When We Remain Faithful

Amen and be encouraged.

God Bless.

When we remain faithful and thankful during our trials, people know that we belong to Jesus because we are displaying His character.

-Author Unknown 

So Do Not Fear

This is an encouraging little devotional.

Don't give up. Don't give in. 

God Bless.

Isaiah 41:10

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

We have nothing to fear from this world or this life, because we have a God who is with us.  Our fear should be in the Lord God, because He is the only One who deserves that.  God's response as we take courage in Him is to provide strength, and to hold us with His "righteous right hand".  The promise is strength, rest in the knowledge that God is there for us.  Fear has nothing on hope, and there is no greater hope than the hope that is found in Christ Jesus.

Verse/Commentary courtesy of 'Verse-A-Day' android app.

http://www.verse-a-day.com/Apps

Doubt

Doubt has no place in our lives but we continue to give it power. May we stop it's power and replace it with the knowledge of who God is and what He brings to our lives.

God Bless.

Doubt. He’s a nosy neighbor. He’s an obnoxious guest. He’ll pester you, he’ll irritate you, he’ll kick the stool out from under you and refuse to help you up. He doesn’t offer any solutions; he only raises questions.

Had any visits from doubt lately? If you find yourself going to church in order to be saved and not because you are saved, then you’ve been listening to him. If you find yourself doubting God could forgive you again for that, you’ve been sold some snake oil. If you are more cynical about Christians than sincere about Christ, then guess who came to dinner?

I suggest you put a lock on your gate. I suggest you post a “Do Not Enter” sign on your door. James 1:6 says, “Anyone who doubts is like a wave in the sea, blown up and down by the wind.”

-Author Unknown 

Quote Of The Day - One Mistake

Amen! And be encouraged.

God Bless.

Quote of the Day -Joyce Meyer

“One mistake does not have to rule a person’s entire life.” 

– Joyce Meyer

My God

The word's in this little devotional is so encouraging or at least for me. 

It's okay to feel. It's what we do with our feelings that get us into trouble.

God Bless.

My God

"My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?" (NLT) -Matthew 27:46

It's okay to be angry at God for a short time, but don't walk away from your relationship with Him. Don't allow your anger to become uncontrolled. Instead, work through the anger and emotions. Your relationship with Him will grow deeper and stronger. In time, you will look back on this time with a renewed spirit of the glories God can do.

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

http://www.jctrois.com/dailybibledevotion/devotion.html?devo=9EUqYOjWsf

Quote Of The Day - Our Joy

This is so good! Be encouraged, my friend.

God Bless.

Quote of the Day -Joyce Meyer

“Our joy does not have to be based on our circumstances.” 

– Joyce Meyer

Punished For Sins

Some food for thought. Be encouraged.

God Bless.

Punished For Sins

Then why should we, mere humans, complain when we are punished for our sins? (NLT) -Lamentations 3:39

When we feel God is disciplining us we get angry and shake our fists at him. If you feel He has turned his back on you it is exactly the opposite. Because He loves you he wants to teach you. As parents we want our kids to learn the difference between right and wrong. How could our children say we don't love them because they receive discipline from us? Isn't that further from the truth?

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

http://www.jctrois.com/dailybibledevotion/devotion.html?devo=S3gMeeQb4w

Who Are You

Food for thought written in the word's below..

God Bless.

Who Are You?

By Danny Saavedra, Minister

“If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”—John 8:31–32 (NIV)

Over the last few days, we’ve learned that only God can give us our identity and why that’s the case. We also learned what happens when we receive Christ and have our eyes opened. Today, I’m going to share with you the God-given identity you receive when you receive Jesus.

1 John 1:9 says we’re forgiven and pure.

1 Peter 2:9 says we’re chosen, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a people for His own possession.

Deuteronomy 14:2 says we’re His treasured possession.

Ephesians 2:10 calls us His masterpiece.

2 Corinthians 5:21 says we’re righteous.

Isaiah 43:4 calls us precious.

Matthew 5:13–16 says we’re salt, light, and a city on a hill.

John 3:16 says we’re loved.

John 8:36 says we’re free.

John 15:5 says we’re His family.

John 15:15 says we’re His friends.

Romans 3:24 says we’re justified.

Romans 8:17 says we’re heirs and coheirs with Christ!

Romans 8:37 says we’re more than conquerors.

1 Corinthians 3:16 tells us we’re God’s temple.

2 Corinthians 1:22 tells us we’re secure.

2 Corinthians 5:17 says we’re a new creation.

2 Corinthians 5:20 says we’re God’s ambassadors.

Ephesians 1 says we’re blessed, chosen, adopted, redeemed, grace-lavished, unconditionally loved, accepted, and blameless.

Philippians 3:20 tells us we’re citizens of Heaven.

John 1:12 and Galatians 3:26 says we’re children of God.

Just think about these for a minute. Whether you’ve read them a billion times or this is the first time, take it in because in Christ THIS IS YOU! This is you on your best and your worst day. This identity can never be removed, tarnished, messed up, forsaken, taken away, or changed.

This is who you become by the grace of God through faith in Christ! God takes us from sinners who deserve death to citizens of heaven, from enemies of God to His friends, from children of wrath to children and heirs of God! And the craziest part is that this only scratches the surface of the identity we have in Christ.

So, how do we apply our identity in Christ and allow it to impact how we live, view the world, people, and ourselves? First, we must immerse ourselves in who HE is, in His identity, His character, His nature, His heart, His mind, and His will. This is done through the study of the Word and intentional time in prayer. Second, we must intentionally remove the false identities given to us by the world as we learn to see things through the lens of Scripture. Third, we must combat the lies and remind ourselves of who Christ is, what Christ has done, and who we are in Christ (Titus 3:3–8).

When we do, we’ll begin to see it impact the way we view ourselves, the people around us, our church, our calling, and the world. It will change our decision-making with money, relationships, and careers. It will change our priorities and habits. We’ll be empowered and equipped by the Spirit to walk in boldness, confidence, courage, compassion, kindness, humility, and power.

So, friends, I pray that today you can walk more securely in who you are as children of God!

Pause: How do we walk in our true identity as those who’ve been made new in Christ?

Practice: Write out or print the list of passages in this devotional and put them somewhere where you’ll see them every day. Read them, remind yourself of them, and thank God that this is who HE has made you into through Christ Jesus!

Pray: Father, who am I that you are mindful of me? Who am I that you take care of me? Apart from You, from Your love, from the grace of Your Son Jesus, and from the fellowship with Your Holy Spirit, I am nothing. Father, thank You that You have made me Your treasured possession and adopted me as Your child and heir. Father, I pray that I would grow more and more conformed to the image of Your Son; that the old person would decrease and that You would increase. Amen.

-Author Unknown 

Feeling Tired

Love this! Love the word's written below. 

Be encouraged.

God Bless.

Feeling Tired

I am exhausted from crying for help; my throat is parched. My eyes are swollen with weeping, waiting for my God to help me. (NLT) -Psalm 69:3

Do you ever feel tired? I mean tired of just trying so hard and yet just moving inches. Maybe you're trying to mend a relationship, advance your career, or just trying to gather yourself emotionally. Despite these valleys in your life, don't give up on hope. This hope is the purposefulness of your tribulations that God has planned to produce the most beautiful story about you. Be patient, strong and trust in Him. Do not give up.

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

http://www.jctrois.com/dailybibledevotion/devotion.html?devo=QWkOC5mQNf

Quote Of The Day - Forgive

Some food advice below. Do yourself a favor and forgive and then live your best life.

God Bless.

Quote of the Day -Joyce Meyer

“Forgive as often as you must and don’t put limits on it.” 

-Joyce Meyer, Do Yourself a Favor…Forgive: Learn How to Take Control of Your Life Through Forgiveness

Judging Others

Just a friendly reminder, we are not judge and jury for every situation that happens in our lives. 

I understand why we keep wanting to be but we must keep the fact that God can be a way better one than we can be. He won't let us down. 

Be encouraged.

God Bless.

Judging Others

God alone, who gave the law, is the Judge. He alone has the power to save or to destroy. So what right do you have to judge your neighbor? (NLT) -James 4:12

God is the perfect judge because He created the law. When we judge other people it is a sign we don't trust God will judge accordingly. Or it is a sign that our own authority is greater than God's. Both of these ideas are far from the truth. If you find yourself looking down on another person, try focusing on your love and appreciation for them. Your love leaves a greater impact than your judgement.

