Good morning, day or evening🌞
Focus on the PEACE Christ provides and not the chaos of the day. One empowers and the other steals your strength.
Stolen strength feeds evil. Evil seems to be emboldened days. If we all take back our strength and abide in the peace of Christ, following his laws, we can overcome the evil of the day. We are all part of one body, let us focus on the peace of Christ.
A Short Story by Lisa Blair
Some people believe that God has stepped back from performing miracles. They suggest that the Age of Wonders concluded with the closing chapters of the Old Testament. Yet, many individuals have experienced His miraculous presence. This affirms that we continue to live in a New Testament era filled with His grace and intervention.
For the majority of us, life unfolds in a landscape often colored by illness and uncertainty. We seldom witness those breathtaking moments where a person, deeply entrenched in suffering, experiences swift and profound healing. Still, for those of us fortunate enough to have encountered personal healing, the experience is enlightening. Witnessing a loved one rise from the depths of despair also clarifies the fingerprints of divine miracles in hindsight. It is within the small, seemingly insignificant moments that we recognize the turning points in our narratives.
In times of distress, when health falters, medical professionals can only discern that something is amiss; the precise nature of the ailment remains elusive. They tirelessly search for answers, exploring the perplexing landscape of symptoms and the underlying causes. Then, through relentless research and rigorous inquiry, a diagnosis emerges like a beacon of hope, though the path to recovery still feels muddled and uncertain. The doctors, though armed with knowledge, grapple with the question of how to combat the illness itself: Which medications can alleviate the anguish? What treatments hold the promise of halting its progression, or even eradicating it?
Suddenly, a breakthrough occurs—a ray of clarity pierces the fog of uncertainty. Answers materialize, and treatment plans take shape, ushering in a renewed sense of direction. Some people without faith credit this transformation solely to scientific endeavor. However, I believe all creation, including the principles of science, manifests God’s will.
With the diagnosis in hand, a tangible course of action presents itself, fostering hope for positive outcomes. Each step forward is a silent testament to God’s handiwork. Whatever journey we traverse, God accompanies us. We awaken each morning—a miracle in its own right. As we navigate through illness, we are granted another day, even when it feels more like a burden than a blessing. Each round of medication and therapy eventually leads to a flicker of vitality. In these moments, fragments of our former selves break through the darkness of our trials.
Do we recognize these transformations as miracles or as the fruits of science? They result from scientific advancement. Yet, they are also infused with the miracle of divine grace that envelops our lives. When we take the time to express gratitude for these small miracles, we affirm that our Savior stands with us. We acknowledge this divine presence. As we give thanks for regaining our health, we realize we are never truly alone. This holds true regardless of the prognosis. Each day is a precious gift, inviting us to live fully, even midst the challenges we face.
We can open our hearts to the prospect of a grand miracle—the successful completion of a long-awaited operation, the elimination of daily medications, and the farewell to prolonged rehabilitation. We learn to persevere through the harshest trials, eventually arriving at a point where life feels vibrant and manageable once more.
Gratitude fills our souls for the time we have been granted. We cherish the renewal of our relationship with the Lord, who stood steadfast during our darkest moments of illness. With every breath, we embrace the present. We acknowledge the inevitable passage of time. We also recognize the certainty of death that awaits us all. Yet, instead of succumbing to despair, we revel in the beauty of each day lived fully. We know with confidence that even amid life’s fragility, tomorrow can bring the promise of renewed hope.
The emergence of renewed hope grants us the invaluable gift of introspection. During moments of self-reflection, we come to understand that healing manifests in various dimensions of our lives. We experience physical healing as our bodies recover and regain strength. We go through emotional healing as we learn to cope with our feelings and overcome past traumas. Most importantly, we experience spiritual healing as we reconnect with a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment. These transformative experiences are the miraculous gifts of life. Far too many overlook these gifts. They are bestowed upon us by our loving Father in Heaven.
As we close out 2024, reflect on the miracles in your life. List them, and count your miracles, then praise God for His interventions in your life. Our miracles are endless.
Scriptures:
Romans 15:19:
“They were convinced by the power of miraculous signs and wonders and by the power of God’s Spirit”.
Psalms 77:14:
“You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples”
Mark 11:24:
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”
Romans 15:13:
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
James 5:14-15:
“The prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well”
Psalms 103:2-3:
“Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,”
Isaiah 38:16:
“Lord, by such things people live; and my spirit finds life in them too. You restored me to health and let me live.”
God’s knowledge existed before the beginning of time. In Jeremiah 1:5, it is declared, “Before I formed you in your mother’s womb, I knew you.”
