Accepting Help

“You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone.”

— EXODUS 18:18 (NIV)

I feel I work best and accomplish more alone. Maybe it’s because when I have a vision for how something should go or look, I don’t need anyone telling me I can’t do it, we don’t have the money for it, or it’s never been done that way before. But sometimes work can be too much for me alone and I have to accept the help of others whether it’s received the way I’m comfortable with or not.

God will always send help to accomplish what He has set before you. It may not always be the help you want or even the way you prefer to receive it, but trust that God knows what He’s doing. Every team you’re part of has the potential to become a learning experience. And remember, sometimes it’s someone else’s turn to learn and not just yours. God created us to be fitly joined together and for every joint to supply. Don’t stress yourself out trying to do everything alone. Help is probably right in front of you, but you may be too busy working to notice.

You don’t have to go it alone

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Heavenly Father, thank You for connecting members of the body to help me when I can’t handle it alone. I will trust You and the help You send me to accomplish Your work.  In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer

Keep Going

“…But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”

— Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV)

I want to encourage you today that your wait is almost over and to keep going. Whether you’re waiting for clean water in Flint or teacher’s salary security in Detroit, God is not slack in His promises and has given you peace over your current situation. When you wait on the Lord you’re not watching the second hand of the clock. No. You’re in the trenches doing His bidding as if God was pleading through you. You’re in your community doing the right thing as you represent Christ as His ambassador for all to witness His power. As you honor and lift the name of Jesus through your actions He will renew your strength. You’ll be able to fly above your storm as eagles. You’ll be able to run and finish the race before you. Don’t allow your circumstance to alter God’s plan for your life. He’s still in control. Have faith and continue to wait on Him.

Soar above your storm!

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Lord God, I will continue to wait on You and not allow my circumstances to alter the plans You have for my life. I know You will renew my strength and allow me to soar over my situation. I know You will enable me to run and not become weary; walk and not faint. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer

Cross Training

“Then He said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.’”

— Luke 9:23 (NIV)

My daughter played varsity basketball for school. When basketball season was over, she participated in track and cross country. This sort of activity during the off season is known as cross-training. Cross-training is when you participate in two or more sports in order to improve fitness and performance, for your main sport. Her main sport was basketball, but to improve in it, she participated in other activities to increase her performance.

As a Christian, you follow and serve Christ. True, there is no “off season” in serving Jesus, but you can still cross-train by serving others. In order to effectively serve others, you have to deny your own needs to meet the needs of others. This was a daily practice of selflessness Jesus lived by and He wants you to follow in His footsteps. So don’t forget to “cross-train!” It’ll help you improve towards your main goal.

In His Service

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Heavenly Father, I want to be Your disciple. I will deny myself, pick up my cross daily, and follow You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer

Able to Stand

“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.”

— Ephesians 6:13 (NIV)

As a believer, you have to be ready for spiritual warfare. God has prepared you for these times through His word, and given you the help of the Holy Spirit. When times get rough, know that you are able to stand through it all when you put on the full armor of God. Cover yourself and your loved ones by speaking His word against any evil that tries to come up against you. Jesus has already given you the victory. You’re more than a conqueror. Don’t go into a battle you’ve already won with a losing attitude. Don’t just know who God says you are, but put it into action! You are a child of the Most High. Stand your ground rooted in the word of the Lord and live victoriously.

Do you have it on?

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your words of power that prepare me for the day of evil. I am able to stand my ground because I have on the full armor of God. I am victorious! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer

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Solid Rock

“They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built.”

— LUKE 6:48 (NIV)

The flood is coming. Make no doubt about it. The question is, When it comes are you prepared? When you’re the last one hired, first one fired, are you ready? When the doctor returns to your room with a sad look on his face, are you ready? When the person you called friend proves they’re not, are you ready?

Van? How can I be ready for such unwanted events to happen in my life?

Ready yourself by putting God’s word into practice today. Study and follow His commandments before the floods of life try to overtake you. Jesus is the solid rock you want to build your foundation on. Build your faith and hopes in things eternal so when the world tries to shake you, your house can take the blow because it was built well. Don’t wait until the storm comes. Start building now.

