Look To Jesus

2 Chronicles 20:12 (KJV) O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee.
When the pressure is on and the circumstances are tough, do you look somewhere else for wisdom and instruction or do you look to the Lord? Most people keep their eyes on the 6 o'clock news and the world economy,or the gossip going on around them, but God says to look to Him and His promises. Some folks look at what they don't have instead of what they do have. Instead of focusing on what you think is the impossible situation, look to Jesus who can do exceeding abundantly above all that you could ask or think. God has created you with talents and abilities and a brain. He wants you to use them, but He does not want you trusting in them. Trust in the Lord and keep your eyes on Him. He will see you through!
“In 2010, we win!”

Have A Blessed day

Stay Strong

Ephesians 6:12 (The Message)
against the Devil and all his angels.
A Fight to the Finish
And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we'll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish
Spiritual strength and courage are needed for our spiritual warfare and suffering. Those who would prove themselves to have true grace, must aim at all grace; and put on the whole armour of God, which he prepares and bestows. The Christian armour is made to be worn; and there is no putting off our armour till we have done our warfare, and finished our course. The combat is not against human enemies, nor against our own corrupt nature only; we have to deal with an enemy who has a thousand ways of beguiling unstable souls. The devils assault us in the things that belong to our souls, and labour to deface the heavenly image in our hearts. We must resolve by God's grace, not to yield to Satan. Resist him, and he will flee. If we give way, he will get ground. If we distrust either our cause, or our Leader, or our armour, we give him advantage.
Matthew Henry

Have A Blessed Day

Restore

Galatians 6:1-3 (Amplified Bible) BRETHREN, IF any person is overtaken in misconduct or sin of any sort, you who are spiritual [who are responsive to and controlled by the Spirit] should set him right and restore and reinstate him, without any sense of superiority and with all gentleness, keeping an attentive eye on yourself, lest you should be tempted also. Bear (endure, carry) one another's burdens and troublesome moral faults, and in this way fulfill and observe perfectly the law of Christ (the Messiah) and complete what is lacking [in your obedience to it]. For if any person thinks himself to be somebody [too important to condescend to shoulder another's load] when he is nobody [of superiority except in his own estimation], he deceives and deludes and cheats himself.

It hurts in a strange and different way. It feels like betrayal, yet that may be a bit strong. A person you admire, respect, or even love, lets you down. But it’s not that he or she let specifically you down, but that he or she did something to disillusion you. This person you admire behaved or said something inappropriate, or uncharacteristic. And suddenly—your world is shattered. It happens all the time. People are placed upon pedestals and expected to live up to being the person we see him or her as in our minds. But even the best examples we have here are stained with humanity and struggle with sin. And it is often those lifted up the most in the eyes of others that may crash the hardest. It amazes me how some rate sin on a scale of 1-10. I have looked and I can't find that in the Word. So, what do you do when that good Christian you have admired fails? “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.” We will all fail at one time or another. ( and don't ever say never) It is not our place to judge, but to restore. It is our place to pick that person up, and help him or her regain footing on the path of God. I like the way the message Bible puts it. Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day's out. Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ's law. If you think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived.

Have A Blessed Day

Predictions

Philippians 4:8 (The Message)

Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.

A lot of people are predicting dark times ahead. But I believe 2010 will be a year of blessing! Why? Because integrity faces off with Corruption, Dishonesty, and Manipulation.
Now I’ll admit to you that in the natural, things may look bleak, but I’m not going to look at the natural. I’M GOING TO LOOK AT THE SUPERNATURAL. “The natural and the supernatural coming together make an explosive force for God.” When the supernatural is brought into the picture, things change, and the outlook becomes quite different. So when it looks like we’re going to fail, remember that with God we can succeed. When it looks like we’re facing defeat, remember that the promises of God declare that we have the victory. I can say that because I know my God. I know He is faithful. And I know that the promises of God are always true. I believe that God will take care of us when we trust His promises and believe Him no matter what we see, feel or think. Remember. God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, “In 2010, we win!”

