"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."
1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV
Do any of you play chess? I play some, and always look at the short game. But true chess masters focus on the long game. Sometimes we take a stand for what is right, for our faith and we get knocked down. But we are not looking at the long game.
Paul reminds the church at Corinth to remember that their work for God is not in vain. He was looking at the long game. When we take a stand for God, we may be knocked down at the moment. But we are planting a seed, we are doing what God called us to do!
God is looking at the long game. Your sacrifices are not in vain. Continue to stand for what is biblical and right. In the end, you will Be Blessed!
Wednesday, August 30, 2023
Tuesday, August 29, 2023
Forget the past…
"But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 3:13-14 NIV
What keeps you from moving forward in you Christian life? Your past, probably has a lot to do with it. But Paul tells us to "forget what is behind". Forget your past mistakes, forgive yourself. God has already forgiven you and forgotten about your past.
Press forward, keep moving. The prize has been won for you, by Jesus. You just have to run towards him! Don't let your past hold you back.
When we forgive ourselves, we let off a big weight that allows us to push forward. God has so much more in store for you. Run towards Him and Be Blessed!
Philippians 3:13-14 NIV
What keeps you from moving forward in you Christian life? Your past, probably has a lot to do with it. But Paul tells us to "forget what is behind". Forget your past mistakes, forgive yourself. God has already forgiven you and forgotten about your past.
Press forward, keep moving. The prize has been won for you, by Jesus. You just have to run towards him! Don't let your past hold you back.
When we forgive ourselves, we let off a big weight that allows us to push forward. God has so much more in store for you. Run towards Him and Be Blessed!
Monday, August 28, 2023
Refining…
"The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, But the Lord tests the hearts."
Proverbs 17:3 NKJV
Superheated fire burns off all the impurities in silver and gold during the refining process. It makes them pure.
Sometimes the "test" of life help refine our hearts. God allows us to go through these test, with His help, to reveal our impurities. We become better, stronger and wiser because of those "test".
So when your going through a trial, keep the faith, rely on God. You will come out better, on the other side of the fire and you will Be Blessed!
Proverbs 17:3 NKJV
Superheated fire burns off all the impurities in silver and gold during the refining process. It makes them pure.
Sometimes the "test" of life help refine our hearts. God allows us to go through these test, with His help, to reveal our impurities. We become better, stronger and wiser because of those "test".
So when your going through a trial, keep the faith, rely on God. You will come out better, on the other side of the fire and you will Be Blessed!
Sunday, August 27, 2023
Secrets…
"Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God,"
II Timothy 1:8 NKJV
Do you have a past you're ashamed of? A hidden sin that you have never told anyone about? I'm sure we all do.
But God brought you through it, He helped you overcome and your better for it. Others are going through the same things. Share your story with them.
When we open up to others and be vulnerable, we show how God can work. Share your story so you and others can Be Blessed!
II Timothy 1:8 NKJV
Do you have a past you're ashamed of? A hidden sin that you have never told anyone about? I'm sure we all do.
But God brought you through it, He helped you overcome and your better for it. Others are going through the same things. Share your story with them.
When we open up to others and be vulnerable, we show how God can work. Share your story so you and others can Be Blessed!
Friday, August 25, 2023
Test it…
"Test all things; hold fast what is good."
I Thessalonians 5:21 NKJV
There is a lot of good in this world, even in this day and time. There are many good teachers and speakers, but Paul reminds us to "test all things".
What do we test it against? Well, the word of God! Someone or something can sound good and correct, but if it doesn't stand up to God's word, then we must turn from it. Hold fast to only those things that are backed by God's word.
The enemy always tries to make things sound good and pleasing. But "test it", know the truth and then you will Be Blessed!
I Thessalonians 5:21 NKJV
There is a lot of good in this world, even in this day and time. There are many good teachers and speakers, but Paul reminds us to "test all things".
What do we test it against? Well, the word of God! Someone or something can sound good and correct, but if it doesn't stand up to God's word, then we must turn from it. Hold fast to only those things that are backed by God's word.
The enemy always tries to make things sound good and pleasing. But "test it", know the truth and then you will Be Blessed!
