You're GREATER!

Too often it appears as though the circumstances that we face...the people we work for...the friends we thought we had...the issues we know we have...all of those seem to be greater! However, allow today's dose of inspiration serve notice to your fake friends, difficult circumstances, co-workers, and your "issues" that you've got greatness inside of you and that GREATNESS is greater than anything or anyone we can ever face in this world. Why should you keep going? Keep going because you're GREATER!!!!!

Testify

On days like these, people look for inspiration in others' stories. Share your story with someone else. It may be what they need to make it in this season. 

Failure is NOT an option!

When all else fails, don't fail to pray!

 

Too often we give up at what seems to be "hardest" moment.  I believe that this is the time that we must humble ourselves and seek the face of God.  We should not wait until times get hard to pray, but we should not neglect to pray when it does.  Remember...God loves us beyond our weakness or trials.  God is bigger than them all.  Don't fail to pray!!!

Week Six: Strengthen Those Arms

No one enjoys the discipline of a parent.  We all have been there..."I do this because I love you".  "Yeah right!" we think in our minds after we have either been physically disciplined by an adult in authority or been placed on some type of "restriction".  We just did not like it...I don't care what type of household we grew up in...discipline just "ain't" fun!  Well, today I challenge us to say "Thank God for the discipline!"

WEEK SIX:  Strengthen Those Arms 

Scripture:  Hebrews 12:11-13

Objective:  To prepare us for the correction of the Lord, remembering that His discipline only makes us stronger

The closer we get to Resurrection Sunday we will find ourselves a bit closer to God.  Well, we should!  During these last five weeks, I believe that each of us have the testimony that God has been showing us who we really are and what is not so pleasing to Him.  Perhaps we have made the right decisions, but do you have the testimony that it feels like you have been tested all the more during this Lenten season?  If you answered yes, then I believe this week's devotion is for you.

Hebrews 12:11-13 urges us:

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful.  Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.  Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees.  "Make level paths for your feet," so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.

This week's scripture affirms the reality of our childhood revelation--discipline does not feel good.  In fact, it is downright painful.  However, the scripture confirms what our parents told us all along--it is for our GOOD!  This week, we must be encouraged when God allows us to be tested and tried in our walk with Him.  He is training us, and the blessing of the training is a harvest of righteousness and peace.  We don't really appreciate this harvest unless we have been without it.  Think about the times when you have had chaos in your life, but God gave you peace in your soul.  This was a result of your accepting God's discipline.

THIS WEEK'S LENTEN CHALLENGE:

Strengthen your arms & knees for the journey!!!  That's right, I said it...don't get mad.  It is what God urges us to do through the Hebrews writer.  When our arms and knees are weak and feeble, we quit before God can get the glory.  We think we have to fight the battles ourselves, so we give up before the fight has really begun.  All we have to do is keep showing up!  As we do so (walking in the will of God), levels the path for our feet and those around us.  I want to know that the journey I have taken has helped to heal, not disable.  Come on...this week, let's strengthen our arms and our knees.  Keep showing up...keep standing...God's GOT YOU!!!!

PRAYER:

Dear Dad, You have been with us on every journey...every win...every loss...and even the challenges that we forfeited.  Today, we ask that You strengthen our arms and knees for the journey You have placed before us.  During these last two weeks of this Lenten season, let us be encouraged in knowing that You are with us and there are others waiting to walk our path.  Help us to keep it level that others may be healed on our journey.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Week Five: Planted, Growing, & Flourishing

I apologize for the delay in this week's devotion, and I pray that week five has been met with joy and encouragement for you!  As we continue in this week of our Lenten observance, stay faithful to God and God's righteousness.  I am a witness that the enemy will come upon you when you are seeking to live for God; however, do not sway.  Remain planted in God's word and God's will...the benefit far outweighs the attack of the enemy.

WEEK FIVE:  Planted, Growing, & Flourishing

Scripture:  Psalm 92:12-15

Objective:  To be encouraged to remain in God's will in order to reap the promise-flourishing!

