Where Ever You May Be Right Now

 

Great day everyone!

Another wonderful day…

Another awesome week!

You should be rejoicing; for today is yet another day The Lord has provided.

Be grateful for where you are at this time of your life; be content; be filled with the love of Jesus; be readers and doers of the Word of God!

 

Let your light so shine…

The light that is Jesus!

Philippians 4:4-7 (NKJV)

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!

5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

 

Philippians 4:11b-13 (NKJV)

11b… for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

It does not matter what your circumstance may be...

Today is not the end; rejoice and claim your prize that is in Christ Jesus!

Endure and be blessed!

Ralph Parker

ralph.parker7@verizon.net

"Praying that your ordinary is extraordinary through Christ"

In The Corner

Great day everyone!

Another wonderful day where The Son continues to shine!

Be grateful for this gift called today!

Psalm 139:7-10 (NLT)

7 I can never escape from your Spirit!
    I can never get away from your presence!
8 If I go up to heaven, you are there;
    if I go down to the grave, you are there.
9 If I ride the wings of the morning,
    if I dwell by the farthest oceans,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
    and your strength will support me.

The Word of God will have you to 'Come' running or 'Go' running…

Come running unto to God or Go running away from God.

When you hear the Word of God; when you receive the message God has for you; what is it that you do…

Do you receive it with joy, doing a self examination to be obedient…

Or do you rebuke God's Word by ignoring it; walking out when the message is being presented; ...because you don't want to hear the truth? …because you know what you're doing or saying is not right?

Well guess what…

As the scripture reads above; no matter where you are, you can not hide yourself from God. 

Have you ever witnessed someone chasing after their child because he / she got away from them?

The parent is passionately following after the child; running and sometimes walking, but never letting their child out of their sight; making sure that nothing bad or unhealthy happens to their loved one…

Our Lord will follow you until you trap yourself in a corner; until you realize that you can do nothing without His guidance, instruction; His protection and peace!

I'd advise you not to fight against God's power, His will; it doesn't make sense to try to avoid something that is best for you…

Stop running!

You're going to have to stop and stand before Him one day anyway; why not now…

2 Corinthians 5:10 (NLT)

10 For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.

Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT)

6 Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Ralph Parker

ralph.parker7@verizon.net

          "CHANGE"

A Bend In The Road Is Not The End Of The Road… Unless You Fail To Make The Turn.

In The Boat Or Out?

Great day everyone!

God is good!

Another wonderful message below from one of my favorite authors with Living4Today.

A great perspective to walking in faith and not being afraid to fail.

God bless you and yours; always!

Enjoy this gift called - TODAY!

Ralph Parker

ralph.parker7@verizon.net

          "CHANGE"

A Bend In The Road Is Not The End Of The Road… Unless You Fail To Make The Turn.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Today's Word from   Visit us at our website www.living4todayinspirations.org   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~   In The Boat Or Out?   When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, "It's a ghost!" But Jesus spoke to them at once. "Don't be afraid," he said. "Take courage. I am here!" Then Peter called to him, "Lord, if it's really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water." "Yes, come," Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. (Matthew 14:26-29, NLT)   Yesterday during a session with my life coach, I was explaining to her a situation I was going through that brought on feelings of anxiety and she asked me a simple question. She recounted the story of Peter walking on water in Matthew 14 and asked if I were there during that time, would I have stayed in the boat or walked on water? Without hesitation I said I would have stayed in the boat while looking at Peter like he was crazy. However, as we explored more of who I am, she helped me to see that my response would have been just like Peter. As a matter of fact she pointed out that I'm currently walking on water but being distracted by the winds and the waves, like Peter was, which is causing me to lose focus and sink. She encouraged me by saying that no matter what I face, I will not drown and all I have to do is cry out to Jesus and ask for help. God sent me exactly what I needed.   As you look at your life right now, would you say that you're walking on water or staying in the boat? Are you walking by faith and journeying through unchartered territory or are you staying in your comfort zone where it's familiar and safe? What do you really want to do? If you're okay with staying in the boat, that's fine. But if your desire is to walk on water, I encourage you to read about Peter's experience in Matthew 14 and let him inspire you. Peter saw Jesus walking, asked to join Him, walked on water, started sinking, cried out for help, and made it back to the boat safely with Jesus. Nowhere in that story does it say that Peter drowned. Likewise, no matter how overwhelming your situation may seem, you won't drown either. God gives us this promise in Isaiah 43:2, "When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you." If God has already said you won't drown, then what's the worse that can happen? You sink a little, but then you ask Jesus for help and make it safely to your destination. Sounds like a win-win situation to me.   So what will it be? Are you staying in the boat or will you step out on faith and start walking? The choice is up to you. ~SMC     Let's pray:  Lord, I thank you for sending your servant to deliver an encouraging Word at the right time. I thank you for the reassurance that when we go through rivers of difficulty, we will not drown. I thank you that you're always there ready to help us up when we call. Thank you for never leaving or forsaking us. You are such an awesome God and today I choose to walk on water to glorify your name. Have your way in me.  In Jesus' name, Amen.   If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your savior and desire to experience the peace that only He can give, we encourage you to make the decision to surrender and follow Jesus right now, so you can experience a love like no other!   http://www.allaboutgod.com/become-a-christian.htm

Discomfort To Destiny

Good day to everyone!