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
A knock in the jaw…
"Arise, Lord! Deliver me, my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked. From the Lord comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people."
Psalms 3:7-8 NIV
This is David's prayer for battle! He often prayed BOLD prayers. But David knew one thing, God listened to His prayers and answered them!
Now maybe you don't need God to break your enemies' teeth, but you do need a break through!! Pray BOLD prayers!! God is big enough to listen and and hear you.
So allow God to take the big swing for you, allow Him to knock 'whatever' in the jaw for you, trust Him and Be Blessed!
Psalms 3:7-8 NIV
This is David's prayer for battle! He often prayed BOLD prayers. But David knew one thing, God listened to His prayers and answered them!
Now maybe you don't need God to break your enemies' teeth, but you do need a break through!! Pray BOLD prayers!! God is big enough to listen and and hear you.
So allow God to take the big swing for you, allow Him to knock 'whatever' in the jaw for you, trust Him and Be Blessed!
Tuesday, August 22, 2023
Forgiveness…
"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
Ephesians 4:32 NIV
Forgiveness is difficult for us to do in this day and age. We tend to hold on to the past, hold on to grudges and let them fester. We must forgive.
God called us to love one another, to live in harmony. However, it is inevitable that we will be offended by someone or something at some point. During those times, we must forgive to be able to move on and prosper.
Had God not forgiven you and I, our eternal outlook would be drastically different. So let it go, forgive others and Be Blessed!
Ephesians 4:32 NIV
Forgiveness is difficult for us to do in this day and age. We tend to hold on to the past, hold on to grudges and let them fester. We must forgive.
God called us to love one another, to live in harmony. However, it is inevitable that we will be offended by someone or something at some point. During those times, we must forgive to be able to move on and prosper.
Had God not forgiven you and I, our eternal outlook would be drastically different. So let it go, forgive others and Be Blessed!
Saturday, August 19, 2023
Anger…
"In your anger do not sin"
Ephesians 4:26a NIV
In the past, I was a very angry person. And I let that anger hurt others and the ones I loved. I took that anger and lashed out, I sinned.
Anger, in itself, is just an emotion. What we do with that anger is what matters. We must realize, that the enemy will use our human emotions against us. He will use them to soil our Christian testimony, our relationships and even our marriage.
It's OK to be angry, but what how we us that is the key. Take a deep breath, let God deal with it and Be Blessed!
Ephesians 4:26a NIV
In the past, I was a very angry person. And I let that anger hurt others and the ones I loved. I took that anger and lashed out, I sinned.
Anger, in itself, is just an emotion. What we do with that anger is what matters. We must realize, that the enemy will use our human emotions against us. He will use them to soil our Christian testimony, our relationships and even our marriage.
It's OK to be angry, but what how we us that is the key. Take a deep breath, let God deal with it and Be Blessed!
Thursday, August 17, 2023
Covet…
""You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.""
Exodus 20:17 NIV
"Covet" is a yearning to possess. I believe God instructs us not to cover so we can focus on the things that He has blessed us with.
I'm a truck guy and I am always looking at new trucks. But the truck that God has blessed me with, has all the bells and whistles. It is super reliable and…it's paid for. I should be thankful.
So next time you're looking at something if someone else's, turn around and look at all the things God has given you. Stop and tell Him thank you and then you will Be Blessed!
Exodus 20:17 NIV
"Covet" is a yearning to possess. I believe God instructs us not to cover so we can focus on the things that He has blessed us with.
I'm a truck guy and I am always looking at new trucks. But the truck that God has blessed me with, has all the bells and whistles. It is super reliable and…it's paid for. I should be thankful.
So next time you're looking at something if someone else's, turn around and look at all the things God has given you. Stop and tell Him thank you and then you will Be Blessed!
Tuesday, August 15, 2023
Alone…
"Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."
Ecclesiastes 4:12 NIV
You ever feel alone in this world? Men tend to isolate themselves, not ask for help and have very few, even no close friends whom they can confide in.
God didn't design us this way. We were made to love and support one another. To be there for each other. To confide in one another. To hold each other accountable.
