Turn Your Thankfulness Into Praise

Good Monday morning. Praise comes naturally when you count your blessings. It is easy for us to live thanklessly in a world full of trouble, struggles and woes. On any given day we can find many reasons to complain. Psalm 100 exhorts God's people to be glad, joyful and thankful for "it is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture." As we remember who we are, we can respond in thanksgiving. 

Even in the worst of times, we can remember Christ's love and sacrifice for us. Don't let the brutality of the world take away your thankful heart. You are God's child, and He has shown you His goodness and mercy through His work on the cross.

 ( You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9 ). Have a blessed day.
~Trina Cole~

Don't Let Complaining Dull Your Star

 
Good Sunday morning. Jesus is our example. Jesus suffered gloriously! Silently without complaint, trusting God no matter how things looked, He remained the same in every situation. He did not respond patiently when things were easy and impatiently when things were hard. Jesus is our example and He came to show us how to live.

 How we handle ourselves in front of others shows them how they should live. We are to be living epistles read of all men lights shining out brightly in a dark world. During the Israelites' journey through the wilderness they grumbled and complained when they should have been thanking God for delivering them from Egypt.

We are given the entire account of their suffering and death to show what will happen if we behave like they did. Jesus is our example we should do what He did. The Israelites complained and remained in the wilderness. Jesus praised and was raised from the dead. If we can't offer our prayer requests from a foundation filled with thanksgiving, we will not get a favorable response. The Word says pray with thanksgiving not complaining. Until we learn to glorify God by our attitude during hard times, we will not get delivered. It is not the suffering that glorifies God, but a godly attitude in suffering that pleases Him and brings glory to Him.

 ( Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world. Philippians 2:14-15 ). Have a blessed day.
~Trina Cole~

I AM MORE THAN A CONQUEROR!

Good Saturday morning. I'm going through, with faith I'm gonna make it. No matter how bad things seem to be in your life right now, don't give up. It's easy to quit; but there is no problem to big or too small for God to handle. We have many choices before us in a lifetime, but the Lord told His people He had set before them life and death and urged them to choose life. In proverbs we are told that "Death and Life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it." So our thoughts become our words. It is very important that we choose positive life-generating thoughts.Our thoughts are what gets us into trouble quite often. In Isaiah 55:8 the Lord says, "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways." We need to reprogram our minds to think as God thinks. It may take some time and it won't always be easy, but it will be worth it in the end. 

Have you not dwelt long enough wandering in the desert? Has it taken forty years to make and eleven day journey? Make up your mind that you are not gonna quit and victory is ahead. Examine your mind, if it does not agree with God's thoughts then cast down your own thoughts, imaginations, and every high and lofty thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God and bring every thought into captivity, into obedience to Jesus Christ. I Declare and decree no weapon formed against me shall prosper. He who the Son sets free is free indeed.Whatever God has planned in my life, it will succeed. I am a chosen child of God and have the favor of God on me. I can do all things through Jesus Christ.

 I am more than a conqueror. It won't always be like this. I WILL walk in the fullness of God's blessings. My thoughts are guided by God's Word every day. Nothing can defeat me, because my mind is programmed for VICTORY. I WILL win at this! ( For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds. 2 Corinthians 10:4 ). Have a very blessed day.
~Trina Cole~

Sweet Words Heal

TGIF! Kind hearts are the gardens; kind thoughts are the roots; kind words are the flowers; kind deeds are the fruits. What makes a marriage work? You need to keep it sweet. Remember to be good to each other. Sometimes the daily stresses of life can easily cause us to get irritable with our spouses or others. We pick at the little annoyances or criticize minor habits.

We blurt out harmful, unkind words without thinking. Proverbs gives us counsel about the words we use with others. " Whoever guards his mouth And tongue keeps his soul from troubles." And then there are these warnings: "Death and life are in the power of the tongue." "Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." "Pleasant Words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones."

 Lord fill our hearts with words that will be a blessing to others today. ( Put on tender mercies, Kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering . Colossians 3:12 ). Have a blessed day
~Trina Cole~

The One Who Restores

 
Good Thursday morning. Repentance and forgiveness are the glue that can repair a broken relationship. The Bible urges us to avoid angry outbursts by putting on the new self, "which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness."

  And if we are the victim of anger, God asks us to "be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you." Restored relationships are not easy, but they are possible by the grace of God. God never gives up on us!

