HAPPY NEW YEAR - ENCOURAGE YOURSELF!

12-31-2015. . . .HAPPY NEW YEAR - ENCOURAGE YOURSELF!

In these waning moments of the year 2015, I pause with praise to God for bringing us to this moment. As I ponder with great anticipation the new year 2016, (1 the number of God & 6 the number of Man) I encourage myself; decree and declare to myself that "GOD IS WITH ME AND FOR ME!"  If God be for me, who or what can be against me.  I decree and declare this afresh in the face of all that has happen to me in this past year both bad and good.  I remind myself that is was God that allowed me to come to it and it was that same God that has and is bringing me through it! So I commit the past year 2015 to Him; for it is He only that can and will judge it. I commit this new year 2016, with all is potential and promises, unto Him; for He only determines my future.  Therefore, "Now unto Him that is able to keep us from falling, and to present us faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!~
Elder Perry D. Broadnax
Author: Excerpts For Living

A LOVING HEART AND A WILLING MIND!

12-30-2015. . . .A LOVING HEART AND A WILLING MIND!

"Stay always within the boundaries where God's love can reach and bless you. Wait patiently for the eternal life that our Lord Jesus Christ in his mercy is going to give you. Try to help those who argue against you. Be merciful to those who doubt.  Save some by snatching them as from the very flames of hell itself. And as for others, help them to find the Lord by being kind to them, but be careful that you yourselves aren't pulled along into their sins. Hate every trace of their sin while being merciful to them as sinners." (Jude 21-23 TLB)   It is a great thing that we are saved, but what about the countless others that are not?  If we sit back in the comfortable confines of our sanctuaries expecting that they will one day just come running through our doors, we are sadly and most regrettably mistaken.  Those in sin are usually very comfortable being there until someone is bold enough to shine the light in their darkness. (Remember how it was when we were there?)  We have been given several options to reach them; we simply must have a loving heart and a willing mind to do so!

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for saving us!  It is your will that no one be lost.  Help us to have a mind and a willing heart to come out of our comfort zones to reach the lost.   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

AND IT IS SO! MERRY CHRISTMAS!

12-25-2015. . . . AND IT IS SO!    MERRY CHRISTMAS!

"For unto us a child is born; unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder. These will be his royal titles: "Wonderful," "Counselor," "The Mighty God," "The Everlasting Father," "The Prince of Peace."  His ever-expanding, peaceful government will never end. He will rule with perfect fairness and justice from the throne of his father David. He will bring true justice and peace to all the nations of the world. This is going to happen because the Lord of heaven's armies has dedicated himself to do it!"   (Isa 9:6-7 TLB)  And It Is So!   MERRY CHRISTMAS!

PRAYER: Father, we thank you for the precious gift of your Son.  May all the world come to know him and thereby, your amazing and unconditional love.  Amen!

Matt 1:21-23. . . . And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.  Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,  Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.  KJV

PERSISTENTLY AND CONSISTENTLY FAITHFUL!

12-24-2015. . . .PERSISTENTLY AND CONSISTENTLY FAITHFUL!

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.  And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.  And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,  Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.  And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us."  (Luke 2:8-15 KJV)  At a time when everyone else in the country was busy with the affairs of the world, the lowly shepherds were found steadfast and unmovable; persistently and consistently keeping watch over their flocks by night.  Their faithfulness positioned them to be favored!  The greatest announcement from heaven to the world was delivered first to the faithful shepherds.

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for favoring faithfulness.  Help us to be like the shepherds in being persistently and consistently faithful.  Thank you for your precious gift to us!  Amen.

1 Cor 4:1-2. . . .Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.  Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.   KJV

ONLY JESUS CAN!

12-23-2015. . . .ONLY JESUS CAN!

Acts 4:122. . . . Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. KJV "Santa Claus can't bring Salvation. . . .Only Jesus Can!"  He's the only reason for the Christmas Season!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the true the Christ of Christmas, your only begotten Son, Jesus. Through Him alone comes salvation.  May all the world receive your great gift.  Amen!

Acts 4:11-12. . . .For Jesus the Messiah is (the one referred to in the Scriptures when they speak of ) a 'stone discarded by the builders which became the capstone of the arch.'    There is salvation in no one else! Under all heaven there is no other name for men to call upon to save them."  TLB

DIVINE PURPOSE WILL PREVAIL!

