Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion. Hebrews 3:15

 

A few years back I pursued something that I thought was good for me, yet God said NO. Convinced I was in the right, I actually debated God for a few months, until God said….its all yours. He lifted His hand of protection and I had miserable chaos in my life for months and months. The distance between me and God grew further over time until I couldn’t take it any longer and I humbly came back to Him. Following this hard lesson, I wrote the following poem from my heart. I share this with you….if you hear His voice, FOLLOW IT no matter the cost! He knows whats best for you! God bless!

 

My way is no longer.

Your voice burned like fire in my heart.

The emptiness, the longings and memories,

Paralyzed me day and night.

On my knees I prayed for healing,

Oh God, restore my soul, restore my union with you!

Lord please, carry me through this storm.

 

Today, is the start of a new chapter.

Healed with scars, I seek your voice.

You have lifted me from the pit of dread.

You have brought life to my storm tattered spirit.

 

From this day forward the path I choose is yours.

Your path is narrow but sure footed.

Danger lurks on either side, but I will follow your voice.

Not visible is the path behind me,

Your shadow has darkened the past.

Advancing forward I listen for your voice,

I follow it without question.

 

Hold my hand Father as we seek new adventures.

Alert me to danger and show me your way.

I am grateful for your soft voice,

That directs my path to righteousness.

Together we can weather any storm!

Amen!  

 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. Romans 8:8

We find that many people, possibly yourself, have certain clothes they wear to make them feel a certain way....attractive, professional, athletic....these clothes solicit in them an emotion or attitude. What they wear, they become in their mind. 

The same is true for Christians. The places we go, the things we do, eat, drink and even the clothes we wear....all impact us spiritually in our mind. The thing we need to consider is....does it please God? We can get wrapped up in worldly affairs and things of the world to the point they dampen the spirit living in us and poorly reflect Christ to others. We are to be the example of Christ in everything we do...every day. 

Do you want to please God? Have you thought about your daily routine and what you do? Is it God honoring? If not, pray to God to help direct your daily steps so you can please Him in all areas of your life. Donning the "worlds"s ways will push you away from God. Putting on a spiritual mindset and following the Spirit's prompting will guide you daily. Please God by living a surrendered life to His will, not yours....then see His blessings poured out into your life for living in total obedience. Put on righteousness today! God bless!!!

The voice of one crying in the wilderness; Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight. Mark 1:3

If you live in the southern portion of the US, you know a forecast of "snow" brings about much anticipation and preparation. Many areas in the south don't have the resources necessary to deal with the effects of snow and ice....therefore bread and milk are in high demand....as well as other food items. Right now we have a forecast of snow for tomorrow....i can guarantee the grocery stores will be busy today selling these necessities. 

In today's scripture we see John the Baptist calling out to prepare for the Savior, Jesus Christ. John was fortunate to baptize Jesus in the Jordan River. His message to the crowds....prepare your life for Jesus Christ. Receive Him and have your sins forgiven. Have you prepared for Christ? Does He occupy your heart and life?

Fortunately, Jesus made it simple for us to receive Him....ask. Ask Him to come into your life and forgive your sins and live for Him daily. Nothing you can do will save yourself...not trying to live right, say right things...(although these are good things)...these things won't save you. It's faith and  trust in Jesus Christ. 

If you've never asked Him to come into your heart, do it today. He prepared the way for you to have eternal life through His death on the cross for forgiveness of sins. He rose to life again on the third day...defeating death. Receive Him today and enjoy the eternal benefits of being called a Child of the Living God! Have a blessed day. 

 He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many, for He shall bear their iniquities. Isaiah 53:11

God reached out to His creation, through Jesus Christ, to bridge the great expanse between Heaven and earth. It was God's plan to bring the purest sacrificial lamb before mankind to suffer and die for our sins so we can freely worship and commune with God the Father. Eternal life awaits those who choose to follow a sacred life of obedience in Christ. 

