"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
2 Timothy 4:7 NIV
Persistence is defined as "continuance in a course of action despite difficulties or opposition." That is what Timothy is referring to in this verse. In the Christian life, we will have opposition, and troubles, but we keep pressing on. We keep our eyes on the cross and finish strong.
This last day of the year, can you look back and say you finished strong? Have you kept the faith? Are you proud of the Christian life you have led this past year?
Fight the good fight, God is for you! He wants you to finish strong and full of faith so that you will Be Blessed!
Saturday, December 31, 2022
Friday, December 30, 2022
Encourage…
"But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called "Today," so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness."
Hebrews 3:13 NIV
So many times I see fellow Christians watch others fall into sin, and they look down upon them. That is not what we are supposed to do. We are to encourage one another, lift each other up. Even to the point of lending a hand and helping the other with whatever their need may be.
Life is hard, we all fail. But we need to join together in a loving support system that God created.
So when you see a brother or sister that is down, help pick them up! And when you fail, and you will, maybe they will be there to help you as well, then you will Be Blessed!
Hebrews 3:13 NIV
So many times I see fellow Christians watch others fall into sin, and they look down upon them. That is not what we are supposed to do. We are to encourage one another, lift each other up. Even to the point of lending a hand and helping the other with whatever their need may be.
Life is hard, we all fail. But we need to join together in a loving support system that God created.
So when you see a brother or sister that is down, help pick them up! And when you fail, and you will, maybe they will be there to help you as well, then you will Be Blessed!
Thursday, December 29, 2022
Prepare…
"Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil."
Matthew 4:1 NIV
During my study on temptation, it always comes up that Jesus was also tempted. But He did not fall to those temptations. But being 100% man made that difficult, even though He was also 100% God.
But what did Jesus do? He prepared for those trials. He had fasted and prayed for 40 days in the wilderness before the enemy approached Him. Jesus was prepared, so when His weakest moment came He still would not fail!
Preparation is the key to success. Make sure your prayed and studied up and when you face the enemy, you will not fail! Be Blessed!
Matthew 4:1 NIV
During my study on temptation, it always comes up that Jesus was also tempted. But He did not fall to those temptations. But being 100% man made that difficult, even though He was also 100% God.
But what did Jesus do? He prepared for those trials. He had fasted and prayed for 40 days in the wilderness before the enemy approached Him. Jesus was prepared, so when His weakest moment came He still would not fail!
Preparation is the key to success. Make sure your prayed and studied up and when you face the enemy, you will not fail! Be Blessed!
Wednesday, December 28, 2022
Temptation…
"We all experience times of testing, which is normal for every human being. But God will be faithful to you. He will screen and filter the severity, nature, and timing of every test or trial you face so that you can bear it. And each test is an opportunity to trust him more, for along with every trial God has provided for you a way of escape that will bring you out of it victoriously."
1 Corinthians 10:13 TPT
Temptation on this earth are inevitable. But Paul tells us that God will provide an escape path for us. But here is the catch, we must do our part. We must have prepared our heart and souls for those temptations.
Have we filled our minds with the knowledge of God's word? Are we prayed up? Are we staying out of situations where temptation is likely to occur?
Have no doubt, we will be tested, but just like any test, we must prepare for it! Do the work, pass the test and you will Be Blessed!
1 Corinthians 10:13 TPT
Temptation on this earth are inevitable. But Paul tells us that God will provide an escape path for us. But here is the catch, we must do our part. We must have prepared our heart and souls for those temptations.
Have we filled our minds with the knowledge of God's word? Are we prayed up? Are we staying out of situations where temptation is likely to occur?
Have no doubt, we will be tested, but just like any test, we must prepare for it! Do the work, pass the test and you will Be Blessed!
Tuesday, December 27, 2022
Follow His direction…
"Stay on the path that the Lord your God has commanded you to follow. Then you will live long and prosperous lives in the land you are about to enter and occupy."
Deuteronomy 5:33 NLT
Moses is telling his people to follow all the commandments and directions that the Lord has given them. If they do so then they will be given all that God has for them.
Sometimes our lives are much the same. We are wondering in the desert without direction. Lost and forgotten. But we have a book of directions, we have a Heavenly Father that wants to show us the way.
Whatever you do, every decision you make; consult Him. Read His word, talk to Him in prayer. If you do so, He will guide every step and you will Be Blessed!
