THINKING BACK ON 2013

As the year closes, I reflect on new opportunities and situations I experienced and the ones I didn't although I thought I would. It's okay that some dreams are still dreams. 2014 gives me something to look forward to, right? My post reads like a book, but I promise you, it isn't. (For those of you who have asked about it, it's a work in progress and look for the release soon.  )

Some points I was reminded of and I think are important, even helpful to share with you.
1. Be encouraged as you encourage others.
2. With every rejection from one source comes much acceptance with another.
3. There has to be a balance in life, in all areas of your life.
4. Take care of your body. Do this by keeping your mind renewed by studying the Word of God daily. Eat right. Exercise. Get enough sleep. Take time to rest.
5. Always look beyond what you see because what you see isn't always what it appears to be.

I don't know what my future holds for the new year, but I do know Who holds my future. Because I know this, I know I'm going to be alright. Too many years were wasted in the first half of my life, but none will be wasted in the last part of it.

I'm expecting great things in 2014. I look forward to so many God ordained opportunities. With the good times, I also know storms are coming. That's life and we can't escape them. Thank God for Jesus who gives peace in the midst of storms. If we keep our eyes fixed on Him we won't sink. We will make it through any storm.

I pray much peace, love, and happiness for all of you in 2014. It's my prayer that all who don't know Jesus will open the door of their heart, let Him in, and get to know Him before it's too late.

Be great. Be blessed.

THE TRUE GIFT

Today is another day to gather with your family and friends and just have a merry time. As believers, we should celebrate Christ every day of the year, but we understand this holiday season, this Christmas day, has been set aside to recognize the birth of Jesus Christ.

Let us rejoice because of Jesus. Let us be reminded of the reason for His birth and the true Gift He is to mankind. Jesus is the real reason for the celebration of this season and it is important to remember this.

Merry Christmas from me to you.

Be blessed.

WHEN GOD SAYS, "WAIT"

God says, "Wait." What do you do? Do you complain or do you continue to wait patiently? If we answer the question honestly, we can probably say there were times when we complained and times when we waited patiently.

We must remember that a delay is not denial. Sometimes, most times, we have to wait for answered prayer. In the meantime, we should wait patiently and do what God has told us to do in His Word. There is much work to be done.

Let us remember this, there are rewards when waiting on God. 

My soul, wait silently for God alone,
For my expectation is from Him.
6 He only is my rock and my salvation;
He is my defense;
I shall not be moved. Psalm 62:5,6

Be blessed.

WHICH WAY SHOULD I GO?

Step by step instructions are important for most activities we do in life. We need instructions to perform a job in the way the employer requires. We need instructions to get from point A to point B. Arts, crafts, and the assembly of things require instruction. We're so accustomed to being told what we should do, how to do it, and when to do it, that it's often scary to make a move without being told exactly where we should go or what we should do.

Some situations or circumstances require us to be still, have faith, and not move at all. There are times when we are so sure of what the Lord is telling us to do, then there are those times when we are required to first take a step in faith. What do we do when we must move but don't feel the Lord is leading in a specific way. You pray and wait for an answer, but the Lord is silent. 

When we take a step and walk out in faith and continue to take steps in faith, a path will be opened up to us. Don't let fear of making a mistake, being disappointed or rejected be an obstacle. Don't let anxieties of a possible difficult road prevent you form moving. As you trust in the Lord with each step you take, He will lead you and ultimately the path will be opened unto you.

"For we walk by faith, not by sight." 2 Corinthians 5:7

Be blessed.

IF I COULD TURN BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

If only I knew then what I know now.... you finish the sentence. I'm sure most of us have made this statement, ending it with something we wished we would had or had not done. When seconds, minutes, and hours go, they're gone. We can't get them back. So instead of looking back, wishing we could get a "do over" we have to make the best use of our time now.

When we do away with our own daily plans and trust in the Lord for Him to plan our way on each day, we can accomplish all things that are meant to be accomplished on the particular day. I can't tell you the number of evenings I've thought about the tasks I wanted to do, or felt I needed to do, but wasn't able to complete for whatever reason. Months ago, in my quiet time with the Lord, it was made clear to me to ask the Lord to guide my steps each day and to be open to where He leads and guides me and all that needs to be done will be done. Grasping this has allowed me to feel less guilty about my so called "To Do List".

