The Daily Blueprint

The Word:

He Is Over All

1st Corinthians 15:27
For HE has put all things under HIS feet. But when HE has said all things are put under HIM, it is manifest that HE is excepted, which did put all things under HIM.

Jesus Christ is over all, period - He who made all things and spoke all things into existence has the power to save us! He and He alone has this power - and there is no force in the universe that is stronger than Jesus Christ! We are saved by His blood that HE willingly poured out on the cross - He went there for you and for me - He went there to restore the broken relationship we had with God the Father through the sin of Adam and Eve - left to our own devises - we would be lost forever - but praise be to God that He has saved us - redeemed us - and made us into new creations that are now pleasing in His sight - one thing that is true is God loves everyone - He longs for all to come to Him with repentance in their hearts and a song of praise on their lips to God who is over all - Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega- the first and the last - and the everlasting Father - In Him there is no beginning and can be no end - He is from every lasting to every lasting and beyond - our minds cannot fathom what God has done nor what He can do - all HE asks of us is to trust Him -to admit that our sins separated us from God and His work on the cross saved us once and for all - He no longer has to die for our sins - all this shows us that Jesus is over all!
Lets praise our Risen Lord today and forever more-
know that HE is over all! Amen!

The Final Word:
There is none greater then our GOD!

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CHRIST only did what the Father did - that is to save!
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- LIVIN IN THE WORD - 9/26/08-
JESUS SAVES - THANK GOD - JESUS SAVES!

The Daily Blueprint ~ Tuesday ~ 9/30/08

The Word:

Meaning In Life: the study of Ecclesiastes
part 10

Ecclesiastes 3:14
I know that, whatsoever God does, it shall be forever: nothing can be put to it, nor anything taken away from it: and God does it, that men should fear before Him!

God has a plan - and while we don't have all the details - we know that whatever God does is right and never wrong - He always knows best- and for sure He knows more then any of us - we are just here for a short time -this is not our final resting place -this is not our home - and the things that God does -He does because He wants to do it that way - He has a purpose in everything He allows into our lives - nothing is beyond His care and control -He sees all - knows all and in Him all things exist - without God there would be nothing at all - This shows us that our lives do have meaning if we will view them from His perspective and not our own limited one - What God does cannot be stopped by any mere man - He does what HE does for an outcome He is looking for - the trials of this life are so that we can learn to be more like Jesus - nothing is wasted -all things that happen to us have meaning - nothing just happens - God allows what HE allows for HIS purpose - the sooner we learn this - the more joyful we will be - we don't have to carry the load of the world on our shoulders -they were never meant to carry such a load - give it all to JESUS - He desires an intimate close relationship with you -won't you just trust HIM!?

The Final Word:
Where we are today depends on where we came from and where we are going... we can choose either to draw closer to God or further away.
CHRIST causes all things to work for good for HIS purpose!
- LIVIN IN THE WORD - 9/30/08-
ONLY GOD HAS CONTROL - WE ARE ALL AT HIS MERCY

The Daily Blueprint ~ Monday ~ 9/29/08

The Word:

Meaning In Life: the study of Ecclesiastes
part 9

Ecclesiastes 3:3-4
A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up, a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to morn and a time to dance....

Continuing on the theme of a time for everything under the sun -today's selection talks about a time to kill and heal - a time to weep and a time to laugh - the last part of this verse came alive to me this weekend -you see my great friend from years ago whom I have not spoken too for a least 4 years - its not that we don't enjoy each other - its the fact he has moved away and has a life of his own - we just no longer cross paths -that was until this weekend and I heard his Father had passed away - me and this family go back at least 20 years or so - and it was a joy to see many of them again -and yet it was also a time of sorrow - a mixture of the celebration of a life that was given to Jesus - and the sorrow of losing someone to death. There was weeping and there was laughter - remembering the old times brought that out even more - this life is but a cycle - if you are born- you will die - if you were lost - when JESUS saves you - you will be found - we don't find JESUS but He finds us - when you lose someone you love -its a mixture of sorrow because we miss them - but a time of rejoicing because we will see them again - as far as me and my friend are apart - we are closer then ever in the fact we are brothers in Christ - if you are in Christ -these cycles won't worry you- its all a part of this journey called life - we will lose some and win some - but in the end -we will rejoice in our lives that where lived for Christ! What time of life is this for you? Whatever time in the cycle - Jesus is still LORD of it all! Amen! Praise GOD!

The Final Word:
IF TODAY YOU WEEP - TOMORROW YOU WILL REJOICE!

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CHRIST is always with us - no matter what!
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- LIVIN IN THE WORD - 9/29/08-
Cry - Laugh - but in all worship GOD!

The Daily Blueprint ~ Thursday ~ 9/18/08

The Word:

Meaning In Life: the study of Ecclesiastes
part 8

Ecclesiastes 3:1-2
To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under of heaven: A time to be born, a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which has been planted....


Today's verse talks about a time for everything - the truth is the truth - there is a time to be born and if you are born you will one day die to these physical bodies - but in Christ that will not be the end - only the beginning. This place is not our home and from the look of things in the headlines - that's a very good thing - This world is full of evil and sin - but it was not always that way - before the fall of man - Earth was paradise - there was no death - no pain - no fear and no sin- but in the midst of the garden the enemy of our souls was lurking - his goal was to undermine God and cause humanity to fall into sin - before this happened- Adam and Eve had little knowledge of what sin was - they knew God given them orders never to eat from the tree in the midst of the garden - but under the temptation of satan -Eve and then Adam gave in and things were never the same - the good news however is God sent Jesus to this world to restore our souls to Himself! We now have meaning in our lives - while this is all true - if we should die in the flesh before Jesus returns - we will be going home! Since we were born -we will die - and when you plant - one day you will harvest - for everything under heaven there is a reason - nothing happens haphazardly in this world -its all on course by God - Does your life have purpose and meaning? Or are you just spinning your wheels - this too shall pass -and pass quickly. Time here is short - lets make the most of it for the Glory of God!

The Final Word:
TO FIND MEANING IN LIFE - LET JESUS FIND YOU!
CHRIST gave us all we needed in HIMSELF!
- LIVIN IN THE WORD - 9/18/08-
WHEN THE SUN RISES IN THE EAST - IT WILL SOON SET IN THE WEST

The Daily Blueprint ~ Thursday ~ 9/25/08

The Word:

His Mercy Endures

Romans 9:15-16
For He said to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not of him that wills, nor of him that runs, but of God that shows mercy.

One thing we can be assured of - God is a God of mercy - He who sent His Only Son to die for our sins - is the same God who reigns right now - God is on His Throne as I type these words - He is in full control and He will show mercy on those He wants to show mercy too - God can do what HE wants because HE is never wrong -never caught off guard - He knows all - Sees all and can be all places at once - We are so much unlike Him as we are limited but He is unlimited. Some think God shows us mercy because of something we have done - its not what we have done that warrants mercy - its totally and completely about what Jesus did - His death and resurrection from the dead secures our future - heaven begins the moment you are saved - now I am not going to tell you that when you come to know Christ that everything will go well - it won't - this world is full of sin -its full of evil - and the enemy of our souls hates God - he wants nothing more then have many join him in hell for eternity - but because of CHRIST and HIS sacrifice - we now have heaven to look forward too - imagine it - Our minds cannot even dream up what it must be like - the fact is none of us deserves heaven -we cannot make it on our merit at all - we must put our whole eternity on the line by trusting Jesus as our Savior - God's mercy will endure - He is a loving Father - and through His Son - His mercy endures!

The Final Word:
Sin's penalty has been taken away by the blood of JESUS!
CHRIST took our sin and brought us mercy!
- LIVIN IN THE WORD - 9/25/08-
GOD'S MERCY ALLOWED US TO LIVE THIS DAY!

The Daily Blueprint ~ Wednesday ~ 9/24/08

The Word:

Turning Away

Acts 3:25-26
You are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham,
And in your seed all the kindreds of the earth shall be blessed. Unto you first God, having raised up His Son Jesus,
sent Him to bless you, in turning away
everyone of us from his iniquities.

God wants us to turn away from our sin and turn to Him - The only way this can happen is through His Son Jesus! His blood is what allows us to come into His presence at all - remember that God cannot look upon sin - The Father had to turn His back on the His Son for the first time ever while He suffered on the cross - as our sins where placed on Him. Through Abraham the Earth has been blessed that's for sure - even though the nation of Israel was being persecuted - she continued to grow in numbers - God made a promise that Abraham's family would number more then all the stars - and today its evident by the size of this nation today. God sent His Son to take the sins that entangle us and set us free so that we could have a personal and intimate relationship with Himself! Jesus takes over and our sins are forgiven because He poured out HIS blood on Calvary for us. Once we come to know Christ- there is a turning away from our old life - we are now new creations - in some people the changes can be overnight -but others its over an entire lifetime - the goal for God is to cause us to be like His Son. The closer we get to Jesus the further from sin we should be - I don't believe in this life we will ever get to a sin free period - Jesus paid the price and He was the only perfect one without sin -the rest of us have sinned and will sin - the difference is we have Jesus as our Savior and He took our sins upon Himself - When we come closer to Jesus - we should be turning away from our sins - lets leave them in the past where they belong. Life free today! Allow God to change your heart so that you won't sin against Him!

