Gospel Conduct - Philippians 1:27 (NKJV)

Scripture of the Day

Philippians 1:27 (NKJV)

“Gospel Conduct”

Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel,

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The kids are back in school, and one of the first things they bring home is the school’s codes of conduct!  Our jobs require us to adhere to the standards of conduct as well.  Even at home, we expect everyone to have a certain level of conduct (if not . . . that might be the problem).  Conduct is to direct the course of; to lead or guide.  Now, that doesn’t sound bad!  It doesn’t sound like you have to give up your freedom!  But it does sound like we have to demonstrate some self-control!

Is your gospel conduct worthy of what CHRIST has done for you?  I am not talking about your church conduct.  I still don’t know what the one finger-thing is about when you want to be excused from the sanctuary or a church meeting!  Can someone explain that to me!  Seriously, when no one is looking, how is your Gospel Conduct?  When you are not in the pulpit . . . collecting the tithes . . . greeting folks at the door . . . or ushering folks to their seat . . . is your conduct still worthy of the gospel of CHRIST?  Kids will do what is right when their teachers are looking and we (most of us) will do what is right when the boss is watching! Well, GOD is always looking and watching, so our Gospel Conduct should always be right!  So that we can stand in one Spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel!

My son will receive a little book with the school conduct guidelines, and he will have to sign the last page and return it to show that he is aware of how he must conduct himself for the school year!  Most jobs will require us to attend some sort of training that includes standards of conduct, and we will have to sign-in/log-in to prove that we attended and understand what is required of us at work.  Well my Christian brothers and sisters, GOD has given us HIS Word, and HE sent a living example to dwell among us so that we could know HIS expectations of conduct worth of the gospel of CHRIST. 

May our conduct be worthy of the gospel of CHRIST!

Skip The Stone - John 8:4-8 (NKJV)

Scripture of the Day

John 8:4-8 (NKJV)

“Skip The Stone”

they said to Him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do You say?” This they said, testing Him, that they might have something of which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear. So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground.

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This is another tuff one!  As I always say, “If it steps on your toes say Ouch!  If it steps on someone else’s toes say Ooh!  But if we know HIS Word is true, say Amen!” 

Many of us are quick to cast a stone at someone else for doing wrong . . . even when we know we just did the same thing or worst just a few days before.  In fact, some will cast a stone and they are living in their own mess right now!  These men brought a woman who was caught in the very act of adultery  before JESUS and demanded she be stoned in accordance to the law (side note:  It takes two to commit this act.  Why did they only bring her?)!  JESUS didn’t even speak . . . HE stooped down and wrote on the grown with HIS finger!  It doesn’t say what HE wrote . . . but it convicted the men.    JESUS then asked that whoever was without sin, should throw the first stone!  Wow! One by one, they departed! Every last one of them had to skip the stone that they wanted to throw!  They skipped the stone and walk away in conviction!

Are you standing today with a hand full of stones, and ready to cast them at someone? Are your words towards others as hard as stones?  As a child of GOD, can we truly stand ready to cast the first stone . . . knowing that we are full of sin!  Only by the grace of GOD are we forgiven . . . so please skip the stone . . . cast a hug and blessing upon those you love and those you hate!

Prayer of Prosperity - 1 Chronicles 4:10 (NIV)

Scripture of the Day

1 Chronicles 4:10 (NIV)

“Prayer of Prosperity”

Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.

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Have you been praying for an increase?  Do you have a prayer of prosperity?  I know it seems like we should not pray for increase with all of the one-sided preachers giving prosperity a bad name!  But GOD does want us to prosper!  HE wants us to be blessed, as well as bless others!  If we pray like Jabez, then our prayer of prosperity will not be selfish.  This simple prayer can be broken down even further, but lets just look at four major points!

1) Although Jabez’s mother gave him the name because she bore him with pain, he was considered more honorable than his brothers (vs. 9) In your prayers . . . have you been honorable?  Have you been humble?

2) Jabez is crying out to the Almighty GOD of Israel!  He is not relying on himself as honorable, but he is calling on his GOD who is holy!  Who are you crying out to in your prayer of prosperity? 

