THE FOUNTAIN OF OUR LIFE!

“For you are the fountain of life, the light by which we see.” Psalm 36:9

I am sure that most have heard of the fountain of youth. It is a life-giving water that helps to make us return to our youth and extend our lives. We all know that there is no fountain of youth. However, there is a fountain of life. Jesus accepted a mission from God the Father that allowed us to regain our youth an extend our lives. Our God in heaven is gracious and loving. He gave us the greatest gift possible, Jesus Christ! His mighty gift to us, Jesus, is the source of living water. It is our acceptance of him that allows us to be reborn and to begin our lives over. We are able to begin a life that is full of power, love and joy. He is our guiding light as we travel the roads of this world. When we fall, he picks us up. When we get lost in the forest, he is there to put us back on the correct path. He is with us to wipe away tears of sadness and replace them with thoughts of joy and happiness. He died so that we could live. The difference is that we are NOT to live a selfish and deceitful life but to live our lives for Jesus. Our words and our actions are to reflect Jesus at every turn. No, there is no fountain of youth! However, we have been given something bigger and better. We have been given Jesus, our fountain of life! PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL SITUATIONS!

Daily writing prompt
Do you spend more time thinking about the future or the past? Why?
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HE CARRIES THE WEIGHT OF THE WORLD- HE CAN ALSO CARRY YOU!

” And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking and you will find. Keep on knocking and the door will opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” Luke 11:9-10

We have an all-encompassing Lord. He created each of us and he takes us home when our time here on earth is spent. He sees everything that is happening in this world, and he deals with every situation and circumstance. He is in total control of this world and what is happening in it. We may think or ask why our God allows all of the evil to happen? All we have to do is go back to Adam and Eve and we see the devil himself deceiving, lying and cheating. Our God never meant for any of us to be born into sin and evil, however, Adam and Eve were overcome with the greed that the devil presented them, and evil was born. Our Lord doesn’t push us. Instead, he has given us a free will in order that we can chose for ourselves, right from wrong. He does, however, give us Jesus Christ, who died for our sins. He gives us the Holy Spirit to help us, guide us, and direct our every thought and step. We must recognize that if we ask, he will give. Our God has made it clear that we are to be persistent in our requests. We must remind him of his promises and of all the tools he has provided for us. We must read his Holy Word, meditate on it and pray. It is important to remember that God has the weight of the whole world upon him. If that is the case, then we can rest assured that he will carry our burdens as well. There is nothing too big or too strong for Him. We must read his Word a understand his will. He loves us each and will carry every burden we have. We must, however, lay them at his feet and never take them back. PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!

Daily writing prompt
What is the greatest gift someone could give you?
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POWER IN THE NAME!

” Even the demons obey us when we use your name! “ Luke 10:17

There is great power in the name of Jesus! The name of Jesus carries great power and causes every adverse thing to bow down. His name provides healing and deliverance from worldly battles. If we are going through struggles or battles in our life our God has given us a great power as believers. With faith and complete trust, we have the ability to stand in the face of danger and use the name of Jesus to turn things around. As Philippians 2:9-11 tell us: “Therefore God has highly exalted Him and has freely bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, that at the mention of the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, of those in heaven, those on earth and those under the earth and that every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is the Glory of God the Father.” His name unlocks the door of prayer and his grace. It is the weapon that defeats the enemy and the motivation that compels our sacrifice and service. It is the name that causes our hearts to rejoice and our tongues to sing his praise. There is nothing evil in this world that can confront the name of Jesus and survive. We must remember that we must use his name with the confidence and the trust that drives our faith. Our faith must stay strong, and we must not even allow a crack to develop in our faith foundation to provide opportunity and entrance for doubt. We have great power by use of the name of Jesus. When trouble arrives, I just begin to chant the name of Jesus and my thoughts immediately go to Him and away from the attacks of the evil one. Jesus went through great sacrifice because of his name. He went through great sacrifice for each of us. We should stand firm and yell the great name of Jesus! PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!

Daily writing prompt
What colleges have you attended?
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WHEN DOWN AND OUT

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” Psalm 36:18

We all have gone through bad things in our lives. We have all gone through sorrow, sadness or some sort of anxiety that wants to take us down. Jesus never promised a life here on earth without trouble. He walked through troubles but always stayed the course. You and I are no different. By building up faith in our Lord Jesus we know that no matter the trouble that stands in our way we have a Savior that supports us. He gave us the Holy Spirit to help us with guidance and peace of mind. The problem we face is that when troubles do stand before us, we begin to focus on those problems and begin to try figure out how we will overcome them. When we put our trust in Jesus our problems become secondary in our lives. We know that our Savior will take care of us and help us through. Our focus stays where it is meant to be, on Him! When we are brokenhearted our Lord mends our hearts. He helps us to remember that life on this earth is only a passing moment in time and that everlasting life with Him is our goal. Our sadness will be overtaken with joy when we realize that we too, are just passing through on our journey home. We are encouraged to continue to build up our faith each. The stronger our faith the larger the troubles we will defeat. Our Lord has not left us defenseless but instead armed us with all the tools we need to be successful and victorious in this life. He truly loves us more than we may ever understand! JESUS IS LORD! PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!

