CHECK THE PERCENTAGES!

1-30-2015. . . .CHECK THE PERCENTAGES!

"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.  (Rom 10:17 KJV)  There are twenty four hours in each day.  Within that twenty four hours we hear many things.  If we were to assign a percentage number to the things we heard in the last twenty four hour period, which things would have the highest number?    Gossip - television shows - music - sweet nothings from a special friend - dirty jokes - life challenges of a friend - criticisms?  Of all the things we've heard (and hear) how many actually increased our faith?  If faith is increased by hearing the word of God, how much then, is faith decreased or weakened when we don't!   Check the percentages!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your word.  Help us increase our desire for your word so that our faith may increase 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

STAY IN TOUCH WITH GOD!

1-29-2015. . . .STAY IN TOUCH WITH GOD!

"And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him. And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, having Bethel on the west, and Hai on the east: and there he builded an altar unto the LORD, and called upon the name of the LORD."  (Gen 12:7-8 KJV)  Just because we have heard and obeyed God's initial instructions, does not mean He has no further instructions and nothing else to say on the matter.  We must stay in constant touch with God.  We must call upon Him often and allow Him to continuously direct our path!  STAY IN TOUCH WITH GOD!

PRAYER: Lord, it is so necessary to always hear from you!  You have commissioned our journey, now please direct our paths.  Amen!

Ps 37:23-24. . . . The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.  Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand. KJV

TAKE CARE NOT TO OFFEND!

1-27-2015. . . . TAKE CARE NOT TO OFFEND!

"It is harder to win back the friendship of an offended brother than to capture a fortified city. His anger shuts you out like iron bars." (Prov 18:19 TLB)  Offense is more likely to occur when we are so driven by our own motives and agendas that we fail to regard or totally disregard the thoughts and feelings of others. Whether by omission or commission, irreparable damage will be the result of these actions.  It is better to take care not to offend at all than to try and mend those who we offend!

PRAYER: Lord, help us daily to be conscious of our actions and motives especially as they relate and have affect on others around us.  Let us be at peace with all men always.  Amen.

Prov 17:14. . . .It is hard to stop a quarrel once it starts, so don't let it begin. TLB

BYE BYE TO FEAR!

1-23-2015. . . .BYE BYE TO FEAR!

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." (2 Tim 1:7 KJV)  Fear can never be allowed to control our motion or emotions!  We have been empowered to defeat fear!  How?   With POWER: Force fear to falter and fail! It's either IT or YOU!  With LOVE: Erase and eradicate all barriers!  Love conquers all!  With A SOUND MIND: Think positively and advance through the adversity; reclaim the high ground.  Fear should never be on top or out front!  When we use what we have, we can confidently say, BYE BYE TO FEAR!

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for giving us everything we need to defeat fear.  Thy kingdom come, thy will be done!  Amen.  

Ps 56:3-5. . . . But when I am afraid, I will put my confidence in you. Yes, I will trust the promises of God. And since I am trusting him, what can mere man do to me?  TLB

EYES AND EARS OPEN!

1-22-2015. . . .EYES AND EARS OPEN!

"After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward. (Gen 15:1 KJV)  As believers, it would be nice if everything in life was smooth sailing and we never had to go through anything.  Life as a believer however, is not that way.  We will go through things and have to navigate the vicissitudes of life.  As we do, we can be certain that the Lord will always send us a word of affirmation and assurance as He ushers us into the next phase of purpose and destiny.  We must make certain our eyes and ears stay open!

PRAYER: Lord, you are our shield and exceeding great reward.  We thank you for being with us and guiding us through to the next phase of our purpose and destiny.  Amen!

Rom 8:28. . . . And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. KJV

RUN-RUN-RUN!

1-21-2015. . . .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 we 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

KEEPING POWER!

