That’s what it’s all about

Luke 3: ²¹ When all the people were baptized, it came to pass that Jesus also was baptized; and while He prayed, the heaven was opened. ²² And the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven which said, “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.”

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One single endorsement was all that was needed. JESUS prayed and the HEAVENLY FATHER opened up heaven and said “YOU are MY beloved SON; in YOU I AM well pleased.” This statement declared JESUS as being the SON of GOD.

• JESUS became a human to save me.
• JESUS lived HIS life sinless as an example to me.
• JESUS was baptized to show me what I should do to others.

Life is all about JESUS. HE guides me and many others through HIS HOLY SPIRIT. HE loves like no other and pursues me daily. JESUS along with the HOLY SPIRIT and the FATHER are always there for me.

• Have you pondered JESUS?
• Do you recognize that JESUS is GOD?
• Can you focus your attention on HIS power today?

Taking Credit

Psalm 59: ¹⁷ You are my strength, I sing praise to you;
    you, God, are my fortress,
    my God on whom I can rely.

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Prayer was approaching a habit at this time. I decided to pray about the situation and it seemed like everything cleared up overnight. People around me saw that I had talent and I was promoted. Soon after I got as tough as the other bosses. “’I’ am strong enough to handle these people” I thought to myself.  “I” made it here “myself” and “I” can reach the top.

• It is false to think that I have any power whatsoever.
• It is false to think that my health, wealth and welfare come from me.
• It is false to think that I can breathe on my one, work on my own, live on my own.

I used to think that strength came from me. I mean when I was scrawny, I lifted weights and grew large. When I wasn’t successful, I worked harder than anyone else until I was. Soon I thought I was a self-made man. BUT GOD wants different.

• GOD wants me to give HIM credit for every step that I take.
• GOD wants me to praise HIM for everything that is done.
• GOD wants me to sing to HIM and about HIM because HE is the one who deserves credit.

It is GOD who raised me up and it is up to HIM to place me wherever HE wants me to go. HE is the bright shining light in the morning who blesses me with strength. I have no might at all. I cannot breathe without GOD. HE has the right to do as HE pleases and I praise HIM for it. I can always rely on GOD.

• Are you doing things on your own strength?
• Do you think it is your might that has you where you are?
• Do you think that your sin controls GOD’s blessings?
• Can you look at GOD’s grace as being sufficient?
• Will you look to GOD and praise HIM for being your strength today?

The LORD guides me

Exodus 13: ²¹ By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. ²² Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.

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Rushing water sound was getting closer and closer as we hiked deeper into the woods. It was getting very hilly and the canopy of the trees was thick so even during the day it was dim. Something within me said “watch your step.” As I cautiously moved forward the next step was off a blind small cliff high above rocky rushing water.

• When I stop listening to GOD HE allows me to fall into danger.
• When I fight to get my way I am blind to the pitfalls ahead.
• When I keep going on my path instead of following GOD I end up broken and beat up!

I have said this many times “GOD speaks to every person every day but many times I choose not to listen.” In fact, after ignoring HIM for long enough it seems like I can’t hear HIM at all.  When I can’t hear HIM it seems like my eyes grow dim and I can’t see the people HE wants me to serve. Then I find myself “lost.”

• GOD wants me to spend time with HIM daily so HE can guide me to a better place.
• GOD wants me to understand HIS ways so I can follow them daily.
• GOD wants me to open my eyes to see people in need to serve them.

In spite of my sinful nature, GOD guides me anyway.  Day and night HE leads me to HIS kingdom. I may run away but HE gently brings me back to HIS path.

• Are you letting GOD lead you or are you planning by yourself?
• Can GOD say “no” to your plan or are you stubborn?
• Won’t you ask GOD “where do YOU want me to go?”
• If you are in deep trouble, can’t you cry out to HIM to lead you besides still waters?