 ( I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten. Joel 2:25 ). Have a blessed day.
~Trina Cole~

God Is Greater

  God Is Greater


Good Wednesday morning. God helps those who know they are   helpless. Sometimes in life we feel trapped. We are banging on the door, pulling on the handle, but we can't get free. We need help from the outside. To get that outside assistance, we have to admit that we are helpless on our own. 

Sometimes we look inward for the answers to our problems, yet the Bible says, " the heart is deceitful." In truth we are often the source of our own problems in life. Thankfully, He knows exactly how to help us. Lasting heart-level change and real progress with our problems originate with God. Trusting Him and living to please Him means we can flourish and be truly free.

 ( God is greater than our hearts, and He knows everything. 1 John 3:20 ). Have a blessed day.
~Trina Cole~

Share Each Others' Burdens

 
Good Tuesday morning. We can go a lot further together than we can alone. Sharing life's struggles is fundamental to the way followers of Christ are called to live. As Paul challenged us, "Share each others' burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ."

 By working together through life's challenges we can help to strengthen and support one another when times are hard. By expressing toward one another the care and affections of Christ, the difficulties of life should draw us to Christ and to each other not isolate us in our suffering.

 By sharing in the struggles of another, we are modeling the love of Christ. No matter how great the struggle we face, we never face it alone.
 ( Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows. Isaiah 53:4 ). Have a great day.
~Trina Cole~

Sure Hope Of Heaven

Good Monday morning. Life's greatest joy is the sure hope of heaven. Because life is precious, it can be hard to let our loved ones go when the time comes for them to depart this earth and go to heaven. And yet God has set a time when He plans to call us (His saints) home.

 No matter where Christians are in life's journey, their ultimate destination is to be with Christ. This should give us confidence in facing life's challenges and comfort when other believers leave us for that glorious home Christ has prepared.

 ( Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. Psalm 116:15 ). Have a blessed day.
~Trina Cole~

Don't Get Hooked!

Good Sunday morning. Respond to the lies of Satan with the truth of God's Word. Satan dangles temptation, like a fishhook, right in front of us. It looks tasty. It promises gratification. But Satan's power ends there. He cannot force us to take the hook. 

His power stops at the edge of our will--at our decision point. When we are warned by the Holy Spirit and decide to say no, Satan can do no more. In fact James 4:7 says, "If we resist the devil he will flee from us".

 As believers we can in God's strength successfully resist Satan's most enticing tactics. ( Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him and be strong in your faith.......1 Peter 5:8-9 ). Have a blessed day.
~Trina Cole~

The School Of Suffering

Good Saturday morning. The school of suffering teaches us lessons that we could learn in no other classroom. While watching the movie "The Passion" it reminded me of the pain and suffering Jesus went through just for us. While suffering comes in many different forms and intensity, it is to be expected.Suffering often helps us to redirect our focus. It shifts our thinking from immediate circumstances so we can listen to God concerning His work in our lives.

 Life as usual is replaced by a spiritual classroom. While our sufferings may not be as intense as that experienced by Jesus or the apostles, we will endure some form of suffering. In some form or another, however, suffering will come our way as we deny ourselves, endure harassment, bear insults, or refuse to engage in activities that do not honor the Lord. Even exercising patience, avoiding revenge, and forgiving others in order to foster good relationships are forms of following in His steps.

 Whenever we encounter suffering, may we remember what Jesus endured for us. We are not alone in our experience of pain, He will comfort us and teach us in our suffering.

 (To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps. 1 Peter 2:21 ). Have a great day.
~Trina Cole~

Seasons Change, People Change, God Never Changes

TGIF!! God's unchanging nature is our security during seasons of change. To everything there is a season, proclaims the writer of the book of Ecclesiastes. A time for every purpose under heaven. A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to harvest; 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 mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love and a time to hate; a time of war and a time of peace.Just as the seasons in nature change, so do the seasons in our lives.

 Our circumstances never stay the same for long. Sometimes we welcome change in our lives. But often it is difficult, especially when it involves sorrow and loss. Yet even then we can be thankful that God does not change. Because God remains the same, we can rely on Him through the shifting seasons of life. His presence is always with us, His peace has the power to guard our hearts and His love provides security for our souls.

 ( God is our refuge and strength a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 ). Have a blessed day.
~Trina Cole~

Our Strength Is Found In Him

Good Thursday morning. God's call to a task includes His strength to complete it. No matter what our strengths or weaknesses might be, God's providential hand can give us what we need to make a difference for Him in our world.

 Rely on His strength to help you as you take a step of faith. I have always heard the saying, if God leads you to it He will see you through it. 