Awesome is He that has created you to be who you are!

Hallelujah; Thank You Lord!

Jonah (chapters 1 - 4) Time to meditate on the Will of God

Acts 9:1-19 Blinded until the Light of The Lord could be seen

John 1:29, 3:16-18 Leaving the comfort of no sin to be sacrificed for our sin

Your 'comfort zone' may not be all that it's cracked up to be…

Yes; there appears to be less stress, apparent peace, fewer struggles and despair.

But…

It's those times of discomfort that you are being prepared for your purpose; for your destiny, for the blessing.

As in the birth of a new born baby…

There is much stress and discomfort for the mother and the child before the blessing is come; before either can start the journey of fulfilling their purpose.

But once the birth has come; great joy!

Don't start your journey like Jonah and try to run and hide from your destiny…

Don't be like Saul, persecuting others and be forced into darkness until you can see the Light…

But be like our Lord Jesus; give of yourself unto others for the good and glory of God!

Hold onto God's unchanging hand while you transition into your purpose; fulfilling your destiny!

Hebrews 13:1-9(NLT)

Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters. 2 Don't forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!3 Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies.

4 Give honor to marriage, and remain faithful to one another in marriage. God will surely judge people who are immoral and those who commit adultery.

5 Don't love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said,

"I will never fail you.
    I will never abandon you."

6 So we can say with confidence,

"The Lord is my helper,
    so I will have no fear.
    What can mere people do to me?"

7 Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith.

8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. 9 So do not be attracted by strange, new ideas. Your strength comes from God's grace...

Enjoy this gift called - TODAY!

  

Ralph Parker

ralph.parker7@verizon.net

"You can't help everybody but you can help somebody"

Co-Signing

Good morning everyone!

Awesome morning!

Awesome day full of God's grace!

Don't judge the day by it's condition; let the condition in you (that is Jesus) reign.

Believe it and receive it!

 

Acts 7:54-60(NLT)

54 The Jewish leaders were infuriated by Stephen's accusation, and they shook their fists at him in rage. 55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God's right hand.56 And he told them, "Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God's right hand!"

57 Then they put their hands over their ears and began shouting. They rushed at him58 and dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. His accusers took off their coats and laid them at the feet of a young man named Saul.

59 As they stoned him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." 60 He fell to his knees, shouting, "Lord, don't charge them with this sin!" And with that, he died.

Acts 8:1 (NLT)

1 Saul was one of the witnesses, and he agreed completely with the killing of Stephen.

Co-signing…

In case some of you are not too sure what the definition of this powerful word is…

It is a verb; a word of action. Meaning to sign a document or to agree with another person or group of people assisting or helping make a point.

A participate...

 

Some examples would be:

-     being the secondary signer on a car loan - agreeing that if the primary signer does not make the payment, you will

-     riding with or keeping company with an individual or group of people that may be engaged in illegal activity  

-     standing by, just watching and or listening to others gossip, bad mouth, or physically and or verbally abuse another

And many other examples; what are yours?

 

We have to be very careful what we agree with; whether you realize it or not, you are accountable and involved…

It's called being a witness.

 

What will you witness to!?

What will you agree with; co-sign!?

 

How about:

-     God so loved the world that he gave His only Son as a sacrifice to save you and I - John 3:16

-     Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world - 1 John 4:4

-     Jesus is the light of the world - John 8:12

Then stand in Holy boldness (for the Good that is God) as the three Hebrew boys did in Daniel 3 and Stephen did in Acts!

 

2 Corinthians 6:14(NLT)

14 Don't team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness?

 

Now...

Choose to enjoy this gift called - TODAY!

      

Ralph Parker

ralph.parker7@verizon.net

"Association = Participation"

HIS-STORY (History) - YOUR-Story

Great day everyone!

Why not start your day with a heart felt, Thank You Lord!

For today is the day that The Lord has made; you shall rejoice and be glad in it… Psalm 118:24

Thank the Lord for who's you are!

Everyone has a story…

Right or wrong, ups and downs, long or short; this journey is what molds you to be who you are and who you are to be, for you and for others.

Matthew 1:1-17 (NLT)

1 This is a record of the ancestors of Jesus the Messiah, a descendant of David and of Abraham...

17 All those listed above include fourteen generations from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the Babylonian exile, and fourteen from the Babylonian exile to the Messiah.

Where did you come from…

Who's are you…

What is your lineage…

It matters greatly where you're from, who your ancestors are; because you are a child of the The King, The Most High; God Almighty!

