Sunday, August 31, 2014 "Pride is a Virtue?"

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom. Proverbs 11:2

The world will tell you that pride is a virtue. The Bible teaches us the pride comes before destruction. (Proverbs 16:18) Humility is a reflection of God and with it comes wisdom. Let us desire more of Him and less of ourselves. 

Saturday, August 30, 2014 "Are We Being Punished?"

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 1 Peter 5:10

One of the lies the enemy would have you believe is when you are facing a trial that God is punishing you. When we face trials in life God is allowing us to grow in Him through them, not punishing us with them. The truth is Jesus faced our eternal punishment when He was sent to His death on the cross. The decisions we make in life can affect our outcomes. We all face times of trouble for no one is exempt. The truth is our trials sanctify us, restore us and renew us. We are strengthened when we face our mountains and overcome them. Do not try to avoid pain. Pain, sadness, and problems, are inevitable. What we all can do is prepare for them and learn as much as we can from them. We can exercise supernatural faith during our tests knowing He is with us and for us and not against us. Stop thinking God is punishing you and start believing that He works all things out for your good. Guilt and fear are not of God. You are a child of God and you are righteous and holy. You are special and you are blessed by His favor. Just stay in His sight. Always. Forever.

Friday, August 29, 2014 "Do Not Throw Pearls to Pigs"

"Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces". Matthew 7:6

The Lord does not want us to waste our time on relationships that are not good for us. We are to love all people and pray for them and show them God in us but the Bible is clear we are not to break bread with those that are not holy. Keep your circle of friends small. It is not about quantity rather who can you really turn to in your desperate time of need? Who is going to pray for you when you ask them? Who will stand by you when the popular vote is to walk away? We must remember that relationships change as people change. Who was in your circle yesterday may not be in it today. Do not hold on to what must be let go. That includes people, places and things. Ask the Lord to send you good solid God fearing friends and He will. Matthew 7:7 tells us, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you".

Thursday, August 28, 2014 "What Do You Choose?"

Life is the result of the choices we make. We can be disappointed but we choose to be discouraged. We can never forget when someone hurts us but we can choose to forgive. We may hear the gospel of Jesus Christ but we choose to welcome Him into our hearts. The Lord gives us free will to choose. Let us not live a life of regret by the choices we made out of a rebellious, angry, bitter heart. Instead let us choose to love, focus on God, and live a life that glorifies Him. The choice is yours. 

"No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.” John 10:18

Wednesday, August 27, 2014 "Please God"

Are you a people pleaser? A "yes man"? Do you find it hard to say no to anything or anyone? Do you have that same burning desire to please God? The truth is we all find ourselves at one point or another trying to do everything for everyone only to come up short. We end up feeling unsatisfied, burned out, stressed out and sometimes feeling used. That is why we need only please the Lord. Place Him above all else and allow Him to work through your life. His love and guidance will manifest through you and you will desire Him more than man. Place all your faith and trust in Him and you will feel complete, at peace and your heart will be filled with joy. 

It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in humans. Psalm 118:8

Tuesday, August 26, 2014 "Called to Share"

Never allow anyone or anything discount your testimony. The enemy tries so hard to discredit us that we must be prepared daily for this battle. We are called to share Jesus Christ with others and the enemy and his servants will stop at nothing to prevent you from doing this. We must be mature and know that there is indeed a spiritual warfare going on all around us. The fight is for one another's soul. Don't ever give up!

 "If sinners be damned, at least let them leap to Hell over our bodies. If they will perish, let them perish with our arms about their knees. Let no one go there unwarned and unprayed for".   Charles H. Spurgeon

Monday, August 25, 2014 "Power in the Blood"

“Do not turn to mediums or necromancers; do not seek them out, and so make yourselves unclean by them: I am the Lord your God. Leviticus 19:31

All help comes from our Maker. Psalm 121:2 Look to Him for all of your needs. You will not find what you are looking for from any self help book or latest card reader genius. He is all we need for all of our wants, desires, needs, and prayers. There is no power in a statue, or in the big fat belly of a Buddha man nor is there answers to your future in the secret. When we place our faith and trust in Jesus, we are sanctified by His shed blood on the cross. And that blood is all the power we will ever need. 

Sunday, August 24, 2014 "Competition is a Thief of Joy"

Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 

Philippians 2:3-4

I recently read that competition is a thief of joy. Isn't that so true? I never understood when someone wanted to compare themselves to me and then want to compete with me? I always noticed they were miserable people. A lesson I learned was never to begrudge someone else's success if you are not willing to do what they did to achieve it. I embrace and celebrate other's successes as my true circle of friends does with me and my husband. What good comes out of competing with one another when together we could build a wonderful legacy for the Kingdom of God? I say join with one another and use each other's strengths to make a wonderful team of apostles. We need to start thinking about our treasures in heaven more than the latest I Phone series or newest model car. None of it matters to the Lord nor does any of it have any real value. They are nice things to enjoy, absolutely, and no one says you are not to have them, but they need not be your master. What we all need is a little more prioritizing and rearranging and a little less self. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33

Saturday, August 23, 2014 "Look to our Future"

“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert". Isaiah 43:18-19

Is your past crippling your life today? If so what does the Bible say about letting go of the past? We are not to remember the former thing but rather look to our future with Him. He is the way ahead. 