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

http://www.jctrois.com/dailybibledevotion/devotion.html?devo=bSYNdssvvy

Have You

Some food for thought. Stay in the fight, my friend. The award is worth it!

God Bless.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4:7)

Devotional 

Paul encourages Timothy to preach the word. Have you? Have you fought a good fight? Have you finished the race? Have you kept the faith?. Be encouraged like Timothy and keep going, keep preaching the word in your own way. You don't have to be a "preacher" to make an impact on the world or show someone the way to Christ. Be brave and do your part, make an impact and make a difference. Put up a good fight, keep the faith as you move towards the finish line and while you're at it hold someone else's hand to help them along the way. Together you'll make it.

-Author Unknown 

Written

Thankful for the God who is willing to write our names on the palm of His hands. 

Thankful for the lengths He went to to make it happen.

Thankful for all He's done and will do.

 

Just thankful.

God Bless.

Written

 See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands. Always in my mind is a picture of Jerusalem’s walls in ruins. (NLT) -Isaiah 49:16 

These ancient promises are still true. God has not and will not forget you! Your name is tattooed on the palm of his hand! He sees our trials, hears our cries, and comes to our aide. You are never alone. In your darkest moments may you find and see the God who sees you. 

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

http://www.jctrois.com/dailybibledevotion/devotion.html?devo=U2prEXWyzs

Mornings With God

Food for thought. 

God Bless.

Mornings With God

Ye have not so learned Christ. - Eph 4:20

Christians are not to live as other people do. Something far better is expected of them.

They have come out from the world, and they are to show the world an example of heavenly life. They are no longer to “walk as the Gentiles also walk.”

Those who have learned Christ should put away all the evil things of their former life, and be renewed in the spirit of their mind.

They should put away falsehood and speak truth with their neighbors. If they get angry they should be sure not to hold hate in their hearts overnight. “Let not the sun go down upon your wrath.” If they had ever stolen, they should steal no more, but should earn by honest labor whatever they get. They should keep special watch over their speech, never speaking any corrupt words. They should utter only words that will do good, imparting grace, making people happier and better. They should be careful never to do anything to grieve the Holy Spirit. They should keep their hearts free from all bitter thoughts and should be kind to everybody.

https://www.youdevotion.com/mornings/september/25

God Blesses

Some food for thought along with a dose of encouragement.

God Bless.

God Blesses

"God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs." (NLT) -Matthew 5:3

God loves those who are poor, but “poor” is not limited to finances. Some of the wealthiest people are unable to see their poverty and fail to see their need for the Lord. If you lack patience with your kids, love from your loved ones, desire for purposeful work, or self-control, recognize the need for His grace and He will love you and bless you. Where do you get your enrichment? Seeking God's presence in your life will certainly bring a wealth beyond measurement.

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

Overcome Fear With Faith

Wisdom and encouragement all in one little devotional.

God Bless.

Overcome Fear with Faith

Adapted from the resource Ending Your Day Right - by Joyce Meyer

Have you ever thought how great it would be if you could live without ever having to deal with fear?

Of course, there are healthy fears that alert you to danger in time to avoid it—and these are good because they protect you. But there are many other fears Satan tries to put on you that should not be legitimate concerns. They are False Evidence Appearing Real, and they are intended to keep you from having the power, love, and sound mind God wants you to have.

Fear is a spirit that must be confronted head on—it will not just go away. But God has given you the power to boldly confront your fear and break its hold on your life.

So, when fear knocks on your door, send faith to answer!

Prayer of the Day: Father, I come against fear in the name of Jesus. Help me walk in the faith and power that is my inheritance from You, amen

Bless Them

We have to remind ourselves from time to time, it's not always about us but also about those who have hurt or abuse us. 

Every one has the right to know their is a Savior and their ways can change. 

We also have to remember that we will stand in front of God one day and answer for how we responded to the hurts that came out way and the people who hurt us. We want to be on the right side so pray as often as you need to. No harm or shame in your feelings and how hard you might have to work in wanting good for them.

God Bless.

Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.

Inspiration 

Our Lord Jesus Christ would have us not be embittered when mistreated by others. He would have us not return evil for evil but overcome evil with good. He commands us to wish well for and pray for those who do us wrong, caring more for the souls of others than for our own physical comforts.

Prayer

Lord, it is not natural to the natural man to return good for evil, blessing for cursing, prayer for mistreatment. But that is the tall order you have given to us. Help us keep our spirits loving towards others and desiring their well being even when we have suffered some wrong at their hands. Amen.

-Author Unknown 

The People

Amen! Not to mention words to live by.

God Bless!

The people of Israel mingle with godless foreigners, making themselves as worthless as a half-baked cake! Worshiping foreign gods has sapped their strength, but they don't even know it. (NLT) -Hosea 7:8-9

If you're a believer, you know that non-believers surround us all the time. Instead of being influenced by others to do ungodly things, be a light to others by demonstrating godly behavior. We all have a nemesis, or perhaps a not-so-favorite person. Instead of avoiding them or being short with them, give them a compliment or simply say something nice. In other words, be a light!

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

In You Lord

Amen! Let it be known throughout the earth, He is worthy of all praise and you are His child.

God Bless.

Psalm 71:1-4 In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame. In your righteousness, rescue me and deliver me; turn your ear to me and save me. Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go; give the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress. Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of those who are evil and cruel. 

The book of Psalms is filled with verses like this, reinforcing to us that we serve a God who is refuge, strength, protector, and stronghold. Do not forget that our Lord rescued us out of the clutches of death in Christ Jesus, and has overcome the power of evil on our behalf. Sin is not able to keep us apart from God in Christ Jesus. His unfailing love, forgiveness, and grace rushes forth from the cross covering our sins and making us whiter than snow. He is worthy to be praised! Remember, we serve a God who is there for us, and is mighty to save. 

 Verse courtesy of 'Psalm-A-Day' android app. http://www.idelata.com/apps/psalm-a-day/

The Click of the Pruning Shears

Food for thought mixed with wisdom.

Be encouraged.

God Bless.


The Click of the Pruning Shears

Food for thought, wisdom, and encouragement all in one.

God Bless. 

"This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples."- John 15:8, NIV

The firm “click” of the Gardener’s pruning shears can be heard in our lives when . . .

we are confined to a hospital room,

we are fired from a job,

we are moved to a new place, surrounded by strangers,

we are isolated in a new job, surrounded by unbelievers.

Your purpose, and mine, is to bring glory to God. Jesus reiterated this purpose as He concluded His challenge to the disciples to be fruitful in service: “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”

You will not bear much fruit unless and until you submit to the cutting and clipping of the Gardener. Therefore, when you resist His “gardening” in your life, what you are really doing is refusing to glorify God and therefore aborting the very purpose for your existence. Solemn thoughts, aren’t they?

From Pursuing MORE Of Jesus

If You Have Any Encouragement

Truth bomb alert written within the word's written below.

Be encouraged.

God Bless.

Philippians 2:1-2

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion,  then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.

In Christ, we must live out what we know to be true. Immersed in the amazing love of God we are called to live sharing that same kind of love. Running to Christ when the trials of life come at us, and depending upon Him as our refuge, we should be able to point others to Christ in similar times. Living in relationship with the Holy Spirit of God who makes His home with us at the direction of Jesus, we ought to listen and be led by that Spirit in what to say, when to say it, and how to say it: speaking the truth in love. Anything is possible with God.

Verse/Commentary courtesy of 'Verse-A-Day' android app.

http://www.verse-a-day.com/Apps

He Will Never Fail To Show You What To Do

There is some great truth bombs written below in this little devotional.

May you find encouragement as you meditate on the word's written below.

God Bless.

“If you don’t know what you’re doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You’ll get his help and won’t be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believing, without a second thought…” James 1:5-6, Message Bible.

There have been times in my life when I just didn’t know what God’s will was for me. I didn’t know what decision to make, or where to turn.

But God. If He can tell Noah how to build an ark, if He can give David wisdom on how to defeat his enemies, if He can tell Joshua how to bring down the mighty walls of Jericho, if Jesus can reveal to Peter that there was money in the mouth of a fish, an impartial God, and a good God will show you what to do also.

Sometimes it’s wise to step away from your environment to a quiet place to hear Him. No matter the pressure, the complexity of your situation, or your decision, there will never be a time that your Father will fail to show you what to do.

