I’m Somebody Too

Good Morning!! Remember the story of the woman who had a blood disease for twelve years? One day, she heard that Jesus was in town. No doctor had been able to heal her, so she was desperate to meet Jesus. I can imagine how it must have been hard for her to leave her house and go into the streets where she would face all those who considered her an outcast, a nobody because of her sickness. Yet, desperate to meet Jesus, she mingled with the crowd that rejected her day after day. Still, she was willing to break through the wall of rejection so she could touch Jesus. As He passed by, the woman reached out her hand in faith, touched the hem of His garment, and was healed! To her surprise, Jesus stopped and said,...catch this;..."SOMEBODY touched Me."

...casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.—1 Peter 5:7 (NKJV)

When I was young, I never got that. He was surrounded by lots of people, she could not have been the only one to touch Him,...I thought. But now I get it! For years her neighbors had rejected her, because of her disease,...they considered her to be a nobody. But with only three words Jesus restored her value. He said, "Somebody touched Me,...and your faith has made you whole." (Luke 8:45, 48)Here are three ways that you, like this woman can achieve wholeness:
First of all, she expressed genuine faith. By touching the hem of Christ’s garment she demonstrated her belief that Jesus was her answer.
Secondly, she sought after Christ. Do you need to break through the wall of rejection in order to find Jesus? Seek and you shall find Him. God wants us to know Him, and His plan for our lives. Sometimes our Father uses trials and heartaches in our lives to draw us to Him.
Finally, she received His love and acceptance. It’s not enough to know that God loves us,...we have to receive His love. Listen to God’s word and let it speak to your heart. Even if no one else thinks you are special, God does. So much so that the mere thought of you causes Him to sing and dance because you are somebody,...His joy and delight! (Zephaniah 3:17)

We are somebody to God,...no matter what others think, or what we've done. Faith in Him, is the key to becoming whole.

---

Lord, we thank You for Your love and acceptance. Help us to know Your love in such a way that we too become completely whole in You,...In Jesus name. Amen.

"Things come apart so easily when they have been held together with lies."

A Liar Always Lies,...It's What He Does

Good Morning!! Satan wants to make the world look soft and cozy and compelling. He wants temptation to appear as the best choice. "Look at what I'm offering you here! It's beautiful, it’s easy, it's peaceful,"....he whispers. If he threw up a sign that said, DANGER, no one would ever dive in. But he is crafty and cunning and longs to trip us up with lovely things. What tempts you? When we are feeling low, he doesn't send spinach,...he sends donuts and candy, and things we 'deserve.' When things are rocky at home, he doesn't send a dirty, smelly ogre,...he sends a smooth voice and gentle touch. When you don't have a good answer, he doesn't send a whopping tale that no one would believe,...just a small seemingly insignificant stretch of the truth.

But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.—2 Corinthians 11:3 (NIV)

Think about it. Satan hasn't come up with anything new since the beginning of time,...he hasn't had to! In the Garden of Eden he didn’t tempt Eve with rotten, wormy, nasty smelling fruit,...he pointed out fruit that looked good and the benefits of eating it. He made it seem so natural, so right. He is trying to do the same thing to you and me. Recognize him for what he is,…the liar of all liars!

Webster describes deceit, as misrepresenting the truth or purposely misleading.

---

Sweet Spirit of God, give us clear vision into the lies that Satan is putting before us today. Help us to see our lives through Jesus' eyes. Where there is temptation make it ugly, and noticeable. Reveal the lies with Truth. Thank You, Amen.

"Things come apart so easily when they have been held together with lies."

Be Open To God's Detours

Good Morning!! We all love the idea of being in control of our destiny, don’t we? We want the plan in place, the map laid out, the goals set before us when we put the wheels in motion. I don't imagine that disciples were much different,...just think of the type of men they were. Matthew, the tax collector was held accountable for every cent he collected. Planning, collecting and reporting were natural details for his line of work. Peter, the fisherman was in control of his life, a very strong personality who called the shots. He not only knew where his next meal was, he knew when he was going to get it. Thomas the doubter had a hard time believing when Jesus rose from the dead.  You don't think he also had a few doubts about how they would survive, during a certain fishing trip with no provisions.  And we know that Judas loved money.  After all, he turned Jesus over to for a few pieces of silver. So you can just imagine what was going through His mind when Jesus said; "Take nothing for the journey."