"Don’t waste your time on useless work, mere busywork, the barren pursuits of darkness. Expose these things for the sham they are. It’s a scandal when people waste their lives on things they must do in the darkness where no one will see. Rip the cover off those frauds and see how attractive they look in the light of Christ.

Wake up from your sleep,
Climb out of your coffins;
Christ will show you the light!

So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times!

Don’t live carelessly, unthinkingly. Make sure you understand what the Master wants." Ephesians 5:15-17 Msg

Be blessed.

DO NOT FORGET ABOUT THEM

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. 

Last night as I drove to pick up a late dinner. I could not help but think about those who are less fortunate, specifically, the homeless. I did not allow my car to get toasty and warm like I would normally do on a cold morning, but instead I just started the engine and drove on. It was very cold last night and I was comforted knowing in a few minutes my car would warm up. I would have heat. I could not say the same for those people who have no home to go to for comfort and warmth. I was immediately saddened and said a prayer for them.

I woke up this morning thinking about the less fortunate and said another prayer for them. I then listened to music of praise for my Lord. I am so grateful for all the Lord has done for me but not only for that reason, but just because of who He is.

It is important that we do not forget about others who have no home, who are literally sleeping on streets, under bridges, or wherever they can find a place of rest. Do not forget about others who are away in homes because they cannot care for themselves. Some of them have no family or friends who visit them. Do not forget about others who might have a home, but no food in the home. 

Before we gather around the table and have our fill of food, might we say a prayer for the people who are less fortunate? Along with prayer, can we also do what is in our power to do to help them?

"He who has a generous eye will be blessed,
For he gives of his bread to the poor." Proverbs 22:9

"For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’

“Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’ " Matthew 25:35-40

Be blessed.

LIFE IS LIKE A PUZZLE

Pieces of a puzzle are scattered about a living room floor. It's not a jumbo puzzle made up of a few pieces. Those are fairly easy to put together. No, the puzzle is made up of a thousand smaller pieces. They're made up of a variety of colors and a different cut here, a jagged edge there. It's not so easy to put together as a puzzle consisting of a few large pieces. Now, just how do all of the pieces come together?

Life is like a puzzle. We experience situations that we don't always understand. At times we can make sense of things, but other times we just can't seem to understand what happened, why it happened, or why it happened to us. It's like a puzzle that hasn't come together just yet. The picture isn't clear. Every experience, situation, or event is a puzzle piece that slowly fits with one another to make a complete puzzle. 

Whatever you're going through right now might not make sense to you. The puzzle piece doesn't fit. It's out of place with the other pieces. We want to see the complete picture. We want to see how it all works out in the end. The Lord knows all things. He knows how all of the pieces fit and when they all come together. Just like working a thousand piece puzzle can be a tedious, it can take some time for the pieces to come together in your life. One day they will fit together, create a complete picture, and it will all make sense to you.

Trust the process. Trust the Lord.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding." Proverbs 3:5

Be blessed.

BEAUTY STILL EXISTS

I admit I am not one for watching many news reports these days. I understand the importance of keeping abreast of what is happening in my local area, state, nation, and the world, but I do not look forward negative dark stories that make their way to our television, computers, and radio stations.There is no denying the ugliness that exists in this world, but one can still find beauty in things. 

Watching green leaves turn into warm colors in Autumn is beautiful. When a life is taken, there is beauty in a life that is saved. A picturesque view of a calm peaceful ocean after tempestuous winds is a beautiful thing. Yes it is. God's beauty and His beautiful creations are all around me in spite of the ugliness that seemingly happens at every turn in this day and age. I cannot escape the ugly things of this world but I choose to admire the beauty this world has to offer.

Be blessed.

SHARE THE LOVE

We are blessed to be a blessing. Some people think of financial or material blessings when they read this, but blessings are more than these things. We can be a blessing to others by speaking words of encouragement, providing hugs, and giving friendly smiles. These actions cost us nothing to give yet they are worth so much.

We are moved to offer encouraging words, hugs, and smiles to someone who is obviously hurting, but we should be in the habit of doing the same for those who do not display hurt. When all is well, it is still nice to receive encouragement of some sort as we journey through life. These acts of love encourage us to go and keep going.

Have you blessed someone with a loving gesture today? Has someone blessed you as well? Let us love at all times.

"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God." 1 John 4:7 NKJV

Be blessed.

KEEP YOUR FAITH WHILE YOU WAIT

You prayed to God and are waiting on Him to answer. Your wait has not been a short one. It has been longer than five minutes, five days, five months, and in some instances, more than five years. In today's world we are spoiled by getting what we want instantly. God does not always move so immediately, which can lead to frustration and times of questioning.

Do you think God forgot about you? Do you feel like giving up? Has the enemy whispered, "It's not going to happen"? If you have been waiting for any length of time, you can probably answer yes to these questions. I want to remind you that God has not forgotten you. Don't give up and recognize the enemy has lied. 

You must not let waiting periods discourage you. Unlike man, He always makes good on His promises. Continue to trust in God. Continue to pray and cry out to Him. 

"But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:8 NKJV

Be blessed

THE LORD IS INTERESTED

I was sitting in my office one morning and my the corner of my right eye began to itch. I did not want to rub my eye too much or too hard. I wear contact lenses and the last thing I needed was a ripped contact and a red irritated eye. The nagging itch continued throughout the day. I made it home and settled down and the itch returned. I lightly rubbed the corner of my eye and asked, "Jesus, what is going on with my eye?" Immediately, He provided the answer. He reminded me of the ripped contact I replaced that morning. Let me explain.

I had to throw out the old pair of contact lenses because the right lens was torn. When I removed the right contact, I noticed part of the lens was missing, but had no idea what happened to the torn piece. Well, the piece lodged in the corner of my eye. It remained in my eye throughout the day. It was the reason for that nagging itch.

I tell you this story to remind you that Jesus is not only interested in huge matters or situations that affect us, but also in the small things. The little itch that bothered me caused me to ask the Lord a very simple question. He is interested in me and what concerns me, and although the situation was not a major one, still, He answered me. 

Talk to Jesus about your problems. Talk to Him when you have good days, not just the bad. Tell Jesus your dreams or even better, ask Him about His plan for your day, for your life.  Jesus is interested in every detail of your life.

Be blessed.

THROUGH THE STORM

My Pastor has told us many times through his teaching and preaching that we are about to enter into a storm, are currently in a storm, or have come out of a storm. The storms life brings to us cannot be avoided. Ready or not, a storm is coming.

What are storms of life? They are adversities. Life sends rough winds of job loss, financial hardships, rebellious children, or any situation that causes hurt, disappointment, shame, or misfortune. Storms often hit us unexpectedly. We are left wondering from where did they originate and why are they happening.

Adversity happens as a result of our own actions or lack thereof, is caused by the actions of others, Satan, or the Lord.  Despite the reason for the storm, the Lord will use the storms for our good. 

If we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus while going through the storm, He will give us peace in the midst of it.

"Now when He got into a boat, His disciples followed Him. And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep. Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!”

But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm." Matthew 8:23-26 NKJV

Be blessed.

TRUSTING IN JESUS

When trusting in Jesus, heavy burdens are lifted. When you recognize and understand there is One who truly loves you and is willing to take away your concerns, worries, disappointments, rejections, and hurts, you can live with peace. Peace is priceless. No amount of money can buy it.

Trusting in Jesus means you have faith in Him who has power over death. Jesus brings new life where there is no life. He brings hope when there is no hope. He brings joy when there is no joy. 

Trusting in Jesus means you are relying on Him in every area of life and not depending upon yourself or anyone else. It is through Jesus that we enter into heaven. 

If you are not experiencing joy or peace in your life, think about where you are placing your trust. Are you truly trusting in Jesus?

"Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
    don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
    he’s the one who will keep you on track." Proverbs 3:5,6 ~The Message Bible

Be blessed.

PRESS RESET

When you look at your life right now, are you where you thought you would be at this point in your life? Do you feel as though you missed a few great opportunities? If you believe you missed out on great opportunities or your chance to fulfill long held goals or dreams, you should know it is not too late. At this moment you can decide to remain as you are or press the reset button on your life and begin again. In reality, we cannot rewind time but we can make the most of the time remaining.

I believe all of us get stuck in a rut or get off track from time to time. With the busyness of today, it can be easy to lose focus. If you are ready to press reset, make up your mind that now is the time. Create goals, or write down your vision, and take the necessary steps required. 

You might be on track with your goals, dreams, etc., but find you need to press the reset button in other areas of your life. Then press reset.

Be blessed.

JUST DO IT!

"After I take this course, I will."

"I don't have the money."

"I'm waiting on the Lord."

"I can't."

These are some of the excuses many of us are guilty of using to put off taking the first step required to make our dreams come true. 

What about your faith? Are you trusting in your own power? Your own strength? You can take course after course to prepare, but in reality, you probably already possess the skills needed to take the first step. Maybe you do not have adequate financing, but the Lord can place the right people in your path at the right time to favor you along the way. You say you are waiting on the Lord but maybe He is waiting on you to take the first step. If you say you can't, you won't.

Stop putting off what you need to do. Just do it. Take the first step and do it in faith.

For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7

Be blessed.

WHEN YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, GOD HAS ANSWERS

As we know, life is a journey. On this journey we encounter many situations that make us ask questions regarding relationships, times of hardship and trials, as well as situations that cause us pain. We have questions about life in general. Some people go to everyone and every where seeking answers only God can provide. It is true seeking wise counsel from others can be a benefit to us, but before we do so, we should take the opportunity to seek the God. 

Children ask adults innocent questions about anything. They learn by asking questions. I believe the same can be said for us when we ask questions. Asking questions helps us learn. The process of learning is ongoing. It does not stop the moment we graduate from high school or reach an age of maturity. It is a wonderful thing to know we have a reliable Source we can go to for answers. Correct answers.

God is not bothered by our questions. In fact, He wants us to seek Him for answers. We are not always prepared for the answers God gives. At times, He does not answer in the way we desire, but still, He answers. 

If you have gone from him to her and from here to there and still cannot find answers to your questions, try asking God. He has the answers.

"Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’" Jeremiah 33:3

Be blessed.

CHANGES COME WITH NEW SEASONS

Today is the first day of a new month. We get a fresh start. It feels good to leave all behind that is not meant to be with us now or in our future. This includes regrets, negative attitudes, and people, places, and/or things that held us down or keeps us from getting to where we need to be.

A new season is coming quickly. This is happening in the natural for all of us as well as spiritually for some of us. Embrace the change this new season brings. Walk through every door God opens for you. Do not look back on last month and dwell on what should have been or what could have been. God is doing a new thing. Be excited about it.

"Behold, I will do a new thing,
Now it shall spring forth;
Shall you not know it?
I will even make a road in the wilderness
And rivers in the desert." Isaiah 43:19

Be blessed.

GIVE IT TO GOD

Are you facing something bigger than yourself? Have you done all you can or given all you had and were left wondering how will it be enough? I can answer yes to these questions and I am certain I am not alone.

^"And Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. So He began to teach them many things. When the day was now far spent, His disciples came to Him and said, “This is a deserted place, and already the hour is late. Send them away, that they may go into the surrounding country and villages and buy themselves bread; for they have nothing to eat.”

But He answered and said to them, “You give them something to eat.”

And they said to Him, “Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give them something to eat?”

But He said to them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.”

And when they found out they said, “Five, and two fish.”

Then He commanded them to make them all sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in ranks, in hundreds and in fifties. And when He had taken the five loaves and the two fish, He looked up to heaven, blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to His disciples to set before them; and the two fish He divided among them all. So they all ate and were filled. And they took up twelve baskets full of fragments and of the fish. Now those who had eaten the loaves were about five thousand men." Mark 6:34-44

The scripture reveals many things but the point I want to make is that God wants to work with us. Jesus tells the disciples to give Him all they had, the five loaves of bread and two fish. With these few items, Jesus feeds five thousand people and after feeding them, plenty is left over. Jesus took what they gave and it was multiplied.

We have our own obstacles and problems to face. We sometimes wonder how can we get through it or complete the task at hand, but God wants us to give Him our all. 

Do not worry. Take what you have and do what you can do. Give God your best and receive heaven's best.

Be blessed.

JESUS LIVES

"Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they, and certain other women with them, came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared. But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb. Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. And it happened, as they were greatly perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shining garments. Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying, ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.’” Luke 24:1-7

Happy Resurrection Day! It is not about colorful eggs, baskets filled with treats, or a big bunny hopping down the bunny trail. Today is about the One who came and gave His life so that we can have eternal life. Jesus lives. As you enjoy another beautiful day that the Lord has made, remember Jesus who died on the cross and rose again for all of us.

Be blessed.

LORD, WILL THIS BE THE DAY?

I have been working a job and I cannot advance or transition out of it into my desired career. Lord, will this be the day a door of opportunity opens up to me?

You gave me a vision and it has yet to come to pass. Lord, will this be the day it happens?

The doctor gave me a bad report months ago, but I am trusting in You and standing on Your Word. Lord, will this be the day the report confirms I am healed?

When we are made to wait for an extended period of time, we might find ourselves asking, "Lord, will this be the day?" Today just might be the day. Do not give up on Him. Do not lose hope. His Word is true and His timing is perfect.

"Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday." Psalm 37;4-6

Be blessed.

A BLESSING IS A BLESSING

Some of us overlook blessings because they do not come packaged the way we think they should be. Others are looking for something big; therefore, they miss out on recognizing something great. The Lord's blessings are all around us. They come in all forms, shapes, sizes, and colors. His blessings are tangible and intangible. 

Sweet sleep is just as much a blessing as someone walking up and giving me a crisp $100 bill. Someone might not see the blessing in a good night's sleep, but can see money as a greater blessing. Ask a person who suffers from insomnia which of the blessings he or she would choose. 

I am guilty of having viewed blessings as big and small, but lately, I have come to recognize that a blessing is a blessing.

Be blessed.

GOD'S CONFIRMATIONS

I get excited when I receive confirmations God has spoken to me. Sometimes we may doubt He is speaking to us. Maybe it is not that we doubt, but we are just not so sure. What is exciting to me are the ways in which God chooses to confirm what He has spoken.

God is not limited in His ways when sending confirmations to us. He will confirm what He has spoken through the Bible, people, dreams, even through nature. The list is endless. Do not think it is such a strange thing to ask God a question and He gives you an answer. Then someone, perhaps a stranger, walks up to you and in the midst of a conversation speaks the very thing God spoke to you. Maybe you pass by a billboard with a message that gives confirmation. God is awesome like that. 

When you experience these types of things, do not dismiss it as a mere coincidence. Give it more thought and recognize God gives us confirmations.

Be blessed.

GOD IS ABLE

"Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us." Ephesians 3:20

The above scripture reminds us there is nothing too hard for God. He is able to do more than we could ever ask or think. God is able. Do you believe God can do anything? Do you believe He can handle your situation? 

Were you laid off from a job? God is able to provide another. Have you received bad news from a doctor? God is able to heal you. Do you have more bills than your paycheck can cover? God is able to take care of all your needs. Do you have a dream so big you have no idea how it will come to pass? God is able to put the right people together at the right place at the right time to make it happen.

Whatever the struggle or whatever it is that is too big for you to handle, have faith and know that God is able.

Be blessed.

START YOUR DAY OFF RIGHT

Today is the first day of a new year. Start it off right. Thank God for a new day. Thank Him for allowing you to enter into this new year. Thank God for what He has done in your life and for what He is yet to do. There are many reasons to give Him thanks. There is so much to look forward to in this year.

There is nothing like starting your day off thanking God and spending time in prayer with Him. You might wake up a little sluggish, but after spending time with Him, a burst of energy comes. You will find yourself energized and ready to face whatever comes your way.

If you have not taken time to say, "Thank You, Father." It is not too late. You can still thank Him. You can still talk to God. In fact, thank Him and communicate with Him throughout the day.

My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up. Psalm 5:3

Be blessed.