Daily writing prompt
Do you play in your daily life? What says “playtime” to you?
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OUR LORD IS WITH US!

“The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.” Psalm 37: 23-24

There is nothing that happens in our lives that is too great or too small for our Lord. He is the creator of life and the controller of those who believe. He gives us wisdom and understanding. He provides protection when we are under attack. He provides food when we are hungry. He provides healing when we are sick. He is our all-consuming God. However, we must accept him and talk with him. Even though he knows all and knows things before they happen, he is not a forceful God. We must believe him and trust him. We must not doubt his timing and understand that he never breaks a promise. No matter what the circumstances may look like in the eyes of the world our Lord God in heaven is in total control of our lives, if we just accept believe and trust. There is nothing we cannot do when Jesus is looking over us. Scripture tells us that he delights in every detail of our lives. It tells us that he directs every step of our lives if we just allow him to. We will have hard times and we will stumble but he is always there if we just believe. To believe in him is more than just believing that he walked tis earth 2000 years ago. To truly believe in him is to commit our lives to Him and live the way we know he wants us to. He loves us and we should love, trust and truly believe in Him. JESUS IS LORD! PRAISE HIM ALWAYS!

Daily writing prompt
What are your biggest challenges?
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PREACHING OF THE KINGDOM!

” Your duty is to go and preach about the Kingdom of God.” Luke 9:60

When we truly follow Jesus, it is made very clear, that we are to go forth and preach to others about the Kingdom of God. When we enlist in his great army it is our duty as soldiers to spread his promises and truths to others in this world. We are to put him first in our lives and stay the course he puts us on. It is impossible to understand or know beforehand what direction the Lord will lead us. We don’t know of the mountains we will have to climb over or the valleys we will have to climb out of. We don’t know who he may put in our path or what obstacles we may have to maneuver. We do, however, know his will. We do know his intentions. We are to live our lives as living bibles. We are not to only preach his word but live his word daily. When others see how we handle struggles and triumphs they will be watching a motion picture of his holy word. They may begin to wonder and to ask questions. When they do, we then are able to spread his word in more depth and with more vigor. He loves us and we are to love him. We should always show our love in every step we take. We are to preach to others about his great KINGDOM! JESUS IS LORD!  

Daily writing prompt
What makes you feel nostalgic?
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THE WITNESS STAND

“People do not live by bread alone; rather, we live by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” Deuteronomy 8:3

One day soon we will each take the witness stand. We will stand before our living God and be accountable for all that we have said and done in our lives. We will be accountable for each idle word and every wrong thing that we do. We currently live in God’s time of grace. We still have time to accept our Lord Jesus, as our Lord and Savior. We still have time to repent of our sins and have them wiped clean from the record book. It is time for us to stop trying to live our lives day by day in our worldly ways. It is time to begin to feed our spirits by listening and doing what the Word of God tells us to do. Our God made each of us in such a way that we need food and water to keep our earthly bodies nourish and strengthened each day. However, if don’t keep our spirit strong and nourished by his Holy Word then it will die. When we get to the witness stand, we want to hear the words, WELL DONE MY CHILD. We do not want to be standing there trying to convince God that the evil things we have done in our lives here on earth were actually for his good. We do not want to be there trying to convince our God of our reasons for not accepting Christ as our Lord and Savior when he gave us opportunities. Each morning we should read God’s Word and feed our spirits. Each day we should feed our spirits by praying and praising Him. We must always remember that we are only visitors to this world. We are spiritual beings living in a world of selfishness and evil. The time is now if you have not already accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior. It is time to surrender and give your life to him. We must be properly prepared for the witness stand that is coming. JESUS IS LORD!      

Daily writing prompt
What relationships have a positive impact on you?
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RADIATE THE LOVE OF JESUS!

