A Kind Word

An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.
Proverbs 12:25

Thoughts:
If we never thought kind thoughts about others it would be very difficult for us to encourage them. Most of the time what is overflowing in our minds makes its way out of our mouths. We all have our problems and quirks, yet who benefits when we tear one another down? Everyone has the ability to encourage. If we commit ourselves to seeing and thinking good thoughts not only concerning others but also with ourselves; we will find it will be easy to lift up those who are down and weary, and encourage them to press on. We cannot dwell continually on the failures and mistakes of the past. Remember, we have been made the righteousness of God through Jesus Christ. All of us continue to grow spiritually and we are continually changing for the better. Turn your thoughts around and be an encourager and be encouraged. A good and kind word from God applied by faith will take the heavy heart and make it glad. If we help one another and encourage each other we will then experience the joy of the Lord which will be our strength.

Prayer:
Help me today Lord to encourage and to lift up, not to tear down. Forgive me for the times I have been insensitive to others. Give me kind words to share that will cheer and lift and encourage and strengthen. Help me forget past mistakes and move forward pressing on towards the goal, Amen

God at the top

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
2 Corinthians 3:18

Thoughts:
As we begin our day and consider all of our responsibilities for the day we should place our relationship with God at the top; taking the time to maintain and nourish our relationship with Him. It is easy to allow the distractions of the day to prevent us from seeking Him and connecting with His Spirit. He is our source of support. If we want our day to reflect His image we have to be looking to Him. Only when the reflection of His character, His thoughts, His strength, His wisdom, pours into our lives can transformation occur. Whether our day is a typical day or we are facing a crisis. We absolutely need to remain connected.

Prayer:
I thank You for this day, I am looking into Your eyes, and seeking You, I want my day to reflect Your love and goodness. It's not about what I am able to accomplish it is all about what You are able to accomplish through my day. Regardless of what it may hold, I want You to be there, Amen.

Our eyes look to GOD Father

The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.
Psalm 145:15-16

Thoughts:
It's challenging to wait on God. Our human nature wants instant gratification. We get impatient when we can't find answers. Sometimes we need to be reminded God not only has the ability, but the will to do great and amazing things in our lives. Instead of spending our time complaining to God, let's practice waiting expectantly knowing in our hearts, in due season we will reap the benefits of His promises. Letting go of the situation, doesn't mean we have given up hope, but have entrusted it to God and are depending on His wisdom, which is un-searchable. We may think we have a way to solve our problems; but I can't imagine even the greatest of earthly wisdom, could exceed a plan of God. God is our Father and we are His children. He will keep no good thing from us. He is slow to anger, and rich in mercy and love. He holds us up when we think we are going to fall. He is near to each of us who call upon Him.

Prayer:
Lord we thank You for each of Your promises and for always providing what we need. You know what we need and what we desire; we commit ourselves to seeking Your will, waiting expectantly. Your ways are un-searchable, Your plans are greater than what we can think or imagine. We trust in You and ask that You continue to teach us, and direct our steps. We give You praise for what we know lies ahead. We are Your children, and know that there is no good thing You will withhold from us, in Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Because GOD is Good

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy
and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:16

Thoughts:
God specializes in forgiving and forgetting; He can remove the most stubborn stains from our hearts; no situation is so hopeless that His hand of mercy and grace cannot reach. He is full of mercy and specializes in forgiving and restoring. It is the enemy that enjoys continually whispering our faults and failures to us. If we listen to him long enough we will begin to lose hope and believe His lies over the truth that God's grace is sufficient, His mercy new every morning, and His love never ending. He takes our messes and cleans them up; He heals and restores us placing us back on the straight path. The enemy's only goal is to destroy. We don't love and serve God because we are such good people but because He is good to us.

Prayer:
We thank You for the mercy we receive each day. We have done nothing to deserve the good things You have done for us. Thank You for forgiving, restoring and changing us. Thank You that we are never without hope. Open our hearts so that we may hear Your words of truth. Amen.