Prepare today for tomorrow

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Heavenly Father, I will build my foundation on the solid rock of Jesus Christ. Your word will prepare me and keep me during my storms. I will not be shaken!  In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer

Rewrite History

“Jesus told them, ‘A prophet has little honor in his hometown, among his relatives, on the streets he played in as a child…’”

— Mark 6:4 (MSG)

To some people, you’re always going to be a liar, an alcoholic, a thief, a cheater, a convict, or remembered for that one thing you did. It’s often easy for your mistakes to be publicized and run through the rumor mill, but your transformation almost never receives the same treatment. Jesus tells us that a prophet has little honor among those that know him. But God is able to rewrite your history and place you among those willing to accept you and the purpose God has for you. Jesus will never give up on you. He died for the mistakes He knew you’d make so that you may have life in Him. Rewrite your own history today by remaining faithful and doing what God created you to do. He will continue to supply all your needs.

God sees you

Heavenly Father, thank You for honoring me when others don’t. Thank You for creating the work of Your ministry in me to help others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer

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Things to Think On

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

— Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

Your thoughts have enough power to change your day. When you only focus on bad things, your mind will only allow you to see the bad in every situation. But when you transform your mind to see the good in every situation, you will have a positive effect on your outlook. For example, when the weather report says it will be sunny, but it rains, instead of saying, “Those people at Channel 7 are so incompetent,” you could be positive and say, “My flowers could use some rain today.” A way to channel your thoughts is to already be thinking good thoughts. God says whatever things are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy, think on those things. If what you are thinking right now does not fall into one of those categories, quickly change the channel! Practice looking for the good in every situation.

Change the channel

 

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Heavenly Father, I will focus on things that are of You so that my thoughts will be true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer

Your Name Is...

“This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name...”

— MATTHEW 6:9 (NIV)

It’s a common practice in life to address people by their title or position out of respect. When in court, you refer to the judge as “Your Honor.” In karate practice, you refer to your instructor as “Master.” At church, you refer to the person God placed over it as “Pastor.” In most cases, these titles signify authority, and enable you to be conscious of your place as it relates to how you interact with each public figure.

When Christ taught us to pray, He began with placing God in His place as our Father in heaven. This automatically sets the tone of how we should approach Him with humility and reverence. We also should acknowledge that His name is hallowed meaning holy, sanctified, and blessed. God, our Father, is the creator of everything, worthy of all praise, and has dominion over heaven and earth. When you pray throughout your day today, call God who and what He is to you.

Name above all names

Heavenly Father, You are lifted above the heavens and the earth. Your name is mighty, holy, sacred, and blessed. Thank You for hearing my prayer. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

-          This is my prayer

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I Forgive You

“And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”

— MATTHEW 6:12 (NIV)

Forgiveness. So hard to do. Yet, forgiveness is a key element in personal growth and the process of healing and moving forward in life. For a long time, I thought forgiving a person who wronged me was for their benefit. It wasn’t until recently I realized God designed forgiveness for my gain. Scripture says, “If you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Through this scripture, I learned forgiveness is for me and not for those who hurt me.

I’m convinced there is no action of another person more important than God forgiving me. I need God to forgive my sin and I will not allow the wrongdoing of someone else to block His blessing. So today, I choose to forgive. How do I know in my heart that I truly forgave a person? When I am able to think about the sin someone committed against me, and it not bother or worry me. Choose to forgive today and allow God to forgive you. 

It ain’t easy, but it’s easy

Heavenly Father, I forgive those who have sinned against me. Thank You for giving me the strength to do so. Please forgive me of my sin today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

-          This is my prayer

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See the Goodness

“I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.”

— Psalm 27:13 (NIV)

Every comment made against you doesn’t deserve a response. The time you spend defending yourself is less time you spend with Christ. It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve been lied on. It doesn’t matter what’s happened in your past. Live life confident that God has goodness planned for you today.

God has a perfect plan for your life. Spend time with Him learning this plan and less time with your critics. Jesus will place people in your life that support you, really care about you, and know you beyond the weapons formed against you. If you’re lacking in confidence, increase your study time learning what God promised you. Meditate on these promises and spend time with positive people who agree with what God has declared over you and your life.

Confidence is key…

Lord, I have confidence that I will see the goodness You have for me in the land of the living. Thank You for Your grace and Your forgiveness of my sin. I will find rest in You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

-          This is my prayer

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God Said It

“So let’s do it—full of belief, confident that we’re presentable inside and out. Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word.”

— HEBREWS 10:23 (MSG)

I am always careful with what I promise my kids. Why? Because they won’t forget! If I promised them Monday we’re going to Barnes and Noble Friday, they remember. If I promised in April a Christmas gift, they’ll expect it on the 25th. And since I’ve made good on promises in the past, they have confidence I will make good on all promises I make with them now and in the future.

