Always on His Mind

"How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them!"

(Psalm 139:17, NIV)

Always on His Mind

Have you ever had difficulty receiving from God because you thought, “God has better things on His mind,” or “This isn’t that important to Him”? It may be tempting to let your mind wander in that direction, but the truth is that nothing is more important to God than you are! Every detail of your life matters to Him. Scripture tells us that He even counts the very hairs on your head. He bottles your tears and holds them as precious. You are important to Him, and nothing that concerns you is too big or too small for God! Today, if you’ve had those discouraging thoughts come to mind, replace them by declaring the truth of God’s Word. Declare, “God’s thoughts are precious toward me. I am always on God’s mind. He loves me, and I matter to Him.” As you begin to replace the negative thoughts with the truth, your life will begin to change. You will see a transformation in your thinking. You’ll feel His love like you never have before; you will know Him in ways you’ve never known Him before, and you’ll experience His goodness and grace all the days of your life!

A Prayer for Today

"Father God, how awesome You are! How great is Your love! Help me to receive Your love so that I may know You more. Thank You for perfecting everything that concerns me as I daily cast my cares on You in Jesus’ name. Amen."

Happy Easter - He Has Risen!

Matthew 28:5

5But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6He is not here; He has risen, just as He said! Come, see the place where He lay. 7Then go quickly and tell His disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see Him.’ See, I have told you.”…

Speaking the Blessing

“The tongue has the power of life and death...” (Proverbs 18:21, NIV)

Have you thought about how the people in your life need your blessing? They need your approval. They need to hear you say, “I’m proud of you. You’re going to do great things.” That’s speaking the blessing. When you say to the people you love, “I’m so glad you’re in my life. You mean the world to me,” you just gave them the blessing. When you tell one of your employees, coworkers or a student, “You amaze me with your ability. You have such a bright future,” those are not just nice compliments. When you speak the blessing, you’re releasing God’s wisdom, protection, favor and abundance into their hearts. You can literally help shape their destiny. One word of encouragement, one word of approval can be what helps someone step up to who God created them to be. Today, choose to speak the blessing. Sow good seeds into the lives of the people you love. Remember, what you make happen for others, God will make happen for you. Sow blessing and reap blessing and experience His favor all the days of your life!

Promotion from the Lord

I know a single parent mother who was working hard, raising her children and trying to make ends meet. Every month, she barely had enough to pay her bills. She told how she dreamed of taking a vacation, but every time she saved up extra funds, something would break that had to be repaired. She was being her best, but couldn't get ahead. It seemed like she would struggle her whole life. But when you keep doing the right thing and keep passing the tests, you're going to come into this anointing of ease. God is going to make things happen that will lighten the load. He's going to take the pressure off.

One day, this lady's supervisor unexpectedly took an early retirement, and she was given a promotion. With it came a significant increase in salary. She was very grateful. Several years later, her manager, one of the vice- presidents of this large company, suddenly resigned, and she was given that position. Today, she makes more than ten times what she made when she started. She doesn't live under constant pressure. She can take vacations whenever she wants. She supports other single parent families. She said, "Joel, I don't really know how this happened. Everything just fell into place, and here I am." What she's really saying was, "That was easy."

I believe that's what God wants to do for His people. I believe He has increase in store for you. He's going to put you at the right place at the right time. He's going to open doors that no man can shut. He's going to cause people to want to be good to you. You may be struggling in some areas, but don't get discouraged, that is not permanent. Ease is coming. Get ready because promotion comes from the Lord!

"But you, LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high." (Psalm 3:3, NIV) Pastor Robert Paul~

Newest As We Gather Worship Service Link

The apostle Paul prayed in Ephesians 3:17 that we would be “rooted and established in love so that we would have power together with all the saints.” When we choose to walk in love, we have the power of God in our lives, as well as healthier relationships.

Take a look at our newest As We Gather Worship Service and Baptism/Communion held last week. Your comments are appreciated. Grace & Peace, Pastor Robert Paul~

https://youtu.be/xUhNdDOV3DE  

Keeping Connections Strong

Healthy relationships take intentional investments. I find this to be even more important as time goes by and you become more comfortable with the people in your life. Even though Joel and I work together, minister together and constantly see each other, we are intentional about making time for one another outside of our daily obligations. We love to take walks together or ride bikes. Sometimes, we just get in the car and go for a drive. We make time to join our hearts together without distractions. Because we spend quality time together, I know what to expect from Joel, and he knows what to expect from me. We make sure we connect on a personal level which keeps our relationship strong.

I believe we also have to be intentional with our children. We can't always be "on the job" as parents. We need to see their gifts and talents and share their ideas. We need to create personal connections with them and enjoy them as individuals. I enjoy my children as much today as I did when they were little. I learn from them and appreciate their ideas and feedback. 

I believe that one of the easiest and most profound ways to connect is by sharing a meal together. It doesn't matter which meal, but studies show that sharing at least one meal a day builds a bond of trust. Children who share meals with their parents are more confident and less likely to fall into peer pressure. Always remember that the seeds you plant into your relationships now will develop into a bountiful harvest in the future. Sow good seeds into your relationships and always keep the connections strong!

"Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." (Ephesians 4:3, NIV)

What Are You Tending To?

At some point in life, most people take a look at their circumstances and think, "If only… If only I had a better job…If only my spouse were like so-and-so…If only I had gone to college…If only I had the opportunities so-and-so had." We look around and think everyone else has it better than we do. But I believe comparison is just a trap of the enemy to get us off course and keep us from God's best. Comparison is the thief of joy, and if the enemy can steal our joy, he has stolen our source of strength.

