THE LOVE CHAPTER

1 Corinthians 13:4-7
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres."

Please take time to read more of this chapter today. This devotion is just a drop in a huge bucket in comparison to what God wants to show us about love. God is love, that’s a gigantic bucket. When I have had a difficult time dealing with people, after things settle down a bit, I am usually directed by God to the subjects of love and forgiveness.

These are the keys to maintaining unity and peace with others that we interact with, throughout our lives. I use this portion of the thirteenth chapter of Corinthians as a check list for my behavior towards others. Am I truly loving them or do I need to make some changes in my attitude towards them? When I do recognise that I have an attitude that is not loving, I ask God to forgive me and to help me to understand and overcome this wall.

By prayer and reading more of the word, on the subject of love and forgiveness, I always overcome these barriers that hinder my love walk. We must seek God and His direction in these times. If we do not, we will not maintain unity with those around us. Wishing you all a Happy New Year!

UNDYING LOVE

Ephesians 6:24
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

This verse really opened my eyes to a truth about interacting with people in love. Although the verse is directed at loving Christ with an undying love, it also applies to our relations with others. What does it mean to love one another unconditionally or with an undying love?

It means that my love for others is not based on how they treat me. I never could grasp that concept before; being able to love someone without having “conditions” attached to that love. For example, if people did not treat me properly, I wasn't able to express my love towards them, because I was angry, feeling rejected or perhaps even disappointed.

My love was based on how they treated me. But because deep inside, I knew I truly loved them, I was able to learn how to express my love, even while I was still angry and upset with them, that is unconditional love. It's just the way we are as humans. Learn to forgive to start the journey of loving unconditionally just as Christ loves us.

THE PURPOSES OF THE HEART

Proverbs 20:5
The purposes of a man's heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out.


Have you every realised that your actions have a purpose?

Sometimes the purpose of our actions is to cause harm or injury to another in some sort of negative way. Also at times we may even cause harm or injury to ourselves. Some people spend years in therapy and counselling to try and understand why they behave the way they do. A good way of examining the purpose of our actions is to check out what our motives are before we actually act on a thought. If our actions have a hidden motive behind them, chances are that action is not pure.

For instance, if we want to call a friend and invite them to a church gathering, that is a pure action. However, if the real reason we are calling that friend is because we haven't heard from them in a long while, and we are using the excuse of the church event to contact them, that is not a pure action. We have a hidden reason for the phone call. Examining our motives can be a great way to discover areas of our lives that we need to be praying about.

For instance the story about calling a friend could have everything to do with feeling rejected because they have not called us in a long while. If we understand that we are feeling rejected we can run to God in prayer and say Lord help!!!. Ask God to help you with your understanding of yourself and others today. This is all  part of the Holy Spirits work, to reveal the truth  in our lives and also to help us to maintain self control.

VICTORIOUS WITH GOD

Proverbs 21:30
There is no wisdom, no insight, and no plan that can succeed against the LORD.

No matter what life throws our way to defeat us, as long as we truly are surrendered and passionately in Love with the Lord, we will be on the winning side of life. There is victory in Jesus! Difficulties in life will happen, trials always come, but God has promised to never leave us or forsake us. He also has made it clear that nothing can separate us from his love.

LOVING PEOPLE TODAY

1 John 3:11

This is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another.

As I am writing this I am setting a goal for today. That goal is to let my family know I love them and to contact several of my close friends and let them know I love them too. With the technology we have available to us it's so easy to send text messages, emails and call people on the phone and say “ I love You”. If you don't feel comfortable telling them you love them, how about letting them know that you appreciate them and you are glad they are your friend. There are many ways to let people know we care about them, I personally enjoy getting surprised with small gifts. Sometimes friends or family will just surprise me with a card in the mail or leave a gift by my front door. Be creative, find ways to tell those you care about how special they are to you, do it today! Merry Christmas everyone!