Prayer: Father God, I thank you that you are good and you’ve never failed me. Help me not to worry but believe on you. Make the answer I need very clear to me. You showed many in your word what to do, you will do the same for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

(Read James 1:5-8; Colossians 3:15)

By Bernard Trippett

The Blind And The Lame

My hope is you will be encouraged today from the word's written below.

God Bless.

"The blind and the lame came to him at the temple, and he healed them." Matthew 21:14

Our God is full of compassion! Jesus wants to make you whole. The fullness of His favor in your life will heal you—your body, your mind, your emotions, every part of you!

Approach Him today with your need. Be bold in your request because of the blood of Jesus that marks your faith. Ask Him to touch you with His favor and with His healing power. Believe that He can and will answer your prayer, and receive it in faith.

-Author Unknown 

I Will Praise You

Some food for thought in this little devotional and I wanted to pass it along so that encouragement can be found.

God Bless.

Psalm 119:7-8

I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws. I will obey your decrees; do not utterly forsake me.

As can be seen when Jesus places his disciples in a boat, only to have them run into a storm on the sea: there are times when God is behind the obstacles of our lives.  This is just one way He uses to make His word come alive to us, because it comes to our aid via the Holy Spirit's leading and prompting as we need it.  God first loved us through His Son Jesus, and we should seek to respond with obedience through Christ.  He is faithful and will not give up on us!

Verse/Commentary courtesy of 'Verse-A-Day' android app.

http://www.verse-a-day.com/Apps

You Have Been Anointed

This little devotional has inspired me to keep fighting the fight. 

May you find some encouragement from the word's written below.

God Bless.

You have been anointed by the Holy Spirit. God offers this anointing to all of us. When you pray, preach, prophesy, or live out your faith, you are empowered by the Holy Spirit’s presence. Lean into him. You grow weary, but the Spirit never does. Your understanding is limited, but the Spirit has unsearchable wisdom. And because he is in you, you have power that you would never have had without him.

The Spirit will give you whatever you need to do the holy work he has called you to do. Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians is God’s will for you: “I ask the Father in his great glory to give you the power to be strong inwardly through his Spirit” (Ephesians 3:16 NCV). God poured his Spirit upon you! Receive him. Believe him. And trust in the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

-Author Unknown 

Fill The Earth With Your Songs Of Gratitude

Enough said.

God Bless.

"Fill the earth with your songs of gratitude" 

Charles Spurgeon

Quote Of The Day - We Shall Never Know

Amen! There's nothing I can add to this...

God Bless.

Quote of the Day – Mother Teresa

We shall never know all the good that a simple smile can do.

– Mother Teresa

For This Reason

There is so much to be absorb in this little devotional.

My hope is you find encouragement in the word's written below.

God Bless.

Verse of the Day

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.  Colossians 1:9-11

Prayer

Dearest loving Abba Father, thank You for Your Word which lights my path and transforms my life. I choose today to turn my thoughts toward You. I choose today to meditate on Your Word and Your promises so that I can be empowered to live in the victory You have prepared for me. I come to You today releasing every part of my mind, will and emotions to You. Show me ways that I can demonstrate my faith in You. Help me to make wise decisions so I can walk in higher places with You. Thank you for casting my sins as far as the east is from the west. Help me to be an agent of reconciliation in the world

Abba Father, Lord, do not let me become spoiled and conceited. I want to share my life and to share the lives of others. Help me to know others better, and in so doing, know You better, too. I desire be to humble, gentle and patient with those that bother me. Help me focus on your love so I can make allowances for the faults of others. Help me Lord to make every effort to be united in the Spirit, binding myself with others with the bonds of peace. Give me and my family today a new attitude of cheerfulness. Help us to be cheerful to each other and also to those we meet today. Help me to manifest my cheerfulness to You by giving a portion of my time talents and treasures back to You.

Help us, Lord, to live truly in light of your glory today. May everything we do and everything we see today be transformed because of your radiant glory. Inspire me to be more open, more inclusive, and more hospitable. Where I have the opportunity and authority, may I reach out to invite others into my life, my community, and my work. May our churches welcome people from all sorts of background, not just in our slogans, but in our attitudes and actions. Through the grace of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

Bible Promise of the Day

God has promised deliverance from fear.

I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4, NKJV

Prayer Quote of the day

I am as certain as I am standing here, that the secret of much mischief to our own souls, and to the souls of others, lies in the way that we stint, and starve, and scamp our prayers, by hurrying over them.

Author: Alexander Whyte

Ask And It Will Be Given

For all that is losing a little faith right now. 

Find encouragement in the word's written below.

God Bless.

"Ask and it will be given to you . . . If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" Matthew 7:7,11

Your Heavenly Father delights in giving you gifts! 

There is nothing you can do to make God love you more, and there is nothing you can do to cause God to love you less. You are his child and your Heavenly Father delights in giving you gifts! 

The enemy will lie and try to shame you into making you believe that you don’t deserve God’s goodness in your life. Yet while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. It is because of the blood of Jesus that we receive anything by grace—including God’s favor.

Ask for an increased portion of favor today! Believe and receive favor for your health, your relationships, your workplace, your neighborhood, your finances. No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.

-Author Unknown 

Need Him

This little devotional is so good! And offers such encouragement. He's all we need day or night!!!

God Bless.

Need Him

“God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. (NLT) -Matthew 5:3

It’s when we get to the end of ourselves and see our deep need for the Lord, we can then inherit God’s Kingdom. The end of us is the place that He meets us! Lay down your life before the Lord and he promises to lift you up and bring blessings into your life. 

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

http://www.jctrois.com/dailybibledevotion/devotion.html?devo=lkMNyIAQm8

The Spirit Of God

Some food for thought...

Be encouraged.

God Bless.

The Spirit of God moves within us to lead us, and he does so with two tools: the verse and the voice. “Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17 NIV). 

The primary communication tool of the Holy Spirit is the Bible. He speaks to us through Scripture. His will is found in his Word. Scripture has an answer for any issue you face. The Bible is not only inspirational but also extremely practical. Go first to the verse.

Go next to the voice. The voice might be your inner sense, the “knowing” that results from Scripture interacting with the Spirit. The voice might be wise counsel, a dream, or a vision. The Spirit still speaks. Ask him to guide you. Seek his will. And then listen. Wait for a response.

Texting God

Inspiring and some food for thought.

God Bless.

Texting God. 

An article in The Washington Post told about a 15-year-old girl who sent and received 6,473 cell phone text messages in a single month. She says about her constant communication with friends, “I would die without it.” And she is not alone. Researchers say that 90 percent of people worldwide text at least once per day, and more than 350 billion text messages are sent each month. 

To me, this ongoing digital conversation offers a remarkable illustration of what prayer could and should be like for every follower of Christ. Paul seemed to be constantly in an attitude of prayer for others: “We have not stopped praying for you” (Col. 1:9). “Be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere” (Ephesians 6:18). “Never stop praying” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). But how can we possibly do that? 

Frank Laubach, a missionary in the Philippines, described his habit of “shooting” prayers at people as he encountered them during the course of each day. In a sense, he was “texting” God on their behalf, staying in constant communication with the Father. 

Laubach believed that prayer is the mightiest force in the world, and said: “My part is to live in this hour in continuous inner conversation with God and in perfect responsiveness to His will.” Never stop praying. Perhaps what Paul urged us to do can be done. —David McCasland 

Prayer should become as natural as breathing.

Quote Of The Day - Let Circumstances

This is soooooo good!

God Bless.

Quote of the Day -Joyce Meyer

“Let circumstances do what they will—and as far as you’re concerned, be determined to remain stable.” 

-Joyce Meyer, Power Thoughts: 12 Strategies to Win the Battle of the Mind

According To God's Plan

Something to chew on. Remember to stay in the fight 

God Bless.

According to God’s plan, life is a series of decisions. Do I move or stay? Hold on or let go? Tie the knot or not? Small decisions, large decisions. Decisions everywhere! We make our choices, and they make us. Consequently, decision-making saps energy and creates anxiety. What if I make the wrong choice?

So what can we do? Given the weightiness of choices, how can we make good ones? You will be encouraged by the promise of Scripture: we can be led by the Holy Spirit. “He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake” (Psalm 23:3 ESV). God, our Good Shepherd, doesn’t just feed us; he leads us. He does more than correct us; he directs us. He keeps us on the right track. He has commissioned the Holy Spirit to guide us down the winding roads of life.

