We Can Do This

1 Corinthians 3:18-23

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁸ Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become “fools” so that you may become wise. ¹⁹ For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness”^[a]; ²⁰ and again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.”^{[b] 21} So then, no more boasting about human leaders! All things are yours, ²² whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas^[c] or the world or life or death or the present or the future —all are yours, ²³ and you are of Christ, and Christ is of God.


God I start today off knowing that I am not ready, but none the less I will press on. This authority in the world has placed demands on me and I don't like it. Yet I press on. I don't know why thinigs are the way they are but I do know I have a choice in how I receive and respond to activities. I walk with God. I accept his counsel in my life. I try to do his will and everything else is left to chance. So God lets get things going for today. Today is all I have right now. Be blessed today. Be a blessing to someone. Never miss a chance to tell someone you love them. I love you.

Words

Lord I feel like these are just words in the wind sometimes. I know this is a very difficult time but I will stand strong.
Acts9:1-31
Paul's Conversion
I asked God what I need to do and this is where I am led? Do I make this conversion?  Am I led to convert to something I have been against? Will I be blinded with God's conviction? Who will restore my sight? How are we to move forward? Lord I pray for our salvation.

This is a difficult day but something that must happen. A process that is necessary in our ritual process of mourning. We love those that come into our lives for what ever the period of time is that we have the blessing of their presence.

You are a strong and gentle person. You have courage and strength that I wish I had more of. If I can be of any comfort to you today, I will. I pray that my presence will bring some comfort. I walk with you today and pray for you and your comfort.

Truly be blessed and be a blessing to someone. You are blessed today.

Acts 9:1-31

New International Version (NIV)

Saul’s Conversion

9 Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest ² and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. ³ As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. ⁴ He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”

⁵ “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.
“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. ⁶ “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
⁷ The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. ⁸ Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. ⁹ For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.
¹⁰ In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!”
“Yes, Lord,” he answered.
¹¹ The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. ¹² In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.”
¹³ “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. ¹⁴ And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.”
¹⁵ But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. ¹⁶ I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”
¹⁷ Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” ¹⁸ Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, ¹⁹ and after taking some food, he regained his strength.

Saul in Damascus and Jerusalem

Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. ²⁰ At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. ²¹ All those who heard him were astonished and asked, “Isn’t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?” ²² Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah.
²³ After many days had gone by, there was a conspiracy among the Jews to kill him, ²⁴ but Saul learned of their plan. Day and night they kept close watch on the city gates in order to kill him. ²⁵ But his followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall.
²⁶ When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. ²⁷ But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. ²⁸ So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. ²⁹ He talked and debated with the Hellenistic Jews,^[a] but they tried to kill him. ³⁰ When the believers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.
³¹ Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.

It Not About Me

God's grace was given to me. I am not the smartest, but I'm not the dumbest  either. I don't know everything, but I do know some things.

I love you I don't know how this is going to work out. I prayed for some solution, something to comfort you and me. This is a hard time for you and I know you are being pulled in so many different directions but know that I am here. I am loving you and praying for you and me.

OK, I thought I had pressed the publish button and now I come back to see this entry in the same position three hours later. What's up with that? Let's try that again. Publish.

Blessing

My happiness lies in my ability to accept me and all of my faults. I cry when it seems as if I have not been head by God but I have to accept that every day is ablessing. I will be there Tuesday morning. I can't accept less and I pray daily for a change. I don't know God's plan but I know that I can ask and if it is mine to havE then I will have it. Be blessed tonight. I love you and want more for us. I keep it real. Nothing is promised to us, especially more time. I feel blessed and I will not let go of my blessing. There's more to come. God is good. God is good.

Mourning

²1 Chronicles 28:20-21
⁰ David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the LORD is finished. ²¹ The divisions of the priests and Levites are ready for all the work on the temple of God, and every willing person skilled in any craft will help you in all the work. The officials and all the people will obey your every command.”

Zechariah 12:10

New International Version (NIV)

Mourning for the One They Pierced

¹⁰ “And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit^[a] of grace and supplication. They will look on^[b] me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son.

Revelation 21:4

New International Version (NIV)

⁴ ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’^[a] or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

How do you mourn a loved one? Who can understand the pain and hurt that you feel? We all want to be able to say words to comfort and stregthen you. We want to please you. We all want to be accepted. We want to be accepted by our own people, our family our friends, those we encounter on a daily basis. When people accept us it can be because we fit into the box that they need us to fit into but sometimes we are working hard to project the right image and cover the faults that we think might make them not like us. If we could only work harder, live better, pray longer, have done something different, then maybe just maybe that would have put us on their good side. On God's good side. Maybe if we had just done the right thing, this wouldnt have happened.We can't earn God's acceptance, we are already accepted. We have to learn to live without that guilt. We did the best we could do. Release the guilt. Rest assured that God love you and there is nothing you can do about that. I love you and my thoughts and prayers are with you today.