He told them: "Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra shirt.—Luke 9:3 (NIV)

We want to be so totally in control, ready for any circumstance,...that we don't leave room for God to work. When we get bogged down in the details, we don't allow God to take us on detours, that can reveal something beautiful,...or teach us something new. God is calling us to be open to detours. He wants us to trust in Him for all of our needs. We have no idea what tomorrow holds,...but we know the One who holds tomorrow. While we're busy lugging around our baggage, God is calling us to "let go", and be ready to move in a new direction, at His Word.

God doesn't just say, pack light,...Sometimes He says don’t pack AT ALL!.

---

Father, teach us to let go of all the unnecessary stuff in our life,...so that we are always ready to put off our plans, to fit Yours. Amen!

"Develop a more Christ-centered, God pleasing life starting today."

Value His Word

Good Morning!! Once we have learned to truly communicate with our Lord between the living pages, we discover that it is where we come to know Him, trust Him and love Him. We learn that the Bible is our strength, our guide, and our provision for our journey. His Word becomes a sure and valuable thing that never goes out of style. So when God reveals something new to you about His character,..stop and praise God for His greatness. When His Word convicts you,...stop and ask for forgiveness and a pure heart. When His Word comforts you,...stop there and rest in the arms of your Father, while thanking Him for His mercy.

The law from your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.—Psalm 119:72 (NIV)

So the next question would be; How can we hear God speak to us from His Word? God is speaking to us when He nudges our hearts, or when a verse pops from the page. Often the Lord is speaking when our eyes redirect us back to a verse, we've just read. When we hear Him speaking to us in this way, we must stop and respond accordingly,...because He is growing a relationship with us. Our heavenly Father is revealing His ways, and purposes, for our lives.  As we learn to listen, we will learn about who He is,...how to be His child,...and the purpose God has for our lives.

We should consider the Word of God, more precious than gold.

---

Thank You Lord, for loving us so much that You desire to communicate Your precepts with us in our generation. Help us to love Your law and to willingly obey all that You revel through it. Hide it in our hearts, as we ponder Your counsel, and allow it to lead us in the everlasting way. Amen.

"Develop a more Christ-centered, God pleasing life starting today."

Learning God's True Will

Good Morning!! I sometimes wonder if our Heavenly Father looks at us with a broken heart, and asks; "Why are they so slow to learn and practice My Truth?" In order to learn the ways of God, we have to know the Truth of God. Saturating our lives with Scripture is absolutely essential, to finding and doing the Will of God.The Bible is the road map, the blue print and the ultimate plan for our journey, down God's true path.

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.—Ephesians 5:15-17 (NIV)

As we begin to walk in the right direction we must not only have the right directions for today,...we must go back and explore those paths of yesterday that once led us in the wrong direction. Understanding past wrong choices, can make the right choices, much easier to make. Some of those old paths are to familiar and comfortable, and hard to resist. But remembering where they lead us, can keep us from following them again. A friendship may have to be ended. A behavior pattern may have to be changed. A habit may have to be eliminated. If it leads to sin,...if it makes it easier to sin,...if it entices or tempts you to sin,...run from it now! Don’t go around that same old mountain of wrong choices again. Learn the lesson, choose obedience, and "keep it moving".

A learned truth, should be an applied truth. The truth won't change,...we must change, in response to the truth!

---

Father God, we are so tired of going around the same old mountains of defeat and failure, in our lives. We are afraid of being lost and without direction. Right now, we choose Your ways,...lead us in them. Help us to see and turn from anyone or anything, that would keep us from learning and then obeying Your truth. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

"Develop a more Christ-centered, God pleasing life starting today."

Check Your Actions And Attitudes

​Good Morning!! OK, here's another way to look at inventorying our lives,...let's think about choices in the workplace. Sometimes we tend to live by a different set of standards in our career or business. But God wants us to be guided by His principles in every area of our lives. It's especially important to consider our motives for doing what we do at work. Are we motivated mostly by our desire to move up the ladder and make more money,...or is honoring our Father still our most important motivator? Try to make a list of questions to ask yourself,...start with these:
 Do I base business decisions solely on my desire to succeed, or do I first consider the integrity of my choices?
Has my work become so all-consuming that I am putting it above my focus on my family?
Am I participating in workplace gossip or complaining?
What kind of influence am I having on those around me?

Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?—2 Corinthians 13:5 (NIV)

As we confess our failures to God, He will forgive us and help us chart the better path. God loves us. Only as we choose to do things His way will we find real success,...the kind that lasts for an eternity.

Honestly inventorying your attitudes and actions in the workplace,...without making excuses, is the first step toward correcting any problem areas.

---

Father God, help us clearly see our motives, for all that we do in the workplace. Forgive use for letting our desire to get ahead in our careers, overshadow our desire to honor You,...in all we do. We pray above all that our employers and co-workers will see Jesus in us,...and that You will use us to encourage them, and influence them toward You. In Jesus name Amen.

"Develop a more Christ-centered, God pleasing life starting today."

Check Yourself

Good Morning!! Taking a regular inventory of our life can be a  productive tool, to help us answer questions, about the directions our life is moving. Are we growing or declining in character development? Are we moving toward our life goals,...or have we gotten off track? Consider our relationships with God, our family, our church and our friends. Be honest,...are we growing in our relationships? If not, then what changes do we need to make,...for a better future with them?

Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.—Lamentations 3:4 (NIV)

God loves us and He wants to help us eliminate those things in our life that may be hurting us, and others. But before he can help us, we must face up to the fact that these problems exist,...so be determined and willing to take inventory of your life. Remember; Jesus is with us,...He will not disappoint or abandon us in our time of personal searching.

Ask God to help you see things as they really are, and to face any inappropriate behavior,...without making excuses.

---

Heavenly Father, help us take a good, honest look at ourselves, and our life. Help us to see what is pleasing You,...and what is disappointing You. Help us to reorder our life under You, for the best results. Amen.

"Develop a more Christ-centered, God pleasing life starting today."

Look Past The Negative

Good Morning!! We live in a culture of complaining,...and we're continually looking for ways to get things off our chests. Some of us will whine for as long as someone will listen. Talk shows are flooded with callers eager to share their displeasure about something. Some complaining is harmless,...it can even be therapeutic. However, in the long run, it causes impatience, which reinforces negative attitudes,...and can lead to a self-focused life. We all go through difficult times, but God doesn't want us to stay focus on the negative. He knows that chronic complaining will never help us, and will ultimately become a bigger source of pain.

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)

Instead, God calls us to rejoice! To focus our minds on the good, the positive, the praiseworthy. To give thanks in all circumstances and to focus on His love. Joseph never complained when he was betrayed by his brothers, put into slavery and imprisoned. The apostle Paul maintained a good attitude when he was beaten and imprisoned. Both men had an intimate relationship with God,...and wanted more than anything to please Him. The next time you start to complain,...take a deep breath and refocus on the goodness of God.

Negative thinking can block us from remembering God's goodness,...and from building or allowing, a more intimate relationship with Him.

---

Have Mercy Father, Father, sometimes we so easily get sidetracked and focus on the worst, in of our situations, in others and in ourselves. Please forgive us, and help us to refocus on the best of whatever is around us. And most of all, help us to focus on Your love and grace, and on Jesus,...our Savior. Amen.

"Most of us get stuck spiritually because we keep doing the same thing, while expecting different results."

Walking With God

Good Morning!! If you walk together with another person, you probably have a good relationship with him or her. To walk with a person every day - whether in the mall, around a track or in your neighborhood - means that you enjoy each other's company. Walking together is a time to share and strengthen the relationship, to learn more about each other. And so it should be in our walk with God.

But be very careful to keep the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the Lord gave you: to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to Him, to keep His commands, to hold fast to Him and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul."—Joshua 22:5 (NIV)

The Bible tells us that Enoch was a man who walked with God. He must have developed a very close relationship with God, because he didn't die. If Enoch's were living today, his press clippings would not be impressive. His testimony probably would not attract thousands to a city-wide crusade. It is unlikely he would sign a book contract, or have a reality TV show. However, as a godly hero, he did have an adventurous life. He had the best of the best,...intimate fellowship with God.

Walking with God encompasses many things. Spending quality time with Him,...and enjoying that time. Talking to Him,...and especially listening to Him. Trusting Him, loving Him, desiring above all else to please Him.

---

Father, we thank You so much that we can walk with You. That You invite us to spend time with You. And yet sometimes we neglect that wonderful opportunity. Please forgive us. Help us to be a better walking partner. Amen.

"Most of us get stuck spiritually because we keep doing the same thing, while expecting different results."

The Right Word

Good Morning!! Sometimes when I write, I struggle to find the right phrase, or word to express my thoughts. A dictionary can help, but I find that a thesaurus is especially useful because it groups words of similar meaning. The thesaurus helps me find the word that most closely says what I want to convey, and allows me to move on with my writing. Sometimes we face struggles in our lives or the lives of others, and we find ourselves looking for what to do or say.

This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words.—1 Corinthians 2:13 (NIV)

At these times, the Bible is a valuable resource,...to help and guide us. The more familiar we become with the Bible, the more quickly we can find words that will inspire us, and others, with God's love and lead us to the right course of action,...whether in word or deed. Often the Book of Psalms or Jesus' words in the Gospels, are a great place to start. Meditations like those in The Daily Bread often guide us to scripture passages, that present the exact Word we need,...for our struggles, and those of others around us.

In need of a Word? The Bible, is your best resource.

---

O' Lord, help us replace negative words and thoughts, with Your Words of hope, joy, and peace that we can only find in scripture. Amen.

"Most of us get stuck spiritually because we keep doing the same thing, while expecting different results."

When Someone's Issues, Become Yours

Good Morning!! I've come to understand that; there are no perfectly functional families,...mostly because there are no perfect people. All of us suffer some dysfunction, and that is why recognizing destructive patterns in relationships early, is important. One person struggling with a eating or drug problem, can have a domino effect on the entire family,...both now and in the future. We tend to build the same dysfunctional patterns we experienced as children, into our marriage and other relationships.

For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.—1 Peter 1:18-19 (NIV)

If your life is heavily influenced by someone else's issues,..or you sometimes feel as though there is no way out,...you might even think think there's no way to be free of those negative influences. Well there is good news! Christ offers release from all problems,...even if they're someone else's.

Remember, Jesus has paid the price for our freedom,...and He is away from enslaving issues, and into a life of freedom in the Father.

---

Father God, we know that these negative things from our childhood are affecting our relationships today. And we know they're preventing us from being all You have designed us to be. Thank You that Jesus paid the price for our freedom,...Please set us free. Amen.

"Most of us get stuck spiritually because we keep doing the same thing, while expecting different results."

Narrow Minded or Wise

Good Morning, And (T.G.I.F.) Thank God I'm Forgiven!! We set boundaries for our children. Don't touch the hot stove,...Don't run into the street,...Show respect to other people, and their property. We set these boundaries because we love them, and want those things we know are best, for them. God in His love has set boundaries for us as well,...His children. He is our Creator, our Father, and knows what is best for us. Walking in obedience and staying within His boundaries is the wisest way we can live. The Bible teaches us about God's boundaries. Our culture says that if we believe in these boundaries, we are narrow-minded.

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise."—Psalm 111:10 (NIV)

The Bible says that living within God's boundaries brings us security. This doesn't mean we won't have problems, but it does mean God will help us through whatever we face. Trying to stay open-minded, and politically correct,...we can easily find ourselves straying outside some of those boundaries. And contrary to popular opinion, walking within God's boundaries is the smartest thing we can do.

The Bible says that if we choose to live within the boundaries, we will please God, encourage others,...and receive God's blessing.

---

Father God, we thank You for giving us boundaries that guide us into right decisions, and keep us safe. Forgive us for the times we've been swayed by popular opinion,...and chosen our own way,...or the more popular way,...instead of Your way. Amen.

"When you accepted Christ as Lord and Savior, you became a new creation."

God's Word Is Absolute

Good Morning!! Today's culture proclaims that everything is relative,...and it encourages us to do our own thing. "If it's right for you,...just do it! There is no absolute right and wrong. But there are absolutes,...and they are established by God. When we do wrong, it is called sin. One of God's names in the Bible is Jehovah-M'Kaddesh, or "The Eternally Self-Existent One Who Sanctifies" The word sanctify means to clean, to dedicate, to consecrate, to hallow, to purify,...and all of these words mean to be Holy.

'"Consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am the Lord your God. Keep my decrees and follow them. I am the Lord, who makes you holy.—Leviticus 20:7-8 (NIV)

In this society of a "figure out your own right and wrong" mentality, it is very easy to gradually buy into this philosophy, without even being aware of what is happening. We soften our stand on what is right. We compromise more and more on what we are willing to accept, and even participate in. Remember that it is not up to us to determine what is right and what is wrong,...God, in His love, has given us boundaries. It's up to us to obey Him, and to live within those boundaries. He has promised to help us. And He gave His son Jesus to pay the price for the times we fail. The Bible tells us to walk in integrity,...that is absolute.

God is holy and He calls us to holiness. He sets those who trust Him apart to live a holy life,...to recognize that the Bible is our absolute authority, in determining what is right and wrong.

---

Father God, we know You have given us boundaries because of Your great love for us and Your desire to protect us. Lord, forgive us for any and all acts of disobedience. Help us to be more aware of how we are allowing worldly attitudes about right and wrong to sway us,...and cause us to lower our standards of behavior. Help us to live the way You have called us to live. We want to please You,...and we want to live a life that will honor You. In Jesus' name. Amen.

"When you accepted Christ as Lord and Savior, you became a new creation."

It's His Way, Or Hell's Way

Good Morning!! Today's culture proclaims that there is no absolute right and wrong, that everything is relative. Television programs say it. Journalists say it. Movies say it. Books say it. But the Bible says something different. The Bible says that God in His love, has given us boundaries,...for our protection and well-being. It's up to each of us, every day, to decide what we will do about those boundaries. It comes down to a matter of will. Am I going to seek God's will for my life,...and obey him? Or am I going to go my own way, do my own thing,...no matter what God says.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.—Roman 12:2 (NIV)

As we follow God's Word, we begin to learn that He has a good plan for our lives. Our lives won't be perfect. We'll still have struggles and problems, disappointment and heartache,...but God will be with us every moment, encouraging us, strengthening us, comforting us,...and helping us. He will give us joy and peace. We will learn that His way is always the best way.

God loves us more than we can imagine. Allow Him into every area of your life,...and you'll learn that His way is always the best way.

---

Heavenly Father, we just thank You for Your patience. We know we've been hadn't allowed You into some areas of our life, insisting on doing things our own way, instead of Yours. But we know it has not worked out very well. We want to believe that Your way really is the best way. Help us submit to Your ways,...completely. Amen.

"When you accepted Christ as Lord and Savior, you became a new creation."

Are We Really Honoring God?

Good Morning!! Television programs are rampant with disrespect,...kids showing no respect for parents, women with no respect for each other, or themselves, employers showing no respect for there workers,...and worst of all, people showing no respect to God. Reverencing God means we do not take God, or his message lightly. Watching movies that trivialize Him or socializing with people who use His name in vain can slowly but surely detract from our own reverence for Him? Noah was surrounded by people who had no respect for God. In fact, the world was full of so much violence and corruption(much like today); that the Lord was grieved,...and decided to wipe mankind from the face of the earth.

Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.—2 Corinthians 7:1 (NIV)

Noah didn't go along with the crowd to "fit in." Even when people laughed at him, and said cruel things about him,...Noah continued to do all that God commanded of him. God's instructions to build an ark probably didn't make any sense to Noah, but he reverenced his Lord,...and so he obeyed. The result? Noah and his family were saved from the coming judgment. And God counted Noah's faith as righteousness.

Let us not take God lightly, or stand long in the company of those that ridicule or oppose Him.

---

  Heavenly Father, help us to do what is right rather than what is easy. Help us to honor You by totally trusting and obeying You. It's in the name of Jesus, that we pray. Amen.

"When you accepted Christ as Lord and Savior, you became a new creation."

