Friday, August 30, 2013

HANG IN THERE!

8-30-2013. . . .HANG IN THERE! 

"Do not let this happy trust in the Lord die away, no matter what happens. Remember your reward!  You need to keep on patiently doing God's will if you want him to do for you all that he has promised." (Heb 10:35-37 TLB)  We've come to far to give up, in, or out and to turn around now!  No, it is not always easy, but it is worth the fight!  Hang in there, for the greater blessings and reward are in front of us!

PRAYER: Lord, sometimes it gets really really hard to keep trusting you.  Not because of You, (for you are faithful) but because of the insecurities within us.  We want to be in control!  (As if we know and can influence the outcome of our affairs)  Have mercy on us and give us your peace as we submit both willingly and unwillingly to your will.  Amen!


Heb 10:32-34. . . .Don't ever forget those wonderful days when you first learned about Christ. Remember how you kept right on with the Lord even though it meant terrible suffering.  Sometimes you were laughed at and beaten, and sometimes you watched and sympathized with others suffering the same things.  You suffered with those thrown into jail, and you were actually joyful when all you owned was taken from you, knowing that better things were awaiting you in heaven, things that would be yours forever. TLB

Thursday, August 29, 2013

COMPLETE CONFIDENCE!

8-29-2013. . . .COMPLETE CONFIDENCE!

"Lord, have mercy on me; all day long the enemy troops press in. So many are proud to fight against me; how they long to conquer me. But when I am afraid, I will put my confidence in you. Yes, I will trust the promises of God. And since I am trusting him, what can mere man do to me? (Ps 56:1-5 TLB)  There will be times when from every direction, nothing but enemies will be confronting us. Knowing in advance, that God is all we need before we reach a point where we realize that God is all we've got, is reassuring and makes it easy to put full trust and complete confidence in Him.

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for being on our side and being all that we need.  Our complete trust and confidence is in you.  Amen!

 Rom 8:31. . . .What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?  KJV

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

EVIDENCE!

8-28-2013. . . .EVIDENCE!

"So also is my Word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It shall accomplish all I want it to and prosper everywhere I send it." (Isa 55:11-12 TLB)  If the word were prosecuted, it would always be found guilty because it always leaves evidence where ever it has been!  How much evidence can be found in us?

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for your proceeding and prevailing word.  May there be much evidence of its presence found in our lives.  Amen!

 Ps 119:15-16. . . .I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.  I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.  KJV

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

THE WORD IS THE WORD!

8-27-2013. . . .THE WORD IS THE WORD!

"You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you." (Deut 4:2-3 NKJV) The word is the word!  We cannot change or adjust it to fit our own personal agendas; nor can we tailor it to justify and under-gird our selfish beliefs and doctrines.  Again, the word is the word!  Receive  it - believe it - follow it!

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for your word.  It is what it is!  We receive it, we believe it, and with all our power we will follow it.  Amen!

Ps 33:4-5. . . . For the word of the LORD is right, And all His work is done in truth.  He loves righteousness and justice; The earth is full of the goodness of the LORD. NKJV

Monday, August 26, 2013

8-26-2013. . . .ILLUMINATION AND DIRECTION!

"How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!  Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.  Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.  (Ps 119:103-105 KJV)  One can't go wrong whose light and lamp is God's words.  With it as our guide, every step brings fresh illumination and clear direction to our destination.    

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for your word; for illumination and direction.  Amen!

Ps 119:114. . . .Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word. KJV

Friday, August 23, 2013

TAKE RESPONSIBILITY!

8-23-2013. . . .TAKE RESPONSIBILITY!

"Listen now! The Lord isn't too weak to save you. And he isn't getting deaf! He can hear you when you call!  But the trouble is that your sins have cut you off from God. Because of sin he has turned his face away from you and will not listen anymore".  ( Isa 59:1-2 TLB)  No need to look left or right nor point a finger at anyone else.  Take responsibility!   If God is not responding or listening, (although He can hear, but chooses not to listen) remove the sin that is creating the barrier.

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for always hearing us and responding when we call.  May we never allow sin to create a barrier between us and you.  Amen!

Isa 55:7. . . .Let men cast off their wicked deeds; let them banish from their minds the very thought of doing wrong! Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy upon them, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon! TLB

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

WALK IN AUTHORITY!

8-21-2013. . . .WALK IN AUTHORITY!

"Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth.  See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant." (Jer 1:9-10 KJV)  God will never give us an assignment without equipping us for the assignment.  Not only will He provide the skill and resources needed, He will give us the authority to execute the charge to it's completion.   Without fear, WALK IN AUTHORITY!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for equipping us with everything that is needed to complete our assignments.  Without fear we now execute and walk in your authority.  Amen!

Eph 1:3. . . .Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: KJV

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

BELIEVE TO RECEIVE!

8-20-2013. . . .BELIEVE TO RECEIVE!

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."  (Rom 1:16 KJV)  The Gospel of Christ is both liberating and empowering!  It is also, all inclusive!  One need only believe to receive!

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for your great love that is all inclusive and extended to every on that will believe! May all the world believe and receive.  Amen!

Eph 2:4-6. . . .But God is so rich in mercy; he loved us so much 5 that even though we were spiritually dead and doomed by our sins, he gave us back our lives again when he raised Christ from the dead-only by his undeserved favor have we ever been saved- 6 and lifted us up from the grave into glory along with Christ, where we sit with him in the heavenly realms-all because of what Christ Jesus did. TLB


Monday, August 19, 2013

BACK THE HELL UP!

8-19-2013. . . .BACK THE HELL UP!

"And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." ( Matt 16:18 KJV)  Gates are designed to keep things in and keep things out, and to define boundaries.  Hell cannot define the boundaries of God's church and it cannot prevent the advancement of the kingdom agenda!  It's time for the church to access kingdom power, adjust our agendas, and advance aggressively to back the hell of up!

PRAYER: Lord, you have declared that the gates of hell shall not prevail against your church.  Give us the boldness to speak where where we have been silent and to move aggressively where we have been passive. Amen.

Matt 11:12. . . . And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.  KJV


Friday, August 16, 2013

DON'T TAKE THE LONG WAY AROUND!

8-16-2013. . . .DON'T TAKE THE LONG WAY AROUND!

"True humility and respect for the Lord lead a man to riches, honor, and long life." (Prov 22:4 TLB) Given enough time, false humility will always unveil it's selfish ulterior motives. There is no gain for the effort! True humility is a straight and direct road leading to blessings, recognition and longevity of life.  Don't take the long way around!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for a direct path to riches, honor and long life. Guide our feet along this path and redirect us should we deviate. Amen!

Prov 22:4-5. . . . Humility and the fear of the LORD bring wealth and honor and life. In the paths of the wicked lie thorns and snares, but he who guards his soul stays far from them. NIV

Thursday, August 15, 2013

START BEING FAITHFUL NOW!

8-15-2013. . . .START BEING FAITHFUL NOW!

"Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful." (1 Cor 4:2 KJV) Faithfulness is not an optional attribute, it is a requirement! Is faithful a word people use to describe us?  If not, consider this. Faithful is one of two words the Lord will use to judge us!  If we want to hear Him say "Well done GOOD and FAITHFUL servant" at the end, we must start being FAITHFUL now!

Prayer: Lord, help us to be good and faithful servants now so that later, when we see you  face to face you will call us the same. Amen!

1 Cor 15:58-16:1. . . .Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

POWER WITHIN!

8-14-2013. . . .POWER WITHIN!

"Do you want more and more of God's kindness and peace?  Then learn to know him better and better.  For as you know him better, he will give you, through his great power, everything you need for living a truly good life: he even shares his own glory and his own goodness with us!   And by that same mighty power he has given us all the other rich and wonderful blessings he promised; for instance, the promise to save us from the lust and rottenness all around us, and to give us his own character."  (2 Peter 1:2-4 TLB)    Don't underestimate lust!  It is a powerful thing and because it comes from our own inner desires, it can be difficult for usto "Just say no" to ourselves!  Rely on the mighty transforming power Christ has given us.  This power will produce a 'Christ-likenss' in us that will radiate outside of us for all the world to behold!   

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the power you have give us to be just like you.  Help us always yield to that transforming power and not revert back to our old nature.  Amen.

Gal 5:16. . . .I advise you to obey only the Holy Spirit's instructions. He will tell you where to go and what to do, and then you won't always be doing the wrong things your evil nature wants you to. TLB

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

WHAT'S YOUR CHOICE?

8-13-2013. . . .THE CHOICE IS OURS! 

"If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:  But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it."  (Isa 1:19-20 KJV) Experience the best life has to offer by chossing to be willing and obedient to God's word and will!  The alternative choice is to be cursed and devoured!  What's your choice?

Prayer: Lord, your desire is to bless us and to have us experience the best life has to offer.  All you require is our willingness and obedience!  We give both to you now and forever.  Amen!

Ps 35:27. . . .Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant. KJV

Monday, August 12, 2013

OBEDIENCE IS A CHOICE!

8-12-2013. . . .OBEDIENCE IS A CHOICE!

"Obey God because you are his children; don't slip back into your old ways-doing evil because you knew no better.  But be holy now in everything you do, just as the Lord is holy, who invited you to be his child.  He himself has said, "You must be holy, for I am holy." (1 Peter 1:14-16 TLB)  Obedience is a choice!  As God's children, we are without excuse when we choose to follow our old nature and do things that dishonor who God is!  Remember: We were made in His image and after His own likeness.  We are God's visible image in the world.  When the world sees us, what is their impression and opinion of God?

Prayer: Lord, thank you for creating us in your own image and likeness.  Help us daily to represent you to the world in a way that draws them to you and not drives them from you!  Amen.

Col 3:10-11. . . . You are living a brand new kind of life that is continually learning more and more of what is right, and trying constantly to be more and more like Christ who created this new life within you. 11 In this new life one's nationality or race or education or social position is unimportant; such things mean nothing. Whether a person has Christ is what matters, and he is equally available to all. TLB

Friday, August 9, 2013

GO TO WORK!

