Already Chosen
John 15:16, “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Gather in my name, he may give it you.”
Good morning everyone! Are we finding ourselves turning over to slap the alarm or snooze button for just another moment of rest? Are we putting the blessing of another day on hold for just a few more minutes? I dare say, there are probably more people who do try to get more rest by snoozing the alarm than there are people who just GET UP! As in my generation, or rather the type of family I was raised in; there was NO snoozing, there was only getting up and there best not be moaning about it nor delaying it! As I got older, I tried the snooze thing, I tried the sleeping in on days off; to no avail. My body had already chosen that routine and nothing was changing it! As we look at the title, the word chosen stands out the most. The dictionary says, “having been selected as the best or most appropriate”; while the Bible says, “being handpicked by God for a specific purpose or relationship, rather than for a personal merit.” I bet you are saying, “hmmm…”! This lets us know that being chosen can lead to great things, or to bad things; it’s all in who chose you. Remember at school or church functions and you were standing there, biting your lip, keeping your head down, looking up to the sky; dreading one person to pick you while wanting another to choose you? The same in adult life, you waited for the interviewer to call back, you waited for the college to send an acceptance letter, you wait for a promotion, or recognition; it’s still about whether you get chosen! Truth is, God already chose you! Best part is, you don’t have to wait for Him to choose you! He keeps choosing you in every moment, through every fear, through every pain or suffering, through every obstacle the devil hurls toward you! God’s purpose is to help you realize it is a true privilege that you chose Him; that you initiate a relationship with Him and that He chose you despite your faults or your failures. You are chosen and set apart from the moment you were created! If you are wasting time on being chosen in the world; pause, reflect, then ask yourself if that choice is God’s choice. Then remember you are already chosen; if there is doubt about choices, ask God! He already chose the answer; just ask Him!
Scriptures:
Read: John 1:3, II Corinthians 5:17, Ephesians 1:4-6, John 15:16,19, 1 Peter 2:9, Isaiah 41:9-10, John 3:16, Jeremiah 1:5, Galatians 1:15-16, Matthew 6:24, II Timothy 1:9, Ephesians 2:8-10, Romans 10:9, Romans 8:28-29, Jeremiah 29:11, James 2:5, John 17:5, II Corinthians 13:5, II Corinthians 5:20-21, Mark 16:15, Proverbs 16:3, Deuteronomy 14:2
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we want to thank you for everything you provide, your love, your grace and mercy, your promises. Thank you, Father, for already choosing us even before we were formed; for knowing the plans you have for each of us, and your continued presence in our lives. Help us, Father, to choose you and not the world. Amen.
Keep Loving Me for Me
Ephesians 5:29, “For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church.”
Hello friends! Welcome to this day the Lord has made; given as a blessing, and let’s accept it now as another part of our journey. While we get ready to face the day, let’s just take a few moments to look at ourselves in the mirror. We see ourselves, we see the person in that mirror; but do we actually love that person we see? Have we put much effort into ourselves, or have we not thought of what our bodies need to survive and continue? Many times, we have read that love is the center of all things; that to love our neighbor as well as ourselves is a commandment and should not be taken lightly. God ask several times to those He chose to do His bidding, if they loved themselves; if they could love others the way they loved themselves. When you look now at yourself, can you say that you are giving your all to help your body to be that temple God wants it to be? Do you understand how treasured and loved you are by God; that you can be secure in that knowledge? When Christ died He paid the price for us, thus, our bodies are His, bought with a valued price. This explains why we should care for our bodies as if a temple; a sacred place. We need to love ourselves, our bodies; and care for them with everything we eat, drink or place in and around it. Our duty is to love ourselves even when no one else does; and with that love work to keep that body as a sacrifice, and in that, we must not have self-ambition or use of that body for evil purposes. So, as you look at yourself, take that moment, look not only at the outward appearance, but deep, deep inside, to the heart; are you really loving you? Jesus talked of resting, keeping a joyful heart. Daniel showed the king how eating properly in specific portions kept bodies strong. King Solomon wrote the Proverbs, a book of truth in every aspect of how doing the right, the good, speaking the right, the good, by following God, benefits your whole being! As you have pondered and hopefully come to the best conclusion, begin today, start loving you for you, start healing you by honoring your body, believe in yourself, trust God knows the real you, then see every day as a better day! The next time you look in the mirror, tell yourself; “I am going to keep loving me for me”, but most of all because God said to!
Scriptures:
Read: Mark 12:30-31, Psalm 139:14, Proverbs 19:8, Ephesians 5:29, I Corinthians 6:19-20, Genesis 1:27, Isaiah 43:1, Philippians 2:3-4, Jeremiah 31:3, Psalm 17:8, Song of Solomon 4:7, II Timothy 1:7, II Corinthians 5:17, Proverbs 18:10,12,15, Proverbs 27:1-2, Romans 12:2, II Timothy 3:1-5, 10-15
Prayer:
Precious Lord, today we want to thank you for creating us, for seeing us individually, separate as ourselves. Thank you, Lord, for allowing your son to die that we might live. Help us, Lord, to see our bodies as a temple, as a sacred creation of your hands. Help us, Lord, to understand and receive the knowledge you provide so we can better take care of that body. Show us, Lord, how to love ourselves while showing love to others, but most of all, show us how to love you. Amen.
