Joy

Just some good advice below. Remember no matter what is going on in our lives to show and give joy.

It will be hard, for we want to keep our focus on the trials taking place in our lives, but joy will help make it all worth while.

God Bless.

Joy 

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength. (NLT) -Proverbs 17:22 

The joy of the Lord has the power to heal our

bodies. Sadness, heartbreak, and depression not only cloud our minds but lead

to physical pain and disease. Take time to celebrate and let God’s joy seep

into the deep crevices of your heart. This time is not wasted! Celebration is a

powerful tool God uses to bring his miraculous healing to our lives. 

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And When They Had Fasted

Just some food for thought and a subject to meditate on.

God Bless 

And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.

Inspiration

Fasting and prayer work hand in hand with each other. You cannot fast without praying – otherwise you will simply be on a hunger strike. The point of fasting is to sacrifice earthly needs in order to focus more on communing with God. Prayer is how we commune with God during this time of fellowship. It is in these times we can receive visions, revelations of God's word, and a refreshed assurance in the goodness of God.

Prayer

Dear God, my prayer is that everything I do will never be done out of ignorance or selfish desire. May I never have any ulterior motives in my actions because I know how this can nullify the very act. May I remember that the importance of all I do is to communicate with you and to ensure that your name is glorified at all times.

-Author Unknown

Operating In God's Power

Who wouldn't want to operate in the power of God. It is what is missing in this world and people are craving for it.

What exactly are we as Christians doing about it? Hopefully, this little devotional will help in that search.

God Bless.

Operating in God’s Power

Most electronic devices today require a certain voltage and even the correct cable head to charge! Try charging an iPhone with a micro USB cable or an imitation cable that cannot give enough power. You are likely to get an error message saying, “Connected charger incompatible with this phone”, or “This accessory may not be supported”.

Similarly, we cannot operate fully in the gifts and power that comes with the Holy Spirit if we are not plugged in or connected with our Source! God has given us many ways to stay connected with Him --- praying, reading His Word, waiting on Him, etc. 

We need to realise that it is in the going forth in His name to be His witnesses that we can see His power demonstrated. God’s anointing on us, is to be utilised in the neighbourhoods and in the communities, where needs are abundantly present.

Jesus used His anointing as He went about in His community to do good works, as Acts 10:38 tells us: “And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.”

As children of God, we need to proclaim and declare His Word with faith that His Word is able to do what it says. As we declare God’s word boldly over obstacles, we can expect God to confirm His Word with signs and wonders. As we lay hands on the sick, let us do so believing that the sick will recover. 

God wants to demonstrate this love and power to this world through His church. Let us arise and go in His name and authority to do the impossible - for with God, all things are possible.

Reflection

What are some things God wants to do supernaturally through you that you are trying to do in your own strength?

What are some ways you can minister to the needs of your community and share the good news in your neighbourhood?

Prayer

Holy Spirit, I ask today for a new level of boldness and faith. Give me the courage and desire to step out in faith to operate in the gift of healing, the gift of faith, and the gift of the working of miracles. 

-Author Unknown

And This Is Life Eternal

This little devotional is great and so encouraging. Life everlasting is based on our believing on Jesus Christ and what He has done for us.

God Bless.

And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

Inspiration

Eternal life can be summed up in one sentence: Knowing and believing in God, the Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and what he did for us. It is as simple as that. Simply, believe.

Prayer

Dear God, I thank you for who you are and what your Son, Jesus Christ, did for me. Lord I pray that I continue to believe in you and your son and may nothing ever deter me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

-Author Unknown 

But Now This

This is little devotional is inspirational. 

We need to put our minds to rest in the knowledge we belong to the Father and the enemy of Him is also ours. We need to keep giving him entry into our lives.

God Bless.

But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.

Inspiration

We belong to God. We are His children. Whenever the enemy tries to tell you otherwise, stand firm on God's word and remind the enemy of whom you belong to – God, the Father.

