what to say each morning

Lord, how can I enjoy you today?”

It is simple yet profound.

Transformative yet distant.

Encompassing yet aloof.

Why? Because it takes us engaging, desiring, and understanding that is truly what the Lord desires. He longs for us to enjoy His presence, feel His peace, and be engulfed in His love.

With this simple, profound statement change can transpire if you let it engulf your very being. If not, you may feel separated from the Lord and that He is far away instead of as close as the mention of His name.

Will you do it?

Will you ask today and everyday going forward: “Lord, how can I enjoy you today?”

For: “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalms 118.24

When you have the joy of the Lord, the world will see you …

be.the.church

The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you by His love; He will exult over you with loud singing.” Zephaniah 3.17

But the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His steadfast love.” Psalms 147.11

The Lord preserves all who love Him, but all the wicked He will destroy.” Psalms 125.20

Be counted in His clutches. Come under His protection. Be considered one of the righteous whom He delights in.

And don’t forget what to say each morning: “Lord, how can I enjoy you today?”

Please comment how you did just that!

© 2019 be.the.church aclearberry all rights reserved

no need to complain

Came home. Tomorrow is garbage day. No one put it out. No need to complain just do the thankless job.

Dog hasn’t been walked, fed, or let out. No need to complain just give the food, water, and take that pup for an appreciated walk.

Laundry in the dryer, dishes in the sink, more needed unloading before dirty can be loaded. Don’t comment. Don’t get upset. Just leave it or do it. No need to complain.

Mail hasn’t been opened. Bills need to be paid. Just do it. No need to complain.

You get the picture. Someone cuts you off, something rubs you the wrong way, someone doesn’t do what should have been done. No need to complain.

The Bible tells us not to complain so let’s just do it.

When it is understandable that we have a reason to complain, let’s not so others will notice and see us…

be.the.church

Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain.”Philippians 2.14-16

We could try our whole life through just to apply this one verse telling us that we should not complain. Try to do it and tell us about how You exhibited some self control for is there really a need to complain?

Complaining breeds discontent and can drag another down into your mess.

Don’t complain.

Sometimes those are the exact things God can use to break you of impatience, help you conquer your frustration, and help you appreciate it really is not the end of the world as Francesca Botticelli sings about: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Xe4SckesWLE

Now listen and remember there is no need to complain.

Photo credit: laundry: stevepb at pixabay puppy: 3194556 at pixabay

© 2019 be.the.church aclearberry all rights reserved

stay rooted and grounded

This picture looks like something from out of this world, right? Looks like it should be in a movie or book. Well done, photographer.

What do you see?

I see a ‘mother’ tree standing protecting its ‘baby.’

I see a ‘father’ tree sheltering its family.

I see the Son* beaming down light for warmth and growth.

Nature can remind us and show us how God takes care of us. In order for us to stand tall, we must be like the tree – rooted deep and grounded strong.

So, it got me thinking: how can we stay rooted and grounded?

  • Dig into The Word
  • Worship The Lord wholeheartedly
  • Give all honor and glory to Him as you…

be.the.church

May Christ dwell in your hearts through faith…be rooted and grounded in love.” Ephesians 3.17

Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.” Colossians 2.7

*intended spelling error as the Son of God and the central star of the universe indeed do the warming and growing of all creation including us humans – let the Sonlight permeate through you so others can see what it means to…

be.the.church

© 2019 be.the.church aclearberry all rights reserved

power of 4 or more

Have a guess what that means?

Basically, anything we do four or more times has an impact on our lives.

If we pray four times a day, we feel more connected to our Lord. Just saying quick breath prayers over meals doesn’t cut it. Pray throughout the day and not just over meals.

If you exercise four or more times a week, it makes an impact. If only once a week you go for a bike ride or lift weights, every time you return you will be back to square one in muscle soreness.

We need to exercise our spiritual muscles too!

How are you going to do that?

Glad you asked.

First, let’s consider this question: How often do you think we should read the Bible – once a day? Once a week? 2 or 3 times a week?

How often do you get some Word in you?

That’s a rhetorical question between you and God but do think about it.

