Keep your heart open.

"... and the Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said ..." Acts 16:14 AMP

Ask God to keep your heart open to the voices around you.  I believe that too many words are ignored or discounted when they, in fact, could be the words God wants you to hear in order for your breakthrough to come to pass.  

So, ask God to let your ears hear what He wants you to hear, and when someone speaks words that touch the depths of your heart, then that may be your clue to act upon them. 

We are all equal in Christ.

"And He made no difference between us and them, but cleansed their hearts by faith (by a strong and welcome conviction that Jesus is the Messiah, through Whom we obtain eternal salvation in the kingdom of God)." Acts 15:9 AMP

POINT TO REMEMBER:  You are no better than another, and another is no better than you.  Therefore, stop comparing, judging, condemning, gossiping, complaining, and belittling ~ we are all one in Christ.

Shake the dust off - move on

“… But [the apostles] shook off the dust from their feet against them… And… were continually filled [throughout their souls] with joy and the Holy Spirit.” Acts 14:51-52 AMP

If you find yourself constantly trying to prove yourself to someone, then maybe it’s time to let it go and focus on just being you; move on!  Sadly, some people will never be happy no matter what you do for them, so stay focused on your life and doing your best, and let God take over and do the rest.

The presence of the Lord.

“And the presence of the Lord was with them with power…” Acts 11:21 AMP

When you enter into God’s presence with faith, hope, love, patience, thanksgiving and praise, His power becomes yours, and when His power becomes yours, the world better step back… God’s child is coming!!

You are not the judge!

“… God has shown and taught me by my words that I should not call any human being common or unhallowed or [ceremonially] unclean.”  Acts 10:28 AMP

Just a reminder: 

You are not the judge – God is!

 

Make your bed!

“And Peter said to him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ (The Messiah) [now] makes you whole.  Get up and make your bed!...” Acts 9:34 AMP

Jesus died so you can live – Jesus died and made you whole!  Therefore, get up, (wake up, be the strong man/woman in Christ that you were made to be), and clean up your life!! Do what needs to be done so you can stop living second best; you are God’s child, you are a conqueror,  you are alive, you are able, and you have the Spirit – you need nothing more.  Therefore, stop wasting time in self-pity, misery, and the like, otherwise, you soon may find yourself at the end of your life wishing you had more time to do things differently.

 

Do you understand the Word of God?

"... Do you really understand what you are reading?" Acts 8:30 AMP

Blessed are you because you take time to read and learn the Word of God!  However, do you find yourself confused, lost; not fully understanding what you are reading?  If so, don't worry, we all do!  The Bible can be confusing, especially when are minds are going a hundred miles an hour with all the issues of life.  However, understanding is yours  - all you have to do is ask.  Ask, first and foremost, the Lord, and He will give you understanding, and/or He will lead you to ask someone that does know, and can explain it to you.  God wants us to fellowship with other believers, so if you feel confused over scripture, listen to God, He'll do one of three things: explain it to you, lead you to a situation that will clarify what He is saying, or lead you to someone that you can fellowship and learn from.  

Yes, it is OK not to understand everything you read, because that's where the Spirit can really come in and personally lead you to people, signs, miracles, and understanding, which not only will bring you understanding, but will bring you one giant step closer in your relationship with Jesus.

Obey God, not man.

“… We must obey God rather than men.” Acts 5:29 AMP

No need to say more.

The Cornerstone

This [Jesus] is the stone which was despised and rejected by you, the builders, but which has become the Head of the corner [the Cornerstone].” [Ps. 118:22] Acts 4:11 AMP

Careful of who you reject, cast down, or ignore, because, you never know, they may be the One, or the one sent by Christ, to be just what you need to survive this life of yours.

 

In the name of Jesus, walk!

“… in [the use of] the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk!” Acts 2:6 AMP

We cannot sit around being helpless, fearful, afraid, and broken in this life; we cannot sit around being a, so-called, victim any longer!  Yes, bad things happen to all of us, some much worse than others, but we must keep moving, walking, forward… Jesus died a terrible death just for us to do so!  Therefore, whether baby steps or leaps and bounds, WALK!!  Yes, WALK - and move forward into the good life that Jesus died for you to live.

He is at your right hand.

“… He is at my right hand that I may not be shaken or overthrown or cast down [from my secure and happy state].” Acts 2:25 AMP

Just like David testified in the Bible, you, too, can confidently, truly, faithfully, and fully know that the Lord is with you – right next to you at all times, in all situations; life and/or death.  Therefore, do not let yourself be shaken, defeated, or cast down!  You are a child of God, and no child of His will be overcome by the enemy .  Yes, it may seem like it in the flesh , but your moment of deliverance is at hand.  So, stay peace-filled and confident, knowing that God is with you, and with Him by your side, you can conquer any attack of the enemy, big and small!

It is not for you to know.

