The stage is set

Good Morning,

Prayerfully the stage has been set to give you a foundation to continue to build on throughout this year. We have examined our priorities and fixed somethings that were out of order. We have talked about exercising our faith and learned that we must confess the Word of God in our every situation. We have been encouraged to rejoice and to give our testimony. We have been reminded to cast our cares on God because God cares for us. We must continue to seek ways to give and we must continue to seek out all of God's promises. We must daily examine our hearts for man looks at the outward appearence but we know that God judges our hearts. Yesterday, we talked about forgiveness and prayed that God would give us a mind to forgive others because we too need to be forgiven.

SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY

2 Timothy 3:16 & 17

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

Doctrine-a particular principle, position, or policy taught or advocated, as of a religion or government.

Reproof- the act of reproving, censuring, or rebuking.

Correction-something that is substituted or proposed for what is wrong or inaccurate; emendation.

2. the act of correcting. 3. punishment intended to reform, improve, or rehabilitate; chastisement; reproof.

Instruction-the act or practice of instructing or teaching; education. 2. knowledge or information imparted.

As we examine the scriptures each day we must use them to enhance our lives. At times we will find that the scriptures will correct us. When we find ourselves in error. We must take the necessary steps to correct our behavior. Remember the scripture in James that says we must be doers of the Word and not hears only.(James 1:22)

The scriptures gives us instructions on how to handle day to day situations.

All doctrine should line up with the Word of God.

As we read and study the scriptures, we must apply what we are reading. When we appy the scriptures to our everyday lives, we will see positive changes.

God's way is always the right way!

Forgiveness

Good Morning,

Today, I want to share a very important subject with you. It affects millions of Christians all over the world. Sadly, it could determine where you spend eternity and cause you to miss out on blessings here on earth.

SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY

Matthew 6:15

But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Trespass- to commit a transgression or offense; transgress; offend; sin.

Millions are walking around today with unforgiveness in their lives. Unforgiveness is dangerous! A heart that is infected with unforgiveness is a heart that is not producing love the way God intended love to be spread and shared. Unforgiveness turns into other evils like animosity and hatred. 

The scripture today is a warning. It warns us of the consequence of not forgiving others. If we don't forgive others. God won't forgive us. Now notice that it did not specify what things I had to forgive. That's because I must forgive others of whatever it is that they have done to offend me. Ok, you say but you don't know what they did to me. You don't know how bad it was. No, I don't. But, can I share with you some truths that I do know?

1. The scripture tells us that if we don't forgive, then we won't be forgiven!

     If I am not forgiven then I am not going to go to Heaven. I need God's forgiveness! This fact, my friend, makes it easier for me to extend mercy 

     because I too need God's mercy and the mercy of others. I am in no way perfect and a little bit of mercy goes a long way.

2. Whatever the trespass was that offended me, I am going to use it for good. What the enemy means for evil, God can turn it around for good.

     Genesis 50:20

    But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save                        

      much people alive.

     Use the experience as a learning tool not a stumbling block.  Learn from it, grow from it. Don't allow it to be a negative. Even though it is a   

      negative situation, you have the power to view it in a positive light. This give you the power back from the transgressor.  

3. Unforgiveness causes people to act and react in ways that they normally won't act. Don't give anyone that much power over you. That power only belongs to you and God. Unforgiveness can change the atmosphere and your attitude. Don't allow others to control you with unforgiveness. Life is precious don't waste another minute. Forgive!

4. Make a choice to forgive. You can choose today to forgive. It doesn't matter how long you have had this issue. God is more than able to deliver you right now. Forgiveness is a choice NOT a feeling! You make a choice to forgive. God is responsible for the healing of your heart and soul. 

Let me share this prayer with you.

Heavenly Father I come to You now in the Name of my  Lord and Savior Christ Jesus.

Heavenly Father, I forgive -------,(insert as many names as you need) for anything that they have ever done or said to me. I bless them in the Name of Jesus Christ and I ask You to forgive and bless them in the Name of Jesus Christ according to John 14:14

Heavenly Father, I ask You to forgive me for any hard feelings I had towards them and fill me with Your love for -------.(insert as many names as you need). I ask these things according to John 14:14. In the Name of Jesus Christ I pray with thanksgiving.

