Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

It’s so amazing when we look for a God encounter in someone else’s life, and all too often it brings us closer to seeing the challenges and flaws of our own heart. Just this week while talking to a friend I realized that I cannot do anything to build upon this friendship other than remaining Christ-like and reaching out to her as the Lord would have me too. This truly helped me to search my own heart and to see if there were any changes I needed to work on, if there was anything that I needed to surrender and confess before Him.

(Psalm 51:10 “Create in me a clean heart Oh God, and renew a right spirit within me”) 

Just knowing that our friend(s) or loved one(s) desperately needs a God encounter; we cannot ultimately make this happen; we must trust Him with the outcome.  It is by His Grace though faith that we have been saved, and the Spirit of God truly draws us to Him. What a precious gift this is! So I must step back and pray for my friend to have a true God encounter, one that will draw her close to Him and allow her to surrender life to Christ Jesus our Lord.

Dear Lord, I thank you for those precious times of reminding me that I too need a God encounter. A time to reflect and meditate upon Your Word; and a time to sit still before You. Help me to remain established, rooted and grounded in You daily that I might learn to walk blameless before You. Amen!

You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. (Galatians 3:26-29)

I’m a fan of the television show The Amazing Race. Each season begins with twelve two-member teams competing against each other to win one million dollars. They travel around the world performing tasks and stunts and most weeks any team is subject to elimination. It all comes down to their position to each other after completing the week’s assignment.

What a blessing to know that our position in Christ is not affected this way. We don’t have to worry about being eliminated from God’s Kingdom because we didn’t perform a particular task. Our position in Christ is assured.

As an heir, you have the full resources of God, available to enable you to live the life you’ve been called to in Christ. Unlike the television show, each one of us can run our race and win the prize. Be encouraged. Philippians 3:14 says, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

As you go about today’s tasks and obligations, think about your race. Each of us have a calling on our lives. Are you living up to yours? Because of Christ, you have everything you need to not only run your race, but to run it well. Your position in Him demands that you be committed to pressing on, even when times are hard. Keep your eyes on Jesus, live for Him and you will win the ultimate prize.

Bkessings,

Joyce

Psalm 139: 13-18

You made all the delicate inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they are all written, the days are fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them. How precious also are Your thoughts toward me, O God! If I should count them they would be more than the sand; when I awake I am still with You.

When we think about the handiwork of Almighty God, and how He knew us while we were still unformed. He fashioned us and created us to be His royal priesthood (1 Peter2:9) a chosen generation of sons and daughters. Created with a great purpose and plan! For in Him we move and have our being… (Acts 17:28) We are His offspring! Imagine that for just a moment. God chose the time frame we live in, the families we have (Psalm 68:6) and He equips us with every good work. This is something to shout about and give Him praise for today!

Lord, we thank you for creating us, for molding us, and setting us apart for Your kingdom purposes. We praise You for fashioning us after Your image, just as the clay is in the hand of a potter, so are we in the very palm of Your hands. We bless you today for Your goodness and sovereign will.  Amen

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

I can remember growing up as a little girl and frequently hearing my grandmother say, “If Jesus was crucified, why do we think we won’t go through things?” She was so right and what she said was the same thing we can read in scripture.

When things are looking particularly dark and I can’t see my way out, I have to remind myself that it’s only a temporary situation. We will all face trouble and problems from time to time, but Jesus says that we can take heart; we can have hope. We belong to Him and He has overcome the things of this world.

Whatever is going on in your life today, take heart and do not give up. The enemy wants to take you out, but you can stand on the Word of God and defeat him.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

Too often we give in to despair annd discouragement. We lose hope and give up the fight. That’s not what God wants us to do. Author and Woman of Faith speaker, Thelma Wells, just wrote a book that’s called, Don’t Give In, God Wants You to Win. As long as you have breath in your body, never give up, give in or give out. God wants you to win the fight against the evil one. And you can - with Jesus.

Blessings,

Joyce

Your presence amazes me;

Your glory surrounds me;

To think how great you are to me;

That you would touch someone like me…

It’s Your mercy and grace; You amaze me!

Those are the words to a powerful song that speaks of God’s presence in our life. When I think of all He has done in my life I am truly amazed at His mercy and His grace. Can you think of the times in your life when God has been so merciful and so gracious; that His presence was so strong in your life at that time? If but for a moment we would thank Him for His presence in our life, we could consumed with the understanding and compassion of His infinite mercy and grace.

He has redeemed us, He has called us by name; we are His and He is ours.

• Praise Him today for His endless mercy and grace in your life.
• Praise Him with all that is in you; for if we are silent, the rocks will cry out (Luke 19:40)!

Will you cry out for His presence to come and fill you, to fill your day, your home, your family, your city, or maybe your community? Spend time with the Lord and pursue His presence today, allow Him to speak to your heart clearly; for He will direct your path.

Psalm 16:11    You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Psalm 100:2    Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before His presence with singing.

Psalm 97:5      The Mountains melt like wax at the presence of the Lord; at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.

Psalm 140:13  Surely the righteous shall give thanks to Your name; The upright shall dwell in Your presence.

Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ. (Acts 5:42)

Every day we’re bombarded with how bad things are and how awful they will continue to be. I’ve just about given up watching the news because I refuse to focus on doom and gloom. Whatever we focus on expands in our lives. It’s one thing to be cognizant of current events and another to live your life based on what’s going on around you.