It's Not About What We Do, Or Don't Do

Good Morning!! Wanting to perform at a level of excellence is admirable,...the problem is we are not created to be excellent at everything,...but the world seems to expect us to be. Even we sometimes take on unrealistic views, of what to expect from ourselves. Many things we strive to accomplish, is only to feel a sense of value and worth. When we do well, we feel good about ourselves. When we don't meet expectations we or others have placed on us, we see ourselves as failures. Our human tendency is to base our value on how well we perform.

As many as desire to make a good showing in the flesh, these would compel you to be circumcised, only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. For not even those who are circumcised keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh.—Galatians 6:12,13 (NKJV)

God loves you for who you are--his creation. He loves you unconditionally. He won't love you any more--or any less--because of your performance. Take comfort and rest in knowing that who you are is more important than what you can do. In God's eyes, you are valuable because he created you and loves you.

It is not what you do. "It is what God is doing,...and He is creating something totally new,...a free life!"

---

  Heavenly Father, help us remember that our performance, our ability to succeed according to the world's standards, does not determine our value. But we are valuable because You love us unconditionally, because Jesus died on the cross for us, and because of the person You are molding us to be. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

"When you accepted Christ as Lord and Savior, you became a new creation."

Be A Better Witness

Good Morning!! Building an ark on dry ground was a witness to the unbelieving people of Noah's time. Noah demonstrated his reverence for God by obeying him. Noah persevered amidst ridicule for more than 120 years. And during that time, he further showed his reverence for God and his love toward the people by attempting to share his faith with his tormentors. Noah's eyes were on God,...not the failures, not the hopelessness of it all, not the way people treated him. He reverenced God and kept his focus on what God had told him to do, no matter what the circumstances. As a result, God saved him and his family and used them to replenish the earth.

Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this:—Psalm 37:3-5 (NIV)

Are you obeying God, and still not seeing the results you hoped for? Don't give up! Keep your eyes on the Lord. Reverence God above your own expectations. Obey Him,...even if you don't understand what you see. Focus on what He has called you to do,...and trust Him for the rest. God's ways are definitely not our ways.

Respect God, and trust Him enough to know that His ways are the right ways. Seek His ways above all else.

---

  Heavenly Father, sometimes we get so focused on our circumstances, that we become too easily discouraged. Help us keep our eyes on Jesus,...on Your love,...and on Your Word. We know that You will always work everything out for good,...and that Your timetable is is not the same as ours. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

"Grace is free,...but it's never cheap."

Ifg You Really Love God, You'll Love Others

Good Morning!! Bumper stickers that read Question Authority. Television programs flaunting rebellion. No Fear, or YOLO(you only live once) printed across t-shirts. Movies that trivialize God. ...Sadly, these are all signs of our times. Respect, reverence and fear have become distasteful words in today's' society. A lack of concern or respect for each other, or an abuse of authority has breed a rejection for anyone in authority,...causing an air of unrest and rebellion,...hatred and even senseless bloodshed.

"In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."—Matthew 5:16 (NIV)

A lack of respect for all of mankind, and other distorted attitudes, can be traced to a lack of reverence toward God. To reverence the Lord means to treat God and his message with awe. We need to put God first in our lives,...to strive to please Him in all we do,...to have regular devotional times with Him,...gather in the company of other believers,...to live our day-to-day lives in a way that honors Him, and shows His Love.

Just remember; People who don't know the Lord, often judge Him by what they see in His followers.

---

Father, help us to consistently live in such a way that others will sense Your love, and will honor You,...and want to know You more. In Jesus' name, Amen.

"Grace is free,...but it's never cheap."

In His Steps

Good Morning!! People create many different excuses for their behavior. Their goal in life is to be happy and anything or anyone who gets in the way is expendable. This thinking seems to dominate our society today. Personal gratification and happiness takes precedent over everything else.

The earth is filled with your love, Lord; teach me your decrees.—Psalm 119:647 (NIV)

God's priority for our lives is not to simply make us happy, but to make us holy. He is creating us in his image. The more we become like Him the more He becomes our joy and our happiness, in this world and our hope for the next one. The only way we can find true fulfillment is through Him, it is His love that motivates us to share the treasure we've found in Him.

Our relationship with God is something to be treasured and nurtured,...not taken for granted. 

---

As Christians, developing a right relationship with God should be our goal,...our destiny,...our purpose, and our life.

"Grace is free,...but it's never cheap."