Blessed with a Home

What no eye has seen,

   What no ear has heard,

And what no human mind has conceived

   The things God has prepared for those who love Him. - 1 Cor 2:9

Within the post “Warnings from Mom”, good advice is given by the mother of a future king. Wives and mothers are so important in a society because children are blessed, husbands are blessed, and all who are around them are blessed.

Wonderful memories come from a great home. It is unfortunate that all homes are not perfect but there is one home that is perfect. Be inspired each day that heaven is our ultimate home and reward. 

As the song Home by Chris Tomlin highlights, heaven is a place where every tear is wiped away and all fear is gone. There is always something to look forward to when our forever home is a place where the streets are golden and all chains are broken.

Index of devotionals

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.

Index of devotionals

The Reward is with the Lord

Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. - Revelation 22:12

As brought out in the post “Keeping Sight of Doing Right”, the greatest reward is doing the right thing so the heart is at peace in knowing that God will reward with an eternal destiny.

Just as pointed out in this song Lose My Soul by Toby Mac ft. Kirk Franklin, Mandisa, some are consumed by gaining the whole world but in the process lose their soul. Instead, do the right things in life and look forward your eternal destiny.

Index of devotionals

The Great Gift of Grace

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. - Ephesians 2:8

The post “Wisdom’s Call“ highlights the difference between wisdom and folly. One way leads to much despair and the other way leads us to God’s blessings.

Many may say that God’s Word is outdated and not useful in today’s world but it’s a lie. Insight is gained from reading the Bible and God’s plan for us is revealed. By accepting what Jesus did for us on the Cross, we receive the greatest gift of all and we can step out in faith.

Like the song Holy Spirit – Francesca Battistelli gives attention to, by accepting Christ as Savior we also welcome the guidance of the Holy Spirit to fill every aspect of our life. We accept the great reward of God’s presence and guidance.

Index of devotionals

Great Value in Starting New

But Christ has shown me that what I once thought was valuable is worthless. Nothing is as wonderful as knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. - Philippians 3:7-8

Grace received because of Christ and the Holy Spirit in you adds great value to your life. It is worth more than anything in the world because you then start new with freedom, peace, and the courage needed to face any challenge as you step ahead.

This day will be amazing because with God, we can sincerely believe that each obstacle will be overcome and enthusiastically act upon each task until completion; celebrating progress throughout each day by praising Him.

As the song Holy Spirit by Francesca Battistelli recommends, welcome God’s Spirit inside. Be aware of God’s presence and experience the glory of His goodness.

Index of devotionals

Keep Your Eye on the Ultimate Reward

Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. - Revelation 22:12

In the post “Following God Wholeheartedly” were some thoughts about Caleb as his reward was finally being realized after 45 years. Sometimes, we may feel that all our hard work will never be rewarded. We may have some good days in our work then one set back seems to destroy our progress.

Making a comeback after a setback by keeping at it always is more rewarding and much more fulfilling. So today my friend, keep your eye on the prize and suddenly the breaks will start going your way. Many times, we get way too uptight about things. Let it keep on going forward and trust that everything will work out if we just do God’s will.

With God, we can sincerely believe that each obstacle will be overcome and enthusiastically act upon each task until completion; celebrating progress throughout each day by praising Him. Here’s today’s video to get us going: O Praise Him – David Crowder Band.

Index of devotionals

Praise for What He Gave

Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. - 1 Corinthians 2:9

What is our greatest reward in this life? Is it nice houses, cars, and cloths, or is it waking up early with God, studying the Word, praying, and knowing He is with us throughout our day. Unfortunately, as written about in the post “Our True Reward”, many look for their happiness, needs, and desires from this world rather than from God.

Take a moment to watch this video: Good, Good Father – Chris Tomlin. Let us keep our eyes on the true reward today for with God, we can sincerely believe that each hardship we face can be overcome. We can be enthusiastic; going about this day by taking action to make it our best day ever. Then our tomorrows will be our best days ahead and we can celebrate progress by giving praise for what He gave.

Index of devotionals

Renewed Day by Day

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.

In the post “Reward for the Soul”, the rich and powerful had oppressed the poor and there was idol worship throughout the land. The time had come for God’s judgment. Just like in the times of Amos, people today look for answers to life’s problems in the wrong places.

As the main point in this song: First – Lauren Daigle, the solution to our challenges each day can be found by seeking God first before anything else. Enjoy today’s inspiring music and have a blessed day?

Index of devotionals

Grace and Truth of Christ Gets Us in Sync

We live in a very complicated world that can throw anyone into doubt but the grace and truth of Christ gets us in sync so we are in the right place at the right time. Right now, we are able to be with God because of His grace in sending Christ.

There is a benefit for those that discover the lessons of the Word, those that look forward to the rewarding promise of the future, and those that passionately follow the will of God. Here is today’s inspiring video to start our day with reinforced determination to take on the challenges: He Knows – Jeremy Camp.

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. - James 1:5

Index of devotionals

Going Toward That Ultimate Reward

Life can be difficult as we struggle at times, make the wrong decisions, or when life just doesn’t turn out to be like we thought it would be. We sometimes forget about the ultimate reward God has for us.

As we go through life and get closer to the final destination day by day, there is always a brighter future to look forward to. Such was the case with the penitent criminal written about in the post Eternal Life in Paradise who was being crucified with Jesus on the cross. He knew that he was being punished justly but sought everlasting deliverance. He asks Jesus to remember him and was rewarded with eternal paradise (v 43).

Today’s video is about this final destination that brings joy and hope for those who can say, “It is well with my soul”: Finally Home - MercyMe.

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God promised to those who love him. – James 1:12

Index of devotionals

His Word Makes a Way so it’s Okay

In the post Receive Direction From His Word, I wrote about the circumstance of Joseph while in an Egyptian prison. During the time of Joseph, God spoke through dreams but today God speaks to us through His Word.

Think back to days when things are not going your way. A day may start out with a challenge and that’s why we want to seek God first thing to help us take on the challenge the best we can.

Many challenges may seem like mission impossible but then as we take a jump of faith and meet the challenge, it is extremely rewarding. God’s Word makes a way and it will be okay. Here is a video I made from a poem I wrote that’s about overcoming bad situations: Jump

To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on His throne. - Revelation 3:21

Index of devotionals

In the Presence of the Maker of the Heavens

Abraham wanted to be a father of blessed children and as written about in the post Promises Given, God was with Abraham.  He made a promise to Abraham that He would be the father of many nations.

We can ask what it is that we want out of life and like Abraham, seek God’s guidance; patiently waiting for our reward. God is with us and we can lift our voice to Him in prayer to discuss our burdens and listen for the promises He gives us.

Planning for this day In the Presence of the Maker of the Heavens, here’s a video to inspire as we pray for our day and ask how to respond to His promise: In Your Presence – Jeremy Camp.

And this is the promise which He Himself made to us: eternal life. - 1 John 2:25

Index of Devotionals

This Day with God, Let Him Fight Your Battles

Over and over again, God fought battles for the Israelites in the Old Testament and delivered them. As a child of God, we can let Him fight our battles. The metaphor used “sparkle like jewels in a crown” is our reward of salvation which sets us free. We are exceptionally valuable and the inspiration God gives in writing or sharing about faith will sparkle so that others will be attracted to follow the path to freedom. Here’s a video to inspire: Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone) - Chris Tomlin.

Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. - Revelation 22:12


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The Word of God

I’ve been sharing over the last few weekend’s on the core value of physical and mental health. Today I’d like to start laying out some strategies to build up this core value. There are various ways including getting help from family and friends or attitude and discipline but today I’d like to start with the Word of God.

The Word of God can brighten a day; providing lessons for the mind and food for the soul. These are two necessary elements in a healthy life that relieves stress and provides inner peace. In this world there will be trouble but we can take heart because there is comfort and value in Christ’s sufferings. We can lay our burdens down at the foot of the cross; access God’s power through prayer and His word.

As I entered middle aged, my age started to show around my middle. The physical body became harder to maintain but with Jesus the Spiritual body remains connected to the nutritious vine that provides spiritual fitness forever. Those that believe in Jesus receive the water of the Spirit which flows from Him to bring stress free composure and inner peace in the present; making possible fitness and survival in difficulty.

Moses and Aaron did something great by getting water from a rock. The only problem is that there’s always the next thing. Once we do something amazing, there’s always a letdown but if we give all the credit to God, life is lived with staying power and meaning. I remember an email I received from a friend that gave this strategy for keeping the momentum going and having a bright outlook. Every time you see a penny, look at the inscription “In God We Trust”. Let it be a message from God to not worry but trust in Him. The formula to a happy life now and into the future is (1 cross + 3 nails = 4 given).

Mistrust and anxiety are foes to good health but faith can rescue you from them because of God’s love through Christ and a hope for a bright future. When the snake bites in life, there’s one antidote that stops the poison and that is acceptance of Christ as Savior.

Worry is worthless but discovering the treasures of heaven is priceless. Believe that you have a purpose and achieve that which God has in store for you. The Bible gives us a set of rules. Following these rules brings peace of mind and eternal rewards. Not following brings on stress, chaos, and destruction.

With technology today, we can stay connected to the Word of God at all times and at all places. One way, I use technology to stay connected is using an on-line Bible. At this link is the 23rd Psalm which helps with worries. You can also listen to the Bible as you walk or workout. At this link is the 23rd Psalm in audio.

I submit to you today that the best vitamin or performance enhancer is the Word of God. The Word like adrenalin can start in motion the chemicals found naturally in the body to work. Giving you exactly what you need to increase your performance. Next weekend, I’ll continue with some other strategies for better physical and mental health which includes getting help from family, friends, and prayer.

An interest I’ve had for some time now is on ideas or strategies that might help build up families and neighborhoods. Someday, I hope to put these together in a book and call it “Neighbors United”. Another interest I have is in searching for ways to build up the economy. If I were to write a book about this, I would title it “Step Ahead”. I recently set up a facebook page that includes all three of my interests into one place. The page is called “This Day with God – Neighbors United – Step Ahead”. I’m currently in the process of liking other facebook pages that share my interest so I can learn and grow together with them. You can connect with this new page by liking it at this link.