Praise In The Desert

I absolutely love this little devotional and it is one I can get behind for my life in 2018.

I know the truth in thes3 written words below will not only bring life but freedom to live for Christ and I am looking forward to seeing where my praise will lead me in 2018.

God Bless.



Praise in the Desert
Let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise.
When I was serving in the British army during World War II, I was stationed in the deserts of North Africa. One negative aspect of desert living conditions is that they tend to provoke murmuring and complaining. This happened with Israel many times, and it often brought God’s judgment and disfavor upon them. I got so weary of the desert, the food, and the blaspheming British soldiers that I began to complain. When I did this, I lost the sense of God’s presence and blessing.
I decided to set aside a special day to fast and to ask God why His presence seemed to have withdrawn from me. I said, “God, why are You not near to me? Why do I have to continue this monotonous, wearisome life in the desert?” By evening, God had given me the answer. He spoke to me very clearly, saying, “Why have you not thanked Me? Why have you not praised Me?” As I meditated on what God said, I realized that I had lost the sense of His presence because I had become unthankful.
In due course, the Holy Spirit directed me to various passages along this line, including 1 Thessalonians 5:16–19: “Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit” (NASB). Again, the implication is that if we do not rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in everything, we are quenching the Holy Spirit! By murmuring and complaining instead of praising and giving thanks, I had quenched the Holy Spirit in my life.
God expects us to continually offer up a sacrifice of praise from our lips—not just inwardly from our hearts. We have to make our praise vocal by giving thanks to the name of the Lord!
Thank You, Lord. I give You praise. I proclaim that I do not quench the Spirit but rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in everything. I shall continually offer up a sacrifice of praise. Amen. 


Derek Prince Ministries 

By The Grace

What better way to start 2018 by living in grace and understanding what it means.

There isn't anything better, so misunderstood, and so misused. There hasn't ever been a more important time when it is needed.

People are lost and have harden their hearts as well as closed thier minds to there being a hope and cure for the problems facing the world today.

Could the answer be as simple as if the church moves in grace and love, the world would be a better place for you, for me, and the future.

God Bless.

By the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. (1 Corinthians 15:10)

Grace is not only God’s disposition to do good for us when we don’t deserve it. It is an actual power from God that acts and makes good things happen in us and for us. God’s grace was God’s acting in Paul to make Paul work hard: “By the grace of God . . . I worked harder than any of them.” So when Paul says, “Work out your own salvation,” he adds, “For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:12–13). Grace is power from God to do good things in us and for us. This grace is past and it is future. It is ever-cascading over the infinitesimal waterfall of the present, from the inexhaustible river of grace coming to us from the future, into the ever-increasing reservoir of grace in the past. In the next five minutes, you will receive sustaining grace flowing to you from the future, and you will accumulate another five minutes’ worth of grace in the reservoir of the past.

The proper response to the grace you experienced in the past is thankfulness, and the proper response to grace promised to you in the future is faith. We are thankful for the past grace of the last year, and we are confident in the future grace for the new year.

-Author Unknown

Firstborn Son

Who doesn't love a baby? I know if I could have one more I would be flying high.

So I have to wonder how Mary felt when she held her first born son in her arms. I know what the bible say she pondered all things in her heart but how do you think she truly felt?

How do you think Joseph felt holding the baby that would one day save the world.

Better yet, what does the world think about this baby? Do you really think we have a true understanding just what that baby truly means to the world?

Babies are cute and soft and as parents we do everything in our power to protect them from harm so why wouldn't Jesus do anything less for us just as Mary and Joseph had done for Him.

But what we need to realize is the same thing Joseph and Mary knew, and that was the power wasn't in the baby but in the Son that He would become. Thank God for the first born Sonn who just happens to be the great I am.

God Bless.

Firstborn Son

Scripture Reading: Luke 2:1-7 She gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger. . . . - Luke 2:7

It’s so wonderful to hold a newborn baby in your arms. To look into the newly opened eyes, to feel the delicate skin, to hear the little squeaks. We pause here in wonder at Mary’s firstborn son, lying in a manger. But as we admire the baby in the manger, we know that he has to grow up. It’s not a baby who “will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Ever­lasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

It’s not a baby who will take on the religious establishment and the Roman caesar and Satan and sin and death. It’s not a baby who will die for our sake on a cross. It’s not a baby who will then rise from the tomb, ascend to heaven, and take his seat at the Father’s right hand to reign. That sweet little newborn will grow up and overturn the power structures of the world. Though he is almighty God, he becomes a helpless infant. Instead of royal robes he wears strips of cloth. Instead of a warrior surrounded by an army, he is attended by nobodies. The thunder of his authority is muted into the cries of a child. But this helpless baby is a powerful threat because he is a promise that the days of the powerful are numbered. Let’s marvel that in this little bundle lies the power that will change our lives—and this world—forever. “O come, let us adore him, Christ, the Lord!” Prayer: All glory to you, great God and Lord, for the gift of your firstborn Son, Jesus Christ, whom you sent to save us.

