When fear knocks at the door, let faith answer

...The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].
—James 5:16


Fear attacks everyone. It is Satan's way of tormenting us and preventing us from going forward so we cannot enjoy the life Jesus died to give us.

Fears are not realities, they are False Evidence Appearing Real. But if we accept the fears that Satan offers and give voice to them, we open the door for the enemy and close the door to God.

Faith is released through prayer, which makes tremendous power available, dynamic in its working.

Satan seeks to weaken us through fear, but God strengthens us as we fellowship with Him in prayer. The Bible teaches us to watch and pray. (Matthew 26:41.) I believe the major reference in this passage is to watching ourselves and the attacks that the enemy launches against our minds and emotions. When these attacks are detected, we should pray immediately. We may think the attack will go away but we must remember that it is when we pray that power is released against the enemy—not when we think about praying later.

Pray about everything and fear nothing. I believe you will find this decision to be one that will produce more joy and peace for your everyday living.

When fear knocks at the door, let faith answer.

Do This:

Remember that fear is just False Evidence Appearing Real. When fear knocks on your door, let faith answer.


Have a Thankful Thursday

A SERVANT of God

His master said to him, Well done, you upright (honorable, admirable) and faithful servant! You have been faithful and trustworthy over a little; I will put you in charge of much. Enter into and share the joy (the delight, the blessedness) which your master enjoys. (MATTHEW 25:21)

AS A SERVANT of God, you have been given gifts and talents from Him to use for His kingdom and glory.While others may have far greater talents than yours, you have at least one gift for which you are responsible to give an account to God. It is a principle within God's kingdom that as you are faithful and responsible to what God has given you He will advance you to a higher service. Being faithful where you are and with what God has given you to do now has nothing to do with whether you are particularly fond of what that responsibility entails.

Two aspects of your responsibility stand out in Matthew 25. First, there is a day coming when you shall give an account for your faithfulness to what God gave you to do. And, second, if you are faithful your divine Master offers that you may enter His joy is beyond description."Enter in," Jesus says, "and share the joy!"

Have a Magnificient Monday

A patient man is a powerful man

For you have need of steadfast patience and endurance, so that you may perform and fully accomplish the will of God, and thus receive and carry away [and enjoy to the full] what is promised.
—Hebrews 10:36

The Word of God promises that the patient man will be perfect and entire, lacking nothing. (James 1:4 KJV.) A patient man is a powerful man. He can remain calm in the storm. He has control over his mouth. His thoughts remain loving in times when people's behavior becomes challenging. Without patience we cannot endure to see the fulfillment of our faith. Everything does not come to us immediately upon believing. There is a waiting period involved in receiving from God. It is during that period that our faith is tested and purified. Only if we endure and wait patiently will we experience the joy of seeing what we have believed for. Patience is not only the ability to wait, but also the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting. Waiting is a part of life that cannot be avoided. We will spend a great deal of our lives waiting; if we don't learn to do it well (patiently), we will be quite miserable. God is so patient with us. And we are to imitate Him. Be encouraged to actively pursue patience it will lead you into God's power Pray This: "Lord, help me to exercise every kind of endurance and patience, perseverance, and forbearance with joy (Colossians 1:11). In Jesus' name, amen."

Have a Fabulous Friday

He Restores Your Soul

Today's Scripture

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul…” (Psalm 23:1-3).

Today's Word
God wants to restore your soul! Your soul is your mind, your will, and your emotions. You are a three-part being: you have a spirit—that’s the part of you that lives for eternity, you have a soul, and you have your body while you’re here on earth. Your soul is where the enemy tries to wound you and hold you back. Your soul is where you may have brokenness from the past, or hurts and disappointments. When God restores your soul, He brings His healing power to those broken places. He makes you whole again. And when God restores you, He makes you better off than you were before! I love the picture painted in this verse. Notice that He leads us beside quiet waters. He makes us lie down in green pastures. This is a picture of rest. When we are resting in Him, He is able to do a work in our lives. He is able to bring that restoration. Don’t let the busyness of life keep you going so fast that you don’t stop and rest. Take time to be still before the Lord and meditate on His Word. As you do, He will restore and heal your soul, and you will live the life of victory God has planned for you!

