Daily Inspiration: Being Happy With What God Gives You

This was compiled by Jeff Lawton.

 

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There is a children's story that tells of a dog with a big juicy bone crossing over a small footbridge. He stops long enough to gaze down into the pool of water beneath the bridge and sees what he believes is another dog with an even bigger bone!

Instead of being happy with what he has been given, he drops his bone and lunges forward to take the other dog’s bone. But there was no other dog and no other bone. What he saw was his own reflection in the water below. His entanglement with greed and deception caused him to lose what was precious to him.

Many people live their lives in a state of comparison. They look at what others have and want more than what they have been given. Discontentment and jealousy fill their hearts and the result of their attitudes is disastrous.

Once we open a door to temptation, the enemy is quick to respond. Selfishness, envy, and jealousy have one end: sorrow and defeat. If you have allowed any one of these attitudes to set up shop in your life, ask God to tear down the stronghold and forgive you for your faithlessness. He has a marvelous plan for your life, and you do not have to envy the life of another.

Genesis 15:1

2 “Do not be afraid, Abram, for I will protect you, and your reward will be great.”

 

Thank you for reading!! Happy happy Friday!!

xo* LM

 

Daily Inspiration: Proverbs 21:21

Proverbs 21:21

          "Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor."

Here’s a really great bible verse ---my verse of the day.

I think it’s important to take a step back every day and make sure your focus is on Christ and pursing all that He stands for.

This verses sums up how when we have faith in God and rely on Him for His understanding and love we will get through anything this life throws at us.

Let’s face it – the five day work week is tough on just about everyone. There are times when I find myself begging God to pull me through it and every time He does.

To relentlessly seek after Christ is where we find true righteousness because Christ is our justification to God.

All of the blessings of life come from the hands of Jesus; so when we are directed by Him by the Spirit and God’s Word; we will find the fullness of this life.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.”  Matthew 5:6

We can honor our Lord through the glorification of Jesus Christ.

Obeying and trusting in Him and His commands shows how much we love Him and all that He has done for us.

Thanks for reading guys! This one was by me :)

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Daily Inspiration: The Blessings of a Family

This was compiled by Jeff Lawton.

The unity of the family is under attack in a serious way in our society today. Families are being ripped apart due to the relative ease by which a couple can terminate the covenant they made before God. Many children do not know the security of a healthy, stable upbringing. Instead, they live in a constant state of flux. This is not God’s desire for families.

You may have experienced the pain of divorce as a child or adult. And changing the world’s ideas about what a good family system is might be difficult. However, doing something about your own family and changing it from the inside out is an attainable goal God can help you accomplish.

One of the places to begin is the prioritization of your time. We can say that family is important. We can tell our wives or husbands or children they are the most important people in our lives. Yet, when we act differently, they get another message loud and clear.

To make someone a priority, you must make time for that person. Another way to show your family members they are important to you is by speaking words of affirmation over their lives. When your husband, wife, or children hear your words of approval, they get excited inside. We all know what it is like to hear that we did a good job, but it is even better to hear it from the people who are closest to you.

If you want to avert your own family crisis, begin to place the highest priority upon your relationship with your family. Not only will your family be blessed, but you will enjoy the rich fruits of having deep, meaningful relationships with those you love the most.

Matthew 19:6

6 So they are no longer two, but one flesh.


Thanks for reading!! Xo* LM

Daily Inspiration: Marriage & God

This was compiled by Jeff Lawton.

The subject of roles within a marriage can be a topic for strong debate. However, God has a clear design for us to follow. There are specific roles for a husband and a wife.

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The reason many couples struggle with their marriages is because they fail to apply God's principles to their lives and to their relationships. When they do this, they miss a blessing.

The word submission has become a very emotional word for many people. Often we resist submitting our lives to one another because we fear we will be hurt.

However, when we follow God's plan for submission, the result is not a low self-esteem, as some would have us believe. Instead, it is an increased sense of love for our partner and for the Lord.

