COMPLETE THE WORKOUT!

1-31-2011. . . .COMPLETE THE WORKOUT!

"If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small."  (Prov 24:10 KJV)  Strength is reserved for the day of adversity; and thereby perfected.  Exert strength in adversity and it will prevail if you don't give up. (faint)  Adversity is strength's daily workout!  Don't give up or give in.  Complete the workout!

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for times of adversity that perfect our faith and our strength.  Amen!

 

2 Cor 12:9. . . . Each time he said, "No. But I am with you; that is all you need. My power shows up best in weak people." TLB

1-28-2011. . .THANK GOD FOR A HELPER!

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. (Rom 8:26 NIV)  We are never alone or at a loss when we pray.  We have help!  The Holy Spirit himself is praying with us and for us.  He keeps us on track with God's perfect will.  We can be so off at times; not even knowing how to pray or what to pray for.  Thank God for a helper!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the Holy Spirit!  Thank you Holy Spirit for always interceeding on our behalf and keep us on track with the Father's will.  Amen.

Rom 8:26-28. . . . And in the same way-by our faith --the Holy Spirit helps us with our daily problems and in our praying. For we don't even know what we should pray for nor how to pray as we should, but the Holy Spirit prays for us with such feeling that it cannot be expressed in words. 27 And the Father who knows all hearts knows, of course, what the Spirit is saying as he pleads for us in harmony with God's own will.  TLB

PRAY OR PREY!

1-27-2011. . . .PRAY OR PREY!

Watch with me and pray lest the Tempter overpower you. For though the spirit is willing enough, the body is weak." (Mark 14:38 TLB)  Pray or become Prey!  The enemy is relentless in his attempts to stop us from daily walking in total victory.  Except we stay watchful and constantly pray, we will become the enemy's prey; for he walks about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour.  Choose: Pray or Prey? 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for victory!  Help us stay consistent and pray so that we avoid becoming the enemy's prey.  Amen!

1 Thess 5:17-18. . . . Pray without ceasing.   In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. KJV

PRAY FOR ME!

1-26-2011. . . .PRAY FOR ME!

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. (James 5:16 KJV)  Never under estimate the power of prayer!  By it, we can have great effect on the lives of others, as well as our own.  We don't have to fear owning our faults; everyone has them!!!!  Those that confess the contrary, are in denial and in need of much effectual and fervent prayer.  There is no deliverance in denial, but there is hope and help for the humble who are willing to be vulerable and honest enough to say, pray for me!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for giving us power to effect lives through prayer.  Help us to always be humble and honest enough with ourselves and others to ask for prayer when we need it.  Thank you for responding when we pray.  Amen!

Mark 11:24-25. . . . Listen to me! You can pray for anything, and if you believe, you have it; it's yours!  But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive you your sins too." TLB

CLEAR THE CLUTTER!

1-25-2011. . . .CLEAR THE CLUTTER!

"But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers." (1 Peter 4:7 NKJV)  It has been said that, "Time is winding up and we are winding up with time."  It is true, no man knows the day nor the hour that the Son of man will return, but certainly, events going on around us indicates as the scripture says, the time is short.  It is therefore, imparative that we keep our minds clear in order to pray!  Clear the clutter and ensure a continually clear prayer connection.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for a clear and direct connection to you through prayer.  Help us keep the connection clear from the clutter of this world.  Amen!

2 Chron 7:15-16. . . . I will listen, wide awake, to every prayer made in this place.  For I have chosen this Temple and sanctified it to be my home forever; my eyes and my heart shall always be here.  TLB

STAYING POWER=PRAYING POWER!

1-24-2011. . . .STAYING POWER=PRAYING POWER!

One day Jesus told his disciples a story to illustrate their need for constant prayer and to show them that they must keep praying until the answer comes. (Luke 18:1 TLB)  Anything worth praying for, is worth praying for until the answer comes!  Continuing in constant prayer does not demonstrate a lack of faith, but steadfast faith in the God who has promised to not only hear, but answer.   Stay constant in prayer!  Staying power = Praying power!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for not only hearing our prayers, but answering us!  We stay constant in prayer because we believe and trust you.  Amen!

1 John 5:14-15. . . . And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:  And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. KJV

RUN-RUN-RUN!

1-22-2011. . . .RUN-RUN-RUN!

The Lord is a strong fortress. The godly run to him and are safe. (Prov 18:10 TLB)   There is no shame in our game!  We run and we know where to run to.  We don't run out of fear, we run because of favor.  God Himself is our security.  Our safe place from every enemy and foe.  So, saints, RUN-RUN-RUN!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for being our fortress and strong tower.  We gladly run to you and are safe.  Amen.

Ps 61:3-5. . . I shall live forever in your tabernacle; oh, to be safe beneath the shelter of your wings! 5 For you have heard my vows, O God, to praise you every day, and you have given me the blessings you reserve for those who reverence your name. TLB

WHILE WE ARE SLEEPING HE IS KEEPING!

