The Daily Dose

 Freedom

_{“Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty/freedom.”  2 Corinthians 3:17}

Disappointed?  Discouraged?  Depressed?  These are usually easy emotions to identify right?  Of course, these are not feelings that we desire to have, yet they come at different points in life.  We become disappointed, discouraged, or depressed because we just aren’t satisfied with where life is at that time.  These emotions are actually steps in a progression and if we learn how to recognize them at their onslaught, we can combat them before they move on to the next step.  Let me explain.  When someone lets me down, either by not doing what I expected them to do or by speaking words of disapproval over me, I can become disappointed.  Immediately, I have allowed that disappointment to become thoughts in my head.  “Why did they say that?” Or “why didn’t they do what they said they were going to do?”  Now, I am discouraged.  “I can’t trust them anymore” is what my thoughts are telling start telling me.  If I continue to dwell on these thoughts, I can be led right into a depressed condition that has become a pit that is not easy to get out of.  The entire process is a trap, and I was led right into it by the first thought I allowed myself to hang on to.

Thankfully, there is a way to avoid the trap. That way is the Holy Spirit inside of you!  If you begin in your life to insert the fruit of the Holy Spirit into your disappointing times in life, you will ward off the enemy’s attack of disappointment.  Therefore, the progression to depression has no chance of trapping you.  Let me explain this.  If I go ahead and realize that I am the only person I have control of in any given situation, I can go ahead and plan how I am going to respond to the circumstances around me.  When things don’t go the way I planned or expected them to go, I can plan that I am going to insert an attribute of the Holy Spirit instead of becoming disappointed.  I can release love in the situation, I can release joy or peace and so on.  Freedom from the trap of depression is in the Holy Spirit and His fruit.  Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, humility, and patience.  If we purposefully bear His fruit instead of the emotions our enemy is pushing, we will have godly results instead of a depressing outcome.  The secret is look for the Spirit of God always.

When you recognize that people are not perfect and you yourself are not perfect, your expectations should be that others are not going to get it right all the time and neither are you.  I’m not saying you shouldn’t try; I’m simply saying don’t expect perfection.  Worse yet, don’t have a mindset that what I expect is the only way and if it isn’t done my way, I will be disappointed.  Expect instead to be gracious and let the liberty of the Spirit be your response in all your reactions.

Today I want to encourage you to experience the freedom that is in the Holy Spirit of God by putting His fruit into your life and actions.  Let love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, humility, and patience be your thoughts and responses.  These will make no room for stress, anxiety, and disappointment, let alone discouragement and depression.  Thwart off the enemy’s attack today and begin to turn your thoughts and heart toward that freedom and allow God’s glory to shine through in your life and not be hidden by your enemy.

Today’s scripture reading: 2 Corinthians 3:7-18

You are a letter

Clearly you are a letter of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart.

Your life is a letter written for all the world to see.  The way you live, the words you say and the things you do are sending out a message to all who hear and see you.  What is the message that others are getting through the life you are living?

I used to think that God’s Word was His love letter to the world, and it is for sure, but after reading today’s scripture, I realize that my life is a gift from God to the world around me.  Most people I am around each day will never read about how much God loves them in the Bible.  That is one of the reasons God saved me, to be His walking love in the flesh for the world to get a glimpse of Him.  His desire is that all people would know His unconditional love and experience it in their every day lives, so He gave you and me and all His people to the world to demonstrate His great love!

This is not an easy task, and not one to be taken lightly either.  When we get up each morning, our job is to be the love of God to all others.  From our family to our neighborhood, from our friends to the people we work with, we are God’s message to all those outside of His kingdom.  So, what message are the people getting from God through your life?  Do they see the self-sacrificial love of God in the way we serve and go out of our way to encourage?  Or, do they see someone similar to themselves that is working and striving to meet the needs of number one?

Oh, I know it isn’t easy to live that love walk initially, but as you begin to practice love wherever you go and commit to loving others with the God kind of love, in time you will develop a habit of loving.  Not just to get in a rut, in fact it is impossible to get in a rut when loving others because it is the one thing the stimulates joy in our lives, that is serving others.  In fact, vs. 5 & 6 of this passage say that we cannot be this example of love without the help and power of God in our lives and that it is the only thing that brings joy and fulfillment into our otherwise ordinary way of living. 