-Author Unknown 

Don't Give Up

I want to encourage you to stay in the good fight of faith. 

My this little devotional be that encouragement you need.

God Bless.

Don't Give Up

So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. (NLT) -Galatians 6:9

Some days are simply overwhelming and cause us to want to give up. God desires us to be persistent in our good work. Maybe you’re trying to mend a broken relationship with a family member and some days are very tough. Sometimes work can be hectic and unforgiving. And sometimes it’s a dream of yours to work on something that you’re passionate about and gifted in. There are peaks and valleys for all of these journeys, but remember to be strong, hopeful, and believe in your heavenly father.

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

Power, Love, Peace, And Self-Discipline

I don't know about you, but I am always searching for encouragement to keep going in this good fight for faith.

May this little devotional be an encouragement to you as well. 

God Bless.

Power, Love and Self-Discipline

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. (NLT) -2 Timothy 1:7

God has not given us a spirit of fear or timidity! When your mind feels out of control, God is able to renew your spirit and let his power, love, and self-discipline fill you up. Ask God to give you the power to look more like him everyday. 

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

Quote Of The Day - You Need To Have

This is food for thought. And if I'm honest, it's soooo good.

God Bless.

Quote of the Day -Joyce Meyer

“You need to have an “I am” and an “I can” attitude. Fill your thoughts and your words with these confessions daily, and then you will bring more joy into your life! I am a new creation in Christ (see 2 Corinthians 5:17). I can live in perfect peace (see Isaiah 26:3). I am slow to speak, quick to hear, and slow to anger (see James 1:19). I can do all things through Christ, Who strengthens me (see Philippians 4:13). I am more than a conqueror in Christ (see Romans 8:37). I can have the mind of Christ (see 1 Corinthians 2:16). I am dead to sin and alive to righteousness (see Romans 6:11). I can overcome evil with good (see Romans 12:21). Power Thought: All efforts to train my mind and my mouth to think and speak more like God work” 

-Joyce Meyer, Power Thoughts Devotional: 365 Daily Inspirations for Winning the Battle of the Mind

God Wants You To Be Full Of Hope

Be encouraged my friend. And this little devotional is meant to do just that.

God Bless.

God wants you to be full of hope, not full of discouragement, despair, and depression. The Bible tells us in Romans 5:5 that those who put their hope in God will never be disappointed and they will never be put to shame.

-Author Unknown 

Prayer For Relationships

For me, one of the hardest things is dealing with relationships and keeping them in God's hands.

So when I came across this little devotional I became encouraged may you find this to be as well.

God Bless.

Prayer for Relationships: "God, relationships are so precious and I want mine to be full of life and love. I pray that You would be at the center of all my relationships. I know that the way I treat people is important. Show me what I can do to improve things on my end. Help me to be understanding and sincerely kind, and to have a good attitude toward every person I meet. Lord, I also pray that You would bring things to light that need to be talked about. I ask that You would provide great opportunities for communication. I know I can trust You to show me what to say and do. And I pray that no matter what happens, You'll be glorified in me. In Jesus' name, Amen."

-Author Unknown 

Gift Of Peace

My gift of encouragement offering to you in the word's written below.

God Bless.

Gift of Peace

I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. (NLT) -John 14:27

This world is filled with turmoil. Trauma, loss, evil, and trials cover the headlines and touch all of our lives at one point or another. Peace is hard to find! It’s such a gift. God gives us his peace, in the midst of living in a tumultuous world. Thank you Jesus for your peace! 

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

Quote Of The Day - Think Yourself Happy

Amen!

And God Bless!

Quote of the Day -Joyce Meyer

“Think Yourself Happy” 

-Joyce Meyer, Power Thoughts Devotional: 365 Daily Inspirations for Winning the Battle of the Mind

Expect Good Things To Happen

Love this....

God Bless.

Expect Good Things To Happen

Jan Slocum

This thing we call life has gotten harder and harder with all its trials and tribulations. All one has to do is watch the news, buy some groceries, put some gas in their vehicles, while dreading opening up the bills for fear they have gone up by twenty percent. Life is rough out there for the average Joe.

And if that wasn’t enough, there is very little kindness, understanding, compassionate people left in the world. People are hurting emotionally and in turn are hurting others with little remorse. People are angry and emotions are running amuck with little to no consequence of their action.

Depression and hopelessness is the new normal it would appear. Makes one think the return of Christ is close at hand and I for one is ready for it. I’m done. I want out. I’m looking for the clouds to part. I’m looking for my Savior to come on that beautiful horse of His. I have my ears tuned into the heavenly sound waves listening for the trumpet to blow. Any day now, Lord, any day. Beam me, up. I want to walk on the streets of gold, I want to feel no more pain, I want my tears to be dried. I want to be in the arms of my loving Father. I want to have a little talk with Jesus. I want to meet Noah. I want to be in awe of Abraham and John. Well, you get the picture. I’m ready to go.

Yet, here I am. I wake up day after day where evil is now good and the testing of your faith has intensified to the point you find it hard to breathe. And if you do find some form of pleasure out of life, you feel guilty for it.

Or maybe that’s just my life and that is okay if it is. I mean, I’m used to having negative things thrown at me, going threw a trial or two, seeing death take people I love, having lies told about me, having people judge me, and well, experiencing more physical pain the one should have to. Experiencing the negative is the norm for me.

But what if. What if it’s time for something new. To have a change of mindset. To take a moment and see things in a new way. To walk a new path. To be guiltless for experiencing happiness. To forge ahead, to live a life full of joy. To expect something good to happen in my life everyday not because someone has given me a five-point bullet plan to make life matter. But to really expect something good just because God is good and I don’t have to work for it.

 Is it truly possible to expect good things when the world around you is going to hell in a hand basket? I think so. I also think it is what is expected of us who call ourselves Christians.

I can’t help but wonder if we only sought the good in life what kind of impact that would have on those who are around us. Perhaps a change would occur in their lives as well? I’m no one special. Just an individual who is trying to get through this life without losing who I am in the process. It seems to me if I have a mindset change and expect something good to happen in my life everyday then why can’t those around me experience the goodness of God as well? Be an encouragement for those around you. Show them the light that shines within you. Be the reason for them to seek a mindset change of their own. It’s funny what a little bit of hope could do to a person, a lifeline even, and I’m all for living a life instead of living a life of dread and going through the emotions because that is what I’m suppose to do. Living the goodness as well as expecting it can make a powerful impact not only in your life, but in others as well, and in God’s eyes, this shows Him just how much you love and appreciate all that He has done for you for He came to give us life, life abundantly, now we have to go forth and expect to see good and mighty things. We need to become so in breaded with the knowledge His goodness is new every day and just maybe a spark will ignite a change in a world that is going to hell in a handbasket and is desperate for something good to happen for a change.

Anxiety

For all of us living in this crazy world. 

Encouragement is my hope.

God Bless.

Anxiety. The emotion is not a sign of weakness, immaturity, or demon possession. It is simply the result of living in a fast-changing, challenging world. Anxiety is not a sign of weakness, but anxiety does weaken us. Yet help is here. The Holy Spirit is the calming presence of God in the world today.

His first act in earthly history was to turn chaos into calm. “The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters” (Genesis 1:2 NKJV). The inaugural activity of the Holy Spirit was to hover over a frenzied world. Before God created the world, the Spirit of God calmed the world.

-Author Unknown 

Our Stress-Laden Society

Good food for thought written below.

Stay encouraged.

God Bless.

Our stress-laden society has developed many skills for dealing with anxiety. We have breathing exercises and mediation techniques. But the person in whom the Spirit dwells has the greatest of resources. The apostle Paul said, “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18-19 NIV).

The apostle contrasts two strategies for facing inner chaos: inebriation and celebration. Many people numb themselves, if not with liquor, with bouts of shopping or hours of playing. The better option: celebration. Constant worship clears the debris from our hearts. Praise is the cleansing element that flushes the trash of worry and anxiety.

-Author Unknown 

And My God Will Supply

Thank you, Lord for supplying my needs. Now may I have and learn how to receive.

God Bless.

“And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus” Philippians 4:19, Berean Study Bible.

One thing I’ve learned about God is when it comes to supplying the needs of His children, either He is going to provide us with the resources or He is going to provide us with favor. As He did in the days of Elijah when there was a drought in the land, God led him to a brook where he could drink and had ravens bring him food to eat. When the brook dried up, God led him to a widow to bless him.

