Wishing you a prosperous new year 2016

Faith Like This

When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to those who were following him, he said, "I tell you the truth, I haven't seen faith like this in all Israel!"
Matthew 8:10

What an honor it is to impress Jesus with your faith. But faith means believing in Jesus beyond human reason. Are you keeping your faith separate from your struggles in life? Invite Him in. Rituals and obligation do not amaze Jesus. Instead, it's trusting Jesus with your problems, asking for His help, and believing He will provide.

Gently & Humbly

Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.
Galatians 6:1

Each one of us has a God given mission on this earth. Sometimes we stumble and are deterred from this mission because we allow sin to get in the way. Fortunately, we are not alone, God has blessed us with other believers to help us along the way. It is very important we humbly help others when they fall off track. Just think how proud God will be for helping others get back to their mission.

Let The Holy Spirit Guide Your Life

So I Say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves.
Galatians 5:16

Are you open to listening to what the Holy Spirit has to say? It's difficult to know when it is the Holy Spirit leading you, but there are several discernible ways. First, you are open to guidance. Second, you are ready to obey what the Holy Spirit guides you to do even if it is outside of your comfort zone. Third, you know the difference between your feelings and the promptings of the Holy Spirit. So, let the Holy Spirit guide your life.

Today's Bible Trivia

Which of the following is not a Judge of Israel? 
A. Othniel 
B. Shagmar 
C. Onesimus 
D. Tola 

Sharing Your Success

The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, says the Lord of Heaven's Armies.
Haggai 2:8

Life is busy. We're so focused on achieving more, advancing our careers, and moving on to the next stage in life. While it's a good thing to improve, we need to remind ourselves that the purpose is for God's kingdom and not ours. As such, take a moment to reflect on this and think of how you can be a light to someone today from the successes that He's given to you.

What if...?

But Moses protested again, "What if they won't believe me or listen to me? What if they say, 'The Lord never appeared to you'?"
Exodus 4:1

Have you ever had an important event come up that you stressed out about? You wrestled and tried to plan every possible mishap or control every outcome to avoid mistakes. You are not alone, Moses did the same thing. Have faith, God does not ask us to do things we cannot handle. He will go before us and make way for courage, confidence, and peace if you trust Him.

Today's Bible Trivia

Which of the following books is not known as a Prophet book? 
A. Judges 
B. Ecclesiastes 
C. Jeremiah 
D. Haggai 

Live in Joy

You will live in joy and peace. The mountains and hills will burst into song, and the trees of the field will clap their hands!
Isaiah 55:12

Do other people find your joy contagious? Everyone gravitates towards a happy person who is filled with joy and laughter. But we who believe in Christ have much to be happy about. When God answers a prayer, celebrate with such joy that no one can resist from joining you. Dance, clap, sing, and shout to show all the world you have much to be joyful about. What blessings are you joyful about today?

Filled with Grief

I am bent over and racked with pain. All day long I walk around filled with grief.
Psalm 38:6

David was filled with grief and so too are we vulnerable to depression. It's a difficult mindset to escape once you allow those inward thoughts to take hold. Take heart and realize this...God has a plan for your happiness. Your happiness will be sustained not by circumstances, but by His enduring love for you. Once you realize the depth of His love, your inwardly thoughts will turn outwardly towards loving others.

Be Renewed

Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.
Colossians 3:10

We are forgiven of our sins and because of this we are free from our old ways. We no longer need to be chained to guilt or behave immorally. Instead, allow yourself to be renewed and refreshed. Learn the heart of God by reading the Bible today and putting into action the teachings of Christ. It is with Him you will find freedom.

Today's Bible Trivia

What does the name Peter mean? 
A. Rock 
B. Faithful 
C. Beloved 
D. Temple 

The Course of Your Life

Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.
Proverbs 4:23

Do your feelings get hurt easily? Perhaps it's time you start guarding your heart. It is not fun walking around sulking and carrying grudges because you have been hurt. Why does this happen? Because you need to draw your strength from your heavenly Father. Pray to Him daily and ask Him to help you get rid of your sensitivity. It will require you to be willing to let go of your hurts.

He is Good

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.
Psalm 107:1

We witness God's love for as we get together with our loved ones. Relationships may be difficult at times but God has brought us together for a reason. If love of family filled the air, let's be thankful to our heavenly father. If it's been a challenging day dealing with siblings, parents, cousins or in-laws, lean on God even harder and trust that there is a greater purpose for the events that have taken place.

To Give Light

Because of God's tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.
Luke 1:78-79

Jesus' birth is surrounded by symbols of the light he brought into this world full of darkness. Like the shining star that appeared to the wise men, Jesus has brought light into our lives. He guides us to peace and his death on the cross for our sins is evidence of God's love for us. Let's celebrate in remembrance of the light Jesus has brought to your life.