“MY SOUL WILL BOAST IN THE LORD; LET THE AFFLICTED HEAR AND REJOICE. GLORIFY THE LORD WITH ME; LET US EXALT HIS NAME TOGETHER. I SOUGHT THE LORD, AND HE ANSWERD ME; HE DELIVERD ME FROM ALL MY FEARS. THOSE WHO LOOK TO HIM ARE RADIANT; THEIR FACES ARE NEVER COVERED WITH SHAME.” PSALM 34:1

We are to radiate God’s powerful love with intentional kindness. Jesus, while he walked this earth touched the untouchable, spent time with the rejected, and showed compassion to those who were suffering. He was also kind to those who were unkind to Him. As he walked this earth, he radiated his love. People would flock to him because there was something special about him. As followers of Jesus, we too, are to radiate his love. We are to be kind to those who are unkind to us. We should show compassion to those who are sick or with a disease. Psalm 34:1 tells us that those who look to him are radiant. Their faces are never covered with shame. As we pray to our Lord and praise him, and become closer to him, we should become radiant to others. We should have a natural love and compassion for those around us. As we live our lives by his teachings, we should come to others with truth and strength and not with weakness or doubt. Others should feel the presence of our Lord in us. Joy, peace and true love for them will overcome them. With the Holy Spirit in us we should heat up those near us with the love that is in us. There should be no fear, shame or doubt or worry. Our Lord is with us always.  JESUS IS LORD!

Daily writing prompt
If you started a sports team, what would the colors and mascot be?
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DENY YOURSELF AND TAKE UP YOUR CROSS DAILY!

” IF ANY OF YOU WANTS TO BE MY FOLLOWER, YOU MUST TURN FROM YOUR SELFISH WAYS, TAKE UP YOUR CROSS DAILY, AND FOLLOW ME.” LUKE 9:23

Each day in the life of Christ is a new day. Each new day brings about its own set of troubles, anxieties and mountains to climb. Jesus was very clear in telling his disciples that they must turn from their selfish ways and follow his directions and not their own ambitions. Our lives must be shaped in the same way. Each day we will face decisions that we must make concerning the ways we live our lives. Are we going to follow our own ambitions, our own thoughts and our own ways or are we going to throw away our selfish ways and follow our Lord? It is not easy throwing our selfishness away. We as humans are very self-centered. We often think of ways that are going to benefit us rather than what is going to benefit others. Jesus could have done that. He could have given way to the devil and have worldly wealth. He could easily have gone along with the world and made his life here on earth much easier than it turned out. Thank God he didn’t. Thank our God in heaven that he was thoughtful and loving and caring toward others. He loved God in heaven and was not going to betray him! He knew his assignment and he did not stray from it. Because of his actions, you and I have our chances to lay our selfish ways to the side and pick up our cross and follow him. Jesus never promised us that following him would be easy. It was not easy then and is not easy now. We will be persecuted and sometimes even confronted with death because of our choice to follow him. Our faith must continue to grow each day and our trust in him immovable. Our Lord is returning soon. Where do we stand in our relationship with him? Do we know him, or do we just know of him? We must build the relationship. We must throw off our selfish ways and then take up our cross and follow him! We must know him intimately. JESUS IS LORD!  

Daily writing prompt
How have your political views changed over time?
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NEVER FEAR FOR THE LORD IS NEAR!

” One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, ‘Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent! For I am with you, and no one will attack and harm you, for many people in this city belong to me.'” Acts 18:9-10

There are times in our lives when the people or the circumstances around us dictate our actions. Sometimes we become intimidated by those who think they are strong or who like to make fun of others. We sometimes become fearful of what others will say or do if we talk about Jesus. Paul was in this same kind of situation. However, the Lord reminded him that he need not be afraid. He was reminded that the Lord was in control and not the world. Just as Paul, you and I are to speak out. We are to acknowledge Jesus before others. Matthew 10:32-33 tells us, “ Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.” Just as the Lord reassured Paul that he must have faith and believe that the Lord was with him and many others in the city, you and I also must have faith and believe that He is with us and in control. The difference is that we are under attack as bible believing Christians. But we must stand up for our Lord and shout his mighty name to others. We should surround ourselves with other believers and stand firm in the face of our attackers. There is great power in the name of Jesus! He has given us the weapons we need to stay strong, but we MUST believe and receive them! Then we must use them. The Lord is right beside us every step of our journey. Shout his name to others and tell his salvation message to others. He is returning soon! PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL SITUATIONS!

Daily writing prompt
You get to build your perfect space for reading and writing. What’s it like?
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COME TO ME ALL OF YOU WHO ARE CARRYING HEAVY BURDENS!

“He renews my strength.” Psalm 23:3

Are you carrying a heavy load with you every day? Are you physically and mentally drained from worry and fear? There is no need for this. Our Lord is willing and able to carry all of our burdens for us. He is faithful, and with a strong faith and true belief, he is more than willing to take those fears, doubts and worries away. Sometimes we begin to focus on our own problems. When this happens, we forget that we have not only a Savior who saves, heals and forgives but also clears a path for us and helps direct us in our lives. When Jesus was raised and went to set at the right hand of God Almighty, God sent his Holy Spirit to live within each of us. We must, however, believe, receive, listen and act upon what he tells us. If we are focusing on ourselves, our daily work, and our problems then we are not listening, we are not receiving, nor are we acting upon God’s word. As we pray each day, he gives us the opportunity to renew our strength through him. As we pray and praise him, he gives us hope and resurrects our lives each day. He fills us with hope, joy, peace and the strength to trust him and leave our troubles with him to help us solve. Focus on the things of God and not the things of this world. Do not become heavily laden but allow the Lord to work in your lives. Build upon your faith daily and live your lives with strength, hope and the success of the Lord. PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!

