Desire the Word of God

 SCRIPTURE PASSAGE OF THE DAY

1 Peter 2:1-3

KJV

1Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,

2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

New Living Translation

So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech.2 Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, 3 now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness.

Message

 1-3 So clean house! Make a clean sweep of malice and pretense, envy and hurtful talk. You’ve had a taste of God. Now, like infants at the breast, drink deep of God’s pure kindness. Then you’ll grow up mature and whole in God.

Father God in the Name of Jesus,

We thank you for this day and  for allowing us to be alive and well. We come asking you Lord to help us rid ourselves of all evil behavior. Help us to clean our spiritual houses- our bodies- of  all hurtful talk, jealousy and deceit. Father, we can not do this on our own so we cry out to you asking that you would cleanse us from all unrighteousness. God, help us to desire Your Word like newborn babies crave milk and need it for nourishment.  We need the milk of Your Rich Word to nourish our spirit man. Without the milk of the Word of God we can't grow and develop in the fullness of Your Will and Your way of living. Lord, put a desire for Your Word in our hearts. Help us to make time to read and study Your Word. We  realize that just receiving some scriptures on Sunday and in Bible Study is not enough. Our natural man eats many times a day to nourish the body thus we need to eat of Your Word each day to nourish our spirit. Father, help us to make the adjustments that you have brought to light today. God, we ask that you would teach us how to love you and we pray that You will lead us into all truth in Jesus Name, Amen!

Working For Your Good

SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY

Romans 8:28

 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

This is one of my favorite scriptures. Things in life may seem overwhelming and in a disarray but we can hold on to the fact that God has promised that the events in our life will work together to benefit us. Now in this mixing together our feelings may be hurt, or expectations may not be met and our countenance may a little down but when you come to yourself and remember this scripture you can gain hope. Hope in the assurance that this too shall pass and this event even though it don't feel good it is mixing with the other events of your life to bring about results that will be for your good. What great news! Bless God.

Now, we must look at the criteria that is set for this mixing to happen. First we must love God. Then, we must be called according to His purpose. 

So, the next time you are going through a situation that is not so pleasing in your sight and don't feel good to your flesh remember that God is working. He is orchestrating all the events of your life, bringing them together to benefit and work for your betterment. 

A New Commandment

SCRIPTURES OF THE DAY

John 13: 34-35

34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

In John Chapter 13, we find the account of Jesus washing the disciples feet. This is a very humble act of love. Jesus was giving the disciples an example to follow. He then began to talk to them about love. He gave them a new commandment. That ye love one another! But not just love one another. We must love one another as Christ has loved us. Wow! What love Christ has for us. He loved us so that He lay down His life for us. He is now giving us the way that we should entreat each other. When you examine your daily walk can you say that you love like Christ love? If not, my friend it is time to make some adjustments. 

Remember this scripture when your co-worker gets on your last nerve. Remember this scripture when that driver cuts you off in high volume traffic. Remember this scripture when you are frustrated with your children or your spouse. Remember this scripture when you are lied on, mistreated, talked about and left out. Will you love in spite of? Will you love with the love of Christ? I am so grateful that Jesus loved me even when I didn't love Him. He loved me when I was yet in my sins and didn't even realize what I was doing or the fact that I needed help. It was this love, the love of Jesus that drew me to a better place. Do you have the love and patience to draw someone to a better place?
It is this Christ kind of love that we radiate that shows the world that we are Christ's disciples. It is not our saying that we are Christians that let the world know that we are followers of Christ. We are being watched my friends. It is not by what we say but by what we do that shows our love for Christ. Can a sin sick world see Christ in you? Can your co -workers or your boss see the love of Jesus shinning through you?
Let's perfect our love walk. Let's keep the ultimate commandment. Love one another as Christ has loved us!  

