Breathing Faith.

Here is your stone!! "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."(Hebrews 11:1 NIV). What an amazing gift we have been given. One that the deeper we grow it, the stronger it becomes. The greatest acceptance of it is full commitment. Those who say that faith is built only on the things they can see, fail to recognize the question then of what is faith since you can't see it? Or how can you walk outside and know you will breathe? Faith!! It is often misused, unused, and forgotten. We Must Live It Out!!! How deep is your faith?

P and D

Here is your stone!! "God proves to be good to the man who passionately waits, to the woman who diligently seeks." (Lamentations 3:25 MSG). I love this version. Passionately and Diligently. No half way, no doubts, no regret - it is a FAITH FILLED life. Why then do we often find ourselves impatient, frustrated, and begrudging in our journey. Which do you prefer to be described as? Diligent or lazy? Passionate or dull, boring, & doubtful. It will start now - How will you live it out?

Time, Trust, Traction

Here is your stone!! "Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,
for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go,
for to you I entrust my life." (Psalm 143:8 NIV). We have to not only trust God, but have time with Him. In order for us to hear from God, we need to get up and spend time with Him. His word Is amazing and will provide us what we need to Get Going the right direction. Time with Him, Trust in Him, GO where He takes/leads you!! Live it out!!

Bridge Building

Here is your stone!! "But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.". (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV). Our Pastor taught that in sharing your strengths we build walls, but in sharing your weaknesses you build bridges. As Christ followers, we are a long ways from being perfect, but yet we are on the path created by our Perfect Creator. This may make others believe "we have it all together", which we know we don't. Your bridge may be what Is needed to save a life for eternity. Are you ready to build a bridge today?

The best Spotter.

Here is your stone!! "Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done." (Philippians 4:6 NLT). Have you ever lifted weights and had that person there to "spot" you? There to encourage you to your goal and to give you confidence that you would not be left with all this weight on you if you fail. We need to know that God is there with us at all times. No worries. Be thankful for all that He has done. Let Him know what you need. Live today with the confidence that God has given and the wisdom gained from all He has done so far.

Sense to steps

Here is your stone!! "My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment. Hang on to them, "(Proverbs 3:21 NLT). Common sense and discernment, to me sounds like our common sense and gut instinct. These are not educated skills, but rather learned behaviors from your environment. Imagine our common sense and discernment if we surrounded ourselves in God's truth. Today let His sense be our steps.

Walk and Talk!

Here is your stone!! "Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works." (Hebrews 10:24 NLT). The root of motivate is motive, which means to give incentive and prompt to action. As we look to motivate those around us, one of
the greatest methods is our walk. Is the actions you take and the attitude you express, an example of what others would desire? Are you walking and talking about the passion in your current location and your eternal destination? Live this out, another's life could be depending on it!

Good / 3.

Here is your stone!! There are always those times that you ask yourself, "What does it mean to be Good?". It seems like a question that we could over spiritualize. Yet, as always, God's perfect word helps us with these simple to remember steps. "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8 NIV). So, now that we have three things to read and reference, will we make the effort to make this real. Will you Live It Out?!

A perfect GPS with a lifetime guarantee?

Here is your stone!! "In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps." (Proverbs 16:9 NIV). The more I read this verse, the more powerful it gets. Let's just keep it real here. There are a ton of ways to get from Point A to Point B, truth is that on our own, we don't have a clue of the best steps to take. Give up the control and follow God's plan, it has a Lifetime + Eternity Guarantee!

Mountain Top!

Here is your stone!! "The Sovereign Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to tread on the heights." (Habakkuk 3:19 NIV). Yes!!!! His strength alone will carry us beyond our world. Let our feet walk for God and we will see His Glory with a mountain top view!! Having no doubts about our steps that are planned out by Him.

Creative speaking or heartfelt feedback?

Here is your stone!! "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ." (Ephesians 4:15 NIV). I never wanted to get a completely outstanding on any evaluations in my jobs, simply because it would not be true. As a leader in any capacity (parent, teacher, pastor, friend, etc.) you have a responsibility to be honest. That honesty must be given by speaking the truth in Love. It's not an opinion or perspective. It's also not a hidden truth or a time when you speak untruths in order not to "hurt feelings". You can't sharpen an object on a soft surface. Honor those you lead, by speaking the heartfelt truth.

Time to refresh?

