Growing-Thursday Thought

“Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.”- Psalm 37:4 (NKJV)

What do you delight in? Many of us claim to love God; which we do to a certain extent. Delight is something different though. To delight means to find high satisfaction in. Where does your satisfaction come from? If it is something other than God would you expect Him to bless you immensely? How would you feel if your children proclaimed true love and devotion for other things or people more than their love for you?

Do you find high satisfaction in God? God loves you. The Cross proves that without any room for doubt. So why is He holding something from you. Why are you not receiving what you’re asking for? It could be due to the fact that your heart is not in line with the Lord. Learn to delight in God and His Word. When your heart seeks Christ all you want is Him. And when all you want is Him, He will give you whatever your heart desires!

Growing-Wednesday Word

“Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.” –Psalm 37:4 (NKJV)

There is nothing God yearns for more than to bless us. God sent His Son just to die for us. He loves us more than we can understand. We need to understand that God loves us enough to hurt our feelings sometimes. We often plead to the Lord for things that are not good for us. We want the wrong things because our hearts desire something else more than they desire Jesus. God knows better than we do so sometimes He denies our requests simply because He loves us. 

Only after you truly trust God with all your heart can you delight in God. When you delight in the Lord all you want is Him. Your plans, your thoughts, your desires are all about Him. Everything you desires is good; when you delight (find high satisfaction) in the Lord. Therefore whatever you ask God, in the name of Jesus Christ, will be given to you. Before you question God’s goodness check your desires. Ask God to search your heart and reveal what you truly delight in.

Growing-Tuesday Truth

“Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.” –Psalm 37:3 (NKJV)

Trusting in God is the foundation to living a successful Christian life. A real relationship requires a deep and intentional commitment to Jesus. Like any relationship real trust must exist before we can commit.  In life trusting other people can be tremendously hard. We can not trust everyone and many people have evil motives. But let me assure you, you can trust God!

When you trust God, really trust God, you will do good things. The Spirit of God will lead you to do His will. You will walk into your ‘land’, the promises that God has specifically for you. And you will be fed. This means that the Lord will take care of you. When you trust in God there is no need to worry. So trust in God and do good.

Growing-Monday Motivation

“Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.” –Psalm 37:3 (NKJV)

We were made to cast all of our cares in the Almighty God. Too many people get sick due to unnecessary stress in their lives. They try and try to handle everything on their own. Always wondering why their plans don’t work. God never meant for us to live that way. He wants us to put all of our trust in Him.

You can trust God. Not only can you trust Him, you can trust the Lord with all of your heart. Stop letting Jesus in just a little bit. Open all the way up to Him. He will never hurt you or let you down. He gave His very life for you. Do you really think He would give up on you now? You can trust God. So do it and enjoy your life!

Two Things-Friday Freedom

“But godliness with contentment is great gain.” - 1 Timothy 6:6 (KJV)

A life that is overtaken by the Holy Spirit is all you need. A bigger house may be nice. A better job wouldn’t be so bad. Your dream vacation be wonderful. But all of those things outside of God and experiencing the love of Jesus Christ are meaningless. When you hunger and thirst for God; you will realize more and more that He is all you truly need. Godliness and contentment. That’s it!

“Jesus, You're the center of my joy,
All that's good and perfect comes from You.
You're the heart of my contentment, hope for all I do;
Jesus, You're the center of my joy.”

Two Things-Thursday Thought

But godliness with contentment is great gain. - 1 Timothy 6:6 (KJV)

Why do you want more from God? Contentment is such a hard concept for us to grasp. We want to the point that we are not satisfied with our current state. But why? We crave things so much we begin to wonder if God still hears our prayers. But why do we want more? Is it for ourselves or for a godly purpose?

Many of us need to stop questioning God and examine the intentions of our own hearts. Maybe Christ would give you more money if you planned on using it for heavenly purposes. Maybe He would give you a new job if you would honor Him on the one you have now. Maybe God would elevate you if you elevated Him in your heart! Godliness and contentment are all you need. When you get that the rest will fall into place. Why would The Lord give you more of anything just to squander it?

Two Things-Wednesday Word

“For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.” - 1 Timothy 6:7-8 (NKJV)

There is certainly nothing wrong with having material things. Virtually everyone likes having nice stuff. The problem arises when we become engrossed in accumulating things. There is no reward in just getting more things simply for the purpose of having them around. I heard a preacher say once, “at the end of this life the richest person who ever lived and the poorest person who ever lived have the exact same amount of material wealth; nothing.”

The Bible clearly tells us that we can not take anything with us from this life into the next. All we need from God is essentially food and shelter. God always gives us what we need. Be content with what Christ has given you and where He has you. None of your possessions will go with you, but there can be many great eternal treasures waiting when you get there. Strive to move up, walk in godliness and be content.

