Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

 Life provides many opportunities to either succeed or fail. Choosing the right path for yourself can be complicated and confusing. Many question their choices and sadly stay frozen with anxiety and fear of the unknown. Failure is not an option, but you know that the consequences of wrong choices can be costly and right now you probably can’t afford any mistakes, both financially and emotionally.

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

 Today’s passage is a great reminder where to put your confidence for life’s decisions. God has a plan for your life and whether you recognize it or not, many of your past mistakes and failures were all part of His plan to bring you to this point in life. They are called “growing pains” and yeah, they come with some feelings of regret and pain, but the realness of the situation is they provide a guided path towards God’s plan to grow and develop you more into the character of Jesus Christ.

 When you truly release life’s decisions faithfully into the hands of God, He takes your mustard seed of faith and channels you down a specific path to grow you and help you navigate the pitfalls of this world. He will never lead you into sin. That one is on you if you fall prey to temptation, but remember, God even makes a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13). God’s plan for your life is one you can truly count on to benefit you. Learning to let God have the wheel of your life is the only thing holding you back from a self-fulfilling and blessed life.

 

 Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught. 2 Thessalonians 2:15

Reflecting back to my younger years in church and the things I was taught, expectations of my behavior and attire, all shaped my life to the point where I am today in my faith. Since that time, things have changed, and not necessarily for the better. 

Sadly, we've moved far away from true reverence and holiness, as I experienced in my youth. Yes, it's all about your faith, but the externals are just as important. Example, in my former place of employment we were required to wear uniforms. For some employees, ironing their uniforms was not a priority and they came to work all wrinkled. Although they were good, dedicated employees, their presentation reflected poorly upon themselves. 

Everyday life of Christians has changed through the years, but God's desire for us to stand fast in our faith and presentation to the world has not. Show respect and reverence to God in who you are, and how you live on a daily basis. Those Sunday school lessons from long ago provided you a foundation for your faith, keep building a beautiful kingdom for the Lord. Stand fast in those traditions of years gone by. 

 Jesus said to them, “Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up.” John 11:11

 Today, there are many, many dead souls walking around that have no association with Jesus Christ, much less know Him. Sadly, their current status yields them eternal death in Hell (Romans 6:23). Maybe you know of someone: friend, co-worker, or family member, who is in this state and you are not sure how to reach out to them.

 Jesus Christ is in the business of saving souls. God did not create humans to cast them into hell (2 Peter 3:9), but that they would be saved, through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Through your life they will eventually see the light of Christ and find their way out of darkness into His saving grace. It might take time, even years, of continual witnessing, living by example and dedicated prayers, for them to accept the free gift of salvation. Just remember, you aren’t the one who changes their life, it is Jesus Christ who comes to wake them up, you are simply the messenger of good news! Never give up on them, just as Jesus never gave up on you! Blessings!

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

How many times in your life have you called on God for help? This morning I was praying for God's help in a certain area of my life and today's passage came to mind, then God reminded me that I already have His help. 

God's Holy Spirit resides in every believer. If you have proclaimed faith in Jesus Christ, you already have the power to overcome, the wisdom to make right choices, and the strength to get through another day. All you need is faith in God, that He will provide for your needs. What you lack, He makes up! He knows what's best for your life and will orchestrate circumstances to help you deal with whatever issues or emotional pain your dealing with. 

It's good to acknowledge your need for God's help. He wants you to be dependent upon Him. Lean on Him and trust His ability to get you through today, and everyday. With His help, you can do all things. God bless. 

 James 1:17 Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.

Ordering online is typically an enjoyable experience. You see what you like and with a few clicks, it's ordered. The next step is the anticipation of the delivery. Now a days you can track that order from the moment it leaves the warehouse until it arrives on your doorstep, hopefully with expediency. 

Wouldn't it be great if you could track your prayer request to God? You have a specific want or need, you ask God to answer and provide, but then what? Will He answer, will He provide a different outcome, does He even care? 

Today's passage is an excellent reminder that God does care about His followers and will provide the best answer, and the best provision. You can be assured, He won't give you a defective response. Trusting in Him with each request is the right thing to do; leave it to Him for the right time of delivery, knowing His best is on its way. God bless. 

 Jeremiah 17:7-8

"Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord And whose trust is the Lord.

"For he will be like a tree planted by the water, That extends its roots by a stream And will not fear when the heat comes; But its leaves will be green, And it will not be anxious in a year of drought Nor cease to yield fruit.

I recently planted some strawberry plants. I've been watching them grow, and now little shoots are spreading out. Water and sun are their best friends and I'm gonna do my best to ensure they survive and produce fruit. 

As children of God, it's important for you to find your purpose in this life and feed upon the word of God and glory in His light. Without those two elements, you'll never truly grow in your faith and produce the fruit He intended for your life. You will simply be a plant surviving on your own and producing nothing. 

John 15:6

[6]If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned.

God never intended for you to become idle in your relationship with Him. Dig your roots deep in Him, draw from His wisdom, strength and grow in love with Him. I promise if you do your life will be full of abundant fruit and Gods blessings.

 Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. Matthew 18:21-22

 How easy is it for you to forgive someone? One time minor offenses may come easy, but repeated offenses of all severities can and oftentimes make it difficult to forgive, especially when their actions hurt you deeply. Peter probably thought he was pretty gracious when he asked Jesus if he should forgive someone up to 7 times, yet Jesus really put Peter to the test, instructing him to forgive an offender 70 times 7. Do the math and it comes up to 490 times. Whew, that’s a lot of forgiving.

