Gain Apr. 13

 

                 Often. . . .You try to get ahead. Instead. . . get- a- heart, that which you have dedicated to the Christ. Any gift to heavenly Father, whether large or minor enhances the kingdom. Even tiny gift upon tiny gift upon tiny gift, given in true Love, will support the foundation of what was begun from the beginning. Count the gains of this world as loss by giving them away to the heavenly Father’s glory.

 

                 Prayer: Lord, help our vision stay directed toward your light and your love. Help us live the Resurrected life NOW.

 

Clear Thought Apr.12

 

 

           You can get so blinded by the attractions of the world that you see only through foggy lenses because you get distracted. Concentrate more on watchfulness. Seek clarity. Clarity is linked with your alert ability. Alertness comes by your permission. Ask for God’s Light that clears away the fog. Your spiritual lenses can be cleaned. The true perspective is to see through God’s eyes, the windows of eternity.

 

           Prayer: Oh Lord, I want to see clearly what you would have me be and do.

 

Self April 11

 

          One reason Heavenly Father sent his Son is to reaffirm a

Kingdom free from the trappings of self-centered rule.

We are a part of a new race of people. We are given strength to out-

love, out-think, out-hurt, out-give, out-live the finest worldly intellect.

We do this through humble faith and grace given by the Holy Spirit.

When the world says: Revenge, you say Forgive. When the world says reason only, you see through Jesus’s eyes. When the world says: Suffer, you say hope for Jesus’ sake. When the world says: Give in your own name. You say give for the sake of the Father’s kingdom.

           Then, your new wisdom will confound the intellects of the

world, and they will ask: “By what authority do you speak? And you

may then share God’s Grace with them. The Holy Spirit waits for you.

           Prayer: Lord, help me share who you are in every opportunity.

Earth Concerns Apr.10

 

                    With conscious effort, let go of worry about earthly functions. Consciously discover how to appreciate worldly things without the need to own them. Meditate on their individual beauty. A flower shows its individual beauty to anyone looking. To feel you have to own a thing tempts you to be possessed by it. Appreciate, then let go. If something holds you stronger than a kingdom principle, it may control you by blocking Jehovah’s path, slowing personal growth for you.

 

               Prayer: Lord, help us remove those false issues and possessions that try to consume us and control us.

Real Death Apr.9

 

           Must we come so close to Death? Must we really believe we will die and leave this earth before we can truly say: "God’s will is my will, not my will but God’s will be done?” There are many deaths in our life. We need to die to the false self that wants only what it wants. In a sense, even die to material blessings---give them away. Die to any one thing that separates us from learning and growing toward Yahweh.

Prayer: Lord, help me understand the little deaths every day I must face, so I can turn my full will over and live for you.

 

Sins Apr.8

 

           Evil [ backwards to L I V E ] has no omnipresent beingness like Jehovah. Evil disguises half-truths of the one negative being who wants you to think he is just like the true heavenly Father. Satan in nature [sin] wants to corrupt your nature. He and his followers try and constantly challenge you. Everyday sins that result from Sin-nature are actions that tell lies about the quality of life. Evil remains temporary in nature [comes and goes], faking a shallow selfish love. It leads to destruction of any clear, peaceful view of heavenly Father’s love. Jesus, the true Counselor, will bear your burdens. He covers all sin by his physical and spiritual sacrifice. He is the accurate one who maintains omnipresent ability, the constant work of the Holy Spirit.

 

Prayer: Thank you Lord, for conquering all negative forces in life and replacing them with your load-bearing love.

 

Miracles Apr.7

                 Miracles do not always happen ‘right now’. They often move over periods of your time---step by step---reaching for Jehovah’s holy conclusion. This example shows the constant perfection and consistency of the Father to work all things simple or complicated. Our minds are not large enough to see all, but Jehovah continues to make a moral universe that does what is right; it’s just that staggered human decisions chip away at God’s timetable. A mystery remains: He allows this.  But He still gives us a value intelligence, when we look to know what is right. And if we prayerfully ask, He protects us through His Son Jesus.

 

                 Prayer: Lord, I do trust that you work all things for your right purpose which includes us.

Genuine Love Apr.6

                 Trust…. Heavenly Father loves you completely….Still, when you experience emotional pain, like anger, it boils within you. It is a reaction. The Father’s Love-light fights against any darkness in you. What you may think is God’s wrath is His love showing you the weakness of sin. Your anger promotes hostile fear. It comes from missing the point. It comes from expecting the wrong things from God, like punishment. Jesus already paid for any anger you’re feeling. Divine love remains, no matter what!. Remember, divine love has an extra healing energy.

