Words That Ruin

Proverbs 16:28, NIV: A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends.

All the sugar coating in the world does not change the truth about gossip. Your words may be dipped in honey, and spoken softly, light-heartedly to another. But don’t be fooled. For many there are of us who justify ourselves, slipping our words beneath the cover of so called concern. What is it that stirs in us a need to gossip? Is it envy, anger, jealousy, or strife? Is it an insatiable curiosity that peaks and all the more when we peak the curiosity of someone else? Is it the fact that we just have to hear our self talk? Whatever the reasons, all are rooted in sin. It is truly amazing how powerful words can be--and how easy it is for some to act as though their words are no big deal. Gossip is spread, the damage is done, and when caught by our words we say, “Oh, you’re blowing it out of proportion.” Do we blame the victim as though he somehow deserved it? Do we try to act as though we did nothing wrong? Jesus does not take a soft position on such things. He tells us, “But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment,” and, “with what judgment you judge, you will be judged.” It is trouble enough as we look on others with the sinful judgments of our hearts, but how much more terrible for us to allow the cancerous thoughts to be spread from our lips to the ears of others. My Daddy always said Son put your brain in gear before you put your mouth in to action. What he meant was, think about what you are about to say before you say it.

May God Bless you EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, ABOVE ALL YOU CAN ASK OR THINK!

Top Priority

1 Timothy 2:1: I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone.

What is the best time of day to pray? The Bible instructs us to pray without ceasing. How we do so is basically by keeping an attitude of prayer throughout our day—we pray, as we go. There are also those times we pause to enter into our prayer closet—so to speak—and lift up our praises, petitions, and requests unto God. There are many ways and times we can pray, but I have discovered something beneficial in praying on the behalf of others early in my day. Simply said, when I start my day in thought of others concerns, I have found that my mind remains more steadfast in a Christ-like attitude toward others throughout my day. As I go, I see the ones I prayed for earlier, and my mind is instantly taken back to the thoughts of my time with God on their behalf. As I go, I go better equipped to witness, serve and love those I come in contact with—simply because I made them a top priority, at the beginning of my day.

May God Bless you EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, ABOVE ALL YOU CAN ASK OR THINK!

I Stand Amazed

Psalm 95:4-6, NIV: In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land. Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.

The morning sun peeks over the mountain top, laying golden streams across the treetops in the hollers. This is just one of the many scenes that draws my mind to God. The hymn writer writes, “I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder. Thy power throughout the universe displayed...” Many beautiful wonders surround us everyday. Yet there are times that God displays His wonders to us and it is truly breathtaking. And yet, none of those moments will hold a candle to the day we see God in His glory. At the instant our eyes behold Him, we will stand amazed. If, in that moment, I am able to speak, I imagine I might say something like, “Wow... Look at You... I had no idea.” Sometimes we take for granted the wonders of God’s creation. And often, throughout our living, we forget to consider the Glory of God. But a day will come when we will be faced with the most incredible experience we could ever know–the day we come into His Glory–the day we will truly stand amazed.

May God Bless you EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, ABOVE ALL YOU CAN ASK OR THINK!

Children

Proverbs 22:6 (KJV) Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Raising children can be a great adventure. You may be thinking, “That’s one way to put it.” From infant to adolescent, and into adulthood, we find joys as well as sorrows—easy times and challenging ones. And finally the day comes where its time for the baby bird to spread its wings. You look back at the long road you traveled to get where you are, and reflect. You look ahead to what is held in an uncertain future and you pray, and you hope, and you pray some more. Being a parent is not easy, as any parent will testify. It is so very hard when you see your children make poor choices, or finding themselves in the middle of suffering the consequences of their actions. You wonder, you worry, and you weep. Yet we are offered hope. We can place our children in the arms of our Lord—trust Him with their safety—knowing He will actively work in their lives to draw the children back home. I can testify to this for it has happen in our family with a number of our children.

May God Bless you EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, ABOVE ALL YOU CAN ASK OR THINK!

Truth Serum

2 Timothy 2:24-25, NIV: And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth,

We do not truly understand our own plight, and most refuse to understand the plight of others. For it is easier to criticize, ostracize and judge than it is to love and minister. It is far easier to point out the sins of the godless than it is to help them find the Truth that will sustain them and fill their needs in full. We feel secure in our faith, saying that our void has been filled by the presence of God in Christ, then turn to gnash our teeth at those who don't agree with our theology. Have we forgotten the plight we once endured? How we once had no direction and sought to fill the void of our soul with anything that seemed it might fit? Can we not understand how people who have never heard of or seen examples of Christ might try just about anything to find love, acceptance and fulfillment?
May God Bless you EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, ABOVE ALL YOU CAN ASK OR THINK!

No Gift to Bring

Matthew 2:11, NIV: On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.

Imagine the difference of the scene if the wise men came to see Jesus with nothing in their hands. But instead, reached out their hands expecting them to be filled. There is a part of our Christmas time culture that seems to depict that very image. More focus is often fixed on the distribution of material goods, than on the consideration of what we might instead give to Christ. In preparation for Christmas, gift lists are exchanged so everyone will know what everyone else wants. If we were to ask Jesus what He wants for Christmas, what do you think He would say? What could it be He wants from us? Are we prepared to give it to Him? With each passing Christmas, how do we come to Christ? Do we come with no gift to bring? Or do we come ready to give to Him whatever it might be He would ask?

May God Bless you EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, ABOVE ALL YOU CAN ASK OR THINK!

Jesus and Family

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. - Luke 2:16

The first Christmas finds Mary & Joseph together and Jesus, who was just born, in their midst. There will be many people this time of year who will be stressed about trying to find the perfect gift for someone special. They will be stressed with the crowds and the pressures of shopping. Many will be stressed possibly about the shortage of money and the ability to buy gifts for one another. Let's not forget a simple lesson that God showed us on that first Christmas over 2000 years ago. It wasn't about all the time and money they spent to go to Bethlehem, or the even the place they had sought out to spend the night. The two most important things are for families to be together and to have Jesus as the center of our focus and attention. You may not be able to find or afford the perfect gift, but the most important thing you can do this season is spend time with family and celebrate the birth of the Savior.

May God Bless you EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, ABOVE ALL YOU CAN ASK OR THINK!

Encourage One Another

Hebrews 3:13-14 (The Message) So watch your step, friends. Make sure there's no evil unbelief lying around that will trip you up and throw you off course, diverting you from the living God. For as long as it's still God's Today, keep each other on your toes so sin doesn't slow down your reflexes. If we can only keep our grip on the sure thing we started out with, we're in this with Christ for the long haul.

When it comes to attending church, how often is often enough? Some have said they do not need to go to church to worship God, but that they can worship Him anywhere. That is true. And if the only purpose for church was to worship God, perhaps that reasoning might stand. But there is so much more that takes place in a body of believers than corporate worship. The writer of Hebrews entreats Christians to "encourage one another daily." Throughout the New Testament, we are taught the principles of caring for fellow Christians-that, "Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others" (Phil 2:4). Brief Sunday morning encounters seldom provide opportunity to truly encourage, or to be encouraged. Anyone who believes he does not need the church does not understand the purpose of the church, and is driven more by selfish desire than godly vision. Therefore, "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching" (Heb. 10:25).

May God Bless you EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, ABOVE ALL YOU CAN ASK OR THINK!

Content to Be Content

Proverbs 1:22-24 (The Message) "Simpletons! How long will you wallow in ignorance? Cynics! How long will you feed your cynicism? Idiots! How long will you refuse to learn? About face! I can revise your life. Look, I'm ready to pour out my spirit on you; I'm ready to tell you all I know. As it is, I've called, but you've turned a deaf ear; I've reached out to you, but you've ignored me.