TODAY

2 Peter 1:3
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.

Living a godly life is possible because of the knowledge we have of God. This knowledge is acquired, daily, as we read the Bible and seek after building a relationship with God. As we study God’s word, and spend time in prayer, we will obtain the knowledge we need to be victorious today. Everyday requires new spiritual truths for the new situations and trials we will be faced with. What we learned yesterday, may not be what we need for today. Today, I will not be a quitter, because the Bible says that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. This verse is what brings comfort and peace within me today, so I will cling to it. What the Lord has for me tomorrow may be completely different.

GRATITUDE

1Timothy 1:12
And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;

Recently, I had the privilege of helping out one of my old dear neighbour; a very adorable old lady, who would say “Thank you Jesus” so often. I began to notice that she actually was talking, as if Jesus were listening and right beside her. Such sincerity, gratitude and genuine thankfulness was expressed by her, that I began to realise she had so much to be thankful for. It was if she was acknowledging that God was responsible for all the good things, just as the Bible says; every good and perfect gift comes down from the father of lights.

Because of what I learned from this lady, I have started to express my thankfulness to God by saying “thank you Jesus” periodically through out my day and out loud. I have so many troubling things to focus on, BUT by focusing on the things I am thankful for, I am recalling Gods faithfulness over the past many years always looking out for me. With every trial there is a victory to be won. “Thank you Jesus” that I am on the winning team and you, my Lord, are working all things for the good!

LOVE

Psalms 18:1(Amplified)
I LOVE you fervently and devotedly, O Lord, my Strength

Being a follower of Christ is so much more than just attending church. The Bible says to love the Lord with all our heart, mind, soul and strength. (Mark 12:30) When we are in love with someone, we express to them by our actions and words “I love you” on a daily basis. As we begin to establish our relationship with God, eventually we should reach this place where “I love you” is a daily expression to Him in thought, words and actions.

Whenever we fall in love with someone we must first spend time with them, getting to know them, it works the same way with the Lord. Spending time with the Lord means that we talk to Him regularly, we read the Bible often and we do the things that God likes to do as well as include Him in things we like to do. Take time to sincerely tell God, I love you, He deserves to receive our expressions of love, and He also requires it.

FLYING

2 Corinthians 5:7
For we walk by faith, not by sight.

2 Corinthians 10: 4
For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.


Recently I was reflecting on a dream that a friend of mine told me about. In the dream there was a man who was physically fit, and in the military. He was about to enter into flight training that would eventually promote him to a higher ranking as a pilot. His challenge would be to fly the airplane by using the instrumentation and gauges only, with no visual view of his outer surroundings. I consulted a good friend who is a pilot, about this dream. She said that during this type of training, an up close and personal relationship is established between the instructor and student. The ultimate goal is to condition the pilot to be able to handle all types of flying conditions by putting their trust in the instruments at hand.

The Bible says to walk by faith and not by sight. The plane can be compared to God's kingdom; in that God has provided us with every instrument that we need to get us through all types of circumstances, even when we can't see where we are going. We must maintain in a close and personal relationship with God, so that if we encounter difficulty we will be familiar with His voice, able to hear and trust His direction. Once we learn to use the instruments in the kingdom; such as, seeking God first, loving one another, reading Gods word, worship, prayer, hearing His voice and fellowship, these are just a few, we then can be promoted to being trusted with more powerful weapons.

The bigger the plane is the more people you can carry, while you fly higher and further. God wants to entrust you to effect more people challenge yourself to fly a bigger plane in God’s kingdom; you can do this by learning how to use your spiritual instruments.

CASTING STONES

John 8:7
"If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her."


Galatians l6:4-5
 Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load.

Did you ever have anyone point out your sin (something you did wrong, or did not want others to know about) by sharing it with others?

