Day 30 of 30: Making the Choice - LIFE!

Today's blog is a testimony sent in by one of this blog's readers.  I would like to share it with you. 

Photo Credit:  http://www.thebestbrainpossible.com/we-are-our-choices

 "...I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:.."  Deuteronomy 30:19

"I'm a pretty happy guy. 

For years I screwed away opportunities, consistently made terrible choices, losing more of myself and eventually everything I had. Constantly on the fence about this whole "God thing." I'd do good for a month or two then would fall right back into the mess, truth be told, because that's what I wanted. As time went on, the hole got bigger, and so did the need to fill it... Until there just comes a point when life becomes numb, empty and dead. I'm not a victim. I just became the result of terrible choices that I had made years before. It was my fault, my irresponsibility. I grew up in church. I heard the Word daily. The knowledge was there. I had no excuses.

For awhile now, The Lord has been working on me, and I didn't even know it. Little things here, little things there. Shaping my life. Revealing Himself to me until there came a point when I was ready, when I had hit the bottom, when I no longer had answers and couldn't do things on my own, when I could no longer resist Him. 

Then, He did something, He gave me an experience I had been praying for. I'm not in church, I'm not around people. It's just me, and that's when his presence sort of just showed up. It's a very overwhelming atmosphere, heavy-like. He said to me, "I know what you've done, I know you're secrets. I just wanted you to know, I love you, and none of that matters." Psssh, as soon as He finished that, all composure as a man was lost, i was all tears and snot bubbles. I sought Him with all my heart, and I found Him, just like His Word says. 

In a matter of 6 months, what I've lost over years of stupid decisions, has been restored because I simply made ONE good decision, to follow Him. Not only have things been restored, but I'm better now than I ever was, and my cup is overflowing. There is now peace, stability, and I'm pretty stinking happy. I have so much to be thankful for... This is my testimony, one of resurrection, and restoration.

The best part is that it doesn't stop there. I have a purpose now, a calling to fulfill, to which He is preparing me for... and it's going to be better than I can imagine... "


P.S.  I hope you have enjoyed the past thirty days.  Tune in for one more day with  a final message tomorrow.                              

Day 29 of 30: From Hen House to the Clouds

"...when meditating on this and the Amplified Translation really brings this out. God has a wonderful plan for your life.  Jeremiah 29:11 (AMP)¹¹For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.*

Photo credit:
http://www.wallsonline.org/soaring-eagle/

God will do super abundantly far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams], but they are used to further His plans for your life.  I still think that's a good deal, because His plans are far better than any plans I can have on my own.  I have tried my plans and I have submitted to His plans and there is no comparison to the outcome.  The difference is like night and day.

The story is told of this eaglet that, for some reason was born in a hen house or chicken coup.  As the eaglet grew into a full grown eagle, he would look up from pecking on the ground with the other chickens, and see the eagles flying and wish he could fly like that.  I wonder did he ever come to realize who he really was and fly.  Or did he settle for pecking on the ground like his chicken friends.

Don't settle like some of your friends, family and associates. Take the limits off  of God and soar through life."

*Today's except is take from ~ S.M.I.L.E. ~ Single Moms Inspired to Live with Excellence, "The Sky is the Limits," by Helen Holmes.

To read the full article go to The Sky is the Limits.  

DAy 28 of 30: Who Am I? I Am Walking.

You Don't Have to Like Everything in the Bible.*

There are some things in the Bible that I don't particularly like, and that's OK.  God never told us we had to like everything, but He did encourage us to do what He said because it's the best way to live.  Notice I said best, not easiest.  I've found a lot of verses in the Bible that I just want to rip out!  I'm not going to lie about it.   Here are a few that come to mind...

"Vengence is mine, sayeth the Lord."  NO!  Let it be mine.  You take too long, God!

"Love your neighbor..."  You know you feel the same way about this one...you may not even like your neighbor!

"...Bless those that curse you."  Have you ever been cursed out?  Afterward, you don't say, "I'm going to bless that guy with $20!  I'm going to put it in his hand just as soon as he stops giving me sign language!" 

"Pray for those that despitefully use you..."  Has anybody ever ripped you off on purpose?  Imagine one day, your husband comes running in and says, "Honey, our friends just ripped us off!  Isn't that wonderful?  Let's pray for them!"

Even the disciples of Jesus wrestled with this one thinking:  How many times do I have to forgive this jerk of a brother I've got in a day?!  When Jesus told them to forgive seventy times seven, their brains tilted and all they could say was, "Lord, increase our faith!" (Luke 17:5)*  

 *(Above quote is an excerpt from "Distortion: The Vanity of Genetically Altered Christianity" by Jesse Duplantis.)

Photo credit:
http://daynabickham.com/real-love/

Yes there are many scriptures in the Bible that rub our flesh the wrong way.  Our flesh would rather react emotionally, than with LOVE.

How does a Christian go from reacting contrary to God's Word, to walking in Love and Obedience to the Word?  

