If you are reading this then you are here and as such you have things to do and get done. This is the day that the Lord has made and so let’s rejoice and be glad in it! God has prepared in advance good works for us to accomplish today and it is up to get it done! So let’s be about the work of the Father and getting done those good works! Let’s focus on the things He has for us to get done today including making plans for what is next. Let’s not try to go it alone but instead choose to work on things together! We were never meant to go it alone and hence why God gave us one another! We were never meant to go it alone and hence why God sent the Holy Spirit! God cares too much to leave us on our own and promises to never leave us nor forsake/abandon us! So today let’s make sure we lean into God and cast all our cares upon Him because He cares for us! Let’s choose to listen to the prompting and directing of the Holy Spirit in order to be able to accomplish all that God has planned for us! Let’s remember God’s plans for us are for good and not for evil, they are to give us hope and a future! Yes, in this world we will have troubles but we don’t have to worry or mope about it because we know that Jesus overcame the world! Yes in this world we will face trials too but don’t fret or worry about that because we know that we should consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because we know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. We know that when we let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. So today, let us choose to lean in on God and trust Him, pursuing His plans, His purposes, and His calling on our lives!
Today’s Verse of the Day:
‘Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. ‘
Are you ready for today? Do you have a to-do list? Do you know what you need to do? Invite Jesus into your heart and life today to lead and guide us in every good work!
If you pray today’s prayer with me feel free to let me know so I can pray with you and for you too. (If you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment then you can always try email.
Can you believe it is the middle of the week again? Where does the time go? Yesterday my son finished his first year of high school and today my younger daughter finishes her senior year of classes. Today is the first day of the second 25 years of marriage as we celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary yesterday. And there is still so much to get done. So today the focus is on accelerating up the hill, over the hump in order to use it as a ramp for getting more done and landing further ahead. It’s time to make it happen, no excuses, no delays, just get it done! As Knight Rider would say “turbo boost K.I.T.T.”.
It’s time to get ahead and get it done so we can be prepared. So let’s make today count! Let’s grab hold of what the definition of thrive really is:
So today, let’s choose to thrive for the glory of God!
Today’s Verse of the Day:
‘Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. ‘
Let’s choose to live our lives humbly submitted to God! Let’s choose to live our lives with humility and allow God to lift us up at the right time rather than walking around with pride and arrogance and being brought down! Let’s ask Jesus into our hearts in order to receive a new heart and be able to live our lives in alignment and in relationship with God! Could today be your day for this new beginning? Could today be your day to live differently? Invite Jesus into your heart! Invite Jesus into your life and situation! Pursue Him with all you have and see God’s hand lead and guide you beyond anything you could ever ask or imagine!
If you pray today’s prayer with me feel free to let me know so I can pray with you and for you too. (If you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment then you can always try email.
As I wake up this morning I see a list of todos in front of me with excitement and energy. As I look ahead and see how busy work is and how busy life is I am excited to see God’s hand at work across all the areas of my life. Be it work with planning and preparing, meeting and learning, driving and executing. Be it life with training plans, camp plans, college plans, family plans, travel plans, and graduation plans. Both are busy and as I like to joke with people it helps me stay balanced. So as we get today going, let’s be focused, putting first things first, seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness so that we can get it done in alignment and accordance with His perfect will and plan and purpose for our lives and allow God to help carry the load and get it done for His glory!
Today’s Verse of the Day:
‘The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. ‘
Are you ready to go beyond just being a hearer of the Word to being a doer for the Word? Are you ready to get your to-dos into to-dones? Are you ready to invite Jesus into your situation and ask Him for wisdom to help you live your life to the full as He desires? Are you ready to invite Jesus into your heart and allow Him to lead and guide you through your day?
If you pray today’s prayer with me feel free to let me know so I can pray with you and for you too. (If you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment then you can always try email.
So you do realize that God has invested in you right? Every good and perfect gift you have came from God! God gave you the gifts and talents to thrive! God gave you the ability and opportunity to thrive! God created you on purpose, with purpose, and for a purpose! You have a choice of what you will do with it. Will you choose to be a good steward by using the gifts and talents He has given you? Will you choose to be a good steward by taking the gifts and talents and looking to have a multiplying effect on them so that when you get to be in front of God you will be like the people who got a return on the talents they were given and hear “well done, good and faithful servant“? Will you waste or bury those gifts and talents and lose what you have been given? The choice is ours and we get to decide how we will use our gifts, talents, time, and energy. Let’s choose to invest in what God has given us so that He will receive the glory in the midst of seeing us thrive!
Verse of the Day:
‘Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. ‘
Is your life too busy? Is your life too distracted? Are you looking for ways to slow down? Are you ready for some help? Are you ready to invite Jesus into your life? Are you ready to allow Jesus to come into your heart? Could today be the day your life is transformed?
If you pray today’s prayer with me feel free to let me know so I can pray with you and for you too. (If you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment then you can always try email or text.
So you get to listen and try to absorb. You get to participate and ask questions. You get to see people in action. Now it is time to go deeper from knowledge to understanding so that this understanding comes will be the triggering mechanism to help things rocket off, finding the power to propel us forward and thrive for the glory of God! Understanding is so powerful as it can help us get to forgiveness when needed! Understanding is so powerful because it can help us respect and honor others better! Understanding is so powerful because it can bring joy and happiness! So today, let’s lean into what God has to say and make sure we don’t just know about God but rather we know God and live to understand Him intimately! Let’s lean into what God is speaking to us so that we aren’t just people who are hearers or readers of the Word but rather people who understand and become doers of the Word!
Verse of the Day:
‘Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. ‘
So are you ready to wait upon God so that He can renew your strength? Are you ready to abide with and in God? Are you ready to invite Jesus into your life in order to make the choice to grow closer and closer to God? Are you ready for today to be the day your life is transformed for the glory of God?
If you pray today’s prayer with me feel free to let me know so I can pray with you and for you too. (If you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment then you can always try email or text.
