Good Morning!

Copyright © 2017 by Michelle Lores

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Good Morning!

I woke up this morning, and you were on my mind!

How can I stir you to love?

How can I be kind?

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I want to encourage you,

To let you know:

God is not done with you.

You are in this situation so that you may grow.

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For those who are lonely,

For those who are aching,

Turn your eyes up to Jesus,

Full of anticipating.

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Long for Him as you did

When you first came to know

Him as your first love.

May that love now deepen and grow.

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Cry out to Him,

To His side, draw near.

Pray to Him;

Give Him all your fears.

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Dear one, if you are cheerful

And full of great joy,

Sing out His praises with great gusto,

Every girl and every boy!

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We are all so loved

By our wondrous Maker.

He is our soul’s Lover

And our Creator!

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O, Dear One,

Can you now see?

Just how much

He loves you and me?

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And so this morning

May we rejoice!

May it be our pleasure;

May it be our choice!

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Grace and peace be upon

The household of God!

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In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

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Hebrews 10:24 (NASB)

“and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds”

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In God’s Presence May We Be Found

Copyright © 2017 by Michelle Lores

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James 5:13 (NASB)

“Is anyone among you suffering?  Then he must pray.  Is anyone cheerful?  He is to sing praises.”

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Are you suffering today?

May you cry out to God and pray.

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Are you full of joy and cheer?

Let God your praises hear.

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So often life is difficult.

We shrug off others’ pain and hurt.

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Then it comes to be our turn

And that is when a lesson is learned.

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Are you suffering today?

O, please bow your knees and pray.

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Or are you full of joy and cheer?

Then praise the One who is always near.

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Your heart will be so glad you did.

When you find shelter as your Heavenly Father’s kid.

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For as His kids, we are blessed with grace.

And Someone to rely on, no matter life’s pace.

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So rain or drought,

We are never without

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The love of our true Father.

So, may we too love one another.

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May we remember when another is in pain,

That on this earth, we will all have times of suffering.

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Hold your loved one close, and remind them to pray.

As the tears fall down, God will comfort them in their pain.

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And when comes joy and cheerfulness,

Remember, too God’s constant nearness.

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Give Him praise for the source of your cheer.

Remember that God is the reason that you are here.

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So, be it up, or be it down,

In God’s presence may we always be found!

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Freedom

Copyright © 2017 by Michelle Lores

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Freedom is a gift–

In the USA, it is ours.

Freedom to worship God

And shine our light for Him as bright as the stars.

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 But there is a bigger Gift

That all have been given–

A Gift for the entire world–

A Gift of freedom from death and sin.

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Both gifts that have been offered–

In the USA and for all–

Came through a heavy price.

Blood was spilled to tear down a wall.

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On July 4th we remember

As Americans, those who died for us.

As Christians, every day we remember

The Great Love and sacrifice of Jesus.

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On July 4th, we celebrate freedom,

And we give thanks, too

For every man and woman

Who for freedom gave their lives for me and you.

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We remember too the families

Who gave their loved ones up

That we may embrace our freedom,

That we may freely live lives of love.

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As Christians, Freedom has an even greater meaning

That can’t be contained in a single country.

It is freedom for every boy and girl–

Every man and woman to know and see.

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This freedom is so special–

But it wasn’t free.

It was paid for with the highest price–

Jesus’ blood on Calvary.

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It is freedom from the power of sin and death

Available to all who come

To Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord–

It is for everyone!

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This freedom is offered by God’s grace–

A Divine favor that cannot be earned.

For we all need God’s pardon–

We have all done wrong in thought, deed, and word.

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My friend, this is such good news!

There is Someone to save us from our sin!

When we come to Jesus to ask His forgiveness,

We can begin again.

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So this July 4th, may we rejoice

In all that we know is true.

We are free in the USA

And Jesus offers freedom to the whole world–including me and you!

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Painting:

“It is for Freedom Christ set us Free”

Copyright © 2017 by Michelle Lores

(Galatians 5:1)

A Song of Joy ~ Hope for the Believer

Copyright © 2017 by Michelle Lores

 

A song of joy rings loud and clear

From my lips today.

A song of joy no matter what

Happens to come my way.

 

For my Lord is in control

Of all that comes to be.

He has charge of everything

That is concerning me.

 

So when good things come to pass,

Or when bad things happen too,

I will lift a song of praise,

For I trust God’s Word is true!

“I know, Lord, You are using this

To make me more like You!”

