Dream Big Dreams

 

 

Dream Big Dreams

Proverbs 24:3-4 …through Godly wisdom a house is built

Do you have a dream or a vision in your heart for something greater than what you have now? Ephesians 3:20 tells us God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above and beyond all we can hope, ask, or think. If you are not thinking, hoping, or asking – you are cheating yourself. You need to think big thoughts, dream big dreams, and ask for big things.

 

There is a gold mine of dreams, visions, abilities, and strength hidden in every life, but you have to dig to get to it. You must be willing to dig deep and go beyond how you feel or what is convenient. If you will dig down deep into the spirit, you will do greater things than anyone could ever imagine. 

 

 

Wear God’s Armor and Stand Your Ground

Wear God's Armor and Stand Your Ground

Ephesians 6:13… put on God's complete armor…

          When the devil comes against you, you must have on the complete armor of God if you are to resist the devil and do all God wants you to do.

          You must realize that what you do to overcome one crisis may not be the best way to handle the next crisis. The solution to your problem is not in a certain method or procedure, but in the power, God gives you to

          When you deal with a crisis, the key is not in your method but in unleashing the power of God through faith. So wear God's armor, stand your ground against the devil, lift up the shield of faith, and see how God will bring the victory!

 

5/25

Be a Blessing Everywhere You Go

2 Corinthians 9:9

          It is both good and scriptural to give to the poor - they should be one of your primary concerns. Look for people who are needy and bless them. Share what you have with those who are less fortunate.

          But it is also good to remember that everyone needs blessings – even the rich, the successful, and those who appear to have everything. What you buy or do for these people is not the real issue; they may not need the gift, but they need the love.

          We all get weary sometimes and need to be encouraged, edified, complimented, and appreciated. This can be done with words alone, but it is a nice gesture to add a gift when appropriate.

          Remember, God blesses you so you can be a blessing – not only in a few places but everywhere you go!

 

5/26

Discipline Your Thoughts and Words

Proverbs 18:20-21

          Troubles are a part of life, but God has provided a powerful way for you to free yourself of the worry and anxiety that normally accompany your problems.

          God wants good things for your life, but you must cooperate with Him by carefully choosing what you think and speak. By speaking negative words, you are inviting negative experiences, but when you speak positive, faith-filled words, you can expect to receive the goodness of God.

          Yes, times of trouble are inevitable, but it is during these times that you have the opportunity to discipline your thoughts and words, obey God, and exercise and stretch your faith. When you choose discipline, you are choosing life!

 

5/27

Stop Trying and Start Trusting

Philippians 2:13 ….God is all the while effectually at work in you

          Most of us desire the good life God has planned for us, but we recognize areas in our lives that need to be changed. Many times, you set out to make those changes, yet in spite of your best efforts, you seem powerless to make it happen.

          Trying to bring about change through your own strength and plans will always result in frustration. God is waiting for you to stop trying to change and start trusting Him to change you.

          If you need to make changes in your thoughts, attitudes, and behavior, understand that you cannot do it by yourself.

Spend time with God and ask for His help – after all, if He cannot do it, it cannot be done. But He can…...and He will!

 

Live a Balanced Life

Live a Balanced Life

1 Corinthians 10:31

As a Christian, you must balance your spiritual life with your earthly responsibilities. Some people have a “religious spirit” that causes them to either ignore their earthly tasks or to do them without joy. These people only feel approved by God when they are doing what they think are “spiritual” things.

          God wants you to learn that you can communicate with and enjoy Him while doing any number of earthly chores. He wants you to know you can talk with Him throughout the day as well as on bended knee. He is ever present and always available to fellowship with you and to help with your needs.

          It is good to set aside special times to spend with God in prayer and study, but you can also enjoy Him while you are doing other things. This way, you can enjoy life and God at all times, not just during “spiritual times”.

 

Watch and Pray

5/22

Watch and Pray

Matthew 26:41

          Suppose you knew your house was surrounded by enemy agents and at any moment they might break through the door and attack you. Do you think you would be inclined to stay awake and watch the door?