Without a doubt, Jesus Christ is our model for godly submission. He submitted His life to God's plan to the point of enduring death on the cross. When we obey God's commands and base our plan for marriage on His Word, our lives are changed and our marriages are strengthened. We learn to love one another the way Jesus loves us. Submission no longer is an issue to be debated; it is the natural thing to do. Paul writes:

As God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you (Colossians 3:12-13).

Do you honor your spouse above yourself? Is your desire to give love and support rather than tear down? When you honor one another with your love, you really are honoring the Lord.

Ephesians 4:2

2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.


Hope everyone is doing well!!
xo * LM

Daily Inspiration: A Heavenly Matchmaker

You may remember the song in the movie Fiddler on the Roof, “Matchmaker, matchmaker, make me a match”?

The book of Ruth is about another matchmaker. In the midst of trouble and pain after the death of her husband and sons, Naomi set out to return to her homeland. When she began her journey, she quickly discovered that Ruth, her daughter-in-law, insisted on going with her. All the while, God was working to match His plan with their lives. God’s grace sustained them through their difficulties and gave them hope and provision beyond their need and expectation.

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What need do you have? Are you overwhelmed with your circumstances? Remember, God is your heavenly matchmaker. He knows you and what is best for you. When you place your trust in Jesus Christ, He will match you with His divine intention and strategy.

God provided a kinsman redeemer for Ruth through the love and commitment of Boaz. What appeared to be an impossible situation was really an opportunity for God to fulfill His promise of salvation to each one of us. Take a moment to look over the genealogy of Jesus Christ and you will find the names of Ruth and Boaz.

You do not have to worry about how you will face tomorrow. God has provided a Kinsman Redeemer for you through the life, death, and resurrection of His Son. God’s forgiveness, mercy, and grace are the very elements that lead to your redemption.

He has promised to provide for every need you have. At each turn in life, He is the One who holds you securely in the hollow of His omnipotent hand. How comforting it is to know that your heavenly matchmaker knows what is best for you.

Philippians 4:19

19 My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

Thanks for reading!!

I love you guys!!

 

News life, INews is my best friend in the morning.

Daily Inspiration: God Never Changes

This was compiled by Jeff Lawton.

At times, life will seem uncertain. Things we once held as familiar will change. This is when it helps to remember God never changes. Throughout our trials and struggles, He remains the same; faithful and sure.

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You may be going through a difficult time. No one seeks out adversity. However, when it comes, you can find hope by taking time to see your circumstances as opportunities for God’s glory to be displayed.

Self-sufficiency and pride are revealed when we are at our weakest point. God wants us to learn to depend on Him alone. Hard times provide the right opportunity for us to learn God-dependence instead of self-reliance.

When it comes to relationships, this is especially true. A temporary setback in a close relationship can become an open door for a fresh commitment and blessing. Remember, each season has a purpose. In times of stress and pressure, one of the most common mistakes is to make permanent decisions based on temporary circumstances.

God, however, wants us to be willing to wait for His best. If you have been praying for that “right” person to come into your life, be willing to trust Him to bring to pass all His promises in His good timing. The answers to your prayers may not come in the way you imagine.

Jeremiah 29:11

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.



Thanks for reading!!

xo* LM

 

Daily Inspiration: Putting God First

This passage was compiled by Jeff Lawton.

After reading Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians, a single person may wonder, “Should I get married or remain single?” Paul writes, “Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I am” (1 Corinthians 7:8).

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Sometimes we may think God’s Word contradicts itself, but it doesn’t. Paul is not saying that it is better for men and women to be single, nor is he suggesting that it is God’s will for everyone to be married. Instead, Paul is admonishing us to be content and to be focused upon the Lord. Whether we are married or single, we can have a tremendous sense of peace and joy, but only if the focus of our lives is set on Jesus Christ.

People who are single often get off course because their focus becomes getting married rather than serving Christ. They spend their time comparing their lives to others. They watch as their friends fall in love and get married. Before they know it, they are wondering if they have missed God’s plan for their lives.

If we will seek the Lord above the things of this world, He will provide just what we need for every area of our lives (Matthew 6:33). God gives good things to His children, but His first desire is for us to know His love.

