Love In Action
As Christians, we are called to show others love. Jesus told His disciples, "By this shall all {men} know that you are My disciples, if you love one another {If you keep on showing love among yourselves}" (John 13:35).
So many people see love as "just a feeling" but it's so much more than that. True love shows itself through action.
And this action doesn't have to be impossible and overwhelming. One of the best ways to show the love of Jesus is through simple, everyday action,
-Like giving a small gift to someone or striking up a conversation with a downcast individual who needs a friend.
-Or giving a bag of groceries to the single mom who lives down the street and is struggling to put food on the table.
-Showing love can even be as simple as smiling and saying hello to a person you pass on the street, in the hall, or at the store.
There are many ways to demonstrate the love of Christ. When you show His love to someone else,it can soften that person's heart, and before you know it, they'll be finding ways to reach out and show love to others, and so on and so on. So celebrate God's love and let Him lead you. Is he putting someone on your heart right now?
I want my love for Jesus to be reflected in the way I show love for others, even those who may be difficult to love. If I can soften anothers heart with love, then that one will reach out to others, and so on and so on ... And soon we'll have a love resolution.
Friday, April 27, 2012
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Daily Devotion From Joyce Meyer
Jump-Start Your Dreams
What is the dream that God's placed in your heart? I'm not asking if you have one, I already know it's there because God gives all of us dreams.
I've seen people do all kinds of things to their dreams. Some people bury them so deep in their hearts in order to protect them from the criticism of others. Some people set them out of sight so thy don't have to think about them anymore. And some people finally just give up on their dreams because it hurts too much to hold on.
If your dream needs a jump-start, there are two things I want you to remember. First, you need to get a vision that's clear. And second, you must keep your vision in front of you at all times.
But having a vision doesn't mean that it will instantly appear. God's as interested in the process of vision as He is in the end result.
The apostle Paul said in Philippians 4:11-13 that he had learned how to be content and satisfied to the point where he was not disturbed by whatever state he was in. In other words, he never allowed himself to get upset with where he was at the moment, he was always looking forward to where he could be.
That means you, like Paul, need to find a balance between contentment and ambition. Here's the key: Learn to enjoy where you are on the way to where you're going.
When you have a dream or a vision, you have to keep it front of you. If it helps, write it down. And remember, God will help you live the dream He's given you, step-by-step, one day at a time.
What is the dream that God's placed in your heart? I'm not asking if you have one, I already know it's there because God gives all of us dreams.
I've seen people do all kinds of things to their dreams. Some people bury them so deep in their hearts in order to protect them from the criticism of others. Some people set them out of sight so thy don't have to think about them anymore. And some people finally just give up on their dreams because it hurts too much to hold on.
If your dream needs a jump-start, there are two things I want you to remember. First, you need to get a vision that's clear. And second, you must keep your vision in front of you at all times.
But having a vision doesn't mean that it will instantly appear. God's as interested in the process of vision as He is in the end result.
The apostle Paul said in Philippians 4:11-13 that he had learned how to be content and satisfied to the point where he was not disturbed by whatever state he was in. In other words, he never allowed himself to get upset with where he was at the moment, he was always looking forward to where he could be.
That means you, like Paul, need to find a balance between contentment and ambition. Here's the key: Learn to enjoy where you are on the way to where you're going.
When you have a dream or a vision, you have to keep it front of you. If it helps, write it down. And remember, God will help you live the dream He's given you, step-by-step, one day at a time.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Work Out Plan
So today was the start of my new workout plan. I must say I was extremely excited to be back in the gym. It didn't take long before I found out why I haven't been there in so long though, lol. Getting in shape is top priority for me and I'm determined to be fit. It's not about being a super model size, but about being healthy and comfortable in your own skin.
For some odd reason I thought that I could never gain weight. Since being a kid I was always told I had tape worms and appeared to never gain a pound. But trust and believe my metabolism is not how it use to be. If I could go back to those days I would. Although my weight is normal for my height, I am so out of shape. Sitting on my 10-6:30 shift all day has really took a toll on me.
Nevertheless, this is the start for a new beginning ... Wish me luck! :)
For some odd reason I thought that I could never gain weight. Since being a kid I was always told I had tape worms and appeared to never gain a pound. But trust and believe my metabolism is not how it use to be. If I could go back to those days I would. Although my weight is normal for my height, I am so out of shape. Sitting on my 10-6:30 shift all day has really took a toll on me.
