GOD WANTS YOU TO KNOW…….

GOOD ONE, SO I HAD TO SHARE!

Without a saving relationship with Jesus, you are lost and need to be rescued.



Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God (John 3:3).

There is none righteous, no, not one (Rom. 3:10).

All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23).



You cannot save yourself.


Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6).

There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved - (Acts 4:12).

For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all - (James 2:10).



You must accept His gift of salvation.


All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all (Isa. 53:6).

God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16).

The wages of sin is death ( spirtual separation from God in this life, physical separation of soul and spirit from our body, and ultimately separated from the presence and goodness of God forever), but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Rom. 6:23).



You can be sure you are saved.


"I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand" (John 10:28).

He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ (Phil. 1:6).

He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them (Heb. 7:25).     Be Blessed!   Dawn

5 Things to Do Instead of Complain

A GOOD ONE FOR US ALL!

Scripture of the Day: “Do all things without complaining and disputing…”  -Philippians 2:14 (NKJV)


I’ve been speaking to a lot of organizations around the country and one thing I keep hearing from leaders and employees is that complaining is at an all time high. I’m not surprised. There are usually two main reasons why we complain. 1. We complain because we feel powerless. 2. We complain because it’s a habit. The economy has shaken a lot of people’s foundations and we feel powerless which leads to a rise in habitual complaining.

But complaining isn’t something new. Think about the Israelites who had spent years as captive slaves and within a short time of being freed they start complaining. They complained about being hungry. They complained about not having enough water. They complained about living in the wilderness. They even said it would be better to be back in Egypt as slaves rather than be free in the desert. Four hundred years of slavery, and they didn’t appreciate the freedom and blessing they have been given.

Here’s the thing, God doesn’t want us to be complainers, He wants us to live with a spirit of joy and thanksgiving.

“Now when the people complained, it displeased the Lord…” – Numbers 11:1 (NKJV

“Do all things without complaining and disputing…” -Philippians 2:14 (NKJV)

So today I want to encourage you to adopt a No Complaining Rule and go on a complaining fast. Not because it will make everyone around you happier, although it will, but because it will help you experience more of the peace and joy that God wants for you, and it will help you build strong, positive relationships with others.

Believe me; I know a lot about complaining. I use to be a professional complainer and found that it not only sabotages your happiness but the morale of your team and family.

To help you break out of a “complaining” rut here are five things you can do instead of complain. These tips will help you realize you are not powerless. You have the power to choose your beliefs and actions. And in your focus on the positive instead of the negative you'll find the faith, strength and confidence to take on life’s challenges and identify the solutions to your complaints.

1. Practice Gratitude. Research shows that when we count three blessings a day, we get a measurable boost in happiness that uplifts and energizes us. It's also physiologically impossible to be stressed and thankful at the same time. If you are focusing on gratitude, you can't be negative. (Psalm 118:24)

2. Praise Others. Instead of complaining about what others are doing wrong, start focusing on what they are doing right. Praise them and watch as they create more success as a result. Of course, point out their mistakes so they can learn and grow, but make sure you give three times as much praise as criticism. You can energize and engage your coworkers by encouraging them and their work. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

3. Focus on Success. Start a success journal. Each night before you go to bed, write down the one great thing about your day. The one great conversation, accomplishment, or win that you are most proud of. Focus on your success, and you'll look forward to creating more success tomorrow. (Philippians 4:8)

4. Let Go. Focus on the things that you have the power to change, and let go of the things that are beyond your control. Give it up to God and trust Him with the outcome. You’ll be amazed that when you stop trying to control everything, it all somehow works out. Surrender is the answer. (Proverbs 3:5)

5. Pray. God wants to hear from you. He wants to have a personal relationship with you on a daily basis. Take your worries to Him and He will help you. If you’re a skeptic, also know that scientific research shows that daily prayer reduces stress; boosts positive energy; and promotes health, vitality, and longevity. When you are faced with the urge to complain or you are feeling stressed to the max, stop, be still, plug-in to the ultimate power of God and recharge. (Philippians 4:6)   (Via Jon Gordon)   Be Blessed!
Dawn

A Prayer for Everyone

9) For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10) so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11) strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously 12) giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light 13)  For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, 14) in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.  Colossians 1: 9-14

If you've ever been confused about how to intercede for someone, Paul's prayer in Colossians is appropriate for every person and every situation. Because it fits perfectly with God's will, you can ask these requests with great confidence--both for yourself and for others:

To be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding. Not only do we need to know God's plan for our lives; we also require discernment to distinguish His guiding voice from our own self-directed notions.

To walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, pleasing Him in all respects. Our lives should be patterned after the One we follow, with the goal of bringing Him glory and delight.

To bear fruit in every good work. Instead of being wrapped up in our own jobs, possessions, pleasures, and plans, we should be contributing to others' lives.

To increase in the knowledge of God. By reading His Word, applying it to our lives, and observing His ways, we'll gain a deeper understanding of the Lord.

To be strengthened with His power in order to remain steadfast. The Christian life can be lived only with the Holy Spirit's power.

To joyously give thanks for all He's done for you. Believers should be characterized by joy and gratitude.

Too often we focus our requests on important temporal needs but miss seeing the deeper spiritual work God wants to do. Imagine how effective your prayers will be if you'll shift the emphasis of your petitions to the Lord's desires. He'll transform you and the people for whom you intercede.   (Via Charles Stanley)   Be Blessed!   Dawn

Benefits of Kindness

“A kindhearted woman gains respect, but ruthless men gain only wealth. A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man brings trouble on himself” (Proverbs 11:16-17)


Kindness benefits everyone. It brings joy to the giver and peace to the receiver. The recipient reciprocates because respect is embedded in kindness. Kindheartedness facilitates respect as it treats others with dignity and honor. Even when offended or ostracized, a gracious heart takes the higher ground of humility and gentleness. It may not be liked, but it is respected. Kind actions attract the Almighty’s approval. What is kindness? At its core it is a reflection of Christ. It is what we expect of the Lord when we desire good things. Listen to the heart of this employee’s prayer for his boss to experience God’s kindness in marriage: "O Lord, God of my master Abraham, give me success today, and show kindness to my master Abraham" (Genesis 24:12). In the same way your Savior shows you kindness in salvation and with His severe mercy. Furthermore, because of Christ’s great kindness, you are compelled to compassionate action. Ruthless men and women use fear and intimidation to gain wealth and power, but considerate adults do not compromise their character for cash or influence. Indeed, God’s great kindness grants us the favor we need. “The Lord was with him [Joseph]; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden” (Genesis 39:21).Who doesn’t need kindness? The undeserving especially need your kindness as a reminder of God’s lasting love and infinite forgiveness. Be kind to the unkind, and they will see what really rests in your heart of hearts. Your kindheartedness will lead others to your source in Jesus Christ. Here the kindness of the Lord leads to repentance. “Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you toward repentance?” (Romans 2:4).Prayer: To whom can I extend kindness that has been unkind to me?Related Readings: Joshua 2:12; Ruth 3:10; Acts 4:9; Ephesians 2:6–8   Kindness benefits everyone. It brings joy to the giver and peace to the receiver.   (Via "wisdomhunters.com")   Be Blessed!
Dawn

Doing Our Duty

"So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.' " — Luke 17:10

Sometimes people will come up to me and express their appreciation for what I do. I thank them for doing so, but I also tell them, "You know, I am just doing my duty. I don't deserve extra credit or special applause. I am just doing what I am supposed to do as a Christian, because one day, we will stand before God and will be held accountable for how faithful we were with what God gave us."

Jesus gave an example of a man whose hired servants did their work as expected. Jesus asked, "Does [the man] thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not. So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do' " (Luke 17:9–10).


We were like slaves in the open market, and then Jesus came along, saw us on the auction block, and paid the full price. Now we are His servants. He owns us. The Bible says, "For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's" (1 Corinthians 6:20).


We are the purchased property of Jesus Christ. Hence we become bondservants. The apostle Paul called himself a bondservant of the Lord Jesus Christ (see Romans 1:1). A bondservant was someone who was purchased, but later went on to voluntarily serve his master. He did it because he wanted to, not because he had to.

