THE LIGHT

TODAY’S SCRIPTURES: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it,” John 1:5

” Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” Proverbs 3:6

TODAY’S MESSAGE: When the lights go out in a bad storm the first things that we look for are either a flashlight or candles. Either one or both help us to navigate within the darkness of the night. When the storms of life approach us, we also search for a light to help to guide us through the dark. We are all looking for something to help us along the way. We sometimes try to find the nearest relative to give us advice. Other times we try to find a friend to give us words of assurance. As Christians we have the real answer to the dark storms of life. When these storms approach, and we feel as though the whole world is against us, the God of our life, our God who sits on the throne in heaven, has given us the true light. He has given us Jesus. All we must do is ask and we will receive. He is the one to give us unfaltering advice. He is the one to give us the love that we miss in the dark times. He is the one who stands beside us when all else fails. It is He and He alone who has the answers we need. He is in total control and is ready and willing to lead us through the darkness and into the light of day. The next time a storm approaches, don’t hesitate, go straight to the source and ask. He is there to answer and assist us all the way through the problems of life. PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!







	


	





	

		
A SLAVE TO RIGHTEOUS LIVING!
	


	
	

		

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE:  “Now you are free from your slavery to sin, and you have become slaves to righteous living.”  Romans 6:18





TODAY’S MESSAGE: In today’s world it is easy to get caught up in what the world believes to be righteous living.  The world believes it is ok to cut corners in life.  What is the trouble with telling a little white lie?  What is wrong with talking behind someone’s back? What is wrong with a little gossip?  What is wrong with fitting into society?  Everyone else is doing it.  Before becoming a child of the living God, we were all children of the devil.  We were born into sin and knew no different.  We were slaves of the way the world was run and to the beliefs that were brought forth by those who enforce its ways.  However, once we accept that Jesus is our Lord, our ways of life are to change.  Our lifestyles are to become different.  People are to see a change in the way we act and speak.  Before we were saved the devil had a foothold in our lives.  We saw nothing wrong in the ways we were living.  But once Jesus takes over our lives, we are to shed the evil ways of this world and become slaves of righteous living.   We are to conduct our lives in ways that are morally right and pleasing to God.  We are to live our lives in the way God dictates through his Holy Word, and we are to live by acting in accordance with his moral principles and standards.  We are to be obedient to his commands seeking every way to align our actions with His will.  We are to strive to be free from sin and evil and commit our ways to justice, fairness, and compassion.  We are to walk with integrity, speak the truth, despise evil, and live a life of faith and trust in God in heaven.  We become slaves of righteous living and not in living in this world.  PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!






	


	





	

		
TEST THE MESSAGE!
	


	
	

		

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE:  “They searched the scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth.”  Acts 17:11





TODAY'S MESSAGE: As Paul and Silas were teaching the message of Jesus in Berea, even then was the message tested. Scripture tells us that the people searched and scanned the scriptures daily to double check what Paul and Silas were teaching. They were wanting to make sure that the teaching they were receiving was true and correct. We today should also be testing all of the teachings we are hearing. All it takes is for one simple word to change a meaning of a sentence, a paragraph or a scripture itself.  It is easy for the devil, who knows the bible very well, to dig into the words being taught and insert something that shouldn't be there.  It is important that we take note of what we are hearing and take what we hear straight to the bible for comparison. It is not for us to become shy when we are to question.  It is for us to be sure that what we are learning about the Lord is true and honest. Afterall, what we learn is what we are to base our lives upon.  It is the way we are to act, to speak and to live. There is no room for error.  We cannot take for granted that every teacher is going to be protected from the errors of human mistakes.  It is wise that we pray for understanding and wisdom when we hear the word and read the word.  Again, we are to test the message!  PRAISE THE LORD IN AL THINGS!






	


	





	

		
THE COVENANT BLOOD OF JESUS!
	


	
	

		

TODAY’S SCRIPTURES:  ” And He took the cup, and said, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.”  Luke 22:20





“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they loved not their lives to the death.”  Revelation 12:11





TODAY’S MESSAGE:  There is nothing quite like the blood of Jesus.  His blood was given in sacrifice for you and me so that we have an opportunity to survive the evil attacks of this crazy world.  With the shedding of his blood on the cross, God created a new covenant with us. He created an agreement that allowed for the forgiveness of sins and the establishment of a new relationship with God himself.  We are able to go directly to God by using the name of Jesus.  God allows us to develop a deep and sincere relationship with him by the shedding of the blood.  The blood of Jesus also gives us the protection we need to overcome our battles here on earth and to advance in our battles within the great spiritual war raging on behind the scenes.  It is with the blood that we are strengthened, protected, loved and proven as God’s child.  It is by faith that we are able to accept the blood of Jesus as our redeeming factor and not that of silver and gold.  He is the lamb of sacrifice with whom there is no blemish or spot.  It is not with money or anything else that we can be redeemed.  It is with the blood of Jesus and with his blood only.   It is by the cleansing power of his blood that we are transformed from this world to the next.  It is by the grace of our God in heaven, that by giving his son Jesus as the unblemished sacrifice, we are able to go to him with confidence and peace of mind that through faith we are saved.  PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS! 
















	


	





	

		
FAITH AMONG HARDSHIPS!
	


