GET OUT OF GOD'S WAY!

Are we our own roadblock to success, wavering when things do not go the way we planned? Often it seems that there is an endless stream of roadblocks, so we tend to lose sight of our dreams and sometimes the faith to keep heel and toe on the path to those dreams. Our insecurities kick in and it is at these moments that we have a tendency to focus on all the reasons why we cannot get there:

• I am not strong enough
• I have been hurt
• I am not pretty enough
• I lack the knowledge
• I have never been there before
• I don't feel like it
• I'll be laughed at
• I cannot afford to...

The guilt, the grudge, the insecurity, the addiction, the job, the spouse, the children…there are millions of reasons or excuses we can use to deter us from our goals, but that’s all they are…deterrents, roadblocks, and barriers that clutter the path God has laid out for each of us.  And we must get out of God’s way so that He may complete the work that He purposed for us.  We must stop convincing ourselves of what we cannot do and start embracing the things that we can do!
We can:

• Realize that pain and struggle helps us to grow and are radars to avoid future mistakes
• Be content with who God created us to be on the inside and the outside
• Access resources that will improve our knowledge and wisdom
• Praise God because our joy and strength is in Him!
• Freely give of resources available to us to position ourselves for blessings. 

When in doubt, remember that we are more than conquerors and we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us! We are blessed children of the Most High God with His every resource at our disposal; and with Him nothing is impossible!

Prayer: Father God, we call out to you humbly asking that You would bless our journeys, and remove all self imposed stumbling blocks. Keep our minds and hearts focused on your grace and mercy, not our sins and shortcomings.  Lift us in the purpose that You have placed before each of us, as we praise You for the perfection of our purpose through Christ Jesus, and it is in His name we pray.  Amen!

Read Exodus 3:10-14, 4:10-17 to see how God handled Moses’ doubts and shortcomings.

YOU'RE SAVED! NOW WHAT?

When we accept Christ as Savior, forgiveness of our sins is assured and we gain entrance into heaven. Through salvation, we are welcomed into the presence of God; we have become part of the Body of Christ in fellowship with a family of believers. But is it enough to be forgiven and invited in, or is there more?
Yes there is so much more! Salvation is just the beginning of spiritual growth and maturity; we must willingly accept that God has a purpose for our lives and allow Him to navigate us through it.  In order to connect with God we must communicate through prayer, confess our sins, embrace the Holy Spirit and consistently feed on His word for guidance through all trials and triumphs.  
The Bible is how we learn about God and what His purpose is for each of us: 
Guaranteed Salvation – 1 John 5:11-14
New creation in Christ – 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
Deliverance from sin – Colossians 1:13-14
Praise – Psalm 34:1
Be of good service – 2 Timothy 2:15
Fellowship – Hebrews 10:24-25
Change happens – Romans 12:2 
Spiritual Growth – 1 Peter 2:1-3
More Christ-like – Romans 8:29-30
Every journey is different but God is, was and will always be God! Seek the wisdom of the Word in order to walk and grow in the purpose that God has destined!

Prayer: Father God, we call on you to lead and guide us as we navigate our way through life. Forgive our sins as we seek to grow closer to you. Rescue us from our temptations and protect us from the evil that seeks to destroy us.We have dreams and goals that we want to be fulfilled and we look to you for your will to be done in our lives.  Bless our families, our homes, our finances, our ministries, and all things that we do that glorify you! Thank you for your continued grace and mercy and it is in Jesus’ name that we pray, Amen!

Read Psalm 139 and marvel at what it is like to have a heart for God and to fully trust in His wisdom and provision!

