Chipping Away

But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold. – Job 23:10

As brought out in the post “Lighten the Load”, we need to get rid of that extra baggage in order to be all that God want us to be. We need to get rid of negative qualities that weigh us down like anger, pride, fear, and dishonesty. We need to trust in the Lord and lighten the load by being disciplined in His ways.

This day with God, celebrate the truth because God has started something good in you. As in this song Unfinished by Mandisa points out, His work in you is unfinished but day by day you are chipping away producing a masterpiece for God’s glory.

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Sharpen Your Tools

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise Him. - Psalm 28:7

The Lord is your strength and shield. He’s in control and victories rest with Him. The thought brought out in the post “Victory Rest with the Lord” is that we need to focus on God’s Way. We need to use the instructions of His Word like instruments to guide our life. The principles of God are like tools and we need to make sure these tools are sharpened for the challenges ahead.

We live in a confusing world but God is near to help clarify the Way. When we fight against evil, we need the strengths God has given us to win our battles. Our help is from God. One tool to win our battles is prayer. We can go to Him in prayer which is our greatest power because we are speaking to the ONE who already has the answer.

Another tool in our battle is music to praise God. Take inspiration from today’s song Shoulders – For King & Country and the poem below it has inspired.

Lord, our help comes from You

In a world of chaos

You pull us through.

You carry us high

Up on Your shoulders

And Your Word we do apply.

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Adjustments

Teach me, and I will be quiet; show me where I have been wrong. – Job 6:24

The post “Interaction” highlighted principles that can be used for how we interact in our relationships and in life situations. Some main points brought out are to avoid the traps that get us into trouble by listening to those we can trust and striving to get along with others by watching what we say. When challenged with difficulty, continue to have a good outlook on life.

As pointed out in the song Dear Younger Me by MercyMe, life is not always a smooth ride but the bumps along the way hopefully help us learn and gain experience so that needed adjustments are made for a better future.

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Freedom to Improvise

But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold. - Job 23:10

As the post “There is Freedom in Wisdom” points out, good things happen if you listen to those with experience, follow instructions, and prepare. If plans don’t totally work out, wisdom gives you a sense of freedom to improvise and tweak the kinks.

Some of the greatest plays ever in the game of football happened when the initial plan didn’t work out. Think of a quarterback that goes back to pass only to be blitzed by the defensive team. He decides to run the ball away from the blitz for either a first down or even a touchdown.

It’s the same in the game of life. Take inspiration from today’s song Unfinished by Mandisa. Life is not easy as negatives blitz us from all sides and we all can get down or discouraged but God’s Work in us may not be done. If He started something good, just keep believing it and keep working it until He completes it.

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Connecting Each Other to the Power

God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble - James 4:6

In the post “Power Available to All”, the mystery revealed in reading Romans 11:25-36 is that the divine power of God is available to Jew and Gentile. Understanding this mystery helps us all observe the greatness of God which takes away personal pride and makes us more apt to humbly show concern for others.

There have been several times when my vehicle would not start because of a dead battery. Jumper cables were used to recharge one battery from another. In a similar way, we can be the link that connects the power of God to people. We can get interested in them, listen to their needs, offer some help, or pray for them.

Sharing a song is a good way to connect each other to the power and recharge each other for the day. Here’s a song with that purpose in mind: Come as you are by Crowder.

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Stronger on the Other Side

Tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. - Romans 5:3-5

Even in hard times, we can have joy. Never get down but remember what Jesus went through on the cross. Remember the many things people have gone through but came out stronger on the other side.

Hope is a major part of the Christian life because it gives patience in time of difficulty. For regardless of circumstance, hope keeps us looking forward to a day when there is no more pain, no more tears, and no more fears.

This day with God, have hope in all circumstances. As in the song There Will Be a Day by Jeremy Camp, be liberated from bondage and set free as God’s children. Someday there will be no more burdens because we will see Jesus face to face. Keep holding on to the day when there is joy and peace; keep holding on to the hope.

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Discover The Blessings

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God's people in accordance with the will of God. - Romans 8:26-27

Life is not always easy and we sometimes question why bad things happen to us but even in our weakest moments our faith helps us to step ahead. As pointed out in the post “Step Ahead With The Spirit” we have available to us a power that can take on whatever comes our way.

The Spirit helps us even in our weakest moments to solve problems at work, at home, and wherever we are. The key to fulfilling the mission God has for us is knowing how to live life by applying the intangibles of faith into the tangibles of good deeds.

