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Work for God

Even while we were with you, we gave you this command: "Those unwilling to work will not get to eat." (NLT) ( 2 Thessalonians 3:10 ) 

With so much going on in our lives today, the "unwillingness to work" doesn't appear applicable. If anything, we work way too much. However, being busy versus working on God's plan for you are two very different things. Are you willing to work on God's plan for you? There's more to His plan than just paying the bills. If you strive to work hard using the special talents He gave you, your work will be more effortless and purposeful.

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Salt

"You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless." (NLT) ( Matthew 5:13 ) 

Salt is used as a preservative to keep food fresh longer. Once it loses its usefulness the salt will get tossed out with yesterday's trash. It's difficult to imagine how salt loses its saltiness but in the context of a Christian, it's easy to see how a Christian loses their flavor. When Christians try to blend in with the world we give away the essence of a Christian. Let's do our best to keep our flavor!

Differences

"When you are on the way to court with your adversary, settle your differences quickly. Otherwise, your accuser may hand you over to the judge, who will hand you over to an officer, and you will be thrown into prison." (NLT) ( Matthew 5:25 ) 

Pride can seep into a relationship when disagreements occur. The longer you sit and stew over your disagreement, the harder it is to reconcile. Pretty soon, days, weeks, and years pass by and you become accustomed to the way things have become in the relationship. Every passing moment without reconciliation makes it that much harder to turn around and say you are sorry. Don't let your pride get the better side of you. Make it a practice to hurry and settle your differences . 

He will fight for you

The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm. (NLT) ( Exodus 14:14 ) 

When you find yourself full of despair and hopelessness, look to God.  When everyone around you says it can't be done, it's not worth your energy, or you have too much to lose; Do not allow your obstacle to appear larger than what God can handle. Remember God is greater than the obstacle at hand.  Have faith in Him and He will fight the battle for you.

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Light

We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. (NLT) ( 2 Corinthians 4:7 ) 

The light shining in our hearts is the news that Jesus Christ is our Lord. We are charged with the task of showing the world how Christ has changed us. However, when we show these great abilities over time, it is easy to get puffed up and think we are the ones who are responsible for the greatness. Rather, it is important to stay connected to God and always remember He is the ultimate source of power.

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Poor Simon

When Simon saw that the Spirit was given when the apostles laid their hands on people, he offered them money to buy this power. (NLT) ( Acts 8:18 ) 

Poor Simon was too far from understanding the concept of faith. The Spirit lives within you through repentance of your sins and asking for forgiveness. Instead, Simon wanted to cut to the chase and receive the benefits of the power of the Holy Spirit. Today we do the same thing, attend church thinking it will make up for the time we didn't read our Bible or spend time with God. Stretch yourself beyond this type of thinking and reach for a relationship. Invest your time in God.

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Seek the kingdom of God

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. (NLT) ( Luke 12:31 ) 

Do you have everything you need? Does what you need match up according to the Kingdom of God? Let God's Kingdom come in to your work, play, business, friendships, all areas of your life. Don't hold back. Align your life to be constantly seeking God and His Kingdom.

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Video

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Build your house

But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn't obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. (NLT) ( Matthew 7:26 ) 

The Bible has a lot to say on how we should live our lives. If we know how we are supposed to live and disregard that knowledge it is foolish. As we build our lives, we should strive to build it on a solid foundation that will last forever, the Kingdom of God.  What are you building your house on?

Discipline

Then why should we, mere humans, complain when we are punished for our sins? (NLT) ( Lamentations 3:39 ) 

When we feel God is disciplining us we get angry and shake our fists at him. If you feel He has turned his back on you it is exactly the opposite. Because He loves you he wants to teach you. As parents we want our kids to learn the difference between right and wrong. How could our children say we don't love them because they receive discipline from us? Isn't that further from the truth?

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God will not abandon you

No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you. (NLT) ( Joshua 1:5 ) 

Think back to a time when an exciting, unbelievable event happened in your life. Then, put that event into context. What important events, conversations, or interactions happened to make the miracle possible? At first glance those precursors seem random, but in hindsight everything seemed to come together. That's the hand of God in your life. When you think He has abandoned you He is actually busy at work.

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Don't worry

So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today. (NLT) ( Matthew 6:34 ) 

At the very root of worry is fear. Fear of the unknowns or what if's can erode away the security we find in God. Don't let this fear overtake you and allow the worry to creep in your thoughts. Place your confidence in Jesus that He will provide and comfort you. Then pray.

Rest

For all who have entered into God's rest have rested from their labors, just as God did after creating the world. So let us do our best to enter that rest. But if we disobey God, as the people of Israel did, we will fall. (NLT) ( Hebrews 4:10-11 ) 

Are you well rested? We can enter marathons of work, projects and even emotional hardships. You may feel invincible at times and take on more than your body can handle. But remember that God made us in His image and we should rest just like He did. Firmly set aside a day or two after any intense period of work to replenish yourself.

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Children

Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it. (NLT) ( Proverbs 22:6 ) 

When you have children there is always an excess of people who want to advise you on how to raise them. The above verse is also a piece of advice as well. However, this is advice coming from God who created us and knows how we fit together. Why not accept advice from THE person who knows us the best and help them get familiar with God.