Nevertheless, this is the start for a new beginning ... Wish me luck! :)
Monday, April 23, 2012
Daily Devotion From Joyce Meyer
False Evidence Appearing Real
There is a debilitating fear that Satan tries to put on us every day. I call fear False Evidence Appearing Real. It is a intended to keep us from having the power, love and sound mind God wants us to have.
Sometimes we think of fear as an emotion, but it is actually a spirit. In fact, fear is one of Satan's favorite tools, and he particularly loves to harass Christians with it.
But Jesus said, "All things can be (are possible) to him who believes!" (Mark 9:23 AMP). And an on-fire, Bible-believing Christian who is fearless is the enemy's worst fear!"
It has been said that fear is the opposite of faith, and that is true. We can't live in faith and fear at the same time. Fear paralyzes us and keeps us from receiving God's promises. It keeps us from stepping out and obeying what God has called us to do.
Fear must be confronted head-on with the power of faith. We must proclaim the Word of God and command fear to leave. So the next time fear knocks on your door, send faith to answer.
There is a debilitating fear that Satan tries to put on us every day. I call fear False Evidence Appearing Real. It is a intended to keep us from having the power, love and sound mind God wants us to have.
Sometimes we think of fear as an emotion, but it is actually a spirit. In fact, fear is one of Satan's favorite tools, and he particularly loves to harass Christians with it.
But Jesus said, "All things can be (are possible) to him who believes!" (Mark 9:23 AMP). And an on-fire, Bible-believing Christian who is fearless is the enemy's worst fear!"
It has been said that fear is the opposite of faith, and that is true. We can't live in faith and fear at the same time. Fear paralyzes us and keeps us from receiving God's promises. It keeps us from stepping out and obeying what God has called us to do.
Fear must be confronted head-on with the power of faith. We must proclaim the Word of God and command fear to leave. So the next time fear knocks on your door, send faith to answer.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Daily Devotion From Joyce Meyer
Facing the Cost of Self-Discipline
As Christians, many of us have the idea that everything in our lives should be perfect simply because we are Christians. But Jesus clearly warned us, "In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration!" (John 16:33 AMP).
Jesus said we would have to deal with worldly troubles. These things are a part of life that we must all face when we lay down our selfish desires to follow Him.
The apostle Paul wrote, "But {like a boxer} I buffet my body {handle it roughly, discipline it by hardships} and subdue it!" (1 Corinthians 9:27)
Paul is speaking here about self-discipline. Being self-disciplined means laying down our sinful desires and doing the right thing by God's grace, no matter what the cost.
It's not always easy. Dying to self will bring necessary suffering, but remember, even in the face of our suffering, there is hope, for Christ has overcome the world. And like Paul said, we can "rejoice and exult in hope; be steadfast and patient in suffering and tribulation; be constant in prayer."
As Christians, many of us have the idea that everything in our lives should be perfect simply because we are Christians. But Jesus clearly warned us, "In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration!" (John 16:33 AMP).
Jesus said we would have to deal with worldly troubles. These things are a part of life that we must all face when we lay down our selfish desires to follow Him.
The apostle Paul wrote, "But {like a boxer} I buffet my body {handle it roughly, discipline it by hardships} and subdue it!" (1 Corinthians 9:27)
Paul is speaking here about self-discipline. Being self-disciplined means laying down our sinful desires and doing the right thing by God's grace, no matter what the cost.
It's not always easy. Dying to self will bring necessary suffering, but remember, even in the face of our suffering, there is hope, for Christ has overcome the world. And like Paul said, we can "rejoice and exult in hope; be steadfast and patient in suffering and tribulation; be constant in prayer."
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Tired Of Being Tired??
Working a 10 to 6:30 shift Monday thru Friday makes me feel like I've lost my whole day. I spend my mornings before 10 sleeping and my evenings doing much of nothing. I have been trying to get registered for school going on 2 weeks now and still haven't fully accomplished it. The devil will surely hold you back from things of importance and will have you pushing things off. Comments like, " I will do it tomorrow, or I will catch up on it later" are bad for your health.
I understand now why people still use planners and agendas to outline there week or month depending on all of the things they want to get done. This is truly something that I have to start working on. I don't wanna look back on things and say I wish I did this or that. The time is now to get out and get it. Work hard and hustle harder is my motto ... after all You Only Live Once! :) YOLO
Daily Devotion From Joyce Meyer
The Flesh Is Weak,' But You Don't Have To Be
The night before Jesus was crucified, He gathered the disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane and made just one request: "All of you must keep awake "give strict attention, be cautious and active) and watch and pray, that you may not come into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak" (Matthew 26:41).
