NO ROOM IN THE INN!

12-21-2018. . . ..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 Him?  Let us ensure this Christmas season that we are not so busy filling our homes with gifts from the mall instead of filling our hearts with the gift of Him!  Is there 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

THE GREATEST GIFT!

12-20-2018. . . .THE GREATEST GIFT!

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!  Love is still the greatest gift given and the greatest gift we can give!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the only true gift, your Son. Through Him alone comes salvation.  May all the world receive your great gift this year.  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

COMPLETE SUBMISSION!

12-14-2018. . . .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 doing so, blessings will 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

THEIR DEEDS WILL NOT SUCCEED!

12-13-2018. . . .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 the 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

HIS WORD ENDURES FOREVER!

12-12-2018. . . .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 surely pass away.  There is, however, one thing we have that will never pass away and that is, our New Life which came about by and through His word!  Our New Life from Him will continue into, Eternal Life with Him.  It is certain because His word endures forever!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the certainty of your word that endures forever!  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

WE ARE WHO WE ARE!

12-11-2018. . . .WE ARE WHO WE ARE!

"And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.   But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God."  (Matt 4:3-4 KJV)  

We are who God says we are!  What the tempter or anyone else says about us   is of little or no importance.  We don't have to prove who we are, (Jesus didn't fall for it) we just simply have to be who we are!  Never feed off what the world has to offer, (bread alone) but live by the proceeding and prevailing word of God!  It will constantly and consistently lead us and verify to the world that we are who we are!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for declaring who we are even before we were formed in the womb!  Living by your proceeding and prevailing word verifies to the world that we are who we are!  Amen.

Heb 11:3. . . . Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. KJV

NO NEED TO FEAR!

12-7-2018. . . .NO NEED TO FEAR!

Ps 46:1-3. . . . God is our refuge and strength, a tested help in times of trouble.  And so we need not fear even if the world blows up and the mountains crumble into the sea. TLB  

In times of need, what good is it to have someone present with you that proves to be unable or more often then not, unwilling to help!   God is not only present with us, but He is both willing and able to help us.  Therefore, there is no need to fear when God is near!

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for always be present with us!  You are willing and well able to help us in our times of need!  Thank you for your inexhaustible capability.  Amen!

Ps 48:14. . . . For this great God is our God forever and ever. He will be our guide until we die.  TLB

WE NEED GOD!

12-6-2018. . . .WE NEED GOD!

2 Chron 7:14-16. . . . then if my people will humble themselves and pray, and search for me, and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear them from heaven and forgive their sins and heal their land.  I will listen, wide awake, to every prayer made in this place. TLB 

In times like these, we need God!  In fact, there is never a time that we don't need Him.  The people with the ability to contact God are those that are connected to God!  If there is to be change in the world, the people of God must call on Him to make it happen!  He's waiting to hear from us and He is willing and able to help us!

PRAYER: Lord, we need you!  The world needs you!  You, Lord, are our shield; our glory and the lifter of our heads.  Lord send your peace and be our peace.  Amen!

Heb 4:16. . . . So let us come boldly to the very throne of God and stay there to receive his mercy and to find grace to help us in our times of need. TLB

THE BEST HANDS!

12-5-2018. . . .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 this 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 or 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

DON'T REWRITE THE SCRIPT!

12-4-2018. . . .DON'T REWRITE THE SCRIPT!

2 Cor 3:3 TLB. . . ."They can see that you are a letter from Christ, written by us. It is not a letter written with pen and ink, but by the Spirit of the living God; not one carved on stone, but in human hearts."

As believers, our lives are an open letter from God to the world, written by the Holy Spirit within us! When the world reads us, let what is written be a witness unto Him. Let us take care that the way we live does not rewrite the script.

Prayer: Lord, thank you that our lives are a living and open letter from you to the world. Help us to daily put our pens down and simply allow your script to be read as written. Amen!

1 Cor 3:16-17. . . .Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you? 17 If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him; for God's temple is sacred, and you are that temple. (NIV)

THANKS-THE WILL OF GOD!

11-20-2018. . . .THANKS-THE WILL OF GOD!

 "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, we'd prefer it if we didn't have to deal with them at all. Nevertheless, the knowledge that God is working in every situation and circumstance for our good, is more than cause enough to connect with His will concerning us and simply give thanks.  Don't fight it, flow with it!  It is His will, so give thanks!

Prayer: Lord, in everything we give you thanks because 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 thanks unto thee forever.

NEVER FORSAKEN!

11-16-2018. . . .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 exists that man will forsake us, no such possibility exists 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 will always 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

INSIDE - OUTSIDE!

11-15-2018. . . .INSIDE - OUTSIDE!

“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)  

On the outside of us, situations and circumstances are constantly changing. We can expect trials and turmoil. In fact, if it's not one thing, it will almost certainly be another. On the inside, however, there is God’s Peace giving us the calming assurance that all is well and all will be well! Peace on the inside makes bearable the vicissitudes of life on the outside!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for anticipating our need for peace in an ever-changing world filled with turmoil and unrest. Your Peace secures us inside while we trust you to control the outside. Amen!

