What You See is What You Get

VERSE: "I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power.
" (Philippians 4:13)

THOUGHTS: The things that you believe about yourself will probably come to pass. If you see yourself happy, then you will probably be happy. If you see yourself well, you may have good health. The Bible says that you can do all things through the strength of Christ. All you have to do is believe it. God is going before you, making your paths straight and surrounding you with His favor. The Bible also says that His blessings will chase you and overtake you! The key is to make God the center of your focus. Problems shrink when you put your focus on the Him!

PRAYER: God, thank you for the strength and victory that comes only from You. May I have the boldness and strength to see things the way You do and to have a victorious vision. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Set your minds on things above
VERSE: Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Colossians 3:2

THOUGHTS: Focusing on the future and spending time with God in eternity helps me forget my earthly troubles. It doesn t take them away, but it certainly reminds me they will pass one glorious day. God didn t say our walk with Him on earth would be easy, but He promised to get us through those hard times. He promised that one day we will live with Him in a place of total contentment. Oh how I long for that day, when I will see Jesus face to face.


Meanwhile, our purpose on earth is to rely on His power to strengthen, teach, direct and challenge us as we live and breathe to tell others about Him. We must not allow our problems to get in the way of our earthly purpose of witnessing to others. Just try to imagine as hard as things can be for those of us that know Christ, how much harder life is for those that don t know Him and have no hope. If you are struggling today, focus on Christ and things above. Put your earthly attitudes, issues, heartache and pain into God s loving arms. Allow Him to carry them for you. Setting your mind on things above can take effort, and some days it may feel draining, but the gift you receive from Christ is peace. Where do you want to place your focus today? God bless.

Couny your blessings-Name them one by one!

VERSE: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come to pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the Lord, "and will bring you back...to the place from which I carried you into exile.

" Jeremiah 29:11-14

The above ures were written by Jeremiah to the surviving elders among the exiles. The powerful words spoken then still pertain to us today. I love the word, declares! That means it must have very important for God to get His message across.

Do you declare the power of God by receiving it as a precious gift? Do you declare His presence by seeking Him with all your heart or with just the little bit you are willing to share? Do you declare He has brought your through many trials? Do you declare the testimony of your salvation to others?

I feel strongly this morning that we need to declare more often what God has done is our lives. We tend to keep things to ourselves. I encourage you to share your burdens, your triumphs, and your love for God to someone today. Don't try to prepare the "right" words, just tell them what God has done or is doing. Sharing your trials is powerful. It allows believers to pray for you and your situation. It allows others to see God working in your life. It allows others to understand that you are struggling, but have faith that God knows the plan. Open your heart to seek God and allow Him to use you today. God bless.

Priceless treasure

THOUGHTS: When something is priceless, its value is so great that it can’t be quantified. It’s worth more than human minds can determine. As believers, we have priceless treasures. The ure tells us that there are priceless treasures in the house of the uncompromisingly righteous. These treasures are so valuable that all the money in the world can’t buy them - treasures of peace, joy, strength, love, grace, mercy and forgiveness. These are treasures that have eternal value. They are gifts from heaven for the children of the Most High God. And in the natural, you wouldn’t just take something of extreme value and throw it in the closet or leave it in the garage. No, you would guard and protect those treasures. You would carefully display them.


In the same way, we need to guard the gifts God has given us. We need to display that forgiveness to others. We need to show off that love, grace and mercy that the Father has given us.
As you display the treasures He’s given you and reach out to others, you’ll see His hand of blessing upon you in return in every area of your life!

PRAYER: Father in heaven, thank You for Your priceless treasures. I choose to honor You by guarding the gifts You have given me. Help me to display Your love and grace to those around me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

ARE YOU WITHOUT FAITH

VERSE: But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for He that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarded of them that diligently seek Him.
Hebrews 11:6

The dictionary defines faith as "confidence or trust in a person, idea or thing; belief that is not based on proof." It is easy for me to say I have faith, that I believe in God and that Jesus is the Son of God and he died so that I may live. But, deep down inside do I really believe it. I can say that I do but do I remember every hour, every minute and every second of everyday? No I don't. If I did I would not have moments of self-pity, doubt, or fear as I face everyday challenges and some ongoing challenges.


