For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

 

Years ago I attended a church where one of its member’s famous saying was “It’s all part of the plan”. God’s plan! No matter what happened to someone, good or bad, he believed that it was part of God’s plan for that person’s life.

 

Weather you know it or not, God does have a plan for your life, and all of His creation. First, is to know Him and accept His free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. He cannot have a personal relationship with you unless your sins are forgiven. Sin and God can’t mix.

 

Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it. 1 Corinthians 12:27

 

The second part of His plan is to incorporate your life into the body of Jesus Christ so you too can carry on His message of hope and a bright future for those who don’t yet know Him. Everything else that happens in and around your life, good or bad, is actually part of His plan to grow you.

 

Sometimes the things you encounter in life might not appear to be beneficial, but trust me, there is a seed of faith deep in your soul that only He can water and nourish. As that seed germinates, it pushes back the hard areas of your heart to produce fertile ground for greater things planned for your life.

 

Whatever you encounter in life, consider it part of His plan to do great things! God’s plan is always meant for good, even in the most difficult times of life. God bless!  

 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23-24

 

A few days ago my wife and I attended one of our kid’s softball games, which she is the coach. The scoreboard was evidence of who was playing better ball, it never lies and doesn’t cheat. Each run across home plate is a score for either team, and our team did pretty well, but more development is surely needed.

 

As a child of God, how does your scoreboard look? Does satan have more points than you, or have you learned the skill of playing hard and giving life all you’ve got? On judgement day, your points of obedience and faithfulness will be rewarded. Something to think about!

 

As you go through each day, try to symbolize your daily life to that of a game. Every time you do the right thing, score one for you. When you fall short, the enemy gets the point.

 

Work heartily as to the Lord!

 

No doubt, the game of life is a spiritual battleground, you NEED Jesus Christ every day in your life to help you hit a spiritual home run. Don’t give the devil a foothold; make a conscious decision to follow in strict obedience! The scoreboard has no cap to the blessings that await His faithful followers. Hit one out of the park today! God bless!

 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

 

I recently had the opportunity to witness to people during a church function. One question I asked, if you died today, do you know you would go to Heaven. Many responded with, “I hope so” or “Yes, because I always try to do my best to live right and treat others well”. All of these things are good, and probably have good intentions behind them, but the truth is you can’t do enough good to gain access to Heaven.

 

Today’s scripture clearly states that it’s not by works that saves you, it’s faith in Jesus Christ, belief that He made payment for your sins, and He rose back to life 3 days later, victorious over death. Isn’t it wonderful that our God, who loves us unconditionally, gave of Himself on our behalf. He took the burden of acceptance and cleaned us up with His sacrificial blood.

 

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

 

Jesus knows that life is full of heavy burdens, and the last thing He wants to do is to weigh you down trying to earn His love. Come to Him with life’s burdens and He will give you rest for your weary soul. He’s done the hard part, now embrace the grace He freely gives you to live each day under His loving care. God bless!

 He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first. John 8:7b

 

In the story of a woman caught in an adulterous affair (John 8:3-12), she was brought before Jesus, and they asked if she should be killed by stoning in accordance to the law of Moses. Jesus remained silent during their questioning, and at one point basically said, let him who has no sin throw the first stone. It was at that moment that everyone’s sin was on the table and no one was any better than the adulterous woman.

 

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is a gift of God. Ephesians 2:8

 

As humans, we are sinful by nature. It’s totally unavoidable, nothing you can do can make you as holy as God. Yet, God in His infinite wisdom and great love for His creation (you and me), gave of Himself in the form of human flesh, Jesus Christ, to make payment for mankind’s sin. Nothing other than faith in Jesus Christ can save you. This saving grace is free to those who believe and want to follow the narrow path of Jesus Christ.

 

As you look upon others, don’t judge, don’t believe your life is any better than someone else. But find the love of Christ in your heart to pray for your neighbors, and show them grace and mercy. We are all in the same boat, so throw not the first stone, but help them back up on their feet and embrace them with the love of Christ.

 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

 

One of my grandson’s favorite activities is “hide and seek”. He will run through the house and find anything he can go under or cover up with to hide his presence from me as I search for him. Even if his feet are exposed, as long as his head is covered, he feels hidden from the seeker.