You too can have child-like confidence when God promises you something. You may have to wait longer than you want, but you can rest assured knowing He will make good on His promises. It’s important you take time to learn what He’s promised you, and if you already know, then start living life knowing you have them. He promised you’d be the head and not the tail, the lender and not the borrower. He promised you eternal life. He promised He’d never leave you or forsake you. Love, peace, prosperity, and more! If God said it, walk in it. He always keeps His promises. 

Worth the wait

Heavenly Father, I believe every promise You have ever made to me. I will hold on to them in faith knowing you always keep Your word. Thank You for being faithful and for Your love. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

-          This is my prayer

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Second Guess

“And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.”

— MATTHEW 16:17 (KJV)

Growing up watching cartoons I recall when a character was making a decision smaller versions of the character would appear on opposite shoulders.  One would be in a red, devilish costume while the other in a white, angelic costume. Normally, the devilish one would offer his advice first. It was always the wrong thing to do, but always seemed more attractive than the advice from the angelic version – it was normally the right thing to do.

Today, little versions of yourself will appear on your shoulders. One will tell you the wrong thing to do in a situation while the other will tell you what God wants you to do. Don’t second guess which voice to listen to. God always wants to reveal great advice to you that will lead you in making great decisions - His voice will always sound like scripture – the right thing to do. Take time to listen to God’s voice and don’t give into flesh and blood so quickly. 

God’s always talking to you

Father, thank You for revealing Your words of life to me. If I turn from the devil, he will flee from me. I know listening to You will bless me and guide me into making the right decisions in my life. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

-          This is my prayer

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Let It Go

“Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”

— MATTHEW 6:27 (NIV)

Ever agonize anticipating the results of a job interview? What about a written test you’re required to take? What to wear to an event? Where to go in life? We’re faced with endless questions and choices all day, every day. When life doesn’t present us with a clear and obvious answer or the ability to be in total control, we naturally tend to worry.

If you stand back and think about some of the situations you’ve worried about in your past, can you honestly say worrying helped? Worrying will not make a situation change for the better. In fact, it probably will make the situation worse than it really is. God wants you to always have faith in Him to guide and protect you. He wants you to do your best and give your best. What God has for you is for you. Next time, instead of worrying, use that energy to make your request known to God, give it to Him, and let it go.

Let God

Gracious Father in heaven, You are the giver of life and all things good. I know I cannot add a single hour to my life by worrying. I will keep my faith in You and my focus on You to see me through my situation today. Thank You for answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

This is my prayer

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God Is With You

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”

— PSALM 23:4 (KJV)

In the Old Testament, the name Emmanuel was used as a representation of the Messiah. In Hebrew, Emmanuel translates into “God with us.” Isn’t it good to know God is with you? He’s with you in good times and bad times; even in those “what the heck am I doing” times, God will never leave your side.

With God by your side, you never have to fear. You may experience some dark times and life may present difficult and uncomfortable circumstances, but you’re not alone in them. God is with you. And not only is He with you, but He will comfort you as He leads you through your valley. Today, accept that you are not alone in life and don’t make fear an option. Live Life confidently and boldly knowing God is with you.

 You are not alone

Heavenly Father, thank You for being with me during the dark times in my life. I will fear no evil because I know you are with me. I will find comfort where you lead me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

-          This is my prayer

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Thoughts Lead to Actions

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

— Colossians 3:2 (NIV)

In my field of work, brainstorming is often encouraged to spark creativity or “out of the box” thinking. As a team we jot down ideas no matter how far fetched, and never regard a suggestion as a bad suggestion. Even though these sessions are just random thoughts, eventually one thought leads us into action.

As a believer, it’s important to think about what you are thinking about. Your thoughts generate your actions. If you rehearse cursing your co-worker out every day, more than likely your thought will become reality. If you focus your thoughts on having a great day, more than likely that too will become a reality. Jesus wants you to set your thoughts on things above and not on earthly things. Today, become aware of your thoughts and make sure they align with things above.

Whatcha thinking?

Lord, thank You for giving me heavenly things to think about. Empower me to focus on things pleasing to You and to think about what I am thinking about. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

-          This is my prayer

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Reward in Confidence

“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.”

