Getting through and making the most of it.

How many times have you found yourself in a situation where you tell yourself, "oh, if I can only get through this!" I'm sure it has happened more than once and will probably happen again. So I decided to look at this type of experience in a different way. I wonder what would happen, instead of resisting and trying to "just get through", just stop, and really experience what is going on. Are you feeling this way because it is something you would rather not be doing? Is it a situation of discomfort or stress? As you pinpoint the reason for the feeling, you can contain it to work through it. Everything is temporary, even good things, so no matter what you are experiencing, if you do it moment to moment, it gives you a different perspective on it. You know it cannot control you anymore, when you realize that it will not last forever. You can, then, let go of the imagined binds that it has on you. Enjoy each moment for what it is. You are alive and you are experiencing life. Take a deep breath and make the most of every moment.

It is how you look at things that matter.

What will you do with your gifts God gives you today? Each moment you live is a gift from God, given to you for a very specific reason. It may be for a moment of service to Him, it may be for a moment of rest to listen to His voice, it could be for a moment of enjoyment. Whatever you choose to do with your time is up to you. God wants us to be wise stewards of our time and to think of Him first, to see what He may want you to be accomplishing for Him in that moment. In this way, you will be fulfilling your purpose for being here. It is a wonderful, blessed feeling to know you have a special reason for being alive, that you are a very special part of God's plan. So remember to love, serve and glorify our God in all things each day. Then joy and peace will be with you all the days of your life! PTL

Job 22: 26-28

"For then you shall delight in the Almighty and you shall lift up your face toward God. You shall entreat Him and He will hear you and your vows you shall fulfill. When you make a decision, it shall succeed for you and upon your ways the light shall shine."

Praise God!

What is life really all about?

Is our life here on earth purely for the striving of enjoyment? Are we to work hard so that we may achieve alot? Or are we to try to live a humble existence in all we do, being content with what God provides for us? Alot of people work hard all their life, but by the worlds standards they don't really achieve much. So what does that say about our life's purpose? I think we are here to lead good lives within God's plan for us. Yes, to enjoy and be grateful for all God gives us, no matter how much or little it may seem to the "world". More importantly, I think God wants us to share, with others, all He does bestow on us. He wants us to share of ourselves, our time, our knowledge, and the love He has for all. We are to serve God by sharing the good news of His Son, Jesus, and our salvation through Jesus. In this we all have in common; God's peace, joy, and love are given to each one of us in abundance. No one who recognizes God will be left out. Every one's idea of success may be a bit different, but real success and happiness is found through Jesus and our eternal life with Him. This is everlasting and the only thing that goes with you in the end.

Ecclesiastes 3:13

"For everyone, moreover, to eat and drink and enjoy the fruit of his labor is a gift of God. I recognized that whatever God does will endure forever, there is no adding to it or taking from it. This God has done that He may be revered."

Seasons of Life

A seed is planted and grows as it is fed and watered

to bloom in the spring with fresh new life

to thrive in the summer sun

to shed the old and rest in the fall

to slumber through winter and grow strength

to continue to grow and change with each passing day

Always changing, always growing and flourishing with life.

Life is not meant to stand still. Nothing stays the same. Each day we have new experiences, we learn new things and as long as we are focused, we can apply them in a positive way to our lives. We can thrive and grow as we are nourished by God. Many times it may seem we are stagnating in a particular area of our life, and it may be that we are trying to shed some old to make room for new growth. In those times of fall and winter it is good to contemplate where you have been to make changes for the spring. Awareness in your seasons of growth will help you to stay on your path with God. Focus on your journey, strive to experience and learn all you can as you grow and bloom.