Go & Tell about Jesus

Jesus did not let him [the man from whom he had cast out demons] come with him, but said, "Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you."
Mark 5:19

Thoughts:
This man has been given back his life, ransomed from the power of Satan and the grave. How will he use it? Simple. He will go tell those in his family what the Lord has done for him. Isn't that what we need to be doing with the unbelievers in our families?

Prayer:
Father, bless me as I seek to share my faith and your salvation with those in my family who have not yet called on Jesus as Lord and have not yet surrendered their lives to him. Help me not to push them farther away, but instead help them see all the ways you have blessed my life. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Our Treasure Reality Hope

Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.
James 4:14

Thoughts:
In this life we have been given a peek into the eternal and everlasting world; a glimmer of what is to come. Our futures are far greater than our minds are able to comprehend. We have hope and assurance through Christ. Embracing the eternal hope does not mean that we should close ourselves off from the world we are in, but instead embrace each moment we are here and share the hope that is within our hearts. Living each day focused on Christ changes our perspective, and regardless of how things appear we still have that hope. This lifetime that seems so mammoth to us, in reality is but a passing mist; a short amount of time in comparison with the rest of forever. God is our reality, and more real than what we can see, touch, and feel. Each new day can be embraced free of worry, and of fear; overflowing with assurance for our future. Our treasure is buried deep within our souls, it cannot be shaken or removed.

Prayer:
As we begin this new day, we thank You for the hope and assurance we have for the future. You are our treasure, our reality, our hope. We thank You for this life, and all the blessings surrounding it, but this world is not our final destination. We long for the day we will see You face to face. Whatever we may face today, we know we are secure in Your capable hands. Amen.

Friend

Some men came carrying a paralytic on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus.
Luke 5:18

Thoughts:
What is the fullest definition of a friend? The Bible offers us numerous definitions and examples. One of my favorite examples is this story of the paralyzed man whose friends went to great extremes to get him to Jesus. Their faith and their effort to get him to Jesus are the things that ultimately result in the man's forgiveness and healing. That's the kind of friend we all want to be!

Prayer:
Holy Father, please bless me as I try to lead ___ (put the name of several non-Christian friends here) to forgiveness and healing in Jesus. Give me the tenacity and tact to do this with gentleness and respect without losing my sense of urgency to see them become Christians. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen

New & Improved in Christ

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

Thoughts:
"New and Improved!" That should be stamped across the forehead of every Christian! When we come to Christ, he makes us new and he cleanses us of all our sins. Incredibly, this grace can be "new every morning" because of God's faithfulness and transforming power. God's grace and power are given to us through his Holy Spirit. We are new and improved, and will continue to be that way until we are completely transformed to be like Jesus! (See 2 Corinthians 3:18)

Prayer:
Holy Father, have your way with my heart, my will, my life, and my time. I want to yield myself to you so that you can make me new and improved. I don't want to be satisfied with where you have brought me. No, dear Father, I want to become more like Jesus today, and each day of my life that follows. Thank you for your empowering grace. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Continue to hold onto God

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
Galatians 6:9

Thoughts:
We can become numb to God's love and blind to the wonderful things He does. It is easy to forget the not so spectacular blessing we receive daily. Sometimes our battle is within US, more than from any outside source. Our daily routines can become monotonous, we work hard but can almost expect tomorrow will hold the same as today. If we stay in this mindset we will get tired and begin considering our work a chore rather than a pleasure. This lethargic attitude affects not only our relationship with God but with others. When our love line begins to grow cold we will run the risk of wandering away from God's truth. We must remember that God is just as faithful in our day to day routines, as He is in our crisis. When life seems to be dull and we are getting tired of the same old same old, we need to trust in God's faithfulness and rest in His love. If we continue to hold onto Him, we will reap in His perfect time.

Prayer:
Blessed be Your Holy Name Lord! I thank You for being faithful and I trust that under Your wings my soul will find rest and shelter. When I begin to grow weary You give me strength and hope to continue in my service to You. Thank You. Amen.

Not as unwise but as Wise

Be very careful, then, how you live -- not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
Ephesians 5:15

Thoughts:
Living with urgency doesn't mean living recklessly. It means living with a holy abandon to honor God and with a holy passion to make each moment count for righteousness. That means we must be intentional about our choices, taking care that we use our moments wisely as we live a life of character different from the world around us because we are dedicated to Jesus.