          What would you do if for some reason you could not stay awake and watch? Wouldn’t you make sure someone else in the family was awake and alerted to the danger?

          You need to be just as careful to guard against any potential attacks from the enemy of your soul. The devil is out to get you, and you must watch and pray at all times, asking God to help you when you feel weak.

          Ask God to provide the strength you need to overcome any temptation the devil brings your way. Guard your salvation.

 

 

Pursue and Seek Love...Trust God’s Ways...Stop Worrying

Pursue and Seek Love

1 Corinthians 14:1

          Developing a love walk, like the one displayed in the life of Jesus is like digging for gold. True Christlike love is not found on the surface of life. The Bible says you must eagerly pursue and seek it. This means you must go after love with all your might, as if you cannot live without it.

          You must learn all you can about love and familiarize yourself with everything Jesus and the apostles said about it. However, not only are you to learn about love, you are to walk in love, remembering to treat others the way you desire to be treated.

          Tonight, ask God to help you seek and acquire His kind of love – the love that can make a meaningful difference in your life….and in the lives of those around you.       

 

5/19

Trust God's Ways

Isaiah 55:8-9………my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways…

          Did you know a lack of understanding of how God does things can wear you out? If you do not understand His ways, you could end up fighting and resisting things, thinking they are an attack from the devil, when in reality they are an attempt by the Lord to work something good in your life.

          You know God does not do bad things. But sometimes you may fail to realize that everything that feels bad to you is not necessarily bad for you. Reminding yourself that His ways are not your ways will help you trust Him even when your circumstances are hard to understand.

          As this busy day comes to a close, just put yourself in the hands of almighty God…. And rest in the knowledge that He is good and knows what is best.

 

5/20

Stop Worrying

Matthew 6: 25, 27

          Many people worry about everything, including what they will or will not eat or wear, or what they will do if a particular situation occurs.

          Most of us have enough clothes, adequate food, comfortable house, and serviceable cars. But when things get tough and you are faced with situations that seem impossible, the devil says, "What are you going to do now?" The temptation comes to worry, but that is not the answer.

          God wants you to know that worrying does not add to your life – in fact, it will surely shorten it if you make it a habit.

          Your heavenly Father knows about all the things you need before you ask Him. So stop worrying and focus your attention on the one who is able to provide everything you need, and more.

 

Trust God and Don’t be Afraid

5/17

Trust God and Don't be Afraid

Exodus 14:13…...fear not, stand still

          All of us face times when we feel fear about doing a particular thing. Perhaps the Lord has prompted you to step out and do something, and the devil is trying to keep you from doing it. This verse provides a clear and simple solution: Fear not, do not run, and God will help you.

          Even if your knees are shaking, your mouth is dry, and you feel as though you are getting weak, just keep saying, "Lord, strengthen me. This is what You have told me to do, and with Your help, I am going to do it because it is Your revealed will for me. I am determined that my life is not going to be ruled by fear but by Your Word.

 

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Love Not the World

5/16

Love Not the World

1 John 2:15….do not love the world or the things that are in the world

          Many today are far too attached to the things of this world. Our society is filled to the brim with commerce - there are stores on almost every corner. And everyone is busy making money so they can buy more things. God wants His children to be blessed with nice things, but the Bible tells us not to love them excessively. It is important to keep things in their proper place. 

          If you use what you have to bless others, God will see to it that you have everything you need, and more. Therefore, your goal should be to enjoy the things God gives you and to share with others. This shows your love for the Father.

 

Let God Increase Your Strength...Trust God’s Timing

Let God Increase Your Strength

Isaiah 40:29 … He gives power to the faint and weary…

When I feel myself starting to get weary, I go to the Lord. I have learned it is better to keep up regular maintenance than to wait until a breakdown occurs and then try to repair the damage.