Exposing another individual’s sin publicly is not acting in line with what the Bible teaches. In the scripture, after Jesus said “let him be the first to throw a stone at her," He then began to write in the sand. Although we do not know what He wrote, some believe that he was revealing the sins of her accusers. The passage says they began to leave one at a time until only Jesus was left with her. He then said, “I do not condemn you either. Go on your way and from now on sin no more.” Not pointing fingers at her, but pointing to a new beginning Jesus says, “Go on your way.” It's “your way”; and your way is between you and God. When we stand before Him on judgment day that’s the way it will be. Work out your own salvation with Him. Pray that God will give you the self control to stay out of other peoples business thinking it is your responsibility to expose their sin, and leave that between them and God; and hopefully people will stay out of your business as well.

AMEN

Galatians 6:18(Amplified)
The grace (spiritual favor, blessing) of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Anointed One, the Messiah) be with your spirit, brethren. Amen (so be it).


Have you ever thought of what you were actually saying when you say “Amen” at the end of a prayer? This version of the Bible shows us the definition of the word, Amen. One simple word that is a power packed statement of faith. It may seam like a small thing, but when you say “Amen” you are putting yourself in agreement with everything that was just spoken, and the Bible says that the power of life and death are in the tongue. Let’s be careful to not use this word as common language, but instead recognise it carries within it great POWER. My definition of Amen is that it means “DONE”

WORDS

Proverbs 12:18
The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.


I was taught that before we say something to others, we should ask our selves three questions.

Is it kind?

Is it necessary?

Is it true?

This works especially well when we are angry at someone and we just want to unload on them. I hope this will help you as it has helped me many times to not speak reckless words. Having self control is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. God help us to bring healing rather than destruction with our words.

FRAGRANCE

2 Corinthians 2:15
For we are the sweet fragrance of Christ unto God, among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.


What fragrance are you wearing? Would you rather have more attention drawn to your personality, looks and perfume than to the knowledge of Jesus in you? Do we desire to be recognised more than we want Jesus to be recognised? Please don't misunderstand me, we all want to look, feel and most certainly smell good and that’s okay. All I am saying is let’s make sure that Jesus is the main attraction to others in all that we do. In a church service, I personally feel that the fragrance of a homeless man, who hasn't showered in days, is more attractive than the man or woman who is perfectly tailored and perfumed.

WITNESSING

1John 5: 12
He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.

This is the message we bring to everyone regardless of their arguments or beliefs. The Bible says that the word of God is sharper than any two edged sword. Sometimes people are very well studied in their arguments about why they don't believe in Jesus or God. I am usually not very good at debating with people about all their reasons for not believing. However, I do speak powerfully when I share the simplicity of the scriptures. He who does not have the Son does not have life. That pretty much says it all. When we speak the word of God into someone’s life then God can access those words within them and begin to convict them. That is how God speaks, to the heart of people, through His word.

THE FUTURE

Luke 22:10-13
He replied, "As you enter the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him to the house that he enters, and say to the owner of the house, 'The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?' He will show you a large upper room, all furnished. Make preparations there." They left and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover.

Here we see that Jesus knows what is in our future and He is able to reveal it to us. In the gospel of John, Jesus tells us that He will send the Holy Spirit and He will reveal to us things to come. It's true, seek God in prayer and you shall find divine direction for your life. Hunger and thirst for righteousness and you shall be filled. The steps of a righteous man are ordered by the Lord. Clear direction from the Lord is the result off seeking after His will for our lives with a sincere heart.

A Heart That Forgives

WHO ARE YOU?

Luke13:25-27
"....."But he will answer, 'I don't know you or where you come from. "Then you will say, 'We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.' "But he will reply, 'I don't know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!'

Mathew 7:23
Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'

These are the words of Jesus in bold print, “I never knew you”. The Bible says to examine yourselves to make sure you are in the faith. Please make sure that Jesus knows you! We must spend time with the Lord. That is the only way that anyone can get to know someone.

LEARN TO HEAR FROM GOD

1 John 2:27
As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him.

There are many great teachers of the Bible and teaching related to the scriptures. Both of these are excellent ways to learn. Here are some of my thoughts for today.One way of learning that is very effective is, to humble ourselves before God and say, "what do you want me to learn today?" This means we set  aside all of the debates about the Bible, our thoughts of what we want to learn, all of the revelations that others have had concerning spiritual things and we go straight to God seeking to hear from heaven. This is how we become the most effective for God's kingdom. It requires spending time in prayer, reading the Bible and earnestly seeking God's will for our lives, right now!