The Spirit of God stirs within us. He stirs our hearts to be moved to become something more. He stirs us to be like Christ. He stirs us to settle for nothing less than God’s will. He stirs us so we are not content with simply living in this world, and challenges us to let the Life (who is Jesus) live in us--allowing God to affect change in the world through us. Yet there are many of us who belong to Christ who do not feel this stirring. We have settled to become like the world around us, and have bought into the philosophy of self-contentedness. Through our search for pleasure, and comfortable living, we have squelched the stirring of the Spirit and become numb to His movement. We have pacified ourselves into a lifeless state and, as a result, we are a part of a dying and decaying world. How long will we quench the stirring of the Spirit? How long will we seek simplicity over and above the wisdom of God?

Have A Blessed day

Rough Edges

Proverbs 6:16-19 (KJV) These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.


We often compare the process of God's work in our lives as one of smoothing off the rough edges. The sinful nature and selfish characteristics that once defined who we were are no longer desirable, and if they are to remain they will hinder God's desired outcome of who we are to be in Him. The rough edges are the thorns that distract us from God's purpose, they are the eyesores that keep others from seeing the nature of Christ within us, and they are the calluses that prevent us from being sensitive to the movement of the Spirit of the living God. Where is it that you see yourself? How will you deal with rough edges? God has a perfect way to deal with the rough edges in our personal lives and in the body of the church, let's not pretend the rough edges don't exist, but instead, give them up to God for His loving hand to smooth all that is rough.

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Be A Listener

But God has surely listened and heard my voice in prayer. -Psalm 66:19

Listening. Sometimes it seems to be a lost art. Most people are more interested in expressing themselves than they are listening to what the other person has to say. In Native American cultures they have what is known as the "talking stick". The talking stick has been used for centuries as a means of just and impartial hearing, and to designate who had the right to speak. During discussions, the leader had the talking stick and when he finished what he had to say he would hold out the talking stick, and whoever wished to speak after him would take it. In this manner the stick was passed from one person to another until all who wished to speak had done so. Also, there were no interruptions of the person speaking or trying to finish someone else's sentences for them. We could learn a lot from this tradition. Take the time to learn to be a listener. Listen to your kids, listen to your spouse and listen to your friends. There is great healing that takes place sometimes when someone finds a person who will listen to them. There is great wisdom and knowledge to be gained by listening. If you have trouble finding someone who will listen to you, be encouraged that God always listens. He is always ready to hear from you and will always be there to lend an ear. If we are to be like our Father in heaven, then it is wise for us to learn to be a listener.

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Storms of Life

King James Version (KJV) And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.

The storms of life come upon everyone. No one is exempt from the storms of life, they eventually present themselves to all of us. The question is, how do we handle the storms? The storm in your life may be a Water heater that has busted and flooded your house, or a financial setback, a loss of a job, a problem with a loved one, a deadline you can't meet, a problem you can't solve, etc. Keep in mind, everyone in the boat was in the midst of the storm. Jesus was right there with the disciples in the same storm they were in. They were in a panic because what they saw around them affected them deeply. However, Jesus was in a place of rest. Wait a minute, you may say, Jesus is the Son of God! While that is true, the bible says in Philippians 2:5-8 that Jesus had no unfair advantage. He emptied himself and did everything he did as a man. What does this mean? It means that you can have the same peace that Jesus had. In the midst of the storm, you can enter in and be in that same place of rest that Jesus was. Jesus operated in faith and was in constant fellowship with the Father. When you follow His example, you can walk in the same peace and rest that Jesus did in the midst of the storm. And, just like Jesus, when everyone else is in a panic, you can also be in the storm, but not have the storm in you!


Have A Blessed day

Nothing New Under The Sun

Ecclesiastes 1:9 (Amplified Bible) The thing that has been--it is what will be again, and that which has been done is that which will be done again; and there is nothing new under the sun.

Every man made religion that has ever come along was just a counterfeit to the real thing. The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob - the creator of the universe, was the first positive thinker. He was the first to send light and love. God instructed Joshua to meditate on His word. Jesus said to love others and do unto them as you would have them do unto you. Jesus was in the beginning with God, and Jesus is God, so Jesus said it first. Every good and perfect thing comes from above, from the Father of lights. Don't go looking and settle for some cheap imitation, seek God through His son, Jesus Christ. He said if you seek Him, you will find Him. Yes, when you seek Him with all of your heart. (Jeremiah 29:12-13)

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Healthy Choices

Ephesians 5:11-20 (The Message)

Don't waste your time on useless work, mere busywork, the barren pursuits of darkness. Expose these things for the sham they are. It's a scandal when people waste their lives on things they must do in the darkness where no one will see. Rip the cover off those frauds and see how attractive they look in the light of Christ.
Wake up from your sleep,
Climb out of your coffins;
Christ will show you the light!
So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times! Don't live carelessly, unthinkingly. Make sure you understand what the Master wants. Don't drink too much wine. That cheapens your life. Drink the Spirit of God, huge draughts of him. Sing hymns instead of drinking songs! Sing songs from your heart to Christ. Sing praises over everything, any excuse for a song to God the Father in the name of our Master, Jesus Christ.

When I learned I had high cholesterol, I knew changes were going to have to be made. I would need to get proper exercise, and change my diet. I knew if I was going to be serious, some things had to go, while other things must become part of my daily living. As with physical food, there are many spiritual foods to choose from. With what is available, it would be easy for Christians to be saturated with worldly ways through entertainment, books, television, movies, and so on. But, there comes a point when we have to face facts. We are effected by what we put into our minds just as we are by what goes into our bodies. If we are serious about being Christ-like, we will recognize that some things will have to go, while other things will need to become a part of our daily living.


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Everything that Hinders

Hebrews 12:1 NIV: Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
We wear them like shackles around our ankles, and often bear them as heavy weights upon our shoulders. Even when we try to take great care to keep them from heaping upon us, they seem so often to gradually grow—dragging us down—stealing our joy. They are the cares of this life and the sins that deceive us. They are the things that take our focus off of the Author and Perfector our faith. The writer of Hebrews encourages us to “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.” Like a runner tripped up by obstacles in his path who continues forward, we must find within Christ our determination to press on.

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Possess The Kingdom

Daniel 7:22 (NKJV) until the Ancient of Days came, and a judgment was made in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came for the saints to possess the kingdom.


Jesus said the Father is pleased to give you the kingdom. His is the kingdom of light and life. The devil, on the other hand, is battling to get people to stay in, accept and possess the kingdom of darkness. Jesus came that you might possess life to the full. The devil comes that you might possess death, loss and destruction. When you believe the devil's lies, you are on your way to possessing what he wants to give you. However, when you believe the promises of God you are on your way to possessing what He has said, and what He wants to give you. Possession is 9/10ths of the law. If the devil can get you to accept his lie, he gains legal spiritual right to have you possess his destruction. For example, if you're sick, it may be a fact, but it's not the truth. The truth is that you are healed by the stripes of Jesus. The truth is Jesus bore your sicknesses and carried away your grief and pains. Arthritis, cancer or any other sickness, disease or negative emotion may become present in your body, but you don't need to take possession of it by saying "my arthritis, my cancer," etc... The time has come for you to possess the kingdom! Your confession should be "my healing", "my peace", "my joy", "my Jesus", "my salvation", "my deliverance" etc... The devil comes to give you poverty, but God wants you to possess prosperity! The devil comes to give you fear, but God wants you to possess faith and boldness! The devil comes to give you hopelessness & depression, but God wants you to possess peace, joy, love, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. The devil wants you to be overcome and defeated, but God says it is time for you to possess His authority and His righteousness and His kingdom! How does it happen? Not by living and believing the world. But by seeking first the kingdom and His righteousness, then all these things will be added unto you.

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Step By Step

Proverbs 20:24 (NKJV) A man’s steps are of the LORD; How then can a man understand his own way?