As emphasized in the song Blessings by Laura Story, have faith that even in your weakest moments that there is a greater strength inside that is at work to provide blessings for your future.

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Always Hope

But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. – Romans 8:25

In the post “On this Journey to a Brighter Day”, written about was how Joshua reviews Israel’s history, he emphasizes how God was involved in bringing them from the land of oppression to the Promised Land.

There is always hope for a brighter day when we are with God and He is with us. That is why we should always examine our hopes and dreams and let God take them to a level that we never dreamed. Even if faced with dark times, His light will illuminate the path to a brighter future.

Like Joshua, let us determine the purpose God has for us, let us carry out this purpose, and finish well. When we serve the Lord, there is always hope for a brighter future just like in this song: Chain Breaker by Zach Williams.

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Ideas for Gaining Daily Victories

I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. – Philippians 4:13

The lesson as laid out in the post “The ONE Who Won” was that the Lord fights for you. With Him, you can do so much more. He prepares a path for you by driving out obstacles in your way so love the Lord your God and step ahead.  

Sometimes the greatest competition we face is within our own mind. We may have a major deadline at work or a major payment due. Our mind may keep telling us, “It’s too difficult … I can’t do this” but because of God we can have confidence to tell our mind, “Yes I can”.

One idea is to memorize scripture like the one at the top of this post when faced with pressure situations in life. Another idea may be to listen to music for inspiration. God has fought over the years for His people and He fights for you today.

The greatest historical victory ever was His Son Jesus Christ who died for all. Grace wins all the time to allow you to rise up to victory on a daily basis. Take a few minutes to be inspired by this song Grace Wins by Matthew West  because the victory is for all who belong to Christ Jesus.

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The Target is God’s Will

All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. - Romans 8:28

Joshua had accomplished much of what God had wanted him to as a large portion of the land promised to the Israelites had been conquered by Joshua and his army. As pointed out in the post “Fulfilling Our Purpose”, Joshua had done the will of God. Reading in Joshua 13, he was now up in age, yet God’s purpose for him was not finished.

Like Joshua, let God be a part of evaluating your current activities to discover if you are on target to fulfilling your purpose in life. The target is God’s will and I hope this song called Thy Will by Hillary Scott & The Scott Family moves in you the need to evaluate your current activities to discover if you are on target to fulfilling the purpose God has for you.

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Perfect Clarity

Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely. - 1 Corinthians 13:12

God is involved in the movement of history just as was shared in the post “Obedient and Persistent”. Keeping track of history gives us insight into what could happen in the future and in turn, help us to make informed decisions for today.

Historical data helps us predict the weather. Of course, being able to predict the weather in Texas is not that easy. Our county fair in Waco is in October and some years it can be freezing and other years, it can be sunny and in the low nineties with everyone wearing shorts.

Even though the future can be hard to predict, the Good News for us is that God knows what we need and like the song Good, Good Father – Chris Tomlin, He is perfect in all His ways to us.

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The Straight Path

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. - Proverbs 3:5-6

Written about in the post “Seek Direction“, was how the leaders of Israel were fooled by a plan of deception. They were caught off guard by the misleading plan of the Gibeonites but the biggest mistake was their failure to seek direction from God to follow the straight path.

The lesson for us is to always let God be a part of our decision and approval process. This includes concerns with our family, business, organization, or job. The good news is that as the title of the song Grace is Enough by Matt Maher, we have grace to always fall back on when we make mistakes. We can take in the lessons, seek God’s direction, and be guided to better decisions in the future.

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Knowing Whose Side to Be On

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? – Romans 8:31

Studying and sharing in the post “Assistance to Go the Distance”, Rahab knew whose side to be on and she helped the men of Joshua as they gathered intelligence. Even though she had a suspect past, God was for her and she was used by God to fulfill His purpose. She received God’s grace and listened to the right people. We all need God's grace as we continue along lives journey. Once received, we can gain wisdom to live the way life is meant to be lived.

This day with God, accept the fact that God thinks you are AWESOME! You can use the skills you have, be happy with who you are, and let God work out the rest. Receive inspiration for a great day from today’s video: The Way – Jeremy Camp.

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An Instant Lift Higher

For God so loved the world that he gave His one and only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. - John 3:16

As shared in the post “The Loving Father”, David was in distress but appealed to the quality of God’s character known as love. The Father gives guidance, instruction, and security. The only requirement from us to receive an instant lift higher today by accepting His gift of love.