	
	

		

TODAY’S SCRIPTURES:  “Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening.  Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations.  All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner flew off.”  Acts 16: 25-26





TODAY’S MESSAGE: In the midst of their mighty struggle, we see Paul and Silas never giving up on God.  They were chained in the inner dungeon with their feet clamped in stocks and yet they were focused on one thing, and that one thing was God.  Even though they were put away in the deepest part of the dungeon, God still saw their oppression and was about to release them through a mighty miracle.  Paul and Silas never gave up.  They stayed positive and kept their focus on the bright light of God.  We, too, are to stay positive through our struggles. We are to focus on what is about to happen rather than what is happening in the moment.  Our God is faithful and always has a way out prepared for us.  It will be just as large a miracle as the one Paul and Silas experienced, however, if we are focused on the problem, we will miss the miracle.  The ball is in our court.  There will always be problems in our lives, but it is up to us to determine how we will handle those problems.  We are to keep our sights on our God in heaven and not on the struggles and hardships around us.  When we do, our God will provide for us and deliver us each time.  PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!











	


	





	

		
OUR CORNERSTONE OF FAITH!
	


	
	

		

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE:  “For Jesus is the one referred to in the scriptures, where it says, ‘ The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.'”  Acts 4:11





TODAY’S MESSAGE: The definition of a cornerstone is, “a stone forming a part of a corner or angle of a wall.”  A cornerstone is the basic beginning of the foundation of a building.  Our faith must have a foundation.  The building of our faith is no different than building a strong house or any other structure.  We must have a cornerstone.  We must begin with a solid foundation so that our faith will be able to stand the struggles of time.  It must be able to stand up against the winds of lies and hardships.  It must be so solid as to not fall when we are going through times of sadness or through persecution or disappointment.  Our faith must not fall by the wayside when times are good or be forgotten in the busy times of this world.  Jesus is that cornerstone.  He is that first building block that gives us the strength we need to get us through every day, every month and every year.  He is the one who we believe in, trust in and confess to.  He is our conduit to God himself.  Without Jesus we are unable to reach God in heaven.  It is Jesus who gives us the strength we need when life is not going as we think it should.  It is Jesus who we go to when we pray and ask for forgiveness in our lives.  It is Jesus who gives us the assurances in life of salvation and healing.  Without our rock, our foundation, our cornerstone, we are unable to live our lives as God wants us to live them.  It is Jesus who is the first and the last.  It is Jesus upon whom we build our faith which allows us to move forward in strength, confidence and love for others.  Jesus is the stone that the builders rejected and has now become our cornerstone for our faith and existence upon this earth.  PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!






	


	





	

		
FINDING OUR SAFE SPACE!
	


	
	

		

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE:  “Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”  Psalm 91:1





TODAY’S MESSAGE:  As we live on this earth we try to choose the best places to live.  We choose places that are safe, clean and desirable for our families.  Sometimes our decisions are determined by our incomes and what we can afford.  The same goes for our spiritual lives.  With our faith in Jesus, we become better acquainted with God’s Word and His promises for our lives.  As spiritual beings we have the opportunity to live with peace of mind and in a shelter that is invincible. Our Lord offers us shelter that allows us to rest and grow.  When we come upon storms in our lives, we can feel secure and trust the Lord to protect us no matter the situation.  This shelter is protected by God himself.  His shadow falls upon those who believe and trust in him.  Doubts and fears fall away, as there is never a doubt when the Lord promises us.  We are to have comfort and a resounding peace of mind.  When we live within his shadow, we are close to him.  He is never far away.  Peace of mind and security are always by our side when we choose his shelter. PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!  

	


	





	

		
GOD’S GOODNESS FAR OUTWEIGHS THE EVILS THAT SURROUND US!
	


	
	

		

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE:  “Though the wicked spout like weeds and evil doers flourish, they will be destroyed forever.”  Psalm 92:7





“ And so, I tell you, keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for.”  Luke 11:9





TODAY’S MESSAGE: There are days when it seems as though there is no way we can move forward.  There are things ahead of us that we either do not want to face or feel that we cannot face on my own.  Well, there is good news.  It doesn’t matter how many bad things we face every day.  It doesn’t matter what the future looks like, because we have the power and the grace of our Lord on our side.  The Lord our God in heaven has more “goodness” in his little finger than all of the evil that exists in the world.  The devil tries very hard to make our lives miserable and he will succeed if we let him, but because our Lord God loves us so much, he gives us faith to believe in his ways and his strength.  With faith we are able to overcome the worst of the worst.  There is nothing we cannot do or handle if we just have the faith to truly believe and trust in the Lord.  It is by faith that we believe he walked this earth.  It is by faith that we believe there is a heaven.  It is by faith that we believe and accept eternal life and believe that we will live with him forever.  Everything that we are connected to in the Lord is by faith.  If we don’t have it, then our salvation is non-existent, and our lives are truly to be destroyed by the evil around us.  However, it is by the blood of Jesus that we have been given the opportunities to share what we believe and do so with the strength and power he provides us everyday. PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!











	


	





	

		
PROCLAIM THE GOOD NEWS OF JESUS!
	