Prayer:
Fill me with wisdom, O God, that I may honor you with my choices and use of time today and everyday. Protect me from the deceptive influences of the evil one and grant me a holy and productive use of the time you bless me with each day. In the name of Jesus my Lord, I pray. Amen.

Not by Our Efforts

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Ephesians 6:10

Thoughts:
It is not a sign of weakness to admit that we have inadequacies. It is actually a sign of our dependence on the strength that lives within us. We become a perfect candidate for the service of God when we realize, all that we are and do, depends upon Him. It does not matter how hard we try to be good; saying all the right words and doing all the proper things; we will always fall short. We cannot save ourselves; we are not able to be enough for God. Every righteous thing we try to do is vain. The good things that emanate from our lives are the fruit of His Spirit that dwells within us. What some may call weak is actually strength. If we could create our own righteousness, we would have no need of the precious gift we have received through Jesus Christ.

Prayer:
I am weak Lord and I am dependant on your strength. I thank You for Your precious blood that flows through my soul and has released me from the chains of sin and death. You have saved me and it is Your righteousness that abides with in me and bears fruit in my life. Thank You Jesus. Amen.

Clothed with Christ

You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
Galatians 3:26-27

Thoughts:
What are you wearing today? I hope you are clothed with Christ. Anything else is simply out of style by heaven's standards, no matter what designer fashions you may be wearing. You can be clothed with Christ by surrendering your life to Jesus as your Savior through faith; believe that he is God's Son who died for you, trust that he rose from the dead to give you life, confess Christ as your Lord and Savior trusting him for your salvation, and share with him in his death, burial, and resurrection through baptism. He promises to send his Spirit to live inside you and to forgive you all of your sins. You will be God's child and have a home waiting for you in heaven. For those of us who are Christians, these thoughts are a reminder of what God has done for us and what he expects of us. If you are not a Christian, the world doesn't have to be a cold and lonely place; the Lord Jesus can be with you everywhere you go if you will respond to him.

Prayer:
Father, thank you that you provided a way for making me your child and for clothing me in your righteousness. Thank you for making it possible for me to call you Father and to have Jesus as my older brother. Thank you, dear Father, for Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.

Jesus is Risen

He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spoke to you, being yet in Galilee.
Luke 24:6

Thoughts:
The crucifixion reminds us that the precious gift we have received did not come without a very high price. Jesus paid that price that has bridged the gap between us and our Creator. He died a horrible death on the cross and arose the very first Easter morning for the entire world that He has loved so very much from the beginning. He rescued us, forgiving all of our past and restoring hope within our aching hearts. We all lose our way from time to time, and certainly we all fall short of His Glory, yet time and time again we receive compassion and mercy. What great love He has shown to us. We can show Him how thankful we are by allowing Him to live through our lives, and by extending His love, compassion and mercy to all.

Prayer:
We certainly have done nothing to deserve such love. We thank you Jesus for the price you paid, the agony you endured, the humiliation, and the rejection. You did it all for us. You have saved us, rescued us, loved us, and set us free. I give my life to you that it may glorify You. Amen.

Lord We will Triumph

For You, Lord, have made me glad through Your work; I will triumph in the works of Your hands.
Psalm 92:4

Thoughts:
Our prayers are often a list of petitions, asking God to remove us from our trouble, or change our circumstance. We may feel as though each one has been ignored because we have yet to see results. We all have problems, some worse than others, but it is how we choose to deal with them that makes all the difference. It’s easy to serve God and sing His praises, when our lives are full and His blessings are overshadowing all else. Yet too often when trouble is surrounding us, our lips remain silent. We have to make a choice to praise Him in all things knowing, not just saying, that He is working all things for our good. When our lips are dry and chapped from the harsh desert air, we still praise Him as much as when the sweet rain refreshes our souls. We make a choice to continue to serve and to grow in good times or bad. God’s hands are molding us all uniquely, forming us for His purpose. Each hurdle we jump brings us a little closer to the finish. No, our prayers are never ignored and we can be joyful and praise Him in all things, all the time.