Sporting events are very popular in our culture here in the USA. From football, baseball, NASCAR to rodeo, each sport has it's climatic event such as the Super bowl in football or the NFR for rodeo. We are an "event" focused society, but often overlook or forget about the process it takes to get to the big "event". Most people never see or stop to think about the countless hours an athlete spends practicing and honing his or her skills to make it to the top of their game. It is no different in our spiritual life. The bible talks of God as being like a potter and us being like the clay. He is constantly molding us and forming us into what He wants us to be. Like a ship in the middle of the ocean, the captain sails his ship in faith knowing that there is land ahead even though he looks 360 degrees around him and sees nothing but water. Our walk with the Lord is a step-by-step walk of faith. It's not just an event, but a process. We may see "water" all around us, but step by step we are walking in faith towards the "land" of our destiny in life. Don't be so focused on the event of where you're going that you overlook the process of getting there. Keep your eyes on the Lord and not self.The Lord is directing each one of your steps, trust Him to lead you in the way you should go.

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Hearsay

Proverbs 16:28 (NKJV) A perverse man sows strife, And a whisperer separates the best of friend

Sometimes well-intended, sometimes meant to harm—they are the words spoken in the secret places that will not remain in secret. They are perhaps one of Satan’s greatest tools. He wields gossip like a cat-o'-nine-tails to rip apart the body of Christ. Through it, churches divide, lives are broken, hearts are torn, and forgiveness is not easily found. It is yet another device of the devil that, as a church, we must stand united against. We must do all we can to prevent gossip from getting a foothold in our church body. Have nothing to do with it. When it comes across your ears, you must go straight to God and obey His instruction. If you have said something, why have you said it? Is it because you are seeking God’s will in the matter? Is it because you are seeking the best interest of the body of Christ? Gossip is deceptive. It clouds the motives, burrows into curiosity, and festers like a sore. It will not sleep until it has claimed a life.

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One bite at a time

Psalm 119:105, KJV: Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

How do you read the Bible? One bite at a time, perhaps. There is a lot there and sometimes it can seem a bit overwhelming. But just like in many things, its all in how you look at it. The first thing you must keep in mind is to consider Who you are listening to. If you listen to the wrong voice, it might tell you that the Bible is too difficult for you to understand. But God has provided you all you need. His Holy Spirit will lead you as you seek God in His Word. God wants to reveal Himself to you and has promised that He will reward those who diligently seek Him. Whoever seeks Him wholeheartedly will find Him. Remember that it takes time, so don’t be discouraged if you are not understanding everything. Keep at it. God tells us, “you will reap the reward, if you do not give up.” Be faithful to open His Word and trust God to bring the results. I promise...you will not be let down. The benefits are truly eternal.

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Rewards

Matthew 6:1 (NKJV) Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven.

You open a door for a stranger. It is a kind gesture, and a simple act you are willing to perform. But as the stranger walks through the open door you hold, he does not so much as acknowledge your presence. It is not an act you do "to be seen" by others. But you feel somewhat slighted by the stranger's behavior. Or do you? Consider the things God does for us that go unnoticed. For Him, the act of love is in itself a great reward. As we seek to walk in the steps of our Lord, may it be so that we find the reward in the doing, and not what we get back in return.

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Beware the Big Fish

Jonah 1:1-3 (NKJV) Now the word of the LORD came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, 2 “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it; for their wickedness has come up before Me.” 3 But Jonah arose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. He went down to Joppa, and found a ship going to Tarshish; so he paid the fare, and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD.

Jonah learned the hard way what happens when a child of God does not yield to the will of God. In our lives as believers, it is probable that God is going to lead us in a direction we did not expect, or lead us to do a work we would never have chosen to do. And within that moment, we (like Jonah) have a choice: we can be obedient to God’s will, thus allowing God to work through us as He wishes; or we can run from God’s will and, essentially, be miserable. It is not God’s intention to make you miserable. But rest assured that since we are His, and since we have a purpose of God’s desire, we must function accordingly if we are to have peace. The benefits far outweigh the costs. Letting go of what we think or want is difficult, but necessary, if God is to complete His perfect work in us. The best thing we can do is simply follow His way, and stop trying to force our will above His.

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Self Service

Mark 9:35 (NKJV) And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.”

There seems to be a bit of confusion these days regarding the church. Many seem to believe that the church is there for them. They hold to the idea that the church should have adequate children’s programs, brief and enjoyable worship services filled with great preaching and good music. They choose a church based upon what it will provide to them and their family members—and that is, for them, the reason to attend a particular church. However, the church is not there for them—it is there for God and for His purposes. The church is not a club or an entertainment outlet. It is not product to be packaged to the desires of patrons. It is simply to be and become what God intends. If we seek God the question will not be, “Where can my family’s needs best be met?” but instead, “Where does the Lord wish us to serve?” Anything less is self-service.

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Thanksgiving

Luke 17:15-17 (KJV) And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?

Today on this day of Thanksgiving, we have much to be thankful for. Giving of thanks is God's will for us, but how many actually take the time to do it? In this story in Luke, it was only 1 out of 10 people. Is it possible that in today's times that only 10% of the population will stop to gives praise and thanks to God? How many times has He shown us favor, saved us from accidents, provided us the very necessities of life, yet most never acknowledge God in all their blessings. God created us all. He gave us life. And when we were lost and under the control of the devil, He gave us Jesus to redeem us and give us life to the full. He shows us mercy (so we don't get what we deserve,) and grace so we get what we don't deserve. Yes, we have much to be thankful for this day!

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Pass the Buck

Genesis 3:11-12 (KJV) And He said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat? And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat.

I am finding a most disturbing "spirit" among many believers these days. No it is not a new spirit but an old one that seems to be gaining ground. I am not even sure there is a Scripture reference for it but I do see this ugly creature growing by leaps and bounds. We could call it the spirit of "Pass the Buck". This would not be so evident if we were all part of the world, you know that Scripture...being in the world but not being of the world. Well anyway this is how I see it.
More and more the concept of taking responsibility for oneself in the believing community is dying. Instead of our dying to self it seems that we are all clinging to self. It seems that the event of Adam passing the buck to Eve is very popular, more than ever.
Where there is lack of commitment there is also lack of taking responsibility for our falling so short of God’s standards.
What I am getting to I guess, is lack of faith and definitely as I mentioned before, the lack of commitment is what does it. Complacency is also a huge factor here. If we do not do anything about anything or fess up to our problems, will they go away on their own??? It is so difficult for most to say I am sorry because they simply do not want to admit they are at fault.
I have seen heads of households make it late to services and blame it on their wives and children. Believers make vows and do not keep them with excuses at the last minute. Who are we? Are we children of the living God ? Saints? New creations? Or are we the old man, the one with no backbone? The old creature that can’t stand up tall and take the heat? If we can’t take the heat here we surely aren’t going to be able to withstand the tribulation and turmoil to come. We are fat and comfortable and we want to stay that way!


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God's Rod of Correction

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NKJV All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

How does God correct and reprimand His people? Well, a lot of people think that God will just throw a little cancer on you, or cause your house to burn down, or cause you to lose your job, or any and all other sorts of evil. The truth of the matter is, God set forth the blessing and the curse way back at the beginning of the bible and He told man "You choose for yourself this day, life or death." Also, we have an enemy, the devil, whose mission is to kill, steal and destroy. So, how does God correct His people? The same way He teaches and encourages them - with His word. The book of James says that the Word of God is like a mirror. When you look at it, it will tell you what is right and what is wrong in your life. The Holy Spirit will bear witness to this and also remind you and teach you what the word of God says (1 John 2:27). Those people in the world who are rebellious against God and refuse to live their life for Christ have already chosen their path - the path of destruction. But those who are seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, the Holy Spirit will teach them the way they should go, and the Word of God will correct and encourage you on how to be more like Jesus.

