IN ALL THINGS!

4-29-2022. . . .IN ALL THINGS!

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Rom 8:28 NIV) 

In the face of trouble, tragedy, calamity and chaos, the KJV rendering of this verse (…All things work together for good…) seems ambiguous and contradictory. The truth of the matter is, many things are actually 'NOT' working for our good, but are designed to take us out, disturb our faith and disrupt our destiny. The NIV rendering of this verse makes it poignantly clear that its not ‘the things’ that are working for our good, but ‘GOD WORKING IN ALL THINGS’ for our good! No matter how difficult or challenging the circumstance, we can remain encouraged and our faith strong knowing that God is working IN ALL THINGS for our good!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for working in all things for our good! In our times of distress and discouragement; trouble and tragedy, help us to trust you and remember this fact. Amen!

Ps 34:19-20. . . . A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken. NIV

HE IS WITH US!

4-28-2022. . . .HE IS WITH US!

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." (Ps 23:4 NIV)

Whether in times of trouble or tranquility, there is no greater comfort than to know that God is with us.  No matter the situation, (good or bad) with both rod and staff, He is loving shepherding our steps and our stops.

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for lovingly guiding us through the ever changing circumstances of life.  We will never walk in fear with you by our side.  Amen.

Ps 37:23-24. . . . The steps of good men are directed by the Lord. He delights in each step they take. 24 If they fall it isn't fatal, for the Lord holds them with his hand. TLB

WHAT GOD SAYS HE MEANS!

4-27-2022. . . .WHAT GOD SAYS HE MEANS!

"Stay away from the love of money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, "I will never, never fail you nor forsake you." That is why we can say without any doubt or fear, "The Lord is my Helper, and I am not afraid of anything that mere man can do to me."  (Heb 13:5-6 TLB)  

 What God says, He means!  We can depend on His word.  If He says He is with us, He is there not only in presence, but as our resource and help.  We can trust Him on that!

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for your abiding presence and for being an ever present help to us.  We are comforted in knowing you will never leave nor forsake us.  Amen!

Rom 8:31-32. . . .What can we ever say to such wonderful things as these? If God is on our side, who can ever be against us? TLB

WHO WANTS TO BE A STAR!

4-26-202. . . .WHO WANTS TO BE A STAR!

"And those who are wise-the people of God-shall shine as brightly as the sun's brilliance, and those who turn many to righteousness will glitter like stars forever. (Dan 12:3 TLB) 

 Although we may endure persecution and ridicule down here for taking a stand for righteousness, there is coming a day when we will shine as brightly as any star!  Now, who wants to be a star!

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for our coming glory.  Stay with us as we endure our test and trials in this present world.  We look forward to being one of your stars!  Amen.

Rom 8:18-19. . . . Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will give us later.  For all creation is waiting patiently and hopefully for that future day when God will resurrect his children. TLB

FIXATED or FOCUSED!

THE END GAME!

4-21-2022. . . .THE END GAME!

"Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow.  So let it grow, and don't try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete." (James 1:2-4 TLB)  

No problem, challenge, or difficulty will last forever; so patiently go through in order to get through.  Remember, It's all about the end game!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for times of testing that come to strengthen and grow us!  Help us stay focused on the end game!  Amen. 

Heb 10:35-36. . . .Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.  For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.  KJV

DO IT AND DO IT RIGHT!

4-20-2022. . . .DO IT AND DO IT RIGHT!

"Don't just pretend that you love others: really love them.   Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of the good.  Love each other with brotherly affection and take delight in honoring each other." (Rom 12:9-10 TLB)  

Why bother pretending to love!  Everyone knows what love really looks like and feels like so no one is fooled.  Loving for real blesses both the receiver and the giver!  So just do it and do it right!

PRAYER: Lord, help us to love each other the way we should!  Amen.

1 John 4:7-8. . . . Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.  He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.  KJV

STAND OUT!