 

“In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

 

 

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Romans 8:28-29 NASB

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those are called according to His purpose.  For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.”

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Some days are just plain hard.

 

But you know what?

 

That’s the point, isn’t it?

 

We need hard days on this earth sometimes.

 

Why?

 

They teach us endurance, and God uses them to make us more like Jesus.

 

As we choose to cling to the Lord and praise Him even when times are hard, something happens in us.

 

A supernatural strength is born that cannot be taken away.

 

We, as God’s children, can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.

(Philippians 4:13)

 

Do you know what that means?

 

That means that with the strength of Jesus, we have the power to give thanks in EVERY circumstance.  To be content and full of joy no matter what!

 

That kind of power (2 Timothy 1:7) is ours in the Lord Jesus Christ.  That kind of power makes us unstoppable to do the will of God–to love others and obey Him no matter what!

 

So let us give thanks when various trials and hardships come our way.  They are a reason to rejoice, because God will use them in our lives to make us more like Jesus–to strengthen us in the power and love of our Savior and Lord.

 

 

Will you pray with me?:

 

 

 

“Dear Heavenly Father,

 

Thank You today for the trials I am going through.

 

Thank You that You are in control, and You are worthy of my trust.

 

You are so Good, Dear Lord.

 

That truth never changes, no matter what I go through.

 

Dear Lord, I pray for my brothers and sisters in Christ around the world.

 

I pray that as we endure hardship, You would increase our trust in You.

 

Work a powerful work in Your people, Dear Lord.

 

A work of contentment, trust, and joy–of power, love, and self-control NO MATTER WHAT.

 

No matter what happens to us, Lord, may we remember that it is our God that is in control, and we can trust You fully with our lives.

 

For what can man do to us?

 

Lord, help us see beyond today, beyond the now, beyond the present pain.

 

Help us see instead with eyes of faith what You are working in us.

 

 

 

Help us trust what we cannot see.

Help us, dear Lord, to believe.

Give us a hunger for Your Word, and the discipline to get into the Bible every day.

Help us, dear Lord to love each other and to pray.

 

Apart from You, we can do nothing, dear Lord. (John 15:5)

 

 

Thank You for the opportunity that is given to us every time we face trials and hard times.

 

May we take these opportunities to trust You instead of blame You, to grow and move forward instead of take steps backward by the power of Your Holy Spirit at work within us.

 

We love You, dear Lord!

 

In Jesus’ Name I pray,

 

Amen.”

 

 

 

Jesus, You are so Good to Me!

Copyright © 2017 by Michelle Lores

 

Jesus, You are so Good

When no one else will be.

Jesus, You are so Good,

So very Good to me!

 

Jesus, I never want,

Nor do I ever need

Anything but You.

You are always enough for me!

 

Jesus, You are so Good!

So very Good to me!

And so I will sing to You this day

For all the world to hear and see!

 

Jesus, You are so Good!

I want everyone to know

Just how great You are

And how I love You so!

 

Be glorified in me this day,

And lead me through every step.

I know You are always Faithful!

For my soul You have always kept.

 

Dear Jesus, You are so Good!

So very Good to me!

So today I will take the time,

And in Your presence simply be.

 

 

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“Dear Heavenly Father,

 

I pray today for my Christian brothers and sisters around the world.

 

Each one is precious and unique, and we are all called for a special purpose in Your kingdom.

 

May we live this day to fulfill Your calling on our lives, dear Lord.

 

 

To love You and to love others in that specific way that only we can with our unique gifts that You have blessed us with.

 

May we do all for Your glory and all with thanksgiving in the name of Your Son, Jesus.

 

 

Dear Lord, You are so Good.  So very Good to us.

May we always live for You and to bring glory to the name of Jesus!

 

In Jesus’ Name I ask, In Jesus’ Name I pray,

And now may all the church join with me and say,

Glory Hallelujah to the Ancient of Days!

 

In Jesus’ Name, Amen! And Amen.”

 

Happy Sunday!

Copyright © 2017 by Michelle Lores

 

Good morning, and Happy Sunday!

 

I pray that it will be a blessed one for you!

 

 

Today, as we go about our days, I pray that we will remember the One who has given us life.  It is so easy to forget God as we get caught up in all that swirls around us.

 

But may I point out a reminder that I often need:  If it were not for God, we would have nothing.  This whole world was created by Him, through Him, and for Him. (Colossians 1:15-17)  That includes you and me!

 

 

God deserves our worship every day.