THE ROAD MAP TO LIFE

The Bible is hailed as one of the most popular books of all time. For centuries it has been used for the purpose of communicating an eternal God to mortal man. As followers of Christ, we look to the Bible for guidance, comfort and a more intimate relationship with a risen Savior. This one book holds all that we will ever need to live full and productive lives. Whatever trials we face, or triumphs we celebrate, we can look to the Word of God and be blessed by the wisdom it offers. Try it and see the Holy Spirit move according to God’s will. 
The following are some examples of the wisdom that helps us navigate through life:

The key to happiness see Colossians 3:12-17

Feeling sad see John 14:1-4

Suffering from depression see Psalm 27

A joyful heart see Psalm 98

When discouraged see Psalm 126

For encouragement see 1 Peter 5:10

Do not worry see Matthew 6:19-34

Go from bitter to better see 1 Corinthians 13

For traveling grace and mercy see Psalm 121

When courage is needed see Joshua 1

When seeking peace see Matthew 11:25-30

In need of guidance see Proverbs 1:1-7

To feel the love see Romans 8:1-30

Remember to feed your faith with the Word of God, and fear and doubt will starve to death!

Prayer: Thank you Father God for your word! It is truly a blessing to find everything that we need within you and your word. Please Lord, continue to lead and guide us in the ways of righteousness. Fill us with the Holy Spirit so that we have a clear understanding of what we find in your word. Help us to be more than just readers, help us to be doers of your word as well. We praise you for all that you are and all that you have given us to draw us nearer to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Read the Bible today; just pick it up, open it, and start reading! There is a blessing waiting inside! Try 2 Timothy 3:16-17 for starters.

FREEDOM TO FORGIVE

This past Sunday we celebrated a Risen Savior. As we go throughout this week, remember that he suffered so we would be free from death, the ultimate consequence of sin. Christ bore the brunt of our transgressions for all time! His sacrifice symbolizes the love and mercy that God has for His creation (John 3:16). As a necessary part of our walk with Christ, we must fully embrace the spirit of forgiveness. 
Forgiveness is twofold; it is having the ability to forgive and seeking forgiveness for our wrongdoing. The enemy tries to convince us to hold grudges, place blame and seek revenge against those that have sinned against us. The enemy also tries to convince us to be ashamed, feel guilty and fearful about past wrongs we have done to others. We are not exempt from the tricks the devil will use to thwart our faith in Christ Jesus, but we must remember that we all need forgiveness in our lives, and if His grace and mercy is sufficient to forgive our wrongs then we must offer the same to others (see Matthew 18:21-35). 
Next to love, forgiveness is the most powerful weapon we have in our arsenal against the enemy. Embracing the spirit of forgiveness will release the bondage that the enemy holds over us. When we express mercy to others, we relinquish the control of guilt, fear, shame, and vindication. When we have a forgiving heart, there is a supernatural peace when in the presence of the betrayers, liars, abusers, thieves, or murderers that once harmed us. Whatever hurt was inflicted; we are no longer bound to it and we are free to move on. 
The blood Christ shed for my sins alone is enough for me to love, honor and worship Him, but He did it for every single sin committed by every single person for all time! The abuse, the humiliation, the long-suffering that Jesus experienced during that one week was done to save us all. God sacrificed His only son so that all of the wretchedness we see paraded in front of us every day is forgiven!  But this week we are back to holding grudges, plotting to get back at people, feeling guilty and placing blame. Let it Go People! Honor God, and mimic the mercy He has for all of us. Remember Christ, why He lived, why He died, and why He rose again. Forgiveness will not kill you; Jesus already took your place.

Prayer: Father God, thank you for sacrificing your son to save our lives. Forgive us for our sins Lord, and give us the courage to forgive each other just as you have forgiven each of us. Open our hearts to be healed of all the wrongs inflicted upon us so that we can move forward with purpose, with love, and an unwavering faith in you and your word. Thank you for the grace and mercy that you continue to show us each and every day. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Read James 3:13-18 for more insight. 

WHAT ARE YOU AFRAID OF?

Have you ever sat back and thought about your missed opportunities and past mistakes? Do you feel stuck because you were given a mission and that option no longer seems viable?