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Too Hard

You say, 'It's too hard to serve the Lord,' and you turn up your noses at my commands," says the Lord of Heaven's Armies. (NLT) ( Malachi 1:13 ) 

Walking by faith in the Lord is not an easy path.  It comes fraught with a journey of constantly recognizing we aren't perfect, seeking and maintaining peace around us, or even living with honor and integrity.  But learning to grow and walk according to God's commands is part of a relationship with God.  Don't turn up your nose, it's not too hard!  Along the path you will be rewarded and blessed greatly.  Are you regularly seeking to learn more of God's ways?

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Rejoice in darkness

Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. (NLT) ( Romans 12:12 ) 

This verse is a helpful nugget of guidance to get us through dark times. As a believer in Christ we have hope and not just a random hope, but a confident hope. We can confidently believe in a time when hurt, pain, and sorrow will end. It's comforting to know amidst all of your despair and discouragement there is one thing you can be sure of which is that it will come to an end.

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Marriage

And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. (NLT) ( Ephesians 5:21 ) 

God blessed us with marriage to be the primary person that shows your spouse God's love for them.  It's not because they deserve it or have earned it, but because of the grace you have been given.  This will mean you are the first person to say sorry, or you will have to come home from work to help your spouse clean, or you take the blame when it's not your fault.  What can you do for your spouse today that reveals God's love for them?

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Reach out

A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need. (NLT) ( Proverbs 17:17 ) 

It's almost expected for our friends to be loyal and our family to help but there is a precursor to this that we don't always think about. These relationships need to be nurtured. Have you reached out to a friend lately to offer some help or simply meet for lunch? Make an effort to engage in an activity together with a friend or family member. Building your relationships will not go unnoticed over time.

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Devote

Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. (NLT) ( Colossians 4:2 ) 

When you focus on the things you don't have you begin to undervalue the blessings God has given you.  Then feelings of resentment and shortchanged start to build up.  It can happen in our prayers when we only make requests.  Take a moment and think through the ways you are blessed and thank God for them.  When you truly realize the amount of blessings in your life you truly feel loved by God.

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Judge

God alone, who gave the law, is the Judge. He alone has the power to save or to destroy. So what right do you have to judge your neighbor? (NLT) ( James 4:12 ) 

God is the perfect judge because He created the law. When we judge other people it is a sign we don't trust God will judge accordingly. Or it is a sign that our own authority is greater than God's.  Both of these ideas are far from the truth.  If you find yourself looking down on another person, try focusing on your love and appreciation for them.  Your love leaves a greater impact than your judgement.

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Discipline

No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening - it's painful!  But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. (NLT) ( Hebrews 12:11 ) 

When you are training for a marathon, it's often helpful to have a coach guide and correct you.  Waking up early in the morning, practicing in the rain, and enduring through the cold elements challenge your discipline.  A coach keeps you accountable and ensures you stay on track.  Yet, there is no feeling quite like finishing a marathon.  When your Coach pushes your limits remember you are preparing for a marathon.  It may be painful, but you can push through.

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Control

Don't sin by letting anger control you.  Think about it overnight and remain silent. (NLT) ( Psalm 4:4 ) 

Your face gets flushed, your blood begins to get hot, and your head begins to throb.  These are physical signs that anger is beginning to control you in the moment.  When our anger gets out of control there is never a good result.  In such situations, the smartest thing is to remain silent and take some time to think overnight.  In the morning, after time has passed, it's easier to respond with a calmer stance.

I know God

If someone claims, "I know God," but doesn't obey God's commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth.  (NLT) ( 1 John 2:4 ) 

Having a relationship with Jesus will keep you grounded and leaning into a growing faith. A growing faith is a good sign. In a relationship, truth is spoken, conviction is felt, and confidence in God strengthens. Walk in the truth and obey God's commandments.  Was there a time in your life when you weren't living in the truth?  What were the circumstances?

Don't let

"Don't let your hearts be troubled.  Trust in God, and trust also in me." (NLT)

 ( John 14:1 ) 

Heart troubles can be the worst.  Hurts happen.  Are you doing what you can to be troubled free?  If you don't take the time to deal with those hurts and root them out, they will prevent you from being a whole, healthy person.  How can you tell if your heart is troubled?  Look at your emotional reactions and figure out the reasons behind your reactions.  Then trust.

Self-control

A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls. (NLT) ( Proverbs 25:28 ) 

Hundreds of years ago, city walls were a source of protection from invading forces.  In the same way city walls protect a city, Solomon is also saying self-control protects a person from outside attacks.  A few areas people may struggle with balance is emotion, financial, verbal, food consumption, etc.  What areas do you struggle with self-control?

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Talents

"To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away." (NLT) ( Matthew 25:29 ) 

Are you spending each day utilizing your God given talents? If not, think about doing things that take advantage of your special talents and then put a lot of muscle behind it. When we make wise choices and use our talents to the fullest extent, success follows.