8-9-2013. . . .GO TO WORK!


"For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you,  nor did we eat anyone's food without paying for it.   On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you.  We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow. For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: "If a man will not work, he shall not eat." (2 Thess 3:7-10 NIV)  To receive a handout when needed is a blessing; to look for a handout continuously is dependency.  No one owes us anything!  We owe it to our self to get out there and make it happen for our self!  GO TO WORK!

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for supplying all our needs especially our jobs.  Help us to help others in their time of need, but never aid nor facilitate their dependency.  Amen. 


Prov 13:4. . . . Lazy people want much but get little, while the diligent are prospering. TLB


Thursday, August 8, 2013

DON'T GIVE UP!

8-8-2013. . . .DON'T GIVE UP!

"Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded."  (2 Chron 15:7 KJV)  There is no reward for giving up or giving in. To do so is to nullify the energy and effort expended in beginning and to forfeit the satisfaction and ecstasy of finishing.  Your reward is waiting; Don't Give Up!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for every opportunity you send our way.  In spite of challenges and difficulties, we will finish and not give up.  Amen!

Gal 6:9-10. . . . And let us not get tired of doing what is right, for after a while we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't get discouraged and give up. TLB

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

BE DIFFERENT AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

8-7-2013. . . .BE DIFFERENT AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
"So be careful how you act; these are difficult days.  Don't be fools; be wise: make the most of every opportunity you have for doing good.  Don't act thoughtlessly, but try to find out and do whatever the Lord wants you to." (Eph 5:15-17 TLB)   In one of his final speeches Dr. Martin Luther King said, "I just want to do God's will."  Doing God's will had become the major priority in his life.  It didn't make him perfect and without mistakes, but it did give him focus during some difficult days.  We too are living in some difficult times.  One need not look very far to find people living thoughtlessly and squandering opportunities to be good and do good.  This is not what God wants!  As believers, we are called to be different and to make a difference.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for every opportunity to do good and make a difference in the world.  In spite of difficult days, may we live always thoughtfully and not thoughtlessly.  Amen!

1 Peter 2:9. . . . But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: KJV

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

BE KIND!

8-6-2013. . . .BE KIND!  

“Stop being mean, bad-tempered, and angry. Quarreling, harsh words, and dislike of others should have no place in your lives. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God has forgiven you because you belong to Christ." (Eph 4:31-32 TLB)  Of the many things people could say about us, is one of them, ‘He or She is a Kind Person?’ (Friendly, warm-hearted, generous and understanding.)  Being kind and showing kindness does not cost us anything, but it could mean everything to the person or persons on the receiving end of it. The world has enough mean, selfish, evil, insensitive, uncaring and unloving people in it.  Don’t be one of them!  BE KIND!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your loving kindness and for the opportunity of life.  Help me to be a kind person and to show kindness at all times. Amen!
2 Peter 1:5-9. . . . For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. NIV

Monday, August 5, 2013

STOP BEING WILLFUL!

8-5-2013. . . .STOP BEING WILLFUL! 

"Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me.  Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression. (Ps 19:13 NIV)  From the moment we are saved and begin to walk in the newness of life, we should see and experience a drastic decrease in the amount of 'Willful" sin in our lives.  If we don't, we are still being to willful!

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for new life in you!  Help us to walk continuously in our regenerated lives without deviation.  Amen!

2 Cor 5:17. . . .When someone becomes a Christian, he becomes a brand new person inside. He is not the same anymore. A new life has begun! TLB


Friday, August 2, 2013

LET'S DO OUR PART!

8-2-2013. . . .LETS DO OUR PART!

"All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful for those who keep the demands of his covenant." (Ps 25:10 NIV)  No covenant is without requirements.   Expecting to benefit from God's covenant without meeting the requirements of the covenant, is like expecting a paycheck at the end of the week without having done any work!  While God lovingly and graciously shoulders the weight of the covenant He has extended to us, there yet remains a simple requirement for us, Obedience!  God has demonstrated His faithfulness in fulling His part of the covenant, now, it's up to us to fulfill ours! 

Prayer: Lord, you are faithful in all things that pertain to your covenant.  As we enjoy the benefits of your covenant let us be equally as faithful in fulling your requirement of obedience.  Amen!

Ps 103:17-18. . . . But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children-- with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.  NIV

Thursday, August 1, 2013

DON'T BE DECEIVED!

8-1-2013. . . .DON'T BE DECEIVED!

"And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever."  (Rev 20:10 KJV) Contrary to popular belief, the devil is not and will not be the supervisor of hell!   It will be his place of eternal punishment.  He'd love to deceive as many as he can so he won't have to be alone as he burns. Please, DON'T BE DECEIVED!

PRAYER: Lord, thank you that hell was not created for any person, but reserved for the devil and his angels. I pray that everyone will accept your invitation and secure their future with you.  Amen!

2 Peter 3:9. . . .The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
KJV