Use Wisely

“Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.”

— MATTHEW 7:6 (NIV)

God has given each of us gifts and talents He wants us to use wisely. Some people actively use their gifts, but not as Christ intended. The pimp you pass on the way to church who’s able to direct people into unmentionable actions could be one of the greatest evangelists God’s kingdom needs. The drug dealer who controls his inventory and flow of income could be the trustee your ministry needs to reach your church’s building fund goal.   

The gift God gave you is sacred and shouldn’t be used to advance the world’s agenda, but Christ’s agenda. Be careful not to invest your gift or yourself where it could be trampled, turned on, and torn to pieces. Instead, use your gift wisely for kingdom building and watch God make your life flourish along with those around you who choose to achieve Christ’s agenda.

Your gift has always been in you

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Heavenly Father, I will not waste my gift by giving it to dogs or by throwing it to pigs. I will use my gift to grow Your kingdom. It is You who will keep me safe from being trampled, turned on, or torn into pieces. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer

Take Heart

“‘I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.’”

— JOHN 16:33 (NIV)

When you made your plans today, did you remember to schedule trouble? Did you plan for the letter from your child’s school? Did you set the reminder on your phone about the flat tire on your way home? Did you remember to pencil in the call from your health insurance provider about your procedure that’s not covered? Of course you didn’t. No one plans for trouble. You may plan for what ifs and just incases, but trouble normally catches us off guard.

When you’re faced with trouble, Jesus wants you to find your peace in Him. You may have been caught off guard by your appointment with trouble, but Christ wasn’t. He warned you that you would have trouble in this world, but He doesn’t want you to lose your mind. He wants you to take heart and remember who He is to you. He’s your strength. He’s your redeemer. He’s refuge. Whatever trouble you face this year, know that Jesus has already overcome it. I’m not saying it’ll be easy, but it’s easier knowing His grace is sufficient and you have His peace.

Surpasses all understanding

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Heavenly Father, thank You for Your peace in my time of trouble. I know you have overcome the world and I have nothing to fear. I will take heart and find rest in you love and peace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer

Have a Seat

“ …and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus...”

— EPHESIANS 2:6 (NKJV)

Did you know that you are alive in Christ? Well, you are! And when you accepted salvation, that gift came with some automatic privileges. When God, who is rich in mercy and loves you with His great love, made you alive in Christ, He also raised you up and made you sit in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. That means you are empowered to sit above your enemies, your problems, and your obstacles. All you have to do is have a seat!

Through Christ, you have already overcome. You’re not operating from a losing position. No! You’re operating from a “raised up” position – a heavenly position. If worry or doubt enters your mind, it’s because you’ve temporarily forgotten where you sit. Scripture says you’re sitting in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. Jesus is sitting at the right-hand of God with all power in His hand. Have a seat and start looking at your position and your situation differently today.

I look different today!

Lord, thank You for raising me up and making me sit in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. I know my position in You and know there is nothing I cannot do through Christ Jesus! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer

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Your Birthright

“ Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in his name, He gave the right to become children of God.”

— John 1:12 (NIV)

When you confessed Jesus as your Lord and Savior and believe God raised Him from the dead, you became saved. After becoming saved, or born again, you became a child of God. For believers this is a birthright. No one or no thing can take you out of the hand of God once you’re in it. Not even you!

As a child of God, you have access to His kingdom. The blessings He has stored for you are for you. No matter the spiritual battles you encounter or the physical wars you experience of this world, God still embraces you as His child. But to further assure your success in these trying times, God has given you a joint heir in Jesus who He’s already given the victory over Satan and hell. So by your birthright, when Satan wants to raise hell in your life you don’t have to fight! Just call on your Father, God, to settle the score. After all, He’s already won and therefore, so have you!

All in the family

Lord, I receive Your son Jesus and believe in His name. Thank You for the gift of salvation and allowing me to become Your child. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer

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Ambassador for Christ

“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us...”

— 2 Corinthians 5:20 (NIV)

When Christ ascended into heaven, He left you and I in charge of His business. What’s His business you ask? Kingdom building of course. One of the reasons Christ walked this earth was to die for our sins so we’d be reconciled with God the Father. His goal was to be the bridge between His people and His Father so we could have a relationship with God. Our goal as believers should be similar. In the manner which Jesus witnessed to people, we are to do the same by introducing Christ to the lives of others who may not know Him. The only Jesus some people will ever experience is the Jesus you show them. Today, purposely tell someone of the goodness of Christ. You don’t need to rehearse for this. Just tell one person how good God has been to you and how He’s changed your life. Remember. It’s your job to do the lifting and He’ll do the drawing.

