Solid walls

Here is your stone!! "Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.". (Proverbs 25:28 NIV). Self control!! As you enter this day, how solid will your walls be? Through open walls, evil enters in. Keep those walls solid and standing. He has a greater focus for us today!!

Favor of the Day

Here is your stone!! "and that the time of the LORD’s favor has come.” (Luke 4:19 NLT). I'm believing His favor is happening today!! Are you choosing to believe as well? There is someone who is dealing with some heavy things today that needs to hear this. Be willing to share it and believe in faith that it is happening. Believe it, share it, and live today with the faith that this message was sent to you for a reason!!

Grace

Here is your stone!! "God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God." (Ephesians 2:8 NLT). No matter how you view it, if we can be forgiven and given eternal life, grace and forgiveness are a big deal. How will you show that same grace and forgiveness today?

Still waiting?

Here is your stone!! "But Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!”". (Acts 3:6 NLT). Get up and walk! This lame man had been lame for over 40 years (Acts 4:22). Imagine the first thought that he had when he heard that statement. They helped him up. He was healed. Faith in ACTION. As long as we sit at the gate waiting we will never accomplish anything. We have to GET UP AND WALK? Is it today? Live it out.

Un ashamed

Here is your stone!! "If anyone is ashamed of me and my message in these adulterous and sinful days, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” (Mark 8:38 NLT). Ashamed - "a fear of disapproval". In our world, being a Christ follower seems to be shunned more than anytime except for the beginning when He hung on a cross for us. Are we not sharing because of a fear of being cast out? Or looking different? If so, does that seem nearly as difficult as being hung on a cross? He died for us so that we may libe for Him. We have to be strong in the truth and in sharing it. He gave it all. Can you live Unashamed?

Reconciled.

Here is your stone!! "This includes you who were once far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions."(Colossians 1:21 NLT). This verse is reminding us that the blood of Jesus was used to reconcile us (you and me) with God. No hard feelings. He has and will forgive us for our differences. He desires the relationship with YOU and I. Whatever it is that we are holding on to, needs to be set free. Love Him. Live for Him. Remember Him.

Position and Solution

Here is your stone!! "He is before all things, and in him all things hold together." (Colossians 1:17 NIV). Live this one out!! Imagine if everyone could grab this verse. Waking up and saying that Christ comes before ALL things and no matter what my day has in store for me, in Christ all things hold together. Yes!!! If this isn't a life verse for someone!!! I love God's truth and to think that He took the time to have it written down for us!! Say this one and Live this one out!!

Give in to be built up.

Here is your stone!! "Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand." (Isaiah 64:8 NIV). I love this verse. I also realize that after clay has been placed under heat, it begins to harden and is no longer pliable. God allows us the opportunity as clay to be softened again, at which point, if we submit to Him, give Him control, the end result is a unique piece of art. It begins with giving in to Him. Are you deniable or pliable? Allow God to show you!! Live this out!!

Listen Up

Here is your stone!! "Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches." (Revelation 3:22 NIV)
We must be ready to listen. God is speaking to the church. It is His desire for great things to occur. We can not obey if we do not listen. Listen Up!!

Climbing vs Sliding

Here is your stone!! ""Return, faithless people; I will cure you of backsliding...,,,". (Jeremiah 3:22 ). It's not just about those who drifted off the path once. God is aware of how easy of a cycle we can find ourselves on with a continual falling back. Going back to our old ways. Think about the image of back sliding, continual movement to where you started and chances are we get there quicker than we think since we can't see out of the back of our heads. We have to fight forward and climb up. It is a tougher task at times but a amazing place to arrive.

One solution

Here is your stone!! "There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12 NLT). We have one place to look for our direction, One Lord to serve, and One God to guide. Yet daily we struggle with what to do, where to find our strength, and how it will all work out. One answer rings in my head. "I Am..". Let Jesus be it All today. Live out the truth!!!

So that we.

Here is your stone!! "who comforts us in all our troubles, SO THAT WE can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God." (2 Corinthians 1:4 NIV). There is always a reason. If those around you read this verse for the first time, would you be a person they thought of as a person who comforted them? He comforts us, not just because we need it; He also comforts us "So that we" will do the same. Look around and live this out!!

There is Hope.

Here is your stone!! "Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.". (Romans 5:3,4 NIV). No matter where you are in your walk, there is always steps to be taken. There will be stumbles, drifts, and even times that we feel we are taking steps back. Truth is that we also know, that our strength is in Christ who gives us Hope. Persevere from where you are today. Right now, be prepared to move forward on His path. Live it out!!

Inside

Here is your stone!! "for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose." (Philippians 2:13 NIV). As followers, God IS at work in each of us. What an amazing experience and thought. Why then do we fight it so often, thinking we need to control a situation, or that if I go the wrong direction, maybe God won't know? We have got to allow His work to happen, no matter how uncomfortable or frightening that may be. I am praying for all who read this, and ask that you do the same for me. Let us all live it out one day at a time.

Inheritance

Here is your stone!! "But the love of the LORD remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children". (Psalm 103:17 NLT). Our daily walk with God is bigger than we recognize. It is about our growth, but is about lives to come. What are you wanting to leave one day for your grandchildren? Loads of money or eternal life. Seems simple. Love the children, Love the Father, Live out His word.