Friday, August 22, 2014 "The Christian Formula"

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 

1 John 4:7-8

Share Christ. Love people. 

Simple as that. 

Thursday, August 21, 2014 "Pray Through It"

Look to the Lord and his strength;
    seek his face always. 1 Chronicles 16:11

cvfg

Never cease in prayer. Pray with fervor and pray with expectancy. Above all else, pray yourself through it. A wonderful Christian sister taught me this truth years ago and I wanted to share it all with you. No matter what the circumstances look like, no matter how long you have endured such suffering, continue to seek the Lord and ask for His help. He will never leave you nor forsake you which means He is right along side you sharing in your sorrow and pain. The LORD is near to all them that call on him, to all that call on him in truth. Psalm 145:18 He will see you through it. Trust. Believe. Pray.

Wednesday, August 20, 2014 "Never Give Up!

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12

Perseverance means never to give up! We must keep at it no matter what. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9 I The Lord taught me this valuable lesson when He made me wait three years for an answer to a very specific and urgent prayer and I remember wanting to just give up. The Lord spoke through a dear friend at one point and said, "Don't give up!" and I held on to those words and chose to remain in prayer. We stayed still during the trial and I am so blessed to exclaim the Lord answered our miraculous prayer. It was in His time not ours and I have since learned never to cease in prayer. Simply trust and believe and persevere no matter what!

Tuesday, August 19, 2014 "In His Image"

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7

As we mature in Christ we become more like Him.  We learn to love like Him, think like Him, react like Him. My hot blooded old self used to never hold back on what I thought and my mouth would often get me into trouble. I learned as I grew in God's image that I was not being "cool" when I acted that way but rather "unholy".  I know I am far from perfect but I also know the Lord has taken me a long way and has done great work in me. And for that He gets all the glory, not me. I am just thankful I am learning self control. A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls. Proverbs 25:28 It is not easy for me but I am asking Him everyday to help me. Is there an area in your life that you struggle with? Why don't you give it to God and ask Him to help you with it? He is always there with us and for us and there is nothing we cannot bring to His altar. Thank you Lord for always being there for your children. 

Monday, August 18, 2014 "His Love Never Fails"

"Praise the Lord! He is good.

    God’s love never fails". Psalm 136:1

Jesus never fails. So many people will hurt us and betray us but He is the one true friend who will never forsake us. Today I simply come in love and gratitude. My heart is full of joy in knowing He will always be with me. No matter what comes my way, I will never have to face it alone. 

Sunday, August 17, 2014 "Surrender All to Thee"

"Surrender your heart to God,
    turn to him in prayer" Job 11:13

Surrender all to thee. That is what our Father in Heaven wants for all of His children. He wants us to place our full faith and trust solely in Him. No one else. Nothing else. Standing in His presence, standing on this truth rebukes the enemy and his servants. Nothing compares to the love we have in Jesus and He is all we need. Give it all to Him today and wait upon Him. Our obedience and trust births His blessings on our lives. Trust in Him today and surrender everything you are holding on to. He's got it!

Saturday, August 16, 2014 "Know Jesus Know Peace"

"fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God". Hebrews 12:2

Sometimes we just have to shut out the world and its noise in order to stay true to our life in Christ. I call putting on our "spiritual blinders". Keeping our minds in the Word of God and keeping our eyes fixed on His promise to never leave us nor forsake us. He needs to be the center of your universe at all times. To me it is the only way to remain in His will and the only way to survive this sinful world. Life is hard enough without the added nonsense therefore I try to keep my life simple and free. I know I am at peace for it. And He wants that for you too. 

Know Jesus, Know Peace. No Jesus, No Peace. 

Friday, August 15, 2014 "God is Able"

"And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work". 2 Corinthians 9:8

God is able. He can do exceedingly and abundantly more then our imaginations could ever think of. He is my everything. I cannot imagine life without Him. I pray for those that are lost, seeking the "truth" but have yet to find it. I ask that their eyes and ears be opened to His wondrous ways. Never be ashamed to spread the gospel of Jesus with others. There are so many out there that have no idea and we must share His life with them. Be on mission for Christ!"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will send you out to fish for people." Matthew 4:19

Thursday, August 14, 2014 "God is Just"

God is just. 
God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you. 2 Thessalonians 1:6

He will fight for you. 

He will fight for me. 

We need only be still. 
The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still." Exodus 14:14

Wednesday, August 13, 2014 "Faith is.."

Faith is not believing that God can. 

It is knowing that He will. 

Tuesday, August 12, 2014 "New Creation"

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 2 Corinthians 5:17

Taking accountability for your actions and words is a part of being obedient to God. So often people forget that they are accountable to the Lord for everything they say, act and think. Who do you think you are hiding from? We all have our "demons" and to think we are "getting away with them" because no one is witnessing them is ludicrous. It is a lie of the enemy to make you continue your life of sin. We must die to thyself and begin a new life in His creation, not the world's. Nor must we live a life of our own fleshly desires. Sacrifice is a part of being a son or daughter of the Most High. Self control, compassion, love and forgiveness...all fruits we must bear. We must tame our tongue, we must be responsible for who we hang out with, how we conduct ourselves at work. We must glorify God in all we do. Saying "I was wrong", "I am sorry" for some even "I love you" are three of the hardest words to speak yet so characteristic of who He is and who we are called to be. Don't miss it. Be like Him in all ways. 

Monday, August 11, 2014 "No Matter What"

Trust God. 

Sunday, August 10, 2014 "How Wide, Long, High, and Deep"

Never let anyone steal your joy. The enemy comes to rob, kill and destroy but our God came so that we would have everlasting life with Him. The battle has already won therefore you are forever a victor and never for one second a victim. It is up to us to grasp this truth and grasp how wide and long and high and deep is love is for us. (Ephesians 3:18) Focus on this truth and you will never have a bad day!

Saturday, August 9, 2014 "His Love"

For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100:5

Hold on to God! His love never fails and His love will endure forever. I just want to give thanks to my Lord our God today for all He is. 

Friday, August 8, 2014 "He's Always There"

"No matter what state you find yourself in, you're not there     alone. If you're a child of God, the Spirit of God is within you.         He's omnipresent. He's always there. " - Charles Stanley

Thursday, August 7, 2014 "Prince of Peace"

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 

Isaiah 9:6

Ask the Lord to fill your heart with His love, peace and joy. The fruits of the Spirit that produce the balance and calmness in your life are these. (Galatians 5:22-23) I just choose to focus on Him. Simply Jesus. It is the focus of our church body. It is the focus of my home. My husband and I rely on Him for every single moment of our lives. And when we do that we are reminded of His love and presence in our lives. It brings such a sense of peace and I pray for you today. So that you can experience His supernatural power in your life. For He is the Prince of Peace. 

Wednesday, August 6, 2014 "The Purpose of the Lord"

"Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand." 

Proverbs 19:21

God is in control. We hear this promise. We know this promise. So why do we forget this promise when things are not going our way? Why do we continue to panic and react? Why do we try to fix it when He is the fixer of all things? No one can do what He is capable of doing so why do any of us even try? Like my father in law said so many years ago when he was dying, "If I die, I win for I will go home with the Lord and if I live, I win". What a brave statement from someone who was obviously scared. But his faith surpassed all fear. He had hope for He knew God had his life in His hands and what would happen would be of God and His plan. We must hold this truth in our hearts for our own life. It is the purpose of the Lord that we should desire. No matter what.

Tuesday, August 5, 2014 "I Shall Not Want"

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. Psalm 23:1 

He is all I need. When we are at peace with the Lord we are complete. We are satisfied. We are content. We live in gratitude and harmony with others. We have joy in our hearts not malice. We seek His guidance in our life, we do not make our own choices. It is His voice we follow. I thank you Lord for loving me, for saving me, and for blessing me. You are all I need. 

Monday, August 4, 2014 "Jesus Help Me"

Short prayers are long enough. "Jesus help me" are three of the most powerful words we can ever speak to our Father in Heaven. 

"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us". 1 John 5:14

Sunday, August 3, 2014 "Press On"

Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Philippians 3:13-15

When we reflect on our past we mustn't fall into the trap of regrets. The Lord has forgiven us of all our sins and we must learn to forgive ourselves. So often people get "stuck" in their own guilt and it is a tool the enemy will use to distract you from what God has in store for you. Press on. Move forward. Forget what lies behind. 

Saturday, August 2, 2014 "Nothing Compares to You"

 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33

When we place all our faith and trust in the Lord and not man we will never be disappointed. The Lord spoke to my heart and said, "place no limitations on me and place no expectations on man" and I have held those words close to my heart. My life, my marriage, my home, my money, my possessions, nothing defines me..what defines me is...I am a child of God. He defines me. No amount of money, high powered position, power or career status will ever cause me to slip again or abandon my relationship with God. "For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions." 2 Timothy 4:3 I see it happen everyday with others and I try to share my story without coming off judging because I know in the end it is not worth it. Nothing is worth more than God. Lord, you are more precious than silver and nothing I desire compares to You. 

Friday, August 1, 2014 "I Declare"

I declare my faith in the infinite power of God. 

Through prayer I am blessed with happiness, 

abundance, peace, joy, and love.

 I am grateful for all He has given me. 

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God by 

living a holy and righteous life. 

I live by His 

Word 

and I am not 

ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15