Our Google Map for the Journey

It is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.  – 2 Corinthians 4:6

A thought from the post “Gaining Wisdom for Life” is that the more good information you can gather, the better decisions you can make. This is the main reason God had Solomon write Proverbs so you have wisdom and instructions for life.

One benefit of Google Maps is that you can use street views when planning out a trip to places that you’ve never been before. It’s kind of like visualizing the future so that things are planned out in your mind; what turns will be needed, what signs to look for, and the assurance that you are going to where you need to go.

Proverbs is our Google Map on the journey of life. A lie the world tells us is to do things your way but the best way is to work with others, accept the help God gives in Christ, and accept the obvious as truth.

This day will be amazing because God helps you plan the right things for your day and things fall into place for an amazing day. Take inspiration from the song Good, Good Father by Chris Tomlin and believe the pathway set before you will lead to where you want to go.

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Grace Wins Every Time

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. - Colossians 2:8

As written about in the post “Steadily Towards Victory”, the Thessalonians overcame violent opposition but succeeded. They made the impossible possible with a faith that was initiated by the love of God and His people. They went the extra mile with the steadfastness of hope.

The world seems to always put us in panic mode; making mountains out of mole hills but we don’t have to follow or listen to what the world tells us … just keep heading steadily towards the victory knowing grace wins every time.

This day with God, have the attitude that we’ve been there, done that because when constantly relying on God’s guidance, the challenges in life are handled victoriously on a regular bases. When they are, people will start looking at us and want what we have; the hope that gives optimism in a time of despair, faith that gives courage in a time of doubt, and the love of God which always brings victory.

The Bible gives us great advice and because victory is assured through Jesus Christ, we will make it through anything. Receive inspiration through this song: Through All of It – Colton Dixon.

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Doing Something That Gives Him Glory

As explained in the post “Applying Our Faith Produces Extraordinary Results” Paul did just as the title says. During Paul’s time and in current times, God works in various ways to guarantee the spread of His word.

This day with God, let us pay attention to our dreams and take action. God blesses those who seek His advice and follow through on His guidance. The Spirit is with us giving thoughts and ideas to shape the future in a positive way.

Receive inspiration from today’s video: Do Something – Matthew West.

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. - James 1:22-24

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Paying Attention to the Perfect Example

In the post Following Instructions, the Israelites complained because they were in the desert. They were hungry and thirsty but then God provided for them through some amazing events. Unfortunately, they didn’t follow God’s instruction in collecting the food He had provided.

God tested the Israelite community to see if they could follow specific instructions. They were to gather enough quail and Manna for one day. Some didn’t pay attention and the food became full of maggots and smelled.

As we go through life, there is a need to follow the perfect instructions from our Father in Heaven. Unfortunately, our children follow what we do and it may not always be the perfect example. Then there are times when we hit a homerun as in today’s video: Watching You – Rodney Atkins.

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. – James 1:19

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Being Smart By Trusting

As written about in the post Perfect Guidance, the King of Egypt didn’t want to let the people go to the wilderness to worship God. He just wouldn’t give in even after several plagues but it’s not unlike how many are today at times.

There are many that will suffer through life because they are stubborn and refuse to open their heart and mind to listen to God. Maybe there is some unconfessed sin that has to be dealt with or some other character flaw.

All it takes is asking God for help by accepting Christ into the heart which is the main thought from this song: The Heart of Worship – Matt Redman.

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

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Taking Action to Fulfill His Purpose

In the post Putting His Guidance into Practice, God gives Cornelius instruction through an Angel and prepares Peter for his future association with gentiles through a vision. These men of faith took action to fulfill God’s purpose. As we pray about taking action on God’s purposes daily, remember the Holy Spirit is with us helping to provide the guidance needed at work, at home, and wherever we are.

Pay attention to this guidance and take action. God blesses those who seek His advice and follow through. Let us be inspired to take action with this video: As It Is In Heaven – Matt Maher.

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. - James 1:22-24

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He Blesses Those Who Seek His Advice

example of their boldness as they stood up to the rulers, the elders, and the teachers of the law. They went through trying times but they were bold, they knew the power in Christ, and they prayed for their needs.

Let us also be bold today, pay attention to our dreams, and take action to create better situations for our future and the future of our loved ones. God blesses those who seek His advice and follow through with His guidance. Let us look forward to better times ahead and take inspiration from this video: Blessings – Laura Story.

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

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Return and Discern

The followers of Christ joined together constantly in prayer and as explained in the post Vision for Decisions, they benefitted from scripture, prayer, and God’s providence to change the course of history.

