NOTHING!!

In case you were wondering... when God says nothing can separate you from His love, what he means is... NOTHING!! His love is so powerful, life giving and life changing!!

Romans 8:38-39 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

A List of "No's"?

Our faith in God and our Christianity isn't a list of "no's" or "can't do's" .. it's actually filled with promises that work beautifully within boundaries of His ultimate love and protection!

2 Cor. 7:1 Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God.

Starting to Gravitate Away?

It's only when we actively stop loving Him that we find ourselves restless and gravitating toward other means of fulfillment. He is ALL we need!

Psalm 16:11 Now you've got my feet on the life path, all radiant from the shining of your face. Ever since you took my hand, I'm on the right way.

Our Best

God wants our best...
Deserves our best...
Demands our best...
Don't be like Cain and offer God what you think he wants, do things God's way!

Genesis 4:5 But on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast.

Called to be Comfortable??

God doesn't call us to be comfortable. He calls us to trust in Him SO completely. To put ourselves in places where if we don't trust Him and rely on Him we may find ourselves in trouble.

Hebrews 11:5-6 By an act of faith, Enoch skipped death completely. "They looked all over and couldn't find him because God had taken him." We know on the basis of reliable testimony that before he was taken "he pleased God." It's impossible to please God apart from faith. And why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that he exists and that he cares enough to respond to those who seek him.

Get Happy and Wait!!

It's ok to ask God for what we want. However, when we ask Him, we must trust Him. Trust Him to know that He knows what is best for us and that He will give us what we need in His timing and in His way. In the mean time, it's much easier on us if we can learn to be content with what we have!
This is one of those truths that is easier said than done, it's a learning process- everyday!!

James 4:2 You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it.

People Pleaser?

Someone said " I cannot tell you the secret formula to success, however the exact formula for failure is trying to please everyone else!"
How true is that?!?!
Try as we may- we cannot make everyone happy, we must do our best or those around us but ultimately live to serve and please the Lord!

Col. 3:22 Servants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not only when their eyes are on you as pleasers of men, but in simplicity of purpose [with all your heart] because of your reverence for the Lord and as a sincere expression of your devotion to Him.

Check Your Roots ( Not your Hair, ladies)

My kids always think that band-aids will fix everything...
sore fingers, busted knees, splinters, hurt feelings, upsets stomachs, the works...just "give me a band-aid"!!
Sometimes I wish that the issues I face in my personal life could be fixed with a band-aid, how great would that be? What I HAVE found out is that everything in my life has a root issue, most things that arise are simply symptoms of a deeper issue. If I lash out in anger at something my husband says to me, the issue is normally not a "yelling problem"... it is something deeper.
The bible tells us that we need to be "rooted" in love. (Roots are deep) If everything in our life stems out of that, the symptoms or reactions we live out will be the opposite of strife. It will free us up to be more peaceful and enjoy life more as well as everyone around us!

Eph. 3:17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.

Be a BIG Giver!!

My parents taught me so much but one thing that really stands out in my mind is that "You can't out give God". What I have seen first hand in my life is those who are known as being generous or BIG givers are blessed and are constantly receiving from others. Those who are always taking and never giving are the ones who are always needing! It's just laws of God's kingdom... "give and you shall receive".
Yes we are to be wise with our money any spend it properly, not blowing it or wasting it but there is a HUGE difference between being frugal and being cheap! I'm tried of the church being known as being cheap!
When you eat out... BLESS your server~
When you have the extra... buy your friend's coffee~
When you can... pay for the people in line behind you~
When you can... give a single mom a 20.00 bill~
Find ways to bless people!!
Be a leader in giving!!!

2 Cor. 9:6 [Remember] this: he who sows sparingly and grudgingly will also reap sparingly and grudgingly, and he who sows generously [[a]that blessings may come to someone] will also reap generously and with blessings.

Fight Afraid!