We cannot do it alone.  However, you will be amazed at the change in your life, once you do.  

The day you accepted Christ you actually became a new creation.  One with a God nature.  

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Corinthinas 2:5-7

However, our minds and emotions require renewal, and our bodies are to be brought into subjection. Diving into God's Word is the answer.  The Bible, the Word of God provides life, answers, direction, power, and so much more.  

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2

But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.  1 Corinthians 9:27

God's Word is full of Life.  Feeding on it and applying what it says by Grace and Through Faith brings renewal (Life) to your mind.  

My Pastor once said, "Words are containers of thoughts."  Change the Words, change the thoughts.  Thus, changing the way we think. 

Over time people will begin to see an outward change resulting from the inward changes that have taken place.   Walking in Love will become who you are, a way of life.  Your first reactions in situations similar to the ones mentioned at the beginning of today's devotional become a reflection of Christ within you, the new creature you became the day you received Jesus as your Lord and Savior. 

Day 27 of 30: Giant Steps!... "Not my will, but yours be done"

There are many areas of faith we develop as Christians.   The first step of faith we take is in receiving Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.  Later, as we grow in spiritual maturity and we develop our faith, we must learn to have the faith of Christ.  The same faith he exhibited in Matthew 22:42 in the Garden of Gethsemane, "not my will, but yours be done." 

This is a year of open doors, opportunities for great things.  However, we must take the steps to walk through the doors that open before us, "walking by faith, not by sight." 

Galatians 3:13, 14 tells us that "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us; for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree.  That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith."  Further down in verse 26 Paul also says, "For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus."  This is the first step of faith, the first open door (opportunity) to us.  To receive the promises of God, we must be heirs to those promises, children of God.  We do this by faith through grace.... "if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. " Rom 10:9. 

The bible tells us in Luke 8:11-12,  “Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the wayside are the ones who hear; then the devil comes and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved."  We prevent this by resisting the devil, and causing him to flee from us (James 4:7).  How do we do this?  How do we resist the devil? 

We resist the devil by developing our faith.  How does faith grow?  It grows by hearing and hearing the Word of God.  (Rom 10:10)  As we hear His Word, and hear His Word, and HEAR HIS WORD, and Hear His Word.... we begin to have faith that can take giant steps. 

You come to know His voice through His Word,

you come to know who you are in His Word,

you come to know what you are entitled to in His Word,

and you come to know that the devil is liar! 

You do not believe these lies because you know the truth, God's Word, God's will for your life.  You know what Christ did when He died on the Cross and rose again. You know the covenant between you and God.  You know that you are a prince of the King of Kings, royalty.  Not to be stepped on by pawn, the devil, who only has deception as a weapon.  As we grown in faith, we are no longer deceived, but living in the reality of the abundant, eternal life Christ came and provided for us!  We are the children of promise! Christ made us free!  (Galatians 5:28-5:1).

After a while, we can also say, "not my will, but yours be done." and mean it, because our faith has matured and is healthy from being fed, watered, and tended to over time.  Our faith now shows that we trust God 100%.

"...not my will, but yours be done" is not for us to sit and pray sheepishly when things do not go our way... for example: when someone is not healed immediately and we say, "God, your will be done.".   We already know that we were healed on the day that Jesus died for us .... "by His stripes we are healed." This is His will, from His Word.

"...not my will, but yours be done" is an attitude, a conscious decision that we make when the enemy, through circumstances and situations in our lives, tries to distract us from God's truth, our reality. We choose His Will. With attitude we resist the devil and make the decision to believe His Word, His Will, rather than the lies the enemy has put before us. By doing this, we see victory and allow His Glory to shine.

If we are in a situation we do not understand, we can turn to His Word and His Will to be done.  "I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you shall go: I will guide you with my eye."  PS 32:8  Find scriptures that speak His will, and then meditate on them, pray them, speak them, and make them a reality in the situation bringing victory to us, and Glory to God.

By growing and building faith, you have the ability to walk through any open door (any opportunity) presented to you, and take the steps needed to fulfill your walk in Christ.


Todays passage is short, yet powerful.  I pray for God to give you a "spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him" regarding these verses today.

Galatians 3:13, 14, 26 "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us; for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree.  That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith." ,,,,,verse 26"For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus." 

Day 26 of 30: Taking Ground...Giant Steps!

