Bringing Glory to the Father

Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. - Matthew 5:16

Within the post “Spirit of GodWorks in our Life” the thought is that the Spirit of God is at work searching for ways to counsel, inspire, and instruct us on a daily basis. As we live out our life, bad things happen but by accepting what Christ did for us on the cross, we are able to speak to the ONE who already has the answer to our problems. We have available to us what is needed to bring glory to the Father.

In our prayers, the Holy Spirit can direct our thoughts so they are absorbed into our heart and poured out in our actions at work, home, or wherever we are. Like the song Speak Life by Toby Mac inspires, let us speak hope, speak love, and let the Holy Spirit direct our thoughts. Then our light will shine and others will see our good works so that we bring glory to our Father in heaven.

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Power of the Cross

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

One point written about in the post “Pulling Together with Christ” is that unity comes from having a common purpose and all Christians should agree about the purpose of the Cross. Around this agreement, there is great power to organize and be victorious against anything that goes against this great purpose.

The church is a community of people working together with Christ as their leader. We are stronger together and God’s Plan for Us not only changes our individual life for the better but also the world is changed for the better.

Let us be inspired by the song How Great is our God by Chris Tomlin and know that everything is possible because of the power of the Cross. 

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Limitless

Jesus replied, ‘What is impossible with men is possible with God’. - Luke 18:27

In the post “From Ordinary to Extraordinary” the point was made that through God’s power, the impossible is made possible.

Like an eagle in the sky, a mighty lion among beasts, or a servant who becomes king; God can turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. The one who can gather up the wind in His hand or wrap the waters in His cloak will make it possible.

Since we are nourished in His word, graced with His Spirit, and inspired by songs like Come Alive by Lauren Daigle, let us awaken to the potential for this day and believe that the possibilities God has written into our tomorrows are limitless.

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Grace for the Humble

But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. - James 4:6

The post “Removing Bad Traits” gave some ideas to fix broken things in our life. To take the mistakes of the past and give them to God. He offers grace to the humble so admit mistakes and live with confidence in what God can do for the future. 

Like the song Live Like You’re Loved – Hawk Nelson, we don’t have to live with perfection. It’s just energy wasted. Instead, live like you’ve been set free with no more guilt. Be who God made you to be; a very valuable person to take on big challenges. He can change our character to do amazing things to fulfill His purpose.

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Overflowing with the Glory

All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. - 2 Corinthians 4:15-16

As shared in the post “Sweet to Your Soul”, honey taste sweet and like honey wisdom is sweet to your soul. The objective then is to accept God’s grace and get filled up with wisdom. Then your soul will be filled with a rare and beautiful treasure that continues to grow in value. Each day we are the beneficiary of the past and have more wisdom to share with others.

You may never know what impact you have on others.  My dad was a high school teacher and coach for many years. One athlete wrote the following true story about my dad on facebook.

It has always been inspiring to hear dad passing along to us about those he has taught and coached. The achievements of his students not only as star athletes but also as student athletes that graduate and go on to flourish in life are very inspiring.

Not everyone is rewarded here on earth with knowledge of the impact you have on others but we all have the opportunity to someday be rewarded beyond our wildest dreams. Take inspiration from the song Home by Chris Tomlin. When we go to our eternal home, every fear will be gone, streets will be golden, and every chain will be broken.

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More Blessed to Give than to Receive

In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ - Acts 20:35

Generosity is the best way to find joy and meaning. Paul gave his time to proclaim the gospel of Christ. Jesus gave everything; even His life. Receive inspiration from today’s song When Love Sees You by Mac Powell.

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United in Spirit for Good Works

So in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others – Romans 12:5

As explained in the post “Finding My Place in this World”, Paul’s appeal in Romans 12:1-8 relates to the status we have in Christ. As Christians, we are a diverse group forming one body.

To show today that we are a member of the body of Christ and to one another, let us use our individual God given strengths to fulfill His purposes.

Be inspired by the song Place in this World by Michael W. Smith to affirm the strength God has blessed you with in order to fulfill His purposes.

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Guided By Truth

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

Like Paul as written about in the post “Truthfulness with Facts”, be concerned about the truthfulness of what you say. Talking about something unseen like faith has its challenges but with Christ we have a model to explain the intangible qualities of our faith with integrity.

The things of this world are built like a house of cards. They may work for a while but suddenly fall apart. On the other hand, the things of God are built on the foundation of truth. We can rest assured that the promises God has given in the Bible will be fulfilled.

By accepting Christ as the Son of God, we have the distinct benefit of a promise. Receive inspiration from the song Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) by Hillsong United and set out today fulfilling your purpose and your destiny with enthusiasm.

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Steadily Towards the Victory

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

There may be times when projects are due, bills are due, or for a business … payroll must be met and people start to panic. When people get in panic mode, don’t follow or listen … just keep heading steadily towards triumph just as pointed out in the post Ultimate Victory.

Have the attitude that you’ve been there, done that because when constantly relying on God’s guidance, the challenges in life are handled victoriously on a regular bases. Then non-believers will start to notice and want to make the changes in order to be conquerors too!  

