"Stained Glass Ghetto"

Just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written:  "Be holy, because I am holy."

--1 Peter 1:15-16

New International Version

 

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY'S VERSE

"Holy" is one of those words we generally associate with the "stained glass ghetto" -- a word only "church folks" use.  That may be true, but it's still a great concept.  Every kid knows that you don't eat hot dogs and potato chips on china.       Mom's china is reserved for "special company" or "special occasions."  Hot dogs are for paper plates and every day, china is for special events.  When God is calling us to be holy, he's calling us to be china -- something special just for him, and as Peter emphasizes, just like him.

MY PRAYER

Holy Lord, God Almighty, I come before you knowing how great the distance is between your holiness and my commonness.  I thank you for making me holy through the sacrifice of Jesus and by sending your Holy Spirit to live inside of me.  Please receive my life today as a holy offering to you.  Through Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith I pray.  Amen.

Run Your Race

Today's Scripture:

…let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…

Hebrews 12:1-2, NKJV.

Today's Word:

It’s easy to be tempted to go through life competing with everyone around us. When we see someone who’s more talented, better looking or has more gifts, instead of running our race and being comfortable with who we are, oftentimes we feel inferior and think, “I’ve got to catch up to them.” The problem with this unhealthy competition is that it’s a never-ending cycle.

There will always be someone ahead of us. But, it’s a very freeing thing when you realize, “I’m not competing with you. I don’t have to have as big a house as my neighbor to feel good about myself. I don’t have to keep up with my co-worker. I don’t have to be a certain size. No, I understand that I’m not in competition with my friend, my neighbor or my co-worker. Instead, I’m going to be the best me that I can possibly be.” Friend, that’s an attitude God can work with. When you focus on being who God made you to be, that’s when you’ll rise up higher and position yourself for every spiritual blessing He has in store for you!

Prayer for Today:

Father, I humbly come to You giving You all that I am. I choose to keep my eyes on You and allow You to work in my heart and mind. I declare that I am free from competition today in Jesus’ name. Amen.

By: Joel Osteen

source:

http://www.agodman.com/blog/wp-content/gallery/scriptures/

http://nickswalk.blogspot.com/2011/06/pursuit-of-happiness-devotional-for.html

http://ww2.joelosteen.com/MessageViewer/Pages/MessageViewer.aspx?date=2012-11-29

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Jayson Cabrera Gali

Blogs:  http://spiritual12food.blogspot.com/

             http://healthhelpbyjeck.blogspot.com/

Find me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jayson.gali 

Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeckyL214

P.S.

I sincerely want to improve my blog, so I can serve you better. I would like to hear from you, please leave your comments at the bottom of this page. And if you find this very helpful don’t forget to share it to your friends and loved ones.

Prepare Your Minds For Action

Prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.

--1 Peter 1:13

New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY'S VERSE

When Jesus came the first time, he came to reveal God (John 1:18).  As wonderful, powerful, and gracious as he was in his earthly ministry, it did not fully reveal Jesus our Lord.  Our hope is tied to his return.  When he comes this time, he won't come to reveal God, but to reveal himself -- the conquering Lord, the Rider on the white horse.  Every knee will bow.  And we will see him as he really and fully is, Immanuel in power and grace.  With this as our hope,  we can be ready for active service to our king as people who live their lives under his leadership and control.

MY PRAYER

O Almighty God, I long for the day when I get to see Jesus face to face coming with the angels in power.  Until that time, fasten my heart in hope to the glory Jesus will share with me on that day, and please empower me to live as one who knows that victory is mine in Jesus.  Jesus, through your powerful name I pray.  Amen.

FAITH SAYS THANK YOU!

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever!”

(1 Chronicles 16:34, AMP)

TODAY’S WORD

What you dwell on is what you will draw into your life. We can either focus on our problems, or we can focus on our blessings. The question is: do you want more problems, or do you want more blessings?

One thing I’ve noticed is that when you live with an attitude of constant gratitude, not only do you thank God for what He’s done in your life, you start thanking Him for what He will do in your life. You thank Him for opening doors for you in the future. You thank Him for increasing you. You thank Him for bringing the right people into your life. When we say “Thank You” to God for the things that are coming, it’s really a declaration of our faith in Him. It’s like saying in essence, “God, I’m so sure of Your goodness, I’m so sure that You’re working in my life that I’m going to thank You right now for what You are going to do tomorrow!”