Prayer:
God you know my next thought, my next step in life, coming danger, who I will be in contact with today, and where the laughter will come from. Prepare me for what you have in store for me today and are planning to do through me today in Jesus name I ask Amen!

MAKE A LIST

Philippians 4:13
I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me.


Here's an idea that I think you will change your view on some things that you are facing in your life. Make a list of things to do. The list should include small and big things. It should also include things that you must do and things that you want to do. Small things may be daily activities such as cleaning your room, ironing  or taking the dog for a walk. Now the larger ones might be some things like applying for a job, deciding on a career, choosing or starting a business, apologizing to someone that you were mean to, or working on a large project that is due. Make a list of all these ideas, big or small. If you want to go to Israel some day, put it on the list. If you desire to be a worship leader, an entrepreneur, getting married, or an interior decorator, write it down.

Now, once you have done this spend quiet time with God in prayer and just focus on what this verse is saying: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

GOD GIVES GIFTS

Romans 12:6
We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.
 
1 Corinthians 12:4-6
There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.


God is the gift giver. It is His grace (and ability) working through us that touches and changes peoples lives. Some people are given the gift of teaching or preaching. Others may be encourager's or worship leaders. Is there a gift that you desire from the Lord? Ask Him for it.The Bible says that the Holy Spirit gives gifts out as He determines. If God wants you to have the gift you will get it.

When I was younger, I asked the Lord to give me the gift of encouragement so I can be an encouragement to people I meet in my every day life. The truth is, He did but only I didn't realise it till now because I was too busy living in disobedience and not availing myself for the gifts to manifest. Now I am so blessed to be given this second chance to use this gift that God gave to me and many people today are touched by God through the gifts that are working in me.

If we get serious about serving the Lord and desire for Him to truly use us, we will discover gifts that we already have and He will give us gifts that we do not yet have. God wants to use us but we must become surrendered and willing to be used. Consider asking God today to reveal to you the gifts that you already have and ask Him for spiritual gifts that you desire to have. If you know what your gifts are then surrender them to the Lord today and ask Him to work through the gifts He has entrusted you with.

LOOK STRAIGHT AHEAD

Proverbs 4:25-27
Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.

Today's scripture holds the key to having victory over temptations that want to pull us away from God. We must be disciplined when tempting thoughts occur, in relation to things we hear, see, smell, touch or taste that could lead us away from our godly path. When we recognise a temptation starting to happen we have a choice to say, yes, or say no! Just say NO! If we say yes then we have swerved to the right or left and our feet follow evil. If we say no then we look straight ahead keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus.

Why is it important to look straight ahead? Because then God can flow through us in greater ways and touch many peoples  lives through us. When we are on a path of sin, our chances of being used by the Lord are lessoned. God is working all things for our good. He is able to use our wrong choices for good if we repent and turn away from evil and turn towards God. This is another reason why it is important to look straight ahead; Jesus said that if we love Him, we will obey His commands. Be strong in the Lord today and turn from evil.

IMPORTANCE OF FRIENDSHIP

John 21: 5
He (Jesus) called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?”


1 John 4:7
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.


Today my heart is stirred to talk about the importance of friendship.  The holidays seasons is here again as the year comes to an end and many of the prayer request being sent out by people are related to needing friends. First let me say that God is the most faithful friend you will ever have. God is with us all the time, He is never too busy to spend time with us.

All throughout the New Testament we see the words "dear friends". So friendship is important to God. Let me share an encouraging story of how God answered my prayer when I was attending a new high school for just a year at the age of 14. I was a new Christian and wanted to meet other Christians in school. The first day of school I prayed that I would meet Christians. Before attending classes, we were required to meet in a large hall where hundreds of students gathered for orientation. Other students that I did not know surrounded me. There was a girl sitting to my right and as I looked down  at the bleachers on top of the pile of books that she had set next to me was a Bible in plain sight.