All the disciples had to do was stay awake and pray, but they kept falling asleep. Jesus, on the other hand, did pray, and an angel strengthened Him in spirit, enabling Him to endure the cross. The disciples didn't pray, they slept, and proved that the flesh truly is weak.
To me, this story proves the critical importance of prayer. As Christians, we must realize that without daily prayer and interaction with God, we have nothing.
We all struggle with living according to our 'weak flesh,' but when we make prayer a priority, God strengthens us in the spirit, allowing us to overcome the limitations of the flesh.
What are you relying on for strength today? Your flesh? Or are you experiencing the power that God so graciously gives us when we come to Him?
The night before Jesus was crucified, He gathered the disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane and made just one request: "All of you must keep awake "give strict attention, be cautious and active) and watch and pray, that you may not come into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak" (Matthew 26:41).
All the disciples had to do was stay awake and pray, but they kept falling asleep. Jesus, on the other hand, did pray, and an angel strengthened Him in spirit, enabling Him to endure the cross. The disciples didn't pray, they slept, and proved that the flesh truly is weak.
To me, this story proves the critical importance of prayer. As Christians, we must realize that without daily prayer and interaction with God, we have nothing.
We all struggle with living according to our 'weak flesh,' but when we make prayer a priority, God strengthens us in the spirit, allowing us to overcome the limitations of the flesh.
What are you relying on for strength today? Your flesh? Or are you experiencing the power that God so graciously gives us when we come to Him?
Friday, April 20, 2012
TGIF
Daily Devotion From Joyce Meyer
The Hidden Power of Confession
What do you usually think of when you hear the word "confession"? Many people think first of the definition that has a negative connotation, being forced to admit you have done something wrong. But when we agree with God's Word by "confessing" it out loud, the result is always positive.
An acquaintance of mine says we cannot defeat Goliath with our mouths shut. When David was preparing to do battle with the giant Goliath, he ran toward him, confessing out loud what he believed the end result of the battle would be: "This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand .... "(1 Sam. 17:46 AMP).
This is a good example of how we should approach the enemies in our lives. We must open our mouths and speak the Word of God.
I strongly encourage you to confess the Word of God out loud daily. Each time a thought comes to your mind that does not agree with God's Word, confess the truth of His Word out loud, and you will find that the power of the Word will overcome the lie.
What do you usually think of when you hear the word "confession"? Many people think first of the definition that has a negative connotation, being forced to admit you have done something wrong. But when we agree with God's Word by "confessing" it out loud, the result is always positive.
An acquaintance of mine says we cannot defeat Goliath with our mouths shut. When David was preparing to do battle with the giant Goliath, he ran toward him, confessing out loud what he believed the end result of the battle would be: "This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand .... "(1 Sam. 17:46 AMP).
This is a good example of how we should approach the enemies in our lives. We must open our mouths and speak the Word of God.
I strongly encourage you to confess the Word of God out loud daily. Each time a thought comes to your mind that does not agree with God's Word, confess the truth of His Word out loud, and you will find that the power of the Word will overcome the lie.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
"Silence Is Deadly"
Monica "Amazing"
Daily Devotion From Joyce Meyer
Don't Worry.. Worship!
I remember a morning when I sat down to pray and instead began to worry about whatever my current situation was and to consider what I was going to do about it.
Suddenly I heard that still, small voice inside my spirit say, "Joyce, are you going to worship your problem or Me?" See, God was more than willing to handle my problem if I was willing to forget it and spend time worshipping Him.
When we worship the Lord, we release the emotional or mental burden that weighs us down. It is swallowed up in the awesomeness of God. When we keep our eyes on Him and worship, we will always see His plan for our lives work out all things for our good.
The Bible says there is no lack for those who truly worship the Lord with godly fear. Do you want to be sure all your needs will be met? Then remember to worship, not worry.
Regardless of the difficulties you face, just keep praising God and giving Him glory. Faith will rise in your heart, and you will overcome.
I remember a morning when I sat down to pray and instead began to worry about whatever my current situation was and to consider what I was going to do about it.
Suddenly I heard that still, small voice inside my spirit say, "Joyce, are you going to worship your problem or Me?" See, God was more than willing to handle my problem if I was willing to forget it and spend time worshipping Him.
When we worship the Lord, we release the emotional or mental burden that weighs us down. It is swallowed up in the awesomeness of God. When we keep our eyes on Him and worship, we will always see His plan for our lives work out all things for our good.
The Bible says there is no lack for those who truly worship the Lord with godly fear. Do you want to be sure all your needs will be met? Then remember to worship, not worry.