Today's Bible Trivia

Who is the most famous prophet in Israel's history? 
A. Isaiah 
B. Elijah 
C. Amos 
D. Ezekiel 

Side Effects of Talent

In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you.
Romans 12:6

Everyone has some awesome gifts that God has given to us. But like side-effects to medicine, gifts have associated habits or behaviors that may be distracting. You may have a talent to multi-task and juggle many things but that may come at a price of not being able to devote your complete attention on one person. Maybe your gift is carefully crafting your words when you speak to be respectful of other's feelings. However, others may see you as being quiet or disinterested because of that. Keep this in mind the next time someone's behavior bothers you. Be patient and understanding of those behaviors while honoring God for creating the awesome gifts they showcase.

The Mighty Power

When the people of Israel saw the mighty power that the Lord had unleashed against the Egyptians, they were filled with awe before him. They put their faith in the Lord and in his servant Moses.
Exodus 14:31

Time and time again, God performed many miracles for the Israelites in order to free them from Egypt. Yet again and again, their hearts were skeptical and failed to put their trust in Him. Is our faith so weak that we expect a miracle first before we place our faith in the Lord? Surely we can recognize the face of our Heavenly Father when He works in our lives without expecting an act of God to occur.

Today's Bible Trivia

What is Jesus' most-known parable? 
A. Two Houses 
B. Prodigal Son 
C. Good Samaritan 
D. Parable of the Sower 

God's Love

Romans 5:5
5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

Today's Bible Trivia

Where is this: Trust in the world, for it will never leave you. 
A. Old Testament 
B. New Testament 
C. Both 
D. Neither 

Merry Christmas

Very Plain

And my message and my preaching were very plain.  Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit.
1 Corinthians 2:4

We all can get carried away with ourselves when we want to impress others. One way we do this is by using elegant words and highly strategic thoughts. However, when speaking of faith to others it is much more important for other people to understand God and Jesus Christ than it is to impress them. What a wonderful reward to know you opened someone's eyes to eternal life than the temporal reward of pride.

The good Shepherd

John 10:10 - 11
10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
11 "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

Jesus the King

She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.
Luke 2:7

Jesus's entrance to this world was quite humble. And yet it's a paradox for the King of the earth to arrive in modest conditions. He came, in his righteousness, to serve us, those who are unrighteous. As an adult Jesus taught us to love our enemies which sounds backwards. These paradoxes are different from how you would expect a real king to arrive.

Come To Trust in God

Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And you have placed your faith and hope in God because he raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory.
1 Peter 1:21

On the surface, it may seem hard to connect with God. We think of Him sitting high on a throne, too busy for us to approach Him. That idea is not true. It is through Christ we have a personal relationship with Him. Christ knows our unique strengths and weaknesses and He provides blessings tailored just for our individual situations. Christ died on the cross to become a bridge to God. How personal is your relationship with Christ?

Afternoon Bible Trivia

Jesus healed which of Simon's family members? 

A. Cousin 
B. Uncle 
C. Mother-in-law 
D. Sister 

Isaiah 9:6

6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Right thing to do

Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do.
Ephesians 6:1

Christmas is meaningful. Christmas is fun. But, Christmas can also resurface emotional wounds or spur conflict in the family and extended families. Our heavenly Father encourages us to obey and love our earthly father and mother. Since only God knows how many more Christmases you have, could it be time to wipe away the emotional marks and give grace like God has given to you?

Today's Morning Bible Trivia

Who led the Israelites into Canaan? 
A. David 
B. Nehemiah 
C. Levi 
D. Joshua 

The Gateway

But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.
Matthew 7:14

Eternal life is considered to be narrow because there is only one way, through believing in Christ Jesus. Unfortunately, as the Bible says, only a few will find it. The road is difficult because it may mean we lay down our pride, take the high road, and serve others with love. But, oh how blessed we are that there is a road!

Purposeful Suffering

So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you.
1 Peter 4:19

No one likes to suffer but yet we all do at some point in our lives. The question is whether we're suffering with a Godly purpose or suffering from our bad decisions. If you've made a decision such as to purchase unnecessary stuff and find yourself suffering financially, it's probably time to take action and reverse the suffering. However, if you're in an uncomfortable situation because of an inconvenience to your schedule due to helping others, it may just be a suffering with a Godly purpose. What are you suffering for?

Today's Bible Trivia

Which of the following is not armor of God? 
A. Belt of truth 
B. Shoes of peace 
C. Shield of faith 
D. Helmet of safety 

Never Get Tired

As for the rest of you, dear brothers and sisters, never get tired of doing good.
2 Thessalonians 3:13

Doing good and right things can be hard and is not always easy. We must think clearly about the right reactions to have and the right actions to take. We must have courage to do good and bring light into others. If we aren't careful we can easily tire, so be mindful. Nevertheless, challenge yourself to do one good thing for someone else today.

