Choices Matter

Do your choices matter? Yes, they most certainly do. You make choices every day. Some are insignificant, some are not. Significant choices are decisions to choose Faith and not allow anxiety to rule over you. Choose Hope and not let worry consume you. Choose Love and not entertain fear. If you are a believer you are able to make wise choices because you first chose Jesus Christ. He is the best choice you will ever make. Choose Jesus again this day and every day. You will never regret your decision. You will never be ashamed of your choice.

Deut. 30:19-20; Eph. 1:3-4; 1 Pet. 2:9-10

Be the Clay in the Potter's Hands

Clay has no distinct shape until it is molded to a predetermined design by the Potter. The Potter has the blueprint of the design in mind as he bends and molds the clay as it spins on the wheel. This is a perfect analogy of what God is doing with our lives, molding and shaping them into a predetermined design. But true clay does not ask to get off the wheel because it’s uncomfortable, true clay does not question the Potter why are you bending me this way? True clay does not wonder if the Potter has made a mistake in his design. My prayer for all of us is to be True Clay in our Father’s Hands. Trust Him. He’s got it planned out. He knows what He’s doing. He doesn’t make mistakes. He’s creating a masterpiece if you let Him. Be True Clay today.

Jer. 18:1-6; Isa. 29:16; Isa. 64:8; Ro. 9:20

Pray First

What you do first matters. If there is a fire in your home you first call the firefighters and not try to put it out on your own. You recognize there is someone more capable of dealing with it than you can. In any emergency, you seek out help first and not rely on your own strength. Likewise, when facing any issue of life you need to pray first. So before you get a lawyer, before you go to the doctor, before you call the bank, before you make a major decision, before you discipline your kids- PRAY FIRST.
When you pray first you are calling on God for help. You are saying I don’t want to handle this situation on my own, in my own strength. You are saying Lord I recognize you are more capable of handling this issue than I am so I’m asking for your help, your intervention. God wants you to go to Him first. He will give you direction and wisdom to know what to do and how to do it. This makes life so much easier to know you are not alone, you don’t have to manage on our own. There is Help. His Name is Jesus. Call on that Name. Pray first.

Jer. 33:3; Ps. 46:1; Ps. 4:1; 1 John 5:14-15

God Has Already Provided

God has already provided! He sent His Son to provide salvation, healing and deliverance. He provided us with the Word of God to eat as our necessary food. He provided peace to guide us through any storm. He provided joy to give us strength for each new day. He will continue to provide for all we need: spiritually, physically, emotionally, financially. Thank Him for provision, do what He asks of us, keep our eyes on Jesus, keep the faith. May you walk in the overflow of God’s provision and be a blessing to someone today.

John 3:16; Matt 6:25-34; Eph. 1:3; Phil. 4:19

Walk in the Spirit

On this first day of the new year,  let’s be reminded how to walk in the Spirit and not fulfill the lust of the flesh. When we listen without interrupting we show love. When we speak without accusing we make peace. When we give without sparing we demonstrate goodness. When we pray without ceasing we  practice patience. When we answer without arguing we show self-control.  When we share without pretending we give kindness. When we enjoy without complaining we reflect genuine joy. When we trust without wavering we walk by faith. When we forgive without punishing we exemplify gentleness. When we promise without forgetting we behave like our Heavenly Father.  Have a fruitful year.

Gal. 5:16-23

Jesus is The Answer

Jesus is The Answer! He saves, He heals, He delivers, He answers prayers. But often our faith can wane and waiver if God does not save when we want Him to, heal how we want Him to, deliver the way we want Him to or answer prayers according to the way we think He should. But isn't that the problem-- we think God should operate the way we think. But our thinking is so different than God's. His ways are not our ways, His thoughts are not our thoughts. They are so much higher. That is why He is God and we are not! So let God be God in your life. Keep the faith. Jesus knows, He hears, He answers. Jesus is the answer to all our prayers, all our concerns, all our fears. In the coming new year relinquish control of your life to God. Remember: All things, not, some things: ALL things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. So even though things may not work out the way you think they should know that God's got you- you're in Good Hands. You're in God’s Hands and Jesus is still The Answer.