Stories Only You Can Tell
I Peter 3:15, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:”
Salutations to you all! Another day has dawned upon us, bringing the opportunity to teach and show others we are positively going to take on today with only joy exuding from us! Yes, even you, grumpy pants! You have brought negative vibes from the day before and we need to pause right now and get in tune with God; accepting His guidance, His strength, His love; so that nothing can hinder us in the path today holds. The title today seems a little awkward, but it demonstrates how we as disciples of God can reach those who do not yet know the true meaning of salvation. As we journey through life, the experiences we have encountered, the moments of pain or suffering, the stories behind who we each are; play a role in the stories we can tell. Many of us will say, “I’m not telling anyone those secrets”, but your character, personality already tells them. Each good thing, each bad thing, each step you have taken on the path God laid out, has affected you within; thus, it has made you who you are! For most non-Christians, they look at the “so called” Christians to absorb the how and why of your choice to give God your life. I have paraphrased the quote by William J. Toms, “you may be the only Bible others will read”, for years because it is very true! I even tell my grandchildren that younger siblings watch them; all children watch parents, grandparents, adults around them; someone is always watching! In every life, every person here on earth, God offers us wisdom to live good lives. We are precious in His sight! Our stories need to be used as a powerful witness, the proof that even through pain, suffering, brokenness; God’s grace and mercy abounds! Use your stories to glorify God, bring you peace, help you show gratitude, to help those who do not believe, to accept God as the ultimate gift. The stories you live are already being watched; sometimes by strangers who only want to know just how God really works! They will see how God changed your heart, changed your words in speaking, changed your attitude toward life, and how your story is finding a happy ending, because you had Him on your side to help you endure everything! Take your stories only you can tell and live them out so others can make that same change!
Scriptures:
Read: Matthew 12:36-37, Psalm 107:1-2, Psalm 96:3, Psalm 19:1-14, Colossians 4:2-6, Ephesians 4:29, Proverbs 18:21, Luke 6:45, Psalm 119:101-115, Matthew 4:4, Romans 10:14-15, 17, Hebrews 4:12, Acts 1:8, I John 5:10, John 4:39-42, I Peter 3:15, Psalm 71:14-18, Matthew 5:16, John 15:26-27, Psalm 66:16, 20
Prayer:
Dear Lord, we come to you now asking for strength to tell our stories, to live life pleasing to you. We thank you for the knowledge you provide that helps us to live better, to act better, to just be better. Lord, we come asking for your grace and mercy to continue; to give us the words to share that will help a lost soul find you. Thank you, Lord, for all that you helped us through on our journey. Amen.
Release Reputations
Proverbs 22:1, “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.”
Good morning! May today be all that you have asked God to let it be! We want to begin our day with only positive vibes, generating them onto each family member as we ready for the day. If you are single, we want those vibes to fall off at work, school, or in others presence so that positivity is everywhere! So many times, we are saddled with trying to keep our reputations filled with that same positivity. In other words, are we giving off the wrong ideas of what our character or lifestyles should be reflecting? Some do say that a reputation must be built over time; that it isn’t something you just inherit or that comes naturally. But, as a child of God, shouldn’t we be reflecting our Christ-like life with only trustworthiness, integrity, empathy, love? As we build our reputations, are we studying the Bible to enhance those Christ-like qualities; are we ensuring that even with success, wealth, we have used each of the “fruits of the Spirit”? Herein lies the question of whether the growth of our reputation is based on others opinions, their criticisms, or are we relying on God’s judgement? For a believer, we must let our reputations be cultivated with honesty, with the love of God and others, and keeping our word. If we are having a little problem with that definition, we need to release that worldly reputation and get back to the one that pleases God; the one that will connect better with others, and that will give us a more peaceful life. Even ministers, pastors, evangelist, popes, priest, nuns, even deacons, must live to better standards than the world wants; they must follow God’s guidance. How can each of those assist us in our journey if they do not follow Christ’s lead? How we live our lives is essential to show non-believers that a relationship with God can make life so much better. So, today, as you get those routines going, as you drive to work, as you do chores and errands, stop for a moment and ponder on whether you are in the reputation that will give you happiness, contentment, a lasting relationship with God and others, or are you living for someone else’s standards? Get into a conversation with God and ask for His help in releasing the wrong reputation so the right one will take over!
Scriptures:
Read: Proverbs22:1, 1 Timothy 3:2-7, Eccl.7:1, Prov.3:3-7, I Pet.2:12, Acts6:2-4, Phil.2:5-18, Matt.5:16, Prov.10:7, Phil.1:25-27, Prov.20:11, James3:10-15, Phil.4:7-9
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we come now thanking you for staying beside us, guiding us, providing for us. We thank you, Father, for your patience and understanding; your love that pricks our hearts so we will open our eyes when we have failed you. Father, today, fill us with your presence, so we can show others that this world has no opinion greater than yours. Help us today to get back to where we need to be in the relationship with you; seeing the true Christ-like reputation that we should be showing others. Amen.
Don’t Count Me Out
Psalms 34:18, “The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.”
Greetings dear friends! Let’s take a moment to be thankful for God’s grace and all that He gives us. As we wake, and start our day, let’s allow Him to enter in with His presence, His guidance, that will bring positivity to every moment we experience today. As you look at the title, think about good things you have been blessed with and how each was because you counted, you were enough, you endured! So many times, we let the devil deceive us into thinking we don’t count, we are not enough, no one loves us, we can’t fit in to that group, or our past defines us. The devil is a lie! You are valued, full of potential, and have a purpose under God’s grace. Even when you are told you are not worthy, God sees you, fellow Christians and believers see you. God tells us in His word that even when we fall seven times or seven times seven, we will rise again, because the one who is in control will provide, protect and lift you! God doesn’t choose the equipped individuals, He chooses individuals whom He can equip to do the work. We can be counted on because God finds your worth because we are His children, we are not in need of anyone’s approval, nor their opinions of us. God will never abandon His people; this is His promise. He doesn’t promise that life will be easy; but He does promise that He will be beside you no matter what you go through along your journey. When you forget and let the world tell you that you are a failure; stop, regain your focus and pray; then study in His word to find every called person in that word. Read their stories of rejection, denial, disappointment, pain, suffering; their belief that they were not good enough; then read how God used them for His purpose! Study how those who others counted out, brought mighty changes to the world! Open your eyes to see that you are His; you cannot be counted out! Psalms 139: 14, “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” David wasn’t perfect, but he was perfect for the plan God laid out! Chose today to not be counted out!
