THE END GAME!

3-31-2021. . . .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 nor difficulty will last forever; so patiently go through in order to get through.  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

THEM AND US!

4-30-2021. . . .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

DO A SELF-CHECK!

4-26-2021. . . .DO A SELF-CHECK!

"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 them down that road that seems right to a man, but the end thereof is the way of death!  Let's do a self-check and make sure! 

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

NEVER FORGET!

3-25-2021. . . .NEVER FORGET!

"When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!  Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home." (John 19:26-27 KJV)  

Destiny's call does not release us from our responsibility to care for those that care and have cared for us!  Although, destiny may require that we separate, we can do so in peace knowing we've made provision for them.   God never forgets our labor of love, neither should we! 

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for loving caring parents that position us for our purpose!  Keep your loving arms around them always and never forget their labor of love to us.  Amen!

Heb 6:10. . . . For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. KJV

INTERVENTION!

3-24-2021. . . .INTERVENTION!

"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 5:10-11TLB)

The pressing and stressing we go through is not designed to hurt us but to help us.  In fact, it is working for our good and leading us to the place of intervention.  God himself at His appointed time, will intervene in the midst of our making and bring closure to our current crisis.  Hang in there and wait for the intervention!

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for intervention in the midst of our making.  Perfect us and finish what you started in us.  Amen.

Phil 1:6. . . .Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: KJV

THINK RIGHT DO RIGHT!

3-19-2021. . . .THINK RIGHT DO RIGHT!

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Phil 4:8 KJV) 

 Every action is initiated by a thought!  The purer, truer, lovelier the thought, so shall the resulting actions be.  Think right, do right, be right!

PRAYER: Lord, purify our minds that our thoughts and actions will be pleasing to you and all mankind.  Amen! 

Prov 16:1-3. . . .The preparations of the heart in man and the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.  All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes, but the LORD weigheth the spirits.  Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.  KJV

I AM ALL YOU NEED!

3-18-2021. . .  .I AM ALL YOU NEED!

"Each time he said, "No. But I am with you; that is all you need. My power shows up best in weak people." Now I am glad to boast about how weak I am; I am glad to be a living demonstration of Christ's power, instead of showing off my own power and abilities." (2 Cor 12:9-10 TLB) 

When God tells us no, it is not simply a demonstration or exercise of divine prerogative. (Although if He so chose, He would be well within His rights to do so)  More often than not however, His greater purpose is to illuminate our greater need!  We think we know what we need, but God really knows what we need and is well able to supply that need.  His answer to us today is the same as His answer was to the Apostle Paul; "I AM ALL YOU NEED!"

PRAYER: Lord, you are our El Shaddai; our sufficiency!  You are all we need and more than we deserve.  All praise, honor, and glory be yours forever and ever.  Amen!

Phil 4:18-20. . . .You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus. 

BE WHO YOU ARE!

3-17-2021. . . .BE WHO YOU ARE!

"And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread." (Matt 4:3 KJV)  

Although the enemy may tempt us to do things out of character to prove who we are, we never deviate from the word of God which declares who we are! Remember, we never have to prove to the enemy who we are, but simply be who we are!

Prayer: Lord, thank you that through your Son Jesus, you have made us your children.  We have nothing to prove to the enemy.  Amen!

1 John 3:1-2. . . . See how very much our heavenly Father loves us, for he allows us to be called his children-think of it-and we really are! But since most people don't know God, naturally they don't understand that we are his children. TLB

STILL STANDING AND NOT ALONE!

3-16-2021. . . .STILL STANDING AND NOT ALONE!

"Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonished and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his counselors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king. He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God. (Dan 3:24-25 KJV) 

No fire, no matter how hot it has been kindled for us and against us, will prevent Jesus, the Son of the living God, from coming to stand at our side!  They that looked once and expected to see our demise, will most certainly look again with amazement and see, we are "STILL STANDING", and that, not alone! 

Prayer: Lord, Thank you for always being there no matter what it is we face.  With you, we can walk into fire and come through every flood.  You lift up a standard against our enemies and enable us to remain standing.  Amen!

Isa 54:17. . . . No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; 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

WE'RE GOOD!

3-12-2021. . . .WE'RE GOOD!

"We are pressed on every side by troubles, but not crushed and broken. We are perplexed because we don't know why things happen as they do, but we don't give up and quit.  We are hunted down, but God never abandons us. We get knocked down, but we get up again and keep going.  These bodies of ours are constantly facing death just as Jesus did; so it is clear to all that it is only the living Christ within [who keeps us safe]."  (2 Cor 4:8-10 TLB) 

With confidence and patience, we navigate our way through every change and challenge of life knowing we are good because God's got us!

PRAYER: Lord, we thank you for being in control and having everything under control.  No matter what we must face and endure, we know you've got us!  For this, we thank you continuously.  Amen!

