Directed Steps

A person’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand their own way? – Proverbs 20:24

The post “Details of Your Steps” discussed how to plan your course. The Lord provides the detailed steps needed for victory.

God is the truthful, faithful, and His grace is sufficient. We give praise as we sing along this song: Your Grace is Enough By Matt Maher.

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Connected Forever to the Greatest Power Ever

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. - Colossians 2:6-7

We may face difficulties daily … a family member is sick, a rough day at work, trying to balance work, home, and school but as pointed out in the post “Promise of the Spirit”, the Good News for us is that by accepting Christ, we are connected forever to the greatest power ever. We are connected to the Holy Spirit so we can face these difficult days by turning them over to God.

When we turn our difficulties over to God, greatness begins because God is bigger than any difficulty we face. One song that emphasizes this truth is He Is With Us by Love & The Outcome.

So my friend in Christ, set your sights beyond what you can see. Be determined and know that Christ has paid the price, giving you an unseen power which cannot be measured or weighed but can tell you the right things to do for a favorable outcome.

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No Confusion

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. - Mark 1:35

As brought out in the post “Purpose in Saving Each of Us”, being a leader within our families and those we see the most gives us an opportunity to spread the Good News and give glory to God.

Jesus prayed for direction in fulfilling His purpose. We can do the same each morning as we start the day. He will help us to put things in order and then like the domino effect, our items on our task list will start to fall one after another.

We can be confused at times but when we pray, we get direction so as in this song, Thy Will be Done by Hillary Scott & Family we can know that God has placed us in our present circumstances for a reason.

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Stand Firm and Hold Fast to the Teachings

So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. – 2 Thessalonians 2:15

The thoughts brought out in the post “Learn and Apply the Principles” were inspired by the study of Paul teaching the Thessalonians. We not only have the advantage of history to look back on but can now read what is stated in the Bible and know it has come about.

Even in the area of science, what was written in the Bible has come to pass. Areas such as dealing with stars, the ocean, and how the earth is shaped. What was not known by humanity at the time the words were written have since been proven to be true.

Cheer up today and receive this inspirational video Solid as the Rock by Avalon and know that the truths found in the Bible are indeed solid as a rock.

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Doing Our Part to get the Word into more Hearts

His word was in my heart like a burning fire shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, and I could not. - Jeremiah 20:9

Shared in the post “Enthusiastically Spread the Good News” were the reasons Timothy was sent by Paul to the Thessalonians. In the same way, we are sent into the world to inspire and enthusiastically spread the Good News.

Let us live this day to the fullest by doing our part to get the Word into more hearts. As the message in this video, God is on the Move by 7eventh Time Down, there may be difficulties but we can use these difficulties to build up strength and endurance to run the race for a victorious life.

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Correction and Redirection

A person's steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand their own way? - Proverbs 20:24

In the post, “Doing the Right Thing”, written about was how Israel was heading down the wrong path and that God’s judgment would come upon that nation. In many ways, the world today is not that different than during the time of Amos.

A lesson learned is that we need to listen, know God’s plan for us, make adjustments in life if necessary, and take action on doing the right thing. Here’s a video that highlights these thoughts and inspires us to do the right thing: Come Let Us Return to the Lord – Matt Redman.

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Be Someone Who Chose the One Who Knows

He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm - Proverbs 12:20

As written about in the post, “Build on a Firm Foundation”, there are consequences when we are associated with those who have turned away from God. Instead, we should build on the firm foundation of His Word which allows us to accumulate knowledge and understanding over time. We should also consistently pray for advice and confidently do what is needed.

I remember one hot summer in July, my daughter heard that a convenience store was having a special on slurpee drinks. The Seven Eleven convenient stores were giving out free slurpees because the date was 7-11. I went into the store and there was a crowd lined up so I followed the crowd. Well, I got my slurpee but ended up getting the wrong size just like everyone else and having to pay for it.

When you follow the crowd, it doesn’t always end up like you want. Instead, let us follow the Lord because He knows what is best for us as described in today’s video: He Knows – Jeremy Camp.

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Stand the Test and Receive the Best

Each one should use whatever gift they have received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. - 1 Peter 4:10

What should you do when people don’t understand or accept God’s message? One idea written about in the post “Discover What You Do Best” is to discover your God given strengths and use them so that people are able to make an association between the Good News and their needs.

As in the video Do Everything – Steven Curtis Chapman, we should do all we can to make sure people hear, see, and understand the Good News.

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Called According to His Purpose

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

As written about in the post “Knowing Our Express Purpose”, Paul was determined to carry the name of Christ before the Gentiles, their kings, and the people of Israel. There was tremendous pressure applied by the Jewish leaders as they plotted to kill Paul but he never gave up and continued to set out to achieve his express purpose.