Scriptures:
Read: Romans 12:2, Hebrews 6:9-11, Matthew 10:39, Matthew 16:25-27, Mark 8:34-38, John 8:12, Psalm 33:20-22, Psalm 34, Matthew 25:40, Luke 1:37, Romans 12:1-21, Psalm 27:1, Deuteronomy 31:6, Psalm 27:14
Prayer:
Dear God, we come now thanking you for making each of us just the way you intended. God we are asking you to give us strength to accept that we are made in your image, to work at being Christ-like, to stand tall and do what you called us to do. Thank you, God, for everything, thank you for your mercy and grace. Amen.
Nothing To Prove, Nothing To Lose
II Timothy 2:15, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
Hello friends! Welcome to another blessed day God is providing so that we can enjoy and possibly share the words, actions, that could bring someone else this same joy of living in Jesus! As we navigate our lives, we often think there is going to always be something to prove, something to express; just looking for approval in some sort or other. Again, we were not created to find ways to please anyone here on this earth. What could we actually gain by believing that the opinions of others will get us to heaven? In what capacity will someone else’s opinion or thought help us to gain salvation, trust God, obey His guidance, or even succeed as a Christian, a disciple of God? Yes, God gives ministers, pastors, evangelists the messages, words to say that can open up feelings and emotions that trigger our need to receive God’s call to becoming forgiven, saved and redeemed. But, who ultimately provides the knowledge used by each? Every person that provides you with crucial advice, shows you their experiences; all trusted God, relied on the path He chose for each of them! Each of us should never focus on performing for human approval or believing that they hold the key to how your life is planned out. Rev. Billy Graham was a great minister for God, but he never asked any of us to prove ourselves to him. He knew “from whence cometh my help”; He followed only the God of creation so that the promise of the Father would be fulfilled when he was called home! Yes, you should do your best at anything you are involved in, like career, education, sports participation; always pushing yourself to do better in anything you want to succeed with. But, yes but, never allow yourself to think you need an approval of another, only God. Do it because God is leading you toward a heavenly home! You have nothing to prove here to this world; you only need to show God you accept His call; nothing to lose but everything to gain!
Scriptures:
Read: Galatians 6:4-5, 2 Corinthians 13:5, 2 Timothy 2:15, Galatians 1:10, 1 Corinthians 4:5, Romans 12:2, Proverbs 12:2, 23, I Thessalonians 5:21, Philippians 2:12, Colossians 3:2-4, Jeremiah 29:11, Matthew 7:7-8, Proverbs 14:26, Psalm 34:4, II Chronicles 15:7
Prayer:
Precious Father, thank you for showing us daily that we are somebody to you and that you are the only approval we need. Thank you, Father, for saving us, protecting us, providing for our every need. Father, continue to give us strength when the world tries to pull us back in. Help us Father, to trust in your promises. Amen.
Be Somebody To You
Psalms 139:14, “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.”
Morning friends! I do pray that this finds you waking up content, blessed and feeling you are somebody! I know in today’s society, we have the need to prove our worth, our status; just that we are known. But, we were not designed to look for favor from any human, whether at work, at school, at gatherings. God made us in His image, to work toward being Christ-like; “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that god, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God,” Romans 12:2. KJV When you work your identity to becoming what God has planned, you will find your worth, your purpose; gained through a personal relationship with Him, a higher status than what the world views. When you go back to understanding how you were created, loved and then redeemed; everything else will fall into place. Being your true self; the one God preordained to be His disciple, will start to show through in everything you do, everything you achieve, every soul you help to find God’s purpose in their lives too! Look deep into His word, searching for the answers that will show you how He didn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called! Throughout the Bible you will find that He chose those who were never the chosen few; many were common, ordinary, uneducated, thieves and murderers; but they had a special unique quality that God could see; a potential that others could not fulfill. You are that somebody; that one chosen to do things He has planned and give Him the glory, that will give you blessings beyond comprehension! By being focused on yourself; not vainly, but to search for that you that God can use, that can succeed completely through trust, obedience, and faith. Be somebody to you by giving your all, allowing God to lead and guide you. Don’t conform to the world and try to please everyone around you; it will never work! Focus on pleasing God, the somebody you will become with Him will gain you eternity in heaven! You are worth it!
Scriptures:
Read: Galatians 6:3, Galatians 5:26, Proverbs 31:30-31, 1 Peter 2:9, Romans 12:2-3, 2 Timothy 1:7, Galatians 2:20, Ephesians 2:10, Genesis 1:27, Philippians 4:13, Romans 9:20, Romans 8:28, I Corinthians 6:19-20, Philippians 2:3, Psalm 139:14-17, Proverbs 11:2, Ephesians 5:29, I Timothy 4:11-15, John 13:34-35, Romans 8:16-25, Ephesians 4:15-24, II Peter 2:18-21
Prayer:
Lord, today we come thanking you for being one of the somebody’s that are chosen by you. Thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to be one of many that are called, taught, guided, accepted just as we are so that we can become the true called somebody that can further your ministry. Lord, please continue to choose the ordinary to make the extraordinary. Amen.