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Transformation

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

Coming into the transforming presence of God is something that will open our eyes to a great many things. Drawing near to Him will guarantee that we will begin to rethink the way we think, and question the way we have always considered things to be. We progress forward toward Him until we face areas we may be unwilling to give up, or that we are not wanting to consider changing. It's then that we shelter our eyes from His light as He reveals truth that we choose not to see. The painful reality is most painful to our flesh. Our flesh chooses to cling to that which is loved in the flesh--those things that are of this earth which bring to us a sense of security and comfort. Our flesh is unwilling to part with such things or even to consider doing so. It is not until we can willingly deny ourselves and selfish nature, that we will move forward toward God. It is not until we are willing to abandon all we have ever treasured, believed or thought we knew, that we will truly "throw off everything that hinders" so that we can fully come into the transforming presence of our Lord.

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Self Conscious or God Conscious?

Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; - John 12:42


Fear of what others may think or say about you can keep you from moving forward with God. Self-consciousness is a good thing when it pertains to being conscious of your actions, words and motives towards others, etc. However, being self-conscious to the point of being fearful of what others think and say about you can keep you in a place of mediocrity and less than God's best for your life. If God is prompting you to step out in an unfamiliar way or do something that you know is of Him, but out of your comfort zone, don't let self-consciousness hold you back and keep you from being part of something great that God is wanting to do. Even if persecution is inevitable, Be God-conscious and take "self" out of the way. You'll find that when you seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, you will be blessed for doing what is right.

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Rise Above with Love

1 Corinthians 13:7 (Amplified Bible) Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening].


God did not promise that we would not have days in which we would face difficulty. There will always be things to overcome as we rise from faith to faith, and He takes us from glory to glory. What God does promise though, is that through Jesus Christ we are over-comers, more than conquerors, blessed, the head not the tail, above only and not beneath! How does this happen? By acting, operating and walking in love. Love conquers all. Love is not a force that enables you to "bear up under" a situation or circumstance. Love is the power that enables you to rise above the situation and the circumstance! The word translated to "bear" in this verse is the Greek word "stego" which means to "roof over" or "to cover". It implies the thought of "reigning over, to the highest level". Don't let the phrase "bears all things" paint the wrong picture here. In every situation, Love is the power that causes and empowers you to cast down negative thoughts, change your attitude and adjust your actions to the highest degree, so that you are able to rise above and overcome whatever life throws your way. It's what causes your faith and expectation to persevere because the love of God truly does conquer all!

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A Child

Galatians 4:1-2 (Amplified Bible) NOW WHAT I mean is that as long as the inheritor (heir) is a child and under age, he does not differ from a slave, although he is the master of all the estate; But he is under guardians and administrators or trustees until the date fixed by his father.

A child. He or she can be the recipient of a great inheritance, but until that child reaches the age of maturity he or she is no different than one who owns nothing. A child can't enjoy the benefits of what has been appointed to him because he is a child. Though it all rightfully belongs to him, his immaturity will keep him from it.

The word "child" here in the Greek is the word "nepios" which means "non-speaking; immature Christian". What God is saying here is that the born-again believer who doesn't confess the written Word of God out of his own mouth will not fully enjoy and see the benefits that written word or promise is meant to bring forth. Remember, confession brings possession. God told Joshua when he entered the land of promise, to meditate (ponder, imagine, speak, talk, utter) His Word and do what it says. Then he will make his way successful and he will have good success! Don't be like a child who waits for something off in the future. Speak God's Word and let it transform and change your life!

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Pleasant Words

Proverbs 16:24 (KJV) Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

We know that “the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Heb. 4:12). God knows just what we need to hear. He knows just when we need to hear it. He knows when we will be ready to receive it and through whom He will choose to bring it. His words sink deeply into our hearts to lead, love and correct. In a time of pain, sorrow, or trouble, the right words can make all the difference. The well-chosen word can encourage, elate, or simply turn a bad day to good. As God’s children, we share in God’s ministry of His Word; and we share in His ministry of words. With hearts that love Him and love others, we can keep a watchful eye for opportunities to lift up others with kind, thoughtful, and well-timed words. Words that elate. Words that encourage. Words that are “are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”

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Say Something

Genesis 3:6 (Amplified Bible) And when the woman saw that the tree was good (suitable, pleasant) for food and that it was delightful to look at, and a tree to be desired in order to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate; and she gave some also to her husband, and he ate.

Going along with the crowd can be a dangerous thing. When people are deceived, they think they are doing right, but they are really doing wrong. The devil is very crafty when it comes to deception. When God has placed you in a position to take authority in a situation, it is always best to speak up for what is right regardless if others are being deceived. Regardless of who they are or who they're supposed to be, it is best to stand your ground. They may have a good argument or be very convincing. Make the right choice. It could mean the difference between a blessing or a curse; a garden of Eden or hell on earth.

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Increase

Genesis 1:29 (KLV) And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.

God is the giver of all good things. He created the earth to give. The plants give their seeds so they can produce more. The air gives it's oxygen so we can breathe. The sun and moon give their light so we can see. The clouds give their rain so things will grow. Have you ever noticed that the mentality of the world is to get all you can, and can all you get? Many Christians have the attitude of "As long as I have enough for me and mine, that's good enough!" However, that is not the will of God. God desire's that you have all you need, and plenty left over to share with others. (2 Cor. 9:8) So how do you increase? The same way the plants and trees do - you give from what you have. If all you ever do is try and hold on to everything you get, the more you'll find that it is always escaping you. If you want to increase your faith, your going to have to use what you have and put that faith into action. When you do that, it will produce a greater faith. You can apply this principle in every area of your life. If you want to have a greater love for people, you'll have to give and show the love you have in order to increase it. God has a system of seedtime and harvest, (Genesis 8:22) and if you'll give of what you have when, where and how the spirit of God says, it will work every time.

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Peace, The Acid Test

Colossians 3:15 (KJV) And let the peace of God rule in your hearts

Decisions, choices... sometimes the answer isn't clear. Sometimes the answer can't be found in the Word of God. Where to work, where to live, which car to buy or not to buy, etc. The Bible is very clear on a lot of different issues, but sometimes there are those questions that the Bible doesn't answer. Through prayer there is a way that you can be sure every time. God will speak to your "inner self", or what the Bible calls the "heart". God will give you peace in making the right choice. If you follow peace you will do well. If there is no peace, then don't make a move. Let peace be the acid test in your decision making.

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Focus On Love

Romans 13:10 (Amplified Bible) Love does no wrong to one's neighbor [it never hurts anybody]. Therefore love meets all the requirements and is the fulfilling of the Law.

God's law is holy. The Ten Commandments are holy and reveal our shortcomings while showing us our need for a savior. The Bible says that the person who tries to keep the law and live by the requirements of the law is under a curse. Instead of trying to obey every little command and end up being under a curse, choose rather to focus on showing love. God is love. Perfect love casts out fear. Love honors; does not murder; does not commit adultery; does not steal; does not lie. The perfect love of God keeps you in relationship and right standing with Him. Love is the fulfillment of the law. Love is not touchy-feely, and it is not emotional. The perfect love of God is an attitude and a choice. Choose today to focus on love in your attitude, words and actions. Let the perfect love of God shine through you.

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The Right to Condemn

...every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. - Isaiah 54:17

Thoughts. Everyone has them. Some are good, while others are bad or negative. Thoughts that wear you down, condemn you, and are contrary to the Word of God only come from one place. In this verse of scripture, the word "tongue" literally means evil speech from an accuser. The Bible says that Satan, the devil, is the accuser of the brethren. Jesus has defeated the devil and He has given you authority to use His word to condemn every negative thought or "voice" of the enemy. When he says you can't, God says you can. When he says there's no way, God says He will make a way. But if the devil can get you to dwell on what he says and begin to speak it out loud, you have just given him authority to wreak havoc in your life. God will not defeat those thoughts for you. However He has given you His Word to use against the devil and the responsibility lies with each one of us to condemn the devil with the written Word of God. So stand on the Word of God. Speak it out loud. When every thought and evil speech from the accuser tries to succeed and pronounce judgment against you, YOU shall condemn it!.