The Final Word:
As you turn toward Jesus you should begin to turn away from sin
CHRIST wants us to turn away from sin and to Himself
- LIVIN IN THE WORD - 9/24/08-
Sin will keep us away from Jesus , His Blood will bring us back to Him

The Daily Blueprint ~ Tuesday ~ 9/23/08

The Word:

What To Boast Of...

Proverbs 27:1
Boast not yourself of tomorrow; for you don't know what I day may bring forth...

I was went to God's word this verse was on the page I turned too - and its a good one to think about - What should we boast of? The Words says not to boast about tomorrow because only God knows what's gonna happen- for it has not happened yet - so who are we to boast of what is not yet here - the same goes with all we have - it all comes from God and He owns it all - we just use it - this includes our very bodies - What then shall we boast of?
The simple answer is that we have been redeemed from our sins by the blood of the Lamb - we can boast that the righteousness we have in Christ didn't come from us - but all from Him - the Word says our goodness is like soiled rags - the spotless garments we now have come from Christ alone!
We all make plans and there is nothing wrong with that - but many times we just assume tomorrow will come - we always think that we have another chance to do whatever -but the truth is we have no idea -only God knows - the point to me is not to waste you life on things that don't matter - its easy to get caught up in our own little world and miss the bigger picture.
Lets boast in CHRIST and HIM crucified as Paul has said - lets be willing to lay our will at God's feet - and then we can boast about His goodness and grace -praise the LORD GOD!

The Final Word:
GOD IS GOOD AND BECAUSE HE IS GOOD - HE GAVE US HIS GRACE
CHRIST is who we can boast about!
- LIVIN IN THE WORD - 9/23/08-
Today is the present - yesterday is gone - tomorrow not yet here!

The Daily Blueprint ~ Monday ~ 9/22/08

The Word:

He Desires Us

ISAIAH 53:2
For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, & as a root out of dry ground; He has no form or comeliness; & when we see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him.

Left to our own devises we would never seek after Jesus Christ - we would have never thought about His great love for us without the leading of the Holy Spirit of the Living God - He draws all men to Himself - We would never have picked Jesus - there is nothing about what we see of His physical appearance that would draw you to Him - and our flesh is an enemy of God -all because of sin - we were not made to die -we were not made to disobey God but He made us unlike robots who function without choice -God has given us a choice - which is hard to understand when the truth of the matter is God desires us -God first loved us - God made us - He did all this before we came to be - and He loves all of us with an undying love -we are all family if we know Christ - He desires us so much He was willing to die for sins He never once committed - He choose us -we didn't choose Him - I may never completely understand this - this side of Heaven - but its none the less true - His Spirit had to draw us - His Spirit had to reveal the truth to us - for apart from God's Spirit -there is no liberty! But in Christ there is forgiveness of sin -and eternal life - Praise HIS name!
That He caused us to follow Him - by being so good to us!Thank YOU Jesus our LORD!

The Final Word:
I enjoy music and have written some lyrics to a possible song -the name of this song is "It's not fair" what's not fair is God died for us -what's not fair is JESUS paid the price we owed! Its not fair and I praise GOD for it!
CHRIST desires us!
- LIVIN IN THE WORD - 9/22/08-
FIRST HE LOVED US SO WE COULD LOVE HIM!

The Daily Blueprint ~ Friday ~ 9/12/08

The Word:

Love The Word

Psalm 119:140
Your Word is very pure, therefore Your servant loves it!

God's Word is His love letter to His children - in it we have the words of Life - the Words of truth and the Words that should direct our lives -Ive heard the bible called Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth and that is exactly what is - and above that - the Word is alive -its breathing and it can change your heart if you allow the Holy Spirit to work through it - The Word is cohesive even though there are many human authors - but the real author is God Himself -the Word is God-breathed - its only His Authority - in it we see the character of God - thought it many come to know Christ as Lord and in it we can be discipled to follow our Lord Jesus - the Word must be consumed daily - we should never miss one helping if we can help it - When you dwell in God's Word and it gets in your heart - you cannot help but live it - Its not about reading but understanding - I always pray before reading because without the Holy Spirit - the Bible is just a book - but the power is in God's unveiling though His Spirit - The Word is a live -dwell in it - consume it - allow it to light the truth - and bring you closer to Jesus!
Love the Word!

The Final Word:
If You Want To Know What God Thinks - Read the Word!
CHRIST is the WORD made flesh!
- LIVIN IN THE WORD - 9/12/08-
THE WORD IS OUR BREAD - FEED ON IT - ALLOW IT TO FILL YOU

The Daily Blueprint ~ Wednesday ~ 9/17/08

The Word:

Meaning In Life: the study of Ecclesiastes
part 7

Ecclesiastes 2:18
Yea, I hated all my labor which I had taken under the sun: because I should leave it unto the man that shall be after me.


There is one big problem with having so many things in this life- you cannot take it with you - now there is nothing wrong with leaving something for those who come after you - but if all your effort is just gaining possessions and status in this life -then you will have nothing to show for it when you leave. Everything we do today will one day be enjoyed by someone else. We should do our part to conserve what we have so that those that come after us will have something - we should all share this planet that God has given us- after all it all belong to Him, its just on loan to us - we all must face the reality that we won't be here forever -for we are going home one day - our goal should always bring glory to God - we are to be wise stewards of everything God has entrusted us with - none of us live in a bubble - we are not an island unto ourselves - but instead we must share what God has given us with others! This is what it means to help others in their time of need!

The Final Word:
What we consider ours actually belongs to God and is just on loan to us!
Let's pass it on down!
CHRIST holds all things together!
- LIVIN IN THE WORD - 9/17/08-
GIVE UP YOUR RIGHTS FOR SOMEONE ELSE

The Daily Blueprint ~ Tuesday ~ 9/16/08

The Word:

Meaning In Life: the study of Ecclesiastes
part 6

Ecclesiastes 2:17
Therefore I hated life; because the work that is wrought under the sun is grievous to me:
For all is vanity and vexation of spirit.

Some days we may wonder what is the purpose of this - why are here? Many times that answer is not too clear to our mortal minds - but the truth is we are here for one purpose -To the Glory of God - He made us for His purpose - not our own - He made us to serve Him -to Worship Him - we have a higher calling then just living for our selves - there is a whole world out there in need- we have been called to help the least of these! Many times we cannot see the forest for the trees - we miss the whole point of life so often - some think we are here to get comfortable - to earn a wage and pay our bills - but there is so much more God had in mind for us - if you are not doing anything for the Lord - why not pray and ask Him to show you what to do - your main aim is to please Him and not man - many times we allow man to dictate what we will or won't do for Jesus - bear in mind truth be known - Jesus does not need us - God did well forever in the past without man - HE does not need us - this should be humbling to us - all that we do here under the sun is meaningless unless its done to bring glory to God!

The Final Word:
Is God calling you to do something that you have not yet done? Listen closely to what HE has to say - you never know what HE might say!
CHRIST is our purpose!
- LIVIN IN THE WORD - 9/16/08-
JESUS - the only answer!

The Daily Blueprint ~ Monday ~ 9/15/08

The Word:

Meaning In Life: the study of Ecclesiastes
part 5

Ecclesiastes 1:18
...for in much wisdom is much grief; and he that increases in knowledge increases in sorrow...

Having great knowledge alone does not alone make someone great - The Word today says that in much wisdom there is much grief - sometimes I heard it said - the more you think you know -the less you really know -
Just knowing about something is not the same thing as actually knowing something - many people know about the Lord Jesus Christ - but that does not mean they know Him at all - with much wisdom can come much grief - if your whole goal is just to gain wisdom -you will be let down - and you will not find much meaning in life - this series is dedicated to showing you how to have meaning in your life - it all boils down to a personal intimate relationship with God the Father though Jesus the Son - its all about allowing God's Spirit to move you and mold you - its about letting go of what you want and following what God wants for your life - if we strive to find meaning apart from Jesus - we will be let down - many have tried to find true happiness in other places -some in great wealth - some in degree after degree or with a dream job - maybe its a relationship with someone that means the most to you - if you put anything above your relationship with Jesus - you will be let down - this is not to say when you follow Jesus that everything will go as planned - it will go as planned but not as we may have planned - wisdom alone is not enough to save anyone - it takes a relationship that will forever change your status in life - you will go from a slave to this world and its sin to a child of righteousness!

The Final Word:
To find meaning in life -LOOK TO JESUS~!
CHRIST should be our reason for living this life!
- LIVIN IN THE WORD - 9/15/08-
APART FROM JESUS THERE IS NO HOPE

The Daily Blueprint ~ Wednesday ~ 9/10/08

The Word:

Proud vs Humble

James 4:6
...But HE gives more grace, wherefore HE said, God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.