Regardless of the difficulties you face, just keep praising God and giving Him glory. Faith will rise in your heart, and you will overcome.
Monday, April 16, 2012
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Daily Devotion From Joyce Meyer
God Can Set You Free from Your Shame
Do you ever wonder what life was like for Adam and Eve before they sinned?
Genesis 2:25 tells us that though Adam and Eve was naked in the Garden of Eden, they were not ashamed. I believe that in addition to indicating they were without clothes, this Scripture also implies the were totally open and hones with each other, not hiding behind any masks, not playing any games. They were free to be themselves because they had no sense of shame. Once they had sinned, however, they hid themselves (see Genesis 3:6-8)
If not for the work Jesus did on the cross, all of us would have to live with the overwhelming same of sin. But because of His sacrifice, mankind has the opportunity to enjoy perfect freedom with one another and with God.
Unfortunately, most of us still live with the burden of shame, even though the Word of God promises us and assures us that we can be free of it (see Isaiah 61:7).
God can deliver you from shame. Pray and ask Him to set you free from the shame that tries to build up within you.
Do you ever wonder what life was like for Adam and Eve before they sinned?
Genesis 2:25 tells us that though Adam and Eve was naked in the Garden of Eden, they were not ashamed. I believe that in addition to indicating they were without clothes, this Scripture also implies the were totally open and hones with each other, not hiding behind any masks, not playing any games. They were free to be themselves because they had no sense of shame. Once they had sinned, however, they hid themselves (see Genesis 3:6-8)
If not for the work Jesus did on the cross, all of us would have to live with the overwhelming same of sin. But because of His sacrifice, mankind has the opportunity to enjoy perfect freedom with one another and with God.
Unfortunately, most of us still live with the burden of shame, even though the Word of God promises us and assures us that we can be free of it (see Isaiah 61:7).
God can deliver you from shame. Pray and ask Him to set you free from the shame that tries to build up within you.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Daily Devotion From Joyce Meyer
Good Roots = Good Fruit!
It is important to realize that our behavior comes from somewhere. Bad behavior is like the bad fruit of a bad tree with bad roots.
You can spend your entire life dealing with outward symptoms, but the bad fruit will manifest somewhere else if the root is not eliminated. The principle never fails; rotten fruit comes from rotten roots, and good fruit comes from good roots.
To really deal with bad fruit, you must follow Paul's admonition to the Colossians to be "deeply planted" in God.
You may need to carefully examine your own roots. If they were unpleasant, harmful or abusive, don't be discouraged; you can be uprooted from that bad soil and transplanted into the good soil of Christ Jesus, so that you become rooted and grounded in Him and in His love.
Remember, uprooting can be painful. Being replanted and becoming rooted and grounded is a process that requires time and effort, but it is by faith and patience that we inherit God's promises.
My prayer for you is that you will be deeply planted and rooted in Christ, producing good fruit wherever you go!
It is important to realize that our behavior comes from somewhere. Bad behavior is like the bad fruit of a bad tree with bad roots.
You can spend your entire life dealing with outward symptoms, but the bad fruit will manifest somewhere else if the root is not eliminated. The principle never fails; rotten fruit comes from rotten roots, and good fruit comes from good roots.
To really deal with bad fruit, you must follow Paul's admonition to the Colossians to be "deeply planted" in God.
You may need to carefully examine your own roots. If they were unpleasant, harmful or abusive, don't be discouraged; you can be uprooted from that bad soil and transplanted into the good soil of Christ Jesus, so that you become rooted and grounded in Him and in His love.
Remember, uprooting can be painful. Being replanted and becoming rooted and grounded is a process that requires time and effort, but it is by faith and patience that we inherit God's promises.
My prayer for you is that you will be deeply planted and rooted in Christ, producing good fruit wherever you go!
Lyfe Jennings - She Got Kids
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Summer Banger From DJ Khaled ft Chris Brown, Nicki Minaj, Rick Ross, and Lil Wayne
Nicki Minaj ft. Chris Brown - Right By My Side
Drake ft. Rihanna- Take Care
Daily Devotion From Joyce Meyer
God Is the Only Lasting Source
As human beings we are created by God to be happy and to feel good about ourselves. As a matter of fact, we must feel good about ourselves, or eventually we will develop some sort of unhealthy, uncontrolled behavior to get the good feelings we crave.
Think about it. A person who is addicted to drugs probably began using them because his pain was so intense he felt compelled to get rid of it, even if only temporarily. The same thing is true of drinking, or using food as a comfort. If we do not get good feelings from the inside, then we attempt to create them through outside means.
