Abundant Life by Joy Maloney

Abundant Life by Joy Maloney

Jesus said, "I am come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." St. John 10:10 (NKJV)

Every morning, most of us start our day with what we believe to be a healthy breakfast, chat with family and friends, and preparation for a busy day of work, school or play. At the end of our day, we try to unwind by spending time watching television, on the computer or some other gadget. As we prepare for bed, we might say to ourselves, we had a good day or a terrible day.

It is God's intention for us to have a joyful and fulfilling life. Little things in life like taking a stroll in the park, noticing a budding flower or saying, 'How are you today?' to a neighbor give us a satisfying and happy disposition. Over and above these things, however, the God of the heavens and the earth, desires a personal relationship with us. When we acknowlege Him as our Maker, and turn from our selfish ways, He gives a peace and a hope that is past our understanding. We have a joy, even when we are facing adverse situations. His Word declares that we are more than conquerors through Christ who loves us.

Ultimately, God promises everlasting joy and peace to all those who put their trust in Him. You can begin to experience this abundance today. Put your trust in God and may His blessings be yours.

Source: http://www.faithwriters.com/article-details.php?id=156208

Second Chance to Be Made New -Testimony Tuesday

Second Chance to Be Made New

by Marijo Phelps 

There have been several “second chance” moments in my life. 

Remembering back to those days when we lived for the weekends…. Drinking, playing poker, having bar-b-ques, smoking dope, dancing, baking brownies…. It seemed like fun until we got pulled over by the cops for erratic driving or were in the bathroom lying prone of the floor waiting to throw up yet again. I think the only reason I missed going to jail was because they had no matron on duty that night. I wasn’t driving the car but had passed out in the back seat and Jim was driving only he passed out in the front seat – in the fog on a major California highway. We could have been hit by a semi and killed but fortunately the highway patrol were the ones who saw us and had each of us “walk the line”. I think we both flunked. Jim got a night in the hoosegow and I drove the car home with two policemen following me, in the fog, as I proceeded to run a stop sign but managed to make it home and the officers helped me to my front door.
On that foggy night the party we’d been to didn’t seem so much fun but that didn’t stop me the next time. It was actually a number of years…. The second chance part comes later.

Graphic Credit:  my2ndheartbeat.wordpress.com

The next second chance I had involved relationships and doing it right. I certainly didn’t do it right BEFORE. My ex husband and I lived together two years before we finally got married. I was gun shy having been married once before. I messed up that first marriage royally. The divorce was my choice and my fault. The only reason I ended up getting married the second time was because I had asked for and been granted a month vacation in August – during “prime vacation time” only because we were getting married. I had wanted to change my mind about tying the knot but our parents would have been devastated and I wouldn’t have been able to go on that vacation, all great reasons to get married, right?

The second chance came for both of those lifestyles when my little atheistic self began to realize that there was something more. That there was someone who was smarter than I, that there was a being who loved like I had never been loved before. His name is Jesus. I hit bottom one day while walking in a park before going in for PM shift at the hospital. I didn’t cry often but when I did there was usually a relief and release. That day it seemed like my tears were made of mud and the more I cried the messier I got.

I went home to get ready for work and in the bathtub began talking to the God I didn’t think existed… I got to the point where I asked forgiveness and confessed what a mess I was making of my life asking Jesus to take over. I didn’t realize it but I had been in that tub for 1 ½ hours and the water had turned stone cold. I wasn’t emotional when praying but afterwards a huge weight seemed to lift off my shoulders, I felt a solid peace that I had never experienced before and something had definitely changed.

It was after this being “made new” many things fell into place and I got a number of second chances. I was able to go to people I had wronged and ask forgiveness. This led to greater freedom and more release.
Numbers of years later, I met a wonderful guy. We had both been married before and this time wanted to do it right. We wanted to wait until we married to give each other that ultimate gift of intimacy. With God’s grace and help we were able. 