The Key to Receiving

SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY

Matthew 21:22

 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

Prayer is a powerful tool that links believers together in communication with God our Father. In any relationship if there is no communication the relationship is headed for great destruction. Communication is key. When we pray we are talking-communicating- with God. Our prayer should not only be about asking God for things but also be filled with adoration for Him, thanksgiving, and a time for lifting up others. The scripture today reminds us that we should not just be talking or praying. We should also be believing. When we pray we must release faith believing that we shall receive what we have requested. The key the makes our requests manifest from spirit realm to natural realm is faith. Believing that what we have prayed for is already done. As you spend time in prayer today make sure that you are taking that extra step in believing that what you are praying for shall come to pass. Release your faith today and receive! Pray, Believe, Receive. 

An Article by Dr. Steve Maraboli

Below is an article posted in Emotional Health by Dr. Steve Maraboli. I thought it was very appropriate and timely. Please read and apply this great information to your daily routine. God bless!

PS.. because I didn't post a scripture please read one of your choice today. Maybe a Psalms 68:19 which states:Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits, the God of our salvation!

Morning Inspiration… One Day at a Time

By Dr. Steve Maraboli

It seems everybody is really busy these days. I understand that at times the stresses of work and family make it easy to lose focus and make each day a blur. My life is not unlike yours. I too seem to have a mountain of work to move but only a spoon with which to dig.

Because of this, it’s easy to get lost in the fog of life as the days, weeks, months, and years seem to blend… and pass us by. Time passes, we seem busy, yet we don’t get much accomplished. It’s a perfect recipe for frustration, stagnation, and a disempowered mindset that whispers its familiar motto, “same crap, different day.”

Stop allowing your day-to-day life to be clouded by busy nothingness! How do I get so much accomplished? I don’t let the blur of life blind me to the simple TRUTH that although time seems to fly, it never travels faster than one day at a time.

Each day is a new opportunity to live your life to the fullest. In each waking day, you will find scores of blessings and opportunities for positive change.

Do not let your TODAY be stolen by the ghost of yesterday or the “To-Do” list of tomorrow!

Harness the power of today. Seize the blessings of today! Make something happen, enhance your life, make someone laugh, help a friend, love, love, love!

Let today be the day you finally take a step in the direction of your dreams and goals. Remember that every step towards your dream today is a step away from your regret tomorrow.

Choose to do more than just exist through this day – choose to LIVE through it!

Take small, purpose driven steps and watch the amazing results of a day well lived.

Today is a new day!

Hope In God

SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY

Psalm 42:11

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.

May I encourage those of you that may be discouraged. Those of you who may find your souls a little wanton and your spirits a little down. This happens from time to time but be encouraged. I speak hope to you. Hope in the Lord. Hope will remove all discouragement. If you can find the strength to allow yourself to hope in the God of your salvation you will gain strength to believe that all things are possible. 

When hope in God comes alive in you then you can praise God. Praise Him for He is your health, your strength, your encouragement and the center of all joy. 

I pray that hope comes alive in your spirit and soul today and that you offer up praise to the hope giver.

Thankful Thursday

SCRIPTURES OF THE DAY

1 Chronicles 16:34

O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.

Psalm 30:12

To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.

Psalm 92:1

It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O Most High:

I call today Thankful Thursday. On Thursdays I will post scriptures that admonish us to  give God thanks. Scriptures that remind us to offer up thanksgiving to our Most Gracious Loving God. God is good and I am thankful that His mercy endureth forever. We must not be silent! We owe God praise and thanksgiving. If you want to be found doing something good today, give God thanks and sing praises unto His Holy Name. 

May I offer a couple suggestions. Make a bountiful blessings list. A list of things that you are thankful to God for allowing you to have, experience or do. If you are a creative person, you may want to write a song of praise to our Great God. Whatever and however you chose to offer God thanksgiving and praise, do it from your heart. May I end by giving God praise and thanks for each of you and for allowing me another day to connect with you. Blessings, joy, and a grateful heart be upon you. 

God's Will Be Done

SCRIPTURES OF THE DAY

Matthew 6:10

Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

Matthew 26:42

He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.

Mark 14:36

And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me:nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.

The latter two scriptures today comes from a time in Jesus life where He was facing the agony of the cross. He was going to be humiliated, disgraced and beaten. He was facing giving His life on the Cross for the sins of the world. Jesus knew intensity and pain that he was about to go through and He prayed to His Father. Jesus wanted the cup or the situation to not come to pass. Ever been there? But in the same sentence He also said that He wanted God's will to be done. If He had to endure the pain and humiliation he would as long as God's will was done. What can we draw from this?

