A Prayer for Focus

by // // Comments off

Father,
It is a new day, the start of a new week. It is a new opportunity for each of us to focus on You, to learn more from your precious word, and to apply that knowledge to our hearts and lives. Teach us today, Father, how to serve you better, how to honor you more, and how to have hearts that are pure in love, compassion, and grace for others.

We walk in the faith that you are walking beside us. We rejoice in the knowledge that you love us and know us so very well. Keep us on the path of righteousness and keep our eyes focused on you.

In Jesus name,
Amen

Do Not Be Afraid

by // // Comments off

“Do not be afraid.” These are the words spoken to Mary Magdalene as she approached the tomb of Jesus that morning, finding the stone rolled away and an angel there instead of the body of her beloved Jesus. This was not what she expected on this morning. This was not her plan for this morning. Yet, she was told to have no fear.

The same words were spoken to Mary, the mother of Jesus, when the angel appeared before her 33 years prior to that day. “Do not be afraid,” the Angel told her as he explained God’s plan for her life; as he told her she would be mother of he Messiah.

I feel like Jesus is speaking these same words into our hearts this morning…”Do not be afraid.” We do not have to fear the darkness of this world. We do not have to fear the troubles that come into our lives. We don’t have to fear the broken relationships, financial burdens, insecurities, broken hearts, and shattered dreams. We have nothing to fear, because HE LIVES‼!

We have nothing to fear because HE LIVES! Click To Tweet

All those years ago, He gave himself for us. For our sins, for our lives, for our troubles. Three days later, He was resurrected, and took his place at his father’s side. He is right there, right now, interceding on behalf of you and me. He hears our prayers, he knows our hopes, he knows our concerns. He will not walk away and leave us to figure it out in our own. He will guide us, make a path for us, and encourage us through our trials. He will rejoice with us through our triumphs. He is the greatest friend we will ever know!

So do not be afraid, my friends. Take your needs to him. Let him soothe your anxious heart and wipe way your tears. There is no room for fear in a life with the Savior.

Give Freely

by // // Comments off

The Word tells us that Jesus bowed his head and gave up his spirit. Just like that…he gave it up. No questions, no arguing, no pondering, no compromise…he gave it up. Freely given for the sins of you and me. Freely given so that grace and mercy could flow. Freely given so that we could find redemption and salvation. Freely given for US!

What are you willing to give up for the One who gave his life for you? What are you willing to sacrifice? How about your pride? Your strongholds? Your insecurities? Your inappropriate lifestyle? Your dysfunctional relationships? Your jealousy and rage? Your freedom? Are you willing to sacrifice your life? Are you willing to lay everything at the feet of the Savior and say “I give it all to you?” For when we are bought by the blood of Christ, our lives are no longer our own…they belong to Him. Give freely today of ALL that you have. Give it all to the One who gave it all for you.

Our Provider

by // // Comments off

Scripture tells us that God is our provider. The hearts of those of us who believe rest in that promise. Life can get tough sometimes, and we can find ourselves fearful, afraid, and worried. It is in those times that we need to go to God’s word and remind ourselves that He is there and He promises us that He will meet our needs.

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19) Click To Tweet

Our Father in heaven doesn’t just provide…He provides according to His riches.  This means that He gives, and gives abundantly!  This owner of the cattle on a thousand hills wants to make sure our needs are met.  Just like a father does, He makes sure we have what we need to be safe and secure in this world.

We need not worry when times are hard and struggles have their grip on us.  We need only to look to our Father, who is there for us in our troubled times.  He is waiting for us to reach out and call on Him.  He is waiting.  He is eager to be the Ultimate Difference Maker of this world.  Cry out to God and rest in Him, as your fears subside and your needs are met.

And when you realize that once again, He has taken care of you, be sure to take some time to thank Him and give Him the glory He deserves.  To God be ALL THE GLORY!!!!!!

Rid Me of Myself

by // // Comments off

Singing in church on Sunday morning, the verse to a song really spoke to my heart. “Rid me of myself, I belong to you.” I belong to Jesus. You belong to Jesus. The problem is that sometimes we can’t get ourselves out of the way so that we can experience all the goodness, all the greatness, He has for us.

Do you strive to be Christlike? Do you want to be an imitator of Jesus? I know I do. The devil knows it also. So he will come along, with his lies and his schemes, and try to throw me off track. He will do the same to you. He doesn’t want any of us to “belong” to Jesus. He doesn’t want us to model Christ to those around us. So to keep us from doing so, he will sneak into our thoughts, our attitudes, and our actions. Before we know it, we are as far from Christlikedness as we can possibly be.

Today I pray that my Savior will help “rid me of myself”, that He will help me stand up against the lies and the tricks of the enemy. I pray that He will help me keep my focus on the good, the pure, the noble, and the lovely. I pray that He will guide my thoughts, my words, my actions, so that when others see me….they see Him. I pray the same for you….that your life would be molded and driven by the love of Jesus, and that all who see you recognize that He is your one true love.

Let us strive to belong wholeheartedly to Jesus. Click To Tweet

Let us strive to belong wholeheartedly to Jesus. Let us live our lives in accordance with the Word of God. Let us not let the enemy get a grip on our souls, but be ever mindful of his desire to trap us. Let us reach out our hands in full assurance that Jesus will stretch out his, and pull us softly and gently to Him….right where we belong.

Who Can You Serve?

by // // Comments off

Service….it is an action word.  As believers, we are all called to take that action, to serve others.  The act of serving isn’t just meant for those who pour our coffee or bring us the meal we ordered.  It isn’t set aside for those who help us in the check out line, cut our hair, or pump our gas.  Service isn’t delegated only to those who are elected to represent us, or who fight on foreign soil for our freedoms.  Service is meant for ALL of us.  We are not meant to think of ourselves as having a status above servant hood.

Even as the Son of Man came not to be serve but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. (Matthew 20:28) Click To Tweet

Jesus came to this earth as a servant.  This mighty King of Kings placed himself in a position of humility I order to demonstrate love.  Through this act of servant hood, he demonstrated obedience, compassion, grace, humility, love, and reverence.  So much can be learned from him, if only we would be willing to humble ourselves.

Look around you.  There is a lot you can do in service to others.  There are people who need prayer and encouragement.  There are those who need food, shelter, and clothing.  Some may need a smile, a hug, a moment of understanding.  Many may need forgiveness.  And EVERYONE needs to hear the gospel, and experience the love of the Savior.

What can you do to serve others today?  By serving them, you will be serving Him.  Let’s all make it our goal today to make a difference in someone’s life.  Let’s humble ourselves and grasp with exuberance the opportunity to be a servant of Christ.  What an awesome honor!

By serving them, you will be serving Him. Click To Tweet

 

 

Surviving the Tornados

by // // Comments off

Some days I am weary. My calendar is full, time is short, and I feel the storm coming. On those days, I know that I will never accomplish all that I have before me by my own strength and sheer will power. On those days I realize that the only way I am going to navigate through my day of overload is if I spend some time with my sweet Jesus, who always renews me and gives me just what I need to make it through my “tornados”.

Jesus needed rest. He knew his disciples needed rest as well. That is why He advised them to get alone and rest for a while.

And He said to them, Come away by yourselves to a quiet place and rest a while. Click To Tweet

If Jesus needed rest, what makes us think we don’t need it just as much? Sure, we are not walking around healing and doing miracles in the fashion that He did. But we are, as believers, walking out our days sharing His love, spreading His joy, and offering His grace. And some days, we do pull out a miracle or a healing…even in the smallest of ways.

If we are going to accomplish the tasks and opportunities that He puts before us, we need rest. We need that time of refreshing that can only come from spending time in prayer and in our bibles, learning and growing from His word, and strengthening our relationship with our Savior. We must make Jesus a priority, the very first thing on our list of “to-do’s”. He will give us the strength to handle those hectic days, to walk through the storms, and to survive our “tornados” if we only seek Him first.

We must make Jesus a priority, the very first thing on our list of to-do's Click To Tweet

Choose GOOD

by // // Comments off

Our words are a direct reflection of what is on our hearts. What kind of treasure are you storing up in your heart? Is your heart filled with wicked thoughts, angry ideas, and devious plots? Or is your heart overflowing with the word of God, joy, kindness, acceptance, understanding, and love? WE choose what we think on. WE choose what we allow to fester in our hearts. WE choose what comes out in our words and actions. WE choose how we treat others. Choose GOOD today. Choose GOD today. Make this day count for yourself, for others, and for your Father in Heaven. Bring the GOOD to the surface and let it shine for others to see.

Handpicked

by // // Comments off

There is something so beautiful about flowers. The way the different types mesh together to make a beautiful garden is so peaceful and serene. The colors join together to make a palette of wonder for the fortunate spectator who is able to take in the sights and the smells of God’s amazing beauty.

We grow our gardens. We put a lot of diligence and tender care into creating this place of beauty where peace and tranquility can reign. And when our flowers reach maturity, we pick some to beautify the insides of our homes, to bring that color, scent, and freshness of the outside into our dwelling spaces. A lot of thought can go into which flowers to pick….which ones are ready to be cut and enjoyed.

We are a lot like those flowers. God tends to us, He nurtures us, he puts His love into cultivating our hearts to be like His. Then….when we are mature and ready….he handpicks us to go out and do His good works. He chooses us to bring that freshness of the gospel into lives that are lost, lonely, or afraid. Just like that, we can become that bright spot in someone’s shadows, that light in another’s darkness.

He chooses us to bring that freshness of the gospel into lives that are lost, lonely, or afraid. Click To Tweet

Each of us are handpicked by our Master Creator for a specific purpose. He considers us, and He plans according to His will for our lives. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. (John 15:16)

What has He handpicked you for? How are you going to bring freshness to someone’s day? How is your brilliant color going to mesh with the vibrancy of others around you to create a thing of beauty? Be a part of the beautiful bouquet that makes up His followers. Let your fragrance pour into those around you. You were handpicked for a purpose….so let your value be found in sharing the gospel….in sharing His love.

Keep the Flame Burning

by // // Comments off

Many of us can spend days, weeks, even years wondering what our purpose is in this life. We love God and we believe that He created us for a purpose, but we just haven’t been able to unwrap exactly what that purpose might be. Let me assure you all that He DID design you for a purpose. He DID place into your life particular talents and abilities. He DID endow you with specific spiritual gifts.

What is our purpose? To glorify our God and to impact His kingdom. How do we do so? By recognizing the spiritual gifts He has given each of us, unwrapping that precious gift, and USING it. We can’t live in the fear that we might fail. We can’t let insecurity and self-doubt have victory over us. We can’t let the enemy convince us that we are not worthy.

What is our purpose? To glorify our God and to impact His kingdom. Click To Tweet

We are so much more than worthy. We are so much more than able. We are strong, valuable, capable, and necessary. God has given us an assignment in our lives and it is up to us to act on it. When we do, we not only glorify our Father, but we make a difference in the lives of others.

So, what is your gift? What flames need to be fanned in your heart and mind? What are you doing to show God your thankfulness for the gifts He has given you? Let today be the day you standup and say “I receive what You have given me!” “I am worthy of this gift!” “I can do all things through Your great and mighty strength!” “I want to make a difference….to impact Your kingdom!”

Start today and keep your flame burning.

« Older posts
Newer posts »