Ever feel afraid? Of course you do! I know I do!... God told Joshua in the Old Testament to lead the children of Israel into their promise land, sounds easy enough- right? The thing was, their promise land was occupied by GIANTS!! They had to go and fight their way in! There may be things in your life that God has promised you...
~ your health
~ your children's salvation
~ restored marriage
~ a mend in a relationship
But not all things come by sitting back and doing nothing, sometimes we have to "fight" and most of the time we can be afraid... but fear should never stop us from the battle- it should propel right right into it! Be bold and courageous in spite of how you feel, take action and stand up for your promise! God is with you, you've already won!!!

Joshua 1:7 Only you be strong and very courageous, that you may do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you. Turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.

When the Common Becomes Mighty...

I am just an ordinary person that does everyday, ordinary things. I'm just like you. We may all look different, act different, sound different but at our core, we are people who all are cut from same fabric.
Its amazing to me to read different scripture that teaches that God wants to use us and that God has plans for us because after all we're just human. A MIGHTY GOD, creator of the universe, Ruler of All, Lord of Life... wants to use us.... How?
It all makes sense when you realize that the common things and people become mighty when God anoints them! God simply wants to use what He has placed in our hands... we just have to be willing to be used and let Him touch through us. Listen to what Jesus said here in the book of Acts...

Acts 4:30 Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.

Rate it!

On a scale on 1 to 10 with 10 being the greatest... How much do you value the presence of God in your life? Is He VERY important on Sunday's when you are in church and others have set an atmosphere where you can feel Him and you fall in love with Him...
Is He presence important to you on Monday morning because you know that you are going to need His strength for the new week...
Do you really need Him when trouble hits...
Jesus told His disciples that we they (us too) should love Him with their WHOLE hearts! We should give His presence a "10" on the value scale everyday... the good and the bad days...
Why? Because He is THAT good, in His presence is everything that we need, everything that we've ever desired and so much more, perfect peace and contentment and the answers that some spend their entire lives looking for!
Take a few minutes today, steal away some time and just sit and think about Him - and nothing else. Reflect on how good He has been, how much you love Him, why you love Him... you'll be amazed at how your day will change!

Mark 12:30-31 Jesus said, "The first in importance is, 'Listen, Israel: The Lord your God is one; so love the Lord God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence and energy.' And here is the second: 'Love others as well as you love yourself.' There is no other commandment that ranks with these."

Freedom in Repentance

The Psalmist David had so much to repent of, I could list his sins but then again others could probably list mine too... It is only when we truly and sincerely repent that we find forgiveness and with that forgiveness, the burden of our sin is lifted! Little by little sin can attach itself to our lives and after a while we get used to the weight of it... when Jesus steps in and lifts that off, we then feel FREE from the burden of guilt and sin~ and joy can come back into our lives. THAT is His perfect will for us.
Would you join with me right now and ask God to remove any sin in our lives known or unknown... so that we can be in right standing with Him and be free from the weight of sin that holds us captive?

Psalm 51:7-8 Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Oh, give me back my joy again; you have broken me— now let me rejoice.

Make it Easy...

Do you find that people stress you out? Maybe you stress people out?? Maybe if we all just become more adaptable to our surroundings rather than demanding... the stress would lighten? When we all realize that God is the only one who can "set the bar" for our lives and even He knows that we are going to mess up... we can begin to not only walk in grace and mercy but also extend it towards others.
Let's all just make it easy for others to be around us...
Don't put pressure on people to be who you want them to be...
Quit expecting things that you would be rather frustrated if someone expected them of you!
And.... just smile!!!

2 Cor. 13:11 Be cheerful. Keep things in good repair. Keep your spirits up. Think in harmony. Be agreeable. Do all that, and the God of love and peace will be with you for sure. Greet one another with a holy embrace.

Don't Run out of Strength...

Maybe you woke up today and you feel like you are carrying alot? Maybe you are walking through a season in your life where you have felt that way...let me encourage you... you are NOT alone! You must make the choice to LET yourself be encouraged. You can choose to listen to what the Word says and draw strength from it or you can choose to keep walking and suffering alone. If you choose the second, it is such and unnecessary choice. He has promised to give you impenetrable strength & peace!
Don't give up or give in... crawl up into your Father's arms and rest in Him and His ability to handle ALL the needs in your life!