                 Prayer: Lord, thank you and help me recognize your calming love and care.

 

Power Apr.4

           Believe the fact…You have all the power you need. Remember, the actual scripture words of the heavenly Father have power to carry out what they say by putting into action what is said. The words are not just for information, although that happens. They are given for us to absorb and embrace emotionally, taking them into our lives so that the words start to read us! Watch what the Father has already achieved. Our job is to pay attention and plug-into what has already taken place in the Kingdom around us and then grow personally as new issues evolve. Let the kingdom of God ideas intermingle with your personal little kingdoms. God gives permission for you to rule over certain things.

 

           Prayer: Lord, help me understand the power of your words and discover any application to my life.

 

Forgiveness Apr.3

 

           Remember, that as a follower of Christ, you continually practice forgiving by actually living it. The life-action means you must concentrate on as much mercy as you do justice. This may mean you become more aware and practice more mercy, even to yourself. When depressed and allowing deep depression, you engage in too much judging of self and others. The judging feeling leads to despair. Despair promotes a hidden pride-attitude which blocks the opportunity for any forgiveness. Accept more faith in the One who unerringly delivers enough faith and forgiveness, at the same time!

           Prayer: Lord, help me today to see the bright side of your kingdom, moving along with events that drag us down.

True Listening Apr.2

 

Listening to another does not mean consent to all said. True listening means to wait and hear, and sometimes it’s a verbal machine gun of words, to give your presence the best you can.

Focus all your senses, then….

~Listen without correcting.

~Listen for another’s pain.

~Listen without envy.

~Listen without predicting.

~Listen without mental argument.       

 

Practice NOT wanting to have the last word. Truly hear another’s concerned story.

Prayer: Lord, help me listen to you first then shut off self-talk for longer periods and listen fully to others.

 

Generous Behavior Apr.1

           Heavenly Father encourages a generous heart---generous with spirit, generous in attitude, generous with thought, generous with time or money. Stop, think and consider. Design all your resources around the economy of giving because sharing is the avenue for Jesus followers along the Jesus Way. Generosity feeds the spark for the  light of God’s love. His light declares the light of wisdom. His wisdom lives in charity.

           Prayer: Lord, help me be generous, not only with money but with my time, any talent, and all I can give.

 

 

Death Mar.31

       Death is an invader. It can strike like lightning or be as slow as running oil. The way stays unpredictable. Death wants to suggest a painful reminder of your mortality. But Jesus knows the pain with you and has overcome it. We are strugglers together in the time of any particular uprooting surprise. Yet, after the frightful darkness, a healing light will break through. This will be a reminder that heavenly Father has overcome the Intruder. Heavenly Father stays merciful; on that you can depend. His light continually remains to slay the darkness because his love just makes a doorway from one light to another.

       Prayer: Lord, thank you for giving us beauty and life to     remind us you have overcome death.

 

How to Trust Mar.30

  

       What if a friend suggested to take you on an exciting adventure, but did not tell you all the details? The friend kept saying all expenses were covered. But as you traveled, you became anxious and afraid your resources would run out. But assurances were made. All will be all right. All was planned, just enjoy the trip.

       Could you let go of control?

       Your Lord Savior, Jesus, will remain your faithful friend. Learn to wait and trust for today. Continue your life journey as an adventure worth seeking.

       Prayer: Lord, thank you for the spark of life that makes the living of it worth the journey.

 

A Balance Mar.28

 

           In the Bible writings, located right after the book of Jonah, Micah 6:8 states: “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness,  and to walk humbly with your God?”  

           His justice is His mercy. His mercy is His Justice. There exists no contradiction. His love sees to that process. Communicating along with the Holy Spirit completes the link. Remember, as you speak to heavenly Father, take time to listen back. A true conversation is two-way.

           Prayer: Lord, help me balance mercy and justice by your ever-present guidance. We need more of your love.

Mystery of Disease Mar.27

 

Heavenly Father is willing that no one should perish, but still, He somehow allows disease.

           There are unique disease qualities. One functions more from the mind and creates attitude. So, a negative conditioning belief can create illness that comes from environment and circumstance. These are event illnesses.

    Other diseases of the body, like cancer, attack the very body structure.

Stupid diseases because they harm the very thing they live on.

