So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.

1 Corinthians 15:58 NLT

____

God’s Word reminds us of the joy and freedom of belonging to Jesus.

____

It is the best riches not to desire riches.

Thomas Brooks

____

Loving Father, please give me Your strength and mercy each morning.

____

For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was His plan from before the beginning of time—to show us His grace through Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 1:9 NLT

Good morning to everyone. Grace and Peace be with you.

It is early this morning. My eyes are barely open. However, that usually makes for a very entertaining post with the wrong word choices, punctuation, and overall topic.

Have you ever gotten an idea in your head that you could accomplish something in a certain way or amount of time and were determined to prove it could happen? You knew that all you had to do was stay focused, keep pressing on, and not allow a little thing like… oh, let’s say… nightfall stop you. That was me yesterday. The gent that I borrowed the mower from to mow my yard brought it back yesterday and I jumped on the opportunity to get the rental yard done and part of mine. In my mind, after I returned home from the rental, I had enough time to mow the back-back yard. Oh, let me tell you, I was really cooking too. I was getting her done. UNTIL. Yep, the sun was going down faster than I could push that mower. Yet, me … being me … said to myself, “Self, you can still see the last set of tire tracks for the return run … keep going.” I did this until I could barely see to get back to the house. Haha. Final verdict: NO, I did not finish that part of the yard, but I did get 98 percent of it done. The 2 percent that is still there, uncut … in the covering of trees and there was absolutely no light.

As I am racing the sinking sun ball, I am thinking to myself two thoughts … 1. You should have known it was too late to get this done, and 2. I am going to get it and show everyone it was possible. Bouncing through the rough patches of the yard, moving as quickly and safely as possible, and still making the yard look good. I was determined. The closer I got to the finish line, the more excited I got that I would actually accomplish this particular task. I even mowed some of the tree-capped lane out of sequence because I knew it would be difficult to see. Hindsight, I should have done both sections of the tree-capped area; however, I did not. Thus, there is a small tree-capped area I need to finish today.

When I finally gave up and put the mower away, I was actually excited to tell my little story of ‘how close’ I came. Then listen to everyone’s bets on whether I would keep going after the moon was fully in bloom in the sky. It made for a great story and giggle fest.

Have you ever been in a situation when, though the time frame in which you really have to get something done is not as long as you thought, but you are determined to complete the task in that allotted time anyway? Did you make it and celebrate or did you fall a little short? If you fell short, how did you defeat? Myself, I made fun of the race I had with the sun and moon and created a fun story and memory.

When we fall short of a goal, whether it's realistically capable or sketchy at best, how we handle the end result is the true prize. If success is in the air, do we boast to the point of arrogance, or do we boast to the satisfaction of a job well done? But if it is not success, do we sulk and find excuses or problems that were clouding the path to success … or … do we see the accomplishment and celebrate what we did accomplish? The result in our hearts is completely our choice.

I did not look at the clock last night, when I returned from the rental property. If I had, I may have thought against the attempt to mow in the back part of the property. Why? I know how long it takes; I know when the sun is going to disappear, and I know the odds. However, I rolled the dice on a beautiful night’s temperature and chose to swing for the fences. The result: a nearly complete mowed back portion with only 5-10 minutes left.

Today, as you go about your daily routines, think about how you are looking at your to-do list. Is it overwhelming or is it just a staircase that you will succeed at one step at a time … until you reach the top landing? When your day comes to an end today, how will you look at your to-do list? Was it a grand slam and everything got accomplished? Was it a triple down the first base line in the corner and nearly everything got accomplished? Was it a triple down the left-field line, nearly everything got accomplished, but it was a close play at the bag? Was it a bunt for a single or a sacrifice? In any one of these scenarios, you choose how you view the outcome. I suggest you view them all as victories and keep the overwhelming Light of Love in full view of your day.

Be blessed.

**Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

RUN YOUR RACE WITH YOUR EYES ON JESUS!
Don’t Let the Weight Stop You From Reaching the Finish Line!