Deuteronomy 5:33 NLT
Moses is telling his people to follow all the commandments and directions that the Lord has given them. If they do so then they will be given all that God has for them.
Sometimes our lives are much the same. We are wondering in the desert without direction. Lost and forgotten. But we have a book of directions, we have a Heavenly Father that wants to show us the way.
Whatever you do, every decision you make; consult Him. Read His word, talk to Him in prayer. If you do so, He will guide every step and you will Be Blessed!
Monday, December 26, 2022
Mighty warriors…
"When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, "The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.""
Judges 6:12 NIV
Gideon was afraid, he had a fierce battle ahead of him. He knew he could t do it alone. The angle reassured him, letting him know the Lord was with him. He would be a mighty warrior and the battle would be his.
What fears or challenges are you facing? How does it help to know that God is with you and wants you to succeed?
So you mighty warriors, stand up, face your battles knowing that God is with you! Know the battle is yours and Be Blessed!
Judges 6:12 NIV
Gideon was afraid, he had a fierce battle ahead of him. He knew he could t do it alone. The angle reassured him, letting him know the Lord was with him. He would be a mighty warrior and the battle would be his.
What fears or challenges are you facing? How does it help to know that God is with you and wants you to succeed?
So you mighty warriors, stand up, face your battles knowing that God is with you! Know the battle is yours and Be Blessed!
Friday, December 23, 2022
Tell your story…
"I will tell everyone about your righteousness. All day long I will proclaim your saving power, though I am not skilled with words."
Psalms 71:15 NLT
What has God done for you? Have you told someone about it? We must tell everyone about it!
You don't have to be a Nobel laureate in literature to describe what God has done for you. Share your story, tell how He saved you, tell how He used you!
Let others see the good in your life because of Him. Sing His praises and Be Blessed!
Psalms 71:15 NLT
What has God done for you? Have you told someone about it? We must tell everyone about it!
You don't have to be a Nobel laureate in literature to describe what God has done for you. Share your story, tell how He saved you, tell how He used you!
Let others see the good in your life because of Him. Sing His praises and Be Blessed!
Thursday, December 22, 2022
His comforts…
"He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us."
2 Corinthians 1:4 NLT
Many ask why they go through troubles and trials. I believe this verse answers the question eloquently! God cares for us through our trials so that we can help others.
Maybe a friend is going through something now that you suffered in the past. Reach out to them, share how God pulled you through. Be there for them just as Christ was for you. Plant the seed of Gods love and let Him reap the harvest.
God can use everything in your life for good, if you will let Him. Get out of your comfort zone and share His comforts, then you will Be Blessed!
2 Corinthians 1:4 NLT
Many ask why they go through troubles and trials. I believe this verse answers the question eloquently! God cares for us through our trials so that we can help others.
Maybe a friend is going through something now that you suffered in the past. Reach out to them, share how God pulled you through. Be there for them just as Christ was for you. Plant the seed of Gods love and let Him reap the harvest.
God can use everything in your life for good, if you will let Him. Get out of your comfort zone and share His comforts, then you will Be Blessed!
Wednesday, December 21, 2022
Your love…
"Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.""
John 13:35 NLT
We don't need to walk around proclaiming that we are Christians and acting all high and mighty. We need to show people we are Christians, like they say "actions speak louder than words!"
We should love on one another, treat each other with kindness and care. It doesn't matter if they differ from you politically or financially or socially. God did not put stipulations on His command to love one another.
So stop talking the talk and start walking the walk. Show others you are Christ disciples by your love. Then you will Be Blessed!
John 13:35 NLT
We don't need to walk around proclaiming that we are Christians and acting all high and mighty. We need to show people we are Christians, like they say "actions speak louder than words!"
We should love on one another, treat each other with kindness and care. It doesn't matter if they differ from you politically or financially or socially. God did not put stipulations on His command to love one another.
So stop talking the talk and start walking the walk. Show others you are Christ disciples by your love. Then you will Be Blessed!
Monday, December 19, 2022
Fix your eyes…
"And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise."
Philippians 4:8 NLT
What fills your mind? The latest news scandal? What you friends are doing on social media? Politics? Finances? Or maybe the dark side of the web?
Or perhaps you have overcome all that, your mind is filled with His word. Your music sings His praises! You place all your cares in Him.
I prefer that latter, although I am human and the enemy creeps in from time to time. But fix your eyes on Him and Be Blessed!
Philippians 4:8 NLT
What fills your mind? The latest news scandal? What you friends are doing on social media? Politics? Finances? Or maybe the dark side of the web?
