Do The Hard Thing
Do the hard thing even when people don’t understand you. [...]
Your Gift Reveals Your Heart
Jesus had closely walked with His disciples for three years. He had been preparing them for His death and resurrection. He knew the cost of the gift He was about to give them and that they couldn't know its value until much later. But there was one, not obvious to the rest, who desired to give a gift that would cost her all that she had even before Jesus would give His. He would pour out his life for others while Mary would pour out her sustenance for Jesus. Both would be mocked, undervalued, and misunderstood.
You Have What It Takes
You won't be required to do what you aren't capable of doing. However, sometimes you're called to do what you think you can't do. Moses thought the people wouldn't listen to him and that he was insignificant and asked the Lord how. The Lord asked him a question in response. "What do you have in your hand?" He then successfully led millions of people to freedom with the rod that was in his hand. And God will do the same with you. You do have what it takes. There are no excuses. God has given you everything you need to be fruitful in this life and the next.
Just Pray
Prayer. Such a small but powerful word. And to access its power, you simply must do it. You want to do it. You know you need to do it. Your own spirit calls to you, asking you to do it. And it's the one thing that can actually change you and your situation. It is the one thing that can bring peace into your chaos. But it won't happen by itself. You must do it. Just as keys are only useful when you use them, so is prayer.
Is Fasting Really Necessary?
A brand new year often brings a desire for consecration for the Christian. We sense that we need to draw closer to the Lord or, in essence, rededicate ourselves to Him. We recognize the need for more of Him. For many, that consecration means fasting. Fasting literally means not eating food. I know it has become common practice to go easy on ourselves and say that we are fasting television or social media for a time. Though those things are good to do, they aren't fasting. Fasting means food.
You Will Still Be Victorious
The obstacle in front of you does not necessarily mean that God isn't with you. When God wanted to set His people free from the grips of Pharoah, He hardened Pharoah's heart to show His great power over the God's of Egypt, using the very plagues that mirrored the God's they served.
What The World Needs Now
An old song says, "What the world needs now is [...]
The Main Thing
In every circumstance and every situation, there is one determining factor that has the power to alter, change, restore, and make brand new. It alone holds power to manifest an answer where only questions abound. It is the single factor that set's you apart. This one element is the golden ticket, the treasure map, the compass of direction. The single key that opens every door tears down every wall, and defeats every enemy is the presence of God!
Miracles Come From Gratitude
Thanksgiving is a time when even those who don't regularly [...]
Work Your Favor And Use Your Gifts
Favor is a funny thing. It's not garnered because you desire it. It is bestowed for reasons only the one giving can determine. Jacob had 12 sons, but it was the 11th that captured his heart. Joseph was the firstborn of the woman he'd worked 14 years to marry. Because she remained barren for so many years, Joseph was not conceived until Jacob's old age. Finally, seeing the fruit of that love gave Joseph the favor that no other son could achieve. The giving of a gift showed Jacob's favor and affection. A coat of many colors.