Month: May 2019

Contaminate

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Hi Peeps,

Today’s Quote

“Don’t allow past experiences and events contaminate a growing relationship with God.”~TB

Experience

The world can be a scary and traumatic place, where vulnerable innocent people endure unjust hardships. There is no denying that the human experience can be awful. Some of you have deep wounds, committed by those who were supposed to care for you. Some of those very people probably hid behind ‘religion’, trying to cover up their horrendous practices and abuse. They will be judged and dealt with. Friends, don’t allow the transgressions and evil deeds of others taint your understanding of the Lord. False Christians are exactly that, false. In order to heal, you must step out in faith.

 

Faith

No matter your experience, God can and will work within you to heal your wounds and provide you a joyful existence. There are hope and restoration after a destructive beginning.  In order to grow with Him, you must let go of the weight of your past. It’s impossible to elevate to the next level when the weight of unforgiveness, shame, and sorrow are tied to you like cement bricks. Friends, give your burdens to God because you can’t handle them on your own. Finish your race victoriously on God’s team.

Today’s Question

Are you allowing your experience contaminate your ability to walk with God?

Enjoy the reading

Psalm 119

1 Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the LORD .
2 Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts. 
3 They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths. 
4 You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully. 
5Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees! 
6 Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with your commands. 
7 As I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should! 
8 I will obey your decrees. Please don’t give up on me! 
9 How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word. 
10 I have tried hard to find you— don’t let me wander from your commands. 
11 I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. 
12 I praise you, O LORD ; teach me your decrees. 
13 I have recited aloud all the regulations you have given us. 
14 I have rejoiced in your laws as much as in riches. 
15 I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. 
16 I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word. 
17 Be good to your servant, that I may live and obey your word. 
18 Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions. 
19 I am only a foreigner in the land. Don’t hide your commands from me! 
20 I am always overwhelmed with a desire for your regulations. 
21 You rebuke the arrogant; those who wander from your commands are cursed. 
22 Don’t let them scorn and insult me, for I have obeyed your laws. 
23 Even princes sit and speak against me, but I will meditate on your decrees. 
24 Your laws please me; they give me wise advice. 
25 I lie in the dust; revive me by your word. 
26 I told you my plans, and you answered. Now teach me your decrees. 
27 Help me understand the meaning of your commandments, and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds. 
28 I weep with sorrow; encourage me by your word.
29 Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing your instructions. 
30 I have chosen to be faithful; I have determined to live by your regulations. 
31 I cling to your laws. LORD, don’t let me be put to shame! 
32 I will pursue your commands, for you expand my understanding. 
33 Teach me your decrees, O LORD ; I will keep them to the end. 
34 Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions; I will put them into practice with all my heart. 
35 Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found. 
36 Give me an eagerness for your laws rather than a love for money! 
37 Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word. 
38 Reassure me of your promise, made to those who fear you. 
39 Help me abandon my shameful ways; for your regulations are good. 
40 I long to obey your commandments! Renew my life with your goodness. 
41 LORD, give me your unfailing love, the salvation that you promised me. 
42 Then I can answer those who taunt me, for I trust in your word. 
43 Do not snatch your word of truth from me, for your regulations are my only hope. 
44 I will keep on obeying your instructions forever and ever. 
45 I will walk in freedom, for I have devoted myself to your commandments. 
46 I will speak to kings about your laws, and I will not be ashamed. 
47 How I delight in your commands! How I love them! 
48 I honor and love your commands. I meditate on your decrees. 
49 Remember your promise to me; it is my only hope. 
50 Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles. 