God requires us to have blind, perpetual faith. We can't see him or touch him but we have to believe. How do we acquire that unshakable faith of Abraham and Noah? We have to study and we have to pray continuously. We have to literally develop a relationship with God just as we develop relationships with family, friends and co-workers. We have to surround ourselves with believers so that when falter, when we forget, they are there to remind us that God is in charge. That he has us. All we have to do is believe.
God Bless

Believe God for the Extraordinary in Your Life


VERSE: "The thief 's purpose is to steal, kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness." (John 10:10)

THOUGHTS: Is all of your trust in God today? Many people say that they believe in God, but act like He's a distant and uninvolved relative. To have the fullness of life that God promises you, you must believe what God says, not just believe in His existence. God wants you to step out and leave the ordinary behind. He is speaking to you today and encouraging you to believe in Him. God is waiting to bless you more than you could ever think, but you have to take the first step. Your step may be big or small, but you must take it to come closer to God and experience everything that He wants you to experience.

PRAYER: God, I know that You're waiting to bless me more than I could ever imagine. Give me the strength to take the first step, and come towards You! Thank you for all that You've blessed me with already. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Work on Your Dream

VERSE: "For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11)


THOUGHTS: Surround yourself with the right people and you can fulfill the dreams God gives you. Put yourself in relationships with people who are not only like-minded, but are also seeking to honor God in their own lives. Here is a thought to consider today: if your friends don't point you toward God's goal for you, then they're not very good friends. You want to be around dream-builders, not dream-crashers! When you prune the relationships around you, you're not cutting things out of your life; you're making room for growth so that you can reach your God-given potential! When you make room for God's best, you can walk away from the lesser things that the world has to offer.


PRAYER: God, I know You have my best in mind and in Your plans. Thank You for placing a dream in my heart and for giving me people to help lead me towards that dream. I pray that my relationships will honor You. In Jesus' name. Amen.

How to improve any relationship in your life


VERSE: "In humility consider others better than yourselves." (Philippians 2:3)


THOUGHTS: You can improve your relationship with anyone, a child, neighbor or even your boss! It starts with creating an atmosphere of peace in your relationships. Sometimes we feel we just can't get along with certain people. But God puts us with people who are different from us on purpose. They have a lot to give us if we'll just seek to understand them. We have to focus on meeting their needs, filling their "emotional tank," instead of just looking for what they can do for us. If you do these things, your life will be much richer. You'll resolve conflict quicker. You'll be able to more easily overlook each other's faults and be more forgiving. You'll be content and satisfied in life.

And don't worry, God hasn't forgotten about your own needs. Because God is faithful, He will pour out His favor and abundance into your own life even while you are focused on blessing others!


PRAYER: God, thank You for giving me my family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and all of the people You have put in my life. Help me to appreciate each one as a unique person with something valuable to teach me and share with me. Help me to learn from them, and make it a priority to do whatever I can to meet their needs. Thank You for Your promise that as I focus on others, I will also be blessed and grow in my relationship with them and with You. In Jesus' Name – Amen.

Choose Life – One Day at a Time


VERSE: "Every day I will bless You, and I will praise Your name forever and ever."
(Psalm 145:2)


THOUGHTS: Christians experience daily obstacles and struggles. But even though you aren't immune to life's day-to-day challenges, you have the power of Jesus Christ to overcome them! His power is available every day to help you win not only the big battles, but the little daily battles as well. God has an abundant life in store for you, which includes victory over the little things in your life that may seem big. Nothing can prevent you from being all that God wants you to be-so choose to claim victory today in the name of Jesus!


PRAYER: God, I praise You for the daily victory you give to Your children. It's a blessing to know that I can bring every problem I have to you, no matter how small. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Be well-balanced

VERSE: "Be well-balanced, for your enemy goes about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour.
" (I Peter 5:8 AMP)

THOUGHTS: Excess is the enemy's playground. He knows that if he can get you over into extremes in any area, then he can keep you from experiencing God's best. When you get out of balance, you give the enemy a foothold. But when you have your priorities in order, there's security, protection, and safety. When you are taking care of yourself, your family, and your relationship with God, you are going to be strong and healthy. The enemy won't have a chance!

I encourage you to examine your heart and life today. Ask the Lord to show you if there are areas where you may be out of balance. Ask Him to help you make the right adjustments so that you are able to be effective in every area of your life.
As you work towards balance, you will walk in the abundant life that God has prepared for you!

PRAYER: God, I will not let the busyness of life dictate my priorities. I will consciously choose how I spend my time and my money so that my priorities align with Your purpose. You are my priority! In Jesus' Name – Amen.

Verse: "Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, and today and forever." Hebrews 13:8

One of the things I have always looked for, longed for in relationships, whether they be romantic, platonic, or family, is a sense of security. That sense that a person will always be there for me, will always love me, will always be the same, in other words, steadfast and predictable. Therefore, eliminating surprises such as them one day leaving me, falling short of my expectations. What I never realized until today sitting here writing this is that to expect that level of security from a human being, myself included where others seek the same in me, is unrealistic. Think about it on a Christian level. As we grow and mature in our walk with Christ, we change. Our thinking changes and our heart changes. As these things about us begin to change so does our lifestyle based on choices we are now making for ourselves in Christ. Because we change it is impossible for us as humans to provide a person with that total level of security that we so often expect from one another. No one walking around on this earth can protect us from all hurt, harm and danger nor will they always be willing to. Even as parents it is impossible for us to protect our children from all hurt, harm, and danger nor are we always willing to and if you say that you have never let your child learn at least one lesson "the hard way", you lie. So, if you can't put your total faith in man, who can you depend on? The answer is Jesus Christ, the Son of God he author and finisher of our faith.

As I study and grow in my walk with Christ, I am learning more and more the only person I can and am to totally trust in, believe in, know will always be there for me, is Jesus. No man/woman can provide me with the level of security that Jesus can and it is unfair and unrealistic of me to expect that of my brothers and sisters and dishonest of me to claim to be able to give it. Does that mean I can't love or be loved by another, no. What it means is that I love them enough to give them room to grow and come into their own as I would expect someone to allow me to do. To ask someone to never change, never grow is a selfish request and the Word teaches us that Love is not selfish. It also teaches us that we do have someone to turn to who never changes. He has been, He is, and He will always be the same. It is in him that our faith and total trust should lie. Jesus was there before our boyfriends/girlfriends, mothers/fathers, brothers/sisters, husbands/wives, our children. Jesus is there during the times they are in our lives and Jesus will be there when they are long gone, whether they walked away or death came and took them. He knows every unsavory thing there is to know about us yet his love for us is unchanging. How wonderful and comforting it is to know He is always there for me, will always love me, will always protect me. Thank you Lord! Have a wonderful day and God Bless.

BELIEVE AND RECEIVE



VERSE: In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began. Titus 1:2


No matter what, I must keep close to my heart that God is not a man that He shall lie.

We can take Him at His word because God is a man of His word. I believe in His time of choosing God will grant unto us that in which was destined; if we just trust, obey and believe in God.


Often times we speak with out mouths yet find things not happening because it hasn't enter into the depths of our hearts. For when we know that we know nothing can cause us to waver nor be double minded. For when we're found in this state God can't manifest that in which He has promised. We go to others before we will even acknowledge God.


So, because we don't get the materialistic things we may think we are to have, or maybe things have been allowed to humble us, increase our faith/or teach us more about from which our help comes from, or God saw it was not fit for us at that time does not mean God is a man that he should lie.


For as we read His word daily it shall renew our strength, it shall increase our faith, and more than anything help us to depend more and more on Him instead of self. We must know and remember that neither our confidence rest not in man nor our self but in the Christ that's in us.


I encourage myself (don't look for someone else to always be your encourager) you encourage yourself, today to just take God at his word because He is a man of His word! God bless

Habakkuk 2: 1-3



Then the LORD answered me and said:

“Write the vision
And make it plain on tablets,
That he may run who reads it.
For the vision is yet for an appointed time;
But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie.
Though it tarries, wait for it;
Because it will surely come,
It will not tarry.



Ever had a dream in your heart that won’t go away? Write it down. In writing it down, you make yourself accountable for it, for taking steps toward that dream. Even if it seems elusive... Perhaps your purpose is in your dream, or maybe, your written vision will lead you to your purpose. Even if it seems the dream dies, it truly never does. Take King David as an example.