Daily writing prompt
What is your all time favorite automobile?
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MERRY CHRISTMAS!

” This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph, her fiancé, was a good man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly. 

As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared him in a dream. “ Joseph, son of David,’ the angel said, Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save the people from their sins.’ All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet: ‘Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means God with us.’

When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus. Matthew 1:18-24

It was on this day, the day our Savior Jesus Christ was born, that the people of this earth were given the chance of a second birth. It is through this one man, that life everlasting became a reality. It is because of this one man’s actions, his life and his death that you and I are given the ability to believe and be saved. We celebrate his birth! Our Lord who saves us, heals us and forgives us! MERRY CHRISTMAS AND ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT JESUS IS LORD!

Daily writing prompt
How are you creative?
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COME TO ME AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST!

Remember the Lord your God. He is the who gives you power to be successful in order to fulfill the covenant he confirmed with your ancestors on oath.” Deuteronomy 8:18  

” I will not fail you or abandon you. Be strong and courageous.” Joshua 1:5&6

” The Lord says, “I WILL RESCUE THOSE WHO LOVE ME. I WILL PROTECT THOSE WHO TRUST IN MY NAME. WHEN THEY CALL ON ME, I WILL ANSWER; I WILL BE WITH THEM IN TROUBLE, I WILL RESCUE AND HONOR THEM. I WILL REWARD THEM WITH LONG LIFE AND GIVE THEM MY SALVATION. ‘ ” Psalm 91:14-16

“Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening.” Acts 16:25

It is vital as Christians that we remember who is in charge of our lives. God tell us very plainly that he is our source. He is the one that gives us the abilities be successful. He is the one who delivers us from our problems. He is the one who heals us and comforts us in times of need. He never goes back on his word. He assures us that he will never fail or abandon us. We are to be strong and courageous because of Him. We must have strong faith and complete trust in his promises for each of us. In Psalm 91:14-16 we find Paul and Silas shackled in chains deep within prison walls. What we find them doing is singing hymns and praising God. They were not whining or crying or cursing God or anyone else for their situation. The were trusting God. They knew their assignment and they believed that God was in charge, and he would take care of them. They were fulfilling their assignment no matter where they were. If they were to be in prison, then so be it. But God had other plans. He performed a miracle and people were saved that night because of the faith and trust both Paul and Silas displayed. We too must trust in God. We may be in a very trying situation, but God has promised us that he is our source and that he will never leave us. He may be using our situation to help someone else. We don’t know God’s plans. However, if we keep a strong faith and total trust in him, he will deliver us just as he promised! PRAISE THE LORD IN ALLSITUATIONS!

Daily writing prompt
Who are the biggest influences in your life?
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OBEDIENCE TO OUR GOD IN HEAVEN!

“But Peter and the apostles replied, ‘ we must obey God rather than any human authority.'” Acts 5:29

Our God promises to do for us what we are unable to do for ourselves. In Jesus is the gift of salvation. He places his holy word in our minds so that we can know it, he places it in our hearts so that we can love it. Through his Holy Spirit, our God gives us power to obey and delight in his ways. Obedience to God is not only a way to worship him, but also a way to get closer to him. It is a way for us to prepare for whatever he leads us to and to continue to grow as a person in Jesus. Being obedient to God in heaven involves submission to him. We must surrender to him and trust his ways. We must know that his ways are better than ours and have faith that he will be with us at every turn. Our obedience to him reveals our love and dedication to his truths and his promises. Being obedient to our God is simply hearing his word and acting upon it. We must continue to pray each day, read his word and do what he tells us to do. We must align our lives with what God is asking of us. He loves us and will not lead us to into temptation or into experiences where we cannot be successful. We must always believe and receive. PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!

Daily writing prompt
Share what you know about the year you were born.
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THE FOUNDATION OF WISDOM

“Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom.” Proverbs 9:10

Wisdom according to the dictionary is” the ability or result of, and the ability to think and act utilizing knowledge, experience, understanding, common sense, and insight.“ It is important that we understand that the love of our Lord is the true foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of Him results in good judgement in our lives. Wisdom from our God allows us to see the big picture. It allows us to trust in our Lord and continues to help us build our faith. Wisdom is a God-given and God-centered discernment regarding our issues in this life. Wisdom comes from prayer and asking for His help. God gives generously and without reproach. He wants us to trust him and be able to depend upon him. The wisdom that comes from heaven is “peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere“. James 3:17 Wisdom comes from heaven and the wisdom of God is pure. Jesus taught us that wisdom is listening to him and doing what he says. He will never lead us astray. He will always keep us on the right path and help us to stay safe and within his loving arms of strength. Pride is the enemy of wisdom. We must not allow pride to stand in our way of submission to our Lord. We must always allow him to direct us in our ways. When we do, we know with confidence, that we are in his will and will always be on the right path. Remember, Jesus is our rock and the foundation of our faith! PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!