Oftentimes we are faced with moments in life that will tempt us to step outside of the will of God.  This temptation does not always come as a blatant luring by the enemy.  However, I believe that the devil has learned new tricks.  Sometimes the devil will take the "good" of your life and attempt to use it to tear you down, discourage you, and down right destroy who you are destined to be in God.  Although the enemy may attempt to do this, his attack is not designed to prosper.  God has equipped us to flourish if only we choose to remain righteous.

Psalm 92:12-15 says:

The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God.  They will bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, "The Lord is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him."

This week's scripture is one of my favorites.  It reminds us that God has our future in His hands.  Too often we will fear the attack of the enemy because we believe that our future lies in his hands; however, this week remember that God really is in control.  This week remember that God is the one who will cause you to flourish when others speak a "drought" into your life.  This week remember that God will cause growth when others speak "uprooting" into your life.  This week builds on last week...GET PERSUADED to live righteously!  As we live as righteous people of God, the attack will come; however, it won't work!  We will be planted in God's house...we will grow in God's presence...we will flourish in God's vineyard!

THIS WEEK'S LENTEN CHALLENGE:

The Psalmist gives us two images for encouragement:  the palm tree and cedar of Lebanon.  This week's challenge is to accept God's word over our lives.  Palm trees are known for their record growth, and cedars of Lebanon were known to be used in all aspects of ancient civilization.  This week allow God to produce record growth in your spiritual life.  Instead of allowing ill words, hurtful circumstances, and trying moments to discourage you on the journey, I encourage each of to use these moments as water for our growth.  Then remember each day, of this Lenten season and always, that God can and will use you in all aspects of life.  No matter how tough the circumstance may truly be, God will get the glory in your life.  Stay planted, keep growing, and you will flourish!  Sway on palm tree...stand tall cedar!

PRAYER:

Lord, help us to move beyond what we see long enough to see Your hand.  We thank You for protecting and providing in the midst of trial, tribulation, and trauma.  We believe that You are able to get the glory in all situations.  So, please be with us during the challenges of life that tempt us to quit assuring us that You are very present in the reality of our lives.  We thank You for the planting, the growth, and the flourishing!  In Jesus' name, Amen.

Week Four: Persuaded to Keep Moving

After completing three weeks, I believe that each of us have a testimony during this Lenten season.  As I have checked in with some of you individually, I have heard of challenges and triumphs.  In the midst of this season, I encourage us to never give up.  No matter how difficult it gets or fierce the attack seems to be...we must keep believing the promise of God!

Week Four:  Persuaded to Keep Moving

Scripture:  Romans 8:35-39

Objective:  To remind the body of Christ to never give up on what God has promised.

Too often circumstances, people, and life tempt us to think that it is finally time to give up.  Circumstances, people, and life can bring about such tribulation that the best of us will be ready to give up.  Come on...no one is looking but God.  Each of us have encountered a moment or may even be in a season where we are tempted to just "abandon ship".  The mountain seems insurmountable...the valley seems unending...the river seems impossible...All of these factors may be true, but on week four I dare you to make up in your mind that you are not going to give up on God....you are not going to quit...you are going to keep moving!  I AM PERSUADED!!!

Romans 8:35-39 reads:

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For your sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Our key scripture passage reminds us that there is nothing that can separate us from the love of Christ.  So, during this Lenten season you may experience tribulation of every kind...distress in every form...persecution on many levels...mental, physical, and even spiritual famine and nakedness...BUT DON'T QUIT!!!  We are more than conquerors through Jesus.  The very thing that appears to be able to take us out is often an opportunity for God to favor us.  

THIS WEEK'S LENTEN CHALLENGE:

This week I challenge each of us to declare right now...wherever you are as you read this...I AM PERSUADED TO KEEP MOVING!  If you were in this alone or only able to depend on another human, then I could definitely understand the challenge of making this declaration.  However, God has challenged me to stare myself in the mirror today and remind my soul that God's love is with me when it seems as though persecution or tribulation has the best of me.  I believe with my whole heart that we experience these moments not to defeat us, but to strengthen our faith.  Can you meet the challenge with me on this week?  Everyday tell yourself "I can't quit now"...nothing that I've seen and nothing that I will see will be able to separate me from the love of God, so I AM PERSUADED TO KEEP MOVING!  Join me.

