Did you ever go to the bottom of a lake or a pool and hold your breath? After a short time, the need for fresh air forces you to catapult yourself up from the bottom and break through the surface of the water. As the air explodes into your lungs, your whole body is infused with new potential. It’s invigorating, rejuvenating, refreshing, exhilarating, energizing and stimulating. Being Baptized is like that - and a whole lot more!
          A Christian making the decision to get Baptized is like diving into a commitment to live a Christ-like life. Even Jesus was baptized as He went through the human experience. He did that to identify with us in a deeply personal way. He knows our struggles and He made a way for us to experience peace and release from the sin that causes struggles. 
           Baptism is being immersed in the purity of Christ and rising to a new life as we leave the bondages of sin behind. Imagine a preborn child spending nine months surrounded by water in the womb of its mother. The child lives in the amniotic sac until it’s time to launch into a new world. The sac breaks and they're birthed in a rush of water as they break through into new life. Baptism is breaking through into a new spiritual life.
          Washing with water cleanses our physical bodies. Being washed in the water of the Word takes our sin away. Baptism is an act of surrendering our lives to Christ. Christian Baptism is a public confession of our need for Christ as our Savior from our sinful condition. We our cleansed in Baptism spiritually.           
          Church For The Nations Flagstaff is a vibrant church dedicated to doing what Jesus asked of us. We're big on connecting with the community and engaging in service beyond church walls. Connected in Christ. Engaged in His Service. (928) 255-5988 

"So go and make followers of all people in the world.
Baptize them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Teach them to obey everything that I have told you.
You can be sure that I will be with you always.
I will continue with you until the end of the world.”
Matthew 28:19-20 ICB"And Peter said to them, “Repent [change your old way of thinking, turn from your sinful ways, accept and follow Jesus as the Messiah] and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ because of the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."
​Acts 2:38 AMPC

"So now, what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized, and wash away your sins as you call upon his name."
Acts 22:16

 "Corresponding to that [rescue through the flood],
baptism [which is an expression of a believer’s new life in Christ]
now saves you,
not by removing dirt from the body,
but by an appeal to God for a good (clear) conscience,
demonstrating what you believe to be yours]
through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,"
1 Peter 3:21

          Thanks for your time. Go do something nice for somebody. Jesus loves you and so do we.

          Some world changers are like unseen partners of God. Teresa Johnson is one those people. She's a heroine for Love on the front lines in a Mission from God.
          Teresa is a detail lady who brings smiles with her servant heart. She's been a rock solid volunteer with Compassion Ministries as along as we can remember. She married a man with a servant's heart and together they're serving thousands and creating tons of smiles along the way.
           Just like a true Proverbs 31 woman, Teresa rises early and serves until the sun goes down. She goes the extra mile. She goes beyond expectations. Teresa believes in God's more excellent Way of showing Love.
          Yesterday (2/21/21) Teresa was baptized at Church For The Nations Flagstaff. Many people decided to make a public statement of dedicating their lives to Christ. Teresa went the extra mile, she did something we've never witnessed before. She asked Pastor Daniel Williamson to announce her old last name (pre-marriage.) After the Baptism, she asked to be called by her new last name. That's a true Jesus thing - He changes our names, forgives our past and gives us a new life as we're born again in Him.
          Teresa made a public commitment through a physical act that reflects her spiritual transformation. Teresa did Baptism in a greater Way. That's what a Christ-like role model and mentor does, When her actions and words aren't sharing the Good News, Teresa's shirts are! Rare is the day when she's not wearing a Jesus shirt.
          The world is a better place because God tenderly placed Teresa Johnson in our midst. Thank You God and thank you Teresa for allowing Christ to be greater in you.
          Thanks for your time. Go do something nice for somebody (like Teresa!) Jesus loves you and so do we.