Options
Galatians 6:9, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
Good morning! May today find you waking with positive and exciting expectations! As you begin your day, let’s look at all your options to making the day productive, satisfying and worth all that God can do for you on this day! Every day our lives are filled with making choices; deciding on small things or even working through big decisions. In every scenario, there are options of who, what, where, when, why and the ultimate how! Routines for every day seem to come easy because you weighed out the various ways that could make the choices easier, less complicated and sometimes budget friendly. All these are used whether you are single, married, single parent, or a family unit. We will always want to choose the right path, the right choice, the best decision. Question is, are we praying about them first? Are we consulting scriptures, considering the consequences, and are we committed to move forward through those decisions? Many times, you will believe that you can do the deciding on your own because some choices are simple. When the disciples were asked to follow Jesus, they didn’t hesitate, they just knew they had to follow. I know you are saying, that is different; but is it? God gave us the option of accepting Him; trusting in salvation that could lead us to eternity with Him. Did you, at that moment of acceptance stop and say is there a better way? Jesus made a choice, He struggled, then He understood we were the priority. Did you doubt at some point to whether you made the right choice? God gives us the minds and hearts of options, choices, decisions; but He gives us the ways to choose them by asking Him in prayer, seeking His word for truth, evaluating good and bad points, then making a choice. In some choices, our options will include the question, is this decision reflecting Christ-like character and is it glorifying God? There will be times we will be encouraged to take the option of the “narrow” path, the one that isn’t easy, it isn’t popular, it keeps worldly options at bay; but it shows obedience, moral integrity, faith and trust in the one who provides all things. Maybe today, take a moment to seek God, ask His direction, then really focus on whether you are weighing out your options!
Scriptures:
Read: Proverbs 3:5-6, Philippians 4:6-7, 1 Corinthians 10:13, Jeremiah 29:11, Joshua 24:15, Deuteronomy 30:19-20, Galatians 6:7-8, James 1:5, Proverbs 16:3,9, Psalm 32:8, Proverbs 15:22, Psalm 143:8-12, Matthew 6:33-34
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for your continued love and protection. Thank you, for giving us the true way to decipher our options, our choices, our lives, by coming to you in prayer, in studying your words, and trusting in you completely. Thank you, Father, for your son’s sacrifice for us, for choosing each of us, allowing us to have the choice of choosing you. Amen.
Music Heals
I Corinthians 12:26, “And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.”
Morning friends! Praying this is finding you at peace, possibly enjoying the day with happiness, family and friends. Even if this finds you at work, bringing positivity to the workplace so that peace can surround you even there! Today let’s look at how music can heal within and without to everyone. How just the melody without the words can just soothe, tame the beast inside, bring out worship, fill us with peace! Even the Bible used music and instruments with many things; worship, announcements, wars, celebrations. Music can be calm and soothing; or loud and crushing that can bring down walls! Comfort and restoration come to those who listen to music. If excited, music lifts you in praise and worship. Just letting the melody flow through the space you are in; whether soft beats or rhythmic tempo; can bring a sense of content. Even in celebration, joy and peace pushes up, rushing out to everyone you are near. When we are in mourning, grief, or just sad feelings of despair, music will bring calmness, serenity, peace. Memories from past life experiences will lift you at times; some will bring tears, but with peace. Every segment of your life through the years there was and will be songs, music, lyrics that will stay with you; carrying you back to a time and place; whether a happy time, a sad time, a celebratory time. Every song began with notes combined together to form a melody, then words were incorporated, then together created and became an inspiring, beautiful, meaningful, heart-felt song. There are also musical composed melodies with no words; but they bring out feelings of serenity, peace, understanding of a way to just relax and unwind from anything negative! Even the worst person, has music that gives them healing. We can remember how David played his harp to calm Saul. Study after study shows how music can heal from within which allows the person to heal on the outside! The angels heralded song to announce Jesus’ birth! There will be music in heaven; a rejoicing, praising, enthusiastic, joyful celebration! Today, as you head into the moments of today, remember God created music, instruments, and all musicians; then gave them opportunities to touch lives; in hope that music would help heal each of them as well as others.
Scriptures:
Read: Exodus 15:1-2, Psalm 95:1-3, Psalm 150:1-6, I Samuel 16:23, Ephesians 5:17-21, Colossians 3:15-17, Psalm 71:22-23, Psalm 105:1-5, Psalm 101:1, Psalm 104:33-35, James 5:12-15, Hebrews 2:12, I Corinthians 14:15, Psalm 149:3-5, II Chronicles 5:13-14, Psalm 147:7
Prayer:
Dear Lord, we come today thanking you for every sound, every note, every instrument you made possible to those who could write words and music, or just melodies. Lord, we thank you for letting music be a way of reaching lost souls with healing music. Lord, help us to not let the power of music lead us away from you, but that we would only use it to glorify you. Thank you, Lord, for another way of healing by hearing music. Amen.
Soft Breezes
John 3:8, “The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and wither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.”
Greetings friends! Just look, God has allowed another day! Today, first thing, as you turn over and open your eyes, praise Him for this day, this moment; everything that He has given you. Take a moment and let the soft breeze of His presence just enter in and fill you with peace. Just like a breeze, God enters the scene silently, wispily, with an unseen force full of energy and places Himself within you just like that breath of life He gave you. Each day as we breathe in another breath, we will feel inspiration, a renewal, a need to move forward. Can you picture Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden as they walked through that beautiful place; how they could feel and hear God’s presence walking through as a breeze touching their faces? He didn’t need to show loud, quaking, ominous power; He only needed to be as a gentle breeze. He only wanted to give a divine presence of comfort, of refreshment, a calming that can only bring peace. When we pray, God enters as a breeze, an entrance of love, care and protection; calming our spirits; especially if we are distraught, weary, or in need of restoration. In truth, He comes at all times when we just ask. As you sit outside today, listen to the sounds around you, hear the calls of nature, feel the breeze that touches you gently; bask in the presence of all God is; all He has created, and all that is, just because of Him. It doesn’t have to be a burning bush, or fire thrown down, or mountains quaking, for any of us to feel God’s gentle presence. When you need that breeze, that cooling sensation in the days heat; focus on just how that breeze came just when you needed it! Every time you feel a need for something, whether great or small, whether in grief, fear; seek the gentle soft breeze that brings a peace, a harmony, a true relaxation; meant just for you. Everything is for a purpose, even soft breezes!
