Things to Think On

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

— Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

Your thoughts have enough power to change your day. When you only focus on bad things, your mind will only allow you to see the bad in every situation. But when you transform your mind to see the good in every situation, you will have a positive effect on your outlook. For example, when the weather report says it will be sunny, but it rains, instead of saying, “Those people at Channel 7 are so incompetent,” you could be positive and say, “My flowers could use some rain today.” A way to channel your thoughts is to already be thinking good thoughts. God says whatever things are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy, think on those things. If what you are thinking right now does not fall into one of those categories, quickly change the channel! Practice looking for the good in every situation.

Change the channel

 

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Heavenly Father, I will focus on things that are of You so that my thoughts will be true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer

Your Name Is...

“This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name...”

— MATTHEW 6:9 (NIV)

It’s a common practice in life to address people by their title or position out of respect. When in court, you refer to the judge as “Your Honor.” In karate practice, you refer to your instructor as “Master.” At church, you refer to the person God placed over it as “Pastor.” In most cases, these titles signify authority, and enable you to be conscious of your place as it relates to how you interact with each public figure.

When Christ taught us to pray, He began with placing God in His place as our Father in heaven. This automatically sets the tone of how we should approach Him with humility and reverence. We also should acknowledge that His name is hallowed meaning holy, sanctified, and blessed. God, our Father, is the creator of everything, worthy of all praise, and has dominion over heaven and earth. When you pray throughout your day today, call God who and what He is to you.

Name above all names

Heavenly Father, You are lifted above the heavens and the earth. Your name is mighty, holy, sacred, and blessed. Thank You for hearing my prayer. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

-          This is my prayer

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I Forgive You

“And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”

— MATTHEW 6:12 (NIV)

Forgiveness. So hard to do. Yet, forgiveness is a key element in personal growth and the process of healing and moving forward in life. For a long time, I thought forgiving a person who wronged me was for their benefit. It wasn’t until recently I realized God designed forgiveness for my gain. Scripture says, “If you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Through this scripture, I learned forgiveness is for me and not for those who hurt me.

I’m convinced there is no action of another person more important than God forgiving me. I need God to forgive my sin and I will not allow the wrongdoing of someone else to block His blessing. So today, I choose to forgive. How do I know in my heart that I truly forgave a person? When I am able to think about the sin someone committed against me, and it not bother or worry me. Choose to forgive today and allow God to forgive you. 

It ain’t easy, but it’s easy

Heavenly Father, I forgive those who have sinned against me. Thank You for giving me the strength to do so. Please forgive me of my sin today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

-          This is my prayer

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See the Goodness

“I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.”

— Psalm 27:13 (NIV)

Every comment made against you doesn’t deserve a response. The time you spend defending yourself is less time you spend with Christ. It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve been lied on. It doesn’t matter what’s happened in your past. Live life confident that God has goodness planned for you today.

God has a perfect plan for your life. Spend time with Him learning this plan and less time with your critics. Jesus will place people in your life that support you, really care about you, and know you beyond the weapons formed against you. If you’re lacking in confidence, increase your study time learning what God promised you. Meditate on these promises and spend time with positive people who agree with what God has declared over you and your life.

Confidence is key…

Lord, I have confidence that I will see the goodness You have for me in the land of the living. Thank You for Your grace and Your forgiveness of my sin. I will find rest in You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

-          This is my prayer

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God Said It

“So let’s do it—full of belief, confident that we’re presentable inside and out. Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word.”

— HEBREWS 10:23 (MSG)

I am always careful with what I promise my kids. Why? Because they won’t forget! If I promised them Monday we’re going to Barnes and Noble Friday, they remember. If I promised in April a Christmas gift, they’ll expect it on the 25th. And since I’ve made good on promises in the past, they have confidence I will make good on all promises I make with them now and in the future.

You too can have child-like confidence when God promises you something. You may have to wait longer than you want, but you can rest assured knowing He will make good on His promises. It’s important you take time to learn what He’s promised you, and if you already know, then start living life knowing you have them. He promised you’d be the head and not the tail, the lender and not the borrower. He promised you eternal life. He promised He’d never leave you or forsake you. Love, peace, prosperity, and more! If God said it, walk in it. He always keeps His promises. 

Worth the wait

Heavenly Father, I believe every promise You have ever made to me. I will hold on to them in faith knowing you always keep Your word. Thank You for being faithful and for Your love. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

-          This is my prayer

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Second Guess

“And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.”

