Quote Of The Day - Make A List

Good advice for sure on the following words below.

This isn't just for when your feeling low but should be an every day occurrence.

God Bless.

Quote of the Day

-Joyce Meyer

“Make a list of your blessings and read them out loud anytime you feel yourself starting to sink emotionally.” 

-Joyce Meyer, The Confident Woman Devotional: 365 Daily Inspirations

Jesus Called His Diciples To Him

Here is a little tidbit on how to deal with tithing I found very useful and freeing and I hope it will be of encouragement to you as well.

God Bless.

Jesus called his disciples to him and said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on. (NLT) -Mark 12:43-44

Human beings tend to make financial matters more difficult than they should be, so tithing can seem very complicated. When it comes to giving money back to God, He doesn't care about the amount; instead He cares about your heart and your intentions. A faithful, cheerful giver who gives little is more pleasing than a begrudging giver who gives more.

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Proverbs And Sin

The author of this little devotional has made it pretty simple to understand why you need to understand the book of Proverbs when it pertains to sin.

I love how he just put's it out there and he does it so simply that makes you truly think about the sins you living in and the effects they have on your life as well as well as your relationships.

Proverbs isn't called the wisdom book for nothing. Give it a fresh once over and find yourself being blessed beyond your wildest imagination.

God Bless.

Proverbs

Enter not into the path of the wicked...Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away

- Proverbs 4:14-15

Have you ever been stuck in slow-moving traffic, only to discover finally that the entire delay was caused by people rubber-necking an accident on the other side of the highway? If so, didn't you wish afterward that you could have caught the traffic report that morning on the radio and avoided the scene altogether?

Similarly, Solomon writes to his son to encourage him to altogether avoid situations that could potentially entangle him in sin. The best approach, Solomon says, is to avoid the scene of wickedness altogether.

However, if you do have to engage such an environment (e.g. at work, at home, in the barracks), this wise father counsels: don't be guilty of "rubber-necking" the sin around you. Avoid it, don't go near it, get away from it as quickly as you can.

The magazine rack at the supermarket, with provocative poses on almost every cover? Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. The flirty co-worker at the office? Avoid him, pass not by her, turn from the temptation as quickly as possible and go on your way. The same wisdom applies to ungodly classmates, illicit entertainment, or unhealthy atmospheres.

Will others think you're strange for so conscientiously avoiding sinful distractions and potential shipwrecks for your faith? Yes, especially if they are rushing headlong toward it themselves. But Solomon is not concerned with what others think -- he is concerned about you!

Dear child, Solomon encourages, if you are caught up in any sin or temptation, turn from it immediately and change your path. There is no shame in repentance, but there is nothing but shame in the way of sin.

 http://www.baptistbiblehour.org/resources/devotional/proverbs-7/

Grace Must Be Free

I absolutely love this little devotional and it's effort to make salvation and why it's so important easy to understand.

May you find insight and the hope you need to keep the faith.

God Bless.

We walk by faith, not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7)

Picture salvation as a house that you live in. It provides you with protection. It is stocked with food and drink that will last forever. It never decays or crumbles. Its windows open onto vistas of glory. God built it at great cost to himself and to his Son, and he gave it to you. The “purchase” agreement is called a “new covenant.” The terms read: “This house shall become and remain yours if you will receive it as a gift and take delight in the Father and the Son as they inhabit the house with you. You shall not profane the house of God by sheltering other gods nor turn your heart away after other treasures.” Would it not be foolish to say yes to this agreement, and then hire a lawyer to draw up an amortization schedule with monthly payments in the hopes of somehow balancing accounts?

You would be treating the house no longer as a gift, but a purchase. God would no longer be the free benefactor. And you would be enslaved to a new set of demands that he never dreamed of putting on you. If grace is to be free — which is the very meaning of grace — we cannot view it as something to be repaid.

-Author Unknown

Three Things To Remember

Pure wisdom and the encouragement you need to make it through this life we are given.

May you find it as helpful as I did.

God Bless.