Everyday we should be praying God's will be done in our lives. We should lay down our will and desire to be in agreement with God's will for us even if it means we must endure some pain or humiliation. God knew us before we were born. He had and has a plan for our lives. We must want to follow out God's will more than we want to fulfill our own will and lusts. After all, God's plan for you is far better than any plan you can even imagine. 

Give it a try. Surrender your will to God's will. Pray that God's will be done in your life and on earth as it is in heaven.

When God Seems Distant- Remember

SCRIPTURE PASSAGE OF THE DAY

Psalm 22:1-5

1 My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?

2 O my God, I cry in the day time, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent.

3 But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.

4 Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted, and thou didst deliver them.

5 They cried unto thee, and were delivered: they trusted in thee, and were not confounded.

Have you ever found yourself in a season where it seemed as if God wasn't hearing you? It seemed as if God was very distant. In your darkest tear driven moments you didn't feel like you were being comforted? In the quiet of the midnight hour you couldn't hear anything from God. I have been there. Many Christians experience this season for a moment. In our despair all seems lost and we may feel all alone but thank God for the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost comes to minister and let us know that God is right there. Like David, we must realize that even in our darkest hours God is yet holy, He is yet almighty. In one breath David felt and spoke of his despair and with the second breathe he remembered who God was. He remembered that our forefathers trusted in God and God delivered them. He remember that they cried out to God and God heard their cry and came to their rescue. I encourage you today in your times of despair when all seem lost remember who God is. Remember what God has done. God has done it for you before and He will do it for you again!

Be a Burden Bearer

SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY

Galatians 6:2

 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

It is not a common thing in today's society to inconvenience oneself to help another. But as Christians we should have or be developing the attitude and mind of Christ. I visualize someone with lots of luggage. Both hands filled, bags on their backs and still have more bags. These bags represent their burdens. Will you stop to help or will you just walk by? We are called to be helpers one to another. As we freely receive mercy from Christ our Savior, we should freely extend mercy to others. 

Keep your eyes open today. If you see one who has a burden offer a hand. Maybe they just need to talk. A gentle hug could turn someones day around. A kind word has healing power. My friend, what if it was you that was under the weight of all those bags? Would you want a kind hand of compassion to reach out to you? Of course you would. Be a burden bearer today. Allow God to use you to be a part of the solution for someone. You will reap the joy that comes from helping someone and they will receive the strength to go on a little farther in Jesus Name.

When you bear another's burden you are fulfilling the law of Christ. This fact alone should be enough to compel you to be a burden bearer.

Forgive and Be Kind

Scriptures of the day

Ephesians 4:31 - 32

31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

It is very difficult to be kind to those who you are bitter with or have anger towards. Perhaps this is why we are instructed first to put bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour and evil speaking away. In my own words, I would say to let it go. Don't harbor these negative emotions in your heart. They will stop you from moving forward in areas of your life and they keep you bound. Lose yourself today by choosing to forgive. Forgiveness is a choice NOT a feeling. 

Once you make up your mind to forgive, then you must move on to being kind and tenderhearted. Remember, you to needed forgiveness. So as Christ hath forgiven you show gratitude by extending forgiveness to others. In the Book of Matthew we read that if we don't forgive others their trespasses Christ won't forgive us of ours. (Matthew 6:15)

Free yourself today. Make a choice to forgive, let go of the negative and choose to show God's love and kindness to someone. 

The Model Prayer

THE MODEL PRAYER

Matthew 6:9-13

9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Worship

WORSHIP WEDNESDAY

 

John 4:23-23

23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

John 9:31

Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.

Philippians 3:3

For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

Worship is defined - to render religious reverence and homage to.; to feel an adoring reverence or regard for (any person or thing).

As Christians we learn that anyone can praise God. The Bible declares let everything that has breathe praise the Lord. But we are taught that not everyone can worship God. This is because to worship requires us to have a relationship with God. Worship goes deeper than praise. Praise is on a natural level but to worship you must come into the spirit realm. God our Father is seeking worshipers. When we enter into worship we leave all our fleshly desires behind and it becomes all about God. You enter into a state of reverence and adoration. 