12-21-2015. . . .DIVINE PURPOSE WILL PREVAIL!

"Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men." (Matt 2:166 KJV)  Divine purpose will always draw demonic opposition!  The good news is, no matter what the enemy does or how many attempts he makes to try and stop or kill us, all his efforts will fail and Divine purpose will prevail!

Prayer: Lord, thank you that your divine purpose concerning us will always prevail! Thy will be done. Amen!

Isa 54:17. . . .No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD. KJV

THE BEST HANDS!

12-18-2015. . . .THE BEST HANDS!

"My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me. (Ps 31:15KJV)  "You're in good hands with Allstate," is the slogan of a well known insurance company.  The implication is that there is no need to worry about anything because with Allstate, you're protected.  To an even greater degree, the same can be said of being in God's hands.  We have no need to worry or fear anything nor anyone.  We are not only in good hands, we are in the best hands.

PRAYER:  Lord, your hands are the best hands and we are thankful to be in them!  Amen.

Job 23:10. . . .But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. KJV

NO ROOM IN THE INN!

12-17-2015. . . ..NO ROOM IN THE INN!

"And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn." (Luke 2:7 KJV)  No room for them in the inn?  Jesus the Christ....waiting to be born, but men say, "No room in the inn." Our lives should never become so inundated, occupied or otherwise obligated to the degree that we have no room for Christ?  Are we busy this Christmas season filling our homes with gifts from the mall instead of filling our hearts with the gift of Him? Is there yet still, NO ROOM IN THE INN?

Prayer: Father, thank you for the greatest gift of all, your Son, Jesus the Christ! May all creation make room and readily receive Him. Amen!

John 1:10-12. . . .He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: KJV

COMPLETE SUBMISSION!

12-16-2015. . . .COMPLETE SUBMISSION!

"Mary said, "I am the Lord's servant, and I am willing to do whatever he wants. May everything you said come true." And then the angel disappeared." (Luke 1:38 TLB) We may not understand everything that the Lord speaks to us or desires to do through us. In fact, some things may seem virtually inconceivable to us. Nevertheless, in complete submission we too should respond as Mary responded; "I am your servant therefore, whatever you say is what I will do!"  In so doing, blessings come to us and through us!

Prayer: Lord, let your awesome will be done in us, through us and for us. We are your servants. Thy will be done. Amen!

Ps 138:8. . . .The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.KJV

HIS WORD ENDURES FOREVER

12-15-2015. . . .HIS WORD ENDURES FOREVER!

"For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:  But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you." (1 Peter 1:24-25 KJV)  Everything we have is temporary and will pass away.  Some things sooner, other things later, but all will pass away.  There is however, one thing we have that will never pass away and that is "New Life" which came about by His word!  Our "New Life" from Him will continue into "Eternal Life" with Him.  It is a certainty because His word shall not fail and will endure for ever!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the certainty of your word that endures for ever!  We live out our new life for you now and look forward with joy, to living our eternal life with you in the place you've prepared for us!  Amen.

   

Heb 12:27-29. . . . And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.   Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:   For our God is a consuming fire. KJV

PREPARE FOR GREATER!

12-11-2015. . . .PREPARE FOR GREATER!

"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." ( Phil 3:13-14 KJV)  Nothing more can be done about the things in our past; that includes the good things as well as, the not so good things.  There is however, much to be done about what lies ahead of us!  Although, there may be giants in the land, (obstacles, things to overcome) we are well able to achieve if we set our minds to press forward no matter what.  The prize is ahead of us not behind us!  Prepare for greater!  

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the opportunity to enter into another new year.  We will not be detoured by obstacles or hindrances that may appear in our way.  In You we press ahead toward the prize!  Amen.

Heb 12:1-2. . . . Since we have such a huge crowd of men of faith watching us from the grandstands, let us strip off anything that slows us down or holds us back, and especially those sins that wrap themselves so tightly around our feet and trip us up; and let us run with patience the particular race that God has set before us.   Keep your eyes on Jesus, our leader and instructor. He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterwards; and now he sits in the place of honor by the throne of God.  TLB

IT'S ESSENTIAL!

12-9-2015. . . .IT'S ESSENTIAL!