Daily writing prompt
Are you a good judge of character?
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BE ENCOURAGED IN TIMES OF PERSECUTION

They encouraged them to continue in the faith, reminding them that we must suffer many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God.” Acts 14:22

All of us suffer hardships. We are attacked by sickness, disease, loss of loved ones, made fun of because of our faith in Jesus, and severely persecuted for the Christian views we have. Evil things seem to happen to good God loving people just as they happen to those who are unbelievers. Our Lord did not promise that our journey in this world would be without problems. As a matter of fact, he not only warns of evil attacks but displays it in the lives of all of his prophets, disciples, and many followers. And even Jesus, as he walked this earth, confronted the devil himself, faced evil attacks and even a horrible death. The difference is that we have a light at the end of the tunnel. We have been given a snapshot at everlasting life with our Lord in heaven. I believe that there is a purpose for everything we go through. I believe that our Lord uses our circumstances to help others and to answer prayers for others. We all have a purpose on this earth, and it is so important that our faith in our Lord Jesus stays strong that there is nothing the devil and his evil demons can do to distract what our focus should be. Our Lord has provided us with the tools that we need to overtake what attacks us. We must, however, stay the course, stay focused on his Word, pray often and meditate upon his word. We will be encouraged by the strength our Lord has given us. Keep building your faith and never lose sight of what you stand for. Jesus loves us as we should love him! PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!

Daily writing prompt
What was the last thing you did for play or fun?
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DO UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD HAVE THEM DO UNTO YOU!

“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Luke 6:31

I am sure that most everyone who has read the bible has read this scripture. It is one that can be easily applied to our lives and one where we can see the results immediately. Even as a child I recognized that if I wanted something from my mom, I would try very hard to be good and not get myself into any unnecessary trouble. The same applies to our lives today. We live in a world that breeds anger, humiliation and violence. If we produce those characteristics in our own lives, then it is like adding fuel to a fire. The fire just gets bigger and bigger. However, our attitudes can go a long way in transforming the attitudes of those around us. If we walk into a room or go to work with an angry or disagreeing attitude, that attitude will often rub off on others and set the tone for the whole day. Sometimes we must set down and take a look at how we are acting around others and what words are we saying. Are we positive, joyful and peaceful or are we negative, angry and disgruntled?  Do we have a smile on our faces, or do we have a frown or angry look that immediately displays anger and disgust? Which of those attitudes would you like to see? I know that a smile goes a much farther distance than a frown. I know that I want to be greeted by someone who at least looks like they want to see me and not by someone who looks at me with disgust. If we begin our day with prayer and by reading scripture, we will be able to begin our day with the joy of Jesus. What would our Lord want us to be like? What was Jesus like when he walked this earth. He had many things thrown his way in the form of persecution and lies but he did not throw persecution and lies back to them. He responded in love and with truth.  We should look to him as our example and not look at the ways of this world. Always ask the question, “How would I like to be treated?” PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!

Daily writing prompt
List your top 5 grocery store items.
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BUILDING AND LIVING ON A SOLID FOUNDATION OF FAITH AND TRUST!

“I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching and then follows it. It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against the house, it stands firm because it is well built.” Luke 6:47-48

In the process of purchasing or building a home one of the first things that should be checked is the foundation. If the foundation is not solid it needs to either be fixed or the house not purchased. As a lender, who once loaned money for purchases of homes, I would first of all, make sure the foundation of the house was solid. The same is true with our faith foundation. Each time we read the word of God we add a brick to our faith foundation. We are to listen and carry out his words within our lives. When we live our faith, the foundation of our faith becomes even stronger.  As Luke 6:47-48 points out it is not only important to go to the Lord for wisdom, understanding and teaching but it is also very important that we put his words into action. We must live and use them in our lives. When we do, and over time, they suddenly become real and a part of us. There are always storms of life just on the horizon. But with Jesus we will be fine. With a solid foundation of faith, built upon him, we will be able to withstand anything because we are prepared and not caught off guard. PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!