In present times, Christians are having to face instances similar to what Christians faced during Paul’s time. Secular thought wishes to push God out of our lives. Examples include redefining marriage, using the word holiday season instead of Christmas, and many other aggressive actions that go against the Way.

In many cases, those who make a stand for God, can face media bullying, threats to their lives, and even criminal prosecution. It’s bad enough in America but persecution goes to extremes in other places throughout the world where Christians are burned, beheaded, and executed.

Today’s video inspires us to remain determined like Paul to carry the name of Christ into the world: Until the Whole World Hears – Casting Crowns.

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Tough Times Bring Sure Signs

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

Sometimes we get conflicting guidance just like I wrote about in the post “Sure Signs”. Getting advice from others can be good but knowing the will of God gives a clearer picture that others may not be able to see.

When it all comes down to it, daily prayer and Bible study are so important in knowing the will of God. It’s all about sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. That is our highest priority and even if we go through tough times, God will give a sure sign that will keep us on the right track.

Take inspiration from today’s video: Heart of Worship – Matt Redman.

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Accepting God’s Grace and Finishing this Race Called Life

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord has given me – the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. – Acts 20:24

As described in the post “Being a Good Example”, Paul gives us a vivid picture of his service for Jesus Christ. We should strive to follow the principles he demonstrates like overcoming difficulty, applying our faith, having a definite purpose, and going the extra mile so that we finish this race called life victoriously.

The Word of God emphasizes how we apply our faith; giving hope and having compassion for others. How we live speaks volumes to others because they see the example of victory that can become their own victory through Jesus Christ. Enjoy today’s video that puts fourth some of these same thoughts: SpeakLife – Toby Mac.

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Waiting Yet Anticipating

Patience is definitely a virtue. In the post “Desire to Hear More”, Paul and Barnabas shared the Good News; some desired to hear more but others were in no mood to listen and even took out their anger on the messengers.

It is still the same for us today and we should employ the same attitude that Paul and Barnabas did by continuing to be encouraged, simply shaking off the dust, and remain steady in offering the Good News to those ready to listen.

Today’s inspiring video shares this encouragement as we patiently wait on the Lord’s return: Even So Come – Kristian Stanill.

 I wait on the Lord, my soul does wait, and in His Word I hope. - Psalm 37:4

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No Fear - He is Near

The post “Strength for the Journey” is about Paul sharing with the people that our God is an Awesome God. He is our strength and our greatest asset is not in being like everyone else but in being who we are; a precious child of God.

We are never alone because He goes before us, He is with us, and His Spirit lives in us. Because of these facts, we have unlimited potential because of His unlimited potential. It is up to us to realize how God can use us to spread the Good News.

Today’s inspirational video is about this help God gives to pull us through anything. He takes our burdens and puts them on His shoulders. There is no fear - He is near: Shoulders - For King and Country.

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. - Psalm 46:1

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The True Leader

Any time we have the opportunity to lead others and we are able to achieve some level of success, it’s important to give God all the glory. Any leader should realize that their purpose in life is to glorify God by helping others understand that He is the true leader.

A parent, a leader of a major corporation, a superstar, or whatever station in life; God is the ONE who we should give praise. In the post Give Him the Glory, I shared about King Herod giving a speech and the people honored him by shouting that he was a god. Because Herod didn’t correct them and give praise to the true God, an angel of the Lord struck him down as Herod was eaten up by worms and died (v. 23).

The true superstar in God’s eye are people who connect His power to His people. Like the connection provided by jumper cables that recharges a car battery, we can get interested in others, give them encouragement, and empower them with the Good News. Today’s video is about these thoughts of putting God as the center of our life: Steal My Show – TobyMac.

For everyone who exalts himself with be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. – Luke 14:11

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Glorify Him with One Mind and One Voice

In the post Concern for Others, I shared some thoughts after studying Acts 11:19-30. Within this passage, the Holy Spirit rallies Christians together for the purpose of spreading the Good News. The thought was that teamwork is demonstrated as Christian churches or groups show love and concern for each other.

This day with God, let us work as a team and show concern for each other. For it is Jesus Christ who binds us together and the Holy Spirit is with us wherever we go. Receive inspiration from today’s video: We will Stand – Larnelle Harris & Russ Taff.

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. - Romans 15:5-6

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Setting Up a Good Foundation

While I was going through college, I worked for a construction company during summers and between semester breaks. Now I work with computer systems and in both areas, laying down a foundation is vital. To do things right, you want to set up a good foundation. In the post Grace Overrides the Law, Peter is laying down the foundation of the church so that it would lead to a movement in which an impact upon lives would be made.