Have A Blessed Day

Build A Fence

1 Corinthians 10:13 (Amplified Bible) For no temptation (no trial regarded as enticing to sin), [no matter how it comes or where it leads] has overtaken you and laid hold on you that is not common to man [that is, no temptation or trial has come to you that is beyond human resistance and that is not adjusted and adapted and belonging to human experience, and such as man can bear]. But God is faithful [to His Word and to His compassionate nature], and He [can be trusted] not to let you be tempted and tried and assayed beyond your ability and strength of resistance and power to endure, but with the temptation He will [always] also provide the way out (the means of escape to a landing place), that you may be capable and strong and powerful to bear up under it patiently.

If you have ever stood at the edge of a high cliff and looked down, it is not a safe feeling. One wrong move could cause you to slip and fall over. Or have you noticed that high voltage areas have fences several yards away from the danger, so that someone does not get too close and get electrocuted. God loves us and does not want us standing to close to what is dangerous for us. He wants us to remove any chance of harm. How we do it is to put up the fence several yards away from the danger. That way if you are harmed it is because you willfully jumped the fence and not because you slipped into a danger you were not aware of.
What is the sin that besets you? What is the weakness that trips you up over and over again? You know what it is, and chances are you have already been given instruction by God as to how to place a fence between you and it. If not, then pray and find out. And once you know--build the fence. But if you jump that fence. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Romans 6 says what shall we say [to all this]? Are we to remain in sin in order that God's grace (favor and mercy) may multiply and overflow? Certainly not! How can we who died to sin live in it any longer? Build that fence and stay behind it.
Have A Blessed Day

Great & Mighty Things

Jeremiah 33:3 (KJV) Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

When it comes to making decisions in life, we may not always know what the best decision is. When it comes to having a vision for our future we sometimes don't know what lies ahead. People often look everywhere, but the right place to find an answer to life's questions. Many trust in horoscopes, while others seek out psychics. God is telling us here that we can always go straight to the source. He may not show us everything at once - it may be a little step of faith at a time, but if we turn our attention to the Lord and seek after Him, He will show us the way. In Christ, you have a great future. Call on Jesus and let Him show you the greatness of His plan for you!

Have A Blessed Day

Do Not Worry

Matthew 6:34 (NKJV) Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

It is often said that worry is sin, so as Christians we do not like to admit when we worry. We may instead call it "concern." Is it a concern that seems to occupy most of my thinking? Is it concern when it is something I can't seem to get out of my head? Maybe it is something that makes it hard for me to concentrate on other things in my life, or maybe something that keeps me up at night. Is that concern? Call it what you want--worry, concern--it doesn't really matter. The fact is, the very things we seek to control soon find a way of controlling us. Christ knew how easily we can get caught up in the cares of this life. And He knew how easily the cares of this life could steal our joy. His words for us are now as they have always been: "do not worry."

Have A Blessed Week

Making Sense

Luke 24:11 (NKJV) And their words seemed to them like idle tales, and they did not believe them.

One of the greatest moments in history had taken place. Jesus had risen as He said He would. It was the best news a follower of His could hear--and somehow, the most difficult to believe. The disciples, still in shock from Christ’s crucifixion, could not believe their ears at the news of the women. "Their words seemed to them like nonsense.” One might wonder why it is so much easier to believe the bad over the good; to remain in despair when hope is present. What drives us to accept defeat when great victory is at hand? When faced with difficult times or decisions, do we believe that with God “all things are possible?” Or do we hear the words of God through others and turn away in disbelief? How many times will the Spirit lead us, only for the truth to seem to us like so much nonsense? It is a shame how often God’s supernatural way is dismissed in favor of man’s common reasoning. There is always hope.

Have A Blessed Day

Servant-hood

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (Amplified Bible) Do you not know that your body is the temple (the very sanctuary) of the Holy Spirit Who lives within you, Whom you have received [as a Gift] from God? You are not your own, You were bought with a price [purchased with a preciousness and paid for, made His own]. So then, honor God and bring glory to Him in your body.