The apostle Paul’s life was the perfect example of being God’s letter to the world.  Through much of his life he ministered to other wherever he was.  Not just by starting churches from city to city, but he worked his daily vocation as a tent maker and used that platform to reach others.  Not of his own strength, he was working with God and He, the Holy Spirit, was the power source within Paul’s ministry.  We can do this too.  Whatever place we have been given to live our daily lives, we can be the message to the world from our Father and working together with Him as we go will guarantee your success!

Today I want to encourage you to offer up your life as a living sacrifice.  Tell your loving heavenly Father that you are giving your life to be His love letter to the world around you.  Partner with Him by following His prompts and nudges along the way and watch as His sufficiency brings a supernatural joy into your life that was never there before.

Today’s scripture reading: 2 Corinthians 3:1-6

Vent and drain

So I decided that I would not bring you grief with another painful visit. For if I cause you grief, who will make me glad? Certainly not someone I have grieved.  2 Corinthians 2:1 & 2

Have you ever had a friend that always comes to you when they need cheering up?  Someone who’s life seems to be drowned in drama.   Even though you want to help them and encourage them, by the time it is your turn to talk, you are depleted and depressed because of everything they unloaded.  It is probably never your friend’s intent to smother your encouraging words, but after they vent all that is surrounding them, you have nothing left to give.  Their complaints and condition completely drained any words of wisdom you had to offer.

It’s ironic that we use these words: vent and drain, but this is exactly what happens.  A ventilation system is made to improve a drainage system.  Ventilation supplies air into the fixtures to stir up and move substance to and out of the drain.  It is the same way when you vent your thoughts and feelings, you are actually stirring up and moving others either to confusion or exhaustion.  Encouragement and inspiration gets flushed in the process most of the time.

Evidently, this happened to the apostle Paul when he wrote an earlier letter to Corinth. He starts the second chapter in 2 Corinthians by saying “I decided not to come for a visit because my words bring you all grief to the extent that I am not able to be encouraged because you are so sad.  It sounds like Paul poured out his heart in a letter to them, but instead of his love causing them to rejoice, they were discouraged.  It wasn’t because of Paul’s words; it was someone stirring up trouble and turning the intent of his heart against him.  He says they need to confront and forgive this person so as not to fall into one of Satan’s traps.

This is how important words are.  They can encourage, discourage or even stir up bitter and angry feelings.  Words can heal broken relationships, or they can destroy close connections.  The most important thing to realize is that you always have a choice on the words you speak.  There is power in words and the very fact that you have the ability to choose which one to use verifies just how powerful they are. You choose to make matters better or to make them worse.

The solution?  Put forgiveness first, then consider, carefully select and convey your heart in love. Paul said he wanted to let the people of Corinth know how much love he had for them.  When you take time to consider the thoughts and feelings you are having and identify who you are most concerned about, initially it will be yourself. Usually when you vent it is all about your injured feelings and bruised ego.  Consider how you can help improve your surroundings by the words you speak about them.  Then carefully select the words that will build others up and bring energy to the circumstances.  Lastly, always make sure your conversation will insert love into the people involved and don’t ever try to stir others to one side or the other.  Look for peace always.

Today I want to encourage you to take ahold of your own thoughts and feelings before you vent them onto others.  Recognize the first onslaught of hurt thoughts and feelings and reign them in quickly.  Don’t let the enemy stir you up until you just have to overflow onto those around you. Pray and submit all of your feeling to your loving Heavenly Father and ask Him to empower you to speak life into the issue.  If there is a situation that needs to be addressed, carefully choose words that will bring peace and strength into your relationships.  Don’t make it all about feelings and offenses.  Instead, look for a way to make things better.  Decide that you will communicate love every time you speak and that will quickly defuse the one trying to destroy you, namely Satan.

Today’s scripture reading: 2 Corinthians 2:1-11

Living above your circumstances

“Now thanks be to God, who always causes us to triumph in Christ, and through us makes known the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.”  2 Corinthians 2:14

You already have the victory in whatever battle you are in right now.  The key to seeing that victory show up in reality is in giving thanks to God.  What I am talking about is setting time aside each day to be thankful to Him for your life and the place you are right now.  Even if you are not where you ultimately want to be, you can still be thankful that your Heavenly Father is with you, right where you are, today.  Your thankful heart has the power raise you up above your current circumstances.

