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.