HE'S LISTENING!

5-30-13. . . .HE'S LISTENING!

"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. You will find me when you seek me, if you look for me in earnest." (Jer 29:11-13 TLB)  Although, we may not be able to see in the future, we can anticipate it with great expectation (hope) because we know that is shall be good!  God is more than willing to reveal this information to us if we earnestly seek Him and ask!  He's listening!

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for the plans of good you have laid out for us in our future!  We earnestly seek your guidance so that we never stray from the path of our hope!  Amen!

 1 Cor 2:9-10. . . .But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.  But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. KJV

CLARITY AND DIRECTION!

5-29-2013. . . .CLARITY AND DIRECTION!

"If you want to know what God wants you to do, ask him, and he will gladly tell you, for he is always ready to give a bountiful supply of wisdom to all who ask him; he will not resent it.  But when you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to tell you, for a doubtful mind will be as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind; and every decision you then make will be uncertain, as you turn first this way and then that. If you don't ask with faith, don't expect the Lord to give you any solid answer." (James 1:5-7 TLB)  A life of significance is a life lived with clarity and direction.  God never intended for life to be an enigma to us, nor for us to simply wonder aimlessly through it without purpose or direction.  We know God is the giver of life, but far to often many fail to call on Him and depend upon Him as the director of life!  Need clarity and direction. . . .ask the giver and director of life and He will freely give you what you ask!

PRAYER: Lord, you are the giver and director of life!  Give us your wisdom and guidance so that we may life a life of significance and accomplish all your purpose.  Amen!

Jer 33:2-3. . . .Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.' NIV

5-28-2013. . . .A CONTAGIOUS MOVEMENT!

“And now this word to all of you: You should be like one big happy family, full of sympathy toward each other, loving one another with tender hearts and humble minds.” (1 Peter 3:8 TLB)  If the world is to be a better place, and what’s more, if we are to be a better people, we would do well to implement this advise. Starting in our own families, our churches; and then spreading it abroad throughout our neighborhoods, cities and all around the world! What a contagious movement!

Prayer: Lord, help us start a contagious movement of love and compassion that transforms not only our person lives, but the entire world. Amen!

1 Peter 3:8. . . . Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. NIV

IT IS WHAT IT IS!

5-24-2013. . . . “IT IS WHAT IT IS!”

“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” (Phil 4:12 NIV) Being ‘content’ according to the Apostle Paul is a learned state of being. I believe it comes from one’s ability to to accept and deal with the reality of “What Is.” IT IS WHAT IT IS!!!!I know that may be challenging for some to say, especially when we would really rather things be something different. However, to be able to look at your circumstance or situation and say ‘It is what it is’, is the first step toward engaging your faith to move in another direction. Now that I have accepted that ‘It is what it is’ all my energy can be directed toward moving from the current position instead of complaining and becoming frustrated about it or over it! If it is bad. . . .It is what it is. . . .If it is good. . . .It is what it is! Therefore, in every circumstance and situation, I am never too high in the good times or to low in the bad times or to complacent in the in between times. What was the Apostle Paul’s secret? Knowing, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” ( Phil 4:13 KJV) So can we!

Prayer: Lord, You are the source of my strength and the strength of my life! In you I live, I move and have my being! Help me Lord, to rest in you. Amen!

Heb 13:5-6. . . . Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me!

SPEED BUMPS!

5-23-2013. . . . SPEED BUMPS!

“Don't be impatient for the Lord to act! Keep traveling steadily along his pathway and in due season he will honor you with every blessing, and you will see the wicked destroyed. I myself have seen it happen: a proud and evil man, towering like a cedar of Lebanon, but when I looked again, he was gone! I searched but could not find him! But the good man-what a different story! For the good man-the blameless, the upright, the man of peace-he has a wonderful future ahead of him. For him there is a happy ending.” (Ps 37:34-38 TLB)  Did you think or expect to arrive at your destiny without running into any difficulty or challenges? It would be nice, but it is unrealistic and unfruitful. The truth is, there are many things to learn on the road to our destiny and we would miss them all if we did not run into a ‘speed bump’ every now and then. Speed bumps are designed to slow us down when we are traveling to fast through certain zones. Are you currently in a zone where you feel you should be progressing much faster, but for some reason, no matter what you do, things are moving at a much slower pace then you would like. Perhaps you have hit a speed bump. Instead of being frustrated and fighting against the current, slow down and take careful notice of what is happening and going on around you. It is for your good and will equip you with the knowledge and experience needed as you continue on your journey towards your destiny. 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for ordering my steps as well as, my stops! Help me to be patient and learn what I need to learn when I am in a slow zone. Amen!