With all that is going on in the world, there are three things God wants you to stay reminded of and you won’t fall by the wayside.

1. Stay in the Word of God The Word of God is our chief weapon against the devil who’s out to steal, kill and destroy. However, we can’t use what we don’t know. It is imperative that we continue to grow in knowledge and understanding by finding out what God has to say about everything and looking for ways to apply His principles to our lives (see Peter 1:6). “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;” Ephesians‬ ‭6:17‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

2. Stay in the Love of God These are difficult times we are living in and the fight to stay in the love of God is great. What will help us stay in love is staying close to the one who is love, and that’s God. As we spend time with Him in prayer, He will strengthen and empower us to face and conquer the many tests that come our way. Staying close to God will keep us far away from offense and from operating in the flesh (see Jude‬ ‭1:20-21‬). “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love.” John‬ ‭15:9‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

3. Stay Focused on Finishing Your Course Don’t adopt a secular view out of feelings of anger and frustration with current world events. Don’t be moved from your faith or from your stance. Stay focused on finishing the course God has laid before you and doing, by His Grace, what He’s called and equipped you to do (see Acts 20:24). “I press on toward the goal to win the [supreme and heavenly] prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward.” Philippians‬ ‭3:14‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

-Author Unknown

7 Reasons Not To Worry - Part 3

Let's put the subject of worry to bed and start enjoying the life God has given us.

God Bless.

“Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Matthew 6:31–34)

Matthew 6 contains at least seven promises designed by Jesus to help us fight the good fight against unbelief and be free from anxiety. In Parts 1 and 2 we saw Promises 1–4; now we look at 5–7.

PROMISE #5: “Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.” (Matthew 6:31–32). Do not think that God is ignorant of your needs. He knows all of them. And he is your “heavenly Father.” He does not look on, indifferently, from a distance. He cares. He will act to supply your need when the time is best.

PROMISE #6: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33). If you will give yourself to his cause in the world, rather than fretting about your private material needs, he will make sure that you have all you need to do his will and give him glory. This is similar to the promise of Romans 8:32, “Will [God] not also with [Christ] graciously give us all things?”

PROMISE #7: “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Matthew 6:34). God will see to it that you are not tested in any given day more than you can bear (1 Corinthians 10:13). He will work for you, so that “as [your] days, so shall [your] strength be” (Deuteronomy 33:25, KJV). Every day will have no more trouble than you can bear; and every day will have mercies sufficient for that day’s stress (Lamentations 3:22–23).

John Piper Devotional App

7 Reasons Why Not To Worry - Part 2

Another chance to put worry back into the pits of hell where it belongs.

God Bless.

“And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?” (Matthew 6:27–30)

Matthew 6 contains at least seven promises designed by Jesus to help us fight the good fight against unbelief and be free from anxiety. In Part 1 we saw Promises 1 and 2; today we look at 3 and 4.

PROMISE #3: “And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing?” (Matthew 6:27–28). This is a promise of sorts — the simple promise of reality: anxiety will not do you any good. It’s not the main argument, but sometimes we just have to get tough with ourselves and say, “Soul, this fretting is absolutely useless. You are not only messing up your own day, but a lot of other people’s as well. Leave it with God and get on with your work.” Anxiety accomplishes nothing worthwhile.

PROMISE #4: “Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?” (Matthew 6:28–30). Compared to the flowers of the field you are a much higher priority for God, because you will live forever, and can thus bring him eternal praise. Nevertheless, God has such an overflow of creative energy and care, he lavishes it on flowers that last only a matter of days. So he will certainly take that same energy and creative skill and use it to care for his children who will live forever.

John Piper Devotional App

7 Reasons Not To Worry- Part One

Let's give our heart's and mind a rest by conquering worry. One of the worst things we can allow into our lives.

So let us meditate on the words below and put worry back into the pit of hell where it belongs.

God Bless.

Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” (Matthew 6:25–26)

In Matthew 6 we have the example of anxiety about food and clothing. Even in America, with its extensive welfare system, anxiety over finances and housing can be intense. But Jesus says in verse 30 that this stems from inadequate faith in our Father’s promise of future grace: “O you of little faith.” And so this paragraph has at least seven promises designed by Jesus to help us fight the good fight against unbelief and be free from anxiety. (In Part 1 we look at Promises 1 and 2; then the rest in Parts 2 and 3.)

PROMISE #1: “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?” (Matthew 6:25). Since your body and your life are vastly more complex and difficult to provide than food and clothing are, and yet God has, in fact, created and provided you with both, then surely he will be able and willing to provide you with food and clothing. Moreover, no matter what happens, God will raise your body someday and preserve your life for his eternal fellowship.

PROMISE #2: “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” (Matthew 6:26). If God is willing and able to feed such insignificant creatures as birds who cannot do anything to bring their food into being — as you can by farming — then he will certainly provide what you need, because you are worth a lot more than birds.

John Piper Devotional App

Quoate Of The Day -Just Because

If this doesn't motivate you, then nothing will but I hope it will.

Get out of the garage, there is a whole big world out there that has your name on it but more importantly, God doesn't want you nor can He make you a car with His help, He can make you into the Christian you were meant to be.

God Bless.

Quote of the Day

-Joyce Meyer

“Just because you go to church doesn’t mean you’re a Christian. I can go sit in the garage all day and it doesn’t make me a car” 

– Joyce Meyer

Base Your Life On This

If you want to see where you fall in the area of Chrisrianity, then read this little devotional and let it speak to your spirit.

It dosen't matter where you fall as long as your not willing to stay there. Take heed to the words below for they are a game changer.

God Bless.

The god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. (2 Corinthians 4:4)

Test yourself. What is your mindset? Do you begin with God and his rights and goals? Or do you begin with yourself and your rights and wishes? And when you look at the death of Christ, what happens? Does your joy really come from translating this awesome divine work into a boost for self-esteem? Or are you drawn up out of yourself and filled with wonder and reverence and worship that here in the death of Jesus is the deepest, clearest declaration of the infinite esteem of God for his glory and for his Son? Here is a great objective foundation for the full assurance of hope: the forgiveness of sins is grounded, finally, not in my finite worth or work, but in the infinite worth of the righteousness of God — God’s unswerving allegiance to uphold and vindicate the glory of his name. I appeal to you with all my heart, take your stand on this. Base your life on this. Ground your hope in this. You will be free from the futile mindset of the world. And you will never fall. When God’s exaltation of God in Christ is your joy, it can never fail.

John Piper Devotional App

Whose Kingdom

We are each building a kingdom. Let that sink in for a moment. The very thought can be very scary and exciting at the same time.

But life isn't about emotions. Life is about what you do with it while your here and according to scripture, we are to show the world they can't live without Jesus.

So, in a sense, we better get a building because I don't see hell slowing down the construction site anytime soon.

God Bless.

Jesus called out to them, "Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!" (NLT) -Mark 1:17

Jesus is asking Peter to stop building his own kingdom and to take up building Christ's kingdom. Each of us are building a kingdom, even if we are unaware. Your kingdom may consist of accumulation, pride, and careers, among other things. What would it take for you to stop building your own kingdom? If Jesus asked you to drop your fishing net and follow Him, would you?

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Yes To All God's Promises And More

Lest we should forget who we are and why we live like we do.

God Bless.

All the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory. (2 Corinthians 1:20)

Being “in Christ Jesus” is a stupendous reality. It is breathtaking what it means to be in Christ. United to Christ. Bound to Christ. If you are “in Christ” listen to what it means for you: In Christ Jesus you have been seated in the heavenly places even while he lived on earth. Ephesians 2:6, “God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.”

In Christ Jesus all the promises of God are Yes for you. Second Corinthians 1:20, “All the promises of God find their Yes in Christ.”

In Christ Jesus you are being sanctified and made holy. First Corinthians 1:2, “To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus.”

In Christ Jesus everything you really needed will be supplied. Philippians 4:19, “My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

In Christ Jesus the peace of God will guard your heart and mind. Philippians 4:7, “The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

In Christ Jesus you have eternal life. Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” And in Christ Jesus you will be raised from the dead at the coming of the Lord.