Our current world and the world to come are polar opposites - to become rich here you must gain the more -but to become rich in the world that is to come is to give it all away - to be first JESUS says - you must be servant to all - these are hard words on the ears of those in 2008. God has not changed what is right - and His ways are still not our ways - and sadly one look around the world will show you some things never change! The things in this world we hold on to - won't be coming with us - we may try and keep it up here but one day we all leave this place for our true home - here we are just passing though -there are many people who are so comfortable here that the thought of a place called heaven seems foreign to them - while others who have struggled from one thing or another all their lives - really do look forward to eternity with Jesus - I am afraid many of us in this great land have gotten too much - we have bought into the line that more means more while ignoring the treasures in Heaven JESUS wants us to build - we are all in the same boat - its a wrestle between being Proud like the world and Humble like Jesus - we have to pick sides because we cannot be both - no more of this one foot in this world and one in the next -we either belong to JESUS CHRIST or we don't - God has called us to be humble -Jesus says that He will give grace to the humble - to come to be a child of God you must begin humbly - pride comes before a fall says Proverbs - and its true - we all must come to God the same way -the same narrow path - we all have to come to JESUS at the foot of the cross where He paid the price for our sin - we must be willing to esteem others over ourselves -this does not jive well with the world in which we live- its your choice -either be humble with God or go away into the world and be full of self - we must make room for God in our hearts! We must not fill it up with this world but with JESUS Himself!

The Final Word:
The Word says that God resists the proud - what a bad place to be!
CHRIST became a servant for us - the Ruler become part of His creation! Talk about changing positions!
- LIVIN IN THE WORD - 9/10/08-
CHRIST CAME TO THIS WORLD TO SHOW US WHAT GOD LOOKS LIKE!

The Daily Blueprint ~ Tuesday ~ 9/9/08

The Word:

BLESSED

Proverbs 10:22
The blessing of the LORD, it makes rich,
and He adds no sorrow with it!

Today I want to talk about blessings -this is a controversial subject -there are those who want to say whatever you claim will be yours and it does not become yours its because you lack faith - I don't believe this to be true at all - many times God will bless us in a way that the world around us does not understand - sometimes the best blessings come warped in a severe trial - we sometime get caught up in our "problems" and miss the blessing right before our eyes -in my life as many of you know I am going through a very hard time but in this time God has produced blessings all around -if I just stop and see them - its amazing what God will do for you if you just let HIM! amen! One blessing is that my desire to help children has now been realized and while I don't have any physical children- God has called me to help those around me -those whom He places in my life - this blessing came out of hard times as a child - and I noticed there was a need that needed filled -this to me is a blessing - No I didn't get Earthly riches from this and many times I won't get even a thank you - but its for God's glory not mine - so much of the time the focus of those who say claim - name it is themselves - seems to me God wants us to work behind the scenes so that God will get the glory - we are not to be put on display so the world see us - but that the world will see JESUS! I have had many other blessings during this time of trying - I have seen so many people step up to the plate and help me when I needed it - there are many who I know pray for me every day - I know there are many who have become my friends in the last couple of months -all this a blessing - a blessing I may never had known had I not being going through this trial -
God will bless you just because HE loves you -that's why He made all this for you and me to enjoy - but this is not our home - so long as you remember that we are just passing though and keep your eyes focused on what's to come - you will bring honor to your Lord and He in turn will use you as a blessing! So be a blessing today and then you shall be blessed!

The Final Word:
GOD HAS BLESSED US MORE THEN WE CAN UNDERSTAND
CHRIST gives us the great example of being a blessing!
- LIVIN IN THE WORD - 9/8/08-
WHEN GOD BLESSES YOU - BLESS OTHERS

The Daily Blueprint ~ Monday ~ 9/8/08

The Word:

WHAT MORE COULD HE GIVE?

ROMANS 9:32
He who spared not His Own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give all things?

God gave us His Son - He allow His only Son to become sin - sin that He never once committed -sin that God the Father had to pour out all His wrath upon - How would He then with hold anything else from His children?! God gave us all we ever needed in HIS SON - that alone shows the love GOD has for HIS creation -that He would go to such extremes to save us - and to open the door to His kingdom - God sent JESUS for our sin condition - to take away the penalty of death that we all deserve- What more could HE give? If God never did another thing for any of us HE has already done enough! He already took our sins and cast them as far as the East is from the West- He alone is worthy of our Praise - He alone is worthy of our lives laid down for His glory - He has given us the best thing of all - JESUS! The One whom came to die - His whole purpose was to die for our sins - and everything HE did was for God the Father's glory! So if you feel like God may be with holding something from you - HE is! He is worth holding His wrath from falling on you - Jesus already paid the price in full! Nothing more is left to pay - God sent HIS SON - lets rejoice in this today - What more could God give to us then HIS SON?

The Final Word:
God has given us life - but not only that - in Christ we have abundant life - just take a look around yourself today - what has God done in your life -dwell on that a bit today - you will be blessed when you see what God has done in your life- and when you do - you will want to tell others!
CHRIST came to this world to make a way for us to be with HIM
- LIVIN IN THE WORD - 9/8/08-
WHAT MORE CAN WE ASK GOD FOR?

The Daily Blueprint ~ Monday ~ 9/8/08

The Word:

WHAT MORE COULD HE GIVE?

ROMANS 9:32
He who spared not His Own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give all things?

God gave us His Son - He allow His only Son to become sin - sin that He never once committed -sin that God the Father had to pour out all His wrath upon - How would He then with hold anything else from His children?! God gave us all we ever needed in HIS SON - that alone shows the love GOD has for HIS creation -that He would go to such extremes to save us - and to open the door to His kingdom - God sent JESUS for our sin condition - to take away the penalty of death that we all deserve- What more could HE give? If God never did another thing for any of us HE has already done enough! He already took our sins and cast them as far as the East is from the West- He alone is worthy of our Praise - He alone is worthy of our lives laid down for His glory - He has given us the best thing of all - JESUS! The One whom came to die - His whole purpose was to die for our sins - and everything HE did was for God the Father's glory! So if you feel like God may be with holding something from you - HE is! He is worth holding His wrath from falling on you - Jesus already paid the price in full! Nothing more is left to pay - God sent HIS SON - lets rejoice in this today - What more could God give to us then HIS SON?

The Final Word:
God has given us life - but not only that - in Christ we have abundant life - just take a look around yourself today - what has God done in your life -dwell on that a bit today - you will be blessed when you see what God has done in your life- and when you do - you will want to tell others!
CHRIST came to this world to make a way for us to be with HIM
- LIVIN IN THE WORD - 9/8/08-
WHAT MORE CAN WE ASK GOD FOR?

The Daily Blueprint ~ Friday ~ 9/5/08

The Word:

Meaning In Life: the study of Ecclesiastes
part 4

Ecclesiastes 1:14
...I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit...

If you want meaning in your life- you must be willing to get involved with something that is bigger then yourself - we must be willing to whatever God ask of us at any given time - life with meaning is a life lived following hard after God - we must put ourselves in a place in which God can use us - He will always lead the way - we just have to be willing to follow HIM at all costs - often however we do things that we think are important only later to find out they were not important at all - all this labor and all we do for ourselves is vain and it is fleeting -I am not saying we should not take care of ourselves - but God has so much more He wants us to do - This life is not about us - about our needs or wants - its all about JESUS CHRIST - He brought us at a high price and also made us for HIS purpose - us just being for Him brings Himself glory - He made us in His image -we carry that with us wherever we go - are you living a meaningful life? Or is the day to day drudgery of life getting you down? Are you in a rut? Surrender it all to JESUS and allow HIM to live through you - this is the only life that has real lasting meaning - a life sold out to JESUS - a life that is lived fully focused on our Savior -
Life that brings glory to GOD! Remember faith is an action word!

The Final Word:
A LIFE WITHOUT MEANING IS NOT FULLY LIVED!
CHRIST gave HIS life so we could have life!
- LIVIN IN THE WORD - 9/5/08-
ONE LIFE - ONE GOD - ONE WAY

The Daily Blueprint ~ Thursday ~ 9/4/08

The Word:

Meaning In Life: the study of Ecclesiastes
part 3

Ecclesiastes 1:9-10
The thing that has been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is nothing new under the sun. Is there anything that there is that it may be said, See, this is new? it has been already of old time, which was before us.