Daniel is a great example of living above his circumstances.  He was taken away from his home and forced to work for the king of a foreign land at a very young age.  He maintained his godly attitude and didn’t allow his captivity to lead him to a rebellious heart.  In fact, he served many kings in that land and found favor with all of them because of his heart for God. He never tried to escape and return to his own home. He remained faithful where he was and God blessed him there.  The main reason for all this was his relationship with God.  Daniel 6:10 says, “Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days.”  Daniel had a consistent time he spent with God every day.  Actually, it was three times each day that he set aside to focus on God and talk with him.  But the most amazing part about that was he was thankful.  How far a thankful heart goes.  Daniel didn’t get on his knees and beg God to change his circumstances.  He was thankful right in the middle of his circumstances.  As a result, he had victory in every area of his life no matter what came against him.

This really speaks to me and encourages me.  If I knew for sure that getting before God each day and being thankful would assure my victory in every area of life, why wouldn’t I do it?  The best news is that according to today’s verse in 2 Corinthians, in Christ Jesus, we always have the victory.  This verse is telling me that I am assured the victory in every situation, over every circumstance as long as I put it in the hands of my Savior.   I need to give it all to Him and be thankful; thankful that He is handling concerns and thankful that He is making it better no matter what the dilemma is.  I don’t need to tell Him how to fix the problems or how bad things are, he already knows what I am dealing with.  I don’t even have to tell Him about it three times a day, but the verse says: Now, thanks be to God, not maybe later, right now and always I need to keep my relationship with Him a priority and be thankful!

Today I want to encourage you to give thanks to God, who always gives you the victory in Christ Jesus.  Believe His Word and set time aside to spend thanking Him for the victory that is coming your way. Then watch as He completely turns things around and brings you out on top.  Don’t get bogged down by your circumstances, live above them by giving them to God and giving Him thanks for the victory He puts in the place of your struggles!! 

Today’s scripture reading: 2 Corinthians 2:12-17

Yes and Amen

“For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.”  2 Corinthians 1:20

Today I want to talk about the seal of God’s promises!  Amen!  The word “Amen” literally means “so be it” or “it is so!”  Most of us usually end our prayer to God by saying “Amen.”  We voice our confidence in the promise of God that we have just prayed when we seal that prayer with our “Amen”!

This verse in 2 Corinthians reinforces the idea that when we put our faith in God’s promises (His Word) we know that God’s answer is a resounding “Yes!”  We do not have to wait until we see that prayer with our natural eyes, we know at the moment we say “Amen,” it is accomplished in the heart of God, therefore it is on its way from the spirit realm.  The passage says this is the truth about all God’s promises.  Anything we ask of Him, that He has said in His Word, we know according to this scripture that His answer is “Yes and Amen!”  He is in full agreement with us to pass those promises on to us.

This scripture also says that taking hold of God’s promise and applying them to your life brings glory to God.  That glory comes through us to Him.  Taking ahold of God’s promise is a way we can bring glory and honor to God.  In other words, this is something that blesses God.  We believe Him and what He said thousands of years ago, He meant it for all eternity including today.  

For example, God tells us in His Word not to forget about His benefits in Psalms 103.  Therefore, we know that these are His will and His promises to us.  We can pray:  Thank you Father that you promised to forgive all my iniquities, yes!  I receive the promise that you heal all my diseases, Amen!  Thank you for redeeming my life from destruction, yes! And crowning me with Your lovingkindness and tender mercies, Amen!  God made those promises, so when I receive them by faith from Him, He says “Yes! You can have them and Amen, they now belong to you!”

One last thought I want to share with you today is something I experienced recently.  In a worship service, I was singing a song that repeated the word “Amen” several times.  Each time I sang the word amen, the Holy Spirit brought to my memory different things I had prayed about and sealed it with “Amen!”  Suddenly, it made sense to me that “Amen” was the seal on my prayer to hold and keep it until it is seen in this physical world.

