But on the Third Day!

  But on the Third Day
“'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men,
be crucified and on the third day be raised again.' "
    Luke 24:7 (NIV)

                        Did he say if …again?

     “’If he be the king of Israel, let him now come down from the cross: and we will believe him.’” (Matthew 27:42n GNT)

    “‘If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.’"                  (Matt.23:37NIV)

    “‘If you are the Messiah, save yourself and us!’"(Luke 23:39 HNV)

Satan - “Ha! Look at the mighty Jesus now. He’s so pitiful. He didn’t even put up a fight.  Crown me king. Let the party begin!”  (Laughter shakes the gates of hell.)

Heartbroken disciples stand in the rain as thunder, lightning and earthquake, shatter their hopes. He was gone. Really gone! How they had hoped for a miracle… but there was no miracle. Evil got its way. They had looked for Messiah all their lives. Their dream had died. 

They would take Him down from the cross. They would bury Him and come later to put more perfume on His body. It was the least they could do…it was all they could do.

                                                            But… three days later.

Hell’s Demons – (screaming) “What have you do with us, Jesus?”

Jesus – (His eyes, piercing and full of fury) “Give me the keys—now!”

Satan – (Bowing) He hands over the keys of hell and death and runs.
   
Rising above the cruelty of those who crucified Him, Jesus spoke up for you. “It is finished!” Jesus did what He came to do… make a way for your forgiveness…a way for you to become His child.

                                You are free. There are no more ifs.                          

“Christ redeemed us from that self-defeating, cursed life by absorbing it completely into himself. Do you remember the Scripture that says, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree’? That is what happened when Jesus was nailed to the Cross:
He became a curse, and at the same time dissolved the curse.”
Galatians 3:13 (MSG)
  
 Dear Lord,
        You…are who you say you are.
                                            I… am who you say I am.
                                                                                    No and's, if's or but's!

                                                                                    Not Guilty
                                               “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation;
                                                                     the old has gone, the new has come”
                             II Corinthians 5:17

Once there was a girl who didn’t know how much God loved her…until one horrible, wonderful day. She got caught—red-handed! Everyone said, “ She should die for this. We really got her this time. We always knew she was no good .”
  
There was a problem, however. Jesus just happened to be there. Everyone stopped and listened, “ If you are perfect, if you have never done anything wrong—go ahead—kill her.” Well, they all walked away, one by one.

Then only Jesus and the girl were left. Looking into His eyes of liquid love, she knew no one could love her more than this lovely Jesus.  He set her on her two feet again, “I do not condemn you. You are free. I love and forgive you...completely.” How happy she was. She was forgiven. She was brand new.
 
One of your enemy’s goals is to make you feel guilty. He stirs your bad memories and taunts, “You’re such a looser.”

You aren’t supposed to live like that. Jesus took all your sins. When you make a mistake come to Him. Tell Him everything and get forgiveness. Then your enemy will run. 

Adam and Eve were so ashamed after they disobeyed God. They tried to hide, but He found them. He found them because He loved them. He found them because He had forgiveness for them. And He found them because He still had a plan for them. 

                                      “God is faithful and reliable. If we confess our sins,
                      he forgives them and cleanses us from everything we've done wrong”
                                                                  I John 1:9 GW
        Dear Lord,   
        I am not afraid to talk to You about my mistakes...about anything.

Me Too?

                                                                     Me Too?
                   “If the world hates you, realize that it hated me before it hated you.”

                                                                John 15:18 GW


 You’re a powerhouse. You believe God and love Jesus. You’re dangerous to God’s enemy. Why? You’re beginning to act like the King’s kid. Jesus has forgiven your sins and you feel so good. Listen to the  new you.

This is for me. This is who Christ says I am. I can go anywhere—pursue any dream. He is with me and He is for me. He sees me…He knows me…He loves me. 
I’m more than a conqueror. I’m a warrior!
 
The devil hears your voice. He begins to shake in terror. Then he remembers, “Oh yeah…I’m the devil… the craftiest one of all. Boy, for a minute there, I almost forgot who I was. Come on, Sport. Get your act together. This will be easy…this will be fun…my favorite thing…my best thing!”

Satan attacks your mind with fierce condemnation but he speaks with quiet subtlety. “Oh, really? Do you really think you are worth more than two cents? You really believe God can forgive you after what you’ve done? Maybe others… but not you. Besides, what’s all your boasting? Is that Christian talk? Is that being humble?  Look around, compare yourself to others. Still the warrior?”

Satan went after Jesus; he’ll go after you too. You’re his enemy. He wants to condemn you, belittle you, demean you, and put you in a box. Do you think it was a piece of cake when Jesus encountered Satan?  It was more than difficult—it was torture. But He won! Jesus won for you. And that is why—you’re a winner!

Jesus’ story is your story. Don’t change it!

                              “And now, all glory to God, who is able to keep you from stumbling, 
                and who will bring you into his glorious presence innocent of sin and with great joy.”
                                                                      Jude 1:24 NLT
      
Dear Lord,
        Because of you, I will win today .Thank you.

If

If 
“Then the Devil came to him and said, "If you are God's Son,
 order these stones to turn into bread."
Matthew 4:3 GNT
   

The devil was armed and ready. I’ve waited thousands of years for this moment. Surely it’s going to be a piece of cake just as it had been with Adam and Eve. Ha ha! Oh, I can’t wait to get my claws on the Son of God and watch Him stumble and fall. What a day this is going to be!
 
But stuffed way down in the devil’s memory was the looming prophecy declaring the child of Eve would bruise his head. God had spoken it, but hey, God would lose again…
wouldn’t He? 
Overcome with hunger Jesus looked longingly at the rocks. Oh, Father, we’re almost there. Forty days and nights, no food…no drink but still I have to meet my arch enemy. I’ve got to win back what Adam lost. I’ll do it for them, for my people.

                                             When God ended the fast Jesus would be up and running.

                                                                               The Test


Satan’s eyes gleamed. Oh, look at the hungry Jesus. I’ll get Him when He’s weak. I’ve got a good shot of making Him sin. Then everything will be mine. All mine! (shaking with laughter)

    The devil- “If you’re the Son of God tell these stones to become bread.”
    Jesus - “It is written. I will live by what God says.”

    The devil - “If you’re the Son of God throw yourself down for the angels will catch you and wow—you’ve got a message!”
    Jesus - “I will not tempt God.”

    The devil - “If you bow down and worship me I will give you all the kingdoms of the world.”
    Jesus’ last reply - “I don’t worship you. I worship God.”
                                                   
                                                                         The Victory

As the devil ran with his tail between his legs, angels came immediately and strengthened Jesus. The enemy had jeered at Him, “If—You’re the Son of God.” What audacity! Jesus knew who He was and He didn’t change His story.

Neither should you. No devil can push you around. You’re a King’s kid, a child of God, full of worth and value No ands, ifs, or buts about it!
       

 “Jesus returned to Galilee powerful in the Spirit.
That he was back spread through the countryside.”
Luke 4:14 MSG
   

 Dear Lord, I won’t forget I’m yours and I’ll act like it too. Thank you.

It's About Choices

                                 It’s About Choices

                       “I call Heaven and Earth to witness against you today: I place before you Life and       Death, Blessing and Curse.   

                 

 Choose life so that you and your children will live.”
Deuteronomy 30:19 (MSG)

The longer Eve admired the beautiful tree the more she craved its fruit. “Why wouldn’t God want me to have this? I don’t think He really meant exactly what He told us. This fruit is beautiful. It will give a lovely glow to my skin.”

As the enemy egged her on, Eve had this thought, “God’s just a real kill joy. I don’t think I can trust Him anymore.”

In the background the subtle voice hissed, “Go ahead. God’s got it all wrong.” The bait was laid. The bait was taken and the girl created in God’s glory made a wrong turn.

Eve chose to trust her reason. She chose to doubt God. She chose to rebel. She had to be realistic… right? Wrong—Eve chose death and lost Paradise.

No one tops the devil when it comes to lies. Jesus calls him the father of lies.    

You have a choice. You know the truth. Lean on God’s Word.  Now the tables will turn. Nothing tops the truth of God’s Word!  

 “He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”
John 8:44b NIV

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set    you free."
                                                John 8:32 NIV
        Dear Lord,
        I will take my favorite scripture with me today. I will say it to myself all day. I love Your truth

Not Ashamed--Not Bullied!

                        Not Ashamed—Not Bullied
“For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes.”
                              Romans 1:16 NLT

The giant was a bully. He mocked—he laughed—at the young boy named David. But David held his slingshot at his side and looked into the jeering eyes of the giant. In his coat pocket were five smooth stones. Why five?—the giant had four brothers.

David was ready. God was with him—God was for him and God had already helped him kill a lion and a bear that went after his father’s sheep. Ha! God would do it again. 

Goliath sneered at David. “You’re a joke, you little apple cheeked boy! I’m going to feed your flesh to the buzzards and to all the beasts of the forest. You’re gonna to be toast today!”

David shot back, unafraid and confident, “It's the God of the Armies of Heaven that you spit upon today. He will hand you over to me and I will cut… off…. your…. head! Oh yeah!”

Wow! And that’s exactly what happened. When Goliath’s army saw that their hero was dead they ran like crazy men to escape the fired up Israelites.

Do you have a bully who whispers intimidation?  “Oh, who’s going to listen to you? You can’t talk about God at school. You’ll get in trouble…go to the office…embarrass your parents.”

Goliath was a bully. He tried to stop David by making him feel small. But David knew what God could do... and David spoke the truth.

You’re a David too. You know Jesus is the only help for your friends. Their situation is desperate but you hold the key. Refuse to be bullied, speak the truth--run with the King.

          “I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?  What                        can mere mortals do to me?"

                               Psalm 56:11 NLT
   
Dear Lord, I am not ashamed to talk about you. No one bullies You…no one bullies me either.

Pray and Move Mountains

                                                        Pray—and Move Mountains
"The simple truth is that if you had a mere kernel of faith, a poppy seed, say, you would tell this mountain, 'Move!' and it would move. There is nothing you wouldn't be able to tackle."
    

                                                             Matthew 17:20 NIV

    “You’re not going with us Lord? Aw shucks! Why not, Lord?”
 
 “I’m going up to the mountain. Got to pray… be alone with
Father. And there’s more…but you’ll see. Now get to the other side of Galilee. I’ll join you later. But remember, you’re never out of my sight!”

All night Jesus was in prayer and He saw. He saw the disciples in a huge storm. Didn’t He care? Where was He anyway?

But He was up to something—for sure!  What He does next is unbelievable. He came to them walking on the water. How could He do such a miracle?  He had been praying—on the mountain and a “mountain” moved for the disciples to see the Lord’s glory.

                                                                    More prayer

Peter was a disciple of Jesus. Miracles happened because Peter walked with God. But the government officials didn’t like it and threw him into prison. He was chained and guarded by soldiers. But while Peter slept, the church kept praying and an amazing thing happened. An angel woke Peter up, “We’re out of here—now!” They went through the gates, and into the city street. Peter then knocked on the door of the house where the Christians were praying for him.

What made an angel come to the rescue? God heard His children praying—none stop. This mountain had to go!
                                                                
                                       You’re the warrior

You—are the warrior. You hang out with the King of Kings. You’re His. Go to battle and pray like you’ve never prayed before! You can move a mountain too. The Lord is with you and remember—you’re never out of His sight!

        Dear Lord,
        Show me how to pray today. I want to change my world!

Warrior!

                                                                                 Warrior!                               

