One Word…

Sometimes it only takes one gesture, one action, one sign, one deed toward another to make a difference. It can be something that sets the whole atmosphere of the day. Just one thing that can change a countenance from being heavy to being a little lighter; from being cast down to being joyful and hopeful. Sometimes it can take just…

One Word.

It makes even more of a difference when it is not just a word, but His Word.

Psalm 107:20 states, “He sent out his Word and healed them and delivered them from their destruction.

In the gospel of Luke, chapter 7, the centurion soldier told Jesus that if he (Jesus) were to just say in a word, his servant who was sick at the point of death would be healed. It says that Jesus marveled at the faith of this man. When he returned home, the servant was well.

One Word from Jesus and a healing came forth!

One Word and a change, a transformation, a positive difference, a need met, a desire fulfilled.

We who believe are all extensions of who Jesus is and what He does. We too can offer out the good in all that we do in order to bring out the positive. He can work through our hands, speak through our mouths and he can love through our hearts. Whether in tongue or in deed, we can make a difference even with something as simple as…

One Word!!

By the same token, the person who gives out can receive in the same manner. Where there is a need, a void, a question, an attitude… one simple something can change that in the exact way it’s needed. Position yourself to receive. Don’t allow it to pass you by. That one something that can lift your countenance, your situation, your faith… catch it. And remember, it may just come in the form of just…

One Word!!

Dear God, my prayer today is simply that You send out a Word that would make a change for the better. Whether it is a need for healing, deliverance, peace, a financial blessing, a restored relationship, regained self confidence, forgiveness, strength to a tired body, courage in the midst of circumstance, order in the midst of mess… Lord, whatever the need send out Your Word. You’ve let us know in Jeremiah 1:12 that You watch over and hasten to perform Your Word; in Isaiah 55:11, You send Your Word out and it doesn’t come back void; it performs what You intend it to.

That’s my prayer today, Lord. Send out Your Word.

You are so powerful and mighty! Loving and kind. You even share Your miraculous ways with us. You’ve said as stated in Romans 4:17, to call those things that be not as though they were. You give us hope when it doesn’t look like there is anything to hope for. You send encouragement in ways that we would never expect. Those unexpected blessings and special moments are the best.

Thank You!

With so many issues in life, sometimes Father God, we just need a little reminder that it is going to be alright. Sometimes we need to know and feel that Your hand and presence is right there on the scene of our lives. Let us see the result of Your working; Help us to grasp and hold on to the assurance of Your faithfulness. Help us to recognize when it is You moving and orchestrating. Help us not to miss the little things or overlook the obvious. Bless Lord as only You can. Lift out of a trouble mind, situation or life something that will bring peace, joy and transformation for the better.

Lord, we don’t care how You choose to do it. We leave that up to You. Help us to just look to You and believe You can. Father, we accept it whatever it will be, however You choose even if it is in the form of only…

One Word.

If it comes from You, it would be all that we would need.

In appreciation, love and a faith filled heart, I pray, in Jesus’ name…Amen!!

 

Simply Believe…

Have you found that some things come more naturally than others? If we are generally healthy, we breathe rhythmically without any real thought. Same with blinking our eyes and swinging our arms when we walk. But when it comes to things such as cooking, gardening, math… those type things take more effort as well as at times outside help. Though, you are able to find people where those things do come naturally to them. They have a certain inclination and instinct to do well…naturally.

You can probably think of many things that don’t take much effort for most people, but there is one thing that has crossed my mind that is very important. One thing that I feel we tend to make more difficult than it really is, yet if done can change your world around. It can not only change your world, but it can change your life. That one thing is to…

Simply Believe!!!

Yes, Simply believe.

That is something we all can do. Actually, something we all should do. Must do. Yes, just…

Simply Believe!!!

I’m reminded of the account in Mark 9, where a father brought his son to the disciples to have what the Bible referred to as a dumb spirit cast out of his son. They were not successful so they brought the son to Jesus. In verse 22, the father explained the son’s condition then said to Jesus, “if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” In verse 23, Jesus answered him “If you can! All things are possible for one who believes.” It states the father immediately cried out, “I believe!” It then tells how Jesus healed and delivered his son. That is one account of many in the Bible where someone had only to believe and what they sought they received…even against all odds.