Rom 8:28. . . . 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.  NIV

WATCH GOD WORK!

3-11-2021. . . .WATCH GOD WORK!

"You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you." (2 Chron 20:17 NIV)  

While we may not be charged to fight in every battle, we are not exempted from being in the battle! Our charge is to be in position and without fear, stand firm in our faith as we face our opposition.  Then, simply watch God work!

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for giving us your strategic plan for every enemy and battle we must face.  As faithful soldiers, we will carry out your command without fail or fear.  Amen!    

1 Tim 6:12-14. . . . Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.  In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ" NIV

WHAT'S IN A NAME!

2-10-2021. . . .WHAT'S IN A NAME!

"And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;  They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover."  (Mark 16:17-18 KJV)  

What's in a name?  If it is simply our name, then not much more than identity. If on the other hand it is the name that is above every name, J E S U S, there is not only identity, but also Authority, (to cast out demons) Clarity, (to speak with new tongues) Security, (to deal with deadly things) and Responsibility (to lay hands on the sick).  So, what's in a name. . . .not much;     
What's in "THE NAME". . . . Everything!

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for the power and authority of your name!  Your name is above every name.  Help us to use it appropriately!   Amen.

Matt 28:18-20. . . .He told his disciples, "I have been given all authority in heaven and earth.  Therefore go and make disciples in all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and then teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you; and be sure of this-that I am with you always, even to the end of the world."  TLB

DRAW YOUR BENEFIT!

3-9-2021. . . .DRAW YOUR BENEFIT!

"The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace. (Ps 29:11 KJV)  

With great expectation, we can look to the Lord for strength and peace!  These are two of the daily benefits we receive that are spoken of in Psalms 68:19.  In times of weakness and in the mist of our stress, we can look to the Lord and draw our benefits!

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for supplying all our need.  Thank you for strength and peace and all benefits you daily supply us with!  Thanks again.  Amen!

Ps 68:19. . . . Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation.  KJV

KEEP A GOOD ATTITUDE!

3-5-2021. . . .KEEP A GOOD ATTITUDE!

"I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.  Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD."  (Ps 27:13-14 KJV) 

God operates in His own time (Kairos) and our time (Chronos: clock time) is subject to it.  If we measure God's movement or the seemingly "lack thereof," by our time, we may grow impatient, anxious, and even faint of heart.  Keep a good attitude (be of good courage) while fully trusting God; knowing that in just the right moment, He will strengthen!

PRAYER: Lord, teach us to trust you more and wait with a good attitude for you to strengthen us in due season. Amen!

Ps 119:27-28. . . . Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works.  My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word.  KJV

ALL WILL BE WELL AGAIN!

3-4-2021. . . .ALL WILL BE WELL AGAIN!

"And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?  And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm." (Mark 4:37-39 KJV)

 Seemingly out of nowhere, storms inevitably come into our lives.  Although the winds and rains of problems and challenges seem beyond human power to control, it is good to know that they are not beyond "The Master's" control.  We need only believe and trust our storms to Him and in an instance, He'll speak a word and all will be well again! 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for being the Master of our storms.  In spite of the storms, problems, and challenges, help us to forever trust them to you.  Amen!

Ps 107:28-30. . . . Then they cry to the Lord in their trouble, and he saves them.  He calms the storm and stills the waves.  What a blessing is that stillness as he brings them safely into harbor! TLB

JOY AFTER THE STORM!

3-3-2021. . . .JOY AFTER THE STORM!

"He calms the storm and stills the waves.  What a blessing is that stillness as he brings them safely into harbor!" (Ps 107:29-30 TLB)  

The Master of the sea still calms the storm and stills the waves.  Although for now, we may have tears and fears, be assured joy is coming!

Prayer: Lord, we thank you that you are yet the Master of every storm.  We trust you to turn our tears and fears into joy.  Amen!

Ps 30:4-5. . . .Oh, sing to him you saints of his; give thanks to his holy name.  His anger lasts a moment; his favor lasts for life! Weeping may go on all night, but in the morning there is joy. TLB

PROPERLY POSITIONED!

3-2-2021. . . .PROPERLY POSITIONED!

"Wounds from a friend are better than kisses from an enemy!" (Prov 27:7 TLB)  

Friends, because they are close to us, will sometimes wound us.  In turn, as a friend to our friends, we more than likely have wounded them as well. Therefore, forgive them quickly remembering why they are called our friends. Enemies on the other hand, through their deceptive actions, attempt to get close enough to us to wound us.  Therefore, know them by their actions and keep them properly positioned so they can do minimal or no harm.

PRAYER:  Lord, thank you for true friends.  Although, they may wound us and we them, help us to forgive quickly and remember why we are friends.  Train our eyes to recognize our enemies and to keep them properly positioned so that they can do no harm! 

Prov 18:24. . . .There are "friends" who pretend to be friends, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. TLB