Inspirational Video Moment: He Has His Hands on 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: The Broken

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: mikefern3

Inspirational Video Moment: I Need You Once Again

Mondays are Inspirational Video Moment days at 

New Life Today Blog.  

Visit us every Monday to view the 

new Video of the Week.

Music Credit: The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir

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

My Daily Prayers: Spritual Words of Wisdom by Joyce E. Adejumo

Publisher's Note: Recently I had the pleasure of meeting Joyce E. Adejumo, author of My Daily Prayers: Spiritual Words of Wisdom, Volume I, owner of Mitchie's Gallery in Austin, Texas and Executive Director of the Mitchie Mitchell Foundation.  

Please support Ms. Adejumo and all the work she has been doing over the years to help survivors of drunk driving accidents and prevent DWI. Buy her book, or purchase something from her store, or send a donation to her Foundation. 

Mitchie's Art Gallery, Austin, TX

Her story is a compelling one.  Her son, "Mitchie" Mitchell, was paralyzed from the waist  down at the age of 3 as a result of an automobile accident. His biological father was driving - drunk! "Mitchie" passed away at the age of 21 in January 2008.

Since February 7, and for the first Tuesday of the month for the remainder of 2012, New Life Today Blog will publish a prayer for Ms. Adejumo's book.  

I am certain that all who read 

Ms. Adejumo's prayers will be blessed:

Father in Heaven, 
thank You for always opening up new routes in my life and directing my path, 
so that I travel on the correct roads. 
You have planned for me. 
Help me to have a perfect heart for You, Father and to walk in ways that are pleasing to You. 

Thank You, for knowing the solutions before I have the problems and allowing your divine plan for my life to supersede my mistakes. 
I stand ready to receive Your mercy. 
In Jesus' Name. Amen.

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

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)

God's Inspiring Words

2012 is a New Year. God has given us another chance to have a New Life.
Here is a video meant to inspire us all. I pray that you are blessed from watching this video.

Jabez's Lessons for the New Year by Michelle Lawson

Jabez's Lessons for the New Year
by Michelle Lawson

What is interesting when reading 1 Chronicles 4 is that until verse 9, it is a genealogical account of the tribe of Judah - it tells who is related to whom.  But when we get to 1 Chronicles 4:9,  the Bible takes the time to give a brief biography about Jabez.  

In verse 9, the Bible says that when he was born, Jabez caused his mother great pain.  So, although she gave birth to several children, what sticks out about her child Jabez is that his birth was a difficult, painful one.  The pain must have been particularly excruciating if it was so severe that it was the reason his name was chosen.  In Hebrew, one word for pain is Jabez.  

I once heard my pastor, Pastor Dechard Freeman of Abundant Life Church in Austin, Texas preach a sermon about Jabez.  And what Pastor Freeman made the congregation visualize is a child growing up with a name meaning Pain.  Can you imagine the burden that child must have felt - the shame, the guilt?

We all know people who have felt worthless since childhood.  Often times these children have been told that they would never amount to anything - that there were good for nothing.  But as the story of Jabez illustrates, there is hope for each and everyone of us.  Jabez did not let the circumstances of his birth determine his entire life.  Even though it looked as if he would lead to a life of despair and sorrow, the Lord made Jabez' life a great one.  Why did that happen?  Let's look at the text for the reason:

 ⁹ Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez,^[c] saying, “I gave birth to him in pain.” ¹⁰ Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request. (NIV)

Note that in verse 10, Jabez cries out to God.  Jabez knows that the only one who can help him, the only one who can change his circumstances is God.  Despite the difficulties of his birth and his life, Jabez has faith that the Lord can change the outcome of his life.  

From birth, Jabez was labeled a loser - someone who had caused his mother pain, someone who would amount to nothing.  His prayer shows that Jabez realizes that God is the one who blesses.  Jabez knew he could not make it on his own.  Jabez could have become angry and bitter and ambitious to satisfy his feelings of selfworthlessness.  But he didn't.  Remember, the Bible starts by saying that "Jabez was more honorable than his brothers." (verse 9) What that means to me is that before he prayed, Jabez was already living a life of obedience to God.

What the Prayer of Jabez teaches us is that the Lord will bless us if we are honorable.  However, we must ask the Lord to bless us so that His name, not ours, is glorified. Jabez did not just ask God to bless him.  Jabez asked that the Lord continue to guide his life.  Jabez knew that it was not enough to receive the Lord's blessing - he needed the Lord's continued guidance and direction.  Jabez knew that even within his blessing that there were going to be challenges, trials and tribulations.  And he also knew that in order to thrive, he would continue to need the Lord's help.

So how can Jabez's prayer help us all live a New Life in the New Year?  Well, first we have to strive to be honorable.  We have to be obedient to God's Word in all things.  If there are any areas of our life where we are disobedient to God's Will, let this year be when we become who God wants us to be.  It will not be easy, but it will definitely be worth it.

The story of Jabez demonstrates to all of us that it doesn't matter how we start out.  Through our obedience to God, and for His purpose, we can achieve anything.  Let us all make 2012 the year that God grants us our request - not for our own selfish reasons, but to glorify the name of the Lord. We should ask ourselves these questions: 

• Am I living a life of honor?  If the answer is No, what must I do to live an honorable life? 
• What does enlarging my territory mean in my life?

This year we should focus on how we can serve the Kingdom of God more?  Enlarging our territory does not necessarily mean increasing our financial wealth.  Enlarging our territory could mean expanding the number of people we witness our faith to, or increasing our volunteer efforts, or simply strengthening our personal relationship with God.

The Holy Spirit guides us in the way we should go.  All we have to do is abide by what the Holy Spirit is telling us, and 2012 will lead us to a New Life!!

The Solution to Being Sick & Tired

by Michelle Lawson 

In the past I was the type of person who believed that I was responsible for my life.  I accepted Christ at the age of 7 and should have learned to lean on the Lord for all things. However, I went through life believing that as long as I tried my best to do the right thing and make the right decisions, I would have a good life.  But looking back, I now know that no matter how much I tried to do the right thing, I am a sinner and will always fall short of His grace.

I thank God for giving me the revelation through life's trials and tribulations - losing my job, an abusive marriage, an emotionally troubled child - that the only way I could be victorious was through Him.  God has taught me not to feel ashamed that I need His help, as well as the help of others, to survive. And I am blessed to say that today I live a victorious life.  I have a job, I left my abusive husband, and my child is so much better now.  This article is for those of you out there who feel like there is no way out of your depressed existence.

Have you ever woken up after tossing and turning in bed all night long and thought to yourself "I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired?"  Don't feel depressed and defeated about your current situation.  No matter what you are going through, God is the answer.

Have you been unemployed for more than 6 months and it seems like you are never going to get another job?  Or are you in an abusive relationship and are afraid of leaving?  Or maybe you are an alcoholic, drug or food addict who feels overpowered by your addiction?  Whatever your current crisis, I am glad to tell you that I know the solution - God.  It is just that simple.  Only through God can we overcome our trials and tribulations.  No matter how much we try on our own to make positive life changes, the only way to be truly victorious is with God's help.  Don't feel ashamed or mad at yourself that you cannot overcome life's crisis without His help.God wants us to depend on Him.  In fact, that is what God intended.

Tired of being sick and tired?  Here are a few verses that may help you:
It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. Psalm 18:32

Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. Psalm 105:4

I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have oppression; but cheer up! I have overcome the world. John 16:33



In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition 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 thoughts in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and don't lean on your own understanding. In all things acknowledge him, and he shall direct your way. Proverbs 3:9

Looking for other inspirational verses.  Click here for other Bible Verses for Encouragement.

New Life Today
How can you have a New Life Today when you are sick and tired of being sick and tired? It may not be easy, but  through God we can begin to start a new life of victory, rather than defeat. What God has told me to tell you is that the change begins with Prayer.  Praying is the one time when you speak directly to God, and He speaks to you.  

Looking for change in your life?  Stop reading this article right now, and Pray.  Pray for God's grace and mercy.  Pray that God gives you the strength you need to make a change.  Pray that God will give you guidance about what you need to do to change your life.  

Don't just stop with prayer, though.  You must take action after prayer before anything will happen.  In order for God to bless you, you have to give God something to work with.  Unemployed?  When was the last time you updated your resume or asked someone if they could help you find a job?  Or maybe you're unemployed because God has a purpose for your life that you have been refused to fulfill?  Are you being abused?  Even if you decide not to leave right now, you can take action - call a domestic violence hotline or seek out domestic violence counseling.  For those of you with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, consider calling a treatment center.  Addicted to food?  Why not take a 20 minute walk today or eat 1 -2 more servings of fruits or vegetables today.  

The journey of change starts with the first step.  In order to get a New Life Today, we must have faith in God and believe that God will bless us in our mess if we Pray, Receive His guidance and then take Positive Action. As Psalm 37:3-5 proclaims, "Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass."