Beautiful
I Samuel 16:7, “But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.”
Hello today! Thank you God for allowing each individual the opportunity for a new day! For generations our society or world have defined beautiful in a way that seems to fit only the elite groups. I always loved the saying, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder”! But let’s be honest, the best old saying is, “Beauty is only skin deep”! Defining beautiful we find it is a pleasing of the senses or the mind aesthetically! What a word! It means to see the appearance in front of you as pleasing. But have you really looked beyond the beauty to what essentially makes that beauty? God provided us with nature, which is an abundance of several things that make it so. Trees, flowers, or any plant starts from a seed, dirt, water, sun! The end results are breathtaking! He created the heavens so that the sun would rise with beautiful colors, and the same as it sets in the evening! At night the moon shines and the stars glitter. Every animal has a beauty all its own and even insects have beauty in parts of their makeup. God also allowed some people to have perfect skin, hair, and physical features. For others He gave empathy, humility, strength, mercy, intelligence, creativity, loyalty, integrity, confidence, generosity, compassion, and courage. Look up these other qualities and see what your beauty needs to be even more beautiful! As you check your qualifications, note that your inner beauty is worth more than your outward beauty! These qualities do not have to be for the most beautiful in appearance, but the most beautiful hearts and souls. Do you possess these qualities? Have you thought about how those qualities could affect those around you? God sees the inside first, are yours beautiful? Today is the day that your outward beauty needs to take a back seat to your inward beauty!
Scriptures:
Read: 2 Corinthians 4:16, Romans 12:2, Romans 10:15, 1 Samuel 16:7, Ecclesiastes 3:11, Psalms 139:14-16, Ecclesiastes 3:11
Prayer:
Father, thank you for giving your words to enlighten our minds in knowing that our true beauty is within our hearts and souls. Please keep showing us the world’s true beauty that you created. Open our minds to the deep inner beauty of all people. Forgive us for looking only at the outer appearance and taking people at “face” value, without seeing their inner beauty. Amen.
Flawless
Hebrews 13:21, “Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. A-men.”
Today is here! Be joyous knowing God allowed you this day! Today we want to focus on the ability to be flawless! The definition of this word is without blemish or imperfections; without mistakes or shortcomings; extremely good! So we see that we cannot be flawless in retrospect of our daily living as humans; for God made us in His image, but what we did with that body, soul and mind is another story of its own! We were given that chance to correct the flawlessness when Jesus bore that cross and then gave His life for all our sins! Glory! Now that is a reason to work towards that flawless life! Because of His sacrifice and our acceptance of His love we can be flawless in what we do from here on! We can work towards that final destination and do our part to be flawless. Like, for instance, praying daily, reading our Bible daily, going to church, witnessing to the lost, sharing our own testimony! Make our daily lives more like Jesus was and then continue on our journey to a promised land! We can do our jobs as is required of us and then going that extra mile while doing that job. Do good deeds for others, not for recognition but because it is a flawless gesture! In every act of goodness and kindness you get to be more flawless! “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect,” Matt 5:48. Flawless in God’s eyes is a whole new ballgame!
Scripture:
Read: Romans 12:2, Hebrews 13:21, James 1:3-4, James 1:17, II Timothy 3:16, Colossians 3:23-24, Romans 3:23, Matthew 5:48, Psalms 119:9, Philippians 1:6
Prayer:
Dear God, thank you for your son who showed us how to be more like you! Thank you for the Bible that gives us instructions on how to accomplish being flawless. Please place in us the ability to want to strive to be more like Jesus/you. Bless us with trust in our hearts that you can guide us as we walk our journeys through this life to make it to your promised land. Amen.
Honesty
Zechariah 8:16, “These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbor; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates.”
Morning good friends! Alas another day has dawned and we are looking toward positive outcomes in every step we take today! In every step let us be honest with ourselves. Let us use honesty to further our peace of mind and self-respect. Proverbs 12:22, “Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are His delight.” The four points of honesty are: a) trustworthiness, b) loyalty, c) fairness and d) sincerity! When we are honest, we are choosing to not lie, steal, cheat or deceive anyone in any way; no matter the circumstance! Choosing to be honest will help us build character and this allows us to be of great service to God and to others. We also create trust in others because they will know we are honest. Be cautious also in being honest when someone ask your opinion. We must express that we are thinking of their character and that there should not be any ill feelings because someone has been totally honest in their answer. We also must know that God knows all that we think and say! Honesty is one of the commandments and should be written on every heart! Any deed that is done against another will be found out! God already knows your heart, knows what you speak, and whom you speak it to! Choose to do the right thing first! Sometimes the truth does hurt, but there are ways to communicate without hurting! Then we must give positive feedback that will recover their self-esteem! Even in honesty we must be compelled to do the right thing. “He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit,” Proverbs 12:17. KJV If you feel in your heart that hurt will come with the honesty, then tell that person to get in God’s word and God will give them the answer. Seek before you speak is a hard thing to do, but it helps each of us to understand true honesty!
Scriptures:
Read: Exodus 20:16, Leviticus 19:11, Zechariah 8:16-17, Luke 12:1-3, 1 John 3:18, Ephesians 4:15 &25, Romans 13:13-14
Prayer:
Lord, please forgive me for being untruthful in my everyday life. Help me to realize how much more valiant it is to be honest with everyone. Please Lord, prick my heart when I find I have forgotten how to be honest and provide the strength to speak the truth. Thank you Lord for the knowledge to know good things come when we trust in you and your commandments. Amen.
Mountain Tops
Isaiah 55:12, “For ye hall go out with love and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.”
Here we are! Good morning to you and yours! I have found that in this summer heat I long for the cool days of fall in the mountains! Nothing like being at the top of a mountain to be up close and personal with God. Feeling His presence as though He were standing next to you and breathing in all that He can pour into you! In all truth, God is present in every place that you are as a constant companion. Psalms 121:1, “I lift mine eyes to the hills, from whence does my help come from?” And then there are those life mountains that seem to lurk around every corner. Some show up as bills and you can’t find the money; but God! Then there comes a sickness that keeps you home therefore depleting your hours for work and getting paid; again, but God! Maybe it is that promotion that you are being chosen for and there are other people striving for the same thing, again, but God! Of course, there are mountain tops of decisions that come along with everything else that our life journey has; new car, new house, relationships, marriage, jobs, children, etc. For every mountain there is a path to the top; one that God has pre-designed for you. This is but another stepping stone along our journey. But if we chose positive thinking and asking God for guidance, we realize, HE can help with them all. Trust God in helping with those answers; have faith that He knows the path. Pray first for His ability to help you climb, then for your ability to accept His choice! Climb every day with faith! Trust God through the valleys, then believe in the mountain tops, the views are astounding!
Scriptures:
Read: Isaiah 54:10, Psalms 72:3, Isaiah 55:12, Isaiah 2:2, Amos 4:13, Psalms 121, Matthews 17:20
Prayer:
Precious Father, thank you for all the valleys and the mountain tops! I praise you for showing me that even in the valley you are there to push us forward. I praise you for the mountains that we climbed to reach to point of achievement. Thank you for being an almighty, loving God who is always there in the midst of good and bad. Amen.
Depths of the Valley
Psalms 23:4, “Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”
Morning! We have come to another day. The day is here and it is going to be a positive one; claim it and believe it. Even though times are hard and we struggle on a daily basis there is joy in the morning! Restless sleep? Tossing, turning, mind full of what ifs? Pause, then breathe in the knowledge that no one is alone in that same feeling. We can find solace, peace just by taking time to pray, which is a personal conversation with God. Have you been in the depths of the valley? Have the trials of your journey brought you into a valley between the mountains looming on each side? Are you looking up or just wallowing in the pity of negativity? David found himself in the depths of the valley feeling the pits of despair. In Psalms 23, he wrote how God would be there through all trials and temptations, not letting him be alone. David gave God the praise when there were good times and bad, just as we should. We today have to dig deep and trust God in our journey; having faith in Him to lead us up out of the valley. If you made a list of all the bad things that have happened during your journey; then one with all the blessings, you will find the blessings outnumber the bad! The thing about praising Him in the valleys is you will gain a trust and understanding of His faithfulness. Whether you are on top of the mountains or down low in the valleys, put your trust in Christ alone! Call on Him at all times. The valleys are just stepping stones on our journey over the mountains!
Scriptures:
Read: Jeremiah 29:11, Psalms 139:23-24, I Peter 3:15-17, Psalms 23:1-6, Romans 15:4, Isaiah 41:10, Ecclesiastes 9:10
Prayer:
Lord, continue to bless me in this world of trials. Please continue to provide your solace in times of grief; your grace when I lose sight of your promises, and your love when I feel lost. Lord, fill me with your healing powers, teach me to look always to you for my needs. Thank you for bringing me through the valleys and helping me over the mountains of life. Thank you for being there always. Amen.
Promise Keeper
Hebrews 10:23, “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for he is faithful that promised.”
Hello again! Today we want to remind ourselves that a promise is a promise! Everyone wants to be able to keep promises. If we keep even the least of the promises we give to others, we are rewarded tenfold! I find that in today’s society I want to be like a child and say, “Do you pinky promise”? They seem to understand that their finger with a touch of love provides a stronger assurance. W.E. Vine says that a promise is, “A gift graciously bestowed, not a pledge secured by negotiation.” Are you a promise keeper? The internet and dictionary say it is a declaration that one will do or refrain from doing; something that is specified. You notice neither has faith in the outcome due to the part about refraining from doing! How can you be a promise keeper, or make your word be truth, without delivering on that pledge? I believe it should be an expressed assurance on which expectation is to be based! God is our promise keeper. He proved it throughout time and He proves it daily for each of us. If we trust and respect His ability to provide promises, we grow in faith. When your behavior is consistent it allows others to build faith in your promises. Can we take today and be a promise keeper, whether a simple childlike word or a definite volunteering of our time?! Proverbs 25:11, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” Believe in the promise keeper and when you place a promise and keep it great things will come!
Scriptures:
Read: Ecclesiastes 5:2, Colossians 3:16, James 1:22, 1 John 2:5, 1 John 3:18, Romans 4:19-21, Hebrews 10:23, 1 John 2:25, Matthew 21:21-22
Prayer:
Father, thank you for all your promises that are spoken in your word. Thank you for keeping those promises and giving us true newness of life when we turn our lives over to you. Strengthen us in every day to uphold our promises to you and others. Provide in us a humble trusting heart. Amen.
Crushing It
Romans 15:13, “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing that ye abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.”
Good morning, let’s get the day started! Did you find a way to get that needed sleep, rest, relaxation? Deciding to begin working on those three things will make your body become a revived machine ready for action! Make sure your family, roommates, really get with the program on how you are changing things for the better. Sometimes we just need to think of self to enable our bodies to recharge and crush it! Let us focus on being everything we can! Let’s crush it today! Look into that mirror and say, “We have got this”. Then take everything in stride. Positivity is the best medicine to start a great day with. Think positive in every moment you are getting ready/dressed; getting breakfast; ushering the kids/husband out the door, gathering your purse; and briefcase, etc. In every moment find a positive to drown out any negative. You are a warrior and you are dressed in the armor of God; nothing can stop this forward movement! Whether you are a single individual, a married couple, a stay at home mother, a student, everyone should keep their thoughts in a positive mode of feelings. Today will be a glorious day because you have already crushed it at home getting through the morning routine. The journey to work is the next obstacle of crushing it, take traffic in stride, let nobody cause negativity. When you get to work your armor will protect you, provide for you, produce ability in you, and give you strength to face the day. When the negative approaches don’t forget to say, “get behind me satan!” Yes, you are crushing it!
Scriptures:
Read: Romans 13:12, II Corinthians 6:6-7, Ephesians 6:11-18
Prayer:
Dear Lord, I come to you now asking for the ability to ‘crush it’, to allow you to live through me making me the example of your positive glory. Allow me to find confidence by allowing your shield of armor to protect me from this negative world. Bless me Lord as I ‘crush it’ by being more like you. Amen.
It Is Well
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33
Here we are again! Morning has come and today is beginning! It is well and active and so should we be as we move along into the day. The thought of “well” brings me to the memories of singing an old hymn, “It is Well with my Soul”. When you are young, old hymns seems so forlorn, sad, and you wonder why the author was so down when they poured out those feelings on the paper. Maybe they had a loss that tore at their very core! Or maybe they just realized how a God so powerful could love them unconditionally! Or realized, God is the comforter and will heal your sad heart. Even how God showed grace and forgave them of their sins. It is well with our souls, it is well with our minds, and it is well with our hearts! When the world brings us down; pause and think, it is well with my soul! When our sorrows are overwhelming, remember it is well with my soul. God has taught us that it is well, and He has the answers to whatever we are going through. Even when satan believes he has broken us, think; that’s wrong, God has a plan and it is well thought out and planned! Whether you believe your sins are too great, remember Jesus nailed them to the cross and bore them just for you; It is well. The day will come when the trumpet sounds and Jesus descends and all of it is going to be well! Let’s take today and think on the positive, relying on God to be in the lead throughout the day; remembering “It IS well”!
Scriptures:
Read: John 4:14, Romans 8:28, Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, Psalms 46:1-3, Psalms 138:3, Psalms 107:9, Psalms 93:1-5, Psalms 34:4-5,8, Isaiah 41:10, Proverbs 3:5-6
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for giving your life to save mine along with everyone here. Thank you for forgiving me of everything, then teaching me through your word all the things that will sustain me through this world! Please heavenly Father, provide me with your strength and peace so I can be well with my soul! Amen.
Unmovable
Psalms 16:8, “I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.”
Today is here! Are we thankful? I know I am, and so ready to be unmovable in His work through whatever He has decided to lead me! I take the challenge and am ready to face the day. The definition that we find is that ‘it is not able or intended to be moved; incapable of being moved emotionally or persuaded.’ One person described it biblically as being solid, firm, resolute, firmly fixed, and incapable of being diverted from a primary purpose or mission. Wow! Can we not use that in everyday life? Become unmovable in the positive so no one can steal your joy. Sure there will be setbacks, but what is life without them! They are placed there to help you grow and to continue on the correct paths. Be the unmovable disciple who proclaims the word daily. Be the unmovable prayer warrior that prays for everyone, everything, even when you know it makes no sense! Be the leader of worship, Sunday school class, youth group that forms an unmovable mission to overcome. Be that unmovable responder to the needs of someone near you; family, friend, stranger. A little kindness goes an extremely long way! Be firm in your beliefs, be solid in your worship, be resolute to become a better Christian daily. 1Cor. 15:58, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmovable always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord!” So today, do you have the ability to be unmovable?
Scripture:
Read: Joshua 1:9, 1 Corinthians 15:58, John16:33, Proverbs 3:6, Isaiah 40:8, Psalms 125:1-5, Galatians 6:9, James1:2-6,12
Prayer:
God, thank you for strength in being unmovable. Allow me the ability to push out negative and place positive thoughts in every day, to become steadfast, firmly fixed on you. Let me show others how you are the Savoir and Lord of all. Let me live to bring others to your saving grace that they too may acknowledge your guidance and especially your love. Amen.
Bitter or Better
Hebrews 12:15, “Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.”
Today is here! Let us rejoice and be glad in it! Maybe yesterday wasn’t your day and the negativity took over. Did you become bitter towards that outcome? Did you become bitter towards some certain individual? Were you prone to showing bitterness towards anyone who came into contact with you after that? Ephesians 4:31-32, “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Forgiveness, that word that we find hardest to extend to people no matter how easy it really is. Forgiving doesn’t mean you are less of a person; it means you gave the memory to God to take care of; now it has made you new. Our hearts are very tender; but also they hold to memories tightly. To the ones who say that they are not bitter yet still hold to the past, let go for the better. Letting go of the past and hurts will lighten your heart; placing a peace within you that is everlasting. When we are bitter or disheartened the devil finds a pathway into your inner soul and will destroy the love God has placed there. Make amends by releasing those bitter feelings, and call on God to come down and fill you again and again for the better. Better days will come and those that offended you will be dealt with by the one who holds all revenge. It is so much better to be “better” than to be clouded with bitter! Watch as a God of forgiveness heals you and takes care of those who have hurt you. Be mindful that in all things forgiveness is a power given by God and will bring BETTER things every day!
Scriptures:
Read: Hebrews 12:10-15, Ephesians 1:3-4, Ephesians 4:32, Romans 12:19, Proverbs 14:10, Philippians 4:13
Prayer:
Lord, today we are calling on you to help remove the bitterness. Please provide the ability to have a forgiving heart. And when the devil tries to place negative thoughts within me, give me strength to call on your name and cause him to flee. Thank you Lord for your grace and mercies. Amen.
Unsure
I John 5:14, “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us.”
Today is here! Let us rejoice and be glad in it! Maybe yesterday wasn’t your day and the negativity took over. Did you become bitter towards that outcome? Did you become bitter towards some certain individual? Were you prone to showing bitterness towards anyone who came into contact with you after that? Ephesians 4:31-32, “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Forgiveness, that word that we find hardest to extend to people no matter how easy it really is. Forgiving doesn’t mean you are less of a person; it means you gave the memory to God to take care of; now it has made you new. Our hearts are very tender; but also they hold to memories tightly. To the ones who say that they are not bitter yet still hold to the past, let go for the better. Letting go of the past and hurts will lighten your heart; placing a peace within you that is everlasting. When we are bitter or disheartened the devil finds a pathway into your inner soul and will destroy the love God has placed there. Make amends by releasing those bitter feelings, and call on God to come down and fill you again and again for the better. Better days will come and those that offended you will be dealt with by the one who holds all revenge. It is so much better to be “better” than to be clouded with bitter! Watch as a God of forgiveness heals you and takes care of those who have hurt you. Be mindful that in all things forgiveness is a power given by God and will bring BETTER things every day!
Scriptures:
Read: Hebrews 12:10-15, Ephesians 1:3-4, Ephesians 4:32, Romans 12:19, Proverbs 14:10, Philippians 4:13
Prayer:
Lord, today we are calling on you to help remove the bitterness. Please provide the ability to have a forgiving heart. And when the devil tries to place negative thoughts within me, give me strength to call on your name and cause him to flee. Thank you Lord for your grace and mercies. Amen.
Unsure
And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us.” I John 5:14
Good morning! Today let’s look toward not being unsure. The definition of this is not feeling, showing or to be done with confidence and certainty; not fixed or certain. Can we just say wow! Let us just start over! We went to bed unsure of what tomorrow would bring or even if we would be given this day! But here we are; awake; moving towards getting ready and venturing out! Let us be certain that we are already on the right path just by being allowed to start a new day. We must throw out that feeling of unsureness! This is just another way of letting negative thoughts enter into that mind of yours. Stop it! Today is a new day and we definitely are unsure to the outcome BUT God is not! He gave us the opportunity to once again face the consequences of positivity within this day. Even when you arrive to work, school, be assertive and ask questions, voice some positive feedback to those around. Don’t be afraid to be unsure of their response because each individual has a limited amount of confidence just like you, some hide it well! Be certain that you are reacting with positivity and no negative vibes. Be confident in your ability to perform your job and that you will be assertive and willing to learn more about that job. Place yourself into situations that will increase your confidence and give you assured outcomes! We can always be unsure of the outcome but unless we push toward the positive we will miss out on great opportunities!
Scriptures:
Read: Philippians 1:6, Psalms 27:3, Proverbs 3:25-27, Psalms 118:8, I John 5:14-15, 2 Corithans 5:6-7
Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank you for the ability to be unsure. May we be blessed with assertiveness to start each day with positive thoughts. Bless us through every day outcomes in whatever opportunities may come. Fill us with confidence to move forward through every day knowing you are near. Let us focus on positive performances! Amen.
Seasons Come and Go
I Peter 1:6, “Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations.”
Good morning and salutations! How are we feeling? Is it scorching outside? Or is it just nippy spring time or fall weather? Maybe its bitter cold and your bones feel its intense coldness? Seasons come and go while we endure the different temps, weather, change of clothing. This is also in life as we grow in body, spirit, and mind. We went from a child to a teen, then to a young adult. Finally, we reached that point where we can say we are an adult. No more feelings of inadequacy; we are experienced and ready for the real world! These seasons came and went as time moved on. We grew into values, personality, temperament, love, expectance. But as the seasons move so shall we in every aspect of life. New job, new friends, new home, new city, new relationship, then marriage, family, responsibility! The seasons will keep coming because life is a season given to us so we can develop in all things. Our relationship with God is the same. We come to a season of acceptance, then we must begin the journey of which He has planned working toward that final goal in heaven. Taking one season at a time on the path to fulfillment in a personal relationship with Him becomes a blessing. “And the Lord, He it is that doth go before thee; He will be with thee, He will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed,” Det. 31:8. God provides all the other seasons to help us in working through the wrong paths, the wrong choices; pushing us towards the right ones. This journey is exciting and worth the changes good and bad! Just take time to realize all seasons come and go!
Scriptures:
Read: Gen. 8:22, Dan. 2:21, Matt. 24:32-33, Acts 1:7-8, James 4:14, Pro.3:5-6
Prayer:
Father, we thank you for the seasons; the changes we experience through our journey in this life. Please continue to provide the knowledge through your word to travel the seasons as they change every day. Clothe us in the armor that will provide the protection during the journey. Thank you for the beauty of the seasons in your creation that gives us pleasure during the hard times. Bless us as we travel through gaining our place in eternity with you. Amen.
Spinning Round
'“Where no counsel is, the people fall; but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.” Psalms 11:14
Hello again! Greetings from this side of the world! I know it has been a whirlwind of days and some of you have feelings of inadequacy. Maybe it feels as if the world is spinning round the wrong way and it has set your part of the world on edge! So many task at hand. Household chores, meetings, appointments for you or for the kids, preparing meals! The list really does go on and on. Your mind is set on spinning round! You have tried to arrange a stopping point but it just hasn’t happened; YET! Stop now in your haste; take a deep breath and ask God to just slow your mind down for a moment. Breathe in His peace. So now, grab a pen and paper, list all these needs into urgent, today, tomorrow, least important. Even Jesus chose apostles, prophets, evangelist, pastors and teachers. Each has a duty, each had a profession and some had family obligations. But they succeeded. Take your list and put someone in your family’s name beside the ones that they can help you with! Delegate the task at hand and work through it all! We are all strong and resilient BUT, there comes a time when working as a team within a family setting WORKS so much better. Push aside the thoughts that say, “they won’t do it right”; it’s not about the “right”, it’s about just letting it get done! This way you will have more time to come back and add your touches to those tasks! If you are single and no one to delegate the list to, there is HOPE! Look at the list and begin with the most necessary and take one at a time! Make it fun without clouding your mind! Spinning round is only fun if you are at the park or dancing in the rain!
Scriptures:
Read: Philippians 4:13, Matthew 7:7, Psalms 121:1-2, Psalms 124:8, Ephesians 4:11-15, Matthew 11:28, Hebrews 4:16, Exodus 18:20-22
Prayer:
Father, today we are thankful for your guidance in our daily tasks. We thank you for giving us strength to complete those tasks but the conscious mentality to know when we need help from others. Help us to move forward in this journey with your help and the help of others; while taking one task, one day at a time. Amen.
Fact Checker
Ephesians 6:14, “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness.”
Morning! Oh that today be a great day! Claim it now and rest assured by asking God to take you through it with positive emotions; it will be so. Every day we encounter people and information that amazes us as born again believers to no end! But have we put our fact checker on? Have we chosen to get it straight from the source? Do we allow the voices of others to cloud out true facts? Are there not ways to check the facts and get to the point of the story? Do we honestly want to find the real story or are we letting the devil rule and just go along in the story? Maybe we just click delete in our minds and move on. We, as true believers need to take a step back and before you even comment or adhere to the events at hand, fact check it all! First surround yourself with the truth tellers and not the gossip groups. Fact check the friend group you have to see who those gossips are! Be the one who stands up and trust God to help you not conform to the gossip. “A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter”, Proverbs 11:13. Amidst our world today, there are devil’s advocates who work through the media, whether internet or news, even radio, whose life goal is to spread untruth. Their sole purpose is to ignite conflict between all people to cause Christians to doubt the truth. We must get in the word and ask God’s advice on all facts; you know He is the best fact checker! Take heed to not be involved with the gossip of others, no matter how enticing it may seem! Remember that old wives’ tale, “Curiosity killed the cat!” Be curious but not to the extent of exploitation; reminding yourself the question, “What if it were about me; what if it were my story changed with lies?” Always be a fact checker!
Scriptures:
Read: Ephesians 4:29, Psalms 51:6, Psalms 15:2, Luke 8:17, John 8:31-32, John 16:13, I Timothy 2:4, Proverbs 20:19, Proverbs 26:20
Prayer:
Dear God, bless us during our times of trial. Grant us the ability to hold our tongues in things we don’t know anything about. Grant us the strength to know gossip is a sin and a hindrance to our being Christ like. Place in us a heart of truth and not to adhere to any cause of wrongful facts. Help us to dive into your word that we might be filled with your presence and love. Thank you for giving us the Bible to teach us to love others as ourselves so we may not tread on the less fortunate or those not able to defend themselves. Amen.
Broken
Psalms 116:4, “Then called I upon the name of the Lord; O Lord, I beseech thee, deliver my soul.”
Morning good friends, new and old. Finding strength for a new day is seemingly another chore but yet harder than before. Today I want to talk to those who may be letting the woes of the world drag them down. You feel your spirit has been broken, and your heart aches for relief. Let us start with prayer to thank God for this day and everything it may hold. Pause now and let God enter into your mind and soul. Begin asking Him to provide that mortar that mends the clay; that takes that broken piece and forms the object back to a working model. Beseech Him with all your heart, for He already knows your pain. In your eyes others cannot fathom the broken spirit that is indwelling inside you right now. But God! He knows and He is there to give you comfort and to encourage you to move toward peace and understanding. Don’t let the devil bring you down so far you feel there is no avenue back! Take the words of friends, family, or pastors and embellish them even if you feel they don’t understand! They could have experienced something that caused them to falter just like you, but in a different way. Start making time to get in the Bible to ensure growth during this time. David endured so many trials, but his faith in God never faltered and God always brought him comfort! Every disciple, or chosen person in the Bible never failed to let God help them through. Also, don’t let the devil bring out anger, it only leads to pits of despair. Speak to God and ask those questions, yell if you need to, He won’t leave you. Cry because it releases the pain and gives your body release. Ponder on the good things, the best of times in your memories. Find purpose in your pain by using it to grow. Your family needs you to be better, not just okay, just better. Broken means you’ve endured and you can find the ways to repair with trust and faith.
Scriptures:
Read: John 8:12, Psalms 23, Psalms 34:18, Psalms 147:3, Psalms 116:3-9, Proverbs 3:5-6, Matthew 11:28-30, I John 4:4,1-21
Prayer:
Lord, today I come to you to ask you to heal the brokenness. Fill me Lord with your peace and understanding. Please replace the sorrow with joy and healing. Help me Lord to not let the devil bring discourse and anger; guide me to seek you for the words to say. Place in me the understanding of my pain that my acceptance will help someone else endure the same brokenness. Thank you Lord for always being there within and without. Amen.
Win or Lose
Hebrews 12:3, “For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.”
Hello friends! Another day has arrived to allow us to show up and show out. We are blessed to see just one more beautiful day. Finding excitement within ourselves when filled with God’s love gives us new potential. We are already winning the battle of every obstacle; because we decided to allow God to lead. Though the scales may tip toward a failure, it really isn’t. Every trial is only a learning tool for the next step along life’s journey. While we win we stand tall and show the masses we did it! Then the path gets rough and we fall into the losing bracket. Negativity tries to gain ground. What are we doing? Why do we let those losses pile up? Gather yourself and stack them up! Reach in with all that you have been given and fight! Psalms 73:26, “My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.” One obstacle at a time, one day at a time; live one moment at a time. Just think, the reward that comes is not only a win for you but a win for God. Play the game of life with the positive and the negative will lose every time. Don’t be defeated, be the leader. Take this day to continue to win. Count your loss as a new stepping stone and get to moving! Win or lose you will still have the victory; the gains are exceptional !
Scriptures:
Read: Exodus 15:2, Deuteronomy 20:1,4, Ephesians 6:11-12, Romans 13:12, Exodus 14:14, Psalms 144:1-2, Psalms 73:26, Romans14:8
Prayer:
Father, this day do I thank you for all the wins and all the losses. The battle is yours, please help me to know in you all things are possible. Though I fail at times to trust you, grant me the faith to return to your guidance. I pray you take away my defeat and use it to find the win. Please continue to guide me even when I stray away; bring me back to your victory in your time. Amen.
Good Father
II Corinthians 9:8, “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.”
Morning! Another day to be thankful for the Good Father! The creator of all things! So, there are so many of us with a parent we call dad, pops, Baba, Papa, Papi, Abba, father. In every culture, people have their own variation; but it is not always about the name. Being a good father takes patience, presence, support, being a provider, a teacher, but especially love. James 1:5, says, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” God provides the training for all good fathers. The thing is, do we have the real Good Father? The heavenly father that created each of us. We should all be thankful for the earthly fathers God provided to us. Yes, there are many who cannot say that the one they were given was a blessing, but I pray for your healing and understanding in that. He chose those men for a reason; but the devil may have gotten hold on many, and they forgot God chose them. I pray that there was someone that God did provide; a male figure somewhere during your life whether a grandfather, coach, teacher, boss, or a pastor; a man that provided help in that. Even in our circumstances, by God’s grace, it is possible that we believe He can provide for our needs. God knows you and your situation and He wants to be the Good Father for you. He offers the extras we need to process this life here on earth within His word. When we feel alone, He is there. When we feel forgotten, He shows us remembrance. When we become weak, He provides strength. When we feel unloved, He comes into your soul with love eternal. No matter the situation, no matter how you feel at this moment, He is offering to be your Good Father. Take His offering of grace, mercy, love, and in times of discouragement, call on the Good Father!
