Is it to be Understood, or to Understand?

When we take our eyes off our fears, our doubts, our struggles and focus on someone else's needs, we somehow forget our own, for a little while. In believing the power of God's promises for others, our confidence in His promises for us seems to grow as well.

Lord, Thank you for the power of Your Words that give me courage to become who You've created me to be - to go to places You're calling me to go and climb spiritual heights that are out of my reach without Your help. Give me Your encouragement today, and help me encourage someone, too. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Encouragement from Renee Swoop

"In helping others, we shall help ourselves, for whatever good we give out completes the circle and comes back to us." Flora Edwards

Daniel O'Donnell says it very well,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q660KO2hTD0&feature=related

Wisdom from the Psalms
Psalm 110:1
The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool
Prayer: Fill me with Your patience, Lord. When I see others receive rewards, help me to rejoice in their benefit rather than be bitter that I did not receive it. Amen.

Praise God in All Things

Would we appreciate Spring if we had never endured Winter?

Would we be in awe of the Butterfly if we didn't know of his struggle from the catepillar?

My ups and downs help me appreciate our Lord who never changes!



Often we need to have a terrible trial in order to remember what it means to be truly thankful. Our praise is from the heart when we have been in danger or discomfort. Bad situations help us to appreciate how good our lives can be. Even in trial, God reaches through to help us to a deeper understanding of ourselves. Praise the Lord for all the good things He has given, and know that He will rescue you from all perils.



Prayer:

In times of darkness, help me not to dwell on what is wrong, but turn my mind to all I have to be thankful for. Amen

Jesus Never Fails

A quote from Oz Hillman

Sometimes we need to be rescued by the Lord. When Peter walked on the
water, God was inviting him to a spacious place. He went beyond the
borders of his boat and ventured into a whole new world.

He didn't have complete success in his venturing out, but it was a process that
would lead him to the next victory in his faith walk with Jesus.

Sometimes failure is what is needed in order to move us to the next
level of faith with God. However, we must be willing to fail and let
God rescue us.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6-_jkYb1cc

Glory to God - Does Your Life Show It?

Follow my Example as I follow the example of Christ.

1 Corinthians 11:1

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A child's life is like a piece of paper on which every passer-by leaves a mark.

old chinese proverb

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I Want to be Just Like You, Lord

Lord I want to be just like you
'cause he wants to be just like me
I want to be a holy example for his innocent eyes to see
(learning from the father)Help me be a living Bible,
Lord that my little boy can read
I wanna be just like you
'cause he wants to be like me
http://artists.letssingit.com/phillips-craig-and-dean-lyrics-i-want-to-be-just-like-you-r6xf4l1

Thank you

Come and listen, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me."

Psalm 66:16 (NIV)

This day, I will notice the abundance instead of the lack. I will see the fullness instead of the decrease. I will run my fingers across words that mark His goodness to me and whisper the most important prayer I can offer: "Thank You."

I need this reminder, to come and see what God has done; to take notes on His goodness to me. I am so forgetful.

Read more at: http://proverbs31devotions.blogspot.com/

I also need to be reminded of the people around me that contribute to my wonderful life and never expect a Thank you. The Lord has put them in my life, He knows what I need.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzhFyNp3Ja8

Ray Boltz

A Joyful Noise

Psalm 95:1

O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.

The children are lined up on the steps to the altar. Their fresh-scrubbed faces shine in the morning light. Nervously, they swayed, twitched, and squirmed. The music began, and each child in turn joined in at a point of his or her own choosing. Some sang out boldly, others mouthed the words, while a few ignored the songs altogether and just waved and smiled at Mommy and Daddy. To call the presentation music was stretching the point, but to call it a joyful noise was right on target. This spirit of the children was joy and love, and the hearts of all present was captured quickly. The sound rose to the rafters, and beyond. The Lord heard that special choir, smiled, and said, "It is good!"

Prayer: Let the words of my mouth produce a joyful noise, acceptable to the Lord and glorifying Him in all ways. Amen

Your Attitude is Your Choice

“The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart.”
Luke 6:45, NIV

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A little old lady went to the mirror one morning and noticed that she had only three hairs on her head. As she looked into the mirror, she said, "I think I'll braid my hair today." That's exactly what she did. And, she had a great day.

The next morning, at the mirror once again, the little old lady noticed that she only had two hairs on her head. Looking herself right in the eye, she said, "Today, I think I'll part my hair down the middle." That's exactly what she did.

And, she had a great day.

The next day, as the little old lady looked into the mirror, there was only one hair on her head. She looked at that one lonely hair and said, "Today I think I'll wear my hair in a pony tail." That's exactly what she did.

And she had a great day.

The following morning the little old lady looked into the mirror and there wasn't a single hair on her head. Her eyes lit up, and she said, "Yeah! I don't have to fix my hair today!"

Your attitude is your choice.

taken from Your Attitude Is Your Choice by Michael A. Verdicchio

http://www.positivearticles.com/Article/Your-Attitude-Is-Your-Choice/23475

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Thought for the Day

Your home can be a place for dying or living, for wilting or blooming, for anxiety or peace, for discouragement or affirmation, for criticism or approval, for profane disregard or reverence, for suspicion or trust, for blame or forgiveness, for alienation or closeness, for violation or respect, for carelessness or caring. By your daily choices, you will make your home what you want it to be.

Carole Sanderson Streeter

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The state of your heart dictates whether you harbor a grudge or give grace,

seek self-pity or seek Christ,

drink human misery or taste God’s mercy

from Max Lucado

http://www.maxlucado.com/