         At first glance you'd think this was just a pretty normal scene. A group of volunteers painting bedrooms at a safe home for kids. If you knew the life stories of the kids and volunteers, you'd be more likely to say, "Wow God!"
          The NAOMI House is a safe home for abused or neglected children who need God's healing touch. The love they receive from the men and women who care for them is truly an example of God's lovingkindness. You can ead more about their story on their website HOW IT ALL BEGAN.
          Most of the volunteers came from the Sunshine Rescue Mission. Men end up at the Mission for a variety of reasons. Some have been homeless, some come from jail, some are struggling with addiction issues, some just need a new chance at starting life over. They learn how to let the love of Christ help be their foundation for a fresh start.
          Several of the volunteers were members of Church For The Nations Flagstaff. They have a heart for children and use their skilled hearts to be the hands and feet of Christ. All of these folks came together and created a mosaic of God's redemption. We are the faulty clay, but in His hands we become precious cups overflowing with His Love.
           Think about this scene for a moment. Formerly abused and neglected kids at a safe home being loved on by formerly homeless men and other folks with huge hearts. Only God could put this scene together.
              WE'RE ALL ON A MISSION FROM GOD!
          This Saturday (Feb. 13, 2021) we'll return to finish painting. We'll bring some food thanks to Marvin Johnson and his team at ​Compassion Ministries. We always spend time building personal relationships with the children - that's the most important part of mentoring.
          We'd like to thank the kind folks at HomCo Lumber & Hardware for helping us with the paint and supplies. They are a great company with compassionate and caring employees.
          The picture above shows some of our volunteers proudly showing off their new NAOMI shirts. YWAP is making a donation to the NAOMI HOUSE to cover the cost of the shirts as a gifts for the volunteers. The Director of NAOMI I Genevieve Dawn Skidmore. She got emotional when we told her that one of our guys would be proud and honored to wear a NAOMI shirt. 
          Shirts on our backs and children in our hearts - it's a beautiful day in the NAOMI-hood! If you'd like to donate to the NAOMI HOUSE you can do so here, ​SUPPORT NAOMI HOUSE.
          Thanks for your time. Go do something nice for somebody. Jesus loves you and so do we.

          Complaining didn't change the fact that I failed in my attempt tp hike Mt. Kilimanjaro. One of the world's Seven Summits, Kili is the highest mountain in Africa and the highest single free standing mountain in the world. Rising above the African plains, Kili reaches 19,341 feet into the skies. I made it to about 17,300 feet before I was forced to turn back due to altitude sickness. My companions from Climbing For Christ made it to the top while I turned around and headed down the mountain feeling like a failure. 
          Many things went wrong for me on that trip. Some of them I was responsible for, but hydrating your body when you're sick with a stomach bug is next to impossible. Without proper hydration your body won't adapt to the change in  altitude. There were other things that went wrong during that trip, but they're not worth mentioning or complaining about. I've got way too much to be grateful about. The altitude did affect my body, but I don't have to let failure affect my attitude of gratitude.
          My failed attempt to reach the top of Kilimanjaro has helped me scale the mountain of gratitude. I've left the valley of complaining in the dust far below. Those smiling children in the picture above are a big part of my change in my life-habits. They lived in an orphanage called the Far and Wide Children's Home in Malawi.
          Each child has a different story of why they live in an orphanage. I won't give you all the reasons, but just imagine all the atrocities you've heard about in Africa and you'll know the reasons. Sometimes they share the reasons, but they didn't complain - they were in a better place. These youngsters were smiling because I paid attention to them. To make them smile, all I had to do was hold my camera up high and take a picture. I showed them the pictures and that made them happy. 
          These children had a lot to complain about if they wanted to. Maybe they did sometimes, but I never heard any complaints in the week I was there. These kids were grateful for what we gave them and the time we spent with them. We noticed the lady who cooked for us was eating our meager leftovers. We began to leave more leftovers. 
          Every morning the kids would gather around a large pile of corn. Their job was to take the de-kernel the corn. I sat down to help them and had blisters on my hands after about 40 minutes. It was tedious and hard work, but never did they complain. They were grateful to have help.
          Someday I hope to go back and finish reaching the top of Kilimanjaro. Even if that never happens, I won't complain. I'm doing my best to turn my failures and complaints into thoughts of gratitude. God can use all things to make us better people.