Scriptures:
Read: Genesis 3:8, Psalms 78:39, Acts 2:1-4, Acts 3:19-20, Ephesians 3:16-21, John 14:17,26, John 16:13, II Peter 3:14, II Timothy 3:16, Jeremiah 33:3, John 3:8, Song of Solomon 4:16, Matthew 8:26-27, Matthew 5:3-16
Prayer:
Father, today we come thanking you for the breezes, for the soft gentle presence you provide to us. Father, forgive us for not realizing you are here for us in all aspects of life; good and bad. Help us Father, to see all that you do, all that you give, all that you protect us from. Father, guide us daily to be thankful for the little things as well as the big things; but most of all for our salvation and the opportunity to share that with others. Amen.
More Like Jesus
II 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.”
Hello friends! I want you to know there are days when you will decide that it just isn’t your day; there’s nothing going right; there’s only negative vibes flowing through everything you are touching. But, yeah but; if you just stop, take a breath, focus, the pray; you will gain a peace unlike any you’ve ever known just wash all over you! First thing is, were you awakened today? Are you breathing the breath of life that gives you cause to live? Who has given this day, with whatever it is dishing out, to you? How can you, a child of God, not know that God is in control? Pause one more time; have you thought of just how bad it could have been, or could still be, or that there are starving children all around us that we know nothing about? When we called on Jesus to break down the barriers of sin that plagued our lives, we took on a task like no other! We chose to transform our character, our dispositions, our mindsets; into a Christlikeness; a life that mirrored Jesus’ life! To gain back the positive of this day that the devil thought he could cause havoc with, we need to call on the maker of all creation! We need to remember that we are called to become selfless, humble and obedient, and to love ourselves while loving others; thereby leading us to trust God! Get off your negative high horse and get back to the mission of renewing your mind in Godly ways, studying God’s word, helping others, and spreading the gospel! As you get back to the real basics of living, your life and especially this day you were given; will start flowing in the right direction. Push yourself to be what God called you to be, what He needs you to show others. Think positive even when you feel there is no way; be more like Jesus!
Scriptures:
Read: I John 2:6, II Corinthians 5:17-20, Galatians 2:20, Romans 8:28-29, Romans 12:1-2, Philippians 1:6, Ephesians 2:10, I Corinthians 11:1, John 3:30, Galatians 5:22-23, Philippians 2:1-11, Ephesians 4:1-7,22-24, Ephesians 5:1-2, I John 3:16, Colossians 3:1-17
Prayer:
Dear God, we come now asking for strength to push through even the hard days; the days the devil tries to take from us. Thank you, God, for a book of instruction that has every guideline we need to fight against the negative of this world. God, please go with us in this day, showing us the positive outcomes that can come when we walk more like Jesus. Amen.
Moments No One Sees
Deuteronomy 29:29, “The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.”
Good morning! Let’s take a moment and thank the Lord for this day that we have been given. I kind of wrestled with the words for this post because everyone has a moment that no one but God sees. A time when things seem to move in slow motion, or a time where you surrender to true emotions, an “aha” thought that finally opens reality. Most of us have these and never want anyone else to know we can be vulnerable or weak or less than who we are. When studying the Bible, it teaches that there are angels among us, spirits near us; some are from God, others are not. As we grow in the relationship with God we must learn to know the difference. When you find yourself sensing something, you must rely on your faith to help you perceive what the devil will use to deceive with! Sometimes, people enter into that group that lets those evil feelings lure you into depressive states that cause you to feel unseen, unloved, unneeded. These are the times one must not let evil win! Reach out to God to bring His presence near, His spirit to surround you; giving you positive emotions. At any point that you feel overwhelmed that no one is seeing you; pause, pray, seek guidance, seek a friend, sometimes even a stranger can lift you. This is when you take control of that moment and reconstruct what the outcome can be. Also, remember, God is actually there too; He sees your actions, your tears, your heart, your need for strength, and your effort in surviving so far! Another thing, you must also reflect on the fact that God will see your moments even when others cannot. He knows when you are overlooked; He sees your heart, your tears, your fear, your need and comes quickly if you just stop and pray, asking Him to help. So, when you are in those moments when no one can see, place your faith, trust and hope in God; He hears you and He sees you!
Scriptures:
Read: Philippians 4:6-7, Joshua 1:9, Luke 8:17, Proverbs 3:5-6, Daniel 2:19-23, Mark 4:22-23, Isa.26:3-4, Amos 3:7, Psalms 25:14-18, Psalms 56:3-4, Proverbs 25:2, Hebrews 4:13-16, Colossians 1:26, Luke 12:2-3, Ecclesiastes 12:14, Deuteronomy 29:29, Psalms 28:6-8
Prayer:
Precious Father, we come now asking for forgiveness when we falter, when we doubt, when we forget that every moment you are with us. Thank you, Father, for your unfailing love, your hands of mercy and the grace you give us daily. Thank you, Father for helping us to know we can call on you in every moment, even the ones no one but you can see. Father, grant us the strength to push through all the unseen moments, the moments we feel unseen. Amen.
Reeling It In
James 1:2-3, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.”