The world of Fashion is one place where you can see there is nothing new under the sun - if you don't like the current styles -wait a little while and what was once old will come back as new again - from Bell Bottom Jeans to mini skirts - to faux mink coats - its all been done before - retro is the key word these days - there are several cars now that have a retro look from the Vw Beetle to the new Mustang and new Camaro - as well as the new Dodge Challenger - these looks have been around before -just look at the latest movies -most a remakes of what came before -in these examples even things that seem new - are not really new - and the trial you may be going through now is nothing new to humanity - the Word says that God makes all things new - when He saves us - we become New Creations - so there is something new in the world if you are His! Politics -racism - hate has been around forever - at least as long as human beings have been around - again in God says that HE will do a new thing - He will put HIS Spirit in the saved the redeemed! HE will take something old as rags and make it brand new -in this world there really is nothing new under the sun - when we leave this place one day - the struggle will continue - we need to look to God to have newness in our lives- nothing on Earth will last - it won't stay so called new for long - but if you want something new -ask GOD for a new heart! HE will give you one - all you must do is ask and trust HIM as your LORD and SAVIOR! amen!

The Final Word:
Nothing here will last forever - It was meant to - but then the fall took all that away - JESUS thankfully has given us HIS blood to bring us into HIS Kingdom! PRAISE BE TO GOD!
CHRIST will take an old heart of sin and make it brand new!
- LIVIN IN THE WORD - 9/4/08-
WHAT YOU DEAL WITH IS NOTHING NEW

The Daily Blueprint ~ Wednesday ~ 9/3/08

The Word:

Meaning In Life: the study of Ecclesiastes
part 2

Ecclesiastes 1:8
All things are full of labor; man cannot utter it: the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing...

Let me ask everyone a question - are you satisfied with your life? Are you full of the joy of the Lord or has the enemy come in and stolen the joy of your salvation - the Word of God says that all things done for our own glory is vain - worthless -like chasing after the wind - if our focus is ourselves and not God - we will not be able to walk the walk in Christ - we must be willing to lay down our lives for the cause of Christ -this will bring meaning to your life - but it must come out of a relationship with Christ- we must have that figured out before we can help anyone else- we must live the gospel before we can preach it - and our lives will be the loudest witness either for Jesus or against Him - many out in the world are chasing after the fleeting things - not those which last - many of us without knowing -are following our way instead of God's way - its easy to do - especially in this day and age where relativity is now the accepted belief system - the truth is you will never find true and lasting joy apart from Jesus Christ - you can look many places and do many things -but they will all leave you empty and never satisfied -we must drink of the Living Water - to be filled and never thirst again -
What does you life mean? Where do you get your meaning from? Who are you trying to please? If the answer to these questions is anything other then Jesus - then its time to take a good look at your life and see why you do what you - God wants to use you today - trust in the LORD and lean on HIS understanding and not your own - HE is mighty to save! Amen!

The Final Word:
When you leave this world -what will you leave behind?
This life is not ours to live - but it belongs to CHRIST who bought us at a very high price -His very life!
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CHRIST brings us true and lasting joy that lasts forever!
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- LIVIN IN THE WORD - 9/3/08-
RESTORE TO US THE JOY OF OUR SALVATION, LORD!

The Daily Blueprint ~ Tuesday ~ 9/2/08

The Word:

Meaning In Life: the study of Ecclesiastes
part 1

Ecclesiastes 1:3-4
What does it profit a man of all of his labor which he takes under the sun? One generation passes away, and another generation comes: but the earth abides forever.

Today I begin a new series - I will do this series every other week - on the weeks I don't do this - I will just do open word - I will just do various devotionals on various topics - another words go where the LORD leads me-
This current series will ask and attempt to answer the age old question -what are we here for....and now without further adieu - here it is........

This world in which we live in is full of questions - one of the most popular is the meaning of life - some feel its getting all you can now - and worry about the consequences later - another school of thought is to get as much education as you can and get that all elusive high paying and high pressure job - still others feel that its showing their worldly power through politics or still others the meaning of life is just pleasure for themselves at any cost - all this is just toil under the sun says the author of Ecclesiates. We can do many things to find meaning in our lives - but in the end -what is left behind - if we are not spreading the gospel to the lost and dying world around us -our mission here is not complete - Jesus came and died for us - He took our sins away the effects are now gone from a spiritual standpoint, there are still consequences for our actions though. All we have and all we all belongs to God - He made us - He saved us and He wants a relationship with us! The meaning of life should be bringing glory to God our Father! We must be about our Father's business - we need to be willing to train up the next generation -we must be willing to plug into Christ so that through us the world will see HIM! What does it profit to gain the whole world but lose our soul? This is a great question -think about this today! Life does not have to meaningless - Christ is our meaning!

The Final Word:
If you are not living for CHRIST - then you really are not living!

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CHRIST came to bring us life - abundant life at that!

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- LIVIN IN THE WORD - 9/2/08-
CHRIST GAVE HIS LIFE - WHAT HAVE YOU GIVEN?

The Daily Blueprint /Sunday/ 8-31-08

The Word:

The Poor: Their needs, Our Response
Day 20 - Final

Isaiah 1:17
Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, please the case of the widow.

Today I will rap up this series on the poor - its been a blessing to do - its stepped on my toes several times- I was just praying for God to show me how to be more like Him - when we are not faithful HE remains faithful - when we blow it - He is still there to pick us up from the dirt - maybe these words will help you today to realize that God never wants us to be bogged down in the failures of the past - the past is gone - so if you have not helped the poor - today is a new day - you can begin today - God is really moving in my heart for the poor these days - but as ive said before - its not the physically poor that need our help - it may be those who are well feed - maybe those who seem to have it all - and yet struggle - those who have a Dad but they have little to do with them - the child who is always made fun of because he is different -those are poor - those are those in need- the widowed - how hard must it be for those who have lost their mate through death - or those who have lost a loved one to drugs or alcohol - maybe you know someone who has gone through the death of a child or a loved one - maybe someone who has gone through a divorce -those God has called us to help as well - so whatever you do - ask God -whatever you do - remember you are doing for HIS glory for the audience of One - not for others and not to earn your way - that's already been paid for - how it must hurt God to say we must earn what His Son already paid for - and once He redeems you - there is no fear of losing your relationship with Him -some feel its based on the deeds you do, not what JESUS did - HE PAID IT ALL!

I hope you have enjoyed this series - Id love some feedback -so drop me a line - Please I plead with you all to do something for someone else - get your focus off yourself and seek hard after God - there are many in need around you today - be JESUS to them!

The Final Word:
HELP YOUR FELLOW MAN FOR GOD'S GLORY!
CHRIST shows us what it means to have compassion!
- LIVIN IN THE WORD - 8/31/08-
IS GOD CALLING YOU TO HELP TODAY?

THE DAILY BLUEPRINT FOR 8-30-08

SPECIAL EDITION - THE POOR - THEIR NEEDS - OUR RESPONCE-
-------Day 19-------

James 2:15-16
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes, and daily food. If one of you say to them, "Go I wish you well: keep warm and well fed." but does nothing about his phyical needs, what good is it?

Today's verse does not leave any room for walking away from a brother or sister in need - to me this is all about those of the Church -those who know Christ and have needs -we as a part of the body should supply for the needs of others -this is one purpose of some mission trips - the one I took this past June showed me what it means to help other brother and sisters in need -and while we don't speak the same earthly language - we have more in common then we think - when someone is in need - James says we should help them - nice talk or saying you will pray for them is not enough - we need to met their need the best way we can - the whole point of this series is to remind everyone that there are many in need around us each day that need to see God in us - we are to be the hands and feet of Jesus - why do we do good things? What's the reason for what we do? Its the hope of Jesus - It not about gaining or earning salvation instead its about worship of our Lord -when we begin to do things not because we have too but because we want too - that's a change that God can cause to happen in your heart - when you begin to help those in need - you will find it becomes adictive - but its a good adiction!
Lets not leave those in need behind while we do what we can to met our needs and those of our familes - God has called us to lend a hand to those in need - lets obey HIM! If you see a need - seek God and see what He wants you to do - then do it! Amen! Lets remember HE is the LORD and we are HIS servants! yeah!
one final word:
We can be the warmth or fullness of Jesus to someone - lets be His hands and feet!
Daily Blueprint 8-30-08
Let God have your eyes so you can see the needs around you -
Brandon Heath sings about this is his song - Give Me Your Eyes!

The Daily Blueprint /Thursday/ 8-28-08

The Word:

The Poor: Their needs, Our Response
Day 18

1st John 3:17-18
If anyone has material possessions and he sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear Children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth!