— HEBREWS 10:35 (NIV)

No one said life would be easy. It’s full of triumphs and disappointments, break ups and break throughs, ups and downs. Unfortunately, sometimes it can seem like the downs last longer than the ups. During these dreadful down times in life, don’t throw away your confidence in God. He is faithful and will richly reward you. Sometimes you will have to step back and evaluate your life and the choices you’ve made that have you where you are. “What else could I be doing?” “Where did I go wrong?” Other times, it may not be something you’ve done wrong, but something you’ve done right. God may be testing you in an area before He richly rewards you.

The next time you feel things aren’t going as planned in your life, remember to keep your confidence in God. It is through your diligence and faithfulness to God that you will receive your reward.

My day is coming

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Heavenly Father, I will not throw away my confidence. I know I will be richly rewarded if I remain faithful to You and Your word. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer

Right Reason

“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.”

— MATTHEW 6:1 (NIV)

God promises us numerous times throughout scripture that He’d bless us. In one of His promises, He said He’d open up the windows of heaven and poor you out a blessing so abundant that you would not have room to receive it. That means God wants you to be blessed so much that you’d be forced to share your blessings with others. When you bless others, Jesus wants you to do it for the right reason: love, compassion, and obedience. However, Jesus wants you to be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others just to be seen. God wants you to cheerfully give from your heart and not to brag or boast. Don’t give to receive accolades from people, but give to receive your reward from your Father in heaven.

God will reward you

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Heavenly Father, I will give to others to bless Your name and not to be seen by others. I will follow Your example and await Your reward.  In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer

Make the Call

“Then my enemies will turn back when I call for help. By this I will know that God is for me.”

— Psalm 56:9 (NIV)

Today, the world would have you believe that as a Christian you are weak, reactive instead of proactive, and that your meekness and humility will allow others to run over and abuse you. Unfortunately, there are too many examples of believers not living the lives of dominion God called us to. To our enemies, we may appear weak, passed over, and voiceless, but I want to encourage you in knowing God is for you.

It’s natural as humans to take matters into your own hands to solve your problems, but God wants to remind you your enemies will turn back when you call on Him for help. Let Jesus open doors that were closed to you before. Let His biblical principles free you from debt. You don’t have to face your enemies alone. Make the call to a Savior who’s waiting to help you and deliver you from the plan of your enemies.

The battle is not yours…

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Heavenly Father, thank You for allowing me to call on Your name for help. You alone will cause my enemies to retreat, for I know that You are for me! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer

Find Strength

“David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him… But David found strength in the LORD his God.”

— I Samuel 30:6 (NIV)

When you’re wrong, you’re wrong. If you’re honest with yourself you haven’t always walked the “straight and narrow” path. God didn’t make us perfect, which is why He sent His Son Jesus to die for our sin. When people discover your faults and mistreat you because of them, find your strength in God to endure through it.

Thank God we are no longer stoned for our wrong doings, but words can hurt just as well. Life isn’t over for you. Pick yourself up and dust yourself off. You will make more mistakes on your path to “getting right,” but Jesus is waiting to forgive you and usher God’s strength to you. People will continue to talk about you and hold your shortcomings over you, but know that Jesus loves you and God’s strength will see you through.

Better with Jesus!

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Lord I’m not perfect, but thank You for Your perfect love and perfect peace. I know you will forgive me for my sin and strengthen me in my time of need. You make all things new. I’m moving forward in You. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

This is my prayer

Ready to Rise?

“‘Don’t be alarmed,’ he said. ‘You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him.’”

— MARK 16:6 (NIV)

God has a strange way of taking you to the next level in your life. He allows you to experience pain and uncomfortable situations you’d rather do without. It’s not uncharacteristic for God to use people to get you where He wants you to be. And the people He chooses to use normally aren’t strangers. Oh, no! It’s people you see every day. Your family. Your friends. Those people you see every Sunday at church or during the week at work.  

God didn’t crucify Jesus. He allowed people to crucify Jesus. And God used the same people that once befriended Him to turn against Him, abandon Him, and hurl insults at Him. Without the crucifixion, Jesus couldn’t be resurrected with all power and fulfill His purpose. Likewise, you too will be crucified. And yes! It more than likely will be at the hands of those you grew up with, worship with, or work with. But don’t go off on them or post all your business on social media. This is the time where you trust God and accept His will to be done. Believe He is in control and realize no one has power unless God gives it. Your crucifixion lasts but a moment. But the reward in your resurrection lasts forever!

Rise in Christ

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Heavenly Father, thank You for Your grace and mercy. I will continue to trust You during the hard times in my life and have faith You have huge plans for me. I am a joint heir with Your Son! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer