Run Your Own Race

Verse of the Day:  Hebrews 12:1

Therefore, 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.         

God wants you to run the race He planned and designed specifically for you. Don’t compare your race to anyone else’s race. You are uniquely you and that’s how God planned it to be. We are all running toward the same goal but each one of us needs to run our own race. Ask God for the strength and courage to get rid of anything that comes between you and Him. Keep your eyes on the prize and keep your focus on God. There will be temptations and obstacles but by faith and obedience we need to persevere. Keep seeking the Lord’s will for your life, don’t let anything get in your way and never give up.

Worship in Spirit and in Truth

Verse of the Day:  John 4:23 

But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way.          

God is looking for people who will worship Him with all of their heart and soul. He doesn’t want people who are just going through the motions or performing ceremonies. That’s not all He wants, your worship must also be in truth.  In order to worship the truth, we must know the truth which is found in God’s Word. Truth comes from the certainty in knowing who God is and by having a personal relationship with Him. The more you know who God is the more genuine your worship becomes. As you begin to worship God in spirit and in truth you will be transformed by His grace because worship changes everything!

God Has No Limit

Verse of the Day:   Matthew 19:26    

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

How amazing it is to know that the God we serve created all things in the heavens and on earth, His power is limitless. As human beings we have limits to what we can do on our own, but with God all things are possible. God can turn your mess into a message, your test into a testimony, your trial into a triumph, a victim into a victory and so much more. Stop putting human limitations on a God that has no limit to what He can do. With God there is hope, peace and fullness of life like you’ve never known. Have faith in God alone because with God all things are possible!

Know Your Worth

Verse of the Day:  Proverbs 31:10    

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.  

You are a woman of worth because of what is found on the inside not on the outside. Your high moral standards and character are worth more than fleeting beauty. Nobel characteristics like honesty, generosity and courage are more important than your dress size, bank account or your looks. Your worth is found in God, your relationship with Him and who He says you are, not in the opinions of others. Just in case you have forgotten, you were created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27) and are the apple of His eye (Zechariah 2:8). God loves you (Jeremiah 31:3) and you are His (Isaiah 43:1). So when you doubt your self-worth remember that Jesus paid the ultimate price to save you because you are worth far more than rubies.       

Stop Comparing Yourself

Verse of the Day:  Galatians 6:4 (NLT)         

Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else.   

Don’t fall into the enemy’s trap of comparing yourself to anyone else. Comparing yourself to someone who is better off than you can cause you to become jealous or envious. Likewise, comparing yourself to someone who is not doing as well as you could cause you to become vain and prideful. Just concern yourself with your own actions and conduct but if you are determined to compare yourself, compare yourself to Christ. Focus on being the best person you can be by following the example of Jesus Christ and live your life according to God’s Word.

Start Your Day with Prayer

Verse of the Day:  1 Corinthians 16:13         

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.           

Whether you realize it or not, the enemy, the ruler of darkness and evil is constantly waging spiritual battles against you and you never know what the new day may bring. Be vigilant and always on guard, consciously abstaining from sin. Stand firm in your beliefs, in the doctrine and true Word of God. Be brave and courageous as a soldier in God’s army knowing that through Christ the victory is already yours. Start each day with prayer asking the Lord to be with you and to give you courage and strength to face whatever comes your way.

Draw Near to God

Verse of the Day:  James 4:8

Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.       

Draw near to God, come to Him by faith, with true repentance and obedience, leaving your sins behind you. Study the Word of God to learn who He really is. Come to the foot of the throne and seek His presence with a sincere heart through prayer, fasting, praise and worship for He is truly worthy. God loved you first and is waiting for you to take the next step by inviting Him into every part of your life. He loves you more than you can ever imagine and when you draw near to Him, He draws near to you by granting you His gracious presence, by communicating His love to you, by applying the blessings of His grace, by helping you in times of need and distress and by protecting you from you enemies. (John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible) Come to God and receive His love, grace, mercy, peace and forgiveness.

Walking in God’s Word

Verse of the Day:  Psalm 119:105     

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. 

Navigating this world is no easy task. At times you may feel like you’re lost or walking in the dark but God’s Word is here to guide you and to show you the way you should go. The Bible is a light shining in the darkness. The more you study and know God’s Word, the more you can apply it to your daily life. The more you apply it to your life, the clearer the path becomes. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16) God’s Word is available to all and His commands and promises are accessible to all who believe and trust in Him. Let God guide you as you walk through life keeping His Word in your heart.

To Seek and To Save

Verse of the Day:  Luke 19:10           

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost.

Because of the actions of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden sin entered the world and separated us from God. But God loved us so much He made a way for us to be saved. He sent His only Son, Jesus, to this world to seek and to save the lost, to offer us the free gift of salvation. He rescued us from a life of sin, from the guilt of sin and from the power of sin when He paid the ultimate price on Calvary. He did this so our relationship with God could be restored. So then, what shall we do to receive this gift? Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:28) As followers of Christ, it’s our duty to share this Good News with the world while there is still time.

Harsh Words Stir Anger

Verse of the Day:  Proverbs 15:1      

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.           

Do your words build people up or tear them down? More importantly, do they reflect the love of God? Sometimes in the heat of the moment we may say unkind, cruel things that we really don’t mean, but once said they cannot be unheard. Reckless words cut deep and leave emotional scars and uncontrolled anger is hurtful to both the person who harbors it and to those around them. Learn to control your anger and choose your words wisely especially in difficult situations. Your message is better received when given with kindness, gentleness and humility. Let your words be an encouragement and an inspiration to those who hear them. Let your words direct others to God’s love instead of stirring up anger.