If you have clothes on your back and change some place at home - you are richer then most people of this world - go a little further and if you own a house -rent an apartment and drive a car - you are among the top 10% of the world's riches - the fact is here in America must of us don't know what it is really like to go hungry - I had a time in my life though brief where I didn't know where my next meal would come from -this taught me to never take for granted eating again - with this came my need to eat quickly -I am still a very fast eater - just a habit now - but I am well feed -well clothed and though my truck is 10 years old - it still runs good with a little TLC-
We in American have it good - most of us sadly don't realize how good we have it - I know once a day I see someone on the street in need of money - some of these people really need the money for food - but others use it for bad things - but when we give - we have to give as Jesus would give -today's verse says that if we ignore the needs of the poor - how can the love of God be in us - as Ive been saying faith is an action word -its James that says faith without works is dead - its not that these works we have been called to do bring us glory or open heaven to us - but we do it out of a pure heart that wants to worship and obey the call of God - the truth is its not just about money -there are those around us who are poor in other ways - maybe they don't have a father who shows them any affection - you can be a part time dad for whatever time God allows - maybe someone is hurting deeply but you don't know what to do - just trust God and love them the best way you can-
believe me the rewards far exceed the sacrifice! We cannot ignore the poor and expect the need to be met - we have been given so much -
lets use it all for God's glory - lets help the poor among us - lets not turn away from the needs around us - as Phil Collins sang in the late 1980's - its just another day in paradise for us - but the world around us has needs we are called to help meet!

The Final Word:
The poor need you and me - God is calling us to help - lend a hand where you can - it only takes a willing heart - and an open hand!
CHRIST loves us all - no matter what!
- LIVIN IN THE WORD - 8/28/08-
Serve Jesus by serving the poor!

The Daily Blueprint /Wednesday/ 8-27-08

The Word:

The Poor: Their needs, Our Response
Day 17

Psalm 41:1
Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the Lord delivers him in times of trouble!

The LORD is on the lookout for those who will regard the weak and poor - those who are willing to sacrifice from their plenty to help give to those with less - its our mission as Christ followers to show His love at all times -there is never a time we can take the day off from being a Christ follower - to be sure there are times when we just don't feel like doing what God has called us to do - I believe that its sin if we allow that to prevent us from doing the work He has called us to do - if we would regard the poor - the weak - then God promises to take care of us - not that this means we won't struggle -there are days when a look into my bank account shows lack of funds - but its ok - God owns the cattle on a thousand hills and more - He owns it all - its all on loan to us - when we leave this place we have to give it back - I admit ive been consumed by possessions - if any of you have bought a new house -you now how hard it is not to think its more then it is - after signing your life away - you walk in and enjoy the fresh and new surroundings - only years later you see the ware and tear - we all spend a great deal of time caring for our homes- not that there is anything wrong with that - but if we are not careful - it takes too much of our focus - we begin to feel this ours or we earned it -but the truth is it all belongs to God -and greater still are those HE created that have real needs that are life or death - there are many hurting around us - many with a need of a simple smile or hug - if we look we will see the poor that are in need and we would give ourselves away for them - the purpose of this series is not only to tell you what's out there but to get out and help - faith is an action word! We are to be God's hands and feet -let's walk HIS way today!

The Final Word:
God gave us plenty so we can share it with others!
CHRIST is our abundance - our sustenance!
- LIVIN IN THE WORD - 8/27/08-
We often forget Phillipians 4:19 - we forget we can do ALL things through CHRIST who give us strength!

<>< 8/25/08 <><

The Daily Blueprint /Monday/ 8-25-08

The Word:

The Poor: Their needs, Our Response
Day 16

Psalm 140:12
I know that the Lord secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy!

Jesus Christ cares for the poor - He cares for those caught in sin - drug abuse, HE cares for those that no one else cares for - and as His children we are called to do the same - we are to love others - not judge them -we are to reach out to those with less and give them out of our excess - we all have too much while others around us don't have enough -It pleases God when we help those in need- and in essence we are helping Him - God cares - that's the truth - many wonder where He is if He cares - that question was answered over 2,000 years ago when God sent His Son to die for our sin - when He suffered for sins He never committed - the Word of God says that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself - Jesus came on a rescue mission to save the spiritually poor - in the same we are called to help those with physical - emotional and mental needs - God will give us the power by which to do these things - if we try on our own - it won't work out the best way - God cares -that's today's message- He has not left us alone - He is not far away - He is right here with you today - He loves you with a love that never ends - He loves you and those around you - He looks at all of us the same - Is there anyone you know who needs help today - maybe just a smile or a kind word - it really does not take much - we have the greatest example of helping the poor in Christ and what He did - we are to do the same things!

The Final Word:
The facts are God sees the needs of this world - and He has sent us into the fields to do HIS work-what greater call is there on our lives then to serve the Most High God? What more can we ever hope to do with our lives then reach out to others in HIS name!?! Lets remember He is the master and we are His servants! Not the other way around!
CHRIST Fills the needs of those in need!
- LIVIN IN THE WORD - 8/25/08-
BE LIKE CHRIST, JUST DO IT

THE DAILY BLUEPRINT FOR 8-23-08

SPECIAL EDITION - THE POOR - THEIR NEEDS - OUR RESPONCE-
-------Day 15-------

PSALM 82:3-4
Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed . Rescue the weak and needy.....

Do you feel the call of God on your life to help the needy and the poor? Has God placed in your heart the drive to help those with real needs today? Or have you contiuned on not caring about those around you who have needs - many times we get so busy with our problems and our lives that we forget to help those we come across - to be sure we cannot help everyone - but we can help someone - when God gets a hold of your heart - you will naturally care for the poor and needy around you - they have needs that God has called on us to met - its not always easy to help someone in need but when you do you will be honoring God! God calls us to defend the rights of the poor and the oppress - we are to stand up for those who are unable to stand on their own -we are to be advocates for the poor - we are to bring Jesus to them in a real way - not with words or pamlphets -not that there is anything wrong with either of those -but we need to show them through our actions! There are examples in the Word that show us we should care for the poor - we should do more then to say we are praying for them -we are called upon to met their needs - the truth is we cannot do this apart from our Savior - and God didn't make us that way - He wants us to depend on Him and Him alone - not on our talents or what's in our wallets - we must be willing to go that extra mile for the needy and poor around us -we must show them Jesus! We are to do more then just know Jesus - we must live like He would live - allowing HIM to live through us!

one final word:
We accomplish more by doing then by saying!

Daily Blueprint 8-23-08
God wants us to be HIS hands and feet- you may be the only view of Jesus the poor will see!

THE DAILY BLUEPRINT FOR 8-23-08

SPECIAL EDITION - THE POOR - THEIR NEEDS - OUR RESPONCE-
-------Day 15-------

PSALM 82:3-4
Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed . Rescue the weak and needy.....

Do you feel the call of God on your life to help the needy and the poor? Has God placed in your heart the drive to help those with real needs today? Or have you contiuned on not caring about those around you who have needs - many times we get so busy with our problems and our lives that we forget to help those we come across - to be sure we cannot help everyone - but we can help someone - when God gets a hold of your heart - you will naturally care for the poor and needy around you - they have needs that God has called on us to met - its not always easy to help someone in need but when you do you will be honoring God! God calls us to defend the rights of the poor and the oppress - we are to stand up for those who are unable to stand on their own -we are to be advocates for the poor - we are to bring Jesus to them in a real way - not with words or pamlphets -not that there is anything wrong with either of those -but we need to show them through our actions! There are examples in the Word that show us we should care for the poor - we should do more then to say we are praying for them -we are called upon to met their needs - the truth is we cannot do this apart from our Savior - and God didn't make us that way - He wants us to depend on Him and Him alone - not on our talents or what's in our wallets - we must be willing to go that extra mile for the needy and poor around us -we must show them Jesus! We are to do more then just know Jesus - we must live like He would live - allowing HIM to live through us!

one final word:
We accomplish more by doing then by saying!

Daily Blueprint 8-23-08
God wants us to be HIS hands and feet- you may be the only view of Jesus the poor will see!

The Daily Blueprint /Thursday/ 8-21-08

The Word:

The Poor: Their needs, Our Response
Day 14

1st Corinthians 13:3
If I give all I have to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing!

We can do many good things with our lives - We can serve the poor - we can help those with needs we see each day we live. We can offer to sacrifice ourselves for the needs of those around us - but without love - its all in vain - we need to be sure we do what we do for the right reasons - if we do what we do to earn God's favor - we have missed the whole reason we should do what we do - its about bringing God glory - you see we are His representatives to the world around us - what the world needs is love - love is what God calls us to do with those we come in contact with - we should be about the Father's business of loving others - after all God loves us and the people He has called on us to help- God could met the needs of everyone - but He has chosen to use us - what a privilege to be used by God to do His work - the poor need help- many are desperate - many have not eaten anything in quite some time and its difficult to met the needs - but with Love from God - we can do all things - Christ gives us the strength to do the work He has called us to do - we must be all about love- for its through the Love GOD has shown us through His Son that make it possible for us to love others. God has a mission for each of us - we need to seek His face and do as He says - and always be motivated by Love and that alone -not personal gain or so we can feel better about ourselves -its so we can actively worship God with not only our mouths but our whole selves! Amen!

The Final Word:
Many people do good things so they can feel good -
we should do good things because we love GOD!

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CHRIST shows us what real live compassion is!

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- LIVIN IN THE WORD - 8/21/08
To have compassion on others -we must be willing to share in their pain and suffering -

The Daily Blueprint /Wednesday/ 8-20-08

The Word:

The Poor: Their needs, Our Response
Day 13

Luke 14:13
...But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind...