 

Sadly, many Christians play hide and seek with the world. Exposure of their beliefs and standards of living often gets hidden from those outside the faith for fear of rejection. Instead, they are quick to bend and mold into the environment they walk into, oftentimes throwing a blanket over their light of faith.

 

Do you find this to be true in your life? Does fear of rejection keep your faith hidden from those who really need to see the light of Christ in their life? Jesus already bore the title “rejected”, it’s up to you to shine the light that He illuminated for the world to see. There is no hide and seek if your faith if genuine. Your love for mankind should resemble that of Christ. The burning desire to save others through His sacrifice should be the motivation needed to keep your light shining.

 

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to shine my light of faith into the world. You are the saving grace the world needs to see through my words and actions. Help me be that light.

 …keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith. 1 Timothy 1:19

 

In the movie Titanic, we see a large vessel that was described "unsinkable", yet through a series of unfortunate events it sank. Arrogance and a lack of attention brought this mighty ship down, and many people died. 

 

The Christian life can be easily compared to this story. Confidence in self to overcome the enemy's attacks and a lack of wise choices can shipwreck your faith. One compromise to Godly obedience can bring a lifetime of regret and pain that will destroy one’s character and witness. 

 

Don't let compromise create an opening for Satan to enter and slowly sink everything you've worked hard to build. Your relationship with God is paramount to the success of your life on planet Earth. A clear conscience and trusting God goes a long way in making wise decisions and keeps regret at bay. God has a plan for your life, navigating it without regret will ensure smooth sailing. God bless. 

 

 Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

 

Here I am, the day of my heart cath. Years of not eating properly has resulted in arteries that don’t flow like they used to. Today, I’m going to experience the excellence of our medical professionals, to get my veins working properly again. Although the procedure is very common these days, there is a bit of hesitancy, mixed with some anxiety, but all will go well in the hands of these doctors and my God.

 

Today’s verse is a great reminder that our Lord does not leave us alone when faced with difficult circumstances. He promises to be with us, and the surrounding environment to make things go as He plans. Nothing happens to you outside His perfect will and plan for your life. Faith in Him is essential for your relationship to grow. Through faith, you can have the confidence to face the challenging things life throws at you. I have confidence in today, I have confidence in My God to see me through.

 

Whatever you face in life, give your anxieties, your worries, and fears over the Lord. He will keep you upright, when everything in life wants to knock you down. God has you in His righteous right hand. I can’t think of anywhere I’d rather be than holding the hand of our creator and author of our life. God bless!

 And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysentery, Paul went in to him and prayed, and he laid his hands on him and healed him. Acts 28:8

 

Have you ever experienced a ship wreck in your life? Something happened in your life that came out of nowhere, leaving you floundering, and trying to understand why this crisis came upon you! The very same thing happened to Paul when he was held prisoner on a ship. During the course of their journey, a storm came and wrecked the ship on land (Acts 27:39-Acts 28:10). It was there that Paul was able to share the good news of Jesus Christ and heal people on that island. Had Paul not experienced this ship wreck, those people might not have ever heard the gospel of Christ.

 

God’s plan never stops, regardless of the conditions surrounding His children. Sometimes God has to bring storms into your life to accomplish that mission. You might see these moments as failure, frightening, painful, even question God’s faithfulness. All those feelings and emotions are normal when disaster strikes, but God has a plan and purpose for every storm. Although your vessel is ship wrecked, your faith is what will see you through and work towards fulfilling God’s purpose at that moment of trouble.

 

When disaster strikes, ask God what His plan is for you and how you can bring purpose through the painful, frightening, and feelings of failure. Nothing that happens to you, as a Christian, is by chance. It will always have a purpose to grow your faith in the Lord as well as accomplish His plan. Trust in Him when life ship wrecks your vessel. God bless!

 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:6-7

 

From a persecutor of Christians (Saul), converted to apostle Paul, who promoted Christ to first century Christians and established several churches; his works carried on the gospel of Christ to millions and continues today. Just imagine, if no one shared the gospel to others, you would have no understanding of God’s gift for salvation. Paul, like many others in the bible gave their life, sacrificing family, their safety and well being, just to share the good news.

 

If you are a Christian, you have much to be thankful for, as those who’ve gone before you have testified this great message and have died for the cause. I encourage you to take time to read scripture and study the history of God’s word and how it was written over 1,000 years ago and is now in your hands. Thank God for these brave men who surrendered their life for the cause of Christ. You’ve got the best book ever written, which should be treated with the most upmost respect. God bless!   

