Blog Archives - Bible Inspired

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7/31/2016

"When the Pharisees saw this, they said to His disciples, 'Why is your Teacher eating with the tax collectors and sinners?' But when Jesus heard this, He said, 'It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I desire compassion, not sacrifice,' for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.'" -Matthew 9:11-13 (NASB)

I recently read an article about a star athlete that associated with the "wrong" kind of people. While his family knew he was not surrounding himself with the best people, they acknowledged his "good heart" and acceptance of others. Unfortunately, the athlete allowed his associates to bring him down and his story did not have a happy ending.

Jesus' disciples were faced with a similar dilemma posed by the Pharisees. The Pharisees viewed Jesus associating with tax collectors and sinners as problematic. What the Pharisees failed to realize several things. Jesus was not sinking to the perceived level of sin as those He associated with, the Pharisees were not really as blameless as they believed themselves to be, and Jesus didn't come to save those that were righteous. As Jesus associated with those society labeled as sinners, Jesus was elevating these people above their sin. Though we are all sinners, we can be saved through faith and belief in Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for each and every one of us!

Be sure to associate with Jesus and allow yourself to elevate your associates through the redeeming power of Jesus Christ!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for sending Jesus to save all sinners, even me. Help my relationship with You through Jesus, Your Son, to spread Your love and elevate those around me through their acceptance of Your redeeming grace, mercy, and power. Through Jesus I pray, amen.

Stay Hydrated!

7/30/2016

“But whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” -John 4:14 (NIV)

Where I live, like most of the country, it has been hot. My area has passed the average number of hot days near the mid-point of summer. When listening to weather and news reports there are reminders to take care, to stay cool, and of course to stay hydrated. It is important to drink water and keep our physical bodies hydrated, but we also have to stay spiritually hydrated!

As we remind ourselves to drink water, we also need to remember to drink the spiritual, living water offered to us by Jesus. To keep ourselves spiritually hydrated, we can read the Bible, talk to God through prayer, and fellowship with other believers. We can have eternal life through Jesus and we can learn and follow the path that God has provided for us. As we continue to seek God, we can soak in the living water that God provides and then we can allow it to bubble up and flow from us like a spring that allows others to see and experience God's love, grace, mercy, and life-changing power!

Keep your spirit hydrated with the living water of eternal life provided by Jesus!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for the living water that You provide for my soul and for eternal life through Jesus. Allow Your water to spring from me to help others see Your glory. Through Jesus, my Savior, I pray, amen.

Top of the List

7/29/2016

"The Lord will be King over the whole earth. On that day there will be one Lord, and His name the only name." -Zechariah 14:9 (NIV)

It seems that we to like to compare and rank things. The best teams of all times. The greatest presidents. The best places to buy a home or the best place to vacation. We may debate...and even argue. When we stop and consider these things, these debates and lists don't really matter. What matters is our dedication to the One who should be at the top of our list: God!

God presides over all the earth. God watches over us as individuals, as groups, as nations, and even as the world. God places people and circumstances in positions and at times that allow for growth and change. As we consider our lives and our place in the world, we can talk to God about the path that He has set before us. As we embark on our journey down God's path, we need to remember that no matter what, God is always at the top of the list. God is the King of everything in the earth and beyond the earth and one day He will be at the top of everyone's list!

God should be at the top of your list as the King of all!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for loving me and for always being there to guide me. Help me to always keep You at the top of my list! Through Jesus I pray, amen.

Courage

7/28/2016

"Be strong, courageous, and firm; fear not nor be in terror before them, for it is the Lord your God Who goes with you; He will not fail you or forsake you." -Deuteronomy 31:6 (NASB)

There are times when we all face challenges. The challenges may feel like giants looming over us. While we might feel like giving up or turning around and running away, we need to be strong, courageous and firm. We can find unfailing support in God!

There are reasons that we face the different circumstances in our lives. No matter what we face, we should not be filled with fear. What we may perceive as giants are no match for God. God goes with us each step of the way. He teaches us lessons that we will one day need in our lives and He will not let us down. We can have courage in knowing that He will not fail and that we will be made stronger in through the strength, courage, and faith in God!