Prayer

Dear God, I thank you that I have my identity in you – as your child. Lord, I pray that when anyone tries to make me doubt who I am, I will simply shake them off and tell them, confidently, that I belong to you. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

-Author Unknown 

Quote Of The Day - We Can Defeat Satan

Wow, what wisdom written below. 

Be encouraged and remember to praise the One who made you.

God Bless.

Quote of the Day -Joyce Meyer

“We can defeat Satan much more quickly by praising God than by worrying.” 

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

Kindness

Kindness. Something that is often overlooked but a necessity to live in this world today. 

We all need to make kindness great again. Let us all do our part in making lives better for we will be rewarded in the life to come.

God Bless.

Kindness

Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. (NLT) -Proverbs 3:3

Kindness is what it looks like to to be a Christ follower.  You should stand out in your workplace and community as a kind person.  Kindness should color your every interaction, from checking out at the grocery store to how you address your spouse.  Let kindness define your actions today.  

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

We Do This Carelessly

This right here. Do we really know the effect of our word's and deed's to those we come in contact with? 

I don't think so but more emphasis should be. What we do matters. Before speaking negative, stop and think. You will be a much better Christian for keeping action, deed's, and words in check.

God Bless.

Just as damaging as a madman shooting a deadly weapon is someone who lies to a friend and then says, “I was only joking.” (NLT) -Proverbs 26:18-19 

We do this carelessly every day, make a negative comment towards someone and brush it off as a joke. However this is a treacherous act that is damaging to that friend and any onlookers who think of you as a friend. Sift your joke through the filter of love and warmth and avoid using jokes as a weapon. 

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Clothed With Jesus’ Robe Of Righteousness

Food for thought....

God Bless.

Clothed With Jesus’ Robe Of Righteousness

 Leviticus 1:6 6 And he shall skin the burnt offering and cut it into its pieces. 

Do you know who first clothed man with coats of skin? It was God Almighty Himself, when He found Adam and Eve hiding behind the bushes because they were afraid of Him. They had become fearful and conscious that they had sinned against God. In their sin-consciousness, they realized that they were naked and that the glory of God, which had been their covering, was gone. So God killed an animal to clothe Adam and Eve with coats of skin. (Genesis 3:21) An animal had to die and its bloodied skin became their covering. This speaks of the blood of Jesus that covers you when He became your burnt offering.

The Lamb of God did not just take away your sins. He also gave you His righteousness. Beloved, you are covered by Jesus’ blood. You are righteous by His blood. God has clothed you with the robe of righteousness, which was paid for by Jesus’ blood. I am not talking about a physical robe made of cloth. I am talking about the robe of righteousness that was on Jesus when He said to the storm, “Peace, be still!” and there came a perfect calm (Matthew 8:23–27), when healing flowed from Him to the sick and when He raised Lazarus from the dead. (John 11:38–44) When you believe that you are righteous because of Jesus’ blood, you will see the effects of wearing His robe of righteousness. You will see miracles happening before your very eyes. You become a blessing magnet, a favor or grace magnet. It is not your own righteousness, but the righteousness of Jesus that you have put on, that is attracting all these blessings of God into your life. My friend, have the consciousness of being clothed with Jesus’ robe of righteousness. Every day, come to God and say, “Father, I thank You that Jesus is my burnt offering. He covers me from head to toe with His righteousness. What He is to You, I am. As He is now, so am I. I am in Him.” And you will see the manifestations of the blessings of health, wholeness, protection and provision that the robe attracts! 

Thought For The Day It is not your own righteousness, but the righteousness of Jesus that you have put on, that attracts the blessings of God into your life.

-Author Unknown 

Quote Of The Day - Remember, You Become What You Think

This right here. Wisdom to guide us through the day. 

We must have a god-like thinking to survive the evil that is going on with this world. 

Be encouraged, there is light at the end of the tunnel and it starts by taking back our thought life.

God Bless.

Quote of the Day -Joyce Meyer

“Remember, you become what you think. Think discouraging thoughts, and you’ll get discouraged.” 