Here is your stone!! "He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for His name's sake." (Psalm 23:3 NIV). Ever have those days that you need some refreshing of the soul? How about those times you feel like you've started off the path? I love knowing that especially during those times, He is there to bring it all together. We must seek and respond. His Story, His Glory!!

Some stones need to be tossed.

Here is your stone!! "And I will give them singleness of heart and put a new spirit within them. I will take away their stony, stubborn heart and give them a tender, responsive heart," (Ezekiel 11:19 NLT). Praise God for His specific word. Simply put, we have to care and love. Hard Hearts Hurt others and and are selfish!!! That is not who we are called to be. Today and this week, focus on showing others, no matter if its the driver ahead of you or the co worker next to you. A softened heart will take you and others to a level that reflects the spirit of God!! Live this out!!!

Is your house ready for company?

Here is your stone!! "so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith....." (Ephesians 3:17 NIV). If we were asked to host a VIP, would we make the effort to get our house ready and to keep it up while they are there? As Christ followers the Holy Spirit is living in your heart. Is what He is experiencing while living there? Is it a place of honor, respect and love? Are there moments that you just might be uncomfortable knowing He is there and it might not be as clean as it could be? It is a daily walk physically and mentally to keep it ready. Live it out!!

How complete is your resume?

Here is your stone!! Have you ever seen a person's resume, where they have either left off a job they had or were so vague, as if they wanted to devalue its existence? It's part of You. It's not only your experience, it's a part of your history! No one else has the same resume. "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.". (2 Timothy 2:15 NIV). God has given us the handbook and He doesn't do a background check, He walks with you along the trail. Our focus is to know the responsibility we have and to "Live It Out!"

Who owns your calendar?

Here is your stone!! "He is before all things, and in him all things hold together." (Colossians 1:17 NIV). In our world today, we are challenged with our time, mind, and trust; seeking ways to do it all. Now, the scripture just before this states that everything was created through Him and for Him. So I ask this question. Is the world that we allow to be created, our little world of tasks, times, and travels, are we following God's example? Are we creating our world in the same manner God creates His? Does our time reflect that He comes before all things and that we trust enough knowing that He holds it all together. Set your day up not for success, but for glory to His kingdom, which far exceeds our view of success. Live it out!!

Appointments or Opportunities.

Here is your stone!! "He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation." (Mark 16:15 NIV). Now if you read the verse before this one, you find that Jesus is talking to the disciples. What were they doing at this time after hearing of Jesus' resurrection? They were EATING !! How could they hear such amazing news and turn and focus on themselves? Are we doing the same thing? Is our calendar filled with appointments or opportunities. Live it out!!!

Hardware or Heartwhere?

Here is your stone!! "...The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7 NIV). In our world today, we create images of what every type of person is "suppose" to look like. From successful business people, tech people, athletes, home schoolers, and even Christians. Many are often looking for that "squeaky clean" look for a Christian. I can't imagine that was the case when Christ began His journey. We must throw away the "requirements" we have created as a culture. God isn't looking at resumes, clothing, or any of our hardware we have on our bodies. It is the "heart where" not the hardware that God wants to do His work. Where will you look? How will you live it out?

This way to success.

Here is your stone!! "Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do.". (Joshua 1:7 NLT). Let's think through this application as it relates to us. If in fact we were obedient to the laws that Moses delivered, not drifting from them, does this apply to us today? I mean Joshua was leading lost people to the Promised Land. Now that sounds familiar, as Christ followers aren't we called to deliver lost people, family, & friends to Jesus? Imagine the impact of our failed leadership. Are you ready to step up to a journey that has been going on for many years. Today, Live it Out.

To save a life!

Here is your stone!! "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends." (John 15:12, 13 NIV). How often as a friend are you asked to put your life on the line? In literal terms, probably never. I look at this and think of two words; Leadership and Sacrifice. Now let's not get into the semantics of the word "friend" but focus rather on our journey. Laying your life on the line, could mean standing up for the right choices of a friend, changing a bad habit that is influencing others, or laying your life out by sharing your testimony. What change or sacrifice in your life today, could be saving the life of a friend? What steps could you be taking to bring those friends to Jesus and saving their lives? How will you "Live this out!!!"

Tune in....

Here is your stone!! "So Eli told Samuel, "Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, 'Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.'" So Samuel went and lay down in his place." (1 Samuel 3:9 NIV). Remember when we would turn dials and tune in a radio? We would listen attentively for just the piece we needed to hear, then we lock in our station. Are we ready to go to that space and do the same for God? Are you ready to listen for just that word that lets you know it is time to tune in?