	
	

		

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE:  ” Each day proclaim the good news that saves.  Publish his glorious deeds among the nations.  Tell everyone about the amazing things he does.”  Psalm 96:2-3 (NLT)





TODAY'S MESSAGE:  Each passing day allows another opportunity to spread the word of Jesus, to pass us by. It is important that we latch onto each day and allow his word to flow into and through our lives. Each passing day is a great opportunity to show others just what salvation is all about. As we go about our business each day, opportunities are open to us to spread the word of God that we may never recognize, and if we don't recognize them, then we allow them to float right on past us.  There are lives that have the opportunity to become a part of the rich and glorious eternal home in heaven, if we just take the time to talk about our experiences and our faith in Jesus.  If we are to help our God to win souls, then we must become strong and faithful in our efforts.  We live in a time and a world that is soaked in social medial opportunities.  We can reach people today who we would never have been able to reach years ago. We have been given the tools and the opportunities to reach the whole world.  It is a privilege to be a part of God's holy army.  It is an honor to stand up and voice our faith and our trust in Jesus our Lord and Savior.  He is the key.  Without a personal relationship with Him there is no way to get into heaven.  If we don't know him then we will not be recognized by our God in heaven.  The time is now.  Tomorrow may be too late. It is time to tell all of those around us of the opportunity of salvation and the great benefits it brings.  It is either heaven or hell.  Let us all be a part of heaven!  PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!  

	


	





	

		
TEAR DOWN THOSE BARRIERS!
	


	
	

		

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE:  “For the weapons of our warfare are not worldly but are powerful in God to destroy strongholds.  We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”  2 Corinthians 10:4-5





TODAY’S MESSAGE: We all have barriers that we must overcome.  We all have issues that seem to plague us in our everyday lives.  Some may be simple, and others may be complex, but no matter how large they may seem we have the tools that we need in order to tear these barriers down.  As children of God, we have access to the weapons needed to overcome the strongholds of the devil.  We have been given the greatest weapon needed in our fight against the evils that come against us every day.  We have been presented with the name of Jesus.  It is through his name that we are able to jump over the mountains we confront, pass through the tiniest of openings we are given to get through, and we are strong enough to plow through the densest of troubles in our lives.  There is absolutely nothing that we cannot do in the name of Jesus.  It is with this name that we have been given the great powers of faith and trust.  It is in his name that we have been given the ability to not blink when we are confronted with things that seem so impossible that it looks like we will never succeed.  We all have areas in our lives that we consider weaknesses but in the name of Jesus they will become strengths.  It is time to recognize our own stronghold.  It is time to take up the shield of faith and put on the full armor of God and go to war against the devil and his army.   What appears to the world as earthly warfare is in reality spiritual warfare.  We cannot become triumphant in our battle until we are fully prepared for the war ahead of us.  It is time to take control by using the weapons prepared for us by our God in heaven.  It is time to win the war and to do it with strength and never-ending faith and trust in our God.  It is time to tear down the barriers in front of us and march forward in confidence and strength!  PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!











	


	





	

		
IT IS NEVER TOO DARK!
	


	
	

		

TODAY’S SCRIPTURES:  “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.”  Psalm 23:4





“Don’t worry about evil people who prosper, or fret about their wicked schemes.”  Psalm 37:7





“The Lord Says, ‘ I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name.'”  Psalm 91:14





TODAY’S MESSAGE: There are times in life when the walls of darkness seem to be closing in around us.  There are times in life when it seems too dark for anyone or anything to be able to find us in our deepest troubles.  Without the Lord it is impossible to find our way home.  It is not possible to turn around and go through the things we need to go through in order to get ourselves out of our messes.  However, with trust in our Lord Jesus, we are able to be lifted up and out of our darkness and placed in his bright light.  Jesus has gone through all of our troubles and has placed himself in our shoes so that we don’t have to walk in the dark walk alone.  Without light the darkness is too dark.  We will just wander around and make turns we shouldn’t make and run into things we shouldn’t run into.  But, with the Lord by our side, we are able to find our way home.  We are able to be lifted up by the loving arms of Jesus out of the darkness and into his brightness.  It is through Jesus that the light shines brightly and allows us to return to our loving God in heaven.  It is never too dark when we have a Savior as we have in Christ.  His light is always with us, and we will never be lost.  It is by trust in Him and faith in his ways that we are able to maneuver our way through problems that create anxiety and fear in our lives. We must remember that where there is faith there in so fear! PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!
















	


	





	

		
CATCH YOUR MIRACLE TODAY!
	


	
	

		

Miracles from God can come to us in many different ways. They can arrive as “Transcendental Events”, which are events that are beyond the scope of natural explanation or human capability. They can come as a “Devine Intervention” where they are direct actions from God and not from humans. They may arrive as “Signs and Wonders”, where they demonstrate God’s power and purpose. A miracle may come with “Great Purpose” in order to confirm a message, convey the truth or reveal God’s character and power. They may also come to enforce “Faith and Belief.” Whatever form the Lord uses to show us his great power, love and wisdom, we should not miss it. It is so important to stay aware and not to allow ourselves to become complacent and without great awareness of God’s power around us. In the bible we see great miracles performed by God in such ways as raising the dead, walking on water, Elijah’s fire from heaven, or healing of the sick and the lame. All of these miracles had great meaning and were used by God to show, to explain something, or to increase faith. Romans 10:17 says, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” We must have great faith to see our miracles. They may not come in the form of a great healing or by the parting of the seas, but they will be meant for us, and we must grasp onto them. We must make ourselves aware of God’s work in our life and grasp onto it. Miracles happen every day and come in many different forms and we so often miss them. In order to better prepare ourselves, to receive our miracles of God, we are to read his word, meditate in his Word and allow his Word to become living and active within us. We must become one with God. Most of us do not take the time to pray and meditate upon his word. We don’t take the time to try to make Him a part of us. Instead, we read it and lay it down until the next day and then repeat our actions. It is time to increase our faith. It is time to accept God’s miracles in our lives. Take hold and never let go! PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!











	


	





	

		
RELY UPON GOD’S GRACE!
	


