September 2019 Passages
September 1, 2019
As members of God's Household we too must desire to live as Christ commands. The scripture passage gives us food for thought. Self - discipline is the key, prayer is the tool, God is our strength, and Scripture points us in the direction. We too must be blameless.
Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain.
September 2, 2019
God sustains. God sustains through the source of his power giving strength and encouragement. He is the provider of wisdom guiding the direction to take. So, Pray to him for your all your needs, desires and questions. Then listen. And remember, sometimes listening can take a while before you learn the answer. This waiting disciplines our ways and builds trust. Never give up on Him. Never give up on you.
Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me.
September 3, 2019
To truly live is found ONLY in Christ Jesus. In him we are given light: direction, strength, encouragement,and peace. Belief and trust in this you know no evil will overcome you. This journey is hard at times. Sometimes lasting. But he who is faithful will complete a work he started in you!
Everything was created through him; nothing—not one thing!— came into being without him. What came into existence was Life, and the Life was Light to live by. The Life-Light blazed out of the darkness; the darkness couldn’t put it out.
September 4, 2019
In other words, in order to walk the talk we must train ourselves to be self-controlled. Not controlling our emotions and behavior, what we say is discounted by how we act.
Don’t you know that the runners in a stadium all race, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way to win the prize. Now everyone who competes exercises self-control in everything. They do it to receive a perishable crown, but we an imperishable crown. So I do not run like one who runs aimlessly or box like one beating the air. Instead, I discipline my body and bring it under strict control, so that after preaching to others, I myself will not be disqualified.
September 5, 2019
To practice daily being kind, unselfish, understanding, and gentle are simple and easy concepts in principle. The test comes when you have had a bad day, are irritable or crabby. When you are tested start to pray, don't give in to the emotion and explode or make a snide remark. Instead, reach for God's strength and respond in His power.
A tenderhearted person lives a blessed life; a hardhearted person lives a hard life.
September 7, 2019
As you and I mature in our faith, we are no longer slaves to the feeling or emotion of the day. Whatever bothers us, as mature Christian's, we keep our emotions in check. We speak to one another with kindness, gentleness, and love. Correcting and disciplining are also done this way; not with yelling, berating, or threatening behaviors or words.
So if mean and angry words are ready to fly, stop right there!
Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to direct your speech and keep emotions in check.
Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.
September 8, 2019
The enemy is ramping up encouraging people to go after those who have caused pain and suffering. While it is important to settle disputes appropriately, when that is not to be, the situation is God's to avenge. It is not ok to verbally, emotionally, or physically go after people who cause us afflictions. God will repay them justly and comfort the grieving .
God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels.
September 9, 2019
What is it you pray for? Is it hard to stay with it? If so, keep praying, keep placing one foot in front of the other. Do exactly as God commands which may be to be patient. Do not give up! Because when you give up on your desire, your dream, what you long for you also give up on God. You give up believing in his power and his goodness for you. So stay strong in him and keep going!
so I say, "My endurance has perished; so has my hope from the Lord ."
September 10, 2019
Harsh words, terse responses, disrespectful statements can breed angry emotionally driven reactions. This is the classic work of the enemy. The ONLY way to stand up to the enemy is in God's power. Pray during these times for words and more importantly TONE. Stay STRONG in him!
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
September 11, 2019
When was the last time you said, I am sorry?" A very short statement that holds terrific power; power to heal and power to deepen relationships. But to think you would never need to say "I am sorry," means pride has taken over and you have been fooled.
Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
September 12, 2019
Stuffing things down that have been said or done as though to hide does not work because Jesus does see all. Nothing is hidden; nothing. So no matter how embarrassing or guilt ridden you feel it is alway best to bring it to light confessing it to Jesus. It is then you will experience his love, mercy, and grace and be healed.
There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.
September 13, 2019
It is so easy to see what we do not have. Our world is so conditioned to view life this way; so much so that what we do have becomes invisible. Therefore, practice moment by moment paying attention to what you do have so your daily walk is a song of praise and Thanksgiving !
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
September 14, 2019
Holding grudges, taking anger to the end, refusing to speak to the one who hurt you - these and more are forms of bondage holding you as a slave - slave to your hurt, your anger, and your offense. To be free, totally free, you must forgive! This unlocks the keys to the chains preventing a full life AND just as you forgive, show mercy and compassion God promises he will also do this for you!
For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
September 15, 2019
Hold on to Jesus tightly as you sojourn this life. Through the trials, heartbreak, pain, and suffering, God promises and is faithful that we are journeying home to eternal life with him. Then we will be free of disease, hatred, jealousy, pain, and tears. So please don't let go! Pray often. Stand in his courage and strength. Keep putting one step in front of the other.
‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
September 16, 2019
Life experience brings wisdom which when shared can bring comfort. God is instrumental in bringing people our way to share their stories. There is healing in receiving insights from ones challenges and how God guided them! So share your story to give hope and encouragement to others
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
September 17, 2019
You and I are not designed to work or live this life alone. When you want to lose it, your friend helps you keep your emotions in check. When angry and feeling wronged a friend provides guidance and reason. When you are nervous a friend encourages. When going through really hard times a friend is right with you through it all. And even when you hit rock bottom, your friend will help you get back into life. Friends are a tangible way to see the tenderness and love of Jesus; a true gift!!
You are better having a friend than to be all alone, because then you will get more enjoyment out of what you earn. If you fall, your friend can help you up. But if you fall without having a friend nearby, you are really in trouble.
September 18, 2019
To know you are called friend from the One who created you, the One who knew you before the world was created, the One who knit you together in your Mother's womb is completely mind-blowing! The awesome assurance to factually know you belong is a treasure. Never let anyone or let your inner voice tell you otherwise.
And you are my friends, if you obey me. Servants don't know what their master is doing, and so I don't speak to you as my servants. I speak to you as my friends, and I have told you everything my Father has told me.
September 19, 2019
Our closeness with Christ produces character in his image. This character becomes a guide for choosing relationships also deeply rooted in Jesus. Be particular with who you share your life so the path you walk always leads to Christ.
Don't fool yourselves. Bad friends will destroy you.
September 20, 2019
This is Great News!! The Son of God who saved us also intercedes for us! When you and I make mistakes and sin, we are no longer condemned because Jesus stood in our place, took our punishment and now we are forgiven ; our slate wiped clean when we apologize from our heart. Stand in the strength of Christ and reject sin.
Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.
September 21, 2019
To be Holy: Do not use flattering speech or have greedy motives ( 1 Thessalonians 2:5) Embrace and love the Fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. ( Galatians 5: 22-23)
for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
September 22, 2019
To be Holy is to Love. To be able to love first comes from God because God IS Love. Love means we place God first. We live selflessly. It does not mean that those we love and love us will always fill our needs, do what we want them to do, or that you will always agree. But love rooted in Christ Jesus means you are capable of weathering storms with each other and come out on the other side stronger! This love is a commitment, not a feeling. Today love with every fiber of your being!
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
September 23, 2019
To be Holy is to live your life with joy! Life is hard and there are struggles. But God places deep within us desires. Go and live robustly knowing God has already approved what you seek to do in His name. Celebrate each step of you accomplishments. This will build security to keep moving forward. Challenges and Trials have nothing on the power of God - SO KEEP GOING!
Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do.
September 24, 2019
The true test to Holiness is how we respond when encountering differences of opinion, lifestyle choices, and beliefs. And if we insist on arguing our points where does that get us? Isn't it more important for all to see God first and constructively work through opposition? Let's allow only God to guide us in what is said and done face to face, over the phone, and through social media so He is clearly seen.
Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness — without it no one will see the Lord.
September 25, 2019
To get riled up at what provokes you is allowing your emotions to rule you. That is bondage! Chained and imprisoned to react based upon what is going on inside you because of an external cause. Jesus is the one who will free you from this bondage and unlock the chains. But you have to be willing to participate. Know what provokes you, pray before you get into the situation so when it does happen you will begin to develop the capacity to resist the temptation to react negatively. To be Holy is to be patient; free from being ruled by emotion.
Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.
September 27, 2019
Get Recharged! The daily grind, the same thing over and over, questions like why this or that and of course boredom lead right to 'why bother.' But here is the deal; as children of God most high we need to know we were NEVER created for mediocrity! What is it about the same thing over and over. Ask the Holy Spirit, maybe it calls for changing your course. So get up and get out, soak in scripture which is rich in practical application for life. Take charge of your perspective and live in the fullness of the day because life with Jesus is not boring- oh no- Life with Jesus is an adventure!
Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.
September 29, 2019
Know who is teaching you today! What is the foundation of core values you observe and breathe in? Is it Jesus? It is extremely profitable/ beneficial to have your life's training be rooted in the word of God: work ethic, relationships, drive, goals. And when the time comes to be corrected and redirected, allow the wisdom this brings to live righteously knowing you are equipped for the next event in life.
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
September 30, 2019
In the day to day, posture for resolution. Things are not always going to go well and people will mess things up. Avoid the temptation to just talk about your disgust or anger for what happened and make every attempt to work toward a solution. To work together to find the answer is more productive than remaining in the complaining and disappointed stage.
The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.