Two Things-Tuesday Truth

“But godliness with contentment is great gain.” - 1 Timothy 6:6 (KJV)

A life of godliness will lead to a life of contentment. Being content with what we have and where we are in life is not easy. Society and our natural tendencies drive us to never be satisfied. Our sinful nature is one of greed. We want, we want, and we want some more. No person can truly be content through their own strength. This can only come from the power of the Holy Spirit.

When you live outside of God’s will; you will never be content. You won’t be experiencing the best for your life. You won’t be where Christ wants you to be. But, when you are walking where the Lord wants you to be contentment is inevitable. God will satisfy you. You will understand that He is working your entire life out in His own perfect timing. A life of godliness will lead to contentment which will lead to a great gain for your spiritual growth. Trust Jesus.

Two Things-Monday Motivation

“But godliness with contentment is great gain." - 1 Timothy 6:6 (KJV)

Not just a little bit, but here Paul says these two attributes are great gain. We try and try to get more. We want a higher position or a better title. We want more things so people can look at us and be amazed. We want, we want, and we want some more. Somewhere in us there is a desire to want more; which is not bad in itself. However, that desire becomes distorted when we believe that more of this and that will validate or make us of some worth.

But Christ wants to remind us that godliness and contentment are all we really need. Seek to know the Lord more than you do now. Keep striving for want you want, but be pleased with what God has given you now. A real relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ is all that you need. Rest in that fact and be content. Plus your blessing is on the way!

Living it Out-Friday Freedom

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” - Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV) 

True born again believers have access to the Spirit of God. Through his power you can have all these wonder things in your life. This is true no matter what you have done, who hurt you, or what you have been through. The fruit of the Spirit abound in your life. Your bad attitude can be replaced by longsuffering (patience). Your misery can be defeated by God’s joy. Your bitterness can be driven out through the Lord’s kindness. Your hate can be overtaken by the love of Christ. Walk in the light. Let the love of God dwell richly in your life!

“Walk in the light, beautiful light,
Come where the dewdrops of mercy shine bright.
Oh shine all around us by day and by night,
Jesus, the light of the world!”

Living it Out-Thursday Thought

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” - Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV)

This is a good list. What are you doing to let these things be brought forth in your life? James admonishes us not be just hearers of the Word, but also doers (James 1:22). We make plans for everything else. We plan for our finances, taking vacation, making time for your hobbies, and exercise.  We make plans because we want the greatest results. We plan because we care about something. Do you care about your walk as a child of God?

Anyone can say they are going to do better. However words without action are meaningless. If you want the fruit of the Spirit to flourish in your life, you must make the necessary time to make that happen. You may have to miss your show so that you can go to Bible study. You may have to get up a little earlier to make time for prayer; Jesus did. You may have to give up some things that really don’t matter for issue of eternal gain. How important is pleasing the Lord Jesus to you?

Living It Out-Wednesday Word

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” ~ Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV)

The fruit of the Spirit. When someone says fruit most of us always think of the same things. Apples bananas, oranges, and so on. When we go to the store we want good, fresh fruit. Old, flimsy, withered fruit is disgusting and unappealing. Good fruit is the result of proper care. Good soil and continual watering are key.

Fruit is also defined as the effect or consequence of an action. So the effect of the Spirit operating in your life are the attributes listed above. These are the product of providing yourself the proper spiritual environment which includes everyone you spend time with and every influence you allow into your mind. These are the product of continually spending time in prayer and making time for Bible study. These are the product of yielding your entire life to the direction of the Holy Spirit of God. With God’s power and direction your life can be immeasurably more than what you think it can. Let this fruit abound in your spirit and in your life.

Living It Out - Tuesday Truth

“I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh." - Galatians 5:16 (NKJV)

God gives us all the power to live the Christian life correctly, but we still have to do our part. First we must truly want to please Christ. We can't pretend with God. He knows our hearts. Also we must be willing to follow God’s direction, whatever it may be. There is no success in the being a Christian through our own strength or outside of the Lord’s direction.

A successful life is fueled by diligence and submission. You must stay diligent in your effort to live for the Lord. Even when you fall get back up and keep going. You must be willing to say yes to whatever God is telling you, even when you don’t feel like it. Your diligence and submission along with God’s omnipotence will yield great success in life. Just don’t give up. God loves you! Stay strong.

Living It Out

“I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh." Galatians 5:16 (NKJV)

We live in a sick and sinful world. Trying to live in a way that pleases God can sometimes seem impossible. Everywhere we look so many influences are attempting to steal our attention from Christ. From the content of our favorite shows to the billboards and ads we drive by every day; being righteous is a difficult lifestyle to maintain. But thank God that we have a divine Helper to walk this thing out with us.

Paul tells us that if we walk (live) in the Spirit, we won’t give in to our sinful desires. In the Holy Spirit God has given us all we need to live the Christian life effectively. He will direct you when you’re lost. He will tell you when you’re right and wrong. The Spirit will bring scriptures back to your memory, if you study your Bible diligently. Having a Christ centered church home and Christian friends help, but the Holy Spirit is the One who gives all we need to please God and live our best lives possible. The Father knew we could not do it on our own so he gave us a Helper. Wow, God really is love!

