Seize the Day

14 03 2011

We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work. But while I am here in the world, I am the light of the world.     John 9:4-5  New Living Translation

Carpe Diem is a Latin phrase that is often translated as a directive to ”Seize the Day.”   It is a motivating term for me to maximize my time and effort during the opportunity that the day has to offer.   

This passage in St. John is a response from Jesus to the Disciples about the urgency of our work here on earth.  It gives important reminders about our existence:

  • Our assignment is given to us by God.   As our Creator, He knows our purpose and our God-given assignment that is consistent with His word.
  • We must be focused and move with urgency to fulfill our tasks. 
  • We have limited time to accomplish our work.   

Approaching this day, I want to focus on advancing my God-given assignment on behalf of the ministry of Jesus Christ.





My Help comes from the Lord

12 03 2011

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.    Psalm   121:1-2

Dear Father –   My help comes from the Lord.   You are my source of strength and power.   I thank You God for all that You do for me.  You sustain me with Your goodness and love.  My confidence is in You to continue to provide for my needs.  I thank You God for Your faithfulness to my life.  Your promises never fail and Your love is everlasting.  I give You honor and praise for Your many blessings.  My help comes from the Lord.    Amen





Stay in Faith

11 03 2011

Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.   Hebrews 11:1   New Living Translation

You may be in a season where situations, what you see and hear seems so contrary to the desires for our lives.   Brokenness in relationships, finances, jobs and health seem so common place.  As believers we are compelled to Stay in Faith.  It is easy to say our trust is in the Lord, when everything is moving along fine.  The challenge comes when we appear to be troubled on every side.  Is our first response to recall the promises of God?  Do we remember that He will supply our needs, or that He will keep us in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Him?  Do we remember that He said that He would rebuke the devourer for  our sakes?   Do we walk in the knowledge that He is God and He is in Control?  I am working on basing my first response on His word.





In a world that is constantly changing

10 03 2011

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.  No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.      Romans 8:38-39     New Living Translation

In a world that is constantly changing, we need things that we can count on.  God’s love for us is that firm foundation that we can rely on no matter what.  Sometimes because of shortcomings and mistakes we feel like we should create emotional distance between us and God.  Maybe we may feel we have done too much for too long.  But He is always there, just a prayer away.  He is always ready to extend His love, His forgiveness and His mercy.





So much to praise God for

8 03 2011

Praise the Lord, all you nations.  Praise him, all you people of the earth for he loves us with unfailing love; the Lord’s faithfulness endures forever.  Praise the Lord!        Psalm 117      New Living Translation

We have so much to praise God for.  We may be feeling a lot of pressure, experiencing a number of challenges but in all things we are compelled to give thanks and to praise God for His many blessings to us. 

This passage reminds me of God’s unfailing love for me and for you.  Despite our shortcomings and our misgivings, God is faithful to have an enduring love for us.   It is difficult to meditate on that thought and not be able to feel praise and thanksgiving in our hearts.





Point out the road for me to follow

7 03 2011

Show me the right path, O LORD; point out the road for me to follow.       Psalm 25:4       New Living Translation

Life is full of decisions, big and small.   Most people spend a lifetime trying to get it right. Others invest their efforts in discovering what others have to say about our world and how we should live.  Our motivations range from the totally self-serving to an earnest desire to create a better world for today and for generations to come.  God’s word and the Holy Spirit provide a foundation for the daily and the more profound decisions we make.   I am thankful that we can look to God in faith for direction to help us sort it all out.





The Lord of Peace

4 03 2011

May the Lord of peace give you His peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.               II Thessalonians 3:16

Striving to stay in peace takes effort on our part.  Focusing on Christ, He promised to keep us in perfect peace.   Choosing not to worry,  praying to God and thanking Him for what He has already done, He promised Peace beyond our understanding.  

As His children, this peace should be evident to others in our peaceful words and actions.   Staying in Peace, I can share His peace at all times and in every way.





Work at Living in Peace

4 03 2011

Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.           Hebrews 12:14

Discord is an adopted way of life for this world.  We find conflict in relationships at every level.  It requires effort on our part to change this dynamic.  Life is full of choices, where we can promote peace.  Selecting a kinder word, overlooking an offense,  forgiving before an apology,  sharing an encouraging word,  accepting that each person has value – All small steps toward promoting His peace.





Hello world!

4 03 2011

Hello world!  May GOD shed His blessings on you.