Our attitude towards the poor should be the same as Jesus' , we must be willing to love the unlovable - the marginalized - those without possessions - those with needs -the need is overwhelming - but God is faithful and He has called many to help in this cause -its not just one part of the Body of Christ though that should be helping the poor -we all should - its not the easiest job - but it's rewards are very great! Just to be used by God to change even one life can be life changing for those He has called - helping the poor is not about what we can do for them - but what God can do through us to help them - its not on our shoulders -its on the mighty shoulders of Almighty God! He will show you if you ask Him - there are needs that present themselves everyday - I love today's verse- because when I think of a party - I want to invite my best friends -I want to invite my family - but when it comes to the homeless and poor I am not so sure in my flesh I would invite them - but Jesus says we should - We should not be a respecter of persons since God is not - He loves us all the same and we all must come to Him the same way - through the blood of Jesus - God has given us all we have - we have not "earned" a thing - its all given - we have nothing that we got without God's help - the poor need you today - their problems and needs won't go away overnight - still God has a special plan for each of us - we all have a purpose - sometimes we just don't know where to begin - I believe we should invite those who have needs into our lives - just like Jesus says to invite them to a banquet - allow God to use to you feed their needs - and by doing so you will receive so much more - its not about doing good works so good things happen to us - its about honoring God - so when you have a party -why not invite those you didn't plan on - so that you can minister to them -believe me this is a hard call - its not easy - but Jesus never said it would be!

The Final Word:
We should be imitators of Jesus - we should be doing what He does!
CHRIST loves all!
- LIVIN IN THE WORD - 8/20/08
There is no job to big when you allow GOD to do it in you!

The Daily Blueprint /Tueday/ 8-19-08

The Word:

The Poor: Their needs, Our Response
Day 12

Micah 6:8
He has showed you, oh man, 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!

The word in today's verse I want to focus on is Mercy - God says we are to love Mercy - for in one sense - Mercy has been given to all of us in the blood of Jesus - We are not getting what we do deserve and God is withholding the penalty of our sin so long as we put our trust in Jesus Christ for forgiveness of our sin - sin is the reason for death -sin is the reason for so many broken and unhappy lives in the world today - sin is the reason for all bad in this world- God could end this world at any time - He could and would be righteous to do so - we don't deserve His mercy at all -we deserve hell - sometimes people want to soften those words - but I feel we have to tell the truth - hell is real - and if you don't know Christ your sins won't be forgiven and that's bad - loving Mercy is part of what our new make up should be - we should be merciful to others -its very hard with our human nature - this also relates to the poor around us - to be sure many of them got to the place they are because of many wrong choices - but some due to mental illness or something that we not the fault - the fact are we live in a fallen world and sin runs rampant in this place. The poor will always be with us so long as the world is here - the poor have desperate needs - and God has called on us to met those needs -the task at hand is large - and we must go to God with our requests - and to see just who we should help, God loves those who are poor - just as much as HE loves those that are rich - in the scheme of things poverty is not a lack of money - but a lack of opportunity -
there are those walking the streets tonight that used to have a successful marriage - or job - but now have lost it all -let's bring them Jesus so that they too can share in the hope that we have!

The Final Word:
Our lives should be all about love!
CHRIST showed us love by dying on the cross....
- LIVIN IN THE WORD - 8/19/08
ONLY GOD IS LOVE!

The Daily Blueprint /Monday/ 8-18-08

The Word:

The Poor: Their needs, Our Response
Day 11

Jeremiah 22:16
He defended the cause of the poor and needy, and so all went well. Is that not what it means to know Me? declares the Lord

If we know Jesus then our lives ought to reflect what we are inside - there are times however when who we are gets lost in the day to day trials of life - we tend to lose focus and if we are not careful we can fall prey to negativity that does nothing more then drain the power of Jesus in our lives - we can say all day we know Him but if our lives are no different and He cannot be seen in our lives- we may want to sit down and pray and seek His face to be sure we really do belong to Him - I am in no way saying for you to question your salvation but to just reflect to see if you are allowing Jesus Christ to live in you and through you - when we come to know Him - He takes up residence in our hearts -now you can still go your own way but there will be no joy in that - today's verse talks about the fact that our Savior met the needs of the poor around Him - He loved them and spent a great deal of time on earth with them - He often said that those who are sick have need a a doctor - but those that are well don't - He loves everyone for He made them all - We too must follow the lead of Jesus - We must be willing to love those that we simply don't like -we must be about love - love for our fellowman and above all love for our Lord - Do as Jesus commands you - not what a man says for you to do - there is no power in doing what man says - but all power in doing just as Christ did - are there poor and needy people that you know that need some help? Ask Jesus where He wants you to work and then work - its that simple - lets make sure we know Christ before we lead others to Him - for without His Spirit -we cannot do a single thing!

The Final Word:
I am often perplexed when met with a need - I often see people broken down on the side of the road - this seems to be common no matter what part of the US you live in - many times I have stopped - but other times I have not - when these present themselves - we must be willing to do what the Lord tell us to do - this requires us to actually carry on a conversation with Him - He will never lead you wrong! Trust in HIM above all!
CHRIST came to save the lost - to heal the sick - and help the poor!
- LIVIN IN THE WORD - 8/18/08
You can make a difference in someone's life today!

The Daily Blueprint /Thursday/ 8-14-08

The Word:

The Poor: Their needs, Our Response
Day 10

Proverbs 14:31
He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God!

God's word is strong on helping the poor and it is also strong toward those who won't help those in need - This verse today says that those who don't help the poor show contempt for God - for He made us and everything around us - nothing belongs to us - we are simply here now - but will one day be going home - we must be willing to reach out to those in need- we need to do more then talk or just tell someone we are praying for them - Prayer is a good start - but we need to move once we hear the voice of God tell us to move -too much of the time we spend far too much time trying to do good instead of doing it - we have been given each day as a gift - this day is on loan to you -we each get 24 hours - and we have a free will to choice in some aspects how we will spend it - look for ways to help your fellow man today - look for ways that God can use you - the task at hand won't be easy - you will face many trials on the way to obeying God - He will empower you with HIS Spirit and will give you the power you need to do what He wants you to do - Do you feel the call of God on your life? Maybe there is someone He has put in your life for the only reason that you help them - I know the needs are great - but our God is greater - let's be more willing to allow God to use us!

The Final Word:
Many times we don't hear God - its not because HE is not speaking - its becasue we have not been listening close enough - God made us for His purpose - what is it that God is calling you to do? We are all a part of the Boby of Christ -we have differnt jobs but the same purpose - to give God glory, to love Him and others... that's it!
CHRIST showed us what it means to lay your life down for others!
- LIVIN IN THE WORD - 8/14/08
Today is a gift - yesterday is gone - and tomorrow is not yet here!

The Daily Blueprint /Wednesday/ 8-13-08

The Word:

The Poor: Their needs, Our Response
Day 9

Proverbs 19:17
He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward him for what he has done.

The life we now live does not belong to us at all - it all belongs to God - once we have known Christ- we get a clearer picture of this - we are called to be living sacrifices - this means putting aside what we want for the larger good - I admit this is not an easy task - the world in which we live is all about the flesh - about the pleasure that is here for the taking - there has a gradual shift from morality to immorality in this world -what was taboo 20 years ago is now mainstream - kids are being taught how to be selfish at an earlier and earlier age - (not that any of us even needed help!) Now affairs are hardly blinked at - and marriages not lasting long is not a surprise anymore -and it seems like we allow filth to enter into our lives day by day - there is but one thing that can be done to fix this - its a complete surrender to Jesus Christ - many of us have enough JESUS to save us - but not enough to make us holy!
We must be about our Father's business - the time is now - one verse (I don't know the address) but it says that we must work while it is day - for the night is coming and no man can work - this day has been given to you by God - He wants us to use it all for His glory - what would be better then having used up your life glorifying Jesus!? We are called to help those around us - the poor -the needy - the young - and when we do as God leads us to do - He will then reward us - what an awesome God we serve - He gives us all we have and then asks us and leads us to help others and He turns around and blesses us! Maybe you don't feel comfortable helping the poor - start out small - and always put your trust in Jesus allowing Him to work though you - you can change the life for one person - do as God leads you! Help those who the world has rejected and receive God's blessing!

The Final Word:
When people hear the world blessing they often think of good things- while this is true - a blessing from God may not always look good from our worldly viewpoint - so don't give money expecting God to give you money in return - He will always give us something better then we give - you cannot out give God! Amen!

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CHRIST came to save that which was lost -
be found in HIM today!

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- LIVIN IN THE WORD - 8/13/08
The poor are here for us to help!

The Daily Blueprint /Tuesday/ 8-12-08

The Word:

The Poor: Their needs, Our Response
Day 8

Mark 10:14
When Jesus saw this (The disciples trying to keep the kids from Jesus) He was indignant! He said to them, "Let the children come to Me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these..."