    “When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said,

  ‘The LORD is with you, mighty warrior.’”
       Judges 6:12 (NIV)
                  “No, in all these things we are super conquerors, through the One who has loved us.”
          Romans 9:37 (CJB)

Gideon was scared. He was hiding in a cave from the Midianites. To his great surprise the angel of the Lord showed up, “You will save Israel from the Midianites. You are a warrior!” After recovering from a fit of laughter, Gideon finally spoke. “My father’s house is poor. You’ve asked the wrong guy, Lord.”    
    The Lord didn’t back down, “I will be with you, Gideon.”

     Still—Gideon argued. “I can’t do this Lord.” 

     “Go in the strength you have.” replied the Lord.

     “But, I‘m a wimp.” Gideon continued.

     “You will destroy the Midianites.” God answered patiently.
 
     “Aw shucks, Lord. I can’t argue with you. Just please give me a sign.”
 
Gideon did obey the Lord and became a four star general. His mighty army totaled only three hundred God-chosen men. They went to battle against the huge, massive army of the Midianites. They rocked, they rolled and the Midianites were so confused that they fought against each other and fled in terror.
Only God could do that but He chose a man to fight the battle. He has chosen you. You are that man, that woman. You are His warrior. Don’t be afraid. The Warrior King is with you.

Look around your school. Take a really good look at your friends. Is there bullying at your school? Is anyone lonely? Can you start a prayer meeting on your campus?  Who you can help? You—are the warrior. Stay close to God. He will give you your marching orders. 

“This is what the LORD says: ‘Do not be afraid, because I have reclaimed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through the sea, I am with you. When you go through rivers, they will not sweep you away. When you walk through fire, you will not be burned, and the flames will not harm you.  I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.’”
                                                         Isaiah 43: 1-3a (GW)

        Dear Lord,
        I am not afraid of the battle. I will be you warrior today.

Have a Little Chat with Jesus

 Have a Little Chat with Jesus

“As they were traveling along, Jesus went into a village. A woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary.

 Mary sat at the Lord's feet and listened to him talk.”

Luke 10:38-39 GW

             Martha was fuming. Mary only sat there while she... did all the work!

She thought to herself - “And what is Mary doing that is so important, anyway? Just look at her. She doesn’t even see my problem. Jesus doesn’t care either. They are having too much fun.”

            Martha – “Lord, don’t you care about me? Why do you let Mary sit there while I rush around getting lunch for you and your friends?”

            Now of course, Jesus had seen Martha huffing and puffing around the house. He heard her silent fuming too. He was waiting—waiting for the moment. He was ready. He was glad. He knew He was going to help her. Finally—she had called to Him.

            Jesus – “Oh, Martha, you are upset about many things.  Take off you apron. Come join us. To be with Me is far better for you. Time spent with Me will take you through the whole rest of the day.”

            Now you...you just sit down there and have a little chat with Jesus. Tell Him everything…everything…everything. Pretty soon you are going to feel alright again. Just go—go now—He’s waiting for you!

"Come to me, all who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest.”

Matthew 11:28 GW

                        Dear Lord,

                        Here I come. I’m running to You.

I See You But... Do You See Me?

I See You But... Do You See Me?

 "And therefore the Lord [earnestly] waits [expecting, looking, and  longing] to be gracious to you; and therefore He lifts Himself up, that He may have mercy on you and show loving-kindness to you."
                                 Isaiah 30:18 (Amplified Bible)


“Did you see my sunrise this morning? Did you see my flowers? Have you seen a rainbow lately or watched a cute feline  meticulously wash himself? Have you seen the ducks chasing each other on a lake? Have you been too busy to notice how much I love you—how much I want you to see Me?”
   
When Moses led God’s people out of Egypt, the Lord showed them His glory on Mount Sinai. They saw His greatness. They heard His voice. They saw the mountain burn with fire and learned that God speaks with men.

But, they were afraid. “Hey, Moses, you tell us what God says.” They didn’t want to talk face to face with God. They thought they would die. How foolish! 
   
                          They broke God’s heart. He had extended an invitation. They said no.