Greetings! Hoping this is the morning that only good things will happen all through the day! As we head into the grind of routines, unplanned events, may we remember that God gave us this day to just say thanks and give Him praise for all things! The title today is not about fishing; but it could be just not for fish, but as Jesus said, “And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men”, Matthew 4:19. There will be times that we will find ourselves forgetting “from whence cometh my help”! In other words, we will lose sight of where we are and that we have faltered in our journey; we forgot to rely on the help of God! As humans, we can get high strung in believing that we succeed only because of ourselves. Be very careful in letting your egos succumb to being prideful! When we slowly drift away from God, we will start seeing the negative effects start building up; bad things will start appearing. We must not allow the devil to sneak in and work to remove our relationship with God. This is when God is casting His line, pricking at your heart, sending signs, to warn you that you have lost focus. You may start trudging water, getting deeper and deeper into the current; thrashing to and fro! God will see you, He will be reeling in hard; casting His presence toward you. This will be your time to reel yourself in and let Him work to bring you to shore! This will be the time to get back to maintaining trust, surrendering back control to Him. Getting back to reading and studying His word to find ways to keep negative, selfish, self- absorbent actions back to humble, kind and loving; casting your needs back to the one who is constant. God works to bring us back when we wander, when we start suffering because of negative behavior. When we work to reeling back from anxiety, burdens, worldly desires; we will start feeling positive, enlightened, refreshed, realigned with Him. We will come back to the understanding that we cannot control every outcome; thus, we are encouraged through our faith and God’s presence that we can surrender those needs to Him. Ultimately, we will be reeled in; placed into His guidance once again; allowing Him to work through us and within us! So, today, check yourself, your lines you have in the water; then make sure you can ask God to help you reel yourself back to what God has planned for you!
Scriptures:
Read: Matthew 6:19-21, 33, Philippians 4:6-7, Psalms 55:22, I Peter 5:7, Romans 12:2,19, Hebrews 13:8, Proverbs 16:9, Luke 10:27, John 14:15,26, Proverbs 5-7, Psalms 111:10, James 1:2-8, II Timothy 3:16-17
Prayer:
Precious Father, we come to you now asking forgiveness for when we let the current of the world take hold and pull us downstream away from you. Father, we thank you for your mercy and grace, your continued strength you provide. Thank you, Father, for your unfailing and unconditional love. Father, today and always we ask for your reeling in of our lives when we slip towards the negative. Amen.
Little Less Like Me
II Corinthians 3:18, “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”
Morning! Welcome to this bright and beautiful day! Hoping this finds you getting up with positive thoughts, positive motives and an answered prayer that carries you through every moment of today! Can we take the time today to focus on how we can put ourselves to the test of how much we use our lives to show others how God can change anything! Do you ever wonder how much our old lives needed to be changed in order for our new life to begin? In special moments, do you thank God for the journey, for the blessings, for the opportunities and for salvation? Does the old you ever try to sneak back in, or place doubt inside? For every moment that God blesses us, we actually need to realize, those moments are meant for us to check our lives to see if we are moving forward with changing or if we have become complacent. Are we satisfied that we have done enough in becoming more Christ-like? Today, maybe we need to pause, reflect, then admonish that maybe the changing is a life-long process. No one is perfect but Jesus; to become perfect will probably never happen for us on earth; only in heaven upon receipt of our heavenly body. But, the good news is; we just need to work at being less of our old self and work toward being the new self that God intends for us! Maybe, just maybe, we are at a standstill. We are predestined to be conformed to reflect Jesus’ image, to work toward being, doing the things He did while here. If you are at a standstill, trust God to bring you back on track! Get back to being disciplined in prayer, and reading/studying the Bible. Make more time for your quiet time with God! Take a moment to realize that we cannot change with just our own willpower, but by the Holy Spirit coming within our souls to change the insides! As we trust, obey, believe, we then can continue to become the disciple He already has planned for us to be. When you again, start walking in love, in humility, and use a servant leadership, changes will appear as if they were always there. Become spiritually disciplined to conform your old self to be less of you and more of Him!
Scriptures:
Read: John 3:30, Genesis 1:26–27, Matthew 5:48, Acts 17:27-29, Ephesians 4:11–13, Philippians 2:5-11, II Corinthians 3:18, Colossians 3:2, Galatians 2:20, Romans 12:2, I Peter 4:1-2,8-10,13-14, Matthew 11:29-30, Ephesians 5:1-2, I Corinthians 11:1-3, I John 3:2-3
Prayer:
Lord, we come today asking for forgiveness for letting the world come in and causing us to become complacent in our daily walk with you. Thank you, Lord, for pricking our hearts to notice that we cannot stop working toward being more like Christ. Thank you, Lord, for the Bible that gives us instructions on how to achieve a life that is pleasing to you. Please, Lord, help us daily to call on you for the leadership we need to work for you. Amen.
More Like Faith, With Love
Hebrews 11:6, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
Welcome friends to a new and glorious day that the Lord has provided to us! I pray each of you have awakened to this day believing it holds good things. In today’s writing, let’s talk about having faith with love thrown in! We need to believe that all things can be better if we have love as a part of whatever it may be. In the Bible, the word charity is used in the place of the word love, but if you think about it, charity is the giving of oneself, without conditions, a sacrificial love like God’s. Faith is the assurance of things not seen, a commitment of giving our lives to God, thus of which, contains an everlasting love! Because we love God, we have faith, trust, a deep inner peace, a purpose and joy that will surpass any of life’s obstacles. In every situation, love becomes a way to increase our faith in God and all that He provides. Time and time again, Jesus spoke on the fact that there are three things that connect together to aid us in life; faith, hope and charity; He proclaimed that love/charity is the greatest of all. In having love, we can have more trust, hope, endurance, purpose, peace, and faith! When we use our faith, we can acknowledge that through Christ all things are possible, but without Him we are nothing. That without faith we cannot please God; and genuine faith will help us produce actions and works that help us to be disciples for Him. As we accept God’s love and put our faith in Him, we trust in His promises, thereby building our faith daily. I Corinthians 13:2, “And though I have the gift of prophesy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.” If you want a better life, remember that receiving salvation, which is a gift of grace, through trusting in Jesus; means you have faith; and with that faith comes an everlasting love. So, today, as you start your day, try remembering faith is love, and love is the greatest gift we can have.
Scriptures:
Read: I Cor.13:2, 13, Hebrews10:22-25, Romans5:1-11, I Thess.1:2-3, I Thess.5:8, II Pet.1:5-8, Hebrews11:1,6, Romans15:13, John3:16, I Cor.16:14, I John4:8-19, Ephesians2:8, John15:12-13
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we come to you now proclaiming that without love we are nothing; that without you we are even less. Thank you, Father, for allowing your Son to sacrifice His life for our salvation. Thank you, Father, for grace and mercy shown to us daily. Thank you, Father for helping us to have faith in you, for showing us how to trust, obey and seek you. Amen.