BE STILL IN THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD

“Be still in the presence of the Lord and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.” Psalm 37:7

Sometimes we give up on God. We become impatient and move forward in our own time and do our own things. Instead of listening to the Lord we become the Lord of our own lives and do what we believe is the right way to go or the right thing to do. Most of the time when we take control of our own lives, we make decisions in haste. We do things quickly without thinking of what the long-term effects may be. We don’t have the full picture. Sometimes we just need to take a step back and be patient. We need to make a concerted effort to listen and understand what the Lord our God in heaven is doing in our lives. Our Lord sees the whole picture. He knows what we need and when we need it. We must, however, stop and listen. We must trust in him to place us in the right place at the right time and before those who need our help. You see, it isn’t always about you and me. It is about the whole picture and the whole picture involves others in the world. God has the right time. He knows his plan and his plan will take place whether you and I take part or not. If we get impatient and say “no” to God and then do our own thing, God will find someone else to use to help him complete his plan. We must slow down, pray, meditate and read his word prayerfully. He will use us. We work for him and not for the world. PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!  

Daily writing prompt
Is your life today what you pictured a year ago?
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OUR EVERLASTING LIFE INSURANCE POLICY!

” Lead me to the towering rock of safety, for you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach.” Psalm 61:2-3

Our God in heaven is always with us. He has his eye on us at every turn. He will never allow us to be confronted by a situation that we cannot handle. You see, when we accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we accepted our everlasting life insurance policy. The policy we received from the Lord is what he purchased for us through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Through Him there is nothing we cannot do. There is no fear, no doubt and no confusion. He raises us high above the flood waters of our life. He keeps us safe and surrounded by his fortress of strength and love. With strong faith, there is nothing we should fear. There is no mountain we cannot climb. When we were grafted into God’s family, we became recipients of all of his promises. He is our protector, refuge, safety net and fortress. He is our Lord God!  PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!

Daily writing prompt
What skills or lessons have you learned recently?
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GRACE, MERCY AND PEACE

“Grace, mercy and peace, which come from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Son of the Father- will continue to be with you who live in the truth and love.” 2 John 1:3

Most everyone would desire to have the grace of God in their lives, and the mercy he provides as well as peace of mind. 2 John 1:3 explains to us that we can have all of those things and much more if we live in truth and love. The way we grow in truth and love is by developing a close relationship with Christ. We must learn to know him more intimately, to trust him more readily and to love him more supremely. He must be a part of our lives in every aspect. Truth and love are always connected. There is no love without truth. For believers, if something is not true it cannot be loving. This is displayed throughout God’s word. 1 Corinthians 13:6 tells us, ” Love does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with truth.” So, let us make Jesus the priority in our lives. Remember, he died for you and me so that we could live for him!  PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!

Daily writing prompt
Tell us one thing you hope people say about you.
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TO SEEK AND FIND

I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.” Proverbs 8:17

When you were a child did you ever play hide and seek? It was a fun game where one would count to 10 and at the same time the others would hide. The idea of the game, if I remember it correctly, was to try hard to hide somewhere so that you could not be found, or at the very least be the last found. Our God in heaven is not playing hide and seek with us but he is very clear that he wants us to seek him. He wants to be found. We sometimes get involved with worldly activities or get busy with family. Because of that we sometimes lose our focus. We put God on the back burner in our life and reach out to him only in times of need. Our Lord wants to develop a relationship with each of us. He wants to talk with us every day and be totally involved in our lives. He wants us to put him first in our lives and let him take charge of our families. When we bow down and relinquish our lives to him that allows him to work in our lives. He gives us each a choice. What have you chosen? Have you or are you seeking the Lord? When you do, he forgives your sins, heals you and promises everlasting life. He gives you a completely new beginning. You begin a completely new chapter in your life, one that is built upon the solid foundation of Jesus Christ. You see, he died on the cross so that you and I could live for him. What a deal. How can you go wrong? If you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you cannot go wrong! If you have not accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, take this opportunity right now to begin a new chapter in your life. Please say this prayer and mean it from the heart: “LORD JESUS, I REPENT OF MY SINS AND SURRENDER MY LIFE. WASH ME CLEAN. I BELIEVE THAT JESUS CHRIST IS THE SON OF GOD. TAKE COMPLETE CONTROL OF MY LIFE AND HELP ME TO WALK IN YOUR FOOTSTEPS DAILY BY THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.” IN JESUS PRECIOUS NAME I PRAY AMEN!

Now that you have surrendered your life to Jesus, please find a solid bible believing church and get among their fellowship. Take time each day to visit with God and read the bible with the assistance of the Holy Spirit. PRAISE THE LORD ALWAYS!

WATCH AND PRAY!