Praise is wonderful and God is worthy of all the praise we give and then some. I challenge you to become a worshiper for God is seeking those who would forget about themselves and enter into the spirit of worship. 

Believe To See God's Goodness

SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY

Psalm 27:13

 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

This scripture describes me in so many situations in my life. If I had not believed that I was going to see God's goodness in my situation I would have surely fainted, given up and let go.But because I believed that God was going to show up and release His goodness, grace and mercy I could gather strength and hope that carried me through. 

My prayer for you is that you believe. Believe that God will show up and release His goodness in your situation. I pray hope to your mind, strength to your body and encouragement to your spirit. Don't get fainthearted. Believe God! God does not work on our time or schedule. But my friend, He is never late. Don't be weary and anxious. Reflect on God's track record. He has come through for you before and He will do it again. 

PRIDE

The Dangers of Pride

Hosea 7:10

And the pride of Israel testifieth to his face: and they do not return to the Lord their God, nor seek him for all this.

Jeremiah 13:15

Hear ye, and give ear; be not proud: for the Lord hath spoken

Jeremiah 50:31-32

Behold, I am against thee, O thou most proud, saith the Lord God of hosts: for thy day is come, the time that I will visit thee.

And the most proud shall stumble and fall, and none shall raise him up: and I will kindle a fire in his cities, and it shall devour all round about him.

James 4:6

But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

1 John 2:16

For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

1 Timothy 3:6

Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.

Pride is sometimes refered to as being one of the seven deadly sins. A person with an unhealthy level of pride is explosive. Pride is defined as pleasure or satisfaction taken in something done by or belonging to oneself or believed to reflect credit upon oneself: a becoming or dignified sense of what is due to oneself or one's position or character. The danger in pride is that the focus is on oneself.

I won't ask for help because I don't want people to think I need help or don't understand

I won't take down because I am right.

As a matter of fact, I am always right.

This is my area and I don't need anyone else to tell me how to run my area.

I'm too proud to seek guidence I can handle this.

You can be very sure that when you operate in a proudful spirit, you are destined for a great fall. Examine yourself today. Does pride have you in bondage? Do you operate in a prideful spirit? And before you say no, Ask God to reveal the answer to you. For if you have the spirit of pride in operation, then your pride is going to say no to these questions. You will be too proud to be honest. But when you ask God show you you. He will do it. He will allow you to see how you behave. How you react. And, how you operate. Not to hurt you but to help you. God resisteth the proud but He gives grace unto the humble.

Father God in the Name of Jesus, we pray that you will help us. Help us to turn away for unhealthy characteristics and to seek you to aid us in a healthy balance of pride. We are proud to be called your children and count it an honor to be able to call upon your name. Lord, we ask that you would search us. Take away that prideful spirit dear God and help us to walk in humility. Help us to esteem others higher than ourselves. We thank you for your grace, your love and your mercy. In Jesus Name, Amen.

To Everything There is a Season

SCRIPTURE PASSAGE OF THE DAY

Ecclesiastes 3: 1 - 8

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;

4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

We will experience many seasons in our lives. Seasons of happy times, Seasons of sadness, Seasons of prosperity and overflow, and Seasons of lack. Seasons comes with life. Whatever season you are experiencing at this moment, I encourage you to  try to take on the spirit of Paul. Paul said that whatever state he found himself in he learned to be content. Being content is a state of mind. It means that you are at peace. Now please note that being content doesn't mean that you can't work toward changing a bad situation. But rather that you won't allow the bad situation to steal your joy. You remain at peace even in the midst of turmoil while striving to bring about a change in the situation. This state of contentment can only be achieved with a personal close relationship with God our Father. 

If you find yourself in a happy season- a season of laughter and joy. I pray that you enjoy and embrace it fully. 

If you find yourself in a season that is leaving you desiring more. I pray that you will be content as you take steps of change that will lead to the modification of your current status. 

And as a reminder, Please don't forget to praise God every step of the way. In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you!