— MATTHEW 16:17 (KJV)

Growing up watching cartoons I recall when a character was making a decision smaller versions of the character would appear on opposite shoulders.  One would be in a red, devilish costume while the other in a white, angelic costume. Normally, the devilish one would offer his advice first. It was always the wrong thing to do, but always seemed more attractive than the advice from the angelic version – it was normally the right thing to do.

Today, little versions of yourself will appear on your shoulders. One will tell you the wrong thing to do in a situation while the other will tell you what God wants you to do. Don’t second guess which voice to listen to. God always wants to reveal great advice to you that will lead you in making great decisions - His voice will always sound like scripture – the right thing to do. Take time to listen to God’s voice and don’t give into flesh and blood so quickly. 

God’s always talking to you

Father, thank You for revealing Your words of life to me. If I turn from the devil, he will flee from me. I know listening to You will bless me and guide me into making the right decisions in my life. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

-          This is my prayer

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Let It Go

“Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”

— MATTHEW 6:27 (NIV)

Ever agonize anticipating the results of a job interview? What about a written test you’re required to take? What to wear to an event? Where to go in life? We’re faced with endless questions and choices all day, every day. When life doesn’t present us with a clear and obvious answer or the ability to be in total control, we naturally tend to worry.

If you stand back and think about some of the situations you’ve worried about in your past, can you honestly say worrying helped? Worrying will not make a situation change for the better. In fact, it probably will make the situation worse than it really is. God wants you to always have faith in Him to guide and protect you. He wants you to do your best and give your best. What God has for you is for you. Next time, instead of worrying, use that energy to make your request known to God, give it to Him, and let it go.

Let God

Gracious Father in heaven, You are the giver of life and all things good. I know I cannot add a single hour to my life by worrying. I will keep my faith in You and my focus on You to see me through my situation today. Thank You for answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

This is my prayer

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God Is With You

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”

— PSALM 23:4 (KJV)

In the Old Testament, the name Emmanuel was used as a representation of the Messiah. In Hebrew, Emmanuel translates into “God with us.” Isn’t it good to know God is with you? He’s with you in good times and bad times; even in those “what the heck am I doing” times, God will never leave your side.

With God by your side, you never have to fear. You may experience some dark times and life may present difficult and uncomfortable circumstances, but you’re not alone in them. God is with you. And not only is He with you, but He will comfort you as He leads you through your valley. Today, accept that you are not alone in life and don’t make fear an option. Live Life confidently and boldly knowing God is with you.

 You are not alone

Heavenly Father, thank You for being with me during the dark times in my life. I will fear no evil because I know you are with me. I will find comfort where you lead me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

-          This is my prayer

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Thoughts Lead to Actions

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

— Colossians 3:2 (NIV)

In my field of work, brainstorming is often encouraged to spark creativity or “out of the box” thinking. As a team we jot down ideas no matter how far fetched, and never regard a suggestion as a bad suggestion. Even though these sessions are just random thoughts, eventually one thought leads us into action.

As a believer, it’s important to think about what you are thinking about. Your thoughts generate your actions. If you rehearse cursing your co-worker out every day, more than likely your thought will become reality. If you focus your thoughts on having a great day, more than likely that too will become a reality. Jesus wants you to set your thoughts on things above and not on earthly things. Today, become aware of your thoughts and make sure they align with things above.

Whatcha thinking?

Lord, thank You for giving me heavenly things to think about. Empower me to focus on things pleasing to You and to think about what I am thinking about. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

-          This is my prayer

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Reward in Confidence

“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.”

— HEBREWS 10:35 (NIV)

No one said life would be easy. It’s full of triumphs and disappointments, break ups and break throughs, ups and downs. Unfortunately, sometimes it can seem like the downs last longer than the ups. During these dreadful down times in life, don’t throw away your confidence in God. He is faithful and will richly reward you. Sometimes you will have to step back and evaluate your life and the choices you’ve made that have you where you are. “What else could I be doing?” “Where did I go wrong?” Other times, it may not be something you’ve done wrong, but something you’ve done right. God may be testing you in an area before He richly rewards you.

The next time you feel things aren’t going as planned in your life, remember to keep your confidence in God. It is through your diligence and faithfulness to God that you will receive your reward.

My day is coming

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Heavenly Father, I will not throw away my confidence. I know I will be richly rewarded if I remain faithful to You and Your word. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer

Right Reason

“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.”

— MATTHEW 6:1 (NIV)

God promises us numerous times throughout scripture that He’d bless us. In one of His promises, He said He’d open up the windows of heaven and poor you out a blessing so abundant that you would not have room to receive it. That means God wants you to be blessed so much that you’d be forced to share your blessings with others. When you bless others, Jesus wants you to do it for the right reason: love, compassion, and obedience. However, Jesus wants you to be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others just to be seen. God wants you to cheerfully give from your heart and not to brag or boast. Don’t give to receive accolades from people, but give to receive your reward from your Father in heaven.