51The proud hold me in utter contempt, but I do not turn away from your instructions. 
52 I meditate on your age-old regulations; O LORD, they comfort me. 
53 I become furious with the wicked, because they reject your instructions. 
54 Your decrees have been the theme of my songs wherever I have lived. 
55 I reflect at night on who you are, O LORD ; therefore, I obey your instructions. 
56 This is how I spend my life: obeying your commandments. 
57 LORD, you are mine! I promise to obey your words!
58 With all my heart I want your blessings. Be merciful as you promised.
59 I pondered the direction of my life, and I turned to follow your laws.
60 I will hurry, without delay, to obey your commands. 
61 Evil people try to drag me into sin, but I am firmly anchored to your instructions. 
62 I rise at midnight to thank you for your just regulations. 
63 I am a friend to anyone who fears you— anyone who obeys your commandments. 
64 O LORD, your unfailing love fills the earth; teach me your decrees. 
65 You have done many good things for me, LORD, just as you promised. 
66 I believe in your commands; now teach me good judgment and knowledge.
67 I used to wander off until you disciplined me; but now I closely follow your word. 
68 You are good and do only good; teach me your decrees.
69 Arrogant people smear me with lies, but in truth I obey your commandments with all my heart. 
70 Their hearts are dull and stupid, but I delight in your instructions. 
71 My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees. 
72 Your instructions are more valuable to me than millions in gold and silver. 
73 You made me; you created me. Now give me the sense to follow your commands. 
74 May all who fear you find in me a cause for joy, for I have put my hope in your word.
75 I know, O LORD, that your regulations are fair; you disciplined me because I needed it. 
76 Now let your unfailing love comfort me, just as you promised me, your servant. 
77 Surround me with your tender mercies so I may live, for your instructions are my delight. 
78 Bring disgrace upon the arrogant people who lied about me; meanwhile, I will concentrate on your commandments. 
79 Let me be united with all who fear you, with those who know your laws. 
80 May I be blameless in keeping your decrees; then I will never be ashamed. 
81 I am worn out waiting for your rescue, but I have put my hope in your word. 
82 My eyes are straining to see your promises come true. When will you comfort me? 
83 I am shriveled like a wineskin in the smoke, but I have not forgotten to obey your decrees. 
84 How long must I wait? When will you punish those who persecute me? 
85 These arrogant people who hate your instructions have dug deep pits to trap me. 
86 All your commands are trustworthy. Protect me from those who hunt me down without cause. 
87 They almost finished me off, but I refused to abandon your commandments. 
88 In your unfailing love, spare my life; then I can continue to obey your laws. 
89 Your eternal word, O LORD, stands firm in heaven. 
90 Your faithfulness extends to every generation, as enduring as the earth you created. 
91 Your regulations remain true to this day, for everything serves your plans. 
92 If your instructions hadn’t sustained me with joy, I would have died in my misery. 
93 I will never forget your commandments, for by them you give me life. 
94 I am yours; rescue me! For I have worked hard at obeying your commandments. 
95 Though the wicked hide along the way to kill me, I will quietly keep my mind on your laws. 
96 Even perfection has its limits, but your commands have no limit. 
97 Oh, how I love your instructions! I think about them all day long. 
98 Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are my constant guide. 
99 Yes, I have more insight than my teachers, for I am always thinking of your laws. 
100 I am even wiser than my elders, for I have kept your commandments. 
101 I have refused to walk on any evil path, so that I may remain obedient to your word. 
102 I haven’t turned away from your regulations, for you have taught me well.
103 How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey.
104 Your commandments give me understanding; no wonder I hate every false way of life. 
105 Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. 
106 I’ve promised it once, and I’ll promise it again: I will obey your righteous regulations. 
107 I have suffered much, O LORD ; restore my life again as you promised. 
108 LORD, accept my offering of praise, and teach me your regulations. 
109 My life constantly hangs in the balance, but I will not stop obeying your instructions. 
110 The wicked have set their traps for me, but I will not turn from your commandments. 
111Your laws are my treasure; they are my heart’s delight. 
112 I am determined to keep your decrees to the very end. 
113 I hate those with divided loyalties, but I love your instructions. 
114 You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope. 
115 Get out of my life, you evil-minded people, for I intend to obey the commands of my God. 
116LORD, sustain me as you promised, that I may live! Do not let my hope be crushed. 
117 Sustain me, and I will be rescued; then I will meditate continually on your decrees. 
118 But you have rejected all who stray from your decrees. They are only fooling themselves. 
119 You skim off the wicked of the earth like scum; no wonder I love to obey your laws! 
120 I tremble in fear of you; I stand in awe of your regulations. 
121 Don’t leave me to the mercy of my enemies, for I have done what is just and right. 
122Please guarantee a blessing for me. Don’t let the arrogant oppress me!
123 My eyes strain to see your rescue, to see the truth of your promise fulfilled. 
124 I am your servant; deal with me in unfailing love, and teach me your decrees. 
125 Give discernment to me, your servant; then I will understand your laws. 
126 LORD, it is time for you to act, for these evil people have violated your instructions. 
127 Truly, I love your commands more than gold, even the finest gold. 
128 Each of your commandments is right. That is why I hate every false way. 
129 Your laws are wonderful. No wonder I obey them! 
130 The teaching of your word gives light, so even the simple can understand. 
131 I pant with expectation, longing for your commands. 
132 Come and show me your mercy, as you do for all who love your name. 
133 Guide my steps by your word, so I will not be overcome by evil. 
134 Ransom me from the oppression of evil people; then I can obey your commandments. 
135 Look upon me with love; teach me your decrees. 
136 Rivers of tears gush from my eyes because people disobey your instructions. 
137 O LORD, you are righteous, and your regulations are fair. 
138 Your laws are perfect and completely trustworthy.
139 I am overwhelmed with indignation, for my enemies have disregarded your words. 
140 Your promises have been thoroughly tested; that is why I love them so much. 
141 I am insignificant and despised, but I don’t forget your commandments. 
142 Your justice is eternal, and your instructions are perfectly true. 
143 As pressure and stress bear down on me, I find joy in your commands. 
144 Your laws are always right; help me to understand them so I may live. 
145 I pray with all my heart; answer me, LORD ! I will obey your decrees. 
146 I cry out to you; rescue me, that I may obey your laws. 
147 I rise early, before the sun is up; I cry out for help and put my hope in your words. 
148 I stay awake through the night, thinking about your promise. 
149 In your faithful love, O LORD, hear my cry; let me be revived by following your regulations. 
150 Lawless people are coming to attack me; they live far from your instructions. 
151 But you are near, O LORD, and all your commands are true. 
152 I have known from my earliest days that your laws will last forever. 
153 Look upon my suffering and rescue me, for I have not forgotten your instructions. 
154 Argue my case; take my side! Protect my life as you promised. 
155 The wicked are far from rescue, for they do not bother with your decrees. 
156 LORD, how great is your mercy; let me be revived by following your regulations. 
157Many persecute and trouble me, yet I have not swerved from your laws.
158 Seeing these traitors makes me sick at heart, because they care nothing for your word. 
159 See how I love your commandments, LORD . Give back my life because of your unfailing love. 
160 The very essence of your words is truth; all your just regulations will stand forever. 
161Powerful people harass me without cause, but my heart trembles only at your word. 
162 I rejoice in your word like one who discovers a great treasure. 
163 I hate and abhor all falsehood, but I love your instructions.
164 I will praise you seven times a day because all your regulations are just. 
165 Those who love your instructions have great peace and do not stumble. 
166 I long for your rescue, LORD, so I have obeyed your commands. 
167 I have obeyed your laws, for I love them very much.
168 Yes, I obey your commandments and laws because you know everything I do. 
169 O LORD, listen to my cry; give me the discerning mind you promised. 
170 Listen to my prayer; rescue me as you promised.
171 Let praise flow from my lips, for you have taught me your decrees.
172 Let my tongue sing about your word, for all your commands are right.
173 Give me a helping hand, for I have chosen to follow your commandments. 
174 O LORD, I have longed for your rescue, and your instructions are my delight. 
175 Let me live so I can praise you, and may your regulations help me. 
176 I have wandered away like a lost sheep; come and find me, for I have not forgotten your commands.