Today's verse is one that Dr.Wess Stafford of Compassion International always uses to tell others of the need to help the children of our world - he says that children are the ones who suffer most when there are problems. Its the children that are the people of tomorrow- and they need help - many are suffering at the hands of poverty - Jesus has called us to reach out to those in need - and not to hinder them - the disciples where not trying to mean I don't believe -they thought it was more important for Jesus to rest then for Him to be bothered by some rug-rats - but Jesus saw it differently - He saw their need and His love for them compelled Jesus to reach out to them - to touch then with His holy hands of love and develop a personal relationship with each child that came to Him - you see Jesus never turned away anyone - no matter where they fit into society - He loves all people - HE does not divide them the same way we do - many times adults think of kids are second class citizens but Jesus didn't take that view and neither should we - I don't have any natural children - but yet God has called me to help the children in my life -those at church - those that God places in my path - to reach out to them - many of them just need a little love and attention - where is God calling you? Maybe its to sponcer a child in need in a far off land - Maybe its to be a big brother or sister to a child in your town - maybe its to become a Youth minister or to work with Awana or some other facet of need - the point Jesus has made is that we should love them and help them and in doing so we serve Jesus Himself - so don't hinder the children in your life -but let them come to JESUS - for He is all they really need -be Jesus to a child today - love them in HIS name!

The Final Word:
To sponcer a child through Compassion - visit www.compassion.com
through Mission of Mercy - visit www.missionofmercy.org
or through World Vision - visit www.worldvision.org
Help a child in need today!
CHRIST held the children in His arms of love and hope!

- LIVIN IN THE WORD - 8/12/08
Jesus says we must come to Him like a child!
Let's bring as many children to Him as we can!

The Daily Blueprint /Monday/ 8-11-08

The Word: The Poor: Their needs, Our Response

Day 7

Mark 9:37

Whoever welcomes one of these little children in My name welcomes Me, and whoever welcomes me does not welcome Me but He who sent Me!

The call Jesus has on the life of His followers is to imitate Him - this was said twice yesterday in two different settings- God wants us to be conformed into the image of His Son - but to do this - we cannot try hard enough - or have the best intentions - we must surrender and then submit to God before He can begin to use us - we must be willing to do the hard things- things that are inconvenient - things that we really don't want to do but are willing to do just out of the shear fact that Jesus is worthy of our worship - If we welcome someone in out lives with real difficult needs - and we depend on the grace of God - we welcome Jesus - What we do to the least of these -we do to Him -this message is presented over and over in the new testament - Jesus is our example -He loved everyone He came in contact with - sometimes He had to speak the truth that the receiver didn't want to hear - sometimes He had to drive out those who used His house as a den of robbers instead of the house of prayer it is! We must be willing to help those that on our own we cannot help - we must trust in the grace God has given us to help those around us -we can try and do it in our power - but we won't be doing anything that will last -whatever we do - we must do it for God's glory - those with needs are around us each day - we must be willing to help them - and in doing so -we are serving our Lord Jesus! The Final Word:What is the reason we do what we do? What is the reason for our Hope?Think about that.CHRIST came to show us the way to the Father-

LIVIN IN THE WORD - 8/11/08

What needs need fulfilling in your corner of the world?

THE DAILY BLUEPRINT FOR 8-9-08

SPECIAL EDITION - THE POOR - THEIR NEEDS - OUR RESPONCE

--------Day 6-------

Matthew 25:44-46...

They also will say, "Lord when did we see you hungry or thisty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help You?" Jesus will reply, "I tell you the truth, whatsoever you did not do for the least of these you did not do for Me." Then they will go away to eternal punishment, the righteous to eternal life...

These verse from Matthew are very harsh but to the point - Jesus does not mence words at all - He says that if we don't help the poor - its like saying no to His request for Help- what an odd thing to say - because many of us would respond in the same way by saying -when did we see you poor - sick - in need? Jesus knows our hearts and He knows since HE created everything -what makes us tick - He knows that its human nature NOT to help those in need - just the other day I was driving down the road and I saw a stalled car in the middle of the road on the island -Id love to tell everyone I stopped and helped them and got blessed by it - but the turth is I didn't stop- well that was until God kind convicted me - He said to go back - I did as God said this time and I found the car on the side with some other guys helping them - Jesus was saying that we should help all those we come across - and in doing so we help Him - many times its fear or its the risk of our comfort that causes us to turn away from those in need - the end of these verses sure seems harsh to me but I believe what Jesus is saying that when we have His Spirit inside us we will help those in need- that's the differnace between us and those without Christ -we help out of worship - that should ALWAYS be our motivation - not rewards -lets help those that Jesus sends our way - and in doing so you will be helping Jesus Himself! Amen!? one final word:The words in God's word seems to be action words - its not enough to read it - it's not enough to wish you brother in need well - what is enough is actually physically - mentally or emtionally helping those in need -so stop sitting here and go where GOD calls you to go!

Daily Blueprint 8-9-08

JESUS says the poor will always be with us -good thing JESUS also will always be with us!

the following is in response to one of the devotionals from last week-these words mean so much! Allow God to use them to show you His mercy - His grace in the poor around us! Kathleen writes: =-) The verse you used for today is a good one for mission work and helping those in need. I have another thought about this Scripture, from my experiences in Baja. Where it says "At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality! ". Each time we go to Baja we bring clothes and medical supplies and school supplies and many "things" that the people need. We bring of our plenty to supply what they need. And every time, at the end of our week, I go home filled with a renewed and strengthened spirit, a sort of "recharge" of my spiritual batteries, and a realignment of my priorities! That is the people of Camalu's plenty that supplies my need! Their life is simple and their daily struggles are for basic necessities of living, but in that, their lives are not cluttered with all the material things we often let control our lives. They don't fret over what's for dinner, they are happy to have something to eat for dinner! They are very family oriented and spend a lot of time with their children and helping their neighbors. It seems that without a lot of material things filling their lives and taking their time and attention, their simple lives are filled with God and family! Being with them and working with them is a wakeup call for me. I don't think that means we necessarily need to get rid of all the things we have, because God has blessed us greatly. But we need to be very careful not to put these things ahead of God and to thank Him daily for the many blessings He has bestowed on us. We need to seek His Will in how to use these blessings - this plenty - to help others. And watch carefully as we go through our lives to be aware of "plenty" that others may have and give to is that we may not recognize as plenty! God is so Good and His Plan and Creation is awesome and marvelous.We are blessed! Love,Kathleen

The Daily Blueprint /Thursday/ 8-7-08

The Word:

The Poor: Their needs, Our Response
Day 5

2nd Corinthians 8:3,14
For I testify that they gave as much as they where able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own... At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality!

God's message that inspired Paul was this - that our plenty will supply for the needs of those without - many times we overlook the blessings God has given us - we tend to think what we have belongs to us - but it really does not - its all belongs to God - its all from God and it all goes back to God -
without Him - there would be nothing! God sees us all as equal - although man may rate people - God gets the final say - and what He says is always true - for God cannot lie! He wants His children to share - He wants us to love each other -and He longs for the lost to be saved - that's the whole point after all - the saving of many for the glory of God -
one way this is displayed is helping those in need -
I want to continue to pound this message this month -
I pray that some of you have looked at where you can help -
and I hope some of you are doing things that don't come naturally - so that God gets all the glory - from birth we are taught many things -some are very good while others not so good - one thing we seem to be saying is to be self-sufficient - do what you can do and then ask God - this is not the way it should be at all - the same goes with helping the needy - lets never get to a place where we feel we are better then those we help - once pride slips in - the gospel message is removed - for those we help will no longer see Jesus in our actions - we must spend much time in prayer and seek what God will have us do - there are needs around us everyday - join in the fight against poverty - spread the gospel through your love of His people!

The Final Word:
Our Mission: To love others by helping with their needs -
The outcome: totally up to God and not us!
Listen and obey! That's it!
CHRIST gives us so much so we can share!
- LIVIN IN THE WORD - 8/7/08
What we have is not ours - it all belongs to GOD!

The Daily Blueprint /Wednesday/ 8-6-08

The Word:

The Poor: Their needs, Our Response
Day 4

1st Timothy 6:17-18
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.