A Prayer for Today
Father God, thank You for another day to praise You. Thank You for Your plan to lead me into rest so that You can restore my soul. I surrender my brokenness to You and open my heart to receive Your healing in every area of my life today. In Jesus’ Name.

Amen.

Have a Magnificient Monday

The Morning

Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the Lord!
Seek the Lord and His strength; yearn for and seek His face and to be in His presence continually!
[Earnestly] remember the marvelous deeds which He has done, His miracles, and the judgments He uttered.
—1 Chronicles 16:10–12

Many people don’t realize how important the morning is, especially those first moments of time that we are awake. God calls the sun to rise for us. He is eager for us to wake up and talk to Him again.

David the psalmist talked a lot about mornings, saying “This is the day that the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it” (see Psalm 118:24). David didn’t always feel like rejoicing, but he decided to rejoice in God’s new day.

As soon as you get up, look at yourself in the mirror, smile, and say, “I am going to have a good day because Jesus loves me.”

Magnify the Lord

Today's Scripture
“Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together” (Psalm 34:3).

Today's Word
There is power when you magnify the Lord and exalt His name. When you magnify the Lord, you aren’t changing Him, you are changing the way you see Him. You are making Him bigger in your life than your problems and circumstances. So many people today waste time and energy talking about their problems and feeling sorry for themselves. In other words, they are magnifying their circumstances in their own mind and heart. But when you start magnifying the Lord by talking about Him and worshiping Him, you are making Him big in your life. You are opening the door for Him to move on your behalf. Decide today that no matter what’s going on in life around you, you are going to magnify your God. Talk about His goodness. Talk about His faithfulness. Declare that He is working behind the scenes on your behalf. Exalt His name today and lift Him up! As you magnify the Lord above your circumstances, He will become bigger in your life. You will see His hand of blessing and move forward into the life of victory He has in store for you!

A Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, today I choose to magnify and exalt You. You are faithful and worthy of praise. I declare today that You are for me, so who can be against me! I trust You to work in my life today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Joy in His Presence

Today's Scripture

“You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand” (Psalm 16:11).

Do you need more joy in your life today? God promises that joy is found in His presence, and if you’ve accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, then His presence lives inside of you! That joy manifests when you focus your mind and heart on the Father and begin to praise Him for what He’s done in your life. The Bible says that He inhabits the praises of His people. When you begin to praise and thank Him, you are in His presence where there is fullness of joy. It doesn’t matter where you are or what’s going on around you, you can access the joy that’s inside of you at anytime, day or night. And know this: God wants you to experience His supernatural joy and peace at all times. That’s why He chose to live inside of you and give you an endless supply. Don’t waste another minute feeling overburdened and discouraged. Let the joy of the Lord be your strength, and you will move forward in victory on the path of life He’s prepared for you!

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, thank You for an endless supply of joy. Today, I choose to cast my cares on You and give You the praise, glory, and honor You deserve. Let joy flow through me today so that I can be a witness of Your goodness to those around me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Live the higher life II

..Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink....
—Matthew 20:22


This was Jesus' response to the request of His disciples James and John to sit on His right and left hand.

Many people want God to bless them with a high position, but they are not ready to stop living a self-centered life. God considers selfishness to be a low level of living.

We can choose to spend our lives trying to get what we want when we want it, but it is a lower life. There is a higher life. If we will not give up the lower life, we will never have the higher life. But if we are willing to give up the lower (natural) life, then God will give us the higher (spiritual) life.

Jesus is now seated at the right hand of the Father. He had to lay down the lower life first before He got the higher life.

In order to be promoted as Jesus was, we must crucify the flesh. We must forget about ourselves—stop thinking about ourselves, talking about ourselves, and trying to get our own way. We must first make an investment, then God will give us a mighty return.