Graphic Credit:  alaknowsbest.wordpress.com

This is a piece I wrote back at that time:
Lord, there is an incredible gift wrapped and set aside for our upcoming wedding from you to us and then us to each other. I beseech you to let your strength be evident in our weakness! Let not even a corner of the paper be torn or wrinkled. Help us, I pray to cherish, trust, WAIT and not gobble. Oh, Jesus, help our focus to always be looking up to you. Father hear my cry. AMEN

Was it easy? Nope. Was it possible to “not awaken our love before its time”? Definitely. 

I was given a second chance at life and also at being able to wait having our honeymoon AFTER the marriage.

All this worked and we were blessed because of our most incredible Lord Jesus and the price He paid to set us free!

Some people never receive a second chance so if you don't know the Lord Jesus please, please take time to make that eternity changing choice today! We do not know how much time we have, do we? He loves you so very much!!!

© Marijo Phelps all rights reserved –

Come visit her blog: http://myincrediblelord.blogspot.com/

Psalm 70:4-5

New International Version (NIV)

⁴ 

But may all who seek you 

    rejoice and be glad in you;

may those who long for your saving help always say,

    “The Lord is great!”

⁵ 

But as for me, I am poor and needy; 

    come quickly to me, O God.

You are my help and my deliverer; 

    Lord, do not delay.

Inspirational Video Moment: Overcoming Loneliness, Alcohol and Drugsl!

Mondays are Inspirational Video Moment days at 

New Life Today Blog.  

Visit us every Monday to view the 

new Video of the Week.

Video Credit: Hannah Clarkson

By Your Side by Roger Horsch

Graphic Credit

There are things in our lives that happen
That can cause us to run and hide
But there is a strength that runs right through us
‘cause we know Jesus is by our side.

He’s always there when times are tough
And when the times are good
We should remember to pull our strength from Him
Because He says we always should.

He gives us the power to overcome
He opens our eyes to see
What it is our lives are now
And what our lives should be.

Our time is only temporary
As we walk upon this earth
He’s been guiding our lives to be the best we can
From the time of our own birth.

 So, find some happiness within yourself
‘cause you know how hard you’ve tried
Then, take peace in knowing the Lord is here
And that He’s standing right by your side.

Graphic Credit

Inspirational Video Moment: Never Give Up

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Visit us every Monday to view the 

new Video of the Week.

Video Credit: ARAND Video Services

Inspirational Video Moment: I Look to You

Mondays are Inspirational Video Moment days at 

New Life Today Blog.  

Visit us every Monday to view the 

new Video of the Week.

Video Credit: ARAND Video Services

Inspirational Video Moment: God's Will in Our Life

Mondays are Inspirational Video Moment days at 

New Life Today Blog.  

Visit us every Monday to view the 

new video of the week.

Video Credit: ARAND Video Services

Life's Changes by Roger Horsch

Graphic Credit

When our hopes and dreams are shattered
And they seem to be out of range
It’s the ability to know what we need
In our lives to make a change.

We must find out what’s important
Not what we want, but what we need
Our lives should be filled with love and joy
Not anger, lust or greed.

So fill your life with things that are new
And get rid of the bad and the old
‘cause it’s always hard to take criticism
Or to do what we are told.


But the change is deep within us
If we look we just might find
The key that unlocks the door to change
So we won’t be left behind.

So when you let God change your life
Your life will start to change you
And when it is all said and done
Your life’s changes will be new.

Graphic Credit

I Want A Do Over, or Do I? by Bob Valleau

Is your life like a roller coaster -- a never ending ride of ups and downs with a few sharp turns now and then? When you left home to embark on living your own life, were you prepared for such a tumultuous experience? Yet, if you could go back in time and had the ability to change your destiny, would you?

How many of us wish we had a life "do over"? Oh, some of you would say you are happy at this point in your life, and, as believers, you may quote how we are commanded to be content in whatsoever state we find ourselves.