Today I want to encourage you again to apply God’s promises continually to your daily walk.  Practice on every little thing that comes your way.  Meditate His Words day and night.  Instead of worrying or taking on the care and concern of each issue, put the Word of God on the situation.  Then when bigger problems come, it will be easy for you to trust God’s promises because you practiced and developed a habit in your everyday life.  Then seal each of your prayers with the “Amen” because everything that God promised, He says yes to today! And every Word that He spoke yesterday has the seal of Amen on it that cannot be broken!

Today’s scripture reading:  2 Corinthians 1:15-24

The gift of prayer

You also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many.  2 Corinthians 1:11

The gift of prayer!  Have you ever thought of it that way?  That you are actually giving someone a gift when you pray for them?  If you think about it, it makes perfect sense.  You are taking someone’s personal concerns and requests right into the presence of the eternal God of the universe and your Heavenly Father.  What a gift that truly is.

Consider this: if you went to a king or president here in this world for someone, wouldn’t that be considered a gift if you were able to use your influence with that person of authority to help someone?  Think of it this way, you have a friend or family member who has a need whether physical or for direction in a decision they are facing.  They talk it over with you for wisdom.  You in turn take it before the King of kings.  You enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with your praise as you tell Him about your friend’s concern.  You are thankful to Him for receiving you and you praise Him for listening and that He has the solution or even brings the answer personally.

God in heaven is greater than any king on earth.  There is no one of majesty or royalty that will attend to every situation here in this world.  However, when you take the circumstances to your loving Father, He hears, and He shows up.  I can think of no greater gift than to lift others up in prayer.

What about taking others to prayer with you.  This is like bringing your friend or family member right into the presence of God with you.  What a great honor!  When someone comes to you to talk about the things they are dealing with, take them by the hand and tell them I have a gift for you. Then lead them right into to presence of your eternal Father by praying.

Paul talks about the gift of prayer in today’s verse.  He told the Corinthians that they helped him and his team by their prayer and he is thanking them for this gift of prayer that was offered by all of them. He recognizes that they have come together in agreement and talked to God on his behalf. Paul thanks the church for this great gift of praying for him.

The bottom line is, prayer is not only an honor and privilege given to us by our Father in Heaven, it is also a gift we have permission to share with others.  It doesn’t even have to be another believer we bring to God, in fact He wants us to bring all people we know to Him, and even those we don’t know as well.  We can bring them to Him in prayer and help them through whatever they are up against.

Today I want to encourage you to give the gift of prayer.  Don’t just pray about your own needs, take the needs and issues of those you love with you in prayer.  You can even pray with those who need prayer and don’t know where to turn.  Give the gift of prayer to your Pastor and missionaries around the world.  The gift of protection and provision can be given through your interceding for all who carry the gospel to the lost.  Lastly, keep giving.  Don’t make it a one time thing, give every day in your prayer for others and be watching how you take others with you as you pray their solutions from the spiritual realm into this world.

Today’s scripture reading: 2 Corinthians 1:8-14

His Comfort

who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 2 Corinthians 1:4

Have you ever wondered why?  Why is this happening to me or why do things always go in a certain direction?  What about wondering why things are the way they are in the world around you or why disasters and tragedies come, sometime one right after another?

Well, wonder no more.  Today’s scripture is the answer to all the “why do we go through struggles” questions.  It says that we go through trials and tribulations so that we can experience the comfort and peace of God and then we can relate to and comfort others who are struggling and suffering.  It actually says that we can comfort others with the very same comfort that we were comforted with.  Wow, that implies that God gives us His peace and comfort to share with others.  It makes sense though, because He gave us comfort in the form of the Holy Spirit.  That is the evidence that it is His will for us to not suffer through our troubles, but to be comforted and consoled. He gave us the Comforter.

This passage goes on to say that ultimately, as we trust God through our troubles and tribulations, we are empowered to strengthen and encourage others, resulting in their salvation.  Glory to God!  If we learn to receive His comfort as we go through things, we can watch as He uses that problem to bring others to His great salvation.

