For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10

 During my early years of life, I recall my mother was very active in our church’s mission program. At one point she served as the committee chairman and ensured our church stayed on tract with biblical support of missionaries in the field. Just a year before her passing, she connected me with one of the missionary couples she supported over years, who retired from overseas and settled in my state of Georgia. I was fortunate to meet with them on several occasions as they enjoyed camping at one of the campgrounds my work managed.

 After mom had passed, this couple was going through their financial records and found a record of donations my mom had made over those years of giving. To my amazement, the sum was in the thousands. As the missionary couple told me, she was faithful in supporting their mission field. It truly blessed my heart to know her loyalty to God’s kingdom work made a difference in the lives of those who were served by this sweet couple.

 As a child of God, He has equipped you with talents and resources to advance Kingdom work, it’s up to you to put those talents to work and utilize your resources to the fullest. There may be times when you wonder if your talents and resources are truly effective; just know that God sees your heart and will bless you for your obedience to do what He’s called you for “good works, which God prepared beforehand”.

 If anyone serves Me, let him follow ME; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor. John 12:26

   I’m sure my mother didn’t know where every penny was spent in the mission field, but she left that up to God to handle, while she remained faithful to give. Although those resources were utilized thousands of miles away, I’m sure her heart was with them every day, serving God, as a faithful steward of God’s resources. May you follow my mother’s example to serve in obedience and without question, for God will honor your commitment in advancing the Kingdom of God across this globe! God bless!

 James 4:14 whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. 

You read it in the news, a young, healthy person suddenly dies, right in the prime of life. Maybe you know someone this has happened to. In those moments, you question your own life; am I living right, am I truly happy, what will I do tomorrow. The list of thoughts is endless, but they always tend to lean towards the future. 

Today's verse reminds us we aren't here for a long period of time, and life is but a vapor that vanishes at the most unexpected time. 

It's ok to think about tomorrow, but don't miss life in the moment. You never know, this might be your last day in this life and never fulfill tomorrow's dreams. 

As a child of God, knowing the purpose for your existence, will help guide your daily activities and rituals. You might be called to help others, do it today, your testimony might be just what your coworker needed to hear to chose Jesus Christ, your ability to plan a random picnic might be what your family needs to reunite them from life's busy schedules.

There are so many things that require your attention, but your memory won't be house cleaning, mowing yards, or doing mundane things, it's living life today, using the gifts and talents God has given you to make this day complete. 

 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

 If you’ve ever had any exposure to the gospel, you are probably familiar with today’s verse. Jesus Christ came to earth from Heaven and showed us how the impossible was done through Him, by faith and belief. He even suggested to His disciples that a mountain could be moved with a mustard seed faith (Matthew 17:20). As a child of God, you might accept Jesus’s words, but there’s probably one thing you think is impossible to do, and that is forgive someone whose hurt you.

 The pain and long-term effects of someone’s evil intentions can be lasting days, weeks, years, maybe even a lifetime. Some examples might be your spouse cheated on you, someone stole from you, you’ve been a victim of physical assault or rape, you’ve been sexually abused as a child, you’ve suffered emotional abuse from someone close to you…the list is endless, and the pain is real. Deep down you have thoughts and feelings of revenge, but something inside you has held back from reacting. If you are a Christian, may I suggest that is the Holy Spirit harnessing your response? Why?

 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written, “It is Mine to avenge, I will repay”, says the Lord Romans 12:19

 When you take action against your enemy or offender, you interfere with God’s plan for judgement. Your judgment/response is temporary, but God’s is eternal. The appropriate thing for you to do is forgive them, so you can move on with your life. Releasing your pain into the hands of God, allows Him to work in your life to forgive them, even if they have no remorse; the pain they inflicted you will be dealt one day by the God of this universe, and you’ll be sheltered under the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ.

 The internal healing that forgiveness can bring is far beyond anything your offender can do to make good on what he/she has done to you. Let God have that person to deal with, you heal yourself and find peace in the process. God bless!