Prayer:
Place your song in our heart today, and fill us with joy overflowing, we trust that you are working things together perfectly for our good. We are not fair weather servants; we will serve you always and sing your praises when facing good times or bad. Thank you for your faithfulness. We love you with all our hearts. Amen.

Spirit Inspired

Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer.
Psalm 4:1

Thoughts:
At first, this cry for help seems very demanding. However, closer inspection shows that this is really the cry of desperation. Have you been there? I surely have and I regularly hear from folks who are there now. But, read how this Psalm ends! What is the secret to surviving a long agony? I believe three things are important: 1) honesty in our prayer life with God, 2) confidence that God hears and cares even when our prayers sizzle with pain and frustration, and 3) genuine praise for God included in our prayers even when things seem bleak. It's not a magical formula, but it is a Spirit-inspired one -- check it out in Psalm 4!

Prayer:
O God, please hear my cry for relief, as well as the relief of those I love, from agony, burdens, and suffering. Please answer in amazing and miraculous ways so that we may not only be relieved, but so that you may be glorified as well. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Need of a Savior

So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith.
Galatians 3:24

Thoughts:
Galatians reminds us again and again that law cannot make us righteous or save us, not even the Old Testament Law. However, the Law does one very important thing. It leads us to Christ. We recognize right and wrong because of the Law. We recognize our failures, imperfections, sins, transgressions, and weaknesses because of the Law. Most of all, we recognize our need for a Savior because of the Law. Praise God for the Law. Praise God a hundred times more for Jesus!

Prayer:
Thank you, dear Heavenly Father, that the goal of your Law was to bring me to Jesus. It helps me appreciate his perfection. It helps me know my sinfulness. Most of all, it helps me realize that his sacrifice gives me what the Law cannot -- your righteousness. Father, I do truly believe with all my heart that Jesus came to die for me and give me life. In Jesus' name, and because of Jesus' righteousness, I thank you! Amen.

A New Time

But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.
Romans 3:21-22

Thoughts:
The Old Testament looks forward to a new time, a time when law is not the basis of righteousness. The Law and Prophets testify to this time. This righteousness comes from God and is built on the sacrificial work of Jesus who liberates us from law and brings us God's grace. The real issue for us is trust -- many today confuse believing with simply thinking something in one's head, while the Bible sees belief as something that involves our heart and changes our behavior. So what is the basis on which you are building your life today? What is the measure of your righteousness? On what is your security tied? Thank God we can trust our life, our future, and our salvation to Jesus Christ and not to law-keeping.

Prayer:
Precious Father, thank you so much for providing me with a Savior in Jesus. Thank you for declaring me righteous through the sacrifice of your Son. Please help me as I entrust my life and salvation to Jesus so that his life and character can be exemplified in the way that I live. In Jesus' holy name I pray. Amen.

Ultimate Refreshment of Jesus

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you -- even Jesus.
Acts 3:19-20

Thoughts:
When was the last time that you caught yourself straying from a passionate walk with the Lord? Refreshing times come when we change our hearts and lives to live for God and with God in our everyday lives! In fact, Jesus has told us that he will reveal himself to us as we live obediently for him (see John 14:15-21). His home will be in us until he returns for us and we get to enjoy the ultimate refreshment -- going home to be with him forever.

Prayer:
Abba Father, I am consciously turning my life over to you today. I ask for your forgiveness for any sin that I have committed. Please refresh me through a deeper awareness of Jesus' lordship and presence in my life today. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Open Soul Doors to God

Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.
2 Timothy 1:9

Thoughts:
Everyone is not going to approve of what we are doing with our lives. We must remain true to what God has called us to do regardless if others may disapprove. I imagine that Noah felt discouraged after he spent years addressing people who not only opposed his work, but scorned, and mocked him. They were still unable to distract him from the mission laid before him because he was absolutely abandoned to God’s will and purpose. A seed of faith was planted deep within his heart and it would not allow him to deviate from his mission; it prevailed over the words of his skeptics. His obedience to God allowed peace to reign within his soul; all of his fears and doubts were driven out. He left the door wide open and was able to receive all that God wanted to deposit within him. We can find that same peace and joy when we totally abandon ourselves to God, allowing Him to bring to completion His purpose for our lives.