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

THE TIPPING POINT!

5-22-2013. . . . THE TIPPING POINT!

Popeye the Sailor Man was a favorite cartoon watched by thousands of kids daily. Popeye lived a relatively normal life dealing with issues concerning his friends, his personal relationship with his girl, and of course with his enemies. In each episode, it seemed Popeye would get to a point where he could go no further or take anymore and he would say, "That's all I can stands and me can't stands no more!"   At that point, Popeye would turn to his source of strength, a can a spinach!   The spinach refreshed and strengthened him to deal with and dispose of the pressing dilemma. What do you do when you have reached your tipping point?   Who do you call. . . . Where do you turn for your source of strength and refreshment?   David offers a great option; "From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I." (Ps 61:22 NKJV) David recognized that his own strength, his own emotions, his own will was not enough to properly deal with and handle effectively what he was facing. He needed and looked to something higher. . . yea, even someone higher then himself! He looked to God as his rock (stability). It is a good model and wisdom dictates we take heed when we reach our next tipping point.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for being my rock of stability! Even when I feel overwhelmed, help me always look to you as my source and strength and never lean to my own understanding. Amen!

Ps 62:5-8. . . . My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. KJV

THE NEXT MANIFESTATION!

5-21-2013. . . . THE NEXT MANIFESTATION!

“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 139:17 TLB)  The question is raised in Psalms 8, “What is man that thou art mindful of him. . .”? Put another way, ‘What is man that he is always on your mind’?  This very moment, we are in God’s mind and on God’s mind.  What an awesome revelation to know that God is constantly thinking of us.   His thoughts of us are always good and never evil. ( Jer 29:11) God’s thoughts are also His plans;  His plans are His manifested will!   Everything good that happens to us is a result of God’s thoughts in eternity being realized and carried out as our lives unfold.  Approach each day with excitement and the expectation of seeing what God has planned for us next!   Get ready for the next manifestation!

Prayer: Lord, I am so glad you are always thinking of me and that I am never off your mind! You are so awesome and all your works are marvelous. Thank you for the privilege of experiencing them.

Ps 139:1-5. . . . O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit or stand. When far away you know my every thought. You chart the path ahead of me and tell me where to stop and rest. Every moment you know where I am. You know what I am going to say before I even say it. You both precede and follow me and place your hand of blessing on my head. TLB

GOD, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?

5-20-2013. . . .GOD, WHAT ARE YOU DOING? (re-post from  EFL 2009)

Hello. . . .Hello!  How are you doing? Oh, I’m doing fine. . . .I’m okay. . . .(and for the super-spiritual) I’m blessed and highly favored!!!  This fairly standard greeting, in one form or another, is played out countless thousands of times by Christians every day. Ever found yourself giving any of these standard responses while knowing on the inside you are feeling frustrated. . . maybe confused. . . .disappointed. . . .doubtful and flat out wanting to ask the question, God, what are you doing? I’ve been praying, believing, watching and most of all, waiting yet, I have no answer and see no change? Quite a challenging place to be and one Satan would love to exploit in order to attack our faith.   Here’s some things to remember: 1.) God’s plan for you! “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. ( Jer 29:11 TLB) No matter how long it takes, His plan does not change! 2.) Be patient and wait! (A hard one, I know) but It’s apart of God’s plan! “Dear brothers,(and Sisters) 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) 3.) You’re going to love the end result!“After you have suffered a little while, our God, who is full of kindness through Christ, will give you his eternal glory. He personally will come and pick you up, and set you firmly in place, and make you stronger than ever. To him be all power over all things, forever and ever. Amen.“ (1 Peter 5:10-11 LB) Finally, know that God is ‘In control’ and He has everything ‘Under Control!’ Trust Him!

Prayer: Lord, sometimes it is so hard to be patient, wait, and trust You! Yet, we are determine to believe you no matter what! Help thou our unbelief! Amen.

2 Chron 16:9. . . . For the eyes of the Lord search back and forth across the whole earth, looking for people whose hearts are perfect toward him, so that he can show his great power in helping them. TLB

LET GOD DEAL WITH IT!

5-17-2013. . . .LET GOT DEAL WITH IT!

"If we say that we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and refusing to accept the truth.  But if we confess our sins to him, he can be depended on to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong. [And it is perfectly proper for God to do this for us because Christ died to wash away our sins.] If we claim we have not sinned, we are lying and calling God a liar, for he says we have sinned."  (1 John 1:8-10 TLB)  Sin is an issue!  God did His part to deal with the issue, the question is, when will we do ours!  Don't let sin continue to be an issue! Confess it and let God deal with it!