Let’s be people who live authentic lives and don’t try to make decisions or choices for others. Why should you limit them by thinking they will say no rather than hopefully thinking they will say yes? Why would you limit them because of your own doubts or fears? Why not share what God is and has done in and through your life rather than allow others to make the decision for themselves if they want to start their own personal relationship with God or not! It’s the beginning of a new workweek and this one feels different. It’s the beginning of a new workweek and it feels like wrapping up in some ways and getting started in others. So I give this day into God’s hands and ask Him to provide me the wisdom and discernment I will need to make it through this day. I give this day into God’s hands and ask Him to provide the protection and health I will need to make it through this day. This is the day that the Lord has made so I will rejoice and be glad in it! I will lean on God more than my own understanding! I will acknowledge God so that He can make my path straight! Thank You Jesus for not leaving me wondering but rather answering my prayer and making the decision clear. Thank You, Lord, for helping me to be able to evaluate and move forward in alignment with Your direction. You are amazing Lord and I am so excited for what is yet to come while at the same time looking to make the most of today which is the present, a gift from You. Help me Lord to live out my today in a way that will bring You the praise, the honor, and the glory in Jesus’s name. Help me Lord to live out my today accomplishing the good works You have prepared in advance for me to do so that when I get them done people will see the good works and give the praise, the honor, and the glory to You, praising my Heavenly Father!
Verse of the Day:
‘One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. ‘
So are you ready for this day? Are you ready to find your purpose? Are you ready to find your calling? Are you ready to live out your today for the glory of God? Are you ready to invite Jesus into your life and ask Him for wisdom and discernment? Are you ready to invite Jesus into your life and ask Him for direction and purpose? Are you ready to invite Jesus into your life so that you can be filled with His Spirit and overflow into the world around you? Are you wondering or wanting to have Jesus as your Lord and Savior?
If you pray today’s prayer with me feel free to let me know so I can pray with you and for you too. (If you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment then you can always try email or text.
You have made the decision. You have decided. Now what? You are out of the boat and on the water. You hear the others splashing and screaming and yet you are on the water, looking at Jesus and wanting to stay focused. You hear the others splashing and screaming, trying to get your eyes to shift or lose focus and yet you are on the water, looking at Jesus and wanting to know how fast to move, how slow to move, which direction is His will and His way. You quieted two larger groups who were trying to pull you in and are standing on the water, looking at Jesus and wanting to move forward in and with and through Him. You get a message in relation to your request to use someone’s devotional as part of your calling and blog and they approve but add an extra layer, asking to have time to hear about what they are doing. Be The Dads is the cause, the calling, and the purpose. So how do any or all the voices call out while I stand on the water, looking at Jesus and not wanting to lose focus, lose faith, lose hope, and sink? Being on the water is where I am supposed to be, I know that is where God has called for me to be now. So trusting Him and leaning in on Him rather than my own understanding and not leaning on my own understanding in order for Him to make my path straight!
Who will I talk to? Who will I hear from? Who will God speak to? Who will God speak through? How will it help me to be the dad and continue to lead the Be The Dads cause, calling, and purpose? God is God and I am not and so today as I step into a new series/devotional, I turn to God and wait to hear what He will say in and through His Word! With every sigh and every groan, I know the Spirit is praying for me even though I can’t find the words to speak.
Romans 8:26 (ESV)
THRIVE – not just in any direction. THRIVE – not just doing anything. THRIVE – for the glory of God. What will it take? What will it be? What will it look like? Where will it be? I am so thankful for the books on chasing the lion and being in the pit with the lion on a snowy day by Mark Batterson as it has transformed my prayers into 2 simple pieces: wisdom and discernment and protection and health. Wisdom and discernment so I know what it is God desires for me to do! Protection and health so that I have the courage and the strength to step up and step out and do what He is calling me to do. So today as I prepare to jump over and write today’s post for BeTheDads.com I turn to God, patiently waiting for Him to turn and hear my cry so that I will be lifted up from the slimy pit and be put back on the solid rock so I can continue to climb with the sturdiness of the ground below me and my focus on moving forward with Him and for Him and through Him today.
Verse of the Day:
‘I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. ‘
Are you on solid ground? Are you looking for answers? Are you needing wisdom and discernment? Are you looking for protection and health? Are you ready to invite Jesus into the situation and allow Him to learn and guide you?
If you pray today’s prayer with me feel free to let me know so I can pray with you and for you too. (If you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment then you can always try email or text.
Can you believe it is Monday again? Can you believe it is almost April? Can you believe what’s taken place in the first quarter of 2022?
This past weekend included an incredible message titled Look Again! It began with the importance of checking before you shoot so that you don’t get a bullseye on the wrong target! It spoke to the importance of looking again at what we are called to do and who we are called to be. So today as we prepare for the day, let’s slow down and make sure we are aiming at the right target! Let’s grab hold of what God’s mission and call are on our lives! Let’s make sure we aren’t sharpshooters aiming at the wrong target! Let’s take hold of who God says we are in order to learn what we are to do! Let’s choose to be the salt Jesus calls us to be that connects and is in contact with the death and decay that is taking place around us in order to be a preservative! Let’s choose to be the salt Jesus calls us to be that connects and is in contact with the hurting so that we don’t just reach out a helping hand but rather we bring Jesus into the situation so that we offer a healing hand to the hurting and walking wounded around us! Let’s choose to be the salt Jesus calls us to be that points people to Jesus so that when people see our good works, they thirst for Jesus and praise our Heavenly Father for what has been done! Let’s choose to be light in this dark world! Let’s choose to stay lit so that we don’t get burned out from lighting and snuffing out our light! Let’s be like the moon that reflects the sun and shine the love, the life, the hope, and the truth of Jesus into the dark world around us! Let’s allow Jesus to shine on us and through us so that like a disco ball, the light shows up everywhere in the room and causes the darkness to scatter and flee! Let’s be the salt and light God needs us to be! Let’s be the salt and the light that this world needs us to be! Let’s be the salt and the light that impacts this world for good and glorifies God in and through it all!