“I say to you what I say to everyone: WATCH FOR HIM! ” Mark 13:37

As followers of Jesus, you and I are to be awake, be vigilant, be watchful. We are to keep an eye on the world around us, but most importantly we are to pay attention to our spiritual condition. We are to always be prepared for the coming of Jesus. We are not to be unaware of the signs of the season. We are told that we will know the season, but we will not know the time or day. We need to keep our heads in the game. The Lord has given us all of the tools necessary to live a life that allows us to stay alert and be involved spiritually. 1 Peter 4:7 tells us, “Be serious and watchful in your prayers.” We should always be self-controlled and disciplined. It is important that when praying that we are focused and clear headed. The world around us will do nothing less than try to change our focus and keep our minds in a state of worry and fear. Our Lord Jesus tells us in Luke 21:36, “Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” We are to be alert as to our surroundings and to what is happening in the world around us. We are to know the scriptures and be able to recognize what is right from wrong. We are to pray always, which will keep us prepared for the roadblocks put before us. Stay strong and pray always! PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!

Daily writing prompt
Have you ever performed on stage or given a speech?
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LOVING THE LORD

“For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws.” Deuteronomy 30:16

Loving our Lord will include obeying all his commands; it will include believing all his word; it will include thanking him for all of his gifts. We must admire him and enjoy all that he is. We are to make him more than just a part of our life but instead we are to make him our life. We are to totally sell out to him and center our life, here on this earth, around him. We are to walk in his ways and follow his commands for our life. We must read, meditate and pray his mighty word. Everything we say and do must be compared to what his word tells us to do. We should use our time, energy, talents and resources to keep his commandments. We must remember that we have not been asked to die for him but instead we are asked to live for him. We must let loose of the controls for our lives and allow our Lord to take control. Our God loves us with the greatest qualities of all. He loves us with faithfulness and with true mercy and grace. There is no greater experience than experiencing the love of our God in heaven! PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!

Daily writing prompt
What are your favorite physical activities or exercises?
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FAITHFUL PROMISES

“Every promise of the Lord your God has come true. Not a single one has failed.” Joshua 23:14

A promise is a declaration or assurance that one will do a particular thing, or a particular thing will happen. It is so very clear that the promises of our God in heaven are gifts to his children. They are gifts that have been bestowed upon each of us as children of God. In our world today we see more taking back of promises or lying about promises rather than faithful promises being kept and fulfilled. It is very easy for us to not believe someone when they promise us something. We seem to carry those unbelief’s through to our Lord. It is hard to believe that time won’t change God’s heart and he may want to take his promises back, unfulfilled. However, that is not the characteristic of our God. He loves us. He gave his one and only Son to die for us and he never changes. He has never and will never go back on any gift he has given us. He is faithful! When we pray, he hears us. When we ask, we receive. When we receive, we should accept and not reject his gracious promises. We should never take lightly the gifts our God bestows upon us. They are real and are powerful. We must have strong faith. Let us all take the time to enter into a time of conversation with our Lord each day. Let us be quiet before the Lord and wait for him to answer us. Let us read and study his mighty word. When we do these things, we increase the strength of our faith, and we are able to recognize and accept the promises God has bestowed upon us. PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!

HE RESTORES MY SOUL!

“He restores my soul.” Psalm 23:3

It is so easy for us to begin to drift away from God. It is easy for our thoughts and actions to take on the characteristics of those around us. When our focus changes we change. When we begin to train our thoughts on things going on around us then our thoughts turn into actions that reflect things around us. It sometimes takes a major fiasco to get us to turn back to our Lord. It also might just take a simple word or action to help the tide to turn. Our Lord is faithful in all he promises. He tells us that he restores our soul. He will refresh our thinking, he will rejuvenate, renew and renovate us if we are ready and willing. He will, once again, fill our cup with joy and love. He will draw us closer in times of troubles and in times of celebration. All who have experienced the joy of Jesus never forgets that joy and peace of mind. When we recognize that the joy is gone, we need to ask for help from our God in heaven. Our focus must change so that we can, once again, have that close relationship with our Lord. We must maintain a constant relationship with Jesus through reading his word, praying, and also staying connected with other believers. There should always be time to talk with our Lord and to stay refreshed in his presence. PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!

Daily writing prompt
What’s your favorite cartoon?
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SEEK AND FIND

“I love those who love me, and those who seek me and find me.” Proverbs 8:17

To seek and find the Lord is a continuous act. It is not just a one-time action. We are told in Matthew 7:7-8 to “ask and it will be given to you, seek, and you will find: knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. ” If you and I keep at it, if we ask the right questions, if we pray and ask, we will receive the answers. Because of our human nature it may take a while. We sometimes are impatient and want answers “right now!” It is not always in God’s plan to give us the answers right now, but instead on his timeline. We don’t always see the whole picture, but God does! We sometimes don’t pay attention and miss the answers he gives us. Or there may be times that we want to hear a different answer than the one our God has given us. No matter the circumstances we are to continue to seek, continue to knock and expect to receive. We should always stay alert and watch for his answers. We should be reminded that they come in so many different ways. We must have faith and should never be fearful of going to our God in heaven to remind him of our requests and his promises for our lives. The Lord God has provided us with his Holy Spirit and because of that he is always with us and never far away. We should be reminded that we can stop what we are doing at any time and visit with him. He is always there to listen and to answer us. He loves us more than we can ever understand. Stay watchful, continue to pray and seek and he will answer! PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!

