As the new year begins I want to be faithful to be an encourager.  I read Charles Stanley devotionals each day along with his Daily Principles Bible.  I encourage you to check out his web-sight InTouch.org for all of his materials, but with not a penny spent you can access daily devotionals and all of his recent sermons.  There are a host of other writings on the sight that I am sure will bless you.  I know you will be encouraged and learn a great deal on your journey with Christ as I have.  Here is the link: http://intouch.org/

January is a good time of year to evaluate our lives and try to incorporate new habits.  It signifies the beginning of a new year and what could be a new way of thinking and living for each of us.  The Bible says that we all fall short of the glory of God and believe me I can relate.  I quite often feel this verse was included for me.  Boy, do I fall short.  But you know what-I have learned and am still practicing to moment by moment dust myself off and continue on.  We should not be under a spirit of condemnation but one of redemption.  He wants to redeem us not condemn us.  Stop allowing Satan to cause doubt in your mind about your loving Father.  He sits on His throne rejoicing over us being quiet in His love for us.  Satan loves to conquer us through our thoughts.  It honestly I believe is his favorite battleground with each of us.  Because thought precedes action every time.  Take those thoughts captive friends and do not let them get away with you.  Store the precious Word of God in your heart because it is truly your sword of the Spirit.  Did you put on your armor today?  The helmet of salvation to protect your mind-the breastplate of righteousness to protect your heart and emotions-the belt of truth that your Father is omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, and sovereign over every detail of your life including the ones you love-the sandals of peace, beloved be a peacemaker and practice leaving tracks of peace everywhere you go today -carry your shield of faith to thwart the flaming arrows that are coming the moment you arise-and finally your sword-the precious Word of God.  His Word is meant to guide, comfort and teach us, so preach it into your life every day by reciting it in those moments of weakness.

God has called each of us with a special purpose in mind, only we as individuals can fulfill that purpose. Do not miss His best because your obedience will be the only thing that will bring you an abiding peace and joy that this world and its things will never give you.  My friend the Christian walk is trial laden for us all-but it is through those trials you will see Jesus more intimately.  So let us welcome those trials and confuse Satan, rebuke Satan and enter into a journey like no other.  He will be the lamp unto our feet and a light for our path and our cups will surely runneth over, we shall not be in want.

Blessings, April