Keep moving forward on the path that you know to be right, the path with God. The temptations and distractions of the world are many, but the light of Jesus is brighter than any darkness. Follow Jesus. Don't look back. The truth is now, here in the moment. To do what is right in each moment is what God asks us to do. Don't worry about tomorrow and what might be. Focus on Jesus now. Life will always be right if you are with God. Sometimes it may feel that if you are not always trying to be successful and get all you want out of life, then you are missing out on something. But that is not seeing the true purpose of life. It's not always about the "big race" or "finishing first". It may be the encouragement you offer someone to help them through a tough time, or the sharing of Jesus' true love for us and the salvation He attained for us through His death on the cross that may be what God asks you to do. The gate to damnation is wide and many choose to take it as it is the easy way. Don't get caught up in the ways of the world that lead to that gate. Follow the light of Jesus, let your light shine from the mountain tops. PTL

Lord, You see my every step before it is ever taken; You know my thoughts before I do. In this way, Lord, as I surrender to You I can be sure my way is right. Sometimes I am at a tug of war within myself, what is this all about? What are You trying to show me? I cannot see; open my heart please show me Your way.

Balance What is most important in your life? This is a question to be contemplated, an action to be taken, as you have this one life to live, now. Are you rushing through each day to an unknown finish line? Or are you aware of all that you do to make sure you are doing what is most important to you? Yes, there are certain things that must be done each day, that is a given. It is how you do them that makes the difference. Are you being true to what you are doing? Are you living with the truth and honest conviction that what you are doing is what God would have you do? Or are you living in discontent and an attitude of negativeness? No matter what you do, if you are promoting well-being in yourself and others around you, it all works for good. If your heart and attitude aren't right, then it is all for nought. Ask God to help you, to show you how to change what you are doing, or at least how you feel about it. Pray for a grateful attitude of the gift of each moment and to make the most of it. Thank God for always being here to help. PTL Job 13: 27 " You watch all my paths, and trace all my footsteps."

As the wind blows so my soul goes free about the earth sometimes to the heavens as in sleep though my eyes wide open aware of feeling Alive not in a way known not to be seen only felt. What is "alive"? Are we not always alive or only spirit? Who is to say which is true to live or be alive...within and so the wind blows. ~m~ Job 12: 10 "In God's hands is the soul of every living thing, and the life breath of all mankind."

Ecclesiastes 12: 1-8 "Remember your Creator in the days of your youth; before the evil days come And the years approach of which you will say I have no pleasure in them; Before the sun is darkened, and the light, and the moon, and the stars, while the clouds return after the rain; When the guardians of the house tremble, and the strong men are bent, and the grinders are idle because they are few, and they who look through the windows grow blind; When the doors to the street are shut, and the sound of the mill is low; When one waits for the chirp of the bird, but all the daughters of song are suppressed; And one fears heights and peril in the street; When the almond tree blooms, and the locust grow sluggish and the caper berry is without effect, Because man goes to his lasting home, and mourners go about the streets; Before the silver cord is snapped and the golden bowl is broken, And the pitcher is shattered at the spring, and the broken pulley falls in the well, And the dust returns to the earth as it once was, and the life breath returns to God who gave it, Vanities of vanities, says Qoheleth, all things are vanity!"

Your journey with God is your own. Your purpose given to you by God is fulfilled by trusting in God to accomplish it. It is between you and God. Sometimes God may use others to encourage you along the way, though you should always pray for discernment in all that is spoken. God knows your heart and through spending time with God, you know Him too. You know His expectations for the way you live your life. So, it is very important to listen for God's voice at all times, before others. God would never tell you that something is impossible for you to accomplish, so never allow others words to raise the doubts in your mind. Set your focus on God and follow Him. It is not important what others think as long as you are doing right by God and yourself. Ecclesiastes 12: 13 "The last word, when all is heard: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is mans all, because God will bring to judgement every work with all its hidden qualities, whether good or bad." PTL

Why is it said that we "spend" our time? Is time something that we have purchased? Time is given to each of us as a gift from God; some of us have more, some less. I guess it is what we do with the time we are given that is important. Are we grateful for the time we have or are we always wishing for more? Are we wise stewards of our time, using it in service to God and helping others, or do we selfishly horde it to ourselves? All of these are questions that go through my mind as I live each day. Am I making the world a better place, adding to it, or am I just taking from it and using it? Ask God to help you to be a wise steward of the time He gives you. In that way you can be assured you are accomplishing all God wants you to. Then you will be filled with peace and joy as you show God that you are grateful for His gift of time to you. God will bless you by taking the things you do with your time and multiplying them all many times over. It will seem you have an abundance of time instead of always wanting more. PTL Luke 19: 26 "The moral is: whoever has will be given more, but the one who has not will lose the little he has."