Scripture :
“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…”— Hebrews 12:1–2
Thought Of The Day...
There comes a time in our walk with God when we have to ask ourselves a serious question:
What am I carrying that God never told me to carry?
Hebrews 12 tells us that the Christian life is like a race. But this is not a sprint. It is a race that requires faith, endurance, discipline, patience, and focus.
The writer says:
“Let us lay aside every weight…”
Notice that the Bible distinguishes between a weight and sin.
Everything weighing you down may not necessarily be sinful, but it still may be keeping you from running effectively.
Some weights are fear.
Some weights are disappointment.
Some weights are unforgiveness.
Some weights are people’s opinions.
Some weights are past failures.
Some weights are relationships that constantly drain your spirit.
Some weights are worry about things you cannot control.
And sometimes we are asking God to give us strength to carry something when God is saying:
“I NEVER TOLD YOU TO CARRY IT. LAY IT DOWN!”
First Peter 5:7 says:
“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”
You cannot run freely while trying to carry yesterday’s pain, tomorrow’s worries, and today’s responsibilities all at the same time.
Some things have to be laid at the feet of Jesus.
LAY ASIDE THE SIN THAT EASILY BESETS YOU
Hebrews does not stop with the weights. It says:
“…and the sin which doth so easily beset us…”
There are some things we need God to carry, but there are other things we need to repent of and put away.
David prayed in Psalm 139:23–24:
“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me…”
We cannot ask God to bless what He has told us to surrender.
We cannot run toward destiny while deliberately holding onto something that keeps pulling us backward.
Sometimes spiritual growth requires us to say:
“Lord, show me ME.”
Not my neighbor.
Not my spouse.
Not my family.
Not the people at church.
ME!
Show me what needs to change.
Show me what needs to go.
Show me what I need to surrender.
Because I don't want anything interfering with the race You have placed before me.
RUN THE RACE GOD SET BEFORE YOU
The Scripture says:
“…let us run with patience the race that is set before us.”
Notice it says “the race that is set before us.”
You don't have to run somebody else's race.
You don't have to compete with somebody else's calling.
You don't have to compare your chapter three with somebody else's chapter twenty.
Galatians 6:4 says:
“But let every man prove his own work…”
God has given you a race.
Your assignment may be different.
Your journey may be different.
Your timing may be different.
Your obstacles may be different.
And your testimony may be different.
Stop looking at how quickly somebody else seems to be moving and trust what God is doing in your life.
YOU ARE NOT CALLED TO OUTRUN OTHER PEOPLE. YOU ARE CALLED TO FINISH YOUR RACE FAITHFULLY!
RUN WITH PATIENCE
This may be one of the hardest parts.
“…run with patience…”
We want God to do it now.
We want the prayer answered now.
We want the door opened now.
We want the healing now.
We want the breakthrough now.
We want the situation changed now.
But sometimes God develops us while we are waiting for what He promised us.
Isaiah 40:31 declares:
“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength…”
Patience does not mean you have stopped believing.
Patience means:
“God, even though I haven't seen it yet, I still trust You.”
When you're tired—keep running.
When you're disappointed—keep running.
When people misunderstand you—keep running.
When prayers seem unanswered—keep running.
When you cannot see the finish line—keep running.
Why?
Because God never promised that the race would always be easy.
But He promised that He would be with you.
KEEP YOUR EYES ON JESUS
Hebrews 12:2 gives us the secret:
“Looking unto Jesus…”
Your strength will not come from constantly looking at the problem.
Your peace will not come from constantly looking at people.
Your confidence will not come from constantly looking at circumstances.
LOOK TO JESUS!
Peter learned this lesson when he walked on water.
Matthew 14:29–30 tells us Peter stepped out of the boat and walked toward Jesus. But when he focused on the wind, fear entered and he began to sink.
The storm was already there when Peter stepped out.
The difference was where Peter was looking.
As long as his attention was directed toward Jesus, he was walking through something that should have overwhelmed him.
But when his focus shifted from Christ to the crisis, fear began taking over.
And somebody needs to hear this today:
DON'T LET WHAT IS AROUND YOU BECOME BIGGER THAN THE JESUS WHO IS BEFORE YOU!
JESUS IS THE AUTHOR AND FINISHER
Hebrews calls Jesus:
“…the author and finisher of our faith.”
If Jesus is the Author, He knows your story.
If Jesus is the Finisher, He knows how your story ends.
Philippians 1:6 says:
“He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
God did not bring you this far just to abandon you halfway through the race.
There are still chapters God is writing.
There are still prayers God is answering.
There are still doors God can open.
There are still people God wants you to impact.
There is still purpose in you.
So don't quit because you're tired.
Don't quit because it became difficult.
Don't quit because somebody walked away.
Don't quit because things didn't happen according to your timetable.
LAY ASIDE THE WEIGHT.
TURN AWAY FROM THE SIN.
STOP COMPARING YOUR RACE.
RUN WITH PATIENCE.
KEEP YOUR EYES ON JESUS.
And when your strength gets low, remember:
THE SAME JESUS WHO CALLED YOU TO THE RACE WILL GIVE YOU THE GRACE TO FINISH IT!