Still, haven't you ever wondered where you would be if you had the ability to choose your own destiny? I have, and, I must admit, it's scary. I have often wondered, "What if?" And then there are the "could've, should've, would've" possibilities that run through my mind. I know. I live dangerously because entertaining such thoughts border on the edge of plain fiction or total lunacy.

Well, call me crazy for being human and nonsensical. But my wandering mind has never steered me wrong. It has always led me back to the most sensible and logical conclusion: my destiny is not a destination but a person, Jesus Christ. My rambling thoughts have helped me to see how God does not live in our "what ifs." Nor does He live in our "could'ves, would'ves, should'ves." He lives in our here and now, always drawing us closer so we can experience a more intimate relationship with Him.

You see, I'm glad God never gave us the power to chart our own course. I'm glad He wraps our life's journey in a mystery which forces us to place our trust in Him. I'm glad He knows the end from the beginning and only reveals what He has to at just the right moment.

So no, I don't want a life "do over." The only power God has given me is what I do with each day and whom I will serve. In reality, isn't that what our destiny is all about anyway?

Copyright 2012 by Bob Valleau. Bob has over 25 years of writing experience for the Christian market. He was once named Christian Writer of the Year by the American Christian Writers Association. Currently, he freelances and lives in Texas.

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS

Gonna Make A Change by Edwin Tillis

Editor's Note: The following essay was recently written by a Christian who is graduating from a residential drug residential treatment program based on the 12-step process.  It is hoped that this essay will inspire and motivate others looking to overcome an addiction to drugs and alcohol.

I write this for myself, as well as my loved ones, who have been subjected to my using, and have loved me enough to suffer along with me for years until GOD has relieved me of the obsession to use drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes.

Not too long ago I heard a man say that his drug of choice was not worth the ink to even write to and I totally agree with him. So I write this to you LORD, to my family, love ones and to myself.

For more years than I care to remember, my drug use and the lifestyle that goes along with it, has taken so many things away from me that are irreplaceable. When I speak of these things it is not the tangible items, such as cars, money, clothes, or household goods. No, I speak of wasted time, energy, relationships gone bad, and repossessed Blessings that were from GOD!

Today, with GOD’S Direction, Grace, Mercy, and Second chance’s, He has brought me from destruction to reconstruction. Today He is revealing His purpose for my life. And for this I praise you FATHER.

The things that were lost - tangible and non-tangible, I have faith that The GOD that I serve today shall replace and restore them in HIS time and according to his purpose!

Today I realize that I am not cured and all I have is a daily reprieve contingent on the daily maintenance of my spiritual condition and conditioning. Every day is a day that I must carry the vision of GOD’S will into all my activities and interactions with others.

The choices that we make in life determine our destiny. So today I choose hope instead of dope. And life instead of death. I choose relationships instead of isolation. And I choose to live life on life’s terms.

1 Corinthians 10:13

Overcoming Addiction through God's Strength! by Michelle Goodwine

In 2009, Whitney Houston's comeback from a bad marriage and drug addiction was underway. With the release of her CD and the single "I Didn't Know My Own Strength", it was hoped that Whitney had once again returned to her thrown as the Queen of Pop.  Unfortunately, in the meantime, her road to recovery, like many others with addiction problems, was paved with many potholes.  And on Saturday, February 11, Whitney came to the end of her road.

What is truly sad about Whitney's fall from grace is that she was a believer who lost her way. While it is too late for Whitney to start a New Life Today, perhaps her life can serve as a lesson to us all.  

Below are some Bible verses that will hopefully help other Christians who are trying to Start a New Life free from drugs and alcohol:

Lesson #1: Our Strength Comes from God

Isaiah 40:28-30 (NIV)

²⁸ Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God,  the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary,   and his understanding no one can fathom.
²⁹ He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.  

³⁰ Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;  

³¹ 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.

