Jesus knows the answer

“…for as a [child of] God is… [we have the ability] to hear and discern good and evil.” (2 Samuel 14:17)

Those of us that call ourselves children of God have been given the remarkable gift of being able to discern (know) what is right and what is wrong within the realm of God.

Being a special child of God gives us so much wisdom and knowledge, because as we lean on, trust in, hope in, and believe in Him, with every ounce of our being, we can rest assure that He will let us know the right decisions to make, paths to take, and words to speak. 

Thank you sweet Jesus!!!

Get ready!

“Then David arouse from the floor, washed, anointed himself, changed his apparel and went into the house of the Lord and worshipped…” (2 Samuel 12:20)

You may be going through a rough time (mentally, physically, or both). You may be down, upset, angry, lost, lonely and scared.  You may feel like you are at wits end.  BUT, hold on my friend, this is precisely when your breakthrough is coming!!  So, keep getting up, washing yourself off, starting anew, because this dark and dreary storm is about to come to a screeching halt.

YES, today is a new day and God is just about ready to pull you up, out, over, beyond, and into something amazing.  So, hold on because God is here to rescue and exalt you!!

Our Intercessor

“Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness.  For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us…” (Romans 8:26)

We all have times when we are so internally focused on ourselves, that it’s hard to focus on God’s Word, leaving us to feel ashamed or guilty.  Well, there is no need to ever be ashamed if you call yourself a child of God!  He sent His Son to die on the cross for us, and selfish times are perfect examples of when He comes in an intercedes for us.  He has amazing grace and love for us, and He knows that we are nowhere near perfect. Once we realize that our selfishness isn’t working, that’s when we need to make sure to sprint back to God, seeking forgiveness, and being thankful His ultimate sacrifice for us.

Yes, those of us that call ourselves His child can always know that God is always right here to help, even when we don’t recognize it! 

Oh, how amazing is He!!

Thank you Jesus!!

You shall lack no good thing!

"Fear not, for I will show you kindness...and will restore you...and you shall eat at my table always...[even though you are imperfect and sinful]..." 2 Samuel 9:7,13

God gave David amazing abundance, grace and mercy, not only for his family, but for those less fortunate around him.  David was not perfect. No, he had moments of severe sin, pain and lack just like us. Well, thanks be to Jesus dying on the cross for all of our imperfections, we too can receive the full gift of God's amazing abundance, mercy and grace, for ourselves, our families, and for those in need.  

We, like David, are worthy of God's amazing abundance. Yes, we are worthy because those of us that know Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior can stand on the firm foundation that we are His children, and in spite of our lack, imperfections, hurt and pain, we believe that He will provide and heal all things, in all situations, and at all times of our lives.

Yes, it is OK to want, but it is not OK to fall into the worldly flesh to get it. No, it is time to know that our Mighty God will fill all of our wants and desires when He knows that we will be most blessed, leaving us standing in awe of who He is and what we are witnesses to.  

"This too shall pass" ~ Don't let go of Jesus

"This too shall pass." 

"Therefore, I will make merry [in pure enjoyment] before the Lord."

2 Corinthians & 2 Samuel 6:21 respectively

Attacks on the mind, body, and soul can leave us paralized with fear at times, (I know firsthand, as I am currently struggling with intense panic and anxiety attacks that come out of the blue), but if we keep drawing closer to God - rejoicing in all of our days - then, these trials will too pass. 

Therefore, let's press forward in God with joy and thanksgiving, having 100% faith that whatever it is we are going through will ultimately lead to an amazing blessing over our lives.

Relax

“… do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made know unto God.” Philippians 4:6

Enough said.

Be blessed today!

Fearlessness even in the face of death.

“…and as he ran [directly to his enemy] he turned not to the right hand or the left… [he] refused to turn aside…”

(2 Samuel 2:19, 23)

Whatever trouble comes our way in this life, we too can stand face first toward it. We have the Power – we have the Lord!

Stay focused on God for there is no need to fear! Even if worldly death is the result, God will raise us with Him, and once again we will live!  Yes, truly LIVE, alongside our mighty God in our new home called Heaven.  HALLELUJAH!!

Be YOU!

YOU ARE TOO IMPORTANT TO BE COMPARED TO ANY OTHER!

“For as is the share of him who goes into the battle, so shall his share be who stays by the baggage.  They shall share alike.” (1 Samuel 30:24)

No matter what we do, or who we are, we are each children of God Almighty; unique, important, beautiful, blessed, bold and confident.

Be proud to be who you are, because you are YOU! And without you, being YOU, someone lost in this lonely world may never get a glimpse of the true LIFE that shines within you.