Daily Walk

Here is your stone!! "We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are." (Romans 3:22 NLT). It's not accomplished through marking off a list or by performing certain jobs or duties. It's not only a step or leap of faith, it is a continual walk of faith. No matter who we are, the relationship is there for us. Are you ready to start walking?

Foundation

Here is your stone!! "For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, ‘The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.’ "(Acts 4:11 NLT). Cornerstone is defined as the stone that is laid to either bring two walls together. It is also defined as a starting point for a monument to be built. He is where the plan gets lined up by joining our wall with God's wall. Through Him, a great work is done by God in our lives. The point that we must see is that He is the foundation of our life. Are you ready to allow God to begin?! Live it out!!

Commit my.....

Here is your stone!! "Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." When he had said this, he breathed his last."(Luke 23:46 NIV). I commit. Two very powerful words that we could and should use daily in our walk. What is it the you will commit today? What will you fully commit to God? Be specific! Speak it out and live it out!

Through God's Eyes.

Here is your stone!! "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you," (Matthew 5:44 NIV). We read this as adults and it is often hard to imagine having enemies. But what about those who attack our country or even someone who maybe doesn't agree with the choices in your life. The key is to not always look for God to make them your friend, but for them to become a friend of Jesus. Not to see things exactly the way you do, but the way God does. Not that they see you as someone different, but that you see them as God does. Live out God's truth, love others, praise Him!!

Who you hangin with?

Here is your stone!! "Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character."" (1 Corinthians 15:33 NIV). Now this will preach. We have so much control over this area in our lives and the lives of our family. Simply put, who are you hanging around? Want to improve your character - make sure your surroundings reflect your desires. Worried about the character of your children - change their surroundings. It is not just a "they'll grow out of it" or "I don't want to try and control them, they will rebel.". Really? God has given you a responsibility as a parent and a follower. Live it out!!

Lay it down

Here is your stone!! "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters." (1 John 3:16 NIV). This verse was the first one I sent as a txt, that evolved into the beginning of the stones. God showing me that I need to put my life as a lower priority and that to share my life and my testimony. I am challenged daily to remember this teaching. How can I lay my life down daily? How will you? Is it your story to hide or share. How will others know how He is working in your life? Live it, share it, and lay it down.

Line it up.

Here is your stone!! "But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first." (Matthew 19:30 NIV). This doesn't get much clearer. We have to move ourselves from self centered to God centered. When we put ourselves last, this Honors God. Time to line up the day. WHO is going to be your priority today? Live it out.

Paint by Numbers

Here is your stone!! "For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are." (Romans 3:20 NLT). Our relationship is developed with God the more we have an "All In" mindset. No major works of art are paint by number paintings. Let God turn us into His masterpiece by our desire for creating an ongoing relationship. Live it out!!

He is prepping you.

Here is your stone!! "For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him." (Philippians 2:13 NLT). What is God preparing you for right now? Is it something that is outside of your norm? Is it an area of growth? Is it a challenge you need to overcome? If i's nothing, then the question becomes, "Are you listening?". God IS working within you. That is the TRUTH!! Seek Him and live it today.

Listen Softly

Here is your stone!! "Remember what it says: “Today when you hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts
as Israel did when they rebelled.”" (Hebrews 3:15 NLT). Our hearts harden and our ears close. Why is it we cry out to God for help, answers, and strength, but so often when He responds, if it doesn't match with our plans, we shut our ears and heart down? We must listen and respond in obedience. It is simple; God is the answer while we are always in Question. Live it out!!

Watch Your Step!

Here is your stone!! "for the LORD is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.". (Proverbs 3:26 NLT). Haven't we all been told, especially when we were borderline on our actions, that we better "Watch your step!". That statement is basically saying you are getting close to getting into trouble. Isn't it awesome knowing that God watches our steps. He knows the steps to come and the paths we have taken. We have to listen, obey, and give thanks. Who is guiding your steps today? Live it out.

Give it and Live it.

Here is your stone!! "But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you.". (Psalm 130:4 NIV). Seek God, watch where He is working, join Him and know that no matter what, He is all about forgiveness. That is God. He loves us enough to forgive us!! Do we really grasp that truth? What are we waiting on? Give it and Live It!!

Time and Faith.

Here is your stone!! "I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he." (Luke 7:28 NIV). Get ready. Think about this, Jesus is talking about John the Baptist. How long had John's ministry been going on? Answer- about 6 months. Significant? YES. Now, the least will do greater. Do you feel capable or positioned to do great works? No? Well then Get Ready and Hold On. Give your life and watch
Out!! Live it out!!! Praise Jesus!!

PS

Here is your stone!! "Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city". (Proverbs 16:32 NLT). God wants to do GREAT things in our lives and it will be on His timing. Ever notice how we use PS in a note, a ending thought that often encapsulates the entire letter, or closes on an important detail. Our PS should be Patience and Self-control. Live this out starting today!!

PS. God is in control!!

Waiting for the Master!!

Here is your stone!! "Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me." (John 12:26 NIV). This was in my bible study today. Just before it, they had a statement. So often we have heard someone say "don't just stand there, do something!". Yet I think God is saying, "Don't just do something, stand there and wait for me!". Are we doing our work or waiting for God's work. He is alive and active all around us. Live it out!!