-Joyce Meyer, Battlefield of the Mind: Winning the Battle in Your Mind

Lord, Help Me To Appreciate My Day

I love this little devotional. So much to unpack. So much food for thought. May this give you as much encouragement as it has me.

God Bless.

Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways!– Romans 11:33 (NLT)

Prayer

Our Heavenly Father, thank You for this day and age I’m living in. I believe that You created me for such a time as this. I cannot believe the things I see and hear in the world today. Everything is so crazy. Be the source of sanity in this mixed-up world, Lord. Set my feet upon the solid rock of Your salvation. By faith, I receive Your unprecedented favor as I serve You with my whole heart O Lord.

Abba Father, thank You for Your goodness and favor in my life. I trust that You are working behind the scenes on my behalf. I trust that Your plans are to prosper me and give me a future and a hope. I set my mind and heart on You this day and expect to see Your goodness. Continue to forgive me, Lord. I am weak and foolish, and only Your great love keeps me going.

Thank You for the example of faith and obedience that You have given us in Your Word O Lord. May our family be willing to listen to Your voice and keep us faithful in obeying Your Word. Our prayer today is that the love that You have given us and the love we have had for one another might be a reality to all who read these words. Help us to share with all those we meet today Your love for them and what You have done for them because you love them. Don’t let me waste time, but let me use every moment to the fullest. Help me to appreciate my life, and teach me new ways to use my time. Thank You for all my blessings. In the Sweet and mighty name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen

Bible Promise of the Day

You can celebrate because your name is written in heaven. God promises that He has written our names in heaven.

Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven(Luke 10:20)

Prayer Quote of the day

There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet and delightful than that of a continual conversation with God.

Author: Brother Lawrence

Consider It Pure Joy

I offer you this encouragement to help get through not only the day but the trials, and the darkness to come.

God Bless.

James 1:2-4

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,  because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

There is a perfect work that seeks to integrate and produce fruit in our lives each time we experience trials.  This work is the design of a God who is FOR us!  Our Father God seeks to teach, change, shape, and produce increasingly amazing things in and through our lives as we go through trials.  God uses the difficulty and friction of trials in our life to sharpen and prepare us for His purposes.  Whatever your trial, remember that God is there with you and can bring you through anything.

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

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

Quote Of The Day - This Is The Day

Love the word's written below. 

They spoke to me and I wanted to share the wealth. Be encouraged.

God Bless.

Quote of the Day -Joyce Meyer

“This is the day God has made, and I am going to enjoy it. I can handle whatever comes my way today through Christ Who is my strength. Today, I am energetic and creative. I have favor with God and man everywhere I go. Everything I lay my hand to prospers and succeeds. I enjoy being a blessing to others. I am thankful for all that God has done for me. God is working on my problems, and I can wait patiently because His timing is perfect.” 

-Joyce Meyer, The Mind Connection: How the Thoughts You Choose Affect Your Mood, Behavior, and Decisions

Keep Balanced

Some good advice with the words written below. 

Find your balance, my friend, and go enjoy your life to the fullest.

God Bless.

Keep Balanced by Joyce Meyer 

For we who have believed (adhered to and trusted in and relied on God) do enter that rest. —Hebrews 4:3 

It is easy to get overcommitted, burned out, bummed out, worn out, and stressed out if you are trying to keep up with too many commitments. It is out of balance to try to do everything. If you are happy doing what you do, keep doing it. But if it wears you out and robs you of peace, don’t do it. What sense does it make to commit to something, and then murmur and complain about it while you are doing it? Being overcommitted will frustrate you. Anxiety is usually a sign that God never told you to do what you are doing in the first place. To avoid frustration in your life, keep in balance. 

From the book Ending Your Day Right by Joyce Meyer. Copyright © 2004 by Joyce Meyer. Published by FaithWords. All rights reserved.

It's Really Important

Amen!!! And I say, amen!!

God Bless.

It’s really important to remember that all things are possible with God!