Psalm 29:11 The Lord will give [unyielding and impenetrable] strength to His people; the Lord will bless His people with peace.

Talk it Up!!

You know, the disciples were with Jesus everyday, they saw firsthand what He did and could do. They watched Him heal hundreds of people, feed thousands more, fought crowds off as people flocked to Him... yet they still battled with the same things we do. Doubt, fear and unbelief! Crazy isn't it?
It is SO important that we not feed each others doubt, fear or unbelief, when someone come to you with any of these or another emotion that is directly against the character of God... spin it around! We MUST talk up what Jesus HAS done, what he IS doing and what he WILL do!! When you start bragging on the Lord, all those negative dependencies cannot stay around!! Talk talk talk talk talk about HIM!!

Mark 6:52 For they failed to consider or understand [the teaching and meaning of the miracle of] the loaves; [in fact] their hearts had [a]grown callous [had become dull and had [b]lost the power of understanding].

Flawless Record

When we move aside and let Him increase in our lives and we take the backseat (decrease)... He then becomes responsible for the outcome. We don't become walking zombies who don't have the ability to choose or weirdos who loose all sense of direction- we simply filter everything through Him and through the Word. He takes center stage, we let Him shine. He takes control and His track record is flawless... we can trust Him and He will make us look better than we could ever make ourselves look! :)

John 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease. He must grow more prominent; I must grow less so.

Do it TODAY!!

Someday, One day and Another day are not days of the week... you really can't plan specifically for them. Procrastination can be a tool of the enemy to keep us side tracked from our dreams and destinies that God has placed in our lives. If we are always putting in out in front of us, then we never have to take responsibility to take hold of it today! Ask God what you can do TODAY, live strong today with purpose and passion, walk tall with direction and direction and clarity... don't get caught the the hamster's wheel of "tomorrow"....

Heb. 4:7 Again He sets a definite day, [a new] Today, [and gives another opportunity of securing that rest] saying through David after so long a time in the words already quoted, Today, if you would hear His voice and when you hear it, do not harden your hearts.

Everyday...

Yesterday is over, today is a clean slate, a fresh day, a new opportunity. You may have blown it, messed up royally or made some rotten decisions...today's a new day! His mercy starts over! GREAT is His faithfulness! We can't understand that, we have a hard time forgiving others and forgetting things- He doesn't! We can come to the cross each day with a sincere and honest heart and say "Jesus, I give you my life today, forgive me of my sins, wash me, make me new, cleanse my life and help me to live for you today!"... And HE DOES!! Aren't you so thankful!!

Lam. 3:22-23 It is because of the Lord's mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His [tender] compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great and abundant is Your stability and faithfulness.

Things We Try and Tuck Away...

There are those things we all have in our lives that we would like to try and tuck away and hide from others. Maybe they are past failures, bad decisions, secret sins, addictions or any number of things. The amazing thing about Jesus is... He wants our WHOLE heart...all those things, the good and the bad. WE can't give Him just the good and hide the bad from Him like we do from people, it just doesn't work that way. He already knows... yet He loves regardless and wants to mend and restore! Love Him with your WHOLE heart- don't try and tuck things away... because you really can't anyway!

Isaiah 29:13 And so the Lord says,“These people say they are mine. They honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me."

Love Covers... not Exposes...

None of us are perfect. We may try to come off that way, look that way, act that way, raise our children to act that way, or attempt to do everything right...but it's ALL attempts. We are all humans and we all makes mistakes! Bitterness will sneak into our relationships when we start bringing attention to others mistakes. Rather than pointing things out in people, let's work hard to hold each other up, to make up the difference, to be the strength in someone's weakness, to hold the tired hand or go the extra mile for your tired or stressed spouse. Love covers up... every time! :)

1 Peter 4:8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

Get Over Yourself!

The very heart of the gospel and the heart of love is us getting over ourselves! The bible calls it "dying to self". If if don't then we will be more apt to look to others to benefit us or to take from them. We were called to give, called to serve, called to love. There is no greater joy... when we give not looking to get and serve not expecting to be served, something supernatural takes place, an exchange happens... one that brings so much satisfaction, so much peace and total fulfillment! Try it!!

