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

+++++

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 Light that illumines the Heart

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said,"I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

--John 8:12

New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY'S VERSE

Darkness is more than a symbol, it is a pervasive way of living and viewing the world.  Darkness is the place of deception, evil, crime, predators, sin, and death.  To follow Jesus means to bring him our heart and let him cast everything from the darkness that plagues us on the inside so we don't have to be afraid of the darkness on the outside.  In this way, Jesus gives us light, but it is a light that does more than fill a dark room. This is a light that illumines the heart.

MY PRAYER

Holy God who lives in glorious and irrepressible light, I praise you for sending Jesus to cast away the dark fears that so easily envelope me. I pray for strength and courage to not only live in the light, but show others their way to the light. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Pray For Qarah Each Day           

Then he said, “O Lord God of my master Abraham, please give me success [qarah] this day, and show kindness to my master Abraham.”

Genesis 24:12

Would you like to know how you can pray for and experience God’s divine positioning for good success?

In Genesis 24, we read about how Abraham sent his servant to look for a bride for Isaac, his son. The servant arrived at a well outside the city of Nahor in the evening and decided to stop there. There were so many young women gathered to draw water there that he did not know who would be the right woman for Isaac. So he prayed this prayer: “O Lord God of my master Abraham, please give me success this day, and show kindness to my master Abraham.”

The word “success” here is the Hebrew word qarah. And with the Lord’s qarah or positioning for right happenings, the servant found a beautiful, virtuous woman named Rebekah, who became Isaac’s bride.

Beloved, we need the Lord to give us qarah every day. So I encourage you to pray the prayer of that servant every day. Tell the Lord, “I’m looking to You, Lord Jesus, to give me success—qarah—this day,” and depend on His unmerited favor to cause you to be at the right place at the right time. He will cause your paths to cross with that of the right people who will be a blessing to you and to whom you can be a blessing!

By: Joseph Prince

source:

http://bornagainandblessed.blogspot.com/2010/12/want-light-of-life-follow-jesus.html

http://www.dailylifeverse.com/posts/tag/life

http://us2.campaign-archive2.com/?u=a150d1f30f96378c872f47725&id=8f9ca9254a&e=b2763b1d9a

+++++

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.

He has spoken to us by his Son

In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.

--Hebrews 1:1-2

New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY'S VERSE

God is a speaking God.  He loves us and has chosen to get his message to us in words.  First there were the patriarchs and great prophets.  Then there was the written record in the Scriptures.  But God's greatest message, his most powerful words, were not really words at all, but a person named Jesus of Nazareth, who is Christ and Lord of all.  For us, his Church, to be what he wants us to be, we must not just look at Scripture, we must also look at him.  He is the key to understanding what Scripture means and how it is to be lived.

MY PRAYER

Holy Father, help me to see Jesus and his work and purpose more clearly as I open your Book and seek to understand your will.  Fill me with your Spirit, so that I may greet each decision awakened to the answer to "What would Jesus do?" Through Jesus, my Lord and Savior I pray.  Amen.

Wisdom To Contain God’s Provision  

Now it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said to her son, “Bring me another vessel.” And he said to her, “There is not another vessel.” So the oil ceased. Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debt; and you and your sons live on the rest.”

2 Kings 4:6–7

When it comes to provision, God’s word is chockfull of wisdom and encouragement. It not only gives you pictures of God’s inexhaustible supply, but it also provides wisdom in managing what comes into your hands.

In the story found in 2 Kings 4:2–7, Elisha told a poor widow to get as many empty vessels as she could, and pour her last jar of oil into the vessels. She did as told and miraculously, the oil kept flowing. It stopped only when she ran out of vessels. Elisha then told her to sell the oil, pay her debt and live on the surplus.

I want you to see two important things here. Firstly, the supply stopped only when the demand on God’s supply stopped. I want to encourage you to never stop looking to Jesus for your supply.

Secondly, if you are in debt, your first priority is to settle your debt. Notice that Elisha told the widow, “Sell the oil and pay your debt.” And when you have cleared your debt, learn to live within your means. Beloved, the more you meditate on and heed the practical wisdom in God’s Word, the more you will be able to contain His provision.

