You’ve come to the end of another year.

You’ve come to the end of another year – the end of another adventure. You’re a little older; a little more experienced; and you have a few more scars on your body and soul. But the good news there’s a new year just ahead of you and it can be the new beginning you’ve dreamed of that will change you for the rest of your life. It can be your new adventure just ahead.

You are on the brink of a brand new year! New challenges! New adventure! New blessings! 2010 was GREAT! 2011 was Fine! 2012 – Well – it could be the end! Or maybe the beginning of the end! That’s kind of gloomy – if you aren’t prepared. It’s kind of scary if you aren’t spiritually ready. But in Scripture Jesus says, “And surely I am with you always – to the very end of the age.” Matt. 28:20

 The first thing you need to know about this coming year – is Jesus will be with you. There is nothing you will face this coming year that you and Jesus can’t handle.

 Nothing that happens this coming year is going to take Him by surprise. It may startle you. It may take you by surprise. But Jesus already knows – He already sees 2012 from beginning to end! So don’t be afraid. Be strong and courageous. Remember what the Lord said to Joshua when Moses died? It was the end of an era. The leadership was changing. God was taking Moses home and Joshua was to be the new leader. After God told Him that He would never leave him or forsake him, He said, “Be strong and very courageous. Joshua 1:7

If you want to be successful wherever you go Then be careful to be an obedient follower. Do you want to have a prosperous in 2012 then: “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. THEN you will be prosperous and successful.” Joshua 1:8

So this new year, determine that you are going to walk in obedience with God. He will never leave you. He will never forsake you. And the weaker you are – the stronger He will be. As long as you keep your hand in His nail scarred hand – nothing the future holds needs to frighten you.

Tomorrow this old year is gone. But the good news – 2012 is NOT the end. It’s the beginning. It can be a new beginning to a new and happier life for you. God promises prosperity and success and blessing for this coming year. All you have to do is walk through it with Him.

Look forward to 2012 "Be very careful, then, how you live.

Look forward to 2012 "Be very careful, then, how you live not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is." (Ephesians 5:15-17) And yes, Jesus might just show up in 2012 - but I wouldn’t bank the farm on it. When Jesus said: “No one knows about that day or hour not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” (Mark 13:32) You can take His word for it. And when the end of the world comes - and Jesus returns - it won’t do anybody any good to buy a fallout shelter. But because you are Christian - Jesus’ return will be an exciting time. It’s going to be something to look forward to with anticipation. In 2 Timothy 4:7-8 God’s Word declares: “There is in store for you the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to you on that day— and not only to you, but also to all WHO HAVE LONGED FOR his appearing.”

Philippians 3:20 says “your citizenship is in heaven. And EAGERLY AWAIT the Savior from there”

You’re going to live in a new home. Jesus said He was going away to prepare a place for you (John 14:2).

Revelation 21:4 tells us that when Jesus returns: “He will wipe every tear from your eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things will pass away.” Heaven will be a place of “no mores” No more Curse No more Death No more Sorrow No more Crying No more Pain No more Night No more Hunger or Thirst.

When Jesus comes again, He’ll be coming to take away all of the things that made your life uncomfortable. He’ll take away the struggles that made you miserable. The sick will be healed. The struggling will be strengthened. The dead will rise from the grave – and we’ll live with Jesus forever.

"Today your heart will beat 103,369 times, your blood will have traveled 168 million miles, you will breath 23,400 times, you will inhale 438 cubic feet of air, you will eat 3 pounds of food, drink 2.9 pounds of liquid,  perspired 1.43 pints, you will give off 85.3 degrees of heat,  generated 450 tons of energy, you will speak 4,800 words, moved 750 major muscles, your nails grew .01714 inches, and you exercised 7 million brain cells. Your body is a marvel of God’s creation the body is so intricate that it’s a wonder that more doesn’t go wrong with it. You’ve got a great body… as bodies go. But one day, you’re going to get the chance to trade your body in for a new one.

So, when Jesus comes, you’re going to have a new body And you’re gonna live on a new earth. And you’re going to have everything you could possibly want or need. But all that will pale next to the one thing that matters most about Jesus’ return: He’s coming back for you!

Don’t limit where the voice of God might be found

Don’t limit where the voice of God might be found. Elijah didn’t hear it where he expected. He didn’t hear it in the great wind, fire, or in the earthquake. He heard it in a gentle whisper – a still, small voice. (1 Kings 19:11, 12) God used a little boy by the name of Samuel to cause Eli to hear His voice. If you’re waiting for God to communicate His miraculous Message to you thru a Thunderous Voice, you’re going to have a long wait. God uses everyday occurrences to show YOU His desires. In the middle of a crisis, you may hear all kinds of voices telling you what you need to do. God may be saying something to you, but in all the confusion, you can’t sort it out. You can’t understand God’s message. One of the principles of biblical interpretation – or even a principle of life – is that you interpret difficult or unclear passages by clear passages. As you face your struggle, you may feel like you need to go in a particular direction, but you are unsure. What should you do? Go to the Bible. Judge what you are feeling by what has already been revealed to you in the Bible. What God says to you in your spirit will never conflict with what God has already said in His Word.
Trust in God’s power, not your own.
God wants you to be in a position where you’re forced to realize and remember that anything of any importance that is accomplished is because of God’s power not because of your power. If you are never kept in check and let to do everything on your own and not kept humble, Pride will over power you and the flesh will start to take credit for some of the things that God has accomplished through your life. So be aware of the reason Paul was given this “thorn in the flesh” it was to keep him humble. He needed to remember that he was not battery operated – not self-sufficient. He just as you must be plugged into the power source at all times. 2 Corinthians 12:7-12:10
Trust in God’s power when you have none. In times where you’re wondering whether or not you will have the strength to carry on. And there are days that you’ll ask yourself, “How am I ever going to be able to do this, God?” And that’s when God steps in and says, “My strength is made perfect in your weakness.”Serve God right where you are. “Delight in your weaknesses” Even when you want God to change your situation, you need to consider that God has put you in that situation to use you right in the middle of it? Don’t ask God to change things until you’ve looked for and found how you can minister in or be changed by the circumstance that you face. God doesn’t do anything without a reason.

Those with plenty must be responsible, and aware of the perils of wealth.

Those with plenty must be responsible, and aware of the perils of wealth. The most important aspect of money management is the control of your attitude towards it. Money is not “the root of all evil” as Paul is often misquoted. His actual words are, “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil” (1 Tim. 6:10). Failure to prioritize is a great hazard of prosperity. Don’t ask, “How much can I make?” “How much can I spend?” “How important can I be?” The proper question is “How much can I do for others with the wealth God has entrusted to me?” Scripture does not say it is a sin to have plenty. The concern is with the abuse of plenty is the cause for many to forget God. God advises those who use their wealth as if there is no accountability to Him will “...weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you.”

