Psalm 100:5

Picture Source: Youversion

From time to time, I’ll hear older relatives reminisce about the good ol’ days when soda pop and gas were cheap, when the Big Mac was actually big, and when rotary phones were the phones to use. Over time, our world has continued to evolve. Prices inflate, technology advances, fads change. Change. There is no way around it.

God, though, doesn’t change. He’s the same God of my great-great grandmother and will be the same God of my great-great grandchildren. God isn’t like the faces of the moon or the changing levels of the sea. He isn’t that politician that promises to be your voice then forgets about you. He isn’t that spouse that vowed ‘til death do you part and then left when times got rough.

We serve a God that doesn’t mind doing miracles in our lives like He did for the children of Israel. We’re protected by the same God that protected David from his enemies and protected Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego from King Nebuchadnezzar. Our God’s providence didn’t end with Abraham and Isaac or Elisha and the widow woman. His restoring powers didn’t end with Job and Joseph.

We serve a God whose “mercy and lovingkindness are everlasting, His faithfulness endures to all generations” (Psalm 100:5 AMP). In a society where nothing is ever really certain and can never be guaranteed, why wouldn’t you want to serve our God?

#HeIsEverlasting #MeditateOnHimMonday

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Psalm 100:5 (AMP) For the Lord is good; His mercy and lovingkindness are everlasting, His faithfulness [endures] to all generations.

Psalm 119:9

Picture Source: Youversion

I’ve worked with people who say that they wanted me to succeed but were secretly sabotaging whatever I’d do. Unfortunately, I’m not the only person to experience this. You ask for help or directions and what they gave wasn’t given to help you thrive but rather stumble or fail.

The good news with God is that He longs to see us grow, mature, and develop into strong Believers that thwart the enemy’s attempts to cause us to crack, crumble, and fall. He’s given His word to be our basic instructions before leaving earth. Even though men are constantly trying to alter the Bible, God is so powerful and all-knowing that the core, the power, what we need to be a Light for God remains …if we seek Him and spend time in our Word.

Why not follow the One who is always in your corner rooting for you when you excel and when you fall short? A life lived for Him shouldn’t be complicated. He’s already given us all we need.

#PureWaysHisWord #ForgivenFriday

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Psalm 119:9 (AMP) How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping watch [on himself] according to Your word [conforming his life to Your precepts].

Psalm 119:9 (MSG) How can a young person live a clean life? By carefully reading the map of your Word.

Proverbs 21:3

Picture Source: Youversion

Ever hear the saying “it’s better to ask forgiveness than permission”? I’ve gone by this philosophy a few times in life, but Scripture tells us this definitely isn’t the motto to live by when walking for God. Proverbs 12:3 (AMP) tells us that “to do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice [for wrongs repeatedly committed]”.

Only you know what God is dealing with you about. You clearly hear His voice when you’re at that fork in the road. You’ve felt that pang of guilt, that stinging conviction when you decide to do things your way. The Good News is that God knows our heart and our intent. He is a merciful and forgiving God. Just as with any parent, He expects our behavior to mature as we grow in Him. Though easier said than done, just listen and obey. Walk right and just. That’s all He asks of us.

#JustWalkRight #JustWalkJust #ThankHimThursday

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Proverbs 21:3 (AMP) To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice [for wrongs repeatedly committed].

Psalm 119:10

Picture Source: Youversion

My constant prayer to God is that He help me stay the course of seeking Him. I can say I desire to be closer to Him, but actions speak louder than words. Does a change in your schedule throw you off enough to make you skip your one-on-one time with God? Will a random text or new show on Netflix distract you from your plan to read more?

God wants to know how badly we want Him and that we are genuine in our hunger for Him. No matter the distraction, obstacle, stressor, or emotion, we have to show God that He is our ultimate desire. Only when we spend time with Him and in His Word can we draw closer and learn more about Him and what He expects from His children.

It’s easier to hear Him and see Him when we’ve established a relationship with Him. Don’t be a stranger.

#MakeTimeForDad #LongingForGod #WitnessingWednesday

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Psalm 119:10 (AMP) With all my heart I have sought You, [inquiring of You and longing for You]; do not let me wander from Your commandments [neither through ignorance nor by willful disobedience].

Psalm 119:10 (TLB) I have tried my best to find you—don’t let me wander off from your instructions.

1 Corinthians 13:7

Picture Source: Youversion

Love is what strengthens, builds up, and forgives in a world that weakens, tears down, and never lets you forget your past. Let love be the motivating factor that inspires you to live like Christ, to help the world around you, and to be the bridge used to draw people to God.