This day with God, rejoice in the freedom He gives through grace. A freedom that helps us live, give, and love. A freedom that will speak and teach; setting a strong foundation that we can rely on. Receive inspiration from today’s video: In Christ Alone with Solid Rock.

Show me Your ways, Lord, teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long. - Psalm 25:4-5

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The ONE Who Perfected Our Faith

Like in the post Focused on Opportunities to Share, many may read the scriptures and seek the Truth but still need to be shown the Way. When they ask questions and show an interest, it’s important that we take the opportunity to share with them about Jesus.

Enjoy today’s video of the ONE who perfected our faith: Here is our King – David Crowder Band.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. – Hebrews 12:1-2

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Partnership in the Faith

In the post Believe and Have No Need, I wrote about the believers becoming of one in heart and mind. It was not about the individual but about something bigger. It was about working together to spread the Good News of the Lord Jesus.

We can do the same today but at an even greater rate because of the Internet. Thoughts and ideas can be shared with believers across the globe. There are inspiring videos, quotes, thoughts, and ideas that are easily shared daily.

Let us purposefully look for God today in nature, music, sports, movies, at the golf course, work, the shopping center, and in His people. Document what you see. Collect facts, quotes, and personal thoughts from your experiences. Let us work together to highlight the building blocks of faith that lay a path for us to step ahead and spread the Good News.

Let us be thankful that Christ has given us a helper in the Holy Spirit that we can lean on together as our partner in the faith. Enjoy today’s video Lean On Me – Bill Withers

I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ. - Philemon 1:16

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Step Out with Peace and See the Increase

In the post Promise Fulfilled, the followers of Jesus received the promised Holy Spirit and the power to spread the Good News around the world. The early church grew because it was a place of infinite challenge, intense fellowship, passionate prayer, and fervent outreach.

This same power is available today and we can passionately step out with peace of mind and see the increase. This day with God, let nothing hold us up in our work as we receive the power to one day at a time make what seems to be impossible, possible. Be inspired by this video: Break Every Chain – Jesus Culture.

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us. - Ephesians 3:20

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Following God’s Will

Photo Credit - Wikipedia

Over the last few weeks, I have been studying Psalm 115-119 and writing posts at the This Daywith God devotional. The Psalmist writes about the problem society was having with Idols. During his time, the people would rather worship a carving or statue rather than a living God. They would worship multiple gods back then but doesn’t our society have the same issues today as it worships the rich and famous. There are just have different gods today; athletes, movie stars, recording artist. Also worshiped are nice houses, cars, and other stuff that society thinks will make life better.

The thing with idols is they do nothing for us as they take up our time and money. They sit there and depreciate over time but each day with the ONE and only God is amazing because He helps to replace every doubt or fear with deep abiding trust in Him. Faith in idols does nothing but faith in the ONE and only God is action oriented because real faith is confessing sins, accepting God’s forgiveness, and walking in the light.

In the Journey through life, we all go through difficulty just like the psalmist but the consistent theme of God’s Word is joy and victory when we ask that He help manage the affairs of our life. Life has ups and downs but there is one thing we can always look forward to and that’s the glory of standing in the presence of God when He calls us home. Imagine what it’s like standing in His presence. What if we made this a part of our daily thoughts, and planned each day with this in mind.

Our true reward is when God hears our prayers. There is a peace knowing that God is in control. There is a sense of freedom in knowing that we are headed in the right direction. There is also a sense of purpose. When we are rewarded by His presence, we should give thanks.

Many things we work for and that take up so much of our time are meaningless but the cause of Christ last forever. We all have a story to tell and a reason for living. We were created to worship God. Let us get to know Him, take in lessons from His Word, and gain experiences as we travel through life. These become our assets as we store up treasures in heaven. These assets can be used now and appreciate over time as they light our path

The way of the world leads to inconsistency and confusion but the way of God leads to order and certainty. There is a purpose in life when we live for God and do what He wants. Everything we learn, all the movies we watch, the sports events we watch, and the books we read have a more meaningful purpose when we connect them to God’s principles.

By having a passion for God’s Word which is desired more than gold, we learn the best way to journey through this life. The knowledge and experience we gain can be shared with others so their path to understanding is made easier. There are great benefits to going this route in life but it doesn’t mean that the road will always be smooth.

The Good News is that even in the stuff that drives us crazy in this life, we can trust God for a brighter future. He uses this stuff to make us stronger. Our job is to seek solutions, ask for help, and have patience through hope. Each day with God can be amazing even if having a tough day. We can go to Him in prayer and start fresh with a new perspective.