Our mood can be instantly lifted by the positive affirmation God gives us through the gift of His Son who was sacrificed for us on the Cross. No matter what has happened in the past, the downward trend can be reversed because the Cross is a big plus. Receive this gift from God and be lifted higher today as you listen to this song of praise: At the Cross – Chris Tomlin.

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Shelter Through The Storm

And call on Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me. – Psalm 50:15

As shared in the post “Hope Even in Trials“, David is going through tremendous emotional and physical difficulty but goes to God in prayer. He hung in there even during extreme difficulty and events turned around in his favor.

The lesson for us is that God will bless with strength to face difficulty, a need, or a challenge. Just go to Him in prayer and ask for shelter through the storm just like in this video: Shelter Me by Bruce Carroll, Billy Sprague and Bob Bennett. Through our difficulty, momentum will build toward a brighter future with new hope and joy.

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Sure Victory

In all things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. - Romans 8:37

As written about in the post “Provision”, David constantly acknowledged that his victories in battle were due to God’s provision. Just as with David, God reflects and magnifies who we are. Faith in Him gives us confidence and hope that we will be enabled with strength, a secure future, and the needed resources to meet each challenge.

Let us give credit to God for each victory and give thanks for His love through Christ. We start today with praise for the sure victory: Grace Wins– Matthew West.

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The Unifier and Provider

In the post, “Dissipation of a Nation”, the people turned to idol worship instead of giving credit to God for all they had been given. Written about were some lessons we can take from this passage which can be applied today within nations or used by individuals. Many throughout the world seem to think governments can best provide for needs even though governments have a way of setting up roadblocks to productivity by setting up regulations that are impossible to meet or enforce.

In the nation in which I live, every state is different but united. Within the United States, some states choose to do things one way and others choose to do things another way. Texas has just a few natural lakes. Years ago, some smart people noticed that there were many rivers in Texas but the water just ran into the Gulf of Mexico. During the hot summers, the state would get low on water so they thought of the idea of building damns along the rivers to make lakes that stores the water.

The point is that it’s important to plan using the lessons taught by history. Some states never learned from history; never built lakes to store rain water, and as a result, have to either do without or barrow water from other states at a high price.

The Bible has many lessons taught by history that the United States adopted to form The U. S. Constitution as a guide to run the nation. Unfortunately, many have decided that it should no longer be “One Nation Under God” so they’ve instructed to ditch the advantage that history brings; going instead to the lead of a few unqualified bureaucrats as the best way to the future.  

God’s Plan for Us is the best way. It’s been proven over and over again. This day can be amazing because our growing faith can never be taken away or depleted. The gospel message has a beautiful and refreshing simplicity about it that sets us free and never let us down. Be inspired by the song The Way by Jeremy Camp.

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Making Your Path Straight

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. - Proverbs 3:5-6

In the post “Seeking the Best Direction and Guidance”, shared was how spiritual decline led to God’s wrath being poured out on Israel. The Bible gives us a chance to learn from mistakes made in the past and provides a better understanding of the best way to live.

Only God can transform from the inside out; making intangibles like faith, hope, and love into tangible blessings. Today’s video emphasizes this transformation that God can make: Busted Heart – For King & Country.

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Former Things and New Things

See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you. - Isaiah 42:9

God wants to make each day amazing and our tomorrows more amazing than today. In His timing, things are made right. He is for us so we can be at peace and focus on a brighter future. Because of His love for us, we are inspired to share about this love with others.

The good memories we have can give us a lift and the nicer weather can give us a lift but the ultimate lift is knowing that the future is bright because of the reward God has for all who believe in His Son. No matter what is going on in life, we can count on the turning of the season from winter to spring. We can also count on greater tomorrows because of our acceptance of Christ in our heart.

We get hit with so many negative thoughts on a daily basis. One idea to overcome is to begin our day with uplifting positive music to inoculate the negative thoughts. Take a few minutes to listen to this uplifting song to get your mind in the right frame of mind as you begin your day: Forgiven – Sanctus Real. 

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Hope Remains Because He Reigns

God both raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by His power. - 1 Corinthians 6:14

The vision written about in the post “Life Has Strains but Hope Remains”, reminds us that there is always hope because Christ brings changes in life. Just like Israel that was destroyed and then transformed, there is a redemptive purpose in God’s judgment that changes the future for the better.

Even in hard times, hope remains because He reigns and we can have joy because of the inspiration we gain in the events around Easter. Throughout life, there will be difficulty but hope remains in front of us just as in this video: Hope in Front of Me – Danny Gokey and we will come out stronger on the other side.

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