Think

Good Morning!! "We Think, therefore, We Are."  We've all heard that. Well, think on this,...Because we think, we can solve the most complicated problems. We can find cures for diseases, send people into outer space, and bring them back safely to earth,...and so much more. When we use this gift in the right way our lives, all our lives, get better. But when we use it wrong, when we worry over things we can't change, when we think of thing most foul,....well we make ourselves sick. We fall outside of God's Will, and most times drag others with us. Think about, what you think about!

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.—Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

A human's unique ability to think enables him to have thoughts about God and eternity. The famous American poet Walt Whitman found this to be troubling,...he said that he often envied the cattle that graze contentedly in a meadow, because they never worry or dwell on troublesome thoughts. As Christians, we know that the ability to think is a God-given gift. But sad to say, we can misuse it by entertaining thoughts that are vulgar, foul, and mean. That's why Paul told us to meditate only on whatever is true, noble, just, right, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy.

Godly character is shaped by godly thoughts. 

Lord, help us to discipline our thoughts. Amen.

 " Pharisees learn everything they can about God,...but they never bother to get to know Him." 

Even In Death We Find Hope

Good Morning!! We were pained last week, by the tragic series of events that resulted in the death of my aunt (Dot) Emma McMoore, on Tuesday afternoon. When real Christians die,...friends and family alike are deeply affected, and our heads and hearts are flooded with mixed emotions. We all feel a since of loss, an inexpressible sorrow. We will  hurt because we will miss the love, the affirmations, and  the sound of laughter over the phone,...that we all needed, and enjoyed from time to time. But we also rejoice in the release,...our loved one is now free from further sickness, pain and suffering,...she is gone to be with God.

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,—Hebrews 6:19 (NIV)

We as Christians have something more than that, we have hope,...because we are confident in the expectation that we will see our loved ones again in heaven,...and God gives us His Peace. Paul said that our present sufferings "are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed" (Romans 8:18). Such a hope comes only from Christ. We testify, that this kind of hope allows us to continue on, in the midst of what others can only see, as unspeakable loss and pain.

The hope of heaven is God's solution for sorrow.

Father God, You constantly remind us that life is precious and fleeting,...and not to be taken for granted. We place our hope and faith in You alone. We ask for Your strength and peace for family and friends,...and Lord we thank You for this loving soul, that You allowed us to know and love. Amen.

" Pharisees learn everything they can about God,...but they never bother to get to know Him."

What Are You Looking For?

Good Morning!! All of us will find what we're looking for,...if we look long and hard enough. If we look for the worst then that's what we'll see, regardless to what else is a round. That's why some people are always happy, while others are always unhappy. So now, I have to ask,..."What are you looking for?"

 ....a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.—Mark 14:3b (NIV)

During the week before Jesus was crucified, the chief priests and scribes were looking for any excuse to arrest and kill Him (Mark 14:1). Judas was looking for a convenient way to betray Jesus (v.11). A woman whom we know to be Mary of Bethany was looking for a way to show her love to the Lord (John 12:1-3). And they all found the opportunities they were seeking.

As we go through life, the focus of our eyes reveals the desire of our hearts.

Like Mary, may we have hearts that are always looking for opportunities to show, and say, to our Savior, "Lord, I love You.". Amen.

 

" Pharisees learn everything they can about God,...but they never bother to get to know Him."

Don't Fight, Focus

Good Morning!!  You know we as Christians need to remain focused. We who are to teach the world to love as Jesus taught us, will bicker and fight of the most trivial things. Such as tithes, we know the word says it's to be 10%, and it is to be of your first fruits,...but we debate over whether it's to be of your net or gross.(and most times we're not paying 10% of either.)

