We need a warrior and God is in our presence to help us as we face so many challenges. Along with His presence, we have weapons like faith, hope, and love to fight this war. It’s up to us to sharpen these weapons within us to be used when needed so that victory is delivered. – Thoughts from sermon of Ryan Barnett, 07-11-2021
A poem posted at my other blog Step Ahead is inspired by βBuilding Memories Togetherβ which reminded that Christian living is becoming the person God wants us to be. Seeking out and taking in what is appropriate but rejecting what is unsuitable. Itβs loving life, living in harmony, holding neighbors in high regard, and seeing good days ahead.
This day with God, let His Word give you the plan and receive inspirations from songs like Walk by Faith by Jeremy Camp. Inspired by the song, this poem is an affirmation to step ahead in faith to victory.
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. - Matthew 6:33
A dream of mine I started years ago is to journey through Godβs word and share my thoughts. To give God my best β¦ the best part of my day! As brought out in βShare the Wordβ, to take in the instructions from His Word and set out to apply this Word in all I do.
By seeking lessons from Godβs word, Iβm able to see my faults and understand that there is need for help. Jesus is that help and the Holy Spirit gives the freedom to start new, to plan, to think. To help come up with ideas and to dream big.
Iβm inspired today by the song “Til You Can’t by Cody Johnson“. If Iβve got a chance, I need to take it. A person never knows how long they have so if there is a dream, I need to chase it until I canβt!
Godβs law helps us to see our faults and understand that we need help. Jesus is that help and the Holy Spirit gives the freedom to start new, to plan, to think and come up with ideas that make us better. Thatβs why there is a need for daily study of Godβs word, prayer, and planning as we step ahead throughout our day.
This day with God, we continue in 1 Kings 14:21-15:8. The two kings from todayβs passage where influenced by motherβs who were from nations that worshiped idols. Parents have a tremendous influence in the spiritual life of their children. Thatβs why there is a need for parents to know the Word of God and share with their children.
God is provoked to jealousy when individuals, families, and nations worship idols. Before long, the nation begins to fall apart with behavior that leads to a downward spiral of failure. Drugs, alcohol, and crime make it impossible for society to be productive. The economy goes south and wars break out.
Instead, we can change the direction of our nation, we can worship the ONE true God and begin to explore, dream, and discover again. We donβt have to be disappointed by the things we didnβt do but we can get away from the comfort zone and sail away with gusto!
Lord β¦ this day we set sail on our destination. We are going places we never thought we could because of our Risen Savior. We are empowered by the indwelling Spirit to live with purpose, to dream big, and work towards these dreams with determination. You will guide our steps and we will step ahead with courage to do what You say to do. When accomplishments are made, we will give You praise and all the glory. In Jesusβ name we pray β¦ Amen!
Photo – The photo was taken near Lucerne Switzerland while traveling in Europe with a high school friend. We had both graduated from college and had some time available before we started our work careers.
Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me. β Psalm 51:10
From analysis of the life of Jeroboam in βWorship the Lordβ, there is a need to be faithful to God by knowing our purpose. We need to test and approve Godβs will in our life. If we do not design our life plan together with God, thereβs a good chance we will fall into someone elseβs plan that doesnβt maximize our potential for Godβs glory.
This day with God, Iβm inspired by the song Every Good Thing by The Afters. God is the reason for every good thing so Iβm thankful for the plan He has given and will strive to be the best God made me to be.