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It's The Devil

If it is not He, who else could it be? - Job 9:24

Someone dies from cancer and people say "God works in mysterious ways." A young person dies in a tragedy and people say "God did this so this person's friends would get saved." Someone has their possessions destroyed or stolen and they get better stuff and people say "God did this so they could get new stuff." Someone goes through a divorce and later marries someone better and people say "God let this happen so they could find someone better." Meanwhile, the true author of these events gets off unnoticed and without blame. On one hand the devil is out seeking whom he may devour, on the other hand God is causing things to work together for good. Good will always triumph over evil. God will ALWAYS triumph over the devil. The devil's worst catastrophe will never be bigger than God's greatest blessing. Thousands of years ago Job didn't know who brought all the grief on him and into his life. However, Jesus came and set the record straight. In the book of John, chapter 10, verse 10 He says "the thief comes to steal, kill and destroy but I have come that you might have life abundantly, to the full, till it overflows. God has gotten a bad rap too long. Let's get the record straight according to the word of the Lord, and give credit to whom credit is due.

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The Promised Harvest

Galatians 6:9 (Amplified Bible) And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint.

The passion does not have to die. Though you see no evidence of fruits from your labor, the vision does not have to be lost. Round about you, the world, and even the church, may seem to be suffering within a spiritual depression of sorts, but “let not your hearts be troubled....” Do not lose hope. It is the promise of God that His Word will not return to Him empty. He will accomplish His purpose. Our desert times wear on us. They would strip us of our passion and our vision, and our desire to press onward. Yet, though we may not see the evidence of the coming harvest, we must not grow weary and lose heart; but trust that in due season, God will surely bring the harvest. The passion does not have to die, but can remain until the deliverance of the promised harvest.

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Blessed or Stressed?

Luke 10:41 (The Message) The Master said, "Martha, dear Martha, you're fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing. One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it—it's the main course, and won't be taken from her."

You are too blessed to be stressed! There will always be trivial things and everyday chores to do. There will always be dishes to wash, trash to take out, floors to sweep, clothes to wash, etc… the list goes on. Meals will need to be prepared and groceries will need to be bought. There will always be satan in your face trying to discourage you, with what people say, because he knows you are truly in the Lords service. Don't let the small things in life steal your joy. The devil may come at you from time to time with a big catastrophe that puts you to the test, but more often it's the little things that go on every day that the enemy uses to wear you down. Remember to cast your cares onto the Lord. If the devil can steal your joy with the little things, he will also be able to steal your time you spend with the Lord each day. Don't let the devil wear you out by getting you into the "Martha syndrome."

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Put the Word into Action

Hebrews 12:1-2 (Amplified Bible) THEREFORE THEN, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who have borne testimony to the Truth], let us strip off and throw aside every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us, and let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us, Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection]. He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Everyone has a purpose, and everyone has a part in God's plan. But the race that God has for you to run can only be done by keeping your eyes on Jesus. You can't even begin to run your race if Jesus is not your personal Lord and Savior. But once you get on the path, the one thing that will slow you down and trip you up, is sin. Sin is "missing the mark", or simply put, "not doing what the Word says to do." Those who do what the word says to do are the ones who will be blessed. When you are a doer of the Word, you will be blessed in what you do. You will make your way prosperous and you will have good success. When it comes to the Word of God, determine today to not just be one that hears only, but one that takes it a step further and puts it into action.

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Mirror, Mirror

Deuteronomy 6:14 (NKJV) You shall not go after other gods, the gods of the peoples who are all around you

For many of us, if we want to see the object of our affection, we need only look in a mirror. Take a look around. How many people can you think of where you can say without hesitation, “That person lives for God first?” There are some. But the majority of us are first and foremost living for ourselves, and the desires of the flesh. Take a good, honest look in the mirror. How much do you do for that body? You make sure it gets food, clothing, and shelter. Do you appease it when it cries for entertainment, excitement, or anything else it wants? Now put God in the mirror with you. Does He show through in you, your actions, and attitudes? Can His light be seen in your eyes? Is who He is reflected in your life, or does He get crowded out by your reflection? It is a sad condition many of us may see ourselves in, when we have to honestly say, I seem to love myself more than God. I seem to love myself more then the body of Christ. But with Christ, we can find the means to love even as He loved us. But first, we must be willing.

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Faith In Action

James 1:22-25 (NKJV) 22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.

Those who take what they hear and put it into practice are those who will be blessed. When you hear or read the word, it is like looking into a mirror. You see the things you need to change and you get a revelation on the things you need to be doing. However, when faith rises up in you and you neglect to put that faith into action, it's like walking away from the mirror and forgetting everything you just saw. But those who take that word and sow it, that is, put it into action, they bear fruit - some thirty, some sixty and some a hundred fold. Be encouraged that as you put your faith into action, you will be blessed in what you do.

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Offended

James 5:16 (Amplified Bible) Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].


I don’t mean to sound ugly , But get over it. Every day each of us has an opportunity to be offended at something or someone. And each of us in the natural handles our offenses differently. Some of us just don’t let offenses affect us. We have the ability to let them roll off of us like water on a duck’s back. While on the other hand some of us live them over and over and over. Do you realize that being offended at someone only hurts you? It does not affect the person who has caused the offence. The effects of a church member becoming offended many times is caused by someone simply misinterpreting what another said. Then there are those that are just looking for something to be offended at. Then there are those that are looking to offend. We must keep a guard on our tongue and weigh out every word before it leaves our mouth. Once spoken, words cannot be recaptured, and the results can be disastrous. The enemy would like nothing better then to destroy the unity of the church. If he can keep Christians bickering, fighting, and becoming offended with each other, then he has succeeded in dividing the church. He has won a victory! For the good of the body we need to bind together, not pull apart. There is power in a united effort. Look around where are we headed ?

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Jesus Is The Way

John 14:6 (KJV Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Many people are looking for the answers to life. They search for "what works for them" in many different philosophies, religions and ideas. Whether they realize it or not, they are searching for God. God in His mercy has given us the answer. He has provided the way. Jesus is the door that leads home. He is the way to eternal life, peace, joy, hope and contentment. The question has been answered. So why is the answer so offensive? Many have asked the question "Why does Jesus have to be the only way?" Let's think of it like this: if you were in a burning building looking for a way out and someone showed you the door that would lead to safety, why would you ignore the door and try to crawl out the window? When the door is right in front of you, why would you want to try to get out through a floor vent or a make a hole in the ceiling? Jesus is the way. He is the door that leads to what you are looking for.


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Hearing His Voice

And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers. - John 10:4-5

Learning to recognize the voice of the Lord has to do with building a relationship and spending time with Him. The more you spend time in prayer and listening with your spiritual ear to what God is saying, the more you will recognize His voice. When you hear the voice of a spouse or loved one, not only do you recognize their voice, but there is a sense of devotion and love that you feel when you hear it. The more you are devoted to God, the more you'll be able to recognize His voice because you'll recognize the love and devotion within it, and when the enemy starts feeding you lies, negative thoughts, deceptive thoughts and thoughts that tear you down and condemn you, you will know that it is the enemy talking because there is no love or devotion attached to it. If you think you have trouble hearing from God or recognizing His voice, begin to spend more time with Him in prayer and reading His word. Then, let your confession be "I can hear the voice of God, I do hear the voice of God and the voice of a stranger I will not listen to!"