If you want the higher life, be willing to drink the cup that Jesus drank—the cup of unselfishness.

Pray This:

"Father, in the name of Jesus, I break the bondage of selfishness off my life. Thank You that I am free."

Live the Higher Life

Then the cares and anxieties of the world and distractions of the age, and the pleasure and delight and false glamour and deceitfulness of riches, and the craving and passionate desire for other things creep in and choke and suffocate the Word, and it becomes fruitless.
—Mark 4:19


In order to live the "higher life," we must be willing to die to the "lower life."

One of the major reasons people are not rooted in God's Word is their strong attachment to the world. They want the higher life, but they are not willing to give up the lower life.

There is a life to be lived that is so superior to anything the world has to offer that no comparison can be made, but we must die to self and all its ways and demands in order to attain it. We must die to our own ways of being and doing - the fleshly ways of handling situations. We must also die to our own thoughts and our own idle, willful, and contrary talk. We must learn to live beyond our feelings.

The "bottom line" is that God relentlessly pursues the flesh and is intent on setting us free from its control. We must die to live, but it is a positive thing.

Dare to die in order to live.

Do This:

Choose to die to self and the things of the flesh so that you may live the higher life that God has prepared for you.




Have a Magnificent Monday

Open your heart

Therefore humble yourselves [demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation] under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you, casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.
1 PETER 5:6, 7

THERE ARE FEW people who are more miserable than those who have enough Christianity to save them but not enough to transform them. Those who have not received the fullness of the Holy Spirit are missing the joy of the Lord and His strength for daily living. It is like living on crumbs in poverty when the loaf of bread is on the table in front of them.

Paul once asked the Ephesians disciples of John, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed [on Jesus as the Christ]?" (Acts 19:2). Humble yourself before the Lord and ask yourself that question. Are you filled with the power of the Holy Spirit? Has He transformed your life by grace and is He ruling in your heart? If He is not, open your heart to Him and receive the Holy Spirit now. He only awaits your prayer.

The peace of the Lord

Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.] —John 14:27


The peace of the Lord is one of the most precious blessings in life.

From a spiritual position, it was Jesus' blood that bought our peace. But from a practical or natural position, the price we must pay for peace is a willingness to change our approach to life. We will never enjoy peace without a willingness to adjust and adapt ourselves.

You and I must be willing to sacrifice worry and reasoning if we are to know peace. We cannot have anxiety, frustration, or rigid, legalistic attitudes and enjoy the peace of God.

Keep your mind and conversation on Jesus—not the problem. Worry is useless, vain, and prideful.

One of the big adjustments I had to make was to slow down. It is impossible to remain peaceful and hurry. God is not in a hurry.

Be willing and obedient to make the changes the Holy Spirit leads you to make in order to walk in peace. Jesus has provided His peace—enjoy it!

Pray This:

"Lord, I receive Your peace today. I will seek peace, follow after peace, and let peace be the umpire in my life. In Jesus' name, amen."



Have a Magnificent Monday

The Prince of Peace

Today's Scripture
“…and His name shall be called…the Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

Today's Word
Aren’t you glad Jesus is our Prince of Peace? He rules our hearts with peace. He gives us peace that passes understanding—which means we can have peace when it doesn’t make sense. We can have peace in the midst of the storm. We can have peace in the midnight hour. We can have peace when gas prices go up and the housing market goes down. We can have constant peace because we are connected to the true source of peace! Do you need more peace in your life? Call on the Prince of Peace. Give Him your burdens and cares. The Bible says that His yoke is easy, and His burden is light. When we are working and living the way God intends—full of peace and joy—we are carrying His “light” burden. We are working with His “easy” yoke. Don’t carry the worries and stresses of this life! Call on the Prince of Peace, and He’ll take you places that you’ve never dreamed. His peace will open doors for you that No one can shut! Walk in His peace, and you will walk in the life of victory the Lord has in store for you!

A Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, thank You for peace that guides and protects me. I choose Your Word today which says that I can walk and live in Your peace. Thank You for being the Prince of Peace in my life today. In Jesus’ Name.

Amen.

Have a Faithful Friday

He is holy

For it is written, You shall be holy, for I am holy.
—1 Peter 1:16


Anyone who truly loves God wants to be holy. We desire to be like Him, and He is holy. Holiness signifies separation unto God. A state of holiness results in conduct befitting those so separated.

The Lord instructs us to do certain things, but He also provides us the ability to do what He requires. We struggle and labor when we try to do what He wants in our own strength, instead of calling upon His strength by faith.

The seed of holiness is planted in us at the New Birth. As we work with the Holy Spirit and water that seed with God's Word and our obedience, we begin to see positive changes in our behavior and in all other areas of life.

Many Christians spend most of their lives waiting to see themselves change before they will believe anything positive about themselves. But the good news is that God sees our hearts. We have a desire to do what is right because He has given us a new heart and put His Spirit within us.

When we start believing what the Word says about us more than what we see or do, then our behavior begins to radically and rapidly change.

Believe it: You are holy, because God says so!

Pray This:

"Father, thank You for making me holy by Your mercy and grace, and by the sacrifice and bloodshed of Your Son. In Jesus' name, amen."



Have a Terrific Thursday

Who is Lord Jesus ?

In chemistry, He turned water to wine.

In biology, He was born without the normal conception;

In physics, He disapproved the law of gravity when He ascended into heaven;

In economics, He disapproved the law of diminishing return by feeding 5000 men with two fishes & 5 loaves of bread;

In medicine, He cured the sick and the blind without administering a single dose of drugs,

In history, He is the beginning and the end;

In government, He said that he shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Prince of Peace;

In religion, He said no one comes to the Father except through him;

So... Who is He? He is Jesus!

Join me and let's celebrate him; He is worthy

The eyes beholding this message shall not behold evil, the hand that will send this message to everybody shall not labor in vain, and the mouth saying amen to this prayer shall smile forever. Remain in God and seek his face always. Amen!

In God I've found everything!

The Greatest Man in History

Jesus had no servants, yet they called Him Master.

Had no degree, yet they called Him Teacher.

Had no medicines, yet they called Him Healer.

He had no army, yet kings feared Him.

He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world.

He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him.

He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today.

I feel honored to serve such a Leader who loves us!

Bring Out the Best

Today's Scripture
“Love is kind” (I Corinthians 13:4)

Today's Word
One translation of this simple verse says that, “Love looks for a way to be constructive.” In other words, love looks for ways to improve someone else’s life. Love brings out the best in other people. Don’t just get up in the morning thinking about yourself or how you can make your own life better. Think about how you can make someone else’s life better. Ask yourself, “Who can I encourage today?” “Who can I build up?” You have something to offer those around you that no one else can give. Someone in your life needs your encouragement. Someone in your life needs to know that you believe in them. I believe God will hold us responsible for the people He’s put in our lives. He’s counting on us to bring out the best in our family and friends. Are you improving the lives of those around you? Are you giving them confidence? Ask the Lord to give you creative ways to encourage those around you. As you sow seeds of encouragement and bring out the best in others, God will send people along your path that will build you up so that you can move forward into the blessing He has in store for you.

A Prayer for Today
Father God, thank You for loving me. Thank You for believing in me and always building me up. I ask that You show me creative ways to encourage and build up the people around me. Help me be an example Your love today and always. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

He is the Healer

Today's Scripture

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3).

Aren’t you glad that God is a healer! It doesn’t matter what is “broken” in your life today, God’s nature is to bring you complete healing. Do you need healing in your body? Your mind? Heart? Finances? Relationships? God is your healer. Notice what the Psalmist says in this verse: He binds up their wounds. In the natural, if you have a broken arm, it doesn’t just heal over night. The doctor makes a cast to hold it in place and protect it. He binds up your wound. In the spiritual realm, God does the same thing. He wraps Himself around your brokenness and protects the wounded area until it is strong enough to function properly again. The Bible also says that He is a restorer. That means that when He does a work of healing in our lives, He makes us better than we were before. If you’re going through the healing process today, know this: it may take longer than you planned, but God is binding up your wound. He is protecting you and healing you. He will bring you out better and stronger than you were before. He will take you to a place of complete healing so that you can live the life of victory He has in store for you.

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, thank You for being my healer. Thank You for restoring every area of my life. I give You everything that I am today. Use me for Your glory. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Victory is through Christ.

Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us.
—Romans 8:37


Are you hurting physically, emotionally, or mentally? Did you know that you can increase or decrease the intensity of your pain by the way you handle it?

I know from experience and the Word of God that it is possible to be the victor instead of the victim.

The key thing to see is that the victory is "through Christ." If you and I can learn how to lean on God and receive from Him whatever we need, we truly can do all things through Christ Who strengthens us. (Philippians 4:13.)

God is more than enough for any situation. He has promised to enable us and to be our helper. As we come into close fellowship with Him spending time with Him and talking with Him in a simple, familiar way we begin to draw strength from Him.

The number one thing I learned was that I had to lean on the Lord to strengthen me. The second thing I learned was not to talk about the problem or even to think about it unless absolutely necessary.

Whatever you may be going through right now, keep your eyes and your conversation on the Lord and off your situation.

Remember this too shall pass.

Do This:

Submit yourself to God in all things. Spend quality time with Him. Wait in His presence, and you will find He is more than enough.

Follow God's battle plan

...Be not afraid or dismayed at this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's.
—2 Chronicles 20:15


Are you struggling with issues in your life, and frustrated because you never get a breakthrough no matter what you do? You will never win if you are fighting your own battles.

God never loses a battle. He has a definite battle plan—and when we follow it, we always win.

Perhaps you are in a circumstance right now and you need to hear God say, "The battle is not yours, but Mine!"

Worship is a battle position! As we worship God for Who He is and for His attributes, those attributes are released in our lives.

Worship God for His ability and might, and you will see them released on your behalf.

Try bowing down a few times a day and giving thanks. Just be sure your heart is in what you are doing. Working formulas or entering into "dead works" never produces anything of value.

I am sure your heart frequently fills up with love and worship for God. If you are not already doing so, take an extra step and add some outward action to your heart attitude.

Follow God's battle plan. It is enjoyable, unique, and effective. Praise and worship confuse the enemy. Take your position, and you will see the enemy's defeat.

Do This:

Bow before God and thank Him for His goodness and mercy. Worship Him for Who He is, not just for what you need from Him.


Have a Faithful Friday
________________________________

The Law of the Garbage Truck

How often do you let other people's nonsense change your mood? Do you let a bad driver, rude waiter, curt boss, or an insensitive employee or friend ruin your day?

Unless you're the Terminator, for an instant you're probably set back on your heels. However, the mark of a successful person is how quickly one can get back their focus on what's important.


“Many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it. And if you let them, they'll dump it on you.

When someone wants to dump on you, don't take it personally. You just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. You'll be happy you did.”

I started thinking, how often do I let Garbage Trucks run right over me? And how often do I take their garbage and spread it to other people: at work, at home, on the streets? It was that day I said, "I'm not going to do it anymore."

I began to see garbage trucks. Like in the movie "The Sixth Sense," the little boy said, "I see Dead People."

Well, now "I see Garbage Trucks."
I see the load they're carrying.
I see them coming to drop it off.
I don't make it a personal thing; I just smile, wave, wish them well, and I move on.

A famous football players of all time, Walter Payton, did this every day on the football field. He would jump up as quickly as he hit the ground after being tackled.

He never dwelled on a hit.
Payton was ready to make the next play his best.
Good leaders know they have to be ready for their next meeting.
Good parents know that they have to welcome their children home from school with hugs and kisses.
Leaders and parents know that they have to be fully present, and at their best for the people they care about.