DAY 21 WORD

So we are convinced that every detail of our lives
is continually woven together
to fit into God’s perfect plan of
bringing good into our lives,
for we are his lovers who have been called
to fulfill his designed purpose.
Romans 8:28 TPT

“If you do this, then you will be true sons of your Father in heaven.
Your Father causes the sun to rise on good people and on bad people.
Your Father sends rain to those who do good and to those who do wrong.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:45‬ ‭ICB‬‬
​
“Fig trees may not grow figs.
There may be no grapes on the vines.
There may be no olives growing on the trees.
There may be no food growing in the fields.
There may be no sheep in the pens.
There may be no cattle in the barns.
But I will still be glad in the Lord.
I will rejoice in God my Savior.”
‭‭Habakkuk‬ ‭3:17-18‬ ‭ICB‬‬    

DAY 21 PRAYER

Thank You God for giving us so much to be grateful about. Over the history of our lives, You've given us overwhelming joy. Each one of us has received Your breath and a heart that beats. Thank You for making us in Your image and likeness. Make our hearts beat with gratitude as soon as a complaint begins to form on our lips. Help us overcome failure by the power of gratitude in all You've done and continue to do.
In Jesus name.
Amen

DAY 21 DEEP THOUGHTS

Since there is no greater advice on complaining than the encouragement of God's Word, I'll let Him do the talking.

• Since each of you are part of God’s family never complain or grumble about each other so that judgment will not come on you, for the true Judge is near and very ready to appear! James 5:19 TPT
• When you talk, do not say harmful things. But say what people need—words that will help others become stronger. Then what you say will help those who listen to you. Ephesians 4:29 ICB
• Let joy be your continual feast. 

​Make your life a prayer. 
And in the midst of everything be always giving thanks,
for this is God’s perfect plan for you in Christ Jesus.
 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

          Missing fathers wreak havoc on generations of young boys and girls. Children in fatherless homes are more likely to engage in at-risk behaviors. Many guys join gangs, use drugs and alcohol, get girls pregnant and then go to jail. Girls look for the love of a father and end up getting sex from a fatherless guy. Young men especially are ingrained with a disrespect for authority. They grew up without a legitimate authority figure or respected role model.
          Guys who go to prison have to learn how to survive in the prison culture. Most of the guys in prison haven't had an active father in their lives. To gain respect you have to be hard, silent and strong. Anger and resentment are  buried until they're needed as weapons to survive. The authority in prison is meant to restrain you.
          When guys get out of prison it's tough to let go of the "hard, silent and strong" mindset. Women and children bear the brunt of the buried anger and resentment. Women want strong men who use their strength to protect them. Men have shut themselves up and built emotional walls to protect themselves. Men lacking emotional attachment to their wives and children create an open wound. Inadequate communication breaks down relationships and causes frustration.
          Most guys who've grown up without dads don't even know what's missing. There's a gnawing emptiness deep in their souls, but they don't know what it is. It's hard to understand something you've never had. Pride is a stronghold on our hearts and minds. Your mind has a memory and an imagination. Without the memory of a father it's difficult to imagine what a father is.
          Surrender is not something you will learn in prison other than the forced submission to prison guards. Not all prisoners will end up in a solitary confinement cell, but most will lock up their emotions. Men and women have been hiding themselves since Adam and Eve put on fig leaves to cover up their shamefulness.
          It's time to set pride aside, take a risk and become vulnerable with God and each other. Some people will abandon you, that's life. Your circle of folks you can really trust will always be small. Give your abandonments and rejections to God. His promises have always proven to be true. The generational plague of fatherlessness can be broken by the promises of God. He said He would never leave you or forsake you. 
          There are answers to stopping the plague of fatherless men blindly leading fatherless men. We don't have to sit back and accept disappearing dads as the inevitable life-path for young people. It's time to Man-Up and attack this plague full force. We've written some answers below. Turning to Father God for advice on how to be men of valor should take first place in our hierarchy of actions. 
          