Endurance

James 1:12
¹² Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test,
 that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

Ecclesiastes 7:2-6

New International Version (NIV)

² It is better to go to a house of mourning
than to go to a house of feasting,

for death is the destiny of everyone;
the living should take this to heart.

³ Frustration is better than laughter,
because a sad face is good for the heart.

⁴ The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning,
but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure. 

⁵ It is better to heed the rebuke of a wise person
than to listen to the song of fools.

⁶ Like the crackling of thorns under the pot,
so is the laughter of fools.
This too is meaningless.

James 1:22-24

New International Version (NIV)

²² Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. ²³ Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror ²⁴ and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.



Father God hear my prayer today. Know the things that are on my heart. Love those who I have sent prayers out for this morning. Protect and care for My Love. Give him strength to walk through this time of his life when its tough to make sense of the day. Keep his heart and his mind on you Lord. Let him know that he is loved. Loved a whole lot. Let there be a new beginning for us. Let something be different. Let us remember to treasure those who are with us now. Everyone has value and worth. Let peace reign in our day. Let us slow down and listen to those in front of us today. Let us try to love one another with our whole heart. Be discerning. Don't get caught up in the mess. I love you, be blessed and be a blessing to someone.

Loyal

Discipleship Cost.
Luke 14:7-⁷ When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable: ⁸ “When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited. ⁹ If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, ‘Give this person your seat.’ Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place. ¹⁰ But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests. ¹¹ For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” 11

So today I will humble my self. I will and have humbled my self. I am going to pay the cost for discipleship. I know the things on my mind and the challenges I face. God help me throught the most difficult ones today. Thank you for your blessings. Bless those in my life and the ones who are going through the hardships of life. We are your servant and we have to humble ourselves to you no matter what.  I pray that your day is OK. Doesnt have to be great, but you are doing a good thing. Dont just get along to get along. Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice. I love you and have a blessed day.

Strengthen YourSelf Today

Psalm 44:23-26

New International Version (NIV)

²³ Awake, Lord! Why do you sleep?
Rouse yourself! Do not reject us forever.
²⁴ Why do you hide your face
and forget our misery and oppression?

²⁵ We are brought down to the dust;
our bodies cling to the ground.
²⁶ Rise up and help us;
rescue us because of your unfailing love. 

1 Thessalonians 5:4-8

New International Version (NIV)

⁴ But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. ⁵ You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. ⁶ So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. ⁷ For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. ⁸ But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.

I think its time for me to wake up to God. Wake up and smell the fresh aroma of a new day that the Lord has made. I know that God is with me throughout my day and I can do anything with God. I will strengthen my devotion to you and encourage you to increase your faith. Walk tall today and know that you are loved. I love you. You can do this and more. You are greater than you can imagine.

In The Beginning

Genesis 1:27-28

Genesis 1:27-28

New International Version (NIV)

²⁷ So God created mankind in his own image,
in the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them.

²⁸ God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground. 

Happy Birthday!

God Blessed you and all of us when he created you. We are walking in God's image and we have favor on our lives. We have been blessed by God. We have power and might beyond our comprehension. God is on our side. We rule over the sea, the air and the earth. We are love in its most complete sense of the word. 

Treasure this day and know that you are blessed by God. Don't just ignore it to say you do not want to celebrate anything. God blessed you. God can't be wrong. Lift your heart and love the fact that you are here to be blessed. I know your heart is breaking but I am blessed that you are here for me to love on this side of the equation. I have a chance to get it right. You are blessed and highly favored by God, you ought to be excited about that. We don't know the plans God has for us. We don't know the whys when things happen in our lives. We do know God can handle our anger and confusion. God walks with us and carries us. Together we find our role, our responsibility. We can't do everything, but we can do something, and that something is just right. Just what is needed. Don't do everything. Just do what you can do. Be blessed today. Let people congratulate you and love on you today. I love you and would never, ever, ever change loving you. I might change my responses to certain situations but that's in the past. My answer is always YES, YES, YES to you. Ask and it is yours. I still get to have a future with you. Have a blessed day today.  I love you.

I think I just lost my morning post....boo hoo

Another Day Finished

So you made it through another day.you prayed, you cried, you screamed, but ultimately, you made it. You didn't do it on your own, you walked with God, nd truly sometimes ody, you were literally carried. Glory to God. It"s over and you made it. God is good. Now to get through the night. I'm prayful that you are able to sleep. I know it's hard and you are always wanting to do more. You will tire yourself out but still not find rest. I pray that you stop that mind from racing. Find comfort in Jesus. Know that you need your strength during the day so refresh, renew, rejuvenate. Tomorrow is another day. I love you and I keep you close in my prayers and in my heart. Good night.

My Heart Mourns For Your Loss

Today was a trying day. Our family was wounded. Each and every member was affected. Our leader is hurting. My Love is hurting. I know you know the scriptures to say and the words that will reunite your heart and mind, but right now, it hurts.
Yesterday you received some of the worse news in the world for a parent to hear. One of their children is no longer here on earth.