Are you ready? It’s a new dawn and the sun is rising, will you choose to be the salt and the light, walking in the wisdom and discernment of God in front of the world that God has placed you in? It’s a new day with new opportunities and challenges for us to face and to come into contact with in order to help bring preservation and healing to the situation! Let’s offer people what this world can’t like Peter and John did when they came upon the man who was looking for a temporary fix to get him through the day but God had bigger plans to bring salt and light into the situation and transform the rest of his life! Let’s bring Jesus into the situation to get wisdom and discernment to help us know what is really needed and then to put it into action! In Acts 3 we read about such an event for us to meditate on today as we prepare and walk into our today:
‘One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.
Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. When all the people saw him walking and praising God, they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. ‘
Let’s get their attention! Let’s affirm that they are in need! Let’s confirm what they are truly in need of! Let’s reach out to them and touch them right where they are at! Let’s lift them up in faith, giving them a hand up instead of a handout so that God will receive the praise, the honor, and the glory in Jesus’s name! Let’s live out today so that God receives the glory! Let’s live out today for God’s purpose, aiming in the right direction, focusing on the right target so that we accomplish His will for our good and His glory! Let’s decide to THRIVE for His glory!
Verse of the Day:
‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. ‘
‘Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart And do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way]. ‘
So where are you today? Are you ready to be salt and light? Are you wanting to learn more and figure out how to be salt and light? Are you ready to connect and contact people right where they are at and help be a preservative and healing point for them? Are you ready to connect and contact people right where they are at and be so salty it causes them to thirst for Jesus? Are you ready to connect and contact people right where they are at and shine the light of Jesus into the darkness in order to help them to be able to see what is really going on? Are you ready to invite Jesus into your situation today and allow Him to bring healing and restoration into your life?
If you pray today’s prayer with me feel free to let me know so I can pray with you and for you too. (If you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment then you can always try email or text.
When things don’t seem clear and you aren’t sure what to do, do what you know to do. God has given you directions so do that. God has given you wisdom so do that. God has given you hope so do that. God has a plan so do that. God has a purpose so do that. And in God’s timing, which is perfect, you will know what to do and then you can step up, step out, and do it. Be it at work! Be it at home! Be it somewhere in between! Let’s capture what God has for us to do today in the midst of the world being shaken and do it! Let’s capture what God has for us to do today so that we are doing the right things when the only thing left is unshakable and do it!
For me, that means I get to be the dad my wife needs me to be. For me, that means I get to be the dad my kids need me to be. For me, that means I get to focus on preparing for what is yet to come like scripts, decks, and videos that speak to men, youth, and kids about the importance and the responsibility of being the dads this world needs.
Verse of the Day:
‘Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. ‘
Where are you today? Are you ready to lean in on God to be able to do what you know to do in the midst of uncertain times? Are you ready to lean in on God to be able to do what you know to do in the midst of shaky times? Are you not sure what to do? Are you not sure how to do it? The answer is to turn back to God and lean in on Him for wisdom and discernment, direction and instruction, so that in everything you do He will receive the praise, the honor, and the glory and it will be for your good.
If you pray today’s prayer with me feel free to let me know so I can pray with you and for you too. (If you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment then you can always try email or text.
The first day of the workweek is behind us. I grabbed the concept, the direction, the idea and produced recommendations to support it. So much change is taking place and yet with the final update published my final destination (from a reporting structure) is unclear. The good news is that my final destination (for eternity has been decided). So I lean into God for wisdom and direction! I lean into God for strength the press in and persevere. I lean into God to know what’s next and trust in Him for the perfect answer in the perfect timing and that He will help me walk through each day till the timing is right. In the new world, who can I talk to? In this new world even though I have a past and a history with people does this new change mean I have to hold back or stop reaching out to help? In this new world with so much decided and yet feeling like I am missing the why. When we consider what has been and is now taking place in this world, the words of the book of Hebrews comes to mind where it says:
‘At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.”’
Even in looking up and looking at “everything that can be shaken will be shaken” another scripture showed up:
‘“This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘In a little while I will once more shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land. I will shake all nations, and what is desired by all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory,’ says the Lord Almighty. ‘
So it’s the second day of the workweek. There is an emergency to take care of. There is change and shaking taking place. So let’s not lose hope but instead persevere! Let’s not lose hope but instead put our trust in and lean on God! Let’s not lose hope but instead choose unity at the speed of health to ensure we can all make it through this together.
Verse of the Day:
‘She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. ‘
So what are you facing today? Are you ready to turn it over to God? Are you ready to go it His way?
If you pray today’s prayer with me feel free to let me know so I can pray with you and for you too. (If you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment then you can always try email or text.
Let us take hold of the reality of what we have learned through the book of Exodus when it comes to THRIVING and allow God’s Word to help us as we look ahead and into the future of this life. We learned about risk-taking, getting out of the boat, and allowing God to do new things in our lives, God answers prayer, and God is near to His people. We learned that God’s deepest work can come out through our trials, troubles, and pain. We learned how we are closer to a breakthrough than we think even during what we are going through. Just like the turbulence right before breaking through the sound barrier, life can get bumpy right before the breakthrough. During the struggle, we need to trust God and His choice of us for this calling and purpose rather than thinking we are the wrong choice. We need to trust God even when we do not understand. We need to keep turning to God when we do not know what to do or where to go. We need to fight our way through the pain, fear, and unbelief. God is in control! Do not give up! Lean in, kneel, and call out to God. We have learned the importance of picking our battles. We need to choose to fight the fight of trust – that God is good even when our circumstances are not. We need to choose to fight the fight of perseverance – to keep going and not quit (do not give in to the doubts and fears the devil is trying to use to get you to quit). We need to choose to fight the fight for unity – to move forward at the speed of health. We learned the why! It is important to know why! Why did God put Egypt through the plagues? Because He wanted to answer Pharoah’s question “Who is the Lord, that I should obey him and let Israel go? I do not know the Lord and I will not let Israel go.” Egypt had a god for everything, and the plagues demonstrated that God was over and of them because they were not real gods. We need to understand WHY. Could simplification be the answer? What does that say and what does that mean for and to you? We learned the importance of leaving the things behind us to move forward to the things God has for us. We learned the importance of leaving the mistakes and trials of the past behind us. We learned the need to let go of the struggles and pains of the past. We learned the importance to instruct our kids. We learned God is so for you – taking you right where you are and leading you into a new beginning. We cannot get stuck in the past and not step up and step out into what God has planned for us. We need to do what we have to do to get where God needs us to be. We learned that we need to wake up to the reality of what is taking place instead of getting stuck we need to act. We need to pray and call on God rather than absorbing or accepting failure around us. We need to be able to accept success and breakthroughs when it is right in front of us. We cannot allow the fear of the unknown or the future to become our master again. We learned how we must let God make the change and take hold of the reality that God is able to exceedingly, abundantly more than you can ask or imagine. We learned how God wants to forgive you so much He came after you. He did all the work himself. Just needed to accept the gift. Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved. We learned how God gave the cloud and the fire to comfort them. Do not let your heart be troubled. God has a change and a new way for you. God will stand between you and the enemy. We learned how today by faith in Christ you can be forgiven and start the journey with Him. He will never leave you nor forsake you. He will lead you and guide you. He will come behind you to watch your back. We learned that we need to do what God is telling us to do. We need to stop going backward. We need to stop surrendering when we are on the verge of a breakthrough. Start moving towards what God is calling you to. Dare to sow, to pray, to give your best. The things you can do so do it. We learned how God had the wind stack up the water into walls and dried the ground. Let us keep our eyes on the Lord and keep moving towards what He is showing us and telling us. Pharaoh woke up to a supply chain issue – he questioned why he let them go and just because one day their eyes may be opened to the reality of the situation, it does not mean that we should not be moving forward into the promised land and glory had prepared in advance for us to step into. God does not send you to hell, He opened the door to forgiveness and heaven, and we need to choose the final destination. You are the only one who can keep you from eternal life with God and forgiveness.
Where are you today? What decisions are you facing? What challenges are you facing? What struggles are you facing? What opportunities are you facing? What will you do about it? Where will you turn for wisdom and advice? What will you do about the answer you receive? Will you go? Will you do it? Will you trust Him? Let’s give it up to God! Let’s go to Him for wisdom and advice! Let’s be obedient to His instruction and go do it!
If you pray today’s prayer with me feel free to let me know so I can pray with you and for you too. (If you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment then you can always try email or text.
I am so grateful for a loving and caring God. I am so thankful that He knows what I need even before I can ask. I am so thankful that He loves me so much that He gave me His Word. I am so thankful that He loves me so much that He gave His one and only Son. I am so thankful that He loves me so much that He doesn’t want me to go it alone and so He not only give me one another but also His Holy Spirit to be my comforter and my guide. So, what to do when you don’t know what to do? You do what you know how to do and turn to God and ask for His wisdom and discernment, for His leading and guiding, so that you can move forward for the glory of His kingdom.
Can you believe it is the end of the workweek already? Let’s finish the week strong! Let’s give our day into God’s hand to help us navigate not only the information that will come our way but also the time we spend today with others, on projects, etc. Let’s choose to live today in a way that will glorify God! Let’s trust God knowing that whatever is going on it will be for His glory and our good! Let’s persevere as we move forward not giving up and not giving in to the lies or tricks of the devil. Let’s work for unity in health so that in and through it all God will be lifted up and glorified and others will see it and glorify our Father in heaven.
Today’s Verse of the Day:
‘But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. ‘
So are you ready to finish the week strong? Are you looking to figure out what to do? Are there many open questions? Is there uncertainty taking place? Let’s lean in on God! Let’s trust in God! Let’s not think we can figure it all out but instead turn to God and ask the Holy Spirit to help us! Let’s invite God into our life situation.
If you pray today’s prayer with me feel free to let me know so I can pray with you and for you too. (If you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment then you can always try email or text.
Do you use it to make your life better? Do you use it to serve others? Do you use it to help others? Do you use it to try and make a difference? Do you use it to try and glorify God? Do you use it to be generous? Do you use it to refresh others? Do you use it to build up? Do you use it to tear it down? Do you use it to encourage? Do you use it for good? Do you use it for evil?
Do you realize where what you have has come from?
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
Will you choose to use what you have been given to thrive? Will you choose to use what you have been given to thrive for the glory of God?
Do you realize why God has given it to you?
‘Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. ‘
So what have you been given? Do you realize the difference between the seeds and the bread? Do you realize that the seeds are for planting and not for eating? Do you realize the bread is for eating? So let’s take what we have and use it for the right reasons and the right purposes. Let’s choose to be people who are generous. Let’s lean in and trust God so that He can help us both be ready and be obedient in living our lives so that we can thrive for His glory!
Today’s Verse of the Day:
‘A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. ‘
So are you ready to use what you have for the greater good? Are you ready to accept what you have been given as a gift from God? Every good and perfect gift comes from God. Are you ready to invite Jesus into your life so that He can provide you the wisdom and guidance you need to use what you have to its full potential? Are you ready to be generous on every occasion? Are you ready to be led and guided by the Holy Spirit? Could today be the beginning of a new way and a great way for you to live?
Today, as I enjoy the weekend with my family the workweek, has finished and yet the news/answers didn’t come. So what is going to happen? Don’t know! What will we do? Don’t know! Where will we be? Don’t know! But I do know what my team does and so we will keep doing that to the best of our abilities in order to not only support the various teams across the company but also produce the best-localized content we can for our customers, shoppers, and visitors.
So are you having to deal with unknowns? Are you having to deal with uncertainties? Are you having to deal with changes? Are you having to deal with obstacles? Are you having to deal lack of clarity? Are you having to deal with a lack of direction? So what are you going to do?
Do what you know how to do! Invite God into the situation and do what you know how to do!
Today’s Verse of the Day:
‘Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm. ‘
So what are you dealing with today? Is God your go-to? Is God where you turn when you are facing uncertain times? Is God where you turn when you are facing challenging times? Is God where you turn when you are facing change? Are you ready to open that door to start a conversation and relationship with God so that not only can you be engaged to the world but allow God to engage with you in the midst of the trials, the troubles, the challenges, and the change? Let’s invite Jesus into our situation and walk it out with Him! God doesn’t want us to leave Him out of it but rather He desires to be with us, He is going before us, He is walking with us, He will never leave us nor forsake us, and so we just need to invite Him.