First Aid

tarynbarnesLeave a comment
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Hi Peeps,
Today’s Quote
“When troubles come your way, break out your spiritual first aid kit.”~TB

Ailments

You know that your body is capable of getting ill. The same thing occurs within a lackadaisical spirit. When you’re sick, you take medicine to feel better. When you’re spiritually ill, you must rely on the Word and your relationship in Christ. There will be periods of spiritual unrest in which the opposition will find any weakness to cause your spiritual ailments. There is a remedy, which must be applied and practiced each and every day.

Spiritual Vitamins

An apple a day keeps the doctor away. Reading the Bible each day keeps the devil at bay. Being a follower of Christ is not a passive endeavor and you must take your spiritual vitamins– applying the teachings of God– daily to receive the maximum impact of Christ. Friends, this relationship has so many nutrients and healing properties if you take the time to apply them daily.

Today’s Question

Are you taking your Holy holistic supplements of Christ or are you ok with the synthetic remedies of the world?

Enjoy the reading

Psalm 118

1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. 
2 Let all Israel repeat: “His faithful love endures forever.” 
3 Let Aaron’s descendants, the priests, repeat: “His faithful love endures forever.”
4 Let all who fear the LORD repeat: “His faithful love endures forever.” 
5In my distress I prayed to the LORD, and the LORD answered me and set me free. 
6 The LORD is for me, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me? 
7 Yes, the LORD is for me; he will help me. I will look in triumph at those who hate me. 
8 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in people. 
9 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes. 
10 Though hostile nations surrounded me, I destroyed them all with the authority of the LORD . 
11 Yes, they surrounded and attacked me, but I destroyed them all with the authority of the LORD . 
12They swarmed around me like bees; they blazed against me like a crackling fire. But I destroyed them all with the authority of the LORD . 
13 My enemies did their best to kill me, but the LORD rescued me. 
14 The LORD is my strength and my song; he has given me victory. 
15 Songs of joy and victory are sung in the camp of the godly. The strong right arm of the LORD has done glorious things! 
16 The strong right arm of the LORD is raised in triumph. The strong right arm of the LORD has done glorious things! 
17 I will not die; instead, I will live to tell what the LORD has done. 
18 The LORD has punished me severely, but he did not let me die. 
19 Open for me the gates where the righteous enter, and I will go in and thank the LORD . 
20 These gates lead to the presence of the LORD, and the godly enter there. 
21 I thank you for answering my prayer and giving me victory! 
22The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone. 
23This is the LORD ’s doing, and it is wonderful to see. 
24 This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. 
25 Please, LORD, please save us. Please, LORD, please give us success. 
26 Bless the one who comes in the name of the LORD . We bless you from the house of the LORD . 
27 The LORD is God, shining upon us. Take the sacrifice and bind it with cords on the altar. 
28 You are my God, and I will praise you! You are my God, and I will exalt you! 
29 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.

Mindless

tarynbarnesLeave a comment

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Hi Peeps,

Today’s Quote

“Take control of your thoughts and feelings as nothing corrupts the heart and mind like mindlessness.”~TB

Cycle

Life has a way of getting people off track and onto autopilot mode. When your mind is on autopilot, whatever default cycle that is playing in your mind takes over. The opposition uses this time to insert negative and fear-mongering ideas into your brain. If you’re not paying attention, you may think these ideas are your own. Reject them. In a disciplined mind, the teachings of Christ have equipped you to see the trap and avoid it. In an undisciplined mind, the lack of Biblical understanding makes it impossible to discern truth from fiction leaving you in a vicious cycle of fear, anguish, and doubt.  In order to break the cycle in your mind, you must firmly plant yourself in the truth.