The bottom line is that successful people do not let Garbage Trucks take over their day.

What about you?
What would happen in your life, starting today, if you let more garbage trucks pass you by?

Here's my bet. You'll be happier.

Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so..
Love the people who treat you right.
Forget about the ones who don't.
Believe that everything happens for a reason.
If you get a chance , TAKE IT!
If it changes your life , LET IT!
Nobody said it would be easy...
They just promised it would be worth it!



Decide NOW to make Every Day a Garbage Truck Day, by sending them on their way!

Letter from Jesus about Christmas

Dear Children:

It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking my name out of the season.

Maybe you've forgotten that I wasn't actually born during this time of the year and that it was some of your predecessors who decided to celebrate My birthday on what was actually a time of pagan festival . . . although I do appreciate being remembered anytime.

How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own.

I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Now, having said that let Me go on. If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn.

If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.

Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a ?holiday tree? instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish:

I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in
relation to you and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15: 1 - 8.

If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it:

1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.

2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them
personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.

3. Instead of writing George complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up. It will be nice hearing from you again.

4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and
they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.

5. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.

6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile; it could make the difference.

7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one.

8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary ?
especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name.

9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.

10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.

Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember:

Love,

Jesus

God's mercy is new every morning

...forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead.
—Philippians 3:13


God's mercy is new every morning. (Lamentations 3:22,23 KJV.) Each day we can find a fresh place to begin.

I like the way God has divided up the days and nights. It seems to me that no matter how difficult or challenging a specific day may be, the breaking of dawn brings new hope. God wants us to regularly put the past behind and find a place of "new beginnings."

Perhaps you have been trapped in some sin, and although you have repented, you still feel guilty. You may be assured that sincere repentance brings a fresh, new start. First John 1:9 promises a thorough cleansing if you will freely admit that you have sinned.

Once you understand the great mercy of God and begin receiving it, you are more inclined to give mercy. You may be hurting from an emotional wound. The way to put the past behind is to forgive the person who hurt you. Forgiveness is always involved in putting the past behind.

God has new things on the horizon of your life, but you will never see them if you live in and relive the past. Thinking and talking about the past keeps you trapped in it.

Every day is a new day. Don't waste today by living in yesterday.

Say This:

"Today is a new day with new mercies. I put the past behind me. Yesterday is gone. I will begin afresh today."

Have a Magnificent Monday
________________________________

He Prepares Your Path

“I will go before you and make the crooked places straight…” (Isaiah 45:2 NKJV)

Do you ever feel like every time you try to move forward in something, you hit a roadblock? Something happens that throws you off course. Be encouraged today because right now in your life, God is going before you. He’s preparing a way. He’s making your crooked places straight. He’s making your rough places smooth. You may be going through a difficult time right now, but it’s not the end. It’s only the beginning. God has equipped you for this journey. You may feel like you’re in a dry season, but don’t look at your circumstances. Look at the promise of God today! If you’ll keep speaking words of faith, God promises that He’ll anoint your head with oil and your cup will run over. That means you’ll be refreshed and anointed to do what He’s called you to do. God is preparing your path and equipping you for the journey. What do you need today to keep moving forward? Start by checking your attitude. Don’t go around complaining and focused on the negative side of things. Put on an attitude of praise and thanksgiving. Thank Him for making your crooked places straight! As you do, you’ll move forward in joy and gladness in the blessed future He has prepared for you!

A Prayer for Today

Lord in heaven, thank You for Your goodness in my life. Thank You for preparing the path for my life and making my crooked places straight. Thank You for restoring my soul and life and for guiding me in everything I do. I submit every area of my life to You today. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Have a Faithful Friday

Lift Your Eyes

Today's Scripture
I will lift up my eyes to the hills, from where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, Maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2).