Every year we decide to write down our vision or our goals, creating a list with new visions and goals as we go along, yet the old ones are still sitting there from years past.  One of the goals for many is to consistently read through the bible from cover to cover.   How do we begin to overcome the challenges that prevent us from following through with something as simple as "reading the bible everyday?" I began doodling the other day what God's Word says: (The bible verses in the doodle:  Joshua 1:8, 2 Timothy 2:15, Isaiah 41:13, Luke 16:10, and Matthew 4:4) We start by saying, "YES" to an opportunity.  That's right, an opportunity.  Reading God's Word is an opportunity.   op·por·tu·ni·ty  (pr-tn-t, -ty-) (according to thefreedictionary.com) n. pl. op·por·tu·ni·ties 1. a. A favorable or advantageous circumstance or combination of circumstances. b. A favorable or suitable occasion or time. 2. A chance for progress or advancement. Reading the Living and Inspired Word of God is an opportunity that can excite you, take you places you have never seen, or been before, and will change (transform) your life as you know it today.   Make the decision... as NIKE puts it, "JUST DO IT!"  Trust your instinct (your spirit is trying to tell you something), be bold, and just do it!.  Reading God's Word daily is a decision stemming from both obedience and willingness (Is. 1:19) That means it is a conscious decision to say YES everyday! "Changing your life (simply opening your bible and reading) is not rocket science.  It is not complicated, but it is not easy either." (Jeff Goins)  Yet, your life tomorrow is determined by the decision you make today... opening the book and reading the life changing, inspiring Words on the pages within it; whether you are reading the Word of God from your phone, your tablet, laptop, or from the actual Book form).  Again, it is not complicated, but does require discipline.  It is not even difficult, but does require a new way of thinking.  Reading God's Word daily needs effort and decisiveness, and perseverance.  Yet, you will experience fear, indecision, and obstacles that just seem to eat up your time.  And before you know what happened another day went by and now you have the opportunity to quit.  Make the decision, JUST DO IT!" Otherwise, next year you will be sitting at the same mirror reflecting back on the past year and facing the same decision again as you write on your list of goals "read my bible daily". Each day as you make the decision to "read your bible daily", say this "I can do ALL things through Christ which strengtheneth me." (Phil 4:13).  And, that includes being "obedient and willing" (Is 1:19) as I get to know God, and myself by choosing the opportunity to read my bible today!" . Partner with Joy in 2014.   UPDATE: We have 23 Partners out of the goal of 60 for 2014. Thank you for helping Spread the Gospel Message. Missionaries, like myself cannot do what we do alone, it takes a team. By becoming a financial partner you are putting yourself on the front lines of the mission field right along with me. Thank you! Prayerfully consider becoming a partner today!  Click on the Donate button to the right, and in the drop down menu, select "Joy Neasley - Asia". You have the option of a one time gift, or monthly giving. The system processes USA and International cards. Or mail your gift to World Outreach Ministries, PO Box b, Marietta, GA 30061 and designate for "Joy Neasley" Fund code #87.

Day 25 of 30: Moved By Faith - Not Circumstances!

Jesus, in the synagogue on the Sabbath day, sees a man with a withered hand. After healing this man, knowing the Pharisees were plotting to against him, withdrew to the sea with His disciples.  

A great multitude, a huge crowd from cities all around, followed after him.  They had heard the testimonies, reports, of Jesus and they wanted to see for themselves.  Testimonies of healing by Jesus had spread and now everyone who needed healing and deliverance was pushing and shoving, pressing in, to get near enough to Jesus to touch him for healing.  Jesus cured all of them.

(Read the account in Mark 3:1-5 and Matthew 12:8-13) 

*What can we glean from this account?  

Following Jesus is not enough. Coming into the presence of Jesus is not enough.  We must press in and touch Him.

How many believers attend church several times a month?  They are believers,  Christians, following Jesus.  This is not in question.  However, they have not moved beyond following Him.


How many Christians attend church every Sunday?  Maybe the even read a daily devotional centering around a scripture or two with an tidbit of life application for 10 minutes a day, and say their prayers before going to bed at night.  They go to Him and see Him.  Yet, they still have not moved beyond standing in the crowd and watching Jesus.  

We must PRESS IN AND TOUCH HIM.  When this happens faith is put into action, mountains move, and lives are changed.  

Followers can attend church for 20 years and remain sick or poor.  Watching on the sidelines places the blessing and all that is yours before you, making you aware of what you can have.  But, it is pressing in and touching him, the action of taking what is yours that will make real changes in your life.  It is putting your faith to work.  

God is moved by your faith in action, not by your circumstances.  

Once you are in love with Jesus so much, that you are truly focused on Him, and Him alone.  Through that love, your faith begins to move and take action.

Begin to press in, pushing and shoving to reach Jesus and touch Him.  

In this place mountains move, and all that He did on the cross for you, and all that follows the cross, after He rose again, becomes reality in your life.

* Today's posting was inspired by Rachele Coello.




Today's passages: 

Mar 3:1 And he entered again into the synagogue; and there was a man there which had a withered hand.
Mar 3:2 And they watched him, whether he would heal him on the sabbath day; that they might accuse him.
Mar 3:3 And he saith unto the man which had the withered hand, Stand forth.
Mar 3:4 And he saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? But they held their peace.
Mar 3:5 And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other.
Mat 12:8 For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day.
Mat 12:9 And when he was departed thence, he went into their synagogue:
Mat 12:10 And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him.
Mat 12:11 And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out?
Mat 12:12 How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days.
Mat 12:13 Then saith he to the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other.