PRAYER: We confess our sins to you.  Please forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  Amen!

Rom 3:21-24. . . .Yes, all have sinned; all fall short of God's glorious ideal;  yet now God declares us "not guilty" of offending him if we trust in Jesus Christ, who in his kindness freely takes away our sins. TLB

LET THE SHOW GO ON!

5-16-2013. . . .LET THE SHOW GO ON!

"But this precious treasure-this light and power that now shine within us --is held in a perishable container, that is, in our weak bodies. Everyone can see that the glorious power within must be from God and is not our own." (2 Cor 4:7 TLB)  How ironically wonderful that our flawed humanity should be the stage on which God manifest and demonstrates His mighty power and glory!  It is not about us, but all about Him!  Let the show go on!

PRAYER: Lord, play out your glory and your mighty power on the the stage of our lives!  It is not about us but all about you!  Amen.

Ps 106:8. . . .

  Nevertheless he saved them for his name's sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known. 

 KJV

BE DONE AND MOVE ON!

5-15-2013. . . .BE DONE AND MOVE ON!

"Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all" (Ps 34:19 KJV)  The life of the righteous is not without it's challenges and rightfully so.  We too must go through difficulties and problems.  As we go through however, we are assured we will get through because the LORD promised it!  So go through, get through, be done and move on!

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for deliverance from all our afflictions.  With the assurance of your promise we endure and press on!  Amen.

Ps 23:4. . . .Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.  KJV

IF YOU MESS UP FESS UP!

5-14-2013. . . .IF YOU MESS UP FESS UP!

"O loving and kind God, have mercy. Have pity upon me and take away the awful stain of my transgressions.  Oh, wash me, cleanse me from this guilt. Let me be pure again.  For I admit my shameful deed-it haunts me day and night.  It is against you and you alone I sinned and did this terrible thing. You saw it all, and your sentence against me is just."  (Ps 51:1-4 TLB)  Don't try and hide from God what He already knows.  If you mess up, fess up!

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for being a loving, merciful and forgiving God.  Amen.

1 John 1:9. . . . If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  KJV

ALLOW HIM TO LEAD!

5-13-2013. . . .ALLOW HIM TO LEAD!

"Search me, O God, and know my heart; test my thoughts.  Point out anything you find in me that makes you sad, and lead me along the path of everlasting life."  (Ps 139:23-24 TLB)  There are things within all of us that are not pleasing to God.   If we are willing to confront them, God is able to change them.  It's time for a new direction.  Allow Him to lead!

PRAYER: Lord, reveal to us every thing within us that is not pleasing to you.  Lead us always in the direction that leads to life everlasting.  Amen.

Heb 4:12-13. . . . For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. NIV

BEEP BEEP GO!

5-10-2013. . . . BEEP BEEP GO!
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." {Heb 11:1 NIV) Have you ever been sitting at a stop light waiting for it to turn green and after waiting for what seemed like an eternity, the light changed, but you found yourself still sitting there? Although you had the green light, you did not move until prompted by the horn of the driver behind you! God has given someone the green light, but you haven’t moved yet! What are you waiting on! This is your prompting!  It’s time to proceed!  We seem to respond well when God gives us the red light to stop; even if we don’t like it, we stop!  We also do well when God gives us the yellow signal to proceed with caution. It’s when God gives us the green signal to go, that we sometimes seem to  hesitate because of fear of the unknown, and even unbelief!   Fear allowed to operate unchecked will cause stagnation.   Unbelief is the opposite of faith and will deny us the benefit and blessing of pleasing God!   IT’S TIME. . . .YOU HAVE THE GREEN LIGHT. . . BEEP BEEP!  GOD SAYS GO!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for bringing us to this moment!  Continue directing our path as we move forward in your ordained destiny! Amen.
Prov 16:9. . . . A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps. KJV

CATCH AND HOLD IT!

5-9-2013. . . .CATCH IT AND HOLD IT!

“Turn away from evil and do good. Try to live in peace even if you must run after it to catch and hold it!” (1 Peter 3:11-12TLB)   Evil that is blatantly evil is not difficult to turn away from. However, evil appearing to be good on the front end, not so much! What was that the Apostle Paul said, “the good I would, I do not and the evil I would not, that I do!) What seems good on the front end is nothing more that a robber of your peace in disguise! Don’t let your peace get away! Catch it and hold it!!!! Never let go of it, no matter how good the evil may appear to be.