Driver’s Seat

Purposefully walking with Christ requires intentional action. Get back in the driver’s seat of your mind. Arm your thoughts by reading the Truth and planting it firmly in your brain and heart. Take hold of righteous thoughts and reject the corrupt ones. No one’s thought life will be perfect, but if you allow the fake thoughts to pass you by without much thought, they will not be able to root and rot your brain. Fill your mind with the word of God so that you are awake and able to see when evil is trying to trick you. When you discipline yourself, you will see clearly, making the decision to lead your mind as God intended.

Today’s Question

Did you do the reading to get out of the mindless mindset?

Enjoy the reading

Psalm 117

1 Praise the LORD, all you nations. Praise him, all you people of the earth. 
2 For his unfailing love for us is powerful; the LORD ’s faithfulness endures forever. Praise the LORD !

Identity

tarynbarnes1 Comment

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Hi Peeps,

Today’s Quote

“Keep your identity in Christ, so when trials occur, you know who to lean on.”~TB

Pride

Leading a life Christ-filled life is not without its challenges, obstacles, and trials. If you’re wrapped up in your human-made identity, pride will be your downfall. Unchecked pride can manifest itself in many different ways, depending on the person and the situation. Your pride may lead you to take on too many things, leaving you feeling overworked, underappreciated, etc. Pride can also lead you into judgment and temptation. Pride can also cause you to covet that which is not yours, the list goes on and on. When your identity is built on man-made designs, you will feel empty, broken, and confused because your fragile image will eventually break.

 

L’eggo Your Ego

Let go of your pride and ego to recognize your true identity, a Child of God. When you focus on all He has done, you begin to realize that you will never measure up to the perfection that is Christ. Fortunately, He isn’t asking for perfection, but rather, obedience. When you understand this fundamental truth, all other fake identities fall to the wayside because you know that being called His is infinitely worth more than any worldly title man can create. Lean into God’s grace, wisdom, and mercy instead of your own. In your true identity, the opinions of man are loud, obnoxious noise compared to His Perfect Peace. Let your identity in Christ shine brightly to bear witness of His unfailing love.

Today’s Question

Do you know your identity in Christ or do you identify as stupid?

Enjoy the reading

Psalm 116

1 I love the LORD because he hears my voice and my prayer for mercy.
2 Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!
3 Death wrapped its ropes around me; the terrors of the grave overtook me. I saw only trouble and sorrow. 
4 Then I called on the name of the LORD : “Please, LORD, save me!” 
5 How kind the LORD is! How good he is! So merciful, this God of ours! 
6 The LORD protects those of childlike faith; I was facing death, and he saved me. 
7 Let my soul be at rest again, for the LORD has been good to me. 
8 He has saved me from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling. 
9 And so I walk in the LORD ’s presence as I live here on earth! 
10 I believed in you, so I said, “I am deeply troubled, LORD .” 
11 In my anxiety I cried out to you, “These people are all liars!” 
12 What can I offer the LORD for all he has done for me? 
13 I will lift up the cup of salvation and praise the LORD ’s name for saving me. 
14 I will keep my promises to the LORD in the presence of all his people. 
15 The LORD cares deeply when his loved ones die. 
16 O LORD, I am your servant; yes, I am your servant, born into your household; you have freed me from my chains. 
17 I will offer you a sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the LORD . 
18 I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people— 
19 in the house of the LORD in the heart of Jerusalem. Praise the LORD !

Ditch

tarynbarnesLeave a comment

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Hi Peeps,

Today’s Quote

“Ditch the fake reality of the world and cling to the Truth of Christ”~TB

Alternate Reality

When God puts you on a path, be vigilant in your thoughts and actions because the opposition will lie in wait to push you into a ditch and into a world of sinful desires. In an upside down world, evil will use people, thoughts, and anything he can to get you to give up your position in Christ. Keep yourself disciplined in the Word so that you may see the fake reality for what it is.

Throw Off

When you continually read and study the Truth, you are able to throw off the sinful traits and behaviors of the life you once lead. Though there are tests from time to time, remember that you are redeemed in Christ, and He looks at you through His eyes. When you lean on this Truth, that you are saved and made whole in Christ, the past evil deeds are less tempting because you know your inheritance is stored within your salvation.

