1 Corinthians 7:17 "But as God has distributed to each one, as the Lord has called each one, so let him walk" It is terribly important that we heed God's calling by discovering and developing our talents and our spiritual gifts. If we seek to make a difference and if we seek to bear eternal fruit, we must discover our gifts and begin using them for the glory of God. If you have yet to find your calling, keep searching, and keep praying. He has important work for you to do and the time to begin that work is now.

2 Timothy 2:2 "Take the things you heard me say in front of many other witnesses and pass them onto faithful people who are also capable of teaching others" You never know how you may impact someone's life. The chance encounter, crossing of paths, what is said, how it is said, can have a profound impact. I am convinced that through God's divine intervention, He places us in the people just at the right time and in the right place, for a purpose. Sometimes it is for us to influence another, other times we are the ones to be impacted. This is why it is so important to live our daily lives with peace, hope, and service. We must wear the face and spirit of Jesus. We must position ourselves to do the work He has called us to do.

Proverbs 4:23 "More than anything you guard, protect your mind, for life flows from it" The mind is a terrible thing to waste. When we allow our minds to be infiltrated with negativity, self-doubt, hatred, that's what we become. The minds is an extremely powerful force that leads us to either wither and die or thrive. So we must be careful what we feed our minds. We must be conscious of what we consume and what we tell ourselves. Much like a flourishing garden, our minds need constant cultivation, nutrients, and sunlight. When we look in the mirror each day may remind ourselves that we are a child of God. May we guard our minds against those things that do not cultivate and instead feed our minds with the goodness of God.

Phillipians 2:12-13 "Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God. That energy is God's energy, an energy deep within you, God himself willing and working at what will give him the most pleasure" It's often difficult to wake up each day and face the world head on with an energy and enthusiasm that we so desire. Whether physical, mental, or emotional "drag", today's reading calls us to overcome. It is a reminder that we can find our strength and energy from our Heavenly Father. His energy is deep within us. He calls us to live energetic and contagious lives for the glory of His kingdom. So, if you find yourself down, find God's energy within you. Lift your head and your eyes to the One who provides all energy.

1 Peter 4:16 "But don't be ashamed if you suffer as one who belongs to Christ. Rather, honor God as you bear Christ's name. Give honor to God" Many years ago, as I lie awake in a bed, helpless, at perhaps one of the lowest moments of my life, I asked God one question "Why me?". The response I received spoke directly to the heart and has had a resounding effect on my life ever since. The answer I received was simply "Why not you?", "It's not about you". You see suffering is a part of our human lives, it is a tool that God uses to connect with us, to give us clarity, strength, and purpose. But in order for those things to be fulfilled, we must walk in the faith of our Heavenly Father and we must approach suffering from the opportunity to grow and connect more closely with our Heavenly Father and His plan for our lives. His intention is often to use the suffering placed in our lives as a platform for future creation and for us to go out and be spokespersons and creatives for His kingdom and His glory.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 "May the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ be blessed! He is the compassionate Father and God of all comfort. He is the one who comforts us in all our trouble so that we can comfort other people who are in every kind of trouble. We offer the same comfort that we ourselves received from God." Jesus spoke to the disciples saying "Take courage! It is I, don't be afraid!" This same encouraging and comforting message is the same message that so many people around us need to hear. As strong Christians of faith, we are called to be disciples, givers of hope, encouragement, inspiration, and comfort in times of need.

Luke 13:13 "He put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God" Unlike the leaders of the synagogue who turned away from the woman in need, and chose to obey the laws of man, Jesus called the woman to him and healed her. How many often do we overlook the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of Jesus, and share in the love of God, because we see someone as undeserving of our compassion. Or maybe we've experienced rejection because we haven't met someone else's standard. May we be more like Jesus caring for one another and seeing each other as the beautiful creations we are. May we share in the love of God regardless of status or stature and may we be a little more "human" to our brothers and sisters.

Romans 5:8 "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" Jesus showed His love for us by willingly sacrificing His own life so that we might have eternal life. We, as Christ-followers, are challenged to share His love. When we walk each day with Jesus we become worthy ambassadors for Him. When we share the love Jesus, we share a priceless gift.

Philippians 1:3 "I thank my God every time I remember you" Friendship is a wonderful blessing in our lives. A gracious gift from God. Today, as you consider the many blessings that our heavenly Father has given you, remember to thank Him for the friends He has placed along your path and in your life. May you be a blessing to them, and may they richly bless you today, tomorrow, and every day that you live.

2 Chronicles 20:20 "Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld" When you place your faith, your trust, indeed your life in the hands of Jesus, you'll be amazed at the marvelous things He can do with you and through you. So strengthen your faith and trust God's plans. With Him all things are possible and He stands ready to open a world of possibilities to you if you faith.