Acknowledging Jesus as God's Son, believing that He died for your sins and asking Him to enter your life to be accepted as a Child of God is all that's required to receive His grace, mercy and eternal forgiveness. Have you accepted His free gift of eternal Salvation? It is my hearts desire that you find your way to God through Jesus Christ. Nothing brings more satisfaction to life than knowing your eternal destination is Heaven. But the real deal is a life with Christ....seeing His daily miracles play out in your life. He watches over you and helps you in the tough times and provides spiritual nourishment to sustain you even in the my challenging situations. He loves you...you are His creation. 

Jesus Christ did all the work for you, all you have to do is believe, ask and receive Him in your life. What are you waiting for....today is the day of Salvation. Find eternal security in God through Jesus Christ. God bless. ‎

Jesus prayed..."I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in ME through their word; that they may be one, as You Father, are in ME, and I in You; that they also may be one in US, that the world may believe that You sent Me. John 17:20-21

As fellow believers in Christ, it's important to know we are all together one, a unified body of believers, yet separate individuals. Each person has a specific role and purpose in the body of Christ. We are all connected through Jesus Christ. Just like the human body has many parts that function together. So are we as Christians. 

So what does that mean for you? As a part of this unified body you should be praying for fellow believers. Not just family, but everyone. I know at times when I'm on my knees in prayer, someone comes into my thoughts and I pray for them at that moment. I truly believe that is God summoning me to pray for that person. Our prayers for others bring healing to a broken heart, tenders the heart of an enemy, provide encouragement to someone feeling defeated and help for the one who is lost in sin and needs a light to find their way. Praying for others is necessary for the body of Christ to thrive in this foriegn world inwhich we live.

Who has God called you to pray for today? Ask God to give you a name or several names and pray specifically for God to work in their life. Jesus prayed for you over 2000 years ago, share in His example and pray for others....God will bless your obedience and His unified body will work together for the will of God. Pray on, friend! Have a blessed day!

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

Matthew 5:16

Last night, I was riding home from church service and I noticed low floating rain clouds illuminated by roadway security lights. Every detail of these clouds were visible as they reflected the light shining on them. If the clouds were higher in elevation there would have been no way to see them in the dark. 

The same is true in our relationship with the Lord. The closer we walk to Him, the more His light reflects from us into the darkness. Unless we are within range of His presence, we won't shine the light of Christ to everyone around us. How close are you to the source of light....Jesus Christ?

If we truly love Him, we will do all we can to bring us closer to Him through much prayer, bible reading, attending church functions that educate us and develop meaningful friendships with fellow believers in Christ. As a Christian, we are part of the unified body of believers. You weren't meant to stand alone...fellowship with other believers is a must if our light is going to shine brighter. And when our fellow brother's light dims, we are there to help them and encourage them in the Lord. United as one body is the only way we will see America become a God honored and God blessed nation. 

The choice is yours. The closer you are to the light, the more Christ like you become. If you truly are a believer in Christ, you will do all you can to walk closer to Him in 2017. Pray for God to help develop that closer walk with Him...He will honor your request and bless your life with meaning and purpose. Walk close to the light today! God bless!!! 

Be exalted, O Lord, in Your own strength! We will sing and praise your power.

Psalm 21:13

         Happy New Year. As we look ahead, there will be challenges we face almost daily. Some will be a simple fix and take little effort on our part to tackle. But, sooner or later we will encounter a challenge much greater than our strength can endure. The first response is usually dread and a feeling of defeat. But, as we transition our focus from us and turn to God for help, He quickly receives our request and starts to penetrate the challenge with His perfect plan to sustain us and help us achieve victory once again. 

Maybe you are starting 2017 with something bigger than you....something that has no hope for tomorrow. Friend, fall into the arms of Jesus and let Him sustain your weary body. Nothing that comes your way is too big for Him to handle. And through His power living inside of you, you can endure the challenge all the way through til the end. 

Welcome to the new year. Make God a part of every day through prayer and scripture reading...He will sustain you when every conflict and challenge comes before you. Reflect it to Him and watch His hands work towards resolution in a special way. Walk with Him today....God Bless!!