Lesson #2: Your Body is a Temple

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV)

¹⁹ Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;
²⁰ you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

Lesson #3: Don't Get Drunk

Ephesians 5:18 (NIV)

¹⁸ Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit,  
¹⁹ speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord,
²⁰ always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Lesson #4: We are Not of this World

Romans 12:1-3 (NIV)

¹ Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.  
² Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

For those Christians struggling to overcome a drug and/or alcohol addiction, remember Philippians 4:13 (KJV):   ^"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."   With the Lord's help, we accomplish anything.  Unfortunately, it appears that Whitney forgot this.  It appears that instead of looking up, should looked inward.  And I am certain that she, like other addicts who have lost their way have found, overcoming addiction requires more than self-control. To overcome addiction, one must rely on God's strength.

(Photo: Reuters/Ygal Levi)

Whitney Houston emerges from the waters of the River Jordan during a Holy Land pilgrimage, May 29, 2003.

Live One Day at a Time by Susan Ferguson

"I am an old man and have known a great many troubles, but most of them never happened." ~Mark Twain

Regardless of age, marital status, or stage in life, we all have our own set of concerns. Parents have a long list of worries ranging from potty training to paying off college debt. Singles worry about traveling life's journey alone. Senior citizens worry about declining health issues. Financial concerns rank high on the worry list, and some families struggle to keep afloat. Teenagers worry about peer acceptance, grades, and choosing a career. The list is endless for every age group.

 Worry is rooted in fear and is usually related to a deep concern of what will or will not happen in the future. Worry can keep us up at night and send anxiety levels soaring. Like a thief in the night, worry robs us of our peace and joy.

So much of what we worry about never happens. Worry does nothing to better the outcome of a situation or change the course of action. The distress that accompanies worry may do more harm than the actual thing which we worry.

Some of us are living way below par of what God desires for us. God understands our struggles with worry, and He does not condemn us. Jesus tells us not to worry about tomorrow and live one day at a time.

 

"Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Matthew 6:34 NIV)

We are not promised tomorrow. It is important to make the most of every day God gives us. Worry is a waste of valuable time -- precious moments, sunny days, and productive hours -- that we will never get back.

Excessive worry may be a sign that we are moving away from our dependence on God. Prayer and Bible study help quiet our minds and diminish our fears. A daily walk with Jesus is essential in helping to minimize worry. Trust Jesus, for He is trustworthy.

"When I am afraid, I put my trust in You." (Psalm 56:3 NIV)

God makes provision for our future. He walks alongside us, hand in hand, as we make our journey ahead. We are in capable hands. He promises to be with us always, and to strengthen and sustain us during times of adversity.

"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." (Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV)

Prayer
Father, many of us are plagued by worry and fear. Replace worry with joy and peace. Replace fear with faith and love. Help meet the needs of families who have college debt and financial concerns. Stretch forth your healing hand to senior citizens and those with health concerns. Bring Godly relationships into the lives of singles. Provide guidance to teenagers and parents alike. In Jesus name. Amen.

Susan Ferguson
Jackson, Mississippi

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS

Joy During Times of Tribulation by Michelle Goodwine

 When we are going through trials and tribulations, often times it is difficult to have joy in our hearts.  Even as believers, when we are going through those "valley moments",  many of us find it difficult to be happy.  But, unlike those in the world, Christians have a reason to rejoice while we are going through tough times.  We have God on our side.  We have the Lord to count on.  And we can depend on the promises of God to never leave us or forsake us to give us strength.  

James 1:2-3 says:

Consider it pure joy, 

my brothers and sisters, 

whenever you face trials of many kinds, 

because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

I am so grateful to God for showing me that no matter what my current circumstances, I have no reason to be sad.  God is always in control.  God is always on the throne.  So, even when we feel out of control, we can feel assured that God is concerned about our well-being. As the song goes, "Trouble don't last always." No matter what struggles we are experiencing, joy does come in the morning.  

In order to feel joy during hard times, we just need to remember that God will work everything out for His good in the end.  If we pray for His will to be done (and not ours), have faith in God, and patiently wait for His response, God will answer our prayers.  Now He may not give us want we want, but He will give us what we need if we trust Him.