Sometimes, these can be treated, if not cured, by medicines, surgery, or technology.

           Then there are combinations of illness which attack the mind, body, and spirit. These are so complex that often one area gets treated only to have another area weakened.

The confusing mystery is He allows but does not want anyone to be sick. Sometimes you may see a miracle or not. However, remember, when a cure does not happen as you thought, holy Father has given a final cure in the resurrection. Heavenly Father ultimately heals all disease.

….At times, God asks you to live in the holy tension and let mystery

stay a mystery. All things are in place to increase your faith, so you can reflect Him as creator. Heavenly Father’s ways are for growing a trust that He knows and does the best.

          

           Prayer: Lord, I will try harder to accept your way of healing in whatever form.

Messiah Mar.25

 

           Does Jehovah have needs? If so…His needs are different…Yet, we must consider He has different needs than ours, but some may seem similar. He is a kind of holy Solitude. We need solitude. He has companion. We need companion. He is love. We need love. Jesus is Holy Father’s affirmation. We need affirmation through His confirmation. We remain companions through the kingdom of heaven and earth. Walk and talk with him like a friend.

           Prayer: Lord, the one thing I know for sure is that I need you every day. 

Courage Mar.24

 

           There exists an unseen connection between all things. Heavenly Father knows all. For instance, many persons pray for you that you may not be aware of their praying. Trust in God’s connections. Treasures of the kingdom will come to you: Love, Hope, Peace, Joy, Assurance, Security, and Rest. Your courage, through freedom, can display God’s heart when you continually give away parts of yourself in His name. The Lord has planned your journey. Pay attention. Walk with Him.

           Prayer: Lord, thank you for offering courage in these struggling days.

 

All forgiven Mar.23

 

           The Lord Holy Spirit, flows through you, washing away the negative past, like fresh rain cleansing the surface of a road. Let the flow happen. Avoid soul blockage of past shame, regret, or guilt. All stays forgiven since you asked.

           Prayer: Lord, thank you for your forgiveness for the past and present.

 

Trustful Giving Mar.22

 

           Trust heavenly Father for everything . . . not just some of the religious things.

        Doesn’t a good parent make good ways for a child? Doesn’t a concerned parent give any concern, food, clothing, and shelter? Heavenly Father designed help through Jesus. He remains an all-knowing partner through all decisions. His love gives all. Learn to accept the gift.

           Holy Father improves quality of life, even your finances, when you direct all your resources [including emotions] into understanding His gift economy. That economy gives not to receive, but spreads enrichment because it is a gift. Work to arrange your finances so you can give unreservedly. Your motivation is not who deserves but holy Father’s generous nature growing in all you do.

           Prayer: Lord, thank you for all that comes from you.

Plunge Mar.21

 

      Stop and hear God’s word. Occupy yourself in his words, for they

 create power to put into action what they say. “And lo, I am with you

 always.”

           Make Jesus real while working any task. How do you make him real? Talk to him daily in your self-talk. Discuss with him every little detail, no matter how ordinary it may seem. Live his presence along with any daily task. Use your faith and KNOW The Holy Spirit stays your constant friend, always with you. He will help you with any work necessary.

           Prayer: Lord, thank you for the constant guide of the Holy Spirit.

Beauty Mar.20

           Because Jesus is a real person, he will help carry any load for you. You do not have to be the person who struggles alone. If you carry all your load by yourself ,you will become weary and will lack energy for good humor. When trying to bear burdens alone… a tree, a flower, a bird---all become just obstacles in your path. You will miss the beauty all around because of being tired and burdened.

           When you turn to Christ to help bear your burdens, then a tree reminds life of resurrection, a flower becomes the color of divine creative goodness, a bird produces the music of God’s creation.

           Give attention to the given Holy Spirit to walk alongside you in everything, and all of life becomes generous beauty.

           Prayer: Lord, thank you for reminding me to take pleasure in all the little things of your creation.

 

 

Remember Mar.19

 

           No other religion or celebration claims truth of the unlimited Grace the heavenly Father gives to any who would receive. Pride sneaks in to take its place whenever you start to feel heavenly Father’s Grace draining away from you. Accept His word that His graciousness is always available even when not recognized. Let the enrichment of His Grace warm you inside like sun on your face. You must trust.

           Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for without your Grace, we would be  totally lost.

