Live Your Life Intentionally

by Belinda Blevins


Verse for Thought:
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  2 Timothy 4:7   (NKJV)

“If I keep doing what I am doing, I will keep getting what I am getting.”  Maybe it is time for me to get out of the rut I’m in and find a new path. I am hoping that God will help me change direction and accomplish new goals to align my life for his will and purpose for me.

I can’t just settle for an unplanned life. I must be able to start today.  At the end of my life, I want to be able to say what Paul said in the today's scripture.  I have kept the faith, I have stayed the course. Paul really had a life change. He lived his life to the fullest and followed God. Yes, he faced challenges when called to preach. There were oppositions, lots of persecutions, and suffering. However, he knew in the end, he would hear our father say he had fought the good fight.

Our culture lives such a fast pace sometimes that I wonder where we are going along our journey and what is the big hurry? We are not taking the time to smell the roses, much less do what we are called to do. I have learned to stop and ask God for directions. What task does he have for me daily?  There are goals for all of us.  However, if we are just sitting around twisting our hands we won’t see any results.

There is much work to be done. There are personal, relational, and spiritual goals we must accomplish. This is our primary emphasis. Only then can we know that we are living the life God intended. God has a Purpose and plan for our life. His plan is best! Stop, ask, believe and you will receive.

Let’s Pray:
Thank you, Father for plan and purpose in our lives. Please help us to stay the course to do your will. Help us to trust that we can do all things through Christ that strengthens us in Jesus’ name. Amen .

Take the next step:
Ask God today for directions. He will help you along the way.  God is faithful. He will not abandon you.  Be Blessed

How to wait

by Shelia Gaines

Verses for Thought:  
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary;  and they shall walk, and not faint.  Isaiah 40:31

My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways,' says the Lord. 'For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways.  Isaiah 55:8-9

As I looked out the window of the plane, I wondered about God’s timing and how hard it is for us to wait.  The plane had been delayed for hours.  More than once we thought the wait was over, only to be notified that we would have another delay.  We waited patiently (some more patiently than others) before we were finally able to board and get on our way.   The pilot assured us that we would make up time in the air.  Even though weather had been the cause of our delay and the only thing I could see out of my window was fog, we still made the trip in record time.  I have read that the average speed of a commercial passenger jet is about 500-600 miles per hour. That is pretty fast!  Especially when it feels as if the plane is barely moving and sometimes it seemed as if you are suspended in midair.  Someone described the scenario as an optical illusion created by several factors including the fact that you are so high in the air and moving so fast it appears as if things around you and on the ground are going by very slowly.

Often when God is orchestrating events in our lives to create a certain outcome we feel like he is not moving fast enough.  We forget that our perspective is not the same as God’s.   We can only see the present.   God knows what the future holds and why we need to wait. Just as the pilot monitors the speed of a plane and knows when adjustments need to be made, God is likewise piloting our course as we walk in his word and trust his navigational skills above our own.

Let’s Pray:  
Lord, teach us how to trust you to take us to the place we need to be in this spiritual journey.  Help us to turn to you when we must wait for the next leg of the trip.  Teach us how to wait with expectancy instead of idleness.

Take the Next Step:
The next time you think you are going nowhere fast, remember God is moving all around you.  Instead of focusing on the length of the trip or how long it takes you to get started, ask God to give you strength to endure the trip, even when it’s hard to enjoy the ride.  Remember this quote from a devotion I once read.  “It is your responsibility to pray.  It’s God’s job to answer.”

Waiting to Exhale

 


by Belinda Blevins

Verse For Thought:
But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; … Isaiah 40:31a           (NKJV)

One of the struggles we face as children of God is trying to understanding why our heavenly father sometimes delays matters that are so urgent to us.  Only God knows all the reasons.  However, there are several adjustments we can make in our attitude and mindset as we wait.

In the urgency of the moment, it is easy to center our attention on the need instead of God.  We start out waiting for the Lord, but end up waiting on the answer we want.  We become more interested in what He can do for us than we are in Him.

I believe God sometimes delays until we get our focus back on Him.   He wants us to delight in Him, not just what He gives us. The Lord is always working on our behalf.   However, we sometimes cling so closely to a desired outcome that He waits until we let go of our expectations.

Let go and wait on God, trusting that He knows what is best. We do get exalted. He always has our best interest at heart. He is God in the valley and He is God on the mountain!  Aren’t you glad?

Whatever you are dealing with today, release it to Him, sit back and wait, and keep your focus, believing he will answer and intervene…That is good news!   Just know God is working as you wait.  He sees the big picture.   As you draw closer to him your relationship is deepening and you are being strengthened.