( I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 ). Have a blessed day.
~Trina Cole~

Clothed By Him

 

Good Wednesday morning. Clothing ourselves with Jesus' attitudes and actions shows His presence in our lives. Scripture often calls us to "put on" attitudes and actions that match our identity in Christ. Sometimes we are known by the clothes we wear, but we can make Jesus known by wearing attitudes and actions that reveal His presence in our lives. 

Clothing ourselves in Jesus' likeness begins with spending time with Him. If you hear Him say, "You can't go out looking like that!" let Him lovingly take you back to the closet so He can clothe you with His likeness. It's always an upgrade!

 ( Put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering.....but above all these things put on love. Colossians 3:12,14 ). Have a blessed day.
~Trina Cole~

Now It's My Turn

Lately I have been just in a pure praise portion of my life. I have been so grateful and thankful to God for giving me such a wonderful relationship with my mother. For years we have had, shall we say, a less than savory, relationship. Now, the Lord has given me back the years that the cankerworm had stolen. Just like He promised that He would do. We truly enjoy one another's company. We get along. We have long conversations, meaningful prayer time and talk about just anything and have a really great time together. I cannot in mere words ever express how much this time with my mother has meant to me and still means.

 The last couple of weeks have been extremely busy and eventful and very enjoyable at the same time. I have been to Memphis to see Elvis Presley Tribute Artists compete for a world wide title and spent time with my wonderful niece Sonia and my sister Betty. Also, got to meet one of Sonia's friends Tammy. She was a very interesting and sweet person and I enjoyed meeting her. We got to go to thrift stores and eat out and talk and visit and have a wonderful time just being together. I have gotten to visit with some of my very best friends in the world while in Blytheville and Manila and I have been feeling so blessed and honored to have been able to spend good quality time with them and their families. God has truly blessed me with some marvelous, caring and loving friends that could never be replaced.

 I have been so happy to have met so many new friends in the last few months since I have been back in the Gould. Like my great friend Judy. She is truly one of a kind. Kind,generous, understanding and honest, very honest. Which is one of the most important qualities to me in a friend. Everyone has their pet peeves and mine is dishonest people. I just can't abide them and my friends all know this about me. So when I chose friends, I pick the honest, shoot from the hip kind of folks. Well..someone like myself. I am the same way and in the so doing of this honest, shoot from the hip sort of way that I am and almost everyone in my circle is, I tend from time to time to manage to offend or hurt someone. I didn't to my knowledge say anything mean, uncaring or certainly untrue but, the person is still offended, and sounds quite angry actually at me for basically telling the truth. Well...mercy here we go again. The first thing that came to my mind when I learned of this situation is, well things have been going so wonderfully for me for quite some time now and although I have fought battles in the spirit as we all do from time to time things have been relatively quiet in my world for a few months now and I have really enjoyed it so very much.

I have had a few heartbreaking moments but that just happens in life and you shake yourself off and move on. This, though, blind sighted me with a sucker punch that felt like a wrecking ball just hit me in the gut and my first instinct was to run into the proverbial cave and hide for a few days or weeks or months or whatever but, you know what? I am not going to do that!! I have done absolutely nothing wrong and I refuse to let the enemy of my soul get me off of my course that God has assigned me to. I can do all things through Christ who gives me the strength to do whatever needs to be done or whatever He has called me to do.

 I am more than an conqueror through the blood of Jesus and through my testimony. My testimony is this: I once was lost and now I am found, I once was blind and now I can see. I once was fearful, overwhelmed, full of remorse, shame, guilt and an uneasy unhappy life was all that I had but, now through the love and the blood of Jesus Christ the son of the most High God, I am saved, healed, delivered, and joyful!! Glory to God and I refuse to be otherwise. It has taken almost my entire life to be this happy, peaceful and joyful and if it hairlips every devil in hell, I will not be moved! Satan loves nothing more than for brothers and sisters in Christ to war against one another. I will not have a part in any such thing. I have had enough of that to last me a lifetime. Not happening devil. I submit myself to God and I resist you with all authority! so get!