By: Joseph Prince

source:

http://www.clayritter.com/2010/10/god-has-spoken.html

http://toms.podbean.com/2010/04/25/god-has-spoken-dont-drift-away-hebrews-11-24/

http://us2.campaign-archive2.com/?u=a150d1f30f96378c872f47725&id=b7123400f4&e=b2763b1d9a

+++++

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.

What kind of people ought you to be?

The day of the Lord will come like a thief.  The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.  Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be?  You ought to live holy and godly lives.

--2 Peter 3:10-11

New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY'S VERSE

Holiness is that forgotten character virtue that is the Christian's reflection of God, his or her holy and righteous Father.  In a day of cheap grace, when anything goes just as long as we want to be buddies with Jesus, Peter's words should shock us into reverence - the commitment in life to set our lives apart from the evil and sludge that defiles our hearts and to offer our bodies, hearts, and minds to do his will and reflect his character.

MY PRAYER

Holy and Righteous Father, teach me to do your will and reflect your character while offering your grace.  May the movements of my heart, the thoughts of my mind, and the actions of my life be pleasing to you and reflect your holiness and grace.   In Jesus name I pray.  Amen.

The Gift

Today's Scripture:

Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.

Proverbs 27:1, ESV.

Today's Word:

Do you see every day as a blessed gift from God? Many times when we hear this, we may be tempted to brush it off and say, “Yeah, yeah, I know. Every day is special.” But truly it is! God ordained this day before the foundation of the earth. He has already ordered blessings for you. He has already orchestrated the right opportunities for you. He has already made the right connections for you. On top of that, the air you breathe, the food you eat, and the sunshine on your face are all part of the great blessing that God gives us daily.

Remember, we’re not promised tomorrow, so why waste a single moment living life defeated and depressed? Our attitude should not be, “I have to take care of the kids,” or “I have to mow the lawn today.” It should be, “I get to take care of the kids God has blessed me with,” or “I get to go out and mow the lawn today. That’s part of the house that God has provided.” See every opportunity as a gift. Count your blessings and watch Him multiply them exceedingly all the days of your life!

Prayer for Today:

Father, thank You for giving me this wonderful day. Thank You for every blessing You have prepared. Strengthen me with Your joy and fill me with Your peace as I keep my mind stayed on You in Jesus’ name. Amen.

By: Joel Osteen

source:

http://peridei.wordpress.com/2012/08/22/savoring-jesus-2-peter-310-11/
http://nearemmaus.com/category/scholars-andor-theologians/j-r-daniel-kirk-scholarstheologians/
http://ww2.joelosteen.com/MessageViewer/Pages/MessageViewer.aspx?date=2012-11-09
+++++

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.

Giving thanks is more than being thankful

Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done.

--1 Chronicles 16:8

 New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY'S VERSE

Giving thanks is more than being thankful to God, it is letting others know of his gracious works so they too can come to know him as Father, Redeemer, and Victorious Lord.

MY PRAYER

Holy God, Almighty King, bless all those who serve you in difficult places today. I especially am thankful for all the missionaries in other cultures sharing the grace of Jesus with people who need to know you as Abba Father.  Empower their words, protect their lives and families, and bless their efforts with fruit. Please help me to understand that true thankfulness involves sharing your grace with others.  Through Jesus I pray. Amen.

Remember Your Victories

Today's Scripture:

Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph…

2 Corinthians 2:14, NKJV.

Today's Word:

When you think about your past, what events do you remember? What memories do you allow to play over and over in your mind? In the Old Testament, they had what they called memorial stones. These were used to remind the people about the good things God did in their lives—their victories.

Today, we need to remind ourselves to focus on our victories, too. Sure, we’ve all had setbacks, but when you meditate on your disappointments and failures, it only drains you of valuable energy. It steals your confidence and joy. But when you focus on your victories, it builds your strength and confidence. It feeds your faith. It gives you a reason to give God praise.

I encourage you today to get into the habit of focusing on your victories. Remember, every good and perfect gift comes from Him. As you praise and thank Him for His favor and victory in your life, He’ll pour out His blessing on you. He’ll open up supernatural doors for you to move forward in strength to fulfill the dreams and desires He has placed in your heart!

Prayer for Today:

Father, thank You for Your goodness and faithfulness in my life. I choose to focus on my victories and let go of any negative experiences in my past. I bless and praise You today in Jesus’ name. Amen.

