cup of joe

We can rejoice when we run into problems and trials? Yes, that is exactly what the Bible tells us. But how is that even possible? It’s only possible when we begin to realize that adversity is part of the growing process. You cannot build muscle without resistance. Failure is not the opposite of success-it is part of success. We must learn how to change our perspective. Here is what we learn from this scripture. Problems and trials help us develop endurance. Endurance develops strength of character. Character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And that kind of hope will never disappoint!  So if you are going through some difficult things, just remember that you are being developed and strengthened every minute. You may start with problems but you end by not being disappointed. You will go through what you are going through! 

To change in composition or structure, to change the outward form or appearance of, to change in character or condition . This is how the dictionary defines the word  TRANSFORM . Romans 12:2 says, “ Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God  transform  you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Read that over once again. Each one of us is being changed every day. The things we see and hear are shaping our thoughts. Our actions are following through on what we think about. The challenge is to not allow things that are bad for you to shape you. We are not to copy the world’s behavior: we are to provide the world a great example of how to live. We do that by living as Christ did. Let God transform you into the person He designed you to be. His way is good and pleasing and perfect! It all starts with control. Why not let the Lord begin to direct your steps, your meetings

“I waited patiently”. When its hard to wait we often take it upon ourselves to jump in and help God move things along. Learning how to wait is important. Let patience do the work! Why? Because the end result is awesome! Here’s what the Word says in Psalm 40: 1. He will lift you out of the muck and mire. You won't be stuck anymore because He will loose you and bring you out! 2. He will set your feet on a rock. You will experience sure-footed places and your foundation will be established. No more slipping and stumbling! 3. He will put a new song in your mouth. Praise ushers in the power and provision of God. Your words will change and that will also change your direction. When you wait patiently, you can be assured that the faith inside of you will start to grow. Your spirit will be strengthened and songs of praise will burst forth. Your chains will be broken and your steps will be secure and ordered by God! Thank Him today for all of this and get ready to see your life change and o

Bless all of the dads today! May you feel honored, loved and appreciated by all of those you invested in every day of your life. Happy Father’s Day 2020 #dadtothebone

God is our merciful Father and the source of all  comfort .   He comforts us in all our troubles   so that we can comfort others . When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.  For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ.  Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and  salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer    2 Corinthians 1 There are so many things about life these days that are uncomfortable. In tough places and dark spaces, we need encouragement to find our way out. God has connected us to the people in our lives for very specific reasons. You are surrounded by others that need you to bring hope, peace, joy and comfort. You may feel like this isn't possible because you are dealing with some of your own drama right now. Again, people are all around and God has placed

ACTS 3: 1 One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. 2Now a man crippled from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. 3When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 4Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, "Look at us!" 5So the man gave them his attention,  expecting to get something from them .
 Peter and John were going to church to pray. Everyday there was a certain man right by the gate who begged for money. He had been crippled from birth and was placed in the same spot at the same time every day. On this particular day as Peter and John walked by, the man asked them for money. The bible says that Peter looked right at him and said, "look at us". They were attempting to get this man to FOCUS on something other than his condition. So the man gave them his attention. It s

Today I want you to take time to pray for YOU...that's right, pray for yourself! Many times you can get so wrapped up in the needs of your friends and your families, your co-workers and your church folks that you forget the greatest asset you have...YOU! You matter to God. And you ought to matter to you too! In John 17 Jesus showed us a formula for maintaining a healthy and effective prayer life. Read the chapter throughout the day...you can even break it down into breakfast, lunch and dinner sections. The first thing he did was to  pray for himself.  Praying for yourself is not selfish, it's crucial. If you are not steady and stable you will never be ready and able. Jesus showed you the process. He gave you and I permission to pray for ourselves. Secondly, Jesus  prayed for believers.  Pray for those in the faith that are connected to you. Pray for those believers that are not directly connected to you but impacted by your life and calling. Pray for those that make decisions t

The Bible talks of casting down imaginations. It's what we are to do with any thoughts that rise up contradicting the Word of God. We are born with incredible minds that are filled with imagination. When imagination is used creatively it can unleash beautiful things. However, when it runs wild, watch out! Whenever images in your mind start showing up that don't fit in the context of a life lived for Christ, you and I cannot afford to let them develop. In our spiritual "dark room", as we see them beginning to develop, we must cast them down and hurl them away from our lives. We are supposed to take captive those thoughts...demolish them before they demolish you! I have an exercise that I do when an image is in my head that was not invited and does not belong. I say out loud "delete". In my mind I am pressing a button like the delete button on my computer and erasing that image. Then comes the important part. I immediately place a positive image in its place.

We ALL need each other! Every one of us has a part to play and as we do the very best we can, we will see life changing in positive ways around us.  Just be yourself. And please, be kind.   You are loved and YOU matter. 

2 Corinthians 10:12  We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise . One of the hardest things to do when you are unhappy, bored or disouraged is to not compare our lives with someone else's. Some have called it a comparison trap. Oftentimes when we are idle or restless in our own lives, we seem to  be drawn towards what is going on and into the lives of others. When this happens we lose our own identity. It's not wise to compare yourself to another person or your life to their life.  Don't fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others. You are exactly the way you are supposed to be. Don't let the weakness in you affect the greatness in you . You have been given all that you need to be the success that God desires for you. Settle down and settle in to that best version of you that the world needs to see. You are amazing!

“When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them along the main road that runs through Philistine territory, even though that was the shortest route to the Promised Land. God said, “If the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” So God led them in a roundabout way through the wilderness toward the Red Sea. Thus the Israelites left Egypt like an army ready for battle.” Exodus‬ ‭13:17-18‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Click link for VIDEO😊 A Roundabout Way #saturdaysmiles

☕️Yes, indeed! Whatever you do and whatever you say, do it all in the name of the Lord. ☕️

When you and I walk with the Lord, we know that He delights in us. In other words He is pleased with our lives and the choices we are making when we trust in Him. In a season like this where there is so much uncertainty and unrest, lean into Jesus and let Him guide you to a safe place mentally, physically and spiritually. He will rescue you because He delights in you!

Imagine your story begins right now. Every activity, meeting and conversation is about to be scripted into a wonderful chapter called Today. There is a plot that is unveiling with every moment. Different characters will be introduced throughout the day. Somewhere in this chapter we will get a glimpse of the villain and somewhere we will see you, the hero, rise to the occasion. I like to think of my life as an incredible story that is unfolding each and every day. Starting the chapter is always the hardest part. As I begin to put each sentence together the words start coming. As I move through the day each paragraph is written and the plot begins to surface. If I stay the course, the story I am writing will continue to be one of success, laced with joy and peace throughout. It will highlight strength in the midst of adversity and the gradual but overwhelming conquering of evil with good. My desire is that others will want to read this story too. Everyone likes a story with a happy