Do you realize we are among the richest in this world - its hard to believe I know when you look at your bills - or see your the cost of everything rising around us - its hard to believe we are rich - it all has to do with what you see - sometimes we get caught in our own little world forgetting there are those that have very little - one way to have your eyes opened up is to go on a mission trip - I took my first one on Memorial Day weekend down to the Mississippi Gulf Coast and my second about a month later to Baja Mexico - these people have so very little in way of possessions - but they have joy like I have not seen among us -we must make the connection that stuff does not make us better off -we all need the same God for the same reason - apart from Him we are nothing at all - going on a mission trip is not about you at all - its about spreading the gospel of our Lord Jesus - its about getting out of our comfort zones and getting out there and serving our Lord - its about helping those in need - the whole idea of helping the poor is not to make the rich in this world - but in the one to come - the idea is to show the love of Jesus to these people and in return Jesus will use you to do it. We must not get caught up in what we have compared to what they have - they don't miss what they have never had - we can be the hands and feet of Jesus-
for more info on going on a mission trip - please visit one of these sights below - you can make a differance in the lives of the poor - it just takes one step - a step of faith - and a leap of action!

www.perlingtonms.com

http://bajamissions.us/

The Final Word:
When you help others you end up helping yourself - you cannot out give God!
CHRIST dwells in us to live out of us!
- LIVIN IN THE WORD - 8/6/08
Go where God leads - one foot in front of the other - one step at a time

The Daily Blueprint /Tuesday/ 8-5-08

The Word:

The Poor: Their needs, Our Response
Day 3

Galatians 2:10
Only they would that we should remember the poor, the same which I also was forward to do.

Paul says it simply - that we should remember the poor - another words we should not get wrap up in our own little world with our own problems leaving out those who need us the most -we must be willing to go - simply put -we must be willing to forsake what we want to do to help those who have many needs that God has called us to try and fill - remembering the poor means to remember what they mean to God - for He made all people - and He loves all people the same -what impresses people does not impress Him -for He looks on our hearts- that's one issue we all have - sometimes we rush to judgment and refuse to help the poor around us because we feel they got themselves into this predicament and we are therefore excused from helping as the Lord lead us - this is not pleasing to God - He wants His people to be known by their love - what are you doing in your life right now to show the love of Jesus in a vivid way? Lets be challenged by what Paul was inspired by God to write - that we must remember the poor - James says that religion that is pure and undefiled is that which causes people to visit the poor and the widowed in their time of need - the orphans as well.
We must be willing to get out of our comfort zones - and by this I mean the four walls of the church - we must be willing to get out off the pew and do -
we spend far too much time talking about what we need to do and not enough time actually doing it - again I am preaching to myself as well - Its not easy helping the poor - but God commands it - we must be willing to be a vessel that He can use - its not up to us but the indwelling Spirit of God that leads us to do what we should do - let's remember the poor -always.

The Final Word:
We can say we love others - but what are our actions saying?
CHRIST commands us to help the poor!
- LIVIN IN THE WORD - 8/5/08
It's not money that makes a person - it's God!

The Daily Blueprint /Monday/ 8-4-08

The Word:

The Poor: Their needs, Our Response
Day 2

2nd Corinthians 9:10-15
Now he that ministers seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness...

In today's verse it talks about the seed given to the sower - I believe God wants us to take from this the fact that we all are connected -we all have some gift God has given us that He wants us to use for His glory - He has a message for us - we are to help those He has placed in our lives - there is not one person we come across in our daily lives that does not have some type of need- our mission from God is to help those around us - to love them as Christ loves us - this includes the poor - sadly most of the poor are forgotten - looked over -and thought of us less then those of us with plenty - but this is not the attitude of God - He loves the downtrodden - He loves those whom the world has given up on - He loves the homeless and those we all seem to want to avoid - we must face the facts that the poor will always be with us - until that day Jesus calls this world to end - until that time -we will have those who have physical needs -those who have nothing while we have so much - God didn't give us what we have so that we could hoard it and keep it to ourselves - He wants us to use what He has given us - and the truth is that we have nothing that was not given to us - our very lives are a gift from God - how can so many of us just take that for granted - God has a mission for us - each of us - have you prayed about what God wants you to do - where does He want you to go - the needs are all around us -
let God use you today - be seed that can plant the gospel in the hearts of those in need- lets show Christ like love to those who have been passed over by a world that is too focused on personal comfort and pleasure and less on following the lead JESUS set forth for us -all you need to do is read the gospel accounts to see what God thinks of the poor - He wants us to be His hands and feet- if you won't answer the call - He will find someone else to do what others have refused to do - its all about HIM!
The seed is from God and the field is from Him as well-
lets plant and allow God to water the seed and grow up in righteousness!

one final word:
God loves everyone -even those we have found it hard to love - God loves the poor - those we sometimes don't even see in our busy lives-
let's pray that God give us His eyes -
(thanks to Brandon Heath and his song - "Give me Your eyes"
for the inspiration for one final word today....
CHRIST wants to be glorified in our lives- let's allow Him to do it!
- LIVIN IN THE WORD - 8/4/08
The need is great but GOD is greater!

THE DAILY BLUEPRINT FOR 8-3-08
SPECIAL EDITION - THE POOR - THEIR NEEDS - OUR RESPONCE-
-------Day 1-------

2nd Corinthians 8:2-4
How that in a great trial of afflction the abundance of their joy and their deep proverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality..for to their power , I bear record, yea, beyond their power they were willing themselves; praying us with much entreaty that we would recieve the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints!

Today begins a new series on the poor -
Through much prayer and reflection -
along with going through a massive trial in my life this year - and going on my first Mission Trip - has really opened my eyes to the real need in the world for the hope of Jesus Christ- In Baja Mexico - I learned that many only make $2 a day - and their are so desepertly poor - and yet they are full of joy - many don't know what they are missing -
We all can do something - it does not take much - we all have been given all we have and God wants us to share some with others -its not a great scarifice for us - but the dividens are well worth it - the surprsing thing about the poor is their joy - their willingness to give to us who have much - I found this on the mission trip -and in the letters from my sponcered children - The poor want to feel needed- viladed - what they don't need is for us to feel sorry for them - but instead to love them as equals - what they have and what money they make does not define them -

God's challange is for us to help those in need - we become His hands and feet when we help those in need -and the funny thing is we end up getting more then we gave -
there are opperunties all around us each and every day - I hope during this month to present you some options of what you can do -
they can be as simple as teaching children the gospel - working in the nursery -
helping at the local rescue mission - sponcering a child in a far off land -
helping at the food bank - any of number of ways to help those in need-
The whole point is to get our minds off oursleves and our so called problems and help the poor around us - I know its been a hard year -with fuel prices and all prices going up -
but lets not forget God made it all and owns it all -
we have a responsablity to help those in need-
Jesus said when we help them -we are doing the same for Jesus-
So go where HE calls you - do whatever He wants you to do -
and together we can lend a hand - give a smile - change a life-
and it could be our lives that are the most changed-

The poor have needs - but they give us so much back!

JESUS SAID THAT THE POOR WOULD ALWAYS BE WITH US -
Lets help them - love them - bless them!and JESUS will do the same to us!AMEN!

Look for a month of devotionals that deal with the poor - those in need-
and those who don't know JESUS -
be JESUS to someone today!its up to you
but the power comes from GOD!

one final word:
The Poor need us as much as we need them.

Daily Blueprint 8-3-08
Do what JESUS would do....help the poor
LIVIN IN THE WORD & PRAYER MINISTRIESGOD'S Word is the Blueprint for a life lived for CHRISTEmail: INTHEWORD2004@aol.com Blog site: http://livinintheword.blogspot.com/

The Daily Blueprint / Monday / 7-28-08

THE WORD:

Psalms & Proverbs - Day 14

Psalm 2:8
Ask of Me, and I shall give you the heathen for your inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for your possession.

This verse does not seem to make much sense to me to be honest -it is my guess that it seems like God is saying that if we want to follow after this world He will give us over to it - this is what I get from it - God wants what's best for us - but He won't stand in the way of what we want - He wants pure and true worship - not forced worship - He wants us to love Him because of who HE is - not for what He does or can do -
He wants guarantee people who love Him with not only words but with action -there are many who can say all the right things but when it comes down to it - where is their heart- why do they do what they do -what is their motivation!? Doing good is not enough - its not the end all - it is done to honor God not earn favor with Him! What we do is not as important as why we do what we do. God wants all of us - but is not willing to share us with anyone - He alone is worthy of our Praise and Adoration! Amen!

Proverbs 1:15
My Son, walk not in the way of them; refrain your foot from their path...

God says we must not even put our feet on the path of the wicked -we must not follow after the world around us but after God alone - if we are willing to put our feet in the wrong place - we are not far from going completely the wrong way - we must be willing to walk the way of God not the way of the wicked - this road is not the easy way - its hard to deny self and follow Christ but its the best life - no other life has such freedom - such peace and such joy- but Jesus Himself said we would have trials in this life -we would be hard pressed but not destroyed -we would suffer at the hands of the world - but in the end we will counted as His children - no matter what happens on this side of eternity -we must be willing to deny ourselves and follow Christ - lets keep our feet from the path of the wicked - rejoice in Christ!

footnote: The only One we should follow is JESUS!
CHRIST keeps us on the right path of life!

It's time once again for the traveling church signs-
send in yours today and happy travels!

Want to avoid burning? Use Son block.
unknown location - submitted by Kathleen J
- LIVIN IN THE WORD - 7/28/08
IF YOU NEED DIRECTION IN YOUR LIFE - FOLLOW JESUS!