Welcome to Life is for Living 2010. We are excited about the Life is for Living blog and hope you are too! We believe that the Lord created each human being with a purpose, a destiny, and a future. Put your faith in the Lord and place your life in His hands. He is there; and He will not fail you or let you down. The Lord Jesus Christ loves you and has a special plan and purpose for your life. When you go throughout your day and walk out the busyness of your life try to remember to stop, thank Him for His many blessings, and enjoy His beautiful creation! Remember that “Life is for Living!”
Daily Bread- "But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever." (Psalm 52:8) NIV
Daily Bread- "But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever." (Psalm 52:8) NIV
Have you ever heard the saying; "flourish where you are planted?" This is an extraordinary lesson and one that is often taken lightly amongst the children of God. It is easy to look at the circumstances of your life and begin to grumble in your heart, wondering; "has God forgotten me?" The Lord has most certainly not forgotten you. You are precious in His sight and dear to His heart. The Lord loves you and desires nothing more than to prosper you and raise you up for His divine purposes. In difficult times it is vital to turn to the Word of God for truth and guidance. Through reading the Scriptures you will find invaluable lessons filled with truths and answers for your life.
In the Bible (Genesis 37-50), the Scriptures talk about a man named Joseph. Joseph was a righteous man who served and loved the Lord. He had integrity and did his best at everything he put his hand to. He was a man beloved by his earthly father, who gave him a beautiful and colorful coat. Because of this, Joseph's brothers despised him. They were exceedingly jealous and conspired against him. Through an evil plot, Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery and told their father that he had died a tragic death. Joseph was sold as a slave in the land of Egypt, to one of Pharaoh's top officials. His name was Potiphar. Joseph quickly gained favor with Potiphar and was put in charge of his entire household. The Lord blessed Potiphar's home because of Joseph's presence there, and Joseph grew in stature among God and man.
Potiphar had an evil wife, who continually tried to entice Joseph. Joseph refused her, and so she made up a lie about him. Because of this, he was thrown into the king's prison without cause. Even in prison Joseph flourished. Joseph chose to make the best of this experience, and he prospered, even in the midst of the most trying and difficult circumstance. In this, God gave him favor and word spread about him throughout the prison. The warden took notice of Joseph and put him in charge of all the prisoners there.
After a period of time, the Pharaoh of the land had a dream that could not be interpreted. He was puzzled about its' meaning, and decided to call for Joseph to inquire of him about the dream. Joseph came before the Pharaoh to give him the interpretation, as God had revealed it to him. When this took place, Pharaoh marveled and was amazed at Joseph’s wisdom. Because of this, Pharaoh honored Joseph, removed him from prison, and put him in charge of the whole land of Egypt. He went from being a slave, to a prisoner, to becoming the second most powerful man in all the land.
After many years, Joseph was reunited with his brothers and his father. Joseph extended forgiveness to them, and ended up helping them during a time when there was a great famine in the land. Had it not been for Joseph's hand of intervention in their lives, they could have starved to death and not received the help that they needed in their most critical hour. Joseph provided them with all they had need of and relocate them to the land of Egypt to be close to him.
Every difficult circumstance Joseph went through in his life, led him to the place where he ultimately ended up. Through this, he became a powerful man and was able to save the people, including his family from the great famine that swept throughout the land. God took every devastating circumstance he went through and turned it for His good. Joseph could have quit or given up, or walked away from God. But he did not. He trusted God, leaned upon Him for strength, and flourished right where he was planted. Because of this, God raised him up and exalted his life's service; using Joseph for His glory, to make a difference in this world.
No matter what you may be walking through in your life, God is there. He is willing and able to turn around every situation you are facing. Nothing is too great for Him. All you have to do is surrender to His will, believe, and have faith in His divine purpose for your life. Although difficult at times, it is possible to flourish right where you are planted today. It may not be your ultimate destination, and it may not be an ideal circumstance for your life. But, as you are faithful and continue to press forward, God will take notice of you and place you in the positioning He has for your life. You are not forgotten. The Lord's eye is upon you.