God will do the same for you, my sister. Your back may be against the wall and time is running out. You need provision and you need it now. Know that God cares about every detail of your life and He knows what you need. He loves you as much as He loved Elijah of the Bible, and He’s going to provide you with either the resources or the favor.

Prayer: Father, thank you for loving me. You are faithful. Help me to rest in you while you work everything out. I trust you will either provide the resources or the favor. I say by faith, I have everything I need in you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

(Read 1 Kings 17)

-Author Unknown 

Give God Your Cares

Amen! And be encouraged.

God Bless.

Give God your cares, He cares for you. 

“Casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him,…

http://devotionals.dot-k.com/give-god-your-cares-he-cares-for-you/#noredirect

The Ungodly Are Not So

Love this! 

God Bless.

The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.

Inspiration 

The path of the wicked will lead to destruction. Those who do not seek refuge in God will end up falling victim to the attack of the enemy. Pray for the people in your life who are yet to receive Christ in their lives, so that they can experience Life as well.

Prayer 

Dear God, I pray for every single person, in my life and in the world, who does not know you yet. Lord, I do not desire to see anyone fall victim to the ways of the enemy. May you help me to be part of those who preach your gospel and help more people come into your glorious light. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

-Author Unknown 

Quote Of The Day -We Can

Amen!

God Bless.

Quote of the Day – Mother Teresa

We can do no great things-only small things with great love.

– Mother Teresa

Jesus

He's all I need. I'm so thankful He's in my life!

God Bless.

 JESUS

Because the Lord Jesus was a person, He had His own individual name. His mother, His disciples, and all His friends called Him by this name, Jesus. But they probably thought little of what that name meant. And the majority of Christians today hardly know what a treasure is contained in that name, Jesus: “He shall save His people from their sins.”

Many think of His death on the cross or of His work in heaven as our Intercessor, but they do not realize that Jesus is a living person in heaven who thinks of us each day and longs to reveal Himself. He desires us to bring Him our love and adoration each day.

Christians pray to Christ to save them from their sins, but they know very little how the blessed work is done. The living Christ reveals Himself to us, and through the power of His love, the love of sin is expelled. It is through personal fellowship with Him that Jesus saves us from our sins. I must come as an individual, with my heart and all the sin that is in it, to Jesus as an almighty personal Savior in whom God’s holiness dwells. And as He and I commune together in the expression of mutual love and desire, by the work of His Holy Spirit in my heart, His love will expel and conquer all the sin.

O Christian, you will find the secret of happiness and holiness in fellowship with Jesus each day. Your heart will long for the hour of prayer as the best hour of the day. As you learn to take time to be alone with Him each day, you will experience His presence, enabling you to love Him, to serve Him, and to walk in His ways throughout the day. Through this unbroken fellowship, you will learn the secret of the power of a truly godly life.

-Author Unknown 

When We Don't Step Out In Faith

When I read this little devotional, I had to take a minute to have it really sink in. 

And I soon found the encouragement I needed from the word's written below. May this little devotional be an encouragement for you as well.

God Bless.

When We Don’t Step Out in Faith

Though God intended all the Israelites to make it to the promised land, none of the men who came up from Egypt, from twenty years old and upward, except for Joshua and Caleb, made it there. The problem wasn't with the Promise; the problem was with the people believing in the Promise.

Your purpose unfolds to the degree of your obedience and willingness to take steps of faith. Without faith, it is impossible to please God (Heb.11:6). In his book 'Chase the Lion,' Mark Batterson wrote, "Stop living as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death." No one is getting out of life alive.

The journey of purpose is a journey of faith and courage. To experience what God has in mind for you in its entirety will require a stretch and proactive steps of faith.

David, by faith, stepped out to fight Goliath which won him the people's approval to become the next king. Joshua, by faith, believed the Promised land was theirs for the taking, though there were giants in it. You also have to step out. If you put God's name on the line for His own glory, He will show up.

Start risking God's reputation on something destined to fail without divine intervention. Don't hold back at life. Step out in the direction God is stirring your spirit.

I often hear people say they are waiting for clarity to take a step. You won't always be clear about everything; you have to trust God that someway, somehow, He will work out the details. Remember the three Hebrews (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego) who refused to bow to the king's idol. Here's what they say in Daniel 3:16-18 (AMP).

“O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to answer you on this point. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to rescue us from the furnace of blazing fire, and He will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up!”

That was resolute, bold, and audacious faith, but we serve a faithful God. The "fourth man" appeared in the fire.

Let me share a personal story. Every devotional I have written on the YouVersion platform often takes about a month or less to write, but it took me almost five years to overcome the limiting belief that I can write something worthy of this platform. The moral is, if I hadn't made the first attempt, I would have denied over sixty-one thousand combined subscribers the opportunity to read what God has laid in my heart and I would have missed the testimonies I've received across the world. When you don't step out in faith, you hinder your purpose. You have to be willing to try.

God has called you to a higher life; defy the urge to play small. Remember the saying, "It is those who risk going too far who really know how far they can go."

Are you ready and willing to step out with faith in God, believing Him to see your purpose fulfilled?

-Author Unknown 

Quote Of The Day - An Affirmation

Let this be our daily battle cry.

God Bless.

Quote of the Day -Joyce Meyer

“An affirmation to say everyday: The healing power of God is working in me right now. Eveyr day I get better and better in every way.” 

– Joyce Meyer

Quote Of The Day - Satan Can Control

Truth bomb below! 

God Bless.

Quote of the Day -Joyce Meyer

“Satan can control you if you let outward things determine your security.” 

– Joyce Meyer

No Weapon

May this soak into our very soul.

God Bless.

No Weapon. 

“No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord.” Isaiah‬ ‭54:17‬ ‭KJV‬‬

No weapon that is formed against you shall prosper. According to Strong’s Concordance the Hebrew word for “Weapon” is, ‘kĕliy’ (H3615) which means, “Article, vessel, implement, utensil or yoke”. In other words, there is no article, device, tool or strategy that the enemy can use or implement against you that will prosper. There is no vessel (person) that the enemy can use against you that will succeed. There is no yoke or bondage that the enemy can hold against you that will prosper. No tactic, strategy or stronghold that the enemy tries to deploy will prosper. You are God’s child and His protection is your inheritance and your righteousness is of Him. 

When you are in Christ, weapons may form but they will not conquer you. Choose to trust Christ and let His Word fight on your behalf. When the enemy rises up against you, choose to hold your peace — let God fight your battle. Every tongue that rises up against you shall backfire. 

Psalms‬ ‭7:15-16‬ ‭KJV‬‬ states, “He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made. His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate.” The pit that others dig for you, they will fall in it themselves. The plot that others lay for you, they will fall in it themselves. God is your Protection. Don’t fear the enemy’s plots, ploys and strategies. God is your rearguard. God has you covered. 

-Author Unknown 

Quote Of The Day - Miracles Come

Amen!

God Bless.

Quote of the Day -Joyce Meyer

“Miracles come in cans.” You can overcome. You can make it through. You can forgive. You can raise godly children. You can have a happy marriage. You can experience joy. You can meet your goal. You can be disciplined. You can move on. You can… you can… you can.” 

-Joyce Meyer, Get Your Hopes Up!: Expect Something Good to Happen to You Every Day

What must I do to 

Quote Of The Day - Fear Is Not God's Will

Nothing more needs to be said. Just believe.

God Bless.

Quote of the Day -Joyce Meyer

“Fear is not God’s will for you.” 

-Joyce Meyer, Love Out Loud: 365 Devotions for Loving God, Loving Yourself and Loving Others

What must 

Doing The Will Of God

Some food for thought.

God Bless.

Doing the Will of God

I have been made perfect in Christ.

Why are we here on earth? It is not to do our own will, but rather to do the will of Christ, who commissioned us. 

Paul wrote in Colossians 1:9, “For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.” We are to be filled with the knowledge of God’s will. In other words, the knowledge of Christ’s will is to take over the whole of our minds. It is to completely control our thinking. Every motive and every intention is to be controlled by the knowledge of the will of Christ.

Paul continued in Colossians 4:12, “Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.”

The believer becomes perfect and complete only insofar as he fulfills the whole will of God. Hebrews 13 states this truth beautifully:

Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will.

   (Hebrews 13:20–21 KJV)

We are made perfect and complete, we come to fulfillment, only insofar as we do the will of God, just as Jesus found fulfillment during His earthly life only in doing the will of God.

