How many different times in our lives do we assume new roles and responsibilities? Becoming a new spouse, a new parent, receiving a promotion at work into a new position, or even becoming a leader at church. Each of these situations may be a cause of worry for us, BUT, remember what the Lord said to Joshua? In Joshua 1:9 God says to him: “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” So, no matter what new situation we face we can always count on His help! God bless you today!
Which Way Do You Pray?
When we pray most of us bow our heads in solemn worship, but is that the only way? I like how Jesus prayed. When bringing Lazarus back to life He “lifted up his eyes;” when He multiplied the five loaves and two fishes “he looked up to heaven;” and when His time had come John 17: 1 says “These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to Heaven……” and he spoke to His Father. Each time I look at the night sky and see how He perfectly placed the stars, I lift up my eyes and give Him thanks for the beauty of his creations. How do you pray? No matter how you do it, thank God for all things! Amen? God bless you!
Paid In Full
Sometimes new believers may feel that God has a payment plan; that they have to do good deeds as a form of payment for His mercy. We need to reassure them (and maybe sometimes ourselves) that God doesn’t do good things for us to buy our love. There isn’t a payment plan, because Jesus paid for everything in full. Our sin debt was paid for on the cross once and for all! Ephesians 1:6-7 teaches us: “To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;” Let’s remember to thank him today for the payment in advance he made for us. God bless you!
Is Your Light Burning Brightly?
We all are a light in a world full of darkness. Jesus uses our light to guide people toward him if we keep that light shining. But, if there is any sin in our lives our light dims a bit and we must seek His forgiveness. We need to ask how much of the light in us is darkness. Luke 11:35-36 says, “Take heed therefore that the light which is within thee be not darkness. If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light.” God bless you as together we show the light of Jesus to a dark world!
How Not To Forget!
There may be an occasion when we witness that we are asked difficult questions for which we might not have the answers. But we can always go to our bibles to find those answers by studying and memorizing scripture. As time goes on, the answers to those difficult questions will become second nature to us. Psalm 116:16 says “I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.” This verse makes me realize that memorizing scripture, while it takes time, can also be enjoyable. As you witness, remember that God has given us a helper, the Holy Spirit, who will also guide us. God bless you as you share His word.
The Real Source of Strength
Many people these days are caught up in the fitness craze. Everyone seems to have a gym membership so they can increase their strength. I am not one of those people! I want God to be the source of my strength. Isaiah 40:31a says “But they who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.” I hope you feel that His word is the best fitness program for you. God bless you!
Do You Come To A Complete Stop?
Have you ever heard of a rolling stop? In San Diego we called it a California stop. It’s when you come to a stop sign and slow down just enough to give the appearance of stopping, but not really. Many of us are like that on Sunday, a day the Lord set aside for rest. He gave us the sabbath day because he loves us and wants us to restore our mind and body; our entire being! The sabbath should remind us that life is more than completing tasks. Hebrews 4:9-10 says “There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.” God rested on the seventh day from all the work he had done. We should live by His example. God bless you!
Life is Short
Have you ever thought about what the biggest surprise in life is? I think it might be how short it really is. Almost before we know it our life is over. On the one hand, life’s shortness should challenge us to work for Christ and share him with others right now, before our time is up. On the other hand we can be comforted; because life is short we have eternity right in front of us where we will worship Him forever. We know in our hearts that our time is limited. We read in James 4:14 “For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little while and then vanisheth away.” Let’s all live our life to the fullest while can serve our risen Savior. God bless you!
Praise Him! Praise Him!
Do you always remember to thank God for all that you have been blessed with? He has redeemed us from our sin with His own life! We should get on our knees daily and praise Him! How many times has He delivered you from sickness or danger? We should share the knowledge of His love and mercy with everyone we meet!!!! Psalm 107:2 says: “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy.” Be confident in sharing your love for our redeemer; because He lives, we can face tomorrow! God bless you.
Joy vs. Happiness
Not many people use the word “joy” anymore. Is it because we have confused it with the word “happiness?” Some people think joy is pleasure, security, or prosperity. That is a lie from the enemy. The Bible does not say “Count it all joy when you drop into your recliner,” but rather “Count it all joy when ye fall into diverse temptations.” Our happiness depends on circumstances, our joy depends on God! Galatians 5:22 tells us “But the fruit of the Spirit is …joy…” God bless you and I pray you will find much JOY today!