A Parable Mar.18

 

           Think about the parable of the Sower in Mt. 13. Visualize some plowed dirt. Seeds fell in shallow dirt; the birds ate the seed. There are also rocky places holding shallow amounts of soil to catch a few seed. Some seed fell among thorn bushes, which choked out the good plants. But then some seed fell among rich fertile soil where good crops were produced. You need to ask: What makes the difference in the condition of the soil?

           The Holy Spirit gives Faith (strength), Love (joy and laughter), and Peace (openness) to plough and cultivate the soil-path for the way you live your life. . . You help cultivate your own soil.

           Prayer: Lord, may I create the right soil for even one good plant.

Heavenly Stories Mar.17

 

           If while in heaven, you had the chance to tell each angel a story of your good experiences and each would hear it as new and each angel could feel the experience, would you be able to share events that showed your best potential in Christ? Would those episodes prove worthy in eternity? What if you could see all the connections?

           A significant goal is when you can fully accept what you are potentially in Christ; this then begins the framework what you may actually become in heaven reality.

 

           Prayer: Lord, help me to think less of past experiences and move forward by setting my mind upon what I can become for the kingdom.

What is Right? Mar.16

 

 

           Any work to which the Heavenly Father commits Himself will be empowered by His  glory. Glory means He remains in a magnificent first place. Any work needs to answer the question: Does some work follow glory to heavenly Father or just to individuals only?  There often exists a divine principle: The greater a work’s true value to Jehovah, the less human recognition there will be. Any work becoming effective in the divine purpose must be conceived by the Holy Spirit who stabilizes the existence of Jesus, the Son… See the everlasting word in Eph.1: 11. 

 

           Prayer: Lord, help us remember to try our best efforts to stay in your glory which can honor your Son in any of our personal works.

Rare Patience Mar.14

 

           Because of your earthly, linear time that continues straight ahead, whether backward or forward, many prayerful desires or requests seem to linger by delays without answer. If your concerns diminish by delay or lose specific momentum, they may have entered a different time frame like that of heavenly Father or not have been according to the will of God in the first place. Heavenly values are not disregarded by your misdirection.

          

Prayer: Lord thank you for reminding me our time is not the same as your heavenly existence and time. Increase our patience.

Soul Need Mar.13

 

           Sometimes you hunger for an alone time, a time to float, collect yourself, silence internal thinking, internal noise of your everyday strivings. At other times, you wish for like-minded souls with whom you can relate and identify, those who create feelings of togetherness and community. When you have too much solitude, you yearn for community. When too much community exists, you thirst for some time alone. For your soul’s best stability, try to create a contentment by focusing on a deliberate balance. You choose the adjustments for helpful balance, but you are not alone.

 

           Prayer: Lord, through every day given, help me harmonize solitude and community.

 

Do Angels pray? Mar.12

 

           Some believe that good angels have no need for praying. And yet, they exist in a constant state of what you call meditation and attitude of prayer, for their complete will is to serve Christ and the Trinity, with any action that helps God’s creation, including humans. They may not have breath like you, but you should pray like you breathe. It’s done best when you set aside your personal will. Prayer is not just talking to Jesus but speaking and feeling Jesus as a friend.

           Prayer: Lord, help me with the will for the right constant praying.

Spiritual Hearing Mar.11

 

       Heaven is filled with angels and Christ followers with new songs. Stretch your spiritual ears to hear the harmony of the chorus. How? Do some action to shut off the physical senses and truly listen with your spirit essence. The music extends to your world in the spiritual realm. Heavenly Father wants you to hear the love, joy, and peace of heaven. Holy Spirit surrounds you with it while you’re on earth!

       Prayer: Lord, help me slow down and listen more deeply today, with my spiritual heart, in conversation with you.

Forward Motion Mar.10

 

           Jehovah, our heavenly Father, the great Creator stays interested in forward movement. His is the forward AMEN, the YES of life. When spending life, we have three choices: live backward, live status quo, or move forward. Backward means dwelling on past accomplishments or failures. THOSE ARE GONE. Status quo sinks in the present and goes nowhere. (Sometimes God will allow us certain sideways, lateral moves in status quo, but only so many.) Forward movement is needed and means making decisions about our present and future by interpreting solid Christian growth with a newer adventure, like striving for a new potential not based on circumstances. We are to seek spiritual renewal, spirit enrichment, or even just honoring God with every effort. The Holy Spirit wants to stretch your otherwise earthbound spirit into the best heavenly encouragement.

 

           Prayer: Lord, I know the present is yesterday’s future. I don't want to be stuck. Help me pay attention to the process and move forward in your kingdom goals.