This day with God will be amazing because we have the play book to victory. The Bible gives us great advice and victory is assured through Christ. To begin our victorious day, here is a song to get us going: My Victory by Crowder.

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Called According to His Purpose

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

A key point brought out in the study of Romans 8:26-30 and written about in the post “Let the Spirit Work in Your Life” is that the Spirit gives insight into how to play your part in a preferred future and gives plans to make a difference in society.

First, pray for God’s will. One song to inspire is Thy Will  by Hillary Scott & The Scott Family. Second, discover the purpose for which God has for you. Then respond with enthusiasm to fulfill that high purpose.

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Directions for Our Steps

A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. - Proverbs 16:9

Pointed out in the post “The Purpose for the Law”, salvation and sanctification are not obtained by keeping a list of rules but in knowing Christ. The law reveals right and wrong, initiating accurate thinking and self-discipline for the purpose of obtaining the intangible qualities of Christ.

Without God’s principles and the example given to us in Christ, we wouldn’t have much. Like this song points out Me Without You - TobyMac, we have all we need to become a champion for God.

Since we have a plan to direct our steps today, let us believe that we have a better shot at getting things done. Let us believe that things will fall in place and we will end up getting a lot more done than we ever thought we could.

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Fired Up

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

As explained in the post “Released from the Law but Bound to Christ”, we are free from the demands of the law because Christ has given us a new Way that allows us to do some amazing things for God together.

Our past is wiped clean and there is power to fulfill our purpose for the future. I tell you what – that should get us fired up just as in this song Soul on Fire by Third Day.

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Dear Younger Me by MercyMe

A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. - Ecclesiastes 4:12

Brought out in the post “Shared Experiences” is the thought that we are united with God through Christ who conquered death. We are a new person in Christ with the purpose of serving a great God who has given us the help of a body of believers. For a triple-braided cord is not easily broken just in the scripture above points out.

We can feed each other Spiritual food for the soul to fulfill God’s purpose. There is no need to worry or nothing to fear for we are free to be the person God wants us to be. As in the song How Great is Our God by Chris Tomlin, we can rejoice in our future together as we use our individual strengths for His great purpose.

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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 pointed out in the post “Fertile Ground for a Great Harvest”, Paul put a lot into his relationship with the Roman Christians. He knew that by teaching them, God’s purpose for him of spreading the Word would take root and the harvest would be plentiful because Rome was the center of communication throughout the world during this time.

Let us also see this purpose of Paul as our great purpose because the only things in life that last forever are the Word of God and our relationships with His people. Therefore, let us do things daily that last forever by getting to knowing God’s Word and creating a stream of compassion that flows from one Christian heart to another.

The song Who Am I by Casting Crowns points out that our forever home is with God. We are just here on earth for a short time. Our life on this earth will fade away into the sunset but our relationship with God and other Christians will last forever.

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Asking for Guidance Along Life’s Best Path

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

Brought out in the post “Regular Habit” was that Moses would go to a tent set up away from the camp to meet with God. He would get instructions about how to lead his people. As we begin each day, it’s important that we do the same as we ask for guidance along life’s best path.

Moses cared about his people; refusing to stay put but ready to move when God instructed. Receive inspiration in the song I Refuse by Josh Wilson that has some of the same points as we face the challenges ahead in fulfilling our purpose.

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Called According To His Purpose

We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

The post “Respond with Commitment” discusses how Moses was called according to His purpose to receive instructions called the Ten Commandments from God. During that time, only Moses could have a close relationship to God but because of the death and resurrection of Christ, we have the opportunity to also get instructions from God through reading His Word. We can read the Bible for the purpose of writing down lessons learned and sharing these lessons with future generations.

The song Every Good Thing by The Afters points out that our relationships are so important. Of most importance is our relationship with God. Then our time with family members and our friends should also be top priority. Let us remember that life is designed for eternity so let us put our time into good causes and into relationships that return eternal dividends.

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One Mind and One Voice

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

The post “Through His Diverse People” has some thoughts about Christianity and how it is like a relay race. We all help each other out with our unique abilities for God’s purposes.

A diverse group of people has an advantage because with one mind and one voice, they have the opportunity to pull together with various ideas and skill sets. Each day can be amazing when we fix problems together.

This song by Miranda Lambert talks about the pluses of All Kinds of Kinds.

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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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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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Accept One Another Just as Christ Accepted You

Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. - Romans 15:7

We all have different strengths and weaknesses but God has made us all for a purpose so let us celebrate our diversity and understand each other.  According to Guinness World Records, the tallest man living is 8 ft. 3 inches. The shortest man living is 2 feet tall. A startling comparison is that if humans varied as much in height as dogs do, the smallest person would be 2 feet tall and the tallest person would stand 31 feet tall!

One thought from the post “Understanding Each Other” was that one group assumed another built an altar to rebel against God but after talking, they understood it was built to worship Him. Many times, we may not know the whole story but then are given the full picture. We then understand and can accept the actions of others. 

As pointed out in the song Losing by Tenth Avenue North, we may feel like the one losing unless we appreciate God’s grace and accept one another just as Christ has accepted you.   

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