PRAYER:

All knowing, yet all loving God, we thank You for reminding us this week that You are with us!  Since you are with us, help us to receive this Word that you promised us.  God we know that You cannot fail us, so please help us to be fully persuaded of our victory in spite of the current circumstance.  We thank You for being an ever-present help in the times of trouble.  As we struggle to defeat discouragement, conquer challenges, and beat bitterness, strengthen us with Your Holy Ghost power to make it.  We thank You in advance for the victory.  In Jesus' name, Amen.

Week Three: The End of Ignorance

Two weeks down...let's welcome week three with great expectation!  

Week Three:  The End of Ignorance

Scripture:  1 Peter 2:13-15

Objective:  To educate ourselves on the way to end ignorance around us.

I know we all face a day or three in our lives when we have to deal with conversations that we could politely categorize as "ignorant".  Perhaps it's the person who says "well if you are a Christian then..." or "since you are a Christian you...".  The difficulty with these types of conversations is that it is nearly impossible to represent Christ well with a verbal response.  Typically we end up getting angry or confusing ourselves in the conversation.  Week three challenges us to "silence the ignorant talk" with our actions.  

1 Peter 2:13-15 says,

Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men.

This just may be the secret that we've all been looking for.  Remember our daily walk affects the future walk of others.  So, choose to do what's right even according to society's standards.  When we do so, this silences the ignorance around us.  Instead of trying to combat or explain why Christians do what or what you do and how you do it...choose to follow the word of God which challenges us to do right at all times and in all circumstances.  When we submit ourselves to the various authorities that we are subject to (whether it be on the job...in school...governmental laws...etc), then we are pleasing God and walking in the will of God.  Remember, it is the will of God for us to do GOOD in order to silence ignorance...not try to explain ourselves to others.

THIS WEEK'S LENTEN CHALLENGE:

This week, I challenge each of us to keep quiet and just BE GOOD! Instead of trying to defend ourselves when misunderstood or explain why we are so committed to our Lenten fasts, choose to live "GOOD" or "GOD-LIKE" in all arenas of our lives.  I challenge us to be "the Bible that someone sees" every second of the day.  Whether completing an unfair task at work or finishing up a class assignment with integrity, the way to end ignorance is to DO GOOD...come on, it's God's will!

PRAYER:

All knowing God, we thank You because You knew all of the circumstances we would face before we could have ever imagined them.  Since this is true, we thank You for preparing us to handle all that may come our way.  In our Lenten pursuits, help us to live "in front of people" in a way that encourages others to live for You and not run in the other direction.  Help us to end the ignorance around us by doing good and living in the way that pleases You.  As we do so, we thank You for strengthening us for this journey.  In Jesus' name, Amen.

Week Two: What is the Will of God?

Well, you have made it one full week during this Lenten season!  How do you feel?  I pray that you feel lighter...closer to God...clearer in thought...motivated to do better!  Whatever you feel...just don't quit!  Stay strong because we have a few more weeks to go, and I believe the reward is going to be monumental.

Week Two:  What is the will of God?

Scripture:  1 Thessalonians 5:12-18

Objective:  To discover the will of God and begin to DO IT!

This second week of Lent calls for us to go beyond our knowledge.  The will of God calls for a change in our actions.  Am I treating the people of God the way God urges me to or I am responding according to the way I feel?  God places so many different people in our lives to be a blessing to our daily walk.  He also gives us spiritual leaders to help keep us close to Him through their knowledge and reverence of God.  It is essential, according to Paul's letter to the church at Thessalonica, that we respect those individuals whom God has placed over us "in the Lord" and love them.  As we do this, it will enable us to walk in peace with one another.  The scripture is clear:

Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you.  Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.  Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.  Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. -1 Thessalonians 5:12-18

This is the will of God?  Yes, our prayer life should compel us to treat others as God desires for us to treat them.  Our prayer life should compel us to respond to situations and circumstances in a completely different way.  When others respond to hardship with headache and despair, it is the will of God that we respond with JOY, CONTINUOUS PRAYER, and THANKSGIVING!  As we do so, we are doing the will of God.