If there ever was a time that people needed to hear about Jesus, this is it. He is the only thing that can keep us when our world seems to be falling down around us. It’s up to us to remember that if we want peace of mind we have to remember that Jesus is our Provider and Sustainer. There are those around us who need to hear that, as well as those who need a reminder. Use every opportunity to tell somebody the good news - Jesus is the Christ - and He is in control.

Look to Him for deliverance.

You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. (Psalm 32:7)

Never forget that He is your hope.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

Situations may look impossible but God specializes in the impossible. Turn off your TV or close up your newspaper, if you need too. Open up your Bible, read the good news of Jesus Christ and tell somebody!

Blessings,

Joyce

Nehemiah 1-7

Nehemiah was a cupbearer to the King and began to do great things for the God.  

• (1: V. 11) O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man. I was a cupbearer to the King.

Just after this Nehemiah goes before King Artaxerxes, and asks is he can return to the city of Judah where his fathers were buried so that he may rebuild it. That was vision! Here it not only pleased the King to do this, but he sent him with an Army of Officers and a Calvary as well. That is total favor!

Nehemiah departs on his journey and begins to inspect Jerusalem’s walls, and begins to gather builders of the wall. The workers are fatigued, there is great opposition by others as well as strikes and attacks by others. Nehemiah did not give up even as when the threats came his way, he prayed and sought God and stood firm!  He was committed to the work he was called too; and saw it through with favor amongst every plot from the enemy being frustrated by the hand of God. Restoration came as the wall was rebuilt and we must believe there was a hope restored with the people of this day that linked together to restore the wall.

You may be experiencing a rebuilding of the wall experience in your own life right now. If so, do not be discouraged when it seems like a flood is brought against you. Trust in God, and lay hold of the vision He has given you for your life, and/or your family. Do not be intimated by the schemes of the enemy or the voice of defeat.  Lay hold of God’s promises and begin to speak them daily. He cares for you!

This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24)

Every day you’re given multiple opportunities to improve your life or the lives of others. You get to decide what you will do with those opportunities. You have the ability to experience peace and joy depending on how you decide. It comes down to your attitude.

If your attitude is that you will give praise to the Lord no matter what your circumstances, chances are you will use every opportunity the Lord has blessed you with each day. On the other hand, however, if you begin each day with a negative outlook, not expecting anything good to come out of the day, you’re only wasting the opportunities God has given you.

The wonderful thing about your attitude is that you are the one who determines whether it will be positive or negative on any given day. Do you expect each day to offer unlimited opportunities and possibilities? Or, do you expect the worst and see only doom, gloom and calamity everywhere?

If you want to experience the Lord’s peace and joy, expecting the worst will not help you. As you face the challenges that come your way, don’t be discouraged. Instead, focus on the promises of God. When you do, you can expect the best that God has to offer.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. (2 Corinthians 4:8-9)

And our God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. (Isaiah 26:3)

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall. (Psalm 55:22)

Blessings,

Joyce

Luke Chapter 2 is filled with HOPE, POWER, PROMISE, PROPHECY and WISDOM just to name a few. We begin the chapter with Christ’s birth, Circumcision and Jesus being presented in the Temple.

Looking to verse(s); 25-35 Simeon is a just and devout man waiting for the Consolation of Israel (preparing for the Coming Messiah) and the Holy Spirit was upon Him. Simeon sees first hand God’s salvation as he takes Jesus in his arms and blesses them. What HOPE, what POWER, and what PROMISE!

I am especially drawn to verse 36-38 as I personally love the name Anna (meaning: gracious), and this short story of a devout woman of God; Anna bearing witness to the Redeemer; an 84 year old widow who did not leave the temple, but served God with fasting and prayers night and day. What dedication, what faith, what power she exemplified giving thanks in this verse’ speaking prophetically of the Messiah.

This was true PROPHECY!

Now turn to verse(s); 41-44; Mary and Joseph traveled to Jerusalem every year for the Feast of the Passover (the feast which commemorated the children of Israel’s deliverance from slavery in Egypt). While on their return home this year they did not even notice that Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. Unable to find him they returned to Jerusalem searching only to find him three days later sitting in the midst of teachers listening to them and Jesus asking these teachers questions as well. What WISDOM he was given by his Heavenly Father. Leaving Jerusalem that year Jesus grew in wisdom, stature and received favor with God and men.

It astounds me to read this chapter this time every year as we prepare our hearts for the Passover of the Lamb. It is so symbolic for Christians to celebrate these first fruits, the life, death and resurrection of Jesus the Christ. Take time this Passover to reflect upon these precepts and see what Christ means to you, your family and your neighbors. Teach them the importance of this message of hope, power, promise, prophecy and wisdom. Maybe even have a Seder (Passover meal) of your own with your family, neighbors and friends. What a time of year to celebrate our Savior! Worthy is the Lamb that was slain on our behalf, our Lamb that takes away the sin of the world. (John 1:29)

Shalom!

And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.”

Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. (Hebrews 12:5-11)

Have you ever disciplined a child or watched as a parent did? Parents discipline their children all of the time. Why? Do they enjoy it? Do they want to cause their children pain?

Absolutely not. Parents discipline their children because they love them. They want them to learn and grow. It’s part of a parent’s job to protect their children and discipline teaches them that there are rules and boundaries that they need to follow to be safe.

Like a loving parent, God also disciplines His children. He wants us to live and not die. We sometimes make bad choices and then have to face the consequences of our actions. But, don’t be alarmed if you have to go through a time of discipline. Remember that it means that you are God’s child and He loves you enough to give you exactly what you need, when you need it.

Blessings,

Joyce