Do not fear. Find the strength and courage in God to stand firm and overcome all challenges!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for going with me each step of the way. Please continue to give me courage and strength to face all of the challenges in my life and to learn the lessons You intended for me to learn. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Quick to Listen, Slow to Anger

7/27/2016

"Understand this, my beloved brethren. Let every man be quick to hear [a ready listener], slow to speak, slow to take offense and to get angry. For man's anger does not promote the righteousness God wishes and requires." -James 1:19-20 (NASB)

Author Gary Hopkins is quoted as saying, "Never allow your ego to diminish your ability to listen." Often we may find ourselves waiting to speak instead of listening. We let ourselves, our thoughts, get in the way of truly listening. What would happen if we were truly quick to listen and slow to anger?

If we take the time to listen without being offended or waiting to interject our ideas, we would be able to better understand each other. When we understand each other and are not easily offended, we can listen without our ego blocking what others are saying. We can build peaceful relationships. It is through our relationships with others that we can share God's love and His presence in our lives. When we listen, we can create and environment that allows us to seek God's wishes!

Don't let your ego get in the way. Be quick to listen and slow to anger!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for always being willing to listen to me. Help me to also be quick to listen and slow to anger. Through Jesus I pray, amen.

Don't Slip!

7/26/2016

"He will not let your foot slip--He who watches over you will not slumber." -Psalm 121:3 (NIV)

"Sippery When Wet" "Caution: Wet Floor" "Bridge May Ice Before Roadway" We often see warnings that remind us to use caution to keep from slipping and falling. We take notice because we want to protect ourselves. While we take caution to protect our physical bodies, we should also take caution to protect our spiritual lives.

Similar to the signs we see that aim to keep us safe, the Bible gives us warnings to keep us from slipping and falling in our spiritual journeys. We should read and take notice of these warnings and be sure to apply them to our lives. However, even when we are trying to use caution and keep from slipping, there may be times when we feel ourselves starting to slip. During these times, we can be reassured that we have help. God is with us and ready to stabilize us and keep us from harm. When we feel spiritually unsteady, we can call out to God anytime, anywhere. He is always ready to keep us steady and safely on His path!

Don't allow yourself to spiritually slip. Call on God and He will steady you!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for always being ready to steady and stabilize me. Help me to understand the warning signs You provide and to rely on You for help. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Control Your Behaviors!

7/25/2016

"Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes." -Psalm 37:7 (NIV)

It can be difficult to convince my middle school students that their behaviors do not have to reflect the behaviors of those around them. This is especially difficult as students become increasingly aware of the events happening in the world around them and the allure of "quick" success. As students try to meet the world's definition of success, they may lose sight of the consequences of the "wicked schemes" or behaviors that people use to reach success.

The successes of this world are only temporary. Whether we reach them quickly or we work to build them, in the end our earthly possessions and accolades will fade. Knowing this can reassure us that we do not have to make the same choices and take the same paths to success that others follow to success. While we cannot change the wicked ways of many around us, we can make the choices that control our own behaviors and keep us on God's path. We can talk to God and make the choices to follow the plan that He has for our lives. When we make the choice to control our behaviors and follow God we are guaranteed something greater than all earthly success, we are guaranteed eternal glory with God!

Choose to control your behavior and follow God's path to eternal glory!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for offering me a plan and a path to eternal glory with You. Please continue to guide me and help me to make the right choices, to control my behaviors, so they are pleasing to You. Through Jesus I pray, amen.

Sustained and Rescued

7/24/2016

"Even to your old age and gray hairs, I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you." - Isaiah 46:4 (NIV)

The world can be a scary place, especially if you tune in to or read the news. While there may be some legitimate fears, we may sometimes worry too much about the events being reported to us. We shouldn't lose hope!

No matter how dark the events and circumstances being reported may seem, we have hope!. Our hope is in God. God promises to sustain us and to rescue us. He is our Creator and He promises to carry us through all that we face, both good and bad. God promises to sustain us and rescue us. We have to have faith in Him, trusting Him and His promises. As we serve Him and patiently wait for His time, we can be comforted knowing He is there, from beginning to end!

No matter how dark things appear, God will sustain and rescue you!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for always being there to comfort me, to sustain and rescue me. Help me to not lose faith and to wait patiently for You. Through Jesus I pray, amen.

Guard Your Heart

7/23/2016

"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." -Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)

During the summer when I am home and working around the house, I often have the radio on in the kitchen. The news reported, even during the brief stories on music stations, is usually not filled with positive or uplifting events. The news reminds us that there are many things in the world that are sad and depressing, but there are good things happening in the world, too.