It is all a matter of focus, and if we are majoring on the right things, we will be blessed in every way. Never allow the mindset of popular culture to squeeze you into its mold. Instead, ask God to be your guide through life. When you do, you will be surprised at the opportunities He will bring your way.

1 Corinthians 7:35

35 I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord.

Thanks for reading!!

Xo* LM

Daily Inspiration: With God All Things Are Possible

This was compiled by Jeff Lawton.

Many who have had to sign divorce papers know the huge weight of guilt that can linger for a long time. Others may feel as though they have let God down. Jesus was firm about the subject of divorce because He knew the reckless hearts of the people:

Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning. I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery (Matthew 19:8-9).

Even though God’s plan did not include divorce, we know broken relationships happen. Circumstances beyond our control can lead to separation and divorce. Other times, divorce comes as a result of irresponsibility.

Our love for our spouse is precious in God’s sight, and He has given specific guidelines for us to follow to ensure we will never have to face the sorrow of divorce.

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But if a person is faced with a divorce, he or she must remember that God’s love continues. The Lord will never withdraw His care. While there are consequences to any broken relationship, God has the ability to heal and restore.

If you are divorced, never allow the enemy to tempt you into thinking that you will never be the person God wants you to be. This is just not true. God does have a plan for your life, and it begins the moment you place your trust in Him. The brokenness that comes with divorce can be painful, but God will ease the pain.

Matthew 19:26

26 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Thanks for reading!!

xo* LM

Daily Inspiration: God Our Father

This passage was compiled by Jeff Lawton.

Many of us have memories of our fathers. Some memories may be good, but others may be sad or painful. Whatever our feelings are toward our earthly fathers, there is no comparison to our heavenly Father. He is greater than any earthly father could possibly be. He loves us with an unconditional love and never ceases to demonstrate His mercy and grace toward us. He spends time with us and has promised never to leave us.

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That is why Jesus taught His disciples to pray by saying, “Our Father.” The phrase “Our Father” reduces all of the complications of life to a very simple relationship. Through faith in the shed blood of Christ, we have been redeemed from sin and have been adopted into God’s family. As a child of God, have you exercised your right to say “Our Father”?

When we come to our heavenly Father in prayer, He removes our fear. He gives us hope and confidence. He banishes our uncertainty. The Apostle Paul said, “You did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father’” (Romans 8:15).

Your heavenly Father is interested in every area of your life. In Him you have protection, safety, security, serenity, peace, and salvation. Friends may disappoint you and family may let you down, but your heavenly Father will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). He is eager to hear your prayers to Him.

Therefore, call upon Him. Place your trust in Him. Share your hopes, problems, dreams, and concerns with the One who knows you better than you know yourself. As your Father, He will give you joy for today and hope for tomorrow.

2 Corinthians 6:18

18 “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.

 As always, thanks for reading!!

xo* LM

Daily Inspiration: Luke 23:34

This entire passage was compiled by Jeff Lawton.

Perhaps you feel as though another person has treated you unfairly. Maybe your best friend or a loved one has betrayed you, and now your sorrow is turning into anger and bitterness.

You know forgiveness is something God has commanded you to do, but you can’t let go of the hurt you feel inside. You feel as though you now have one goal and that is to find a way to make the person who has harmed you pay for his or her actions.

Unforgiveness can leave us drowning in a sea of frustration, rage, and resentment. If left unchecked, it also can cause physical problems. Without repentance, it can tempt us to question God’s forgiveness. When we add up all the problems that accompany unforgiveness, we quickly see why Jesus was so firm in His command to forgive.



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Clinical studies show the number one cause of depression is anger, which often results from a lack of forgiveness and an inability to let go of feelings of resentment. What we fail to realize is that it takes less energy to forgive and to forget than it does to maintain our anger and unforgiveness. Jesus told his disciples, “Forgive, and you will be forgiven” (Luke 6:37). Peter wanted to get technical by asking how many times he should forgive someone who has harmed him, but Jesus saw through his legalistic plot. “Seventy times seven,” was the Lord’s answer; in other words, an indefinite number.