5-19-2022. . . .STAND OUT!

"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:" 1 Peter 2:9 KJV  

Believers, we are a wonderful blend of royalty and divinity.  Unique and unlike any other people on earth.  We should never seek to assimilate or capitulate.   We stand out because we should stand out!

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for the unique way you made us.  May we shine brightly and always stand out among all people!  Amen

Phil 2:14-16. . . .In everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguing,  so that no one can speak a word of blame against you. You are to live clean, innocent lives as children of God in a dark world full of people who are crooked and stubborn. Shine out among them like beacon lights, holding out to them the Word of Life. TLB

HE IS RISEN!

SALVATION IN AN INSTANT!

4-15-2022. . . . SALVATION IN AN INSTANT!

Over two thousand years ago a criminal, one convicted, condemned and justifiably crucified, turned to Jesus and made a simple request. "Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom." (Luke 23:42 NKJV) The thief knew not when Jesus would enter into His kingdom, only that He most certainly would. Therefore, it is conceivable that he believed his request would be fulfilled at some point in the future and not immediately. To his surprise however, Jesus immediately responded to his ‘faith’ not just his request. “And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43) Although he was a thief….guilty, convicted and condemned, he received salvation in an instant! Amazing! Jesus still responds immediately to ‘faith’ with salvation in an instant. Though one be a sinner….guilty and deserving of death, the gift on God (eternal life) is available to all who confess and believe. ….If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (Rom 10:9 KJV) Jesus accepts us where we are and like we are. He saves us and then transforms us from how we are. When someone becomes a Christian, he becomes a brand new person inside. He is not the same anymore. A new life has begun! All these new things are from God who brought us back to himself through what Christ Jesus did. (2 Cor 5:17-18 TLB) On this ‘Good Friday’, remember Jesus’ sacrifice made it possible for us to have ‘Salvation in an Instant! Tell everyone you know!!!!

Prayer: Thank you Jesus for coming into my heart and saving me. Thank you for sacrificing your life for my sins and for the sins of the world.

Luke 23:39-43. . . . And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise. KJV

COMMEND LOVE TO SOMEONE!

4-14-2022. . . .COMMEND LOVE TO SOMEONE!

"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Rom 5:8 KJV)  

In our most unlovable and unacceptable state, God caused His love to stand and extend itself towards us.   Who around us is in need of that kind of love?  Although, they may be completely unacceptable and undesirable to us, just think about where we would be if we were left in that same state.   Commend love to someone today!  They may not want it or even accept it, but they certainly need it!

PRAYER: Lord, where would we be had you not commended your love towards while we were in our worst condition.  Help us to commend our love to those around us who are so disparately in need of it.  Amen!

2 Thess 3:3-5. . . . And we trust the Lord that you are putting into practice the things we taught you, and that you always will.  May the Lord bring you into an ever deeper understanding of the love of God and of the patience that comes from Christ. TLB

COVER!

4-13-2022. . . .COVER!

"The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore be earnest, thoughtful men of prayer.  Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love makes up for many of your faults." (1 Peter 4:7-8 TLB)  

Faults, we all have them!  Instead of seeking to expose every fault we find in others for the expressed purpose of keeping our own concealed, let's allow love to cover other's faults until they and thereby, we are healed!

PRAYER: Lord, continue to cover us in your love as we seek to cover others in our love until we all are healed! Amen.

Luke 6:41-42. . . . "And why quibble about the speck in someone else's eye-his little fault --when a board is in your own? 42 How can you think of saying to him, 'Brother, let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,' when you can't see past the board in yours? Hypocrite! First get rid of the board, and then perhaps you can see well enough to deal with his speck!"  TLB

NOTHING TO CHANCE!

4-12-2022. . . .NOTHING TO CHANCE!