 

It is wise not to use up everything you have and totally deplete all you resources – physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. It is easy to get burned out from overwork or just being continually upset and frustrated about problems, especially when you focus on them rather than keeping your eyes on the Lord.

 

Do not rely on yourself and your own strength and abilities. God has promised to provide the strength, energy, and power you need to keep going. So Learn to relax more and allow the Lord to restore and renew you before you start falling apart. Come apart daily and spend quality time with Jesus.

 

 

Trust God's Timing

Psalm 31:14-15 …My times are in your hands

Trust requires you to place your time in God's hands, believing that His timing is perfect for all things in your life. Your human nature wants good things to happen in your life now- not later. But as you mature in the Christian life, you learn to believe for things not now, but in God's perfect timing.

 

Trusting God often means not knowing how God is going to accomplish something and not knowing when He will do it. But not knowing "how and when" stretches your faith and teaches you lessons in trust. Remember: Trust is not inherited; it is learned. Timing plays an important part in learning to trust God. As you experience His faithfulness over and over, you will give up trusting yourself and place your life in His very capable hands. What a wonderful place to be!

 

Remember God and Take Action...Don’t Exceed Reasonable Limits

Remember God and Take Action

Psalm 42:6 ….the burden is more than I can bear, therefore I will earnestly remember you

When you are down, the devil wants you to remember every foul, rotten, stinking thing that has ever happened to you and every shameful, detestable, despicable thing you have ever done.

God wants you to remember Him and sing praises to Him in the midst of your miserable situation. Remember you are a new creature; old things have passed away.

When King Saul was assaulted by an evil spirit, he took action. Saul called for David to come play his harp to soothe His troubled spirit (see 1 Samuel 16)

Whenever you feel your spirit starting to sink, you need to take action immediately. Do not wait.

Remember the Lord and the good things He has done for you – it will boost your faith and lift your spirit! Lift your hands in praise and your voice in song. Satan cannot defeat a worshipper.

 

 

Don't Exceed Reasonable Limits

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

          In today's world, stress is a normal part of every day life. God created you to withstand normal amounts of pressure and tension, and if you keep stress within reasonable limits, there is no problem. However, if you do not, the trouble begins.

          Many stressful situations are unavoidable, but too often you cause yourself extra stress by working too hard and too long, not eating and sleeping properly, and getting so involved in activities – even good works – that you exceed wise limits. If you keep adding to that mental and emotional stress, you get into trouble.

          If you are pushing yourself beyond reasonable limits, it is time to remember that the Holy Spirit lives in you. You owe it to Him and to yourself to let Him help you recognize and stay within your limits. Do not burn out. Burn on!

 

Remember God and Take Action

Remember God and Take Action

Psalm 42:6 ….the burden is more than I can bear, therefore I will earnestly remember you

When you are down, the devil wants you to remember every foul, rotten, stinking thing that has ever happened to you and every shameful, detestable, despicable thing you have ever done.

God wants you to remember Him and sing praises to Him in the midst of your miserable situation. Remember you are a new creature; old things have passed away.

When King Saul was assaulted by an evil spirit, he took action. Saul called for David to come play his harp to soothe His troubled spirit (see 1 Samuel 16)

Whenever you feel your spirit starting to sink, you need to take action immediately. Do not wait.

Remember the Lord and the good things He has done for you – it will boost your faith and lift your spirit! Lift your hands in praise and your voice in song. Satan cannot defeat a worshipper.

 

Don’t Exceed Reasonable Limits

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

          In today’s world, stress is a normal part of every day life. God created you to withstand normal amounts of pressure and tension, and if you keep stress within reasonable limits, there is no problem. However, if you do not, the trouble begins.

          Many stressful situations are unavoidable, but too often you cause yourself extra stress by working too hard and too long, not eating and sleeping properly, and getting so involved in activities – even good works – that you exceed wise limits. If you keep adding to that mental and emotional stress, you get into trouble.