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." (Ps 119:105 KJV)  As headlights are essential to an automobile, so the word of God is essential to the life of believers!   During the daytime the illuminated headlights of an automobile make it possible for others to see it coming and during the nighttime, they enable drivers to see where they are going! God's word illuminated in the life of believers make it possible for others to see Christ through them, while at the same time, makes the believer's path clear as they continue walking with Christ! 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your word that illuminates our life and directs our path. Amen!

Ps 119:101. . . .I have kept my feet from every evil path so that I might obey your word. (NIV)

DON'T MISS HIS MESSAGE!

12-8-2015. . . .DON'T MISS HIS MESSAGE!

"Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place." (2 Chron 7:15 KJV)  Let us daily lift our voices unto the Lord!  He is always watching and listening with great anticipation of hearing from us.  He not only wants to hear from us, but He also wants to say something to us!  Don't miss His message!

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for always being available to us.  Help us to seek you daily with open hearts, minds and ears to hear what you have to say to us.  Amen!

Jer 33:3. . . .Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. KJV

WE SHALL OVERCOME!

12-4-2015. . . .WE SHALL OVERCOME!

"I have told you all this so that you will have peace of heart and mind. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows; but cheer up, for I have overcome the world." (John 16:33 TLB)   Although, at times it may seem like we have to face one trail right after the other, it is not out of the norm of what Jesus predicted would happen.  He gave us advanced notice so that when it happens, (and happen it will) we will not be thrown or overly disturbed by it. We can remain settled and at peace knowing that as He overcame, we too shall overcome!

PRAYER:  Lord, thank you for giving us advance notice of the things we will face in this world.  We confidently endure knowing that because of you, we shall overcome.  Amen!

1 Peter 4:12-13. . . .Dear friends, don't be bewildered or surprised when you go through the fiery trials ahead, for this is no strange, unusual thing that is going to happen to you.  Instead, be really glad-because these trials will make you partners with Christ in his suffering, and afterwards you will have the wonderful joy of sharing his glory in that coming day when it will be displayed. TLB

WORK ON SAINTS!

12-3-2015. . . .WORK ON SAINTS!

"My enemies will fall back and perish in your presence;  you have vindicated me; you have endorsed my work, declaring from your throne that it is good.  (Ps 9:3-4 TLB)  As challenging as it may be, pay no attention to the many naysayers that have no problem expressing their venomous opinions and judging our call, charge, and commission. God himself puts his stamp of approval on us (the anointing) and we have no need for man's approval, affirmation or sanction.  God vindicates His anointed and declares our works good!   So, Work on Servants!

PRAYER: Lord, you alone have called us and qualified us to do what we do.  Help us to look only to you for approval and vindication from the accusations of our enemies.  Amen! 

Ps 27:1-3. . . .The Lord is my light and my salvation; he protects me from danger-whom shall I fear?  When evil men come to destroy me, they will stumble and fall! Yes, though a mighty army marches against me, my heart shall know no fear! I am confident that God will save me. TLB

THE LESSON IS OURS TO LEARN!

12-2-2015. . . .THE LESSON IS OURS TO LEARN!

"There is a saying, 'Love your friends and hate your enemies.' But I say: Love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!  In that way you will be acting as true sons of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust too."  (Matt 5:43-45 TLB)   If we are honest, this is one of the hardest biblical imperatives to carry out.  The last thing we want to do is be good to someone who is being a low down dirty dog to us; let alone pray for them! However, as true sons and daughters, we are called to do exactly that!   The lesson is ours to learn and not so much for the benefit of our enemies.

PRAYER: Lord, your ways are best and will benefit us greatly if we follow them.  No matter how difficult it may be, help us to follow your ways concerning our enemies.  Amen!

Matt 5:46-48. . . . If you love only those who love you, what good is that? Even scoundrels do that much.  If you are friendly only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else?   Even the heathen do that.  But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.  TLB

THEIR DEEDS WILL NOT SUCCEED!

12-1-2015. . . .THEIR DEEDS WILL NOT SUCCEED! 

"Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:  But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way."  (Matt 13:24-25 KJV)  Always expect the enemy to be the enemy and to do what enemies do.  It should come as no surprise that they often do their dirty work behind our backs.  Fret not however. . . .their deeds will not succeed!

PRAYER:  Lord, thank you for giving us wisdom to know our enemies!  Thank you also for being in control and our strong tower against all of them.  Amen.

Isa 54:17. . . . No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.  KJV

DON'T KEEP IT TO YOURSELF!

11-27-2015. . . .DON'T KEEP IT TO YOURSELF!

"Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people." (1 Chron 16:8 KJV) It is important that we always give thanks to God! It is equally as important that we share with others our testimonies about the great things He has done.  In so doing, others will be drawn into awareness of Him and many will be converted and believe!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for all things. As we call upon you we also call upon others to know you and praise you for your great and mighty acts. Amen!

Ps 18:49. . . .Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name.KJV

VERY THANKFUL!

11/26/2015. . . .VERY THANKFUL!

Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.  Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. (Ps 100:3-4 KJV)  Consider for a moment who we would be, how we would be, or even perhaps, if we would be, had someone other than God made us!  Even if we trusted that responsibility to those we feel really care the most about us, the truth of the matter is, they would make us something and someone different than who we are now!   Whether that would work for our good or not we will never know.  What we do know is that we were made in God's own image and after His likeness; the result is beautiful and wonderful!  For this we are Thankful and bless His name!

PRAYER: Lord, we are thankful that you created us in your own image and after your own likeness.  Yet, you gifted each of us with our own uniqueness.  For this we remain and will forever be thankful!  Amen.

Ps 139:14. . . .I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are
 wonderful, I know that full well.  (NIV)

THANKS-GOD'S WILL FOR US!

11-25-2015. . . .THANKS-GOD'S WILL FOR US!

 "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (1 Thess 5:188 KJV) Giving thanks to God in every thing is His will concerning us.  Admittedly however, we may find ourselves in circumstances and situations that we may not readily feel thankful to be in.   In fact, our preference would be not having to deal with them at all. Nevertheless, the knowledge that God is working in every situation and circumstance for our good, is cause enough to connect with His will concerning us and simply give thanks.  Don't fight it, flow with it; and remember, it is His will so give thanks!

Prayer: Lord, in everything we give you thanks for it is your will concerning us.  Help us in the difficult times to remember this quickly so as to not struggle against your will. Amen!

Ps 30:11-12. . . . You turned my wailing into dancing;you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,  that my heart may sing to you and not be silent.  O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever. (NIV)

TWO GOOD REASONS!

11-24-2015. . . .TWO GOOD REASONS!

"O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever." (Ps 136:1 KJV) Need reasons to give God thanks? Psalm 136:1 offers two! First, give thanks because 'He is Good.' It is an undeniable fact that, God is good and he does good!  The good God does is constantly and consistantly directed toward us! Secondly, 'His mercy endures for ever.'  Where would we be if it were not for His great mercy!   His mercy keeps us so that His grace can reach us! While there is certainly a plethora of other reasons to give thanks, these two are  a good place to start!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for being good and always doing good. Thank you also for your mercy without which we would be consumed. Thank you Lord, thank you! Amen.

Ps 97:12. . . . Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.KJV

NEVER FORSAKEN!

11-19-2015. . . .NEVER FORSAKEN!

 “I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. (Ps 37:25 KJV)  Ever had someone give up on you . . . .turn their back on you. . . .abandon you? Those of us who have experienced it can tell you, being forsaken is not a feeling or position to be coveted. It leaves one disappointed, discouraged and with many unanswered questions. While the possibility always exist that man will forsake us, no such possibility exist with God!  Taking a retrospective look over the years of his life, the psalmist David accurately observed: From generation to generation, God will never forsake the righteous and always has and always will provide for their every need!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for being a faithful God and never forsaking the righteous! I am grateful that I am your child and live in expectation and not in want. Amen!

Ps 9:9-10. . . . The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. 

Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you. 

NIV

IN THE ARMS OF HIS PEACE!

11-18-2015. . . .IN THE ARMS OF HIS PEACE!

"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don't forget to thank him for his answers. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus. (Phil 4:5-7 6 TLB) It is easy to become anxious and uneasy about the unknown and things that are beyond our control. However, if we remind ourselves that God is in control and He has everything under control, we will be able to release our hearts and minds into the settling arms of God's Peace.  It is far more satisfying than our need to understand.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for giving us your peace to keep us free from worry, calm and steady in in the most unsettling moments.  We rest daily in it's embrace. Amen!

Isa 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. KJV

BEING IS HAVING!

11-17-2015. . . .BEING IS HAVING!

"Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend."  (Prov 27:17 KJV)  Don't be so quick to label someone a friend. Wait for the day of adversity and see how and where they position their self.  Only a true friend will stand with you in the good times and the bad times.  They will comfort us and if need be, lovingly correct us, but will never turn their backs on us!  To be this kind of friend is to have this kind of friend.