So, I actually had an opportunity this week to see this process in action.  I have been through many hurts in my life which had resulted in me being very guarded and expectant of more hurt.  In the past, I have been afraid to let others into my life because I didn’t want to be taken advantage of or hurt again.  I didn’t realize that by keeping this wall up, I was actually empowering people to hurt me because I was expecting it.  My responses to others were always defensive and repelling because I didn’t want anyone to get too close.  The Lord comforted me where I was, and then He brought me out.  He showed me that if I released all the pain of the past and receive His love in the place, I could go on to love others never worrying about them hurting me in return.  Freely giving love to others brought such freedom.  Now I don’t worry about being taken advantage of or hurt because my focus is no long on me, it is on the person who needs to know the love and comfort of God.  There have been some opportunities for me to be tempted to take a rejection or ulterior motive to heart and have hurt feelings.  However, when I turn it to God, He quickly shows me that they are the ones loosing and I have lost nothing.  I did all I could do to love and comfort them and when they are ready to receive that, the Holy Spirit will be the one to open their eyes to that love.

So, when I could see my friend taking everything to heart and letting every word she heard pierce her heart again, I told her how I was comforted when my heart was hurting.  She knew that she was being defensive and that was holding her back from being free from those hurts.  We prayed together and now she is able to be comforted with the same comfort that I was comforted with that resulted in my freedom, and now hers.

Today I want to encourage you to be comforted.  What ever you are going through and whatever is stressing you, turn it over to God and receive His comfort and peace.  Know that He will get you through way better than you could do alone.  Then go on and let Him lead you to someone that you can share that very same comfort with.  Keep sharing it with all He brings your way and bring them into God’s family by giving them the comfort that you were comforted with when you were comforted.

Today’s scripture reading: 2 Corinthians 1:1-7

A church at home

And when I come, whomever you approve by your letters I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalem. 1 Corinthians 16:3

The final chapter in 1 Corinthians has Paul’s closing remarks to the Christians at Corinth.  They apparently asked a question about giving and he gives them instruction on collecting and delivering their offering.  He goes on to tell them his plans for visiting and where he will be until then.  He talks about some of his friends and ask that the people be encouraging and receive them when they come to Corinth.  This chapter seems to only be relevant to the current day when it was sent. 

Verse 19 is where I find something that can be related to today’s world.  It says: The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.

I don’t think we fully grasp the concept that the first churches were in people’s homes.  Maybe it’s just me, but I have to remind myself of this fact often when I am reading the New Testament books.  I have to remind myself that they didn’t have church buildings they could go to for worship.  They were not welcome to worship the Lord Jesus at the synagogues nor was that the place they could tell the good news that Jesus came to save all people.  The first Christians met in homes, and it was usually the home of the people leading the group.

This is what makes small groups today so inviting.  When you host a group in your home, you can invite neighbors and friends in that may not already know the Lord Jesus.  It is one of the greatest ways to reach those who would not consider going into a church building.  Yes, there are actually people out there who feel that way.  However, small groups are widely frowned upon in many churches today because of fear that people will leave their church community, when the truth is that small groups can actually grow a church or help people to connect in a large church.

By gathering in groups in your home, you have the opportunity to encourage and grow with those who want to live their life by faith.  You can watch videos on certain subjects in God’s word that you want to understand better that may not get so much attention in your weekend service.  You also gain a sense of accountability that others are there to walk with you through life and to help you overcome things you are struggling with. It is the coming together during the week that fills the churches on the weekends.  It can be easy to lose those who only come together once a week or even once a month.

Lastly, we come to Paul’s farewell, verses 20-23. If he were signing off his message today, I believe it would look like this: #Allthebrethrengreetyou #Greetoneanotherwithaholykiss #Thesalutationwithmyownhand—Paul’s #IfanyonedoesnotlovetheLordJesusChristlethimbeaccursed #OLordcome! #ThegraceofourLordJesusChristbewithyou #MylovebewithyouallinChristJesus #Amen.

Today I want to encourage you, in all seriousness, to consider leading a group of people in your home to help strengthen their relationship with their heavenly Father.  Put together a study on the things you are interested in knowing more about to grow in His love for you.  It could even be an activity group that you meet up to hike or play games, just add a time of devotional and some prayer with it and just like that, you have a church in your own home to get you through the week until the next service meets at the building.  We need to stay connected and encouraged all week long, not just on the weekends.