It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.—Proverbs 20:3 (NIV)

A whole lot of arguments among Christians and Non-Christians are just as unimportant,...like which sin is worse, stealing, lying or adultery. Can God make a rock so big that He can't move it?...Paul told Timothy to "avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife" (2 Timothy 2:23). Fundamental doctrines need to be guarded, but arguments about trivialities are not beneficial and only divide us and draw us away from God's purposes for us. Remember to be "gentle to all" and to practice humility (v.24-25). No more silly arguments! —Dave Egner

When we forget our priorities, we argue about trivialities. 

Lord, let our focus forever be on You,...and Your Will. Amen.

" Pharisees learn everything they can about God,...but they never bother to get to know Him." 

God Wants More Than Just A Part

Good Morning!! Consciously or sub-consciously, we all tend to divide our lives into compartments,...and then prioritize them. God, spouse, children, ministry, job, recreation, rest, friends, hobby, school, Internet,...and on and on. We try really hard to keep God at the top,...but is that really what God wants? A part of our lives, a top compartment? For us to decide how much time we allot to "God things"? Probably not.

And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.—Colossians 3:17 (NLT)

We certainly want to put God first in our lives, but not just in some slot at the top. We need to put Him at the center,...allowing Him to be an integral part of every part of our lives. When God is truly at the center of our lives, He is in every relationship, in our business, in our job, in our family, in our ministry, in our recreation, in our hobby, in our rest,...God should be in everything that we do, say, and are.

Be willing to take God out of the time slots and departments,...invite Him to permeate every nook and cranny of our life,...make Him the center.

Lord, forgive us for not allowing You into some areas of our lives. Today, we invite You to be a part of our families, our jobs, our businesses, our social life, our recreation,...everything. Help us to represent You in everything that we do, and say. In Jesus' name. Amen.

" Pharisees learn everything they can about God,...but they never bother to get to know Him." 

Choose What Is Better

Good Morning!! In Luke 10 we read the story of two sisters: Mary and Martha. Jesus and his disciples visited their home, quite possibly for the first time. Martha busied herself in the kitchen. She wanted everything to be just right for their special guests. While Martha scurried to prepare the food, Mary sat calmly at the feet of Jesus, absorbing all that he said. Getting to know him better. Finally Martha, totally stressed out, barged into the room and told Jesus to send Mary into the kitchen to help her.

"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."—Luke 10:41, 42 (NIV)

But Jesus lovingly explained to Martha, that Mary had chosen "what is better ", and that Martha was fussing too much about less important things. Was Martha wrong to want to be a good hostess? Of course not. She wanted to serve Jesus well. But she let serving Him become more important than knowing Him. Don't we do the same thing? Sometimes we get so busy in a ministry, or helping people, or working for good causes,...all in the name of Jesus,..so much so, that we fail to put Him first.

Nothing we do for Jesus should be more important than spending quiet time with Him,...getting to know Him better,...absorbing His love, joy and peace.

 

Heavenly Father, I know that sometimes we get so busy doing things,...even good things, that we neglect spending time with You. Teach us to be more like Mary and choose the "better thing",...You. In Jesus' name. Amen.

 

" We are precious to our Heavenly Father. So precious that He became like us, so that we might come to Him." 

Good Morning!! As Christians, one of our greatest desires should be to share the message of Christianity, with others. Yet sometimes unbelievers don't want to hear our message, because they perceive Christians as pessimistic, suspicious, critical, judgmental, cranky people. And, sadly, probably all of us are guilty of at least one or two of these characteristics at any given time. But God tells us to be joyful and loving, to fill our lives with laughter. He knows that when we do this, we will be happier and healthier,...and a better testimony of His love.

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!—Philippians 4:4 (NLT)

You might ask; "How do we begin to live our lives with more laughter?" Well, the first thing is to hang around happy people,...laughter really does seem to be contagious. Another step toward more laughter that most of us can take is to stop taking ourselves so seriously. It's ok to spend some time just having fun! Enjoy this life that God gave you. Most of us need to simplify our lives and avoid getting bogged down with busyness. Being over-tired and over-stressed can quickly rob us of our joy. 

As we learn to trust God in every area of our lives, and allow His joy to fill us to overflowing,...our lives will begin to reflect His love to others,...and they want to hear more about this Christian walk.

Father, help us to always be full of joy in You. Help others to see the joy of Jesus in us, so that they might want to meet Him. In His name we pray. Amen.

" We are precious to our Heavenly Father. So precious that He became like us, so that we might come to Him." 

Why Ask "Why Me?"

Good Morning, It's Another Wonderful, Worshipful Wednesday!! Believers and non-believers alike ask; " Where is God in the midst of all this? ",...in speaking of war, violence, tyranny, injustice, suffering, and pain. God is with us, sharing our experiences, rejoicing with us in good times, and giving us comfort and hope in times of adversity,...like always.

Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.—Psalm 42:5-6 (NIV)

God is here for and with us, no matter what comes our way. If it were not for our sickness, would we know He was a healer? If it were not for our hardships, would we know Him as a comforter? And if it were not for our poverty, would we have any need or understanding of His riches?

It is by faith that we; Praise God for all that is past,...and trust God for all that is to come. 

Holy Spirit, keep our hope fixed on God and His Word,...in times of tragedy and loss,...blessing and goodness. Amen.

" We are precious to our Heavenly Father. So precious that He became like us, so that we might come to Him."

Don't Worry, Be Happy

Good Morning!! Current thought recognizes the many health benefits of laughter. It's been said that laughter reduces stress, strengthens the immune system, relaxes muscles, lowers blood pressure, provides respiratory cleansing, diminishes pain and is good cardiac exercise. Isn't that just like our Heavenly Father? He uses something as great as laughter to help us stay healthy. Laughter is healthy, but what do most of us tend to do? Worry,...complain,...focus on problems more than blessings,...indulge in staying overly busy,...stress out over the little things, as well as the big things. Where is the laughter and joy in that?

A happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.—Proverbs 17:22 (AMP)

Our God, is a happy God,...and laughter really is the best medicine. As the Bible instructs, we would do well to learn from little children,...they are more like God than we are. They know how to laugh and have fun. Want to stay healthy? Eat right, exercise, get enough rest,...and above all, laugh!

While we might not be laugh-out-loud happy, all the time,
...that inner joy of the Lord should always show through.

 

Lord, sometimes we forget how much we have to be thankful for. Forgive us for grumbling and complaining. Help us to focus more on You, Father. Help us to focus on our many blessings,...especially the joy of salvation. We will rejoice in the LORD and be glad! Amen.

 

 " We are precious to our Heavenly Father. So precious that He became like us, so that we might come to Him."

Our Father, Which Art In Heaven

Good Morning!! To most people, a father image is one of love, safety, and security. But to some, the word father brings up painful thoughts of abuse, neglect or other negative memories. If this experience is yours, and thinking of God as your father, is not a positive thing,...then these feelings and reactions need to be addressed, if you are to heal from past abuse or neglect, and be able to fully embrace the care and love of our Heavenly Father. It is vital to face your feelings, and allow the Lord to hold your hand, and comfort you.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,—2 Corinthians 1:3 (NIV)

Allowing God to be our father makes it possible for Him to be our healer. It opens us up to forgiveness, repentance and trust. We will be able to enter into His rest, and be comforted. We can begin this process today by acknowledging our negative father images,...and the reason behind them.
 

Trust God,...and as you face the anger, hurt and pain caused by a negative father figure,...God will replace those negative emotions with His love,...and the result is healing.

 

Father God, please forgive us for any resentment we may have felt toward our worldly fathers. Help us to forgive them for the past. Help us to better understand that You are our Heavenly Father,...full of mercy and the source of comfort. Teach us to trust You more, and to rest in Your peace. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

 

" We are precious to our Heavenly Father. So precious that He became like us, so that we might come to Him."

Consistent Teaching and Training

Good Morning!! Consistent teaching and training, while our children are young,...can help prepare them for whatever life may bring. The old saying that; actions speak louder than words, is so true when it comes to teaching our children. The example we live has much more influence on them than anything we could ever say. Children learn by what they see their parents doing. Living a consistent godly life before them is the best training we can give. Obviously, we all make mistakes. There will be times we set a poor example,...but being willing to admit when we've missed the mark, can be another positive lesson for our children.

Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.—Proverbs 22:6 (NIV)

As they grow, begin to allow them more freedom of choice in issues that won't endanger them if they take some wrong turns. Even when they make bad choices, they will gain valuable insights and a deeper understanding of consequences. Our goal as godly parents should be to help our children grow and develop in a way that is most pleasing to our Heavenly Father. Consistency is vital to this process.

A sense of responsibility,...how to develop positive relationships,...and the importance of choosing godly behavior, there are no greater gifts we can give to those we love most.

 

Father God,  help us to be more consistent in being a godly example to our children. Help us to be humble,...yet bold enough to admit to them when we've erred. Help us to train them in the way they should go. In Jesus' name, Amen.

 

" We are always at our best, when we are serving others."

An Unfailing Love

Good Morning, My Friend!! If you've ever been in a negative or broken relationship, you know just how much they hurt. And it doesn't stop just because someone was smart enough to end the relationship,...we still have to deal with the aftermath. You may even begin to wonder; if it's possible to be in a relationship without experiencing hurt and bitterness, at some point?...or if that's not just a part of being in a relationship?  Whether it's our relationship with a parent, or other family member,...a friend,...our children,...or with a spouse or significant other, it can cause us to lose hope.

But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in His unfailing love,—Psalm 33:18 (NIV)

Know this; we can have a relationship with Someone who will never hurt us, never leave us, never disappoint us. we are promised that kind of relationship with God the Father,...through his Son, Jesus. Even if we suspect or might feel as though God has failed us in some way,...if we'll continue to trust Him and to rely on His unfailing love anyway,...we will find that if we walk in obedience to Him,...all things really will work out for our good. And even though there may be times when we feel as though He's left us,...we'll come to see; that He that he never does. God is our Father. Psalm 37 teaches that He directs our steps and delights in every detail of our life.

No matter what you are going through,...know that God Loves You.

Father God, thank You for Your assurance that we can always rely on Your unfailing love. Forgive us for the times we've felt as though You would ever let us down. We pray that Your Spirit keeps reminding us that You are with us,...working everything out for our good,...and Your Glory. Teach us to trust You more. In Jesus name, Amen.

" We are always at our best, when we are serving others." 

DIVORCE, A Death

Good Morning!! Divorce is an ultimate relationship loss,...second only to death. In fact it can even be considered a type of death,...death of a dream, death of a way of life, the death of an unrealized future,...it marks the death of a marriage. When marriage problems end in separation and divorce, the loss is experienced by family and friends a like. Divorce can leave us in suspended animation, feeling so hurt,...so angry, long after the initial disruption. Recovering from divorce involves working through a grieving process, much like when a spouse has died. It also involves making choices. You might not have felt like you had a choice in getting a divorce, but you do have choices in your response. Will you hold on to bitterness and anger,...or will you forgive and move on? Will you give up and give into despair,...or will you trust God to help you rebuild your life? Will you walk in fear,...or will you place your faith in God to guide, and help you?

 Who are those who fear the Lord? He will show them the path they should choose.—Psalm 25:12 (NIV)

A divorce can bring on some of the most intense pains you will ever know. You can experience intense feeling of anger and hate,...not just for the other, but for yourself,...and the poor choices you've made. But you don't have to go through it alone, Jesus loves you and wants to help you,...if you will commit your ways to Him, He will guide you in making better choices.

God will give you the courage you need, and He will restore your hope,...with Him all things are possible.

Lord, forgive us for the poor choices in the past. Right now we have so many decisions to make . We need Your help. Help us to choose the right path,... the one that is right for us, and most of all the one that is pleasing to You. Keep us from hanging on too tightly to those negative emotions.  Amen.

 " We are always at our best, when we are serving others." 

We Are Not Without Hope

Good Morning!! I know most of us, if not all of us, have known the frustration of being caught up in a situation, that we couldn't control or can't fix. We've had to experience, and even suffer, the pressures, stresses, and pains of dealing with someone else's issues, and the consequences associated with their problems. Those pressures are very real,...but even in the middle of that frustration and tension, we want to believe that there is hope. That kind of hope is often described as; the confident expectation of something better. For most, it's hope based on our knowledge of God,...and His willingness to meet us right where we are.

Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken.—Psalm 62:5, 6 (NLT)

If you are not already doing so, begin spending regular time praying and studying the Bible. When feelings of hopelessness fill your mind, go to God in prayer. Ask Him for His strength, to do what must be done. Ask Him to bring to mind all the promises you've studied in His Word. Ask Him to work His will, and his plan in your life,...and in the life of your loved one. He loves you, and He will move you to a place, where your needs will be met.

Know that God is an every present Help and Hope,...and He's here now, ready to work in us and in our difficulties,...and at the very least, He'll see us through them.

Lord, remind us that all is not lost,...that we are never to be a people without hope, that there is always help and hope,...if we are willing to trust in You. You alone are our rock, and our salvation, our fortress where we will not be shaken. In Jesus' name Amen.

 

 " We are always at our best, when we are serving others."

Someone, Is For You

Good Morning!! "You don't, or can't understands what I'm experiencing." How many times have we said or heard, these very words? Good news! There is someone who does understand. The Bible tells us that God is compassionate,...He has a sympathetic understanding of what we are going through,...and even more importantly, He wants to ease our burden and free us from the heavy load we carry. He is dependable. He is always there for us. He will never leave us alone. God's love has no limit,...very few conditions, and never fails,...no matter what our circumstances.

The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him,—Nahum 1:7 (NIV)

Talk to God about all of your issues, feelings, and fears. As we spend more time in the Bible, we will find comfort. We'll see that God is our refuge in, and from all trouble. He offers strength and help,...He is ever-present. He cares for us. He wants to take away our anxiety. He will give us peace.

Life is trouble,...and we all have challenges to face, but we don't have to face them alone.

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Father God, thank You for Your promise to be with us, no matter what. Thank You for understanding,...and caring. In Jesus' name Amen.

 

" We are always at our best, when we are serving others."

Recieve His Comfort, So That You Can Give Comfort

Good Morning!! Is someone you care about suffering from a life-controlling problem,...a dependence or compulsive behavior or addiction? It might be an eating disorder, drugs, alcohol, gambling, compulsive spending, pornography, overworking or one of many other things that can take hold of a person's life. Your loved one's problem is most likely affecting your life as well. Rather than focusing on the person with the problem, let's talk about you as a concerned person. You might be finding that every day is a struggle with sensitive and emotional issues. It is important for you to know that you aren't alone.

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 receive from God.—2 Corinthians 1:3,4 (NIV)

The Bible tells us that God comforts us in all our troubles. This kind of comfort combines relief and consolation. God is a Comforter, standing at your side, ready to minister to your needs. How can you receive this comfort? Talk to God. Tell him that you trust him and want to do things his way. Sometimes he will comfort you through other people. Sometimes he will comfort you through his words in the Bible. Other times he'll simply fill you with peace in the midst of turmoil.

Remember, God loves you. He cares. He understands. And he is able to comfort you, no matter what the circumstances.

Heavenly Father, at times the struggle gets to be too much, and we just can't do it alone,...help us to remember that we don't have to. Help us remember that You are with us, offering us Your love,...Your strength,...and Your comfort. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

 

"Avoid evil! Don't be fooled into thinking that you know it all, go to God! "