	
	

		

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE:  “There is salvation in no one else!  There is no other name in all of heaven for people to call on to save them.”  Acts 4:12





TODAYS MESSAGE:  It is through the grace of God that you and I have a choice of salvation or death.  Many love what they have in this world and don’t want to give anything up.  They don’t want to sacrifice anything they have worked for or anything they believe to be precious and valuable in their life.  However, it through the grace of our God, that we have the opportunities that are given to us in this world.  We can either take our gifts from the devil and his evil ways or we can look to God in heaven and receive our gifts from him.  When we take our gifts from the world, they are only temporary and will end when our life ends. When we depend upon God, our gifts in this world, become tools of faith and help us, not only in our own journey with Jesus, but also to help others in need. When we believe, we must remember that God is a loving God.  He does not want us to wander around this world as worthless beggars who are unable to work for a living.  He doesn’t want us to walk with a constant attitude of sorrow and sadness.  He instead, wants us to be proud and caring for others and able to help in times of need. To do so, we must be dependent upon him to help us.  We must give him credit for our “things” in this world.  Everything we have obtained in our journey on earth truly belongs to God in heaven.  We must remember that without Him we would not have these things.  It is by our faith and trust in our Lord that we obtain the things needed in this world and are able to live a life that represents the love of Jesus.  Let all remember that we all have our own journey, and that God will help us through if we just depend upon him. PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!






	


	





	

		
THE TRAVELED PATH!
	


	
	

		

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need."  Luke 12:31

TODAY'S MESSAGE: In the path we travel in this world there are many distractions along the way.  There are road signs that try to deter us from our travels.  There are signs that show us the way to stores, restaurants, to gas stations, to movie theaters, to antique shops and many other places that we can go to have fun. However, along our spiritual journey we are to stay on the path.  Our eyes are to remain focused on where our eternal destination is to end.  We are not to be distracted and allowed to wander off the path to see something that may take our mind off of our destination.  In our spiritual travels we are to keep our eyes squarely on Jesus. We are to remain focused on where we are going and what we are to doing along the way.  We don't need road signs along our journey with Jesus. The bible tells us that if we seek his Kingdom, he will provide us with everything we need. He will provide our food, shelter, health and forgiveness. He will even pick us up and put us back on the path if we do happen to stray.    It is time to stay focused.  It is time to keep our eyes on Jesus and allow our Lord God in heaven to take us by the hand and lead us to eternal life with him. PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS! 

	


	





	

		
I LOVE YOU JESUS!
	


	
	

		

Today is a day that the Lord has made! It is another day that we should be totally grateful to our Lord.  Today, as each day, I express my undivided expression of love and devotion to my Lord Jesus Christ! I love you Lord for your unchanging love and grace, mercy, and your eternal love.  I love you Lord for your ability to bring about all good things even in hard times.  I love you Lord for your compassion and your mercy that you show to my family and to me each day.  Even when I fall short, you are always there with your kindness and empathy.  I love you Lord for your eternal forgiveness and undeserved blessings.  Even though I sometimes bypass your truth you are always beside me to pick me up and nudge me along.  I love you Lord for your continued protection in difficult circumstances.  I Love you Lord for your gift of the Holy Spirit who gives me guidance, power and wisdom each day.  I love you Lord for the sacrifice of your Son, Jesus, so that I can live.  I love you Lord for eternal life as I continue to believe and strengthen my faith in your wisdom and love.  I love you Lord for being who you are so that I can live with a caring and loving attitude that is to be displayed to the world.  





Each day that we get to see the sun rise in the east is another gift from our God in heaven.  Each day that we get to take a breath of fresh air with our families is another day that is a gift from our God.  Each day is a day that we should take time to give him thanks for who he is and what he does in our lives. Even though we may sometimes take for granted his every move, his love for us is faithful and never ending and we are to praise him and love him for all that he gives us.  As Hebrews 13:15 tells us:  “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise- the fruit of the lips that give thanks to his name.”   PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!






	


	





	

		
HE RENEWS MY STRENGTH FROM ONE MOMENT TO THE NEXT!
	


	
	

		

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE:  ” Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. But in all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (KJV)





TODAY’S MESSAGE:  We are not to be dependent on our own strength and our own understanding.  Instead, we are to trust our God for his knowledge and understanding in all things.  Each moment of each day is precious, and we must not forget who gives the breath of fresh air when we take each deep breath.  We cannot forget that our life is only existent because our God in heaven has determined that we are still useful or still in need upon this earth.  We all have a job to do. We are either needing to be saved or are helping to save others. Sometimes people will refuse to do what the Lord desires and will go about their lives living their duration of life within the ways of this world.  There are others who do live within the will of God but have just not finished their assignment.   We all are subject to cross over to the afterlife at a moment’s notice.  We don’t know when that might be.  So, it is important that we not only live each day as though it is our last but that we live each moment as our last.  If you are reading this today, then you have been granted another moment in God’s time. You have been given another opportunity to exercise your love for Christ, by becoming a servant of Christ and doing his will in your life.  You must not waste your next moment.  It may be your last.  Show those around you that you love them.  Tell them that you love them.  Show Jesus to the world and be sure that what you do is with all of your heart and with all of your strength, as only God knows when you may take your last breath.  PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS! 






	


	





	

		
COMING TO JESUS IS WHEN THE WORK BEGINS!
	


	
	

		

TODAY’S SCRIPTURES:  “So humble yourselves before God.  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you.”  James 4:7-8





TODAY’S MESSAGE: It is when we come to Jesus that our work begins.  This is the time when we must trust in him, our faith must be strong, and we must stand up for his message to the world.  This is the time when the devil and his demons will do everything within their power to stop what God wants us to do.  There will mountains of problems put before us and great seas of issues for us to overcome.  I was once taught that if I am suddenly having troubles in my life, then there is something great on the horizon about to happen.  I truly believe this.  It is when our God is working that the devil is working.  God is working hard to spread his message of salvation, so that those who are unaware of the power of Jesus, can become aware.  He works hard knocking at the doors of those who may not believe or who may not understand His ways.  At the same time the devil is working just as hard to do just the opposite.  He is working by telling lies to hinder those who are coming to Jesus. He is pulling out all the stops to hinder the message that God and his mighty army are trying to spread.  As Christians it is our responsibility to carry out the Word of God.  It is up to us to listen to the Holy Spirit and follow his instructions.  It is our responsibility to shout the name of Jesus as loudly as we can, so that all ears may hear, and all people may become aware of what God has awaiting them.   It is up to us to live our lives in support of the message that we are in charge of.  The devil does not resist those who he has control over.  However, he tirelessly works at stopping those of us who are spreading God’s Holy Word.   It is important that we refuel our tanks every day.  We are to continue to read the bible, meditate upon its content, pray continually, so that our faith never wavers, and our hopes and dreams never fade.  Our Lord God in heaven is always faithful and never lets is down!  PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!






	


	





	

		
GOD’S PROMSES PROTECT YOU EVERYDAY!
	


	
	

		

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: "He will cover you with his feathers.  He will shelter you with his wings.  His faithful promises are your armor and protection."  Psalm 91:4

TODAY'S MESSAGE: There is not a day that goes by that you and I have not been protected by God in some way. It is because of his love for us and because of the promises he has provided, that we are able to get through each day.  We all know that there are troubles of all kinds and problems that arise from every corner.  Without our God in heaven, we would not be able to handle these problems in the ways of strength.  However, God has supplied us with all the tools we need to be able to confront battles head on and be conquerors of what plagues us. He has promised us protection from the things that happen in this world.  He has given us truth to live by and his word to remind us.  He has given us Jesus to save us and keep us healthy.  He has given us the Holy Spirit to guide us in our ways and not allow us to wander too far away. It is because of his gifts and his promises that we are able to stand up and be strong in our beliefs and not waver when we are attacked.  It is our God in heaven who deserves all of the glory and praise for our accomplishments in this life.  Without him we would not have the strength to stand nor the understanding to be able to plow through the evils of the devil.  He has promised that he is our Lord, Savior, Forgiver, Healer, understanding and strength.  All we have to do is build up our faith and believe.  We must remember that "we can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens us." Philippians 4:13. PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!

	


	





	

		
IF YOU HAVE JESUS, YOU HAVE THE EAR OF GOD!
	


	
	

		

TODAY’S SCRIPTURES:  “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.”  Romans 8:14





“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.”  John 16:13





TODAY’S MESSAGE: When we accept Jesus, we are accepting all of the rights and honors that come with that great moment in our lives.  We are accepting his way of living, loving and leading our lives.  Once we accept Jesus as Savior, he accepts us into the family of God as His child.  It is with this acceptance that we understand that we also have the ear of God, for it is through Jesus that God recognizes and listens to each of us.   It is through the acceptance of the sacrifice that God gave to us, Jesus His Son, that opens the doors of heaven itself.  It is through this acceptance that our lives begin to change so that we continue to become conformed to the image of Jesus.  We are not approved by God by our successes in life or how much we give to the poor, but instead we are approved by God on the basis of our faith. It is through this faith that we develop the giving attitude and accept the successes from God. We must believe that he hears our every prayer.  We must believe that he does take actions in our lives, and we must believe that every action he takes, no matter whether we agree or disagree, is at his direction and for his good.  We do have God’s ear.  When we go to him in the name of Jesus, he listens to our every word.  He hears us and responds to our needs.   It is through Jesus that our lives become something other than a part of this world.  It is through Jesus that a place in heaven is secured for us, a place that we so greatly desire and are thankful for. PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!











	


	





	

		
WHEN I AM DOWN GOD IS UP!
	


	
	

		

TODAY’S SCRIPTURES:  ” I will call to you whenever I’m in trouble and you will answer me.”  Psalm 85:7





“Every word of God proves true.  He is a shield to all who come to him for protection.”  Proverbs 30:5





TODAY’S MESSAGE:  I have learned throughout the years that whenever I am down and out that my God in heaven is always standing up and applauding me.  He is my greatest supporter.  There is no other like Him.  He is by my side when things are going great, and he remains by my side when things get tough.  It never matters how low I feel, he is by side reminding me of his mighty word and of all the promises he has given.  There is no doubt that the promises he has laid before me are there for me to claim and use. He reminds me that he is my safety net when I fall.  He is my rock when I need protection from harsh words that are coming my way.  He is my refuge when I need a place to get away and rest.  There is no other like my God in heaven.  He loves me so much but for some reason it is hard for me to remember that as often as I should.  However, he understands my faults and is always consistent in his protection of me.  You see, he has promised that he never fails.  He has promised that he loves me.  He has promised that he is always there when I call out to him.  With those promises alone I am able to move forward through thick and thin, through good times and bad.  When I am down my God in heaven is always up!  PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL SITUATIONS!










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GOD’S REASONS -NOT OUR OWN!
	