God does not keep a running record of our sin. Instead, He forgives when we pray and seek His righteousness. Never lose sight of the fact that our eternal forgiveness cost Him His very life. Therefore, it is not too much for God to request that we forgive as He has forgiven us.



Luke 23:34

34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing."



Thank you for reading!

xo* LM

Daily Inspiration: He is Faithful

This passage was compiled by Jeff Lawton.

When on trial for her life, Joan of Arc said she felt abandoned, even by her own family. In the midst of her trial she cried out, “It is better to be alone with God.”

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Have you ever felt abandoned? The Apostle Paul did. If there was one thing that caused Paul sorrow, it was the lack of courage of some of his closest friends.

This doesn't mean that all of his friends and colleagues abandoned him. Luke was with him, but many of the others were scattered throughout Asia Minor. Near the end of his life, he expressed his feelings of loneliness when he recalled his former companion and colleague in the ministry, Demas. Paul wrote, “Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me” (2 Timothy 4:10).

Few things break the heart of a servant of God more than to witness people who have every reason to succeed in their Christian faith choose to take another road. It causes despair for a parent to watch his child walk away from God. It also is heart-wrenching for a godly man or woman to watch as a spouse lives in spiritual rebellion.

The next time someone hurts you, remember what Philip Brooks said: “In Christian life, the deeper depth of sorrow and higher heights of joy often come together.”

Is there a Demas in your life who is breaking your heart? Are you experiencing the hard, cool hand of rejection from someone you love? Paul experienced the same thing. If you are feeling dejected because of another’s rejection, consider Paul’s life and words. He did not give up or lose faith. He continued on with the work of God; remaining faithful regardless of his personal disappointments. You can, too.

2 Timothy 4:7

7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.


Thanks for reading and have a wonderful weekend!

Xo* LM

Daily Inspiration: Philippians 4

This passage was compiled by Jeff Lawton.

Have you ever played the comparison game? The rules are simple: Look at what other people have or do, and then desire those things for yourself.

This so-called “game” brings discontentment and envy. The Bible teaches that we are to be content with the life God has given us (Philippians 4:11-12). This does not mean that we settle for less or stop trying to reach our goals.

Contentment is something God has designed for us. Whether we are single or married, we can achieve contentment and peace within our hearts. In order to do this, we must first discover who we are in Christ and realize what He has done for us. He has saved us from an eternal death and chosen us as His beloved children.

Do you ever compare yourself to someone you think is more spiritual? Do you think less of your prayer life when you compare it to that of a prayer warrior you admire? Do you feel inadequate to share your testimony after hearing someone else share his? God does not measure your life against the life of another.

Seek God and learn to be content with what He has provided. He is your greatest source of contentment and satisfaction.

1 Corinthians 7:20

20 Each person should remain in the situation they were in when God called them.

Thank you for reading!!
xo* LM

Celebrating 1,000 Views!

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Today I’m celebrating because this blog has gotten over 1,000 views since I created it about 2 months ago.

Thank you to all my loyal viewers and those of you who are just now reading.

I feel like this quote by Eleanor Roosevelt really sums up my journey the Lord has taken me on.

I know that it is a never ending journey but I’m so happy with where He has taken me. In a million years, I never would have thought I could create a blog and talk about my one true passion JESUS.

I never thought I would have the motivation to do this every day or at least try to do this every day. I could never have done it without Jesus of course and you guys who read.

When I see people viewing and telling me that Jesus is encouraging them daily with the messages I’m posting – I think to myself how on earth could I stop?

I don’t know where this blog will lead me but I hope that God creates wonderful things with it.

I also want to give a huge thanks to Jeff Lawton, although I only see him on Sundays in church…without the time and dedication he puts into compiling his many messages…my blog would be pretty bare!

So Jeff, if you ever read this, I thank God for you and all your hard work.

I will ask you guys to  pray for this blog and that I will be encouraged to update it daily.

Thanks for all the support!!