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 16

Abounding in God’s work

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:58

Always abounding in the work of the Lord.  Existing and doing many of God’s good works.  This seems excessive to me.  Always?  I mean, I understand if you’re a pastor, missionary, teacher or something like that, but always immersed in God’s work for a simple person like me?  How is it even possible?  After thinking about it some, I realize that my “work in the Lord” is my example and attitude.  It is my heart on display in whatever I am doing, I show that I am doing it as unto the Lord.

Colossians 3:17  says, “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”  So, whatever we are saying and doing, as a child of God, we are doing it for our Father, God.  Keeping in mind that everything I do is for God will keep me on track with Him.  Today’s verse says to be steadfast and immovable in God’s work. The way to do that is to keep God in my heart and thoughts as I walk out my daily life.  Keeping God in our heart and mind will also keep me far from sinning against Him.  Whether it’s reaching out to someone sick or hurting, or maybe it’s just taking someone to church with me.  It can even be just singing a song or saying a prayer of thanks to my heavenly Father during the day.  “Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,” (Colossians 3:23)

When I purposely keep my heart focused on always abounding the God’s good works, I am reminded not to complain about my circumstances, I will not criticize others and I keep my heart from condemning myself and the people around me. Obviously, these are not God’s good works and by being fixed on God’s plan I keep a positive outlook, because I am out looking for the next place God leads me to bless another life.

Lastly, when you are abounding in the work of the Lord, these things will last for all eternity.  Your labor and efforts are not in vain.  Nothing you do on God’s path will be a waste of your time and effort.  It is worth everything you put into it and He will get you to His rest when the work is done.

Today I encourage you to be steadfast and immovable in the work of the Lord.  Whatever you are doing today and going forward, do it as unto the Lord and not for yourself or others’ approval.  Then you will know that all the work of your hands will not be useless, but a God work that will last forever in the Kingdom of heaven.  Keep in mind and be thankful through out your day as verse 57 says: But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Now that is a word you can fix your heart on!

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 15:35-58

Be a sharpener

_{Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame. 1 Corinthians 15: 33 & 34}

Have you ever heard the saying “One bad apple will spoil the whole bunch”?  It’s message is that if you have a basket of good apples and one goes bad, it quickly spreads to all that are closely associated.  How about when you were younger, did your mom ever tell you not to hang out with certain friends because she didn’t want you to pick up some of their bad habits?

In today’s reading, Paul gives a similar warning and says that evil associations can weaken and destroy your good habits.  Who you connect with actually impacts your habits whether good or bad.  Proverbs puts a positive spin on this saying and says Iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. (see Proverbs 27:17)  It gives us the impression of one person’s habits rubbing off onto another, but in this scripture it is a good thing. 

Here is the lesson to learn from that.  If you want to improve your life, look for someone who is living successfully in the areas of life that you want to be successful in and then go hang out with them.  Maybe that isn’t possible if the person is a high-profile individual or an admired prominent figure, but people like that may have books or podcasts you can learn from or even by studying them from a distant.  The idea is to become better at doing life by learning and imitating those who have already been through the experiences that you don’t want to go through.

Next, wake up to what is right and quit doing what is wrong.  These are not commandments to attain salvation through, these are helps to empower you to live life as a believer to become more productive for God’s kingdom and to enjoy the life that He has blessed you with.  Take it from someone who has lived life the wrong way and God’s way, God’s way is much better!!!!!!!! He knows everything you need and He has made every provision for you.  You don’t have to figure things out for yourself, He has a plan and a way to bring you through this life to live it to the fullest joy.  Many people receive salvation, and then they try to drag God down to help them continue on the path they were on before receiving salvation.  God has a better road for you to travel, so take a step up to get on His plan.  Trust me, His way is not any harder than doing it your own way, in fact, it is way so much easier!  There is no worry, no anxiety, no fear, no struggling only trust and follow. The only laboring is to enter His rest, not to fix a problem.  Trust Him to lead and follow what He says.  He will keep you from falling into the pits of life every time you listen and obey.

Today I want to encourage you to step away from evil companions and wake up to God’s way of living right.  Put sinful habits far from your life and press into the love and relationship of your heavenly Father through His provision in Christ Jesus.  You don’t have to look for someone famous or rich to imitate, you can look to the Word of God and find all the instruction you need to make the most out of your life.  Start by surrendering all to Him and then start following His way and leave your wicked ways in the dust!

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 15:29-34