More Like Kindness
Galatians 6:10, “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”
Greetings friends! Hope this finds you waking to a positive attitude, a positive outlook and a feeling that all is well in your little world today! As we all know, the world outside our small areas may be in turmoil but how we look at what we are involved in at the moment can help to keep us positive! Today, can we just take a minute to think about kindness. This is one of the “fruits of the Spirit”, one that we sometimes find hard to do, especially to those who are not kind to us. My great aunt would always say, “kill them with kindness”, not literally kill, or “you get more flys with honey than vinegar”, which meant to show them the way God said to and it will always come back ten-fold! Oh, and it was SO hard to do that! Our human nature, rather the human sinful nature, shows through and then it needs to be prayer time to bring God’s presence down to gain a sense of peace. Herein, lies the moments we need to remember all the teachings Christ taught during His time here on earth. In Matthew 5, Jesus taught the Sermon on the Mount or the Beatitudes, similarly in Luke 6 the Sermon on the Plain, each holds the truths on how we are to treat each other. Luke 6:31, “Do to others as you would have them do to you”NIV; which means, don’t do as they do, do as Christ would do! We also must pray for our hearts to change, and work on evaluating our thoughts so we can choose to focus on being loving, honorable, to show empathy, replacing any negative thoughts that the devil will cause to come out. Sometimes, the reasons behind that person that doesn’t show kindness is something we know nothing about. We have no idea what that person is going through, or experiencing, or dealing with on their own. Showing them kindness may lead them to redirect their thinking; you may be the only Bible they ever get to read; meaning living like Christ shows how kindness is supposed to be! Proverbs 12:18, “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” NIV Today as you head out, remember to be more like kindness, it might get you a return on your product!
Scriptures:
Galatians 6:10, I John 3:18, Luke 6:35, James 1:19, Acts 20:35, I Corinthians 13:4-7, Proverbs 11:17, Matthew 7:12, Hebrews 13:1-2, Ephesians 4:32, Colossians 3:12-14, Proverbs 31:26, Proverbs 15:28, Ecclesiastes 5:2, Galatians 5:22-23, I Peter 5:8, Philippians 2:1-30
Prayer:
Lord, today we come thanking you for the guidance you provide in knowing that our words can either wound or heal, and that listening to your guidance can help us when we speak to others. Thank you, Lord, for your presence and peace when we are in need of the right words to say to someone who doesn’t show kindness, allowing us the ability to choose our words wisely and show others how living for you is so much more peaceful. Amen.
What I Used To Be
II 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.”
Hello friends and welcome to the day the Lord has made! I pray this finds you waking to a new outlook on how far you have come, how much you have changed for the better. Today, I would like for us to ponder for a moment on where you came from, what you have been through, what has led you to become better and how you are going to keep pushing to face everything one day at a time with God’s help! If this finds you joyful, at peace, keeping your head up and thankful, then you have already won battles that will renew you daily! The truth is, it isn’t bad to remember the past, it’s just bad if you let yourself dwell there. What I mean is, those experiences build our character, help us to grow in doing better, remind us that we are still loved, needed and accepted. But they do not define who we are now! Many need those experiences to help them accept God’s plans for their lives. God has a purpose for each of us already laid out, and is waiting on us to live that plan out. I’m sure many of us ask daily, God why? Why did we have to go through those trials, those pains, those humble beginnings? I also know that as we work through each step of our journey we will encounter other obstacles that will seem minute compared to the old self. But in every situation, God is there; He is offering a chance for you to allow Him to come into your life and help you to find the right path, the better path, the eternal path! When we accept salvation, we throw away the old self, the sinful self, the worldly desires that can only bring hurt, pain, and negative outcomes. Transforming into the renewed person God intended, will bring you peace you cannot totally understand but you will definitely want to continue with in your life! What you were before is no more. Sure, there will be times you will reflect, but take a moment and ask God to use that for His good. The new you is much more than anything the old you would have ever become!
Scriptures:
Read: Ephesians 4:22-24, Heb.12:1, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 2:20, Rom12:2, Heb.11:6, Rom 6:6, 11,13,23, Col.3:9-17, Rom.13:12-14, Titus 3:5, Matt.12:34-37, I Pet.2:1-25, I John4:16, Phil.3:20-21, Phil.4:6-9
Prayer:
Dear God, we come now thanking you for rescuing us from the old self and giving us mercy and grace, we did not deserve. Thank you, God, for the precious blood your son sacrificed for us, so that we could be accepted into the kingdom. Thank you, God for seeing us at our worst but still loving us unconditionally. God, please continue to live inside us bringing forth our new selves; rejecting our old selves, that we may continue doing your will. Amen.
I Still Need Help
Isaiah 41:10, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
Good morning! May you be starting this day with joy, peace and determination! May today be the day that you finally realize that you are not alone, though you may be independent; focus on the fact that you still can use help in many ways! All of us, during our time here on earth will at some point need help. It may not be monetary, or physical labor; it may just be that you need a shoulder to cry on, a friend who just listens, more than ever, you may just need a prayer warrior! Many times, I found solace in just knowing that there are people out there who will lift up your name to God alongside you; bringing your need to God! God hears you and He gladly receives all petitions! Some of us have a problem with asking because we do not want to be a burden to anyone. We get the idea that asking for help makes you look needy, irresponsible, show weakness. But, it is the will of God for all of us to love, help, honor others no matter the need! The fact is, when you allow someone that honor of helping, you have helped them in a special way by showing them you need them, cherish them, respect them. Then, as you accept, you can then do that thing they call “pay it forward”! You then get to show someone else that you are humbled and fortunate to be allowed the honor of helping them. As a single parent after divorce, I became solely independent; forcing myself to never need anyone again; only depending on God and myself! My mistake was, I wasn’t really letting God do His job; I was trying to do mine and His! Our mindset should be to place everything on God’s shoulders, allow Him to provide the means by which we can get things done. We need to replace the fear of defeat on Him; to find the strength to say, “here God, take the wheel, I’m not steering the boat well enough”! We forget that we are human with limitations, with weaknesses; and He is the only one who can make all things new. As you struggle today, stop for a moment and ask God if He can forgive you for not trusting enough, not being faithful enough; then call that friend, that co-worker, that sibling, that parent or grandparent. Trust me, God will send the right “unseen angel”, He already knows your need, He’s just waiting on your call!