I leaned over and said, "Are you a Christian?" she replied "Yes I am". She then invited me a Christian group that met after school (Scripture Union). This invitation by just one friend opened the door to many other friendships. That was the beginning of a life long friendship with her. God is amazing! I am now able to pray with great faith for others who need friends because of what God did for me many years ago as a young child and is continue doing till today. Today, trust Him to bring friends into your life and also reach out to others to be a friend to them. Friendship is so important, no one likes feeling alone.

LET US BOW DOWN IN WORSHIP

Psalm 95:6
Come, let us bow down in worship, and let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.

2 Chronicles 29:28
The whole assembly bowed in worship, while the singers sang and the trumpeters played. All this continued until the sacrifice of the burnt offering was completed.

What do you think of when you hear the word worship?

I usually think of singing songs. In my church we have a time of worship where the “worship” team plays instruments,songs and we sing. These scriptures have brought new meaning to the word worship into my life today. I feel compelled to spend time upon my knees praying and worshiping God. In the book of Revelations, chapter four, there is a description of what is happening in heaven around God's throne. Day and night the living creatures surrounding the throne are saying holy, holy, holy and the 24 four elders are continually falling in worship.

I am going to spend some extra time worshiping the Lord today, on my knees. Come let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our maker.

GOD OF OUR COMFORT

2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

Who do you know that may need to be comforted today?

Take a moment to think about this question. Today in my circle of friends and family one is in the hospital, another has been diagnosed with terminal cancer, a friend’s family is experiencing the pain of a divorce, and a family member just moved to a city where they have no friends. I am going to contact all of these people today and let them know that I love them, I am praying for them and if they need anything at all, I am here for them.

How can you bring some comfort to the people in your circle of friends and family who are experiencing troubles?

SHARING SPIIRTUAL GIFTS

Romans 1:11-12
I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong- that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.

What does it mean to impart a spiritual gift?

Through these devotional scriptures, we are sharing spiritual gifts that God has entrusted us with. As you read the things that God has imparted to our understanding, you are receiving a spiritual gift that strengthens your faith in God. Every word that is written in the Holy Bible is a spiritual gift that has the power to strengthen our faith in God. Paul wrote the scriptures that we are using in this devotion. He was the author of two thirds of the New Testament from which we draw our spiritual strength. The Bible is full of spiritual life and as we share with each other about the things God reveals to us, we encourage, strengthen and impart spiritual gifts to one another. Just call a gift exchange!

A CHOICE

1 Corinthians 10:21
You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord's table and the table of demons.


Living a life that has one foot in God’s kingdom and one foot in the world just doesn't work. We must choose how we will live; in the world of evil or in God’s kingdom. We must decide who we will serve, God or the devil. Forgiveness is the beginning of making a turn towards God and away from evil. God is loving, forgiving and HOLY. The path we walk as Christians is the narrow path. When we first give our life to God the path is not so narrow but as we develop a relationship with this Holy God, the path gets narrower and narrower as we become more obedient to His ways and more holy. It is only through Jesus that we can truly be holy, He makes us holy and acceptable to God.

What changes can you make in your life today to walk in holiness on that narrow path? A good place to start is by confessing sins to God and making a decision to turn away from them. Ask God to help with your struggles.

LOVE THE LORD

Matthew 22:37
Jesus replied: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”

How do we express our love to the Lord?

As I am asking myself this question it has occurred to me that I didn't tell the Lord today that I loved Him. I did not tell Him yesterday either or the day before that. Every time I talk to friends on the phone, as I say goodbye, I always tell them I love them, yet when I spend time daily with the Lord I do not always tell Him. So often, our time with God is all about us, and little about Him. He has commanded us to express love towards Him. Can you think of some ways you express your love to God or don't express it towards Him. I am making a commitment today to tell the Lord I love Him more often so should you.

TOUGH QUESTIONS

Matthew 7:21
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”

Matthew 7:13-14
Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

1John 2:5-6
"......This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did."