How devastating that must be for you. I know you have had many people to give you solace and condolences. I Know that each and every one of them are truly sincere in their heart of  hearts that they love you and mourn with you.

I wish I could wrap my arms around you and just hold you for a very, very, long time. I wish things were different between us. I know that nothing is promised and that life is too short. We never know when our last day is upon us.

All I know is that what I can do right now to comfort you is to write some words on a blog that you may have a chance to read and find some comfort in. I am sure you are busy and exhausted. Just Having to think about planning and notifying and just moving forward one more day can take its toll on anybody.

What words do I say to comfort you. How do I let you know that I am with you. I pray for refreshment and insight regarding the struggles that you face. I include the struggles that we face. The graduates are facing some serious struggles. Their testimonies were revealing and true. I see it every day. Our community is under attack from the inside out. But as always we know their is someone who is to be praised and acknowledged as the King of Kings and Lord of Lord. All Things are Possible With God!!!

...Praise Be to the Name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons;
Daniel 2:20

What is my role in all of this?

T1 Corinthians 10:21-24 Today's New International Version 21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons. 22 Are we trying to arouse the Lord’s jealousy? Are we stronger than he?23 “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive. 24 No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.

When We Know Better...

Romans 13-14 Today's New International Version (TNIV) Submission to Governing Authorities 13 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. 6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Love Fulfills the Law 8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. 9 The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,”[a] and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”[b] 10 Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. Lord I know that I have made mistakes and I pray for forgiveness. I believe I am right in this matter but I will submit to authority on this matter and go ahead and pay. I won't fight it anymore. I know who I am dealing with andy know their power and authority. I will do what is right. Why do I have thoughts and feelings on times gone by as if they are the moments where my opportunity was presented and now I am lost. It's as if I was shown what I could have but I didn't believe it was possible for me so therefore I am denied, like the Hebrews who saw the promised land but were never able to enter it ecause of their unbelief. I see what could have been. I see times when situations could have changed my fate but I did something different. I am to be punished for my disbelief. I know that now. When opportunity knocks we can't be out back looking for a sign. I ask God for forgiveness. I know you mus be tired of forcing yourself to muster up faith one more time. I don't imagine we will see this in our lifetime, but the knowledge that it once was a possibility makes all the difference in the world.

Hello

Even though I am running late, what else is new., now I hear traffic is horrible, again,but in spite of everything, I have prayed and given God time this morning. I have read my bible and I am encouraged to build. Build a solid foundation. I have no idea how to do that but I will keep it moving towards that goal. I love you Lord. I am in love with you.

Amazing

I think you are an amazing man and I don"t say that enough. I often wonder how someone like you can want someone like me?how is it that I am even in your life as a consideration. I am blessed to know you.

Remember

Numbers 10:9 Today's New International Version (TNIV) 9 When you go into battle in your own land against an enemy who is oppressing you, sound a blast on the trumpets. Then you will be remembered by the Lord your God and rescued from your enemies. Lord I ask that you remember us. We re a sinful people. We make mistakes but we ask that you keep us close. Do not let our enemies harm us. Continue to remind us of all of the times that you have shown us favor, mercy and grace. We love you Lord and pray that you will not punish us forever.

My Commitment

Numbers 14:17-18 17 “Now may the Lord’s strength be displayed, just as you have declared: 18 ‘The Lord is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.’ I have to have fath in what God wants e to do. I can do what God believes I can do. I just have to be real about life. I thought I was but every day I have a different realization that lets me know I have not be as rea as I could be.what is being real anyway. I'm back to working on my problem aras. I'm tired of getting it wrong ad I want to do better. I refuse to just give up.

Missing Inspiration

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Colossians 4:5-6 TNIV I realize how much I miss the daily inspirational scripture. Whether it was speaking directly to me or not, I found worth in it every day. So while I too have a possibility to encourage daily, I struggle with the consistency. The daily need. Isn't that what I found treasure in? The daily contact. How to do it myself? I found myself not believing their was any worth. It didn't seem to make a difference. I need to rethink that now. Be blessed and be a blessing to someone.

Be Bold

Turning Believers into Diciples I like that saying on our banners and other things outsize. Progress is measured by our ability to accomplish a goal. Lord I wish, I wish, I wish... Be blessed today. Stay Encouraged.

Encourage

There is power and strength in numbers. Numbers 11:17 I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take some of the power of the Spirit that is on you and put it on them. They will share the burden of the people with you so that you will not have to carry it alone. Numbers 11:16-18 (in Context) Numbers 11 (Whole Chapter) Together we can move mountains. We don't have to do it alone. Thank you Lord for your guidance and love today. I'm strengthened by your love and commitment.

Love

1 Corinthians 13 If I speak in human or angelic tongues, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing... I have dreamed of you every night this week. I dreamed you were outside my window making bird calls, we were moving furniture together, and finally we were at some event, sitting together and talking about something that was so funny and engrossing we ignored everyone around us. You must be the love of my life.