Friend, that’s the kind of faith that pleases God. He wants us to trust in His goodness and believe that He is a Rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. He delights in seeing our faith. He delights in an attitude of gratitude. Today, let your faith say thank you. Praise Him throughout the day with a humble heart and watch what He will do on your behalf!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father in heaven, thank You for another day to praise You. Thank You for all You have done in my life. Help me to see Your hand of blessing as I continually acknowledge and praise Your name in Jesus’ name. Amen.

By: Joel Osteen

source:

https://www.ernestangley.org/media/downloads/category/1024x768

http://bhammar.blogspot.com/2012_06_01_archive.html

http://ww2.joelosteen.com/Pages/MessageViewer.aspx?date=2012-11-22

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Jayson Cabrera Gali

Blogs:  http://spiritual12food.blogspot.com/

             http://healthhelpbyjeck.blogspot.com/

Find me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jayson.gali 

Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeckyL214

P.S.

I sincerely want to improve my blog, so I can serve you better. I would like to hear from you, please leave your comments at the bottom of this page. And if you find this very helpful don’t forget to share it to your friends and loved ones.

Difficult Times Under Difficult Circumstances

While [Joseph and Mary] were [in Bethlehem], the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son.  She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

--Luke 2:6-7

New International Version

 

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY'S VERSE

I've always been amazed at how God chose to place his Son into our world.  He could have done it any way he wanted.  But he chose this way -- to enter the world in difficult times under difficult circumstances as a helpless infant who must be cared for by parents who were vulnerable to so many frailties. Yet in spite of the challenges that lay ahead and the bewildering mystery that confronted them:  Joseph and Mary, along with everyone around them, were caught up in the great joy this new child gave.

MY PRAYER

Give me a heart of faith, O God, so that I might always see your sovereignty and grace being poured out on me in special ways.  I am thrilled that you, the Creator and Sustainer of the entire universe, chose to enter my world as a child.  Thank you for trusting your wonderful salvation to human flesh so we could know that you deemed us worthy of entering our world to make us right for yours.  Through Jesus.  Amen.

BE STILL AND KNOW

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“Be still, and know that I am God...”

(Psalm 46:10, NIV)

TODAY’S WORD

In our culture, most people are used to having constant activity: computers, cell phones, television, email, video games. There’s nothing wrong with any of that, but the Bible tells us that we need to stop and be still so we can focus on knowing God. I’ve found this to be true especially during the difficult times. When you are facing a challenge, it’s easy to want to run to a friend or talk about it with a co-worker. But at some point, you have to stop and say, “God, I rest in You. I know You have me in the palm of Your hand.”

Remember, our battles are spiritual battles. The people in your life aren’t the source of your problems, the forces of darkness are. When you choose to be still and know that the Greater One lives on the inside of you, you are putting yourself in a position of strength. So today, take time to be still before Him. Let His peace cover you. Let Him refresh you by His Spirit. Remember, the battles you face belong to the Lord. Be still before Him so you can see His hand of victory in every area of your life!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father in heaven, I humbly come before You. I choose to be still before You. Speak to my heart so I can know You more. Fill me with Your peace as I put my trust in You in Jesus’ name. Amen.

By: Joel Osteen

source:

http://thisweekwiththekids.blogspot.com/2011/12/christmas-raw-and-simple-but-powerful.html

http://meagen-closerwalk.blogspot.com/2011/01/luke-26-7.html

http://ww2.joelosteen.com/Pages/MessageViewer.aspx?date=2012-11-19

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Jayson Cabrera Gali

Blogs:  http://spiritual12food.blogspot.com/

             http://healthhelpbyjeck.blogspot.com/

Find me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jayson.gali 

Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeckyL214

P.S.

I sincerely want to improve my blog, so I can serve you better. I would like to hear from you, please leave your comments at the bottom of this page. And if you find this very helpful don’t forget to share it to your friends and loved ones.

All true ministry is "incarnational"

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was with God in the beginning.  The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.  We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

--John 1:1-2 and 14

New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY'S VERSE

All true ministry is "incarnational" - it involves people to people contact, human touch, and genuine physical care.  While Heartlight is an Internet ministry, it will never live in cyberspace.  It must be carried into the daily life of believers who are committed to share the grace of Jesus with their FRANs (Friends, Relatives, Acquaintances, Neighbors). Just as God purposely sent Jesus at the right time to the right place, he did so with us.  We are here to bless others, "not just in word, but in deed and truth!"