PRAYER...
Father, in the mighty name of Jesus, thank You for reminding us that we are not running this race alone.
Lord, reveal every weight that has been slowing us down. Help us release fear, worry, disappointment, bitterness, unforgiveness, painful memories, and every burden You never intended us to carry.
Search our hearts, O God. Reveal every sin that easily besets us, and give us the courage to repent, surrender, and walk in obedience.
When we become tired, strengthen us.
When we become discouraged, encourage us.
When we become distracted, redirect our eyes toward Jesus.
When we cannot understand what You are doing, give us faith to trust You anyway.
Help us stop comparing our journey with others and faithfully run the race You have personally placed before us.
We declare that our past will not stop us, our problems will not defeat us, distractions will not derail us, and discouragement will not cause us to quit.
Our eyes are on Jesus—the Author and Finisher of our faith!
Give us grace to run.
Give us patience to endure.
Give us strength to continue.
And give us faith to finish.
In the mighty name of Jesus,
Amen and Amen!

DECLARATION...
TODAY I DECLARE:
I will lay aside every weight that hinders my walk with God.
I will turn away from anything that separates me from His will.
I will not compare my race with anyone else's race.
I will run with patience when the journey becomes difficult.
I will trust God when I cannot understand His timing.
I will keep moving when I feel tired.
I will keep believing when I cannot see the breakthrough.
MY EYES ARE FIXED ON JESUS!
He is the Author of my faith.
He is the Finisher of my faith.
What God has started in me, He is faithful to complete!
I WILL NOT QUIT!
I WILL NOT GIVE UP!
I WILL RUN MY RACE!
I WILL KEEP THE FAITH!
AND BY THE GRACE OF GOD, I WILL FINISH STRONG!
In Jesus’ name—Amen!

Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. Romans 16:17

While the Scripture admonishes us to love one another, it also reveals those we should avoid. And one of such categories of people to avoid which are those that cause division amongst us. We are not to hate them but to avoid them. Matter of fact, it is love to avoid them.
They cause division by inciting others to hate another, bring gossip, give wrong interpretation, misinformation and always point out what is wrong or what is not done so as to bring conflict that leads to division. They are always offended and everything gets them angry. This is a tool in their hands to cause division.
These kind of people will always find a way into our midst: in the church, family, business and association, and the best way to handle them is to AVOID THEM.
Don't just relate with people, mark who they are and give them their rightful place. Don't mingle with people that cause division, they will take you away from your blessing. Interestingly, Miriam shows us the best reward for those who cause division.
SELAH.

YAHWEH IS ON YOUR SIDE TODAY

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DAY 26 - Morning
Theme: BUILDING A SAFE HOME: Creating a Marriage Where Love, Respect and Peace Can Grow.

Morning Reflection
Fight the Problem, Not Each Other

Good morning,
Every marriage has disagreements.
The question is not:
"Will we ever disagree?"
The better question is:
"How will we disagree?"
When the issue becomes:
"You are selfish."
"You never listen."
"Your family is the problem."
the discussion has moved from solving a problem to attacking a person.
Instead, learn to say:
"We have a problem. Let's face it together."
The goal is not to defeat your spouse.
The goal is to defeat the problem.
God's Word
"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." — Proverbs 15:1

Today's Love Action
If a disagreement arises today, deliberately use "we" instead of "you."

Let's Talk
What words or habits tend to make disagreements worse in marriage?
Prayer
Lord, help us remember that we are partners, even when we face problems. Give us wisdom and gentleness in conflict. Amen.

From My Counselor's Chair
When couples stop seeing each other as enemies, many conflicts become easier to solve.

Marriage Nugget
"Don't fight your spouse over the problem; stand beside your spouse against the problem."

Remember
In marriage, it is not about winning the argument; it is about winning each other's hearts.

Dear Father,

We all have desires and make requests to become better versions of ourselves. But sometimes, it looks as though we are not nearly as prepared for the responsibility as we are for the blessings that accompany it. The Scripture says, “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.” And so often, we believe in how much we must do in alignment with what has been entrusted to us. But very rarely do we discuss how much we must refrain from doing by virtue of the office we have been assigned.

I believe the word in the passage, “require,” doesn’t just imply what we must give, but also what we must become. Because we rarely speak about the other side of the coin: that the blessing is expected to flow from the inside out; that we begin with being blessed by the blessing, to becoming shaped by the blessing. Perhaps only then can we wholesomely become a blessing to others.