Those with plenty with the wrong attitude towards it become insensitive to proper priorities and values; and to the needs of others. They place their faith in their resources. They disregard spiritual realities and ignore the fact that they must give an account to God. They have forgotten God’s clock.

Those with plenty with the wrong attitude towards it Scripture says they are like pigs that eat themselves into the slaughterhouse. They concentrate on filling their stomachs and are unaware to their destiny. Judgment will fall, Instead of acting to avoid that judgment; they incur greater guilt by their selfish excess. They will be condemned for misusing wealth for comfort and lustful delight while failing to care for the less fortunate. If riches are made by stepping on the hands of the hopeless, judgment will follow. God never judges by a bank account, or a statement of worth. He probes the heart where no surgeon can reach. He looks for righteousness and where it is lacking, His judgment will follow.

Scripture says, “Anyone...who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins”. What a colossal sin to see others perishing in bitter need while you store up goods you can never use. In the end your wealth is lost and the poor remain destitute. What a heartless disregard for others.

Plenty in itself is morally neutral, neither good nor evil. Wealth is like fire — very useful, but also terribly dangerous.  Each must balance between prudent savings and sinful stashing. Material wealth will be worthless when the Lord returns. Place your priority, not in your possessions, but how you use them. Not on how large is your bank account, so look at yourself how are you using your plenty?

All are guilty of sin.

When it comes to guilt or innocence, “All” are guilty of sin. (Romans 3:23) From the time of Adam and Eve until today and as long as the human race survives, every person that is born will be born a sinner. “All” doesn’t mean others and not you. “All” means everyone. The forgiveness that Jesus offers to you is not because of your innocence. It is in spite of your guilt. In fact, admitting your guilt is a requirement to receiving God’s forgiveness. (I John 1:9)
Jesus’ forgiveness of your sin is not limited by the severity of your sin. No matter how severe your sin might be, God’s grace and God’s forgiveness is always greater. Some people will not come to Jesus because they think that they have gone beyond the scope of God’s forgiveness. If God can forgive those who put Jesus on the cross, then He can forgive anyone and He can forgive you. If you are alive, you are not outside the reach of God’s forgiveness.Most people don’t have a problem with wondering whether or not God can forgive them. Their question is whether or not what they have done needs forgiving. In their own eyes and maybe in the eyes of others, they are good people. But the reason that they see themselves as good people is because they are comparing themselves with other people. “Compared to their neighbor or their brother or the guy they saw on the news, their doing pretty good.

Jesus took it even further when He said that if you are angry with someone, then you are guilty of the sin of murder, and if you lust after a woman, then it is the same in God’s eyes as if you had already had sex with her. You might as well just line everyone up against the wall and call in the firing squad right now because all are guilty.

If you match yourself up against others, you might come out looking pretty good. It just depends on who you want to compare yourself with. But in Gods evaluation of you, God doesn’t compare you with other people. He compares you with Himself. That means that in comparison to God’s perfect holiness, you are a wicked sinner.

Sin was paid by Jesus. Every lie that you have said, every hateful word that has come out of your mouth, every unkind thought that you have ever held onto, every look of jealousy and envy, every lustful thought – every sin makes you guilty before God. But every one of those sins was placed on Jesus, and He paid for each and every one with His own blood. FOR YOU

Live as a citizen of heaven.

To live as a citizen of heaven is to be united by the Holy Spirit with one purpose – the same purpose God Himself has, and has entrusted to you, the “Good News about Christ”. This must be one of the most important things to you? When it is, everything else falls into perspective, and you start to live “life to the fullest”. You must be united (and empowered by the Holy Spirit) in the purpose of spreading the “Good News”, you must be confrontational about it. BUT, your confrontation is NOT with people your confrontation is “against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” (Eph 6:12).

To “live as citizens of heaven”, conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the Good News” – that you daily rise up and use the gifts and resources God has given you in unity, “fighting together with other Believers for the faith”. “Don’t be intimidated in any way…” Don’t let anything (including your enemies) get in the way of your purpose. It doesn’t matter what else you might face, even if your enemies make progress against you and you end up suffering, Scripture says it is “a privilege to suffer for Christ”.

Most of the world really does not have a clue in this time period and in this culture To Suffer for Jesus. Some have had to suffer because they took a public and noticeable stance that Jesus is their Lord and by standing for what they believed in created some suffering. But most cannot really relate. And the lack of experience creates a fear of suffering which then keeps them from engaging at all. So Stand Firm and start with engagement, and IF you end up facing some opposition and get feeling intimidated – if you see yourself starting to get “spooked”, then come back and explore Scripture further, and get back in the Race again.

You’re in the Battle of Battles, which you are called to fight. And in this Battle there are a lot of prisoners that need to be rescued, a lot people trapped in darkness, the weapons used are lies that they aren’t valuable, they aren’t loveable, they aren’t significant, they only exist to consume temporary pleasures.  Jesus came to set the prisoner free, Jesus came as the light of the world for those walking in darkness; Jesus is our weapon that tears down lies and points people to a truth that will set them free. Your part – “standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith… Don’t be intimidated in any way by your enemies.” This is what it means to “live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourself in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ.”

Hadn't waited so long to get serious about your relationship with God.

You can only imagine how much better your life and your family would have been if you hadn't waited so long to get serious about your relationship with God. As Joel 2:25-26 says: "I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten. God will work wonders for you that Only He Himself can restore to you for the time that was spent and wasted apart from Him and His perfect plans for you. Discover that though you may have missed out on the Lord's "Plan A" for your life, that if you will begin to wholeheartedly devote yourself to Him, He will begin to unfold a "Plan B" for you.

One divine promise that you can claim is Job 8:7: "And though your beginning was small, yet your latter end would greatly increase." In the "latter end" part of this promise, it emphasizes blessings received later in life. One translation says, "He will make your later years very great."

As you get older, it's tempting to think that you should be slowing down and retiring from life. That may be the world's way, but that's certainly not God's way. The Bible says: "[The righteous] will still bear fruit in old age; they will stay fresh and green." (Psalm 92:14) Even if you've retired from your career and your job, the Lord has important work for you to do. If you will offer your life and your God-given gifts up to Him with sincerity, and if you will ask Him to use you for His glory, He will put you to work in His kingdom, and you will experience more meaning and purpose in your life than ever before. Then you will continue to "bear fruit" in your later years, and you will "stay fresh and green," instead of becoming idle and stagnant.

As you get older, you have a greater responsibility to bring more people into God's kingdom through your testimony and your example. As each succeeding generation gets further away from God, your part in the Great Commission becomes more valuable every day.