In Biblical times, what do you think life in the day of a servant was like? A servant worked in the master’s house, attended the master’s needs, and was always available to the master when the master would call. The servant’s life was not his own. The servant’s personal life, interests and desires were secondary to the interests of the master. As Christians, we believe we are to be servants in the house of God. As such, how might you imagine life in a day of a servant of His house? Are we working in His house? Are we attending our Master and ensuring we are available to do what He asks, when He asks? Do our personal lives, desires and wants become secondary to God’s interests? The heart of servant-hood is sacrifice. Each day presents us an awesome privilege and responsibility to faithfully focus on the interests of God.


Have A Blessed Day

Focus On Love

Matthew 24:12 (Amplified Bible) And the love of the great body of people will grow cold because of the multiplied lawlessness and iniquity,

The Bible says that where evil abounds, grace abounds even more. As evil becomes more widespread and increases, grace increases even more. Love is the force behind grace. We are saved by grace because God so loved the world. The very character of God is love. Jesus said that by love, all men will know that you are my disciples. It doesn't matter how many Jesus bumper stickers, t-shirts, caps, fish or crosses you have, if love isn't evident it is all in vain. In the days ahead, love will be the force that will turn people's hearts towards God. Lawlessness is increasing, therefore we can expect arrogance, hatred, bitterness, selfishness, complacency, bad attitudes, haughtiness and all sorts of evil intent to become more commonplace. However, in the midst of all that darkness, the light of love can overcome. Don't become so focused on the increasing of lawlessness that you are consumed by it's deceit. Don't allow your love to grow cold. Take the high road. Overcome evil with good. Fight the good fight of faith against the hate in this world, with the power of the love of God.

Have A Blessed Day

Set The Record Straight

John 10:10 (KJV) The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Have you ever been in a situation where someone misquoted something you said? Have you ever done something or said something and someone took it the wrong way, or interpreted it differently than the way you intended? Well, God has never liked sin and He never will. We are born with an evil nature. That is why we must be "born again". The bible says we sin when we are tempted and carried away by our own evil desires and lusts. It also says that no one should say at any time that they are tempted of God, for God can not be tempted, and neither does He tempt anyone. God does not inflict evil on anyone so He can turn around and show them His goodness. Even Job said "far be it for my God to do evil." God's plan for you has always been a good one, to give you a future and a hope. Just like we may sometimes "set the record straight" when someone misunderstands or misinterprets our words or actions, Jesus came to "set the record straight" also. He said it's the devil who comes to steal, kill and destroy. But, praise God, Jesus came to give us life overflowing!


Have A Blessed Day

Instrument of God’s love

Matthew 22:37-40 (KJV) Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

It’s all about the people. It’s all about the love. It’s all about being an instrument of God’s love to draw others toward their eternal savior Jesus Christ. It seems those thoughts often get lost in the shuffle of life and sometimes bear little more than simply warming a person’s heart as a noble desire. But if our quest is to love the Lord our God wholeheartedly, then we will desire to demonstrate our love for Him by doing that which He loves. And if our quest is to love others, then we will desire to demonstrate that love by seeking to be to them what God intended. If we love God and others, then we will desire that God and others be reconciled, so that others may have a right relationship with God even as we have already received. If we love God and others, then such things will break through the shuffle of life, and will burden our hearts so that we give thought to the salvation of others, and their ultimate eternal home.

Have A Blessed Week

Redeemed

John 21:15 (KJV) So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

Regret is often worn like a heavy anchor—it weighs us down and inhibits us from living life to the fullest. Past mistakes can haunt us as such that we will forever be trying to make up for the wrong we have done. Consider Peter, who had denied Jesus three times. It was a mistake he would have lived with the rest of his life. But Jesus restored Peter, and replaced his regret with responsibility. Jesus knew what Peter had done, but would not allow him to wallow in self-pity. Peter needed to put his mistake behind him, and focus on what he now had to do. Regret can lead us to seek to redeem ourselves. But we cannot redeem ourselves at all—our redemption is only found in Jesus. Through the cross of Christ, we are not only redeemed from sin, but also from the burden of past regret.

Have A Blessed Day

Tapped Dry

John 4:13-14 (NKJV) Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.”

