As I sit outside having my coffee with Jesus, I was thinking about a phrase that I came across yesterday, “Stand firm.”  I found it in 1Corinthians16:13;    “Be watchful, stand firm in faith, be strong.  And Ephesians 6:11 says, “Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.  And in 1 Peter:5, “Resist him, stand firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by others throughout the world.”

 Sometimes it’s easy to want to throw in the towel or to give up the fight. Sometimes we begin to lose our patience or become negative and critical.    It is certainly easy in times when the norm is not the norm.  

But we can gain strength from the words of Christ to stand firm.  Stand firm that this too shall pass.  Stand firm that we can make a difference.  Stand firm that we can grow and become better people.  Stand firm in the word and presence of Jesus, even in the storm. 

Today, let us stand firm in our belief that all is in the hands of Jesus.  HE can lead us through any trial to a deeper relationship with HIM.  What a wonderful day for us to stand firm and know that, with Christ, we will conquer. 

Have a blessed day!

As I sit and have my cup of coffee with Jesus, I was thinking of the word PERSEVERE.  There is a difference between perseverance and endurance. Perseverance consists of having an absolute trust in what is going to happen. To PERSEVERE through any hardship is built on trust that there is nothing to fear.  

Jesus stood for love, peace, justice, forgiveness, and mercy.  To PERSEVERE means that we believe in all of this and that we will not be let down because Jesus is always at our side. 

There may be moments in our life we experience disappointment, challenges, and even suffering, but through it all we remain faithful to God’s promises.  We want to be like Saint Timothy, who said, “I fought the good fight.  I finished the race.  I kept the faith!” 

Today, PERSEVERE with joy and peace.  Be a true witness that Jesus is the Lord of your life! 

Have a blessed day!

As I sit and have my cup of coffee with Jesus, I was thinking about the word PRAISE.  The dictionary says PRAISE is the expression of approval or admiration for someone or something.  Every morning, we need to wake up and PRAISE God, for we have been given the chance for a new day, a new beginning.  

And the Scriptures often remind us about PRAISE.  We need to praise God in good times and in bad.  David says in Psalm 68:19, “PRAISE be to the Lord, the God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.”  

To PRAISE is to give thanks.  Deuteronomy 7:9, says,“I PRAISE you, God, for you keep your covenant of love to a thousand  generations of those who love you and keep your commandments.”  

We PRAISE God for life, and we even praise HIM for the trials we endure!  Remember, PRAISE is the highest form of prayer.  

So today, PRAISE the Lord, and have a blessed day!