New Year's Resolve

With 2014 just hours away, the thought of New Year's Resolutions come to mind.  This post will not be a list of things that I plan to do differently in the New Year.  However, I will encourage you to commit to whatever it is with diligence, because the reward is great!

Most people have great ideas on things that they could change for their betterment,  The problem lies in their commitment to stick with it.  So with this New Year, let's look at our RESOLVE.

What is it that drives us to want to change, and how do we maintain our engagement with our initial desire for improvement?

There is One that I know to be Unshakeable, Unmovable, & Consistent in EVERYTHING … so that's where I look for my RESOLVE.  If it needs fixing, why not seek the manufacturer? He's my solution, my determination, and my aspiration!

Whatever it is for you this New Year, resolve it in Him.  You can't go wrong. 

Psalm 37:5 Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

Special Day : Special Person - Rickey Darrell Youngblood

We learn so much from others in life - be it directly or indirectly.  We come to share traditions, experiences and memories.  This somewhat helps to shape us into the functional beings that we are.  

While the influence of your life wasn't a direct pour into my life, the things that I've learned from you through others will always be cherished.  From you I've witnessed a true gift - the ability to selflessly put others' needs before your own.  The special care and attention that you give each person you come in contact with is a true testament to the nature of Christ within you.  You understood the importance of servitude and sharing life's joys.  Even in death, you knew the appreciation of life. 

And though you've gone on to celebrate with the Father, you've left a gift here that keeps giving … I only hope that my life shares some of the remnants that you left behind.  

So on this day, Happy Birthday to you!

Tread On Serpents

Time and time again I'd heard this phrase, but never really stopped to consider its meaning.  If I could only share a tangible depiction of this power …

The Lord has granted an extension of His power to all of the extremities!

In the opening passages of Luke Chapter 10, we find the Lord speaking on the harvest and the need for laborers just before he gives instruction to go … 

He says (and I paraphrase),  "What we have in store is abundant!  We need people to do the work."  Only to follow immediately with a comment about the dangers of such and being lambs among wolves!?

How many people are apprehensive because of the danger and uncertainty that comes with your assignment?  Don't turn back, keep reading because the HARVEST IS GREAT!

Luke 10:19 

"Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you."

Serpents and scorpions are noted for their bite/sting and the pain that is associated with it; even more so are the dangers implicated by being unaware of these creatures.  YOU now have authority over the serpent and the pain! The caution that you once had to take in watching where you stepped is overcome.  Fear can no longer influence you.  Intimidation is powerless.  Go BOLDLY because of the power that He's granted.  

If that wash't proof enough for you, He added that YOUR power is over all that of the enemy.  NOTHING can hurt you.  NOTHING can hinder you.  NOTHING should stop you.

Anytime you are called to something, worry not on the perils of the assignment.  For whom He calls, He also equips.  Now that you have a better understanding of your power, don't look back … just GO!  It matters not what lies ahead.

Your Bread Isn't Enough

QUICK POST:  Remember His Word is HIS WORD!

So, it's that time of the month.  After bills, Holiday shopping, and other expenses but just before the next pay cycle - money is TIGHT.

With few groceries in the house, I thought to myself "I have a loaf of bread, I can make some stuff happen." Sandwiches, PB&J, etc.  (you get the idea ..)

BUT, …

I was reminded of Matthew 4:4, (& Deuteronomy 8:3)

It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

And on an even sweeter side note for the biblical scholars, this same Word was spoken/written in Deuteronomy (old testament) much much earlier.  The validity of His Word is verified even in its consistency!

If you need proof, just look here.  Not only did He extend this Word over us, but even Jesus was covered by this Word when he was tempted in the wilderness.  

Forget not that bread (physical food) isn't enough to sustain you! You have to know, understand, & rely on His Word - for HIS WORD is LIFE.