I am a bridge

Lord, thank You for using me as Your ambassador and making Your appeal through me. I will tell the world of Your goodness and spread Your love wherever I go. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer

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Walk Wise

“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”

— PROVERBS 13:20 (NIV)

I was once told if I was the smartest one in my circle of friends, I need more friends. It’s good to have resources available through association or Google, but it’s great to have friends who are wise and able to give you godly direction. I often tell my children a true friend isn’t going to try and convince you to do anything opposite of how I’ve raised you to behave. Likewise, for the believer, a true friend wouldn’t advise you to behave in any manner contrary to a lifestyle pleasing to God.

Make an effort to surround yourself with wise companions and those who are able to offer you godly counsel. Seek the advice of those who exhibit the godly results you desire in life as it relates to love, family, children, relationships, health, money, peace, and not those who seem to only tell you what they would do if they were you. When you walk with the wise, you become wise. When you receive godly counsel, you become closer to God. 

How many of us have them?

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Heavenly Father, thank You for my friends and loved ones that give me godly counsel. Restore one hundredfold in them what they have poured into me. Please continue to direct wise people into my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer

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A Shield Around Me

“Many are saying of me, ‘God will not deliver him.’ But You, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.”

— PSALM 3:2-3 (NIV)

God is your shield of protection. He is the reason no weapon formed against you will prosper. People may pray for your downfall or claim God will not deliver you, but the fact of the matter is, if you’re reading this, He already has! Today, He’s given you another chance to clean things up in your life. God is waiting to forgive you and give you a fresh start in Christ. Try not to focus on the earthly critics that surround you. God is the One who lifts your head high over your enemies, but only so that you may see Him above them. Jesus has created a shield around you. You are protected from the words and actions of your enemy. Today, concentrate on how you can be a better you and watch life change.

I’m covered!

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Heavenly Father, thank You for delivering me from the words and actions of my enemy. You are my glory and have placed a shield all around me. Lift my head to see all Your power! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer

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Let God Exalt You

“That day the LORD exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel; and they stood in awe of him all the days of his life, just as they had stood in awe of Moses.”

— JOSHUA 4:14 (NIV)

God has a plan for your life. He wants to exalt you and bless you exceedingly and abundantly above all you could ask or even think. It may not look or feel like it right now, but God is working everything out in your life for your good. Keep loving Christ and obeying His word. Continue to study Him and pray for direction. Pay more attention to what Jesus is doing and less attention to your current circumstances or the plans of your enemies. The Lord will make them your footstool. And when Christ does exalt you in your season, it will be in the sight of everyone for His glory. Stand still and witness the power of God and prepare for Him to exalt you.

God promotes.

Heavenly Father, thank You for being my refuge and my strength. I realize You are always with me and a very present help in trouble. Thank You for delivering me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer

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Work for the Lord

“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.”

— COLOSSIANS 3:23 (NLT)

I hope you enjoyed your Labor Day yesterday. If yours was anything like mine, it was used to catch up on projects around the house and tasks I normally wouldn’t be able to do. But of course, there’s always more work to do. Work at home. Work on marriage. Work at church. Work at work. Work, work, work! Sometimes it makes me wonder if it’s really all worth it.

When I become overwhelmed, I remember Who I’m working for. The Lord. When I remember that, my strength is renewed. Now I recall my purpose. Now I have a new perspective. Everything I do is to bring God glory! I represent Him at home, in my marriage, at church, and at work. As long as I keep this mentality then my work will never be in vain. I’m not working for people or money. I’m not working for glamour or fame. I’m working for the Lord in whatever I do to bring Him glory and honor.

Put in overtime

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Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me the ability to work for You. I realize everything I do should bring You glory. Forgive me for being shortsighted. I promise to work willingly knowing it’s to bring You glory and honor.  In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer

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Enough Power

“At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from Him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, ‘Who touched My clothes?’”

— MARK 5:30 (NIV)

The bible records some of the amazing miracles Christ performed while on earth. While all Jesus did is not captured in scripture, the miracles that are recorded help us to understand the infinite power He has. It gives us faith and hope that all things are possible through Christ.

One example in scripture tells of a woman who had been struggling with an illness for 12 years that was healed simply by touching Jesus’ garment. She knew if she was close enough to make contact with Christ she’d be healed. This same power is available to you today. You can come to Christ and receive His power over every situation in your life. If you are in need of healing, He has enough power to change your health status. If you are experiencing hopelessness, He has enough power to comfort you. Whatever you’re facing, Jesus has enough power to change your life forever. You only need to seek Him in faith and believe that He can do it for you.

Your faith has made you well

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Heavenly Father, I know You have all power and as I seek You today, I ask You to release that power into my life to change me forever. I claim Your power now, in faith, and know I’m already made well.  In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer

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Watch Ya Mouth

“What I feared has come upon me; what I dreaded has happened to me.”

— JOB 3:25 (NIV)

Negative thoughts are a powerful tool of Satan’s to keep you from achieving God results in your life. The combination of negative thinking and fear can turn your focus from the plans God has for you to “what ifs” and uncertainty. It’s extremely important to consider what we think and speak into the universe. Our words have power and are able to make thoughts manifest in the physical. This is why it’s important we speak life and not death over our lives.

Instead of thinking you hate your job, thank God He blessed you with an income. When the stray supermarket basket dents your car, thank God you have insurance. God has blessed you tremendously when you stop and think about it. Remember, things could be much worse. The more you think and speak negatively, the more likely it is to appear in your life along with the things you fear most. Don’t allow Satan anymore power over your thoughts or the words that exit your mouth. Speak life into the universe and watch God change things.

Speak Life

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Heavenly Father, You did not give me the spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. I will use what You’ve given me to think positive and speak life into the universe. Fear and negativity have no power over me! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer

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He Ain't Finished

“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

— PHILIPPIANS 1:6 (NIV)

With everything I’ve been through in life, one thing has remained consistent: God brought me through! Normally when you hear someone say, “God brought me through,” our thinking tends to gravitate toward the hardships or rough times a person experiences in life. In my comment above, I too was referring to the tough times God has saw me through, but He also has seen me through some great times in my life too!

You may like your current job. Your marriage may be the thing fairytales are written of. You have your health, the car you want, and you’re enjoying living life. But just imagine, God still ain’t finished with you yet. He has so much more He wants you to become. He has so much more He wants to show you and for you to experience. All these experiences may not be comfortable, but find comfort in knowing Jesus will bring you through. No matter how many ups and downs you may have in life, you can change your downs into ups having confidence that God is in control and working on you. He has started a good work in you and will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Until that day comes, He ain’t finished with you yet!

It’s only the beginning

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Heavenly Father, thank You for my life. I know You are in control and will see me through the ups and downs of life. Thank You for continuing Your good work in me to completion until the day of Your Son, Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

This is my prayer

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Knowledge is Peace

“Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord…”

— 2 PETER 1:2 (NIV)

God wants us to realize He is our greatest resource. It’s in Him, through Jesus Christ, that we find love, rest, mercy, grace and peace. Unfortunately, it’s in our nature and fleshly make up to seek the things God freely gives us in other matters and ways. But it’s in Christ we truly find whatever it is we lack and are in need of.

When you take the time to know God through the study of His word, it is then you unlock the grace and peace He has for you. The knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, prepares you to face whatever the world brings your way. The more you feed your Spirit, the more grace and peace are multiplied to you. Seek what God freely has for you rather than what the world offers you.

Knock and you shall find

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Heavenly Father, I want to know You in all Your splendor. I will study Your word and seek the grace and peace You have multiplied toward me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

This is my prayer

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Decisions, Decisions

“Those who love your instructions have great peace and do not stumble.”

— PSALM 119:165 (NLT)

Today, my friend, you’re going to have a lot of decisions to make. The majority of the decisions you make today you may find to be routine. Same clothes for this particular time of year, same lunch, same route to work, but every routine may not be good routines. Afterall, whatever you practice, you eventually get good at! And as believers, we should practice making God’s instructions the root of our decision making.

You can find peace in how you respond to people or how you react in stressful situations when you love God’s instructions and allow them to take over your decision making. Then, your decisions won’t be based off of the season or how you’re feeling in that moment but based on pleasing God. Does Jesus want you to say that? Does God want you to do that? I can guarantee you will not stumble and always have peace in your decision making when you follow God’s instructions.

Not burdensome

 

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Heavenly Father, I love Your instructions. I know there are blessings of peace, prosperity and abundance for me when I walk in Your precepts. Your word prevents me from stumbling and empowers me to live life pleasing to You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

This is my prayer

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Alive With Christ

“But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.”

— EPHESIANS 2:4 - 5 (NIV)

I used to watch my mom, aunt, and grandmother plant flowers. I learned the difference between annuals and perennials. Annuals were flowers that died after their season and could not live through aggressive weather, while the perennials were able to withstand aggressive weather and return to full bloom after they were planted and took root. 

You too have faced, are facing, or will face some aggressive weather in your life, but don’t fret. You can handle it! As a believer, you are alive with Christ. When you are rooted in Christ, like the perennial, you can withstand the aggressive weather you experience when faced with temptation and battling sin. And even when you lose a bout, God’s great love, that is rich in mercy, is waiting to forgive you for your sin and restore you to full bloom again. You don’t have to die in your transgressions. You only need to accept God’s grace and live life pleasing to Him by staying rooted in Christ.