DAY 20 WORD

Let your character [your moral essence, your inner nature] be free from the love of money [shun greed—be financially ethical], being content with what you have; for He has said, “I will never [under any circumstances] desert you [nor give you up nor leave you without support, nor will I in any degree leave you helpless], nor will I forsake or let you down or relax My hold on you [assuredly not]!”
Hebrews 13:5 AMP
In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders.
And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another,
for “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.
1 Peter 5:5

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger [do not exasperate them to the point of resentment with demands that are trivial or unreasonable or humiliating or abusive; nor by showing favoritism or indifference to any of them], but bring them up [tenderly, with lovingkindness] in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
Ephesians 6:4 AMP

DAY 20 PRAYER

Thank You God for being our supreme authority. You gave us Your Word and You always keep Your Word. Help us to be as committed as You are - never abandoning us or giving up on us. You have shown us the type of father that we should be. You've shown us how to respect women and be responsible for our children. Guide us now as we turn from our neglectful ways. 
In Jesus name.
Amen. 


DAY 20 DEEP THOUGHTS

          Mentoring programs that teach men how to be transparent, vulnerable and accountable is one answer to stop the plague. Here are some ideas that have been successful.

• Reach young people before they join gangs.
• Teach youth in schools and after school programs how to respect each other.
• Expect purity in relationships.
• It's never too late to reach out to children and be a father.
• Help inmates and former inmates learn about the responsibilities of godly men.
• ​Mandatory programs that teach responsible manhood in juvenile detention centers, homeless shelters, parole and probation programs.
• If you're a guy in need of a mentor, ask a man with whom you have a relationship with. Study other men who you respect. Look for authentic manhood programs. Join a men's program at a Bible teaching church.

          In about 30 hours from now, I'll be settling myself down in front of a big screen TV in anticipation of excitement. The Buffalo Bills football team will be playing the Kansas City Chiefs in the Conference Championship Game. The winner will go to the Super Bowl. I'M EXCITED! GO BILLS! I'm also excited about God. My most favorite thing in the world to do is  to praise and worship Him in spirit and in truth.
          There is a difference between praise and worship. Most churches begin with a time of praise songs before they move into a deeper and more worshipful set. Praise is upbeat, joyful, energetic and full of powerful punctuations of gratitude for who God is and what He has done for us. When you read Psalm 100:4, picture a parade marching into a courtyard with shouts of joy.
"Enter His gates with a song of thanksgiving
And His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, bless and praise His name."
          Worship is a form of adoration. In humbleness we surrender to God. We give Him space to speak to us. While praise declares our gratitude, worship displays our devotion. Making room for God to speak to us. We can praise other people or things, worship is reserved only for God. In Luke 4:8 we read, "For it is written in the Scriptures, ‘Only one is worthy of your adoration. You will worship before the Lord your God and love him supremely."
          Praise can be exciting as evidenced by dancing, shouting and loud, boisterous music. The word "blessed" in Greek is translated as "eulogeō" and pronounced, yü-lo-ge'-o. It is used to mean, 

• to praise, celebrate with praises
• to invoke blessings
• to consecrate a thing with solemn prayers
• to ask God's blessing on a thing
• pray God to bless it to one's use
• pronounce a consecratory blessing on
• of God
• to cause to prosper, to make happy, to bestow blessings on
• favoured of God, blessed 
• Blue Letter Bible Strong's Concordance Outline of Biblical Usage 

          When the Pharisees heard the people shouting praises they demanded Jesus to tell them to stop. He refused and told them even the rocks would cry out. As soon as He was approaching [Jerusalem], near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the entire multitude of the disciples [all those who were or claimed to be His followers] began praising God [adoring Him enthusiastically and] joyfully with loud voices for all the miracles and works of power that they had seen, 
shouting,
“Blessed (celebrated, praised) is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!
Peace in heaven and glory (majesty, splendor) in the highest [heaven]!”
Some of the Pharisees from the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, rebuke Your disciples
for shouting these Messianic praises].”
Jesus replied, “I tell you, if these [people] keep silent, the stones will cry out [in praise]!”
Did you read the part about enthusiastically and joyfully with loud voices?
          Worship moves us into a quieter place of almost being still and knowing He is God. Praise and worship can be blended together, but worship is always the deeper of the two. The Greek word for worship is, "proskyneō" and pronounced, "pros-kü-ne'-o." The Outline of Biblical Usage gives worship the meanings of,  1.    to kiss the hand to (towards) one, in token of reverence 
2.    among the Orientals, esp. the Persians, to fall upon the knees and touch the ground with the forehead as an expression of profound reverence 
3.    in the NT by kneeling or prostration to do homage (to one) or make obeisance, whether in order to express respect or to make supplication​
4. used of homage shown to men and beings of superior rank 
5. to the Jewish high priests, to God, to Christ, to heavenly beings, to demons  Outline of Biblical Usage