God will reward you

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Heavenly Father, I will give to others to bless Your name and not to be seen by others. I will follow Your example and await Your reward.  In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer

Make the Call

“Then my enemies will turn back when I call for help. By this I will know that God is for me.”

— Psalm 56:9 (NIV)

Today, the world would have you believe that as a Christian you are weak, reactive instead of proactive, and that your meekness and humility will allow others to run over and abuse you. Unfortunately, there are too many examples of believers not living the lives of dominion God called us to. To our enemies, we may appear weak, passed over, and voiceless, but I want to encourage you in knowing God is for you.

It’s natural as humans to take matters into your own hands to solve your problems, but God wants to remind you your enemies will turn back when you call on Him for help. Let Jesus open doors that were closed to you before. Let His biblical principles free you from debt. You don’t have to face your enemies alone. Make the call to a Savior who’s waiting to help you and deliver you from the plan of your enemies.

The battle is not yours…

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Heavenly Father, thank You for allowing me to call on Your name for help. You alone will cause my enemies to retreat, for I know that You are for me! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer

Find Strength

“David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him… But David found strength in the LORD his God.”

— I Samuel 30:6 (NIV)

When you’re wrong, you’re wrong. If you’re honest with yourself you haven’t always walked the “straight and narrow” path. God didn’t make us perfect, which is why He sent His Son Jesus to die for our sin. When people discover your faults and mistreat you because of them, find your strength in God to endure through it.

Thank God we are no longer stoned for our wrong doings, but words can hurt just as well. Life isn’t over for you. Pick yourself up and dust yourself off. You will make more mistakes on your path to “getting right,” but Jesus is waiting to forgive you and usher God’s strength to you. People will continue to talk about you and hold your shortcomings over you, but know that Jesus loves you and God’s strength will see you through.

Better with Jesus!

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Lord I’m not perfect, but thank You for Your perfect love and perfect peace. I know you will forgive me for my sin and strengthen me in my time of need. You make all things new. I’m moving forward in You. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

This is my prayer

Ready to Rise?

“‘Don’t be alarmed,’ he said. ‘You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him.’”

— MARK 16:6 (NIV)

God has a strange way of taking you to the next level in your life. He allows you to experience pain and uncomfortable situations you’d rather do without. It’s not uncharacteristic for God to use people to get you where He wants you to be. And the people He chooses to use normally aren’t strangers. Oh, no! It’s people you see every day. Your family. Your friends. Those people you see every Sunday at church or during the week at work.  

God didn’t crucify Jesus. He allowed people to crucify Jesus. And God used the same people that once befriended Him to turn against Him, abandon Him, and hurl insults at Him. Without the crucifixion, Jesus couldn’t be resurrected with all power and fulfill His purpose. Likewise, you too will be crucified. And yes! It more than likely will be at the hands of those you grew up with, worship with, or work with. But don’t go off on them or post all your business on social media. This is the time where you trust God and accept His will to be done. Believe He is in control and realize no one has power unless God gives it. Your crucifixion lasts but a moment. But the reward in your resurrection lasts forever!

Rise in Christ

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Heavenly Father, thank You for Your grace and mercy. I will continue to trust You during the hard times in my life and have faith You have huge plans for me. I am a joint heir with Your Son! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer

Use Wisely

“Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.”

— MATTHEW 7:6 (NIV)

God has given each of us gifts and talents He wants us to use wisely. Some people actively use their gifts, but not as Christ intended. The pimp you pass on the way to church who’s able to direct people into unmentionable actions could be one of the greatest evangelists God’s kingdom needs. The drug dealer who controls his inventory and flow of income could be the trustee your ministry needs to reach your church’s building fund goal.   

The gift God gave you is sacred and shouldn’t be used to advance the world’s agenda, but Christ’s agenda. Be careful not to invest your gift or yourself where it could be trampled, turned on, and torn to pieces. Instead, use your gift wisely for kingdom building and watch God make your life flourish along with those around you who choose to achieve Christ’s agenda.

Your gift has always been in you

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Heavenly Father, I will not waste my gift by giving it to dogs or by throwing it to pigs. I will use my gift to grow Your kingdom. It is You who will keep me safe from being trampled, turned on, or torn into pieces. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer

Take Heart

“‘I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.’”