Today's Word
What are you looking at today? Are there challenges in your life to overcome? Don’t just look at your problems day in and day out, lift up your eyes and look toward heaven. You will naturally move in the direction that your eyes are looking. If you are always looking at your problems—meditating on them, feeling sorry for yourself, telling everybody about them—you will become consumed by them. But when you look up, your life will start to move up. When you keep your eyes on Jesus, it is also a sign of your faith and expectancy. The Bible tells us that faith is what moves the hand of God. When you have an attitude of faith and expectancy, you open the door for His power in your life. Decide today to focus on the goodness of our God. Lift your eyes and heart to Him and begin to praise Him with your words. As you lift your eyes, your help will come, and you will live the victorious life He has in store for you!

A Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, today I choose to lift my eyes to You. I will look to You for my help. Thank You for showing me Your salvation and deliverance. I bless You today in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Awesome look at Psalm 23

The Lord is my Shepherd = That's Relationship!

I shall not want = That's Supply!

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures = That's Rest!

He leadeth me beside the still waters = That's Refreshment!

He restoreth my soul = That's Healing!

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness = That's Guidance!


For His name sake = That's Purpose!



Yea, though I walk through the valley of t he shadow of death = That's
Testing!



I will fear no evil = That's Protection!



For Thou art with me = That's Faithfulness!



Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me = That's Discipline!




Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies =
That's Hope!



Thou annointest my head with oil = That's Consecration!



My cup runneth over = That's Abundance!



Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life =
That's Blessing !


And I will dwell in the house of the Lord = That's Security!



Forever = That's Eternity!


Face it, the Lord is crazy about you.

DEAR GOD: (A prayer)

Dear God:
I want to thank You for what you have already done. I am not going to
wait until I see results or receive rewards; I am thanking you right
now. I am not going to wait until I feel better or things look better; I
am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until people say they
are sorry or until they stop talking about me; I am thanking you right
now. I am not going to wait until the pain in my body disappears ; I am
thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until my financial
situation improves; I am going to thank you right now. I am not going to
wait until the children are asleep and the house is quiet; I am going to
thank you right now. I am not going to wait until I get promoted at work
or until I get the job; I am going to thank you right now. I am not
going to wait until I understand every experience in my life that has
caused me pain or grief; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to
wait until the journey gets easier or the challenges are removed; I am
thanking you right now. I am thanking you because I am alive. I am
thanking you because I made it through the day's difficulties. I am
thanking you because I have walked around the obstacles.
I am thanking you because I have the ability and the opportunity to do
more and do better.

I'm thanking you because FATHER, YOU haven't given up on me.

God is just so good, and he's good all the time. Share this message with
friends and continue to THANK HIM.

Savor the Moment

Take the time to notice beauty and pleasures in your daily life. Savoring positive experiences can heighten your positive responses to them. A key to savoring is "thanksgiving," or expressing gratitude for the blessings that come your way, large and small.


Think outside the box.
It's fairly obvious why we might feel grateful for grandmothers, lovely sunsets, and anything else that has provided comfort or beauty in our lives. But what about thanking the homeless people who come to the shelter where you volunteer? Individuals who do volunteer work sometimes speak of the benefits they receive from service. Since service to others helped them to find their own inner spirituality, they were grateful for the opportunity to serve. If we look hard enough we can find a reason to feel grateful for any relationship—even when someone does us harm, as that person helps us appreciate our own vulnerability. Highly advanced forms of gratitude may actually increase the level of goodness in the world by inspiring positive acts in ourselves and others.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, see you next week!

Outer life and an Inner life

Cultivate inner beauty, the gentle, gracious kind that God delights in.
—1 Peter 3:4 Message


We have an outer life and an inner life. The outer life is our reputation with people. The inner life is our reputation with God.

We need to pay attention to what is going on inside us. Thoughts and inner attitudes, motives, and desires—all of these things are important to the Lord.

As far as God is concerned, the inner person is the real person. A truly powerful Christian is one with a pure heart, one who wholeheartedly serves God.
Our inner life is comprised of our soul and our spirit.