Sometimes our challenges that we face seem like mountains before us; insurmountable at times. Sometimes we may avoid facing them because we just don't know where to start or we have the fear that it may not work out. Maybe the doubt goes through our mind to whether or not we can really do it...or we are afraid of failure. To me, there is no failure when you continue to try. God says we can do anything through Him if we believe that we can. When we trust in God, when we have faith in Him, we can move the mountains in our life. Anything we believe to be, will be. Don't put off doing things...don't postpone your dreams, your purpose, because of fear or unbelief. The doubt and fear are worse than the "stepping out onto the water." Trust God and believe that through Him all things are possible. Yes you can! PTL

I pray to serve God in all I do. If I am serving God, He will provide for me. God has reasons for all we go through. We only need to trust that He will fulfill His purpose for us as we surrender to His will. We can never give up, always keep our faith and trust in God as we go through our trials. Pray to not become discouraged and reach out to Jesus for help. He will show you the way and you'll know that it is the right way. Never give up, keep your faith in God. Romans 14: 22 "Use the faith you have as your rule of life in the sight of God. Happy the one whose conscience does not condemn what he has chosen to do." PTL

Prayer of the Humble Lord have mercy, in our humanness we are weak, nothing without You. Yet, You created us with such love. a love greater than we've ever known. All You want is our love in return. Though at times it may seem hard to let go of things that seem important though are really not at all, when You Lord, are all that really is. Forgive my selfish wants, of thinking of myself. when in every moment I am blessed. Blessed with the knowledge of You. I am so blessed. My love and gratitude to You, always, Lord. We can never be worthy, but because we are loved so much, we are forgiven. Share this knowledge with all you meet so others can have the peace and joy of the Lord within; the hope of eternal life. PTL

God always knows what we need. God is always here for me. When I am feeling all alone Before I send my prayer to Him, He knows my every need I feel His loving presence, His love, His peace so deep within my soul. There is nothing to compare. To our awesome all-knowing God Sometimes when we pray, God does not always answer right away- could be there is a lesson He wants you to learn, something he wants you to become aware of. Then when you least expect it, His answer comes. God is always present in all we do. Feel His love and His peace. All praise to You, my Lord!

Don't be afraid to turn the page in your life. When you close one door, God will always open another one. He wants you continually moving forward on your journey with Him. In service to God, there is not much sitting still. God's Spirit is continually moving and so must we be. We should always pray to be growing with Jesus; He is the living vine and choosing to walk with Him, we are the living branches. We can continue to grow, to reach out and accomplish His purpose for us. Yes, many times it is hard to close a door on a certain part of your life, but if you don't, it may hold you back on the things God has planned for your life. So look past your fears with anticipation of the good things God has planned for you; new, fresh, exciting and meant only for you. Accept God's gifts with gratitude and don't look back. Praise You Jesus. Ecclesiastes 7: 24 "What exists is far-reaching; it is deep, very deep, who can find it out?"

How do we know it is God's will? Often times as we journey with God, we may wonder if the choices we are making are according to God's plan for us. How do we really know? Well, if we are praying and reading God's word, we get the basic structure of what is right and wrong, but as for our "personal" purpose that God has for each of us, that is where the trust and faith in God comes in. God will put opportunities before us and then it is up to us to step out in faith and trust Him to lead us. I think sometimes God may ask you do do something to see how willing you are to surrender your will to His. If it turns out to not be the right thing, God will fix it to make it right according to His purpose for you. It may be the lessons in trust and faith that God is interested in seeing in you. That you are willing to lay aside all your wants and desires to follow Him. God will never abandon you as you step out into service for Him. God has given each of us special gifts to serve Him to make the world go around. It is our choice whether or not to follow Him. But if you use the gifts God has given you to serve Him, He will prosper the works of your hands. PTL John 5: 30 "Because I am not seeking my own will, but the will of Him who sent Me." Ecclesiastes 7: 13 "Consider the work of God. Who can make straight what He has made crooked? On a good day enjoy good things and on an evil day consider: Both the one and the other God has made, so that man cannot find fault with Him in anything."

