Be thankful...

"Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus."
‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5:18‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Be thankful in all circumstances...man that is tough! Now don't get me wrong, it's really easy when things are going well, but when things aren't?

Why was I born with a heart defect that made me so sick as a child? I don't have the answer to that, but I do know my God was faithful and brought me through it. And now that experience is a testament to Gods love and faithfulness.

When we go through tough times, remember our God has a plan and a purpose, and he will use it for the good! Maybe not right now, but later down the road, you will see that it glorifies God and you will be thankful!!

So in the good time and the bad, be thankful! God is writing the book of your life and in the end, it will be for His glory if you allow it to!

Be Blessed!

Here's a Bible passage I'd like to share with you...

"so it is with Christ's body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other."
‭‭Romans‬ ‭12:5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

In today's world of social media, "friend" and "likes" are we really more connected than we used to be?

At one point I had over 1000+ friends on social media, but if something happened or I needed help, how many of those "friends" would show up to be by my side?

Your local church provide that connection to make life long relationships that matter. A friend you can call on, someone to sit with you when a loved one is in surgery. Someone who would be there in the middle of the night when tragedy strikes! Someone to just go out to dinner with and hang out.

Get connected to some Godly people that can lift you up daily, not only in prayer but just a friend to be there! Life is better, together!

Be Blessed!

What do we love...

"And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.'"
‭‭Mark‬ ‭12:30‬ ‭NLT

It used to be said, look at a man's checkbook and you could tell. What do we spend out time, money and attention on? If you take a good look, that will show you, what you truly love!

Is it college football, golf, a vehicle or your family? Where are your focuses?

Mark tells us that our focus should solely be on the Lord, with all that we have, focus on Him. What you put into your mind should be focused on him, the shows you watch and music you listen too.

Are your resources dedicated to Him, your money, your talents? Is God the center of your life? When he becomes that, the rest will fall into place!

Be Blessed!

Pray like this...

"In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6:9-13 NKJV

The Lord's Prayer is a simple prayer but a powerful one. It is how Jesus taught us to pray.

Broken down we must:

1. Connect with God Relationally
2. Worship His name
3. Pray His agenda first
4. Depend on Him for everything
5. Forgive and be forgiven
6. Engage in spiritual warfare
7. Express faith in God ability

Now those are not necessarily the exact words you must use. But make it a point when you pray to hit all seven points. It will change your prayer life.

Be Blessed!

Adapted from "Pray First: Prayer Guide" Church of the Highlands, Birmingham, AL

Here's a Bible passage I'd like to share with you...

"The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it."
‭‭John‬ ‭1:4-5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Currently I am reading Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan series. Now don't get me wrong, these are great books! Very detailed and character building before the plot comes together, BUT they do not bring me life.

On the other hand, when I pull out my worn out old bible and spend time in God's word, it brings LIFE! These are not words by a highly subject educated author, they are the words of God. Spoken by his breath!

They bring life and light to whatever situation I am going through! Whatever life brings me, that book has the answers because it is God speaking directly to you!

Take some time to pick up that worn our leather or click on that Bible app and spend some time listening to God. And let Him shed some light on whatever your going through!!

Be Blessed!

A life filled with love..

"Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God."
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭5:2 NLT

Now I am not a biblical scholar, far from it. Some days I struggle to understand what I read. But I do believe that Jesus was a fun loving guy, not a hard nosed rabbi.

I believe he was a guy you could just hang out with, a guy who loved playing with the kids in the street and who lit up a room when he walked in. A man who never had a bad word and would do anything for the people he loved.

I pray that I live my life like Jesus, the man. A life filled with love as an example to others. I am praying that each of you can be that kind of man as well!

Be Blessed!

Things we cannot see..

"So we don't look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever."
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭4:18‬ ‭NLT‬‬

How many times do we focus on the things right in front of us. What's going on today. Did the laundry get done? Did we get the kids to karate in time?

Are we focusing on our troubles today? Did that bill get paid on time? Do we have the latest XYZ of fashion?

But in the big picture, are those things that important? All those worldly things will soon be gone and forgotten. So did we focus on what really is important? Our kingdom future!

Did we do a good job of sharing Gods gospel to others? Did we be a godly influence on our children and family?

Maybe it's time to start focusing on the things we cannot see!

Be blessed!

I will not stop!

"Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.

I have suffered much, O Lord; restore my life again as you promised.