DAY 19 WORD

Praise him with drums and dancing!
Praise him with the loud, resounding clash of cymbals!
Praise him with every instrument you can find!
Psalm 150:4 TPT        

It’s time to sing and shout for joy!
Go ahead, all you redeemed ones, do it!
Praise him with all you have,
for praise looks lovely on the lips of God’s lovers.
​Psalm 33:1

My heart is confident in you, O God;
    no wonder I can sing your praises with all my heart!
Wake up, lyre and harp!
    I will wake the dawn with my song.
I will thank you, Lord, among all the people.
    I will sing your praises among the nations
Psalm 108:1-3 NLT

But a time is coming and is already here when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit [from the heart, the inner self] and in truth; for the Father seeks such people to be His worshipers.
John 4:23 AMP

Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness;
Tremble [in submissive wonder] before Him, all the earth.
Psalm 96:9 AMP

Come, let’s bow down and worship him.
    Let’s kneel before the Lord who made us
​Psalm 95:6 ICB

DAY 19 PRAYER

Thank You Father God for causing us to praise you in thanksgiving and worship you in surrender. The more of ourselves we give up to You the greater works You do through us. We surrender all and we praise You for all You've created in us and for us. We worship You in spirit and in truth.
In Jesus name.
Amen

DAY 19 DEEP THOUGHTS

• Praise is a celebration of thanksgiving.
  
• Worship is a surrender and listening.
• Praise opens up the heavenlies within us.
• Worship creates space within us for God's Presence.
• Praise speaks loudly.
• Worship listens for His still small voice.

          Has anyone ever spit on you? It makes you feel dirty and ashamed. You never deserve to be treated that way, even if you are guilty and deserve punishment. Jesus was "spat upon" with guilty spittle. He didn't deserve to be treated shamefully, but He was - so that our shame could be removed.
          Shame is often wielded as a weapon to induce submission. People do shameful things because something dirty happened to them. Unable to remove the shame, they wrongly think they deserve to be treated shamefully and worthless. No one should be made to feel unworthy of love.
          This is heavy stuff that brings tears to my eyes even thinking about shame. So many young people grow in generational shame. Poverty can breed shameful behaviors that become normalized. Prostitution, stealing, drug dealing, murder and mayhem are accepted in impoverished cultures. The only shame for a gangster sent to kill someone is if he doesn't finish the job. Young girls and boys are indoctrinated into shameful behaviors as they're expected to carry on the family traditions.
          Deep down inside they know what they're doing is wrong, but they hide the shame even deeper in their hearts. Jesus really is the only answer, but how will they know if we don't reach out and tell them? God has helped me to write some songs over the years that reach young people in a language they understand. The song you will read in Deep Thoughts below is about Jesus being our Garbage Man. The point of the song being that He's already removed all of our guilt and shame. 
          Shame entered the world through Adam and Eve. They disobeyed God and tried to hide their shame under fig leaves. God sees all of our shame and made a way for us to remove shame. Know that you are loved. Know that you are worthy. Know that Jesus took all of your shame to the cross. He loves you with an everlasting love. He was willing to die in shame so that we don't have to. Ask Jesus to remove your shame and He will.

DAY 18 WORD

I prayed, 
“My God, I am too ashamed and embarrassed to lift up my face to you.
I am in disgrace because our sins are so many they are higher than our heads.
Our sins even reach up to the sky.
Ezra 9:6 ICB


He was despised and rejected and forsaken by men, a Man of sorrows and pains, and acquainted with grief and sickness; and like One from Whom men hide their faces He was despised, and we did not appreciate His worth or have any esteem for Him.
​Isaiah 53:3 AMPC

Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection]. He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2 AMPC

For our sake He made Christ [virtually] to be sin Who knew no sin, so that in and through Him we might become endued with, viewed as being in, and examples of] the righteousness of God [what we ought to be, approved and acceptable and in right relationship with Him, by His goodness].
2 Corinthians 5:21 AMPC

DAY 18 PRAYER

Thank You God for sending Your Son to take our shame of sin away. Jesus, You endured our shame and guilt in a horrible way. We don't have to spend another day wallowing in shame and self pity. You've freed us from all shame. Help us now to embrace tat freedom and share with others the good news about living a shame free life.
Amen.