 

What does worship look like?  It is to joyfully do all that we do with thanksgiving and praise for our Maker and Lord Jesus Christ. (Colossians 3:17,23)

 

 

So whatever your plans are today, I encourage you to make God your focal point.

 

He is the reason we exist, and the reason we are alive.

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To know Him is the greatest gain.

May knowing Him be our life’s true aim!

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In Jesus’ Name I pray,

Amen!

 

Free eBook! “What is the Answer?” By Michelle Lores

What is the Answer?  is a short eBook filled with beautiful photography and the lyrics of a song I wrote about the times we are living in.

 

What is the Answer to the hate and unrest we see?

 

You will find the Answer in this song.  If you know the Answer, I pray that you will begin  to share it today, in the form of love, with everyone you meet.

 

What is the Answer?  Download today’s free eBook to find out!

 

If you like the eBook, please check out my Amazon page!  This book is available in print form as well.  Here is the link to my author page: https://www.amazon.com/author/michellelores

 

Enjoy the book!

Here is the link to the downloadable pdf, readable on all of your eBook devices!

eBook What is the Answer

 

Faithful Stripes

Copyright © 2017 by Michelle Lores

 

By Jesus’ stripes we are healed,

Set free from death and sin.

So much joy now to be found

In the arms of Him!

 

Sorrow on this earth still does abound,

But there is peace and joy inside.

And now for those who believe in Him, an eternal home awaits

Where every blessing does abide!

 

Oh, are you coming with me

To my eternal home one day?

Where we will finally be with Jesus

And worship Him face to face!

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Isaiah 53:4-5 NASB

“Surely our griefs He Himself bore, and our sorrows He carried; yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.  But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, and by His scourging we are healed.”

 

John 10:17-18 NASB

“For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life so that I may take it again.  No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative.  I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again.  This commandment I received from My Father.”

~the words of Jesus~

 

Here is the thought for today:

 

Without Jesus, we have no hope.

 

Only He had the power to live a life without sin, willfully lay down His life for us, and by His own authority, take His life up again.

 

Praise God for Jesus and for the command God gave Jesus!  (John 10:17-18)

 

Our Heavenly Father knew we needed Jesus, and that’s why He sent Him.  He wants us to know Him that much!

 

So today, let’s be thankful for Jesus!  Without Him, we have no reason to hope–but BECAUSE of Him, we have EVERY reason to Hope when we place our faith and trust in Him to take away our sin and be the Lord over our lives.

 

Will you pray with me?

 

“Dear Heavenly Father,

 

You have been so good to us.

Thank You so very much for Jesus.

 

Thank You for loving us every day and in every way.

 

Lord, we have nothing of lasting value–no reason to exist–without You.

 

But because of the Hope you have given us in Your Son, Jesus, we have EVERY reason to rejoice, as well as a purpose for living.

 

Thank You for loving us so much, Lord.

 

May we live today to love You with all that we are and to love those around us as You have loved us.

 

Thank You, Dear Heavenly Father.

We love You so much!

 

In Jesus’ precious Name,

Amen.”

 

 

Center Stage

Copyright © 2017 by Michelle Lores

 

Jesus, I need You center stage,

So that far as the eye can see,

My world and all that I do

Does not revolve around me.

 

Jesus, I need You as my Focus–

The One that I look to–

In every single moment I live–

In all I think, say, and do.

 

For You alone bring JOY, O Lord.

It is in Your presence I want to stay

For every single moment

Of every single day.

 

~Psalm 16:11 NASB~

“You will make known to me the path of life;

In Your presence is fullness of joy;

In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.”

 

Being in the presence of Jesus is FULLNESS of JOY.

 

When we are outside of Jesus’ presence, focused on all that swirls around us, our lives end up in a mess.

 

 

Here are some short thoughts to meditate on for today.

 

Who or what is your focus?

Who or what is mine?

 

This will determine our level of joy.

 

Let us fix our eyes upon Jesus and spend time rejoicing in His presence.

 

Only He has the power to order our lives according to the Heavenly Father’s will.

 

 

Let’s pray together:

 

“Dear Heavenly Father,

 

There is no one else like You!

 

You are so Beautiful!

 

Lord, I want to once again surrender my will to Yours.

 

Order my steps, Lord.

 

As I walk in step with You, I know You will produce Your fruit of peace, patience, love, joy, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control in my heart and in my life. (Galatians 5:22-23)

 

Lord, make me a reflection of You to this world.

 

When all is chaos around me, may I have peace and calm because of Your Holy Spirit within me.

