My Thoughts - My Journey

We can measure the significance of our lives by the size of our accomplishments, or we can trust God to use our small offerings for His great glory.  "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters ..." ~ Colossians 3:23 Heavenly Father, please forgive us for trying to measure our significance by the size of our accomplishments. I want to serve You with all of my heart in big ways and small ways. Give us fresh passion for our daily grind and help us to glorify You in all that we do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

"We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully." ~ Romans 12:6-8 All gifts come from God: "There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us," ~ 1 Corinthians 12:4-6, Finding our spot often means a messy process of finding, then learning how to embrace the God-given talents you already have, rather than those you wish you had. It means discovering what you enjoy and are truly good at, then determining how to merge talent and abilities with the ideas, dreams

We must be different to make a difference. In other words.....live a different life in order to be a life that makes a difference. Are we projecting our self or reflecting Jesus? Draw closer to Jesus....get closer to people. "We are Christ’s ambassadors. God is using us to speak to you: we beg you, as though Christ himself were here pleading with you, receive the love he offers you—be reconciled to God. For God took the sinless Christ and poured into him our sins. Then, in exchange, he poured God’s goodness into us!" ~ 2 Cor. 5:20-21

We are not saved "by" good works.....we are saved for good works. Sharing with others brings us rewards that are out of this world!  smile emoticon "Tell those who are rich not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which will soon be gone, but their pride and trust should be in the living God who always richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and should give happily to those in need, always being ready to share with others whatever God has given them. By doing this they will be storing up real treasure for themselves in heaven—it is the only safe investment for eternity! And they will be living a fruitful Christian life down here as well." ~ 1 Timothy 6:17-19

If we don't feed on His Word, we will go about using our gut feelings and wonder blindly through our journey here. Satan wants nothing more than for us to turn our back on conversations with our Creator and listening to Him through His Word and His active indwelling Spirit. Open conversation between us, His children, and our Father is key to living a life with a purpose.....His purpose.

Thank You for not keeping a running list of my mistakes, shortcomings or sins. Thank You for Your unconditional love.  “We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” 1 John 4:16

These words are a promise and blessing from Jesus...."And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it." Do not hesitate or be afraid to ask God boldly with full faith that He can and will answer your prayers!

Being overlooked or misunderstood is hard to take. Jesus was no doubt disappointed by those in His home region, and by the leaders in the synagogues whose job it was to recognize the Messiah when He came.  But ultimately Jesus’ identity, worth and power came from His Heavenly Father and not from the validation of any earthly being. The same is true for you and me.

Today has been a day of prayer, prayer, and more prayer. You know how it is...somedays you just can't get enough conversations with Him. He fills my void,  He takes my stress, He relieves my worry, He gives me proper focus, He restores my joy....Wow~Now, I can breath again....†

We must spend time on our knees asking God for direction and just a little more fortitude when we are going through struggles in life. Sometimes, when we're battling something beyond ourselves, we just need to rejoice.  It's a good thing we're really not able to make it alone. It's in those times of struggle, failure and ultimately growth that we find out God is enough....He is able and He is willing to get us through whatever we are dealing with. "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me ... For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

"Give me YOUR eyes to see!" There is so much packed into that one statement....and how would it change the world IF we could truly "SEE" through His eyes?!? Far too many times we look at what is obvious from our visual "outer" perspective and judge others with worldly judgment.  We have no clue the personal struggles of those we casually pass by; therefore, we must give grace, mercy, and give love generously. We must not allow our limited capacity to "SEE" cause us to wrongfully judge another. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5AkNqLuVgY

I am so BLESSED! God has woven a bond of Love between me and Him.....me and my family.....me and my Christian family....that will NEVER be broken....He is the Tie that Binds us All Together..... Thanking Him today and everyday for the Blessing of Love.......Especially HIS Love, HIS Sacrifice, HIS Gift, HIS Promise!

Remember, in the middle of difficulty lies opportunity......James 1:12 "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."

Staying on the right path in our spiritual journey isn't always easy. It requires hard work and perseverance to develop an intimate relationship with God.  Begin by emphasizing God's love for us more than our love for God. God's love and mercy is bountiful because we are His children and He always cares for us......