	
	

		

                                      (THERE IS A REASON FOR EVERYTHING)





TODAY’S SCRIPTURES:  “For I have plans for you, says the Lord.  They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”  Jeremiah 29:11





TODAY’S MESSAGE: Have you ever started your day with what you thought were great plans, but for some reason, your plans were disrupted, and you had to turn your whole day in a different direction? If you haven’t noticed, this takes place quite often.  There is always something that gets in the way of our perfect plan.  Our God has his own plans for our lives.  He has a mission for us to complete, and if our direction is different than his, then he will change our direction.  A good example of this is when Saul was on his way to Damascus to persecute Christians.  Saul had a plan.  On this day he was on his way to persecute and throw in prison those who loved and talked about Christ Jesus.   However, on his journey his plans changed.  Suddenly, there was a bright light that surrounded him.  He fell to the ground, and he heard a voice from heaven.  This voice was the voice of Jesus, himself.  Our Lord had a plan that was about to override the plan of Saul.  Saul was about to go through the greatest transition that anyone could think of going through.  The plan that God had for Saul was one of greatness is Jesus.  He was about to become one of the greatest supporters of the message that ever lived. This transition was one of salvation, forgiveness and healing in his life.  Saul’s plan for the day was all of the sudden gone!  A new plan took its place.  Saul was in the process of becoming one of those who he had been hunting down.  What a transition.  Our lives are no different.  There is a reason for everything.  There are no coincidences. Our God is in control, and he will try very hard to keep us on the straight path. The next time our plans are disrupted let’s just take a step back and see what God is trying to do in our lives. It may be time to pick up the Bible to read it, to meditate upon it, to pray to Him, or to listen carefully to the Holy Spirit. Whatever the reason our plan changes we must be aware that it may be God working in our lives.  We should listen and love our God just as he loves us. PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!






	


	





	

		
SERVING!
	


	
	

		

TODAY'S SCRIPTURES: "Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus." 2 Tomothy 2:3

"For Jesus said, 'For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve.'"  Mark 10:45

TODAY'S MESSAGE:  Jesus taught that serving was a central part of being a Christian, and that it should be done out of love and humility. So many times, when we serve, we do so because we are forced to.  We feel an obligation to help others because, in many cases, we are looking for something in return.  That is not true Christian serving.  That is not why Jesus came to serve.  He was not looking for anything in return, in fact, he was looking human death in the face. Serving with love and humility is sometime hard to do.  It is easier for some than others, but we must learn how and why we must serve. We are to love others just as Jesus loved us.  His love ran so deep that he was willing to go through pain, suffering and death for us.  His love ran so deep that he was willing to carry every burden that you and I have on his shoulders.  Is our love that strong?  I would guess not, but with that kind of love we are willing to serve without prejudice or greed.  Our attitude becomes one of humility where we are not serving so that those around us can see what we have done or what we are doing. We are to put others before ourselves.  We are to think of the needs of others rather than our needs. God has given each of us gifts in our lives. We are to use our gifts in the spirit of giving and not receiving. Serving others is vital to our beliefs and our actions as Christians.  If we are not serving with the same attitude as the Lord, then it is time to get on our knees and ask for his help.  He never fails us.  PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!    

	


	





	

		
OUR LOVE FOR GOD WILL BOUNCE BACK TO REFLECT UPON OTHERS!
	


	
	

		

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE:  “He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.”  Psalm 37:6





TODAY’S MESSAGE:  Our God created us especially for himself.  He created each of us for fellowship with him.  He continued to love us even after the great deception of Adam and Eve.  He continued to show his love for us by giving his Son, Jesus as a sacrifice so that we may live.  We are to look to our God each day and give him the glory and praise that He so richly deserves.  Sometimes we become very selfish in our prayers and forget who we are talking with.  We forget our first duty as a child of our God in heaven.  We are to love him and to honor him and praise his very existence.  When we do this, we also enrich our faith and our love for each other.  We receive the joy of Jesus, and we begin to stand out in the crowd.  The shining existence of our Lord lands upon us and we begin to glow with the same light as he shines with.  We begin to live our lives with his values and morals and begin to live in right standing with Him.   When we begin to praise our Lord, his glory is so powerful and radiates so strongly that we cannot escape it.  It shines upon us and radiates through us to those around us.  We must remember that we are the justice of his cause.  We are who he is fighting for.  We are of those who he loves so much.  It is you and me who cry out to him for answers and have the faith to receive from him.  We must remember that we are the image of the glory of our God in heaven!  PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!






	


	





	

		
THE GLORY OF GOD ON HIGH!
	


	
	

		

TODAY’S SCRIPTURES:  ” And the Word became flesh and swelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”  John 1:14





“Glory belongs to God, whose power is at work in us.  By this power he can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine.”  Ephesians 3:20-21





“Bring all who claim me as their God, for I have made them for my glory. It was I who created them.”  Isaiah 43:7





TODAY’S MESSAGE:  Our God is not only glorious but is The Glorious God on High.  He is the creator of all the world and the creator of you and me.  Sometimes we need to set back and try to absorb what God is telling us in the scriptures above.  He is the one and only God and he made us for his glory.  We are made to glorify him, not only when we get to heaven, but also here on this earth.   He came to this earth in the flesh, in the presence of Jesus, so that we could experience his glory.  He lived among us and became our friend.  He became our teacher and our example of goodness, love and understanding.  He became a sacrifice for us so that you and I could live our lives in the way God intended.  We, however, have choices to make.  It is one thing to say the words in glorifying God, but it is a totally different thing to live a life that glorifies our God in heaven. We are to walk in his ways and live so that others will follow his ways.  We never know who is watching us.  If we are telling others we are children of the living God and then lives our lives in the ways of the world, we are lying to those around us and to God.  What we say is what we should do.  All glory should be going to our God in heaven and not to the world.  It is important that we occasionally examine our ways to be sure we are in line with the ways of God.  Are we reading his word daily?  Are we learning and memorizing scriptures that will help us in our daily lives?  Are we praying and praising God on a regular basis?  All of these things help us to stay on the path God intends us to be on. It is time to glorify God on earth and in heaven.    JESUS IS LORD!