Rom 5:3-5. . . .We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us-they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady. Then, when that happens, we are able to hold our heads high no matter what happens and know that all is well, for we know how dearly God loves us, and we feel this warm love everywhere within us because God has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. TLB

ARE YOU SERIOUS!

11-13-2018. . . .ARE YOU SERIOUS!

"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 29:10-13 TLB)  

It is not enough to simply know that God has a plan for us and that His plan is for our good, with a future, and an expected end.  We need, in fact, to seek God daily to find out the details and directions of His plan. This knowledge will not come to us automatically or serendipitously.   We must pray with the confidence of knowing that God is listening and waiting to make His plan known to us if we seriously want to know it! Now, the question is, do we seriously want to know it?

PRAYER: Lord, our desire is to know your detailed plan for our life and future.  As we continuously demonstrate our seriousness, let your plan be revealed to us!  Amen!

1 John 5:14-15. . . .And we are sure of this, that he will listen to us whenever we ask him for anything in line with his will.  And if we really know he is listening when we talk to him and make our requests, then we can be sure that he will answer us. TLB

IN THE ARMS OF PEACE

11-9-2018. . . .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

AFTER THIS!

11-8-2018. . . .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) 

Two things are certain about whatever we have to go through; there is a 'Beginning' and an 'Ending' to it!   So then, It's really not a matter of what we go through, but rather, how we go through what we go through!  For believers, unwavering faith in God's providential care will ultimately result in victory and greater blessings.  Remember, it may be challenging now, but better things are coming 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 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!

11-7-2018. . . .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

A FRIEND OF GOD!

11-6-2018. . . . A FRIEND OF GOD!!!!!

"And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God." (James 2:23 KJV)

Abraham was called "a friend of God."  Ask yourself: Am I a Friend of God?  If God were interviewed today and were asked, what kind of friend is (insert your name)?  What would His answer be? After careful and honest consideration of what you think God’s answer would be if you’re pleased, good for you! Stay consistent and improve. If on the other hand, you find you’ve come short of the measure of being "a friend of God," be encouraged! Start today; this very second. . .do something about it! There is nothing we can do about our past but there is plenty we can do to improve today.

PRAYER: Lord, as a direct result of my concentrated efforts, may the answer You gives about me today be better than Your answer yesterday!  Amen.

Ps 138:8 The LORD will fulfill [his purpose] for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever--do not abandon the works of your hands. (NIV)

GOD OF ALL COMFORT!

11-2-2018. . . .GOD OF ALL COMFORT!

“... What a wonderful God we have-he is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the source of every mercy, and the one who so wonderfully comforts and strengthens us in our hardships and trials.” (2 Cor 1:3a TLB) 

Life is often no bed of roses and at times it can be downright uncomfortable!  Yet, it is in those times of discomfort that God manifests Himself to us as "The God of all Comfort."  No, He does not always immediately change our situations and circumstances, but more often than not, He changes us in the situations and circumstances!  While all hell may be breaking loose all around us, He gives us a sense of well-being on the inside that enables us to emerge with confidence and experience to share with others in their time of affliction and trouble. “…And why does he do this? So that when others are troubled, needing our sympathy and encouragement, we can pass on to them this same help and comfort God has given us.” (2 Cor 1:3b) TLB

Prayer: Lord, thank you for being the God of all comfort! You keep us from being unstable in difficult and uncomfortable situations. It is well with our soul. Amen!

Isa 51:3. . . .For the LORD shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody. KJV

FAITH ACTIONS!

11-1-2018. . . .FAITH ACTIONS!  

"When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee." (Mark 2:5 KJV)  

Faith always has a visible manifestation!  One can't simply say "I have faith" and not add actions with it.  Even though the object and or objectives (end results) of our faith may not be seen, the actions of what we believe will!  Faith actions will overcome great obstacles to achieve it's desired end.  How could Jesus not respond to seeing the roof where He was, literally torn off by the faith actions of the four bearing there friend!  Will, He not also respond when He sees the visible manifestation of ours?

Prayer: Lord, thank you in advance for responding when you see the actions of our faith.  Amen!

James 2:26. . . .For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.  KJV

NO "I's" AT ALL!

10-31-2018. . . .NO "I's" AT ALL!

"For the value of wisdom is far above rubies; nothing can be compared with it.  Wisdom and good judgment live together, for wisdom knows where to discover knowledge and understanding.  If anyone respects and fears God, he will hate evil. For wisdom hates pride, arrogance, corruption, and deceit of every kind. (Prov 8:11-13  TLB) 

Pride, arrogance, and deceit view the world through big "I's" but cannot see!  Humility views the world clearly with no "I's" at all!

PRAYER: Lord, help us daily to have a clear view of our world and eliminate all the big "I's" that cannot see.  Amen.