God hasn’t changed. He wants you to notice His goodness to you. He wants to have long talks with you.  He wants to hear you say, “Wow, Lord! What a sunrise. What a sunset. The ducks are funny and everything’s so beautiful. You made all this for me? Because you love me?”  

                                 “Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see - how good God is
                                                        Blessed are you who run to him”
                                                                  Psalms 34:8 MSG
       
        Dear Lord,
        Open my eyes to see how good you are to me.

God is Crazy about You

                                                             God is Crazy about You

          

       “The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying:
           "I have loved you with an everlasting love; 
               I have drawn you with loving-kindness.”
                                Jeremiah 31:3 NIV

 Close your eyes and imagine the following scene.
   
 Before you is a long table. It is loaded with hamburgers from the grill. All the condiments one could ever wish for are spread before you. There are a number of your favorite soft drinks, chips of all sorts, brownies, chocolate chip cookies, and ice cream in every flavor. Standing behind the table is a man whose beautiful brown eyes are like liquid pools of love. He’s looking directly at you. His name is Jesus. He is telling you to come, eat and have fun. As you sit down you engage in conversation with a man who listens to you as no one ever has.
     
You ask, “Does God really love me like that?” Let me tell you this. Your ancestors did not crawl out of the sea. You were created in God’s image—by God alone. He chose you to live in this time of history. His picked you to be His child and to take your place in His story.  He wants you to run with Him. He is lonely when you don’t. You are outrageously loved by the Almighty.
       
 Listen to this—the Lord wants to see your face. He wants to hear your voice. He thinks everything about you is perfectly splendid (Song of Solomon 2:14). This is a fact. Nothing you feel or think can change this truth. You are absolutely the apple of His eye.
 

                         "Look! Here I stand at the door and knock. If you hear me calling

                       and open the door, I will come in, and we will share
                                         a  meal as friends.”
                                            Revelation 3:20 NLT

        Dear Lord,
        Here I am. What do You want to say to me?

God's Kindness

                                    God’s Kindness
                   A condensed article by: Carol Weeks
                www.speakinghopeministry.blogspot.com
      “At one time we too were foolish, disobedient... We lived in malice and envy, 
     being hated and hating one another.  But when the kindness and love 
                         of God our Savior appeared He saved us...”
                                          Titus 3:3-5a
 
        I went back to school in my early thirties to become a court reporter.  Most of the students were right out of high school
        A group of six girls hung around together, ate lunch together, went to movies together and etc. They loved to get in a tight huddle and whisper and laugh. Sometimes one would look up and focus on somebody in the class, then turn back to the group with more whispers and laughter.  
 
       I kept hearing my name spoken throughout the day. Not liking it, I finally ventured to their little huddle and asked, “Are you talking about me?" 
       They were stunned – deer in the headlights kind of thing – and very quickly assured me that I was not the Carol they were talking about.  It was the other Carol. I asked, “What’s the problem with her?”
        Answering crabbily, “She’s trying to be the teacher’s pet. She always has the right answers, always had her homework done. She dresses weird too.” 
       Over time the snubbing increased. I tried to avoid the group and ignore their whispers. 
       One day in typing class, the ringleader of this clique forgot her carbon paper. Not the worst crime in the world, but the teacher was very strict. If you came unprepared you were dismissed from class for that day. 
       Frantic not to miss a class she called to her friends for help but no one in her little circle had any to spare. 
       About that time, Carol said, "I have some you can use."  Much to everyone’s surprise, she handed her a piece of carbon paper.  The whole room stopped and stared.  This girl in particular had been very rude to Carol, and here was Carol offering her the very thing she needed. She took it, mumbling a quick thank you.
        This is a picture of God’s grace, His kindness to you. He is calling your name today. Please--don't turn Him away.
 
Dear Lord,
Forgive me for snubbing you. I am not ashamed to call you my best friend.

Free to Run

                                                                                                           I’m Free to Run
                                          *Please leave you own comment after you read Annemarie's. I want to hear from you!
    