DAY 18 DEEP THOUGHTS

A song called: "Jesus Is My Garbage Man"
Jesus is my garbage man.
Taken' my garbage like only He can.
All my wrongs He takes away.
Jesus gave me a brand new day.
On His Cross He took my shame.
In His hands He took my blame.
Jesus is my garbage man!
Taken' my garbage like only He can!
Jesus......All my pleas in His ears.
Jesus.....Wipes away all of my tears.
Jesus.....Loves away all of my fears.
Jesus.....A new life for all of my years.
Sometimes I'm weak and I do wrong!
He lifts me up and makes me strong!
When good times fade and I get mad!
I know I'm saved and I feel glad!
Jesus is my garbage man!
Taken' garbage like only He can!
I'm tellin' the world; I got good news!
Love in my words and love in my shoes!
Runnin' with Jesus on the soles of my feet!
Tellin' His Word to all the souls that I meet!
Jesus is my garbage man!
Taken' my garbage like only He can! 

Ask Jesus to take away the garbage of shame from your life.

          It's hard to imagine God, whose power is unlimited experiencing pain. Truth be told (as it always should be,) I don't believe God feels pain. He knows our pains, Jesus carried our hurtful (sinful) ways on the cross of correction. There is only one way to correct sin and that's to follow the way of the cross. Correction is part of the chastening process of God. Discipline from God is a correction with a value added feature of personal righteousness (morally right living.)
          Correcting bad habits can be painful. God will break off relationships between people if they don't put Him in the middle. He will cause a business to fail to move us in a new direction. I'm personally familiar with both of those chastening's. There is more profit in being right with God than any successful business plan.
          Our vending business had been lucrative for several years affording my family a decent living. Business started to slide downward for a couple of reasons that aren't worth talking about. The important remembrance of that whole season in my life is that God had let me know it was time to let go and sell the business.
          Folks looking to buy a business are interested in the bottom line, how much money are you making. I reasoned (by myself without God's thoughts) that if I increased my yearly gross, the business would be more valuable and sell for a greater price. I went out and secured new locations for vending machines to make more money. The only problem was that I lost two locations for every one new location I secured. I believe God was teaching me a lesson about not mixing my own reasoning with God's direction.
          There was another local vendor who just happened to live in my home town. That's an odd coincidence because there aren't that many vendors in the area. He approached me about buying the business. We agreed on a price and signed the papers over breakfast in a local restaurant. I wasn't happy about selling a business that had fallen on hard times. My family had built the business from scratch and worked countless long hours to become successful. From our highpoint of success, we plunged into the valley of despair and financial loss.
          You cannot fight God when He wants to correct or instruct you. Chastening is used by God to correct our mistakes, curb our passions and instruct us in a way that will increase our virtue or good character. There is no avoiding chastening in life. The closer we get to God, the more our imperfections are revealed.
          Chastening can make us bitter or help us enter into greater prosperity by receiving greater blessings from God. When good times roll, give thanks to God and be generous. When hard times hit, ask God what you need to learn. Accept His chastening with gratitude. You are valuable in His eyes. His plan is to give you immeasurable grace, greater joy, limitless love and inexhaustible prosperity.

DAY 17 WORD

​“Behold, how happy and fortunate is the man whom God reproves,
So do not despise or reject the discipline of the Almighty [subjecting you to trial and suffering]
Job 5:17 AMP

“So, what a blessing when God steps in and corrects you!
    Mind you, don’t despise the discipline of Almighty God!
True, he wounds, but he also dresses the wound;
    the same hand that hurts you, heals you.
From one disaster after another he delivers you;
    no matter what the calamity, the evil can’t touch you.
​Job 5:17-19 MSG

For the time being no discipline brings joy, but seems sad and painful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness [right standing with God and a lifestyle and attitude that seeks conformity to God’s will and purpose].
​Hebrews 12:11 AMP

DAY 17 PRAYER

God we praise You for correcting and instructing us. Pain from You is worthy of humble acceptance on our part. You have a greater purpose for our future. Take our present and transform us into more righteous people. We want to be holy in You no matter how much chastening in takes. The gospel is a prosperity message of valuable chastening. We confess our sins to You, forgive us and purify us from all unrighteousness.
In Jesus name.
Amen.