Do you ever wonder why people are endlessly searching? Always searching for something. What would happen if you just stopped for a day, or even a few moments, and looked at where you were at, and thought, "I am happy and fulfilled, right now, in this moment" ? Then you really appreciated your life and everything you are, in that one moment; not to be endlessly striving for that next moment, that next accomplishment, that next excitement; just grateful for right now. Because....what if that next moment never came? What had you been doing in your moments before? Enjoying them and being thankful for them, or wishing for something different and not really living? Look...if you are living each moment of your life to the fullest, loving it, being grateful for all you have, and doing your best, you can be assured that your future moments will be prosperous. God will see to this. Don't live in the past, don't always strive for the future, be grateful for the present. God promises us abundance, love, peace, and joy and so much more when we walk with Him and praise Him in all things. Be grateful to God for each moment He gives you, as each moment you have is a gift from God. Ecclesiastes 6: 9 "What the eyes see is better than what the desires wander after." PTL

Jeremiah 17: 14 "Heal me Lord, that I may be healed, save me that I may be saved, for it is You whom I praise." Only God can truly heal. God created us physically, but also spiritually. He understands all we go through, He understands our pain. What does that mean? Our emotional and spiritual pain is hard to come to grips with, as it is difficult to "point to where it hurts". It is sometimes hard to even know the cause or where it is coming from. It can be a bit daunting, as to how deep it can possibly go. Where do you even begin the healing process? You begin with God. The Spirit of God is all-knowing, all encompassing. He can reach places within us that we don't even know exist. God will take you through the healing process one step, one minute at a time, making sure there are no areas left unhealed. He will fill you with His love, His forgiveness, His peace, each step of the way. You need to spend time with God for this to happen. You need to talk with Him and listen to His voice. There is much comfort and healing through God's word. There are many stories of suffering and healing in the bible, stories that we can all relate to as human beings; stories that are there for our learning and healing. We can draw courage and strength from knowing that God is always with us to help us get through whatever may be happening with us. We only need to make the choice to let Him. Let go, let God handle it. He is waiting for you to call on Him. He will help you; He will heal you. Jeremiah 29: 12-14 "When you call Me, when you go to pray to Me, I will listen to you. When you look for Me, you will find Me. Yes, when you seek Me with all your heart, you will find Me with you, says the Lord."

Take the focus off of "Me" Serving God through serving others is a good way to live, a way to not be consumed by "yourself" and selfishness. We need not worry about ourselves as God will provide for us, as believers in this fact. We do not need to chase after things of the world as God already has all our needs met. When you give of yourself, unconditionally, you see things in a whole new perspective. It is such a blessing to be able to help others through the power of God. Of and by ourselves it would not be easily possible, but when we remain in the presence of God He will show us the way to do it. He will show us how to be a witness to all the blessings He has ready for those who choose Him. He will make everything work for the good of all. Choose to walk with God and then watch Him work through your life. The exciting possibilities are endless of all the wonders you will see God do. I absolutely look forward to each moment with God! Praise the Lord! Ecclesiastes 5: 9 "The covetous man is never satisfied with money, and the lover of wealth reaps no fruit from it; so this too is vanity."