Prayer:
We open the door of our souls and ask that You fill them to overflowing, with the faith, strength and joy that will allow us to complete the mission You have laid before us. We give all the praise and glory to You Lord, knowing You are able to do beyond what we can think or imagine, because of Your great power that is at work within our lives. Amen.

GOD A firm Foundation

For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.
Psalm 86:5

Thoughts:
Failure is not a terminal condition, unless we allow it to be. We may stumble, but if we repent and receive the correction and instruction from God, we will find grace and mercy and the ability to keep stepping forward on our journey. Ignoring and making excuses for our failures, leaves us stagnate and retreating back into our past. We have all failed God at one point or another, but God will never fail us. His mercy is new each morning. God understands our human frailties, but not when we attempt to excuse it. We can’t run from the truth, but must face it and embrace the correction and instruction of God. His grace is sufficient. Failure is an opportunity for God to strengthen, teach us and prepare us for our destiny on this Earth and our eternal destiny in His presence. How grateful we need to be for the grace and mercy of our God. We were nothing, yet He has made us heirs to His Kingdom, we had nothing, and He has given us everything.

Prayer:
Lord, forgive me of my sins, envelop me with Your mercy, and restore unto me the joy of my salvation. You understand my heart and You know my ways. I submit to Your instruction and receive Your correction. I have no defense, I make no excuses. I thank You for the Grace that keeps me advancing forward. My spirit is willing, my flesh sometimes weak. Set my feet on a firm foundation, and perform the work within my life that only You can. Amen.

Seeing Sermon in US

Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you.
Philippians 3:17

Thoughts:
"I would rather see a sermon any day, than hear one." I'm not distressed because people want to "see a sermon," but because so many of us don't "practice what we preach." As leaders -- whether as friends, parents, or in positions of authority -- our primary tool of influence is our life of character (or lack of it). Do you practice what you "preach"? All of us who seek to influence others redemptively, MUST! Why? Because most folks need to both hear and see the message before it becomes a part of them.

Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, please forgive me, equip me, and make me fit for your service. Please help me, dear Father, as I try to live a life worth imitating and to lead others to Jesus. I know I can't do either of those without your power and grace transforming my life. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Christ Incredible Power

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21

Thoughts:
We have far greater power than we often realize. That incredible power is at work within us (see Ephesians 1:18-19). This promise of power, however, is tied to two opportunities God gives us daily. First, it is based on actively asking for God to do great things based upon a holy charged imagination. Second, it is based on our living to bring God glory. So let's ask, imagine, and give God glory; then let's praise him for doing far greater things than what we ask or even imagine!

Prayer:
Dear Father in heaven, forgive me for my pedestrian dreams, my selfish prayers, and my short-sighted goals. Awaken my heart to your will and open my eyes to your plans by the power of your Holy Spirit. As you do this, dear Father, please do it to your glory and praise. In Jesus' name I ask this. Amen.

Christ Precious Savior

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree."
Galatians 3:13

Thoughts:
Cursed! Not just in the sense that he was mocked and his detractors cursed at him, but in the sense that he received the curse of death because of our sin. He did what was hideous and scandalous; he died on a Cross -- hung to a tree in front of a jeering mob, executed like sub-human scum. But the beauty of his shame and disgrace is that God made it our redemption. Jesus' ridicule and curse bought us freedom from the curse of our own sins. Praise God! Praise Jesus!

Prayer:
Almighty Father, I can't even pretend to fathom your ways and why you would require of yourself such a horrific sacrifice to redeem me. Precious Savior, I can't imagine what it was like to hang before a mob carrying the sin of the whole world. All I can do is ask the Holy Spirit to make my thoughts and words convey the gratitude of my heart as he intercedes for me now. Thank you! Praise you! May my life truly honor you! In the mighty name of Jesus, I praise. Amen.