2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!


A person who is truly a Christian will be different then those who do not know Jesus. If you are a child of God you will walk in righteousness. If we are walking on the narrow road, our lives will reflect that we are different than the world. Here are some tough questions.

Are you saved?

Are you on the narrow path?

Do you look more like the world than a Christian?

What type of music do you listen to?

What TV programs and movies do you enjoy?

Does your life show the fruit of a Christian or do you look more like the world?

"Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven.”

Does your life style show that you are practicing a life showing the will of God?

FRIENDS

Matthew 22:37-39
Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.


I have been thinking about friends today and how often I talk to my close friends or how much time I spend with them. I also have been thinking about who my best friend is. Jesus, truly is my best friend. Jesus, is the one I think of first thing in the morning and the one I say goodnight to at the end of the day. His praises continually are in my heart and I constantly pray throughout my day. I think of Jesus, as if He is with me every moment of the day and night. When I have conversations with my other friends, Jesus is always included, and I tell others about things that are happening in my relationship with Him. I am not saying I walk around in a Jesus freak cloud all day long , I always share with others using wisdom and discernment.

Is God at the top of your list of friends?

Do your thoughts towards Him out weigh your thoughts towards your best friends or perhaps a girl or boy friend?

Do you take the Lord with you everywhere you go, or are there places where He just doesn't fit very well?

Is Jesus your best friend?

GIVING

2 Corinthians 9:6-8
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

Galatians 6:9-10
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.


There is much to be studied and discovered in these two verses but what I want to focus on is that God is our source of supply, not man. When we give into ministries, churches or to other individuals our money and our time, we give out of obedience to God's word. Even though our gifts are given to men and women, we focus our hearts upon God to return to us a harvest. If we focus on people to receive a harvest; then we may be creating expectations that may not be fulfilled. This will only lead to anger and resentments when we find ourselves being disappointed by others when we are in need. The Bible says that God will supply all our needs. We are to love one another, help each other and take care of each other, but always look to God as the source who returns back to us a harvest from the seeds of giving that we have sown.

NO SWEETER NAME

Acts 4:12

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."

Recently I sang a song with the words “no sweeter name than the name of Jesus.” Sometimes the words of a song really speak to my life in a very truthful way.

Is there truly no one else that I consider to be sweeter than Jesus?

Does my relationship with Him demonstrate that He is more important than my friends, family, job and career?

When I am alone in a secret place, do my actions shout that there is no sweeter name than the name of Jesus. God considers the name to be so sweet that one day every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord.

How do you feel about the name of JESUS?

GOD'S WORD

Psalm 119:105

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.

Is God’s word a lamp for you or are there things you read that cause you to feel like you are in the dark?

If you have difficulty understanding why certain things are in the Bible, please consider speaking with your Pastor, church leader or a knowledgeable Christian about your questions. It is very important to continue reading the Bible daily rather than putting it on a shelf because there are things that you do not understand. If your Bible is hard to comprehend, because of the way it is written, go to a local bookstore and invest in different translations to make you reading and study alot easier. But also always remember to pray and ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten your understanding and open your eyes to understand the Bible for yourself. Whatever it takes to stay in God’s word daily; do it.

TOTAL SURRENDER

1Thessalonians 5:23-24

May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.

Will you trust God with your entire life today? God will keep your spirit, soul and body blameless if you will totally surrender and seek after His ways. Total surrender is something that we do on a daily basis, it is not a one-time event. The Lord has instructed us to seek Him first in our lives. Once we commit to trust God daily, He will be faithful and help keep us blameless and pure.

FOUNDATIONS

Luke 6:49

“But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete."

A foundation underneath a house is usually made of thick concrete with steel bars embedded into it, along with wire mesh woven throughout it. Have you ever seen pictures of huge floods where houses were covered with water, yet they still had not moved from where they were built? Those houses had heavy solid foundations that kept them strong in the storm.

How is your spiritual foundation?

Are you learning more about God's word daily and putting God's principles in practice in your life?

