“For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call on Me and you will come and pray to Me, and I will hear [your voice] and I will listen to you.” -Jeremiah 29:11-12 AMP
Feeling a little antsy or unsure about what the New Year will bring? Understand that just as He did with the prophet Jeremiah, God’s thoughts and plans for your life as His child are good. And your life is in His hands! He only desires the best for your life - no evil - so there’s no need to fear. Trust Him for direction in the affairs of your life both big and small (Proverbs 3:5-6). Ask Him for help with building the discipline needed to accomplish any task; He is happy to give it (Hebrews 12:10-11). Even when we fail so called New Year “resolutions”, God sees the end from the beginning, and it don’t phase Him. When we’re successful accomplishing goals, it’s only by His grace, so keep your eyes on Him and don’t give up! Place your confidence in Him. He will give you the strength and peace that you need. Call to Him; He’s got you, and He’s given you the upper-hand through the Holy Spirit, so stir up the gift! This will be THE BEST year yet with His help!
God help me to get and keep a desire to do your will and to accomplish the purpose that you have in place for my life. Let the things that are important to your heart consistently stay priorities on mine. My gifts, talents and abilities are all from you; so please show me how to use them in the way that best brings glory to you and your Kingdom. I confess and degree that “I can do all things!” because you have given me the strength that I need to accomplish them in Jesus’ name! I commit my life and this New Year afresh to you. Thank you for your love & faithfulness to me and for the favor, protection and direction you’ve given me as your child. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
As we soberly begin to prepare our hearts and minds for yet another year that the Lord has blessed us with, let’s not forget the mindset and demeanor that the Word of God encourages us to have as we come to Him for mercy, grace and/or direction about any matter. Like a curious toddler saunters over to their mom or dad at least 50x a day to ask them whatever question pops into their head - God expects that level of boldness. We are to come to Him with the upmost respect but with an equal confidence in the fact that He loves us and that our well being is held in very high esteem in His eyes.
Just as fear and love cannot co-habitate in our hearts (1 John 4:18), neither can faith and fear. We must become like children (Matthew 18:2), trusting once and for all that our Father God cannot and will not lie to us. He cares about you and desires to meet you at the point of your need. Those TRUTHS will never change (Numbers 23:19, Hebrews 13:8; Jeremiah 29:11). So as you continue to trust Him for direction moving into this New Year and possibly new season in your life, trust that He will provide for you every step of the way (you don’t need to try to make anything happen). Your heart, emotions, spirit and physical well-being are all safe with Him, so rest IN Him.
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“The [intrinsically] good man produces what is good and honorable and moral out of the good treasure [stored] in his heart; and the [intrinsically] evil man produces what is wicked and depraved out of the evil [in his heart]; for his mouth speaks from the overflow of his heart.” -Luke 6:45 AMP
What type of man or woman are you really? Is your conversation overflowing with good or evil? We may be able to fool others for a period of time, but eventually, what’s inside will eventually come out - good or bad - because our words are indicative of the true condition of our heart. Thoughts will become words and then words eventually translate into actions, so be careful about the type of treasure you allow to be stored in your heart. Only you have the authority to determine whether the conversations you’re a part of, the music or shows you watch, the material you read glorifies God and mines good treasure or bad in your heart.
Create in me a clean heart God (Psalm 51:10) so that my words do not deceive or misrepresent You as I am your child. I desire for the treasure in my heart to honor you so that my thoughts are good, lovely and pure (Philippians 4:8), so give me wisdom and discernment on what I’m exposing myself to daily. Thank you Lord for your love and grace to send the Holy Spirit as my Helper so that I may honor you in word and deed. Amen.
“The steps of a [good and righteous] man are directed and established by the Lord, And He delights in his way [and blesses his path].” -Psalm 37:23 AMP
What path are you taking? Are you allowing God to take the lead in your life? If you are a child of God and have made the commitment to obey the instructions of your Father, God is leading you step by step - like a young child - in the path that He has desired and purposed just for you…and He finds pleasure in doing it! The Holy Spirit is the guide that He has graced us with to give direction to our spirit man while at the same time giving peace and comfort to our soul, regardless of how the path may appear to us. Sometimes the path God leads us on may be outside of our comfort zone, we may feel uneasy because it’s not what we’re use to. However, we can always rest assured that God not only has our best interest in mind, but He is daily perfecting those areas that concern us (Psalm 138:8), and He specializes in making unsteady steps firm (Psalm 119:133) because He is a Good Father. Make a conscious effort today to allow Him to lead you through your spirit man (pray in tongues). He has already established your next steps. Just trust Him.