THIS WEEK'S LENTEN CHALLENGE:

Take a moment and think about the people whom God has allowed to come into your life.  Have you prayed for them?  Have you sought God on their behalf and demonstrated love towards them?  Try to do something tangible in that area this week.  As you pray for those around you, remember that someone else is also praying for you.  Also, think about circumstances that easily bring you down or cause you to worry.  Instead of worrying this week, I challenge us to write down reasons to have joy about those very situations.  As we do so, I challenge us to thank God even though the circumstance may not be exactly what we desire for it to be.  Remember, this Lenten season stretches us and our faith...let's do it together!

PRAYER:

Most Mighty and Awesome God!  Thank you for bringing us through the first week of the Lenten season.  During this second week, touch our hearts and motivate our spirits to live the way you desire for us to live.  Touch our hearts and motivate our spirits to respect those whom you have placed over us in the Lord.  Touch our hearts and motivate our spirits to love and live in peace with one another-not repaying wrong for wrong, but striving to give what Christ gives us (unconditional love).  Touch our hearts and motivate our spirits to trust you enough to be joyful in all circumstances because we know that You will not fail us!  Touch our hearts and motivate our spirits to keep praying and believing that You are indeed able to do exceedingly and abundantly more than we can ask or think.  We ask this all in the mighty name of Jesus, and so we are compelled to thank you even while we wait.  Amen.

Lent 2013: Week ONE

It's that time again...today is Wednesday, February 13th--Ash Wednesday.

Ash Wednesday kicks off our 40-day Lenten observance.  This year we are revisiting the importance of discerning the will of God through a contemplative prayer life.  During these 40 days, join with us as we strive to become more faithful to the will of God instead of our wants of God.  Remember that today, we stand together as a body of believers and abstain from meat.  We also continue this practice every Friday throughout the Lenten season as a means of solidarity during this season.  Now, for this week's devotion...

Week One: Am I In the Family?

Scripture Focus:  Matthew 12:46-50

Objective:  To perform a spiritual check-in with Jesus--am I really in His family?

In today's society, we refer to a number of individuals as "sister" and "brother," and I do not mean in the church.  Think about it...each of us can think of a minimum of 3 people who we refer to as our "sister" or our "brother," but they do not share our parents or even biological siblings for that matter.  Why do we do this?  I believe we begin to move past just being "friends" when our behaviors, character, and spiritual desires become truly in-sync.  We still have our own lives and hold great value to our biological family members; however, we are acknowledging the blessing of God-born family (those individuals whom God sends our way for our lifetime).

In this same way, Jesus explains to us His understanding of family:

While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him.  Someone told him, "Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you."  He replied to him, "Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?"  Pointing to his disciples, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers.  For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother."  

-Matthew 12:46-50

This first week of Lent, we must understand the importance of the will of God in our lives.  If we do not believe that the will of God is more important than our wants of God then Jesus does not see us as a part of His family.  Remember, Jesus says "...whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother".  Our participation in the Lenten observance reminds us that we stand with Christ as His sister or His brother.  In doing so, Christ urges us then to seek and to do the will of His Father.

THIS WEEK'S LENTEN CHALLENGE:

Start this Lenten Season off right!  Remember, this is an opportunity to press reset within our spiritual lives and more importantly within our hearts.  The Bible testifies that our mouth only speaks what is overflowing out of our heart.  Therefore, when I pray/speak to God I am revealing my heart to Him.  I challenge us to cleanse our heart this week.  Start each day of this first week out asking God to "create in me a clean heart".  The more we say it...the more we will actually desire it!  As God gives us a clean heart, we will be more inclined to DO the will of God!  It would be all in vain to pray for the will of God instead of our wants of God if we are not actually ready to DO THE WILL OF GOD!  So, join with us this week as we ask for a clean heart to get Jesus' blood pumping through our veins and take our rightful place in the family.

PRAYER:

God as we start off this Lenten season together, we ask that You strengthen us for the journey.  Please give us a mind to stay focused and faithful to our individual fasts while holding each other up corporately in our aspiration to desire the will of God instead of our wants of God.  We believe that You will see us through this 40-day journey and allow us to be better prepared for what lies ahead.  As we do so, please give us clean hearts that we may be worthy examples of your children.  We thank You for the victory that is already ours and Your will which is truly the best for us!  In Jesus' name we pray together, AMEN.