MY PRAYER

Glorious Father, thank you for putting me where I am.  I know I am here to do your work and carry on Jesus' ministry. Help me seize the opportunities you give me today to bless others in the name of Jesus.  Through him I pray.  Amen.

Say "Yes" to His Yes!

Today's Scripture:

For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.

II Corinthians 1:20, NKJV.

Today's Word:

When God laid out the plan for your life, He lined up the right people, the right breaks and the right open doors. In other words, He already had your “yeses” planned out--Yes, you can accomplish your dreams. Yes, you can overcome that obstacle. Yes, your children can fulfill their destiny. Yes you can succeed. YES is in your future!

The question is, are you going to say “yes” to God’s “yes”? Are you going to dare to believe Him—to get into agreement with His promises?

Start right now by declaring His promises over your life. Start declaring that He is good and that His plan will come to pass. Don’t let doubt and discouragements distract you, but keep your eyes fixed on Him because He is faithful. His promises are always yes and amen so say “yes” to His “yes”!

Prayer for Today:

Father, today I say Yes to You. I say “yes” to your promises and “yes” to Your ways. Help me to live a life pleasing to You and bring You glory in all that I say and do. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

By: Joel Osteen

source:

http://20thbankavenue.blogspot.com/2010/12/verse-of-day-for-120110.html

http://muscriptureproject.wordpress.com/2012/10/06/new-fall-discussion-series/

http://ww2.joelosteen.com/MessageViewer/Pages/MessageViewer.aspx?date=2012-11-12

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Jayson Cabrera Gali

Blogs:  http://spiritual12food.blogspot.com/

             http://healthhelpbyjeck.blogspot.com/

Find me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jayson.gali 

Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeckyL214

P.S.

I sincerely want to improve my blog, so I can serve you better. I would like to hear from you, please leave your comments at the bottom of this page. And if you find this very helpful don’t forget to share it to your friends and loved ones.

A life tuned to the melody of Grace

It is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.

--1 Peter 2:15-16

New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY'S VERSE

What does the world most need to hear from me today? A life tuned to the melody of grace that I claim I believe. Doing good, being like Christ, is Peter's answer to opposition, cynicism, and even persecution. We are free in Jesus, but being free means that we don't have to pretentiously prove we are free. Instead, we can live for him who died to conquer death. He renounced absolute heavenly freedom so we could find it. We are free to serve others, and most of all to serve God.

MY PRAYER

Holy Father, my Great Emancipator, you have freed me from sin, law, and death at the cost of your precious Son. I open my heart to you today to say I love you and want to thank you. Please accept the actions of my life, the words of my mouth, the thoughts of my mind, and the emotions of my heart today as my offering of thanks. Through Jesus my Sacrifice and your holy Son I pray. Amen.

Stored Up Blessings

Today's Scripture:

Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in You in the presence of the sons of men!

Psalm 31:19, NKJV.

Today's Word:

Scripture talks about how God has blessings stored up for those that honor Him. Think about that. God has contracts, houses, ideas, good breaks that already have your name on them! They’ve been stored up for you. The question is, how do you see them released? Number one: by honoring God and keeping Him first place. Then number two: by making room for them in your thinking. You’ve got to believe that something big is in your future. You’ve got to declare His promises over your life. You have to see with your eyes of faith what God can do.

Today, why don’t you take the limits off God and say, “God, I don’t see how this could happen in the natural, but I know You are a supernatural God. I know You have blessings that already have my name on them. Lord, I just want to thank You for Your far and beyond favor.” If you live like that, you will see God amaze you with His goodness, and you’ll receive those blessings He has stored up for you!

Prayer for Today:

Father, thank You for storing up blessings for me. I choose to honor You and bless You. I put my faith and hope in You knowing that You will amaze me with Your goodness in Jesus’ name. Amen. 
By: Joel Osteen

source:

http://www.pi-e-t.com/2012/06/bible-passage-1-peter-2-15-16/

http://www.johnny-deep.com/2011_10_01_archive.html

http://ww2.joelosteen.com/MessageViewer/Pages/MessageViewer.aspx?date=2012-10-22

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Jayson Cabrera Gali

Blogs:  http://spiritual12food.blogspot.com/

             http://healthhelpbyjeck.blogspot.com/

Find me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jayson.gali 

Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeckyL214

P.S. 