As we consider our relationship to the world around us, we need to remember the goodness that is in our hearts. God has filled our hearts with His Word, love, and goodness. We have compassion and empathy. We need to protect our hearts from being drained by the sadness in the world. We can protect our hearts by returning to God through His Word and through prayer. We can also protect them by acting in God's love to foster more goodness and caring around us. As we guard our hearts and share God's love, the world can become a better place!

Guard your heart, but remember to share the love and compassion with which God has filled your heart!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for the love and compassion that You have poured into my heart. Please help me to guard my heart, to remember to return to You to keep it filled, and to share Your love and compassion with those around me. Through Jesus I pray, amen.

Remember to Rest!

7/22/2016

"Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made." -Genesis 2:3 (NASB)

Life can be hectic and our to do lists may never seem to end. Even in the midst of our busiest times, we need to be sure to rest. We need to rest our bodies, our minds, and our hearts. When we are looking for a place to rest, we can always turn to God.

God reminds us that we need to rest. God showed us the importance of rest as He took the seventh day, after His six days of creating, to rest. We can't always completely stop, but we can and should find time to rest. In our times of rest, we can reflect and talk to God. We can draw closer to Him as we step back from all the we have to do in order to renew our relationship with God and rejuvenate our hearts, minds, and bodies.

Take a hint from God and remember to rest!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for all that You give me and all that You have provided for me to do. Help me to remember to rest and to take time to seek and draw closer to You. Through Jesus I pray, amen.

Doesn't Have Me!

7/21/2016

"If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." -I John 1:8-9 (NASB)

In recent travels I saw a billboard that said, "I have a disability, but it doesn't have me!" The smiling child on the billboard seemed to show pure joy. The words and pictures caused me to think about our lives and our spiritual journeys.

We are all born into a world of sin. We have all sinned and therefore carry the "disability" of sin. Fortunately, we have a choice. We can choose to allow sin to have a hold on us or we can live free from sin! Jesus offers us a path to salvation that includes forgiveness and redemption. God can clear our sin completely, allowing us to be free from all sin. Praise to God!

Sin had you, but ask God for forgiveness and say, "Sin doesn't have me!"

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for redeeming me and for taking away my sin so it does not have a hold on me. Through Jesus I pray and praise You, amen.

What do you do?

7/20/2016

"I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears." -Psalm 34:4 (NIV)

Life is not always easy. Sometimes we experience difficulty and hardship. What do we do when we face such circumstances? No matter the situation we face, we can choose how to respond. What choice should we make?

No matter what we face, God is always with us. We can take whatever we are facing to God in prayer. We can seek the Lord and taking everything to God, having confidence in His power. God can deliver us from all of our fears and hardship. So what do we do? Take it to God!

What do you do when you face hardship? Take everything to God in prayer!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for loving me and comforting me. Please be with me, answer me and guide me. Through Jesus I prayer, amen.

We Have Witnesses!

7/19/2016

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." -Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)

Sometimes things are not as they appear. The images and events portrayed on television, the internet, or in print are edited and interpreted for time and space, but they may also be edited for point of view and not reflect the whole story or even the true story. A colleague recently shared such an interpretation of events being reported differently than what she saw and experienced. Fortunately for her and others involved, there were witnesses!

A lot of times we rely on others to check our own experiences or to support and justify our own feelings. If we are alone and enduring false accusations, it is difficult to convince others! We are fortunate to be surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. If we are saved by Jesus and redeemed through our faith in Him, then we do not have to worry about what others are saying. The heavenly witnesses surrounding us know the truth! We can continue to take off the sin that slows us down and we can persevere and run the race for truth, justice, and God's love, being cheered on by many witnesses!

You have witnesses, now go and run the race with faith and perseverance!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for providing me with redemption and with witnesses. Help me to continue to run the race for Your glory. Through Jesus I pray, amen.

Listen and Learn

7/18/2016

"He whose ear listens to the life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. He who neglects discipline despises himself, but he who listens to reproof acquires understanding." -Proverbs 15:31-32 (NASB)

When we look at life and the events that happen locally and globally, we may feel hopeless. We may get angry. We may ourselves off from everything that is happening. When we allow anger and frustration to interfere with our listening and learning, we cannot be part of the solution.