	


	





	

		
THERE IS NO DISTANCE BETWEEN US AS JESUS BINDS US TOGETHER!
	


	
	

		

TODAY’S SCRIPTURES:  So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline.  Be even tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive and offense.  Forgive as quickly as the Master forgave you.  And regardless of what else you put on, wear love.  It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.” Colossians 3: 12-14 (The Message)





TODAY’S MESSAGE:  In the world today, we are closer to each other than ever before.  It is so easy to hop on a plane and be somewhere else in the world in and instant.  It is easy to jump on to the computer and quickly spread the message of Jesus.  With the vast social media world what better time is there to spread the gospel of Christ?  Our ministry each day reaches those in the United States, Great Britan, Canada, India, China, Africa and many other countries.  To those who read our message each day we are all like-minded.  We read the Holy Word, we know his promises, we put on the full armor of God each day and go forth to spread his word.  We all believe in the truth that our Lord puts forth, and we believe it so much that we live it and display it every day.  There may be distance in miles and kilometers between us, but Jesus is our binding force.  He is our likeness, and we all know each other because of Him.  We may live in different countries with different cultures driving our lives, but it makes no difference.  When we love Jesus, we all come back to the same basic values that our Lord desires for us.  Our values become the same and our lives represent the same things.  It is all because of our binding faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. There is no distance between us as Jesus binds us together.  JESUS IS LORD!






	


	





	

		
THE DISTANT LIGHT
	


	
	

		

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE:  “When they walk through the valley of weeping, it will become a place of refreshing springs, where pools of blessing collect the rains.”  Psalm 84:6





“Do not fear for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”  Isaiah 41:10 





TODAY’S MESSAGE:  Help is just a short breath away.  We are never alone.  Whether we are in the greatest joy of our life or whether we are going through the greatest of troubles, our Savior is just a breath away.  Suddenly our troubles turn to laughter and our sadness to gladness. We must, however, keep the faith.  It is not without cost that our salvation was won.  It was with great anguish and anxiety that our Lord Jesus hung upon that cross.  It was because of that anguish that you and I see the light in the distance. It is because of the droplets of blood that came running down his face, and the pain that he felt as the spikes were driven though his flesh, that you and I can stand tall with the hope of joy and peace as we move through our troubles.  His sacrifice was so much more than ours.  His pain is so much more painful than ours.  His anguish so much stronger than ours.  Yet when we go through our troubles, our pain and our sorrows, he is there by our side to comfort us.   He has already gone through these emotions.  He has gone through the worst of the worst so that you and I won’t have to.  There is a light in the distant and that light is the shining star of heaven!  PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!











	


	





	

		
BE LITERAL IN YOUR BELIEF!
	


	
	

		

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE:  “But Peter and John replied, ‘ Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than Him?’ ”  Acts 4:19





TODAY’S MESSAGE:  Just what does it mean when someone tells us that we should take the “literal meaning” of something?  When that happens, we are to interpret our source at face value.  We are not to construe any of the meanings that are put forward.  When we read the bible, we are to take the Word from God in a straightforward manner.  We are not to try to put any of our own interpretation into what God is telling us.  We are not to assume that because much of what we read comes to us in a historical sense that it does not apply to us today.  Every word and every thought that is in God’s Holy Word is true and for all generations.  There are many promises that have been handed down throughout the bible and they are as enforceable today as they were the day they were handed down.  There are many parables throughout the bible that are as real today as they we were the day they we originally told by Jesus.  When we pick up God’s Word and begin to read, we are not just reading a history book.  We are reading the LIVING Word of God.  We are reading his thoughts, his promises and his words for us today and for generations to come.  His word is true and honorable and never changes.   Deuteronomy 4:2 tells us, “YOU SHALL NOT ADD TO THE WORD THAT I COMMAND YOU, NOR TAKE FROM IT, THAT YOU MAY KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS OF THE LORD YOUR GOD THAT I COMMAND YOU.” Revelation 22:18-19 says, “FOR I TESTIFY TO EVERYONE WHO HEARS THESE WORDS OF THE PROPHECY OF THIS BOOK: IF ANYONE ADDS TO THEM, GOD WILL ADD TO HIM THE PLAGUES WHICH ARE WRITTEN IN THIS BOOK; AND IF ANYONE TAKES AWAY FROM THE WORDS OF THE BOOK OF THIS PROPHECY, GOD WILL TAKE AWAY HIS PART FROM THE TREE OF LIFE FROM THE HOLY CITY WHICH IS WRITEEN IN THIS BOOK.”  For those throughout history who have done such things by taking away or adding to the Holy Word of God, their life’s existence is hanging the balance.  We are to take God at his word.  We are to not change it to fit into our world.  We are to take our world and fit it into God’s ways.  Just as Peter and John replied in Acts 4:19, “DO YOU THINK GOD WANTS US TO OBEY YOU RATHER THAN HIM? ”   ALL GLORY TO GOD ON HIGH!