Maybe you feel you just don’t have the energy. Perhaps you have given all you have and there is just nothing left to give. You feel tired, and empty. What now? Now it is the time to realize that it is not your strength by which you are to live. Now it is the time for you to tap into the Life that is in Christ and find what you need to carry on. There may be others who need you—others who depend on you. In Christ, you never truly run out of resource. You may be tapped dry, but Christ is not. Go to Him. Draw from His strength. Find in Him what you need right now to be what He desires you to be for those around you. He will come to your aid. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding.”

Have A Blessed Day

Inner Peace

John 16:33 (KJV) These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

I often think of the peace God gives as a peace that is with us in the midst of our circumstances—a peace we experience regardless of external trials. But it is also a peace that goes much deeper. The turmoil we face is often internal, having little to do with external things. As we struggle with finding direction, making a personal decision, or coming to grips with personal attitudes and downfalls, His peace is available. And His peace is consistent regardless of the outer, or inner, storms we must endure.


Have A Blessed Day

Your Word Is Your Bond

Matthew 5:37 (NKJV) But let your 'Yes' be 'Yes, ' and your 'No,' 'No.' For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.

If you're going to have good success in life, having honesty and integrity is a key factor. Telling people only what they want to hear when you know you can't follow through with it is not going to cause you to be blessed. This type of practice will only bring grief and promote strife. However, if you have the spirit of God within you, you can be led by His spirit, and the wisdom of God can direct you in making the right decisions every time. Then you won't be having to go back on your word, you can keep your commitments, and because your "yes" is "yes" and your "no" is "no", people will know that you are a person of integrity and your word is your bond.

Have A Blessed Day

Doing the right thing

Philippians 4:8-9 (The Message) Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious-the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.

Doing the right thing will keep you in peace. There are opportunities every day to go the way of the world, or to do what is right - to go the way God says. People may not always be interested in hearing about your beliefs or "religion", but doing and saying the right things will be a witness to them. It has been said before that the greatest sermon ever preached is the one that is lived, not spoken. Doing and saying the right things will keep you in peace and help pave the way to success. You may not have the best job, best house or best car in the world, but you will have success in knowing you did what God wanted you to do. That is the true meaning of success. The Bible says to let your light shine before men so that they may see your good works and praise your Father in heaven. Your good works can't save you, but your good works (what people hear and see in you) will cause others to be saved.

Have A Blessed Day

Pieces

2 Corinthians 4:8-10 (NKJV) We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed- always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.

You have most likely heard the old saying, "Behind every cloud, lies a silver lining." There is more truth to that in the life of a Christian than perhaps anywhere else. But it is not because God has sheltered us so that we will not experience pains, troubles and trials--but because He has come to show us a new way to do life. Paul writes, "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." We are at times shattered. The pieces of our lives lay in disarray. But within the pieces there are the fingerprints of God, moving to keep you from being utterly destroyed. Even as the death of Christ was Victory, so also the valleys of a Christian's life can carry significant triumph. It's often a matter of perspective. God's wisdom seems like foolishness to the world. Because of that, followers, like Paul, can be bound in chains and hold a deep assurance of victory. It can be the same for us. When we are in pieces, that's when we should say, "Now then, all is laid open for God to arrange things in a fashion to bring victory."

Have A Blessed Day

First Fruits

Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV)But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

The fruits of the Spirit are wonderful expressions of what God is doing in the lives of His children. And, if you are like me, they are something that at times seem far from being as much a part of you as you might desire. When life turns up the heat, the fruits of love, joy, peace, etc. are not often enough, the first fruits I see emerging from my pressure cooked person. The bad stuff boils to the surface--the steam is let off--and it's not pretty. But thank God that we do not have to remain enslaved by the chains of the flesh. Jesus said that He is the vine and we are the branches, and that apart from Him we could do nothing. As we remain in Him, grounded in His Word, disciplined to spend time at His feet; we will have what is needed to bear the good fruits. And as we grow in Him, in time, the good fruits will be the first fruits we will see.

Have A Blessed day

Trust In The Lord

Psalm 112:7 (NKJV) He will not be afraid of evil tidings;
His heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.