Encouragement and strength

“…But David encouraged and strengthened himself in the Lord his God.” 1 Samuel 30:6

Thanks to Jesus, we too can say that God is OUR God – yours, mine, theirs…!!  He has uniquely made each one of us, so He is here no matter when, where, or how much each of us may need Him.

Need encouragement…strength?  Go to God first! None of us need any person, place, or thing to motivate us – God will do it all.  Run to Him with everything, all of your needs, and let Him fulfill your every (God approved) desire!!

Listening skills

“…He [the Lord] refused to answer… because  you [Saul] did not obey the voice of the Lord…” (1 Samuel 28:6, 18)

If we ignore the Lord’s voice long enough then He may just let us live in constant darkness and distress, facing the dire consequences of our actions all alone ~ life won’t be good.  YIKES…  I think it best that we listen to what He says, and do what He says to do! You?

If there is any sin going on in your life right now, and you know it full well, then take the bold step of faith and let God get you out of it.  He will, if you let Him.

Motives

"If the Lord has stirred you up, let Him...but if it is men ...[it won't be blessed] before the Lord... (1 Samuel 26:21)

Ask yourself these question, filling in the blank yourself:
Who, or why, did I make the decision to... (eg.; take the job, marry my spouse, invest in..., buy the..., say those words to..., treat 'so and so' like...)?

So, what are your answers?  Why have you, and do you, make the choices that you make?

Upsettingly, my answers to many of things I've done in life aren't because I was directed the Lord, they were (are; and because I'm not perfect, most likely will be in the future) because of my fleshly, selfish, and/or people-pleasing rationalizations. Wow! Yikes...not good huh?  Now I know why so many things in my life never worked out for my blessing. What about your life?  Have all of your actions been all backed up by God's amazing blessing?

Well, it is OK! I am, we ARE, children of the Most High God, and if we repent for all of our wrong actions, behaviors, and choices, and start asking God first, then our futures can be dramatically different then our pasts.  Yes, God should be the One we run to first, foremost, and always.  

Let's ask Him from here on out, following what He tells us to do! I just know, that I know, that I know that if we do, we will be first-hand witnesses to amazing things to come.

God always answers!

"So David inquired of the Lord...And the Lord said..." (1Samuel 23:2)
"Then David inquired of the Lord again. And the Lord answered..." (4)

Not sure about you, but I've sure wasted many years of precious time with my mistakes, dead ends, unfulfilled promises, sinful actions and consequences, etc. Yep, all these precious years wasted because I sought the wisdom of man before I sought the wisdom of God Almighty. What about you? How much time have you wasted? 

Fortunately, God's Word never lies!! He will answer us. Therefore, like David, He's the one we need to run to with every single one of our questions in life.

There's no more time to waste. Life is ever so precious and we need to experience the joy that God promises, to the fullest... So, let's do it by darn!

Well, speaking for myself, I'm not wasting any more of this precious life?  How about you?   

Yes, praise God! It is time to get it right the first time!      

Freedom

“…Do not remain in the stronghold [of the enemy]; LEAVE…” (1 Samuel 22:5)

You were not meant to stay trapped in any situation, sin, or bondage!  No, Jesus was crucified on the cross to save you from that.  You are free ~ free to live, free to breath, free to be amazing in Christ.

Christ died just for you.  Yes, YOU YOU YOU! So, for that reason, leave your stronghold(s) and live like the free child of God that you are meant to be!

Praise Almighty God!

Enemies

“Saul was afraid of David, because the Lord was with him…and Saul became David’s enemy.” 1 Samuel 18:12, 29

When we know that we know that we know that God is on our side, it can freak some out, leading them to turn their back on us.  So if it happens, don’t feel rejected, offended, upset, or betrayed. Instead, lift your head up high and know that the Light which shines through you is powerful, very powerful, and it is that Power which shines through you that intimidates the pants of those who haven’t yet let Christ become their Lord and Savior.

In essence ~ take it as a compliment.

Wisdom

“David acted wisely in all his ways and succeeded, and the Lord was with him.”

(1 Samuel 18:14)

Want an easy prescription for success, leadership, and confidence?

Easy ~ be WISE!

 

Wise:  Prudent, sensible, careful, alert, rational, intelligent, logical¹

¹(http://click.thesaurus.com/click/qxnxzj?clkpage=thes-home&clkmod=ttab&clksite=thes&clkld=0&clkdest=http%3A%2F%2Fthesaurus.com)

RAW FAITH

“…this day the Lord will deliver you into my hands…” (1 Samuel 17:46)

Man cannot save us; man-made weaponry cannot save us: ONLY GOD!!

God can, will, and is able.

Yes, victory is right in front of us! 

Therefore, like David, let’s step out in raw faith and take the victory that is ours through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

How God sees us.

 

“…for the man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)

When our hearts are right and we are working on our everyday flaws, fears, and phobias, then God will always be with us, making us shine brighter than we can even imagine. 