It’s not a magical formula, but more of a spiritual principle. It deals with your faith, your hope, your attitude, your resolve. It is a small gesture, yet carries great reward. Like the father cried out in Mark 9, “Help my unbelief!”

Lord, help our unbelief!” Help us Lord to…

Simply Believe!!!

Father it is in Your son, Jesus’ name that I come to You today. You have instructed us to do certain things in certain ways. Not to make it difficult for us, but because You know what’s best. There is an order to the way things are to be done. You have set it up that way and we are to follow. Help us to trust You Lord and not to question You. Help us to believe You Lord and not to doubt what You say to us in Your Word, by instruction of others, or even Father what You speak directly to us. You’ve stated believe and you shall receive. We have to be mindful that what we ask for has to line up with what You say and have already specified in Your Word. None the less, if we believe that particular thing can manifest in our lives and in the lives of those we pray for.

That’s so awesome Lord. Let our minds grasp that truth. But also remind us that because we are in a world that is dominated by worldly things and by the result of the original sin we will face those times where what we desire and would like to see just may not happen. But we can’t stop believing. We have to continue to…

Simply Believe!

Help us Lord, no matter what to simply believe. Believe You are there for us; Believe You are working things out on our behalf; Believe that through, with and by You we can accomplish great things in our lives and get through even the ordinary things successfully. Believe in what is good even though bad is present; Believe that we personally have something to contribute and have self worth regardless of what is going on around us; Believe the truths that You have provided for us in Your Word on countless subjects and issues of life. And most importantly Lord, just to Believe in You and the sacrifice of Your dear son, Jesus. Help us to believe in Your unconditional and unfailing love…no matter what. Let our belief in You fuel our thoughts, our hearts, minds, actions, relationships and life’s purpose. Let us be so much better than we were yesterday and will continue to be just because we…

Simply Believe.

Thank You dear Heavenly Father, for the hope You provide. And for the tangible evidence of Your love and faithfulness. We appreciate Your goodness, mercy and grace. We look forward to the great plans You have ahead of us for each new day.

Thank You. Praise You and give You all glory.

In Jesus’ name…Amen!!!

 

Sometimes You See It and Sometimes You Don’t…

Whether things are clear, straightforward, or somewhat obscure you have to move ahead. You have to keep producing, accomplishing, completing. It’s hard during those times when you just can’t see the good, the right, the success in a thing. When the benefit is not in sight, the motivation wanes. Yet, in life, you have to forge ahead. Purpose or no purpose. Drive or no drive. End in sight or no end. You have to press on regardless if…

Sometimes to you see it and sometimes you don’t.

Is that largely what faith is about? Believing, whether you see it or not. Trusting, whether you see or not. Going forward whether you see it or not. Holding on whether you see it or not. Whether you feel it or not. Whether you sense it or not. Just simply, whether or not.

Sometimes you may see it and sometimes you may not.

So what do you do?

I like to look at Abraham as an example and encouragement. In Romans 4, it talks about the promise of God to Abraham. A promise being something not yet obtained. It is something to be given. You haven’t received it yet. God told Abraham, He would make him a father of many nations through Sarah, who was barren…hmm. Abraham himself was 100 years old when God spoke this promise to him. A body which was described as good as dead in regards to the reproduction process and a womb that was barren. Two dead circumstances and a promise from God. An equation that equaled and resulted in the dynamic!! A miracle. A fulfillment. Life. How exciting!!

Romans 4:20-21 reads, “He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; and being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.”

Even in what it looked like, it stated earlier in the same chapter, verse 3, Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.” What rewards we’ll gain when we believe, when we trust, when we go forward in the thing we are in. Our attitude also plays an important part. No matter what let’s keep moving ahead, let’s not give in or give up. Let’s not become discouraged or loose momentum. Kick off what ever is weighing you down in thought, deed or gesture. Let’s continue on, knowing that the reward or benefit…

Sometimes you see it and sometimes you don’t.

Hang in there. Be encouraged. Keep advancing.

Don’t let anything stop you.