Just as it took generations before Jesus was born; ancestors... some good, some bad; but all of them mattered!

They mattered, just like you do...

You matter; your children matter; your parents matter; your co-worker matter; your enemy even matter… Psalm 139:14

Only God knows the end to His plan for you… Jeremiah 29:11

Search your gifts, your talents, your skills; what are your passions?

Let go of those vises; bad habits and start to operate / perform to your best and allow God to do the rest…

Let us all come together as family; the members of the heavenly body of Christ that we are!

Stop judging others, that you may not be judged… Matthew 7:1

Let us touch the lives of everyone we encounter in a positive manner; by speech, in deeds…

Galatians 6:9 (NLT)

9 So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up.

Never give up on what you know to be right!

Enjoy this gift called - TODAY!

Ralph Parker

ralph.parker7@verizon.net

"Everyday Struggles are Tomorrow's Blessings"

Celebrate Your Uniqueness

Great day everyone!

Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world!

His Grace and Mercy is abounding…

We were all purposely created different but purposed to work together as one…

Be who God created you to be…

Don't be like Mike (Jordan) if that is not who you are.

Can you imagine an eagle trying to hover like a hummingbird to get a drink from the bird feeder?

Or a fish looking for worms on dry land as a bird?

You will literally be a fish out of the water…

How often do we attempt to be, or wish to be, something or someone we're not?

We each were uniquely made in the image of God but all different from one another for a common cause working together.

If we each just stop worrying about the next person and do our part, all things will come together as planned.

Stop judging one another; search yourself and improve; God will take care of the rest.

Romans 12:3-8(NLT)

3 Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don't think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. 4 Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, 5 so it is with Christ's body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.

6 In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. 7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.

Ralph Parker
ralph.parker7@verizon.net
"Being The Best Is Not As Significant As Being Your Best"

Forgiveness - The Order Of The Day

Great day everyone!

Another day filled God's Grace and Mercy!

Oh, how great Thou art!

It is very devastating when someone does or says something that makes you wonder, 'how can I ever trust them again'...

All of us have been there; that someone very close to you, that someone you love and trust with your all… lies to you!

You're at a lost for words…

You just don't understand why…

One of the people you trusted the most / loved the most, just broke your heart / lost your trust!

Brings up old memories huh?

How long did it take for you to forgive that person; if at all…

Still holding a grudge?

Now…

Self examination time!

Remember when I said in the beginning, 'all of us have been there'…

Guess what…

We've been there because we all have been on both sides of that coin!

Horrible feeling isn't!?

We have also done this to The One that loves and trust us the most; our Father in heaven.

Do you believe that God has forgiven you?

He said He will, if you will...

Now…

Let us remember what Jesus said in Matthew 6:14-15, and use what He taught us in Matthew 6:9-13; especially verse 12…

Think of that someone you have not forgiven; say this pray (until you are able to speak to the Lord in your own words)…

It doesn't matter what "IT" was; what matters, is that you "FORGIVE". 

Enjoy this gift called - TODAY!

AMEN!

Matthew 6:9-15 (NLT)

9 Pray like this:

Our Father in heaven,
    may your name be kept holy.
10 May your Kingdom come soon.
May your will be done on earth,
    as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today the food we need,
12 and forgive us our sins,
    as we have forgiven those who sin against us.
13 And don't let us yield to temptation,
    but rescue us from the evil one.

14 "If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. 15 But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Ralph Parker

ralph.parker7@verizon.net

"By His grace we have received what we do not deserve, and by His mercy we have not received what we deserve"

The Blessing Is In The EXTRA

Great day everyone!

This ‘Son’ rose this morning and so did you!

Give God the praise that He deserves…

Hallelujah!

Thank you Lord!  

 

Romans 12  (NLT)

12 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

3 Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. 4 Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, 5 so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other

Genesis 32:22-32 (NLT)

22 During the night Jacob got up and took his two wives, his two servant wives, and his eleven sons and crossed the Jabbok River with them. 23 After taking them to the other side, he sent over all his possessions.

24 This left Jacob all alone in the camp, and a man came and wrestled with him until the dawn began to break. 25 When the man saw that he would not win the match, he touched Jacob’s hip and wrenched it out of its socket. 26 Then the man said, “Let me go, for the dawn is breaking!”

But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.”

29 ...Then he blessed Jacob there.

Simply put…

Each of us have to present ourselves unto God for service as He has called you, and not give up no matter how tough it may get.

Service unto God' is the key phrase…

Pray, read and meditate on the Word of God to understand what it is that ‘YOU’ are to do; what to say and how to think.

Let this be your goal everyday…

Put in the extra work to please God and He will put the Extra in your Ordinary. 

Remember; your service is unto God, man just happens to be blessed by it...

Matthew 6:33 (NLT)

33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

Enjoy this gift called - TODAY!