 Last Summer I allowed myself to become offended and it wrecked my whole world there for a while and so now I have a little personal insight into this "offended" thing so I have to stay on course, hold fast to my confession, and move forward. Lord knows when I got offended I acted out like a spoiled child and my friends hung in there with me and loved me in spite of it and through it and now all is well. Had they not loved me and had acted out themselves in retaliation or fussed and argued with me it would have been so much worse and the gap may never have been mended but, in wisdom and grace they loved me and just moved forward with what God called them to do and didn't let my foolish ways keep them from doing what they were supposed to be doing. Oh I am sure it made them think that I had lost my mind but they still loved me in spite of the whole situation. So, now I get to be the one that loves and tries to mend the wounded, offended one. Funny how it works like that. I believe it's called you reap what you sow. So since grace and love was extended to me,now I  know better how to extend the same to someone very dear to me.

~Priscilla Hinds~

Faith In The Trial

 

Good Tuesday morning. Faith grows best in the winter of trial. Many of us have experienced a trial that has seemed to trigger a string of other trials. The loss of a job, the death of a loved one, an unwanted divorce, or a decline in health could all be part of the list. God is still in control. It is His purpose to use tribulation to build resilience into us. 

The word "patience" means to have staying power or the ability to endure. In the mist of your life-changing trial, remember that God is still at work. He wants to use your trials to build your character. He has promised His grace to see you through.

 ( My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials knowing that the testing of your faith   produces patience. James 1:2-3 ). Have a blessed day.

~Trina Cole~

Endure, Regroup, Renew, Restore, SOAR!

Good Monday morning. The setbacks of life can teach us to wait upon the Lord for His help and strength. Setbacks have an upside; they fuel new dreams, and they also have spiritual benefits too. James 1 says, "Consider it pure joy...when you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Adopting this perspective on the difficulties of life is not easy, but it is worthwhile.

 Trials provide opportunity to deepen our relationship with God. They also provide the opening to learn lessons that success cannot teach by developing in us the kind of patience that waits on God and trusts Him for the strength to endure. The trials we go through make us stronger if we will just put our faith and trust in the Lord because He knows what is best for us.

 ( Wait for the Lord, be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Psalm 27:14 ) Have a blessed day.
~Trina Cole~

Fixed On Him

 Good Tuesday morning. We can finish strong when we focus on Christ. Running with endurance requires that we lay aside the sin that stands in our way and shed the weights that hold us back. We may even have to press on through persecution.

 To prevent weariness and discouragement in our souls, the Bible urges us to focus on Christ. When we pay more attention to Him than to our struggles, we will notice Him running alongside us supporting us when we stumble and encouraging us with His example. Keeping our eyes on "the author and finisher of our faith" will help us stay close to the source of our strength and remain faithful to the finish.

Never look back always keep your eyes focused on what's ahead. We've come too far to look back now. Keep looking for the finish line, it's closer than you think. ( Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Hebrews 12:1 ). Have a great day.
~Trina Cole~

Commit Everything To The Lord

 

Good Monday morning. This is the day the Lord has made. Rejoice and be glad. Death is an excellent reminder of life, and life is a gift. Life on earth gives us the chance to influence and enjoy the world around us. We can eat and drink happily and relish our relationships. We can also enjoy our work.

 "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might." Whatever our vocation or job or role in life, we can encourage people, pray, and express love with sincerity each day. It's impossible to know when our lives on earth will end, no one knows when their hour will come.

 But gladness and purpose can be found in this day by relying on God's strength and depending on Jesus' promise of eternal life.
 ( Anyone who is among the living has hope. Ecclesiastes 9:4 ). Have a blessed day.
~Trina Cole~

Wait On Him, He Has The Answer

Good Sunday morning. Time spent in prayer is always time well spent. We have to wait on God when we pray. We may not know how or when He will answer, but we can put our hearts constantly before Him. Sometimes the answers don't come when we would hope. Things may even go from bad to worse. 

But we have to persevere, keep believing, and keep asking. Waiting is never easy, but the end result, whatever it is will be worth it. Keep seeking. Keep trusting. Keep asking. Keep praying.

 ( Those who know your name trust in You, for You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You. Psalm 9:10 ). Have a blessed day.
~Trina Cole~

Behind Every Temptation Is A Snake

 

Good Saturday morning. God's commands can overpower Satan's suggestions. No matter how beautiful it's portrayed, sin holds out promises but in the end offers no rewards. Tempted to doubt God's goodness we can ignore God's warnings and soon loose everything. 

The rewards for disobedience to God can result in alienation, pain, emptiness, toil and strife, and even death. Sin looks inviting and may feel good, but it doesn't compare with the wonder, beauty, and fragrance of trusting and obeying God, who has made us to share His life and joy.