Amen and Amen!

Thea Leunk

https://today.reframemedia.com/devotionals/firstborn-son#noredirect

More About Encouragement

Be encourager. Be kind. The world needs you this little devotional in my mind, explains the importance of why encouragement is so important and necessary.

We need to be more mindful of the hurting people. I believe God is going to hold us responsible for what we did for other's and that scares the heck out of me.

All it would take to change the world is one person to care about the person beside them.

So let the age of encouragment arise and be fruitful.

God Bless.

More About Encouragement Scripture Reading: Romans 12:1-8 If your gift is . . . serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement. - Romans 12:6-8

Encouragers are people who know Christ’s love and live by his words: “As I have loved you, so you must love one ­another” (John 13:34). Encouragers know that they have a gift provided through grace, and the Spirit works through them to build up God’s people. Whom are we called to encourage? The list is endless. Paul often encouraged new believers by visiting the churches he helped to start. It’s also important that we encourage newcomers to the faith. They must not be left to fend for themselves; they need ongoing mentoring and encouragement in their new walk with Jesus. We can also encourage followers who are timid, weak, and wandering. Kind words cheer up people who are discouraged by life and its complexities (Proverbs 12:25). Well-chosen words make a huge difference! God gives encouragement through the Holy Spirit so that we can be more like him, glorifying him as we do so. There’s true joy found in encouraging others. Encouragement can take the form of a gracious compliment, a simple meal, an appropriate hug, a brief visit, or a generous donation, reviving someone like water to a drooping plant. The opportunities are endless! Whom can you encourage today? Prayer: Holy Spirit, empower us to be more Christlike in our encouragement of others as we journey through life together. Show us whom and how we can encourage in the name of Jesus and for his sake.

Amen. George Vink https://today.reframemedia.com/devotionals/more-about-encouragement#noredirect

Shine On

When I first read the title of this little devotional along with the rest of it, it made me laugh.

Shine on when things get ruff. Shine on when your family turns their back on you. Shine on when you get laid off. Shine on when your life sucks. That is exactly what we must do.

Shine on with all the confidence of who wqe are in Christ so when the world goes to hell in a hand basket, we will rise and be the hope for all mankind.

God Bless.

Shine On!

by Gloria Copeland

“All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” 2 Timothy 3:12

If you do anything that makes a mark for God in this world, persecution is going to come. It goes with the territory. Second Timothy 3:12 leaves no room for doubt about that. But why is it that simply living a godly life causes so much trouble in this world?

First John 5:19 tells us it’s because “the whole world lieth in wickedness.” We’re living in a world ruled by the spirit of darkness. And the brighter our light becomes, the more offensive we are to that realm of darkness. The reverse is also true. As long as we aren’t doing much for God, we’re not bothered with persecution. If we look like the world, talk like the world and act like the world—worldly people will think we’re all right. A little crazy maybe, but no real threat. So you might as well know right now, if you’re very turned on to God, the world isn’t going to like you much. Actually, that’s an understatement.

Jesus put it this way: “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you” (John 15:18-19). You may be thinking, Well, I’m sure that’s true, but it’s also not very pleasant. Why do we have to talk about it? We need to prepare ourselves so that when persecution comes, it doesn’t slow us down, much less stop us. That’s what persecution is designed to do, you know. It’s designed to discourage us and keep us from completing God’s plan for our lives. But, praise God, if we learn how to handle it in advance, it won’t even slow us down. So don’t be afraid of the darkness of this world. It may persecute you, but it can’t overcome you. Your family may even persecute you, but they can’t overcome you either. “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4). Just turn up your light a little brighter...and shine on! Speak the Word “Though I suffer persecution, I continue to live godly.” —2 Timothy 3:12

Need prayer? Call 817-852-6000. We’re here for you, 24/7! Also, visit www.kcm.org/youversion to receive a free gift from Kenneth and Gloria Copeland.

It Had Been Revealed To Him

Can you imagine beingat the temple when Mary and Joesph passes by with the baby?

Better yet, can you imagine being patient in your waiting to see that baby that was going to change the world? Nope. I don't have that kind of patience.