1-20-2011. . . .WHILE WE ARE SLEEPING HE IS KEEPING!

"The LORD will keep you from all harm--he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. (Ps 121:7-8 NIV)  Just the other day I awoke from a restful and peaceful night's sleep.  I prepared for work as normal and once ready, I went to the door to depart.  I reached for the alarm panel and discovered I had forgot to arm it before I went to bed.  I was startled for a moment as thoughts of what could have happened while we were sleeping raced through my head.  Then I realized, but God!  While we we're sleeping, He was yet keeping!   Our earthly precautions and protections may fail,(or we may fail them, as I did) but God never fails!  

Prayer: Lord, thank you for being a God who never slumbers nor sleeps.  You are my keeper.  Amen!

Ps 121:1-6. . . . I lift up my eyes to the hills--where does my help come from?  My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.  He will not let your foot slip--he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD watches over you--the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.  NIV

REST AND RELY!

1-19-2011. . . .REST AND RELY!

"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." (Ps 27:1-3 TLB) When under attack, our human protective instinct is one of 'Fight or Flight'.   Victory however, is not in our instinctive human response, but in our spiritual reliance on God!  If we choose to fight we fight alone; if we choose to flee we abdicate our ordained position.   Conversely, if we rely on God, He is our way through (our light)and He is our way out (our salvation).   Rest and Rely upon God our protector!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for being our light and our salvation.  Help us to rest and rely on thee when instinctively we want to fight or flee.  Amen!

2 Chron 20:12. . . . O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee. KJV

LET THEM!

1-17-2011. . . .LET THEM!

"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."  (Isa 54:17 KJV)  Arrows will fly and mouths will speak against you.  LET THEM!  The weapon's completion initiates it's demise and their words, a death sentence.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for making me your child and giving me this great heritage.  Amen!

Isa 59:19. . . .So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him. KJV

DIVINE PROTECTION!

1-17-2011. . . .DIVINE PROTECTION

"Jehovah himself is caring for you! He is your defender.  He protects you day and night.  He keeps you from all evil and preserves your life. He keeps his eye upon you as you come and go and always guards you.  (Ps 121:5-8 TLB)  Shootings, killings, robberies, home invasions; violence and lawlessness seem to be on the increase daily. Were it not for God, our hearts would faint for fear!  But, God Himself is our protector!  Therefore, free from fear, we live, move and have our being under divine protection.

Prayer: Lord, you are our protection!  In You we trust and live free from fear.  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

WHO'S LISTENING!

1-14-2011. . . .WHO'S LISTENING!

"Listen to me! For I have important information for you. Everything I say is right and true, for I hate lies and every kind of deception.  My advice is wholesome and good. There is nothing of evil in it.  My words are plain and clear to anyone with half a mind-if it is only open!  My instruction is far more valuable than silver or gold." (Prov 8:6-10 TLB)  The ability to listen is a skill we all need to hone.  By simply listening, we are able then to distinguish between right and wrong; good and wise counsel or deception.  Listening makes the best uses of hearing!  Why bother hearing if we're not really listening!  

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the sense of hearing.  Help us use it to it's greatest degree of effectiveness by listening!  Amen.

Matt 13:16. . . . But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.  KJV

DON'T DO IT!

1-13-2011. . . .DON'T DO IT!

"Stop listening to teaching that contradicts what you know is right.  A worthless witness cares nothing for truth-he enjoys his sinning too much.  Mockers and rebels shall be severely punished." (Prov 19:27-29 TLB) No matter how often we hear something, or how loudly it is proclaimed, acknowledged and accepted by others, it doesn't make it right or true.  In fact, we know full well right from wrong when we hear it. Whatever contradicts what we know to be right (and all have listened and followed such at one time or another) should be rejected and ignored.  To listen, heed and follow such is to accept certain destruction.  So don't do it!

Prayer: Lord, direct our path in the direct of truth.  Let our feet never sway because of bad advice and unwise counsel. Keep our ears open to the truth.  Amen!

John 8:32 . . . . And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. KJV

PERCENTAGES!

1-12-2011. . . .PERCENTAGES!

"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.  (Rom 10:17 KJV)  There are twenty four hours in a day.  Take a moment and think about all the things you heard in the last twenty four hours.  Now, assign a percentage to the amount of each thing you heard.  What things have the highest percentage?  Gossip - Television shows - music - sweet nothings from a special friend - dirty jokes - life challenges of a friend - criticisms?  What percentage of what you heard (and hear) actually increased your faith?  If faith is increased by hearing the word of God, how much is faith decreased or weakened if we don't!   Check the percentages!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your word.  Help us increase our desire for your word that our faith my grow thereby.  Amen.