Well, the work week closed without much news about what’s next. There were some meetings to help in the learning about the teams but I haven’t any updates or news about what change is going to take place to help with the move from survival to thriving. This morning came with a great surprise phone call that blessed us greatly and produced great joy. Today will start with sports and include changes throughout the day to setup up the family or church to thrive moving into the year. So today I put it all in God’s hands as I spend family time with the family this week and don’t worry about what will be since I know God is in control. God’s Word tells us about worrying:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. — Philippians 4:6-7
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. — Isaiah 41:10
Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? — Matthew 6:25
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. — 1 Peter 5:7
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. — Matthew 6:34
When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. — Psalm 94:19
Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. — John 14:1
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. — John 14:27
Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up. — Proverbs 12:25
So today don’t let your heart be troubled. Today choose to be someone who refreshes others. Today invite Jesus into your heart and allow the spring of living water that never runs dry to be in you and allows you to be refreshed. Let’s pray:
Let’s get some context around today’s verse and get additional details by using the Amplified version.
‘Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets [who spoke a new message of God to the people] and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod [Antipas] the tetrarch, and Saul. While they were serving the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul (Paul) for the work to which I have called them.” Then after fasting and praying, they laid their hands on them [in approval and dedication] and sent them away [on their first journey]. So then, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. When Barnabas and Saul arrived at Salamis, they began to preach the word of God [proclaiming the message of eternal salvation through faith in Christ] in the synagogues of the Jews; and they also had John [Mark] as their assistant. When they had traveled through the entire island [of Cyprus] as far as Paphos, they found a sorcerer, a Jewish false prophet named Bar-Jesus, who was [closely associated] with the proconsul [of the province], Sergius Paulus, an intelligent and sensible man. He called for Barnabas and Saul and wanted to hear the word of God [concerning eternal salvation through faith in Christ]. But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is how his name is translated) opposed them, trying to turn the proconsul away from accepting the faith. But Saul, who was also known as Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit and led by Him, looked steadily at Elymas, and said, “ You [Elymas] who are full of every [kind of] deceit, and every [kind of] fraud, you son of the devil, enemy of everything that is right and good, will you never stop perverting the straight paths of the Lord? Now, watch! The hand of the Lord is on you, and you will be blind, [so blind that you will be] unable to see the sun for a time.” Immediately a mist and darkness fell upon him, and he groped around, seeking people to lead him by the hand. The proconsul believed [the message of salvation] when he saw what had happened, being astonished at the teaching concerning the Lord. Now Paul and his companions sailed from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia; but John [Mark] left them and went back to Jerusalem. Now they went on from Perga and arrived at Antioch in Pisidia, and on the Sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down. After the reading of the Law and the [writings of the] Prophets, the officials of the synagogue sent word to them, saying, “Brothers (kinsmen), if you have any word of encouragement for the people, say it.” So Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand, he said, “ Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen! The God of this people Israel chose our fathers and made the people great and numerous during their stay [as foreigners] in the land of Egypt, and then with an uplifted arm He led them out of there. For a period of about forty years He put up with their behavior in the wilderness. When He had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, He gave their land [to our ancestors] as an inheritance—this took about four hundred and fifty years. After this, He gave them judges until the prophet Samuel. Then they asked for a king, and God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years. And when He had removed him, He raised up David to be their king: of him He testified and said, ‘I have found D avid the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart [conforming to My will and purposes], who will do all My will.’ From this man’s descendants God has brought to Israel a Savior, [in the person of] Jesus, according to His promise. Before His coming John [the Baptist] had preached a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. And as John was finishing his course [of ministry], he kept saying, ‘What or who do you think that I am? I am not He [the Christ]; but be aware, One is coming after me whose sandals I am not worthy to untie [even as His slave]!’ “Brothers, sons of Abraham’s family, and those among you who fear God, to us has been sent the message of this salvation [obtained through faith in Jesus Christ]. For those who live in Jerusalem, and their rulers, who failed to recognize or understand both Jesus and the voices of the prophets which are read every Sabbath, have fulfilled these [very prophecies] by condemning Him. And though they found no cause or charge deserving death, they asked Pilate to have Him executed. And when they had finished carrying out everything that was written [in Scripture] about Him, they took Him down from the cross and laid Him in a tomb. But God raised Him from the dead; and for many days (forty) He appeared to those who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, the very ones who are now His witnesses to the people. And we are bringing you the good news of the promise made to our fathers (ancestors), that God has completely fulfilled this promise to our children by raising up Jesus, as it is also written in the second Psalm, ‘You are My Son; today I have begotten (fathered) You .’ And [as for the fact] that He raised Him from the dead, never again to return to decay [in the grave], He has spoken in this way: ‘I will give you the holy and sure blessings of D avid [those blessings and mercies that were promised to him].’ For this reason He also says in another Psalm, ‘You will not allow Your Holy One to see decay .’ For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep and was buried among his fathers and experienced decay [in the grave]; but He whom God raised [to life] did not experience decay [in the grave]. So let it be clearly known by you, brothers, that through Him forgiveness of sins is being proclaimed to you; and through Him everyone who believes [who acknowledges Jesus as Lord and Savior and follows Him] is justified and declared free of guilt from all things, from which you could not be justified and freed of guilt through the Law of Moses. Therefore be careful, so that the thing spoken of in the [writings of the] Prophets does not come upon you: ‘Look, you mockers, and marvel, and perish and vanish away; F or I am doing a work in your days, A work which you will never believe, even if someone describes it to you [telling you about it in detail].’ ” As Paul and Barnabas were leaving [the synagogue], the people kept begging that these things might be spoken to them on the next Sabbath. When the congregation of the synagogue had been dismissed, many of the Jews and the devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who, talking to them were urging them to continue in the grace of God. ‘
David served according to God’s will and then he died.
We are still living and so we have more serving to do God’s will.