Scriptures:
Read: Prov.3:5-7, Heb4:16, James 4;8, Ps.121:1-2, I Cor.10:13, Isa.55:6-10, Phil 4:13, Psal.100:1-5, Matt 11:28-30, John14:10, Ps. 40:16-17, Matt.7:7-8, Isaiah 43:2, Psalm 63:1-8, John 15:4-5, Heb.13:6
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we come to you now asking forgiveness again for not giving all our burdens to you. We ask Father, that you reach back down and touch our hearts helping us to find peace in the knowledge that it isn’t a crime to ask for help. Thank you, Father, for those who are unseen angels, people who will pray with us and for us. Father, continue to provide your words of wisdom, words that remind us who is in control. Amen.
What I Need To Be
Galatians 2:20, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”
Morning again friends! Welcome to another blessed day; a day that will be remembered as a positive and eventful in all things good! And, yes, I want to send good vibes to you; even if a negative thought has already entered into the room! First, just take a breath, relax, call on God for peace, and strength. As this day begins, routines are the norm, schedules cannot be interrupted; unless you need a little pep talk! The topic today is going to be all about you; all about what you need to be to accomplish all task, all routines, all schedules, all dreams, anything that you are involved with in your life! First question is: Are you taking care of yourself; physically and mentally, emotionally? Second one is: have you given up on believing that God has a purpose for you; for your life? And third: When you wake up every morning, have you not placed your prayers to God with the mindset of asking Him to enlighten you, to bring you peace, to give you strength to endure and succeed; to place within you a will to be all that you can be? I know that usually we ask for others to receive, for others to get the blessings, for you to just be on the back burner while others are mentioned, but not you. Yes, God asks us to be loving, helping, aiding others, but He first said to love yourself so that those tasks could be fulfilled with true love. To be the real you that God has chosen, we must first transform our characters by allowing the Holy Spirit in so that we can gain the tools to be more Christ-like. We cannot truly reflect His love, or humility, nor can we be obedient to His will, without His guidance. Ephesians 6:10-18, specifies what we need to face all obstacles; the amour that can carry us to be what God calls each of us to be. In retrospect, we cannot be all that we can be without choosing to follow God, then trust and accept His will. To get your mindset to where it needs to be; not only for you but for your family, friends, co-workers; you have to make that change, want that change, work for that change! Look up the fruits of the spirit; check to see if you are slack on any of them! Get your relationship with God into a priority bond! Once you redirect to God, you can then be what you need to be!
Scriptures:
Read: Luke 9:23-25, Eph.6:10-18, Matt.28:19-20, John13:34-35, Acts2:41-47, Rom.8:13-17, Gal.2:20, Phil.3:10,13-16, 1John4:4, ICor.12:6-14, IPet.4:6-11
Prayer:
Lord, we thank you for all the blessings you provide daily to help us maneuver the paths we travel on this journey. Lord, please, continue to help us realize without you there is no us. Lord, help us to find you first so we can find the real us, so that we can be a disciple for you and spend eternity with you. Amen.
Little More Like Peace
Philippians 4:7, “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Salutations good friends! I pray that this finds each of you waking, thanking God for the new day He has placed you in. We want to talk a little about peace and how we all need to feel it; whether in sufferings, trials, happy times, successes; just every day peace. We as humans, often and urgently require, and seek peace to help us to navigate the journey of life here on earth. As we look for peace, we find that is directly linked to our trusting of God rather than relying on ourselves. For us to find peace, we will have to begin with a sincere relationship with God; accepting His sons sacrifice on a cross for our sins. As we grow daily with that relationship with Him, we can attain a wholeness within, a security beyond any we have known, and an inner feeling of tranquility. This new life He provides gives us a guard against anxiety, a direct link to Him at all times! The world can offer you a different peace, but that peace is not comparable to God’s peace! Praying is a constant that is required in finding peace. Pausing during any time that brings about fear, doubt, or anxiety; beginning to pray; opens that door to God; allowing Him to enter in and quiet any turmoil. All we have to do is trust and obey. God has always offered His peace; from the beginning and always. Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” He teaches time and time again, that to fear not, and think on positive things, to trust in His presence every moment. So, even in distress, when we have forgotten who is in control; why not choose peace? Why not humble yourself and call on God; ask Him to continue providing that free service of peace? I know that if I want to survive anything this old world tries to throw, I’m going to trust, obey, and rely on the only one who helps me feel a little more like peace!
Scriptures:
Read: Matthew 5:9, John 14:27, Psalm 34:14-15, James 3:17-18, Numbers 6:24-26, Philippians 4:6-7, Isaiah 26:3-4, II Corinthians 13:11, Isaiah 26:3-4, John 16:33, II Thessalonians 3:16, Colossians 3;15, Hebrews 12:14, I Corinthians 14:33, Matthew 5:2-19
Prayer:
Father, we come now, asking forgiveness when we forgot where true peace comes from. Thank you, Father, for the guidelines in the Bible that gives us knowledge into how we can gain your true peace. Thank you, Father, also for never leaving while we forgot; allowing us to search for you and then find you already there; filling us with peace. Amen.