Sincere Form Of Flattery

Be imitators of God as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

--Ephesians 5:1-2

 New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY'S VERSE

Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery.  If we are to sincerely flatter God by being like him, imitation may be the most costly form of flattery as well.  You see, love for God is never something that occurs just in our minds or our hearts.  Love is something we do for another -- it is action. John said in 1 John 4 that we must love in both our deeds and our words.  Love means to give ourselves up -- what we want, our rights, our desires -- to honor God and serve others.  This is a kind of love that can change the world, or a marriage, or a family.

MY PRAYER

Abba Father, I will never fully understand how you could love me so much that you would allow your son to die for me as my sacrifice.  Please help me love others sacrificially.  I know the power to do this is not within me, so please pour your love into my heart so that I may share that love with others. Through Jesus, my brother and my sacrifice, I pray.  Amen.

IGNORE THE CRITICS

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him.”

(Acts 11:2, NIV)

TODAY’S WORD

One time Jesus was in the temple. It was on the Sabbath, their day of rest. He saw a man with a withered hand. Jesus simply said, “Stretch forth your hand,” and immediately the man was healed. The religious leaders, the Pharisees, were there and didn’t like Jesus. Even though He did something great, they ridiculed Him for doing it on the Sabbath, the day of rest.

Some people, no matter what you do, are not going to be for you. Even if you changed, met all their demands and did everything they asked, they would still find something wrong. I’ve learned that we can all save a lot of heartache and pain by learning to ignore those critical voices. You don’t need those people’s approval. You don’t have to have them cheering you on. They may try to make you look bad, but if you will stay on the high road and let God fight your battles, the more they talk the more God will bless you. They may try to take you down, but God will use it to take you up. Keep focused on your future, keep focused on the Word, and let His truth strengthen you to ignore the critics and move forward into the life of blessing He has prepared for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, today I set my heart and focus on You. I choose to ignore the critical voices that would try to distract me from Your plan. Help me to forgive those who come against me and always walk in love so that I can honor You in Jesus’ name. Amen.

By: Joel Osteen

source:

http://insidetheshrink-dailygrace.blogspot.com/2012/09/walking-in-fragrance-of-love.html

http://redeemerchurch.nl/sermons/imitate/
http://ww2.joelosteen.com/Pages/MessageViewer.aspx?date=2012-11-23

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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.

"Greetings, you who are highly favored!

God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David.  The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."

--Luke 1:26-28

New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY'S VERSE

Wow!  Such a familiar sentence packed with emotion.   An angel comes to Nazareth to visit and speak with a young woman engaged to be married. Before the history-shattering news is announced, she is given one key reminder that will be truer than she could imagine, "The Lord is with you."

MY PRAYER

My request, O God, I've sung many times:  "Be with me Lord, I cannot live without Thee.  I cannot bear to take one step alone."  Father, I need your abiding presence to face the challenges of life.  As you have upheld your children through the ages, I am thankful to greet each day knowing that I will not face it alone.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.

His Grace Never Ceases

The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness…

Lamentations 3:22–23, NLT

           

Placing a handful of tokens onto the arcade game machine that my little Jessica was completely engrossed in, I said to her, “Jessica, once the game is ending, just put in another token, alright?” She was only three years old then, but certainly understood well enough how to keep on inserting new tokens to keep the game going.

It was fun watching her enjoy the game. Her eyes would light up and her dimples would show, especially when she was winning. As her father, seeing her happy made me happy, so I kept watch to ensure that she had sufficient tokens to keep the game going. Once they ran low, I would rush to the counter to get a new stack of tokens. So Jessica’s daddy kept supplying more tokens while she simply kept enjoying the game.

Beloved, if an earthly father can do this for his daughter for a simple arcade game, how much more will our heavenly Father, who loves us and delights in seeing us blessed, do to provide for us!

By: Joseph Prince

source:

http://dialoguewithgod.bigcartel.com/product/christmas-luke-1-26-45-mary-elizabeth

http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/Advent/annunciation.html

http://us2.campaign-archive2.com/?u=a150d1f30f96378c872f47725&id=a7b8fa815f&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.

Give Thanks, His love endures forever

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.  His love endures forever.  Give thanks to the God of heaven.  His love endures forever.

--Psalm 136:1 and 26

New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY'S VERSE

Our thanks arises from the nature of God and his glory and goodness.  The steadfast reason we give thanks is because God is good and his love is inexhaustible, beyond decay, and never ending.

MY PRAYER

O great Lover of my soul, thank you for sending Jesus as the demonstration of your love.  I love you Father.  I love you for who you are and what you have done.  I love you for what you have promised.   I love you for the blessings you shower upon me.  I love you for giving me hope.  I love you because you first loved me.  I love you because you are worthy of all love.  But I confess that my love is not as strong as yours, so please, fill me with your love by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Through Jesus I lift my heart to you.   Amen.

Closer Than You Think

Today's Scripture:

Do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.

Hebrews 10:35, NKJV.

Today's Word:

Have you been praying and believing for something that seems like it’s taking a lot longer than you thought? Many times, people can miss God’s best simply because they give up before they see their “due season” come. Don’t let that be you! Be encouraged today, your answer is closer than you think. If it seems like things are getting more difficult, remember, when the intensity heats up, that means you are closer to your victory. It always seems darkest just before the dawn arrives.