Everything we have belongs to God. Our families belong to God. Our careers belong to God. Our possessions belong to God. Everything is His. And we want to make sure that we remember that in all that we say and do.
  (Via Greg Laurie)   Be Blessed!   Dawn

Surrender To Survive

Scripture of the Day: "The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.” But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord." - Jonah 1:13


In many cases, the word surrender is connected with the idea of losing something. Of course, when you surrender to the police, there’s a great possibility that you’ll lose your freedom. When you have to surrender your driver’s license, you lose the opportunity to drive. For some people, in marriage when they surrender they are losing their ability to be independent. And for even more people, to surrender to God is to sacrifice your freedom to live, have fun, or even pursue your future aspirations.

But on the contrary, to surrender to Christ is the most positive opportunity that all of us as human beings have. Surrendering to Christ means willingly giving up your priorities and desires and agenda so that God’s becomes the priority. His agenda, will, desire, and focus becomes the most significant thing. Clearly, surrendering to the Will of God is directly connected to our survival, ability to thrive, and overall satisfaction with life.

The Old Testament Prophet Jonah’s decision to not submit and surrender to God’s Will serves as a great example of the kind of frustration, discontent, and disillusionment that arises when we refuse to surrender to God’s direction.

1 One day long ago, God's Word came to Jonah, Amittai's son: 2 "Up on your feet and on your way to the big city of Nineveh! Preach to them. They're in a bad way and I can't ignore it any longer." 3 But Jonah got up and went the other direction to Tarshish, running away from God. He went down to the port of Joppa and found a ship headed for Tarshish. He paid the fare and went on board, joining those going to Tarshish - as far away from God as he could get. (The Message)

I find it fascinating that many have the thought of seemingly ‘getting away from God’. It is similar to the notion that Adam & Eve ‘hid’ from God in hopes of Him not seeing them. It is clear that we cannot hide from God. But beyond that most basic notion, why would we want to hide or run away from someone who wants to offer us so much?

His Word clearly identifies the benefits of being surrendered to God. He (God) “rewards those who sincerely seek him.” (Heb. 11: 6, NLT). He grants unmeasured joy for living (Ps. 40:8). He provides amazing answers to our prayers (Ps. 34:4). He gives sweet rest and lighter life loads (Matthew 11: 28). These, along with many other promises, have become the clear picture of what God provides to those who are surrendered to His plan.

When Jonah surrendered, look at what happened to his life and even the life of others. The voice of God is clearly heard and experienced, people trust God, the spiritual maturity of everyone is raised, the things that divide us get eliminated, and more importantly, we live in the will of God.

5) The people of Nineveh listened, and trusted God. They proclaimed a citywide fast and dressed in burlap to show their repentance (turning from evil, wickedness and unbelief to God). Everyone did it - rich and poor, famous and obscure, leaders and followers. (The Message)

It is amazing what we can accomplish when we surrender to God versus living on our own. God has created the universe to surrender to Him and every element of the universe cooperates with us when we surrender to God’s design. Romans 8 says, “5 Those who think they can do it on their own end up obsessed with measuring their own moral muscle but never get around to exercising it in real life. Those who trust God's action in them find that God's Spirit is in them - living and breathing God! 6) Obsession with self in these matters is a dead end; attention to God leads us out into the open, into a spacious, free life.” (The Message)

Surrender today to survive! (Overseer Christopher J. Harris)
  Be Blesssed   Dawn

Call Out Seeds of Greatness

Today's Scripture:

…God…calls those things which do not exist as though they did.
Romans 4:17, NKJV.

Today's Word:

Very often, we see potential in other people that they can’t see in themselves. When you speak vision into them, when you tell them what they can become, you can help set the direction for their life. Your words have the power to push people into their divine destiny. I believe that the reason some people are not living at their full potential is because no one has ever spoken faith into them. No one has taken the time to say, “Hey, you’re great at this. You’ve got a gift here. You’re going to do something amazing.”

I believe that one of our assignments in life is to call out the seeds of greatness in other people. Look around at who God has placed in your life. They’re not there by accident. Take time to study them. See what they’re good at. What are their gifts? What do they excel at? Don’t just think about it, speak vision into them. Tell them what they can become. Let your encouragement ignite the greatness on the inside. Help them rise up in confidence so they can be all God has called them to be!

Prayer for Today:

Father, thank You for the people You’ve placed in my life. I choose to be faithful, to speak life and call forth the greatness in them. Thank You for bringing me to new levels as I help others rise higher, too, in Jesus’ name.  Amen   (shared by a friend)   Be Blessed!   Dawn