Scripture:
Read: Psalms 103:13, Proverbs 3:11-12, John 3:16, John 10:11, 1 John 4:7-11, Proverbs 4:1-5, John 6:35-38, John 14:6-7, Ephesians 4:5-6, Luke 18:19
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for all the fathers here on earth and provide them with the right knowledge to care for their children. Bless them with the knowledge to know who the real Father is and that they can call on you to provide instruction to be the best fathers. Grant us the ability to grow in your Good Father’s teachings. Please provide us with your everlasting promises of a home one day with you. Thank you for being the Good Father! Amen.
Absorbing
Colossians 3:16, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”
Today is another awesome day; can’t you feel it? Have you read your Bible so His words will echo through today? Have you read the paper with all the headlines or stories today? Maybe you’ve checked your emails after waking; just to see if anything important was sent your way. Most assuredly someone has checked their media pages; Facebook, TikTok, etc. We just never know what we are absorbing into our minds at any given moment. Finding out information; whether its actually intellect or gibberish, somehow gives us more advantages to getting through the days. We learn something new every day; whether it is something simple, history making, or maybe just remembering being taught something. Absorbing is what our minds are for. We must get information to complete any task. Our jobs require absorbing knowledge about that career to enable us to work at our best. Most people love getting firsthand information from people who already have experience in whatever task they have accomplished. If someone cooks, you like to know how they did it. If someone downloaded an app, you want to know if it works and is it really helpful. While all the things this world offers are easily absorbed, let’s be sure we give our main priority to what God offers in His word. Don’t lose focus on the lessons and experiences of all those God chose in the Bible to go “therefore and teach all nations…teaching them to observe all things” Matthew 28:19-20! Life’s biggest absorption is what God teaches and what He promises, along with how He is going with you all the way; through every day! Are you allowing God to fill your mind with the information that will lead you to be all He has planned you to be? Start absorbing His word and see the paths leading to eternity!
Scriptures:
Read: James 1:22, Psalms 119:41-44,105, Deuteronomy 31:6, Colossians 3:16-17, Hebrews 4:12, Luke 11:28, Joshua1:8
Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank you for another day. Thank you for providing a book with all the words that can lift me up through life’s journey. Help me to absorb information that will lead me to know you are in control and by following you the journey will be an experience of lessons learned, faith gained, trust absorbed. Bless us oh Lord to absorb only the things that will bring praise to you. Amen.
Letting It Go
“Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.” I Peter 5:7
Hello again friends. Today let us just breathe; inhale then exhale. Take in all that is around us; the air, the sun, the rain, the misty morning! Let all the “feels” go. The worries, the pains, the broken promises; all of it. Ask God to come down and enter your very soul and fill you with grace, mercy, understanding; just pure love. Just allow all those negative things that are clouding your mind to slip away. No more allowing the negative thoughts to overrule the positive. Realize that even those hurtful actions of others; are part of God’s plan. He knows you have the strength within you to learn from it, to grow from it, to gain trust in Him; to let it go! Those negative people have insecurities that they purposely throw at anyone in the room; this is because they are not a true child of God. Laugh it off; gain control of the situation, then show them you are the better person, then let it go! Find a way to change that negative into a positive. There will always be a purpose in the pain. Use your inner strength to grow outside allowing others to realize you are a new you! Often times the devil will use thoughts and bring up all those past fears; but shout it out loud, “devil you are a liar, I’m letting it go”. The feelings of positivity will just start flowing! Oh, the joy of relief that will rush through your veins! When those negative people try again to steal your joy, shout again, “not today satan”! When we force that protection that God gives us into our very emotions, our thoughts; great things will happen! Letting it go is simple to some and hard to others; but one must gain courage to actually do it. Find God and ask for that encouragement. Psalms 55: 22, “Cast your burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee; He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.” Pray as you go, pray in every moment, pray to let it go. Letting it go is gaining the best part of you! You’ve got this!
Scriptures:
Read: Isaiah 35:4, Isaiah 54:17, Matthew 6:34, Matthew 11:28-30, II Corinthians 10:3-4, Philippians 4:6, I Peter 5:7
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, today I come to you asking for strength to endure all obstacles that come each day. I pray also for those people that cause others pain and that you could prick their hearts so that they could change, that they find you, your grace and treat others with kindness. Thank you Father for all your guidance; thank you for the patience you provide to help us gain confidence. Bless those who don’t know you and myself as we learn to let go. Amen.