Matt 13:14-17. . . .They hear, but don't understand; they look, but don't see!  For their hearts are fat and heavy, and their ears are dull, and they have closed their eyes in sleep,  so they won't see and hear and understand and turn to God again, and let me heal them.' But blessed are your eyes, for they see; and your ears, for they hear. TLB

CREATE YOUR OWN HARVEST!

10-30-2018. . . .CREATE YOUR OWN HARVEST!

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:  A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;" (Eccl 3:1-2 KJV) 

Nothing will be harvested that has not first been purposefully planted.  This is the season for carefully planned planting!  Create your own harvest!

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for every season and opportunity to create our own harvest.  Guide us as we carefully plan and plant!  Amen.

Isa 32:19-20. . . . And God will greatly bless his people. Wherever they plant, bountiful crops will spring up, and their flocks and herds will graze in green pastures.  TLB

BUT GOD!

10-25-2018. . . .BUT GOD!

"If the Lord had not been on our side (let all Israel admit it), if the Lord had not been on our side,  we would have been swallowed alive by our enemies, destroyed by their anger.  We would have drowned beneath the flood of these men's fury and pride."  (Ps 124:1-4 TLB) 

So many times our enemies, opposition, and haters had what seemed like an undeniable advantage over us, "But God!"  God moved on our behalf leaving our enemies, opposition, and haters shaking their collective heads and wondering, what happened!  Keep the faith!  If He did it before, He'll do again!

PRAYER: Lord, no matter what advantage it may seem our opposition has, you remain our best advantage.  Thank you!  Amen.

Ps 124:6-8. . . . Blessed be Jehovah who has not let them devour us.  We have escaped with our lives as a bird from a hunter's snare. The snare is broken and we are free!  Our help is from the Lord who made heaven and earth.  TLB

LIVE POLLUTION FREE!

10-24-2018. . . .LIVE POLLUTION FREE!

Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life. (Prov 4:23 NKJV) 

Out of a pure heart will flow a pure life.  Be careful then, not to allow anything or anyone to pollute your spring!  

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for giving us a new heart from which flows a new and pure life.  Strengthen us daily to be diligent in guarding our heart against all pollutants and polluters.  Amen!

1 Tim 1:5. . . .  What I am eager for is that all the Christians there will be filled with love that comes from pure hearts, and that their minds will be clean and their faith strong. TLB

DON'T GIVE AN INCH!

10-23-2018. . . .DON'T GIVE AN INCH!

"For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against persons without bodies-the evil rulers of the unseen world, those mighty satanic beings and great evil princes of darkness who rule this world; and against huge numbers of wicked spirits in the spirit world." (Eph 6:12 TLB)  

The unseen forces of evil while no match for the power of Almighty God, are nonetheless real and not to be taken for granted.  We should not ever allow them access into our lives by dabbling into what may seem to be benign pagan celebrations.  If we don't give an inch they can't demand a mile!

PRAYER: Lord, you are Lord of our lives!  We exalt you above all and will not surrender even an inch of your sovereign control.   Amen!

Col 2:14-15. . . .He disarmed the principalities and powers and made a public example of them, triumphing over them in him. RSV

RIGHT IS RIGHT!

10-18-2018. . . .RIGHT IS RIGHT!

"And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right."  (2 Thess 3:13 NIV) 

It is always right to do what is right; especially when no one is looking!  Never tire of being right, doing right and living right!  Right is right and will always be right!

PRAYER: Lord, lead us daily into to the path of what is right.  Help us to do right, be right, and always live right.  Amen!

Prov 4:10-13. . . . My son, listen to me and do as I say, and you will have a long, good life.  I would have you learn this great fact: that a life of doing right is the wisest life there is.  If you live that kind of life, you'll not limp or stumble as you run.  Carry out my instructions; don't forget them, for they will lead you to real living.  TLB

MAKE EVERY DAY COUNT!

10-16-2018. . . .MAKE EVERY DAY COUNT!

"Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."  (1 Cor 15:58 NIV) 

Serving the Lord will not only pay off afterwhile, but it pays dividends day by day!  Make every day count!

PRAYER: Lord, may the work that we have done and are doing for you daily make a difference and have lasting kingdom impact!  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

LONG TERM BENEFITS!

10-12-2018. . . .LONG TERM BENEFITS!

"Never envy the wicked!  Soon they fade away like grass and disappear. Trust in the Lord instead. Be kind and good to others; then you will live safely here in the land and prosper, feeding in safety.  Be delighted with the Lord. Then he will give you all your heart's desires.  Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him to help you do it, and he will. (Ps 37:1-5 TLB)  

The wicked never have the upper hand although at times, it may seem like they do.  Trust in the Lord-its a far better option and has long term benefits!  

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for the secruity and long term benefits that come from placing our complete trust in you!  Amen!

Ps 52:8. . . .But I am like a sheltered olive tree protected by the Lord himself. I trust in the mercy of God forever and ever. TLB