       Where’s your favorite place? Do you like the mountains, the beach, or a secluded island? What’s your favorite food? Is it pizza, hamburgers, or ice-cream? Do you like flowers and seashells, ice and snow? Look at the beauty all around you. God could have made everything gray, tasteless, and boring. But He didn’t. He didn’t because He made them for you to enjoy. That’s how much He loves you.
   
        Do you know where God’s favorite place is? Oh yes, He really does have one.  It’s the mercy seat. That’s where you and Jesus meet and He forgives you of your sins. Wow! He loves to forgive you. He loves to make you free from guilt. He loves to see you free.

       The devil hates the mercy seat. He will do everything in his power to keep you away. But God is greater. When you know God’s love, you can run free.
    
       When you see all God has made for you and how much He loves you—say out loud, “Oh, Lord I love you. I love the way you made things.” Now listen. Did you hear Him? This is what He said, “I love you more!” And you can run! You can run with freedom. You can run with purpose. You can run with confidence. No sin, no sneering face, no scorner, can hold you back. Jesus has set you free!
 

“So if the Son sets you free, you are free through and through.”

John 8:36 MSG
       

 Dear Lord, I love you so much. Run with me today.

This make sense to me. The devil will never keep me away from God and I am grateful for what He's made...grateful to be free!

But--There are Giants

 But—There are Giants!

Please leave your own comment after reading Jacob's. Tell us your story!

  

“And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.”
Numbers 13:33 (KJV)
            

       No way! I’m not going to even try. Me, do that? It’s too hard. Besides…everyone will laugh at me. Who am I trying to fool anyway?  It’s too risky. And so you sit on your hands and watch others achieve what you feared to attempt. You are not supposed to live that way.!
 
       God told His people to go into Canaan. It was their land for the taking. The Lord said He would be with them. He would give them victory. Well, as soon as they saw the giants they felt like grasshoppers and weaklings. They acted the way they felt. They were afraid to battle giants. They had forgotten God was with them.  The giants looked at them and sneered, “What a bunch of sniveling babies.”
    
       You are no sniveling baby. You are a King’s kid. When you walk on campus, walk tall and smile. Keep your head up. Don’t walk with it down. Be confident because you are God’s child. He wants you to have lots of confidence. The devil wants to take it from you. Don’t be ashamed of your dreams.
 
        How do you think Jesus walked? When God said, “This is my beloved Son. I’m pleased with Him.” Did Jesus say, “Well, I don’t know about that.”? Of course not! Men tried to shame Him but He kept on doing His Father’s work. He paid no attention to the bullies!
 

I dunno what hit me, man!

“God, your God, chose you out of all the people on Earth for himself
as a cherished, personal treasure.”
Deuteronomy 7:6 MSG
        

Dear Lord, I know you are always with me. I will not be afraid. I will not be ashamed. I am confident in your great love for me!

Don't think lowly of yourself or else everyone else will too. Think highly of yourself and so will the people around you. Look to God to help you remain confident. 

Keep you head up and BE confident!

What If I Stumble

Peter replied, ‘Man, I don't know what you're talking about!’ Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him:
‘Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.’
And he went outside and wept bitterly.”
Luke 22:60-62 NIV
   

 
   “Never, Lord! Never will I desert you. Even if everyone else does, I won’t.
 I’m your man.”
 
    Those were the words spoken by Peter before the handcuffs were slapped on Jesus and He was dragged away. Jesus knew. He knew that Peter would fail. He knew this disciple, whose feet He’d washed, would run like fire and ditch Him for his own selfish reasons. Three times, Peter swore “@#&*, I don’t know this Jesus!” Fleeing from the courtyard and the accusing faces, Peter crumbled to the ground and sobbed. He could never take back his words. How could he ever face Jesus again?
    
 But Jesus had a plan. “Do you love Me, Peter? Are you sure you do? I’ll ask again.
Do you love Me?—Then feed my sheep.”
   