 James 5:16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. 

Last year I had some blood pressure issues that landed me in the hospital for 3 days. Friends and family mentioned that they would be praying for me. Grateful for their concern, but deep down I wondered who was really praying on my behalf. When we see someone in need, most respond with: “praying for you”. It's an easy response and makes them feel good as it does the one saying it. But, do you really pray?

I truly believe we throw out the prayer response far too often without meaning it. I know I'm guilty of it at times, maybe you are too. But who are we letting down, that person or God? God doesn't need our prayers to heal someone because he's going to do what His heart moves Him to do. But when you fail to follow through with your intentions to pray, you let God know it's not important and you allow the business of life to fill the the air with unbacked commitments. Imagine if God never remained faithful to help you? You would quickly lose faith in Him. 

Be a person of your word. If you promise to pray on someone’s behalf, stick with it. Pray silently right then so time won't erase what was promised. 

We all need prayer and God is looking to you to remain faithful to your commitments. By doing so, your prayer might just be the one to move God's heart to bring healing to the hurting. 

 Acts 16:25 But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. 

Today's verse comes from the story of Paul and Silas l, who were doing the work of the Lord and offended a group of people. They were beaten with rods and chained up in a prison cell. Even in their pain and bondage, they praised God. What happened next was amazing. 

Acts 16:26 Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed. 

Praising God, even during the most horrible situations brings a change: internally, it changes your outlook on the situation at hand, and it opens the door for God to make external changes to your circumstances. Sometimes His response is immediate, other times He meters out His response, over a period of time, so you'll see the situation from the lowest depths, to better recognize His full authority over your situation and witness His miracle to release those chains that have kept you bound for so long. 

What chains are holding you back from living life to its fullest? Pornography, alcohol and drugs, stealing, depression, pride, jealousy, strong holds….the list is endless. When you are ready to get serious about releasing yourself from these toxic things, start by praising God. You might not be able to acknowledge one thing to praise Him for, just thank Him for the breath in your lungs and a heartbeat that keeps you alive so He can do a great work in your life. Give Him praise today. 

 Exodus 33:14 And He said, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest”.

Everywhere you look, you see evidence of God's creations; the birds, the sky, sun and moon, trees and flowers, even you! But have you ever noticed God's actual presence in your life?

It's a rare occasion in our town to hit 3 green traffic lights, or find a clear path to turn left without any cars approaching, and makes you wonder how that happens? Or maybe plans come together better than expected or an unanticipated check arrives in the mail that matches a bill that still needed to be paid. One might think it's luck or a coincidence, but I truly believe it's the work of the Lord God blessing you and letting you know He is right there with you! 

Jeremiah 29:13 And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. 

If you are like me, these blessings are always noticed and followed up with a “thank you God for being with me”. If you remain aware of those blessings and thank God for them, He rewards you with more instances of His intervention in your life, and yes, He will give you the assurance that He's always with you, even in the most simplest of times. Give Him your praise today! 

 Matthew 14:28-29

[28] And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” [29] So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. 

As a child of God, your faith is like a lifeboat, meant to keep you afloat in this life, even when you encounter a horrible life event, meant to drown your hopes and dreams. I believe many of us know and trust God for everything we need and face in life, but there's a little sliver of doubt that stays kindled in the back of your mind when your earthly understanding hinders your faith. Just like Peter, he knew if Jesus told him to get out of the boat and walk on water, he could do it. But, once the waves overcame his trust to walk on water, he sank. Thankfully Jesus was there to pull him to safety. 

Maybe you are like Peter, you have a close relationship with Jesus and have faith and trust in Him, but you lack the confidence to step out of the boat when you fear the unknown or your faith minimizes the trust of what He's calling you to do. Friend, don't miss the opportunity for God to show you what a mustard seed of faith can do when you confidently step out of your comfort zone and allow the power of God to work in and through you to accomplish His perfect will. You can do it with His help. Trust Him today, and everyday, as you step out in faith to do the work of the Lord.