If there is disharmony, frustration, or emotional tumult in your life, consider checking your relationship to the will of God, for you can be made perfect only insofar as you know and do the will of God. Anything else will bring only incompleteness and frustration.

Thank You, Lord, for Your work in me. I proclaim my hope to stand

perfect and complete in all the will of

God, finding fulfillment only in doing His will. I have been made perfect in Christ. Amen.

-Author Unknown 

God Won't Let You Down

Truth And Amen!

God Bless.

God won’t let you down. He will bring justice; He will pay you back for what you have lost or missed out on. While you wait, be thankful and know that God’s timing in your life will be perfect.

-Author Unknown 

Jesus'Blood

Some food for thought I wanted to share.

God Bless.

Jesus’ Blood Speaks Better Things Hebrews 12:24 24

to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel. 

Today, forensic science tells us that blood has a voice. DNA can be extracted from just one small drop of the murderer’s blood and the results used in court as evidence. So blood in a sense can speak. And when it is the blood of Jesus, it “speaks better things” than that of Abel. Abel’s blood cried out, “Vengeance! Vengeance!” after his brother Cain murdered him. (Genesis 4:8–11) But Jesus’ blood cries out forgiveness for our sins, healing for our bodies, and peace and soundness for our minds. It cries out protection for our coming-ins and going-outs, good success for the works of our hands, the righteousness of Christ as our acceptance before God and much more! In the Bible, Jesus’ blood speaking of “better things” is found in the context of the last days when things are being shaken, so that the things that cannot be shaken will remain.

(Hebrews 12:27) 

God wants you to know that you will not be shaken when you put your faith in Jesus’ blood, which speaks better things for you. That is why God wants you to see Jesus’ blood shed for you in every area that causes your heart to tremble and your confidence to be shaken. For example, if you are afraid of losing your job, speak the blood of Jesus over your job. His blood cries out, “Favor with his boss!” And in these days when you are shaken by fears that terrorism may strike anyone, anywhere, anytime, plead the blood of Jesus that cries out, “Protection and deliverance!” When fear rises in your heart as the doctor gives you his prognosis, plead the blood of Jesus over your body. His blood cries out, “Healing and wholeness!” The eternal blood of Jesus, which speaks better things, will never lose its power. Beloved, see that you do not refuse Him who speaks. (Hebrews 12:25) See that you keep hearing the voice of grace, which speaks salvation, righteousness, protection, deliverance, provision and healing over your life! Thought For The Day You will not be shaken when you put your faith in Jesus’ blood, which speaks better things for you.

-Author Unknown 

When You're Newlyweds

Found this little devotional to be interesting. May you find encouragement written below.

God Bless.

When You’re Newlyweds: 

Patience It is one of the sad consequences of our competitive, media-driven, consumerist culture that we expect perfection in others but excuse mediocrity in ourselves. Restaurants and hotels live on the edge, knowing that all it takes is one bad experience and a customer will never be back. When you’re a newlywed, you are marrying a rookie, someone who will make rookie mistakes. That’s why God tells husbands and wives to let go of Mommy and Daddy and stick like glue to their spouses--never, ever comparing a husband to Daddy or a wife to Mom. It’s an inherently unfair comparison, since you are remembering mature veterans. Cut your newlywed spouse some slack. “As God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with . . . patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another” (Colossians 3:12,13). Think of how often God has had to be patient with you. Think of how he has nurtured you and put up with stuff and invested energy and resources in you. Think of how you learned from your failures and thrived on encouragement and praise. Well, hello! How about extending some of that same patience to your spouse? 

Lord, forgive us our sins as we forgive our spouses who sin against us.

-Author Unknown 

What Keeps Us From Hearing

I found this little devotional interesting and full of encouragement. May you also find some in the word's written below.

God Bless.

What Keeps Us From Hearing? 

Scripture Reading: Luke 8:11-15 The seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop. - Luke 8:15 

A good farmer was mindful to spread seed on good soil, or it would never take root and grow into a crop. Some of it could be trampled on or eaten by birds; some could fall on rocky soil or among thorns and then wither or get choked out. Only the seed sown on good soil would produce a fine crop. The same is true of the Word of God. God spreads his Word generously, even in unlikely places. Just as some seed never brings a crop, so also God’s Word sometimes bears no fruit. Some of us attend worship services but don’t really hear what God is saying—perhaps because we think we’ve heard it all before, or because we have been pressured to be there. What will it take for us to remove obstacles that keep us from hearing what God has to say to us? In years past some of God’s people took the time on Saturdays to prepare for worship on Sundays. Every Saturday evening, for example, my wife’s parents took a half hour to have devotions in preparation for the Sunday service. One easy thing we can do today is to pray before gathering with others to worship God. We can pray for the worship leaders and the person who will be preaching, and we can ask that God’s Spirit will speak through them. We can also ask God to open our hearts and minds so that we can hear what the Spirit wants us to hear. 

Prayer: Holy Spirit, please remove obstacles that can so easily keep us from hearing what you are saying to us. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Arthur J. Schoonveld https://today.reframemedia.com/devotionals/what-keeps-us-from-hearing#noredirect

Here Are Some Questions

So indepth food for thought.

God Bless.

Here are some questions I recommend you ask yourself. In quiet silence ask, "Am I always truthful and honest? I claim to be a Christian, and I believe that the root of the matter is in me and the seed of God is in my heart. I believe I am the Lord"s child, but I am not satisfied with the frozen-over rut. Lord, help me to be honest while I answer. Am I always truthful on the telephone?

Am I always honest with my creditors, with my employers, with my employees and in all social contracts and contacts?" Somebody may say, "What's the difference?" Dishonesty and shading of the truth are sins that grieve the Holy Spirit and bring on the winter. The winter of your discontent may be upon you, and like the life in a leafless tree, your life is buried within. You may have grieved the Holy Spirit by untruthfulness. One of the first things Christians have to do is become perfectly honest with God and perfectly truthful in everything they say.

-Author Unknown 

Give And You Will Receive

Interesting little devotional. Be encouraged.

God Bless.

Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full--pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back. (NLT) -Luke 6:38 

Be generous with your generosity to others. Whether in word, deed, action, or object, gift others often. Yes, it's true some people will be more grateful than others. But we really shouldn't be giving solely to have someone indebted towards us. Your gift can be anything such as time, kind words, friendship, babysitting, transportation and on and on. The next time you find yourself clinging to something, that's the time to give it away. It will only come right back. 

Download this app to get your daily devotions: http://bit.ly/16uZrQ5

And You Shall Love

Hope this little devotional brings you a little encouragement when you read this.

God Bless.

“And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength” Mark 12:30, ESV.

There was a time in my life when I wanted to love God wholeheartedly, but I didn’t. I felt that was an impossible standard to live up to. But while watching a Christian television broadcast one day, the preacher said, when it comes to loving God with all of your heart, mind, soul and strength, that’s something you have to say by faith. So right there in my living room, I began to declare my love for God, and overtime those words have taken shape and have become a reality for me. Today, I truly love God with all of my heart, mind, soul and strength and the proof is in my pin-drop obedience to Him. Glory to God!

I encourage you to say it anyway! Call those things that be not as though they are (see Romans 4:17). God can do the same in anyone that comes to Him in faith. Declare your love by faith, and your words will take shape and will become life for you. He will birth in you a true love for Him that will show through your obedience to Him.

Say this out loud from your heart today:

Dear God, I thank you for loving me more than anyone in my life. Your love is in my heart and I want to experience more of it. I want to obey you more and do what you instruct me to do in your word. I say right now by faith that I love you with all my heart, I love you with all my mind, I love you with all my soul, and I love you with all my strength. I love you with everything in me, and nothing makes me happier than to obey you! Let these words become my reality. You deserve all of me. You gave me all of you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

(Read John 14:15)

Kingd

Whoever Dwells

May we find shelter in His arms and lean on Him for He is worthy.

God Bless.

Psalm 91:1-2 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” 

Shelter, stronghold, refuge, and fortress are all used to describe God throughout the different translations of today's verse. Lord, we are so very grateful that we are able to run to you in Christ Jesus. You stand firm, arms wide open, ready to receive us and poised to protect us with your infinite might. Help us realize Lord that we are stronger when we run to you. Holy Spirit, lead us to the "secret place of the Most High" (NKJV) and intercede for us when we cannot find the words. In the name of Jesus, Amen. 

 Verse/Commentary courtesy of 'Jesus Daily: Bible Devotional' android app. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.idelata.JesusDaily

Not Satisfied

Just some encouragement and food for thought. 

God Bless.

 Not Satisfied With Just Being Saved 

 Genesis 12:7 7Then the Lord appeared to Abram and said, “To your descendants I will give this land.” And there he built an altar to the Lord, who had appeared to him. 

I don’t know about you, but I am not satisfied with just knowing that I am righteous by faith. I also want to get to know the One who made me righteous. I want to have an intimate relationship with my Savior! Abraham was such a man. He was righteous by faith, but he also had a close walk with God and was blessed by God in all things. (Genesis 24:1) His nephew Lot, on the other hand, although righteous too (2 Peter 2:7–8), had no heart for God. He ended up losing a lot when Sodom, the city he dwelt in, was destroyed along with Gomorrah. He was saved by the skin of his teeth! My friend, do you want to be a Christian like Lot, righteous but always finding yourself in trouble, or do you want to be a righteous-and-blessed Christian like Abraham? Then, like Abraham, have a heart for God. From place to place, Abraham would build an altar to the Lord.

 And in between altars, he grew very rich! (Genesis 13:2) There is no biblical record, however, of Lot ever building an altar to the Lord. What is an “altar” in today’s context? It is a place where you know that you have a close relationship with God. For example, when my late father was in the hospital, I was worried and did not know what to do. I remember driving down the road and crying. After a while, I just threw my cares to the Lord. When I reached the hospital, I just laid my hands on my father and said, “Be healed in Jesus’ name.” And he was healed! Till today, I can remember the place where I had cast my cares to the Lord and leaned on His love for me. That is my “altar”. And it is not the only one. We have got to have this kind of relationship with God, one full of “altars” that remind us of His love, goodness and faithfulness. Let’s not live the Christian life like Lot, saved by the skin of our teeth. Let’s walk closely with God as Abraham did, and be richly blessed in every area of our lives! 

Thought For The Day Choose to have an intimate relationship with the One who made you righteous.

-Author Unknown 

God Can Use Your Greatest Trials

It will all be worth it one day. Be encouraged.

God Bless.

God Can Use Your Greatest Trials for Good

God spoke this to my heart awhile ago: "Joyce, you see to the end of your nose (which isn't very far), and you assume that anything that doesn't feel good isn't good. But I see from beginning to end because I am The Beginning and The End, and I know many things you don't know."

We know in part, but God knows all.

In Genesis 50:20, Joseph is speaking to his brothers, who had severely mistreated him. When they threw him into a pit and sold him into slavery, they thought they were working against him, but really, God had a plan to use those trials to promote Joseph to a place of great influence.

Sometimes the very things we think are awful turn out to be a great blessing. The greatest trial can develop in you the greatest faith. You might be at the bottom of a pit, but God has a plan to use that pit to promote you in His call on your life. Remember, God can see all, and He will use those trials for your good.

Prayer Starter: God, I can't see 'past my nose,' but I trust You because I know that You see all. I believe that You can take my trials and bring good out of them.

Joyce Meyer 

Pray With Me

Encouragement and food for thought.

God Bless.

Pray with me today for one hour… as together we fast and Preprayer for the NEW YEAR.

* Please click here to listen to Anne pray this prayer.

The unmistakable sound of the Shofar could be heard coming from the wall surrounding Jerusalem, echoing across the sun-scorched valley. The blowing of the trumpet heralded great public distress and was used to summon the people.  It was the first century B.C. and a severe drought was threatening the very existence of the city.  So the city elders called for the people to gather outside the city walls.  Then they sent for Honi.

Honi was an old man who, after this day, became known as the Circle-Drawer. Because when he was summoned, the elders asked him, “Pray that rain may fall.” Honi prayed, but nothing happened.  So he drew a circle around himself in the dust of the ground, and prayed again, “O Lord of the world, Your children have turned their faces to me… I swear by Your great name that I will not stir from here until You have pity on Your children.”

The rain began to fall, one large drop at a time.  But Honi protested, “Not for such rain have I prayed, but for rain that will fill the cisterns, pits, and caverns.”

In answer to his prayer, the heavens opened and the waters descended in a violent gully-washer that threatened to flood the city.  So once again, Honi pleaded, “Not for such rain have I prayed, but for rain of goodwill, blessing and graciousness.”  It is said, and recorded by the Jewish historian, Josephus, that in response to Honi’s third prayer, a long, soaking rain began to fall that ended the three-year drought. [1] Honi had prevailed in prayer.[2]

As I look ahead into 2016, I feel compelled to draw a circle around this city, this state, this nation… and pray!  Until God answers. Do the same. Please.  On this first day of the New Year, draw your own circle.  Then pray for everything that’s inside of it.

…Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and compassionate… Who knows?  He may turn and have pity and leave behind a blessing.  Joel 2:13-14

O God of creation. We bow before You acknowledging Your greatness and Your glory. No one compares to You.  No one is Your equal. We look at Your creation and marvel at the infinite power and wisdom that are Yours.  Nothing is beyond Your reach. “You bring out all the starry host one by one, and call them each by name. Because of Your great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing…You pitch a tent for the sun…It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is hidden from its heat…Where can I go from Your Spirit?  Where can I flee from Your presence? If I go up to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are there.” [3] There is nowhere in all the Universe where You are not. Surely Your arm “…is not too short to save, nor [Your] ear too dull to hear.”[4]

I acknowledge You as ___________________

Yet we honestly confess: when terrorists randomly kill; when women and children detonate themselves as suicide bombers; when innocent people are grabbed from behind and stabbed in the back; when floods, tornadoes, and storms ravage our land; when our national leaders don’t lead; when our business leaders lie; when our political leaders put their own interests before the people’s; when our spiritual leaders contradict Your Word; when our social leaders divide; when our allies become our enemies and our enemies become our allies…what’s going on?  Where are You?

We are tempted to think You are…
Distracted…disengaged…disinterested,
Inattentive…inactive…impotent,
Out-maneuvered…out-moded…out-classed,
Unable…unaffected…and even unaware…
of our fear… our helplessness…our confusion…our outrage. Why do You seem so small while our problems, disasters, and enemies seem so large?

Why ___________________?

Help us to regain our focus.

God of our fathers. Lord of the nations. You are the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. No one can understand Your ways. But we turn to You. We return to You. Now. “Are You not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations.  Power and might are in Your hand, and no one can withstand You.”[5]

Did we not establish our nation as one under God? Have we not pledged, “In God We Trust”? But now we find ourselves constantly bombarded with the shrill voices of those who demand we distance ourselves from You; that You are just one of many gods, if You are a god at all; that we cannot risk offending each other by calling on Your name. We hear the enemy insinuating that You are “not fixing this” because You can’t fix this. Our faith is being assaulted.

And so our spirits rise up within us and throw off the smothering cloak of spiritual oppression and political correctness. We shout Your Name. You are Yahweh. Jehovah–the personal God.  The great I AM–the eternal God. The All-mighty–the Powerful God. You are Jesus. Savior. Immanuel. God with us, never to leave or forsake us. Your power has not been diluted or depleted over the ages. You are just as powerful…just as much in authority…as You were in Creation; in the deliverance of Your people from Egypt and in the parting of the Red Sea.  You are the One who sends down the fire.[6] Who fells the giants.[7] Who makes wars to cease.[8] Who raises the dead![9]

I shout Your name: ___________________

As we look ahead into the New Year, we choose to place our trust in You.  If “…the kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord,”[10] we trust in You. If “…the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging,”[11] we trust in You. Though …”nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall…,”[12] we trust in You.  When …”the wicked draw the sword and bend the bow to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose ways are upright…,[13]” we trust in You. We trust You.  We trust You!

I trust You when ___________________
I trust You for ___________________

We are told that we can worship You in our own churches, but we cannot bring You into the marketplace or the workplace; into the State House or the school house; onto the battlefield or the football field; into the courtroom or the back room or the bedroom.  As though the God of gods can be contained, boxed in, restricted, bound, hidden. We laugh at such foolishness and exalt You as the Most High God who strides the winds of the earth.  The clouds are the dust of Your feet.[14] The heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain You.[15]  How much less any local church building.  We invite You to have Your way in our lives. In our state.  In our nation.  Within our circle.

I invite You into my ___________________

Now arise, O Lord God.  Look on us, Your people who are called by Your name.  Listen to us, as we cry out to You on behalf of our nation. Do not reject us. Have pity on us.

We feel the encroaching evil.  Darkness and gloom are descending. Those who hate us are infiltrating us.  Those who are dedicated to destroying us are all around us.  Are You at the head of this army? Is this the beginning of the Day of the Lord?  Have we tried Your patience and crossed the line into Your judgment? Are You holding us accountable for our sin and rebellion and defiance, for our profanity and blasphemy and idolatry?  “You alone are to be feared.  Who can stand before You when You are angry?”[16] Are You?

Most Holy God.  As we draw a circle around ourselves, we want to make everything right with You within that circle.  So we confess our sin.  You are righteous.  We are not.  You always do the right thing. We have done wrong. We are covered with shame because we know better. We have had generations of blessing and prosperity, yet we have refused to thank You, and instead give ourselves credit for what has come from Your hand. We have agreed with those who contradict Your Word. We have turned away from Your truth, and believed lies. We have treated life casually. We have destroyed our environment selfishly. We have passed by the needy uncaringly. We have demanded entitlements defiantly. We have not listened to those who have warned us of the consequences of drifting from You.

I confess my sin of ___________________
I will stop ___________________
I will turn away from ___________________
Thank You for forgiving and cleansing me of___________________

And now, as we look into 2016, we come face to face with a mess. What can be done to save us from ourselves? Even as the question reverberates in our minds, the answer is given: the solution to our spiritual and moral meltdown—to the restoration of the crumbling foundation of our nation—is not politics, nor the economy, nor health care, nor welfare or immigration reforms, nor free higher education, nor the court system, nor corporate or Wall Street regulation. You are the Answer. You are the Solution. Yet instead of turning to You, we seem to be turning farther and farther away from You. But not now.  Now we turn back.  We turn around.  We re-turn to You.  We run to You. We cling to You. We plead with You…

Turn to us! Draw near to us![17] If You do not help us, we will be defenseless.  If You do not protect us, we will be exposed to danger.  If You do not deliver us from evil, we will be overcome by it. If You do not have plans to give us hope and a future, we will slide into the past tense as a nation.[18]  Into oblivion.

Father of all mercies. You have said that our land is a land that You, the Lord our God, cares for; that Your eyes are continually on it from the beginning of the year to its end.[19]  As You look on our nation from this day forward, from January 1st to December 31st, 2016, we ask for what we know we don’t deserve.  We ask for Your blessing. Please…

• Bless our national and local elections.  Raise up men and women who will lead us back to you.  Raise up another Asa, who was fully committed to the Lord all his life.[20] Raise up another Jehoshaphat who did what was right in the eyes of the Lord.[21] Raise up another Josiah who renewed the covenant of his people with You—“to follow the Lord and keep His commands.”[22] Raise up leaders of moral and spiritual integrity who have a strong faith and a healthy reverence for You and therefore the wisdom to make right decisions. Put Your choice in the Oval Office.
• Bless our homeland security teams.  Give them eyes to see the bad guys, ears to hear the evil chatter, minds to understand the tweets and codes, and the will to act before the enemy does. Protect us from evil.
• Bless our policemen and firemen, our armed forces and border patrol—all those who risk their lives to keep us safe. Restore to them the respect they deserve.  Protect their lives and their families. Bring to the light of justice any corruption and abuse so that we can trust those in uniform. Guard those who guard us.
• Bless our judges and prosecutors. Cause them to serve faithfully and wholeheartedly, remembering that they are accountable to You.[23] Punish those who do wrong. Encourage those who do right.
• Bless my ___________________

You are the Fountainhead from whom all blessings flow. The list of our needs and our requests is endless.  Please.  Bless our doctors. Our lawyers. Our bankers. Our teachers. Our commissioners. Our farmers.

• Bless our preachers, Bible teachers, and seminary professors.  Like Ezra of old, stir their hearts to be devoted to You first, then to the study and the preaching of Your Word.[24]When they preach or teach, compel them to preach the Word, not books about the Word. Motivate them with holy fear of standing before the Judgment Seat of Christ to give an account for the way they have impacted others by their words and by their deeds.  Remove those whose lives are out of sync with their lips. Raise up a generation of spiritual leaders that You approve of as workmen who do not need to be ashamed because they correctly handle the word of truth. [25] Fill them to overflowing with Your Spirit.
• Bless our families. The unloving spirits of infidelity, dishonesty, treachery, hypocrisy, immorality, pornography, and adultery are sweeping through our homes. The enemy seems to be attacking us on every level, on every front.  A vast army of evil seems to have been unleashed against the home.  Especially the homes and families of Christ-followers. “We have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us.  We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.”[26] We plead for Your divine protection.  We plead for Your divine wisdom to counter the attacks so that our families are strengthened in their relationship with You. Be the center of our homes.
• Lord of love, we pray for You to bless our enemies. Yes, we do. Open their ears to the Truth. Open their minds to understand the Gospel. Open their hearts to long for Your love. Draw them to Yourself as moths are drawn to a flame. Your Light is stronger than their darkness. Bring them into the Light. Save them for all eternity. BUT if they reject You, we ask that You turn them on each other. Distract them.  Destroy them. Prevent them from continuing to attack and persecute the righteous.
• Lastly, O God our Father, bless us.  Bless me. Make me into a vessel of honor, an instrument “…for noble purposes, made holy, useful to our Master and prepared to do any good work.”[27] I know the night is coming when work for You will cease.[28]  Help me to redeem the time. Use me now for Your Kingdom and Your glory. Open my lips to boldly and fearlessly make known the Gospel:[29] the Good News of redemption for the past…hope for the future… joy for the present regardless of circumstances… love that is unconditional, boundless, and eternal[30]…found at the Cross.  Open my lips to just give Jesus to a world that is increasingly desperate. Use me as an ambassador of peace on earth by first leading people into a right relationship with You, then with each other. When the world around me unravels, help me to stand strong on my faith in You. And when people see me standing strong, help them to see You.

Bless me.

• Make me into ___________________
• Help me to ___________________
• Use me for ___________________

And now, God of grace, as we preprayer for the New Year, we ask bottom-line that You fill our circles with Your glory. Send down Your Holy Spirit in fullness. Ignite the fire of revival in our own hearts. Protect us. Defend us. Comfort us.  Empower us. Equip us as we put on the full armor of God so that we can stand against the devil’s schemes…so that when the day of evil comes, we may be able to stand our ground…taking up the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God…and pray. With this in mind, we remain self-controlled and alert while we keep on praying until we prevail in prayer.[31] And we keep on watching expectantly. Is 2016 the year of Your return?  We hope so!  Come Lord Jesus…[32]

For the glory of Your name…

Amen.

* Please click here to view the PDF version of this prayer.

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[1] I first read the story of Honi in the introduction to Mark Batterson’s book, The Circle Maker.  The account I’ve shared in this book is based on the writings of Josephus, a first-century scholar and very credible historian who was born in Jerusalem shortly after the first coming of Jesus Christ. His writings are held in high regard, and have been used by the secular world as the primary source for both Jewish and Christian history.

[2] Taken from The Daniel Prayer; Chapter 7; Anne Graham Lotz; by permission Zondervan Publishing; May 2016

[3] Isaiah 40:25-26, Psalm 19:4, 6; 139:7-8

[4] Isaiah 59:1

[5] 2 Chronicles 20:6

[6] 2 Chronicles 7:1

[7] 1 Samuel  17:1-50

[8] Psalm 46:9

[9] 2 Kings 4:1-37; Luke 7:11-16; 8:40-42, 49-56; Ephesians 1:17-21

[10] Psalm 2:2

[11] Psalm 46:2-3

[12] Psalm 46:6

[13] Psalm 37:14

[14] Nahum 1:3

[15] 2 Chronicles 6:18

[16] Psalm 76:7

[17] James 4:8

[18] Jeremiah 29:11-13

[19] Deuteronomy 11:11

[20] 2 Chronicles 15:1-17

[21] 2 Chronicles 19:4-20:32

[22] 2 Chronicles 34:1-33

[23] 2 Chronicles 19:8-11

[24] Ezra 7:10

[25] 2 Timothy 2:15; 4:1-2

[26] 2 Chronicles 20:12

[27] 2 Timothy 2:21

[28] John 9:4

[29] Ephesians 6:19

[30] Ephesians 3:14-19

[31] Ephesians 6:10-18; 1 Peter 4:7

[32] Revelation 22:20