"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.

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

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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.

Spiritual Vitality and Stamina

Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

Hebrews 12:1

New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY'S VERSE

Like the great heroes of the Bible, both big and small, we can do God's work with confidence. But to boldly go where he wants us to go, we must first be willing to let go of the sin that entangles our lives, distorts our vision, and robs us of spiritual vitality and stamina.

MY PRAYER

Holy Father, forgive me for my sin. Not just my blatant sins, but my willingness to dabble in things that are not holy, to flirt with things that are spiritually dangerous, and to expose myself to things that leave a residue of Satan's world. Give me strength to say no to the things that distract me from you and to embrace with passion those things that make me more like you. Through Jesus my Lord I pray. Amen.

NEW LEVELS

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”

(2 Timothy 1:7, NLT)

TODAY’S WORD

God’s desire is that we continually progress, that we reach higher heights and go to new levels. Oftentimes, as soon as we make the decision to step out in faith and obey God, the enemy brings in fear to try to stop us. He’ll bring thoughts like, “What if you fail? What are other people going to think? You don’t have what it takes.” He’ll do his best to use fear to try to convince us to shrink back and stay where we are.

The Bible says that fear is a spirit. It plays on our emotions and holds us back. But the good news is that we have power over fear! The Bible says that perfect love casts out all fear. When we receive God’s perfect love, we will have confidence about the future because we know His plans are for our good. I’ve heard it said that fear is an acronym for False Evidence Appearing Real. Understand that fear is a lie. Today, choose to believe God’s Word and receive His love so that you can overcome fear and move forward into the good life He has prepared for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father in heaven, thank You for taking me to new levels. I know You have equipped me with a spirit of power, love and a sound mind. Fill me with Your confidence and assurance to embrace everything You have for me in Jesus’ name. Amen.

— Joel & Victoria Osteen

source:

http://www.crosscards.com/facebookcovers/hebrews-12-1-fb.html

http://insidetheshrink-dailygrace.blogspot.com/2012/01/run-race.html

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.

Do not Fear!!!

[The Lord says,] "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Isaiah 41:10

New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY'S VERSE

Fear saps our will power and leaves us feeling depleted and hopeless. Yet very few of us have ever experienced a defeat so complete and bitter as the one God's people faced when Isaiah shared this message of hope. The preservation of Israel to the time of Jesus, the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, the triumph of the Church through centuries of persecution and opposition are powerful reminders that underneath us are the everlasting arms of a mighty and loving God.

MY PRAYER

Almighty and Eternal Father, it is such sweet comfort to know that you are always there. Thank you! In Jesus name. 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!

A 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.

— Joel & Victoria Osteen

source:

http://www.1journey.net/stdavids/SW/BibleVerses/Isaiah41_10.htm

https://darrellcreswell.wordpress.com/2012/05/27/inspirational-favorite-bible-verses-in-pictures/

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.

Olympics, Opening Ceremony

All nations shall come and worship before You, for Your judgments have been manifested. —Revelation 15:4

Some words used to describe the opening ceremony of the summer Olympics were awesome, breathtaking, and extravagant. One commentator observed, “This shows what happens when you give an artist an unlimited budget.”

When I heard this, I thought, That’s what God did at creation! He held nothing back. The resulting universe is stunning in beauty, staggering in complexity, extravagant in all regards.

The Olympic ceremony was perfect in its precision; but if just one drummer or dancer had decided to alter the artist’s vision, the whole ceremony would have been flawed.

That’s what happened shortly after creation. Unlike the Olympic producer, God allowed free choice, and His work of art was marred by Adam and Eve’s idea of a better way. In Isaiah’s words, “We have turned, every one, to his own way” (Isa 53:6).

God’s solution to our waywardness was unimaginable: The Artist paid the price to recreate what we ruined. One day, there will be another opening ceremony, and everyone in heaven and on earth will bow at the name of Jesus (Phil. 2:10). And those from every nation who have accepted God’s plan in Christ will worship together in the flawless New Jerusalem (Rev. 15:4).

Yes, God was so great in creation,

But greater, much greater in grace!

For when man had sinned and had grieved Him,

He sent Christ to die in his place! —Bennard

We have all eternity to praise God—begin today.

KEEP GOOD COMPANY

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits’ ”

(1Corinthians 15:33, NKJV)

TODAY’S WORD

Sometimes, in order to embrace the destiny God has in store, you have to be willing to make some changes in your life. You have to be willing to examine where you are and what you need to move forward. This may mean that you need to change some friends that you’re spending time with. Maybe they were fine for a season in your life, but now you’ve outgrown them. This is a new season, and in order for you to rise higher, you have to break away from relationships that are limiting you. You have to develop some new relationships with people who are going to pull you up and inspire you to rise higher.

And this doesn’t just mean separating yourself from people who are holding you back spiritually. I’ve found that if you’re the smartest one in your group, your group is too small. Find people who are smarter than you are, people who will challenge you to stretch to the next level and become everything God’s created you to be. Remember, he who walks with the wise becomes wise. Choose your friends wisely and don’t be deceived. Choose your friends wisely so you can walk and live in the destiny God has in store for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father God, thank You for Your grace and mercy. Thank You for the good plan You have for my life. Help me choose my friends and companions wisely so that I can continue to move forward in the destiny You have for me in Jesus’ name. Amen.

— Joel & Victoria Osteen

souce:

http://www.moyeamedia.com/blog/?tag=london-olympics-2012-online

http://www.decanter.com/news/wine-news/529674/london-olympics-to-generate-300m-for-wine-trade-says-study

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.