[Jesus] endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2

Is it difficult for you to keep the faith in dark moments? Sometimes what hinders us from following Jesus is not life’s hardships but its comforts. The challenge in holy desire is to maintain bold confidence in the goodness of God even when we don’t understand the grand mystery of His ways. The writer of Hebrews maintains that the only way to keep faith (and to keep running the holy race) is to fix our eyes on Jesus, who managed to cherish the goodness of God even as He faced his own death. Looking to Him, we are formed into a life of holy, surrendered desire.

​"Just because we’re in a stressful situation doesn’t mean that we have to get stressed out. You may be in the storm. The key is, don’t let the storm get in you."

“Knowing God leads to self-control. Self-control leads to patient endurance, and patient endurance leads to godliness.” 2 Peter 1:6 NLT

Being patient with others can be difficult but sometimes we find it even more difficult to be patient with ourselves. We have high expectations and goals. We want to accomplish things now, not later. And we want our lives to unfold according to our own timetables, not God’s. Throughout the Bible we are instructed that patience is the companion to wisdom. God’s message is we must be patient with all people beginning with that particular person who stares back at us each time we gaze into the mirror.

“When you do things, do not let selfishness or pride be your guide. Instead, be humble and give more honor to others than to yourselves.” Philippians 2:3 NCV

God’s Word instructs us to be humble. That’s good because as human beings we have so much to be humble about. Yet some of us continue to puff ourselves up, seeming to say, “Look at me.” To do this is wrong. As Christians we have been saved by Jesus Christ and that salvation came not because of our own good works but because of God’s grace. How then can we be prideful? The answer is that if we are honest with ourselves and with God, we simply can’t be boastful; instead, we must be eternally grateful and exceedingly humble. The good things in our lives, including our loved ones, come from God. He deserves the credit and we deserve the experience of giving it to Him.

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24 HCSB

What do you expect from the day ahead? Are you expecting God to do wonderful things, or are you living beneath a cloud of apprehension and doubt? The above verse reminds us of a simple truth: “This is the day the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” For believers, every day begins and ends with God’s Son and God’s promises. God promises us the opportunity for earthly peace and spiritual abundance. But more importantly, God promises us the priceless gift of eternal life. As we face the inevitable challenges of life, we must arm ourselves with the promises of God’s Word and then we can expect the best, not only for the day ahead, but also for all eternity.

​Quit reliving all the negative things that have happened to you. When those pictures come up on the movie screen of your mind, change the channel. You have the remote control.

“O Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption.” Psalm 130:7

What do we have here on earth that is unfailing and inexhaustible? Nothing!......except God’s unfailing love! Even when we disappoint, hurt, offend, or rebel against Him, He still loves us.

Whiles we were sinners He sent His son, Jesus Christ, to redeem us from sin and the penalty of death! Why trust anything or anyone else with our future? Let’s lean on God’s unfailing love!!

It’s not about US, it’s All about God!

“Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.” Psalm 141:3

How important is our speech? Jesus said it revealed what was going on in our hearts. Proverbs repeatedly tells us that our words can wound or heal. The apostle Paul tells us to speak only what will benefit those who hear us. Remember the saying, ‘think before you speak!’

In light of these scriptures, this prayer of David is very appropriate. Only God can help us tame the tongue and use its power to bless. Let’s invite God into our world of speech and ask Him to take control of it as He does our Hearts!
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It’s not about US, it’s ALL about God!!

“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” Matthew 20:26 HCSB

Jesus came to earth as a servant of man and the Savior of mankind. One way that we can demonstrate our love for Him is by obeying His commandment to serve one another. Will you be a person who cheerfully meets the needs of family and friends and, will you meet those needs with love in your heart and encouragement on your lips? As you plan for the day ahead, remember that the needs are great and the workers are few. Also remember that God is doing His very best to enlist able-bodied believers – like you.