As someone who prayed for a particular outcome, and was blessed with God granting me what I wanted, I have learned to pray for God's will.  When I received what I wanted, I soon learned that what I wanted, was not what God would have wanted for me.  Over the years, because of this prayer, I have experienced a great deal of hurt and pain.  So for those of you who have a desire in their heart, whether it is for a certain job, love interest, or material good, ask and you shall receive, says                    .

So for those Christians who are going through trials, let us remember that a New Life Today is possible.  Having the confidence that God will answer your prayers is the reason why you can praise God in advance, and why we can be filled with joy and peace on the inside, even when the wold around us may seem chaotic and out of control.

Below are a few Bible verses that will inspire you 

during times of trials and tribulations:

 

1 Peter 5:10 

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

Romans 12:12 

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

Philippians 4:6-7 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Joshua 1:9 

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Psalm 34:17-18 

When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

Living in Her Car - Finding a New Home with God (Source: CBN.com)

Living in Her Car - Finding a New Home with God (Source: CBN.com)

The Dark Space by Pastor DeChard Freeman

The Dark Space

by Pastor DeChard Freeman

Abundant Life Community Baptist Church, Austin, TX

So I often wonder if I will ever behold this deep valley of disappointment, despair and desperation through the rear view mirror of LIFE…  My humanity often screams, “Give up, you will not survive (let alone thrive) so why try?”

My spiritual self is anemic because I have starved him due to the hustle of “working for the LORD”, yet I know the feeble amount of time I’ve invested in my relationship with Him and reading His Word.

I slip into traps I’d normally avoid and shun the people I truly adore.  I inflict harm on innocent hearts because my pain won’t allow anyone but me to be cared for.

I try to pray because I hear it’s the right thing to do…  Down on my knees-- with empty, void words for I feel I’ve lost my connection with You.

It seems all of my challenges are far greater than my will, over whelming bills, sickness and desertion have me wondering if You are even real?

If you are so powerful and You love me best, how can you allow me to suffer and hurt with such unrest?  Do you really care for me or is my LIFE for you just amusement?  Do you revel in my struggle?  Are you concerned about my pain? Or is this all, for You, mere entertainment?

Even if I have not reached the point of suicidal thoughts, I contemplate a new LIFE so frequently, my reality has been lost.

So when the season has lasted so long and cold that I have no expectation of change.  When every night I lay down depressed and expect to awaken the same…  Then a beacon of hope or a ray of light appeals to me in the least likely way, from the words of a friend or a song in worship that seems to initiate a new day.

A collision on the interstate that could’ve been me, a child being born when it seemed unlikely, a phone call from an enemy seeking amends or just the return of a relative soldier from foreign lands.

Being invited to dinner when the pantry is bare, a hug from a companion you thought no longer cared…  All are just ways God makes us aware, we may pass through the dark space but He won’t leave us there.

It is true that the darkest hour comes just before day break and the darkness you’ve endured---a stronger soldier it will make.  God’s allowing you to travel through these tunnels of tearful trials, were never to break you, only to make you so He remains right by your side.

Yes, at times it’s so dark as you as you try to proceed that you struggle to see Him and follow His lead…  You pray the sun shines soon to help you to see, but the sun will not shine until you’ve mastered trusting completely.

And when you do, when you’ve trusted God to the point of no return…  When you’ve turned from your grief and self-pity and sought the lessons to learn.  When you’ve determined God knows best even if it means enduring more tests and that all you endure is still by God’s grace, for we all are deserving of death.

When you have learned to be grateful in spite of great lack.  When you’ve learned to forgive those who have stabbed you in the back.  When you’ve lost the drive for revenge and pray for those who hate you… THEN and only THEN…

The SON has your full attention and you know He never stopped shining.  Not a minute of your pain was because of His negligence.  No, WE only chose to look away and leave behind His radiance.  Hallelujah, there all the while He was waiting for our about face…  So the glow of His glory would rescue us from the Dark Space.