it, you can’t hide it and there is no disguising it; the sun still rises. Creation and life is a glorious thing! Morning is as real as the dew on the ground, the songs of the birds, your life, your job; everything. What we must not do is try to hide what we feel, what we know to be true. A masquerade or costume party where you can hide your identity or just pretend to be someone else is a prime example of masking the real. It is fun but, we must keep sight of ourselves. Refusing to join in by making excuses is another example of hiding the real you. So you are not a drinker or partier; that doesn’t mean you cannot enjoy gathering with friends and family; so then voice you. Be open to people by showing your ideals, your style, your integrity and mostly your honesty. Just be honest with yourself, then open up to others; if they are true friends and loving family; you will be accepted as yourself. In this world, we are seeing so much “hidden” information, cover-ups from every angle, and identities pushed under and stifled. Why do so many not honor their heritage? We as a diverse nation have forgotten; we were once the outsiders who ran from our homelands in order to establish a new homeland! When you mask the real, you become open to ridicule because you forget that you are the one God created as a separate individual. No one is the same, even when likes or dislikes are comparatively the same. Each of us are given our souls at birth and are already destined to be what God intended. Herein lies another problem. We as Christians mask our beliefs by accepting what is not taught in God’s word. Get back to what will lead you, guide you, save you, protect you, cherish you! Take off the world’s mask! Never hide who God created you to be. So just be you and stop masking the real!

Scriptures:

Read: Mark 4:22, Luke 12:2-3, II Corinthians 3:18

Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank you for giving me my own personality, my own looks, all of my differences. Please empower me to not hide my true self. Push me to show others the REAL you that resides in me. Help me to speak out on your behalf so that others can see You in me. Please Lord give me the strength to step forward and not hide you because I am hiding myself! Amen.

Experiences

Another day and another experience! Yeah, just dropped the toothpaste again; spilled that coffee on the counter; left your lunch in the fridge; hit every red light on the way; what a day! In every moment there are experiences. The majority seem miniscule and unproductive. In reality maybe those allowed you to miss that pile up on the interstate at that moment; the patrolman that stopped another car rushing to work; the elevator that stalled. Every moment in every day we each have an experience of some sort because the days hold happenings that can be planned or unplanned.  Experiences are not always bungee jumping, sky diving, roller blading, or even surfing! Maybe you are in training for something your job requires; maybe school has projects that need completing. Every aspect of true learning involves gaining knowledge through experiencing something! BUT do not miss out on taking time to try new adventures that allow you to have experiences! Just remember that watching wildlife in their natural habitat while taking a walk/hike is experiencing what God created. Seeing the face of new parents as they look lovingly into the face of that angel God gave them. Try to see that experience of that child who just got their first steps, first words, first hit, first touchdown, first crush, first heartbreak, first diploma! Sometimes just seeing the joy of others in their experiences will give you a better desire to experience life! Walking out of your comfort zone into the world of new jobs, new relationships, new church, new friends are all another type of experiences. In reality, have you experienced the true joy of accepting God as your savior and the life changing ways with Him? All of your experiences will suddenly be MORE! Experience the hand of God in a healing moment; in a victory of accomplishment; even waking up! Never limit yourself to knowing every moment is an experience! Treasure the little ones with those “once in a lifetime”; because God can show you so much more!

Scriptures:

Read: Psalms 16:11, Philippians 1:20-21, Philippians 2:3, Colossians 3:17, Matthew 19:26, Proverbs 24:32

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I come to you asking for the ability to understand all the experiences I have survived by your grace. Take them, the good and the bad; use them through me that within each one is a lesson learned. Give me acceptance of the pleasures and the pains. Give me the knowledge to know you provided all that I have, all that I need. Thank you for every day and every moment of all those experiences! Amen.

Crisis

Good Morning! Another day has come so wake up, face it head on. Today we want to acknowledge crisis; or the things will feel are in that category. Do we seemingly divert or ignore problems? Do we dismiss pain? Do we inadvertently feel like just ignoring it will just make it go away? A crisis; what really is the meaning of a crisis? We usually assume it is a major problem, probably because the word ‘crisis’ looks and feels ominous, though it is a small word. How we handle any crisis is bringing it to our heavenly Father. God already knows, but just opening up and actually talking with Him first can accentuate the closeness He values as our God. We can always divert these crises just by admitting it out loud to the one who can bring us through. Find your life line by praying. Speak it out loud so you can get a better feel of God’s presence all around you. We become more relaxed, and open to all the answers as we release those feelings in prayer and supplication to God. In Christian terms, the word is usually burden, which means we have something on our hearts that we assume cannot be fixed or changed. Jesus told us to bring all our heavy burdens and lay them at His feet. The hardest part of any crisis/burden is allowing God to help in these situations. We as independent people, try to handle everything until we break emotionally; sometimes physically. When we get to that point, let’s stop and remember He already knew your decisions; your crisis; long before you tried to do it alone! So now, open up; call on Him; explain it all to Him; then truly let Him guide you through! Whether great or small we must rely on the only one who can prevent or change the crisis whatever the size. No crisis is too big for our BIG God!

Scriptures:

Read: Psalms 34:4, Isaiah 40:31, Matthew 11:28-30, Philippians 4:6-7

Prayer:

Father, thank you for every day you are within me. Thank you for having your loving arms around me in every crisis I have and will endure as my journey in this life continues. Lord, please provide that strength needed to endure the small with the large burdens that I may at times forget to lay at your feet. I come humbly accepting your help. May your spirit lift me up so that others can see that it is a blessing to have you take on the crisis. I pray in earnest to feel your presence now and always. Amen.

Seeing Is Believing

Morning! How’s your vision today? Are you seeing double, cross-eyed, blurry? Maybe your eyes are open but you are not really seeing what’s right in front of you. There is a door that’s opened allowing you to participate or succeed. We need to believe without seeing; by trusting in the word of the Lord and Savior. That everything, whether story, parable, real life; happens because God wanted it to for the purpose of giving us opportunity to be His. We also know as humans, we can and will make mistakes and that we can and will fail Him. We are not perfect. All of us must just strive to be like Him and to do that; must look in His word. Sometimes we keep looking for the answers that have already been given; we have just not asked God to reveal them in our hearts! Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (KJV) True faith is believing and trusting God even though we cannot see Him with our eyes; but we can see the miracles daily that happen when we just trust! C.S. Lewis said it best as he described how Christianity had transformed his life, "I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen, not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.” So are your eyes open? Try closing them, then see what is within, see those opportunities awaiting you, those doors that are opening. Open your eyes; see the sun, yeah it’s still shining, pushing forward to show a light so you can really SEE what is coming! Seeing with your heart, soul and mind. Seeing really is believing if you are looking through God’s eyes.

Scriptures:

Read: 1 Corinthians 2:9-10, Mark 11:24, Hebrews 11:1, 1 Peter 1:8

Prayer:

Dear God, thank you for this day and all that you have in store. Precious Lord, fill me with your spirit that I may see with eyes of an open heart. That I might trust your guidance of things to come along my journey in this world. Allow me to be open to new obstacles, new achievements and every new day! Amen.

Showing Up Faith

How does our faith show up in a crisis? It could be that inner voice, God whispering. Some say faith has no worries, which by Christian standards and God’s word; that should be true! But as humans, we forget the abilities of the true God. The presence of doubt doesn’t diminish the presence of faith. By diligently learning, applying and trusting God’s truths in every area of our lives — whether it's watching a movie together, communicating with our spouses/ friends, raising children or working at the office — we can begin to develop a deep comprehensive faith that will stand against the unrelenting tide of this world’s nonbiblical ideals. “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”, Romans12:2, KJV. How does faith manage emotions against anxiety? Here again we hear that voice; it reminds us that faith is showing up, telling us not to worry, asking us to learn to not let emotions make us frantic. All by just giving us the opportunity to RELY on what God already gave us within our hearts and uttermost souls! Think about it, deep down where we pull up that strength to get through! It’s the showing up faith that comes when nothing else does. It is that faith of a mustard seed! “And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you,” Matthew17:20, KJV. Now that was a mouthful! Never doubt that faith will show up. It is always there deep inside your soul; you just need to allow it to show up!