Like In situations where great wisdom is entrusted to us, it is required that we exercise discretion and establish the necessary controls around it. And this is where it gets difficult, because control may sometimes mean holding our peace when speaking could exonerate a person, but at the same time, put a stain on his office. Or when stewardship requires not just our undeniable talents, but also our character.

What we must give, but also what we must become. This is, perhaps, the perfect blend.

Translations;
Slide 1: English
Slide 2: French
Slide 3: Bengali
Slide 4: Hindi
Slide 5: Urdu
Slide 6: Portuguese

#LettertoGod
#assignment
#stewardship
#consecration
#talents

Dear Father,

We all have desires and make requests to become better versions of ourselves. But sometimes, it looks as though we are not nearly as prepared for the responsibility as we are for the blessings that accompany it. The Scripture says, “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.” And so often, we believe in how much we must do in alignment with what has been entrusted to us. But very rarely do we discuss how much we must refrain from doing by virtue of the office we have been assigned.

I believe the word in the passage, “require,” doesn’t just imply what we must give, but also what we must become. Because we rarely speak about the other side of the coin: that the blessing is expected to flow from the inside out; that we begin with being blessed by the blessing, to becoming shaped by the blessing. Perhaps only then can we wholesomely become a blessing to others.

Like In situations where great wisdom is entrusted to us, it is required that we exercise discretion and establish the necessary controls around it. And this is where it gets difficult, because control may sometimes mean holding our peace when speaking could exonerate a person, but at the same time, put a stain on his office. Or when stewardship requires not just our undeniable talents, but also our character.

What we must give, but also what we must become. This is, perhaps, the perfect blend.

Translations;
Slide 1: English
Slide 2: French
Slide 3: Bengali
Slide 4: Hindi
Slide 5: Urdu
Slide 6: Portuguese

#LettertoGod
#assignment
#stewardship
#consecration
#talents

Morning Prayer for Divine Favour
As you begin this new day, take a moment to ask God for His favour to go before you. There are places your strength alone cannot take you, doors you cannot open by yourself, and opportunities that only God's grace can bring.

In today's prayer, we are asking God to surround us with His favour, guide us to the right opportunities, connect us with the right people, and give us wisdom to follow His will.

Scripture for Today:

"Surely, Lord, You bless the righteous; You surround them with Your favour as with a shield." — Psalm 5:12

Today, pray for:

Divine favour throughout the day
The right doors and opportunities
Wisdom and direction
Favour in your work, business, and career
Helpful and meaningful connections
Courage to take the right opportunities
Discernment to walk away from what is not for you
Progress according to God's purpose and timing

If you are trusting God for divine favour today, comment:

“Lord, let Your favour go before me.”

Share this prayer with someone who needs God's favour, and subscribe to Every Morning with God for daily morning prayers, faith declarations, and encouragement.

May God's favour surround you, His wisdom guide you, and His presence go before you today.

In Jesus' mighty name, Amen.

#EveryMorningWithGod #MorningPrayer #DivineFavour #GodsFavor #PrayerForFavour #Psalm512 #DailyPrayer #ChristianPrayer #OpenDoors #DivineOpportunities #Faith #TrustGod #MorningDevotion #JesusChrist #Viral

# Psalms were the original spoken word
That's exactly right, and it's why they still hit so hard on a phone screen today.

Psalms were never meant to be quietly read. They were lyrics, prayers, protest songs performed out loud. Ancient Hebrew culture didn't have books everywhere, so poetry was memory technology. Over a third of the Old Testament is poetry for that reason — Job, Proverbs, Psalms, most of the prophets.

And Hebrew poetry doesn't work like English poetry. It doesn't rhyme. It uses parallelism, where the second line echoes, contrasts, or expands the first.

Like "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." That's synonymous parallelism — same idea, said twice, bigger the second time.

You get antithetic too — "The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously." Or synthetic, where the second line completes the first.

That A-then-B expansion is literally what modern faith spoken word does. When someone says "from storms to raindrops" or "from scarlet sins to snow-white grace" — that's straight out of Isaiah 1:18 and Psalm structure. Terseness, vivid image, repetition. C.S. Lewis nailed it when he said the Psalms must be read as poems, as lyrics, with emotional rather than logical connections.

It's also why they work on Reels. Psalm 25:4 is three Hebrew words then two. No intro, no fluff. Psalms were sung with just a voice, no production — same as a one-take spoken word video today.