Do you have questions and doubts about God's word?

Be encourage and press into the Bible and read it daily. If you have questions, find someone you can trust who can answer them for you. If you don't build your life upon God's word, you sure won't be strong enough to endure the storms of life.

REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAYS

Philippians 4:4-7
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

To rejoice in the Lord means to be delighted, joyful or glad in the Lord. It is an expression that comes from the heart and is the result of knowing God in a personal way. Sometimes in our lives it may seem as though there are a lot of things to rejoice about; while at other times the burdens of life can weigh heavy upon us. Regardless of what the circumstances are in our lives, Jesus instructed us to rejoice. Our names are written in heaven. Luke 10:20 says, "However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."  This is one thing we can always rejoice about no matter what we are going through.

PREACHING WITH POWER

1 Thessalonians 1:4-5
For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction.


Through this scripture we see that sharing the gospel is also accompanied with power, the Holy Spirit and conviction. My desire is to see God move upon people in this way. I believe in my heart; that if we ask God to reveal Himself in this way to people we interact with, that He will. We all need to have full experiences with the Lord that go far beyond just another sermon about the Bible. Experiences that are filled with power, Holy Spirit and conviction. May God reveal Himself to you in a powerful way today!

SHINE LIKE A STAR

Philippians 2:14-15
Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.


This is a command of how we are to live our lives as Christians. In order not to complain or argue, it will require that we take control of our thoughts as well as the words that come out of our mouths. Decide to shine like a star today; demonstrate self control in your conversations with others. If you do not have something good to say that will bring about a positive change in your life or others, perhaps it will be best if it is not said. Choose to edify yourself and others with your thoughts and words.

MAKE A LIST

Ephesians 6:18

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.


Here is an idea to help us all increase in our prayer lives and make a difference in the lives of others. Make a list of the people who you are connected with every week, friends, family, church family, teachers and people you may work with. Now take time to pray for each person for the things in their lives that you know about. Make your prayers specific, for instance, if there is a friend who is struggling in Math class, pray that God open their understanding with that subject. Rather than just praying generally like, “Lord bless them.” Try doing this everyday for a week, and believe for God to work in their lives.

GOD CAN BE TRUSTED

Psalms 25: 4-5

Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.


The TRUTH is, God is alive and working in our lives! He will lead and guide us when we put our trust completely in Him. The key is trusting Him daily by living a life connected toHim all day long. The Bible teaches us to seek first the kingdom of God and to seek the Lord with all of our hearts. In today’s scripture verse, David says, “my hope is in you all day long.” If you are having difficulty trusting God with your life, ask Him to teach you how to trust Him more. Read your bible every day and seek after God in a greater way than you have ever done before. The Bible says “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13!

DREAMS

Proverbs 14:23

All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.

Have you ever had an idea to do something that is important to you. In order to make that idea turn into reality you will have to initiate some action steps. If you just keep talking about it and thinking about it, but take no action steps; nothing ever becomes of the idea. You may begin by assembling people to help with the necessary actions steps, whereby creating something that did not exist before. What types of ideas do you have? Write down one thing that you would really like to do. Then write down a few ways to make the idea happen. Next, start working on the ways you have listed to make your idea a reality. May God bless you in your righteous adventures.

HOPE FOR CHRISTIANS WHO HAVE STRAYED

1 John 3:9

No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God.




This verse is one that I hold onto when I am praying for anyone who at some point followed God but now has chosen to live their lives without following God’s ways. The verse says that God’s seed remains in him. I believe in faith that God promises that, the seed of His word that was planted in their heart at some earlier time will cause them not to be able to continue to live in sin. In confidence, I just know, they will eventually come back to living their lives according to God’s way.

LET GO OF THE SIN

1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

God doesn't want us to hold onto, and struggle with sin in our lives. He wants us to live obediently to His word. Yes when we stumble, He teaches us to repent from our sins ( confess and turn from the sin); as we do He instantly forgives us. He offers us purity through His forgiveness. Nothing we can do on our own can or will purify us even if we try hard enough. God is the only way!