I have recently been thinking about how my life has changed in the last few years since I have been spending so much time with God in prayer and in His word. I have spent many hours alone with God, but it is something He knew that I needed. All my life I have prayed and believed in God; a few times I got very close to Him, only to drift away again. This time I wanted it to be different, and I know the choice is mine; to stay or drift again. I never want to be apart from God again. Life just means so much more and works so much better when you are with God. I have been trying to figure out how I am going to go back out into the world and this time, not lose sight of God again. The idea is a bit frightening and I suppose it feels a bit like what Peter felt like when Jesus asked him to step out onto the water with him. I know the only way it can be done is to take Jesus' hand and walk with Him always. Never let go. Because even though I am changed, through the grace of God, and I am saved through Jesus Christ, I still cannot ever do it alone. I need God each moment of my life and I always will. So the change will be permanent as long as I remain in God's word and through prayer always choose God first. He will show me what it is He wants me to do and when and how to do it. I have every trust and faith in God to know this is true. I received many confirmations on this through other Christians, that "yes" we do need to read and pray God's word daily. It has to be a permanent path, or you will drift away. So it means a whole change of lifestyle, but I do not have to do it alone. I only need to surrender my will, daily, to God and know that He will show me the way. I give all glory to God and I pray for all who are walking the same path as I am. I pray for the strength and perseverance to always do what is right by God, to fulfill His purpose for our lives. I praise you, my Lord!

Prayer for All in Need, You are not Alone Daniel 13: 42 "Through her tears she looked up to heaven for she trusted the Lord wholeheartedly." I was so afraid, I felt so alone I knew there was no one who could really help me Except God. I said a silent prayer within my heart the prayer was just a thought before I had a chance to speak God was here with me. Daniel 10: 19 "Fear not, from the first day you made up your mind to acquire understanding and humble yourself before God your prayer was heard." So many times...I had looked to others for comfort, to be there for me in times of need. I was looking in the wrong place. We must reach for God, always. He may not be "physically" here, but when God encompasses you in His love and peace, you will feel a warmth and a presence beyond compare. God reaches all the way to your spirit, a need no one else could ever fill, and when your spiritual needs are filled, you will be whole. You will find the strength to make it. God will show you the way. Ask and you will receive. PTL

My Inspiration I have found that it is God's word that inspires me. When I spend time with God in prayer and reading His word, it is then that He fills me with His Spirit and love to be able to write and create according to His will. It is at these times that I can hear His voice, to know that I am on the right path with Him, to be able to serve Him. This is when I am sure I am fulfilling my purpose He has for me. If I am apart from God, than I am, again, only wandering; only existing in a world that seems to make no sense. We each have a part in this plan called life, and each part has a purpose. It takes being with God to make the world go around. Someone once said, love makes the world go around. Well, in a way that is true, as God is Love. When we are with God, everything makes sense, or at least we can know that whatever is happening is fulfilling God's plan, our purpose. It is up to us to trust in God, to follow His ways and one day, we will understand. Thank You, Jesus. It is through the power of God, along with our faith in God that accomplishes His will for us. God will only do this for us if we have complete faith that He can do this for us. Mark 6: 4-6 "Jesus' response to this was: "No prophet is without honor except in his native place, among his own kindred, and in his own house." He could work no miracle there, apart from curing a few who were sick by laying hands on them, so much did their lack of faith distress Him." PTL

The crossroads of life; how many must I face? How often will I be unsure of my direction? Maybe everyday. God wants us, always, to look to Him for direction. If we get too comfortable where we are, God may give us a crossroad, a challenge to step out onto the water with him. In having these challenges, we realize how much we need God to accomplish His purpose for us; we realize that it is God's purpose and not our own. God wants to keep us on the path with Him and sometimes the path is more narrow then other times, it is more difficult to stay on. These are the times God uses to remind us of our need for Him. Be strong, face the journey with courage and the grace God gives us. God's purpose for us is a lot bigger than we can imagine, and as long as we stick with God, he will accomplish it for us. With God all things are possible. These are the things of our lives that make the difference, all things blessed by God. PTL Sirach 51: 29-30 "Let your spirit rejoice in the mercy of God, and be not ashamed to give Him praise. Work at your tasks in due season, and in His own time God will give you your reward."