Life has its ups and downs. There are opportunities every day to be glad or be sad. To be happy or be mad. There's opportunities to be down and defeated or to rise up and praise God and be joyful because Christ is in you - the hope of glory! The bible says that the person who is in constant fellowship and right position with God shall not be moved. That person is steadfast. He is stable, fixed and firm in his/her relationship with God. It's a matter of changing your habits. If you've had a habit of getting upset, worried, fearful or angry when certain things happen in life, begin to renew your mind starting today. Begin to develop a new habit of casting your care over on Jesus. Constantly and consistently trust in the Lord to help you. If bad news comes, trust in the Lord. When fear and gloom dominate your thoughts and what you see on TV and read on the internet, change the channel and turn off the computer and trust in the Lord. Does that mean to go and bury your head in the sand and act like it's not there? No, it means to trust in the Lord because your fears, doubts, worries and anxieties can't solve anything anyway. Be established in the Word of God and His promises. The one who does this has made his heart steadfast and trusts in the Lord. He shall not be moved.

Have a blessed day

Integrity

Proverbs 10:9 (The Message) Honesty lives confident and carefree,
but Shifty is sure to be exposed.

Those who lie and distort the truth will only have to tell more lies to keep their story going. One lie leads to two lies, two lies lead to three lies and so on. It just keeps compounding and eventually the liar has lied themselves into a corner and they are found out. However, the one who keeps their tongue from lying will have peace of mind. They are not like those who have to go through life looking over their shoulder. When you walk in integrity, you can walk securely, safely, care-free, boldly and with confidence. When you renew your mind to the truth and will of God, you will know that not even the slightest distortion of truth is fitting among the righteous. A "little white lie" is still a lie, but the truth always wins. And when you know the truth, the truth will set your free!

Have A Blessed Day

Not in Vain

1 Corinthians 15:58 (Amplified Bible) Therefore, my beloved brethren, be firm (steadfast), immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord [always being superior, excelling, doing more than enough in the service of the Lord], knowing and being continually aware that your labor in the Lord is not futile [it is never wasted or to no purpose].

The cares of life, the deceitfulness of what this world would offer, the pains, the trials, and hard times, can all shake the very foundation beneath our feet-if that foundation is something other than Jesus. Like a very old tree seems to stand strong against the storms, we are encouraged to stand firm, and to let nothing move us. But it is not only the difficult times that can shake us, but the good. Sometimes the perceived good times become the doorways for the entrance of pride, complacency, and self-centeredness. The Good is present, but the bad seeks to press in from every angle. We've so much to do in this short time here, and so much we do that seems in vain. But we are reminded also that whatever our circumstance, we have steadfastness in our Lord. And regardless of what we do that seems for nothing, our work in the Lord is never for nothing. And not one thing built on the foundation of Jesus will ever be lost.

Have A Blessed Day

Sow & Reap

Galatians 6:7 (Amplified Bible) Do not be deceived and deluded and misled; God will not allow Himself to be sneered at (scorned, disdained, or mocked by mere pretensions or professions, or by His precepts being set aside.) [He inevitably deludes himself who attempts to delude God.] For whatever a man sows, that and that only is what he will reap.

Consider for a moment your thoughts as seed. Some thoughts become flowers. Others become weeds. If you sow seeds of hope you enjoy optimism. Sow seeds of doubt and expect insecurity.... The proof is everywhere you look. Ever wonder why some people have a Teflon capacity to resist negativism and remain patient, optimistic, and forgiving? Could it be that they have diligently sown seeds of goodness and are enjoying the harvest? Ever wonder why others have such a sour outlook? Such a gloomy attitude? You would, too, if your heart were a greenhouse of weeds and thorns.People harvest only what they plant.

Have A Blessed Day

Roots

Luke 8:13 (Amplified Bible) And those upon the rock [are the people] who, when they hear [the Word], receive and welcome it with joy; but these have no root. They believe for a while, and in time of trial and temptation fall away (withdraw and stand aloof).

Why do we see a mass exit of people in our church's when satan causes a problem? It is not about the problem or satan. It is the people that exit. It is about the depth of there roots. There soil is shallow and they have a superficial commitment to the word and to the church. What is the depth of your roots?

Have A Blessed Day