I sincerely want to improve my blog, so I can serve you better. I would like to hear from you, please leave your comments at the bottom of this page. And if you find this very helpful don’t forget to share it to your friends and loved ones.

We will serve the Lord!

If serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve.... As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.

--Joshua 24:15

New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY'S VERSE

While we can't speak for everyone in our family, we can commit to what everyone in our family should desire: We will serve the Lord!

MY PRAYER

Give me wisdom, O tender Shepherd, on how to lead my family to love you more. Please bless my parents, and thank you for their faith. Please give me courage and sensitivity so that I can effectively share your truth with my children. O God, please bless those parents who are seeking to raise godly children who will someday marry the children you've given me. I want my house to be a place where you are known, appreciated, honored, and loved. Through Jesus I ask it.  Amen.

Believe and Declare

Today's Scripture:

It is written: ‘I believed; therefore I have spoken.’ With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak.

2 Corinthians 4:13, NIV.

Today's Word:

I know a man who was believing to pay his house off. It was a standard 30-year mortgage, and he had 23 years left. In the natural, there was no way he could do it. But he was bold enough to say, “Father, I want to thank You that You are Jehovah Jireh; the Lord my provider. I know my job is not my source. You are my source. It may look impossible, but I know You can do the impossible.”

Several years ago, he received an inheritance from a family member that he had never met before. He didn’t even know they were related. He was able to not only pay his house off, but he paid a friend’s house off as well. What was that? Explosive blessings!

Friend, when you believe God, you position yourself for a miracle. When you obey His commands, you set yourself under the open windows of heaven. When you declare His Word, you activate His power. Keep standing, keep believing, keep speaking and see the victory and blessing He has in store for you!

Prayer for Today:

Father, thank You for Your Word which is alive and powerful! I set my mind on Your promises and choose to declare what You say about me. Thank You for Your faithfulness as I move forward in the good plan You have for me in Jesus’ name. Amen.

By: Joel Osteen

source:

http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/ChooseYouThisYear.html

http://thefamilyofboyds.blogspot.com/2011/10/joshua-2415.html

http://ww2.joelosteen.com/MessageViewer/Pages/MessageViewer.aspx?date=2012-10-17

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Jayson Cabrera Gali

Blogs:  http://spiritual12food.blogspot.com/

             http://healthhelpbyjeck.blogspot.com/

Find me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jayson.gali 

Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeckyL214

P.S. 

I sincerely want to improve my blog, so I can serve you better. I would like to hear from you, please leave your comments at the bottom of this page. And if you find this very helpful don’t forget to share it to your friends and loved ones.

You are Chosen

You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

--1 Peter 2:9

New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY'S VERSE

We've been picked to be on God's team, and we were picked first! We have an important role to play in the  unfolding of the world's history. We're here to declare God's praises to those who don't know him so they can find his marvelous light and leave their world of darkness.

MY PRAYER

O Great Light of Eternal Hope, I praise you and thank you for including me in your people. Now move me and empower me to share your Gospel with others so the world might truly know that Jesus is Lord. Through him I pray. Amen.

Be Righteousness-Conscious

“No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me,” says the Lord.

Isaiah 54:17

If you are familiar with today’s verse, you’ll know that believers usually quote only the first part: “No weapon formed against you shall prosper.”

Now, do you want to know the secret to unleashing this promise of protection, and walking fully in your inheritance in Christ?

It is actually right there in the second part of the verse: “‘…every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me,’ says the Lord.”

You see, it’s when you know that your righteousness is from the Lord that no weapon formed against you will prosper, and every tongue of accusation, judgment and condemnation that rises against you will fail!

My friend, use your faith every day to believe that you are indeed righteous in Christ, and that this righteousness is of the Lord’s doing, not your own doing. This is how no weapon formed against you shall prosper. This is how you live an overcoming and victorious life!

By: Joseph Prince

source:

http://ibibleverses.christianpost.com/you-chosen/

http://sidekicksanonymous.wordpress.com/2011/12/20/the-simple-outline/

http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=a150d1f30f96378c872f47725&id=4fd6c8a883&e=b2763b1d9a

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Jayson Cabrera Gali

Blogs:  http://spiritual12food.blogspot.com/

             http://healthhelpbyjeck.blogspot.com/

Find me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jayson.gali 

Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeckyL214

P.S.

I sincerely want to improve my blog, so I can serve you better. I would like to hear from you, please leave your comments at the bottom of this page. And if you find this very helpful don’t forget to share it to your friends and loved ones.