The Cost of Following Jesus

The Only Resolution-Friday Freedom

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." ~ Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)

Jesus tells us to follow Him. Nice and simple. We waste so much time trying to figure out how to solve everything. When will this happen? How will I pay for that? Will this really work out? But Jesus tells us to seek Him first and our lives will be handled by Him. No worries. No fears. No anxiety. Good will work it out if you just seek Him. That is the plan for success. Resolve this year to make Christ first in your mind, heart, decisions, and day. Then watch how your entire life will improve! When you make God your everything, then He will give you everything you need! I love you all and so does the Lord!

"You are everything, my love, my joy, my song, my peace... all the day longOh and everything is you, you're the air I breathe, you're the song that I sing, my Lord. You are everything!" ~Byron Cage

The Only Resolution-Thursday Thought

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." ~ Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)

What do you want in life that God can’t give you? We make resolutions to try and improve ourselves. We want to work out more and eat better. We want to spend less and save more. We want to learn a new skill or refine those we already have. Whatever it is, it is something to make us better. How sad it is that we try and try to do this on our own.

Paul tells us that if we walk in the Spirit we will not fulfill the lust of the flesh (Galatians 5:16). If we just follow God’s ways and direction we will live a righteous life. If we believe that God has our best interest at heart (which He does), then our primary goal should simply be to follow Him. He knows everything and can give us whatever we need. Whatever your resolution list may consist of, God’s list is better. Walk in the Spirit. Follow God’s direction. Resolve to be better in Christ!

The Only Resolution-Wednesday Word

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." ~ Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)

We were created to put God first in everything. Before sin, man had it all. Adam and Eve lived in paradise. All of their needs and wants were fulfilled. They were happy and peaceful with God and God alone. Sin took that focus off of God and broke that perfect relationship with God. Adam and Eve tried to handle their own needs, ignored God, and failed. When we ignore God we fail.

As we know Jesus came to give us another chance at success in life. Accepting Christ is what gives us eternal life, but following Him is what makes us truly successful in this life. We were made to live under God’s complete direction and protection. He leads and we follow. He is to be at the center of all we do. Make a resolution this year to fulfill your created purpose. Follow God’s direction.

The Only Resolution-Tuesday Truth

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” -Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)

God will manage your time better than you can. One of the major issues Christians face is making time for Jesus. We know that we should make time for Him, but actually doing that can be so difficult. With jobs, school, meetings, family, and so much more we’re always looking for what can be cut short. And too often we end up giving the Lord the short end of the stick. We pray when we can, read a verse here and there, and whatever else is convenient. Why?

Make time for the One who made time. No matter what else you have going on, spend substantial time with Christ every day. God will give you direction in ALL the issues in your life. He will show you what to say in that meeting. He will help you balance your class schedule. He will give you comfort and ease throughout your day.  He will give you EVERYTHING you need. Make time for the One who made time; Jesus.

The Only Resolution-Monday Motivation

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” -Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)

God will handle your entire life, if you just hand it over to Him. We try and try to fix our own lives. This is impossible. I saw a comic strip last week with two characters. One asked, “What are New Year’s resolutions?” The other character replied, “People’s to-do list for the first week of January.” Most people’s resolutions fade out so soon because people are trying to fix their lives in their own strength. Thankfully we don’t have to do that.

Jesus essentially says that if you just follow Him, then He will take care of the rest. If you do what He says, you won’t have anything to worry about. He will handle the bills, the job, the children, the relationships, and everything else. When Christ said, “all these things” that is EXACTLY what He meant! You don’t have to get everything under control in your life. That’s God’s job and He is more than qualified. Rest in Him. The only resolution you need to make is to put God first.

The Only Resolution You Need To Make!

Stay Strong-Friday

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." - Romans 12:2

OUR LIVES BELONG TO GOD! WE ARE HIS! When you make plans for your future, whatever they may be, ask yourself this about each one: Will this please God? Was this inspired by Jesus? How will God get the glory from this? Remember if we put God first He will take care of the rest (see Matthew 6:33).

"Time is filled with swift transition,

Naught of earth unmoved can stand,

Build your hopes on things eternal,

Hold to God’s unchanging hand."

Stay Strong-Thursday Thought

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

-Philippians 3:13-14 (KJV)

Why do so many people act like there is some sort of  power in January 1st? It is just another day. So often people wallow and wade in their filthy sins waiting for the new year to come around and make resolutions like there is something so special about that time of year. Don’t make new year’s resolutions! This almost contagious attitude of renewal, betterment, and growth that so many get around the new year should be had ALL YEAR ROUND by Christians in regard to their relationship with Christ.

Don’t worry yourself about the matters of life. Don’t worry about anything at all. Just focus on God and what He wants you to do, and He will take care of the rest. Forget about your own plans, seek what God has for you. Why try on your own when you have The One on your side who can speak life into existence, part the Red Sea, and rise from the dead?