David wanted to build a house to the Lord. He had the vision; however, Solomon was the one to accomplish it. It doesn’t mean David was a failure. It simply meant the Lord (a) gave a glimpse of someone else’s purpose to David and (b) David passed along the tools to get the job done. David may have been disappointed, but David’s job was done by having a vision and seeing what could be and should be…as in, not giving up hope that it would be done…even if not by his hands. Think about Malcolm X or Martin Luther King, Ghandi, or Mandela. Or even Jesus, the long awaited Messiah and High Priest. These greats (aside from Jesus) were not the first to have a vision of equality or peace. I’m sure those who birthed and cared for these dynamic leaders had dreams of the same, however, their visions of progression affected those people in a manner to get the job done, even though they were not the ‘spotlight’ vessel to carry out the task.



Don’t give up, even though it may seem as though your vision, or dream, will not come true. Live your life in faith that what the Lord has said to you about your vision will come to pass, if not now, then in future generations. The Lord puts dreams in us to motivate and move us forward. Who knows, you may be the David to a Solomon you’ve never met.

HAVE A BLESSED WEEK! Fight the good fight


VERSE: "Test me, O Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; for your love is ever before me, and I walk continually in your truth." (Psalms 26:2)


THOUGHTS: Anyone can be obedient, keep a good attitude and stay full of joy when things are going well. But what kind of attitude do you have when times get tough and things don't go your way? Will you stay faithful and keep pressing on even when it seems you're making no progress?

Sometimes God allows trials to test us, to refine and purify our faith. Remember – anyone can quit. Anyone can complain. But God is looking for people who will persevere until the very end. Stand strong and fight the good fight of faith. When you do you live a life of abundance and you will be a champion in life!


PRAYER: God, I have what it takes to overcome adversity and arise victorious! I know You will never disappoint me and will be present in troubled times. I am determined to have an attitude of gratitude no matter what I face. In Jesus' Name – Amen.

Overcoming obstacles to victory


VERSE: "A wide door has been open to me and with it are many adversaries." (I Corinthians 16:9)


THOUGHTS: God is always giving you opportunities to move forward in life. It is God's desire that you grow and reach your full potential. Anytime you take a step forward, the enemy will try to bring opposition and adversity against you. But God also promises that through Him, you can overcome any opposition the enemy brings your way.

When you step out in faith and the opposition comes, stand your ground and keep doing what you know to do. Keep on praying. Keep reading the Word. Keep going to church. Keep walking in love and forgiveness, and keep your heart tender. When the enemy sees that you are more determined than he is, he'll back down and you will move forward to new levels of victory! Stay focused and full of joy no matter what comes against you. As you do, you will overcome opposition and discover the champion in you!


PRAYER: God, I will be AS steadfast AS You called me to be with the help of prayer, Bible study, and fellowship. I have faith that I will overcome whatever comes my way. In Jesus' Name – Amen.

Your best days are ahead!


VERSE: "No man has ever seen, heard or even imagined the wonderful things God has in store for those who love the Lord." (I Corinthians 2:9)


THOUGHTS: No matter where you are in life right now, God has much more in store for you. God wants to increase you–He wants to give you more wisdom so you can make better decisions. He wants you to prosper so that you can be a blessing to others. He wants to give you more money so you can be a blessing to others. Don't get stuck in that old rut where you just get up and go to work, come home, go to bed, and then do it all again. That's not all there is to life. God has new frontiers for you to explore and higher mountains to climb!

Proverbs says, "The path of the righteous gets brighter and brighter and brighter." If you're going to start experiencing these new victories, you must do your part and start thinking the way God thinks. Think big! Think expansive! Think increase! Start expecting the unexpected!


PRAYER: God, You created the heavens and the earth and breathed life into the universe-Your plans for me are big! There is nothing I have accomplished that is as great as what you have in store for me. I believe there are great things to come. I believe in You. In Jesus' Name – Amen.

Take a leap of faith
VERSE: Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone that comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6)


THOUGHTS: God is always giving us opportunities to grow and move forward in this life. But in order to experience God s best, you must be bold and willingly step out in faith to do what God says to do!