So call a friend today, check on them. Take them for coffee, share life with them. I guarantee you will Be Blessed!
Ecclesiastes 4:12 NIV
You ever feel alone in this world? Men tend to isolate themselves, not ask for help and have very few, even no close friends whom they can confide in.
God didn't design us this way. We were made to love and support one another. To be there for each other. To confide in one another. To hold each other accountable.
So call a friend today, check on them. Take them for coffee, share life with them. I guarantee you will Be Blessed!
Sunday, August 13, 2023
Other gods…
""You shall have no other gods before me."
Exodus 20:3 NIV
What or who are your gods? Sports, work, family, money, an addiction…it could be anything. If you put it before the one true God then there is a problem.
So what is most important in your life? Is God in the top of that list, or is it something else? We need to take a long hard look at our priorities.
When we put our Heaven Father before anything or anybody else, then the rest will fall in place and we shall Be Blessed!
Exodus 20:3 NIV
What or who are your gods? Sports, work, family, money, an addiction…it could be anything. If you put it before the one true God then there is a problem.
So what is most important in your life? Is God in the top of that list, or is it something else? We need to take a long hard look at our priorities.
When we put our Heaven Father before anything or anybody else, then the rest will fall in place and we shall Be Blessed!
Friday, August 11, 2023
Confession…
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."
1 John 1:9 NIV
Do you confess your sins? Probably…to God. But do you confess them to your wife, when you have sinned against her? How about your kids, coworkers, friends or boss?
Confessing our sins to our Heavenly Father in private is pretty easy to do. But standing up and telling those we sinned against and asking their forgiveness…that's tough.
But trust me, it may be difficult at the time. But the reward from true confession and forgiveness will be much greater. Stand up, admit your wrongs, then you will Be Blessed!
1 John 1:9 NIV
Do you confess your sins? Probably…to God. But do you confess them to your wife, when you have sinned against her? How about your kids, coworkers, friends or boss?
Confessing our sins to our Heavenly Father in private is pretty easy to do. But standing up and telling those we sinned against and asking their forgiveness…that's tough.
But trust me, it may be difficult at the time. But the reward from true confession and forgiveness will be much greater. Stand up, admit your wrongs, then you will Be Blessed!
Thursday, August 10, 2023
Anxiety…
"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."
1 Peter 5:7 NIV
Wow, easier said than done…right. We tend to be a worrisome and anxious culture. But as a Christian should we worry? That's a hard question, but I feel the answer is "No".
God is in control. He will take care of everything, our job is to have faith and trust in His plan.
So take a deep breath, give your anxieties to Him and Be Blessed!
1 Peter 5:7 NIV
Wow, easier said than done…right. We tend to be a worrisome and anxious culture. But as a Christian should we worry? That's a hard question, but I feel the answer is "No".
God is in control. He will take care of everything, our job is to have faith and trust in His plan.
So take a deep breath, give your anxieties to Him and Be Blessed!
Tuesday, August 8, 2023
Mind of Christ…
"For, "Who can know the Lord's thoughts? Who knows enough to teach him?" But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ."
1 Corinthians 2:16 NLT
When we accept Jesus as our Savior, we too are given the mind of Christ. We must educate that mind through prayer and study, but we still have the ability to teach others, discern and understand situations.
So don't ever believe your not worthy or can't help someone. God gave you the mind of Christ so that you can teach and help others. It is our calling .
The mind of Christ can help you and others daily. God gave it to you for a reason. Put it to good use and Be Blessed!
1 Corinthians 2:16 NLT
When we accept Jesus as our Savior, we too are given the mind of Christ. We must educate that mind through prayer and study, but we still have the ability to teach others, discern and understand situations.
So don't ever believe your not worthy or can't help someone. God gave you the mind of Christ so that you can teach and help others. It is our calling .
The mind of Christ can help you and others daily. God gave it to you for a reason. Put it to good use and Be Blessed!
Monday, August 7, 2023
Love…
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs."
1 Corinthians 13:4-5 NIV
Often used at weddings, I believe this passage in 1 Corinthians is teaching us so much more not only in our marriage but about life. We must treat everyone with love.