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Accepted, Not Condemned

For God did not send His Son into the world in order to judge (to reject, to condemn, to pass sentence on) the world, but that the world might find salvation and be made safe and sound through Him. - John 3:17 (Amplified)

God is for you, not against you. He sent Jesus to show us His love and to extend His mercy and grace to us. Often times, religion and tradition has painted a picture of a God who hates the world and is waiting for us to approach Him so He can judge and condemn us for our mistakes. Ignorantly, we've made God out to be an old miser with a bull whip just waiting for us to get out of line so He can smack us a good one. But praise God, He actually provides salvation, hope and safety and is ready to accept, love and forgive all who come to Him. Remind yourself today, that through Jesus, your are accepted, justified and sanctified by the finished work of redemption of the cross.


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Your Time Is Now

Acts 17:26 (NKJV) And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings,

Have you ever thought that maybe you were born too late, or maybe too early? I used to think I should have lived 100 years ago back when this country was still being settled and explored. God knows best. He has created us to live in such a time as this. He has a plan and a purpose for everyone and has each one of us in the place we are for a reason. Be encouraged today, knowing that you are living in the time that God has planned. He has created you with unique gifts, talents and abilities to accomplish all that you were designed to do and fulfill. Ask the Lord to show you what your purpose is, and know that the time for you is NOW!

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Be On Guard

Nehemiah 4:17 (NKJV) Those who built on the wall, and those who carried burdens, loaded themselves so that with one hand they worked at construction, and with the other held a weapon.

Never forget that as you go about fulfilling your assignment and destiny that the Lord has called you to in expanding His kingdom in the earth, that there is a spiritual battle going on 24/7. The devil is seeking whom he may devour, as he comes to kill, steal and destroy. He's firing off his flaming arrows of lies and deceptions hoping he will catch someone with their guard down. However, our weapons are not physical weapons, but spiritual and full of divine power for demolishing strongholds. That's why you need to pray in the name of Jesus - the name above all names. Speak the blood of Jesus over you and yours every day - the blood cleanses all unrighteousness and nothing can penetrate it. Speak the Word of God - it's the sword of the spirit, a double edge sword. One edge is to sharpen you, the other is to cut the devil off. Then, praise God that He has placed His angels all around you and that He is a wall of fire of protection around you. Finally, never let your guard down. Always guard your heart and be alert concerning the subtle schemes of the devil to bring in strife, contention and division into your life. Be quick to repent, and quick to forgive. Give no place to the devil.


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Faith and Patience

Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth? - Luke 18:8

People go to court every day involving themselves in lawsuits and trials that will take months and years to resolve. Athletes spend weeks, months and years training to be the best they can be. People go to doctors and get prescriptions to take pills for days and weeks for an ailment. People do all sorts of things and submit themselves to strict regiments in order to obtain a certain goal. They are willing to do what it takes to get the results they are desiring. But so many times they try and act on what God says one or two times and give up without results. Why? Because it is through faith and patience that we receive or inherit the promises of God. In other words, it's through believing and controlled power. It's believing that what God said is true for you, and it's the controlled power that keeps you from straying off course and giving up. Now is not the time to throw in the towel, stay the course.

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Itching Ears

2 Timothy 4:3-4 (Amplified Bible) For the time is coming when [people] will not tolerate (endure) sound and wholesome instruction, but, having ears itching [for something pleasing and gratifying], they will gather to themselves one teacher after another to a considerable number, chosen to satisfy their own liking and to foster the errors they hold, And will turn aside from hearing the truth and wander off into myths and man-made fictions.

It seems that the world around us is filled with people who gravitate toward those who speak, teach, or “say what their itching ears want to hear.” Even within the church we must contend with such attitudes and the seeping in of worldly philosophy and unsound doctrine. In some congregations, it would seem they present and package to please—careful not to offend—watering down the Word of God in the process. But the Church is not here to promote popular viewpoints, draw crowds, or to entertain in order to keep high attendance, as I have seen some churches do. Good intentions or not, nowhere in the Bible will we find that we should use the world’s methods to achieve spiritual goals. God’s “ways are higher...” (Isaiah 55:9). And in His Church, His way is the only way we should be seeking.

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You're An Overcomer!

For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, - our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. - 1 John 5:4-5

With Jesus as our Lord, we have the God-given ability to overcome any problem we may face. Anything that could possibly happen in this world, God has provided the means to overcome it through Jesus Christ. Our focus should not be on how big the problem is, but on God's promise that we can overcome it. So today make a decision to not worry or focus on problems, but on the fact that by faith in Jesus Christ, you are a world over-comer!

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The Right Path

You will show me the path of life - Psalm 16:11

It is written that the road to destruction is wide and many are on it, but the path to life is narrow and there are few that find it. How do you know, day by day, if you are on the path that leads to life or the road to destruction? The very simple answer is, if you've confessed Jesus as Lord and Savior of your life and believe in your inner most being that God raised Him from the dead, you are on the path that leads to life - life eternal. There is also the path of blessing. You can be on the path of life, but not experiencing the blessings of God in your life everyday. How do you know if you are on that path or not? God says we will find Him when we seek Him with all of our heart. Jesus said if you abide in Me and My words abide in you, then you will produce much fruit. God said "blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the ungodly, nor sit in the seat of the scornful, nor stand in the path of sinners". God will show you the path of life, and the one who delights himself in the Lord will see the blessings of God. When you put Jesus first place in every area of your life, and you seek God for every decision you make, and if you listen for His voice and His direction then put it into practice and do it, you will be on His path and you will be blessed in what you do.

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Speak Life

Proverbs 18:21 (NKJV) Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.

You have been made in the image of God. You have the ability to speak words that build up, or words that destroy. When you speak encouraging words, those words will come back to you. When you speak positive or negative words, those words have the ability to affect your outlook and attitude. Many fights have been fought and many people have been comforted all with words. Today, choose your words carefully. Think about the words you will say to yourself and those around you, and how those words will affect the lives around you. They will either build up or tear down. You have the opportunity and ability to speak life into someone's situation today, because you have the "life giver" living on the inside of you!

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Words Attract

Matthew 12:35 (NKJV) A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.

Have you ever noticed how some people are positive and upbeat, and no matter what comes their way they always seem to come out on top? Then there are others who have their ups and downs, and they just barely get by? And then there are those who are always negative and nothing good ever happens to them? Much of that has to do with the words they speak. What they meditate on, the thoughts they entertain and the things they think about will affect the words they speak. Before long, those words begin to attract those types of things and circumstances. In other words, they will produce or bring forth what they are saying. They will have what they say when they believe it in their heart, whether it be good, mediocre or evil. Words have power. Use your words to produce what is good. God has given us the choice to choose life or death, the blessing or the curse. Choose wisely, choose life.


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Let Your Light Shine

Matthew 5:14-16 (The Message) Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.

There is no question--"You are the light of the world." Jesus did not say "you might be the light of the world," or "you are the light of the world one day--but maybe not the next." As a follower of Jesus Christ, a believer and disciple of His teachings, you are the light of the world. To be a Christian means to be light--the two cannot be separated. Jesus instructs, "let your light shine before men." Although we are the light of the world, we must do what is necessary to let our light shine. We must keep the light fueled. A flame will not burn if there is nothing feeding it. Our source of fuel is Christ Himself, for He is the true Light and He is the Life of the light that He has placed within us. Don't let others try to dim your light.

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Christ In You

Colossians 1:26-27 (Amplified Bible) The mystery of which was hidden for ages and generations [from angels and men], but is now revealed to His holy people (the saints), To whom God was pleased to make known how great for the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ within and among you, the Hope of [realizing the] glory.
God has promised to meet all your needs according to His riches in glory, by Christ Jesus. Are those riches silver or gold? Are they precious stones? No, God says that His riches are all in Christ. Jesus is the riches. All things are by Him and for Him. All the fullness dwells in Him. Every need you have is met by Jesus and through Jesus. Without Him, every need you have can not be met. That's why Jesus said that when you abide in Him and His words abide in you, ask what you wish and it shall be granted. Abiding in Him is the key, and you can't abide in Him if He is not abiding in you. God is saying that the way to get your needs met is by Christ in you! It's not about seeking "things", it's about seeking Him. When you have Jesus, you have it all!

