Up for the Challenge

"I will be your God throughout your lifetime - until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you"

-- Isaiah 46:4 / New Living Translation
 

God has promised to lift you up and guide your steps if you let Him do so.  God has promised that when you entrust your life to Him completely and without reservation, He will give you the strength to meet any challenge, the courage to face any trial, and the wisdom to live in His righteousness.

 

God's hand uplifts those who turn their hearts and prayers to Him.  Will you count yourself among that number? Will you accept God's peace and wear God's armor against the temptations and distractions of your dangerous world? If you do, you can live courageously and optimistically, knowing that you have been forever touched by the loving, unfailing, uplifting hand of God.

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"When we face an impossible situation, all self-reliance and self-confidence must melt away; we must be totally dependent on Him for the resources"

-- Anne Graham Lotz

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Dear Lord, as we face the challenges of this day, we know You are protecting us.  We thank You, Father for Your love and for Your strength. We will lean upon You today and forever.  Amen.

Courtesy Matters

"Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ"
 -- Ephesians 5:21 / New International Version

 

Did Christ instruct us in matters of etiquette and courtesy?  Of course He did.  Christ's instructions are clear:  "In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets" (Matthew 7:12 NASB). Jesus did not say, "In some things, treat people as you wish to be treated." And, He did not say, "From time to time, treat others with kindness."  Christ said that we should treat others as we wish to be treated in every aspect of our daily lives. This, of course, is a tall order indeed, but as Christians, we are commanded to do our best.

 

Today, be a little kinder than necessary to family members, friends and total strangers.  And, as you consider all things that Christ has done in your life, honor Him with your words and with your deeds.  He expects no less, and He deserves no less.

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"Only the courteous can love, but it is love that love that makes them courteous" 

-- C.S. Lewis

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Guide us, Lord, to treat all those we meet with courtesy and respect.  You have created each person in Your own image; let us honor those who cross our path with the dignity that You have bestowed upon them.  We are all Your children, Lord; let us show kindness to all.  Amen.

Saying Yes to God

"Fear thou not; for I am with thee"  -- Isaiah 41:10 (KJV)

Your decision to seek a deeper relationship with God will not remove all problems from your life; to the contrary, it will bring about a series of personal crises as you constantly seek to say "yes" to God, while the world encourages you to do otherwise. Each time you are tempted to distance yourself from the Creator, you will face a spiritual crises  A few of these crises may be monumental in scope, but most will be small, everyday decisions of life. In fact, life here on earth can be seen as one test after another - and with each crises comes yet another opportunity to grow closer to God . . . or to distance yourself from His plan for your life.

Today, you will face many opportunities to say "yes" to your Creator - and you will also encounter many opportunities to say "no" to Him. Your answers will determine the quality of your day and the direction of your life, so answer carefully . . . very carefully.

"The Christian life is not a playground; it is a battleground" --- Warren Wiersby

 

Dear Lord, when life seems chaotic, remind us of Your love and protection. Difficult times provide opportunities for us to grow closer to You.  Thank You for all that this day has to offer. Amen.

A Thankful Heart

"Since we are receiving a Kingdom that cannot be destroyed, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe"

-- Hebrews 12:28 (NLT)

 

Sometimes, life here on earth can be complicated, demanding and frustrating.  When the demands of life leave us rushing from place to place with scarcely a moment to spare, we may fail to pause and thank our Creator for the countless blessings He bestows upon us.  But, whenever we neglect to give proper thanks to the Giver of all things good, we suffer because of our misplaced priorities.

 

As believers, who have been saved by a risen Christ, we are blessed beyond human comprehension.  We who have been given so much should make thanksgiving a habit, a regular part of our daily routines.  Of course, God's gifts are too numerous to count, but we should attempt to count them nonetheless.  We owe our Heavenly Father everything, including our eternal praise . . . starting right now.

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Heavenly Father, Your gifts are greater than we can imagine.  May we live each day with thanksgiving in our hearts and praise on our lips.  Thank You for the gift of Your Son and for the promise of eternal life.  Let us share the joyous news of Jesus Christ, and let our lives be a testimony of His love and His grace.  Amen.

 

** Happy Thanksgiving Everyone **

His Promises

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful" --- Hebrews 10:23 (NIV)

 

The Christian faith is founded upon promises that are contained in a unique book.  That book is the Bible. The Bible is a roadmap for life here on earth and for life eternal.  As Christians, we are called upon to study its meaning, to trust its promises, to follow its commandments, and to share its Good News. God's Holy Word is, indeed, a transforming, life-changing, one-of-a-kind treasure.  And, a passing acquaintance with the Good Book is insufficient for Christians who seek to obey God's Word and understand His Will.