 Just for a moment, lets breakdown the word forgive; “for” and “give” are two words in of themselves, but the two have meaning and purpose. According to Webster’s Dictionary, the word “for” is used as a function word to indicate purpose. “Give” simply is yielding to another. When you forgive someone, you have a purpose in your action and giving that person a second chance, and a third chance and on and on. When someone offends you, humbly consider it an opportunity to express God’s love to them through the act of forgiveness. In essence, forgiveness is the backbone of Jesus Christ’s love for mankind. That same love offers unlimited forgiveness of your offenses.

 If there is someone in your life who you feel doesn’t deserve your forgiveness, let the Spirit of God transform your heart into the heart of Christ so you can give them unlimited opportunities to get it right, just as Jesus has done for you! God bless!

 The wicked is ensnared by the transgression of his lips. But the righteous will come through trouble. Proverbs 12:13

You know them, they live within your community; in your neighborhood, work, maybe even your home. They cause trouble all the time and make life difficult for you. Although you dare not judge, deep inside you know they are driven with evil intentions and sometimes they use you as their target. 

Living with and amongst them may be difficult, but God assures us in today's scripture that you will come through the difficulties they put you through. The key is not to fall prey to their evil tactics, but to show them the love of Christ, through His strength and power to overcome. Yes, it may be difficult, but necessary so they can see a shimmer of light into their dark life. 

Matthew 5:44 But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.

God calls His followers to love and pray for those who inflict their evilness on you. It's the only true Christian way to respond. Target the one person who comes to mind and pray for them, that God will use you to lighten the darkness of evil that has them blinded to the truth and love of Christ. 

 He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation. Psalm 91:15-16

 There is nothing more frustrating than having your call rejected. There is a reason and purpose in you picking up your phone and calling that person or business and when they do not answer (especially when you know they are available), it says a lot about how much they value your time and request to talk.

 Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7

 Today’s verse is a great reminder that God will always take your call, through prayer, and immediately respond. From your earthly view, it might not seem like HE is doing anything, but I assure you He values your communication with Him and He consistently works to provide the best answer or response to your request.  

God cares about you and wants to talk directly with you about every aspect of your life. He knows the challenges you face on a daily basis.  His Son, Jesus Christ, lived it on planet earth for 33 years and He knows what you need. Those phone calls to others might be important and rejected, but God will never turn a deaf ear to His followers, including you, when you call out to Him for wisdom, seeking His plan for your life or just needing help. Call on Him today in confidence knowing He will answer! God bless!

 

 Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated but rather be healed. Hebrews 12:12-13

 After years of working on a farm, running track and just living life, my knees remind me that I’m not in my 20s. Walking uphill and downhill oftentimes become a struggle and sometimes I catch myself grabbing a hand rail in fear they will simply give out. With that said, I have to determine the easiest way to get around, which sometimes takes a little longer, but it protects my knees from further damage and potential injury.

 When I read today’s verse, I quickly associated this with my knees. Just like my planning a simpler path, as Christians we must chose a simple path and not deviate from it. This world provides many opportunities to invest your time, money and personal interest, but at the end of the day, you have to ask yourself if it honors God. If it doesn’t, it will eventually drain your financial resources, tear apart your family, dilute your faith and quite possibly destroy your witness.

 Trust the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

 God wants you to live a fulfilling life. As a child of God, you continue to live in the world, but should not be influenced by the lust of it. Putting God first in every endeavor you wish to pursue will ensure your path is straight and will reduce the opportunity of injuring your faith, witness and the blessings God has bestowed in your life. He has a path that is simply made, just for you. Find it through trusting Him each day and your journey will bring blessings to both you and God!

 

 

 And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses. Mark 11:25-26

 Praying to God is a privilege for every child of God. Many prayers that go up are request for certain things, special healing and guidance. In the bible there are certain things that hinder a person’s prayer. Today’s verse gives insight to the importance of forgiving others of their trespass against you.

 Bearing the burden of unforgiveness weights you down and encapsulates you in a bubble of self-pity, anger, and sometimes hatred. These emotions can and will spoil the sweet relationship between you and God. Forgiveness can be difficult, especially if the offender has robbed you of everything you’ve held dear. Jesus’ love is the best example of forgiveness, He died to save your soul and the souls of mankind. That is why God places an emphasis on forgiveness. Unless you forgive, your prayers are blocked.

 If you find your prayers haven’t been answered or feel like your communication is blocked, search your heart for anything that needs to be cleared up through the healing touch of forgiveness. Coming clean will make you free to experience joy and peace with God and eventually to the offender. Forgiveness, find it today! God bless!  

 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16

 There are three types of homes you enter. First is your own, you have the keys and walk right in. Second is people you know and a gentle knock and a quick hello might be all that’s needed as you enter. Third is the home of a stranger, and that is where you knock and wait for them to open the door to let you in. If God had a home in your neighborhood, which of the three approaches would you take? Walk right in, a knock and hello as you enter, or would you have to wait until you got His attention to let you in?

 Well, I have the answer in today’s scripture. As a child of God, you have every right to come into His throne room to pray, worship and seek after His wisdom. Because of Jesus sacrifice, you have been given the key to His space and you can walk in with confidence, knowing He is ready to commune with you.

 If you consider God to be out of reach or feel inadequate to come to Him, maybe it’s time you get to know Him better by reading the bible and spending time in prayer. When you do, He will reveal more of Himself to you and help you to understand your position in His home, a child of the king, with free and unhindered access to all He has to offer you. Walk boldly into His presence, you have that privilege! God bless!