What do you anticipate for this year? What is your frame of mind? Are you full of enthusiasm, looking forward eagerly to what each day will bring? Or are you filled with dread, worried that this year will be worse than the last year was for you? The Apostle Paul was never One to let circumstances conquer him. With the help of God he was determined to win the victor’s crown. Listen as his attitude, his dedication, his determination shines through in the words found in Philippians 3:12-14, “Not that have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” We must realize that our past defeats do not define us and our past victories do not exalt us! With Paul’s words fresh in our minds, we need to understand the value of Time. Time is … READ MORE

There is a book that I read as a child called, “Fortunately, Unfortunately,” by Michael Foreman. In the book, Mom sends Milo on an errand to return Granny’s umbrella to her. Fortunately, Milo doesn’t realize that he’s about to encounter several unfortunate setbacks with pirates, dinosaurs, and aliens. But it all turns into one amazing, fortunate adventure. We are reminded that perspective controls our attitude about our circumstances. As we approach Thanksgiving, we need to remember the words of the apostle Paul in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” This week, take the time to stop and reflect on your circumstances, and choose to focus on the fortunate things that are going on around us. Even when things seem bleak, God always provides windows of light that are designed to encourage us in the midst of our struggles. Life is truly an adventure, our perspective will determine our gratitude. … READ MORE

Proverbs 18:24 says, “A man that hath friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.” This verse reminds me of the relationship that David and Jonathan had in the book of 1 Samuel. Jonathan knit his soul to David to the extent that he was even willing to stand by David’s side against his father, King Saul. True friendship will do that, that relationship will cause you to remain faithful to our friends even when other question their motives or actions. A friend is a person who will believe in your innocence until you admit your guilt! We need one another and are reminded that before sin entered the world, the Lord said, “It is not good for man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18). If we needed someone to be our partner before sin entered the world how much more do we need them now. Solomon Writes in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, “Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow…” I pray that God will raise up those in your life, who can be such a friend. … READ MORE