#MissionOfLove #TrustingHimTuesday

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1 Corinthians 13:7 (AMP) Love bears all things [regardless of what comes], believes all things [looking for the best in each one], hopes all things [remaining steadfast during difficult times], endures all things [without weakening].

Psalm 118: 24

Picture Source: Youversion

Let’s be honest. Mondays aren’t always the greatest. It’s something about starting off a week after enjoying a peaceful, relaxing weekend. No matter what comes your way this week, reflect on Psalm 118: 24. When we meditate on the fact that our God has made this day and everything that exists, we should be glad. God has given us another chance to show our love for Him and another day for Him to show how much He cares for us.

Don’t complain about that inattentive driver during your commute. Praise God that He shielded you from that person. Don’t gripe about the long lines of the grocery store. Be grateful that God has provided for you to get groceries, to be able to stand in line. Rather than getting lost in what’s going wrong around you, see what is going right.

Be the person that sees the positive in every situation. Recognize God and His sovereignty. Rejoice and be glad.

#RejoiceBeGlad #MeditateOnHimMonday

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Psalm 118:24 (KJV) This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Ecclesiastes 11:5

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How much time do you waste trying to figure God out? Don’t’ worry. You’re not the first. In Job 11: 7-9, 11 (MSG), Zophar questions Job: “Do you think you can explain the mystery of God? Do you think you can diagram God Almighty? God is far higher than you can imagine, far deeper than you can comprehend, stretching farther than earth’s horizons, far wider than the endless ocean… He sees through vain pretensions, spots evil a long way off—no one pulls the wool over his eyes!”

Man is still trying to figure out what life lurks in the depths of the ocean and what lies in the vast vacuums of space. These have been since He created all in the beginning. There is too much to God for us to wrap our minds around. Instead of looking at the small picture, the here-and-now, the “how is God going to work this out”, we need to trust that everything we do and go through are part of His plan.

Proverbs 3: 5 tell us to simply “trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own”. Trust in how How works.

#HisWaysAreHigher #ForgivenFriday

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Ecclesiastes 11:5 (AMP) Just as you do not know the way and path of the wind or how the bones are formed in the womb of a pregnant woman, even so you do not know the activity of God who makes all things.

Ecclesiastes 11:5 (MSG) Just as you’ll never understand the mystery of life forming in a pregnant woman, so you’ll never understand the mystery at work in all that God does.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Picture Source: Youversion

I work in a field that is supposed to help shape young minds. You’d think everything done in this field would be done to better the youth. Not so. Over the years, my eyes have been opened to corruption, nepotism, bias, and racism that makes me wonder Why am I doing this? Why continue doing right when you’re not backed by those who are supposed to be for you? Why continue to walk with integrity when you get in trouble for it? Why give your all to something that continually drains you rather than refreshes you?

Fortunately, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (MSG) says to “be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens”. God has called His children to live within a standard of excellence. Romans 12: 2 (AMP) tells Believers to “not be conformed to this world any longer with its superficial values and customs”. Yes, it’s easy to lose faith and become depressed. With society constantly sowing its seeds, Satan is patiently waiting for some to take root and to spring up. However, Romans also tells the reader to “be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind, focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes”.

We are to be grateful because God has a plan for His own. We are His Lights in the earth. Our behavior should be different from what people expect. Grateful instead of griping. Hopeful instead of hopeless. Prayerful instead of pessimistic. Only then can we show that we are set apart and His chosen people.

#DontCease #RejoicePrayGiveThanks #ThankHimThursday

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1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (AMP) Rejoice always and delight in your faith; be unceasing and persistent in prayer; in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (MSG) Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.

Proverbs 13:20

Picture Source: Youversion

What kind of person do you want to be? What you surround yourself with is most likely who or what you’ll become. You can’t say you want to be debt-free when you surround yourself with people who spend money haphazardly and are wasteful with what they have. You can’t want to stop cussing but continue to watch movies and listen to music riddled with the same words you want to avoid.

As people of God, our lives, actions, and attitudes are to reflect Him. Being around others striving to live like Him provides a support system. It gives us others to lean on when we feel weak or need help making Godly choices. As a family, we’re instructed in Galatians 6: 1-2 (AMP) to restore each other “in a spirit of gentleness not with a sense of superiority or self-righteousness” and to “carry one another’s burdens and in this way you will fulfill the requirements of the law of Christ”.

Be careful what you’re surrounded by. Your surroundings play a part in who you are.

#WalkWithWisdom #SurroundedByLight #WitnessingWednesday

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Proverbs 13:20 (AMP) He who walks [as a companion] with wise men will be wise, but the companions of [conceited, dull-witted] fools [are fools themselves and] will experience harm.

Proverbs 13:20 (MSG) Become wise by walking with the wise; hang out with fools and watch your life fall to pieces.