When I am still, I can feel my heart beat, I can hear my slow breath, I can feel such peace. When I am still, I am aware of much more, if I just take the time to be still, I will know, my spirit will soar. In quiet times, I am at peace knowing God is with me. Sometimes God wants us just to sit and listen for His voice-slow down and be aware of His presence. So I do; I offer my time to God. I ask God to allow me to be a wise steward of my time, as I wait for His call to me. When I am unsure of what to do. I believe it is God asking me to just wait--wait. I don't have to be accomplishing something every minute. Sometimes I think we put pressures on ourselves to always be doing something. It's as if we are not staying busy, we may be considered lazy or unproductive. But no time is wasted when you are using it to get in touch with yourself and with God. No time is better spent, actually, then when you spend your time with God. Ecclesiastes 4:6 "Better is one handful of tranquility, than two with toil and chase after wind."

Let goodness be in your heart. We must never tire of doing good, of doing what is right, If we all pull in the same direction, the wheels of love and compassion can start turning; the Light of the world will shine through the darkness. All wrongs will be made right, love and peace will reign through Jesus Christ. Matthew 28: 18-20 "Full authority has been given to Me both in heaven and on earth; go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Teach them to carry out everything I have commanded you and know that I am with you always, until the end of the world." Thank You, Jesus

We fear what we do not know. To be rid of fear, is to trust and believe that God is always with us. He will never abandon us. We must push past any fear, in our life, that holds us back from accomplishing God's plan for us. How bad can it really be to take that first step, to push past the wall of fear? It is, actually, the "not knowing" that causes the most fear. This feeling that allows doubt and insecurities to cause non-action. Recognize the fear and then move past it. What is the worse thing that could happen if you step out in faith? No matter what the outcome, you will have accomplished the step in trusting and believing in God and yourself, and each time will be easier. These are the lessons we learn. God will affirm His promises in letting you know He is always with you, and you will be filled with the peace and joy in knowing that you are fulfilling your purpose.

The way you live your life is a direct reflection of how you feel about yourself and others. You can only respect others if you respect yourself. You can only really care about other people if you care about yourself. If you do good will for others, unconditionally, it shall then be done for you; God does provide. Take care of your spirit within you. Treat your spirit as the treasured gift that it is, the most precious gift from God through which He has given us everlasting life. After Jesus died and rose from the dead, God freely gave His Holy Spirit to dwell in all who accept Jesus as their Savior. Through God's Spirit all His works can and will be done. Be a person that accepts God's gift, then give back to God your love, your will to be of service to Him each day. You will be filled with joy, love, and peace as you live for God. He will always be here for you. Jude: 1-2 "Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James, to those who have been called by God; who have found love in God the Father and have been guarded safely in Jesus Christ. May mercy, peace, and love be yours in ever greater measure."

Do you care enough? It is great to have dreams, though what you do about them is what makes the difference. To me the word dream is sort of a passive word. It is when you make it into a reality, by moving towards it, that it becomes alive. It is really important to be passionate about your dreams and keep your focus on them. You have to see them and feel them in your heart, each day, to get you there. It takes little steps, daily, to reach that big step, and it most often does not happen over night. It takes courage to walk out into the big world and believe in yourself enough to reach for your dreams and you need to just do it. Dreams are special gifts from God, usually to fulfill a purpose God wants you to reach. It takes faith and trust in God to know that if God has given you these dreams, he will supply you with all you need to accomplish them. God believes in you, so, you should too. God wants you to use the special gifts He has given you and be successful and prosperous so as to glorify Him. It is your choice to use what has been given you, or just keep it on a shelf...for a later date...or when you have more time...or when you think you are ready.....and I am sure there are lots of other reasons to keep you from moving forward. Guaranteed, if you don't try, you won't succeed. It is not easy, I can tell you that for sure. Many times it is very challenging. But, there is no better feeling then to take that little step in faith, no matter what the outcome, just to witness that step. Then as you actually accomplish the goal of each little step toward your dream, you begin to feel the true power of God working through you as you push past all your doubts and fears. You then begin to grow as a person with each step toward accomplishing that dream. It will happen for you. Philippians 4: 13 "In God who is the source of my strength, I have strength for everything."