Or perhaps you have overcome all that, your mind is filled with His word. Your music sings His praises! You place all your cares in Him.
I prefer that latter, although I am human and the enemy creeps in from time to time. But fix your eyes on Him and Be Blessed!
Sunday, December 18, 2022
Peace…
""I leave the gift of peace with you—my peace... Don't yield to fear or be troubled in your hearts—instead, be courageous!"
John 14:27 TPT
God's peace passes all understanding. The passion translation explained it more to me. Not only does He was to give us peace, but He wants it to touch us so much that it drives out fear. That His peace gives us courage to press on!!
When we are down and depressed having peace is a far stretch, but having courage, that's unthinkable. Your Heavenly Father loves you that much, He not only wants to give you what you need, but wants to empower you to accomplish so much more!!
God is for you!! He wants you to Be Blessed!
John 14:27 TPT
God's peace passes all understanding. The passion translation explained it more to me. Not only does He was to give us peace, but He wants it to touch us so much that it drives out fear. That His peace gives us courage to press on!!
When we are down and depressed having peace is a far stretch, but having courage, that's unthinkable. Your Heavenly Father loves you that much, He not only wants to give you what you need, but wants to empower you to accomplish so much more!!
God is for you!! He wants you to Be Blessed!
Saturday, December 17, 2022
Worries…
"Pour out all your worries and stress upon him and leave them there, for he always tenderly cares for you."
1 Peter 5:7 TPT
Giving up your worries and stress is a difficult task. Worry and stress is and endless feedback loop. Worry leads to stress and more stress leads to more worrying, it can make your head explode.
Breaking that cycle and giving them to God can be very hard. When you get into that loop, put on some praise music, and dive into His word. Let God do the rest, He will naturally take over and fill you with a sense of peace.
So cast your worries on Him, fill your heart with praise and let Him take over. Then you will Be Blessed!
1 Peter 5:7 TPT
Giving up your worries and stress is a difficult task. Worry and stress is and endless feedback loop. Worry leads to stress and more stress leads to more worrying, it can make your head explode.
Breaking that cycle and giving them to God can be very hard. When you get into that loop, put on some praise music, and dive into His word. Let God do the rest, He will naturally take over and fill you with a sense of peace.
So cast your worries on Him, fill your heart with praise and let Him take over. Then you will Be Blessed!
Wednesday, December 14, 2022
The overcomer…
"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.""
John 16:33 NLT
Darkness may fall, troubles may come, but I know the overcomer! There are many trials and tribulations in this life, especially for Christians these days. But through it all God is with you, He picks you up and carry's you!
Christmas season is such a joyous time for most, but it can be a dark time for others. Those in need or those without family or loved ones. But know that God gave you all the ultimate gift, His Son!
Jesus came to save us, to lead us through the dark times, to send us peace when we are heartbroken. Put your burdens on Him and Be Blessed!
John 16:33 NLT
Darkness may fall, troubles may come, but I know the overcomer! There are many trials and tribulations in this life, especially for Christians these days. But through it all God is with you, He picks you up and carry's you!
Christmas season is such a joyous time for most, but it can be a dark time for others. Those in need or those without family or loved ones. But know that God gave you all the ultimate gift, His Son!
Jesus came to save us, to lead us through the dark times, to send us peace when we are heartbroken. Put your burdens on Him and Be Blessed!
Tuesday, December 13, 2022
Joyful Boast…
"Shine and make your joyful boast in him, you lovers of God. Let's be happy and keep rejoicing no matter what."
Psalms 105:3 TPT
I have a co-worker who is happy 24-7! It's almost annoying, but no matter how bad our night is, she finds something positive to say!
Those who have Jesus, as our Savior, should have the same attitude as my co-worker. No matter what we are going through: 1. It could always be worse and 2. We have a Savior that rules over all and makes all things right! Praise God!
So take a moment to thank God for sending His Son! Turn on a little praise music and make a joyful boast and Be Blessed!
Psalms 105:3 TPT
I have a co-worker who is happy 24-7! It's almost annoying, but no matter how bad our night is, she finds something positive to say!
Those who have Jesus, as our Savior, should have the same attitude as my co-worker. No matter what we are going through: 1. It could always be worse and 2. We have a Savior that rules over all and makes all things right! Praise God!
So take a moment to thank God for sending His Son! Turn on a little praise music and make a joyful boast and Be Blessed!