1-20-2015. . . .KEEPING POWER

"Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.  He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken." (Ps 34:19-20 KJV)  Life has a way of throwing us some unexpected curves and more often then not, the curves seem to come in waves.  As a result, even the strongest believer can become discouraged.  Greater than our discouragement however, is the keeping power of our Deliverer! "When waves of affliction sweep over our soul and sun light is hidden from view; if ever you're tempted to fret or complain, just think of His goodness to you!" (R.C. Ward)  

PRAYER:  Lord, thank you for your keeping power!  In the mist of our times of discouragement and even discontentment, we remember your goodness and our hearts are made glad again!  Amen.

Ps 100:4-5. . . . For the Lord is always good. He is always loving and kind, and his faithfulness goes on and on to each succeeding generation. TLB

WHO TOLD YOU THAT YOU WERE NAKED!

1-16-2015. . . .WHO TOLD YOU THAT YOU WERE NAKED!

"And he said, "Who told you that you were naked?  Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?" (Gen 3:11 NIV)  We must be careful who we listen to, especially when it comes to defining who we are and what we are!  Although, what is said about us by others may bare some modicum of truth, the context and content of their comments may have sinister intentions. Through our own choices we can place ourselves in a position to be defined by others. However, knowing God's voice, listening and diligently obeying His commands will keep us in a place where we are never ashamed of who He alone has defined us to be.

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for making us who we are.  Help us to remain true to who you have defined us to be and never listen to or allow others to re-define us.  Amen!

Gen 1:26-27. . . . Then God said,"Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth."  So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.  NKJV

WHO'S LISTENING!

1-15-2015. . . .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

STAGING A COMEBACK!

1-14-2015. . . . .STAGING A COMEBACK! (re-post)

Setbacks are not an uncommon experience whether they be in business, sports, health and life in general. With the difficulties and challenges experienced over past few years, those years could be defined as years of 'setbacks'.  Those years however, are now behind us.  In this new year, declare and decree a "comeback!" Anything staged is done on purpose.  If our comeback is to occur, there are some things we must do "on purpose."

I. RE-POSITION: Do whatever you have to do to be in the best position to hear from God. No comeback is possible without God's orchestration!

II. REPOSSESS: Some things that were lost in previous years, shouldn't have been! God says, pursue and recover all! (Not for everybody but for somebody! refer to (I) for direction.

III. RETHINK: Rethink your affiliations. Everyone by your side is not on your side. Can two walk together, except they be agreed? (Amos 3:3 KJV )

IV. REDIRECT: Your time, talents and full treasure to Lord. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. (Ps 37:5 KJV)

I set myself in agreement with every believer that trust God enough to "stage a comeback!"  I declare and decree success in every area and endeavor in 2015 and beyond! You shall surely recover all! There shall be no lack or loss, only increase! The glory of the Lord will surround you and His favor shall be upon you. You will not be without challenges nor will your course be obstacle free! Stay focused and don't be distracted! Your "comeback" is sure says the Lord!

Prayer: Father, I thank you that your word is forever settled in heaven. It is established in the earth and shall not change. Thank you for a brand new year and our comeback! Amen.

1 Sam 30:8. . . .And David inquired at the LORD, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all. KJV

THAT'S GOOD ENOUGH FOR ME!

1-13-2015. . . .THAT'S GOOD ENOUGH FOR ME!

"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (2 Cor 12:9 KJV) There is no need to hide what hinders us or deny the thing or things that keep damaging or destiny! Thorns in the flesh they are.  Jesus says to us what He said to the Apostle Paul, "My grace is sufficient for thee!"  There is strength in our struggle!  That's good enough for me!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your grace that is always sufficient for us. I acknowledge and entrust my weaknesses into your hands. Amen.

2 Cor 12:10. . . .Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.KJV

COMPLETE THE WORKOUT!

1-9-2015. . . .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, is 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

MOVE FORWARD!

1-8-2015. . . .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 designated as our final destination.  There is more ahead of us and most certainly, more for us if we are willing to 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 here, 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 toward 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 KNOW!

1-6-2015. . . .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 have 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