If you pondered how quickly your life is passing by, He will tell you, "The best is yet to come!" take this word of encouragement to heart today, and open the door to greater blessings and rewards than you've ever experienced before.

Thank the Lord to restore you the years that you've wasted living apart from Him and His plans for you. Surrender to Him all that you have, and all that you are. Ask to work in His kingdom, so that the gifts you’ve been given will be used for His glory, and for the good of others. And declare with total confidence and conviction, "The best is yet to come!"

Everyone will give account of himself to God

Everyone will give account of himself to God (Rom. 14:12). Give more attention to living a life of holiness and obedience. Think of it. How will you stand in that day? Will you approach Him with confidence or will you stand before Him red-faced and embarrassed over a life of waste and neglect? It is something that you as Christian will have to do. Are you ready to appear before the judgment seat? "For you must appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to what you have done, whether it be good or bad." 2 Corinthians 5:10:  The basis of this judgment will be the believer’s works.

"Although your sins have been judged at the cross and will not be brought up again, at the judgment seat of Christ your works or service will be judged." Therefore, you can see that in your life of as a believer there is a threefold judgment: (1) as a sinner, your judgment at the cross is past (Rom. 8:1); (2) as saved, you as a believer must judge yourself and confess your sins, or else expect discipline (1 Cor. 11:31-32; Heb. 12:7); and (3) as a servant, a future judgment awaits you at the judgment seat of Christ (2 Cor. 5:10; 1 Cor. 3:9-15; Rom. 14:10).

The judgment seat of Christ will be a time when the true character of your works will be able to be seen; your true character will be revealed." The examination of your works will bring to light whether they were good or "bad”, the true makeup of your service (1 Cor. 3:13), as well as your motives (1 Cor. 4:5) will be revealed.

The results of this examination as a believer you will either receive a reward (1 Cor. 3:8a), or forfeit reward (1 Cor. 3:15). As Gods follower you must build on the proper foundation, and build on that foundation, which is Christ (1 Cor. 3:10-11). Two types of builders. The spiritual believer and the worldly believer (1 Cor. 3:12-15), The spiritual believer has results from the Spirit of God working through their life, while the worldly believer represents the fleshly works of the old nature. No one builds completely from spiritual belief, or with worldly belief. In this life your achievements may seem huge and impressive, yet at the judgment seat they will be revealed for what they are: spiritual belief or worldly belief. "The day shall declare it" (1 Cor. 3:13). All works produced through self-confidence, self-conceit, and some other words that begin with the prefix self- (and there are many), will be examined at the judgment seat only to be found worldly. The worldly builder will find his works destroyed by fire, yet he himself will be saved.  (1 Cor. 3:15). As a builder whose building was consumed would escape with personal safety, but with the loss of his work.

Many times you’re attacked because of your faithfulness, not your unfaithfulness.

It seems like when you’re believing in God's promises for deliverance, then all the sudden you get hit with another debilitating attack. And you’ve gone to the Lord and pressed Him for answers. "What's going on here, Lord? I feel like I'm finally doing what you want me to, and now this happens. I don't get it." Read Psalm 44. He and his people have been faithful to the Lord, yet they are being attacked, defeated, and disgraced at every turn. By the time he gets to the end of the psalm, it dawns on him that he is suffering specifically BECAUSE he is committed to the Lord. He writes: "Yet for YOUR SAKE we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." (Psalm 44:22) In other words, the suffering was not divine discipline, but a battle scar as a result of his devotion and commitment to the Lord.

" For Christ you must be ready to face death at every moment of the day--you are like a sheep awaiting slaughter; but despite all of that, overwhelming victory is yours through Christ who loved you enough to die for you." (Romans 8:36-37)

When you make the decision to live for God, you must be prepared to suffer because of that decision. "For you have been given the privilege not only of trusting Him but also of suffering for Him." (Philippians 1:29-30) Take Scripture like this to heart, the next time your face suffering; you won’t automatically think that you've done something wrong. But the truth is that, as a believer, suffering can be a sign of loyalty. "For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in His steps." (1 Peter 2:21) Peter knew from personal experience that doing good often led to suffering. And he reminds you that Jesus Himself suffered greatly in many ways because of His obedience, and you are to follow His example.

As Scripture says: "You are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 6:12)

Much of your suffering will come from the devil's attempts to tempt, accuse, and deceive you, so you must be on guard at all times. "Be careful--watch out for attacks from Satan, your great enemy. He prowls around like a hungry, roaring lion, looking for some victim to tear apart. Stand firm when he attacks. Trust the Lord; and remember that other Christians all around the world are going through these sufferings too." (1 Peter 5:8-9) So consider the fact that many times you’re being attacked because of your faithfulness, not your unfaithfulness.

You’re missing the higher calling of God.

You’re missing the higher calling of God. If you are showered with prosperity in your life, do you give the glory to God? When life is good are you face down in the Presence of God thanking Him for His Goodness? When tragedy strikes, do you crumble under adversity or remain confident in the Lord? Why would God allow such ups and downs to affect His Children? Doesn’t His Word say that He will level your paths and make your way straight?

Each longs to triumph over adversity any way that they can. Tragedy is not an acceptable form of life and some way implies that you are in charge of your own destiny. However, God is not interested so much in your triumph and tragedy in day-to-day life. People pray over momentary situations as if they have a true bearing in life.

You’re missing the higher calling of God. The enemy will carry your name to God many times to eliminate your effectiveness as a Light in the Darkness. The true test for you, as any other follower of Jesus Christ, will be in tragedy and triumph what is your heart’s position? Because God does not care about monetary gain or personal power, the Lord cares about the condition of the human heart and your ability to overcome your flesh and submit fully to His Power. Submission is a word that most people are very uncomfortable with but it is absolutely essential in the advancement of Spiritual knowledge from God. Asking Jesus to come in your heart is not enough. If you invite Jesus into your house, but slam the door in His face – what’s the point? Too often you want God’s Power and Grace but only for victory. God wants to be your hope in triumph and tragedy. The Lord desires faith to be your foundation that secures your heart’s position in all things.

God doesn’t see things the way you do. His Vision is on a much higher plane. This world is totally temporary to God and the details of life all meaningless. The Lord is concerned with one thing. He’s looking directly at your heart. With microscopic intensity, He is scrutinizing every single detail of your heart and soul looking for complete submission. Not because God is power hungry, that would be futile since He is All-Powerful. Through submission, God’s Power becomes yours. It is the effectiveness of salvation by faith. You cannot get to Heaven without Jesus Christ. There is NO other way. However, if you continue to live life self relying on human power, faith will fail because you are powerless in Eternity.

Sometimes all you can do is simply trust that God will lead and guide you.