Note: This prayer comes from a Prayers book by Christian Word Ministries

A Clean Heart

Good Morning, We give God praise and honor for allowing us to see another day. God is good and He is worthy to be praised! Today we want to take  a look at the heart. SCRIPTURES OF THE DAY Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 26:2  Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try my reins and my heart. Ezekiel 36:26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. The heart is a vital organ in our human bodies. When we have issues with our heart naturally, it effects the rest of our body.  Issues with the heart will cause other organs in the body to work harder and eventually cause damage. In the spirit, our hearts are also a vital organ. When we allow issues of our heart: hatred,  pride, confusion, fear, disappointments, etc.  to fester we will develop spiritual heart disease.  The good news is that there is a cure for spiritual heart disease. David asked God to create in him a clean heart. Do a self examination today. Do you need a heart transplant? Ezekiel 36:26 lets us know that we can receive a new heart. God is the Great Physician who can preform a heart transplant without any tools, cuts or scars.  All He need is for you to be willing to receive. Don't allow your heart condition to cause you to die a spiritual death. You can live a full abundant healthy life if you are willing to examine your heart and allow God to make the necessary adjustment.  Dear God, We thank you for this day, for your love, your grace and your favor. Lord, we ask that you will help us to examine ourselves in honesty. God our prayer today is that nothing would stand between us and our relationship with you. We want to experience You in the fullness. So, God we ask you as David did, to create in us a clean heart and to renew a right spirit within us. God you have our permission to perform a heart transplant on us and we thank you in advance for complete healing. Father, help us to love others like you love us. And God we ask that we have eyes open to the needs of others and be willing to lend out of our abundance.  In Jesus Name, AMEN.

Promises, Promises

Good Monday Morning! I want to start off this week talking about some wonderful promises. I know most of us have had people in our lives make promises that they didn't keep. It hurts and we feel disappointed and let down when someone breaks a promise. Today, I will talk about the promises of God! We don't ever have to worry about God not keeping a promise.  SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY 2 Corinthians 1:20 For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. I have not counted all the promises in God's Word so I will share with you some numbers that others have come up with. It has been reported that there are somewhere between 3,000 to 7,000 promises in the Word of God. That is amazing to me. God is great and He desires to fulfill all those promises in our lives. Here's the problem. In order to receive a promise we must know about the promise.  If you had a distant relative to die and leave you an inheritance it means nothing until you become aware that you have been the recipient of the gift.  It is time to get in the Word of God and find out what you have been promised.  May I share just a few of God's promises with you this morning? 1 John 2:25  And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life. Psalm 29:11, "The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace." Jeremiah 29:13, "And ye shall seek me (God), and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart."  Matthew 7:7-8, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened."  Psalm 84:11"The LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly"  Pick one of these promises and meditate on it throughout the day. The Lord promised that He would give you strength and bless you with peace. When the enemy comes to try to steal your peace you have the strength to resist the devil! James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  Your peace is a promise of God and don't you dare allow the enemy to snatch it away.  Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. This is another promise. We have a part in this one. We must keep our minds stayed on Jesus and trust in Him! Remember: Pick a promise and study it, meditate on it and speak it throughout today and expect God to fulfill His promise.  Father God in the Mighty Name of Jesus,  We thank you for another day. Thank  you for your promises and being a God who keeps His promises. Thank you for every promise in your Word that you have given unto us. God help us to search your Word and find all the wonderful promises you have given. Help us to begin to expect these promises to come to pass in our lives. In Jesus Name, AMEN.

Don't get weary

Good Morning, Happy Friday to each of you. As you plan for your weekend don't forget to include God! Bless you and have a safe and fun weekend. I pray something supernatural happens to or for you over the weekend! SCRIPTURES OF THE DAY Galatians 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.  2 Thessalonians 3:13  But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. First, let's define weary Weary 1.       physically or mentally exhausted by hard work, exertion, strain, etc.; fatigued; tired:  2.      characterized by or causing fatigue:  3. impatient or dissatisfied with something (often followed by of  ): 4. characterized by or causing impatience or dissatisfaction; tedious; irksome There are times when we find ourselves exhausted. We have tried to accomplish those things we feel that God has called us to do or even those things that we have been obligated to do whether we were obligated by man or we ourselves created the commitment. Then there are times when we feel that we have done and done and done and done and we feel that there is no return to our investment. May I offer these scriptures to you today.  So, how do we get out of this weary feeling? How do we shake it? Well, first let's understand that what so ever you are planting, my brothers and sisters you will reap. Galatians 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. So, keep working, keep planting just make sure that you are working and planting in the right spirit. Check your motives.  After, your motives check, remind yourself that your season of reaping is coming. The enemy's job is to discourage you so that you will give up and stop planting. So that you will stop working toward that goal. My friend if you give up and quit you will forfeit your harvest  Yes, it may look like nothing is changing. But you're looking with your natural eyes. Take a moment to look again with your spiritual eyes.  It is no time to give up. Shake yourself with the Word of God. Encourage yourself with scriptures. Open your mouth and declare on earth what has already been established in Heaven. Your reward is coming. You have worked and you will receive your pay if you don't give up. Stay the course! Matter of fact, because the enemy tried to make you quit, work even harder. Put in even more effort. The enemy knows that your endeavor is going to be successful. That's why he is trying to discourage you and make you give up. But the devil is a liar. I speak peace to your mind in Jesus Name. I speak patience and satisfaction to your spirit right now in the Name of Jesus! You will continue on with a merry heart knowing that your season of harvest is on the way!  Father, we thank you for your continual love and mercy. Thank you God that you have given us the tools we need to be successful in everything we do. Help us to accomplish everything that we need to accomplish today without complaining. Help us to keep our minds stayed on you that you may keep us in perfect peace. Help us to reach out to someone who needs our help. That we may administer your love and show kindness. Father, we pray for safety and that we and our loved ones would be covered with the Blood of Jesus throughout this day and throughout the weekend. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Give