Prayer: Lord, even as Jabez prayed, keep evil from me and help me to pursue peace at all times. Amen!

Heb 12:14. . . . Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: KJV

NO ABATEMENT!

5-8-2013. . . .NO ABATEMENT!

"I am as strong now as I was when Moses sent us on that journey, and I can still travel and fight as well as I could then!  So I'm asking that you give me the hill country that the Lord promised me. You will remember that as spies we found the Anakim living there in great, walled cities, but if the Lord is with me, I shall drive them out of the land." (Josh 14:10-12 TLB)   To the faithful and obedient, the strength of the Lord is sustainable for our current assignments, tasks and battles, as well as, all future ones, with no abatement! 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for strength to meet every challenge both today and in the future. Amen!

2 Sam 22:40-41. . . . For you have given me strength for the battle And have caused me to subdue All those who rose against me.  You have made my enemies Turn and run away; I have destroyed them all.  TLB

DEFINE CONFINE REFINE!

5-7-2013. . . .DEFINE CONFINE REFINE!

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)  We should never allow our past hurts, failures and disappointments to define who we are, nor to confine us from reaching the places we are destined to going.  Rather, we should allow the experiences of our past to refine us for future victories that are certain if we continue to press toward them!

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for your faithfulness.  Through every test and trial you have strengthened us to be able to keep moving forward toward certain victory!  With your help, we will reach our appointed goal.  Amen!

Job 23:8-11. . . .Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him:  On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him: 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.  KJV

TAKE THE TIME WHILE THERE IS TIME!

5-6-2013. . . .TAKE THE TIME WHILE THERE IS TIME!

"I will judge each of you, O Israel, and punish or reward each according to his own actions. Oh, turn from your sins while there is yet time. Put them behind you and receive a new heart and a new spirit. For why will you die, O Israel?  I do not enjoy seeing you die," the Lord God says. "Turn, turn and live!"  (Ezek 18:29-32 TLB)  Nowadays, no one wants to talk about are even hear about sin.  God on the other hand has not changed his position on it!  He will judge it and punish us for it if we don't repent.  Take the time while there is time to get it right and make it right!

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for your grace and mercy!  Help us to never take it for granted and continue in our sins.  Amen!

Ezek 36:26-27. . . . And I will give you a new heart-I will give you new and right desires-and put a new spirit within you. I will take out your stony hearts of sin and give you new hearts of love.  And I will put my Spirit within you so that you will obey my laws and do whatever I command. TLB

LET'S CHECK OUR SELF!

5-3-2013. . . .LET'S CHECK OUR SELF!

"I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also." (2 Tim 1:5-6 NIV)  Some things are taught, others are caught!  What are our children catching from us?  Are they as fortunate as Timothy was to see faith modeled by his mother and grandmother in such a way that it caused him to be drawn into it?  Or, are they catching directions that are leading down that road that seems right to man, but the end there of is the way of death!  Let's check our self! 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for our children and the opportunity to parent them.  Help us train them up in your ways and model faith for them to the degree that they catch it and run with it.  Amen!

2 Tim 1:5-6. . . . I know how much you trust the Lord, just as your mother Eunice and your grandmother Lois do; and I feel sure you are still trusting him as much as ever. This being so, I want to remind you to stir into flame the strength and boldness that is in you, that entered into you when I laid my hands upon your head and blessed you. TLB

STAY SHARP!

5-2-2013. . . .STAY SHARP!

“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” (Prov 27:17 NIV) The sharpening process is not always comfortable, but is always necessary.  What impact are the people around us having on our lives and perhaps more importantly, what impact are we having on the lives of those around us?   Daily we will come in contact with many people.  Therefore, stay sharp and challenge others around you to be sharp!

Prayer: Lord, continue to make me sharp in order that I may have a positive and sharpening impact on the lives of others. Amen!

Prov 27:19. . . . As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man. (NIV)

EACH ONE REACH ONE!

5-1-2013. . . .EACH ONE REACH ONE!

"There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother." (Prov 30:11 KJV)  If it is true (and it is) that "It takes a whole village to raise a child", then we, 'THE VILLAGE' must do a much better job with this current generation.  Each one reach one!

Prayer: Lord, forgive us for being remiss in our responsibilities to this current generation.  Help us help to them and there by, make our entire society better.  Amen!

Prov 6:20-23. . . .Young man, obey your father and your mother.  Take to heart all of their advice; keep in mind everything they tell you.  Every day and all night long their counsel will lead you and save you from harm; when you wake up in the morning, let their instructions guide you into the new day.  TLB