2 Cor. 4:7-12 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.

We have a treasure that comes from God and not from us; it is a precious jewel. While this treasure can be hidden in the depth of our heart and often times needs to be stirred by the Spirit of God.

• One may ask where is this precious treasure today that the Lord has placed within me?
• Is it active and moving according to His will?
• Is it focused on things above and not things that are carnal (earthly)?
• Is it walking in line with the word of God’s truth?

Many times while in meditation and prayer I find myself at the foot of the cross looking back to where the Lord has brought me from, I think upon His never ending mercy and compassion; the jar of clay He is molding me into at times can become cracked, but through the pressures of life I persevere and He remolds me and remakes me. This morning we may be asking where is our treasure. What is in this jar of clay? Am I focused upon You Lord God or am I too busy tending to matters that matter not?

Dear Lord, as we begin a new day, may we regain focus of who You are in our lives. May we put to death the things that are not pleasing to You and bring to life the things You desire for us? Teach us to walk in love though we may be hard pressed we are not crushed. May we find that sweet precious treasure You have placed within us and not abandon it for the sake of the cross. We bless You and love You in the Precious name of Jesus. Amen!

Father, may You forever be praised. Help me to abstain from anything that would take me away form You. Fill me with Your presence and help me to be a living example of Your love, grace, and mercy. May my life be a reflection of Your faithfulness. Protect my thoughts and hold me in Your arms for You are my strength, and My Redeemer. This I ask in Your most Holy name. Amen!  (Anonymous prayer)

These words were in a prayer book and they are both comforting to read, and pray. Just thinking about God’s love, grace and mercy makes one really think about His Redemptive plan for our lives. The Lord’s never ending faithfulness to hold us up, protect us and be our strength daily. Do we truly abstain from the things that war against our soul? Are we living a life honorable and pleasing to our Heavenly Father? As we glean from His word today, may our thoughts be turned to the Lord and may we find rejoicing in His presence.

(abstain: refrain or stay away from; decline; forego; to give up; to renounce; hold back from doing)

1 Peter 2:11, 12 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. (Revelations 21:4)

Think back to the time you first made the decision to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. It may have happened recently or maybe it was so long ago that you have some trouble remembering that time in your life. Whenever it occurred, I’m sure you felt incredible joy and peace, knowing that one day you would spend eternity with Christ. That’s one of the consequences of our salvation.

Salvation does not mean that we will have an easy time here on earth. It also does not mean that God will say yes to every prayer request. However, one day we will live with our heavenly Father for all of eternity.

No matter what things look like today, we know how our stories end. The time will come when we will spend every day singing, praising and worshipping God. Does that mean that you have to wait to get to heaven before you will have joy again? Absolutely not. We have a Father who blesses us every single day with what we need and many times with what we desire.

So, if you find yourself in a hard place right now, know that as a Believer you have a promise. There is a day when, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

Blessings,

Joyce

Psalm 118:8 “It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man.”

Taking refuge in the Lord rather than trusting in man is such a comforting thought and verse for today. At times when we can see a literal storm brewing in the skies, thunder clapping, lightening bolts tornado warnings, flood warnings and many other natural events. Unfortunately, many may experience different storms in life, and they can be so intense that lives are not comforted by anything other than coming to throne of God. These life circumstances can only help one to find refuge and shelter under the shadow of Almighty God. When we come to the end of ourselves and can only look up, that we must: LOOK UP!

Psalm 57:1 “Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.”  

Seeking God’s refuge during these times in life are not last resorts, but life’s source to peace, health, happiness and a hope in trusting Him to never leave or forsake us. You are not abandoned, but you are loved by a loving Father and He gave His only Son Jesus Christ so that you may have an abundant life, free of pain and fear. He is not as an earthly father may be to some, one who may have abandoned, abused or forsaken you. He is one you can find complete refuge in if you but place your life in His hands.

Psalm 71: 7  “I have become a marvel to many, For You are my strong refuge.”

If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior, would you consider coming to the foot of the cross today and accepting Him as your Lord and Savior. 

Psalm 34:8 “Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.”

The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise Him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him. (Exodus 15:2)

Do you know anyone with a big ego? One thing people with big egos have in common is Edging God Out of their lives. They act like they are the center of the universe. They honor self and not the Creator of the universe.

Two characteristics that people who Edge God Out have are:

(1.) False pride

(2.) Toxic fear

When a person’s heart is ruled by pride and fear, they become self-serving and self-protecting. They have an attitude that it’s all about me. But, it’s really not - it’s all about God.

The only way to get rid of a big E.G.O. is to replace pride and fear with love. Perfect love casts out fear. (1 John 4:18) Then anyone can move from Edging God Out to Exalting God Only.

So, how’s your E.G.O.?

Blessings,

Joyce

1 Peter 4:11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Definition: The state or quality of being able; physical, mental or legal power to perform, a competence in doing so with skills and talents.

At times we may experience a BIG question mark with abilities in our life. Do we have the ability to use our skills in order to succeed as a wife, mother, daughter, aunt, grandmother, co-worker, friend, and sister; just to name a few? Do our abilities enable us to follow our dreams and plans so that we are living a life that is faithful and responsible to God?   Do we use the gifts and talents as woman so that God would be honored and glorified?

God’s grace is sufficient and He does give us the ability in each and every situation. So if we are weary today and tired because we sense that all of the gifts and talents God has blessed us with seem futile, trust Him so that we may accomplish all with excellence. God will lay out the plan and though it may seem difficult at the time do it with His strength and ability. He is able to see us through it all. Walk with the understanding that His ability will sustain and keep us.

Isaiah 40:31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Lord, You have graciously given me the ability to accomplish so many things and I praise You for that. May Your Spirit be my guide in each situation and may I continue to give You all praise and glory no matter what it looks like. I place My trust and hope in You today! Amen…

The will of God will never take you
Where the grace of God cannot keep you,
Where the arms of God cannot support you,
Where the riches of God cannot supply your needs,
Where the power of God cannot endow you.

The will of God will never take you
Where the Spririt of God cannot work through you,
Where the wisdom of God cannot teach you,
Where the army of God cannot protect you,
Where the hands of God cannot mold you.

The will of God will never take you,
Where the love of God cannot enfold you,
Where the mercies of God cannot sustain you,
Where the peace of God cannot calm your fears,
Where the authority of God cannot overrule for you.

The will of God will never take you
Where the comfort of God cannot dry your tears,
Where the Word of God cannot feed you,
Where the miracles of God cannot be done for you,
Where the omnipresence of God cannot find you.

Everything happens for a purpose.
We many not see the wisdome of it all now,
but trust and believe in the Lord
that everything is for the best.

-Author Unknown

Blessings,

Joyce