Sometimes all you can do is simply trust that God will lead and guide you as you walk in the life that He has given you—He will give you the words and the wisdom you need through your Journey. God is calling you to a higher purpose this year. With your family or work maybe in your friendships or your gifts and abilities. Have you settled into a comfortable routine, or are you willing to be challenged by God to grow and expand in your service to Him?

That’s the way it was with Mary and Joseph when Jesus was born. They simply had to trust God that he would take care of them, even if it meant going to someplace like Egypt. When God told Joseph through an angel to go down to Egypt, it wasn’t an accident. It was a part of Gods gracious plan and purpose more than Joseph could have realized at the time. Not just for Joseph Mary and baby Jesus, but also for the world! It was a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. “Out of Egypt have I called my Son” and “He will be called a Nazarene”. But once you think about it, it’s a great comfort to know that God is willing to move all of heaven and earth if need be to bring even just one of his loving promises to pass in your life.

When Mary and Joseph went to Egypt with Jesus, he was safe—but only for the moment. God didn’t allow Jesus to be put to death by Herod because Jesus first had to complete mankind’s salvation. The reason Jesus’ murder was postponed by his flight to Egypt was so that the world’s salvation would be fulfilled. You have a Savior who loves you and is there for you. Even when you find yourself outside of your comfort zone, you still have the comfort of being in God’s everlasting and unchanging love, through Jesus Christ the Lord.

So be sensitive to His leading so that you may know the opportunities that are set before you. “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” (Ephesians 5:15-17)  God has a plan for you—something that will make a difference in you and the lives of people all around you, people in your community who have very real needs. Pray for the wisdom to know what it is that God is calling you to do this coming year, even if it means doing something that you’ve never done before. And then, pray for the courage, strength and determination to be able to do it.

The focus of Christmas must always be on remembering the gift given

The focus of Christmas must always be on remembering the gift given: The birth, His life, His death, and the resurrection of Jesus. Draw near to God as you reflect on His gift of love. The birth of Jesus gives great insight into the character of God. For you can see His methods are far different from your own; "His thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways His ways" (Isaiah 55:8). Would you bring the King of Kings into the world through two common young people in a dirty stable? But God had a purpose. These lowest of beginnings set the example for a life of humility. Jesus Christ is the Creator of the Universe! "For by Him all things were created" (Colossians 1:16). Yet, He humbled Himself to the point of being born with the animals and continued by humbly walking all the way to the cross.

As you reflect on His humility, then you can relook on how you can make prideful demands on what you think you need in your life. How can you assume there is a standard to which you are entitled? Jesus set the standard for humility and you are now called to follow; "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 2:5).The greatest insight you can learn from the birth of Jesus is simply that He came. Your sin was detestable and vile to God for He is holy, but He came to live with humans...and love you! Without Jesus, you have absolutely no hope - you can do nothing to save yourself from the bondage of sin and the eternal separation from Him. You can do nothing, yet God made the first move to set you free. He took the initiative in your Salvation by providing a way.

1 John 4:9 "This is how God showed His love: He sent His one and only Son into the world that you might live through Him."

God clearly saw your sinful condition; and yet, He loved you enough to send His Son so you might be restored to a right relationship with Him. He sent His Son so you might live! God made the first move 2000 years ago and He continues to make the first move in your life today. He called long before you could even recognize His voice, and He continues to call you to surrender your life and live with Him in a deeper and more intimate relationship.

Hear His call today and respond! It's a great privilege to hear His call, so be encouraged...but then respond! His call cost Him dearly, and it represents a love you will never fully understand. Boldly answer and follow wherever He leads. And remember through the race of Christmas the meaning of Christmas is The Gift God Gave you. He loved you enough to make the first move. HE SENT JESUS.

GOD KNOWS YOU, AND YOU ARE IMPORTANT TO HIM.

 GOD KNOWS YOU, AND YOU ARE IMPORTANT TO HIM. No matter how insignificant you may think you are, God knows you, & you are important to Him. "Think of what you were when you were called. Not many were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world & the despised things..." (1 Cor. 1:26-28a).

So when God decided to select a mother for His Son, He went past the fashion salons & beauty parlors. He went past the furs & diamonds & gold, & went to an insignificant village called Nazareth. He found a peasant girl. She did not dress in designer clothes. She did not have a sophisticated education. But she was pure, & God selected her to be the mother of His only begotten Son.

All have known feelings of rejection. All have known feelings of being left out. Christmas comes. The light shines, & God says, "No you’re not left out! I made the announcement to shepherds, & I’m making it to you. Unto you a Savior is born."YOUR LIFE MATTERS, BECAUSE I LOVE YOU.

 Imagine the shepherds that God told about His son: just sitting around the campfire wondered if life was really worthwhile or not. "What difference does it make if we watch the sheep or not?"Maybe you wonder, too, "What difference does it make if I get up every morning or not? It seems as if life is an endless cycle of things that really don’t mean anything. "When God came & made His announcement to the shepherds, your life is worthwhile. It is My gift to you And that’s what He says to you. Therefore live every golden moment of it with Joy, because your life does matter to God.

Every life matters. It’s impossible to live, even for a few moments on this earth, & not influence somebody in one way or another. You are always influencing someone, either for good or for bad. Think of the people in Bethlehem on that night so long ago, asking, "Anything exciting happen today?" Maybe they were told, "No, nothing much. Oh, I hear some woman gave birth to a baby in a stable, but nothing exciting ever happens around here." Except that night and the baby that was born, was the baby that changed the world.
How about you? Sometimes life becomes weary. There may be times when you wonder if it is worthwhile going out of your way for others or sacrificing for God. But one day He will come. He will come for all who believe the shepherds & kings, wise men & peasants. He will come for you. He’ll dry your tears & take away your pain. There will be no more death, no more good-byes. Then you’ll say, "It was worth it. It was ALL worth it!"

Doubt doesn’t mean you’ve lost your faith.

Doubt doesn’t mean you’ve lost your faith, it simply means you’re trying to figure out how your faith works in this chaotic and sinful world. So instead of being afraid of doubt, why don’t you let God use your doubt as a means of making you stronger in your faith and drawing you closer to Him.

You might try to ignore your doubts or pretend that they are not there or at least keep them hidden in some secret place so nobody else finds out about them, But if you do that long enough those doubts will come back to bite you. They’ll always be a weak spot in your faith. So you’ve got to deal with your doubts! Acknowledging your doubts they do not disqualify you from God’s service or at the very least make you a little less spiritual than others. Raising questions and having some doubts is never the sign of a weak faith…but rather it’s the sign of a growing faith.

Before you can feel comfortable about acknowledging your doubts you need to know a few things about doubt itself. You’re not going to lose your salvation just because you’ve got some unanswered questions about the bible. All do. Doubt is not the same as unbelief. Unbelief is a willful decision. It’s a deliberate decision to stand against the truth. Finally, doubt is not necessarily an unhealthy condition. If doubt is handled properly then it can become the springboard to a deeper and stronger faith than you’ve ever experienced. Doubt means to be undecided, to be wavering between 2 decisions, to be uncertain about the certainties of life.

There’s a difference between honest doubt and distrust. Honest doubt really is looking for answers; it’s seeking for personal understanding. But those who distrust ask questions, not for the answers but for the response they can get from the people they questioned. Honest doubt is never satisfied with its present level of belief, but distrust goes to the max in its unbelief. The doubter investigates to find the answer but those with distrust never are looking for an answer since they already made up their mind, there is none to be found. God welcomes honest doubt, but he stands against those who distrust.

An honest doubter still can have feelings of chaos and turmoil. And if you ever go through a season of doubt, then what you need is exactly what Jesus gave to Doubting-Thomas. “Peace be with you.” When everything about Thomas’s life was filled with chaos, Jesus offered him peace. Jesus didn’t say, “Thomas, I can’t believe you doubted me? Or I’m hurt because you didn’t believe like the other disciples”. He didn’t shame, judge or condemn Thomas for his doubt; he simply gave him what Christ is giving to you (Comfort). The Heavenly Evidence is almost HERE.

Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye?

 Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ’Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.If something or someone bothers you a lot then there is something in you that you need to examine. Usually if you’re perturbed or irritated by someone then most likely it is because you have that same character defect or tendency or sinful nature in you. For when you deal with those things and examine yourself you will become more tolerant of others.

However, there are general exceptions. Sometimes there are things that you react so strongly to not because there is a tendency in you but because you have strong emotional connection to the issue. Many have seen and have lifelong scars and have heard and many have felt the anguish of hurt victims.

Self-Examination
Get the log out of your own eye. Then you will see clearly (both yourself and others).
As a follower of Jesus you need to take a close look at yourself and become self-aware. Who you are? Who God has created you to be? What things have shaped you?
Have you acted selfishly? Have you truly been loving to others? Have you prejudged anyone? Who do you tend to prejudge? What actions have you done that have hurt others? What do you need to do to make amends?

“You hypocrite!” Jesus declares. Without a moral inventory and without knowledge of yourself you are just a play acting—hypocrite. You look good on the outside and looks like you have your act together. But you don’t. None really do. This is what faith is really about. You don’t have all the answers. You don’t know what is best all the time and probably if you were honest hardly at all. But God does. And He is a great, big God! He knows all and is all powerful.

Many Christians still never get it, so to speak, they never really change and stay stuck in the muck and mire of their past. And many never have taken a total life reflective inventory of their life and past. Just praying for Jesus to forgive you and then go right back to doing what you have always done. If you do what you always done, the way that you have always done it, then you will always get what you have always gotten.

Sticks and stones may break your bones

"Sticks and stones may break your bones but words CAN deeply hurt you" words spoken harshly and critically can wound deeply. And when things like that happen you need to know what to do...you need to know how to respond. What to do when people hurt you?

First, when others hurt you, you should not be surprised. Hurts are a normal part of life. You should expect them. Second, you should not allow hurts to fester into bitterness and resentment. You must learn to remember the best and forget the rest. Finally, you should not try to get even with the one who has hurt you. You should leave vengeance to God.

The world is full of people who establish their worth by degrading others. They have pockets and purses full of put-downs...and they’ll give them out to anyone. But you can refuse to accept their insults...even when they are tossed at you in the appearance of love.

By ignoring them, you’ll reduce tension...strengthen your relationships...and increase your joy. But just remember...hurts are a fact of life. They come to everybody. So when it happens to you - don’t be surprised!

The next thing you need to see is when others hurt you - you can become bitter if you are not alert to the normal Worlds response to the feelings of HURT. But simply relate the experience as a warning to someone who may experience the same dilemma and then quickly move on to other matters. Don’t nurse or rehears the evil deed. Hold no hint of bitterness or resentment in your heart.

One of the surest signs that a HURT has turned to bitterness and resentment is that you keep reviewing in your mind and rehashing in your conversation the wrong you have suffered. But the effects of hate and bitterness are deadly. They are like acid. They do more damage in the vessel that stores it than the object they are poured on. Physically they increase your blood pressure...emotionally they contribute to depression...spiritually they hinder worship and prayer...and socially they make you a sourpuss and unpleasant to even be around.

Carrying a grudge is a loser’s game. It is the ultimate frustration because it leaves you with more pain than you had in the first place. If you don’t forgive those who wrong you, then you allow them to hurt you more than once. They hurt you once...and they hurt you again every time you recall it. Your memory becomes a videotape in your soul that plays unending reruns of your pain.

Jesus knows what has happened to you.

Jesus knows what has happened to you. And here’s what He says about forgiveness. So today’s message isn’t from the pastor; it’s from the Lord. Well, I hope every message I have is from the Lord, but know that this is not my opinion; it’s straight from God.

Unforgiveness is more clever than most sins. It’s sneaky. It crawls into your spirit so gently, so nobly, so innocently that you don’t know it’s there until it really has you.  It’s also more common than most sins and all battle it from time to time. Even though you may not stumble over the “bigger” sins, the sins of the flesh, lack of forgiveness seems to affect each one. And it’s also more dangerous. It may not cause overdoses and car accidents, but it will divide churches, families, marriages, and nations. Unforgiveness has been called the cancer of the soul. Unchecked, it will eat you alive.

Yet, God said to you: Be sorry for what you did, for who you are. Be willing to do anything for me out of gratitude, out of thanks to me. And the debt gets erased.  But Understand that: unforgiveness is a self-inflicted prison. It is self-induced torture. It is a ball-and-chain of your own making. No matter what anybody did to you first, forgiveness or unforgiveness is your own choice.

Colossians 3:13 - Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Jesus’ own words are even more severe: Matthew 6:14-15 - For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Luke 6:37-38 - "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven… For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Jesus wants you to know that the extent that you forgive others is how much God will forgive you.

God considers your forgiveness of others as important as His forgiveness for you.  Forgiveness of others is tied to forgiveness from God.

God says - He does not look at people the way you look at them.

God says - “He does not look at people the way you look at them. You look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Sam16:7. Understand this important and eternal principle: God does not see you as the world does. God shows through the choosing of David that someone that was unnoticed by man had great worth to God. Even Jesse, David’s father didn’t recognize his youngest son’s leadership potential. But God saw David’s heart.