 For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7

 

Have you ever had a gut feeling about something? Maybe you were considering a new relationship, a new job, or significant purchase. Everything looked right, but deep inside a voice was saying “NO”! I’ve experienced this all through life and quite honestly, it has spared me a lot of grief and heartache. There have been times when I still moved forward, while everything in me said NO, and I found myself in a deep mess!

 

That voice, that internal monitor, is the Holy Spirit living inside of you, and me! Its voice is only as loud as you allow it. The desire you have for something or someone can actually squelch out  internal voice of reason and can lead you down a dangerous path.

 

Today’s verse is the perfect way for a child of God to live his or her life. Nothing in this world has as much flavor as the blessings of God. He desires to prosper you, give you a future and hope (Jeremiah 29:11).

 

Set your mind on things above, not on things on earth. Colossians 3:2

 

Your faith is essential to keeping your focus on Heaven and not the distractions of the world. Even if things appear to your liking, quiet your thoughts and listen for God’s reasoning and proceed from there. If you still can’t hear His voice, take time to separate yourself from everything and spend quality time in extended prayer, even fasting. One bad choice can disrupt God’s blessings for your life! God bless!

 

 

 He said to them, “Make room, for the girl is not dead, but sleeping.” And they ridiculed Him. But when the crowd was put outside, He went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose. Matthew 9:24-25

 

While Jesus was speaking to a crowd, a ruler came and asked Jesus to bring his daughter back to life. So Jesus and His disciples followed the man to his house. Upon arrival we see in verse 23 that flute players were in the room, mourning the loss of this girl. In everyone’s mind, she was dead. Jesus saw things differently!

 

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. John 11:25

 

Jesus is not only in the healing business, but has the ability and power to bring the dead, back to life. If you were to evaluate your life, would you say  you are spiritually alive in Christ, or do you see areas of your life that have died off to your spiritual health? Jesus wants every area of your life to be alive and well in Him! Anything that is spiritually dead in your life is a weighted burden and you cannot please God.

 

Today, evaluate your life and see what areas need to be spiritually awakened from the death of sin. Ask God to sift your heart, and make aware those areas that are not pleasing to Him. Once in view, confess and repent, turning completely away from those sinful thoughts and behaviors. As a child of God, you are spiritually alive in Him, don’t allow any area of your life to carry the weight of sin. Walk in newness of life in Christ, the freedom He provides you today! God bless!

 And behold, there was a man who had a withered hand. And they asked Him, saying, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath? That they might accuse Him. Matthew 12:10

 

Today’s passage comes from scripture in Matthew 12:9-14 where a man with a withered hand was presented to Jesus and it was the Sabbath. They were putting Him to the test, asking Him if it was ok to heal someone on the day of the Lord. Of course, Jesus came back with fruitful wisdom and healed the man of his withered hand.

 

God’s healing doesn’t just happen on certain days of the week. He is in the healing business, even on Sundays. He loves mankind, that was the whole purpose of Jesus Christ coming to earth, to bond man to God through Jesus sacrificial death on the cross, as payment for your and my sins. That love runs deep and defies human wisdom and logic.

 

Is there something or someone in your life who needs a healing touch from God? Don’t think that your request is insignificant to Him. He loves you and wants to do good in your life. It’s up to you to make way for His healing to take place. Call upon Him today and He will defend you and perform a great healing at your request. God bless!

 

 And suddenly, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the hem of His garment. For she said to herself, “If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well.” Matthew 9:20-21

 

The story of the woman who had a problem, bleeding for twelve years, she visited doctors hoping they could help stop the flow of blood from her body. Yet, no one could heal her. Because of her condition, she was considered an outcast and anyone who touched her was considered unclean. She must have felt isolated and unloved. She was desperate for healing.

 

But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, “Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And the woman was made well from that hour. Matthew 9:22

 

As the story goes, she heard of Jesus power to heal. As she pushed her way through the crowds, she was able to get close enough to touch the hem His garment. Immediately, the blood flow stopped! She was healed and Jesus knew what had just happened. Her FAITH in Jesus healed her!