Scriptures:

Read: Psalms 34:4, Matthew 17:20, Luke 17:5, Romans 10:17, 2 Corinthians 5:7, Deuteronomy 4:29-31, Jeremiah 33:3, Matthew 6:33.

Prayer:

Father, thank you for another day. Thank you for providing a book of teaching and understanding. Today Lord, give me the ability to take my faith and show others how you can bring hope, grace and love to a world of negativity. Help me to push aside fear and doubt allowing me to hear you. Lord let me be a vessel for you to fill with more and more of you. Amen.

Abundant Blessings

Good morning! Today is another day to be thankful and blessed! There are routines we must complete every day to just make the day productive. So, even if there arrives an obstacle, face it head on! Just when that toast gets a little too brown, just when you miss the bus, just when they are out of your favorite coffee… breathe. Just remember, there are more positive things than bad that will happen! You got caught by that same red light; but there was a wreck just ahead that seriously could have been in your path! A blessing was given to you, red light or not! There are times you will feel the world is against you, but is it? God gives so many blessings, great and small. That promotion went to someone without your experience, but…they now have to move, maybe you needed to stay; then you got a better promotion! Blessings come in big variety packages! Truth is, we must rely on the path God has chosen, recognizing that there is purpose in the blessings! We must acknowledge that God’s timing in any situation is not ours. If He allowed everything to be as WE want, where would the blessings be? Where would the lessons be? How would we learn humility, empathy, faith and love? God pours out so many blessings, yet are we ignoring them? Are we not being thankful for just BEING? You opened your eyes, you received a new day. Head out into today and open up to the abundance of blessings! And take time to BE the blessing! Psalms 37:4, “Delight thyself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of thine heart.” Your day will be blessed by just blessing someone else, whether a word or a kind deed!

Scriptures:

Read: Proverbs 10:22, Isaiah 35:10, James 1:17, Psalms 33, II Peter 3:9, Romans 4:21, Matthew 6:33-34, Psalms 103, II Corinthians 9:8, Psalms 67:1, Psalms 128:1, Psalms 103:1-22.

Prayer:

Oh Lord, I am coming to you, asking for forgiveness. Asking you to continue giving your blessings as you see fit, not when I believe you should give them. Thank you for your directions to the right paths. Thank you Lord for letting me see today and every day necessary to do what you have given me opportunities to do. Please guide me in sharing blessings, great or small to others. Lord, please continue to be in my life, and thank you once again for the blessings. Amen.

It’s The Little Things

Happy Day People! Rise and shine and give God the glory, glory, children of the Lord! (childhood song!) Another beautiful day has come from which the moments await! Are you dragging just a little? Are you hitting that snooze again? Are you still in a “dead end” job and afraid to move on or why haven’t you made that job BETTER? Could you be realizing opportunity is there but your backbone isn’t? Is God leading you toward a different path on your journey? Maybe the kids are just not moving at the right pace to get out the door? Then that child, yeah the one slurping the milk from the cereal bowl says, “Hey, I love you”! Your phone starts buzzing, it’s mom or dad, a sibling or a friend; saying “have a good day”! And then a still small voice from within says, “Hey, you’ve got this”! At that moment an inspiration hits you that, yes I do have this! Isa Zapata said, “Finding magic in the little things and the big things will start to show up.” In these moments again, a little thing just sparked a jolt of encouragement. Maybe it’s that song playing and you really listen and hear the words. It could be that other person who spoke just to be polite. Or could it be that person who held the door as you approached? Little things; do you ever wonder why they are most important? Like that bird that always seems to sing, even in the rain! God used a young boy with five loaves and 2 fish to feed 5000 people! Look around, be aware, be positive, and see the little things. Don’t miss out on the little things; because God sees potential in the least of these!