Today’s Question

Are you safely driving on God’s highway or are you veering towards the evil ditch?

Enjoy the reading

Psalm 115

1 Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name goes all the glory for your unfailing love and faithfulness. 
2 Why let the nations say, “Where is their God?” 
3 Our God is in the heavens, and he does as he wishes. 
4Their idols are merely things of silver and gold, shaped by human hands.
5 They have mouths but cannot speak, and eyes but cannot see. 
6They have ears but cannot hear, and noses but cannot smell. 
7 They have hands but cannot feel, and feet but cannot walk, and throats but cannot make a sound. 
8 And those who make idols are just like them, as are all who trust in them. 
9 O Israel, trust the LORD ! He is your helper and your shield. 
10 O priests, descendants of Aaron, trust the LORD ! He is your helper and your shield. 
11 All you who fear the LORD, trust the LORD ! He is your helper and your shield. 
12 The LORD remembers us and will bless us. He will bless the people of Israel and bless the priests, the descendants of Aaron. 
13 He will bless those who fear the LORD, both great and lowly.
14 May the LORD richly bless both you and your children. 
15 May you be blessed by the LORD, who made heaven and earth. 
16 The heavens belong to the LORD, but he has given the earth to all humanity. 
17 The dead cannot sing praises to the LORD, for they have gone into the silence of the grave. 
18 But we can praise the LORD both now and forever! Praise the LORD !

Fixate

tarynbarnesLeave a comment

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Hi Peeps,

Today’s Quote

“Don’t fixate on your problems, because you may miss God’s solutions and blessing to the resolve it.”~TB

Smoke and Mirrors

The devil will use your setbacks to transfix you on the problems you face. When you are only focused on the problems, you are not paying attention to the Biblically simple solutions that will propel you to the next chapter in your life. Don’t miss your blessing by obsessing over the challenges. Objects are smaller than they appear.

Step Aside

God made you as you are, which means you have the tools to overcome any obstacle. One of the biggest misconceptions about walking with Christ is that all of your fleshly afflictions vanish and life becomes perfect. No, as you mature in Christ, you recognize that your flesh is fickle, so you simply step aside from the traps to avoid them. Not every thought and feeling is valid or useful so let go of the ones that cause you to stumble.

Let Go

When you finally understand that you must depend on God in every second of every day, you let go of your man-made solutions which probably got you into your troubles in the first place. Let go of your legalistic pride, and accept the wisdom of God, which will gently nudge you to practice patience, forgiveness, and humility. Sure, you may not “win” every human argument, but winning with God is better than any victory the world could ever give you.

Today’s Question

Are you fixating on your right ways or are you leaning on God’s solutions?

Enjoy the reading

Psalm 114

1 When the Israelites escaped from Egypt— when the family of Jacob left that foreign land— 
2 the land of Judah became God’s sanctuary, and Israel became his kingdom. 
3 The Red Sea saw them coming and hurried out of their way! The water of the Jordan River turned away. 
4 The mountains skipped like rams, the hills like lambs! 
5 What’s wrong, Red Sea, that made you hurry out of their way? What happened, Jordan River, that you turned away? 
6 Why, mountains, did you skip like rams? Why, hills, like lambs? 
7 Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob. 
8 He turned the rock into a pool of water; yes, a spring of water flowed from solid rock.

Tee Up

tarynbarnesLeave a comment

 

golf-3685616_1920.jpgHi Peeps,

Today’s Quote

“When we practice God’s teachings, we are teeing up the ball for others to participate.”~TB

Assist

Like a caddie to a golfer, we are to be like cheerful helpers to our brothers and sisters in Christ. Setting up the put, we have to step back and let others hit the ball so they too can experience a relationship with God. The role is to assist, not force. By exuding the love of Christ, our actions are to be synonymous with His, so that the example set forth points to our Maker and not to man. While the actions displayed seldom get external credit, trust that God sees all and our faithful actions are on His record.