 Ps 119:89-91. . . . For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.  Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth.  They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants.  KJV

DIRECT CONNECT!

1-11-2011. . . .DIRECT CONNECT!

"Long ago God spoke in many different ways to our fathers through the prophets [in visions, dreams, and even face to face], telling them little by little about his plans.  But now in these days he has spoken to us through his Son to whom he has given everything and through whom he made the world and everything there is." (Heb 1:1-2 TLB)  Be assured, every believer has a direct connection to God.  He speaks directly to us without the need of an intermediary.  That is not to say He does not use others at times to speak a word to us; He does.  Learn His voice and listen carefully to it. He's speaking directly to us.

Prayer:  Lord, thank you for speaking directly 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

LISTEN!

1-10-2011. . . .LISTEN!

"And the Lord came and called as before, "Samuel! Samuel!"  And Samuel replied, "Yes, I'm listening." (1 Sam 3:10 TLB)   God has something to say to us.  The question is, 'Are we listening?'  When He calls, are we in position to answer, or, are we distracted by the sounds and voices of the world.   Don't miss the message or the moment!  LISTEN!

Prayer: Lord, we tune our ears to hear your voice.  Speak Lord, your servants hear!  Amen.

John 10:27. . . . My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: KJV

STEADY AS SHE GOES!

1-7-2011. . . .STEADY AS SHE GOES!

"And the Lord said to me, "Write my answer on a billboard, large and clear, so that anyone can read it at a glance and rush to tell the others.  But these things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day!"  (Hab 2:2-3 TLB)  What God has for us is for us!  He has ordered every step and every stop along the way.  Every resource needed has a release date on it; every agitation and extremity, an expiration date.   Stay focused and don't get anxious.  Proceed through this year 'Steady as she Goes'! 

Prayer: Lord, thank you that you know the path we take.  You have ordered our steps and scheduled our days!  Help us patiently and calmly follow your plan.  Amen.'

Ps 139:15-17. . . .You were there while I was being formed in utter seclusion!  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!  TLB

WHERE'S DEY DOIN DAT AT!

1-6-2011. . . .WHERE'S DEY DOIN DAT AT?

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." (Phil 4:13 KJV)  We are fully empowered to do all and be all God has called us to do and be!  The only nullifying factor in the equation is our free will.  That is, we can choose to do and be something far lest than His expectation.   Humm!  Where's dey doin dat at?

Prayer: Lord, in You we live, move and have our being.  There is no limit to what we can accomplish and what You can accomplish through us.  May we always remain available vessel for your power.  Amen.

2 Cor 4:7. . . . But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. KJV

RESCIPE FOR SUCCESS!

1-5-2011. . . .RESCIPE FOR SUCCESS!

"Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them. Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest."  (Josh 1:6-7 KJV)  Strength, Courage and Obedience are three key ingredients needed for success.  With these we can move forward into our destiny and possess and accomplish all God has purposed and promised us!  Where success is guaranteed, problems and challenges are minimized! 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for making it possible for us to succeed in all you purposed for us!  Our strength is in You, therefore, we can do all things!  Amen.

Josh 1:8-9. . . . Constantly remind the people about these laws, and you yourself must think about them every day and every night so that you will be sure to obey all of them. For only then will you succeed. 9 Yes, be bold and strong! Banish fear and doubt! For remember, the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." TLB

MOVE FORWARD!

1-4-2011. . . .MOVE FORWARD!

"The LORD our God spake unto us in Horeb, saying, Ye have dwelt long enough in this mount: (Deut 1:6 KJV)  Although where we are may be good, comfortable, stable and even desirable, it was never intended for permanency.  There is more for us, so we must expand our borders.  Yes, this will require moving out of our comfort zones, but we will be the better for it.  It's been good, but it's also been long enough!  MOVE FORWARD!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for bringing us to our current place.  Give us wisdom to understand You have more for us and the courage to move forward towards it!  Amen.

Deut 2:7. . . . The Lord your God has watched over you and blessed you every step of the way for all these forty years as you have wandered around in this great wilderness; and you have lacked nothing in all that time.' TLB

GO WITH WHAT YOU KNOW1

1-3-2011. . . .GO WITH WHAT YOU KNOW!

"Then Elijah talked to them. "How long are you going to waver between two opinions?" he asked the people. "If the Lord is God,follow him! But if Baal is God, then follow him!" (1 Kings 18:21 TLB)  Begin this year by making a firm decision to do what you know God has placed in your spirit to do.  Decide today!  No more hesitation or equivocation.  No more hiding behind false uncertainty.  We know His voice....we know His word....we know His will!  Now, go with what you know!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for another year and another opportunity to move forward with what You've purposed in us to do.  By faith we move forward fully trusting You to direct our path.  Amen.

Jer 29:11-13. . . . For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.  In those days when you pray, I will listen. 13 You will find me when you seek me, if you look for me in earnest. TLB