 

I love You, Lord.

 

Thank You so much for loving me!

 

In Jesus’ Name I pray,

 

Amen.”

Feeling Like Giving Up? Here’s Hope!

Copyright © 2017 by Michelle Lores

 

Do you ever feel like giving up on doing the right thing?  Do you ever grow weary of doing good as a believer in Jesus Christ?

 

Today, I want to give you some Bible verses to think about and hang onto if and when you need that extra push of encouragement to keep fighting the good fight.

 

At the end, I think you will agree that even in a situation like this, we can still find so many reasons to rejoice when we fix our eyes on the One who loves us.

 

The two Bible verse passages I want to share are:

Galatians 6:7-10, and Colossians 3:23-25.

 

They read as follows:

Galatians 6:7-10 NASB

“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.  For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.  Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.  So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.”

 

Colossians 3:23-25 NASB

“Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance.  It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.  For he who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done and that without partiality.”

 

As you take time to read both of these portions of Scripture, you will notice that both include a promise and a warning.

 

The promise is the good news.  It is a reward for those who don’t give up.

 

What is it telling us that we need to do to receive this reward?  Well, the reward is for followers of Jesus Christ who obey Him as Lord of their lives.  God looks at our hearts (1 Samuel 16:7).  He knows the motive behind everything we do.  Are we just doing the right thing to be noticed by people, or are we really doing everything that we do because we love Jesus, and we want to live for Him, and daily offer our lives to Him?

 

It mentions one other thing in Galatians that we are to do:  “Do good to all people, and especially those who are of the household of the faith…” (in other words, other Christians).

 

Do these two things sound familiar?  They are the two things that Jesus said that the whole Law and the Prophets (the full written Word of God at that time) depended upon… the two greatest commandments:  Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and Love your neighbor as yourself. (Matthew 22:36-40)

 

There is a warning mentioned too.  Did you catch it?

 

In both portions of these scriptures, it says that we will not get away with doing wrong.  We will receive a penalty, and there will be no partiality, no favorites.  If we do wrong, it will produce a crop of corruption in our lives.

 

I guess I wanted to share this today, because it is important for us to remember (me included!) that this life is about so much more than just living from day to day.  It’s even about more than ministry or a passion for life.

 

This life should be about Jesus all the way!  He should be our Love.  The reason we get up in the morning!  The reason and motivation behind everything we do.  His love should be our driving force.  It is His Love that is the greatest treasure, and we should be just itching to share it with everyone we come in contact with!

 

Is this how you live your life?  Is it how I live mine?

 

If you have ever felt like throwing in the towel, I encourage you to look back to the reason why you live how you do.  Is it truly in response to Jesus and His great love for you?

 

Take the time to really remember what Jesus did for you.  All that He endured during His life on earth… the mockery, the ridicule… all while living a life of perfect obedience to His Heavenly Father so you and I could come to know Him.

 

Then He died.  A cruel death.  And now He lives and reigns victorious!

 

My friend, He is offering that victory to US today!  We don’t have to be weighed down by this world.  What is it that is hindering you?  Jesus has defeated it!  Trust in Him, and He will enable you to rejoice this day.  Run to Him and hide yourself in His love.  By the power of His Holy Spirit within us, we can live this day victorious in Jesus.

 

Let us rejoice! For He has overcome the power of sin and death.

 

Do not grow weary.  Hope in the Lord instead.  He will renew Your strength, and make you able to run without growing weary! (Isaiah 40:28-31)

 

Will you pray with me?

 

“Dear Heavenly Father,

 

Oh, How I want to live faithfully for You.  You want my heart to be wholly Yours, and not divided with anyone or anything else.

 

Lord, God, I give You my heart fully this day.  I want to live every moment with You.  No matter what I do today, even the littlest thing, may it be done with a joyful heart full of praise for You.

 

May I also live to love other people today with Your love.  Every person on this earth was made in Your image, Lord God, and You desire me to love every person you put in my path with the same Love You have shown me.  May that start in my own household and go to every person I see on the streets.  You will show me how to love them, whether through a prayer, a smile, a word of encouragement, or a deed of kindness, each encounter will be different.

 

Heavenly Father, I praise You, for You are truly Awesome and Wonderful!

 

There is no one else like You!

 

Thank You for this beautiful reminder, and thank You for Your Word.

 

Thank You for Your Holy Spirit, my Helper, who will help me today to live according to Your Truth.

 

Fill me and make me more like You,

 

I ask in Jesus’ Name,

 

Amen.”