-Author Unknown 

Never Speak Word’s That Allow The Enemy To Think He Is Winning

My offering of encouragement...

God Bless.

Never Speak Word’s That Allow The Enemy To Think He Is Winning

The past few year’s has really taken a toll. There has been more low’s than there has been highs which has put me in a state of doubt, confusion, and as well as other works of evil.

There has been many occasions where I believe I would be better off walking with the saint’s on the streets of gold then to take one more step on this earth. I have wondered why I have been put on this earth almost daily for the past few years. It truly feels as if the evil in this world is overtaking the light that is in me. There has been times I didn’t think I had the strength to get out of bed let alone do anything godly, like read the bible. And praying just seemed more like a chore than communing with the One who created me.

And as the world outside raged on with all it’s craziness, the darkness inside my home was overtaking everything good in my life. The more I looked toward the darkness, the less I could see the light. I felt as if the weight of the world was on my shoulders. Fighting wasn’t an option I was too spiritually weak to fight the way God commands us to. I allowed the anger that was inside me from hurts, loss, expectations, dread dreams, and a broken body to fester and while all those things were festering to the brink of a volcano type eruption my mouth began to follow suit.

Everything that was coming out of my mouth was something negative. I didn’t have anything good to say about anything. My life was a mess with a one-way ticket to the gates of hell. Nothing and no one was off limits. Sure, there were times I was forced to smile and act as if I had it all together but inside me was a whole different story. The conversations I had with myself weren’t pretty and I didn’t even feel bad for any of the negative thoughts I was having. Not even my family was safe. In fact, they may have gotten the worst of my mouth and attitude.

I question God in every situation. I wondered daily if He even knew or cared about what was happening in this world let alone did He care about me and what I was going through. The day’s were long and the trials were hard and there didn’t seem to be an end to them. I grew tired, weary, and nauseous with just the thought of human contact. I wanted no part of it.

I can’t pinpoint the moment my life took a turn, but I just knew it had. My negative word’s came freely and cut deeply. And the sad part I didn’t even seem to notice. Darkness was engulfing me and I knew I was losing precious moments I would never get back. Time was not on my side and I didn’t even care enough to do anything about it, although the spirit within me was calling out for change.

It wasn’t until the death of my oldest brother when I realized, I can’t do this any more. I told myself I just can’t take one more thing negative happening in my life. I told God, if I had to go through one more trial, I was going to loose myself and all the goodness I had in me, yet the trials still continued. I felt alone, ashamed, and unwanted, and grief had become my new best friend.

Then one morning, I woke up with this one thought, your letting the enemy win, Jan. I wasn’t sure what that meant but a spark of hope began to bubble up within me. A few day’s later, I came across something that made me stop and realize, this might be the answer to my problem. Something so short but so powerful. A piece of paper with the word’s, Never Speak Word’s That Allow The Enemy To Think He Is Winning.

Now, I don’t know where the paper came from but I knew I need them in that moment. They were the very words I needed to see to breathe new life into my broken soul. I took the time to realize just how true these words had become. My words along with my actions were indeed letting the enemy believe he was winning the battle for my life. He had a grip on me and I hadn’t realized just how much nor was I aware of the point when I allowed him to come in but then I realized it didn’t matter. What mattered was what was I going to do about it. Was I going to continue to use my words and thoughts to advance his plans for my life or was I going to make a change in how I spoke and thought. Was I ever going to wake up and see the goodness of God? Was I willing to see how faithful God had been throughout these last few years and how He has allowed me to come to the very end of myself so I would realize just how much I needed Him to see me through my daily life? Was I going to use my words to gratify instead of knocking down? These words on this piece of paper has become my motto in how I view my life. Every day, I remind myself of those written words and make a choice to get up and choose life. Once I began to see the negative words I speak as a weapon for the enemy, I began to see a change in my life.