This is my season

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Heavenly Father, because of Your great love and mercy shown toward me, I am alive with Christ! Thank You for forgiving me for my sin against You and Your loving grace toward me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

This is my prayer

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Yesterday, Today, and Forever

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

— HEBREWS 13:8 (NLT)

Things are are changing all around us at a rapid pace. Technology has changed the way we communicate with one another, the way we travel, and so many other things. The clothes we wear aren’t the same as the ones we wore last year - but hold on to them because they’ll be back in style in a few more years.

But there is someone that we can count on remaining the same and staying in style year after year. No matter the time, the place, the situation or circumstance, we can always count on Jesus being the same yesterday, today and forever. His love for us will never waiver when we forget to call Him. He won’t adjust His blessings because of inflation. Jesus will never change because of who’s occupying the seat in the White House. When all else fails us, we can always turn to Jesus. Our consistent rock. Our constant comforter.

Count on Christ

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Heavenly Father, You are the One I depend on to provide for me, to bless me, and to love me. Thank You for being the same yesterday, today, and forever. It’s You I have all my hope and faith in. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

This is my prayer

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Last Thing God Said

“…So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”

— ISAIAH 55:11 (NIV)

What is the last thing God said to you? I’m willing to bet whatever He said spoke directly to what you’re facing or questioning today. If you were feeling doubt, I bet He reminded you of His faithfulness. If you were feeling overwhelmed, I bet He reminded you of His peace that surpasses all understanding. Weak? He reminded you of His strength. Unloved? His love. Lonely? He’d never leave you.

My point is, whatever the enemy has tricked you into believing or doing, the last thing God said to you is all you need to overcome your issue or circumstance. Whatever God said to you through His word will not return to Him empty, but accomplish what He desires and it will achieve the purpose in your life for which He sent it. So, if you can pinpoint your problem, then pinpoint a word from God in scripture that directly speaks to your problem then meditate on it day and night until you see the power of Jesus move in your life!

It is written

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Heavenly Father, thank You for Your word that continues to provide for me in all of my circumstances. I will stand on it when I am tested, tried, and tempted. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

This is my prayer

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Put God First

“May He give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.”

— PSALM 20:4 (NIV)

Did you know God thinks about you? You’re constantly on His mind because He cares for you. He wants you to have the desires of your heart and to make all your plans successful.

When your desires and plans align with God’s purpose over your life, His blessings flow your way. Living for God is not burdensome or complex as many would have you believe. Instead of formulating a “to do list” totally based on your personal agenda, adopt God’s agenda by doing nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Instead, value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but look for ways to help others find their way. In all your relationships, have the same mindset as Christ and you will have the desires of your heart and all your plans will succeed because you simply decided to put God first.

I have decided

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Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me the desires of my heart and for making all my plans succeed. I will put You first over all my desires and wants to serve You and others. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

This is my prayer

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Follow God

“It is the LORD your God you must follow, and Him you must revere. Keep His commands and obey Him; serve Him and hold fast to Him.”

— DEUTERONOMY 13:4 (NIV)

We’re surrounded by leaders. Some are really good leaders - goal oriented, charismatic, and empowering, while other leaders make you wonder, “How in the world did they get that position?” While I firmly believe the only way you become a good leader is by following one, be sure your leader does not replace your God.

Hopefully, the leader you’re following has godly attributes and principles, but always remember who God is. It is the Lord your God you must follow, and Him you must revere. Follow your earthly leader’s rules, but keep God’s commands and obey Him. Serving your leader should not conflict with serving God. The two should align and allow you to serve in your purpose using your spiritual gift. But if any doubt should arise in your mind, and you question if you should go left or right, go with God! Following Him is always the right choice.

I have decided to follow…

 

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Heavenly Father, it is You that I will follow and revere. I will keep Your commands and obey You. I will serve You and hold fast to You forever.  In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer

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Gain in Christ

“But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.”

— Philippians 3:7 (NIV)

Can you remember the last thing you gave up for the sake of Christ? Did you sacrifice working overtime so you could attend bible study? Maybe you gave up smoking marijuana or binge eating. Perhaps you stopped cursing or the gossiping that once made you the “cool kid.”

For some, the above examples may or may not be significant, life altering events. If you have to build your faith and work up to substantial sacrifices, start small by reducing your normal TV viewing time by 30 minutes to study scripture, or give up speeding and do the speed limit. Don’t allow fear to intimidate you into thinking you can’t accomplish what Christ has empowered you to do. Whatever you sacrifice, replace that void with something Christ-centered. You’ll soon see what you gain in Christ is well worth the loss.

Goals and boundaries…

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Heavenly Father, I will step out in faith and give my life away to gain eternity in You. I have the strength through You to give up things of my flesh to gain the blessings You have stored for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer

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