My life constantly hangs in the balance, but I will not stop obeying your instructions."
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119:105, 107, 109‬ ‭NLT‬‬

There are days that the battle is real! Days that we struggle to see his path, to keep our focus. Days when we suffer much.

Times that we are broken hearted, anxious, depressed. We feel like we just need to give up.

But Gods word will guide us, never stop obeying his commands and we will be better for it. Dive into his word today and allow him to light your path!

Be Blessed!

A refreshing friend...

"May the Lord show special kindness to Onesiphorus and all his family because he often visited and encouraged me. He was never ashamed of me because I was in chains."
‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭1:16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Onesiphorus was a special friend to Paul in the New Testament. He was one who would lift Paul up and "fill him with fresh air".

We have all been around that one person who just makes the day more enjoyable. The guy that everyone loves to work with, the guy who always lifts you up.

Maybe we need to be an Onesiphorus to someone today? Lift a friend up today, share a kind word, give someone a hand or just bring them a cup of coffee. Share the love of Jesus in just a simple take today. You can change someone's day or their destiny.

Be Blessed!

Relying upon God...

"In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. And he did rescue us from mortal danger, and he will rescue us again. We have placed our confidence in him, and he will continue to rescue us."
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭1:9-10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Sometimes we gain so much confidence that we forget about the one who gave us the abilities to do such things. There have been times in my life when I relied solely upon myself, and guess what, I screwed it up.

Today's world is all about me, me, me and what I can do. But when we put faith in man or in ourselves, it never turns out for the good.

Place your confidence in God, rely only Him and he will continue to rescue you!

Be Blessed!

Wonderfully complex..

"Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it."
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭139:14‬ ‭NLT‬‬

From a medical standpoint the human body is truly, wonderfully complex! Each system functions separately for its own purpose and then feeds into the human body to form a complex, wonderful symphony that functions flawlessly. How could we not look at it and see a grand design?

But each human is also individual! We each have a different look, different skills and talents! God made each individual person for purpose.

Don't fall into the worlds belief that we must all be alike. Or that we have to keep up with the Jones, or have the same job or purpose someone else has!

God designed you, he made you special! Be individual, use your talents and your designs to bring God glory!

Be blessed!

Struggle...

"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them."
‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:28‬ ‭NLT‬‬

For years I have struggled with this verse. Life can be a series of ups and downs; suffering and trials. Why would God allow these things to happen to us?

What good can become of the bad that has happened? But when we stay the course, keep our faith and love our God all things work out!

Now, they may not work out in OUR time and the way we want, but God will take care of you no matter what. He does not allow pain and suffering to come to those who love Him without a greater purpose. Keep the faith!

Be Blessed!

Human wisdom...

"Don't be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones."
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3:7-8‬ ‭NLT

Sometimes...a lot of times, we as human depend upon ourselves for the answers. We rely upon our own knowledge. Now days we even 'google' our medical problems and how to treat them.

But our human wisdom doesn't have all the answers. We need to take our worries, our wishes, our fears to God; whose knowledge transcends all understanding.

He will answer all you questions and worries. He will bring healing physically, mentally and emotionally. Rely solely upon your Heavenly Father and cast your cares upon him.

Be Blessed!

We are a masterpiece...

"For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago."
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2:10‬ ‭NLT

Before we were born, God had a plan and a purpose for our lives. He was putting together the pieces that would become our lives. Good or bad, each part of our life will be used for His glory, if we allow it.

Our father looks down upon us and sees a heavenly view of our lives. He sees our past, present and future. He knows the masterpiece that he is painting.

Life is tough , but God uses all things for good. Allow him to us his brush to create a masterpiece in your life today.

Be Blessed!

We all make plans...

"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29:11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Have you ever made plans for the day, for your finances or even greater, for your future? Then life happens, the day didn't go as you hoped, your financial goals weren't reached. Maybe that career choice you made isn't working out.

I've had that happen, on many levels. And it feels like your world is falling in around you. Like you can't breath, like your a failure.

Well, your NOT, your Heavenly Father has greater plans for you!! When we relive solely on Him and allow Him to take control, His plans will give you a hope and a future.

Sometimes it's hard to see His vision for us, but trust in Him. He has big plans for you!

Be Blessed!

Always be generous...

"Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God."
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭9:11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

God gives each one of us special talents, abilities, or gifts so to say. Mine may be different than yours. But why do we do with those gifts?