Monday, December 12, 2022
Breakthrough…
"Then I will say to my soul, "Don't be discouraged; don't be disturbed, for I fully expect my Savior-God to break through for me. Then I'll have plenty of reasons to praise him all over again." Yes, he is my saving grace!"
Psalms 43:5 TPT
When you down, depressed, sad and heartbroken; it's hard to see a good future. But remember, God's full power is at work for those who trust in Him. A break through is coming. It may not be tomorrow, next week or next year but God will overcome in His time.
Placing our trust in Him when we are down is the most difficult thing to do. But we must know that He and He alone is our saving grace!
Put you faith, hope and trust solely in the Heavenly Father, and when the breakthrough comes, praise Him and Be Blessed!
Psalms 43:5 TPT
When you down, depressed, sad and heartbroken; it's hard to see a good future. But remember, God's full power is at work for those who trust in Him. A break through is coming. It may not be tomorrow, next week or next year but God will overcome in His time.
Placing our trust in Him when we are down is the most difficult thing to do. But we must know that He and He alone is our saving grace!
Put you faith, hope and trust solely in the Heavenly Father, and when the breakthrough comes, praise Him and Be Blessed!
Friday, December 9, 2022
Become less…
"He must become greater; I must become less.""
John 3:30 NIV
Simple or is it? We must put God first in everything we do! In a self centered world view, that's hard to imagine. Todays society is all about me! Look what I did!
But when we are at work, out to eat or just out for a run, we must place God first. Make everything about Him!
My wife and I were recently at a local pizza establishment. A family of 6 came in and sat down across from us. When their pizzas arrived, the father stopped, prayed for his family, and his meal! He took a simple pizza night and made it about God!
What can you do to make Him greater? When you do that, you will Be Blessed!
John 3:30 NIV
Simple or is it? We must put God first in everything we do! In a self centered world view, that's hard to imagine. Todays society is all about me! Look what I did!
But when we are at work, out to eat or just out for a run, we must place God first. Make everything about Him!
My wife and I were recently at a local pizza establishment. A family of 6 came in and sat down across from us. When their pizzas arrived, the father stopped, prayed for his family, and his meal! He took a simple pizza night and made it about God!
What can you do to make Him greater? When you do that, you will Be Blessed!
Thursday, December 8, 2022
Work for the Lord…
"Put your heart and soul into every activity you do, as though you are doing it for the Lord himself and not merely for others."
Colossians 3:23 TPT
My daily prayer before work includes: "Lord, help us to remember we're working for you." Sometimes that's hard to remember. We go about our day, trying to check off the list or accomplish a task and we forget why we're here on this earth.
Remember God gave you gifts and talents. So it doesn't matter if your an accountant, a medical professional, a lawyer, an engineer or a garbage man; God put you here for a reason. So work for Him, bless others in whatever you do!
Others see Christ in the people that are quietly working for God. They recognize the difference, so be that difference and Be Blessed!
Colossians 3:23 TPT
My daily prayer before work includes: "Lord, help us to remember we're working for you." Sometimes that's hard to remember. We go about our day, trying to check off the list or accomplish a task and we forget why we're here on this earth.
Remember God gave you gifts and talents. So it doesn't matter if your an accountant, a medical professional, a lawyer, an engineer or a garbage man; God put you here for a reason. So work for Him, bless others in whatever you do!
Others see Christ in the people that are quietly working for God. They recognize the difference, so be that difference and Be Blessed!
Wednesday, December 7, 2022
Fear…
"But in the day that I'm afraid, I lay all my fears before you and trust in you with all my heart."
Psalms 56:3 TPT
Fear…man it's got me down right now. What are you afraid of? Change, health, finances, relationships. Mine is a little of all, but the author of fear attacks when your weakest at your most vulnerable spot.
Can you lay that fear before the Lord? I'm having a hard time with it. My wife reminds me that in spiritual warfare, we must put on the full armor of God and we must give our fears to Him.
So as I try to give my fears to Him, what are yours? Can we pray together to overcome those fears? Lay your troubles at the cross and Be Blessed!
Psalms 56:3 TPT
Fear…man it's got me down right now. What are you afraid of? Change, health, finances, relationships. Mine is a little of all, but the author of fear attacks when your weakest at your most vulnerable spot.
Can you lay that fear before the Lord? I'm having a hard time with it. My wife reminds me that in spiritual warfare, we must put on the full armor of God and we must give our fears to Him.
