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