Isa. 55:8-9;  Jer.29:12-13;  Ps. 139:14-15; Ro.8:28;

Merry Christmas - Jesus is the Reason for the Season

And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

LUKE 2: 1-14

Keep the Faith

Let’s remember we serve a BIG GOD.  That is, He is Almighty, all powerful, all knowing and His love for us is unconditional.  Give Him every emotion of hurt, pain, frustration and disappointment.  He is not surprised by our feelings.  He cares that we come to Him in prayer and receive comfort from Him.  Trust Him to perfect everything that concerns you.  Don’t look at the biggest of your problem,  look at the BIGGEST of your God.  Keep the faith.

Isa. 45:18-25

Peace is Found Only in Jesus

It's so very simple to have peace-- just put our problems into God's Hands. He is the Potter and we are the clay. Peace is a commodity that no amount of money can buy. No job, no spouse,  no child, no human person can offer you peace. No house, no car, no amount of money in the bank can give you peace. Peace-- true, satisfying, lasting peace is  found only in the Lord Jesus Christ.  His Peace the world cannot give AND the world cannot take away. So today don't forfeit your peace. Take it to the Lord in prayer. Don't bear the pain needlessly.  Put it in God's Hands and He will put Peace in your hearts.

Jer. 18:1-6; Isa. 26:3; John 14:27

Reach out to Others this Christmas

Being a Christian is not about arguing how right we are, but rather living a life where the hurting, the lonely, the confused, the depressed can come freely to us to inquire how we can be so peaceful in the midst of our storms. It's not about insisting on our own way, but reaching out to comfort others with the comfort we receive from the Lord.  May we live life simply today, going about doing the right thing, not just being right.

2 Cor. 1:3-5

God is a Big God

How do you determine God’s will for your life? It’s not as difficult as you might think. God Himself will lead you. He gives you nudges and hints if you are open to His leading. What is it that you do well? What is it that you enjoy doing? What is it you would do or are doing for no monetary compensation? Those are your hints. God will give you the desires of your hearts meaning  it is He who gives you what to desire. All you need do is say yes to God. Don’t worry about how it’s all going to unfold just do what is necessary to be done now. Take steps of faith, take action. Prepare yourself by going to school to learn more about what you want to do; accept an internship  in your field of study. Practice what you want to perfect. God will be with you as you ask for His help to do His will. Remember, He’s a big God so even if you misstep He can always course correct! Trust God, allow Him to be God in your life and enjoy who you are in Him.

Ps. 37:4; Ro. 12:1-2

Your Blessed

God has blessed us already with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places in Christ.  Let’s deeply embrace that “already blessing.”  The Lord has sent out the commanded blessing concerning our lives.  It’s a blessing that will not, cannot be rescinded.  Take God at His Word.  If you are a believer – you are the head and not the tail, above only and not beneath.  You are blessed when you come and when you go.  You are blessed in the city and in the field.  Whatever you put your hand to do is blessed.  Shout for joy, be strengthened and walk in your blessing of peace.  Reach out to someone today who may need encouragement.  Share your blessing.

Deut. 28:1-14; Eph. 1:2-6

Rejoice in the Lord, Again and Again

It's always a good day to rejoice in the Lord and to thank Him for who He is and for all He has done. No matter what your situation might be,  no matter what issues of life you may be facing right now, take time to rejoice in the Lord. Take time to thank Him. It's a choice we make whether conditions are favorable or not, whether we "feel" like it or not. Rejoice in the Lord always. He is worthy. Enjoy the day He has made for you. 

Ps. 37:4; Phil. 4:4

You Woke Up!

If you’re reading this — you were on God’s wake up list. You woke up! Now what? Now you have 24 hours to be awesome. 24 hours to walk with purpose, to talk to God, to give Him praise, to thank Him for life, to read His Word and discover a new promise just for you. 24 hours to start a new project you were only dreaming about. 24 hours to share a testimony, to help an elder, to comfort a child, to hug a friend, to tell someone I love you, to create, to encourage, to be awesome, to do you. I pray you use your time wisely. May you bear fruit and be pleasing to the One who woke you up!