Are you ready to be ushered into the presence of Christ on your last day?
Are you ready to celebrate like you have never celebrated before?
Are you living your life so that when you get to see Jesus face to face you can give a good account of what you accomplished for His glory?
What are you doing or have you done as a believer on earth?
Are you serving according to God’s will?
Will you be able to say “Lord, I served according to Your will”?
None of us are perfect and we have good days and bad days.
Remember how David was a man after God’s own heart? (1 Samuel 13:14)
Remember how David conquered nations?
Remember how David led the Mighty Men into battle?
Remember how David unified a divided nation?
Remember how David committed adultery?
Remember how David murdered?
Remember how David wasn’t the best father in the world?
So let’s take hold of the reality that God doesn’t demand perfection of us!
Let’s take hold of the realy that God desires our hearts – our love, our loyalty, and our passion.
So as we step into our today, reflecting on God’s Word, let’s remember how God is very gracious to overlook our flaws if we follow Him with all of our hearts!
Let’s grab hold of the reality that God sees us as His children similar to a patient mother with an overactive toddler.
Let’s grab hold of the reality that God sees us as His children to a gracious father of an independent seeking adolescent.
Let’s grab hold of how God overlooks our excesses and focuses on the big picture!
Let’s decide today to want to live our lives to please God more than anything else!
Let’s decide today to want to live our lives to honor God more than anything else!
Let’s decide today to want to live our lives to serve God more than anything else!
By deciding and choosing to live out our lvies in this way, we will be able to accomplish God’s will to His delight!
DISCUSSION TOPICS FROM TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL:
Do you agree or disagree that passion is more important than perfection? Explain your answer.
What do you need to do to rekindle or inflame your passion for Christ?
So where are you at today? What are you facing? What are you chasing? What is your calling? What are the good works God has prepared in advance for you to accomplish today? Are you ready to invite Jesus into your life and your situation in order to get wisdom and guidance? Let’s pray:
Heavenly Father I come to you in prayer asking for the forgiveness of my Sins. I confess with my mouth and believe with my heart that Jesus is your Son, And that he died on the Cross at Calvary that I might be forgiven. and have Eternal Life in the Kingdom of Heaven. Father, I believe that Jesus rose from the dead and I ask you right now to come in to my life and be my personal Lord and Savior. I repent of my Sins and will Worship you all the day’s of my Life! Because your word is truth, I confess with my mouth that I am Born Again and Cleansed by the Blood of Jesus! In Jesus Name, Amen
Did you pray with me? Would you be willing to leave me a comment so that I can pray with and for you about such an incredible decision? Or if you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment on my blog, why not email or text me instead?
Ever found how life can get busy? Ever found how your emotions can get in the way of moving forward? Ever found that you can get tired while doing good? Ever found that you can get discouraged if you aren’t seeing fruit from doing good? Ever found that others may say or do things to try and get you to stop doing good? Let’s consider what God’s Word says about doing good and plant our feet on that.
It is interesting the number of posts I found about the Bible verses on “doing good” like:
Let’s start with the one that motivated my title today and check out a few others too:
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. — Galatians 6:9
Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. — Psalm 37:3
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. — Matthew 5:16
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. — Ephesians 2:10
What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. — James 2:14-17
So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. — James 4:17
So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. — Galatians 6:10
‘This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.’
Let’s try to grab some additional context by starting at the beginning of this chapter and using the Amplified version for some additional insights:
‘Remind people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready and willing to do good, to slander or abuse no one, to be kind and conciliatory and gentle, showing unqualified consideration and courtesy toward everyone. For we too once were foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various sinful desires and pleasures, spending and wasting our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. But when the goodness and kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared [in human form as the Man, Jesus Christ], He saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we have done, but because of His own compassion and mercy, by the cleansing of the new birth (spiritual transformation, regeneration) and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out richly upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that we would be justified [made free of the guilt of sin] by His [compassionate, undeserved] grace, and that we would be [acknowledged as acceptable to Him and] made heirs of eternal life [actually experiencing it] according to our hope (His guarantee). This is a faithful and trustworthy saying; and concerning these things I want you to speak with great confidence, so that those who have believed God [that is, those who have trusted in, relied on, and accepted Christ Jesus as Savior,] will be careful to participate in doing good and honorable things. These things are excellent [in themselves] and profitable for the people. But avoid foolish and ill-informed and stupid controversies and genealogies and dissensions and quarrels about the Law, for they are unprofitable and useless. After a first and second warning reject a divisive man [who promotes heresy and causes dissension—ban him from your fellowship and have nothing more to do with him], well aware that such a person is twisted and is sinning; he is convicted and self-condemned [and is gratified by causing confusion among believers]. ‘
So where are you today? Are you ready to be doing good? Are you ready to do good even when you don’t feel like it? Are you ready to do good even when you are facing trials or troubles? Are you ready to do good whenever you get the opportunity? Are you ready to do good in every opportunity for everyone? Let’s be doers of the Word! Need some help? Why not invite God into the situation? Let’s pray:
Heavenly Father I come to you in prayer asking for the forgiveness of my Sins. I confess with my mouth and believe with my heart that Jesus is your Son, And that he died on the Cross at Calvary that I might be forgiven. and have Eternal Life in the Kingdom of Heaven. Father, I believe that Jesus rose from the dead and I ask you right now to come in to my life and be my personal Lord and Savior. I repent of my Sins and will Worship you all the day’s of my Life! Because your word is truth, I confess with my mouth that I am Born Again and Cleansed by the Blood of Jesus! In Jesus Name, Amen
Did you pray with me? Would you be willing to leave me a comment so that I can pray with and for you about such an incredible decision? Or if you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment on my blog, why not email or text me instead?
Does knowing you are being watched make a difference to how you live your life? Would knowing that there is always somebody watching make a difference to how you live your life? How would realizing that there are people watching and looking up to you as an example or role model change how you choose to live your life? Would it matter who was watching you? Would it matter when they were watching you? Would it matter where they were watching you? Would it matter why they were watching you? Would it matter how they were watching you?