Let’s pray:
Father God, thank you.  You didn’t tell us that the cross would not be heavy.  Thank you for being there for us in every situation. Thank you for the strength to wait on you as you work in our behalf. Thank you for teaching us to pray.  Father help us stay focused while you answer our prayer. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Take the Next Step:  
If you are waiting for an answer, keep your focus and release what you want.   Expect God to give you your heart’s desire according to His will.

Flip Flops and Rain

 by Stephanie Gaines

 Verse for Thought:   
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
Ephesians 6:10-11.
 

I was rushing that day.  I was late for class.  I threw on the first thing I could find, slid my feet into the first pair of flip flops I saw and headed toward the door determined to be avoid any further delays.   Only to open the door and realize it was raining.   Determined to get to class as soon as possible, I only spent a brief second thinking about my feet getting wet in the rain.  I was on a mission and did not want to waste time putting on the proper footwear. 

Now, granted, in hindsight, I can see the wisdom in going back to change shoes, especially since I was already late.  However, at the time, I didn't see the problem until I rushed outside and in my haste slipped in the mud and almost fell flat on my face.  Hence, today's topic, "Flip Flops and Rain Don't Mix."

The 14th and 15th verse of today's scripture in Ephesians 6 goes on to admonish us to "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace."   It's one thing to get caught out in the rain in flip flops.  But, it another story if you know that it's raining and muddy out and to still go out with your feet unprotected.   That does not show readiness.

How many days do we get up and "go out into the world" without the protective armour of God?  We know what we need to do.  But, we allow the cares of life to keep us from taking care of ourselves.  If we are not at our best, we can not give others our best.  Is that where you find yourself today?  If so, it's not too late.  Just like I ended up having to go back and change my shoes that day, you too can change your path today.  You can choose the right shoes for the right path that God has for you.

Let's Pray:
Dear God,
Show me how to use wisdom in preparing to walk the path you have chosen for me.  Help me to understand that when I go out unprepared, the harm that I can do to myself is often greater than the inconvenience of taking the time to do it right.  Thank you for always being there to pick me up when I fall.   Amen.

Take the Next Step:
Spend some time reading the entire chapter of Ephesians 6.   Be a good steward of everything that God has blessed you with, your natural body and your mind and spirit.  Take care of it, keep it protected and keep it strong.

Let Go

by Cynthia Edwards

Verse for thought:
Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. John 14:1

You probably know people who prefer to go with the flow rather than to make a plan. They have a lot of things going all the time and often will over-commit themselves because they are afraid of letting somebody down. They end up being involved in or doing a lot of things simultaneously, but not doing anything effectively. I am learning to let go of some things. I am also learning that when we let go, all the terrible things we thought would happen, usually don’t. My focus is now on order and discipline. Instead of being afraid of not doing enough things, I am trusting God to show me the things he desires for me. I am living according to Philippians 1:6, confident that my belief and trust in God will lead to completion of the good work that he has begun in me.

Let’s Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for teaching me how to let go, how to be at peace. Show me how to seek order instead of chaos, remembering that you are not a God of confusion, but of discipline and order (I Cor. 14:40). Amen.

Take the Next Step:
Read the fourth chapter of Philippians. Ask God to reveal to you things that are robbing you of your peace. Trust him to reveal these things to you and seek his guidance in releasing them. “Let go and let God.”

Not What I Expected

by Shelia Gaines

Verses for Thought:

A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. John 16:21 (NKJV)

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33 (KJV)

The doctor spoke calmly to my oldest daughter, “I know you wanted to do the water birth,but I think there’s a little too much stress on the baby. We need to go ahead and get him out of there. Are you o.k. with that?” I suspect that my daughter’s quick agreement came more from the pain of labor than any resignation concerning water birth.

As soon as she received my daughter’s permission, the doctor’s calm manner was immediately replaced with medical emergency protocol. She whipped a cell phone out of her pocket and spoke rapidly into it. “I need you in here now!” The nurse she spoke to was coming down the hall at a dead run even as the doctor closed her phone. They moved the bed so fast they forgot to unplug the IV from the wall. My oldest daughter was whisked off to surgery as my youngest daughter, my son-in-law and I stood there momentarily stunned into silence.
The next few minutes were difficult ones for us. We called family members and called on our faith. Our prayers were answers and we saw a healthy baby boy minutes later. Today’s verse for thought reminded me of the morning my grandson was born. I was disappointed that my daughter had to experience an emergency C-section and my son-in-law experienced one of the most joyous events of his life in the midst of great danger to the most important person in his life. However, that precious bundle of joy made it all worthwhile. What a blessing it is that even when circumstances overwhelm us, God stll blesses us with small miracles.

Let’s Pray:
Heavenly Father, I thank you for being a loving God and for always doing what's best for us,even when we don't understand. When things don’t go as expected, help me to turn to you and remember the promise from Romans 8:28 knowing that you have a purpose and will work things out for our good. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Take the Next Step:
Read John 16 and Roman 8. The next time you find yourself in a difficult situation, meditate on those things and remember that while trials and tribulations will undoubtedly come, you do not have to face them alone as long as you know the overcomer. Don’t make the mistake of allowing the cares of life to keep you from living.

Choosing the Right Words on Our Walk

 





by Belinda Blevins

Verse for thought:
We speak of these things in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit. 1 Corinthians 2: 13 (NRSV)

Sometimes we face trials in our lives or the lives of others we know, and find ourselves wondering what to say or do. At times like these the Bible is the only source that will guide us.
When we are familiar with the Bible, we can quickly find words that will help and inspire us. It will lead us to the right path and a course of action.

"Sticks and stone may break your bones, but words will never harm you.”  This is a saying that I have heard many times in my life.  I believe that is so unfair because words are harmful and once you say them, the damage is already done.  I know from experience that words spoken in anger can affect you in many ways. As you go about your walk, you remember what was said to you.  Especially if it leaves you hurting and thinking that maybe what was said is true. That is why we must realize words are powerful and can tear down or build up.

Choosing the right words are important. We want to speak those things that would be pleasing to God. Sometimes it is ok not speak unless you are speaking words of affirmation and love.  Words that convey encouragement to those we speak and not hindrance.

Today, there are so many living up to what someone said they would be.  Even though it was negative, they believed every word spoken.  Therefore they have no hope, joy are peace in their life. What if someone had instead told them that the main thing that matters is what God says about them and shared Bible Scriptures that bring healing and guidance daily?

Let’s Pray:
Father God, please help us to replace negative words with positive ones that you have been spoken. Father it is your words that bring joy, health and healing.  Help us to apply it to our lives daily and share it with your people. In Jesus’ name, amen.


Take the Next Step:
Don’t let the enemy steal you joy when others say untrue things about you. Apply God’s word and walk in it.

by Shelia Gaines

Verse for thought:  
But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and will remind you of  everything that I have said to you. John 14:26 (NIV)

Although the conveniences of cell phones have made them less popular, wake up calls are usually requested by hotel guest who needed to be up for a meeting or on the road by a certain time.  A wake up call can startle you out of a deep sleep.  Even if you are an early riser, that first call in the morning can still be a little irritating.  However, the thing to remember is you don’t receive a wake-up call unless you request it. What you do after you receive the call is up to you.  The hotel employees will not come to your room to get you out of bed, but they will give you a call to let you know that it’s time for you to wake up. You have a choice when you receive the call.  You can say thank you and go back to sleep or you can go ahead and get up and get about your business.  If you go back to sleep you run the risk of over sleeping and missing an appointment.  It’s possible that you will wake up on time anyway, but you still take the risk.

An article in the Experiencing God Study Bible, Amos is described as “a prophet who spoke God’s words faithfully to a people who had grown complacent in their life styles and asleep in their faith.  He was sent to wake them up.  They were doing well, enjoying the king and everybody was prospering, but they were spiritually dead.  Have you ever found yourself at a place like that?  Maybe things seem to be going well, everybody seems to be happy, but something seems to be missing for you.  Well, maybe God is nudging you to “wake up”.  Often we are going through the motions but we don’t have a real relationship with the Lord.  If this is where you are today, why not wake up and take to heart the words of one recording artist who said, “I don’t wanna spend my whole life asking, what if I had given everything instead of going through the motions?”  Sometimes God has sent us someone to give us a wake-up call, but we are just saying thanks and going back into a complacent sleep.  

Let’s Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for allowing your Holy Spirit to “wake us up” when we get on the wrong track.  Help us to answer your call willing, trusting that you always have our best interest at heart.   Thank you for your unconditional love.  Amen

Take the Next Step:
Give yourself a wake-up call. Ask God to show you what you need to do to grow your relationship with him. Look around at the people he has placed in your life.  Is there someone who needs a wake-up call?  Why not listen to what God has put in your spirit and give them a ring?

The Stars are Still There

by Stephanie Gaines

Verse for Thought:
So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.  2 Corinthians 4:16-18.

I’ve always been one to enjoy a simple night under the stars. The beauty of a vast universe created by an awesome God never ceases to amaze me. Whenever I have a stressful day, there’s nothing more calming than looking up at the stars. I remember a particularly long day when I went outside to de-stress, but the sky was cloudy and I couldn’t see any of the stars. In my mind, my horrible day ended on a depressing note! I was telling a close friend about this and he said to me “Even though you can’t see the stars they’re still there.” This statement rings true in our walk with God. There have been plenty of times that I’ve failed to see God, but he was still there.

There are days and even weeks when I feel God is nowhere in sight. Recently I’ve been trying to transition into the “real world.” It’s really not that much fun at all. Especially since trying to maintain a relationship with God at the same time can be stressful and confusing. I may not have to deal with “grown up” issues like mortgage, light bills, full time careers, or kids driving me crazy; but the stress of trying to figure out the next step in life while barely, and I do mean barely, managing to pay the rent every month has made me lose sight of where God is in all of the mix. Time and time again I want to just give up because I don’t see the point of it all.

My stress level seems to cloud my vision. I don’t tend to see how God will bring me out of all this mess, and when he does I feel that the only lesson I’ll learn is financial struggles aren’t fun. Still, in the back of my mind I have to keep reminding myself that there will be better days and more blessings to come.  And no matter how cloudy my starry night is, the stars and God are still there.

Let's Pray:
Dear God, I pray that you continue to give me strength through all the hard times in life. I know I may doubt you and continually question where you are and what your plan is for my life.   However, in the end I know you’re still there watching over my life. Help me to continue to trust in you even when my life doesn’t make sense. Wrap your loving arms around me and continue to show me your grace and mercy. Amen.

Take the Next Step:
Take some time to truly take in the glory of God. We get so wrapped up in the business and drama of life that we tend to forget that God is there. Find a quiet place where it’s just you and God without any distractions. Tell him your fears, stress, hopes, and dreams. Then let him speak to you. Sometimes we think God’s not there because we won’t take the time to listen.

The Three Ps: Provision, Promises, and Power

by Belinda Blevins

Verse for Thought:
I will abundantly bless her provision (Psalm 135: 15) NKJV

Everything we need to succeed in life is provided by God. However these provisions are only available when we choose to follow God's plan. If we ignore the plans God has for us and set our own, we may get what we want, but it won’t be genuine success. Genuine success only comes when we do what God has called us to do. Not occasionally, but continually.
Our success in becoming the person we were meant to be is through God's design and his promises.
Today I read how Joshua chose to listen to God's promise and follow him as directed. God told him to be strong and courageous.   He had a task from God to lead the people to Jordan after Moses’ death.  Because he followed God,  Joshua did not fail.  God was with him all the way. He told him not to go left, or right and he would prosper. What a promise!!
That is what God wants for us. He has given us the power to be strong and courageous with each challenge we face. Such boldness isn’t something we muster ourselves. It is the power we are given from the Lord when our faith is stronger than fear. God has not given us a spirit of fear (2 TIm. 1:7).  God's word shapes our thoughts and actions. If we follow his path with the power he gives us, we won’t go wrong and we will succeed as he leads.

Let's Pray:
Father, thank you for your provision and for your promises.  Thank you for your power.   Thank you for giving us everything we need to succeed in life.  Please lead and guide us each day father.   We love you and praise you.   In Jesus' name.   Amen.

Take the next step:

Walk by faith today.  God is your provider.   His word will be a light for your path, and a lamp for you feet (Ps. 119:105). Be Blessed.

Every Human’s Purpose

by Belinda Blevins

Verse for Thought:

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.   Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV)

Have you ever wondered why you are here on earth? I believe we are all here to be servants for God and for him to influence others through us. We are vessels through which Christ in us can overflow to others.  If we are open to the voice of the Lord, we can touch those that cross our path. Many are hurting, broken hearted, discouraged and hopeless. David said many times that the Lord was his hope (Psalm 71:5).We all need the Savior.

We have that same hope today.  From the time we receive Christ, we have a new mind, clean heart and a new love for everyone.  Jesus teaches us that love is the greatest commandment (Matt.22:38-39).  This means helping others in need and sharing the resources we have been given. As we make ourselves available to be used, those we reach out to help experience true genuine love. He tells us to love our neighbor as ourselves. For some of us that may be hard without the help of the Lord.

The entire life of Jesus was marked by caring and helping everyone.  We know that agape love covers love the in spite of kind of love.

There is no greater love than to lay down your life for a friend (John 15:13).  No greater service which brings us that kind of satisfaction. As we align our life with Godly intentions, we help others see the light of God’s glory.

Let’s Pray:

Thank you, Father, for giving your children the opportunity to help others.   Let your precious Holy Spirit lead and guide us on the right path.  Thank you for a purpose and plan.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen

Take the Next Step:

You may be the only one that God will use in a special situation today, but you are not alone.  God is with you.  Don’t miss your blessing! Live your purpose!   Be Blessed!