Matthew 23:11-12 The greatest among you will be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

With you...Wherever

God will go to the highest high or the lowest low to be with you! You are NEVER alone!! He surrounds you with His love and protection...

Isaiah 43:1-2 Don't be afraid, I've redeemed you. I've called your name. You're mine.
When you're in over your head, I'll be there with you. When you're in rough waters, you will not go down. When you're between a rock and a hard place, it won't be a dead end.

Look again!

Sometimes gaining a different perspective or even the slightest bit of perspective will change everything! Nothing is EVER as bad as it seems! We can know this because we serve a MIGHTY God in whom we can trust and who is well able to meet every need in our lives! He is our hope - not things, not jobs, and especially not people! He will not fail you! Get your eyes off of your surroundings and look up!!

Psalm 39:7 And now, Lord, what do I wait for and expect? My hope and expectation are in You.

Be Strong in HIM!

Satan never moves against our strengths, he only attacks our weaknesses. Why?... Because THAT's where we are weak! If you are prone to depression or fear, that is where he will come and plants thoughts of doubt and worry. Ephesians tells us to be strong IN the LORD. We do not have to fight in our own strength but in His! His strength is made perfect in our weaknesses!!

Eph. 6:10 In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides]

We were created to have nothing to do with us!

According to Ephesians, we are God's handiwork, His creation. He design, fashioned and constructed each person, personality and distinct differences. It's only when we take our focus off being our creator's masterpiece and think of ourselves through our own eyes that we start seeing things wrapped. We then then begin to compare, feel insecure, we don't feel good enough... all of which God never intended.
We should all make a daily practice of saying " Lord, today I give myself back to you, take my life, use me the way you designed me, I'm ready for whatever you desire!"

Eph. 2:10 For we are God's [own] handiwork (His workmanship), [a]recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].

RIGHT NOW!!

Your past, your present and your future all collide at the intersection of NOW! Where you've been doesn't determine who you HAVE to be. You do not have to be defined by your past nor do you have to be defined by your current circumstances. As much as some may want, we can't change our past but we can allow God to take hold of our future! The plans and purposes that He has for our lives are WAY BIGGER than you or I could ever dream of! We must first give Him the rest of our lives, follow His leading, be open to His voice and be obedient to what He is saying...then buckle your seat belt and hang on!!!!

Eph. 3:20 Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]--

Whatcha Lookin' Like?

John the Baptist didn't care AT ALL what he looked like, his main goal and focus was spreading the word about the coming Messiah, preparing the way for Jesus.
While God does not expect us to walk around looking like outcasts and scaring people away from us... there should be a distinct difference in our lives than in those who don't know Him. We must be careful not to get caught up in the things that seem so important to us or the value the things that have nothing to do with why we were put on the earth. I do feel however that we do not have to live a homely life to preach the gospel. Live a life that no matter what you are doing, what you are wearing or where you are... screams of His goodness and the change that He has made in your life!!

Matthew 3:4-6 John dressed in a camel-hair habit tied at the waist by a leather strap. He lived on a diet of locusts and wild field honey. People poured out of Jerusalem, Judea, and the Jordanian countryside to hear and see him in action. There at the Jordan River those who came to confess their sins were baptized into a changed life. (Msg)

Limited Minds vs. Limitless God

When we pray and ask God to get involved, we sometimes suggest how we feel He could best work things out, at Least I know I've done that before. Even though we were created in His image, our minds are so limited compared to His.
By simply inviting Him right into the middle of our lives, marriages, jobs, children, problems... He give Him and His LIMITLESS, creative power the ability to flow freely in every area! He is the perfect solution to everything!!

Jeremiah 33:3 Call to Me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things, fenced in and hidden, which you do not know (do not distinguish and recognize, have knowledge of and understand).

Don't be a "Know-It-All"

If we aren't careful, we can become addicted to reasoning or needing to understand everything. Why, why, why, why, why???
There are so many questions that we will never know the answers for and you know what? That's ok!
Here is what we can ALWAYS know... God is in control, knows it all, is never caught off guard and we can trust Him with our lives!!