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." (Prov 3:5-6 KJV)  

No one in their right mind would willfully engage in a game of Russian Roulette.  The stakes are too high; the results unpredictable; and one mistake could be deadly!  Failing to trust God and following our own way should be viewed in much the same way!  The stakes are to high; results unpredictable; and one mistake could be deadly!  Leave nothing to chance.  TRUST GOD!

Prayer: Lord, our trust is in you.  The stakes are to high not to!  With you, we expect and have predictable outcomes.  Amen!

Prov 3:5-6. . . . Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. KJV

SOWING AND REAPING!

DO IT AND DO IT RIGHT!

4-8-2022. . . .DO IT AND DO IT RIGHT!

"Don't just pretend that you love others: really love them.   Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of the good.  Love each other with brotherly affection and take delight in honoring each other." (Rom 12:9-10 TLB) 

Why bother pretending to love!  Everyone knows what love really looks like and feels like so no one is fooled.  Loving for real blesses both the receiver and the giver!  So just do it and do it right!

PRAYER: Lord, help us to love each other the way we should!  Amen.

1 John 4:7-8. . . . Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.  He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.  KJV

THEM AND US!

4-6-2022. . . .THEM AND US!

"May God who gives patience, steadiness, and encouragement help you to live in complete harmony with each other-each with the attitude of Christ toward the other." (Rom 15:5-6 TLB) 

 It's not always easy getting along with others!  Sometime it is because of them, other times (if we are honest) it is because of us. The truth of the matter is, God is still working on them and us.  Remember, He will give us the patience we need until the process is complete in them and us.

Prayer: Lord, you are the God of patience, strength and encouragement.  Thank you for being patient with us and guiding us in being patient with others. Amen!

James 1:4. . . .But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.  KJV

REGARDLESS!

4-6-20122 . . .REGARDLESS!

"LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.  Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.  But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head." (Ps 3:1-3 KJV)   

Regardless of what the enemy my think, say, or do, we decree and declare that God is our shield and our help!  Although, at times circumstances may cause our heads to hang down, rest assured that our God will lift up our heads in vindication! 

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for being our very present help in times of trouble!  Lift up our heads in vindication and let your glory be revealed. Amen!

Ps 46:1-6. . . .God is our refuge and strength, a tested help in times of trouble. 2 And so we need not fear even if the world blows up and the mountains crumble into the sea. 3 Let the oceans roar and foam; let the mountains tremble!  There is a river of joy flowing through the city of our God-the sacred home of the God above all gods. God himself is living in that city; therefore it stands unmoved despite the turmoil everywhere. He will not delay his help.  TLB

GET BUSY....GET TO WORK!

4-5-2022. . . .GET BUSY....GET TO WORK!

"Whatever you do, do well, for in death, where you are going, there is no working or planning, or knowing, or understanding.  (Eccl 9:10 TLB)  

Anything worth doing, is worth doing well!  If we are going to do anything, the time to do it is now, without delay.  Death is coming to us all.   Let's die without regret over what we could have or should have done.  So write the book; the song; start the business; change the career; accept the calling!  Whatever it is in your heart, Get busy.....Get to work now!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for giving us the time we need to accomplish all that is in our hearts to do.  Help us to not get distracted or sidetracked with excuses and when the time comes, grant us rest without regret.  Amen!

John 9:4. . . .I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. KJV

FIND REAL PURPOSE!

4-1-22. . . .FIND REAL PURPOSE!

"For the love of money is the first step toward all kinds of sin. Some people have even turned away from God because of their love for it, and as a result have pierced themselves with many sorrows." (1 Tim 6:10 TLB)  

Money is good and a tool to be used.  The love of money however, can most certainly lead to ruin.  The more one runs after it the faster it runs away.  Stop pursuing it and let it pursue you!  Find real purpose!

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for placing in us a higher purpose than the pursuit of material things.  Thank you, and thank you again.  Amen!

1 Tim 6:8-9. . . . But people who long to be rich soon begin to do all kinds of wrong things to get money, things that hurt them and make them evil-minded and finally send them to hell itself.  TLB