3) Jabez asked to be blessed before the increase!  Now that is big!  We think the increase is the blessing.  But first we must ask that every blessing come from GOD so that we may be equipped to handle more territory.  You can’t ask GOD to give you more, without HIM blessing you first! After Jabez asked to be blessed, then he asked for an increase in territory. 

For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required (Luke 12:48).  Are you asking for GOD’s blessings before the increase, in your prayer of prosperity?

4) Jabez asked the LORD to be his protection from harm and pain!  Most successful businesses have a team of experts and a large insurance policy to protect their increase , but Jabez is asking for a reassurance policy from the LORD to protect his increase!  Are you praying that GOD keeps the increase safe? Are you asking GOD to give you guidance to do what is right with the increase?

Again, GOD wants us to prosper!  And by the example of the Jabez Prayer of Prosperity, we can see that GOD will grant your request!  Hopefully your prayer of prosperity is like that of Jabez’s.  If not, it’s time to change it!  Don’t feel bad . . . after much meditation on this devotion . . . I have had to make a few minor adjustments to mine as well!  Just keeping it truthful!

My favorite prayer for others is: May the GOD of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in HIM, so that you may overflow with the hope by the power of the Holy Spirit! (Romans 15:13).  May GOD continue to bless you and enlarge your territory of hope!  In JESUS name, Amen!

Trust HIS Timing - Esther 4:14 (NKJV)

Scripture of the Day

Esther 4:14 (NKJV)

“Trust HIS Timing”

For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

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Mordecai, queen Esther’s uncle sent word to her that her fellow Jews were going to be destroyed and the order came from her husband, the king!  The king did not know that his queen was a Jew, therefore he did not know that he had given an order to kill her people.  Esther knew that she could be killed if she went to the king without being called for . . . even if the situation is as serious as a whole nation being killed!  She was the queen, yet she could not simply approach the king without his permission.  Mordecai explained to Esther that it could be a time such as this that she has become queen!  It was a threatening situation for Esther and her people!  Although there may be suffering when doing good work and deeds for GOD and HIS children, we must look beyond ourselves and realize that we may have been put in a specific place for such a time as this! 

Are you in a place for such a time as this?  A place of pain, suffering, discouragement, or frustration?  We can approach the king of kings without being called.  HE has allowed us to come to HIM in all times!  You may be in a place for such a time as this . . . not for yourself, but for the people of HIS kingdom.  Someone is lost and GOD has placed you for such a time as this to help them find their way!  Someone may be bullied and GOD has placed you for such a time as this to stand for them!  Someone may be close to death and GOD has placed you for such a time as this to speak life!

Just as Mordecai told Esther, you can remain completely silent and GOD will work through someone else, but what if GOD put you in place for such a time as this?  Will you trust HIS timing?

Brideful Beauty - Esther 2:17 (KJV)

Scripture of the Day

Esther 2:17 (KJV)

“Brideful Beauty”

And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti.

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I once heard it said that there is never an ugly bride!  There may be ugly fiancés or ugly wives . . . but never an ugly bride!  I began to think about that, and realized that I have never seen an ugly bride (in person or TV).  On the very day of a wedding, and she is wearing the beautiful dress, perfect hair, flawless smile and everything else that makes the moment special . . . the woman is very beautiful.  It goes deeper than beauty, because that woman is set as the queen.  She comes down the aisle will all eyes on her.  There is favour on her.  For that very moment, she is the fairest in all the land!  No matter what kind of woman (race, nationality, religion), she is a beautiful bride!

Esther had a deep and rich beauty.  When the king held out his golden sceptre to show favour over Esther as she approached him unannounced (which was against the law even for the queen), it was not because she was so pleasing to the eye!  Queen Vashti was pleasing to the eye, yet she was dismissed for not coming before the king when announced.  So if it was only skin-top (pleasing to the eye) beauty that interested the king . . . he would have still been with Vashti.  But Esther came before the king as a bride . . . a queen, and humble!  It was deeper than beauty.  1 Peter 3:3-4 says that your beauty should not come from the outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes.  Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in GOD’s sight.  If you read the entire book of Esther, you will see that the queen was not demanding or arrogant in her outward beauty . . . but she had the inward beauty of a bride, even after the wedding was over!  Men, treat your wives like the brides you married!  Women, walk in the beauty of a bride even after the wedding is over!  Christians, let us be ready!  JESUS is coming back for HIS bride . . . will we be the first ugly one, or will HE find us in our white robe washed by the blood?  Will we be in perfect standing according to HIS Word?  Will we be the bride HE deserves?

Hatred Runs Deep - Esther 3:8 (NKJV)

Scripture of the Day
Esther 3:8 (NKJV)
"Hatred Runs Deep"

Then Haman said to King Ahasuerus, “There is a certain people scattered and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of your kingdom; their laws are different from all other people’s, and they do not keep the king’s laws. Therefore it is not fitting for the king to let them remain.
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Hatred can run deep!  Haman was angry with one man (Mordecai) because he refused to bow down to him.  It says that Haman was filled with wrath because Mordecai would not bow and show homage!  Therefore, Haman wanted all the Jews to be destroyed!  It wasn't that Mordecai did something wrong . . . it was because Mordecai did something that wasn't liked!  Mordecai stood instead of bowing!  And he was hated for that!

Christians are not hated because they do something wrong, but only because they do what is not liked.  Instead of bowing to pay the world homage . . . we stand to show GOD honor! When Christians do what is liked, then the world doesn't feel it is wrong!  In fact, the world likes a quiet Christian!  This doesn't mean you should intentionally go out looking to bring hatred on yourself . . . but be prepared for it! 

Spirit Filled Blessing - Romans 15:13 (NIV)

Scripture of the Day

Romans 15:13 (NIV)

“Spirit Filled Blessing”

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

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Wow!  This was a blessing Paul spoke upon the Gentiles, and it is truly Spirit filled!  If you have been reading any of the SODs this week, you may have noticed that all of them were out of the book of Romans.  And all of them were about the Spirit of GOD!  GOD has poured HIS Holy Spirit upon HIS children!  We are sealed by the testimony of the Spirit!  We must submit our spirit to the GOD of hope, who can fill us with all joy and peace as we trust in HIM!  And by the power of the Holy Spirit, we may overflow with HIS hope!

Please Live In This Blessing!  Just as Paul spoke this Spirit filled blessing upon the Gentiles . . . let us pray it for one another!  Submit your spirit to the Holy Spirit and give HIM a hopeful heart full of praise!

Love Sincerely

Triumphant Weakness - Romans 8:26 (NIV)

Scripture of the Day

Romans 8:26 (NIV)

“Triumphant Weakness”

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.

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I don’t know why, but my heart always goes out for the “Under Dog”  When I see the smaller standing up against the larger, I’m praying for the under dog.  David stood up against Goliath and GOD blessed the under dog!  Why!  Most of the time the larger will contribute success to their own knowledge, skill, past performances, etc.  It’s all about them!  But the smaller has to take all their knowledge, skill, past performances and place them in the hands of someone greater!  That greater someone for David was GOD!  That greater someone for Paul was GOD!  GOD says, HIS power is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9)

When I don’t know what to say or pray . . . when I don’t know how to handle the weight of this larger world . . . I have to come to the point of confessing to the LORD that I am weak!  I have to see myself as the under dog in order to see the perfection of HIS power in my life!  I’m a weak husband sometimes and I need the Spirit to intercede for me!  I am a weak father at times and I need the Spirit to intercede for me!  Sometimes I have to fall on my face and let the FATHER know that I acknowledge my weaknesses and I need HIS help!  In HIS perfect power I am triumphant in my weakness!  Where I am weak, HE makes me strong!  To many folks, I may be an under dog, but to GOD, I am the head and not the tail!  When I don’t know what to pray, the Spirit Himself will intercede with groans that words cannot express! 

There is victory in the groans of the Holy Spirit!  When have you ask the Holy Spirit to groan for you?

Testimony of the Spirit - Romans 8:16 (NIV)

Scripture of the Day

Romans 8:16 (NIV)

“Testimony of the Spirit”

The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.

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Well!  When we submit our spirit to the Holy Spirit, HE will testify on our behalf that we are GOD’s children!  This is awesome!  In this we become heirs—heirs of GOD and co-heirs with CHRIST (Romans 8:17)

No matter what anyone says or what anyone can do . . . when I look into the face of my sons and say, “I am your father!”  it testifies that we are in a relationship!  Good or bad, we have a bond through that testimony!  Now they may not always act like they are my children, but the testimony still stands!  But when they submit their ways to my ways . . . then the blessings are rejoiceful!  I still bless them with food and shelter, just as GOD blesses me to be their provider!  But when they submit to the testimony of being my sons . . . they live in joy!  It seems the cup overflows!

It is the same with us and the FATHER.  When GOD has looked into the heart of man (human) and say, “I am your FATHER”, it testifies through HIS Spirit that we are HIS!  We don’t always act like we are HIS, but the testimony still stands!  Submit your ways to the testimony of the Spirit and live as the heirs of GOD and co-heirs with CHRIST!  For by the testimony of the Holy Spirit, we are sealed (Ephesians 4:30)

We are Signed . . . Sealed . . . and Delivered!  Amen!

Led By The Spirit - Romans 8:5 (NIV)

Scripture of the Day

Romans 8:5 (NIV)

“Led By The Spirit”

Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.

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Our mind is set on what our heart desires.  Every practiced sin is born in the heart.  Then after the sin has become full-grown in the mind, there is death to the body (James1:15).  As Christians who practice sin, we bring death to the body of CHRIST!  We cannot kill the body of CHRIST, but we bring death! 

I’ve heard it said, “Follow your heart!”  in many situations!  Does this mean “If it feels right, it’s O.K.!”  If I have set in my heart to practice sin, then I follow my heart . . . then I would be living according to a sinful nature!  But what if we said, “Follow the Holy Spirit” Now my sinful nature must submit to what the Spirit of the LORD says.  It’s not about my feelings . . . it is about HIS truth, in accordance with the Holy Spirit!  If I am led by the spirit of myself, then the desire is for my flesh to be in control!  If I am led by the Spirit of GOD, then the desire is for HIM to be in full control!

Be Led By The Spirit of GOD, And Follow HIS Way!

Hopeful Heart - Romans 5:5 (NIV)

Scripture of the Day

Romans 5:5 (NIV)

“Hopeful Praise”

And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

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The definition of hope is to desire with expectation of obtainment!  It is by faith we believe! In our belief we have hope! It is my desire with expectation of obtainment to believe GOD with all that I have and all that I am!  Anything else would be hopeless!  Next time you sing a song to the LORD, dance before the LORD, read the LORD’s Word, preach the LORD’s Word, or teach the LORD’s Word . . . do so with a hopeful heart!  Dreams may shatter, but our hope in GOD is never disappointing!

When our hope is in GOD, it does not disappoint us!  With the love of the Holy Spirit in our hearts, we can desire with expectation of obtainment!  Even if you cannot see it yet . . . keep a hopeful heart! Deliverance for financial burdens . . . keep a hopeful heart!  Family members not acting right . . . keep a hopeful heart!  Stressful relationship . . . keep a hopeful heart!  The unity of the church is failing . . . keep a hopeful heart!  The ministry seems to have no life in it . . . keep a hopeful heart!  Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1)

If our hope in GOD is never disappointing . . . we should hope never to disappoint HIM!  It is very hard at times, but keep a hopeful heart!

Putting Shoes On Your Faith - Matthew 21:21-22 (NIV)

Scripture of the Day

Matthew 21:21-22 (NIV)

“Putting Shoes On Your Faith”

Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. ²² If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”

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A baby will hesitate to take that first step, because they don’t think they will be able to stand.  Once they build up enough faith to walk, they soon realize the reality of falling!  But they also realize, they can get up and try again, which means, their faith has to be renewed!  As Christians, we need to put shoes on our faith!  We should walk out what we confess to believe!  JESUS tells us to have faith and do not doubt!  See the doubt is not in the fall . . . our doubt is in the getting back up and walking on!  We all fall and stumble through life, but some are more concern with what will be said during the fall and they don’t hear GOD saying, “Get back up my child!”

We have been given the authority in the name of JESUS to move mountains in our lives, but we must be willing to put shoes on our faith!  Don’t ask/pray in the name of JESUS, then doubt it shall be (James 1:6-7)!  Pray with the expectancy of HIS goodness!  Now don’t let your walk be boastful in yourself, but boast in what the Lord has done . . . is doing . . . and will do!  I’m sure you have seen someone walking in the faith of JESUS!  Now let someone else see you walking in that same faith!

I’m wearing penny loafers . . . they aren’t the best looking shoes . . . but they have plenty of sole!  May your soul continue to walk in HIS faith!

Have A Blessed Weekend

It Should Have Been Me - Isaiah 53:4-5 (NKJV)

Scripture of the Day

Isaiah 53:4-5 (NKJV)

“It Should Have Been Me”

Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.

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Several years ago, I was a member of a church where we would have “Scripture Memory” each month.  The whole church was encouraged to write the designated scripture on their heart, and each worship service would start out with all the members saying the scripture memory together (a powerful way to strengthen a devotional life for the congregation).  This particular scripture memory brought me to a revelation that was so humbling, it still brings me to tears and a place of thankfulness to my Savior.  JESUS has borne my griefs and carried my sorrows before I was born.  HE was bruised for my iniquities before I was born.  My peace was upon HIM before I was born and I was healed by HIS stripes before I was born.

See . . . I know that we are all born into sin (Psalm 51:5), but JESUS took the griefs, sorrows, wounds, bruises, chastisement and stripes for me before I was born.  I know this SOD may seem personal . . . and that’s because it is!  The more and more I meditated on this scripture . . . the more and more I realized that “It Should Have Been Me!”  Those were my griefs and sorrows to bare.  I was suppose to be wounded and bruised.  The wages of my sin is was suppose to be my death (Romans 6:23).  “It Should Have Been Me!”  When JESUS was mocked, lied on, and beat . . . HE was doing it for me because HE knew I couldn’t do it for myself!  That long walk while carrying the cross on HIS back was for me!  When they drove the nails through HIS flesh on the cross . . . He did it for me, because I would not have been able to bare the pain myself!  “It Should Have Been Me!”  I don’t have to ask JESUS how much HE loves me, because I know what HE did was for me!  And guess what! HE didn’t just do it for me . . . “It Should Have Been You Too!”

Give GOD just a moment of your time to say thank you!

Serve Before You Lead - Joshua 1:1-3 (NKJV)

Scripture of the Day

Joshua 1:1-3 (NKJV)

“Serve Before You Lead”

After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, it came to pass that the LORD spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, saying: ² “Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them—the children of Israel. ³ Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses.

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Throughout the bible we see how GOD takes ordinary men and women to do extraordinary things!  GOD is still using ordinary people to do extraordinary things!  One of the most profound things that all of them have in common is they served first!  Each person served before they were put into the positions to lead others.  Moses was a servant of the LORD and Joshua was Moses’ assistant!  After the death . . . notice it doesn’t say Joshua overthrew Moses, then he was to step up and take the leadership position!  Too many times we want to push the current leadership out of the way because we feel that we can do better!  Don’t move until GOD tells you to step up! 

Again, if you give your life to CHRIST today, don’t assume you should open your own church tomorrow!  Find yourself a place to serve first! When the time comes, GOD will let you know when to step into a leadership position.  Serve GOD first with all your heart! Minister (serve) GOD’s people!  Serve in your community! As I always say, “The best leaders are great followers!  The best teachers are great students! The best praisers are great worshipers!”

Service Before Leading

Worth Every Penny - Luke 12:6-7 (NIV)

Scripture of the Day

Luke 12:6-7 (NIV)

“Worth Every Penny”

“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

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When is the last time you looked at a sparrow or any bird and thought to yourself, “That is one of GOD’s creations!”  Although five sparrows were sold for two pennies . . . they still belong to GOD!  Each sparrow was worth less than a half of penny to man but they were worth every penny and more to GOD.  Not even a sparrow is forgotten by GOD!

There may be some days that you do not feel that you are worth any good to anyone . . . but please understand that you are worth every penny to GOD!   Remember, none of us are worthy . . . but GOD has proven that we are worth it!  For HE sent HIS only begotten Son, to die on the cross in order for our debts to be paid!  GOD wants a relationship with you, and HE has ensured the price was paid forever . . . because HE said we are worth it!  Now . . . are you living a life worth the price that has been paid . . . for you!

I have a friend who is a great penny saver . . . but JESUS is a Life Saver!

Re-Moving Forward - 2 Corinthians 12:8-10

Scripture of the Day
2 Corinthians 12:8-10
"Re-Moving Forward"

Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
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This SOD is in response to the person who posted a comment on the site yesterday.  Thank you for your comment and I pray that this is a blessing to all of us.

I have never seen anything in the bible to suggest that the thorn (literally or figuratively) was ever removed from Paul's flesh, but there's a lot of evidence that Paul kept moving forward in the sufficiency of GOD's grace.  In verse 9 GOD says, " . . . for my power is made perfect in weakness"

I don't know if your pain is literal or figurative . . . but I do know that there is power in GOD's sufficient grace!  Paul goes on to say that for CHRIST’s sake, he delights in weakness, insults, hardship, persecutions, and difficulties!  Many of us have had or still have "thorns in the flesh" and "pains in the neck" . . . but by the grace of GOD, We must keep moving forward to the place HE has predestined!  By knowing what Paul was going through with overcoming the thorn . . . maybe we all can truly appreciate what he said in Philippians 4:12-13, "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength."

Friend,  instead of waiting on the thorn to be removed, I would suggest that you re-move in HIS sufficient grace!  Just as GOD had a purpose for Paul to move forward . . . you and I must continue to move forward in HIS grace!  Please know that GOD's power is made perfect in our weakness!  Therefore, if you were a choir member, it's time to re-move into the choir!   If you were a volunteer at the homeless shelter, it's time to re-move back into the community!  Whatever the “thorn” has stopped you from doing, it is time to re-move forward in HIS grace! 

Let us pray!

LORD, we are asking for YOUR guidance and grace!  There are times when we feel like giving up!  There are times when we feel like the pain of thorns have paralyzed us!  But we know that YOUR power is great and perfect in our weakness!  It is YOUR grace that rescues us . . . relieves our pains . . . and renews our strength!  For anyone who is still waiting on the thorn to be removed, we ask that YOUR Word encourage them to move forward and live an abundant life for CHRIST!  May YOUR Light keep us from stumbling as we continue to move forward on this journey.  In YOUR Son, JESUS CHRIST, we pray . . . Amen!

Touch of Faith - Matthew 9:21-22 (NKJV)

Scripture of the Day

Matthew 9:21-22 (NKJV)

“Touch of Faith”

For she said to herself, “If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well.” But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, “Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And the woman was made well from that hour.

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This woman had a flow of blood for twelve years!  Who knows how many doctors or remedies she had tried!  Today, there are a ton of commercials promising a cure for whatever your sickness is.  Then just when it sounds hopeful, that low voice begin to tell you about all the dangerous side-effects, which will require another cure with different side-effects.  It can be very frustrating . . . especially after twelve years.  Or maybe she accepted the fact that she had something that was never going to go away!  Maybe she decided to just live with it! 

I’m sure we can say that she was sick and tired . . . even taken advantage of because of her illness!  But then came JESUS!  There must have been an extreme sense of healing coming from HIM, because her faith was in the touch of HIS garment!  Something about JESUS was different from what any doctor could say and seemed more promising than any remedy known to man!  Can you imagine how her heart was crying out for healing as she stretched her hand towards JESUS (there’s a sermon) and having faith that even the touch of HIS garment would be sufficient!  I’m sure her eyes were on JESUS, but all she needed was a touch of HIS garment!  Not even the full garment . . . just the hem!  Only the living GOD can provide such a touch!  By the touch of faith in JESUS we are healed!

Please note that there are some side-effects of JESUS’ Touch of Faith:  instant healing, no recovery time, no physical theory, joy, happiness, peace, new life and much more!  He did it for the man with the withered hand, the blind, the lame, the dead . . . and HE will do the same for me and you!  Let your heart cry out and your hand stretched to HIM!  With the touch of faith in JESUS we are healed!

Missed My Turn - Proverbs 19:2 (NIV)

Scripture of the Day

Proverbs 19:2 (NIV)

“Missed My Turn”

It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way.

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Wow!  How can one verse tell so much about me!  I can’t begin to tell you how many mistakes I have made because I was all gung-ho about doing something, and had no idea what I was doing!  I’m sure I am not the only one who has started out doing something and ended up asking, “What am I doing?”  Even worst is when someone else ask you what you are doing and your reply is “I have no idea!”  Nothing like being dedicated to the wrong purpose!  Some folks will accept JESUS today, and will be opening up their own church tomorrow . . . slow down!  Some folks will get a job today and will be in debt by tomorrow (if not already in debt) . . . slow down.  Bottom line . . . we all can move entirely too fast without seeking direction and knowledge from the LORD!  It’s fabulous to be on fire for the LORD, but don’t move too fast because you will burn out even faster!

I’m sure my wife would love to shout “Amen!” on this one.  Sometimes I will out drive my GPS!  I will be driving somewhere that I have never been, and have the nerve to tell “Susan” (My GPS voice) to be quite!  Lots of times I just turn her down or tune her out (the GPS not my wife) Then in a grumbling low voice I will say, “man . . . I missed my turn”  It’s kind of like when your kids say, “I know!” before you even finish saying something!  We can become so hasty in life that we miss our turn to be a blessing and/or receive a blessing!  Here is some great advice I have learned the hard way!  Don’t move so fast . . . wait until GOD is finished speaking!  And never interrupt HIM and say, “I know!”

Is it time to let GOD recalibrate your life?  Don’t turn HIM down or tune HIM out . . . or you will be grumbling in a low voice "I missed my turn"

Young Disciples - 1 Timothy 4:12 (NKJV)

Scripture of the Day

1 Timothy 4:12 (NKJV)

“Young Disciples”

Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

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Our young disciples must be examples to the believers.  Although the excitement of eternal life is fantastic, the concern for walking right as a Christian can be confusing to a new believer!  Especially for our young Christians.  Does a young person give up being cool because of their new relationship with CHRIST?  What about the clothes . . . how should the young Christian dress?  What type of conduct is appropriate? 

We all know that most people (young and old) are not comfortable with asking questions . . . so they began to look for answers.  I always say, “Most people will not ask a question . . . however, they will still look for an answer.”  So, if a young person wants to know how a young Christian should live . . . they will watch how the young Christians lives!  Will they see a different lifestyle when the young disciple is not at bible study or choir practice?  Will there be any evidence of Christianity in the young disciple’s life as the new believer is looking?

Young disciples . . . your words, conduct, love towards one another, faith and purity can send a clear message or a discouraging message.  Regardless of our age, we are to be living examples of CHRIST.  Even as a “baby in CHRIST”  you are to be an example to the believers!  What kind of answer is your life giving to those who are watching?

Let Your Light Shine

Sounds Tempting - James 1:13 (NIV)

Scripture of the Day

James 1:13 (NIV)

“Sounds Tempting”

When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;

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Although GOD will test us, we must understand that GOD does not tempt us!  GOD is not a man that HE should lie (numbers 23:19) . . . so nor is HE a man that HE will tempt you!  GOD will test and consider HIS faithful servants!  HE asked satan, “Have you considered my servant Job?”  But not once did GOD tempt Job! 

Always remember that when GOD test you, HE also gives you the correct answer to every test, through HIS Word!  When satan tempts, it is to trick you into choosing the incorrect answer in accordance to GOD’s Word.  Next time you find yourself thinking or saying, “Hum . . . that sounds tempting!”  don’t blame it on GOD if you decide to choose the incorrect answer!

Again, satan doesn't care how or why we give up or fail!  Satan just doesn't want us to pass the test!  He doesn't want us to bless and praise GOD . . . satan wants us to live in the same curse that he is destined to live in!  If it sounds tempting . . . then it is temptation!