          If you are pushing yourself beyond reasonable limits, it is time to remember that the Holy Spirit lives in you. You owe it to Him and to yourself to let Him help you recognize and stay within your limits. Do not burn out. Burn on!

 

Enjoy the righteousness of Christ

Enjoy the righteousness of Christ

Romans 4:24

          It is an awe-inspiring thing to realize you are in right standing with God simply because you believe in Him. Because Jesus who knew no sin, became sin, you are the righteousness of God. What a thrilling and humbling thought.

          But the devil does not want you to walk in the wonderful thrill of that reality. He wants to bring up all your faults and distract you from the joy of righteousness Jesus died to give you.

          Do not let the devil steal the thrill of your righteousness through Christ. As you prepare for a night of rest, spend a few quiet moments thinking about that matchless gift, and worship the one who made it all possible. Go to sleep thinking, “I am the righteousness of God in Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

 

 

Heed the Signposts

Isaiah 30:21

          Suppose you are driving along the road. In the middle of the road are lines. Some are yellow double lines warning that if you cross them, you run a high risk of being in a head-on collision. Some are broken white lines that mean you can cross into the other lane and pass the car in front of you as long as you are cautious and check for oncoming traffic.

          There are also signposts that give specific direction or warning: “Detour,” “One Way,” “Under Construction”, “Curve Ahead”. If you heed the instructions, you will avoid getting into an unsafe situation.

          The same is true in life. There are spiritual signposts that instruct us about how to stay under God’s protection. If you will heed these signposts, you will be able to safely remain on course. For example, always follow peace and you will be going in the right direction.

 

 

Love Man…..Trust God

John 2:23-25

          Jesus loved people, especially His disciples. He had great fellowship with them, traveled with them, ate with them, and taught them. But He did not put His trust in them, because He knew human nature.

          This does not mean He had no trust in His relationship with them; He just did not open Himself to them in the same way that He trusted in and opened up to His heavenly Father. That is the way you should be.

          Many times people form close relationships and depend on their friends to be there for them instead of looking to God. But you do not want to do that. Even in the best relationships, people will disappoint you because people are not perfect.

          It is right to love and respect others, but always remember that only God can be counted on to never fail you!

 

Don’t React – Stay Calm

Don't React – Stay Calm

2 timothy 4:5…...be calm and cool and steady

          If you struggle because of all the trouble in the world and in your life, and you get upset with people who are hard to deal with - here is the solution: Be calm, cool, and steady.

          When trouble starts in our lives, too often we tend to get upset, saying, "What can I do? What can I do? What can I do?" We immediately react in the flesh instead of seeking the Lord for direction.

          This seems to be the way of the world, and if we are not careful, we do what everyone else does. But God has a better plan for His children. Getting all upset and reacting emotionally does not help – it only causes more problems.

          So when trouble rushes in and interrupts your plans, be obedient to God – ask Him to help you be calm cool, and steady.

 

5/15

Give Until It Hurts

2 Corinthians 8:3 …they gave according to their ability and yes beyond their ability

          There are various levels of giving, and some are less painful than others. One way to be a giver is to use your material possessions to be a blessing. Giving away things you no longer want or use is good, but you should also give away new things, or things that have value to you.

          If you know someone who has been through a difficult time, go shopping for that person. Look for that special gift that seems just right. It will take time, and for busy people that is painful, but it is good to stretch yourself in new areas.

          Sometimes you may need to give away one of your favorite possessions – and that can be painful. But it is good to get out of your comfort zone and give until it hurts. Jesus gave His all on the cross for your sins. Surely, we can endure giving up mere worldly possessions.

 

Love by Giving...Live One Day at a Time...Change Your Focus

Love by Giving

1 John 3:17-17

Many people love things and use people to get them. But God intends for you to love people and use things to bless them. Sharing your possessions with others is one way to move love from the “talking about it stage” to the “doing it stage”.

 

God has given you a heart of compassion, but you choose whether to open or close it. There are hurting people all around you, and simple acts of kindness can make these individuals feel loved and valuable.