So as I try to give my fears to Him, what are yours? Can we pray together to overcome those fears? Lay your troubles at the cross and Be Blessed!
Monday, December 5, 2022
Serving others…
"The greatest among you will be the one who always serves others."
Matthew 23:11 TPT
As I read and study the life of Jesus, He was always serving others. He didn't put stock in the rich or the kings of the day, He said the greatest are those who serve others!
Giving yourself means so much more than presents or money. Giving your time, talents and skills to bless others makes God smile.
Jesus, the savior of the world, served others. He did the lowliest jobs by washing His disciples feet and then gave the ultimate sacrifice of giving His life for you.
So this holiday season, take some time to serve others and give yourself to those in need. Then you will Be Blessed!
Matthew 23:11 TPT
As I read and study the life of Jesus, He was always serving others. He didn't put stock in the rich or the kings of the day, He said the greatest are those who serve others!
Giving yourself means so much more than presents or money. Giving your time, talents and skills to bless others makes God smile.
Jesus, the savior of the world, served others. He did the lowliest jobs by washing His disciples feet and then gave the ultimate sacrifice of giving His life for you.
So this holiday season, take some time to serve others and give yourself to those in need. Then you will Be Blessed!
Saturday, December 3, 2022
Defend your faith…
"Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it."
1 Peter 3:15 NLT
Can you explain your faith to someone? Or do you change the subject? Can you defend your faith? Or do you cripple when they oppose you?
Knowledge is power, and knowing the basis of your faith is essential. Studying His word, daily communication with Him and historical knowledge of how the Bible is real helps to explain to those with questions.
But, I feel the best way to defend your faith is to share what God has done for you personally. Seeing Him work in your life is definitive proof , let them see that and you will Be Blessed!
1 Peter 3:15 NLT
Can you explain your faith to someone? Or do you change the subject? Can you defend your faith? Or do you cripple when they oppose you?
Knowledge is power, and knowing the basis of your faith is essential. Studying His word, daily communication with Him and historical knowledge of how the Bible is real helps to explain to those with questions.
But, I feel the best way to defend your faith is to share what God has done for you personally. Seeing Him work in your life is definitive proof , let them see that and you will Be Blessed!
Friday, December 2, 2022
God’s viewpoint…
"Jesus turned to Peter and said, "Get away from me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God's.""
Matthew 16:23 NLT
When we are going through something difficult, we only see it from our viewpoint. We tend to stay in our "3 foot world". But we must take a pause and look at it from God's viewpoint.
Peter only saw that His friend was going to be put to death. Peter was worrying about how that would affect himself. Jesus saw His own death from the Father's viewpoint. His death would be the saving grace for all mankind!
So remember, God has a plan, look outside yourself and trust Him. Then you will Be Blessed!
Matthew 16:23 NLT
When we are going through something difficult, we only see it from our viewpoint. We tend to stay in our "3 foot world". But we must take a pause and look at it from God's viewpoint.
Peter only saw that His friend was going to be put to death. Peter was worrying about how that would affect himself. Jesus saw His own death from the Father's viewpoint. His death would be the saving grace for all mankind!
So remember, God has a plan, look outside yourself and trust Him. Then you will Be Blessed!
Thursday, December 1, 2022
He is there…
"I know what it means to lack, and I know what it means to experience overwhelming abundance. For I'm trained in the secret of overcoming all things, whether in fullness or in hunger. And I find that the strength of Christ's explosive power infuses me to conquer every difficulty."
Philippians 4:12-13 TPT
Have you ever been broke, depressed? I have. Have you ever been blessed beyond belief? I have.
One thing that remained through all the ups and downs of my life was my God and my Savior! I remember at my lowest point, on my knees in a dark apartment, crying out to Him. He was there! And I remember marrying the love of my life and thanking Him for her, He was there!
God is always there, ready to pick you up, ready to celebrate or ready to just listen to His children! So no matter where your are in your journey, know that He is there and Be Blessed!
Philippians 4:12-13 TPT
Have you ever been broke, depressed? I have. Have you ever been blessed beyond belief? I have.
One thing that remained through all the ups and downs of my life was my God and my Savior! I remember at my lowest point, on my knees in a dark apartment, crying out to Him. He was there! And I remember marrying the love of my life and thanking Him for her, He was there!
God is always there, ready to pick you up, ready to celebrate or ready to just listen to His children! So no matter where your are in your journey, know that He is there and Be Blessed!
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