Sabotage

When you let pride and ego drive the cart, issues like judgment, religious behavior, and acting come into play, misguiding the direction of the put. Friends, we cannot hit the ball for believers. Do not proselytize or beat the Gospel on people’s heads. God does not need a defender, or do you not remember how you came to Christ? Surely no one held you to the fire, so avoid doing that to your peers. Allow the Lord to work in the hearts of others by exemplifying the grace, joy, and mercy He shares with us.

Today’s Question

Are you like a faithful caddie pointing to God or are you forcing the ball into a Hellish sandtrap?

Enjoy the reading

Psalm 113

1 Praise the LORD ! Yes, give praise, O servants of the LORD . Praise the name of the LORD ! 
2 Blessed be the name of the LORD now and forever.
3 Everywhere—from east to west— praise the name of the LORD . 
4For the LORD is high above the nations; his glory is higher than the heavens. 
5 Who can be compared with the LORD our God, who is enthroned on high? 
6 He stoops to look down on heaven and on earth.
7 He lifts the poor from the dust and the needy from the garbage dump.
8 He sets them among princes, even the princes of his own people! 
9He gives the childless woman a family, making her a happy mother. Praise the LORD !

Reject

tarynbarnesLeave a comment

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Hi Peeps,

Today’s Quote

“Being made new in Christ means rejecting your old ways and adopting the lifestyle of Christ”~TB

Change

Now that the Truth has been revealed to you, you are marked, cemented in God’s stable. This means that you have to reject previous sins, thoughts, and actions. The same behavior that got you into a turbulent lifestyle cannot remain when you are made new in Christ. You can try to cling onto your past life, but what you will find is the behavior of yesterday will never grant you the peace you experience in Christ. This is because the Holy Spirit within you can never find satisfaction in the fleshly sinful practices of man. No, it requires Biblical fuel to thrive. Save yourself some time and headache by adopting the principles and behaviors of Christ.

Exist

Freedom in Christ means existing in the Holy peace that a Christlike mentality brings. This can only happen when you let your guard down and allow Him to lead your life. If you can continually check your ego and pride at the door, you will eventually see that what you were trying to defend was not yours to defend at all! Allow God to handle your affairs. Live in peace among one another and do not let the judgments of man dictate your perception of the Lord. Focus on Him to learn how to Biblically move in this world and you will see that life isn’t as chaotic and random as the world would let you believe.

Today’s Question

Are you hitting your head trying to keep a dead lifestyle or are you reading to adopt your new life?

Enjoy the reading

Psalm 112

1 Praise the LORD ! How joyful are those who fear the LORD and delight in obeying his commands. 
2 Their children will be successful everywhere; an entire generation of godly people will be blessed. 
3 They themselves will be wealthy, and their good deeds will last forever. 
4 Light shines in the darkness for the godly. They are generous, compassionate, and righteous.
5 Good comes to those who lend money generously and conduct their business fairly. 
6 Such people will not be overcome by evil. Those who are righteous will be long remembered. 
7 They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the LORD to care for them. 
8 They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly. 
9 They share freely and give generously to those in need. Their good deeds will be remembered forever. They will have influence and honor. 
10 The wicked will see this and be infuriated. They will grind their teeth in anger; they will slink away, their hopes thwarted.

 

Plagiarism

tarynbarnesLeave a comment

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Hi Peeps,

Today’s Quote

“Copying someone else’s faith without putting in the effort to have a personal relationship with God is like plagiarizing an F paper.”~TB

Foundation

No pastor, preacher, prophet, or human can build a relationship with God for you. Sure, they can lead and encourage you to the Source, but you have to put in the effort. The foundation of your faith has to be your direct connection with Him. If you don’t turn off all of the worldly distractions and spend your time with God, there is no way you can grow in faith. Be honest with yourselves to create a foundation that is rooted in the Truth. The path to God is simple. The discipline to follow the simple path, well, that depends on you.