We can tap into the same beneficial resources of God this New Year to enable us to make good decisions as we lead our families, communities, and work places; helping us to plan the right things to do for an amazing New Year. Receive inspiration from today’s video: Lead Me - Sanctus Real.

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

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Consistent Assistance

This day with God will be amazing as we put consistent assistance into practice just as explained in the post Discourse on the Divine Resource about the Holy Spirit; the divine resource of instruction and empowerment to assist in living a reinvigorated life of firm witness of Christ.

God will bless those who seek His advice and follow through on His guidance. They will be prepared, take action, and are assured of a bright future because the Holy Spirit will be there to assist at work, at home, and wherever they are.

Enjoy today’s inspiring video: As it is in Heaven – Matt Maher.

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

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His Word is Golden

And the words of the Lord are flawless,

   Like silver purified in a crucible,

   Like gold refined seven times.  – Psalm 12:6

As explained in the post Rely on God’s Word, the instructions we get from the world many times no longer work or maybe never did work. On the other hand, the instructions we find in God’s Word are golden; always perfect with instructions on how to live.

God’s words are golden and the words we use are also very valuable and powerful. Today’s video is about how important words are as they can build up or tear down or lead others to God: Words – Hawk Nelson.

Your words have supported those who stumbled; you have strengthened faltering knees. - Job 4:4

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The Blessing of the Holy Spirit

Times are not always easy and that’s when prayer is useful to find out how to step ahead. As written about in the post The Vision of the Mission, Christ death on the cross has become the sacrifice to take the place of the sacrifice written about in Exodus 12 when the Lord passes over each house that had sacrificed a lamb.

Christ’s physical body is no longer on earth but His Spirit counsels at all times to help us. This video is about this blessing we have in the Holy Spirit:  Blessings – Laura Story.

But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you: but if I go away, I will send Him to you. - John 16:7

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Blessings from His Word and Prayer

Written about in the post Guidance, discussed was how Joseph could interpret dreams and help others take action. Today, God speaks to us through His Word; blessing those who seek advice and follow through on His guidance.

Pray for blessings; for peace, His healing, and that His love will provide what we need. Take a few minutes and begin the day with a prayer and this inspiring video: Blessings – Laura Story.

Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. - Proverbs 29:18

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Initiating Spiritual Growth

By initiating spiritual growth with regular Bible Study and reflecting on experiences along the journey, there will be spiritual maturity. What we write about today may not sink in but write it anyway and someday your words like seeds will take root. Refuse to stop. Instead, do God’s work and eventually will blossom a flower for the world to see. Enjoy today’s video: I Refuse – Josh Wilson.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. - Matthew 6:33

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Blessings Multiplied

After the dream that Jacob had at Bethel as written about in the post An Amazing Future in His Presence, he acted promptly and stepped ahead with a purpose. The world tells us that everything is limited but with God, everything is unlimited and the blessings are multiplied.

Jacob’s dream gave him hope and optimism for a blessed future. It gave him momentum to apply his faith and do what is right including giving a 10th of all he would receive to God. Today’s video is about God’s love and our growth potential in His presence: Multiplied - Needtobreathe.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. - Romans 8:28

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Making the Needed Adjustments

History is a great teacher and we must learn from history to help in making the needed adjustments in life. In the account of Jacob getting Isaac’s blessing in Genesis 27, we are given a sad chapter of everyone doing the wrong thing and examples of how the world has become a broken place.

In this account of God’s written Word, each parent had their favorite child. Rebekah convinced her favorite son to trick his father and receive his blessing instead of Esau. The results were disastrous. Rebekah never saw her son again, Jacob’s brother wanted to kill him, Esau became the founder of an enemy nation, and Jacob was exiled from his family for years.

God has provided the path for us to follow but it’s not always followed and the results are disastrous. Our prayer should always be that God searches inside us and clears out what should not be there. Here’s a video to inspire this desire: Search Me Lord - Gaither Vocal Band.

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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Start with Prayer

In the post Following Instructions for a Successful Day, written about was how Abraham was concerned who his son Isaac would marry so he sends someone to find the perfect mate for his son. Abraham didn’t want him to marry someone where they currently lived because the people didn’t know the One True God and worshiped idols.

The servant of Abraham shows his faith in God and prays for certain things to happen as he finds a wife for his master’s son. He found Rebekah as a wife for Isaac.

All parents hope their children choose the right mate. Prayer is so important in raising children and it’s so important in anything we do. Here is a video poem to inspire our prayers today: Blessings Throughout Each Hour.

Train a child in the way they should go, and when they are old they will not turn from it. – Proverbs 22:6

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