No matter what you may be walking through in your life, God is there. He is willing and able to turn around every situation you are facing. Nothing is too great for Him. All you have to do is surrender to His will, believe, and have faith in His divine purpose for your life. Although difficult at times, it is possible to flourish right where you are planted today. It may not be your ultimate destination, and it may not be an ideal circumstance for your life. But, as you are faithful and continue to press forward, God will take notice of you and place you in the positioning He has for your life. You are not forgotten. The Lord's eye is upon you.
Today, I encourage you to trust Him no matter what you may be walking through. I encourage you to keep moving forward, and to believe that God has a plan for you and will see you through every difficult circumstance.
You can start by praying this prayer aloud to Him;
Dear Lord Jesus,
I ask that You would forgive me of my sins and wash me clean with Your blood. I give You my life and ask that You would fill me with Your presence and Your Holy Spirit. I ask that You would give me the courage and the strength that I need to make it through every trying circumstance, and I ask that You would help me to flourish in every aspect and stage of my life. I ask for Your love, strength, and mercy.
In Jesus Mighty Name I Pray,
Amen
Date Idea of the Month- Go out for a romantic dinner with your spouse. Have dinner at a restaurant where you can dress up and enjoy each other’s company. When you’re out to dinner leave the cares and worries of your day behind and give your undivided attention to the one you love!
You can start by praying this prayer aloud to Him;
Dear Lord Jesus,
I ask that You would forgive me of my sins and wash me clean with Your blood. I give You my life and ask that You would fill me with Your presence and Your Holy Spirit. I ask that You would give me the courage and the strength that I need to make it through every trying circumstance, and I ask that You would help me to flourish in every aspect and stage of my life. I ask for Your love, strength, and mercy.
In Jesus Mighty Name I Pray,
Amen
Date Idea of the Month- Go out for a romantic dinner with your spouse. Have dinner at a restaurant where you can dress up and enjoy each other’s company. When you’re out to dinner leave the cares and worries of your day behind and give your undivided attention to the one you love!
Family Time Idea of the Month- Take your family out to dinner. Go somewhere fun like a pizza parlor. After you’re done eating, go to a place where you can play video games with your family or where you can miniature golf. Just have fun!
Movie Must See- "Joe Somebody" starring Tim Allen
This is a film with alot of heart, laughs, and a great message. When "Joe" takes his young daughter to work with him, the office bully picks a fight, embarrassing Joe in front of his daughter and inciting a rivalry. Joe challenges this bully to a fight just a few short weeks from then. During this time, Joe goes through a process of "self improvement" while he trains in martial arts and becomes the office "cool guy." But in the end, Joe must decide if fighting the bully is the right move to make; or should he walk away and set the ultimate example for his daughter? This is a must see!Music Must Hear- "My Father's Angels" from the album "Bridges Over Blue" by Charlotte Ritchie
This is a beautiful song about the Angel's of heaven and their protection over us. The Lord is faithful and sends His Angels to keep and protect us always. This song is a wonderful depiction of this promise, and it is a must hear! “For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways…” (Psalm 91:11) NIV Summer Must Read- “A Bold Fresh Piece of Humanity” by political com
mentator and author Bill O’Reilly
Bill O’Reilly is one of the most popular news personalities in television history. His television program, “The Factor” is one of the highest rated on cable television. Mr. O’Reilly has committed himself to exposing corruption in various arenas of life, and has used his tremendous platform to do just that. His book, “A Bold Fresh Piece of Humanity” is a wonderfully refreshing and entertaining book filled with personal stories about his life that have served to shape his beliefs, values, and outlook on life and politics. It is a must read!
mentator and author Bill O’ReillyBill O’Reilly is one of the most popular news personalities in television history. His television program, “The Factor” is one of the highest rated on cable television. Mr. O’Reilly has committed himself to exposing corruption in various arenas of life, and has used his tremendous platform to do just that. His book, “A Bold Fresh Piece of Humanity” is a wonderfully refreshing and entertaining book filled with personal stories about his life that have served to shape his beliefs, values, and outlook on life and politics. It is a must read!
Bible Verse of the Month- "But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever." (Psalm 52:8) NIV
Final Thought- Flourish where you are planted; no matter what your stature, positioning, or job may be in life. As you are faithful with little, the Lord will increase you measure by measure, and step by step. The Lord is always looking for a faithful vessel. Someone trustworthy that He can use for His purposes to make a difference in this world. Continue to press in, be faithful to the Lord's cause, and never give up. Your promotion is right around the corner!