We serve a faithful God, and He’s working behind the scenes on your behalf. Don’t cast away your confidence today because your reward is coming. And just like a new mother forgets about her labor pain once she is finally holding her newborn, you’ll forget about your struggle when you are holding on to your promise. While you are waiting, keep an attitude of faith and expectancy. Wake up every morning and say out loud, “I’ve come too far to give up now. My due season is coming. I will reap my harvest.” Stay in faith and look for His hand of blessing because He has promised you victory, and it’s closer than you think!

Prayer for Today:

Father in heaven, today I stand believing that You are working behind the scenes on my behalf. Give me Your strength to stand in faith until I see every promise fulfilled in my life in Jesus’ name. Amen.

By: Joel Osteen

source:

http://www.westsidewftx.org/index.php

http://www.lovebakesgoodcakes.com/2012/06/psalm-13626-printable.html

http://ww2.joelosteen.com/MessageViewer/Pages/MessageViewer.aspx?date=2012-11-08

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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.

Entering into Grace

Enter [the Lord's] gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

 --Psalm 100:4-5

New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY'S VERSE

Worship is always about entering - entering into grace, entering with thanksgiving, entering to share with others, but most of all entering into the Lord's presence in a special way.  But our entering is not the basis of worship.   Instead, worship is about the Lord's faithfulness, goodness, and enduring grace.  We come to God like so many before us, who are waiting with God for us.  We come to praise him for all he has been, all he is, and all he will be.  We come to enter and worship.

MY PRAYER

Faithful God, the Almighty Rock of Israel, the God on whom the generations trusted, you alone, LORD, are God.  I praise you for your enduring grace and mercy.   I praise you because I want my heart tuned to your will.  I praise you, because I want to prepare for my longest lifetime, the one in your presence. I praise you in Jesus' name.  Amen.

The Time of Favor

Today's Scripture

That day the LORD exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel; and they revered him all the days of his life…

Joshua 4:14, NIV.

Today's Word

I love the promise that God gave to Joshua. He said, “Joshua, today I will begin to make you great in the eyes of all the Israelites.” He was saying, “Today, I’m going to start releasing more of My favor, My blessings, My increase.” But notice, there was a specific time in his life that God began to release favor in a new way.

Friend, I believe God wants to do the same thing for you. He wants to release His blessing and favor in such a way that it makes you great—a great parent, a great spouse, a great leader, a great employee, a great friend, a great business person. He is saying to us what He said to Joshua, “This day I’m going to begin to make your name great. This day I’m going to begin to release My favor in a new way. I’m going to open doors that no man can shut.” It is a set time of God’s favor. Get ready! Make room in your thinking. Stay open to Him and keep an attitude of faith and expectancy because the time of God’s favor is here!

Prayer for Today

Father, I bless You today. Thank You for pouring out Your favor and blessing upon me. I open my heart and mind to receive every good thing You have in store for me today in Jesus’ name. Amen. By: Joel Osteen

source:

http://flickrhivemind.net/Tags/church,powerpoint/Interesting

http://alwaysonwatch2.blogspot.com/2009/11/happy-thanksgiving.html

http://ww2.joelosteen.com/MessageViewer/Pages/MessageViewer.aspx?date=2012-10-29

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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.

Be a Living Sacrifice, since you were Elected

I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God -- this is your spiritual act of worship.

--Romans 12:1

New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY'S VERSE

Because God went first and sacrificed what is most precious to him to save us, he can ask us to surrender ourselves to him. Only one problem: The sacrifice wants to keep crawling off the altar. But, since we are that sacrifice, let's offer ourselves fully to God!

MY PRAYER

Holy and Righteous Savior, I want to surrender my life, my body, and will to you. But I confess, there are little things (and maybe some big things), that I keep from ever placing on that altar. Things I don't want to give up. To the best of my ability, I pledge today to live for you in a way that leaves nothing outside your Lordship and control. I offer you me -- all that I have and am -- to be yours today. Through Jesus. Amen.

Foxes in Your Finances

Today's Scripture:

Catch the foxes for us, the little foxes that spoil the vineyards, for our vineyards are in blossom.

Song of Solomon 2:15, ESV.

Today's Word:

Oftentimes, it’s not big things that hold us back; it’s small things — especially in your finances. A few dollars a day on coffee quickly turns into hundreds. Too many credit cards become overwhelming to keep up with. That person who hasn’t balanced their checkbook in two years probably hears a little voice every time they go to write a check,

“Get your finances in order.” We have to realize that if we’re not faithful with what we have, God won’t entrust us with more. One lady told me how she hadn’t balanced her checkbook in so long she just closed the account and opened up a brand new one. At least she took action!

I have people tell me all the time, “Joel, I’m going to start giving. I’m going to start tithing my income as soon as I make more money.” No, don’t wait until you have $1,000. Tithe on the $10 you have right now. Don’t let the little foxes spoil your finances. Don’t let another day go by without obeying God. When you set your finances in order, when you put God first in all you do, you are opening the door for His blessing. He says when we are faithful with the little, God will make us ruler over much!

Prayer for Today:

Father God, today I choose to be obedient. I don’t want to let little foxes affect my finances. I dedicate my resources to You. Speak to my heart and show me where to give. I choose to be a faithful sower and expect to reap an abundant harvest by Your Word in Jesus’ name! Amen.

By: Joel Osteen

source:

http://www.adorate.org/2012/06/misreading-romans-121.html

http://www.calvarychapelprinceton.com/romans-1130-121

http://ww2.joelosteen.com/MessageViewer/Pages/MessageViewer.aspx?date=2012-08-02

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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.