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for true friends.  Though they be few in number, their presence in our life is a blessing.  Amen!

Prov 17:17. . . .A true friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need. TLB

FRIENDS AND ASSOCIATES!

11-16-2015. . . .FRIENDS AND ASSOCIATES!

"A true friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need." (Prov 17:17 TLB)  Just because we call people our "Friend" does not make them one indeed.  The proof of a real friend is not in their ability to love and stand with us when things are going well, but in their unfailing, unchanging love and stand with us when our world has turned upside down.  It is then our eyes open to see the difference between our friends and mere associates. 

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for being a friend that sticks closer to us than any brother.  Help us to be that kind of friend to those with whom we are connected.  Amen!

 Prov 18:24. . . . There are "friends" who pretend to be friends, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.  TLB

GREATER AFTER THIS!

11-13-2015. . . .GREATER AFTER THIS!

So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: for he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she asses.   After this lived Job an hundred and forty years, and saw his sons, and his sons' sons, even four generations. (Job 42:12 &16 KJV)  No matter what we have to go through, there are two things that are for certain; there is a beginning and an ending to it!  It's really not a matter then, "what we go through," but "how we go through!"  Unwavering faith in God's providential care will ultimately result in victory and greater blessings. Remember, it may be challenging now, but expect greater, AFTER THIS!!!!!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your love and providential care that always results for us in victory and blessings! Through the intensity of our current dilemmas, help us always remember this and not weaver in our faith.  Amen! 

Job 23:10-12. . . . But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.   My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined.   Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.  KJV

A SIMPLE CHOICE!

11-12-2015. . . .A SIMPLE CHOICE!

"Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded." (Prov 13:13 KJV)  Destruction or reward. . . . Trouble or success! To despise the word is to know it and not do it! Who in their right mind chooses certain destruction?  C'mon now! It's a simple choice, right?

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your word!  By it shall we live and from it comes our success.  Strengthen and help us to never deviate from it. Amen!

James 1:22-25. . . .And remember, it is a message to obey, not just to listen to. So don't fool yourselves. For if a person just listens and doesn't obey, he is like a man looking at his face in a mirror; as soon as he walks away, he can't see himself anymore or remember what he looks like. But if anyone keeps looking steadily into God's law for free men, he will not only remember it but he will do what it says, and God will greatly bless him in everything he does. TLB

PRESENT AND PERSISTENT!

11-11-2015. . . .PRESENT AND PERSISTENT!

"For the Lord watches over all the plans and paths of godly men, but the paths of the godless lead to doom." (Ps 1:6 TLB)  Daily the Lord scrutinizes the plans and paths of His own, ensuring their successful completion.  No detail is left to chance.  His guiding hand is ever present and persistent to prevent deviation from His desired path.

PRAYER: Lord, thank you!  When we would go astray, the presence of your guiding and persistent hand is there to prevent our deviation.  Thank you again.  Amen!

Ps 139:7-10. . . .I can never be lost to your Spirit! I can never get away from my God!  If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the place of the dead, you are there.  If I ride the morning winds to the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, your strength will support me. TLB

TRUST GOD!

11-10-2015. . . .TRUST GOD!

"For we walk by faith, not by sight."(2 Cor 5:7  KJV)  It has been said, "when you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hold on."   Did any one ever stop to think that it was holding on to that rope in the first place that lead to that end?   If we let go of "our" rope now, we won't ever have to worry about coming to the end of it.  Walk by faith, not by sight! Trust God!

PRAYER: Lord, our faith is in you alone.  We've learned not to lean to our own understanding or to trust in our own abilities.  We walk by faith and our trust is in you.  Amen.

Prov 3:4-6. . . .If you want favor with both God and man, and a reputation for good judgment and common sense, then trust the Lord completely; don't ever trust yourself.  In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success. TLB

EYES ON THE PRIZE!

11-6-2015. . . .EYES ON THE PRIZE!

 "I will let everyone who conquers sit beside me on my throne, just as I took my place with my Father on his throne when I had conquered."   (Rev 3:21-22 TLB)  Obstacles, distractions, opposition, troubles and trials are all designed to prevent us from accomplishing our objective and afterwards, taking our rightful positions with Christ. Nevertheless, with undaunted courage, we conquer every complication, challenge and condition with our eyes fixed upon the prize.