 Three times, the Lord cancelled Peter’s sin. Three times, He gave direction. Three times, a new beginning was offered. All Peter had to do was say yes. And he did. Peter became a powerful leader in the early church. His very shadow brought healing. He didn’t stay stuck in his failure. He was forgiven and moved forward. The scripture below was written by Peter. Take it from one who knew!
 
“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”
                                                                                            Acts 3:19 NIV
       
 Dear Lord,
        Forgive me for ________________. I will follow You.

We all make mistakes. I have. But God has forgiven me. He doesn't hold a grudge against us when we mess up. We sin a lot, but just turn to Him. Your faith in God will grow.

God Has Plans for Me?

                                                                                 God Has Plans for Me?

              Jacob left a great comment. Do you ever wonder if God       has plans for you? Please leave your own comment.

“For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD.
"They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
Jeremiah 29:11 NLT

 David wasn't very important.  Today as every day, He was taking good care of a few of his father's sheep. But his brothers, impressive and muscle bound,  were parading before the great prophet Samuel. One of them would be hailed king before Samuel left the little town of Bethlehem. David’s brothers looked like kings: tall, virile, handsome. Their father beamed too…yet the Lord rejected all seven of them.
 
   “Do you have any other boys?” asked Samuel.

      His father spoke reluctantly, “Well—there's David—but he's just watching a few sheep.”
 

     Samuel's voice boomed with authority, “Bring him to me! I’ll not rest until I have done the Lord’s business.”

What about you?

     Perhaps you know the story of how this wimpy, underestimated brother got the prize and became Israel’s most famous king. God had a plan for David that blew his brothers away.

    
 Not only are you chosen, but you are picked for a purpose.

Could it be that the Almighty has plans that will amaze me, my friends,

 and even my teachers and parents?

Yes!

"I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb. Before you were born I set you apart and

 appointed you as my spokesman to the world." Jeremiah 1:5 NLT
God calling
 “Do you hear me now? Are you ready to put on your boots and follow the passion I have given you?” says the Lord who formed you, chose you, and called you for purpose.
  

Dear Lord,
  Show me the path—Show me the passion—Show me—and 
  I will put on my boots and follow.

God doesn't look for beauty, intelligence or money.
He looks for those who truly love Him and want to serve Him.

Say No to the Jabs

                                                                                          Say No to the Jabs
  

        Leave your own comment after reading Jacob’s.

You're blessed for believing that the Lord would keep his promise to you."
                                         Luke 1:45 GW                                                                        

                    Two gossips
 
Mary – “Did you hear about Renee?”

 Judy -   “No. What going on with her?”
 
Mary– “She was accepted at Dream University! Can you believe it.?”

Judy – “Are you sure? Not just anybody gets in there.   
 
Mary   - “I was right there when it happened. She got a phone call from her mother.
 
Judy – “Renee is such a scatter brain. She’s very blond, you know.”
 
Mary –“Oh, yeah. Do I ever!”   
 
Judy –“She’s always wanted to teach children.”         
 
Mary – “Well, I guess we should be happy for her but …well…go figure?”
 
                                                                             Who cares what they think?
     Don’t let what people think keep you in a box. God has given you a dream. Come out of the box, dream big and take steps toward the goal. The enemy wants you to compare yourself with others and feel bad. You look at air brushed pictures of models and muscle bound heroes and feel ugly and puny. Stop it!
    Others may poke fun at your dream. Don’t listen to them. There are always going to be naysayers. They’re a dime a dozen. There’s something better going on for you. You’ve got the whole cheering section in heaven shouting your name!
 
What really counts? God has the final word.
 
                                                                    “… If God is for us, who can be against us?”
                                                                                        Romans 8:31 NIV
        Dear Lord, I only care what you think. Thank you!

Don't let others put you down or tell you, you aren't good enough. 
Don't compare yourself to people in the media. 
It will only lower your self-esteem. 
Don't let it distort your view of what "good" is.