 

God has made promises to you, and He intends to keep them. So take God at His Word: trust His promises and share them with your family, with your friends, and with the world.

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"We can have full confidence in God's because we can have full faith in His character"   -- Franklin Graham

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Lord, Your Holy Word contains promises, and we will trust them.  We will use the Bible as our guide, and we will trust You, Lord, to speak to us through Your Holy Spirit and through Your Holy Word, this day and forever.  Amen

The Cornerstone

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning in shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God"  -- Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)

 

Is Christ the focus of your life? Are you fired with enthusiasm for Him?  Are you an energized Christian who allows God's Son to reign over every aspect of your day?  Make no mistake: that's exactly what God intends for you to do.

 

God has given you the gift of eternal life through His Son.  In response to God's priceless gift, you are instructed to focus your thoughts, your prayers, and your energies upon God and His only begotten Son. To do so, you must resist the subtle yet powerful temptation to become a "spiritual dabbler."  A person who dabbles in the Christian faith is unwilling to place God above all other things.  Resist that temptation: make God the cornerstone and the touchstone of your life.  When you do, He will give you all the strength and wisdom you need to live victoriously for Him.

 

Lord, You have told us to give thanks always and to rejoice in Your marvelous creation. Let us be joyful Christians, Lord, and let us focus our thoughts upon Your blessings and Your love. Amen

New and Improved

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new"   -- 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)

Think, for a moment, about the "old" you, the person you were before you invited Christ to reign over your heart.  Now, think about the "new" you, the person you have become since then. Is there a difference between  the "old" you and the "new" and "improved" version? There should be! And that difference should be noticeable not only to you but also to others.

The Bible clearly teaches that when we welcome Christ into our hearts, we become new creations through Him. Our challenge, of course, is that we behave like new creations. When we do, God fills our hearts. He blesses our endeavors, and transforms our lives ... forever.

 

" No man is ever the same after God has laid His hand upon him"  -- A.W. Tozer

 

Lord, when we accepted Jesus as our personal Savior, You changed us forever and made us whole.  Let us share Your Son's message with our friends, with our family, and with the world.  You are a God of love, redemption, conversion and salvation. We will praise You today and forever/ Amen.

The Guidebook

"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work" -- 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NKJV)
 

God has given us a guidebook for righteous living called the Holy Bible.  It contains thorough instructions which, if followed, lead to fulfillment, righteousness, and salvation.  But, if we choose to ignore God's commandments, the results are as predictable as they are tragic.
 

God has given us the Bible for the purpose of knowing His promises, His power, His commandments, His wisdom, His love, and His Son. As we study God's teachings, and apply them to our lives, we live by the Word that shall never pass away.

Today, let us follow God's commandments, and let us conduct our lives in such a way that we might be shining examples to our families, and, most importantly, to those who have not yet found Christ.

 

As we journey through this life, Lord, help us always to consult the true road map: Your Holy Word. We know that when we turn our heart and thoughts to You, Father, You will lead us along  the path that is right for us.  Today, dear Lord, let us know Your will and study Your Word so that we might know Your plan for our lives. Amen.

The Wisdom to Celebrate

"A miserable heart means a miserable life; a cheerful heart fills the day with a song" --- Proverbs 15:15 (MSG)
 

The Christian life is a cause for celebration, but sometimes we don't feel much like celebrating.  In fact, when the weight of the world seems to bear down upon our shoulders, celebration may be the last thing on our minds . . . but it shouldn't be.  As God's children, we are all blessed beyond measure on good days and bad.  This day is a non-renewable resource,  once it's gone, it's gone forever.  We should give thanks for this day while using it for the glory of God.
 

What will be your attitude today?  Will you be fearful, angry, bored, or worried? Will you be cynical, bitter or pessimistic? If so, God wants to have a little talk with you.
 

God created you in His own image, and He wants you to experience joy and abundance. But, God will not force His joy upon you; you must claim it for yourself. So today, and every day hereafter, celebrate the life that God has given you. Think optimistically about yourself and your future. Give thanks to the One who has given you everything, and trust in your heart that He wants to give you so much more.

 

Dear Lord, we pray for an attitude that pleases You. In every circumstance, we will strive to celebrate the life You have given us and we will praise You for Your priceless gifts.  Amen.

Acknowledging Your Blessings

"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you" -- Numbers 6:24-25 (NKJV)
 

Today, you will take one more step on your life's journey.  Today offers one more opportunity to be genuinely thankful for your blessings. The coming day is a canvass upon which you can compose a beautiful work of art if you choose to do so.
 