Do yourself a favor and just do what God says to do!

"...to obey is better than sacrifice..." 1 Sam 15:22

Otherwise, your fate may just end up something similar to this:

"...for you have rejected the Word of the Lord, and the Lord has rejected you from being king..." 1 Sam 15:23 

Yikes!! 

I think I'll just do myself a favor and do what God's Word says to do. 

You?

Indicision, indecisiveness, conflict, and change.

In the midst of indecision, indecisiveness, conflict, or change? Then, think, pray, and consider this:

"Stand still...turn not aside after vain and worthless things which cannot profit you, for they are futile and empty." 

1Samuel 12:16,21

Always consider what Jesus would do, and to the best of your knowledge and ability, do the same.

 

 

God is with you!!

"... for God is with YOU." 

1 Samuel 10:7

 

Let God IN!!

"If you are returning to the Lord with all your hearts, then put away the foreign gods [idolotries] ... direct your heart to the Lord and serve Him ONLY, and He will deliver you" 

1 Samuel 7:3

Another way to say it is, In order to be forgiven for our sins and have Gods favor over our lives, we must kick sin OUT and we must let God IN!! 

In case of sin...

In case of sin, do this immediately:

“…send it away and let it be gone.” 

(1 Samuel 6:8)

Whatever you need to get out of your life, then it is time to do it!! Whatever your sin(s), send it away – give it to God and let Him destroy it forever!! It’s time to stop!!

The Lords call.

“And the Lord called Samuel the third time…” (1 Samuel 3:8)

Feel like you’ve missed God’s calling on your life?  Stuck in a rut? Wondering what to do next? Well, fret not!  If you are a faithful child to the Most High God, then He will make sure that you know when He’s calling.  There will be little clues; words spoken through others; verses jumping out at you through His Word; tiny voices, your conscience, speaking to you over and over, and the list can go on and on.  It will be individualized just for you. But remember, it is up to you to remain completely open for God to work in your heart and in your life.

So, keep the faith, keep the confidence, and keep on moving forward ~ your time is approaching!

Strength

“…for by [one’s own] strength, no man prevail.” (1 Samuel 2:9)

The definition of Strength: GOD

It is not by your own strength that you overcome, it is by the power of Almighty God.  So, try as you might, you will never overcome until you surrender control to God – Our Victor in all things!

Breeding strength and honor to yourself and others.

"...for your daughter-in-law [Ruth] loves you [Naomi], who is better to you than seven sons..." (Ruth 4:15)

Living out the fruits of the Spirit ~ love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, kindness, goodness, and self control (Galations 5:22-23) - breed strength and honor, not only to yourself, but to those you love.

God is so good!! He will never fail you!

Living out the fruits of the Spirit

"The Lord recompense you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the Lord...whose wings you have come to take refuge." (Ruth 2:12)

Living out the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, kindness, goodness, and self control (Galations 5:23-23), will always pay off, GOD'S WAY; the utmost amazing, blessed way one could ever dream of, think of, or imagine.

Battles

“…the men of Israel took courage and strength…”(Judges 20:22)

…[they] inquired of the Lord…”(27)

…[and He said,] for tomorrow I will deliver them into your hand. “(28)

….[yes,] the battle was hard…”(34)

…[but] the Lord overtook them. “(35)

Ask God to lead you through, with power, as you face all of your battles.  Although they won’t be easy, He will fill you with courage and strength to fight, leading you to be victorious and glorified through Him ~ another step closer to the essence of life everlasting.

PRAISE GOD

The eye of God

“…The way in which you go is under the eye of God.” (Judges 18:6)

Whatever you set out do, behind closed doors or for all the world to see, God knows – God sees!

God knows your heart, your motives, your actions, and your plans. So, with that being said, watch out if they are anything less than pure, loving and righteous before Him.

Be an excellent person every moment of your life.

Surrendering into temptation.

“…For Samson did not know that the Lord had departed from him.” (Judges 16:20)

Giving into your temptations (which only satisfy for a short while) causes you to lose God’s favor, and, unfortunately, win Satan’s  glory - the last thing you ever want to do, unless destruction happens to be your choice.

Therefore, pray earnestly over your temptations before they happen, and when they hit you smack dab in the face, the Spirit of God will come mightily upon you, stopping Satan’s schemes right in their tracks.

You are mighty in Christ!

Mighty believers in Christ

“And the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him, and he tore the lion… and slew thirty men…” (Judges 14:6, 19)

Stand back, believers in Christ, because your strong faith, dedication, perseverance, boldness, and undying love in Christ, will soon exalt you into victories unimaginable by any stretch of the human imagination!! Praise God – hallelujah.

Stay blessed.