There's an old saying, "The grass is always greener on the other side." But I don't believe the grass is greener on the other side; I believe the grass is greener where you water it. In other words, we have to tend to the things that are important to us if we want to see those areas of our lives blossom and grow. If you want better relationships, you have to invest in the people around you. If you want a better job, you have to invest in your skill set to qualify for that job and then go after it.

We all have the capacity to come up higher. God has given us all tremendous opportunities, but if we are focused on what everyone else has, we'll miss out on what God has especially for us! 

Today, instead of comparing, decide to cultivate the dry, fallow areas of your life. Begin to water and invest in the areas in which you want to see change. Let God give you a new vision for your life. As you take responsibility and tend to what the Lord has given you, I believe He'll pour out His blessing. I believe you'll see new life and flourish beyond anything you could have ever hoped or dreamed.

"The one who guards a fig tree will eat its fruit…" (Proverbs 27:18, NIV)

Don't Lose Your Shout

In scripture, Joshua and the people of Israel took over the entire city of Jericho when they obeyed God. Just like He said, they marched around the city for six days and then shouted praises on the seventh day. At the moment they shouted, the thick walls of the city came tumbling down.

Now maybe you've heard this story before, and if you haven't, I encourage you to read Joshua chapter six. Maybe you've been feeling like the people of Israel walking in circles for days. Maybe you aren't exactly sure what's going to happen in your circumstances, so you are just doing everything you can to keep going. I'm sure some of the people doubted. I'm sure they were tempted to quit. But they didn't. They didn't speak against their hope; in fact, they didn't say anything until they lifted up a shout of praise.

I want to remind you today that praise precedes the victory. Just like Joshua and the battle at Jericho, when you lift up a shout of praise, the walls and barricades in your life will come tumbling down. Those walls at Jericho were not small. They were so thick and strong that people lived inside the walls of the city like apartments. Maybe you feel like you are up against some tall, thick walls today. Let me tell you, those walls are no match for Almighty God! When you lift up a shout of praise, that is your battle cry! When you worship Him, He inhabits your praises; and when God shows up, every enemy must flee!

No matter what your circumstances look like, don't ever lose your shout. Don't ever lose your testimony. Don't let the enemy distract you from your mission. Keep pressing forward. Keep believing. Keep hoping, keep praising and keep shouting because there is Victory for all who call upon the name of the Lord!

"And at the seventh time, when the priests had blown the trumpets, Joshua said to the people, 'Shout, for the Lord has given you the city.'" (Joshua 6:16, ESV)

It's a new day here in Michigan and with the help of Jesus the Christ this Blog will once again start spreading the word of God for the benefit of both mankind and our animal friends.  Pastor Robert Paul

Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take with you nothing that you have received - only what you have given: a full heart, enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice and courage. Francis of Assisi

As We gather Service - Royal Oak MI

“Give us this day our daily bread...”
(Matthew 6:11, NKJ) “God, thank You for Your grace and favor on my life today. I know that You have a fresh supply of everything that I need—physically, spiritually and emotionally—today. Help me to trust You more as I seek Your face. In Jesus’ Name.”

Take Your Life Back

“...take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
(2 Corinthians 10:5, NIV)

“Father, thank You for empowering me to live in victory. I choose to take my life back by taking captive every thought and submitting it to You. Help me to live a life that is pleasing to You today and every day in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Nothing Can Separate Us

“For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
(Romans 8:38–39, KJV)

“Father, thank You for loving me and setting me free. Thank You for working in my life and restoring the broken places. Everything I have I surrender to You. Fill me with Your perfect love in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Nothing Wasted

“After everyone was full, Jesus told his disciples, ‘Now gather the leftovers, so that nothing is wasted.’”
(John 6:12, NLT)

“Father, I give You every bit of my life, my past, my present and my future. Thank You for taking every experience in my life and turning it around for my good. I know that with You, nothing is ever wasted in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

He is Strong in You

“And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness...”
(Romans 8:26, NLT)

“Father, today I give You all that I am. I invite You into the weak places in my life so that You can make me strong. Thank You for working in my life and using me for Your glory in Jesus’ name! Amen.”

Make the Right Plans

“May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.”
(Psalm 20:4, NIV)

“Father, search my heart. Help me see any area where my faith is working in the wrong direction. Let my plans be Your plans so I can walk and live in the abundant life You have prepared for me in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Do Not Be Afraid

...an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. ‘Joseph, son of David,’ the angel said, ‘do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit.’”
(Matthew 1:20, NLT)

“Father, I choose to trust in You. Even when things don’t go the way I’ve planned, I know that You are at work in my life. Thank You for leading me forward in Your plan for me in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Make Preparations

“...Prepare the way of the Lord...”
(Isaiah 40:3, NKJV)

“Father, I dedicate this day to You. Show me how to prepare for the blessings that are coming in my future. Help me guard my words and thoughts as I put my trust in You in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Run and Not Grow Weary

“But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount to up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired.”
(Isaiah 40:31, AMP)

“Father, thank You for giving me Your strength and power. I receive it right now by putting my trust and hope in You. I know that with You, all things are possible in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Protect Your Seed

“While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.”
(Genesis 8:22, AMP)

“Father, thank You for Your faithfulness in my life. I declare that my trust and confidence are in You. Thank You for hearing my prayers. I know that the seed of Your Word will produce an abundant harvest in my life in Jesus’ name! Amen.”

As You Wait

“Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen.”
(James 5:7, NLT)

“Father, today I choose to wait expectantly for You. I trust that You are working behind the scenes on my behalf. I put my trust and hope in You knowing that You have good things in store for my future in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Receive the Overflow

“...we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance.”
(Psalm 66:12, NIV)

“Father, today I open my mind and heart to You. I choose to believe that You have a good plan for me. By faith, I receive the blessings You have for me so that I can be a blessing to others in Jesus’ name. Amen.”