 ( God knows that when you eat from it ( the tree of knowledge of good and evil) your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil. Genesis 3:5 ). Have a great day.
~Trina Cole~

Bless And Curse Not

Good Friday morning. People may mock our message but they can't stop our prayers. There are many forms of persecution some are life threatening some are not whatever the case it's heartbreaking. Persecution that comes from non-Christian family members can be most heartbreaking. When loved ones ridicule our faith and Mock us for what we believe and how we express our love for God, we feel rejected and unloved. 

Paul warned believers that following Jesus would result in persecution: "All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution," and we know that sometimes rejection will come from those we love. But when people we love reject the God we love, the rejection feels personal. Jesus told us to pray for those who persecute us, and that includes more than strangers who hate us. God is able to give us grace to persevere through persecution even when it comes from those we love.

 ( Bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who persecute you. Matthew5:44 ). Have a blessed day.

~Trina Cole~

Guard Your Mouth

Good Thursday morning. Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles. When we are gossiping or speaking in anger, we find ourselves outside the lines of what God desires. Our tongues, our pens, and even our keyboards should more often fall silent thanks in our hearts for the restraint God provides.

 But all too often, when we speak we remind everyone of our brokenness as human being. When we want to surprise others with the difference Christ makes, we may need to look no further then restraining our tongue.

 Others can't help but notice when we honor God with what we say or don't say.( the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. James 3:18 ). Have a blessed day.
~Trina Cole~

Free Indeed!

 


Good Wednesday morning. The price of our freedom from sin was paid by Jesus' blood. We don't have to stay connected to past sins. But many remain connected despite mercy and forgiveness. However true freedom comes when we confess our wrongdoing to God.

 He forgives it and separates us from it. He throws our sins back into the depths of the sea! Because of this, we can remind ourselves that the Son has made us free, and we are free indeed.

 ( If the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. John 8:36 ). Have a blessed day.
~Trina Cole~

Think On These Things

Good Tuesday morning. Character is the sum total of all our thoughts, words, and deeds. When lustful or vengeful thoughts creep into our minds, reading and meditating on God's Word can help to clean up our thinking.

 Scripture tells us to love the Lord "with all our heart, with all our soul, and with all our mind" and not to "be conformed to this world " but to "be transformed by the renewing of our mind."

 It instructs us to think about things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. When our minds wander to evil, the best "cleaner" is to allow the wisdom of the Bible to permeate our thoughts and hearts. ( If there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8 ). Have a blessed day.
~Trina Cole~

Cleanse Me Oh God

Good Monday morning. We can own up to our wrongs because we can't hide them from God anyway. We may clean up the outside of our lives hoping that no one will look into the "closet" where we have hidden our sins by rationalization and excuses and by blaming others for our own faults. 

 The problem is that while looking on the outside, we remain well aware of the mess on the inside. We need to submit to the cleansing inspection of God: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

 Let's invite Him to inspect and cleanse every corner of our lives. ( Search me, O God, and know my heart. Psalm 139:23 ).
~Trina Cole~

He's Our Provider

Good Sunday morning. Wealth or no wealth, devoted hearts please the Lord. Be determined not to let wealth get in the way of your devotion to God. Rather, serve God with your assets and help those in need. There's nothing wrong with wealth itself, but it has the power to deceive us into thinking that money is the answer to all our needs and so we forget all about God. 

What if we were more excited about following the Lord's Word than about winning a jackpot worth millions? Don't get me wrong, God is not against wealth for He has blessed some with it. He's definitely against the unethical aquisition and wrong use of it. God is worthy of devotion from all His followers.

 The riches of obedience - true riches - belong to all who walk with God. ( Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. Matthew 19:23-24 ). Have a blessed day.
~Trina Cole~

The Slippery Slope Of Sin

Good Saturday morning. A big fall begins with a little stumble. Sin is a lot like standing at the edge of a cliff or deep dark hole, it will draw you closer and closer to the edge of darkness and often times many have lost their balance and fallen into the vast darkness. They've destroyed their families, reputations, and careers through adulterous affairs that began with a "mere" flirtation but then progressed to thoughts and actions.

 Looking back they almost always say, "I never thought it would come to this." We think we can flirt with temptation, get very close to the edge, and walk away, but that's a fool's dream. We know an action is wrong and yet we toy with it. Then, inescapably, we are drawn into deeper and darker perversions. Jesus put it simply: "Whoever commits sin is a slave of sin."

 And so, seeing our own need for God's help, we pray as David did in Psalm 19:13, "Keep back Your servant also from deliberate sins; let them not have dominion over me." ( Whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. John 8:34 ). Have a great day.

~Trina Cole~