We must be patient and kind, we must be humble and treat others with respect. We must honor others, slow to anger and forgive. We must love!
So whatever interactions you have today, with whoever it might be, and no matter how they treat you; show them a little love. Then you will Be Blessed!
1 Corinthians 13:4-5 NIV
Often used at weddings, I believe this passage in 1 Corinthians is teaching us so much more not only in our marriage but about life. We must treat everyone with love.
We must be patient and kind, we must be humble and treat others with respect. We must honor others, slow to anger and forgive. We must love!
So whatever interactions you have today, with whoever it might be, and no matter how they treat you; show them a little love. Then you will Be Blessed!
Sunday, August 6, 2023
His will…
"Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.""
James 4:15 NIV
Do you focus on what you want to get done? What you want for your future? Or do you trust in what God has in store for you?
It's great to have plans and goals, but are those aligned with God's plans? If the enemy can get us focused on what we want then we forget about what God wants.
So look to God for your future, share your plans and goals with Him. Pray over them but always make sure that they align with what He has in store for you. Then you will Be Blessed!
James 4:15 NIV
Do you focus on what you want to get done? What you want for your future? Or do you trust in what God has in store for you?
It's great to have plans and goals, but are those aligned with God's plans? If the enemy can get us focused on what we want then we forget about what God wants.
So look to God for your future, share your plans and goals with Him. Pray over them but always make sure that they align with what He has in store for you. Then you will Be Blessed!
Friday, August 4, 2023
Joy…
"Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, "The Lord has done great things for them." The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy."
Psalms 126:2-3 NIV
When has the Lord done something for you? It was probably today, but we don't give Him the praise and recognition He deserves.
We tend to be a "me, me, me" and a "more, more, more" society. So we forget about all God has given us and all He has done.
So take a minute, thank Him for being your Heavenly Father and blessing you immensely! Sing His praises, be filled with joy because of what He has done and Be Blessed!
Psalms 126:2-3 NIV
When has the Lord done something for you? It was probably today, but we don't give Him the praise and recognition He deserves.
We tend to be a "me, me, me" and a "more, more, more" society. So we forget about all God has given us and all He has done.
So take a minute, thank Him for being your Heavenly Father and blessing you immensely! Sing His praises, be filled with joy because of what He has done and Be Blessed!
Wednesday, August 2, 2023
Memory…
"I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you."
Psalms 119:11 NIV
Do you read your Bible daily? Probably, but do you "hide" God's Word in your heart? Is it committed to memory? Can you draw from it, without a reference, when your in a time of need?
David knew the importance of knowing God's word. He had made a point to place it in his heart. I challenge each one of you to memorize just one new verse this week. Commit it to memory and hide it in your heart!
It is not enough just to read it, we must know and live by God word daily. Take that challenge and Be Blessed!
Psalms 119:11 NIV
Do you read your Bible daily? Probably, but do you "hide" God's Word in your heart? Is it committed to memory? Can you draw from it, without a reference, when your in a time of need?
David knew the importance of knowing God's word. He had made a point to place it in his heart. I challenge each one of you to memorize just one new verse this week. Commit it to memory and hide it in your heart!
It is not enough just to read it, we must know and live by God word daily. Take that challenge and Be Blessed!
Tuesday, August 1, 2023
Faith…
"Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised."
Romans 4:20-21 NIV
Abraham was close to 100 years old when God fulfilled His promise of a child to Abraham and Sarah. He would eventually become the father of a great nation.
100 years is a long time to wait, but his faith never wavered. How long have we waited gift God to answer a prayer? Usually a week and we get frustrated.
God still answers prayers, in His time and for His purpose. Don't let your faith waver and Be Blessed!
Romans 4:20-21 NIV
Abraham was close to 100 years old when God fulfilled His promise of a child to Abraham and Sarah. He would eventually become the father of a great nation.
100 years is a long time to wait, but his faith never wavered. How long have we waited gift God to answer a prayer? Usually a week and we get frustrated.
God still answers prayers, in His time and for His purpose. Don't let your faith waver and Be Blessed!
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