Scriptures:

Read: Philippians 4:6-8, Isaiah 40: 31, Colossians 1:1, Psalms 100:4, Luke 16:10-14, Psalms138:1-6, Psalms139:1-14, Daniel 2:21-22

Prayer:

Dear God, thank you for the little things; and showing me in His word that He can use the little things to make the big things! Let me be aware of all your creation and marvel at your works. Allow me not to miss out on special little things you put in my path to highlight my journey! Please provide me with the strength to move into the paths you provide knowing you are always there! May we provide others with the joy to see the little things! Amen.

Turning Point

Hello today! Whether Monday or even Friday, today is another day to enjoy life. Be confident and strong in every moment; but most of all be faithful and believe. Have you read the Sermon on the Mount? (Matthew 5-7:29) The first verses in chapter five use the word “blessed”. As I look at the meaning of that word blessed; the first word in each of the first 11 scriptures, I focused on what the meanings were that the dictionary gives. (see below) A few seem non-reachable, but in God’s eyes we can be those things. Each definition has goals, accomplishments, and things we want to be in Gods eyes! I have chosen to become number four; because being happy and content in all you already have is less pressure and life changing. All life events are not equal. But they do have actions; life changing actions. The turning point is in your choice to succeed emotionally, physically, and spiritually! Your life will have crossroads on your path in this life. These crossroads do not have to end you; they don’t define you, they just prepare you. Turning points can create messes unless you choose to let them become miracles; the choice is up to you. Let’s take today and reach for a turning point on our journey in life. We have that choice and opportunity to make them good or great! Notice I left out bad or negative; there is no room for them! Please try to never focus on the negative because we need the turning point to be life changing and hopeful! Let the grace and blessings of God fill us so we know that the better day is coming. Today is the day you are at the turning point! Which way are you going?

Scriptures:

Read: Romans 8:37-39, I John 5:4, I Timothy 1:11-15, Proverbs 3:5-6, Philippians 4:11-13, Ephesians 5:17, John 7:16-18, Ephesians 6:6-7.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, I have come to a turning point. I am ready for you to lead me in the direction that will bring me your blessings! Thank you for this day of making new choices. Thank you Lord for being there, even when I was fighting to see your way. Thank you for allowing me opportunities to make the right choices and turn to the way that you will be honored and my life will proceed to happiness and fulfillment! Point me in that right direction and lead me on through my journey. Amen.

Knowledge

Good morning world! Another day has been given and we acknowledge that this is the day the Lord made. Forging forward, we need to pray for the day to give us knowledge to complete the moments of this day and every day. Do you sometimes feel inadequate? Maybe someone makes you feel less because they know more? We should never let anyone cause us to believe we don’t know enough. Our knowledge is learned. Maybe that person spends more time in getting more information. So this should get you going in that same direction! I love learning new things because I was a victim of “words” abuse. I’ve gained the understanding that at that moment, I didn’t have their knowledge but I COULD have it. Now I take a little information and then research that to make myself MORE aware of knowledge that is always there to receive. Proverbs 18:15, “The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.” God allowed Solomon along with a few of his wise men, to write the book of Proverbs. Within those chapters’ wise quotes, parables, acknowledgements were written to give valuable insight to gain knowledge. James W. Sire said, “The focus is not on the role of human experience in apprehending God, not on our grasping after the knowledge of God, not on our search for God. God is already there. The focus is on our receiving from Him the gift of the knowledge of His constant, immanent presence.” You can find so many other lessons in the Bible, but you have to take time to READ, STUDY, OBSORB, to completely gain that knowledge! When we keep working toward knowledge in this world we need to have the number one book to lead us in all the others; the Bible! Try it and see how the days will change!

Scriptures:

Read: II Corinthians 4:16-18, Philippians 4:6-7, Colossians 3:10, Colossians 1:9, James 1:5-6, James 3:17, Proverb 1:2-8

Prayer:

Lord, I want to first thank you for your words and your knowledge that are placed in the Bible so that we can learn firsthand the way to succeed in this world. Thank you for the commandments, the lessons, the stories of those who served you first. Please continue to help me to absorb all that is within those pages that will help me to grow closer to you and also that it will enhance the knowledge I gain from other avenues. Help me Lord to use all that I learn through all avenues in this world, then apply your teachings to my life. Amen.

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