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Looking Out For Others

Philippians 2:1-4 (The Message) If you've gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care— then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don't push your way to the front; don't sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don't be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.

The world is full of people who are self-centered and only look out for "number one". There are those that love to talk about themselves but never have the time to lend an ear to anyone else. People enter in to crooked business deals everyday only concerned about how they can profit personally. The attitude is that it's their world and everyone else is just living in it. As a child of God, you are not created to be a part of that darkness. You have been reborn with the light of Jesus shining from the inside of you. You are a light in a dark place. You can show the love of God to someone by helping them with their needs. Find someone and encourage them to realize and reach their goals and dreams. As you stretch yourself in this area, you will find that God is also causing your needs to be met and your dreams and goals to come to pass.

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Falling Apart?

For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. - Colossians 1:16-18

No one knows a product better than the original manufacturer. Even the mechanics who work on automobiles are taught and educated by the factories that built them. God has created everything. He made you and the very air that you breathe. His desire is to be first place in your life. If life seems like it is falling apart at every turn, there is a way to get it fixed. Put it back in the hands of the manufacturer. Put Jesus first place in your life. In Him all things hold together. When we take the time to seek Him first in all things, He will help us make the most out of life. If life is falling apart, let Jesus put it all back together.

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Witness In The Workplace

Titus 2:9-10 (Amplified Bible) 9[Tell] bond servants to be submissive to their masters, to be pleasing and give satisfaction in every way. [Warn them] not to talk back or contradict, 10Nor to steal by taking things of small value, but to prove themselves truly loyal and entirely reliable and faithful throughout, so that in everything they may be an ornament and do credit to the teaching [which is] from and about God our Savior.

Fast forward 2000 years. The relationship between slave and master can be compared respectively to employee and employer. The best witness you can give in the workplace is one of character, integrity, honesty and service. No one is going to want to hear about your Jesus if you are not displaying His character. Jesus came to serve, not to be served. When your boss sees your work ethics, regardless of his beliefs, it should send a message to him or her that as a Christian, you are there to make your place of employment better. When you work as working for the Lord, not for man, it should cause you to have a better attitude than the non-believer because your job is one of your places of ministry. It is one of your mission fields. It all goes back to the foundation of seeking first the kingdom. The kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy. When you're seeking right position with God, you'll choose integrity, honesty and service over lying, stealing, cheating and laziness. Ask God daily to show you as a Christian, how you can make your workplace better. It will be a witness to those who employ you. To God be the glory!

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Focus On The Good

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NKJV) Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Complaining, being negative and focusing on problems never solved anything. If there's a problem to deal with, we can be thankful to God that He can and will show us the answer. It's a matter of perspective. Focus on the problem and complain about how bad it is and say every negative thought that comes to your mind, OR focus on God who provides the solution and be thankful that He is able to help you through it. For every evil and negative thing the devil brings about, there is a good and positive counterpart that God can bring about. Great big God and little bitty devil. Good overcomes evil and light extinguishes darkness. To be Kingdom minded is life, to be worldly minded or carnally minded is death. Focus on the good that God brings into your life and the negative will become smaller and smaller.

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Words of Healing

Proverbs 12:18 (Amplified Bible) There are those who speak rashly, like the piercing of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

You've heard the old sayings "Think before you speak", and "Choose your words wisely." Words that are spoken hastily can more times than not, be words that tear down, not build up. Words can cut like a knife and do damage to the soul of the ones they are directed towards. Words can cause deep wounds and offenses, but words can also bring peace and healing. There is much wisdom in thinking before you speak. You can be the person today who either causes the ruckus, or stops it by simply speaking the right words. I'm not talking about being "politically correct" or avoiding the truth, but there is something the bible calls "speaking the truth in love". Even a word of correction or rebuke can be said in such a way that helps the one who needs to hear it, instead of offending them. Avoid the offense today by walking in the wisdom of God. Use your words to bring peace, not destruction.

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Re-new your mind

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

In 2 Corinthians 5:17, the scripture tells us that when we accept Christ as our personal Lord and Savior, old things are passed away and all things become new! At that very moment, on the inside, in our spirit, we are created in the image of Christ. However, our mind, will, and emotions (soul), do not automatically change. As human beings, living in a carnal world, we still have carnal thoughts. Satan attacks us in the realm of our thought life and tries to get us to think carnally. When we think carnal thoughts, we often times feel condemned and ashamed! This is a playground for the devil! Thank God we do have a way in which we can renew our minds! “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God”. (Romans 12:2). In order for us to think, act, and speak like God, we must renew our mind with HIS word. As we grow and develop in His word, we take hold of our thought life and bring it into subjection with the spirit!

Have a blessed day!
Susan White

Set Free

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
- Galatians 5:1
As believers in Jesus Christ, we have been set free to live life to the full and serve one another in love. That simply means do not let yourself be burdened by rules and regulations. You have the Holy Spirit on the inside of you and God desires that you learn how to recognize and listen to the leading of His voice, not try and keep a list of rules. You have been freed from every kind of bondage, whether it be depression, fear, lack, poverty, self-doubt, discouragement, physical bondages, emotional and mental problems, stress, anger, rage, etc... the list goes on. Though you may have lived with these negative elements before you got saved, you no longer have to be subject to their oppression. You now have the spirit of God on the inside of you and the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth - the name above all names. The name that every other name bows down to. You have been set free by the God of the universe. Guard that freedom with all you have and don't allow any negative thing to hold you captive any more! Decide today to verbally renounce those things and the devil that brings them against you. Greater is God who is in you, than the devil who is in the world. You have been set free to be the person God created you to be!

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Believe and Receive

Hebrews 13:8 (NKJV) Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

God’s word never changes! He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8). Whatever He says in His word He will do! His word is His will. Legally, a will is a document that grants a survivor specific rights or possessions upon death. For example, let’s say someone states in his or her will that upon death you will receive a plot of land, a sum of money, or even a sentimental possession. Whatever that will states, is what you are entitled to receive. It’s a gift! However, in order to validate the will, or be able to use the gifts, an action is required on the part of the receiver! The land, money or the possession won’t be yours until you take them! Jesus said in Mark 11:24, “when you stand praying you must believe that you receive.” Notice this verse has two parts, believing and receiving. Believing is the first step, but in order to fulfill the terms of the will, you must believe that you “receive”, or simply, “take it”. Jesus has already fulfilled the terms of God’s will through His death, burial, and resurrection! He said, “Ask anything according to His will and He will do it.” In order for the will to be validated, you must take it! You must believe and “RECEIVE

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By Susan White

Reach Out

Proverbs 25:25 (NKJV) As cold water to a weary soul, So is good news from a far country.

There is a saying that goes something like this: To the world, you are just one person; but to one person, you are the world. There is someone today that needs to hear your voice on the phone. Someone, somewhere, needs the encouragement that you can give. As you go through your day and begin to think of someone you haven't seen, spoken to or thought of in a long time, don't pass it off - it may be God telling you that they need to hear from you. The ministry of reconciliation that you have, is the hope that they need to hear about today. Don't pass up an opportunity to give someone good news of encouragement, hope, peace, salvation, friendship, love, etc. You are chosen of God - called for such a time as this. You have God's strength, wisdom, grace, love, joy, peace and kindness operating on the inside of you. Freely you have received, freely give. In Jesus Christ, you are the light of the world. Take the opportunity to brighten someone's day!

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Persistence

Luke 11:10 (Amplified Bible) For everyone who asks and keeps on asking receives; and he who seeks and keeps on seeking finds; and to him who knocks and keeps on knocking, the door shall be opened.