I remember a coworker who could be a bit abrupt, loud, and even curse in meetings. I remember how things changed on take your kid to work day. I remember the team jokingly asking if they could bring their kid to work every day. How about you? Even when you don’t think anyone is looking, if you knew they were would that change your behavior? Even when you didn’t know who was watching but you knew they were, would that change your behavior?
What would it take for you to choose / decide to live your life in a way that anyone watching would see you as a good example? How would it be different from how you live your life today? Are you ready to give it a try? Are you ready to live your life today as a good example to and for anyone and everyone who is watching? Do you realize that charisma isn’t enough but that you require character? Will you lead with character? As I considered this I found this interesting post: Character vs. Charisma in Leadership.
Let’s take a broader look into the context of this message from Paul to Timothy. We need to remember how old or young we are, we are being watched and as such need to live our lives in a way that will provide a good example to those watching you.
‘But the [Holy] Spirit explicitly and unmistakably declares that in later times some will turn away from the faith, paying attention instead to deceitful and seductive spirits and doctrines of demons, [misled] by the hypocrisy of liars whose consciences are seared as with a branding iron [leaving them incapable of ethical functioning], who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from [certain kinds of] foods which God has created to be gratefully shared by those who believe and have [a clear] knowledge of the truth. For everything God has created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude; for it is sanctified [set apart, dedicated to God] by means of the word of God and prayer. If you point out these instructions to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished [through study] on the words of the faith and of the good [Christian] doctrine which you have closely followed. But have nothing to do with irreverent folklore and silly myths. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness [keeping yourself spiritually fit]. For physical training is of some value, but godliness (spiritual training) is of value in everything and in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and for the life to come. This is a faithful and trustworthy saying worthy of full acceptance and approval. It is for this that we labor and strive [often called to account], because we have fixed our [confident] hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe [in Him, recognize Him as the Son of God, and accept Him as Savior and Lord]. Keep commanding and teaching these things. Let no one look down on [you because of] your youth, but be an example and set a pattern for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in [moral] purity. Until I come, devote yourself to public reading [of Scripture], to preaching and to teaching [the sound doctrine of God’s word]. Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, [that special endowment] which was intentionally bestowed on you [by the Holy Spirit] through prophetic utterance when the elders laid their hands on you [at your ordination]. Practice and work hard on these things; be absorbed in them [completely occupied in your ministry], so that your progress will be evident to all. Pay close attention to yourself [concentrate on your personal development] and to your teaching; persevere in these things [hold to them], for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.’
Let’s be focused on our character more than our abilities!
Let’s allow God to check our character in order to help it be good!
Let’s go beyond just being good examples of the things we can do!
Let’s be good examples by the character of hearts and lives!
Let them learn the skills and talents but make sure to live a life that helps them also learn about how to treat others (re: your character).
Let them learn more than just a handy skill or talent, add to it how to treat your family, how to treat coworkers, how to respond to others, even those who can be annoying or in the midst of difficult situations.
Let’s allow our character be on display in how we not only speak to but talk about others too.
Let’s be more focused on the well-being of others than trying to climb the corporate ladder!
Let’s take time to care for those struggling, hurting rather than stepping over others to get up the ladder!
‘But all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ [making us acceptable to Him] and gave us the ministry of reconciliation [so that by our example we might bring others to Him], that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting people’s sins against them [but canceling them]. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation [that is, restoration to favor with God]. So we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us; we [as Christ’s representatives] plead with you on behalf of Christ to be reconciled to God. ‘ — 2 Corinthians 5:18-20
So today you will be faced with choices to make and decisions to make, we all have freewill to use with each of them, so let’s choose love over selfishness, faith over doubt, hope over complaining, purity over sinful passions!
Let’s stop and make sure we aren’t in auto-pilot, doing things out of habit that are actually bad for us and for those who are watching.
Let’s stop and make sure that the habits we respond with are good before we just do them!
Let’s stop and make sure that the attitudes are positive and the behaviors are good before we allow auto-pilot to kick in!
If we discover or when we discover a bad habit, let’s stop and break it by responding in a better way!
When we discover a bad habit, let’s stop, pray to God for wisdom, and then respond in a new way!
Let’s stop the bad habits and start new ones!
Let’s choose to be Jesus with skin on to the world around us!
Let’s choose to live out our today in a way that points people to Jesus!
Let’s choose to be Jesus’s examples to those around us so that He can touch all of the people He brings into our lives today!
Don’t miss such an exciting and empowering life being offered to you by God!
DISCUSSION TOPICS FROM TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL:
Who is the best “leader by example” you know? Describe that person’s impact on others.
What new choices do you need to make, and what new habits do you need to develop?
Proverbs 16 (Entrust your life, direction, and thoughts to God)
Proverbs 17 (Look to live at peace, in peace, and with peace)
Proverbs 18 (Don’t go it alone! Don’t be selfish! Don’t cause derision nor contempt!)
So where are you at today? Are you leading by example? Are you looking for an example to follow? Why not allow WWJD – What Would Jesus Do – help you to live your life right? Why not invite Jesus into every situation in order to help you to live out your today in a way that will be a good example? Why not invite Jesus into your today to help you know what can stay and what needs to be put away? Let’s pray:
Heavenly Father I come to you in prayer asking for the forgiveness of my Sins. I confess with my mouth and believe with my heart that Jesus is your Son, And that he died on the Cross at Calvary that I might be forgiven. and have Eternal Life in the Kingdom of Heaven. Father, I believe that Jesus rose from the dead and I ask you right now to come in to my life and be my personal Lord and Savior. I repent of my Sins and will Worship you all the day’s of my Life! Because your word is truth, I confess with my mouth that I am Born Again and Cleansed by the Blood of Jesus! In Jesus Name, Amen
Did you pray with me? Would you be willing to leave me a comment so that I can pray with and for you about such an incredible decision? Or if you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment on my blog, why not email or text me instead?
If you think of someone living the good life is it someone who has received or someone who is giving? When you think of someone living the good life is it someone who is doing something great for others or who is sitting back with all the luxuries of this world? What makes someone’s life a good life? Is it the amount they are able to collect, enjoy, and status? Is it the amount that is being poured out into others, the community, and those in need?