He wants us to be in the right relationship with Him, we do this by continually asking for forgiveness when we sin. We should never think we are not worthy of being forgiven because we may struggle at times with the same type of sin. As we repent and ask, God gives us the ability to resist that sin the next time. We get stronger and stronger to resist the temptation in the future.

LIVE A LIFE OF LOVE

Proverbs 3:3-4

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.

Jesus commanded us to love one another as He has loved us. We have also been instructed to love the Lord with all of our hearts and to love our neighbor as ourselves. Love is the number one requirement by God when we are interacting with others. God is love! Bind Him around your neck today and have a day filled with loving God and others.

PUT YOUR HOPE IN GOD

John 14:1
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God

Don't worry about tomorrow or be concerned about the future. God is with you. We must be patient and trust in God to lead and direct us. We can do the very best we can to plan our lives. As we do, we pray and trust God to order our steps, bless and care for us. Do not let your hearts be troubled, the Lord is with you.

GOD IS FULL OF LOVE

James 5:11
".....The Lord is full of compassion and mercy."


Psalms 86:15
But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.



Psalms 145:8
The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.


“God is slow to anger and rich in love.” When we have struggles and stray from the path that the Lord would desire us to walk on, He is slow to anger. It is His love that helps us return to His ways. The Bible says that God is for us (Romans 8:31) not against us. Verse 39 says that nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the Love of God. He is not angry towards us today if we have strayed from the truth. He wants to cleanse us and bring us back into a right relationship with Him.

STAY CONNECTED TO GOD

John 15:4(NLT)

Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.


How can we remain in God? One way would be by staying connected to other believers who really love the Lord. Also when we are talking to the Lord and listening to Him, we are staying connected to Him. Reading His word is a way of remaining in Him. When we are in the car we go where the car goes because we are “in” the car. When we remain in Christ we do the things that He likes to do.

HOW BIG IS GOD?

Genesis 1:1

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Isaiah 40:12(New Living Translation)
Who else has held the oceans in his hand? Who has measured off the heavens with his fingers?..."


The Lord is so big that He can measure all of the heavens above in the span of His fingers. Our solar system, the earth, moon, sun and a few planets, is contained inside of a galaxy called the Milky Way. Within the Milky Way it is estimated that there are 200 to 400 billion stars. We are just one of the unknown amounts of galaxies that could contain billions of stars in each. God measures it all between His fingers. Think on that for a while, you will realize that our God is a REALLY BIG GOD!

PRAISING THE LORD

Psalms 113: 3

From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised.

When the sun is rising on one end of the earth, it is setting on the other, this is a continual process. Just like the rising and the setting of the sun, praising the Lord needs to be a continual process in our lives. We can do this in many ways; I generally start my day with prayer as soon as I awake. The rest of the day I stay connected to the Lord by listening to Christian music and just keeping my thoughts focused on Him in everything I am doing. I try to include God in all areas of my life. If I sense that there is an area of my life where God just does not seem to fit, for example, the movies I watch or music that plays on the radio, or friendships that do not bring me closer to God, then it is up to me to change these areas. For it is my desire to praise the Lord in and through all that I do, from the rising of the sun until it sets.

THE HEAVENS

Psalms 113:5-6

Who is like the LORD our God, the One who sits enthroned on high, who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth?

If God is big enough to stoop down to look at the heavens and the earth, then He must be big enough to handle all of our problems.

GOD'S LOVE

Romans 8:38-39

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

John 10: 28-30
I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.”

When we give our lives to God, nothing can separate us from His love and we can never be snatched from His hand.

MY HEART IS STEADFAST

Psalms 108: 1
My heart is steadfast, O God; I will sing and make music with all my soul.

Having a steadfast heart means we are trying to stay connected to God in all our ways. It takes determination to keep talking to God in every situation, good or bad. Someone with a steadfast heart will repent and turn away from sin quickly. God uses the ones whose hearts  are loyal and dedicated to Him.