The Kind of Sorrow

For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There's no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death.
2 Corinthians 7:10

It's hard to believe, but sometimes God WANTS us to become sad and upset. He desires that we use those emotions constructively for spiritual growth to bring us closer to Him. The big question is at the end of the day do you feel sadness over your past behavior because of disobedience to God or for the consequences of your actions? Feeling worldly sorrow? Don't worry, seek God in all of your ways.

Sweet as Perfume

The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.
Proverbs 27:9

Friendship can be very powerful. Friends can encourage, inspire, and drive us to become better Christians. They can also provide soothing words in times of distress. If you feel you are lacking this connection with a friend, become intentional and reconnect or seek out a friend. Cultivate a relationship of trust by connecting on a regular basis.

No Condemnation

So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.
Romans 8:1

No human is able to live a blameless and sinless life. But only because of Christ's death on the cross we are no longer bound. Christ took on our sins for us. Believing that Jesus paid this price for us allows us to be free from guilt condemnation. How awesome that we are set free from bondage!! Do you feel like you've been set free?

Today's Bible Trivia

How many psalms are attributed to being written by David? 
A. 19 
B. 32 
C. 73 
D. 138 

Unfailing Love

For no one is abandoned by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he also shows compassion because of the greatness of his unfailing love.
Lamentations 3:31-32

As parents, do we take joy in punishing our children? No! But we do it because we love our children. In the same way, it is also painful when we receive punishment from the Lord. Take joy that you have a heavenly Father who is unfailing in His love for you. Because He takes the time to punish you, He will also take the time to bless you with love.

First Among You

Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Mark 10:43-45

We are all leaders whether we know it or not. But the real questions is if you recognize your leadership among others and lead according to Jesus's standard. Not even Jesus abused His power to advance His efforts. So why do we? What areas of your life do you place yourself above others?

Today's Bible Trivia

Joseph was sold to which group of traders? 
A. Samarians 
B. Midianites 
C. Hitites 
D. Perizzites 

No One is Chasing Them

The wicked run away when no one is chasing them, but the godly are as bold as lions.
Proverbs 28:1

Have you ever been speeding down the highway, knowing you are going too fast, and yet are suspiciously on the lookout for the police? It's an uncomfortable feeling. The godly are people who are righteous in deeds and actions and can walk without fear of being caught. Is there an area in your life where you are alarmed others may find out about? Slow down and address it.

Today's Bible Trivia

This animal was often used by kings in order to spread messages quickly. 
A. Camel 
B. Horse 
C. Dove 
D. Badger 

Teaching The Truth

And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul's message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to check up on Paul and Silas, to see if they were really teaching the truth.
Acts 17:11

It's very important we stay tuned into God's word. Otherwise, how will we know if we are receiving the truth according to Christ's teaching? Couldn't we easily be misguided if we are not well versed with the truth? God has blessed us with an important tool, the Bible. Let's use it correctly to steer ourselves in the right direction as well as to determine if others are teaching us correctly. Are you familiar with the Bible to determine if others are teaching according to what it says?

Lie Awake

I lie awake thinking of you, meditating on you through the night.
Psalm 63:6

Do you ever have a hard time going to sleep or worse, wake up in the middle of the night unable to go back to sleep? Thinking of God in these quiet times can be precious moments when little else can distract you. It can even lead to better rest because of the peace you receive from meditating on God.

Today's Bible Trivia

How many rivers went through the garden of Eden? 
A. 1 
B. 2 
C. 3 
D. 4 

Don't be Afraid

Then as I looked over the situation, I called together the nobles and the rest of the people and said to them, "Don't be afraid of the enemy! Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes!"
Nehemiah 4:14

Nehemiah was facing intense discouragement from within his community as well as surrounding nations who wanted to see his downfall. Yet, he was committed to building a wall that would protect his people. When change is needed it's important to remind others what is at stake and what they are fighting for. Change agents are highly valuable people who mobilize an army to glorify God. Are there any change agents who have left their impact in your life?

The Darkest Valley

Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.
Psalm 23:4

Are you nurturing a relationship with Jesus that will stay with you until the end of days? Even when you have forgotten names, dates, and familiar faces, will your faith be strong enough to still know you are a child of God? No one looks forward to that season of life with anticipation, but isn't it comforting to know we don't walk alone. Make a relationship with God a priority each and every day. He will provide protection and comfort.

Today's Bible Trivia

Which prominent businesswoman invited Paul into her house in Philippi? 
A. Lydia 
B. Tabitha 
C. Mary Magdalene 
D. Delilah 

To Pray For

And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don't know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groaning's that cannot be expressed in words.
Romans 8:26

Don't know how to pray or unsure of what to say? Don't worry, just spend time with God and count on the Holy Spirit to pray on your behalf. Talking with God is an important part of a growing spiritual life. Do you forget to pray regularly? Share your thoughts with God while you do a daily habit such as brushing your teeth. This will help jump start your prayer life. Or write down your prayers in a journal to detail out your thoughts.