Well, i believe it starts by being engaged in The Word the majority of the days of the week or 4 or more.

“A key discovery from the center for Biblical engagement research is that the life of someone who engages scripture 4 or more times a week looks radically different from the life of someone who does not.

In fact, the lives of Christians who do not engage the Bible most days of the week are statistically the same as the lives of non-believers.”*

Did you catch that?

I know I don’t want to be viewed statistically the same as someone who has yet to have faith in the Lord and I know you don’t either.

But, it makes me wonder:

Why do so many people own Bibles but so few read them? 

I hope you are not one of them!

But, if you are, know there is hope as you can begin the discipline today of reading your Bible at least 4 times a week. And the returns far outweigh the time invested.

Reading the Word will:

  • help prepare you for the day
  • strengthen you for the rough moments that may come
  • keep you from temptation
  • as well as calm your soul when you feel frazzled

So, go do it: engage with God’s Word daily or at least the majority of the week – that is the power of the 4 or more concept!

“Researchers surveyed more than 400,000 people around the world about their spiritual lives. And what was found is

someone who engages the Bible 4 or more times a week is:

228% more likely to share their faith with others

407% more likely to memorize scripture “*

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4.12 NIV

Let The Word be alive in you.

Let it permeate your soul to guide and protect you.

Let it help you…

be.the.church

*https://www.backtothebible.org/research so much more great stuff can be found here from the research gathered. If you go check it out, please come back and share your truth nugget with us all.

© 2019 be.the.church aclearberry all rights reserved

in the details

God is in the details.

When we rely on our own strength, own wealth, own way, we miss seeing God in the details.

I went on a home visit. The coworker I was with presented the host with white orchirds.

Upon arrival, the first thing we noticed was the table as it was adorned with 3 or 4 pots of them. God certainly whispered ‘get white’ at the store. Purple would have been purchased but white was it and what we walked away with was a confirmation that God indeed is in the details.

In the Old Testament in Exodus 25.9, The Word says: “You must make it according to all that I show you  —  the pattern of the tabernacle as well as the pattern of all its furnishings.”

God gave detailed instruction: “Moreover you shall make the tabernacle with ten curtains of find woven linen and blue, purple, and scarlet thread; with artistic designs of cherubim you shall weave them.” Exodus 26.1

Detailed instruction was not just for the tabernacle but for the ark to be built, the desert wanderings, and even Christ’s journey to the cross.

Where else in the Bible do you see the well thought instruction of the Lord full of details?

We would be amiss if we didn’t look in Matthew and see how God cares for the world and is in the details. We don’t need to worry.

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air;

they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow.

They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will He not much more clothe you – you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ …But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:25-31, 33-34 NIV

Why do we worry?

Those who live relying on God’s provision each day and taking to heart the line from the Lord’s prayer “give us this day our daily bread” have a better understanding and see God in the details. They immediately give thanks. Do the same.

Take the rest of today and look for where you see God in the details whether big or small. Then, thank Him.

I suggest you write them down in a notebook or on a note on your phone or computer. You might be surprised what you see when you go looking. Please share your findings so we can be encouraged.

The Lord will direct and will be in the details. Look for them.

The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.” Psalm 37.23

God desires to be apart of the details and will instruct. Let Him!

He did in the Old Testament and as we saw today, He still does now.

When you see Him in the details and share with another, you might just help someone…

be.the.church

as they see and hear and experience you being the church!

Let God be in the details and work that all our as you seek to serve and draw others to Him.

Amen

© 2019 be.the.church aclearberry all rights reserved

live refreshed

This baby elephant sure is enjoying his bath. What will it do for him? Refresh him, of course. He will feel brand new and so can you!

How can you live refreshed?

  • Spend time in God’s presence
  • Live disciplined following the laws of the land as well as the Bible
  • Dig into The Word

Let the following verses uplift, renew, and refresh your spirit:

Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” Isaiah 46.4

The Lord is my strength and my defense; He has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise Him, my father’s God, and I will exalt Him.” Exodus 15.12

But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6.33

but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40.31

I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.” Jeremiah 31.24

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.” 1 Corinthians 16.13-14

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15.13

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46.10

A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” Proverbs 11.25

He refreshes my soul.” Psalm 23.3

Life is meant to be lived refreshed.