Maybe we have been blessed financially, we can bless those in need. Or you might be a great cook, or baker; your neighbor might need a hot meal while they are recovering from an illness.

You might be extroverted and a great encourager. You could prayer with someone and lift them up in their time if need. Or you might just be a great listener as someone pours their heart out to you.

We each have something that we are great at, no matter how big or small. Are you using that gift to bless others? If you do, you might just be the one who receives the blessing.

Be Blessed!

Be humble...

"Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too."
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2:3-4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

How many times in today's world do we try to impress others? We are always trying to pad our resumes, to one up each other, to keep up with the Jone's, so to speak!

But what if we decided that this world is not about ourselves and what we can achieve. What if we decided to look out for others. Those that are less fortunate, those that need a hand, maybe those that just need a friend.

How could we change the world when we shift our focus on others and decide that it is not about us? What would happen if we were all humble?

Be Blessed!

Better together...

"Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near."
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭10:24-25‬ ‭NLT

Have you ever tried to do something on your own? Maybe wash the car, cook dinner, take a road trip or struggle with a situation? Sure, those things can be done by ourselves but aren't they so much better when we do them with someone we love or care about.

Conversation are had, dinner taste so much better and the road trip is just a blast! And those struggles are much easier with a friend by your side. Memories are made and doing life is just so much better together.

God created the church so we could do life together. We were not meant to do life alone. Being part of a church and a community of believers and getting involved makes this thing we call life not so hard.

So get involved, motivate someone or just send a text and let them know you care.

Be Blessed!

God’s hand of protection..

There is freedom...

"For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭3:17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Freedom is many things. It can be peace for some, love for others, compassion, understanding or just a friend.

Many people walk through many things that hold them back from freedom. Wether it is addictions, a sinful past, guilt, shame or regrets.

The Holy Spirit can provide that freedom and lift all those burdens if we allow him. He can bring you that freedom that you seek. Are you willing to allow him to work in your life?

"Wherever the spirit of the Lord is, there IS freedom!"

Be Blessed!

The Lord will provide...

"Abraham named the place Yahweh-Yireh (which means "the Lord will provide"). To this day, people still use that name as a proverb: "On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.""
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭22:14‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Have you ever been in a tight spot? Not knowing how the bills will be paid, where your next job is coming from? Weather you should move to a new city, or some other big life decision?

As humans, we try to provide for ourselves so many times. We try to do it all ourselves. But do you have the faith of Abraham? He went to the top of the mountain knowing that he would have to sacrifice his son if the Lord did not provide.

But at the last moment, the Lord provided a sacrifice for Abraham. Sometimes just putting our faith in God to provide is the hardest part. Letting go and letting God is very difficult.

But when we do...wow, God shows up BIG! He is Yahweh-Yireh..."the Lord will provide!"

So let go and let God!!

Be Blessed!

He will wait on you..

"So the Lord must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the Lord is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for his help."
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭30:18‬ ‭NLT

How many times have we asked, where is God? Why is he not doing something? Why has he not intervened?

I have always been told, and believed that God is a gentleman. A gentleman does not interject, he does not just take over, he waits. He waits passionately to help, to love, to take over the situation. A gentleman will not do so until he is asked, but once asked, he will do anything and everything within his power to help those in need or to love those who need it.

God is that gentleman, he is willing and ready to help you in your time of need. Whatever it is, give it to God, he will take care of it for you.

But here is the catch, if you decide to pick it back up again, that gentleman, God, will allow you to do so. He will give it back to you. That seems to be one of our biggest problems, we pray and turn something over to God, but the next day, or next week, or next month we think he isn't handling it right or fast enough, so we try to deal with it ourselves again.

Leave it to God and let him deal with it, in His time and His order. He will make all things new again.

He is waiting for you to come to Him, to show you love and compassion. But you must take the first step.

Be Blessed!

Fill your lives....

"Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts."
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3:16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Is Christ filling your life? You might ask what that means. Well, everything! Do you have godly friends, and relationships.

What are you putting into your mind and spirit? Are you reading trash, watching worldly things, looking at porn, listening to secular music?

I've tried both, any and all. And I have failed! My life is much better when I fill it with Godly relationships! I watch wholesome movies and TV, I read uplifting books and I fill my house with praise and worship music!!

Let the message of Christ FILL you life, in everything you do!

Be Blessed!