Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY THURSDAY!

I pray all is well with everyone, and you're enjoying this beautiful Friday eve. I'm doing well, just reveling over how good God is. I find it funny how He always keeps us on our toes, through different tests and trials. I'm finally learning to thank Him through everything that's going on, because He has His hands in the midst of everything that goes on in the life of a believer. He never gives us more than we can bear, and as long as we keep Faith in Him, we'll always prevail. Hallelujah! Wisdom comes from God, and all we have to do is ask for it. I’ve asked Him for the wisdom to understand His ways, and the ability to apply that wisdom to my life, actions, and overall attitude. Each day, I notice the struggle to stay on the narrow path of righteousness gets a bit easier. I'm so grateful for that! Be blessed family!

Today's scriptures are about walking as children of God. As a child of God you're a representative, because when people see you, they see Him. No one has ever seen the face of God, so He shows Himself through us. He uses us to touch others and when we're anointed with His Holy Spirit, it's like a light planted in a once dark place. As we grow in our walk, that light begins to shine brighter, and people will start to see that in us. We become that "peculiar person" that's written about: But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. (1 Peter 2:9) I like the fact the King James used the word Peculiar, which means unusual, or "distinctive in nature or character from others". According to the rest of the world, we are very peculiar, which is what sparks their interest in us. Therefore, we must walk according to the Law, because they see God through us.


We must take on the characteristics of God, and we can find out exactly how to do that by following the life of Jesus. Jesus was amazing, and people could tell He was special, just by looking at Him. They could also tell there was something peculiar about Him by the way He carried Himself. He demanded respect, and walked with authority, integrity, and faith. When He spoke, He spoke life, and people went out of their way to follow Him, or even touch the bottom of His robe, because they could sense the power in Him. Guess what? That power lies within each believer, because Jesus is inside of us. He walks with us every day, and gives us the power to move mountains in His Name. When we walk down the street, people should know that there's something different about us, by the way that we carry ourselves. When we smile warmly at an unsuspecting face, it catches their attention. When we speak, we speak with respect for ourselves, and everyone around us. We must speak love, and share the wisdom that's been instilled within us. We have the power to bring life to every situation, and could introduce God to the lost, sometimes without ever speaking.


People should regard us as the one they come to when they need help. I have people that I go to when I need to be picked up, because they're always smiling, laughing, and have a positive outlook on life. I've had people call me when they needed advice, or just a spiritual lift. We get to a point in our faith walk where we can't help but share His love, because we've experienced it for ourselves, and people can sense that. However, there are believers who struggle with that.
We all have our bad days; there are times when I still struggle with shinning my light. I'm the first to recognize the days I wake up on the wrong side of the bed, or when my attitude stinks, and those are the days I stay in prayer. God always reveals something awesome to me, or places a positive person in my path, that will allow me to see Him, which changes my attitude, but that's only when I'm open to Him. If I choose to wallow in self pity, or dwell on negative things, then I'm in jeopardy of ruining someone else's day, or eternity as a matter of fact. That's how much power we have, as children of God. What we do has the potential to positively, or negatively affect everyone around us. If you're the type of person who's broke, busted, and disgusted all the time, but claim to be a Christian, then that is what others (who don't know any better) will perceive of God. It's important for us to understand the power we have, and our responsibility of walking upright in everything we do.


You cannot confess Jesus as Lord, and walk around being mean and evil to people all day. I've seen those people that will cuss you one minute, and then say “praise God” the next. If that’s you, then know that you’re being judged by everything you do, and each day counts towards eternity. I know shedding darkness, old bad habits, and negative things that were taught and instilled in us is very hard to do, but God is already working on that. All we have to do is surrender. He knows where you've come from, and He has a better way for you to go. If you've confessed your sins, and asked for forgiveness you're forgiven. Your past doesn't define who you are, you're free. You're loved by the one true God, and no one could ever take that away from you. There's nothing worth sacrificing your relationship with Him, and if you keep reminding yourself of that, you'll notice a grand transformation right before your eyes.


All you have to do is confess Jesus as Lord, and He'll do the rest. It's written: being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. (1:6) As soon as you confess Jesus as Lord, God will begin His good work in you. He'll change the way you walk, and the way you talk, but only if you allow Him too. Start by asking Jesus to be your Lord and Savior, and stay open to Him always. My favorite verses today are: Ye were sometime darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. (Eph 8:8-9)

ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455428&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/broadcast/today-on-radio
http://www.intouch.org/magazine/daily-devotional

I love you!