Even during those times when we don't feel we know what to do next, God does! As God's children, we may not be paying attention or wanting to hear the lessons that God has in store, but He is ready to teach us. We cannot neglect the lessons that God is teaching us through our experiences, the events in our world, through His Word, or through communication in prayer. Instead of giving up or shutting ourselves off from the world, we need to listen and learn the lessons of God so we are able to make a difference in His Kingdom!

Listen and learn the lessons that God is teaching you so you can make a difference for Him!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for Your love, support, and teaching. Help me to listen and learn the lessons that You have for me. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

No Reason to be Lost!

7/17/2016

"For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost." -Luke 19:10 (NASB)

With increasing technology it seems as though we have no reason or excuse for getting lost, but we have to know how to use those tools, even tools that might seem "out of date." I was recently reminded of this when watching a television show that challenged participants to find their way to different points using a map and compass. Some of the contestants knew how to use the tools to find their way, but others ended up lost.

As we navigate our spiritual journeys, we can get distracted by newer, catchier ways of doing things. We may forget the "tried and true" means of navigating found in God's Word and the promises of Jesus Christ. Fortunately, we are not just left to wander. God sent Jesus to search and seek those who are lost. God and Jesus are still actively seeking those who are lost. Whenever we begin to wander away from God, we can be found! We can return to God's Word to learn about Him and His will for our lives. We can return to God in prayer. We can allow the situations and experiences He has placed in our lives guide us back to Him. We can call out for Him and be found. With so many tools at our disposal, we really have no reason to be lost!

You don't have a reason to be lost. Jesus was sent to search for and save the lost, so call out to Him!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for being constant, steady, and true, even in a world that is changing and uncertain. Please keep me from wandering and never allow me to be lost. Through Jesus, the Seeker and Redeemer of the lost, I pray, amen.

Don't Jump without Knowing!

7/16/2016

"Also it is not good for a person to be without knowledge. And he who hurries his footsteps errs." -Proverbs 19:2 (NASB)

Have you ever experienced a time when you spoke too soon or jumped to judgement only to realize you didn't have all the facts? We live in a world where we have access to information almost instantaneously, but this information may not always be complete or accurate! There are times when we need to slow down and be sure we know before we hurry to take that next step.

We need to take time to build our knowledge and understanding before we jump to conclusions! There are different ways we can acquire true understanding and knowledge. We can study God's Word and learn His lessons about life. We can also learn and develop knowledge through prayer and asking for God's wisdom and knowledge. We can know more by listening to God's guidance and the experiences and resources He places in our lives. The next time we want to "hurry up" to know and comment on something, we need to be sure our steps are wise. We should take the time to truly know and have knowledge before we think we have the answers!

Make sure you have asked for God's knowledge before jumping to conclusions!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for providing me with opportunities to learn and grow. Please grant me patience, knowledge, and wisdom so I don't jump to conclusions without knowing. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Increasing Love

7/15/2016

"Now may our God and Father Himself and Jesus our Lord direct our way to you; and may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all people, just as we also do for you; so that He may establish your hearts without blame in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints." -I Thessalonians 3:11-13 (NASB)

Several years ago I met a passionate teacher that has made it her goal to serve underprivileged students. Yesterday I read an article written by a teacher that graduated from my alma mater and is now teaching in inner city Philadelphia. Both of these teachers don't just talk about making a difference, they are working in the midst of troubled communities and trying to make a difference, beyond this, both teachers exhibit a love for their students that is continually increasing.

As we approach our lives and our interactions with others, we need to carry with us the reminders that we need to demonstrate love. The source of all love is God. We can pray to God that He will increase the love in our hearts and that we can show this love to others in meaningful, productive ways. Through God we can move beyond the problems and find solutions rooted in love, grace, and mercy that can bring us all closer to each other and closer to God. It is through God that we can be forgiven and find increasing love can result in a peaceful eternity with Him!

Pray for increasing love that you can show to all those around you!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for loving me and I pray that You continue to give me ever-increasing love. Help me to show Your love to all those around me. Through Jesus I pray, amen.

Retaliate with Love!