“He said to them, It is not for you to become acquainted with and know what time brings… or fixed years and seasons… But you shall receive power (ability, efficiency, and might) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you” Acts 1:7-8 AMP

Although God may not give you exact details of certain situations in life, you can rest assure that He will give you the power, confidence, and ability to peacefully go through it.  So, don’t get discouraged by, ‘what-if’s’, instead, keep focused on moving forward.  Remember, God is handling everything, and I guarantee that He will not let you down, ever!

Mind your own business!

"...Lord, what about this man?  Jesus said to him, If I want him to stay (survive, live) until I come, what is it to you? [What concern is it of yours?] You follow Me!" John 21:25 AMP

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Do you truly believe?

"...Blessed and happy and to be envied are those who have never seen Me and yet have believed and adhered to and trusted and relied on Me." John 20:29 AMP

Ask yourself, "Do I truly believe in God: The Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit?".  If you say, "Yes, I truly believe", then ask yourself if you stand in awe of your life? Believers should be a joyful, peace-filled, blessed, highly regarded, loving, kind, and generous beings.  Are you?  If not, you really need to get honest, and ask yourself, again, "Do I truly believe?", because I believe if you aren't living, feeling, receiving, and believing to be blessed, kind, generous, peace-filled, joyful person that believers are called to be, then there are parts of your life you aren't truly believing in Christ.  

Now, don't get me wrong, believers and non-believers alike will have ups and downs in life, but believers should have a better outlook on any given situation happening in their life.  Believers should always be confident, knowing that no matter what is happening, God has a good plan for them and He is going to make dark moments in life brighter than the brightest days of the sun.  

Therefore, look at the parts of your life that you are frowning upon, and ask God to change your heart and mind for the better, and help you to truly believe in Him.  I guarantee, day by day, you will notice that even the darkest areas of your life will seem to get brighter and brighter, and the brightest areas of your life will only get more radiant and dazzling than one can imagine possible.

It is finished.

“… It is finished! And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.” John 19:30 AMP

The moment Jesus died on the cross:

Sin was conquered; anguish defeated; depression lifted; anger crushed; helplessness abolished and hopelessness not found.

Yes, the moment Jesus bowed His head and gave His last breath:

Love restored; joy flourished; peace abounded; grace overflowed; and life was born.

 

To know eternity

“And this is eternal life: [it means] to know (to perceive, recognize, become acquainted with, and understand) you, the only true and real God, and [likewise] to know Him, Jesus [as the] Christ… whom you have sent.” John 17:3 AMP

The keys to eternal (forever) life:

           God, the Father; Jesus, the Son; the Spirit, God and sweet Jesus, combined into one.

          

           Believe, know, and receive them – all three – and you, my friend, will know eternity.

 

Your future lies in Christ

“I have still many things to say to you, but you are not able to bear them… or to grasp them now.  But when He, the Spirit of Truth… comes, He will guide you into all the truth… and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come [that will happen in the future].” John 16:12-13 AMP

You may think you’ve heard or seen it all, but you, my friend, haven’t seen or heard anything yet!  There is still so much more to come!! How?  By staying in close fellowship with God and keeping yourself free from the unnecessary burdens of the world.  So, instead of spending hard earned money and running to, so-called, fortune tellers, run to God!  He is the Truth! He can tell you things, with certainty, that are yet to come, life-filled, and burden-free; He can give you hope in the midst of darkness, and He can fill your soul with joy complete.

Remember, you were made for greatness,  but the only way to it is through Jesus.  So, call on Him and let the greatness begin.

 

He is the Vine.

“I am the Vine; you are the branches.  Whoever lives in Me and I in him bears much (abundant) fruit.  However, apart from Me [cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing.” John 15:5 AMP

With God, the God-ordained possibilities for your abundantly blessed life are endless; without God, the possibilities for your tainted, less than favorable life are few and far between.  In Him, alone, there is light, direction, and favor; without Him there is darkness, dead-ends, and disappointments.  Friends, you have the choice, so receive Him, and enjoy the good life that He died for you to have – it is yours for the taking.

 

You were made to do great things!

"I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, if anyone steadfastly believes in Me, he will himself be able to do the things that I do; and he will do even great things than these, because I go to the Father." John 14:13 AMP

Thanks be to Jesus, you were made to great things in this life! Jesus didn't want His believers to live a boring, selfish, desperate, hard, life. No, Jesus wants believers in Him to change the world for the better; to live in peace, joy, abundance, security, and, most of all, love. 

My friend, Jesus has put ideas, talents, gifts, and opportunities in your life for a reason!  So, do something about them.  Yes, you may be limited, but if you begin to put your best foot forward, stay focused on Jesus, (not on yourself or the world), then the Spirit will come and do the rest.  Do not discount yourself - ever!  You have dreams and visions for your life because God has given them to you; in Him, you can make those dreams and visions come true.  So, go for it.  Change this dark world for the better, and be the great man/woman of God that He has made you to be!! 