Love always,

Laura Marie  

XOXO


P.S.  Thanks to my parents and my wonderful boyfriend for being my #1 fans and readers!

Daily Inspiration: Jesus is Your Strength

This passage was compiled by Jeff Lawton.

Courtesy: Pinterest

If you visit Rome, you can see the dungeon that once housed the Apostle Paul. You can stand within the same four solid walls that once formed his cell. You can look up through the hole in the center of the ceiling from which he received food and water.

There are no windows, no doors, and no way of escape; and yet, for Paul, it was not a place of defeat or fear. It was a place of both victory and hope. Though Paul was confined physically, he was free spiritually.

We don't know how long Paul was in this environment. However, we do know that from here he was taken to a place of execution. Even in death, Paul did not face defeat. The moment after he drew his last earthly breath, he was embraced by the Lord.

There are times when we view our circumstances from the wrong perspective. We face difficulty and wonder how God can be glorified. We suffer through loss and heartache and can't imagine how He will turn our circumstances around.

When we set our focus on the problem instead of on Christ, we miss the infusion of God's power. Paul's spiritual gaze was set on an eternal goal, not his earthly problems.

In times of sorrow and hopelessness, there is a spiritual power available to each one of us through Jesus Christ. Therefore, there is never an occasion to give up. We have an eternal hope that will never abandon us.

What are you facing today that has the potential to cause you to quit, throw in the towel, and walk away? Remember, Jesus Christ is your strength. He has the power you need to live in victory. When you place your trust in Him, He lifts you up and gives you the strength you need to endure the trials of life.

2 Timothy 1:7

7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

As always thank you for reading! God Bless!

- Xo* LM

Daily Inspiration: A Lasting Peace

This passage was compiled by Jeff Lawton.

One of the best ways to test your Christian identity is to see how willing you are to tell others what God has done for you through Jesus Christ.

Another way to check your true identity is to measure your level of dedication. Are you dedicated to Christ even when the road is risky and you may face hardships? Do you fight spiritual battles rather than shrink from them? Those dedicated to Christ fight spiritual battles to win. In a spiritual battle, there are only two people: the defeated and the victor. We are conquerors for Christ, and we have been given the victory!

A third way to test your true identity is by asking yourself if you are willing to live life by God’s rules. In ancient Greece, winning athletes were crowned with an evergreen wreath. But no athlete, no matter how brilliant or successful, received a crown if he did not compete according to the rules.

In 2 Timothy, Paul admonishes us to remain faithful to God. We are to play according to His rules, not by the world’s rules. We are not to operate by rules of a rewritten Bible, which tell us to do whatever feels right to us. Rules like these offer no standards. In order to live a victorious life, we need a solid, unshakeable framework, and this is what God provides through His Word.

Set a goal for your life: Be committed to learning more about God—His truth, His Word, His love, and His forgiveness. Then share His love with someone who is lost and in need of eternal hope. When you play by His rules, you will discover a lasting peace that satisfies your soul.

2 Timothy 2:3

3 Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

Daily Inspiration: Our Refuge and Strength

This entire passage was compiled by Jeff Lawton.

 

Life's furious pace can be overwhelming, and our problems can be consuming. While we scheme to solve our problems, they seem to only grow larger and larger. One situation after another arises, and we feel as if we cannot face another trying moment. In fact, we respond by retreating because we are so afraid of another dilemma.

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If ever there was a man who had his share of problems, it was David. As a shepherd for his father's flock, David always seemed to be addressing some sort of problem.

There was the problem of wild animals who wanted to kill his family's sheep. There was Goliath. There was King Saul, who relentlessly pursued David’s life.

Courage is not the absence of fear; rather, it is the conquest of fear. Surely, David was afraid as he faced death on a regular basis. However, he faced his fears by placing His faith in God’s ability to deliver Him.

As problems arise, we must learn to face our fears with the faith that God is able to deliver us. David writes, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1). In order to conquer fear, such as the fear of mounting problems, we must put our faith in who God is, leaning on His promises for His people.

Psalms 57:10

10 For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies.



As always thanks for reading!

xo* LM