So, go and live refreshed. Let others wonder why then you can tell them what it means to …

be.the.church

If you have yet to make a decision about accepting Christ as Lord and Savior…”Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord” Acts 3.19

*elephant pic was taken by minka2507 at pixabay

© 2019 be.the.church aclearberry all rights reserved

the mind is a beautiful thing

The gateway to knowledge, the keeper of truth, the segway to emotions, and the bearer of memories – the mind certainly is a beautiful thing.

God in His infinite wisdom created us to be thinkers, learners, truth bearers, memory keepers, Christ followers, and law abiders.

We do all these things with our minds and when we do we will…

be.the.church

The Word tells us what we should do with our minds:

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Colossians 3.2

Seek to get wise!

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.” James 3.13

Reading and memorizing The Word will help you use your mind wisely. Then, go lead a good life and do good to your fellow man.

We are commanded to love. When we do, we will draw others to the Lord.

Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important command. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.‘” Matthew 22.37

© 2019 be.the.church aclearberry all rights reserved

be the change you want to see in the world

As Christians, we should be the ones with the attitude to draw others to Christ not away.

We should be the ones making changes in our lives so we can be great examples of Christ’s love.

We should be the change we want to see in the world.

Mahatma Gandhi was just that for his homeland. He led the Indian independence from British rule in 1947. Today marks the 150th anniversary of his birth.

We can learn from others in the world Christian or not. This is his quote and it is a good one to take to heart.

Be the change you want to see in the world!”

Now go do it so others will see you…

be.the.church

and the world can be a better place because of your efforts to change the world.

© 2019 be.the.church aclearberry all rights reserved

sugar and spice and everything nice that is what little girls are made of

I am not sure I could have said that in the beginning trainings years of our daughter. It took her time to tame. It took me time to let go and try not to control her. It took us both time to truly understand that we were a gift to each other.

God gave me great ideas to reach her heart and train her in righteousness. Perhaps I will write about them one day but one of those ideas and something we still do is keep back and forth journals. I think the ladies in our lives need a little more encouragement and need to be reminded how they are:

L – oved

A – ccepted

C – omplete and

K – nown*

In other words, not L-A-C-K-ing anything especially with Christ Jesus as Lord.

Well, one day recently when I was frustrated with circumstances out of my control and bad behavior of an adult I work with acting childish.

I got this text from her…

“Hi – random appreciation text because I love you so much.

I am so grateful for you. I love your loving heart and the way you love other people. I love the way you seek to honor God in all you do. I love the way you love me and help me to stay on track and keep improving and bettering myself. I love your willingness to serve and your humility in doing so.

You really are THE BEST!!! So grateful for you ❤️❤️❤️”

Okay, I could totally pick that apart and say I am not always humble or always feel loving towards others but what a nice pick me up surprise when I was feeling a little deflated and defeated. If someone just came to mind that you could encourage, stop reading and send a random appreciation text.

God is a good giver of gifts. We just don’t always recognize them when they come or how they are packaged.

Today, I saw His love and care through a random text from a sweet girl who is made up of sugar and spice and everything nice (and I would even say the spice is not so sassy anymore but has seasoned her soul well.)

So, contemplate the gifts that come your way, they may just be a text received at just the right time. But, if you are not looking, you might miss it’s significance. I believe God shows up in the ordinary to remind us of His extraordinary care and love towards us.

Every good act of giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights…” James 1.17 BLB

Be the sugar and spice and everything nice to others in your life and they will see you…

be.the.church

Look back on this previous post if you need to be reminded further that you are a miracle: https://bethechurch.home.blog/2019/09/22/you-are-a-miracle/

*from Jennifer Rothschild study

© 2019 be.the.church aclearberry all rights reserved

gateway to heaven

 How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven.” Genesis 28.17

But according to His promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.” 2 Peter 2.13

“…as it is written, ‘What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.'” 1 Corinthians 2.9

In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?” John 14.2

What will heaven be like?