DAY 17 DEEP THOUGHTS

• Our earthly fathers discipline us for the things we do wrong that they know about. Think about all of our hidden sins, mistakes and bad decisions. God sees all things. Nothing is hidden. It's best to voluntarily bring our darkness into His light sooner rather than later.
• Jesus endured the cross of chastening and correction on our behalf. If it wasn't for our sin, there would be no need for chastisement. 
• I hurt when I know my life isn't sharing love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control with other people. God may not hurt, but I do thinking about falling short of the desires of God's heart.

          Freedom is a beautiful word that conjures up images of independence and the ability to make decisions freely. Bondage released and freedom gained is exemplified by freed slaves, nations liberated from tyranny, freedom from addiction. freedom from sexually trafficking, freedom from an abusive relationship and many more. Are we ever truly free from anything that can bind us?
           The painting above was beautifully painted by a visionary artist named Amelia Caballero. I've never spoken to her about the painting so I don't have any insight into her thoughts as she brushed the canvas. I let the eyes of my spirit (prayerfully) admire and soak in the painting, let me share with you some heart-thoughts from that experience.

• Freedom released and bondage remains.   
• Relief drains and tension rises.
• Camouflage collaborates with honesty revealed.
• Memories remain a yoke or chain.
• An encaptivating door remains open and inviting bondage to return.
• "I know where I've been. I know where I can go, but I'm scared."
• The Father, Son & Holy Spirit.
• Imperfection - accepted, yet still a restraint.
• Maturity slowly moving against bad memories.
• An announcement of new understanding.
• A demure (reserved) celebration.  
• Boldness restrained.

          In invite you to prayerfully examine the painting and your own heart. Are you truly free? The only true freedom I've found is in becoming a bondservant of Christ. Desiring things in this world have no value in heaven. Desiring to be the bondservant of Christ means to long for His attributes of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. 
          Freedom from self is only found when we give God a greater place in our hearts. It's not enough to want just the attributes of Christ, we have to want Him. Freedom is found in knowing Christ through a personal relationship. Sin happens when we chase our own selfish desires and separate ourselves from God. If you haven't had the life changing experience of becoming free in Christ, today would be a good day to know Him.

DAY 16 WORD

Stay where you were when God called your name. Were you a slave? Slavery is no roadblock to obeying and believing. I don’t mean you’re stuck and can’t leave. If you have a chance at freedom, go ahead and take it. I’m simply trying to point out that under your new Master you’re going to experience a marvelous freedom you would never have dreamed of. On the other hand, if you were free when Christ called you, you’ll experience a delightful “enslavement to God” you would never have dreamed of.
​1 Corinthians 7:20-22 MSG

But now, as God’s loving servants, you live in joyous freedom from the power of sin. So consider the benefits you now enjoy—you are brought deeper into the experience of true holiness that ends with eternal life!
Romans 6:22 TPT

DAY 16 PRAYER

Thank You God for our freedom in Christ. Sometimes it seems like the world has cast us in to a lions den. We're captive and threatened by those who don't believe in You. The world removes Your ancient boundary lines and removes Your commandments. Help us to stay strong and free in You as the world tries to enslave us. We praise you for Your compassion, grace and mercy.
In Jesus name.
Amen 

DAY 16 DEEP THOUGHTS

REPENT, RESTORE & REPEAT

• Repent means to realize your sinful separation from God while initiating a life-change. Change your mind and change your habits. "Peter replied, “Repent and return to God, and each one of you must be baptized in the name of Jesus, the Anointed One, to have your sins removed. Then you may take hold of the gift of the Holy Spirit." ​Acts 2:38 TPT