JPT Always.

Here is your stone!! "Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLT). That's pretty clear!! Be JOYFUL, PRAYERFUL,& THANKFUL. JPT! How's that going for you? I know it is challenging, especially when God places the words: always, all, & never stop. We tend to want to put a few buts or excepts into this scripture, which is where we fail. God's word IS Perfect and doesn't need our tweaking, just expects our walking. Choose today to begin to Live it out! Best step would be to start with the P.

Start Giving.

Here is your stone!! As I finished my reading this morning, I went to Proverbs and wanted to see what they provided for 3/9 = March 9. "Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce." (Proverbs 3:9 NLT). Many struggle with giving back to God 10%. Truth is, we should be humbled and honored that he allows us to walk away with 90%, which includes not only money, but do you give Him 10% of your time as well? Someone reading this message today, needed to hear this. My statement to that - Be Obedient. Live it out!

Are you talking about Who?

Here is your stone!! "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" (Matthew 16:15 NIV). Imagine this question being asked to you by Jesus. It is challenging because His question assumes that YOU ARE talking about Him! What would be your answer as of this moment? What will you do today to improve on your answer? How will you live it out!

What is in your tool box?

Here is your stone!! "The tools of our trade aren't for marketing or manipulation, but they are for demolishing that entire massively corrupt culture." (2 Corinthians 10:4 MSG). Praise God!!! Are you tired of what we face in this world? The cultures around us? You have the tools in your possession, use them to build the counter culture. Be a Rebel. Read your bible, have a great marriage, invest and spend time with kids, have family time, and serve somebody!!! Don't complain but rather remodel the area you are in. Live it out!!!

Love Train

Here is your stone!! "Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works." (Hebrews 10:24 NLT). Motivation is about movement forward. Encouraging others toward a goal. We all need it and need to do it! Imagine a train and it's process, starts out slow, then builds up speed towards its destination. Similar to many of us as we take on a new challenge. Think of the power of that train though. Once going its hard to stop. Which is one reason why they travel a different path than all others. Are you ready to encourage others to the love train? Or will you let them get stuck in the worldly traffic jam? Live this out!!!

Friends or Foes?

Here is your stone!! "Ransom me from the oppression of evil people;
then I can obey your commandments." (Psalm 119:134 NLT). Being rescued from the oppression of others. How much influence do those around you have in regards to your walk with Christ? Being oppressed is about being held down, pushed in directions that are against your desires. Are there people in your life that are continually pushing you off the journey? We must surround ourselves with those who encourage us, not shackle us. Ask God for your freedom from those relationships and be prepared, it could be someone closest to you.

No mice.

Here is your stone!! "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7 NIV). I love this verse. We can not be like little mice running around when challenges appear to be before us. Shyness, fear or anything like that is not part of the spirit that God has given us. Those thoughts should be cast aside. Live boldly for Him. The key is boldness with self control. We must move from a mice approach to a war horse. Bold but under control and discipline. Live it out!!

Making the Most.

Here is your stone!! "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15, 16 NIV). As I read this today, it really settle in on me. Make the most of EVERY opportunity in relationships, work, serving, and the list goes on and on. Think about it; If every moment of today, you made the most of it, what a major blessing that would be. It's every minute. It doesn't mean to be a workaholic or to never take a break, It is a call to our hearts and minds. How are you going to begin today to make the most of every moment and Live it Out!!

Them.......

Here is your stone!! "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of THEM, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you." (Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV). We all know them and see them at all times. It's difficult to talk with them, or is it just our fear of them? We know it is because of them that we must do what we are called to do. How often do we think of some of them and even pray for them. Why is it like this? We forget that at one time we were one of them and through the courage of others, who spoke to them, you and I moved from them to Him. How will WE be used today to bring them to Him? Live it out!!

What did you say?

Here is your stone!! "so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it." (Isaiah 55:11 NIV). We should be praying that every text, email, note, or conversation achieve the purpose of what it was intended to do. Yet as you read this, what a reminder of the power of prayer and words. As we pray that today, note that we aren't praying to only use the words that glorify God, but all the words we say will achieve their purpose. We must be purposeful in our communication. Will the words you speak today, Glorify Him? Live this out and allow God to be Glorified!!