PRAYER: Lord, you created us to be conquerors!  No matter what comes our way we will remain undaunted in our quest to be ultimately seated with you on your throne.  Amen!

Heb 12:1-3. . . . Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed — that exhilarating finish in and with God — he could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. MSG

NOW THAT'S AN AWESOME GOD!

11-5-2015. . . .NOW THAT'S AN AWESOME GOD!

"You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe. Every day was recorded in your book!  How precious it is, Lord, to realize that you are thinking about me constantly! I can't even count how many times a day your thoughts turn toward me. And when I waken in the morning, you are still thinking of me!"  (Ps 139:16-17 TLB)   God is completely engaged and intimately involved in every detail of our life.  It is mind blowing to think that He can be God in all His God-ness to me, (a 24/7, 365 job) without taking away or depriving any of His full God-ness to everyone else!  Now that's an awesome God worthy of all our praise!

PRAYER: Lord, we thank you for being the awesome God you are!  Amen.

Ezek 34:30-31. . . . In this way they will know that I, the Lord their God, am with them, and that they, the people of Israel, are my people," says the Lord God. "You are my flock, the sheep of my pasture. You are my men and I am your God, so says the Lord." TLB

GOD IS NOT LIKE MAN!

11-4-2015. . . .GOD IS NOT LIKE MAN!

"Lord, if you keep in mind our sins, then who can ever get an answer to his prayers? But you forgive! What an awesome thing this is!  That is why I wait expectantly, trusting God to help, for he has promised.  I long for him more than sentinels long for the dawn.  (Ps 130:3-6 TLB)  We were created in His own image and after His own likeness, yet when it comes to forgiveness there is hardly any resemblance.  We hold grudges, anger, resentment and often seek revenge on our own terms.  How awesome indeed it is that God is not like man!

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for being you!  Help us to be more and more like you in every way.  Help us to forgive quickly and show mercy when it is the most undeserved!  Amen.

Lam 3:21-25. . . . Yet there is one ray of hope:  his compassion never ends. It is only the Lord's mercies that have kept us from complete destruction.  Great is his faithfulness; his loving-kindness begins afresh each day.  My soul claims the Lord as my inheritance; therefore I will hope in him. TLB

  

WHERE IS YOUR NAME!

11-3-2015. . . .WHERE IS YOUR NAME!

"If you must choose, take a good name rather than great riches; for to be held in loving esteem is better than silver and gold." (Prov 22:1 TLB) A good name goes before you, but a bad name will follow you!  Our behavior, actions and choices will determine what kind of name goes before us or will be constantly lurking behind us.  Where is your name?

PRAYER: Lord, thank you that we are your people that have been called by your name.  Help us to live in such a way that guards your name and our own name as well. Amen!

Prov 3:4-6. . . .If you want favor with both God and man, and a reputation for good judgment and common sense, then trust the Lord completely; don't ever trust yourself. In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success.  TLB

MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS!

11-2-2015. . . .MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS!

"This should be your ambition: to live a quiet life, minding your own business and doing your own work, just as we told you before."  (1 Thess 4:11-12 TLB)  In this age of modern technology and instant access social media, information about everything and everybody is flying around everywhere.  Believers must be vigilant in maintaining integrity and not becoming busybodies or purveyors of gossip.  Sweeping around our own front doors is a full time job and should be our daily objective. Mind your own business!

PRAYER: Lord, help us to lead quiet peaceful lives and to mind our own business.  Help us to daily maintain our integrity and be worthy representatives of your kingdom.  Amen!

Ps 34:11-14. . . .Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.  Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies.  Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.  NIV

STILL STANDING!

10-30-2015. . . . STILL STANDING!

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." (1 Cor 15:58 KJV)  A group of friends were bowling one evening.  They each tried hard to make a strike but as it turned out, there would always be one pin left standing.  Although the pin was shaken and rocked from side to side from the force of the impact, it settled and remained standing.  The enemy and even life in general may at times attempt to bowl us over and strike us out.  Don't fall over.  Be the last pin standing.  We've got plenty to stand for!

PRAYER: Lord, when the storms of life are raging, continue to stand by us and strengthen us to continue standing with and by you.  Amen!

Ps 18:1-3. . . .I will love thee, O Lord, my strength.  The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.  I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.  KJV