The Present

“Please accept the present that was brought to you…”

Genesis 33:11

Some of us are either too fearful, too proud, or too un-trustful to grab the miracle right in front of our eyes.  We think it is too good to be true, that something is going to go wrong, or it is the wrong thing to do, when, in fact, we know in our hearts it is what we are meant to grasp onto.   Friends, let’s stop living like this!  It’s pathetic and I believe we are wasting away so many opportunities that God wants us to step into.    As well, if it is something that your heart tells you to go for, then go for it.  For even if it isn’t from God, if your decision is based on your believing heart, he will see to it that it turns into the miracle you were hoping for.  

God does so much for us when he knows that are decisions are made from what we feel he is placing in our hearts.  So, take a chance and step out in faith.  From there, God will carry you the rest of the way.

Glory

”For I consider [from the standpoint of faith] that the sufferings of the present life are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is about to be revealed to us and in us!”

(‭ROMANS‬ ‭8‬:‭18‬ )

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United with the Messiah

“… anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new.  The old life is gone, a new life burgeons!...”

-2 Corinthians 5:16-20 MSG

Life is too short to live in darkness, to live in doom because of your past and/or present mistakes.  Therefore, seek God for a new life and a fresh start.  Let him put the darkness in your life behind you.  Let him make you anew, make you whole and fill you with his light!  You are his precious child, and you are called for mighty works and greatness… grasp hold and go for it!!

Forget the past - it's over and done with

“Let us strip off anything that slows us down or holds us back…” Hebrews 12:1 (LB)

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.” Isaiah 43:18 (NIV

“Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead…” Philippians 3:13 (NLT)

As we can read, the Word of God clearly wants us to put the past behind us and move forward with our lives.  Therefore, if you are, in any way, stuck (frustrated, hurt, angry, depressed, dark, lonely, rejected, hopeless, discouraged, etc.,) then heeding the verses above is of the utmost importance!  The past, whether good or bad, can be looked at as stepping stones, learning curves, and blessing builders for a great future ahead.  So, although it may be difficult at first, change your mind and focus toward your future and know that the past happened just as it was supposed to happen; for if you wouldn’t have experienced what you did, you wouldn’t have the necessary experience to become the great person of God that you were called to be. 

My friend, God loves you and he has a great plan allotted just for you.

A promise is a promise

"...A promise is a promise. What difference does it make if you make your promise inside or outside a house of worship? A promise is a promise. God is present, watching and holding you to account regardless."

Matthew 23:16-12 MSG

Whether you promise with your mouth, actions, or on paper, remember: A promise is a promise, period! And, God will hold you accountable for it.  Therefore, before you promise without thinking, or just to save face, (figuring you'll come up with an excuse to get out of it later), remember who's present, listening and watching, and He is counting on you to do the right thing.

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Each new day

"And then I'll stir up fresh hope in Israel - the dawn of deliverance! - and I'll give you, Ezekiel, bold and confident words to speak..." Ezekiel 29:21 MSG

Although yesterday didn't go as planned, it is now in the past.  Today is a new day, and thanks be to God, our Lord, we are filled with fresh new hope, and fresh, new, confident, words to speak.

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Look ahead with joy

“Pay close attention now:

I’m creating a new heavens and a new earth.

All the earlier troubles, chaos and pain

Are things of the past, to be forgotten.

Look ahead with joy…”

Is. 65:17-25 MSG

Today is a new day, rejoice and be glad.  Yesterday is over – forget it, let it go: start anew, make amends, right your wrongs, look forward to the great future God has for you, and live for today… live for right now.  Yes, enjoy every moment, for you are in Christ, and with him, joy is possible all of the time.  God loves you and it is for his glory that you bear much fruit (John 15:8).  So put your head up and run the race set before you (Hebrews 12:1), not behind you.  You are God’s child!  You are blessed!

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Come close, listen carefully.

“Come close, listen carefully:

I’ve never kept secrets from you.

I’ve always been present with you…

I am God, your God,

who teaches you how to live right and well.

I show you what to do, and where to go.”

Isaiah 48:16-19

Listen closely, listen with your heart, God is talking to you.  Open your eyes and look with the eyes of your heart, God is right in front of you.  There is a still, small voice – whisper – talking to you, showing you…it is God.  So, do what he’s showing, telling, you to do!  It is your path to greatness and glory – you definitely don’t want to miss it.

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Clean out your closet!

"Prepare for God's arrival!...

Smooth out the ruts,

clear out the rocks.

Then God's bright glory will shine

and everyone will see it." 

Isaiah 40:3-5 MSG

Clean out your inner closet: your darkened heart and soul; the hurt and pain from yesterday, the bitterness you've been holding on to, the hate, anger, and resentment that brings you to tears, and the past mistakes you can't change.  It's a new day and it is time to move on.  So, embrace love, forgive those who have hurt you, forgive yourself, accept your mistakes - choose to see them as stepping stones to your future, leave resentment, hate and anger by the wayside, and let God come shining through.  

My friend, it is time to move on and live your life the way God intended.  He loves you so much!

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Seize life!

7-10 7-10 

"Seize life! Eat bread with gusto,
Drink wine with a robust heart.
Oh yes—God takes pleasure in your pleasure!
Dress festively every morning.
Don’t skimp on colors and scarves.
Relish life with the spouse you love
Each and every day of your precarious life.
Each day is God’s gift. It’s all you get in exchange
For the hard work of staying alive.
Make the most of each one!
Whatever turns up, grab it and do it. And heartily!
This is your last and only chance at it,
For there’s neither work to do nor thoughts to think
In the company of the dead, where you’re most certainly headed."

Ecclesiastes 9:7-10

Decide to live for now, for today.  Yesterday is gone and tomorrow may not be here, so grasp every moment as if it is your last and go for the gold. Live boldly, live loudly, live in love, and most of all, live for God!

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Don't take anything for granted

"On a good day, enjoy yourself;
On a bad day, examine your conscience.
God arranges for both kinds of days
So that we won't take anything for granted."
Ecclesiastes 7:14

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+Joel Osteen