What will we pass through when we arrive?

How big will the pearls be on the gates?

Will we travel through a chasm of light to get there?

Will those we knew on earth be given an announcement that we are on the way and meet us at the gate?

What other questions about heaven do you have?

Here’s what the Bible tells us of heaven:

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away (vanished), and there is no longer any sea. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, arrayed like a bride adorned for her husband; and then I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “See! The tabernacle of God is among men, and He will live among them, and they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them [ as their God, ] and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be death; there will no longer be sorrow and anguish, or crying, or pain; for the former order of things has passed away.” And He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also He said, “Write, for these words are faithful and true [they are accurate, incorruptible, and trustworthy].” And He said to me, “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the one who thirsts I will give [water] from the fountain of the water of life without cost. He who overcomes [the world by adhering faithfully to Christ Jesus as Lord and Savior] will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son. But as for the cowards and unbelieving and abominable [who are devoid of character and personal integrity and practice or tolerate immorality], and murderers, and sorcerers [with intoxicating drugs], and idolaters and occultists [who practice and teach false religions], and all the liars [who knowingly deceive and twist truth], their part will be in the lake that blazes with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls filled with the seven final plagues came and spoke with me, saying, “Come here, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.” And he carried me away in the Spirit to a vast and lofty mountain, and showed me the holy (sanctified) city of Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, having God’s glory [filled with His radiant light]. The brilliance of it resembled a rare and very precious jewel, like jasper, shining and clear as crystal. It had a massive and high wall, with twelve [large] gates, and at the gates [were stationed] twelve angels; and on the gates the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel were written. On the east side [there were] three gates, on the north three gates, on the south three gates, and on the west three gates. And the wall of the city had twelve foundation stones, and on them the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb (Christ). The one who was speaking with me had a gold measuring rod to measure the city, and its gates and its wall. The city is laid out as a square, its length being the same as its width; and he measured the city with his rod—twelve thousand stadia (about 1,400 miles); its length and width and height are equal. He measured its wall also—a hundred forty-four cubits (about 200 feet), according to man’s measurements, which are [also] angelic [measurements]. The wall was built of jasper; and the city was pure gold, transparent like clear crystal. The foundation stones of the wall of the city were adorned with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation stone was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, chalcedony; the fourth, emerald; the fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite (yellow topaz); the eighth, beryl; the ninth, topaz; the tenth, chrysoprase; the eleventh, jacinth; the twelfth, amethyst. And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; each separate gate was of one single pearl. And the street (broad way) of the city was pure gold, like transparent crystal. I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty [the Omnipotent, the Ruler of all] and the Lamb are its temple. And the city has no need of the sun nor of the moon to give light to it, for the glory (splendor, radiance) of God has illumined it, and the Lamb is its lamp and light. The nations [the redeemed people from the earth] will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring into it their glory. By day (for there will be no night there) its gates will never be closed [in fear of evil]; and they will bring the glory (splendor, majesty) and the honor of the nations into it; and nothing that defiles or profanes or is unwashed will ever enter it, nor anyone who practices abominations [detestable, morally repugnant things] and lying, but only those [will be admitted] whose names have been written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.” ‭‭Revelations ‬ ‭21:1-27‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Make sure your name is written in the Lamb’s Book of life and help others be there too. The only thing we can take with us to heaven is a record of the things we have done for the Lord and the best thing we can do for Him is share His story so others can learn the importance of accepting Christ as Savior.

Help the world know of His name. To know Jesus and make His name be known is our task while on earth.

FYI: The picture in this post was taken by a fellow believer desiring to start a home church in Canada. Pray for our brother as he pursues this God-given desire and dream. The closest place of worship is 40 minutes away. He has been encouraged by the link below which is the site by Francis Chen. Perhaps it will inspire another or provide the help and training needed in starting a home church. I, of course, love the site name to be reminded we are the church so…

be.the.church

https://www.wearechurch.com/

© 2019 be.the.church aclearberry all rights reserved