What was it that God saw in David’s heart? Why did God make David his selection when his brothers seemed to fit the bill better? When you study David’s life you can see 4 qualities in David that prompted God to select him as King. And these qualities set a standard for you. (1) David possessed a heart of dependence on God. Daily Depend on God to take care of your needs don’t worry how things are going to work out. Having a heart of dependence means depending on God no matter what, understanding that in the end, your only source of life is Him! (2) David also had a heart of obedience for God. David’s desire was to be obedient. He purposed to find new ways honestly and genuinely to discover God’s will and do it. (3) David possessed the heart of a servant. To be a servant means to perform the menial tasks no matter what they are. To be a servant is to not care who gets the credit. To be a servant you have just one goal: the success of your superior. (4) David possessed a heart of integrity. Integrity is what you are when no one else is looking.

David was a nobody, nobody noticed, but God knew him because God doesn’t look at the surface and He saw in David a man after His own heart. You may not think you look like much; you may not think you are very significant.But what a glorious thing when the Master, Jesus takes your life that is scarred with sin and turns it into a masterpiece for Him. You are significant! God created you! He sent His one and only Son to die for you! And now He wants to use you in a mighty way if you will but yield your heart to Him.

You want Jesus to look within you and say, “There’s a heart of dependence, and obedience, with a heart of servant hood and integrity... there’s a person after My own heart.

Jesus of Nazareth is the dominant figure.

Jesus of Nazareth is the dominant figure in the history of western culture for almost twenty centuries. It is from His birth that most of the human race dates its calendars. It is by His name that millions curse, and in His name that millions pray."The world cannot forget Jesus because He is the Lord of this world. He is crowned with glory and honor and will come again.

What this world needs more than anything else, is someone who will rule with a rod of iron, someone who will mean what he says. What a tremendous joy to know there is coming One who will do what he says. You can count on it. Oh, the Joy that is to come when the Mighty One will set everything and everyone into THE GLORIFIED STATE. For He means what He says and backs up His words with deeds!

What a treat it will be to have Gods Son coming who will rule the earth in righteousness and faithfulness."The rod of His mouth" is the Word of God, specifically the word of the cross, the cross of Jesus that puts to death the old self in you.

If the world would love their enemies, as He Jesus said to do, it’s the end of the arms race, destroy the instruments of death and fulfill all the dreams of peace. There is something in all that becomes angry when your attacked, that makes you want to strike back and get even. It is what produces the horrible cycles of murder, war, and pillage that are repeated from century to century in the history of man. The Lord puts that to death by the Cross. He is coming the One who will deal earnestly, honestly, and thoroughly with all evil.

The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the calf, lion and the child. The cow and the bear shall feed; their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. None shall hurt or destroy for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord. (Isaiah 11:6-9)

What a beautiful picture!  There is a deep hunger in mankind for this kind of a world, although none know how to achieve it. But He is coming the One who does know how. This is what the Lord has power to do in your heart today. He can heal all controversy and bring peace in you.

FAITH IT OUT ’TIL YOU FIGURE IT OUT!

FAITH IT OUT ’TIL YOU FIGURE IT OUT! Holding on to your faith in God in the face of Disappointments, Discouragement & Difficulties

All get times of difficulties, discouragement & disappointments – maybe you have experienced these recently & have found yourself crying out for some relief, with the feeling that you ‘can’t take any more of it, like you’re at breaking point – at the end of your rope!’
God wants to speak into your life today to be encouraged to ‘keep on keeping on!’ To be spurred on in your faith & to grab hold of the power that will cause you to hold on to God in spite of your circumstances! Be encouraged that in your weakness He will make you strong! Whatever you might be going through or are about to go through, know that God is there to help pull you through!

When life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner” 1 Peter 4:12-13

when you get times of disappointments & difficulties you can choose to respond in 2 ways.
1.) You can allow these to discourage & demote you & at worst destroy you, OR
2.) You can allow these problems to prosper & promote you, propelling you further forward.

Don’t allow yourself to wallow in self pity, or to let your negative circumstances contain you; but use your experiences as LEVERAGE to make you even more determined to succeed & become an inspiration to others going thru their problems. Make your disappointments & difficulties turn into DEFINING MOMENTS (rather than a destroying moments) that propelled you on to achieve GREATNESS against all the odds! When you can’t figure it out, you have to faith it out!

Praying for a way of escape in a tempting situation.

Praying for a way of escape in a tempting situation is not cowardly--it's smart. And it's scriptural. Not only should you pray for an avenue of escape for yourself, but you should do the same for others around you who might be tempted to sin. Even if you cannot influence those people with your words, you can enter into a partnership with the Lord through your prayers, to provide those folks with a way out.

One thing that really can help you when you’re faced with temptation is the Bible's assurance that you’re not alone in your struggles. "Remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience." (1 Corinthians 10:13) Memorize this verse it will be a tremendous comfort to you when you’re tempted to think that you are the only one struggling with sin, or that you are somehow being singled out by Satan and his cronies. "Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour. Take a firm stand against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that Christians all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are." (1 Peter 5:8-9) Because your brothers and sisters in Christ are undergoing the same trials you are, you can turn to them for prayer support and words of encouragement, and you can offer them the same help in their own times of need.

As long as you are on this earth, and in your fleshly body, you will constantly be subjected to trials and temptations. But God has equipped you for victory, and if you will use His strategies against the enemy, He has promised that you will prevail. Hold tight to this precious promise from the Lord it will encourage your heart."No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; He'll never let you be pushed past your limit; He'll always be there to help you come through it"! (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Whenever you’re faced with temptation, remind yourself that God has promised to provide you with a way of escape. Ask The Holy Spirit to help you to always look for it, and to take advantage of it, so that you can be the overcomer that you’ve been called to be. And Ask The Holy Spirit to teach you how to pray for those around you, who may need your prayers to help them walk in victory. Thank The Lord, that by His grace, power, and mercy, you shall prevail!

You are set free from the powers around you.

You have been set free from the powers around you, God’s plan was to first make you new; then He challenges you to live as new person. You are not like what you’ve always been. You have been set free from the past, once you knew where to look. Once you began to Look Up!  Colossians 3:1-4: “Since, you have been raised with Christ, set your heart on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ. When Jesus, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” You’re to continue to seek the things above. It’s not just a one-time decision, but is to be a daily activity.

Jesus put it this way in Matthew 6:21: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” If you focus on things that will ultimately rust, tarnish, break down, or burn up, your energy and emotions will be misplaced. If you seek out Christ and allow Him to become your ultimate treasure, your heart will follow.

Your feet must be on earth, but your mind must be in heaven. Thoughts can influence actions, so if you place your thoughts above and not on the earth, your behavior will reflect those things that matter to God. This requires determined effort on your part because you tend to look down by nature, instead of looking up. But if you fix your gaze on things above, God will change your desires. If you change your mind, God will change your heart.