Something Saturday/Sunday

Something Saturday/Sunday--Daily Dose of Inspiration

"Jesus replied, "They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat." -Matthew 14:16

This SOMETHING Saturday/Sunday inspires us to take responsibility for our sisters and brothers in Christ.  We could send them away to get "food" or we could allow the Lord to use US!  Choose today to do as Jesus said "...You give them something to eat".

*****This weekend will end my three month "Daily Dose of Inspiration" messages as we prepare to enter the Lenten Season on Wednesday, February 13th.  If you desire to receive weekly devotions during the Lenten Season, inbox/send me your email address.

Family Friday

Family Friday--Daily Dose of Inspiration

"He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly."  -Acts 10:2

Today let us re-commit ourselves to our family. Have we taken the time to ensure that our family knows about the Lord, and are God-fearing individuals? Are we generous to those in need and faithful in our prayer life? Let's obtain the reputation of the centurion in this scripture...our entire family is "devout and God-fearing". Am I a good example?

Walk Wednesday

Walk Wednesday--Daily Dose of Inspiration
"Better a poor man whose walk is blameless than a rich man whose ways are perverse." -Proverbs 28:6
I loved singing this part each Christmas "I'd rather have Jesus than silver and gold...gold...gold...gold..." but do we really show God that we mean it? This scripture reminds us that our WALK is much more valuable than any money or fancy things! We are better off being poor and walking in God's way than being rich and walking in our own way. Choose today to WALK LIKE YOU MEAN IT-like you'd rather have Jesus than silver and gold!

Teach Tuesday

Teach Tuesday--Daily Dose of Inspiration

"Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say." -Exodus 4:12

On your mark...get ready...set...GO!  Too often we want to sit still and wait on God to make a way before we walk in God's way.  However, I believe today God is challenging us with these words--"Now GO"!  We can GO and we can DO whatever God has commanded of us because God will help us and TEACH us "what to say".  

Don't wait until tomorrow... Go do all that God has entrusted us to do TODAY!

Make Monday

Make Monday--Daily Dose of Inspiration

"Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done." (Psalm 105:1 NIV)

We can MAKE a big deal out of a lot of small things in our lives. We MAKE a big deal over dishes in the sink, trash in the trash can, clothes in the floor. But we is the last time we took the time to MAKE a big deal over the goodness of the Lord? Today, I challenge us to MAKE God's name and goodness known to the nations. We have all had our challenges, but we a testimony-MAKE it known!

Soul Saturday/Salvation Sunday

Soul Saturday/Salvation Sunday--Daily Dose of Inspiration
"Truly my soul finds rest in God;
my salvation comes from him." (Psalm 62:1 NIV)
This weekend allow your soul to find rest in God. Life can cause us to be worn out and weary, but I challenge us to look for the rest that is promised to each of us. Why? Simply put, our salvation comes from God! So, no worries this weekend...your soul can rest because of salvation is guaranteed.

Fruit Friday

Fruit Friday--Daily Dose of Inspiration

"Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them." -Matthew 7:20

When people look around us, do they see the FRUIT that pleases Christ? On this FRUIT FRIDAY, remember that others will recognize children of God by their fruit. Let's perform a spiritual checkup to ensure that we are bearing Godly fruit!

Try Thursday

Try Thursday--Daily Dose of Inspiration
"Test me, Lord, and try me,
examine my heart and my mind;" (Psalm 26:2 NIV)

Today I challenge us to ask God to do the unthinkable-tell us the truth...Try Me Lord! Too often we want the pretty compliments and the pats on our back, but today is TRY THURSDAY! Let us allow God to examine our hearts and minds in order to reveal to us the areas we need to work on. It won't be easy to hear, but it's worth it! Try me Lord!

Wait Wednesday

Wait Wednesday--Daily Dose of Inspiration 
"I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope." (Psalm 130:5 NIV)
Why should we wait on The Lord? Our HOPE is in the Word of God! 

So no matter what is going on...wait on The Lord.

Time Tuesday

Time Tuesday--Daily Dose of Inspiration

"There is a time for everything,and a season for every activity under the heavens" (Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV)

Today I challenge us to ask God for help in our understanding of time. Is it time to let something or someone go? Is it time to pursue a dream? Is it time to walk in a new purpose? There is a time and season for everything! What season is this for you?