Our human spirit is indwelt by the Holy Spirit at the time of the New Birth. God's will and desire for us, then, is that we desire and allow the Holy Spirit to dwell in our soul also.

Our soul is our mind, our will, and our emotions. Our spirit mingled with the Holy Spirit performs the functions of conscience, intuition, and communion with God.

We must cooperate with God to allow the divine life force that came into our spirit when we were saved to dwell in and be at home in our entire inner being.

May you be challenged to be accountable for your inner life.

Pray This:

"Lord, I allow You to make Your home in my entire inner being—my soul, as well as my spirit. In Jesus' name, amen."




Have a Mindful Monday

God is on Your Side

Today's Scripture
“If God is for us, who can be against us” (Romans 8:31)?

Today's Word
As a believer in Jesus and a child of His, God is on your side today! If you haven’t thought about it yet today, remember, you are created for greatness. You have the seed of Almighty God inside of you. There is no obstacle that can stop you. There is no disadvantage that can hold you back. You’re in the palm of God’s hand, and He has equipped and empowered you for everything. When God is on your side, He sets the right people in your path. In fact, He’s already released favor into your future. He’s planning for you to come in to new seasons of increase. Have you given up on a dream? God is on your side, and He wants to resurrect it. Have you given up on a family member? God is on your side, and He wants to restore that relationship. God is on your side, and He has a plan for victory in every area of your life. Let that sink down into your heart today. Begin to expect His favor. Expect Him to work in your life. Focus on the fact that God has equipped you. He has anointed you. Your best days are still out in front of you! If God is for you, no one can rise against you! As you meditate on this promise, it will become real to you. You will walk in the favor and victory God has in store for you!
A Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, thank You for being on my side today. Thank You for equipping and empowering me to accomplish everything You’ve called me to. Give me a deeper revelation of Your love for me today so that I can live the abundant life You have prepared for me. In Jesus’ Name.

Amen.

What is confidence

Not that we are fit (qualified and sufficient in ability) of ourselves..., but our power and ability and sufficiency are from God.
—2 Corinthians 3:5


No matter how qualified and able we may be, without confidence we won't accomplish much.

What is confidence? Webster says it is "trust or faith." Confidence also means "a feeling of assurance, especially of self-assurance," "security," "self-confidence." Self-confidence is the belief, "I'm acceptable and able."

Jesus said, ...apart from Me...you can do nothing (John 15:5). That does not mean we are able to do nothing at all; it means we are not able to do anything worthwhile.

We need to come to a state of utter bankruptcy in our own ability apart from Christ. It does not matter what we can or cannot do. Without God, we are helpless; with Him nothing is impossible to us. (Matthew 19:26.)

There are two main reasons that we are not used by God for greater things: (1) we think we are something in ourselves, or (2) we don't know who we are in Christ.

We try to accomplish things in the flesh, not realizing that without God we are powerless. But if God is with us, our natural deficiencies don't matter. We are ...self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency (Philippians 4:13).

Whatever you need to do, you can do it because of Christ in you.

Do This:

Remember the Lord sees your heart. Be confident in His love for you. Know that you are accepted and you are able through Christ,


Have a Thankful Thursday

GOD"S WILL

The will of God will never take you,

where the grace of God cannot keep you,

where the arms of God cannot support you,

where the riches of God cannot supply your needs,

where the power of God cannot endow you.

The will of God will never take you,

where the spirit of God cannot work through you,

where the wisdom of God cannot teach you,

where the army of God cannot protect you,

where the hands of God cannot mold you

The will of God will never take you,

where the love of God cannot enfold you,

where the mercies of God cannot sustain you,

where the peace of God cannot calm your fears,

where the authority of God cannot overrule for you

The will of God will never take you,

where the comfort of God cannot dry your tears,

where the Word of God cannot feed you,

where the miracles of God cannot be done for you,

where the omnipresence of God cannot find you.

"Everything happens for a purpose. We may not see

the wisdom of it all now but trust and believe in the Lord

that everything is for the best"