“Because he set his love on Me, therefore I will save him; I will set him [securely] on high, because he knows My name [he confidently trusts and relies on Me, knowing I will never abandon him, no, never]. “He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. “With a long life I will satisfy him And I will let him see My salvation.” -Psalm 91:14-16 AMP
In need of assistance? Just call on Jesus! It’s interesting to see how the characteristics of so many “super heroes” that we are familiar with like Superman & Batman, pattern themselves with being just “one call away” from those that are in need of their help. Well, our God & Savior has promised that if we know His name, He will answer us and be an ever-present in our time of need (Psalm 46:1); but unlike other superheroes, He is not limited to just physical protection, but is well able to save our our souls and heal us both physically and emotionally! He is not restricted to the laws of gravity or time or to assisting one person in need at a time! He is able to assist us all simultaneously - and it doesn’t phase Him. Despite the fact that our sinful nature technically made us the ‘villain’ and separated us from our Creator, this HERO still died for us to reconcile our relationship with Him. He’s got all power (Matthew 28:18)! So, don’t fret today over anything…remember your Superhero, Savior and Friend already knows, but He’s just “one call away”. Talk to Him, give Him your burdens and seek His direction in the situation. He’s got you, and He’s more than able to bring you out! Have a blessed day.
“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God [set aside self-righteous pride], so that He may exalt you [to a place of honor in His service] at the appropriate time, casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully].” -1 Peter 5:6-7 AMP
It’s important that we daily exercise humility and examine whether we’ve truly submitted our will and desires to God. Once we do this, we position ourselves not only to be honored by God, but for Him to save the time that we often waste trying to figure out our own lives and purpose as well as the fruitless efforts spent attempting to bear the cares of this world. God wants us to put our confidence in Him and trust that He is more than able to handle any burdensome emotions or concerns that have tried to come against our minds. He cares about each and every detail of your life. So give them to Him once and for all. He’s consistent even when others and even our own emotions are not (Hebrews 13:8); and His affection towards you won’t change. Rest in that fact today. YOU. ARE. LOVED.
“She will give birth to a Son, and you shall name Him Jesus (The Lord is salvation), for He will save His people from their sins.” All this happened in order to fulfill what the Lord had spoken through the prophet [Isaiah]:“Behold, the virgin shall be with child and give birth to a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel”—which, when translated, means, “God with us.” -Matthew 1:21-23
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“So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.” -John 1:14
As we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, let us never forget the extensiveness of His love and faithfulness to us. Before we even knew the true state of our sinfulness in comparison to the holiness of our Creator, He counted us worthy and valuable enough to develop a plan to save us from our sins thousands of years ago, even before the birth of Christ through his prophet Isaiah.
Praise and glory to God for Him sending His Son Jesus to earth so that we can be saved (John 3:16). Take time today to reflect on His love for you and what sacrifice that love moved Him to. Honor Him as His representative by sharing about His love and sacrifice with others. Merry CHRISTmas to you and yours!
“But without faith it is impossible to [walk with God and] please Him, for whoever comes [near] to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He rewards those who [earnestly and diligently] seek Him.” -Hebrews 11:6 AMP
Good Morning! You have so many things to smile about and be grateful for this morning (air in your lungs, eternal life, joy, peace just for starters. Want to make God SMILE too?? Make a conscious effort to solicit His help in growing your faith. We could never repay God for all that He’s given us so freely through the gift of salvation, but we can please Him and make Him proud by trusting in Him and exercising our faith daily! Spend time seeking God by meditating on His Word and praying in tongues (stir up your inner man) regularly. Apply God’s Word the fruit of the Spirit to be developed in your life. Faith is obeying and trusting that God always has your best interest at heart, even when you don’t know HOW things will work out.
"Lord, I want to be in your will for my life! Grant me with the courage and boldness to trust and obey you when I don’t know how the pieces will all fit together. Give me a desire to seek you and meditate on your Word (Your will and instruction) daily so that I make you are pleased and I make you smile today…and for the rest of my life."
“Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” -Philippians 2:12-13
Salvation and our relationship with Christ, as a whole, should not be a stagnant one. Continue to grow, learn and study the things of God, so that you develop spiritually everyday. Pray in tongues regularly so that the Holy Spirit - your Teacher - can instruct you and give wisdom and guidance where needed. What a merciful Father we serve! He wasn’t just interested in “saving” us, but after He did, He cared enough for us to perfect those things that concern us and use us for His will (Psalm 138:8)!