— JOHN 16:33 (NIV)

When you made your plans today, did you remember to schedule trouble? Did you plan for the letter from your child’s school? Did you set the reminder on your phone about the flat tire on your way home? Did you remember to pencil in the call from your health insurance provider about your procedure that’s not covered? Of course you didn’t. No one plans for trouble. You may plan for what ifs and just incases, but trouble normally catches us off guard.

When you’re faced with trouble, Jesus wants you to find your peace in Him. You may have been caught off guard by your appointment with trouble, but Christ wasn’t. He warned you that you would have trouble in this world, but He doesn’t want you to lose your mind. He wants you to take heart and remember who He is to you. He’s your strength. He’s your redeemer. He’s refuge. Whatever trouble you face this year, know that Jesus has already overcome it. I’m not saying it’ll be easy, but it’s easier knowing His grace is sufficient and you have His peace.

Surpasses all understanding

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Heavenly Father, thank You for Your peace in my time of trouble. I know you have overcome the world and I have nothing to fear. I will take heart and find rest in you love and peace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer

Have a Seat

“ …and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus...”

— EPHESIANS 2:6 (NKJV)

Did you know that you are alive in Christ? Well, you are! And when you accepted salvation, that gift came with some automatic privileges. When God, who is rich in mercy and loves you with His great love, made you alive in Christ, He also raised you up and made you sit in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. That means you are empowered to sit above your enemies, your problems, and your obstacles. All you have to do is have a seat!

Through Christ, you have already overcome. You’re not operating from a losing position. No! You’re operating from a “raised up” position – a heavenly position. If worry or doubt enters your mind, it’s because you’ve temporarily forgotten where you sit. Scripture says you’re sitting in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. Jesus is sitting at the right-hand of God with all power in His hand. Have a seat and start looking at your position and your situation differently today.

I look different today!

Lord, thank You for raising me up and making me sit in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. I know my position in You and know there is nothing I cannot do through Christ Jesus! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer

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Your Birthright

“ Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in his name, He gave the right to become children of God.”

— John 1:12 (NIV)

When you confessed Jesus as your Lord and Savior and believe God raised Him from the dead, you became saved. After becoming saved, or born again, you became a child of God. For believers this is a birthright. No one or no thing can take you out of the hand of God once you’re in it. Not even you!

As a child of God, you have access to His kingdom. The blessings He has stored for you are for you. No matter the spiritual battles you encounter or the physical wars you experience of this world, God still embraces you as His child. But to further assure your success in these trying times, God has given you a joint heir in Jesus who He’s already given the victory over Satan and hell. So by your birthright, when Satan wants to raise hell in your life you don’t have to fight! Just call on your Father, God, to settle the score. After all, He’s already won and therefore, so have you!

All in the family

Lord, I receive Your son Jesus and believe in His name. Thank You for the gift of salvation and allowing me to become Your child. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer

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Ambassador for Christ

“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us...”

— 2 Corinthians 5:20 (NIV)

When Christ ascended into heaven, He left you and I in charge of His business. What’s His business you ask? Kingdom building of course. One of the reasons Christ walked this earth was to die for our sins so we’d be reconciled with God the Father. His goal was to be the bridge between His people and His Father so we could have a relationship with God. Our goal as believers should be similar. In the manner which Jesus witnessed to people, we are to do the same by introducing Christ to the lives of others who may not know Him. The only Jesus some people will ever experience is the Jesus you show them. Today, purposely tell someone of the goodness of Christ. You don’t need to rehearse for this. Just tell one person how good God has been to you and how He’s changed your life. Remember. It’s your job to do the lifting and He’ll do the drawing.

I am a bridge

Lord, thank You for using me as Your ambassador and making Your appeal through me. I will tell the world of Your goodness and spread Your love wherever I go. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer

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Walk Wise

“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”

— PROVERBS 13:20 (NIV)

I was once told if I was the smartest one in my circle of friends, I need more friends. It’s good to have resources available through association or Google, but it’s great to have friends who are wise and able to give you godly direction. I often tell my children a true friend isn’t going to try and convince you to do anything opposite of how I’ve raised you to behave. Likewise, for the believer, a true friend wouldn’t advise you to behave in any manner contrary to a lifestyle pleasing to God.

Make an effort to surround yourself with wise companions and those who are able to offer you godly counsel. Seek the advice of those who exhibit the godly results you desire in life as it relates to love, family, children, relationships, health, money, peace, and not those who seem to only tell you what they would do if they were you. When you walk with the wise, you become wise. When you receive godly counsel, you become closer to God. 

How many of us have them?

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Heavenly Father, thank You for my friends and loved ones that give me godly counsel. Restore one hundredfold in them what they have poured into me. Please continue to direct wise people into my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer

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