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

Years ago, Nike had a slogan "Just Do It". Their campaign encouraged people to get out there and run, exercise and enjoy life...and wear their products. It was a good idea...even today I hear people say "just do it"!  

Today, let me encourage you to "Do Right"! God gave each of us specific talents and abilities to serve Him and be a blessing to others. He provides each of His followers a specific path to follow and serve Him along the way. As opportunities arise to "do right", He leaves us the free-will to chose....are we going to be obedient or turn our back on an opportunity to do right. He loves us enough to give us the freedom to act in obedience. 

As you go through this day and all the tomorrow's, chose to Do Right. Do the right things in life. Listen for His voice to help guide you in doing right, living right and blessing others through acts of service. Trust me, He has aligned your day to follow Him....Do Right and follow in faithful obedience and be blessed. God bless friend.  

to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 

Ephesians 3:19

One of my favorite times of the year is Thanksgiving and all the delicious food served on this special holiday. I remember, as we ate, mom would always say..."leave room for desert"! Not only would she spend hours preparing a delicious meal, she would also bake several  deserts for us to enjoy. Although a challenge, I always left just enough room in my stomach for desert! :)

As Christians, we have so many opportunities to fill our lives with the good things in this world. Hobbies, work, special events, church activities...even food. All of these things are good, but make sure you have room for God in your life. Some of the most stressful times in my life have been when I was full of everything else but God. Over time I noticed my church attendance would wane, tithing dried up and acts of service to the Lord ceased. In return, God's blessings also ceased. As a result, I would realize I was filling my life with all the wrong things and changed my ways back to God. 

Save room for God. He wants to be involved in all aspects of your life...everything. And when you make it a priority to feed from His offerings, life will have more meaning and purpose. Get your fill of God and enjoy His blessings everyday. Have an awesome day friend.

And behold, there was a certain man before Him who had dropsy. But they kept silent. And He took him and healed him, and let him go. Luke 14:2 & 4. 

A while back a video surfaced on youtube. A big buck had its antlers caught up in a fence and couldn't escape. Two men carefully worked around the wild buck to free it...otherwise it would most likely have injured itself and died.  Thankfully the men's actions freed the buck and it scampered off. 

As God's followers, we can get caught up in the snares Satan puts in front of us. These relationships or circumstances seem innocent, but once they get us hooked, it's difficult to escape. Left to our own strength, we will soon become spiritually ill and hinder God's work in our life. Today's passage clearly states what Jesus can do. When we are caught in the snares of this world, Jesus comes to our rescue and untangles the barbs from our heart so we can move freely again. Strongholds are Satan's greatest weapons against the child of God. 

Something or someone in life got you tangled in an emotional bondage that seems to have no means of escape? Trust me I've been there!!! Call upon the Lord to free you of your spiritual bondage so you can walk freely in His bountiful grace. He is faithful and just and will heal you. Just remember, it may take months to untangle the mess, so NEVER give up praying. Ask a friend to pray for you. Life is no easy path, and Satan wants to keep you bound up. Trust in God and call upon Him when tangled....He will respond. God bless.

And I have declared to them, Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them. John 17:26

Today's blog is a little different today. After reading the scripture above, I want you to stop what you are doing for several minutes and pray for one or several people that come to mind.....whatever God lays on your heart...Pray for them. You might not know their need, but God does and He is looking for faithful followers to pray for one another. Jesus prayed for you just prior to His death on the cross. He loved you enough to pray for you, so be obedient this morning and pray for others. 

One special prayer request...Pray for the people of Puerto Rico. The island was totally destroyed by Hurricane Irma and conditions are very dire. They, and others impacted by this destructive hurricane, need prayers for relief and sustainment. Pray on....God bless.

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. . John 14:27

 

Have you ever known someone with a dynamic personality, once they walk into the room, the whole atmosphere changes? It seems like someone turned on some bright lights in a darkened room, and everyone had a good feeling. I know a handful of people like that and it’s a joy when I cross their path.

 

In this world, we will encounter trouble….its biblical John 16:33. Sickness, conflict, sleepless nights…the list is endless. Things in life can disrupt our peace and comfort.  Jesus never promised His children they would be free from difficulty. But God! Jesus is like that dynamic person who comes into the room. Once you allow Jesus to take hold of your difficulty, He mysteriously changes the atmosphere of hurt, fear and restlessness TO healing, confidence and peace. Jesus promises to always be with us…even to the bitter end of life. You can always trust Him in all matters of life.

 

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33. As a child of God, you can claim victory over anything that troubles you. Believe me, I’ve walked through some troubling times, yet had a total peace in the middle of the storm. You can too, if you simply TRUST JESUS with your life and your concerns. He has overcome the world, and He will help you overcome your worries and troubles. Trust Him today! God bless!!!!

A fool vents all his feelings

But a wise man holds them back.

Proverbs 29:11

 

I’ve noticed here lately that people have become more “sensitive” to things, beliefs and traditions. Most of these sensitivity issues seem to be coming from the younger generation. My generation and older ones have lived with these things, beliefs and traditions for years and years. For me and I’m sure others my age, want to voice our disappointment and make a mockery of these young souls who have voiced their sensitivity issues, concerns and fears. 

 

Today’s verse spoke to my heart this morning. We all have opinions about everything in life. If we, as grownups, expect the younger generation to look up to us, we have to be careful with our words.

A black eye last only a week, insensitive words can last a lifetime! Our inner thoughts voiced to a new and changing generation can disrupt the continuity of generations living together. Let’s face it….this new generation will be taking care of us when we get older…….don’t bite the hand that feeds you!

 

Now, I truly believe we should NEVER compromise our beliefs, values and never waiver from what the bible says. As children of God, it’s our duty to preserve the integrity of God’s word. When faced with anything that counters God’s word, we should boldly stand in opposition, yet speak in a respectful way.

 

We all have something to say….some things are better left unsaid….and by speaking silence, we will be more powerful than speaking painful and resentful words to our peers. Use your words wisely and let God lead you as you live out a Christ centered life! God bless!

If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him. John 14:7

 

Have you ever found yourself talking to someone you wanted to meet, yet at the time you did not know it was them? The conversation goes on and on then wham, their identity is revealed, it’s a relief and awkward at the same time.

 

In today’s passage, Jesus Christ revealed to His disciples that He was God in the flesh. Can you imagine if you were one of those hearing Jesus words? I’m sure most of us would find that hard to believe, especially in this day and time. But, we know from scripture its true. As Christians, we can know God through acceptance of Jesus Christ life, his death on the cross for mankind’s sins, then rose from death 3 days later to claim victory over death and sin. God himself prepared the ultimate sacrifice for sin through Jesus Christ.

 

Do you know Him? Believing that Jesus Christ is God in the flesh, that He died for your sins and mine, and through acceptance of Him into your life is the only way to guarantee eternity in 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  God did the hard part because He loves us all……wont you accept His free gift of Salvation today? Ask Him to come into your heart, forgive you of your sins, trust in Him daily and know you are saved for eternity! Knowing Jesus Christ is knowing God, know Him today! God bless!