Col. 1:9-14

Acts of Kindness Matters

No act of kindness no matter how small is ever wasted. This is a truth! In fact I believe it’s the small things that matter most. The small things are the every day things, a smile, a hug, a hello. It’s the things that don’t take a lot of effort to do but are appreciated the most- holding a door open you just went through for the person behind you, not hogging two parking spaces but leaving room for another driver, saying please and thank you. Washing a dish you just used so the sink doesn’t get piled up. Bringing in a neighbor’s garage can off the street when you go to retrieve yours. Little courtesies that are meaningful. Letting a mom with a young child skip ahead of you at check out. Offering a silent prayer for a stranger. No biggies from our perspective, but God sees, God knows. That’s what it’s all about in life, being pleasing to the Lord. This Christmas- think what Jesus would do and do it! Don’t think it’s too small to matter. It does matter, people matter, you matter. We are all important to God.  So give acts of kindness this season, nothing is wasted.

1 Cor. 13; Col.1:9-14

Prayer is Essential

Prayer is essential to living the Christian life.  It is in prayer that we discover the will and heart of God.  It is in  prayer that we receive peace and joy and strength for each new day. Prayer allows us to commune with the Living God, to talk to Him and allow Him to talk to us. Never cease to pray. As the song writer wrote: "Oh what needless pain we bear all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer."  Continue in prayer. Continue trusting God.  He hears, He knows, He sees, He answers prayers. Expect God. 

 2 Chron. 7:14; Matt.. 6:5-13

0 Likes Share

God is Not out of Miracles

God is NOT out of miracles! That would be like the world out of air. Miracles are what God does. And not only does, but delights in doing. Keep the faith, don't grow weary in well doing. Expect your miracle. Have an awesome day.

Matt. 8:1-3;  Phil. 4:19

Have Confidence in God

Let’s trust God all the way – fully.  Not half-heartedly, not sometimes or only in certain things, but in all things, in all areas of our lives, leaving nothing out.  Trust Him in full confidence and assurance that He is God and He is concerned about everything that concerns us.  Nothing is too small or too personal or too messed up to bring before Him in prayer.  He will not disappoint.  He does not lie.  If He said it – He will do it.  Praise and thank Him now because your victory is assured.  Enjoy your day.

Heb. 11:1; Pr. 3:5-6

All Things . . .

Do we really know that in ALL things GOD will work it out for our good? If we really knew this, how would we respond to trials, disappointments, adversities, etc. 
If we shake our fists at God and blame Him for allowing out trial— then we don’t know.
If we curl up in a ball of defeat and seek death —then we don’t know.
If we curse those offending us and seek revenge— then we don’t know.
If we panic when the “suddenlies” arrive instead of praying— then we don’t know. 

But if we know that the Holy One of Israel is for us, 
if we know the Great I AM that I AM will never leave or forsake us,
if we know our Heavenly Daddy (Abba) loves us, then in the trials, adversities, hardships and yes, offenses, we have peace, we walk in confidence with heads held high, we rest in Him and just breathe — knowing in our knower- the Sovereign Lord- He’s got this. The Red Sea parting, mountain moving God- He’s by our side. Nothing’s too hard for Him to do. He’ll see you through. Everything is going to be okay.  And yes, this too shall pass. Whatever you are facing today- know this - you are not alone. Fear no evil. Trust God. He’s working on your behalf! Have an awesome day!

Ro. 8:28-39
 

Faith Takes Work

Put faith to work. Have you noticed that Faith takes work, it  takes effort. But doubting on the other hand comes so easily.  It takes work to have faith that  an unfavorable mountain, an issue  I see right in front of me will be removed or changed for the better. It's so much easier to think -- I see the mountain,  I see it's bigger than me, I see it's stronger than me so it will never be removed. Nothing will ever change. What I see in front of me is my only reality,  so I might as well quit, throw in the towel, give up. I guess that's why the Lord reminds us to walk and live by faith and not by sight. Faith does not say there is no mountain,  it simply says my GOD is BIGGER than any mountain,  BIGGER  than any problem or issue of life I see in front of me. I don't face this mountain alone, He is ever with me and He is working all out for my good and for His glory.  Don't take the easy way out and doubt-- put faith to work today. Stand in faith knowing God is BIGGER.

Habakkuk  2:4; 3:17-19; Ro. 1:17; Hebrews 11:1-3