 

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that HE is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:6

 

Can you say your faith is that strong? Faith is the necessary ingredient that holds your relationship to Him intact. Going through life with doubts about God’s ability to help you will get you nowhere (James 1:6-7). Ask God to give you a heart of faith, seek after Him daily and watch your faith grow as you confide in Him each day of life! God bless!

 

 Then great multitudes came to Him, having with them the lame, blind, mute, maimed, and many others; and they laid them down at Jesus feet, and He healed them. Matthew 15:30

 

Continuing our discussion about the ability of Jesus to heal, as you can see from today’s scripture, He was busy healing people with all sorts of ailments along with physical problems that modern man could not address. Why would any one question His ability to heal themselves?

 

Sadly, we put limitations to what God can through our small window of understanding. We see a man with legs that cannot move, yet God sees the ability in those motionless legs, to move again. A doctor’s disheartening diagnosis seals someone’s fate, yet God knows the powerful effects of prayer and what it can do to turn the impossible into possible.

 

So Jesus said to them, Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, If you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, Move from here to there, and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. Matthew 17:20

 

Faith in God and belief He can heal is all it takes to spark a miracle. Don’t let the world tell you what can’t be done. With God, all things are possible! Start today by growing your faith to pray for something outside reasoning and watch Him work a miracle with your mustard seed faith! God bless!

 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart – these, O God, You will not despise. Psalm 51:17

 

What do you do when you are heart broken? Many seek forms of relief through friendly advice, medicine, alcohol even dangerous behaviors. These only provide temporary relief to an ongoing condition that needs something much greater than the world can offer.

 

God is in the healing business. If you read the bible for any great length of time, you’ll see how Jesus walked from town to town, healing people of their illnesses and brokenness, even bringing some back to life. He has the power to do these things and if called upon with faith, will answer your call for permanent healing.

 

Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you and you shall glorify Me. Psalm 50:15

 

What has broken your heart? God wants to help mend you and make you whole again! Make time for prayer, on your knees, to ask God to heal your heart, help you find joy, and if necessary show forgiveness to those who may be responsible for your sadness, even depression. God will restore your heart, your soul and help you stand tall once again! God bless!

 So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! James 3:5

 

Words are powerful. They come from the heart, and what comes out of the mouth can indicate the condition of one’s heart. I heard a line from a movie once: “if you listen closely, a man will tell you his true intentions”. Words can provide comfort, encouragement and wisdom. They can also cause anxiety, discouragement, fear and tell lies.

 

As Christians, we must use caution when communicating with others, especially those outside the faith. They can either help to promote the cause of Christ or hinder the mission to save people. Human emotions can stir the heart, which brews words unbecoming of a child of God. Yea, my hand is raised. It’s something I struggle with at times when the heat is on, maybe you have the same struggle. How can we put a filter on our words?

 

Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips. Psalms 141:3

 

King David strived to live a life pleasing to the Lord. He knew the power of the tongue and it’s potential to cause strife. He prayed for God to watch over his mouth and what came out. A great example for us, to pray, asking God to help us filter the things that come from our lips.

 

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

 

The truth is, what comes from the mouth, originates in the heart. If you find it difficult to say positive things, it’s time to transform that heart into a heart of Jesus Christ. Ask God to help you transform your heart after His so you can speak freely without the fear of saying destructive words the spoil your witness! The mouth is a powerful thing, but with God’s help it can be a useful tool and bring blessings to others, you and God! Blessings!

 

 Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:3-4

 

The other day I was Facetiming my granddaughter. During the call, she looked intently into the phone and tried to grab it as if she wanted to hold me and give me a kiss. Her mom kept telling her it was an image of me on the phone, but she still insisted on trying to get to me. Love her!

 

During Jesus ministry, He always made occasion to tell those within the sound of His voice that He is looking for followers with a child like faith. Those who are willing to do all they can to experience Him, love Him and commit their life to following Him. It’s the perfect example of how we should follow Jesus in our every day walk with Him.

 

Time to reflect. How’s your relationship with Jesus. If He were across the room, would you do everything you could to touch Him, hold Him and show Him your love? The truth is, as a child of God, He lives inside of you through His Holy Spirit. He is with you everywhere you go, in everything you do and say. Your life should reflect that longing to please Him, as He is with you always.

 

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. Romans 12:1

 

Let your heart grow in love with Jesus, so your life will have that child like faith! God bless!  