By: Joel Osteen

source:

http://internetcafedevotions.com/2010/11/wfw-give-thanks-to-the-lord/

http://www.fbcoverlover.com/cover/1797

http://ww2.joelosteen.com/MessageViewer/Pages/MessageViewer.aspx?date=2012-11-07

+++++

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

+++++

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.

Trust in the Eternal Rock

Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord is the Rock Eternal.

Isaiah 26:4

New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY'S VERSE

When we see mountains we feel small, knowing not only how much larger they are than we are, but also how much longer they have been here than we have been. But the Lord existed long before any mountain and will exist long after it has melted into nothing. The only rock of security, and all the forevers we have, are found in him.

MY PRAYER

Eternal I Am, who is and was and will be forever, I trust that you are and will always be my God, my Redeemer, my Savior, my Shepherd, and my Father. I commit all my tomorrows to you. Through Jesus my Lord. Amen.

Go Further, Dream Bigger

Today's Scripture

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:13, NKJV.

Today's Word

Today, I want to remind you of what God says about you. No matter what’s happening in your life today, remember: you are not limited by your resources, your family or your background. Almighty God has equipped and empowered you. He has given you creativity, ideas, inventions, skills and talents. Don’t you dare settle for a mediocre life! Today, I call forth the seeds of greatness inside of you.

Today, I declare that your best days are ahead. That you are going to go further than anyone in your family ever did; that you are going to dream bigger and live higher. I declare that you are a leader, an influencer, a minister of reconciliation. You are the fragrance of God to the nations.

Before anyone put a curse on you, God Almighty put a blessing on you. Walk and live in that blessing by following His commands and staying fully committed to Him in everything you do!

Prayer for Today

Father, thank You for blessing me and calling me according to Your purposes. I receive Your Word which is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I will hide Your truth in my heart that I might not sin against You n Jesus’ name. Amen.

By: Joel Osteen

source:

http://thechurchofgodntj.org/

http://reflectionsofgloryphotography.blogspot.com/2011/06/blog-post_2358.html

http://ww2.joelosteen.com/MessageViewer/Pages/MessageViewer.aspx?date=2012-09-21

+++++

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.

Are you "unhip" or a bit out of touch?

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Matthew 5:11-12

New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY'S VERSE

For most who can read this Internet message, the sentiments of this verse seem foreign. But among those who closely study persecution, believers in Christ are enduring perhaps the greatest amount of persecution in the history of Christianity. For those of us who live in cozy places where belief is tolerated and Christians are just considered "unhip" or a bit out of touch, we need to be thankful that our lives make enough of a distinction from our culture to be noticed, even if it's a bit unfavorably. But at the same time, we need to pray for other believers throughout the world who are undergoing the wrath of hell for the faith.

MY PRAYER

Great Deliverer, we have many who call on your name with faith in Jesus who face persecution and hardship every day. I pray that they will not lose heart and give up their confidence. I pray that you will bring deliverance from this time of persecution. I pray that their sufferings will be the source of powerful witness so others will come to see the great value of Jesus and our allegiance to him. This I pray in his precious and holy name. Amen.

                        

Bring Out the Best

Today's Scripture:

…love is kind…

1 Corinthians 13:4, NIV.

Today's Word:

One translation of today’s simple verse says that “love looks for a way to be constructive.” In other words, love looks for ways to improve someone else’s life. Love brings out the best in other people. Don’t just get up in the morning thinking about yourself or how you can make your own life better. Think about how you can make someone else’s life better. Ask yourself, “Who can I encourage today?” “Who can I build up?” You have something to offer those around you that no one else can give. Someone in your life needs your encouragement. Someone in your life needs to know that you believe in them. I believe God will hold us responsible for the people He’s put in our lives. He’s counting on us to bring out the best in our family and friends.

Are you improving the lives of those around you? Are you pouring confidence in them? Why don’t you ask the Lord to give you creative ways to bring out the best in others? As you sow into the lives of others, God will send people along your path that will build you up so that you can embrace every blessing He has in store for you.

Prayer for Today:

Father, thank You for loving me. Thank You for believing in me and always building me up. I ask that You show me creative ways to encourage and build up the people around me. Help me to be an example of Your love in Jesus’ name. Amen.