Good Morning,

I pray your week has been blessed. Today I speak happiness in your life. I pray you find yourself smiling all throughout the day.

SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY

Luke 6:38

Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

Many times we hear this scripture on Sundays at offering time. Please allow me to bring it out of the church and into our everyday lives. In today's society being busy is the norm. We  get so busy that we forget about whats really important. We get caught up in the hustle and bustle of trying to make the almighty dollar so we can keep up with the latest gadgets and fads. (a great lesson for another day) When we get caught in this cycle it makes us lose focus on many of the things in life that brings great joy. For example, family, friends and others. 

The scripture commands us to give and it shall be given unto you. Can I dare to tell you that you can give more than just money? What! Yes, there are many things that we can give other than money. There is someone in your life right now who can benefit from your time, your talent, a hug or just a listening ear. There are many things that you can give. The question is are you willing to give? Can you remember a time in your life when you received something that you needed or was just given something. Even if it wasn't a need. Did it make you feel warm inside? There is something about giving. Whether you are the giver or the recipient it really touches the depth of your soul. 

Maybe its been a long time since you made a conscious decision to be a blessing to someone else. I challenge you to find a way to give to someone today. 

Now let's continue in the scripture. When you give you open up the door to receive. If you have room in your life to receive a blessing, then be a blessing to someone else. And remember the last sentence of the scripture, with the same measure you  mete (to distribute or apportion by measure; allot) it shall be measured to you.

Father, we thank you for blessing us to see another day. Thank you for the many blessings you bestow upon us. Lord, help us to see opportunities to give to others. Thank you for the talents and gifts that you have given to us. Help us not to sit on our gifts but to share them. To share even our time with others. Lord, help us not to be a selfish people. Now Lord, we realize that some of us have a problem receiving. Help us to understand that we need to let go of unhealthy pride because it is not pleasing in thy sight. We give your name all the glory, honor and praise for it is due your Holy Name. Amen.

Cast Your Cares

Good Morning, 

It is Wednesday, mid week, and I pray that your week has been a blessing thus far. Our scripture today comes from 1 Peter.

SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY

1 Peter 5:7

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

There are many things that can come our way and quickly become baggage or burdens. Even those things that are just concerns to us should be cast (to throw or hurl, to throw off or away, to direct) upon God. God is a very present help in the time of trouble. Psalm 46:1 -God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Our God is ready and willing to intervene in all our situations and struggles. We must invite Him in. I encourage you today to direct all your cares to God for He cares for you. There is nothing classified as too small or too large to take to God. Will you carry the burdens of life or will you allow Jesus to carry them while you walk this journey together? God cares for you and is willing to lighten the cares and affairs of your heart. 

Rejoice

This is the day the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it! 

Thank God for allowing us to see the dawn of a new day. Make a decision to enjoy this great day that you are privileged to be alive. Praise God. Don't waste a  minute of it. Celebrate it. Rejoice (to take delight) and be glad (feeling joy or pleasure) throughout the course of this day. 

God is good and He is worthy to be praised! (Psalm 18:3- I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.)

Today, try taking your eyes off your situations, problems and surroundings and fix your eyes on God, our Father who can fix any situation, solve any problem and change the atmosphere in your surroundings. Take a time out when you begin to feel frustrated or overwhelmed and think of all the blessings that God has bestowed upon you. You can begin with thanking Him for your life. Praising Him for all the provisions that He has made: food, shelter, clothing,  heat, etc.  The list goes on and on. Believe me, my sisters and brothers, we have more things to be thankful for than we have to complain about. So, again I say to you, This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!  And that my friend is your

SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY

Psalm 118:24

This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Gracious Father,

We come to you this morning to say thank you. Thank you for allowing us to see another day. Thank you, Father for all the manifold blessings which you continue to bring our way. Father, we thank you for food, for shelter, for clothes, for shoes, and God for all the things that we sometimes forget the thank you for. We do realize that there are those who is struggling and who are going without some of the comforts that we enjoy. For those, Father we pray that you will intervene in their circumstances. That they will have the insight God, to ask you to come into their problem and to allow you to have full control.  God we ask that you would help us to rejoice today. We make a conscious decision not to be complainers today but to be grateful. Help us to see an opportunity to help someone else today and share the great things that you have given unto us. In Jesus Name we pray, Amen.   