 

 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. Ephesians 5:11

 

Yesterday, I had to get the ole heart checked out. As I sat in the cardiology department, I recalled what a heart doctor once told his patient: “if it taste good, spit it out”. As you might guess, he was referring to the sweet taste of things that are unhealthy. As I sat there and looked around at all the very sick people, I came to the conclusion, unless I want to be in poor health, I need to change my eating habits. Which leads me to today’s thoughts in this blog.

 

As a child of God, it’s important to be careful what things bring you pleasure in this life. The world and its ways can provide a lot of tempting things that are harmful to your spiritual health. A good way to look at it, if God is not in it, then it’s not good for you. Everything in your life should be “God approved”. If you can’t find peace with God about something you are indulging in, then turn from it quickly and don’t go back.

 

You only have one shot at pleasing God in this life. Your spiritual health truly matters, and the eternal rewards you’ll receive will far outweigh the temporary pleasure you find delighting in this life.

 

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light. Ephesians 5:8

 

 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is a gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 

 

In all my years as a Christian and conversations I’ve had with other people, it’s truly sad that so many believe their actions can save them from Hell. They claim to live a good life, not cheat, steal, lie....etc.; all of these things are good, but they are not the way to Heaven.  

 

Jesus said to him: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:6 

 

As humans, we are sinful by nature and separated from a Holy God, who cannot be within the presence of sin. Yet, God gave us His Holy Son, a sacrifice for our sins, so we can stand in the presence of God. The only thing required of us is to accept His free gift of salvation and to use this gift wisely through the remainder of our life.  

 

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 

 

Good works only count after you’ve received God’s grace and mercy through the shed blood sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Once saved, your actions should reflect the characteristics of Jesus Christ. God blesses obedience! Start today by accepting Him into your life, then live for Him daily through your thoughts, words and actions. God bless!  

 Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Colossians 4:5

 

As a child growing up, my dad always used to say “think son, think”. His emphasis was to always think through my actions, so I will make right choices. I still can hear him saying those words to me.

 

As a child of God, you always have to think about your interactions towards those outside the faith. Do they see Christ in you? Do they see your actions similar to what they might have read or heard that mirror that of Jesus Christ? You are to be the example for them to experience the Spirit of Christ, living inside of you. If they see worldly behaviors, you send them mixed messages which could steer them away from any desire to accept Jesus into their life.

 

Just remember those words, “think child of God, think” when you go out the door and into the world. They are watching you, and what they see should give them something to desire, the grace and mercy of a loving God. “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise.” Ephesians 5:15

 Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men. Colossians 3:23

 

Somehow the weekend flew by so quickly, recovering from this past week never got fully accomplished. Yet, here it is Monday again and the dread of going back to work. But who are you actually working for?

 

Knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. Colossians 3:24

 

God has gifted you with talents and abilities to perform certain tasks. You could say He is the one you are working for, as He provided you what’s necessary to perform your job. Granted, you might not be happy where you are with your employment, but the truth is, your ability to perform has come from God! To serve Him heartily through your work, to Him and not man.

 

The Monday dread is here, but don’t be dreadful, be grateful He has given you a talent and blessed you with employment so you can pay bills and sustain your life and support those whom you are responsible for. Your boss, Jesus Christ, is looking for committed employees, to show the world what a joy it is to be a child of God. Don’t let Him down, remain positive, focus on God’s goodness and receive His final performance evaluation: “Well done my good and faithful servant”!

 

 For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways, says the Lord. Isaiah 55:8

 

This morning I did a quick check of Facebook to see what notifications I had in que. To my surprise, several people had commented to a comment I had made on someone’s post about permitting teachers to carry guns in schools. To my amazement and humor, one person accused me of being a Democrat by the comment I had made.  That could not be any further from the truth, and at first, I took offense to their comment, but soon laughed it off and thought…they really don’t know me on a personal level.

 

As with most everything that happens in my life, I look to God for a reason and a message in each event. Shortly after the laughter set in, today’s passage came to mind. From a human and fleshly perspective, our minds don’t naturally think like God. His environment is pure holiness, a world without evil, temptation and sin. Is there is no humanly way possible for us to grasp the mind of God?