Philippians 4:8: “Finally, 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.” By seeking what Christ desires, you will have the power to break your obsession with pleasure and the accumulation of things.

Because you’ve died with Christ, you will have little desire for improper worldly pleasures as a dead person would have. You did not just receive a cosmetic makeover or simply add a Christian veneer that only laminates your life. Your old nature is not renewed or even reformed; instead, it has been put to death.

Do you Want change so bad that it hurts.

Dec 16, 2011 10:46 am (Face Book addition)

Do you Want change so bad that it hurts. Have you prayed through bitter tears, "Lord, please change me? I don't want to be like this." You have to WANT to change, you have to believe that you actually CAN change, with God's help. That is how you begin the process of cooperating with the Lord for your transformation. Secondly, confession and repentance will lead to change. "If you confess your sins, He is faithful and just to forgive you and to cleanse you from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9) As you agree with God that what you’ve done is wrong, and as you humbly seek His forgiveness, He begins the process of cleansing you and giving you a fresh beginning. Sometimes, the Lord will lead you to share your struggles with a trustworthy brother or sister in Christ, and to ask them to intercede for you. "Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed." (James 5:16 ) This can be an effective way to bring certain sins out of the darkness, which is the devil's domain, and into the light, where Jesus and His healing can be found.

Heartfelt, persistent prayer will begin the change in you. Discover that some of the most powerful prayers are those found in the Scriptures. David prayed: "Create in me a new, clean heart, O God, filled with clean thoughts and right desires. Restore to me again the joy of Your salvation, and make me willing to obey You." (Psalm 51:10-12) Holy-Spirit-inspired petitions like these, when prayed in faith and sincerity, are destined to be answered. Make Scripture-based declarations of faith regularly. Whenever you begin to feel guilty or condemned, even after you've confessed and repented for your sins, say, "Thank you, Lord, that you’ve begun a good work in me, and you’ll continue it until the day of Jesus Christ!" (Philippians 1:6) This will remind you that God will never give up on you, and He will never stop molding you into the image of His Son. Another faith-building declaration you need to make daily is, "God is working in you both to WILL and to DO His good pleasure!" (Philippians 2:13) The Lord is not only committed to helping you obey Him, but He is continually giving you the desire to do what pleases Him most. That's why the longer you walk with God, and the more you invest in your relationship with Him, the more sin loses its appeal.

Another important key to cooperating with God for your transformation is devoting yourself to the Word of God. "God's Word is an indispensable weapon" against the forces of darkness, and all that would keep you from becoming more like Christ. (Ephesians 6:17) You CAN change, and the Lord is more than willing and able to help you, if you'll just do your part.

God’s ways are higher than your ways

God’s ways are higher than your ways and His thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:9).. As The Heavenly Father watches you build your homes of security - watching you frantically moving from here to there, trying to climb to the top of the hill.  He also sees a creation with a VERY limited view of the real world: The Spiritual World.

As seen from God's perspective, you have almost no understanding of how your life fits into His plan or how your current problems are leading you closer to Him. You do not fully see or understand that He is calling you to trust.

Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."

Even when you’re facing difficult circumstances walk along God's path and live a life pleasing to Him, Even when you’re not sure which direction to turn. Your indecision is often because you only trust in what you clearly understand and you don’t realize your understanding is not very clear. But God's promise is that as you love and trust Him with all your heart, the path directly in front of you will become straight - as you trust, the decisions will become clear and you will KNOW your next step!

You must truly believe that the Father sees and hears ALL, and that He's infinitely complete in understanding. Where you are fortunate to see a few short steps down the path, He sees the entire journey - the journey leading you "to be conformed to the likeness of His Son" (Romans 8:29), and the destination of spending all eternity praising His name. You must keep stepping out in faith, but you must do so by leaning on Him, continually seeking His direction, and trusting the Father's view.

The Holy Spirits difficult task is to explain to you as a human that you’re stuck in this reality and through your life’s experiences to explain to you what the Spiritual reality is like. He communicates with you as you think like the world thinks. To inspire curiosity and encouraged you to look at the picture more intently until you can see it for yourself.

Believe in prayer and know of the promises God has made to You

Believe in prayer and know of the promises God has made to You about prayer to use prayer’s power. You must understand how prayer works.
Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them and you that you should always pray and not give up. Luke 18:1-7

 Look at Daniel 10:10-12. NOTICE it says “SINCE THE FIRST DAY that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before God, YOUR WORDS WERE HEARD, and I have come in response to them.” Therefore, consider the message and understand the vision (Daniel 9:23) In other words, every time you pray not only does God gladly hear your prayers… an angel is immediately sent from the throne of God to answer your prayers.

Daniel 10:12-13. Now consider what this says:
From the very 1st day Daniel prayed his prayers were heard and an angel was sent. This is one of those times God pulls back the curtain and lets you see what’s happening behind the scenes. He’s drawing back the curtain so you see what ordinarily would be hidden from your eyes.
When Daniel prayed demonic forces rose up angelic warfare was broke out. You know what that means?… that means – that when you pray – you turn loose the very powers of heaven.… that means – that when you pray – you have the power to battle the very forces of darkness… that means – that when you pray – angels are willing to fight = to answer your prayers.
As Hebrews 1:14 tells you “angels (are) ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation” WHEN YOU PRAY angels are at your beck & call.

Jesus taught always pray and do not give up because, when you pray, your prayers carry weight. EVERY TIME you pray you unleash more and more power from the throne of God.· Are you praying for someone? Do you pray for your friends in their daily struggles Every prayer you pray imparts to them more and more power from God. Prayer is not a passive act on your part; Prayer is AN AGGRESSIVE, ACTIVE MINISTRY.

 “When you pray –PUSH When everything seems to go wrong, just Push! When the job gets you down, just Push! When people don’t react the way you think they should, just Push! When there’s no money and the bills are due, just Push!  When you want to curse people out for whatever the reason, just Push! When people just don’t understand you,  just Push! PUSH stands for( P-ray) (U-ntil) (S-omething) (H-appens) As you Pray– don’t just pray on something once or twice. Pray your prayers again and again and again – PUSH your prayers– Empower the angels of God– Unleash the power of heaven.

If you take these seriously, they will transform your life.

When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said: If you take these seriously, they will transform your life, and have the potential to change the world. Matthew 5:3-10

You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule. You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One who is most dear to you.

You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourself a proud owner of everything that can’t be bought. You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.

You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ’careful,’ you find yourself cared for. You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.

You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.

You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution will drive you even deeper into God’s kingdom

Count yourself blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit you. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer!—for though they don’t like it, all heaven applauds.

If you read this with an open heart, and understand that being with Jesus’ is about being willing to be broken open and reformed. You will come to realize that you were completely empty of anything meaningful or useful before you had put your faith in Jesus’

Be wise with the days you are given.