Proverbs 3:5 Trust God from the bottom of your heart;don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track.

Always Follow Your Peace

When God asks you to do something or you have to make a decision... it's ALWAYS better to have peace in your spirit rather than being able to reason it in your mind! Sometimes the "God" thing to do will not make sense but the peace that accompanies it is what we should follow and pursue.

Luke 5:5-6 Simon said, "Master, we've been fishing hard all night and haven't caught even a minnow. But if you say so, I'll let out the nets." It was no sooner said than done—a huge haul of fish, straining the nets past capacity. They waved to their partners in the other boat to come help them. They filled both boats, nearly swamping them with the catch.

The ONLY time to talk about the past...

When we start praising God for what things He has already done, we activate faith in our lives to believe that He is can and will do things in our current situations!
We serve a GREAT God who does GREAT things!! Be encouraged that He is For you and has all the power, ability and might to meet EVERY need!!

Psalm 150:2 Praise him for his acts of power,praise him for his magnificent greatness!

He has already said it... did you hear Him?

God, through His word has already spoken everything we need. The bible is jammed packed with promises that apply to our everyday lives. There is NO issue that we face that His Word doesn't cover or have an answer for. Every word that He ever spoke is pure truth, it is vital that we grab onto His words and not let go, believe that what he said is true and start claiming those promises for our lives!!

Isaiah 55:11 So shall My word be that goes forth out of My mouth: it shall not return to Me void [without producing any effect, useless], but it shall accomplish that which I please and purpose, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.

Tired vs. Weary...

There is a difference between being tired and being weary.
Tired~ You've taken on the day or week and you need rest. Your day to day tasks have taken a toll, you need to sleep or relax to gather back strength.
Weary~ You've taken on the weight of your life and at times the world. You are burnt out, wore out and spun out.
At times Christians feel like if they aren't "worn out" working for the Lord then they haven't accomplished anything, this couldn't be further from the truth. He has never asked us to do anything in our own strength...He is our constant source and everything we need! There are no Lone Rangers in the kingdom of God!
Get rested up so you don't try and carry what God has told you He would!! :)

Galatians 6:9 So let's not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don't give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith.

Don't Focus on Being a Christian...

Don't live each day trying to be a christian - but live each moment striving to be like Jesus!! He is the difference. When we pattern our lives and who we are after Him, Christianity is the result. If we strive to follow the pattern of Christianity, then we can get caught up in what we think we are supposed to do, what others think, what others expect...

John 15:5 I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in Me and I in him bears much (abundant) fruit. However, apart from Me [cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing.

Think about what you think about!

God gave us our emotions to enjoy life with! We must be careful though, they can also work against us and control our lives. If we are constantly being led by our emotions and feelings then we become "flighty" Christians with no grasp on truth. It is VITAL that we renew our minds (our thoughts, feelings and emotions) DAILY by the Word of God. Start speaking what He says not what you feel!

Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].

A Game Changing Exchange

I can't wrap my brain around the fact that an absolutely perfect God, stepped out of heaven and onto a sin filled planet to take our sin! Anything that you or I could ever do... His sacrifice covered it. What grace and mercy He has... it trumps any sin that would try and trip us up! Wow!! I am so thankful for forgiveness and for what He did for me!!

2 Corinthians 5:21 For our sake He made Christ [virtually] to be sin Who knew no sin, so that in and through Him we might become [endued with, viewed as being in, and examples of] the righteousness of God [what we ought to be, approved and acceptable and in right relationship with Him, by His goodness]

You've Got the Power!!

The storms (issues and problems) that arise in our lives NEVER alarm God. He knows all, sees all and always has a way out! He has given us the ability, through our words to speak peace into our situations! Start telling things to settle down, to calm down and for peace and clarity to sweep in!

Matthew 8:23-27 Then Jesus got into the boat and started across the lake with his disciples. Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”
Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm.
The disciples were amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked. “Even the winds and waves obey him!”

Anyone Can Point Out the Obivious!