But I admire Simeon and Anna's tenacity for holding on to something God spoke to them that would come true.

Sometimes I think their story is passed over but they have so much to offer in the story of Jesus.

And this little devotional, in my mind, gives a start of an insight of just how important they are and lessons we can depict from their patience and pray that someday, we can become as faithful as they were.

God Bless.

Scripture Reading: Luke 2:22-38 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. - Luke 2:26

An old man stands in the temple with a baby in his arms. Chuckling with giddy joy, or lost in wonder? Then he announces that he has seen God’s salvation and he can die in peace. But what has Simeon seen, really? It’s just a little child in his arms, a speechless newcomer to the world. Whatever salvation this baby might work is still only a promise and a hope. But Simeon stands there in grateful anticipation at the future he holds in his hands. Then there is the prophet Anna, also old and approaching the end of her days. She adds to the joy and praise of the moment. By the time Jesus becomes a grown man, Simeon and Anna will have died. They will not be able to see with their own eyes what Jesus does as the Savior of the world. But in their patient faith they saw enough to know that God is true to his promises. Today we know more than they did, for we have the rest of the gospel story. And we hope for more. Having tasted the kingdom’s presence, we hunger and thirst for its coming completely when Jesus comes again. But for now, may we stand here in patient faith, like Anna and Simeon, and say, “We have seen him, and that’s enough for now. We know and trust that the Lord will keep his promises.”

Prayer: Holy God, fill our hearts with wonder, strength, and patience at the revelation of your glory that we have seen in Christ, our Lord.

Amen.
Thea Leunk

Joesph, Son Of David

Mary is the ultimate superhero, plain and simple. Mary is the ultimate feminist, she has no problem bucking the system. Mary is the ultimate Christian, she has no problem believing just tells the Lord be it unto me. Mary is the ultimate leader, because she never allows the murmurs of others to derail her from her mission. She is the ultimate mother, she released her Son to full fill His calling by laying down her plans and will for her son.

She is the ultimate wife, she is submissive when she needed to be, trusting, with problem of standing by her man as they traveled the hillsides of Israel. She is the ultimate woman, how can she not be? She gave birth as animals were breathing down her neck.

She is a woman of God who should be the ultimate role model for woman of all ages instead of what we are faced with now.

Let us take a moment and give thanks for her obedience because without her, the world would be lost and void of any hope.

But let us not forget about the ultimate man. Here is a man who has fallen in love with the girl next door, has a plan for his future; the outlook of his life is bright but then the ultimate, life-changing event happened and his is forced to dig deep down inside himself and continue on with his life with a child who isn't his own.

What a man of character he was and is for taking on the ultimate challenge of raising the Son of God and helping Him prepare for His destiny. Thank God for this man.

He is a man of strengh as he walked the streets as people talked about his family, allowing his wife to give birth in a stable, then living in a land as he looked over his shoulder looking to protect his family from their enemies. He is amongst the few, the proud, the leaders of yesterday and today.

He truly doesn't get enough credit for all his contributions. But that doesn't matter, what matters ia he is our Savior's earthly father and if you ever want to a person to strife to become, become like Joseph for he truly depicts what a Christian should look like whether your a man or a woman.

God Bless.

Scripture Reading: Matthew 1:18-25 Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. - Matthew 1:20

Like Mary, Joseph had a visit from an angel. Like Mary, Joseph obeyed the angel’s message. And, like Mary, his life was turned upside down. Joseph’s life was that of a village craftsman. Income wasn’t always certain; business could be precarious. Joseph didn’t need adventures and long-distance trips; he needed a good steady stream of work. But as Joseph followed God’s direction, the adventures began. First he had to endure disapproving looks and remarks from neighbors and family members over the scandal of Mary’s pregnancy. Then there was the trip to Bethlehem, never easy but certainly made more difficult as Mary was about to give birth. And because they had no place to stay, she gave birth to baby Jesus in a stable. Then shepherds came telling about a visit by angels, and, later, astrologers from foreign lands came to honor Jesus as a new king. Then Joseph had to run with Mary and Jesus to Egypt to escape King Herod’s slaughter of baby boys (Matthew 2).

This wasn’t what Joseph had figured on when he had pledged himself to Mary. But when Jesus enters our life, we can expect things to be different. Our lives can be turned upside down as he takes us on adventures—­especially on the biggest adventure of all: life with him in the kingdom of God. Prayer: Lord and Savior, we know that your promises are true. Guide us to serve and honor you, wherever you call us to go.

Amen.

Thea Leunk