Ever taken a look to see what is out there on “the good life”? Doing a search it was interesting to see and read from sources like Forbes which provides The Ten Golden Rules on Living the Good Life, Planet of Success which provides What Is the Good Life?, and Psychology Today which provides What Is the Good Life? Happiness is a process. It is interesting to see what the world thinks of when it comes to the good life. It is interesting to see what things align with the Bible and what things differ. It is interesting to see how even those in the world speak as though they are not of the world based on how they are defining the good life.
How about you? How do you define the good life? Have you decided to live the good life? Are you living the good life? What would it take for you to live the good life? Why not get started today? Let’s live The Good Life!
Do you realize the context of this? Let’s see if we can expand upon it through God’s Word and using the Amplified translation:
‘ Who is there among you who is wise and intelligent? Then let him by his noble living show forth his [good] works with the [unobtrusive] humility [which is the proper attribute] of true wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy (envy) and contention (rivalry, selfish ambition) in your hearts, do not pride yourselves on it and thus be in defiance of and false to the Truth. This [superficial] wisdom is not such as comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual (animal), even devilish (demoniacal). For wherever there is jealousy (envy) and contention (rivalry and selfish ambition), there will also be confusion (unrest, disharmony, rebellion) and all sorts of evil and vile practices. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure (undefiled); then it is peace-loving, courteous (considerate, gentle). [It is willing to] yield to reason, full of compassion and good fruits; it is wholehearted and straightforward, impartial and unfeigned (free from doubts, wavering, and insincerity). And the harvest of righteousness (of conformity to God’s will in thought and deed) is [the fruit of the seed] sown in peace by those who work for and make peace [in themselves and in others, that peace which means concord, agreement, and harmony between individuals, with undisturbedness, in a peaceful mind free from fears and agitating passions and moral conflicts].’
Is it their clarity of mind and how they can process listen to understand, speak to inform, and then make good decisions? Are you taking every thought captive?
Do you realize that it is probably because they have figured out how to tap into God’s wisdom? They aren’t superpowers for one or some but rather it is something that is available for all those who choose to turn to God and receive it because He gives it out without finding fault.
Will you turn to God’s Word, the Bible, to seek for wisdom?
Will you turn to Proverbs and learn about wise living?
Once you do, God’s purpose comes into focus and leads your direction.
Once you do, pursuing God’s purpose and plan for your life with an open mind and a heart filled to overflowing with His love causes you to be living the most incredible life possible.
So are you ready to live life with integrity?
So are you ready to live life in a way that will make others successful?
So are you ready to live a life in a way that makes your spouse and kids know how much they are loved?
So are you ready to live a life with stewardship of all God gives to you?
So are you ready to live a life that is filled with thankfulness?
So are you ready to live a life where you don’t have anything to prove and as such you don’t need to brag or defend yourself?
So are you ready to live a life of reconciliation with others so that everyone comes out of the situation healthy and with respect and their reputation in tact?
So where are you at today?
Are you ready to live this kind of a life?
Do you know where you are at today?
That is a great place to start and to invite Jesus into the process with you.
So where are you at today? What is on your mind? What acts of kindness and of love will you do? What good conduct will you perform thanks to God’s wisdom? Do you know God? Are you living out your life in relationship with God? Would you like to invite Him into your life today so that you can live out the rest of your life with Him? Would you like to invite Him into your life today so that you can live out all of eternity with Him? Let’s pray:
Heavenly Father I come to you in prayer asking for the forgiveness of my Sins. I confess with my mouth and believe with my heart that Jesus is your Son, And that he died on the Cross at Calvary that I might be forgiven. and have Eternal Life in the Kingdom of Heaven. Father, I believe that Jesus rose from the dead and I ask you right now to come in to my life and be my personal Lord and Savior. I repent of my Sins and will Worship you all the day’s of my Life! Because your word is truth, I confess with my mouth that I am Born Again and Cleansed by the Blood of Jesus! In Jesus Name, Amen
Did you pray with me? Would you be willing to leave me a comment so that I can pray with and for you about such an incredible decision? Or if you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment on my blog, why not email or text me instead?
This is a new day. Yesterday is gone and tomorrow isn’t guaranteed. So what are you going to do with your today?
What needs to be done? What needs to be done by you?
What are the needs? How will you fill them?
The Bible provides many examples of things we can do by faith. What are you going to do with your today?
The Bible isn’t just a book of stories, it is an instruction manual to help us be able to live productive lives. What are you going to do with your today?
The Bible is a love letter from God that helps you know how to live a life that can be blessed. What are you going to do with your today?
If we take the key element from the Bible which is LOVE, and how we are to LOVE God and LOVE people, how will that change the way you decide to do your today?
Are you ready to live, to love, and to serve? Are you ready to make a difference with your today? Are willing to make your today a Happy Today fueled by the joy of the Lord?
So where are you at today? What is your view of the truth? What is your reason or as I’ve heard some say “raison d’être“? Are you living out your life as a doer of the Word? Are you living out your life as a hearer of the Word? Have you decided to receive Jesus into your heart? Have you chosen to go beyond hearing and reading about Jesus to starting a real relationship with Him? Could today be your day? Let’s pray:
Heavenly Father I come to you in prayer asking for the forgiveness of my Sins. I confess with my mouth and believe with my heart that Jesus is your Son, And that he died on the Cross at Calvary that I might be forgiven. and have Eternal Life in the Kingdom of Heaven. Father, I believe that Jesus rose from the dead and I ask you right now to come in to my life and be my personal Lord and Savior. I repent of my Sins and will Worship you all the day’s of my Life! Because your word is truth, I confess with my mouth that I am Born Again and Cleansed by the Blood of Jesus! In Jesus Name, Amen
Did you pray with me? Would you be willing to leave me a comment so that I can pray with and for you about such an incredible decision? Or if you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment on my blog, why not email or text me instead?
God's story through my life from 2005 to eternity... 
You must be logged in to post a comment.