 

Do not just strive to have more prosperity; strive to excel in giving. If you do, you will discover God makes sure you have enough to meet your own needs, with plenty to give away.

 

 

Live One Day at a Time

Matthew 6:14….do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow…

 

Most of us have enough to handle today without worrying about tomorrow. God will give you grace for today, but He will not give you grace for tomorrow until tomorrow arrives.

 

So often people worry about something that never happens. When you begin to think about the “what ifs”, the door opens for fear and worry. Some people worry so much that their worries become fear, and often the things people fear manifest in their life.

 

Do not allow yourself to dread tomorrow. Just know that God is faithful. It is comforting to know that whatever tomorrow may hold, He holds tomorrow. His grace is sufficient to meet the need. Do not waste today’s grace by worrying about tomorrow. Live one day at a time and you will be amazed at how much you can accomplish for Christ.

 

 

Change Your Focus

Philippians 1:9-10 … sense what is valid

Paul prayed this prayer for the believers at the church in Philippi, knowing they could not have powerful, victorious lives unless they learned the real value of loving others. You too must make a true commitment to walk in love, which may require you to readjust your priorities and change your focus. You should have your mind renewed to what love really is. It is not a feeling you have; it is a decision you make – a decision to treat people the way Jesus would treat them.

 

          A true love walk does not come easily or without personal sacrifice, but the benefits are great. God will enrich your life like never before. Loving others is the pathway to true joy.

 

Are You Loveable?

Are You Loveable?

 

Romans 5:8 God proved his love for us

When you read the title on this page – Are You Lovable?  - you may have immediately thought, “No, I’m not!

I would have probably responded the same way before I came to understand the true nature of God’s love and His reason for loving me.

 

How can God love you as imperfect as you are? He loves you because He wants to. It pleases Him. God loves you because that is His nature. God is love (see 1 John 4:8). If He were otherwise, He would not be who He is.

 

God may not always love everything you do, but He does love you. His love is unconditional – it is based on Him, not you.

 

 

Expect a Turnaround

5/3

 

Expect a Turnaround

Genesis 50:20

This verse is part of the story of how God promoted Joseph to a place of power after his brothers had sold him into slavery. It is a great testament to God’s desire and ability to overcome evil with good.

 

Joseph’s brothers meant to destroy him, but Joseph became second in command to Pharaoh and was used by God to save not only his own family but many thousands of others.

 

Sometimes you forget how big your God is. Whatever may have happened to you in the past, you must understand it does not have to dictate your future. Set your faith and trust in God and watch to see how He will turn it around for your good. Rejoice! God has a good plan for your life.

Lift Up Your Eyes

Lift Up Your Eyes

Psalm 3:3 and the lifter of my head…

 

When you feel down, everything around you seems to fall apart, and you begin to lose your strength. Your head and hands and heart begin to droop. Even your eyes and your voice are lowered.

 

You are downcast because you are looking at your problems, and this only makes you feel worse. Sometimes you are tempted to say, “Oh, what’s the use?” and just give up. But God is waiting for you to lift up your eyes and look to Him for help.

 

Life will always bring discouraging situations, but you do not have to let them get you down. Despite life’s distressing circumstances, you can be confident in the Lord, the lifter of your head.

 

Lift up your eyes, hands, head, and heart and look not at your problems, but at the one who has promised to see you through to victory. Smile….it will lift your spirit.

 

 

You are Not Alone

5/1

You Are Not Alone

Psalm 91:14

God wants you to know you are not alone. Satan wants you to believe you are all alone, but you are not. He wants you to believe no one understands how you feel, but that is not true.

 

In addition to God being with you, many believers know how you feel and understand what you are experiencing mentally and emotionally.

 

As God’s child, you can claim His wonderful promises. No matter what you are facing or how lonely you may feel, know that you are not alone. As you meditate on God tonight, draw strength and encouragement from knowing He is always faithful and He will never forsake you.