By: Joel Osteen

source:

http://www.edsphotobooth.com/Weddings/Kerri-and-Matt-5-11-12/22949928_SV2wtX

http://www.chronologicalbibleblog.com/2012/10/october-2nd-chronological-bible-readings.html

http://ww2.joelosteen.com/MessageViewer/Pages/MessageViewer.aspx?date=2012-09-13

+++++

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.

Avenge Injustice

We know him who said, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," and again, "The Lord will judge his people." It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

Hebrews 10:30-31

New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY'S VERSE

God hates injustice, unfairness, brutality and abuse. In a world where the greedy, the murderous, the thieves, the rapists, the muggers... get away with their shameless and despicable behavior, God is the ultimate assurance that justice will be done and the wicked will not triumph. While those who love and expect Jesus' return do so with anticipation and joy, those who are evil and vile will find out what a dreadful thing it is to fall into God's hands.

MY PRAYER

Holy and Righteous God, my Heavenly Father, I am both uncomfortable and comforted to know that you will bring justice on those who have violently abused the innocent, weak, helpless, underprivileged, and infirm. Give me the courage to stand between the evil of my world and those on whom it preys. By the grace and victory of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Continue In God’s Grace

Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.

Acts 2:46, NIV

I thank God for the Holy Communion because each time we partake, we get to ingest and manifest more and more of Jesus’ life and strength.

Beloved, keep on taking Communion until you are completely healed. As you take it, thank God that you are already healed by Jesus’ stripes. When you drink the cup, see how Jesus has already taken away every sin and redeemed you from every sickness. See the work as finished and be at rest, knowing that you are seated with Christ.

Remember that it’s all about what our Lord Jesus has done. It’s all His grace, His undeserved, unmerited favor toward you. As you partake, see Him, the bread of life, working on the inside of you, making you stronger and stronger each day!

By: Joseph Prince

source:

http://www.michaelcandelori.com/vengeance/site/index.html

http://shtf411.com/screw-the-rule-s-t15813.html

http://us2.campaign-archive2.com/?u=a150d1f30f96378c872f47725&id=06c4f8a858&e=b2763b1d9a

+++++

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.

Benefit of Perseverance

We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

Romans 5:3-4

New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY'S VERSE

I remember the old Corrie ten Boom line, "Thank God for the fleas." The fleas kept the German soldiers out of the barracks in the concentration camp where she was imprisoned. This allowed her to minister and visit with those who were being persecuted. There she could show and share Jesus.

MY PRAYER

Mighty God, I confess that I get impatient and frustrated with difficulty, pain, and suffering. Please give me more compassion and a better listening ear, so that I may bless those who need love and grace. Through Jesus I ask it. Amen.

CHARACTERISTICS OF LOVE

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“Now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

(1 Corinthians 13:13, NIV)

TODAY’S WORD

Spiritual maturity isn’t measured by how long you’ve been a Christian, how much you know, or how often you go to church. Spiritual maturity is measured by the way you treat other people. It’s measured by the love you allow to operate through you. First Corinthians 13 tells us about the characteristics of love. One characteristic is that it is not rude. That means, when we are walking in love, we treat other people with courtesy and respect. Are you courteous to other people? Are you kind to the person at the checkout counter that may be moving too slowly for you? Are you gentle when you are driving down the highway and someone cuts you off? Are you patient with your family and coworkers? These are all ways we show love.

Scripture also tells us that love is patient. It is kind. It does not envy; it is not proud. It is not rude. Love is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs. Love never fails. Notice that these characteristics don’t have anything to do with feelings. That’s because love is a choice. You can choose to walk in love toward people even when you don’t feel like it. Today, make the choice to do what is right. Choose today to show kindness and be courteous to others. Look for ways to cultivate the greatest thing in your life — love! As you do, you’ll move forward into the life of blessing God has in store for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me so that I can show love to others. Teach me to be patient and kind and treat others the way You always treat me in Jesus’ name. Amen.

— Joel & Victoria Osteen

source:

http://www.thephilfiles.com/2009/02/25/perseverance/

http://www.cbcbentonville.com/

http://www.joelosteen.com/Pages/Index.aspx

+++++

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.