Persistence. Is it something you lack or something that defines you? The devil is very persistent in his schemes. He constantly bombards you with thoughts and all sorts of things to distract you, to keep you down, and to restrict you to a mediocre life. But what about us when it comes to spiritual things? Oh, we're persistent when it comes to money. We fight to the finish when it comes to getting a better deal on a car, finding the right gift for someone, or acquiring something we want or desire. But when it comes to the things of God, do we carry that persistence over into the spiritual area? Most people pray once, or they ask once, or they seek for a little bit, and when they don't feel like they've heard anything from God they give up. The Lord says to believe you receive when you pray. That is where faith comes in. Faith does not give up, so along with faith is persistence. These verses teach that it's the one who asks and keeps on asking, receives. The one who seeks and keeps on seeking, finds. And the one who knocks and keeps on knocking, it is opened. When it comes to God, don't just try once and give up. Be persistent.

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Overcome Evil

Romans 12:21 (The Message) Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he's thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don't let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.

Life is full of choices. There are many opportunities everyday to let evil prevail, or to overcome evil with good. When someone talks behind your back, it's easy to repay evil with evil by talking behind their back, or simply blow it off and let peace prevail. When someone does you wrong, it may be human nature to get revenge, but a citizen of the kingdom of God knows that vengeance belongs to the Lord. As you learn to let the peace of God reign and rule in your life, it becomes easier to rise above negative situations. Don't give in to speaking and acting evil, but instead say "I release the peace of God into this situation" and you'll find yourself taking the high road every time.
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Release The Feast

Psalm 23:5 (NKJV) You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.
God's plan for you is to have victory and overcome the circumstances in life. When the devil comes in to steal, kill and destroy you, God wants to give you life more abundantly through Jesus Christ. When life has been one setback after another, right in the midst of the nay-sayers, God wants to promote you when you put Him first place in your life. He is looking for the one who will look to Him so He can show that what is impossible with man is possible with God. With all the evil and destructive works that the devil brings about, God doesn't want to bring in more destruction to show His greatness. No, He wants to show His greatness by finding someone to bless. Someone who will forsake it all to live for Him so He can release His blessing into the earth through them. And He wants to do it right in the midst and presence of your enemies. He wants to show that when they said you can't, God says you can. When they say there's no way you'll ever get out of the hole you're in, God says he will make you greater than before and restore double what the enemy has stolen. When they say there's lack and recession, God wants to show that His people continue to increase and prosper. Who will choose His kingdom and His way of doing things, to be anointed and set apart to have their life overflow with blessings? You don't have to wait until you get to heaven to experience the blessings. God wants to do it here and now in the presence of your enemies.


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Blind Sighted

Matthew 15:14 (The Message) Jesus shrugged it off. "Every tree that wasn't planted by my Father in heaven will be pulled up by its roots. Forget them. They are blind men leading blind men. When a blind man leads a blind man, they both end up in the ditch."

Ever notice how children and teens often will take the advice a peer offers, over that of a parent. For some strange reason, so many people will more readily accept the thoughts and opinions of someone at the same life-stage as themselves, rather than that of someone who has many more years of experience from which to offer counsel. It is often frustrating to a parent when a child rejects good sound counsel to blindly follow the words of a friend who knows no more than the child does. How much more might we consider the same thing about how God sees us? It must trouble Him to see his children blindly follow poor advice and “reasonable” worldly counsel. But so often we turn a deaf ear to God in favor of personal experience, or experience of others, when what He offers is the best counsel we could ever possibly receive.

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HAUNTED BY YOUR PAST

Have you ever been haunted by your past...by stuff like over resent or many years ago I mean HAUNTED!! Do you try so hard to just dismiss it all mentally, but the dang video just kept showing in your head!
Nobody knows it. On the outside, it looks like business as usual....everything looks great. But inside, it is like your own private hell. Guilt and shame; self condemnation and self hatred.
Do you ever tell God, I would change all those things I did if I could...but I can't change them now. Please help me.
I am so thankful for what the Lord told me!! He said, "I OWN YOUR PAST!"
"I BOUGHT IT"
"I AM NOW RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR PAST"
Oh Praise You Jesus!! It will totally set you free!! He loves me. And He loves you too! I pray your past is in Jesus' hands!! You know what? I also know that my present belongs to Jesus, and my future too!
He totally annihilated what was haunting me, and he will totally annihilate what is haunting you.
What can wash away my sin, nothing but the Blood of Jesus, What can make me whole again, nothing but the Blood of Jesus. Oh precious is the flow that makes me white as snow No other fount I know NOTHING BUT THE BLOOD OF JESUS!
Psalm 103:12 (NKJV) As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
So far hath he removed our transgressions from us - That is, he has put them entirely away. They are so removed that they cannot affect us any more. We are safe from all condemnation for our sins, as if they had not been committed at all.
1 John 1:9 (NKJV) If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness
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Showing The Truth

1 John 3:18 (NKJV) My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.

The kingdom of God is not about rules, regulations, or do's and don'ts. It is about righteousness, joy and peace, working or acting out in love. Actions speak louder than words and a sermon is better lived, rather than spoken. There is a phrase that says "what would Jesus do", but if we only say the words without actually doing what Jesus did, we are deceiving ourselves. You can be an instrument of God to change the world around you, but it won't be with words only, but by your attitude and actions. A follower of Christ is not one who merely repeats His words, but one who also walks His walk.

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Decisions

Proverbs 16:33 (The Message) Make your motions and cast your votes, but God has the final say.

God is in control. There may be times that you wonder if you are on the right path, but the real question is "are you seeking the Lord?" If your focus is on Him and His plan for your life, He will lead you in the right way. Even when you make mistakes, it's not too big for our God. He is well able to cause all things to work together for good! God never throws up His hands and gives up - He always has a plan. Keep seeking Him, keep praising Him, keep giving thanks! Don't be discouraged by the trees of the forest, keep looking for the path. He will show you the way. Seek Him in all your decisions and follow peace.

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Feeling Less Than Spiritual

John 14:1-3 (NKJV) Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.
No, you are not the only one who has faced it. You know—a time when you feel, shall we say, less than spiritual. Just as many others, I too can say, “Been there…lived through that.” Sometimes, that’s all you feel you’ve accomplished. Living through it, that is. And barely even that, perhaps. Maybe you wonder how it is possible to get through the tough times and feel more like a victorious Christian, than a beaten believer. The first thing you must do is put your eyes on Jesus. The second thing is to keep them there. In our “less than spiritual” times, it is tempting to believe the voice that tells you, you have failed—and tells you, you will only fail again. But that is not the voice of Jesus; and it is only His voice to which you should be paying close attention. Don’t let your heart be troubled, believe in Jesus. He has wonderful things in store for you. If it were not so…He would have told you.

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Jealousy

Galatians 5:26 (Amplified Bible)
Let us not become vainglorious and self-conceited, competitive and challenging and provoking and irritating to one another, envying and being jealous of one another.

When we use the word “jealous,” we use it in a sense of being envious of someone who has something we do not have. This kind of jealousy is a sin and is not characteristic of a Christian; rather, it shows that we are still being controlled by our own desires.The Bible tells us that we are to have the perfect kind of love that God has for us. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” The more we focus on ourselves and our own desires, the less we are able to focus on God. When we harden our hearts to the truth, we cannot turn to Jesus and allow Him to heal us . But when we allow the Holy Spirit to control us, He will produce in us the fruit of our salvation, which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Being jealous indicates that we are not satisfied with what God has given us. The Bible tells us to be content with what we have, for God will never fail or forsake us . In order to combat jealousy, we need to become more like Jesus and less like ourselves. As we learn how to serve others instead of ourselves, our hearts will begin to change. “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will”
TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, forgive me for taking my eyes off of you and setting up my own kingdom. I know that jealousy and selfish ambition have been prevalent in my life. I renounce these attitudes and ask that You would show me Your will for my life. Help me be content and live a life pleasing to you.
AMEN

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