Most of us know the areas we are weak in. From tempers to habits, we all have "those" issues. Why is it that some feel the need to point out others flaws? By speaking against each other with criticism we continually build up the negative traits without offering grace or hope!
Our words can be gifts so instead of criticizing, we can bless each other by recognizing the qualities that we do possess. When we become each others biggest fans and supporters, we will see the flaws turn into strengths and healing in areas of our lives that have been broken!

Isaiah 58:12 Some of you will rebuild the deserted ruins of your cities. Then you will be known as a rebuilder of walls and a restorer of homes.

Know Who You Are...

When we are no longer motivated by the need for others to accept us, we will not feel driven to constantly prove ourselves right! Know who you are, who God has made you, what your purpose is and what you need to do... once you are confident in that, you will not look to others for their approval or acceptance. Don't get trapped in the world's way of comparing yourselves with others.
I find so much comfort in being with people who know who they are!

Romans 8:12-14 Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.

Showing Off...

If you look at nature, it is constantly displaying and showing off God's greatness and His creativity- without apology!
You and I are His prized creation, how much more should our lives tell the same stories and greater! Live BIG today, point people to Him, and let everything about your life glorify your creator!!

Psalm 19:1-2 The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known.

Change... Love it or Hate it!

Change is everywhere, it happens to all of us, it touches every part of our lives... good and bad. We are so blessed with a God who NEVER changes! His faithfulness is steady, His promises never get broken, what He said- He will do, His love is constant...
Take a minute to thank Him for who is is in your life... He is so worthy of our thanks, praise and love!

Malachi 3:6 For I am the Lord, I do not change!

In Case You Forgot...

God hasn't left you ~ He's longing for you.
Pray ~ He's listening.
Turn to Him ~ He's waiting.
His forgiveness is life changing and more powerful than anything you can ever do to offend!!

Isaiah 55:6 Seek God while he's here to be found, pray to him while he's close at hand. Let the wicked abandon their way of life and the evil their way of thinking. Let them come back to God, who is merciful, come back to our God, who is lavish with forgiveness.

What do you have?

In feeding the 5,000 people Jesus asked His disciples what they HAD... all they could see was what they NEEDED. What an amazing miracle they would have missed out on had they tried to act only on the need. God is limitless and in your life He is asking that you give Him what you have - ALL that you are...He will take that and make a miracle!!

John 6:5-6 When Jesus looked out and saw that a large crowd had arrived, he said to Philip, "Where can we buy bread to feed these people?" He said this to stretch Philip's faith. He already knew what he was going to do.
The message bible

Remember the saying "Look but don't touch"?....

We must guard our eyes, what we allow ourselves to see and take in will determine the course of our lives. They are the gates to our mind & actions. Keeping them focused on Jesus will be the very thing that causes victory or defeat! When stepping off of the boat and onto the water, Peter didn't begin to sink until he took his eyes off Jesus...


Matthew 6:22 Your eye is a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is good, your whole body is filled with light.

Tamara Lowe at Christ Fellowship

Does God Need My Help?

Because God already knows all of our needs and everything we face, when we pray
"Lord, I want YOUR will in my life" we are activating Him to move in every need~ in the best way possible!
By asking and giving Him our opinions of what He should do, aren't we really telling the creator of the universe how He needs to fix things? I'm guessing He doesn't need our advice!! :)

Matthew 6:8-10 For your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him! Pray like this:Our Father in heaven,may your name be kept holy.
May your Kingdom come soon.May your will be done on earth,as it is in heaven.
--New Living Translation

Don't Just Exist!

We were not designed to just exist or barely survive- only living to make it through the day at hand... nope, we were designed to be MORE than conquerors. Facing our problems and pain head on and overcoming every time, we are destined to walk in the life and the power of God! How's that for a Monday morning shot of energy?!?!

Romans 8:37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

How ya Feeling??

God will give you strength to experience a FULL life in Him. His design for your life wasn't for you to be so bound by worry, fear or even your own limitations!! Get out there and LIVE!

Eph. 3:14-19 --My response is to get down on my knees before the Father, this magnificent Father who parcels out all heaven and earth. I ask him to strengthen you by his Spirit—not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength—that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in. And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you'll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ's love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God.
(The Msg Bible)