Thankful

          My heart is so abundantly thankful for this life You have given me. For all the shortcomings and the falls that have brought me to this very point. For the second and third times I have turned from You, only to find You stronger again. I am thankful You are my foundation, my source of strength and for the reminder of how small I really am. You humble me every day- by how big Your love is, by your unchanging ways, by Your light that always guides me. I am thankful You have exposed me to Your miracle working ways, that You fill me up with such passion for You, such Love. You have given me the joy of a child and removed fear of this world. You replaced worry with courage and took my timid ways and made me bold. For each breath I am blessed, for each blessing I am amazed and for each opportunity to glorify Your name I am thankful.

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.

Psalm 100:4

You are fearfully and wonderfully made

(Psalm 139:14)

Melissa

Materialistic Isn’t Realistic: Focus On What Matters

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.  And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

1 John 2:15-17

          Society has defined success as a posh new car, the latest technology gadget, a new house, vacation home, high end clothing, designer everything- a list that is seemingly impossible to keep up with. Some work there entire life just to give themselves, their kids, or their family the demands of what society deems as successful. But in the midst of working hard to have better, to have more, we can easily lose sight of reality: The things of the world die in the world. And when we leave; our fancy new car, our designer home, our multi-carat diamond rings don’t go with us. When we go to eternity we don’t get to take a suitcase of our most precious items with us, yet we work so hard for things of the earth.

          It is better to live as a simple sheep living with less in the world, less distractions that take away from God, then to live with a fixation on the glamorous materials of the world. Be cautious of today, of where you put your energy, your time and your investment. Invest first in God and He will provide for your needs, here on earth and eternity.  But invest in the world, in materials; trying to get more for yourself and you just may hamper your investment in eternity.

         Our time is short here on earth, don’t let the prize of possessions distract you from the reality of eternity. Forever with Jesus is what matters.

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Philippians 3:20

You are fearfully and wonderfully made

(Psalm 139:14)

Melissa

When you get earth shattering news remember your solid ground is found in Jesus.

Have you ever received a phone call, a message, news that was filled with so much pain it shatters the world around you. Much like running into a cement wall it hits you full force and all hope seems to diminish.  A few seconds before you answered the phone, opened the door, had the conversation life was normal, things were good and pleasant. When things are calm reality strikes best.  If you ever received a call like this, the first few seconds feel like chaos; what do you say, where do you turn, what do you do?

The answer is found in Jesus.

When your world has been shaken, when you need solid ground, turn to God.  In this ever changing world He alone can give you stability, a reassurance that He will listen, guide and be a rock for you. The important thing is to not forget God when hard times, trials and chaos strike.  The enemy takes emergencies and uses them to pull you away from the Lord.  When times are hard and things seem hopeless, lean more on God, and know that hope is with Him.  When we are following Him, Gods promise to us is that He will never leave us nor forsake us.

Whatever you are going through this season, this hour, this minute know that you aren’t alone but God is there. When all seems shaky, stand on your solid ground Jesus has provided and call on your God.

Hebrews 13:5 (AMP)

… be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. I will not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let you down!

*****************

Psalm 112:7 NIV

He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.

You are fearfully and wonderfully made
(Psalm 139:14)
Melissa

Randomosity: Part 3

Randomosity: The state of being or being part of random occurrences & activities. Also known as being in a state of complete randomness.

This past week has been wonderfully inspirational. I have heard some great testimonies, witnessed God moving in mighty powerful ways and have felt so inspired. I wanted to share some inspirational thoughts from this past week!

Dear God Thank you for this beautiful Life. Be blessed by each day -not just the good ones.  God renews us each and every day. Mercy, Hope, Love are three ingredients we need daily.  Be bold in your faith. Talk about Jesus. Spread the Gospel. Speak Life. Don’t just ask for grace but be gracious.  Continual Praise = energy.  Have a giving spirit. Be humble. Don’t assume the worst. Trust God, He will never leave you nor forsake you.  God made you and you are not a copy, but an original design. See the beauty in you. See the love God has for you. Never forget you have a purpose. Put God first and your life will be abundant. Love always <3

You are fearfully and wonderfully made
(Psalm 139:14)
Melissa

It’s Not A Ritual; It’s A Relationship

        Knowing God is so much more than going to church on Sunday morning or praying one time a day- that monotony is simply strategic religion. What God wants us to have is a lifestyle that promotes and glorifies Him.  Going to church every Sunday is wonderful, but if that is all the time you give Him, you are ignoring God’s wish for us to glorify Him in all we do.

       To actually live every hour with the Lord is what God wants. To acknowledge the Lord throughout your day, to talk to Him about your concerns, your troubles, to listen when you need guidance or have a decision to make and to praise Him for what He has done in your life. To live a life that is directed and shaped by God, to have a lifestyle where God is put first and to have a true relationship with Him is what God wants from us.

Trust God from the bottom of your heart;

Don’t try to figure out everything on your own.

Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;

He's the one who will keep you on track.

Don't assume that you know it all.

Proverbs 3:6 (MSG)

        Think about how much time you invest in God, I challenge you to think about your priorities  and consciously consider if God is on the top of your list. Church and prayer are extremely important but are you doing them strategically or doing them with a heart filled with passion for God?


At any hour God wants a relationship with you!



You are fearfully and wonderfully made
(Psalm 139:14)
Melissa