You must be wise with the days you are given and no longer be deceived by the values of the world's system. There's nothing wrong with goals and plans; but far too often, they lead to a self-determined lifestyle and away from the true Director of ALL plans; Proverbs 16:9:"In your heart you plan your course, but the Lord determines your steps". Your planning must be a direct response to God's leading; and once in place, your plans must remain in complete submission to His will; Jeremiah 10:23:  " Your life is not your own; it is not for you to direct your steps" When your goal is to be in the center of His will, the specifics of where you will be and what you will be doing are given to the Father for his Decisions.

You must not waste your limited time by chasing after things which vanish; Ephesians 5:15-16: "Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity" You must evaluate ALL your decisions and goals based on the overriding desire to glorify God in all you do, to rejoice in His many blessings, and to long for the time when you can worship before His throne for all eternity. Any other set of values must fade to nothing in comparison.

Every day you are handed a block of time and given the freedom of how it will be spent. This is a wonderful opportunity, but the clock continues to tick! Honor the Heavenly Father with your goals and plans and give careful thought to your ways.

You are only here today and gone tomorrow. It is more important than you can imagine to make the most of your days. Don’t squander your opportunities on foolish worldly pursuits. As short as life is, your opportunities to demonstrate love for your parents, grandparents, friends, and others you love is even shorter; don’t squander your opportunities seeking worldly pursuits! As short as life is, your chance to help yourself and then others is even shorter, for you can only come when God is calling. And while you still breathe He’s calling you, today is the day for Change don’t misuse this chance to get things right with Him.

Helplessness is the feeling of powerlessness to help yourself.

Helplessness is the feeling or the fact of powerlessness to help yourself. Your wealth, your friends, your support systems and even your will to live can be taken from you. And at that moment, you’re helpless and only your hope in God will enable you to recover.

All have been in situations where you are powerless or unmotivated to help yourself. If God only helps those who help themselves, all would be in deep trouble and without hope of God’s help. Helplessness is common to the human existence. The feeling of helplessness began at birth and usually precedes your death. Everyone, given enough time, knows the feeling of helplessness. But not everyone knows how to recover from times of helplessness.

When you’re in the midst of life’s test, you often ask, "Why me? Why do I have to have this?""What is the purpose of this test? Can’t I learn the lesson some other way?" "Why can’t it end now? I can’t handle this any longer." Many are still in the middle of their test. The test can be an illness, a frustrating marriage, horrible work situation or many other hard-hitting circumstances.  

Have you looked at what God has already said in His Word, the Bible? You must know enough of God’s ways and goodness to answer your own heart’s questions? God gives open book tests and group tests. When God doesn’t answer your questions, you should already know enough from His Word for the test. But knowing enough for the test does not mean that you will apply what you know to the test. Sometimes, applying what you know to the test requires recall, willingness, emotional stability and confidence. During a test, most draw blanks and forget what they know.

God is control. He is in charge. This is not to say that you are like a puppet on God’s string or like bricks in a wall, that you will stay put until God moves you. Instead, God’s dominion assures you that even when the earth quakes, even when the doctors can’t help, even when your life’s dream turns into a nightmare, even when you’re out of control, GOD IS STILL IN CONTROL.

Your present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in you.... For in this hope you were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if you hope for what you do not yet have wait for it patiently (Romans 8:18, 24-25).

Discouragement is one of Satan’s favorite weapons.

Discouragement is one of Satan’s favorite weapons against believers because it can damage your witness and make you ineffective for God. It can affect your whole outlook on life. It can make you feel as though there’s a dark cloud over you wherever you go. It can steal your joy, your motivation, and your God-given goals. When you sense heaviness in your spirit it makes it difficult for you to be hopeful or cheerful.

Discouragement can also cause you to become angry with God because He has allowed you to be hurt by circumstances or other people. You may even begin pointing fingers at others for not treating you the way you think they should. And many times deep down inside, you are angry with yourself for making poor decisions or costly mistakes. The problem with all this is that it doesn’t lead to healing or restoration, and it keeps you stuck and unable to move forward.

If you don’t deal properly with discouragement, it eventually will cause you to become bitter. Once bitterness begins to take root in your heart, it can lead you to act in spiteful, cruel, and hateful ways. Then the Lord will allow you to suffer the natural consequences of your ungodly attitude and actions, rather than coming to rescue and relieve you.

When we’re feeling discouraged go to God immediately and confess that your struggling. The more honest you are with God in the matter, the more open you will be to His help and healing. Turn to God and tell Him exactly what you are feeling, and ask Him to help you to cooperate with Him for your deliverance. Then make up your mind to put your trust in the Lord to bring good out of your painful circumstances. (Romans 8:28)

You honor God when you trust Him in times of trouble, and there are rich rewards waiting ahead for you when you do.

Take discouragement seriously from now on. Remind yourself of how destructive it can be, and how it can harm your relationship with God and others. Have a trusting heart that really believes that He can bring good out of every situation. Put your hope in His goodness, wisdom, and mercy, and watch the working wonders that will take place on your behalf!

Many times that you are on hold because

Many times that you are on hold is to make you more like Jesus. Many times you are on hold is because God is purifying your motives. Sometimes you are put on hold because God wants to check the motives of why you ask. “You ask, and receive not, because you ask for what you may lust” “When you ask you do not receive because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures” (James 4:3). Many times you are on hold because God is focusing your faith because you lose your focus. It may be because of fear, impatience or doubts.

Here is how to focus your faith. “But ask in faith, nothing wavering. For if you Doubt you’re like the wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For don’t think that you shall receive anything from the LORD” (James 1:6, 7).

You may be on hold because God may be dealing with unconfessed sin.
Sometimes when you do not hear from God it is because of sin in your life. “Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear; but your iniquities have separated you  and God, and your sins have hid His face from you, that He will not hear” (Isaiah 59:1,2).

You may be on hold because of spiritual warfare. Sometimes when God does not answer your requests, it is because there is satanic opposition. Daniel prayed for an answer from God but didn’t get it for twenty-one days. (Daniel 9:3) Daniel did not get an answer for three weeks until Michael the Archangel came to him. “Fear not, Daniel; for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and to correct yourself before God, your words were heard, and I am came for thy words, but the enemy withstood me for twenty one days.

Are you willing to face the often not-so-good truth about your life and jump dramatically out into what seems like nothing, with faith that you will land in the arms of God. Begin to understand every day is another chance to experience His mysteries and wonders. Stop searching so hard for answers, and learn to find God in your questions. Questions are mystery, and mystery is where God dwells. Ask God to give you His mind so that you can join him, learning to think the way He thinks and feel the way He feels.