God please continue to work in and through us for your good pleasure and purpose. Thank you for the pleasure and privilege of being fit for your use, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Do not let mercy and kindness and truth leave you [instead let these qualities define you]; Bind them [securely] around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart. So find favor and high esteem. In the sight of God and man. -Proverbs 3:3-4 AMP
How are you known to others? Has your name been associated with being merciful and kind? Are you known for being a bearer of truth or deceit? We may not be able to always affect other people’s perception of us, but we can definitely influence or clarify the character traits that they begin to identify us with. Even if kindness or truth just hasn’t been part of your story in the past, never forget that our God is FULL of compassion and mercy; and every morning is a new opportunity to get it right (Read Psalm 145:8-9, Lamentations 3:22-23)! Ask God for His help with this, and you’ll find favor both in His sight and in the sight of others. Have a wonderful Saturday!
"God is our refuge and strength [mighty and impenetrable], A very present and well-proved help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change And though the mountains be shaken and slip into the heart of the seas..." -Psalm 46:1-2 AMP
Need a little boost of power this morning? Feeling a little unsettled? Not only will God provide you with the strength to sustain you through the day today, He will also provide you with the protection and security that you need, whether physically or emotionally. Run to Him, sit in His presence and rest! No need to put up your guards, your heart is safe with Him (Psalm 91:2). He has already proven Himself to be a reliable place of shelter in the midst of the turmoils or business of life. You ARE divinely protected (read Psalm 91:9-12). As you leave out of your home today (“earthly covering”) today, remember you have already stepped into "His shelter" in your mind and heart. Stay even closely connected to Him by praying in tongues throughout the day; He will give you wisdom and guidance. Have a blessed day IN His shelter today.
“For You formed my innermost parts; You knit me [together] in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks and praise to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was being formed in secret, And intricately and skillfully formed [as if embroidered with many colors] in the depths of the earth.
How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them!” -Psalm 139:13-14,17 AMP
Did you know that before you were formed in your mother’s womb, before your heart, lungs and organs were even developed, God’s love for you was already displayed by the level of care He took with creating you - inside & out. While your existence may have even been hidden from the world, God was already aware of your arrival and the thought of you even then brought Him joy (v.17)! God, your Creator (Inventor) has created you for His own unique purpose and plans, so don’t grow weary of taking the time to review His Instruction Manual for your operation (assignment) here on earth. The Holy Spirit will help bring understanding and revelation on the application of those instructions He’s given and how they apply to your life. There is literally no one else on this earth that has been equipped with the same gifts, talents, personalities, etc. that you have been, so thank God for the portion He has entrusted to you. Selah and smile…you are loved and one-of-a-kind!
“He brought this Good News of peace to you Gentiles who were far away from him, and peace to the Jews who were near. Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us.” -Ephesians 2:17-18 NLT
Because of Christ’s sacrifice for us on the cross over 2,000 years ago, we have been brought near to God and made one with Him (v.13-14); whereas previously, sin separated us from God. Thank God that He brought the Gospel (the Good News) to us whether we were Jew or Greek. He thought about it, and counted each and every one of us worthy of saving and redeeming from the curse of the Law BEFORE we were even formed in our mother’s womb. Selah. What great love God has for us! Never doubt your worth or value to your Creator. He has shown us time and time again through His Word and through His actions that we are loved, cherished and the apple of His eye (Zechariah 2:8, Psalm 17:8)! You have access to your Father today through the Holy Spirit. Don’t take it for granted; stir up the gift and stay sensitive to your Father’s direction today. Have a blessed day.
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
Sometimes fear may seem like it’s greater than us but that’s when we have to remember that GREATER is He that is in us than He that is in the world (1 John 4:4); and that GREATER One has blessed us with the gift of power, love and a healthy, clear mind. Keep your mind stayed on Him today as you reflect and take advantage of those blessings today. Allow His mindset to be yours, and don’t accept anything that wasn’t given to you by your Father (i.e. fear). Be confident in who you are IN Christ. Have a blessed day.
📖 “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” -Psalms 19:14 NLT
God is the firm and steady Rock that we can depend on. Regardless of what cares or concerns we may feel we have pressing us, we can lean on Him. Lord, our Redeemer, may we honor you with our words and thoughts today. Give us a new heart if that is what is needed to do so (Psalm 51:10). Thank you Lord for your love, faithfulness and compassion to us daily. 🙌🏼
