So he ran ahead and climbed into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way. Luke 19:4

A better view, we see something or someone we want to have in plain view, so we position ourselves for line of sight....either moving around people, moving to higher ground, standing away from the crowd, even climbing a tree...just like Zacchaeus did in this encounter with Jesus.

How is your view of Jesus Christ in your life? Is there a crowd of friends blocking your view, the weight of sin has lowered your life in a bottomless pit, or maybe you havent made time to catch a glimpse of Him due to business of life. We go through times in life when things and people block our view. NOTHING could be more hazardous to your spiritual life when you take your eyes off Jesus. That crusty old Satan will do anything he can to block your direct line of sight with Him.

Take a brief moment and evaluate your current status with Jesus. If He isnt visible to you, you arent visible to Him. Maybe its time to move away from the mainstream of life and seek higher ground. You might even have to go at it alone...thats ok, God is with you! Shift your life to a better viewing of Him. He wants to come visit you and share His wisdom and wondrous blessings with you....find that place of visibility and never allow anything to block your view again. See Jesus face to face. God bless!!!

This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:24

 

Monday morning is the start of the work week for many people. And for most, Monday is a day of dread….following a weekend of rest, its back to the daily grind. Getting ready for work, kids ready for school, list are made for groceries, activities and special event reminders….Monday is a busy day.

 

But, Monday is no different than any other day of the week. God created each day, planned just for you. Monday through Sunday, its God’s gift to you…..what are you going to do with His blessing? You can choose how to fill your day and you can choose your attitude. I encourage you not to dread Mondays, but thank God He has allowed you to have a new day  and look forward in eagerness to what He will do for you this week.

 

Just for 1 minute, think back to last week. Name three things God has blessed you with….If you are like me, those three blessings were not expected, but God saw reason to bring them you way. You can count on Him to do the same this week. God is faithful and will supply all you need for each day He created. Don’t sing the Monday blues, but thank Him for all He will do in your life….rejoice and be glad in this day!  

God bless!

Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night into prayer to God. Luke 6:12

 

Yesterday I had the pleasure to get away and ride up to the North GA Mountains. The weather was just perfect and the trees were in the middle stages of their fall colors.  The ride took a few hours, but it was well worth it! Seeing God’s beautiful creation at work helped take my mind off the challenges of life and simply be in awe.

 

Let’s face it, living life is a challenge. There are daily struggles that we face which add weight to our plate. After while all we focus on is trying to keep that plate of life full and up off the ground. I strongly encourage you to step away from life, for a brief while, and go to a place of solitude where you can see the beauty of God. Jesus did just that, He oftentimes would step away from the crowds and pray to God. He knew the secret to keeping His focus….prayer, talking to God and seeing His mighty works.

 

How about it friend? Need just a short break from it all? Why don’t today you simply pick a destination that is an hour from home and go there. Just you and God….maybe a loved one….and take time to focus on God and see His beauty at work. Take Jesus advice, step away and come into His presence for renewal of spirit and communicate with God…thanking Him for all He has done in your life! God will bless you for taking time with Him! Have a blessed Sunday friend!

The godly give good advice to their friends; the wicked lead them astray.

Proverbs 12:26

If you are like me, you have some close friends who you can lean on, trust and expect to give you good advice. On occasion you meet new people and friendships develop. But how do you know if it’s the right friend for you? Several considerations…..

Do they offer sound advice? The advice they give should fall in line with your beliefs and not try to sway your way of thinking counter to what you believe and know is right. A good friend might challenge you to “think outside the box”, but never through intimidation or threaten to end your friendship.

How forgiving are they? People are different and from time to time we will offend others…especially our friends. Their willingness to forgive and forget, when you hurt or offend them, is the strength of the friendship bond. No one wants to hurt our friends, but it can happen. When it does, you want to make sure there is enough grace to hold the two of you together.

Do they respect you? Respect is the backbone of any relationship. Without respect, you have no true foundation on which to grow together. Respect is understanding where each other stands and supporting them without question. When one friend veers off the “right path”, the other should feel welcome to help them get back on track.

Do they make you a better person? You should NEVER have to convince your friend you are a good person or work at sustaining the friendship. If it’s meant to be, it will naturally happen. Over time, the fruits of the friendship will yield positive growth and bless those outside your friendship….called blessing spillover.

Friend, nothing wrong will result in good. With God’s help you can find friendships that are built on Godly principles…like trust, grace and love. Find a Godly friend and find peace and happiness in your life! God bless!

Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know. Jeremiah 33:3

Ring, ring,ring....Will He pick up? These days our communication with others comes in the form of text messages. But, when something important just has to be said, we find a phone call more appropriate. Why? Because we want to be heard and we want the receiver of our call to hear all aspects of the message....the excitement in our voice, and hearing cues that he or she is on board with us...either good or bad. Only problem is...Will they answer when we call?

If you are like me, I've called people and no answer. Even after leaving a message, they still don't respond. And too, I'm guilty of the same. But friend, there is one who will always answer when you call, and that is the Lord. As a matter of fact, as a child of God, He lives inside you and knows your needs, your hurt, your good news. He knows everything in advance. And He wants to show you things that you are completely unaware of. So why pray and ask for His help when He knows you need it? When you call upon Him, it's like calling on the phone, your ear is waiting to hear the response. You set yourself up to see His hand at work in whatever situation or problem you encounter.

Having trouble in life and no one is answering your call for help? Call upon the Lord. He will listen and respond to the degree you are willing to receive His help. He Knows More Than You Do, So Listen Closely!!!

And they lifted up their voices and said "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us."  Luke 17:13

Today's verse comes from the story of how Jesus healed 10 Lepers. An illness that was very contagious and no one could be near them. What a sad life to be isolated from others while sick. The cool part of this story is they recognized Jesus and called out to Him. They knew He could heal them, and He did.

 "For she said to herself, "If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well." Just one more, of many stories, about someone with an illness, recognized Jesus as a healer. " but Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, "Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well." Matthew 9 :21-22. The bible is full of stories about people with illness, recognizing Jesus, by faith they called out to Him for healing and He healed them.

Maybe today you need the healing touch of Jesus. Two things needed...your trust in Him and willingness to give Him your problem. Recognize the Savior in your life and call on Him today. Trust me friend, He restores, He heals, and He fills the voids in your life with His sweet presence. Call on Him today, in faith, and see His hand cure you. Blessings!

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

When you go to the store, you have choices to make....As you go to each product, you find more than one of the same, just different brands. Although each item may be the same, you know the quality of one certain brand and you stick with it.

Question, would God choose you? Does your life represent the finest qualities of Christ, as a child of God? God accepts us into His family once we confess our sins and receive Him into our life. Once His, we have a standard of living, found in His word, that should be the mold that shapes us into a useful vessel for His service. Unless you are studying and growing in His word, you will simply be like that off brand product that no one has confidence in buying and just sits there on the shelf.

The work of the Lord will continue no matter what...Will you be part of His work? Blessings follow those who serve Him in obedience. Don't be a useless product...He has a plan and purpose for your life. Friend, He did choose you....be that useful vessel for Him today. God bless.