Dear Father, great and mighty in all of Your ways. You are so magnificent in how You are able to do such miraculous things. I’m so thankful that miracles still happen. You do just as many wonderful things today as You’ve done in times past. Encourage the hearts of people to continue to believe in You and Your mighty works. When we get sick, You heal us. When we need a way made out of no way, You’re right there orchestrating the divine intervention needed. You move on the hearts and minds of just the right people to move on the behalf of others to help and aid in certain situations they alone could not have handled. Awesome! When we need You the most, Lord and Father, You always seem to know just the right moment to step in providing just what we need.

Thank You.

Sometimes Lord, we don’t sense Your presence or Your move. It is not because You are not there, but more we just didn’t recognize what You were doing and how. You are always there for us. The seasons of our lives are sometimes difficult, but Praises to You, You always bring us through. You don’t waste any pain, hurt, difficulty or struggle. You use it all for good. May not seem like it at the time, but Praise and Glory You make things right and better. You make good to come out of bad.

We are all better for things we have gone through. We are stronger, wiser, more confident and at times ready and equipped to help another in similar situations. Lord, Your hand in our lives, sometimes we see it and sometimes we don’t. Help us to totally trust You. Help us to learn how to totally depend on You. Help us to truly know You love and care about us. You love us so much that You gave Your best to redeem us back to You.

Give strength to the weary soul. Supply motivation to a stale mind. Impart life into a dead existence. Renew a the sense of purpose into daily routine, happenings and events. Meet us right where we are and do what You need to do that we would not waiver or loose faith in the vibrancy of life.

Let us be filled with Your hope in what ever station in life we find ourselves to be. Help us to live on enthusiastically no matter what. Help us to stay strong and encouraged even when…

Sometimes we see it and sometimes we don’t.

We love and thank You Lord.

In Your son, Jesus’ name I pray…Amen!!

Look Closely…

Sometimes we think we see all there is to see when we “look” at a thing. Whether it is in the physical world or in the abstract at first glance or first thought, it may appear that we captured all there is. Yet, when time is taken and a little more effort is put forth we may be surprised at what lies in our reach, what detail may surface, what treasure may be found if we would only look a little closer.

Get in the habit to pause, focus in and…

Look Closely.

I was just in a beach area where there were black rocks not so much sand but shallow waters. Beautiful atmosphere. The rush of the waves as they crashed onto the rocks, the sound of the wind as it rolled the water into endless lines of ripples, the occasional bird flying overhead soaring in circles looking to find an unexpected fish swimming by, the patches of plant life along the shore… such beauty to look out and see. As I took in the view I thought I saw it all. I was satisfied and blessed with what my eyes beheld. But, then I decided to go out in the midst of the rocks and take a closer look where there were small pools of standing water. Oh, how delighted I am that I did! I’m so glad I decided to…

Look Closely.

Upon a closer look I saw beautifully colored and patterned fish. I also saw what I thought were rocks until they began to move and realized they were alive and swimming; I saw hiding places and peep holes of marine animals that pocked their heads in and out. What a fabulous sight as I paused, put forth the effort and took the time to…

Look closely.

In life that is what we need to practice in all areas of our lives. There is so much that we miss because we scan too quickly by and through what we are involved in or do. Granted you do have to force yourself to slow down or lengthen the time and focus on a thing. But the rewards are great and worth the added effort.

There comes a calm and confidence when time is spent taking a closer look. You have much to gain and nothing really to loose. Mistakes can be caught and corrected before going to far; Better ideas can be generated by exploring in greater detail; Certain issues or circumstances can be avoided; greater appreciation of the norm can be developed …all by taking a closer look.

Yes, try it, do it…Look closely.

There is scripture in the Bible that addresses a similar thought. Psalm 115:5-7a “They have mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see. They have ears but do not hear; noses but do not smell. They have hands but do not feel; feet but do not walk…”

So by all means, do yourself a favor and press in…

Look Closely!!

Receive all that there is in life’s situations and opportunities great and small! It’s all there for you. You just have to see it. Seize it. Make it work for you. Nothing wasted. Nothing lost. Appreciate and value it all. Yet, you won’t know it’s there until, you…

Look Closely!!