Do you have a play-it-safe mentality? Are you avoiding risks because you re afraid you might fail? Or, do you think that what you dreaming about might be too difficult? The Bible says that faith pleases God. It brings pleasure to the heart of God when He knows that you trust Him enough to step out and obey Him. You may not always know what will happen, and you may not always feel qualified. But the Bible says in Joshua 1:8: Don t be afraid. Be strong, be bold, be very courageous for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. God promises He will always be with you – and with God on your side, you are more than a conqueror!

The next time you know God is bringing an opportunity across your path, step out of your comfort zone! Step out in faith, knowing that God has His best in store for you. He desires to bring you success. Be willing to take some risks – knowing that Almighty God is right there by your side!


PRAYER: God, I have nothing to fear with You by my side. There are risks I should take and doors I need to open and I will trust in You as I meet these challenges. Today, I will be bold in my faith! In Jesus name, Amen.

The greatest is love


VERSE: "And now these things remain–faith, hope, and love–but the greatest of these is love. Therefore, let love be your greatest aim..." (I Corinthians 13:13-14:1a)


THOUGHTS: Is love your greatest aim? When you wake up in the morning, do you seek opportunities to show love and prefer others, or do you look for ways that you can get ahead and gain status or position?

When you make love your greatest aim, and seek to serve other people regardless of tangible benefit, you close the door to the enemy's plan for your life and open the door for God's abundant blessings to pour out on you!

Disarm the enemy by choosing to walk in love and peace. Refuse to be jealous or selfish, and at all costs, avoid strife. Meditate on I Corinthians 13, and allow God's Word to sink deep into your heart. As you allow God's Word to shape your actions and develop your lifestyle of love, you will discover the champion in you!


PRAYER: God, I will put aside selfish things and focus on love today. Only when I meditate on Your Word do I truly begin to walk in the light and live the life You intended for me. I will aim to love my neighbors and avoid strife...the way Your son taught me to do. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Make peace a priority


VERSE: "Where there is strife, there is confusion and every kind of evil." (James 3:16)


THOUGTHS: Strife is a powerfully destructive force that the enemy uses to try to bring confusion and turmoil into our lives. Marriages are torn apart, businesses are destroyed, and lifelong friends are divided by strife. Satan will make sure that you have plenty of opportunity each day to get upset with those whom you care about the most. Things often happen on a daily basis that can aggravate you and make you want to be rude or angry toward your family and those around you.

We encourage you to make peace a priority in your life. Don't give the enemy a foothold. If you will do your part and honor God by being a maker and maintainer of peace, God will honor you. He will fight your battles for you. He will pour out His blessings in your life and you will live the overcoming life of victory that He has in store just for you.


PRAYER: God, I choose to pursue peace. I refuse to argue, to be sarcastic or disrespectful. I am going to keep peace in my home and my life, even if it means I have to swallow my pride. As a peacemaker, I realize that sometimes I have to release my "right to be right." In Jesus' Name – Amen.

Take a Stand-Walk Away


VERSE: "The Lord was with Joseph and extended kindness to him and gave him favor . . . and whatever he did, the Lord made to prosper." (Genesis 39:21,23)


THOUGHTS: Are you ever tempted to do something you know is wrong? Do you find yourself around people or circumstances that tempt you to compromise? You can do what many mature, strong, biblically sound Christian men and women do when they are faced with temptation – RUN!!

Joseph did just that. He was taken to Egypt to serve as a slave in the household of Potiphar, captain of Pharaoh's bodyguards. When Potiphar's wife made advances toward Joseph, what did he do? What was his response to temptation? He ran away! He ran as fast and as far as he could. He left so quickly that Potiphar's wife was left with nothing but the shirt off his back.

Initially Joseph suffered his master's wrath because of this incident, but God honored him for taking a stand. Because of his uncompromising integrity, the Lord was with him.

You are a person of excellence and integrity, just like Joseph. When temptation comes, our response needs to be the same – run from it. Get away from people who are pulling you down. Block the Internet sites you know you shouldn't visit. Turn off the television shows you know you shouldn't watch. Refuse to compromise. When you do, God's blessings and favor will be on you and your family, and like Joseph, you will prosper in whatever you do.


PRAYER: God, when I am faced with temptation today, I will remember Joseph. You know what I struggle with. Rather than compromise, I will make You proud when I turn on my heels and head in the other direction. In Jesus' name, Amen.