First Corinthians 15:22, “For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.” All those united to Adam in the first humanity die. All those united to Christ in the new humanity rise to live again!

John Piper Devotional

The Power Of Release

If there is one thing I've learned while walking with God is we have to let go. Let go of things and people who have hurt us.

It is something we must actively pursue not only that but bbn it is a command from God.

And what I've learned over the years is that sometimes letting go can take moments and sometimes it takes years depending on the level of hurt. Yet, I can honestly say we have a faithful God who will see us through.

God Bless.

“Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” 1 Peter 5:7.

When you are set on fulfilling God’s purpose for your life, you must remember to release people and situations to God. Why? Because it will destroy you and will hinder your spiritual progress if you don’t. Obey God and release them. You can’t free them by your power. You can’t deliver anyone in your own strength. You can’t change anything about that situation by yourself. You can’t, but God can. And if anything miraculous is going to happen, it’s going to be by the power of God’s Holy Spirit. Don’t take upon yourself a responsibility God didn’t give you. Don’t worry yourself trying to figure out what you can do to save them. Do only what God tells you to do and then release it to Him. I know it’s tough, but you must know that God cares for that person AND for you. Give it to Him and stand back and watch Him work. God is saying by His Spirit, “I will do what I promised. Trust Me. Entrust them to Me. I can go where you can’t. I can see where You can’t. Nothing is hidden from Me. Release them to Me. Give it all to Me and You will see Me demonstrate My love and My power in ways You thought were impossible.”

A Challenge for You: Make a list of every person you are carrying on your heart and mind. Go down the list and say, “Lord, I release ____(say their name)___ to You. I entrust them to Your care. Have Your way in their lives. In Jesus name.”

Prayer: Father God, I care so much for the people in my life, and I want to see them experience the life and freedom that I am experiencing in You. I exercise the power You have given me through Jesus and I release them by faith into Your care. I trust You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Kings Daughter Devotional

Future Things

I wanna go! No, I can't wait to go! Come with me! It is going to be great!

God Bless.

Future Things

The Lord himself shall descend from heaven...and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord

- 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

Paul gives us here one of the clearest descriptions in Scripture of the last day.

First, the Lord himself descends from heaven. Language could not be plainer. This is not a "spiritual" visitation, or symbolic return -- the Lord Jesus Christ himself will return in bodily form, descending from heaven just as he went into heaven.

And not a single one of his children will miss his spectacular and victorious descent. The dead in Christ will rise first, followed by every believer who is still living. Together they will fly! They will meet the Lord in the air.

But here is the greatest promise of all: then we will be forever with the Lord. No more separation. No more waiting. This is the consummation of all God has planned for this old sin-cursed world, and every future moment for the people of God will be spent in the presence of God.

This is the magnificent expectation of every believer, to be forever with their Lord. What comfort these words bring to the heart of each one who has long anticipated the personal presence of their Savior!

As Paul therefore exhorts, comfort each other with these words.

 http://www.baptistbiblehour.org/resources/devotional/future-things-6/

Words Matter

The following is an except from Words Matter Devotional and it pretty much sums everything up in a nutshell.

God Bless

Jesus didn’t do what was expected. He did what was necessary. Constantly surrounded by cynicism, our communities are craving kindness. Rather than sharing more darkness, change the narrative. Do what is necessary: Be kind. Make a difference.

Enduring To The End

Lord, I really needed this today! Thank you for the encouragement. We will press on and endure to the very end!

God Bless.

"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?" (Romans 8:35)

Devotional

A great test of your love for the Lord is not the passion we have for following Him, but the endurance. No matter how much you love the Lord, there will be situations that will make you waver or shrink despite the confidence you have in Him. And yet, throughout these times of failures, God never leaves nor forsakes you. Examine the relationships in your life, are you trusting in passion, feelings and good times to keep them steady, or will you, with God's strength, endure the trials, stay the course, exhibit love and endure to the end?