Dear Gracious Father, thank You for the ability to see, to hear, to perceive, to think, to speak, to comprehend….all the uses of our faculties. Lord, I just want to say thank You!! You created us in such a marvelous way and it is more than amazing all that we can do. We don’t even realize our full potential. You do Lord. Encourage our hearts and minds to go all the way in whatever You give us to do or give us to experience. Help us not to yield our thoughts and energies to the negative, to the I can’t. Lord, help us to reach out and grasp all that is before us. Stir up the strengths, the giftings, the talents and abilities that You have deposited inside of us. Help us to see the blessings and the good of things that are all around us.

Open our understanding. Bless us with the wisdom of Your Spirit. Help us to uncover treasure that may be beneath the surface of where we can easily see. We acknowledge You, Lord as giver of all things good and beneficial. You have our best interest at hand. You want us to be successful. You want us to take advantage of every thing that comes our way. Help us Lord God to look closely at what is in our reach and before us. Let us see the value in the details. There are so many blessings in the little things in life. The concentration of the little things sometimes make up the abundance or structure of the whole. Help us to grasp that.

In 1 Kings 19:11-13, Lord, You spoke to Elijah not in the power or loudness of the wind, earthquake or fire but it was in the still small voice. Help us to take notice of the small things, the not so obvious things, the things that don’t shout out for attention, but the things that quietly lay in wait for discovery. Praise You Father for the ability to be sensitive, intuitive and alert. Allow are attention to detail to always be active and present.

Touch every heart, every mind and every part of our being with the energy, resolve and patience we need to flow in the essence of our lives. Bless our surroundings, our relationships, our activities, our vocations, all that we are associated with and connected to. Help us to get out of our lives everything that You have destined for us.

Remove any distractions. Bring clarity to any confusion. Calm any disruptions and right any wrongs. Thank You Lord God for just being all that we need and more. Help our lives to reflect Your goodness and bring You glory.

We love You Lord, thank and praise You.

In Jesus’ name…Amen!!!

 

 

Countless Second Chances…

Amazing when you see, hear or experience something that just seems to stay with you. I recently heard a song with the phrase “countless second chances.” Oh, how that rang out in my ears and in the depths of my heart. I couldn’t help but acknowledge and thank God for all He has done and for all the times he has released to me…

Countless Second Chances!!

Have you ever experienced that? Time and time again, another chance to do a thing over or get another shot… Another word comes to mind that may sum it up even better: Grace!! Yes, I have surely had my share of God’s grace. His and the blessing of receiving it from other people. We receive blessings, forgiveness and favor from others and we too are be a conduit of the same to others as well.

When you really think of it, each new day is another chance to get things done and to get things right. Each moment holds an element of a brand new start. Fresh, vibrant, alive are each opportunities of all the moments to come. I recently read a quote by Joyce Meyers that stirred my spirit, “Don’t waste the rest of your life feeling bad about the part that you already wasted. It’s never too late to begin again.” Just grab what you have and go!! No matter what, just do better.

Thank God for His long suffering, patience and forgiveness. When we fall, fail or miss it, He doesn’t give up on us. We along with the enemy of our souls are the ones that give ourselves such a hard time. We waste energy on the bumps and pot holes in our lives that could be used to get up and get going again.

Praise God for His…

Countless Second Chances!!!

Dear Gracious Heavenly Father, You are so magnificent in all Your ways. You are so great and there is nothing that can compare to You, Your make up, Your love and mercy. You’re simply Awesome!! In all Your goodness, in all of Your greatness You still give time and attention to each of us. Thank You for those moments You gently touch our hearts and whisper to our ears and stir our spirits. Thank You for the times that You have to shake us a little for our own good. Everything You do, You do it for our good. You know what is best, even if we don’t see or understand, You stick to Your unfailing plan for our lives. Thank You.

Help us to totally trust You. Help us to believe what You have said in Your Word. Your promises are for us to stand on and receive. You know we need You and You have already made provision for that. Help us to continually pull on, strive for, and be led by Your anointing present in our lives. Equip us with the godly wisdom and knowledge we need to successfully make it in this life. Keep our hearts, minds and bodies strong alert and energetic.

Help us to realize with You we can do anything. Let us never give up, give in or get discouraged and not try. Help us to hold to and know that You always provide…

Countless Second Chances!!

Lord God, You are loved and worthy of all glory, honor and praise!

It is in Jesus’ name that I pray, ask these blessings and make these requests…Amen!!!