Monday - Focus on Jesus
He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless (Isaiah 40:29).
We need to know that God's plan is living in us, and through us. We need to know that He will accomplish all that He has laid out for us, if we are obedient.
Also, we need to realize that we are invincible to Satan's attacks, not by our power or abilities, but only by the power of Jesus Christ.
Satan can ruin our families, work, ministry, and our lives if we don’t stay focused on the main thing and that main thing is keeping JESUS the main thing.
Today focus on Jesus because He is the main thing. When we keep Him first in all that we do, then we will be victorious in all aspects of our lives.
Dear Lord, help us to die to self and live in you. Amen.
Tuesday - God Completes Us
Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible,” (Matthew 19:26 NLT).
All by ourselves, we really can't reach our potential.
All by ourselves, we will never be what God designed us to be.
All by ourselves, we will miss the joy that God has laid out for us.
All by ourselves, we might accomplish huge things,
BUT with God, our lives will be complete and full.
Lord God, thank you for your continued work in our lives. You will never leave us. You are always working to help us become who you designed us to be. We are not all by ourselves in this life. We praise your name. Amen.
Wednesday - In These Turbulent Times
And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise (Philippians 4:8 NLT).
We have so much to be thankful for no matter our circumstances. Just look around today and see those that are in far worse shape than you. Notice the smile on their faces and the joy that blooms from their very soul. Be thankful that our God supplies our needs and will never leave us no matter our circumstances.
Today's world is going crazy. The news is horrible with political junk, murders, fires, and natural disasters. My challenge, to each person today, is to look for the good stuff that is going on and put the bad stuff behind you. Look at the many blessings that you have and place a perspective on the bad things that are plaguing your soul. Search for something that you can do to help another person. Ask someone if you might help them do something or maybe just a smile and a greeting such as “Have a blessed day,” or “May God bless you today.” Little stuff goes a long way in healing the troubled soul of another person. When we reach out to others, our very souls will benefit and our spirits will leap for joy.
But most of all, read Philippians 4:8 and as the Apostle Paul stated, “Fix your thoughts” on the goodness of our Lord.
Thank you Jesus for saving us from ourselves and blessing us beyond all measures. Help us to be a blessing to others. Amen.
Thursday - Christ Welcomes Us
Jesus replied, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” Then he looked at those around him and said, “Look, these are my mother and brothers. Anyone who does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother,” (Mark 3:33-35 NLT).
Jesus welcomes us into His family. Are we ready to join Him? He has a plan for each of us. Are we willing to do what He has given us to do?
His plan is for us to bring more people into His family. We do this by making disciples of all people in all nations. This is not just a call to ministers but to all Christians. After all, if we are truly living with Jesus in our hearts, we are going to do God's will. Are we doing what Jesus has called us to do? I'm just asking.
Father God, lead us to being doers of your word, not just readers. Help us to be pro-active in telling everyone about our Savior and your gift to all of creation. Help us to be bold but doing so with love and kindness. Help us not to be weary in the battle, as Satan hates Christians, especially when they are making more disciples for Christ. We ask that you place your hand of protection on each of us as we battle the world and the spiritual battles that rage around us. Father, deliver us from evil and forgive us of our sins. We ask in the name of Jesus and by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Friday - God's Way...? Or...?
The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life (John 10:10 NLT).
Is yours a life full of contentment or a life full of disruption?
Is yours a life full of satisfaction or a life full of searching for satisfaction?
Is yours a life full of love or a life filled with hate?
Is yours a life with God or a life with the devil?
It's your choice. Your choice has a direct effect on your life on this earth as well as your eternity. Stop running from God and turn away from Satan. This decision will cause total life change – a change in your life.
Lord God, thank you for loving us so much that when we come to you, you will change us, today and forever. Amen.
Saturday - Peace Be with You
The Apostle Paul prayed this prayer and I join him in praying the same words over each of you that read this:
May God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. Jesus gave his life for our sins, just as God our Father planned, in order to rescue us from this evil world in which we live. All glory to God forever and ever! Amen (Galatians 1:3-5 NLT).
May God bless each of you and show each of you the grace and peace that He provides.
Sunday - So, What's Your Plan?
But the Lord’s plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken (Psalm 33:11 NLT).
Are you going to choose your plan or God's plan? Which do you think will last? Which plan is perfect?
Is it time to ask God for His direction for your life?
I will answer this question for you. Absolutely! What are you waiting for?
Dear Father, show us your plan for our lives and then let us pursue that path. Help us to have faith and trust totally in you and your plan. Help us to put our plan aside and make your plan our focus. We pray and ask this in the mighty name of Jesus, our Lord, and Savior. Amen.
This post originally appeared on the Stand.