“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.”

The generous man will be prosperous, and he who waters will himself be watered. Proverbs 11:25

Lord, if there is anything that threatens to separate me from your love, let me be reminded of the reasons why I committed myself to you. Because of where you brought me from and all that you have done for me; show me how to live today in order to create the tomorrows I’ve committed to you. I want nothing to separate me from your love.

“But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet the Spirit gives you life because of righteousness. For God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Thank you, Lord!

We are living in a world filled with wolves, but, Jesus is the good shepherd who is able to protect us. In order for us to be fully protected by God, we have to come into His fold. We must come to know His voice and follow him. God’s aim is to bring us all into one fold with one shepherd.

Are we hearing God through his many messengers, or are we listening to the messengers sent by the enemy to buffet us lest we be exalted? Let us ask God for the discernment to recognize his voice and to be obedient to him.

“I am listening, Lord, for Thee: What hast Thou to say to me?” I know that when I pray and believe, that you will hear more than I say, give me more than I ask, but, in your own time and your own way. Thank you, Lord!

“Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God!” Let us not judge one another, let us not put stumbling blocks in the paths of others, let us not bear false witness, let us lift others up instead of putting them down, let us cease from strife, let us not covet what is our neighbors’ and let us be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. Do what is good and your praise will come from God alone.

If our aim is to live peaceably with all men, we should not be overcome by evil, but learn to overcome evil with good. We should bless and not curse those who persecute us, but, have regard for good things. We should be kindly affectionate to one another, with brotherly love. We should serve the Lord with all sincerity, not lagging in diligence, but fervent in spirit, rejoicing in hope, being patient in tribulations and continuing steadfastly in prayer. Praise the Lord!

Because of our prideful selves, we have too often taken on tasks that were not ordained by God, made decisions without first consulting with God, and, it may have worked for a while, but, we soon found out that our way was not the right way. My brothers and sisters in Christ, when God blesses us, he brings no trouble with it. Let us make a pledge today to put all of our decisions and all our circumstance before God, and stop getting in Gods way, and allow him to work his purpose out for our lives.