Norman Vincent Peale observed, "The life of stress is difficult. But the life of thanksgiving - a life that comes from a positive attitude - is the easiest type of existence."  And those words apply to you.
 

So today, look for things to be thankful for. If you look carefully, you won't need to look very far.  And remember:  when it comes time to count your blessings, nobody can count them for you.

 

"God's kindness is not like the sunset - brilliant in its intensity, but dying every second. God's generosity keeps coming and coming and coming"  -- Bill Hybelt

 

Lord,  we have more blessings than we can count, and we praise You for Your gifts.  Let us use our talents and our possessions for Your glory and for Your Son. Amen.

Your Plans and God's Plans

"In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps" 

-- Proverbs 16:9 (NIV)
 

If you are like most people, you like being in control. Period.  You want things to happen according to your wishes and according to your timetable. But sometimes, God has other plans . . . and He always has the final word.  Are you embittered by a personal tragedy that you did not deserve and cannot understand? If so, it's time to make peace with life. It's time to forgive others, and, if necessary, to forgive yourself.  It's time to accept the unchangeable past, to embrace the priceless present, and to have faith in the promise of tomorrow.  It's time to trust God completely. And it's time to reclaim the peace - His peace - that can and should be yours.
 

So if you have encountered unfortunate circumstances that are beyond your power to control, accept those circumstances . . . and trust God.  When you do, you can be comforted in the knowledge that your Creator is both loving and wise, and that He understands His plans perfectly, even when you do not.

 

Lord, when we are discouraged, give us hope. When we are impatient, give us peace. When we face circumstances that we cannot change, give us a spirit of acceptance.  In all things great and small, let us trust in Your plans. Dear Lord, knowing that You are the Giver of life and the Giver of all things good, today and forever. Amen.

Compassionate Servants

"Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another, love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous" -- 1 Peter 3:8 (NKJV)

 

God's Word commands us to be compassionate, generous servants to those who need our support. As believers, we have been richly blessed by our Creator. We, in turn, are called to share our gifts, our possessions, our testimonies, and our talents.

 

Concentration camp survivor Corrie ten Boom correctly observed, "The measure of a life is not its duration but its donation." These words remind us that the quality of our lives is determined not by what we are able to take from others, but instead by what we are able to share with others.

 

The thread of compassion is woven into the very fabric of teachings.  If we are to be disciples of Christ, we too, must be zealous in caring for others. Our Savior expects no less from us.  And He deserves no less.

 

"Our Lord worked with people as they were, and He was patient - not tolerant of sin, but compassionate"   -- Vance Havner

 

Lord, make us a loving, encouraging, compassionate Christian.  And, let our love for Christ be reflected through the kindness that we show to our family, to our friends, and to all who need the healing touch of the Master's hand. Amen.

God Wants to Use You

"To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven" 

-- Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NKJV)
 

God has things He wants you to do and places He wants you to go.  The most important decision of our life is your commitment to accept Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior.  And once your eternal destiny is secured, you will undoubtedly ask yourself the question "What's next?"  If you earnestly seek God's will for your life, you will find it ... in time.

 

You may be certain that God is planning to see you in surprising, wonderful ways.  And you may be certain that He intends to lead you along a path of His choosing.  Your task is to watch for His signs, to listen to His words, to obey His commandments, and to follow where He leads.

 

"It is important to set goals because if you do not have a plan, a goal, a direction, a purpose, and a focus, you are not going to accomplish anything for the glory of God"  -- Bill Bright

 

Dear Lord, let Your purposes be our purpose. Let Your priorities be our priorities.  Let Your will be our will. Let Your Word be our guide. And, let us grow in faith and in wisdom today and every day. Amen

We Are All Role Models

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven"  -- Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)

 

Whether we like it or not, we are role models. Hopefully, the lives we lead and the choices we make will serve as enduring examples of the spiritual abundance that is available to all who worship God and obey His commandments.

Ask yourself this question:  Are you the kind of role model that you would want to follow the example of? If so, congratulations. But if certain aspects of your behavior could stand improvement, the best day to begin your self-improvement regimen is this one.  Because whether you realize it or not, people you love are watching your behavior, and they are learning how to live.  You owe it to them - and to yourself - to live righteously and well.

"The sermon of your life in rough times ministers to people more powerfully than the most eloquent speaker"  -- Bill Bright

Dear Lord, help us to be honorable role models to others. Let the things that we say and the things we do show everyone what it means to be a follower of Your Son. Amen.