7/14/2016

"But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." -Matthew 5:44 (NIV)

Hatred, evil, and violence are part of the world we live in. We are constantly reminded of this whenever we turn on the television, radio, or internet. Often times, we feel the urge to respond to hatred, evil, and violence with more hatred, evil, and violence. The world might say that responding with these acts is justified, but there is a better way!

No matter what we do, there will be people that will disapprove and may be considered our enemies. They may try to intimidate or trap us with hatred, evil, and violence. When experiencing such action, we need to be in prayer to God. We also need to listen to the guidance that Jesus provides for us. Rather than acting out in retaliation using the same tactics as our enemies, we need to act out in love. It is only through God's love that we can be made whole and that peace can be restored. We may need to abandon our own egos and desires, but showing love, even for (especially for) our enemies, can allow God's love and power to be revealed!

Don't retaliate with hatred, evil, or violence. Retaliate with God's love!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Than You for allowing me to know and experience Your love. Help me to remember that I should always love my enemies and that through Your love You can work miracles! Through Jesus I pray, amen.

United, Not Outsiders

7/13/2016

"Therefore you are no longer outsiders (exiles, migrants, and aliens, excluded from the rights of citizens), but you now share citizenship with the saints (God's own people, consecrated and set apart for Himself); and you belong to God's [own] household. You are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Christ Jesus Himself the chief Cornerstone." -Ephesians 2:19-20 (AMP)

There has been a lot of media coverage lately that highlights all of our differences. Whether we are different genders, different religions, different ethnicity, different races, different wealth, or have different political affiliations, these are reported to be our defining characteristics and the reasons that underlie all of our actions and result in tragedy. We may all be different, but these differences do not have to lead to fighting and tragedy. God has a different plan!

As we consider all of the differences we see and hear reported in the media, we may recognize that there are times in which each of us may feel like an outsider. There are times when we are not the same as those that surround us. Whenever we consider our uniqueness, we also need to consider what it means to be united and joined together. Through acceptance of Jesus' sacrifice for our sin and faith in God, we have the opportunity to be joined together with fellow believers, Jesus the Son, and God the Father. No matter our gender, ethnicity, race, wealth, or political affiliation, we can be united as the Church. We can build on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ to form a family of love, forgiveness, and faith. We can be united, not outsiders!

Don't be an outsider. Be united through the love and forgiveness offered to you through Jesus Christ!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for loving me, forgiving me, and accepting me the way I am. Help me to continue to draw closer to You, to understand and follow Your plan for my life, and to be united with my fellow believers. Through Jesus Christ, my Savior, I pray, amen.

Adventure and Praises!

7/12/2016

"Sing praise to the Lord, you His godly ones, and give thanks to His holy name." -Psalms 30:4 (NASB)

Life has its ups and downs and twists and turns. We try to stay on track with our goals in mind, but sometimes circumstances or a calling takes us in a direction that is different than we anticipated. God may lead us on awesome adventures! No matter where we are or what we are experiencing, there are blessings from God in our lives.

As we listen to God and strive to follow His will for our lives, we will experience awesome adventures and God will always be by our side. As we are living the ups and downs of life, we should take time to recognize all of the blessings we receive from God. In response to His blessings, we need to praise God and give thanks to Him. He is with us, guiding and leading us, loving and supporting us. Through it all, we should be continually singing His praises and thanking Him!

Enjoy the adventure God has for you and remember to look for His blessings and praise Him for it all!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for the adventures that You have prepared for me and the blessings You have provided in my life. I praise You and thank You for all that I am and all that I will be. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Recognize Goodness!

7/11/2016

"Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act." -Proverbs 3:27 (NIV)

Watching the news reminds us that there is a lot of evil around us. We need to be careful, because even through there is evil around us, there is good in the world. We may see or experience goodness in our lives. We may also know people that deserve good in their lives. It is important that we don't just focus on the evil, but that we also recognize the goodness in the world around us!

When it is in our power to recognize the good in others, we should do it! There are many ways we can recognize goodness. We can give a compliment. We can offer a tip or gratuity. We can perform acts of kindness. As we recognize goodness, we can rejoice and share God's love. As we share God's love, we can continue to encourage that spreads out and travels beyond ourselves and our personal circle. We have God's love and the power to act, we just have to do it!

Act in God's love and power to recognize the goodness around you!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for Your love, power, and goodness. Help me to embrace Your goodness and love and allow me to recognize the goodness that I see around me and experience. Through Jesus I pray, amen.