Let's get to work

Good Morning, Happy MLK Day!

I hope your weekend was wonderful. Make the most of your day today, if you are blessed to have the day off, if not still make the most of this lovely day. Let's dive right into our scripture.

SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY

James 2: 20

 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

The scripture lets us know that having faith is great but our job don't stop at having faith. We must exercise our faith in the form of work. Let's put this scripture into action concerning our goals. Look back at our goals list. Now for each goal write steps on how to accomplish the goal. Example: 

Goal- save 100 in 4 months

Steps to accomplish the goal

1. sacrifice 1 cup of coffee a day (saving 1.50 a day)

Note; This is the only step needed it reach this goal. Saving the 1.50 a day for 5 days will put you over the goal amount in 4 months. 

This year what we want to accomplish is to keep our goals in motion. We want to have faith believing and knowing that God can and He will! The question becomes are we willing to put actions behind our faith? Is the desire to achieve your goals strong enough to light a fire under you to move you into action?

Testify!

Happy Friday!

God has allowed us to come to the close of another work week, for that we give Him praise. I pray your week has been blessed. Let's look at the scripture of the day.

SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY

Psalm 107:1-2

1. O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good:for his mercy endureth for ever.

2. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy.

The scripture tells us to give God thanks for He is good. I can truely say the the Lord is good!

Good:

1. morally excellent; virtuous; righteous

2. satisfactory in quality, quantity, or degree:

3. of high quality; excellent.

4. right; proper

For his mercy endureth for ever- Thank God for His mercy! It is because of God's mercy that I (we) are not consumed!

Mercy;

1. compassionate or kindly forbearance shown toward an offender

2. an act of kindness, compassion, or favor

3. something that gives evidence of divine favor

Lamentations 3:22

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.

The second verse advises those who have been redeemed (to buy or pay off; clear by payment (The shed blood of Jesus Christ was the payment for our sins.His dealth on the Cross payed for our sins) to say so.

We are to testify (to declare, profess, or acknowledge openly) to every man, woman, boy and girl who will listen. After all, we should want others to experience the goodness and mercy of God that we have and continue to experience.

The redeemptive Blood of Jesus on the Cross has changed my life. It has set me free from the hands of the enemy and I am so glad about it. Thank God for His goodness, His mercy, His love and kindness. I give thanks unto the Lord for He is truely good.

Heavenly Father we thank you for your goodness. Thank you for the shed blood of Jesus Christ. It is what redeemed us from the hand of satan and delivered us from many situations. Father, we pray that every man, woman, boy and girl will have an opportunity to make Jesus the Lord of their lives. Help us to testify to someone today about your goodness and how you set us free. Lord, give us the boldness to share your Word and how it has changed our lives. And Father, help us to show your love to those we come in contact with on today. In Jesus Name we pray. Amen.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Thank God for bringing us through 2012 and into this wonderful New Year. As you reflect on the activities of last year let us take a moment to thank God for all the provisions that was made, all the lessons that was learned and all the blessings that were received. Happy New Year!

SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY

Philippians 3:13
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,



Paul was letting us know that he wasn't perfect (v 12), that he didn't have it all together. But what Paul did know is that he had to forget the past in order to move forward effectively.
2012 may have brought you some disappointments and you may even failed at tasks or goals but we are blessed to be in a New Year and with this comes New Opportunities and a New Season. Let's move forward, press toward the goals, ideas and purpose that God has preordained for you.

Don't give up on your dreams, hopes and ambitions. God has planted seeds of greatness and purpose within you. Don't lose focus of where God is trying to take you by holding on to the past.  Paul says he press (to act upon with steadily applied weight or force) toward the mark...

Are you ready to move forward?


Your first assignment for the New Year is:

1. To Forget
- Don't bring 2012 baggage into the New Year.
- You can't effectively move forward if you keep looking back.

2. Reach (Move) Forward
-Plan
  Take the time to write down your goals, ideas and dreams for the year
  Without a plan of action you will not be able to measure progress and you will never reach your destination

- Make sure God is a part of your plans.