I know, Lord, that our lives are not our own.
      We are not able to plan our own course.

Jeremiah 10:23

Sometimes we make plans for ourself and things don't turn out at all the way we planned. But we need to remember that our lives are not our own. We belong to God. And He has WAY better plans for us then we could ever come up with ourself. So the next time things don't turn out the way that you plan, rejoice, in knowing that God has much better plans for you!

Remember that the LORD your God gives you the strength to make a living.

Deuteronomy 8:18

If there's ever a time that you aren't sure if you will make it, remember that your strength comes from the Lord and not from yourself. So even when you are too weak to take a step, the Lord is ALWAYS strong and will give you the strength you need to make a living each day that you live on the earth! So trust in Him, and know that He will help you make it.

Just as Jerusalem is protected
   by mountains on every side,
   the LORD protects his people
   by holding them in his arms
   now and forever.
   

Psalm 125:2

It's SUCH a COMFORT knowing that God, creator of heaven and earth, holds us in His hands. Protecting us, watching over us, LOVING us. So the next time you feel afraid, don't be afraid but remember the Lord is holding you in His arms, so you have nothing to fear! You're in good hands.

Who among you fears the LORD
       and obeys the word of his servant?
       Let him who walks in the dark,
       who has no light,
       trust in the name of the LORD
       and rely on his God.

Isaiah 50:10 (New International Version)

Sometimes we go through hard times in life where we feeling like we are walking in the dark, where we can't see what's ahead of us and aren't clear on what may happen. In those times, trust in the Lord and rely on Him to guide you, to be your light in the dark times, knowing He is leading you and trusting Him to lead you back into the light and times of peace again.

Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning,
      for I am trusting you.
   Show me where to walk,
      for I give myself to you.

Psalm 143:8

Every day we should give ourself to God, surrendering ourself and everything we do each day to Him. Trust Him, knowing that He will show you where to walk. Let Him guide you, and He will take you down the roads you're supposed to go. Just keep on surrendering yourself to Him, every day as if for the first time.

Don't sin because others do, but stay close to God.

1 Timothy 5:22

We live in a sinful world. When sin is so boldly out in the open everywhere for all to see, sometimes we can become numb to it...something that would have shocked and offended us before, suddenly doesn't seem so shocking...and pretty soon it doesn't offend us or even bother us at all...and when that happens it's easy for us ourself to do the very thing we thought we would never do. Don't let yourself become numb to sin. Of course it is impossible to be completely with out sin because we our human and there is no human that has never sinned, but the key is to not knowingly sin and not care. Don't lose your conviction. Stay close to God. Stay in His word, in the bible, in prayer. The closer we get and stay to God, the more we will be able to have the strength to resist temptations and want to live to please God, and not live to please ourself. We live for Him. Not for us.

Let us keep looking to Jesus. Our faith comes from Him and He is the One Who makes it perfect. He did not give up when He had to suffer shame and die on a cross. He knew of the joy that would be His later. Now He is sitting at the right side of God.

Hebrews 12:2

Ever feel like giving up? Don't give up, don't be discouraged. Remember all of the shame and suffering and death that Jesus went through for us, and HE did not give up. The small things and even large things that we have to suffer through are NOTHING compared to the suffering that Jesus went through for us. So the next time you feel discouraged or like giving up, remember, Jesus did not give up. And you can do ALL THINGS through Christ!!!

He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.

Psalm 23:1-2

Sometimes we go through dry spells. We need restoration. We need rest. We need water. We can find full restoration in Christ. If we try to find restoration in anything or anyone else, we're left feeling tired, worn out, dry. So if you're feeling tired, if you're feeling thirsty, if you need restoration, reviving...turn to the Lord....it's only in Him, that you will find true restoration,

You will give us peace, LORD, because everything we have done was by your power.

Isaiah 26:12

If you're in need of peace right now, turn to the Lord. When we take our eyes off of ourself and put them on the Lord and give Him whatever you're worried about, that's when you'll get that peace from God. Trust in God, knowing that through his power and strength you can do all things and there is no problem too difficult for you through Christ! So whatever burdens you are carrying today, give them to God. You WILL have peace,

I will be a Father to you. You will be My sons and daughters, says the All-powerful God."

2 Corinthians 6:18

How amazing is it that God, creator of heaven and earth, considers and loves us as His own sons and daughters? And as our father, He is always going to love us, unconditionally, watch over us, pick us up and help us when we stumble, and always help us in times of need. So rejoice today in knowing that YOU are a child of the KING!