Additionally, in Ephesians 1:4, it states, “Even before He made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in His eyes.”
Hebrews 13:8 states, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” He healed people in the past, He heals people now, and He will continue to heal people in the future.
God declares, “I know the plans I have for you.” God knows what we will go through. Some challenges work together to help you become a mature Christian who submits to His will. Teaching you how to surrender your Will to the Will of God.
Scriptures – Bible.com
Photo – LAB Photos
A Short Story, by Lisa Blair
Once, there was a young man entrusted with the creation of a special mixture—an inherited family recipe—vital for launching the town’s beloved bicycle race. One day, as he diligently mixed the ingredients for the highly anticipated Hillside Mountain Race, the bell above his shop door chimed, announcing the arrival of a customer. Distracted by the arrival of the customer, he paused his work to help them. Sometime later, returning to his task, he was unaware that his brief interruption had caused him to miss adding a key ingredient.
This family recipe, which was handed down was not written down, it was in their hearts and was no ordinary recipe. It was crucial that the process be completed without interruption, ensuring every ingredient was carefully measured and blended. The mixture, placed in a balloon, would be ignited at the start of the race, releasing an explosion of fragrance and sound that signaled the beginning of the thrilling event.
That evening, the young man felt a vague sense of unease. Something did not sit well. He knew he overlooked something but exhaustion got the better of him. He decided not to revisit his work and went to bed, promising himself he would wake up early the next morning.
As he drifted into sleep, his dreams transported him back to the shop. He was mixing the ingredients again, but something felt off—just as it had during the day. In his dream, the scene replayed over and over until, with a start, he realized what was missing: the potent vanilla extract, the heart of the mixture. It was this ingredient that created the iconic scent everyone associated with the race.
The realization startled him awake. As he lay in bed, he prayed for clarity, asking God to confirm his suspicion. Deep down, he knew the omission wasn’t just an oversight; it was a metaphor for something greater in his life.
The young man hadn’t always wanted to continue his family’s work. He longed to leave his small town, explore the world, and find something more exciting. The apothecary shop felt like a burden, a tether keeping him from adventure. Yet, that night, he began to see his inheritance in a new light.
The next morning, as the race day buzz filled the town, he rushed to the shop. He opened the vial of the prepared mixture, sniffed it, and confirmed his fear—the vanilla extract had been forgotten. Quickly, he added the missing drops, carefully blending them in until the mixture was perfect.
At that moment, he realized something profound: this simple task, which had once felt mundane, carried significance far beyond what he’d imagined. Without it, the race wouldn’t begin with the same joy, excitement, and tradition the town cherished. His family’s recipe wasn’t just about starting a race—it was about creating a moment of unity and anticipation for everyone.
This realization shifted his perspective. His work wasn’t just a job; it was part of a legacy, a purpose handed down to him. He thought of Christ, who embraced His purpose as a servant, conducting His Father’s work. Just as Christ’s purpose was part of a greater plan, so too was his own role in the small but vital task of carrying on his family’s tradition.
In our lives, we often overlook the importance of the everyday tasks we perform. We get distracted, searching for something more spectacular, and fail to see the significance of what’s right in front of us. Like the young man, we may initially see our work as burdensome, but these very things are often tied to our purpose.
God has given each of us a unique purpose, woven into the fabric of His plan. It might not always feel grand or exciting, but it is essential. Christ lived His life as a servant, following the recipe given to Him by the Father. In the same way, our purpose is a gift from God, even if it feels small or ordinary.
If you find yourself dissatisfied with where you are, ask God for clarity and direction. Trust that He is weaving your story, preparing you for the next chapter. Sometimes, He reveals our full purpose all at once. Other times, He matures us through the smaller, unrelated moments of our lives, building the character and resilience we need for what’s to come.
The young man’s realization transformed the way he approached his work. He saw it not as a burden but as a calling. His family’s legacy now felt like a gift, and his contribution—though small in the grand scheme—played a vital role in bringing joy to others.
In the same way, our daily efforts, no matter how insignificant they seem, are part of a larger story. Each task, each challenge, and each moment of faithfulness contributes to God’s greater plan. When we embrace our purpose, even in the ordinary, we become part of something extraordinary.
The race began that day with the familiar pop of the balloon and the rush of fragrant excitement in the air. The young man watched with pride, knowing he had played a part in creating that moment.
And so, it is with us. Our purpose, no matter how small it seems, is a thread in the tapestry of God’s work in the world.
The Bible is the story of Christ and consequently the story of us. Several scriptures prove that God created our lives before time began.
Jeremiah 1:4-5, Now the Word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, and before you were born.”