Doubt Happens by Cheating

Following God in an ostentatiously flawed world is challenging. There are so many people who criticize, disparage and doubt God. When people behave this way,  it’s because they themselves have not done the personal work to get to know Him. When you copy their fake ideas and agenda, it’s no wonder you fall prey to their doubt. You cheated and tried to gain access using the incorrect answers. If you don’t study for a test, how do you expect to know the right answers from the wrong ones? More to the point, if you don’t know God, how do you expect to understand His answers and reject the incorrect human answers? You can’t, which is why your faith sucks. There is none!

Flawed Logic

We are all idiot sinners, destined to continue being flawed, which is the exact reason you must cultivate your own connection to the Lord. Sure, we improve as we walk closer with Him, but we will never be perfect. People will always fall short, so if you copy their external faith, you only see the human side of a spiritual relationship. Because you cannot hear their conversations with God, you only see the flaws. On the outside, of course, it looks busted! Because you copied the wrong answers for a test that is uniquely yours. My test is different than your test. Your test is different than mine. But we all have the same studying tools available to learn and understand how to pass our own personal tests. Keep your eyes on your own paper.

Today’s Question

Are you studying for your Holy exam or are you copying the answers of a failed test?

Enjoy the reading

Psalm 111

1 Praise the LORD ! I will thank the LORD with all my heart as I meet with his godly people. 
2 How amazing are the deeds of the LORD ! All who delight in him should ponder them. 
3 Everything he does reveals his glory and majesty. His righteousness never fails. 
4 He causes us to remember his wonderful works. How gracious and merciful is our LORD ! 
5 He gives food to those who fear him; he always remembers his covenant. 
6 He has shown his great power to his people by giving them the lands of other nations. 
7 All he does is just and good, and all his commandments are trustworthy. 
8 They are forever true, to be obeyed faithfully and with integrity. 
9 He has paid a full ransom for his people. He has guaranteed his covenant with them forever. What a holy, awe-inspiring name he has!
10 Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true wisdom. All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom. Praise him forever!

 

Who Can You Blame

tarynbarnes1 Comment

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Hi Peeps,

Today’s Quote

“If God continually invests His resources and time into you and you still don’t get it, who can you blame?”~TB

Optics

When you use God’s Holy lens to view your life, you learn not to sweat the small stuff because you understand the greater importance that He has placed on your life. People, situations, problems, and the like are easier to navigate because you see the playing field from a Biblical perspective. Using God’s resources, your trials become less trivial, as you experience peace in even the harshest conditions. Friends, you cannot survive this world successfully without the provisions of God. Step out of your understanding and rely on His.

Myopic

When you refuse to use the Holy resources that are abundantly available, your sight is useless. Everyone else is at fault for your existence and peace is but a dream because you lack the Biblical vision to pass your Holy eye exam. Step back and look again! God has been with you this whole time. The Bible is available to you in every format possible. Quit licking your superficial wounds and cling to the Truth! If you fail to confer with your Father in Heaven, that is your fault. So step off of your sanctimonious cross and use your Holy resources! Stop using your myopic viewpoint and adopt God’s superior vision to life in the Truth.

Today’s Question

Who can you blame if you fail to do your own work?

Enjoy the reading

Psalm 110

1 The LORD said to my Lord, “Sit in the place of honor at my right hand until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet.” 
2 The LORD will extend your powerful kingdom from Jerusalem ; you will rule over your enemies. 
3 When you go to war, your people will serve you willingly. You are arrayed in holy garments, and your strength will be renewed each day like the morning dew. 
4 The LORD has taken an oath and will not break his vow: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.” 
5 The Lord stands at your right hand to protect you. He will strike down many kings when his anger erupts. 
6 He will punish the nations and fill their lands with corpses; he will shatter heads over the whole earth. 
7 But he himself will be refreshed from brooks along the way. He will be victorious.