To the last and to the highest

"... And as He had loves those who were His own in the world, He loved them to the last and to the highest degree." John 13:1 AMP

God loves you!  Yes, you!!  You are special, your life was bought at a price, you were hand picked, and you have been blessed to do mighty things - you are His chosen child.  So, don't let this world drag you down any longer.  Move forward to the dreams that are embedded in your heart; do what you can do, and let God put the blessing and favor over your life to do what you think you cannot do.  He will, He wants to!  No, more self-pity!  It is time for change, it is time to live, it is time to love - IT IS TIME FOR GOD!  Accept Him, and begin to live the great life that He died just for you.

Living in the Light

“… Walk while you have the Light [keep on living by it], so that darkness may not overtake and overcome you.  He who walks about in the dark does not know where he goes [he is drifting].” John 12:35 AMP

Without Jesus you live in constant darkness - always running into obstacles, never knowing which direction to turn.  But, with Jesus – The Light – you can see your way; you will leap over obstacles, and decisions will be God-given. Even when the path seems iffy, you will have enough of Him to keep moving forward, knowing that soon, the road will open wide and your direction will be ever so brightly laid before you.  Yes, when you live in the Light, life becomes meaningful, enjoyable, confidence-filled, and, most of all, it becomes a treasure you will never want to let go of.

This sickness will not end in death!

“When Jesus received the message, He said, This sickness is not to end in death; but [on the contrary] it is to honor God and to promote His glory, that the Son of Man may be glorified through (by) it.” John 11:4 AMP

Although you may be going through a sickness, the loss of a loved one, the loss of a job/career/business… (a dark time in your life), you can rest assure that as a believer and lover of Christ, what may seem like something that is going to set you back, or destroy you, is actually God’s opportunity to shine through – and He is getting ready, and going to, my friend.  So, stand back and give Him room, because soon your life is going to be blazing with His glory and His might!

You are so loved!!

 

Unconquerable in Christ

“The sheep that are My own hear and are listening to My voice; and I know them, and they follow Me.  And I give them eternal life, and they shall never lose it or perish… And no one is able to snatch them out of My hand.” John 10:27-28 AMP

When you give your life to God, all the forces of hell can come against you, but not one of those forces will ever, not ever, prevail over you.  Yes, when you give your life to God, and heed His words, you are a warrior, a victor, and a child that bears the power of Christ within!  You, my friend, are unconquerable in Christ.

Exceptional miracles come out of dark times.

“Jesus answered, It was not that this man or his parents sinned, but he was born blind in order that the workings of God should be manifested (duplicated and illustrated) in him.” John 9:3 AMP

The darker your lot in life right now, the more exceptional the miracle awaiting you ahead.  God has a plan for you!  Stay in the game, move forward, and know that when all is said and done, the darkness surrounding you right now is the same darkness that will thrust you forward into the good plan, and miracle, that God has just for you. 

My friend, God loves you too much to ever let you come out worse off than when you went in ~ You are going to come out so much better!!  So, hang in there – your breakthrough is coming!

 

Enslaved to sin?

“… whoever commits and practices sin is the slave of sin.” John 8:34 AMP

Sin knows no skin color; sin knows no ethnicity; sin knows no wealth; sin knows no boundaries; but, sin does know a sinner, and when one is caught up in continual sin, then sin has them right where it wants them – that person becomes a slave, and sin becomes the master; the devil has the lead, and darkness becomes a way of life.  However, there is a way out - His name is Jesus, and He can break all of the chains that sin binds one with.  Jesus is the way to freedom, to light, to love, to forgiveness, and to restoration.  So, if you happen to be broken down by sin, no matter how terrible, then grab hold of God, and let Him break the chains and set you free with His mighty grace.

My friend, it is never too late, you’ve never sinned too much, nor could you ever keep Jesus from loving you.  So, ask Him to come into your heart today, and let Him put His fresh and new spirit within you.  Once you do, you will have a newfound freedom; your life will seem different, look different, and feel different – life will be new, clean, vibrant, and full of hope – and, most of all, life will be worth living for again!

Praise God

Superficial judgment

"Be honest in your judgment and do not decide at a glance (superficially and by appearances); but judge fairly and righteously." John 7:24 AMP

It is important to think before you outright judge another, because in the same way, you, too, will be judged.  

If you judge fairly and righteously, you, too, will be judged fairly and righteously; if you judge critically and superficially, you, too, will be judged critically and superficially.  Therefore, judge others the way that you want to be judged ~  Judge others the way that you want the good Lord to judge you!!! 

You will not be rejected.

"... and the one who comes to Me I will most certainly not cast out [I will never, no never, reject one of them who comes to Me]." John 6:37 AMP

Rejection may come from man, but never, no never, from Christ.  So, put all of your trust, faith, and love in God alone, and you, yes you, will never be let down, pushed away, hurt, rejected, humiliated, disappointed, controlled, or tormented; you will know that you are loved, approved, wanted, and accepted.  

Oh, how He loves you... run to Him and don't ever look back!!