Proverbs 31 App

Learning To Trust

I think putting your trust into something or someone you can't physically see is hard thing to do.

Yet, if we want to live forever in a golden city than this is what we must do. Trusting in something or someone we can't see also forces us to hone our spiritual being including our spiritual eyes.

For you see, once we have honed ourselves to see, we will begin to see God in other ways, like the sky, the birds, and the wind, you know it when you see it and that is when the adventure and fun of being a Christian begins.

Trusting is the key to life mysteries and life's little adventures making it all worth it in the end.

God Bless.

Learning to Trust

James Banks

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17 Matthew 6:25–34 Psalms 123–125; 1 Corinthians 10:1–18

When I was a teenager I sometimes challenged my mother when she tried to encourage me to have faith. “Trust God. He will take care of you,” she would tell me. “It’s not that simple, Mom!” I would bark back. “God helps those who help themselves!” But those words, “God helps those who help themselves” are nowhere to be found in Scripture. Instead, God’s Word teaches us to depend on Him for our daily needs. Jesus tells us, “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” (Matthew 6:26–27).

Everything we enjoy—even the strength to earn a living and “help ourselves”—are gifts from a heavenly Father who loves us and values us beyond our ability to fathom. As Mom neared the end of her life, Alzheimer’s disease robbed her of her creative mind and memories, but her trust in God remained. She lived in our home for a season, where I was given a “front-row seat” to observe God’s provision for her needs in unexpected ways—ways that helped me see she had been right all along. Instead of worrying, she entrusted herself to the One who promised to take care of her. And He showed Himself faithful. Loving Lord, please help me to trust You to take care of me today, tomorrow, and forever! Don’t worry about tomorrow—God is already there.

6 Things It Means to Be in Jesus

Do you have questions about what it means to be in Jesus and you want to put the subject matter to be once and for all? Well then, this little devotional is for you.

We are meant to be like Christ and it's no shame not understand or fully walk in it without having a full grasp of what it means. Just remember, God doesn't get mad at questioning His ways. He is always willing to lead and guide you to your answers so let you life can be fulfilled and your shining your light so bright, the world will have no doubt in who you belong to.

God Bless.

6 Things It Means to Be in Jesus

[God] saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began. (2 Timothy 1:9)

Being “in Christ Jesus” is a stupendous reality. It is breathtaking what it means to be in Christ. United to Christ. Bound to Christ. If you are “in Christ” listen to what it means for you: In Christ Jesus you were given grace before the world was created.

Second Timothy 1:9, “He gave us grace in Christ Jesus before the ages began.” In Christ Jesus you were chosen by God before creation.

Ephesians 1:4, “God chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world.” In Christ Jesus you are loved by God with an inseparable love.

Romans 8:38–39, “I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” In Christ Jesus you were redeemed and forgiven for all your sins.

Ephesians 1:7, “In Christ we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses.” In Christ Jesus you are justified before God and the righteousness of God in Christ is imputed to you.

Second Corinthians 5:21, “For our sake God made Christ to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” In Christ Jesus you have become a new creation and a son of God.

Second Corinthians 5:17, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

Galatians 3:26, “In Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.”

John Piper Devotional

Kindness Disrupts

The following is an except from Words Matter Devotional and it pretty much sums everything up in a nutshell.

God Bless

Jesus didn’t do what was expected. He did what was necessary. Constantly surrounded by cynicism, our communities are craving kindness. Rather than sharing more darkness, change the narrative. Do what is necessary: Be kind. Make a difference.

Faithful God

Encouragement and God Bless!

I entrust my spirit into your hand.  Rescue me Lord, for you are a faithful God. (NLT) -Psalm 31:5

Times get tough and life is not easy. Place your faith in God, look to Him for protection. Pray to Him and tell Him your worries. He is always there, faithfully waiting for you to come to Him. If you are having a hard time seeing God's faithfulness, ask Him to open your eyes. Ask Him to show you all that He is doing in your life.

Download this app to get your daily devotions: http://www.jctrois.com/dailybibledevotion/