Remember Differently

Philippians 3:13-14

One thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

INSPIRATION

Forgetting past pains is not always easy to do, but it is necessary in order for you to move on. If you can't forget completely, then try remembering differently. If you can't forget how bad they hurt you, or how hard the economy has affected your finances, or whatever it is that you keep looking back on; then remember differently. Remember that through it all, God still kept you! Last time I checked, you can't press and look backwards at the same time so today, remember differently and move forward.

After The Storm, Be Grateful!

Psalm 103:1

Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

INSPIRATION

By now, hurricane Irene has left the area and many of us have begun to dig ourselves out of our homes. As we assess the damage, some have lost a lot and some experienced minimal damage. Some lost power, cable, internet, and even the ability to leave their home. Yet, through it all, we can be thankful for the important things we didn't lose. What this reminds me to do is that even during turbulent times, not to lose our praise! While we experience shaky moments in our life, remember who is still in charge! God is still worthy of our praise because today, we can still find a reason to be thankful. So let's clean up the mess, help our neighbors and most of all, and remain grateful!

“Don’t Tell Everyone Everything”

Luke 12:3

What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.

INSPIRATION

The reason why most secrets end up getting out is because sometimes, the shock of your own secret catches you so off guard, that you can't help but tell someone about it. AND, as much and as often as you say, "Don't tell anyone," that same shock value is still in effect and will be told to others, and others, and others! Today, you better be sure that whatever you can't keep to yourself, is something that will not come back to haunt you in the days to come. My advice, tell it to Jesus who you know will not tell anyone!

Love Supports Everything

Psalm 94:18

When I said, "My foot is slipping," your love, O LORD, supported me.

INSPIRATION

It is God's love which lifts you when you can't feel love from anyone else. It is God's love which brings us out of darkness when the light cannot be found. It is God's love that touches you every morning to wake up and achieve goals beyond your imagination. Today, allow God's love to support you in all your decisions. Even if you feel yourself slipping, know that your support is standing right there waiting to catch you.

I am Strong!

Romans 8:26

The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.

INSPIRATION

When our faith, hope, and joy are shattered by circumstances in our lives, it can make us doubt who and where God is in the midst of our storms. Even when our head is down, the Spirit of the living God continues to give you enough strength to wake up every morning, lift your head to see another sunrise, and reach for new opportunities to get your smile back. Don't worry if you don't have the words to encourage yourself right now. Allow the Holy Spirit to intercede for you. Then, day by day, your smile will get stronger. Today, know that while you are weak, He is making you strong!

After You’ve Done All You Can…STAND!

Isaiah 40:8

"The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever."

INSPIRATION

If you're feeling unsure of what is dependable, reliable, or even consistent, try God! Cell phones, cars, and other gadgets that we love so much can let us down, break apart and attempt to defeat our souls; but standing on God's word affirms in you that wherever you stand or go, the ground you land on will always be solid. Today, stand firm on His word and remain confident in all that you do.

Safe In His Hands

Psalm 73:28

But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.

INSPIRATION

The safest place to be when you find yourself at a crossroad is a place where you and God cannot be interrupted. Whether you are making decisions for your business, job, school, or even your church, consultation with God is always secure, confidential and will always lead you in the right direction. Today, rest your decisions in God's hands and when it's all revealed to you, don't forget to tell others about where God has brought you from.

Little becomes Much

Habakkuk 3:17-18

Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.

INSPIRATION

There may be times when it seems impossible to praise God when everything around you seems so dark; but always consider that your situation is probably still better than someone else's. As opposed to concentrating on your entire have not's, consider reflecting on all your possessions and begin to thank God for just the little things. Little blessings turn into big blessings when you begin to praise God!

Like A Good Neighbor, Jesus Is There!

Deuteronomy 31:6

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.

INSPIRATION

Before leaving your children with a babysitter, the last bit of information provided is how to get in touch with them in the event of an emergency. Well, like parents who want their children to feel safe even when they cannot see them; God wants us to always have this assurance as well. No matter where you are or how far you travel, remember, He's always right there! Know how to reach Him in the event of an emergency because "Like a Good Neighbor, Jesus is Always There."

Incline Your Ear

1 John 4:1

Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

INSPIRATION

While the economy continues to seem hopeless and jobs are harder to find, life will present all kinds of tricks and treats to throw you off your Christian walk. Be careful in these weak moments not to listen to just anybody, but remain in constant communication with God so that you can always identify Him from the false prophets. Today, incline your ear to hear only Him.

Experience Is A Good Teacher

Titus 2:1

You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine.

INSPIRATION

When we were taught the "Lord's Prayer" or "The Ten Commandments" or even "The Apostle's Creed," in Sunday School, they weren't taught to us for us to just memorize and not apply them. These beliefs that we recite are the law and provide discipline to our daily lives. Now that we are adults, we must apply God's law and stick to it to create a barrier that the enemy cannot penetrate. Sticking to sound doctrine leads to a well disciplined lifestyle.

Stay Faithful

Hebrews 11:11

By faith Abraham, even though he was past age -- and Sarah herself was barren -- was enabled to become a father because he considered him faithful.

INSPIRATION

As long as you remain faithful to God, He will be faithful to you and answer your request. Remember, our timing is not God's timing so it will never be too late to get the victory out of a situation. Stay faithful; it's on its way!