Memory Monday

Memory Monday--Daily Dose of Inspiration

"The memory of the righteous will be a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot." -Proverbs 10:7

Today we celebrated the memory of a righteous man and the future memories of another. Let us seek, like Dr. King, President Obama, and so many others, to live in a way that our memory is a blessing for generations to come. 

Should Saturday/Sunday

Should Saturday/Sunday--Daily Dose of Inspiration
"So you too should be glad and rejoice with me." (Philippians 2:18 NIV)
Let us rejoice together for all that God has done for us! Even if we must be used as a sacrificial testimony for The Lord, we SHOULD still rejoice!

For You Friday

For You Friday--Daily Dose of Inspiration
"The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." (Exodus 14:14 NIV)
Today and everyday declare it's "for you". If we all begin to say that, it will come back around to us as well. I remind you today that all you have to do is BE STILL. I do not know personally what you are fighting or will need to fight in the future, but I do know Who will fight FOR YOU. Choose to be still today because God wants to fight this one FOR YOU!

Thirst Thursday

THIRST Thursday--Daily Dose of Inspiration
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled." (Matthew 5:6 NIV)
On today, I have two questions for you: Are you thirsty for God's righteousness? Are you hungry to do God's will? Well, I have good news for you. We will be FILLED!!! Jesus states that we are blessed when we are hungry and thirsty for the will of God, and we will be filled. So keep striving to do better/be better/live better...you will get there!

WORD Wednesday

WORD Wednesday--Daily Dose of Inspiration

"For no word from God will ever fail." (Luke 1:37 NIV)

Today is quick and simple-whatever God said, He will do! Whatever God promised, He will do! Whatever God has, you shall have! Why? No WORD from God will fail! So keep going...your God's got you!!!

TRUE Tuesday

TRUE Tuesday--Daily Dose of Inspiration

"Those who devise wicked schemes are near, but they are far from your law. Yet you are near, O LORD, and all your commands are true." -Psalm 119:150-151

Thank God that God's word is TRUE! The Psalmist reminds us on this True Tuesday that even though wicked schemes may be near us...God is closer and God's commands are TRUE! Whatever challenges we may face, we SHALL overcome them...not because of who we are, but simply because God's commands are TRUE! So, let us "hold fast to the faith we profess". Everything will "work for our good," and that is TRUE!!!

MUST Monday

MUST Monday--Daily Dose of Inspiration
"If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it." -Genesis 4:7

Yesterday, was Must Monday...it still applies for today! Each of us have to make a conscience decision everyday to do what is right. The reality is when we do what is right God will accept us. However, temptation is always seeking to overtake us. Choose today to MASTER IT...we must!!!

SAY IT--Saturday/Sunday

SAY IT Saturday/Sunday--Daily Dose of Inspiration

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" -Philippians 4:4

What better inspiration for this weekend than to remind ourselves to SAY IT AGAIN-"REJOICE"! This weekend, let us have a spirit of rejoicing understanding that God is faithful and has not brought us this far to leave us. No matter what you or I are facing or will face...I will SAY IT AGAIN-"REJOICE"!!!

THE FAITH

The Faith Thursday/Friday--Daily Dose of Inspiration
"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." (1 Timothy 6:10 NIV)

We all need money to survive in this world, but we cannot get to a place where that drives our live or diminishes our faith. Today, I challenge us to trust God in our finances. As we walk in THE FAITH, everything that we need will be supplied.

WAY Wednesday

Way Wednesday--Daily Dose of Inspiration

"But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold." -Job 23:10

I hate being lost!  For this reason, I own a GARMIN navigation system...have google maps on my devices...a GPS in my car...and of course, an iPhone!  Even with all of my efforts at preventing myself from getting lost, I must admit it doesn't always work.  Today, I remind us that we don't have to ever worry about being lost spiritually. Even in the midst of trial, Job tells us that God knows the WAY we take!  We cannot be lost in our good times...bad times...mediocre times...or the unknown!  God is with us...He knows OUR WAY!  So, no worries about the GARMIN/google maps/GPS/iPhone...they can't help us when it counts spiritually.  However, God can...and God will!  He knows our way, and when we are tested...the results are GOLDEN!!!