God created us that way and He's the only one who can satisfy us. When we go to something other than God to make us feel good about ourselves, we're really just replacing something real with a cheap substitute.
Whatever your emotional needs are today, know that only God can meet them. He is the only lasting source of life. Go to Him today, He's the only One who can satisfy.
As human beings we are created by God to be happy and to feel good about ourselves. As a matter of fact, we must feel good about ourselves, or eventually we will develop some sort of unhealthy, uncontrolled behavior to get the good feelings we crave.
Think about it. A person who is addicted to drugs probably began using them because his pain was so intense he felt compelled to get rid of it, even if only temporarily. The same thing is true of drinking, or using food as a comfort. If we do not get good feelings from the inside, then we attempt to create them through outside means.
God created us that way and He's the only one who can satisfy us. When we go to something other than God to make us feel good about ourselves, we're really just replacing something real with a cheap substitute.
Whatever your emotional needs are today, know that only God can meet them. He is the only lasting source of life. Go to Him today, He's the only One who can satisfy.
Happy Easter Everyone :)
On this day God arouse for you and I to be here today! What a awesome God we serve!
Friday, April 6, 2012
Expressions of Love
Monica- New Life
It's Friday :) .... and Good Friday at That!
Daily Devotion From Joyce Meyer
Controlling Your Tongue
A significant key to glorifying God is controlling our tongue. Psalm 50:23 says, "He who brings an offering of praise and thanksgiving honors and glorifies Me ..."
What would happen if you gave your mouth to God each day so that only godly words came from your lips? And I'm not just talking about praising and thanking God in your quiet time, or speaking positive, encouraging words over yourself. The health of your relationships depends on how you speak to, over and about others.
Psalm 34:13 says, "Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from peaking deceit." Do you lie to others? Do you insult them r speak ill of them? Or do you speak encouraging, life-giving words that bring joy to everyone you meet?
Dedicate your mouth to God and use it only for what pleases Him, praise and worship, edification and exhortation, and giving thanks. Place your lips on the altar each morning. Give your mouth to God through praying His Word: " O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall show forth Your praise" (Psalm 51:15).
A significant key to glorifying God is controlling our tongue. Psalm 50:23 says, "He who brings an offering of praise and thanksgiving honors and glorifies Me ..."
What would happen if you gave your mouth to God each day so that only godly words came from your lips? And I'm not just talking about praising and thanking God in your quiet time, or speaking positive, encouraging words over yourself. The health of your relationships depends on how you speak to, over and about others.
Psalm 34:13 says, "Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from peaking deceit." Do you lie to others? Do you insult them r speak ill of them? Or do you speak encouraging, life-giving words that bring joy to everyone you meet?
Dedicate your mouth to God and use it only for what pleases Him, praise and worship, edification and exhortation, and giving thanks. Place your lips on the altar each morning. Give your mouth to God through praying His Word: " O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall show forth Your praise" (Psalm 51:15).
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Daily Devotion From Joyce Meyer
Don't Get Burned Out on Too Much Activity
In the early days of my walk with the Lord, I was very enthusiastic and eager to serve Him, so I signed up for everything that seemed remotely interesting to me. One result of it all was that I quickly discovered what I was anointed to do.
Because of my busy life, I wasn't spending time with God on a regular basis. I was doing good things for God, but somehow ignoring Him in the process. As a result, I often spent time feeling frustrated because I was doing works of the flesh.
"Works of the flesh" are things we do without God's power flowing through us. They are difficult, they drain us, and they produce no joy or fulfillment. They are often good things, but not "God things."
People can literally get burned out on religious activity as they struggle to serve God in their own strength. But Jesus didn't die for us to have ceaseless activity ... He died so that we could be one with God through Him, so we could have a deep personal relationship with God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.
Do you need to cut out some works of the flesh today to truly be with God?
In the early days of my walk with the Lord, I was very enthusiastic and eager to serve Him, so I signed up for everything that seemed remotely interesting to me. One result of it all was that I quickly discovered what I was anointed to do.
Because of my busy life, I wasn't spending time with God on a regular basis. I was doing good things for God, but somehow ignoring Him in the process. As a result, I often spent time feeling frustrated because I was doing works of the flesh.
"Works of the flesh" are things we do without God's power flowing through us. They are difficult, they drain us, and they produce no joy or fulfillment. They are often good things, but not "God things."
People can literally get burned out on religious activity as they struggle to serve God in their own strength. But Jesus didn't die for us to have ceaseless activity ... He died so that we could be one with God through Him, so we could have a deep personal relationship with God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.
Do you need to cut out some works of the flesh today to truly be with God?
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