Daily writing prompt
What could you do less of?
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OUR GOD’S HOLY COVENANT

” Know therefore, that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those love him and keep his commands.” Deuteronomy 7:9

“But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirm his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today.” Deuteronomy 8:18

There is but one and only one faithful and loving God. He is the same God who created this world and everything in it. He is the same God who led the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He is the same God who used Moses and Aaron to help the Israelites to leave Egypt. He is the same God who created John the Baptist for his duties on this earth and the same God who gave his only son, Jesus to die for the salvation and forgiveness of those who accept him. He is the same God who changed Paul from a ruthless persecutor of the followers of Jesus to a great Christian leader of his church. He is our God and still to this day honors the covenant to love a thousand generations. He is faithful and never failing. He is honorable and continues to honor his legal contract, his legal blood covenant, that was created thousands of years ago and continues today. It is through this God we profess that we are able to live lives with peace and joy. It is through this God that we have trust and unwavering faith in every word he breathes. It is through this God, our God in heaven, that we live our lives and live them with vigor and joy in the Lord. PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!

Daily writing prompt
What positive events have taken place in your life over the past year?
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LOVING THE LORD OUR GOD WITH ALL OF OUR HEART, SOUL AND STRENGTH!

Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, and with all your soul and with all of your strength.” Deuteronomy 6:4-5

We have all experienced what we think is love for another. We have love for our friends, parents, brothers, sisters, sons and daughters. We can all say that they are priorities in our lives and that we would do about anything for them. Our God in heaven has made it very clear in Deuteronomy 6 that he is God. He is the one and only God. He is the God we are to worship and the only God we are to sell out to. There is no other. He commanded his children to love him with all of their hearts, souls and strength. Just what does that mean? Are you and I today to obey this command? Our Lord made it clear that his children, all of Israel, was to love him with every fabric of their being. They were to love him and worship him with the whole man, body and soul. We know that God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. He never has changed, and he never will. You and I have been allowed to be grafted into his loving family by the sacrifice our Jesus made on that cross. When we were grafted in, we became a member of his family and gained eternal life. Because our God has never changed, his command still stands today. You and I are to worship him and love him unconditionally. We are to love him with our life! We should love our Lord with our heart by living a loving, faith-filled, and purpose driven life. We must continue to feed our faith in him each day. Our faith and love for him must grow down so deep that there is a satisfaction in him that can be found nowhere else. Our daily decisions should be based off of his command to love him without doubt or fear. We should be able to persevere in the face of every trial and stand strong knowing full well that there is no fear in love, as perfect love casts out fear and doubt. He loves us unconditionally and proved it by sacrificing his only son for each of us. He wants nothing less from us. We are to love him with our life! PRAISE THE LORD IN AND THROUGH ALL THINGS!

Daily writing prompt
Do you ever see wild animals?
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OUR POTS WERE FILLED

“If only the Lord had killed us back in Egypt, ” they moaned. ‘There we sat around pots filled with meat and ate all the bread we wanted. But now you have brought us into this wilderness to starve us all to death.” Exodus 16:3

God had chosen Moses and Aaron to move his people out of the land of Egypt and into the promised land in Canaan. Due to their lack of faith in God, it took them 40 years to finish an eleven-day trip. They wandered in the wilderness for 40 years due to their disobedience and unbelief in God. How many years have you been wandering around in the wilderness? How often do you and I go to our God in desperation but when things get better, we go back to that old faithful pot that is filled with worldly security and thoughts. It seems to be so much easier to rest on our own laurels rather than doing as we are instructed by the Lord. We are to build upon our faith and live in our faith. We are to live lives that reflect daily activities that are testimonies to our God in heaven. It is when we disobey and wander off on our own that we get lost and always find ourselves crawling back for his protection and comfort. So, why don’t we just do as the Lord asks of us? Why don’t we work hard and put our efforts into trusting God and not the world? You see, we are no different than his chosen ones leaving Egypt. We seem to always remember back when. We sometimes are just plain lazy. It takes great effort, trust and belief to trust in our God. There is no magic involved. Instead, there is relationship building and peace of mind. There is obedience and sincere faith in our love for Christ. Without this we cannot survive. Without this there is no end to our 40-year journey. Jesus came so that we could be saved. It is now up to us, to not only accept him, but to believe and build a relationship with him that helps us to live a life that supports all that he stands for. PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!

Daily writing prompt
Do you have a favorite place you have visited? Where is it?
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