Don't Think Too Highly

7/10/2016

"For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you." -Romans 12:3 (NIV)

When we think about ourselves, who we are can be determined by many different pieces and experiences in our lives. We can look in the mirror and see the physical pieces of ourselves. We can meditate on what is in our hearts and minds. We can reflect on where we have been and what we have experienced in our lives. As we think about who we are, we need to think of who we are in our relationships with God.

As we think about ourselves, we shouldn't think too highly of what we have done or who we have become. We haven't been able to accomplish these things on our own. We haven't become better than anyone else. God loves each and every one of us. God has provided His love, grace, and mercy to everyone. It is through our acceptance of Jesus' sacrifice for our sin and our faith in God that set us apart. It is through God that we become great. Praise and thanks to Him!

Don't think too highly of yourself, but praise God for the greatness He has given You!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for Your greatness that instilled in me. Help me to not think too highly of myself, but allow me to show Your greatness to others. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Pray and Repay Evil with Blessings!

7/9/2016

"To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing." -I Peter 3:8-9 (NASB)

We live in a world where evil exists. There are all kinds of people that make choices stemming from hatred and evil. When hearing of or experiencing these tragic choices, we may be justifiably hurt and angry. We may demand change. However, we must reflect on our own hearts and actions in order to be sure we are taking the proper course of action.

Our first reaction may be to seek revenge, inflicting the same pain or discomfort on others that we have felt ourselves. Even though we may think this will make us feel better, the results are short-term. Instead of repaying evil with evil, we need to consider other actions. To use our anger in positive ways to make lasting change, we need to respond out of God's love. Instead of trying to hurt others, we need to bless each other and build each other up. Instead of responding with the intent of revenge and hurt, we can pray that we repay evil with blessings that allow God's love to spread and make the changes we seek!

Don't allow your anger to turn to hatred and evil plans. Instead, pray and repay evil with blessings!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Please comfort all those that are hurting. Thank You for Your presence and love. Help me to be an instrument of Your love and healing so that evil is repaid with Your blessings, love, and peace. Through Jesus I pray, amen.

Diamonds, Stones, Rejoice!

7/8/2016

"This is the day which the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it." -Psalms 118:24 (NASB)

I was listening to John Denver while driving in the car today. In one song, John Denver sings, "Some days are diamonds and some days are stones..." In life, we have our ups and downs, our good days and bad days. Sometimes it might feel that our not so good days are strung together in a long line. Even in the midst of these days, we need to remember to rejoice!

We all have good days and not so good days, but each of these days serves a purpose in our lives. God made each of these days and placed them in our lives. We can learn from good days, the diamonds. We can learn to be humble and to give God thanks and praise for the blessings we receive. We can learn from not so good days, the stones. We can learn to rely on God, to learn from the experiences He places in our lives, and to give God thanks and praise for accompanying and strengthening us through all that we face. Each day we are given by God is a blessing and we should rejoice and be thankful for it!

Whether your day is a diamond or a stone, thank God for His blessings in the day He has given you!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for always being with me and for strengthening and guiding me. Help me through whatever I face and remind me that I should always be rejoicing in what You have given me. Through Jesus I pray, amen.

Accept the Help!

7/7/2016

"I love the Lord, for He heard my voice; He heard my cry for mercy. Because He turned His ear to me, I will call on Him as long as I live." -Psalm 116:1-2 (NIV)

Being involved in a small organization is kind of like being involved in a family. Of course there are disagreements and politics, like there always are when a group of people get together, but there are also times when we need to help each other. So what happens when someone doesn't want help and that refusal of help begins to hurt the whole organization?

Being part of the church is being part of God's family. Sometimes members of the family disagree. Sometimes members of the family need help. It can be both sad and frustrating to watch others refuse help and in the process hurt themselves and others. As part of God's family and the body of Christ, we need to realize that there are times when we need to accept help! The help may come from other members of the body, from individuals outside of the family of God, or from God Himself. Instead of refusing help because of pride or arrogance, we should embrace it. After we embrace God and the help He sends us, then we can praise Him for always hearing our voice and we can be reassured by His presence in our lives.

Accept the help that God provides and praise Him for His presence in your life!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for always being present in my life. Allow me to know when I need help and to graciously receive and accept the help that You provide. Through Jesus I pray, amen.