Will there always be something more? Will I ever feel as if I am doing all God wants me to do? Why do I feel as if I have not accomplished the purpose God intended for me? I once heard on a Christian talk show that if you had fulfilled God's purpose for you here on earth, you would no longer be here. I guess that does make sense. So then I pray, Lord Your will be done. When Jesus spoke, He spoke in mostly parables. Why was this? He said so that only the pure of heart, the hearts of flesh, could understand Him. The ones that thought they knew it all, who had hearts of stone, could not understand Him. The humble, the innocent and the meek, who were hungry for the truth spoken to them personally, could hear and recognize the truth that Jesus spoke. They did not hear with their ears or see with their eyes, but only within their hearts and soul. When you look and listen for God, do it with your heart. Pray for a heart of flesh to hear the truth. This is where God truly is. Many miracles take place where you may never think to look. They happen from within you, to change your heart and soul and then when this happens everything around you on the outside begins to change. This is when others around you can witness the great things God will do for those who have surrendered to Him.. Many cannot recognize the miracles, because their hearts have not yet been opened, but perhaps they are having the seeds planted in them by witnessing what God has done for you. It is your change, your renewal in spirit that is the greatest witness to our God. The way you live your life when God has done this for you is allowing the seeds to be planted for all those around you. Let the miracles shine!

Walking the path with Jesus is the opposite way of the world. When I look at life according to the world, I see a lot of ambition towards fulfilling ones wants and desires, for when the "me" is happy then isn't it true that all others can benefit from my positiveness? I see the attitude that to be happy,"the more I have, the better", is quite the norm. We all want to live in comfort, without being a burden to each other, right? Yet, when all is said and done, what are we really going after and to what end? Ecclesiastes 6: 7-9 "All man's toil is for his mouth, yet his desire is not fulfilled. For what advantage has the wise man over the fool, or what advantage has the poor man in knowing how to conduct himself in this life? What the eyes see is better than what the desires wander after. This also is vanity and chase after wind." Jesus sent His disciples out into the world with only the clothes on their back, telling them to stay with anyone who would accept them and their preaching of Jesus. They would receive all they needed through what God would provide through these others. So here it was, each serving the other, one spiritually, the other physically, all in service to God. How often do we open our homes, let alone our hearts, to complete strangers for the sake of Jesus? This is what Jesus did; He gave of Himself unceasingly, bringing healing and love and compassion to all who would accept Him. This was the will of His Father; this is the will Jesus has for us. This is the path with Him. Matthew 16: 24-26 "If one wishes to come after Me, he must deny his very self, take up his cross and begin to follow in My footsteps. Whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever gives up his life, for My sake, will find it." Matthew 11: 28 "Come to Me all you who are weary and find life burdensome and I will refresh you."

In service to God. When we serve each other, we serve God, as this is what God asks us to do. In serving each other, we promote unity and encouragement to each other. We need never worry about ourselves, as God has promised to take care of all our needs. In answering God's call to serve, we are allowing God to work through us to help each other. Following Jesus means giving of ourselves unreservedly with kindness and compassion. You need only to look to Jesus to know what your purpose is, as Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Jesus asks that we believe in Him and follow in His footsteps, then we shall have eternal life with Him. He asks that we share this good news with everyone.

To avoid judgment of others you should be aware of your thoughts and perceptions at all times. It is within our humanness to be ruled by our ego, which in turn breeds judgment of ourselves and others. Each person has their own journey with God, to learn God's truth, to discover their own way. We cannot say which is the right way, but only for ourselves, with God. God, alone, knows what is in each heart, and can then be the only judge. So, yes, this is the great human challenge, to love and accept ourselves and each other in non-judgmental way. Matthew 7: 1-2 "If you want to avoid judgment, stop passing judgment. Your verdict on others will be the verdict passed on yourself." Thank You, Lord.