• Jesus came to Restore our right relationship with God. "For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life." ​​John 3:16 AMP
• Repeat your commitment to Christ everyday. That's a good battle plan against sin. It's not enough to say your a friend of God today and forget about Him or never speak to Him any other day. "For God still has ordained a day for us to enter into called “Today.” For it was long afterwards that God repeated it in David’s words, “If only today you would listen to his voice and do not harden your hearts!”​ Hebrews 4:7 TPT

          What if the car breaks down? What if my boss fires me? What if they really don't love me? What if they leave me? The list of "What-ifs?" is endless. Worry and fear are the roots of the "What-if?" disease, and it truly is a disease of the devil. Is it possible to stop worrying?
          In the picture above, a young boy in Buffalo, NY is standing on a street corner with a "Worry-Removal Sign." When you read the sign he's holding, you might think I'm daft, but read between the lines. He's inviting you to have some free food and prayer. He's offering kindness and a listening heart. Most folks will feel worry empty from their hearts as their stomachs and souls get filled.
          If you stand on a street corner and ask a passerby, "Can I pray for you?" most folks will say yes. They've got nothing to lose, so even if they don't believe in God, they take a risk. What if we took a risk and prayed on more street corners in America?
          The word worry is rooted in the concept of being strangled. Picture a dog or wolf grabbing the throat of its victim. The purpose of strangling was usually to end a life and devour the victim. The word evolved into our modern understanding to mean, distress, mental anguish or anxiety caused by trouble. https://www.etymonline.com/word/worry   
          Learning to let go of the "What-Ifs?" is a process that begins with a deep breath. It's not easy to just "Let-Go." When you exhale deeply, the movement of release begins. It's also a sign of surrender, you can't conquer worry and anxiety on your own. 
          If you were to consciously concentrate on your breathing, you'd have a three stage process, exhale, pause, and inhale. Try and look at each breath as a prayer that means

1. Let Go - Surrender, Yield, Hand Over, Relinquish.
2. Be Still - Pause, Motionless, Calm, Empty, Noiselessness.
3. Be Filled, Promise, Potential, Protection, Provision.

          Our minds can focus on worry or find reassurance in God's promises. Think about your mind for a moment. What's bigger, the memories of your past or the immeasurable potential of your future? Think about how much God has already done for you. You've survived a lot of heartache, brokenness and bad decision making. You're still alive with an imagination and capability. What if you were to let go and seek God with your whole heart, mind, soul and strength?     

DAY 15 WORD

Be still and know (recognize, understand) that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth.
Psalm 46:10 AMP

Surrender your anxiety!
Be silent and stop your striving and you will see that I am God.
I am the God above all the nations,
and I will be exalted throughout the whole earth.
Psalm 46:10 TPT

As a result of this, he has given you magnificent promises that are beyond all price, so that through the power of these tremendous promises you can experience partnership with the divine nature, by which you have escaped the corrupt desires that are of the world.
​2 Peter 1:4 TPT

For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11


“Come to me, all of you who are tired and have heavy loads. I will give you rest. Accept my work and learn from me. I am gentle and humble in spirit. And you will find rest for your souls.
Matthew 11:28-29 ICB

But the one who always listens to me
will live undisturbed in a heavenly peace.
Free from fear, confident and courageous,
you will rest unafraid and sheltered from the storms of life.
Proverbs 1:33 TPT

DAY 15 PRAYER

TODAY GOD,
Help me to pray In Your Spirit,
And set my own desires aside.
Help me to pray for Your will to be done,
And not my own.
Your perfect plan is better than any purpose I devise.
Your ways are higher than my ways.
Your thoughts are greater than my thoughts.
Your will is more excellent than my will.
Let thy will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
In Jesus name.
Amen.

DAY 15 DEEP THOUGHTS

• Life has seasons of growth.
• Seeds are sown in dark places.
• Trees let go of their leaves.
• Crops don't grown in the stillness of frozen ground.
• "Let me make this clear: A single grain of wheat will never be more than a single grain of wheat unless it drops into the ground and dies. Because then it sprouts and produces a great harvest of wheat—all because one grain died." John 12:24 TPT
• Give up the seed of your life and let your self die in Christ. Give all your worries to God and He will produce a great harvest from the seed of your life.