Jeremiah 29:11, For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord…
Psalm 139:15-16, my frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Here I saw my unformed substance; In your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.
1 Peter 1:20, He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you. Ephesians 1:11, in him we have obtained an inheritance comma having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will.
God created us and knew us before we entered the womb. Part of his creation was to give each of us a purpose. The purpose is our inheritance. Our inheritance is the gift of advancing God’s Word. God created all of us, some with exciting careers and futures others with essential jobs that are the cogs in the wheel. God has also given us free will to choose and change our direction. This story confirms that whatever your purpose is, do it for the glory of God. Like the young man, change your thinking from that of being burdened to that of advancing and protecting your inheritance. As you grow in the Word, your inheritance may evolve into something new having given you all to the development of earlier stages of your inheritance. For most, life is governed by God’s timeline and purpose. Always seek His direction, and wisdom, and plan for your future as you process through this life.
Remember these keywords: purpose and inheritance. Rick Warren authored the book, Purpose Driven Life. We should seek our purpose in life and live it accordingly. God’s inheritance is our gift. We are the object of God’s love and desire for us is reflected in all He does for us. We experience life through Him. He works on our behalf in ways we can see and in ways only known to Him. While He doesn’t promise an easy road, we may find ourselves on the one less traveled road. He doesn’t promise an easy life but is always with us. In all things, He promises to never leave us or forsake us. He is always with us.He will lead us into our future and guide us to our purpose, which is our inheritance from Him.
Scriptures – Bible.com
Photo – Free Google Images
God will always give an escape route to free us from impending temptation. If we ignore the escape route, we will most certainly fall into sin. Recollect a time when you regretted getting involved in something you should not have been involved in. I am certain you can also find the moment you chose to ignore the quiet voice that told you to leave, run, go in another direction, do not enter… The quiet voice was God speaking to you offering an escape route.
Thanks to God’s loving kindness. We received freedom from reaping the horror of permanent sin when He sent his only Son, Jesus, to die on the Cross taking on our sin to give us a way out.
Corinthians 5:21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
When Christ died on the cross, he took all sin, past, present, and future. We are not bound by eternal sin. And, in the face of temptation and its cohort, sin, God always provides an escape route.
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Scriptures About Temptation
Matthew 26:41 – Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Mark 14:38 – Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
James 4:7 – Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil (sin), and he will flee from you.
James 1:12-16 – Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and He himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth (metaphorical, and perhaps physical) death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers.
Hebrews 2:18 – For because He himself (Christ) has suffered when tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted.
Ephesians 6:11 – Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes (temptation, sin) of the evil one (often your own desire).
Matthew 4:1-11 – Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” But He answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word that comes from the mouth of God.”
The Word of God provides the escape route from temptation. Temptation is a carnal want that leads to our sinful nature. Temptation glistens, smiles, seeks illicit things that cause you to feel good in the dark, never in the light. It is the final step into the dark. The escape is most prominent in that moment, turn away, run…
Learning to identify the families of temptation creates an awareness of how sin creeps into your life. Paul defined them in Galatians 5:19-20 (AMP). This is not an exhaustive list.
“Now the practices of the sinful nature are clearly evident: they are sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality (total irresponsibility, lack of self-control), idolatry, sorcery, hostility, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions [that promote heresies-any believe that is against the word of God], envy, drunkenness, riotous behavior, and other things like these.”
Temptation always comes before a fall (carnal desires/sin). Temptation always precedes sin. We should praise God that He established an escape route (through the crucifixion of Christ, the taking on of sin), providing a redemption route (repentance/forgiveness), and saving us when we sin (acting in our carnal nature). To quote Donnie McClurkin’s lyrics, We Fall Down but Get Back Up. How will you apply this study to your life? Will you listen to God’s quiet voice and run or flee, or will you ignore his warning to satisfy your human condition?
This diagram provides a pictorial of your options.
What can we learn from the diagram?
The attack begins with a thought. The thought focuses on the temptation. During this time your mind weighs the choice to listen to God and run from the temptation, or run to the temptation. If you run from the temptation you will know the escape route the Lord has provided. If you choose to run towards the temptation, you will become quickly consumed by the sin and start to ignore the quiet voice of the Lord. But, most people hear bits of His quiet voice, and eventually repent of your sin. God at once responds in love and provides the escape route. There are consequences embedded in the sin itself. Satan will not make it easy to escape, he wants us to suffer during and after we sinned. It is so much better to guard your heart, listen to the Lord’s quiet voice, and seek the escape route that God provides than to fall into the darkness of sin.
Please note, not all sin is attributed to Satan. Our nature is corrupt. It seeks gratification at all costs. Sin offers the things that you crave most. Temptation is a gateway drug tempting you to ignore God.
Scriptures – Bible.com; Diagram – Lisa Blair; Image – lifehopeandtruth.com
I imagine you think the title is a string of repetitive run-on words but it’s not! The string of words is an African American creed. This creed has carried African Americans forward through slavery and is as true today as in the past. It is founded in scripture and refers to one’s total, committed belief in Jesus Christ who came to save us from sin and offer us salvation.
Many resort to the “You know’s” in times of chaos, confusion, oppression, loss, destruction, and subjugation. As Christians, I propose that we must move beyond confessing our total trust in Christ only when we feel helpless as so many do. Confession of this nature evaporates as soon as times improve and we feel we are once again in a safe space. But as Christians, shouldn’t we know in our Spirit that our relationship with the Lord is sacred? Shouldn’t we know that our every breath rests on His love for us, His sacrifice that gave us life? We should know that the Words in the Bible bind our core beliefs to our carnal beings and that as new creatures in Christ, our relationship with Christ can only grow stronger.
You know that you know that you know is a form of the belt of truth we gird around our waist. It is founded on the Word of God and it, like a belt, holds us up, aligns our thinking, and helps us stand erect. Your very essence is knowing that our Lord knows us and we know Him.
Those of us who use this expression, wake up in the morning praising our Lord for another day’s journey, for keeping our family safe, for walking with us throughout the day, for protecting us from things seen and unseen, for breathing life into us, for directing our paths, and for giving us salvation and eternal life.
You know that you know that you know means the scriptures are living documents, they are God-breathed. God’s Word reigns supreme. And, as long as we know in our soul that we belong to the Almighty we can withstand the best of times and the worst of times because we live in the world and are not of this world. We will enjoy glory, victory, and safety.
In closing, You know that you know that you know illustrates a deep devotion to faith and the significance of unwavering belief in Jesus Christ. It highlights the comforting reliance on God’s protection and guidance, during peaceful moments and challenging times.
“…you have been raised with Christ…your life is now hidden with Christ in God…let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…” ~ excerpts, Colossians 3 NIV, Biblegateway.com.
Hello Dear Friends,
My site will be temporarily paused beginning September 2, 2024. I started my blogs eight years ago and have enjoyed sharing the Word of God with you and how we can apply His Word to our lives. It is my desire to continue posting on my site soon. Our relationship has been reciprocal in nature. I learned through study, research, and most importantly, about God’s path with you. I have been energized by your visiting my sites. I hope you have deepened your understanding of the Word and how to apply it to your daily life. The Bible is not something to be read like a novel, but rather a guide or manual teaching us how to move beyond worldly thoughts and live like Christ. This has been an amazing and enlightening journey. It is my prayer that we all continue to mature in the Word and walk with Christ every step we take. During this pause, I am taking time to reflect on the past 8 years and the 1,400+ posts I have written.
A CALL FOR PRAYING CHRISTIANS
Walking with Christ is the only way we can survive this world. Loving our neighbor is imperative. The world is in chaos. We are called daily to pray for our families, communities, the nations of the world, and embittered political landscapes.
John shares Jesus’ words, “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray they will become one.” (John 17:20-21 NLT, Bible.com)
Jesus prayed for unbelievers. In an article on the RedeemerRockwall.org website, they shared, “In his High Priestly Prayer, Jesus prayed for unbelievers – this means he prayed for us. We were unbelievers, yet he prayed for us. We also are called to pray for unbelievers.”
I believe that when we refer to unbelievers, we are focusing on future believers as well. Unbelievers are future believers. According to the Bible, all unbelievers are future believers because we are instructed to continue to spread the Good News to all people (future believers). We are told that God is calling all of his children to him. God wants all people to come to him regardless of their past; all can repent, and all can be saved. Being an unbeliever today does not mean that one will always be an unbeliever. An unbeliever is a future believer who can become a brother believer. We all sinned and fell short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), yet when we received Christ as our Lord and Savior, we joined his family and became one with him.
I leave this last thought with you – It is important that we, as God’s ambassadors, do not get caught up in the wiles of the day. We should continue to pray for all people and all nations. We must continue to spread the Good News and not fall prey to the evil one’s attempts to shift our love away from our Lord and Savior to him. Satan is a deceiver, liar, and killer who loves to sow chaos and destruction throughout the world. Prayer impacts, weakens, and destroys Satan’s plan to hurt, wound, maim, and destroy.
Blessings,
Lisa Blair, Owner and host of lisasdailyinspirations.com and Youngchristianwarriors.com
Lisa’s Daily Inspirations 