Bless The Lord

SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY

Psalm 34:1

I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

In these difficult times it is easy to get on the band wagon of complaint. There may seem to be more things out of place than in place. Bills may be due, friends may be short, and walls may seem to be caving in on us. But, this morning I want to encourage you to bless the Lord. Yes, even in the midst of difficult situations we must be found giving God praise. Complaining may be the easiest to do but resist the temptation. Think on all the many blessings that God has bestowed upon you and towards you and give thanks. Pray on the other stuff. We can't change those things anyway and complaining about them will not change them. Offering a sacrifice of praise to God will however elevate your mood and bring about a change in your attitude. So give it a try. Bless the Lord and have a continual praise for Him in your mouth.

Make Peace Today

SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY

James 3:18

And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

Romans 12:18

If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

Peace is defined as a state of mutual harmony between people or groups, especially in personal relations. Before we talk about peace with others we must make sure that we are at peace with ourselves. Is there turmoil going on within you? Is there something that you need to forgive yourself for doing, saying or being? It is hard to extend mercy, peace and love to others if you are lacking it for yourself. Let today be a day to release yourself first then release others. Start fresh. Let peace be sown and spring up from within that you may freely extend it to those around you. The one thing that I love dearly about our God is that He is so forgiving. That is because of the love and the shed blood of Jesus Christ. Chose to forgive yourself today. If  you have asked for God's forgiveness, He has forgiven you and He wants you to forgive yourself.

Once we find our inner peace we can give peace. We should always look to be a peacemaker in all our environments and relationships. In our homes, on our jobs, in our churches, with our siblings, our friends, our neighbors, etc.  An environment of peace breads joy and happiness. 

Set out to make peace today in a situation that is lacking harmony. Allow God to use you to be a peacemaker. Remember, you must have peace within to bring peace to others.

We live in a world filled with hostility; however we have the power to overshadow hostility with peace. Try utilizing this power in your circle of influence. 

The candle of Peace

Peace, all other peace transcending
Peace so eternal and unending.
Peace that passes all understanding
Peace so perfect and undemanding

Peace lovely peace floods into my soul
Peace of healing making me whole
Peace from God, peace from heaven.
Jesus whispers this peace deep within. 

Royston Allen

Quotes To Encourage You

QUOTES TO ENCOURAGE YOU “You cannot expect victory and plan for defeat.”  ― Joel Osteen “You can get a thousand no's from people, and only one "yes" from God.” ― Tyler Perry “But God is the God of the waves and the billows, and they are still His when they come over us;  and again and again we have proved that the overwhelming thing does not overwhelm. Once more  by His interposition deliverance came. We were cast down, but not destroyed.”  ― Amy Carmichael “We can't be afraid of change. You may feel very secure in the pond that you are in, but if you never  venture out of it, you will never know that there is such a thing as an ocean, a sea. Holding onto  something that is good for you now, may be the very reason why you don't have something better.”  ― C. JoyBell C. “...You can do something extraordinary, and something that a lot of people can't do. And if you have  the opportunity to work on your gifts, it seems like a crime not to. I mean, it's just weakness to quit  because something becomes too hard...”  ― Morgan Matson, Amy and Roger's Epic Detour

Confidence Concerning Prayer

SCRIPTURE PASSAGE OF THE DAY

1 John 5:13-15

13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:

15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

This morning we will look at a powerful and uplifting passage of scripture. I do want to note that this passage (according to the 13th verse) is speaking to those who believe on the name of the Son of God. We know that Jesus is the one and only Son of God. So this passage is addressed to believers. If we believe in Jesus this passage is for us. Praise God that Jesus has afforded us the opportunity to have eternal life!

If you are a believer you should have confidence that God hears your prayers and petitions. How can we be sure that our requests are according to God's will? Pray His Word!

If we align our prayers up with the Word of God we can be sure that we are praying God's will. 

If we know that God hears our prayers then my fellow believers we also know that we have what we have asked Him for. 

My prayer is that we as believers pray according to God's will. And that we will begin to have confidence that God hears us and that He is granting each petition that we bring before Him!

Pray, Believe, Receive!