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Young and old

Young and old will hear of your faithfulness. Your unfailing love will last forever! (NLT) ( Psalm 89:1 ) 

Upon what conditions do you give your love?  Or is love a condition of good behavior?  When someone we love does things or makes decisions that we disagree with, that's not the time to use our love as a tool for manipulation.  Unconditional love is pure and everlasting regardless of behavior.  Is there anyone who doesn't deserve your unconditional love?  That's exactly the person you should focus on loving.

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Love

Owe nothing to anyone - except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God's law. (NLT) ( Romans 13:8 ) 

If you don't show your love for someone, it may appear to others that they are not loved.  Are you sidetracked by your busy day that you're forgetting the little things?  Those little things add up and become powerful enough to send the wrong message.  Overcome this and send a loving message.  What speaks to your loved one?  If it's confidence, encourage them.  If it's feeling pretty, compliment them.  If it's strength, support them.  Fulfilling this law will honor God.

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What foundation do you want?

I will show you what it's like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it. It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built. (NLT) ( Luke 6:47-48 ) 

Staying grounded in God's word is essential to a strong faith that withstands floodwaters. But it's also essential to apply what you have learned to your life. With a firm faith you can weather any storm when it comes your way in life. Are you laying the foundation for a solid faith?

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Be like Jesus

The Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. (NLT) ( Psalm 145:8 ) 

Who better to model after than our Lord. While we tend to both break and mend our love for one another, God always loves us even when we do wrong. While we get angry and hurt others emotionally, God is slow to get angry. If you could be more like Christ, just imagine how peaceful you would be. Be patient, loving and understanding especially to your loved ones even if they deserve otherwise.

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Watch her tongue

Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble. (NLT) ( Proverbs 21:23 ) 

Sometimes emotions can get the best of us and cause us to say words we don't truly mean. Or we are charged with emotions and choose words with different implications than we intended. When you get in this state do your best to stabilize and then try to communicate emotions when you can better watch your tongue.

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God Said

Then God said, "Let lights appear in the sky to separate the day from the night. Let them mark off the seasons, days, and years. Let these lights in the sky shine down on the earth." And that is what happened. (NLT) ( Genesis 1:14-15 ) 

It seems like we wake up everyday and go about our lives without pausing but rather rushing. Hit the pause button for a moment today and admire the surroundings that God has provided so graciously to us. Remember, God loves you so much that He lights candles for you in the sky every night!

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Are you sick

Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. (NLT) ( James 5:14 ) 

With so much love from family surrounding us, it's a blessing to be alive. At times, our loved ones become ill and we get saddened from these difficult times. However, recovery arises from the power of prayer. If you have a family member who is ill, pray for them and ask others for their support and prayers. If you have a friend who is traveling down this path, remember to ask if you can pray for their loved one too.

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Eye of a needle

In fact, it is easer for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God! (NLT) ( Mark 10:25 ) 

No one ever really thinks of themselves as being rich and we often characterize our wants as needs. When you look around and see those who have less it's easy to let your heart harden over time and ignore them. We even go so far as to tell ourselves "I can't give to this hungry man, because I have to pay for my 'need.'" Don't allow your wants to be stumbling blocks to the Kingdom of God.

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Do not judge

Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. (NLT) ( Matthew 7:1 ) 

Whew, that's quite a challenge! When someone else makes judgments about ourselves, we fight it. Yet, we judge each other daily in all matters of life and make comparisons to see how we measure up. We, however, are not the perfect judge and in making our own judgments we overstep God's authority. What are some things you can do to stop yourself from judging others?

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Giving your life

O Lord, I give my life to you. (NLT) ( Psalm 25:1 ) 

Giving your life to God can be a hard decision to make. We may resist because we think we are giving away everything, including free will. Instead, we gain everything. It's about trusting that God has our best interests in mind, and knowing that He is better at leading us than we could ever be. After all, God has a greater perspective and sees the bigger picture.

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Darkness

Their minds are full of darkness; they wandered far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. (NLT) ( Ephesians 4:18 ) 

Our heart becomes hardened when we choose to ignore that inner feeling inside which nudges us to do or say something. When this feeling is ignored too many times the heart becomes insensitive to conviction and it becomes hardened. It's important to realize the impact of our actions or inactions.  Have you declined your compassion to others with a hard heart?

The Lord is good

The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him. (NLT) ( Nahum 1:7 ) 

Our God provides us with a shelter to protect us from life’s troubles. The question is whether we accept his protection. When you run into a wall or trip over hurdles, it’s easy to feel defeated. If you travel through life with God, He will most definitely give you strength to overcome them and peace to enjoy it.  Have you talked to God lately about the troubles you are facing?

Matthew 20:28

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. (NLT) ( Matthew 20:28 )

Do you ever go through days that seem like something is missing? We work so hard to accomplish goals in our life so that we can provide a better life for ourselves and our families. But this can also focus our attention on the "things" we have and more importantly don't have. Where we direct our focus can lead us to that feeling of void. Instead of focusing on ourselves, direct your focus on someone in need. You may not see the immediate impact on your goals but in some way and at some time, God will honor you actions