	


	





	

		
BEING PURSUED BY GOD!
	


	
	

		

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE:  “Surely your goodness and your unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.”  Psalm 23:6





TODAY’S MESSAGE: I was once being chased by a hungry lion.  I ran and ran but this lion just kept getting closer and closer to me. All at once the lion was upon me and about to close his jaws around me when I woke up and realized that it was only a dream.  Just as I was being pursued by that lion in my dream, you and I are being pursued by someone real.  That person is God himself.  His message of salvation, healing and forgiveness is real and not a dream.  His pursuit of us is real, and I believe it will continue, until we either succumb to his pursuit, or we outrun him and never let him get close. What we must understand is the reason he is pursuing us.  The bible tells us that it is because he loves us, and he has a desire to have a relationship with us.  He pursues us to save us from our sins and from dying in those sins.  Without him we will go to hell and not heaven.  He is pursuing us because his love is one that is considered sacrificial.  He sacrificed his son for the right to pursue each of us. He pursues us because we are his creation.  Yes, we are born a sinner and born into a sinful world, but he has given us an alternative way of becoming his child and not the child of the devil.  He pursues each of us through Jesus, the Holy Spirit and his Mighty Word, the Bible.  He is relentless in his love for each of us and relentless in his pursuit of us.  It is wise for us to slow down in our attempt to run from God and let him catch us.  When he does his loving arms will gently surround us with a love that we have never felt before.  We will be stronger, more loving and more joyful in the way we live our lives, as witnesses among those around us. PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!

	


	





	

		
THE FRAILTY OF HUMANITY
	


	
	

		

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE:  How frail is humanity?  How short is life, and how full of trouble.  Like a flower, we blossom for a moment and then wither.”  Job 14: 1-2





TODAY’S MESSAGE:  The life we have been blessed with here on this earth is just a quick breath away from being over.  The younger we are the less we think about our humanity and just how fragile it is.  It is here one day and gone the next.  Just as Job was describing in 14: 1-2, our lives are full of troubles, some with more than others.  However, our problems are nothing when they are fit into the whole picture puzzle.  When it gets right down to it, our lives should be full of the joy of the Lord.  We should be spending most of our time understanding the spirit world (the unseen vs the seen) because that is just what we are, spirits. All of our strength, joy and understanding comes from our God in heaven who is a spirit. Our moments should be concerned with what Jesus did for us so that we can live out our lives with dignity and a love for our God in heaven.  We should be praying always, listening for answers and praising our God for all of his goodness.  Instead, we find ourselves, in many cases, melting away in despair because of the troubles and problems we must face each day.  If we are focused on Jesus, these problems will amount to nothing.  Yes, they are still there, and new ones will rise up to take the place of those that have been conquered.  However, with our Lord on our side there is nothing but joy that we should be expressing.  Our faith should be increasingly strong supported with strong words that support or faith.  We are not to be thrashing around in pity for ourselves or for anyone around us.  Jesus has already conquered our battles and the war.  Life on this earth is precious.  Each day is to be enjoyed through Jesus and not anguished over because of our own missteps in life.  Life is short and we must enjoy it by loving our Lord and living on his behalf.  PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!






	


	





	

		
SOMETIMES OUR OWN SELFISHNESS STIMIES GOD’S POWER IN OUR LIFE!
	


	
	

		

TODAY’S SCRIPTURES:  “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed.  Life is not measured by how much you own.”  Luke 13:13 (NLT)





“Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”  Luke 12:21 (NLT)





“ All believers were united in heart and mind.  And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had.”  Acts 4:32 (NLT)





TODAY’S MESSAGE:  I cannot speak for everyone else, but I can tell you that I am not perfect.  In saying that, I confess to the fact that there are times when I am selfish in what I say and do.  I pray to my Lord in heaven with all of the sincerity I can muster, but then I find myself turning to my next steps and relishing all that I have on this earth.  I look at my money accounts and long for the balances to grow before my eyes.  I have a hard time giving up what I own because I consider everything mine and mine alone.   It is at those moments I am drawn back to the fact that everything I own was given to me by my God in heaven.  I have nothing that I really earned on my own.  My God has blessed me with the ability to work in this world and garner the wages I have garnered.  He has allowed me the health in my Life to move forward and do the things that I consider enjoyment.  He has placed me in the right place at the right time to meet my wife of 58 years.  He has blessed us with 4 wonderful children, 11 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.  I am reminded that greed will kill my relationship with God.   Our lives on this earth are short and become what we allow them to become.  If we allow ourselves to become the rulers of our own lives, then we will soon find out that what we do on this earth as a ruler will end in disaster.  We will live and rule our kingdoms on this earth, but our eternity will be our own failure.  Our Lord reaches out to us every day.  He answers our prayers when they are within his will.  He allows us the freedom to choose life after death.  He gave his only Son, Jesus Christ, as a sacrifice so that you and I could be saved and live with Him forever.  The Lord wants to be a part of our lives every day.  He wants us to experience the prayers that he answers for us.  He wants us to give credit where credit is due.  He wants us to worship him and not the things of this world.  It is when we build and solidify our relationship with him that we become confident in our everlasting life.  It is time to squash selfishness in our lives and allow forgiveness, love and love for others to rule.  It is time to stand boldly in the face of selfishness and strike it down.  We must always remember that Jesus is Lord!  PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL SITUATIONS!