God is our only judge. He alone is worthy of our love and trust. Only when you trust your heart and soul to God will you be saved; you will be at peace. Follow Jesus; listen for His call. Joshua 1: 9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Don not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Thank you Jesus.

True Caring- feel it in your heart- one person at a time. Take each person, no one is the same. Really look at them as a creation of God. See their own special qualities and gifts God has given to them. Each person has a special place in this world and when we stop and realize this, we would see things in a new way. We could look at everyone, not as just a lump of humanity roaming around, but an individual purpose in each life that is here to accomplish what God has put them here to do. We are to help each other; to encourage one another on our journeys, with kind words and love and service to each other. This is God's plan for us. 1 John 3: 16-19 "The way we are to understand love was that Jesus laid down His life for us; we too must lay down our lives for each other. I ask you, how can God's love survive in you who has enough of this worlds goods, yet closes his heart to his brother when he sees him in need? Let us love in deed and in truth and not merely talk about it. This is our way of knowing we are committed to the truth and are at peace before God." Praise You Jesus.

Hearing God's Voice. You have to make the choice, with an open heart, everything you are. Follow God with open eyes, to make sure all you do is right. God is always here for you, you never have to fear; to help you on your journey, to always keep you near. How do we know when God truly speaks to us? I believe each person has to answer that question themselves, within their heart. God has many ways to get our attention, we need only listen for His voice and be ready to step out in faith. Offer yourself to God, each day, to serve Him in all you say and do, and He will answer you. Take the journey that Jesus asks us to take with Him. Matthew 16: 24 "If someone wishes to come after me, he must deny his very self, take up his cross and begin to follow in My footsteps." Ecclesiastes 1: 8 " The eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor is the ear filled with hearing." All wisdom and knowledge come from God. listen for His voice. PTL

To share or not to share....We must put aside our ideas that others may not want to hear our stories. To share our stories of God's blessings in our lives will make huge differences in the people who we share them with. I know God wants us to shine our light to all, in love and encouragement. As you start your day, ask God what you can do on this day to share with people who are in your life or come through your life. Ask God what you can do to further His purpose for your life. He will answer these prayers and as He does, you will feel the blessings of following God's will and accomplishing what God has set before you. Life is so beautiful when you share your blessings with those in your life; it brings such joy to all and everyone can join in praising and thanking God for His kindness and love. I can't think of anything more fulfilling. This world is a really big place, but we can make it smaller and more united when we reach out to each other in love and compassion. There is no need to rush from moment to moment without taking the time to be grateful for God's blessings, if only in a thought or a three word prayer; "Thank You, Lord." "Praise the Lord"

We must lift each other up in prayer always; encourage each other on our journeys. This is God's will for all of us. If you really and truly want to know your purpose, God's will for your life, ask Him.....Just ask. Jesus tells us we must believe and have the faith and trust in Him for Him to work miracles in our life. Miracles can not be accomplished for those who do not believe. Surrender all to God and He will guide you; He most definitely will show you the way. Be convicted in this. Go out into the world with the passion and conviction of allowing God to accomplish what He put you here for, and watch the miracles flow. Praise God! Matthew 7: 7 "Ask and you will receive, seek and you will find, knock it will be opened to you." Matthew 13: 57-58 "Jesus said to them, "No prophet is without honor except in his native place, indeed in his own house." And He did not work many miracles there because of their lack of faith."

To have a friend, you need to be a friend. You can really only count on God, so ask God to bless your friendships and all your relationships. A loving friendship is a gift from God. Two people sharing time and interests, thoughts and dreams. You will know a good friend by the feelings you have of really caring how the other person feels, caring for the welfare of the other, being able to talk about anything, and knowing this person will be there for you through thick and thin. In the same respect, knowing you will always be there for this person, no matter what, makes the friendship genuine and complete. With God as the center of your relationship, it cannot fail. Sirach 6: 14-17 "A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter; he who finds one finds a shelter; A faithful friend is beyond price, no sum can balance his worth. A faithful friend is a life-saving remedy, such as he who fears God finds; For he who fears God, behaves accordingly, and his friend will be like himself."