 

Of do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 1 Corinthians 6:19

 

Thankfully, God has provided each of His children His Holy Spirit. He resides in every believer. Yes, His holiness resides in your flesh! As crazy as that sounds, it’s true, and it’s the only way you can truly connect to Him. For me personally, I have had to rely on His Spirit to guide me through life, providing me Godly wisdom and shedding a glimpse into His thoughts. The choice was mine weather to follow in obedience or turn down His advice.

 

If you are a child of God, you too have this awesome resource available! You can have an insight into God’s ways, His thoughts and a path forward as you seek out His will and purpose for your life. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33

 No temptation has overtaken you except such as common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you might be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

 

I just read a devastating news article about a couple who was robbed at gunpoint while walking into a department store in Georgia. He wasn’t equipped to handle the situation, being out-gunned, and sadly paid the ultimate price of his life.

 

Thankfully for the child of God, you have been equipped with the weapons of spiritual warfare to defend yourself from the tactics of satan. Temptations come in various forms from simple gossip, lying, hating, stealing, even murder. God provides each of His children His Holy Spirit, and He prays on your behalf (Romans 8:26). Through the Holy Spirit, you have the power of God living inside of you to fight off the satanic attacks of satan.

 

…but with temptation will also make a way of escape.

 

Temptation will always be out in front of you. God provides the exit door out, it’s up to YOU to chose to either walk away from that temptation or follow through with it.

 

What temptations do you struggle with? Take them to God and ask for His help to escape their grip on your life. Sinful living blankets the spotless life God has provided you through the amazing sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Don’t defeat yourself in sin by choosing to disobey Him. The victory is yours when you chose to follow in obedience.  

 

 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and Your right hand will save me. Psalm 138:7

 

One of the favorite things for people to do in the summer is vacation on the beach. The sun’s warmth, the sand under your feet, and the calm relaxing sounds and views of the ocean’s waves as they cover the shore in a continual motion. But under the water is anything but calm and relaxing. There are animals that live in the sea and every day it’s a challenge to survive. Everything is seeking its next meal, and if you go out there, you could be next!

 

No doubt life for you is no different. There are people out there who’d love to tear you down, even destroy you. Destroy your character, your witness, even your family. And those enemies I truly believe are workers of satan. Satan uses the chaos of life to make God’s children struggle. If he can keep them in a state of anger, frustration, fear, and depression, they become less effective for the Lord’s work.

 

Thankfully each child of God is given His Holy Spirit to help sustain life in this dog-eat-dog world. No one is immune from the discord this world and its wicked leader’s attempt to bring down God’s house. But we know who wins the battle, God! You truly have nothing to fear, nothing to depress you or anger you. It’s simply a tactic to steer your focus away from the goodness of God.

 

When troubling times come, recite today’s verse and know that God is your protector, shield and always available in times of trouble. He will save His children from the chaos of life. Put your trust and faith in Him! God bless!

 And He said,”Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will. Mark 14:36

 

As Jesus faced His death on the cross, He asked His Father if there was any other way possible to complete His mission, to save mankind from their sins. Yet in the same sentence, He knew what had to be done, and moving forward He committed His way to the Father’s will.

 

Where you are in life might not be where you want. Yet, God most likely placed you there for a purpose. To get the most out of life, your will must align with His, regardless of your lack of happiness, pain, even in the face of death. God needs faithful children to accomplish His plan. He chose you for that calling; serve Him well in your position.

 

When your will aligns with Gods, you set yourself up to grow stronger in your faith, receive His blessings and most of all, gain His trust in you to accomplish so much more. He chose you for this life, give your all to Him today! God bless!

 Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass. 1 Thessalonians 5:24

 

Life is not short of difficulties. I can say without a doubt this year has been challenging from January 1^st. But the truth is, although God has brought me to many obstacles and challenges, He has been faithful and helped see me through them. As He always does, a lesson in faith and trust is learned through each issue. He leaves nothing by chance, everything has a purpose and is part of His plan to grow me.

 

If you are breathing, I’m sure you are staring at your next obstacle. Trust in the Lord with each challenge and keep your mind open to His lesson plan. Everything inside of you will want to manipulate the issue and shape it the way you think is necessary to maintain peace and joy. God might have a different plan, a different way in mind and your obedience in trusting Him with every move is key to learning and growing your faith and trust in His perfect will.

 

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

 

No matter what you face, God will see you through it and grow your relationship with Him, every time! God bless!