What's In Your Mind For GOD - 2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV)

Scripture of the Day

2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV)

“What’s In Your Mind For GOD”

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

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It is amazing what things we will allow to enter our mind and fill our heart with fear . . . keeping our soul from rejoicing in the LORD.  Some folks can’t watch the news without becoming full of fear.  There are people who literally cannot leave their house because of fear.  We let the fear of speaking in front of others or being pulled out of our comfort zones keep us from living in the power and love of GOD.  The funny thing is this . . . each time we get over a fear of something, we think back and wonder why were we so afraid in the first place.  It is the same with our faith.  We allow ourselves to get so emotionally fearful, that once GOD has delivered us, we wonder how we could have doubted HIM in the first place.  But if our minds are set on JESUS . . . and if our minds are made up . . . to not give up . . . the spirit of fear will have no place.  You may have a decision to make today or in the near future, and the spirit of fear is keeping you from seeking the power and love of GOD (Remember, we don’t tell GOD how big our problem is, but we tell the problem how big our GOD is).  Some of us are wrestling with a choice in our relationship, job, and maybe even our faith because we lack a power and love of a sound mind.  Fear will cause us to doubt the power and love of the perfect FATHER and be a double-minded person, unstable in all our ways (James 1:8).

It is hard to live in a spirit of power and love, when our mind is filled with fear.  It takes a mind filled with GOD’s Truth to believe that “Where the spirit of the LORD is, there is liberty” (2 Corinthians 3:17).  It is time to say goodbye to a spirit of fear and embrace the spirit of power and love.  What is in your mind for GOD today? Is your mind filled with HIS promises?

Here is a verse to meditate on for the rest of the day.  Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things. (Philippians 4:8) Now this should give us a sound mind to focus on the good things of GOD!

Amen!

What's In Your Heart For GOD - 1 Peter 3:3-4 (NKJV)

Scripture of the Day

1 Peter 3:3-4 (NKJV)

“What’s In Your Heart For GOD”

Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel —  rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.

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I did a search of the King James translation of the bible and found that the word “heart” appears 762 times.  That is a huge account of the heart.  Today, I truly understand what the writer was saying when he said, “I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.  I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:10-11).  I don’t know about any of you, but this is where I am today!  No matter what your outer appearance is, GOD is looking past that.  No matter what your financial situation is today, GOD is looking past that.  No matter where you are in your daily relationships, GOD is looking past that.  HIS Word tells us in 1 Samuel 16:7 that the LORD does not look at the appearance or physical stature of a person, but HE looks at the heart!  What will GOD see when HE looks into your heart today?  As we continue to focus on What’s In It For GOD, ask yourself, what will HE see when HE looks into your heart!  Prayerfully HE will see the beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, for this is precious in HIS sight!

P.S.  Let every room of your heart be available to GOD.  Invite HIM into the darkest, most embarrassing places of your heart, and HE will bring peace and joy!

Love Sincerely

What's In It For GOD - Psalm 34:2 (NKJV)

Scripture of the Day

Psalm 34:2 (NKJV)

“What’s In It For GOD”

My soul shall make its boast in the LORD; The humble shall hear of it and be glad.

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As GOD’s Word continues to inspire me through sermons, bible studies, conferences, etc.  I am so glad that the One source of reference is GOD HIMSELF.  No matter where the commentary comes from, we must all keep GOD as the center of our focus, our worship, and our lives!  During the past few weeks of quietness, GOD has been the “Center of My Focus”.  Although I have been going through a tremendous transition in my life, I thank GOD that HE did not let me stray away from HIS Word.

Often times we only do something for others when there is something in it for us.  It doesn’t have to be a grand return, but even if we can just get a little satisfaction for what we do, it makes it seem worth the risk or investment.  So even if we don’t yell it out before we do something for others, we often ask the question, “What’s In It For Me?”  Can you imagine if every blessing from GOD was hinged on that very question?  GOD knows that HE is not going to yield the greatest return of HIS investment from us, yet  HE continues to invest in our lives without the concern of What’s In It For HIM!  Now can you imagine that everything we did was motivated by “What’s In It For GOD!”

I know it has been awhile since I’ve shared a SOD, so no, I am not saying that GOD should expect something back from us every time HE blesses us . . . wait . . . yes I am!  Shouldn’t our FATHER in heaven be able to expect something out of us, for the things HE continues to do in our lives?  I mean, Salvation is freely given, but it is by faith that we believe and receive, therefore GOD expects us to have faith in our risen Messiah. We pray, “LORD if YOU never do another thing for me, YOU have already done enough!”, but what have we truly done for HIM?  This week, let’s focus on “What’s In It For GOD!”  What’s In our soul for GOD; What’s in our heart for GOD; What’s in our mind for GOD; What in our mouth for GOD; and what is in our hand for GOD!

Psalm 25:1 says, “To You, O LORD, I lift up my soul.” Our very existence is for GOD!  Let HIM be the Lover of your soul!  When people get a glimpse of who you are, is it evident of Who’s you are?  Let your soul say YES to HIS Will and YES to HIS Way!  Let your soul boast of the goodness of the LORD, that the humble may hear and be glad!

Have A Blessed V-Day

If your day seems to be dreary,

Remember the Son will always shine

Your strength may grow weary,

But cling to the strong True Vine

Your eyes may be filled with the tears of a flood,

But let your heart be warmed by the covering of HIS Blood

Although the rain will fall on those who are just,

Lean not to your own understanding, but in HIM you must trust

I’m sure this is something that you already knew,

But today GOD is saying “I Love You”

And We Love You Too!

Have A Victorious Day In The LORD

From The Compton Family

Sweetheart - Matthew 22:37 (NIV)

Scripture of the Day

Matthew 22:37 (NIV)

“Sweetheart”

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’

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Many of us have heard the story behind Valentine’s Day.  It was a love story of St. Valentine, who was a Roman martyred for refusing to give up Christianity.  He had become befriended by the jailer’s daughter, and before his death he wrote a note, then signed it as “From Your Valentine”.  Today, Valentine has evolved into flowers, candy, cards, etc. Some Valentine gifts have come with monthly payments (cars, honeymoons, etc.)!  Folks have proposed to their sweethearts on this day.  There is excitement for those who have a child born on this day!  I can go on and on about the beauty of Valentine’s Day . . . but according to the story . . . it ended tragically.  He was killed and was only able to leave a note to his sweetheart.  But there is someone who tragically died for HIS sweetheart(s) too.

GOD, gives us a precious gift from HIS heart every day.  HE gives us Salvation.  HE gives us Grace.  HE gives us Mercy.  HE gives us Love.  St. Valentine gave his sweetheart a note.  But GOD gives HIS sweetheart(s) The Blood of the Lamb!  Let this Valentine’s Day be different from any other Valentine’s Day you have ever experienced!  Give your sweetheart flowers, candy, cards, etc., but give GOD your heart!  Love HIM with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind.  Trust me, HE will give you more!  Many will celebrate their anniversaries today . . . why don’t you celebrate this day with JESUS!  If you give HIM your heart, HE promises not to break it!

Rejoice In HIS Blessings

So Precious - Proverbs 17:8 (NKJV)

Scripture of the Day

Proverbs 17:8 (NKJV)

“So Precious”

A present is a precious stone in the eyes of its possessor; Wherever he turns, he prospers.

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Me and my wife saw this beautiful house when we first got to this area (D.C.) a few years ago, but after the realtor gave us the asking price . . . it just wasn’t worth it.  In fact, because of the price, we started to look at things with a more critical eye.  What we saw as precious, quickly lost its value as far as we are concerned.  The very same house we were looking at in D.C. would only cost a little more than half that price in Texas.  So we could only see the worth of the house based on the price that we were use to paying.  Now let’s rewind a few months before that, when we were on the other end of preciousness.

When we put our house in Texas on the market, the realtor told me that we were asking for too much.  Obviously she did not understand how precious our home was to us.  It didn’t matter to me what the competitions were listing their houses for . . . I felt our house was worth every penny we were asking for.  When we were told to take pictures off the wall and impersonalize things, I said “no”, because that would devalue the house.  This was our precious stone.  We had so many memories there.  Of course we were willing to pay the price that we were asking . . . so why wouldn’t everyone else see the same value?  Our house was a precious stone in the eyes of its possessors!

Who is the possessor of your soul?  Who do you belong to? It doesn’t matter about your height, shape, weight or very first birth date . . . you are a precious stone in the eyes of your possessor.  HE made you invaluable!  GOD looks at all of HIS creations as precious stones, even when we act a little ugly from time to time . . . you are still the apple of HIS eye! (Deuteronomy 32:10)  Now let’s look on the other side of HIS preciousness.

For GOD so loved the world that he gave HIS only Son (John 3:16) . . . HE gave HIS one and only Son!  JESUS is The Precious Stone of Salvation!  HE is The Precious Corner Stone of our foundation (Isaiah 28:16)!  HE is The Precious Chief Corner Stone of our Faith (1 Peter 2:6).  Because GOD values our relationship so much, HE has given HIS Precious Stone to let us know that, although none are worthy  . . . we are worth it!  GOD considers you Very Precious, when will you consider the same!  Salvation is So Precious . . . so please don’t let it lose its value in your life!  Trust me, it is more than worth it. 

Work Glove - 1 Timothy 4:15-16 (NKJV)

Scripture of the Day

1 Timothy 4:15-16 (NKJV)

“Work Glove”

Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership.  Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

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Years ago in a men’s Wednesday Night Bible Study, the teacher held up a screw driver.  He asked, “What is this in my hand?” and of course we all identified it as a screw driver.  He asked us what are some of the things we use a screw driver for.  Of course, we said things like . . . ice pick, door jam, a weapon, etc.   These are just a few of the things we said.  Then the teacher asked, “What did the creator of the screw driver intend it to be used for?” and of course we all said that it was a tool to screw in screws.  At this point, I was personally thinking, “Well, that goes without saying”  But then he spoke a message that hit me right between the eyes and deep into my heart.  He said, “Well, what did GOD the Creator intend for you to be used for?”  I did not see that one coming!  He said, we use our own bodies to satisfy fleshly desires like sexual immorality, lying, and even murder, but GOD created us to worship.  GOD created us to love. GOD created us to share the Gospel! Then he asked the men, “Are you being used for the intentions that GOD created you!”

Another lesson I learned in a group bible study was the illustration of a glove.  A glove cannot do anything on its own.  If it is on the ground, it cannot move itself to the countertop.  But if a glove stays on the ground long enough it will get dirty, worn and torn by the elements, by the footsteps of those walking on it, etc.  It will have nothing to show for its wounds, because it was not used for its intentions.  In order for the glove to do the work it is intended for, someone must put their hand in the glove!  I bet everyone can finish this SOD . . . can’t you!  We are all Godly Workman Gloves, but without GOD the Holy Spirit inside us, we will accomplish nothing for the kingdom of GOD.  Sure, without HIM we can get dirty, become worn and torn, but our wounds will not reflect the work that we are intended for.  We must let GOD into our lives, so that we can become the gloves that work for HIM.

Think about it, when you put on a pair of gloves, they become an extension of your work!  Winter gloves are used for winter, driving gloves are used for driving, boxing gloves are used for boxing . . . get the point!  Well, Godly Workman Gloves are used for Godly work!  How effective can boxing gloves be for driving?  How warm will driving gloves keep your hands in the winter?  So in order for us to be effective gloves for the LORD, we need HIM in our lives.  Because if it is GOD the Holy Spirit inside, you will save both yourself and those who hear you!  Those who see you!  Please, let GOD use you.  When man uses you up, there is no more value expected.  But the more GOD uses you, the more invaluable you become.

LORD, I am YOURS.  I give myself to YOU.  Use me as a Godly Workman Glove.  My desire is to fulfill the purpose I was intended for.  Let this temple be a dwelling place for YOUR Spirit.  Keep my eyes focused on YOU.  Keep my hands working for YOU.  Keep my mind meditating on YOU. Keep my heart longing for YOU.  I was made to worship YOU.  Glory to YOUR name . . . Amen!

The Way For Children - 3 John, vs. 4

Scripture of the Day

3 John, Vs. 4

“The Way For Children”

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

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What a joy to know that our children have unlimited access to GOD’s Word.  Now, it is still up to them to take advantage of the opportunity.  We can train a child in The Way, but they must choose to take the path for themselves.  We must continue to train our prince and princess, but there is no way you will ever be able to punish them into accepting, loving, and obeying GOD.  But through training (sometimes it takes a little hands-on-training) and requirements, when the time comes, they will not depart from it.

My grandfather use to drug me every Wednesday & Sunday!  And I’m sure many of you were drugged too.  That man drug me to church every Wednesday & Sunday.  In fact, that was one of his requirements.  Now a days we give the children the option, which usually results in an option not to develop a true relationship with GOD.  Then when the opt out, we want to drag them to salvation.  Look at it this way.  When a high school basketball player is awful at free throws . . . the coach will train the player, and then require the player to shoot a hundred free throws.  If the player refuses the training and opt out on the requirements, what will happen next?  Train and require.  In just about any sport or job . . . there is the training and then there is requirements.  So how much more should we be training our children and establishing requirements (standards).  The more I was exposed to the truth, the more I began to understand the truth.  It took awhile, but as I began to understand the truth, the more I began to walk in the truth.  It’s been a long journey, but I’m sure it brings my grandfather great joy to know that his children walk in truth.

Train your child - Require your child -  Lead your child - Love your child - Pray for your child – Just as GOD does for you.  It may not happen in the time you want it to, but trust me . . . Your Child Will Walk In Truth!

Food For Thought:  If GOD knows we are not perfect, why do you expect your children to be perfect?  GOD has never dropped HIS standards of excellence, but HE loves us just as much after our mistakes as HE does before our mistakes.

Listen, you can train and require.  You can shape and mold.  But only JESUS can save.  Point them to The Way and they will walk in truth!

Where Are Your Feet Going? - Psalm 1:1 (NKJV)

Scripture of the Day

Psalm 1:1 (NKJV)

“Where Are Your Feet Going?”

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful

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As I meditate on this verse, I realize that the man’s feet determines where he is physically going.  It is with his feet that he walks in the counsel of the ungodly.  It is with his feet that he stands in the path of sinners.  It is with his feet that he comes to a seat of the scornful.  Where ever the man’s feet take him is where he is seen.  This verse is telling us where we should not be seen.  More importantly, this verse is telling us where we should not let our feet take us.  Don’t let your feet take you anywhere that would grieve the heart of GOD! I don’t see this verse as being a metaphor.  This is literal!  See your mind can mentally say “go”, but it is not until your feet take you there that you are physically seen!

In today’s media, it is too easy to find yourself on the internet, on the front cover of a newspapers, etc.  It could be pictures or video, but in either case, it shows where your feet have taken you.  Don’t let your feet take you to the wrong place.  Instead we should be like the man who delight is in the law of the LORD, and in HIS law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper. (v. 2-3) Get up from the seat of the scornful and stand alongside a sinner as you walk in the counsel of the Godly!  That’s where GOD wants our feet to go, and that is where HE wants us to be seen.  The question is, “Where are your feet going in the cloak of darkness?”  “Where are your feet going on Friday & Saturday night?” “Where are your feet going when you think no one is looking?”

When is the last time your feet were planted before GOD to worship in spirit and truth?  GOD has a place for us . . . by the guidance of Holy Spirit, please let your feet take you there!  GOD says, “Come to Me”, JESUS says, “This is The Way”, and Holy Spirit says, “I Will take you there” . . . and I say, “get to stepping”  of course I say it with love.