Have I mastered speaking things that don’t weaponize my enemy, no. There are still times, my words let satan win but now I am aware of what I am doing and what the trigger button is for me and if I am being totally honest, this walk of never speaking words that allow satan to think he is winning is not for the faint of heart. Curbing your tongue as well as your thoughts is going to be a lifetime battle, but in the end, I know it will be worth hearing those word’s we all long to hear, well done, thy good and faithful servant, you’ve fought the good fight.

The Word Of God

Amen!

Dig in and let it heal your mind, body, and soul.

God Bless.

The Word of God is medicine for your soul!

-Author Unknown 

So Shall They Fear The Name

Have you had enough of what is going on in the world? I think God has and soon He is going to make a move.

It is my hope that this little devotional helps you get prepared for when He steps onto the scene.

God Bless.

“So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.” Isaiah 59:19

Something happens when God says, Enough! God has raised His hand against the enemy in your life, and has told the enemy, “No more! No more attacking her body! No more attacking her mind! No more attacking her marriage and family! No more attacking her identity! Enough!” Your mighty God of power and strength is stepping into your circumstance and raising His hand against the enemy, and is saying, Enough! He has declared peace over your life through Jesus and has commanded His blessing over everything that concerns you. He is pushing back darkness, and commanding His light to shine through. He has told every demonic force they can’t have you. You are His daughter and He is your Father. He is delivering you and setting you securely in a high place of honor and stability in Christ. My sister, something happens when our almighty God says, Enough! He has heard your cry!

Prayer: Father, thank you for seeing me and hearing my cry. Thank you for lifting up a standard against the enemy. Lord, you are my standard. Thank you for commanding your light to break through all darkness. Thank you for bringing stability and causing me to walk in your peace. I love you, Father. Thank you for mightily loving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

-Author Unknown 

Small Beginnings

Never regret the small stuff or the  beginnings. Those are what makes you you.

Stay encouraged and live in gratitude.

God Bless.

Small Beginnings

Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.” (The seven lamps represent the eyes of the LORD that search all around the world.) (NLT) -Zechariah 4:10 

Sometimes it’s changing the small habits in our lives that make the biggest difference!  Don’t underestimate the mundane disciples that you cultivate in the day to day.  God starts small and moves us slowly into greater glory.  He rejoices to see the work begin, no matter how tiny out step towards Him may feel.

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

Own Fruit

We could all use some wisdom in our lives in how to navigate this thing called life and it is my hope that this little devotional belf encouragement for you to keep going.

God Bless.

Own Fruit

Thieves are jealous of each other's loot, but the godly are well rooted and bear their own fruit. (NLT) -Proverbs 12:12

Do you ever find yourself envious of other people? It is only natural, everyone does, it's part of being human. However, we don't have to act on our feelings. This verse tells us that with being strong in our faith comes the ability to create our own fruit! Of course, this is done through God. But how awesome to know we can rise above thieves, who only steal from each other, and instead can glorify God with creating fruit.

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

Quote Of The Day - Learn To Wait

Amen! And such encouragement. There is nothing better than when God moves and He will, I promise.

God Bless.

Quote of the Day -Joyce Meyer

“Learn to wait on God.” 

-Joyce Meyer, Peace

Quote Of The Day - If You Feel Pressed

If you need encouragement, start by reading the words below.

God Bless.

Quote of the Day -Joyce Meyer

“If you feel pressed, confused, controlled, or stressed about something, then it is not of God; that is not how He works. Instead, the Holy Spirit will gently “reveal, (declare, disclose, transmit)” the truth to you.” 

-Joyce Meyer, New Day, New You: 366 Devotions for Enjoying Everyday Life

Remind Me

Love this prayer. And I need these words to cover my soul. 

I am not ashamed to say, I need to be reminded that the One who has created me is always near and He loves me more than I can imagine.

Be encouraged for if He is here and loves me, He will do the same for you.

God Bless.

God,

Remind me that love is always near, because You are never far.

When I feel unworthy of love, remind me that You have made me worthy. And when I feel incapable of showing love, help me to remember what You’ve sacrificed for me.

Remind me of how loved I am so I can remind others of how loved they are.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

-Author Unknown