Genesis 15:1

After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram I am your shield; Your reward (for obedience) shall be very great.  

The devil is out to steal the reward!  Every day we must put up our shield and done our armor, and remain obedient to God.  Our reward will be great if we do.  We cannot comprehend what God has in store for us as we are faithful to Him in our lives.  Don’t give up hope, and don’t give up the faith.  God is a rewarder!

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things (which He has called me to do) through Him who strengthens and empowers me (to fulfill His purpose-I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.)

Sometimes we need a reminder that we are not here alone.  When we need strength, Jesus will strengthen us and empower us to fulfill our mission here on earth.  Jesus will empower us through any challenge and guide us with the Holy Spirit.  We, as Christians, are never left alone or helpless. 

Luke 15:21

But when he (finally) came to his senses, he said, “How many of my father’s hired men have more than enough food, while I am dying here of hunger”.  I will get up and go to my father and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight.”

With the love and grace of God, the father never gives up on the prodigal son.  We can never know how much our prayers mean to the saving of the lost soul.  God didn’t give up on us, and we were all prodigals at one time, and it took time for us to come to our senses.  Keep praying for the return of the prodigal.  

Mark 1:34

And Jesus healed many who were suffering with various diseases; and He drove out many demons, but would not allow the demons to speak, because they knew Him (recognizing Him as the son of God). 

Healing is still alive and real today.  Our faith and knowledge of the word of God are what removes any barriers of doubt and unbelief.  Our confession of the word calls for the circumstances to change.  Our belief that Jesus died for our sins and rose again allows us to receive our healing.  Praise the Lord.

Luke 1:22

But when he did come out, he was unable to speak to them. They realized that he had seen a vision in the temple and he kept making signs to them, and remained mute.

Zacharias had a believing problem! The angel of the Lord just appeared telling him he was to have a child; however, he spoke doubt.  Jesus reminds us to only speak in faith and not doubt.  If we have thoughts of doubt coming to our minds, we must cast them down.  Our lives will be defeated unless we are just as careful with what we say as our prayers.  

1 Corinthians 13:8

Love never fails (it never fades nor ends). But as for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for the gift of special knowledge, it will pass away. 

Whether we realize it or not, our love walk has a significant effect on the world around us! There will be days when we fail in our love walk, repent and move forward and apologize because God’s love for us never fails.  Everything that we see in this world will pass away except for Love.  The Love of God never ends.

1 Corinthians 13:7

Love bears all things (regardless of what comes), believes all things (looking for the best in each other), hopes all things (remaining steadfast during difficult times), endures all things (without weakening).

When we choose to love and lay aside the flesh and the outlook of our life changes, what would have been impossible to bear before, we now walk right through.  The thoughts of anger, resentment for feeling wronged that would have bothered our minds for days leave in an instant.  Love is the barrier that keeps our focus on Jesus and away from distractions.  Love is our wall of protection. 

1 Corinthians 13:6

It does not rejoice at injustice, but rejoices with the truth (when right and truth prevail).

Love never wrongs a person or tells lies.  Love wants the best for all people and wants the truth to prevail. Love doesn’t mean gossip or stir ups strife.  Sin always wants us to walk in the selfish flesh, and love wants us to walk out of our knowledge of God.  God first loved us and wants us to show what it is like to experience that love daily. 

1 Corinthians 13:4-5

Love endures with patience and serenity, love is kind and thoughtful, and is not jealous or envious; love does not brag and is not proud or arrogant.  It is not rude; it is not self-seeking; it is not provoked; it does not take into account a wrong endured.  

Whether in love or not, our reactions to situations will set the tone for the circumstance, whether good or bad.  When we react to any situation in love, we can stop the tide of anger and hurt feelings.  A decision made in a second can make all the difference toward our witness of Jesus.  Plus go a long way in staying in peace in our spirits and minds.  Love!

1 Corinthians 13:3

If I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it does me no good at all.

Have you heard the expression that “the heart just isn’t in it”?  If we do things without love being involved, we are just going through the motions without affecting our hearts.  Our motivation will be wrong, and any acts of love will be out of obligation and not coming from our hearts.  Love lifts the spirit and brings joy in life.