Trust Tuesday

Trust Tuesday--Daily Dose of Inspiration

"When I am afraid, I will trust in you." -Psalm 56:3

There are so many things that will cause us to feel afraid.  One thing that we do not like to think about is loss.  When someone we love is sick, passes, or is taken from this world it can cause even the most faithful of us to have fear.  However, I believe that we should take on the same mindset of the Psalmist-- "When I am afraid, I WILL trust in you".  So, join me today...even as we pray for our bereaved families, unemployed friends, and others...choose today to TRUST IN GOD!

Members Monday

Members Monday--Daily Dose of Inspiration 
"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." (Colossians 3:15 NIV)
On this Member Monday, I challenge each of us to have the peace of Christ as the ruler of our hearts. Many times we fall victim of allowing our emotions or feelings to rule out hearts. However, as MEMBERS of one body we are called to allow peace to rule our hearts. No more storming out...talking out...blurting out!! Nope, not for you because there is a new boss in town--the peace of Christ. Let's all be thankful!

SHALL/Showers Saturday/Sunday

Shall/Showers Saturday/Sunday--Daily Dose of Inspiration

"He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers that water the earth." 

(Psalms 72:6 KJV)

This weekend I would like us to get "double for our triumph". This is Shall and Showers Saturday/Sunday. Let this weekend remind us that God SHALL rain down on us, and God SHALL SHOWER us like water on the earth. There is no need to doubt God just because it seems "dry" in our life right now. There is no need to wonder if God cares because we are experiencing lost right now. On the contrary, be reminded that God has promised us that He SHALL take care of us. Hold on...help is already here!!!

Fearless Friday

Fearless Friday--Daily Dose of Inspiration

"For God gave us not a spirit of fearfulness; but of power and love and discipline." (2 Timothy 1:7 ASV)

What has you second-guessing yourself? Your dreams? Your God? Come on...say it with me (excuse me for not being proper) ready...all together "I ain't scared!!!" Now, today is fearless Friday...look the doubt, fear, unknown, and just plain different in the eye and say "I can_____". Whatever it is, you can because you don't have an ounce of fear inside of you that is from God. Now that you know where the fear came from, stomp it down with the power, love and self-discipline that God gave you!

Thankful Thursday

Thankful Thursday--Daily Dose of Inspiration

"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." (Colossians 4:2 NIV)

On this thankful Thursday, I invite us to check our priorities. We devote ourselves to so much...shifting our schedules for "it"...changing our clothes for "it"...changing our friends for "it". Today, I challenge us to first be devoted to prayer (communication with God). This is when our decisions will cause us to be thankful knowing that God is with us and in charge of the process.

We Wednesday

We Wednesday--Daily Dose of Inspiration
"We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield."- Psalm 33:20
On this second day of 2013, let us come together in the hope that we have in God! Today is WE Wednesday ...designed to remind us that we are not alone in our hope in God, our need for God, our belief in God. There are so many others seeking God (just like you)...praying to God (just like you)...trusting in God (just like you). So, don't give up now! You're not alone. This year is sure to be better than before; however, it may not be easy. Remember God is OUR help and OUR shield...God will not fail!

Triumph Tuesday

Triumph Tuesday--Daily Dose of Inspiration
"I know that you are pleased with me, for my enemy does not triumph over me." (Psalm 41:11 NIV)
Happy New Year! Today is Triumph Tuesday. We should walk in the victory of God allowing us to see another year. God has not allowed our enemies to triumph over us. So don't give up on yourself. You may not be perfect, but it doesn't mean that God is not pleased with your potential...your possibility...your future! Keep going! On Christ we lean in 2013!!!

Miracle Monday

Miracle Monday--Daily Dose of Inspiration
"You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples." 

(Psalm 77:14 NIV)

On this Miracle Monday, allow God's abilities to be at the forefront of your mind. As we prepare to worship God and thank God for another year, know that God's miraculous power is still present with us today. Even in the midst of economic, political, emotional, physical, and even spiritual instabilities...God will perform miracles. Let us begin to declare in our lives that God will, can, and has already shown God's power in our lives! 2013 here we come!!!