A Brand New Year

Tonight at midnight marks a brand new year.
Rather than spending it wasted, spend it serving a purpose.
Spend it with those people that have stuck it out with you the whole year of 2011 and you know they will be there for you the next year and years to come. Spend it with those people that have given everything for you and expected nothing in return. Spend it with the people that you can tell anything to and still feel accepted. Spend it with the ones who never leave you nor forsake you.

Everyone should have thought of the same person to spend it with... Jesus.

He is the only One that will care for us year after year after year. Even our parents cannot fill the void that Jesus fills.

Don't waste your new year wasted. Spend it thanking our Lord for allowing us to see a brand new year. Everyone is going to be out tonight doing something. Don't just go out, stand out and stand up for what is right.

Psalms 35:[18] I will give thee thanks in the great congregation: I will praise thee among much people.




Dear God, thank You so much for allowing us to see another day, another month, another year. Thank You for the many blessings that You have bestowed upon me throughout 2011. Thank You for the healing, the answered prayers, the unanswered prayers, the people that have found You, the ones You are still working on. Thank You for never giving up on me no matter how many times I have failed You. Help me to serve You every single day in this new year and years to come. Amen.

-Destiny Turner

Cleaning Up

When we wear a set of clothes out for a day, we come home and wash them.
We brush our teeth before we go to bed.
We bathe after a long hard day.
We wash our faces every day.
We wash our cars every now and again.

Why do we do all this so often? It is because whenever we let these things be exposed to such dirty, grimy, things in the world, they collect the mess. Without even trying, you cannot avoid the particles that you will pick up on just a daily basis.

If it is like this physically, just imagine spiritually. We get exposed to such dirty, sinful, awful things every day. Television, radio, even human to human contact is getting to be risky these days. You never know what is going to come out of someone's mouth. We hear gossip, cussing, etc. Even in a grocery store we are exposed to negativity and worldly attitudes that as a Christian we should not want to pick up. Therefore, to avoid collecting the dust, we must clean up at night. Make sure every night that we ask the Lord to clean us from the mess we have been around of the day. Check our pores, change our clothes, ensure that nothing got down into a little crevice that will harbor sin for a season.

Titus 2:[12] Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;


Paul said that he had to crucify himself daily. If that was the case back in Bible times, just imagine how often we should be getting a check up. We should be "praying without ceasing" literally.

1 Cor. 15:[31] I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.


Lord, help me to come to you often to get cleansed from what I am exposed to everyday. Help me to live a clean, pure, holy life and strive for perfection. 


-Destiny Turner

Cherish

To cherish is to hold dear, to treasure, to be fond of, to care for.
We should cherish each and every person that come into contact with.

This morning I woke up and received a phone call from a friend of mine that a friend of ours had passed away. I hadn't talked to him in quite some time. We currently weren't as close as we had been in years past; however, it broke my heart. It made me wonder why I hadn't talked to him in so long. Why haven't we kept in touch?

You meet everyone for a reason. Leave a lasting impact with everyone you meet. Be someone that changes someone's world... BETTERS someone's world. Don't be someone that flies by without cherishing their friendship.

We are not promised tomorrow. In fact, we are not promised the rest of today. Appreciate one another. Love one another. Pray for one another. Enjoy the moments you have with those you love.

John 13:[34] A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.[35] By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.


-Destiny Turner

Christmas Eve

Luke 2[6] And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.[7] And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.[8] And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.[9] And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.[10] And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.[11] For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.[12] And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.[13] And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,[14] Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.


Remember that this is the true meaning of Christmas. Gifts are fun, lights are pretty, trees are nice, and food is good, but Jesus is the reason for the season. God gave us the best gift of a savior that came to bring light to this dark and dying world. He hung on a tree and is the bread of life for us now.

Dear Lord, thank You for being the perfect gift. Help me to keep you at the center of my life not just during the holidays.

-Destiny Turner

Do What You Decide

Action speaks louder than words.

Ecc. 5:[4] When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed.[5] Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.

Too many times we "make up our mind" about what we are GOING to do, but we never get around to DOING it. Going is an action meaning on a journey, in the process of, but not reaching the goal. If you are going to the store, it is different than you saying that you are AT the store. Do you see what I mean?
We need to make sure that when we decide that we should do something, that we follow through. I am very guilty of this. I get great big plans in my mind and in my heart that I know I should do, and the distance between my heart and my hands is not as easy to travel as one would think. God would rather us not make a promise to Him than to make a promise and to break it. Let us be careful every day to do what we say.

It is important that we keep our word most importantly to God, but also to others and even to ourselves.

Numbers 30:[2] If a man vow a vow unto the LORD, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth.

[[Disclaimer: I am in no way affiliated with the www.GodIsMyCoach.com website. I am only portraying and expounding upon the message presented by the public video that was already made.]]


Let us all strive to DO what we DECIDE.

-Destiny Turner

Pray for One Another

Today one thing that has stuck out to me is how blessed I am to have friends that pray for me and that trust me with their prayer request. 

It is such an important thing for us to associate ourselves with those that believe the same way we do. We need each other for fellowship, support, friendship, etc.... but mainly for PRAYER. 

Romans 1:[9] For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;

1 Cor. 7:[5] Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.

Eph. 1:[16] Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;

James 5:[16] Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
In all of these accounts, the Bible is referring to where someone prayed for someone else. If it was necessary then, it is all the more so now. 

One man can carry a load on his own. OR two men can carry the load and make it a little lighter for each of them.

It also helps when we request prayer so that it helps us to remember that we aren't the only one going through trials. We are all in this together. God puts people in your life for a reason. Don't ever take anyone for granted.

Pray often. Pray for one another. Don't be ashamed to ask for help when you can't carry it alone. 

-Destiny Turner

Keys To Life

[[DISCLAIMER: I am in no way affiliated with the www.GodIsMyCoach.com website. I am not condoling, condemning, or advertising it. I am simply interested in the message brought by the story in the video.]]

This video has many valuable lessons that we can learn.

• Honor your father and mother. 
• Eph. 6: [2] Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)
• Care less about material things, and set your eyes on things eternal. 
• Matt. 6: [19] Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:[20] But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:[21] For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
• The most important thing we can learn is that no set of "keys" on this earth means more than the "keys" to life that can be found in God's Holy Word. Once you put God first, all other things in this world will fall into place.
• Matthew 6: [33] But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

-Destiny Turner

A Big Cry

Psalms 5:[2] Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray.

Sometimes we all just need a big cry. God understands that we all have emotions. We are human... He made us. Of course He understands. Things in this life get to us and we get upset. It is normal to be hurt at times and to find yourself in a sense of distress. Don't take your stress out in a negative way. Just cry to the Lord.

Psalms 18:[6] In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.

God is our rock, our fortress, our shelter, our everything. Cry to Him. Let Him wipe your tears and make you whole. Not only will He hear us, but he will perform in our time of need. Have faith. Be strong, but in your sense of weakness run to the best source of strength.

Psalms 57:[2] I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me.


-Destiny Turner

Be Ye Thankful

Show Me What to Be Thankful For


Click on those words above and watch this inspiring video for our devotion today.

Col. 3:[15] And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

-Destiny Turner

The Power of Your Name

Hebrews 12:[28] Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:


We need to be careful how we approach the throne of God. He is not to be taken lightly or labelled as anything less than the mighty, Holy One that He is.
Look at the earth, the human body, the Bible, ALL creation.... Who made that? Who made you?
He is Master, Maker, King, Marvelous, Healer, Savior, etc.
He is not "the big man upstairs", "the big guy", or any other name that can be used. I know we get into habits and sometimes lose sight of the greater things, but God is to be approached with reverence, fear, honor, awe, and respect.

Psalms 86:[11] Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name

Let us remember the great big wonderful God that He is next time we pray or talk about Him to others.

Psalms 89:[7] God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him.

It is still okay to talk to Him as your "best friend" and to tell Him your troubles. We can approach Him anywhere at anytime. He is always with us and we can depend on Him for anything. We should feel comfortable in telling Him anything. We should allow Him into the secret places of our hearts. The only thing I am trying to portray in this devotion is that God is still God. He is still all powerful and almighty and we should never forget that or treat Him any less.

Lord, forgive me when I don't pay the honor due Your name. Help me to realize the power and majesty of Your being and to treat You as such.

-Destiny Turner

Purity

1Cor.7

[1] Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.
[2] Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.
[3] Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.
[4] The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.
[5] Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.
[6] But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment.
[7] For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.
[8] I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I.
[9] But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.


Save sex for marriage. BUT Don't be alarmed if you have already messed up. God forgives. God is merciful. Let him clean you up and start over. We all fall down sometimes,

Ephesians 2:[4] But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,[5] Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)[6] And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:[7] That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.[8] For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:[9] Not of works, lest any man should boast.[10] For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

-Destiny Turner

Get Your Mind Right

I have some friends that repeatedly use the phrase "Get your mind right.". It used to aggravate me, but after awhile I caught myself using it and applying it to my life. We must all admit that there are many times in the week, even in the day, where we start focusing on the negative aspects of everything. Maybe we start complaining or getting grouchy.. we all have those moods. A negative attitude will bring about negative emotions which produce negative thoughts and actions leading to sin.
Some of these include:

• anger
• fear
• unbelief
• doubt
• worry
• strife
• gossip
• jealousy
• anxiety/stress
• the list goes on and on

These things are common to mankind, but they don't have a very large place in the life of a CHRISTIAN. We must be set apart... even in our thoughts. We should strive every single moment to "have our minds right" and be focusing on the positive side of things. It isn't a question of whether or not you are a pessimist or an optimist.. We must choose to be an optimist. See the glass as half full.

Phil. 4:[8] Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

When you start noticing your thinking get to stinking, give yourself a check up from the neck up and get your mind right!

-Destiny Turner

Be Not Ashamed

(The other night at my local church in Russellville, AR, the Women's Missionary Band leader, Sister JoAnn Blaylock, preached a wonderful message about not being ashamed. This devotion is inspired directly from her message.)

2 Timothy 1:[8] Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;

We may not all be called to be pastors, preachers, evangelists, teachers, singers, instrument players, etc. BUT we are all called to be witnesses and soul winners for Christ according to the Great Commission.
Matthew 28: [19] Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:[20] Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

We should never be ashamed to be a witness. You can be a witness by doing more than just running up to people and asking them if they know Jesus. Doing that is wonderful; however, a simple testimony, an "I'll pray for you.", a "Jesus loves you.", etc. are also various ways that we can shine our lights and reach out to others.

Remember, Jesus said that if we are ashamed of Him, He would be ashamed of us.
Luke 9:[26] For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels.


No matter where we are, we should be willing to share the gospel at every location. Your world is your mission field. Don't be ashamed to pray for someone, share scripture or a testimony with someone, or even to pray over your food at a meal. Remember whose team you are on. Read the back of the book, Jesus wins.

Speaking of teams, Sister JoAnn also brought out the fact that people go crazy over sporting events but can barely stand up for Christ. Let us not fall into that category.
Let this next scripture be our prayer.
Romans 1:[16] For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.




Dear God, I am not ashamed of You. Help me to proclaim Your word and Your gospel that I may help shed light in this dark world. 


-Destiny Turner

Leaders Vs Followers

When leaders make a mistake, they say, “I was wrong.”

When followers make mistakes, they say, “It wasn’t my fault.”

A leader works harder than a follower and has more time;

a follower is always “too busy” to do what is necessary.

A leader goes through a problem;

a follower goes around it and never gets past it.

A leader makes and keeps commitments;

a follower makes and forgets promises.

A leader says, “I’m good, but not as good as I ought to be;”

a follower says, “I’m not as bad as a lot of other people.”

Leaders listen;

followers just wait until it’s their turn to talk.

Leaders respect those who are superior to them and tries to learn something from them;

followers resent those who are superior to them and try to find chinks in their armor.

Leaders feel responsible for more than their job;

followers say, “I only work here.”

A leader says, “There ought to be a better way to do this;”

followers say, “That’s the way it’s always been done here.”

(http://www.inspirationalarchive.com/1505/leaders-vs-followers/)

Follow Christ.. the ultimate Leader.. Lead others to follow Him. 

Temptations

James 1:[14] But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.


A temptation is anything that lures you in, teases you, tempts you, drags you down, tests your self-control.
Everyone has a different temptation. Imagine temptations just in the realm of food. A huge bag of popcorn means nothing to me. I rarely ever want that. BUT you may love it. I eat chocolate like it is going out of style. I know people who never want chocolate. I think you get the point.

Now, lets think spiritually... Cigarettes, dirty magazines, movies, songs, alcohol, sex, swearing, drugs, suicide, etc. These are all things that tempt people or that various people have to deal with. Maybe you have one of these, none of these, or multiple ones. We are all different. It is good for you to know what tempts you because trust me, the devil does! He wants to tear you down, therefore He will put exactly what hurts you in your way.

If Satan knows that Sally is a habitual drinker. He might tempt her by offering a job at a bar, getting a cute boy to offer her a drink, etc. It is necessary for us to be ready for the devil to use our weaknesses against us.

Now, the bad news is over. We realize that Satan knows our weakness and uses it against us. We know his tricks. How to we avoid them? Here are some scriptures to help you deal with it. YOU cannot do it alone. But with Christ, you can do anything! (Philippians 4:13)

• 2 Peter 2:[9] The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
• 1 Cor. 10:[13] There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
• Mark 14:[38] Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.

Also, Read the book of James whenever you are feeling tempted. It is an excellent source of strength for these situations.

Dear God, help me to resist the devil and remain close to you. Help me to battle my weakness with Your strength, for that is the only way I will be able to overcome.

-Destiny Turner

FINALS

I'm going to make this one short and sweet.  :)

It is finals week at my college! Everyone is buried in books and notes. I've spent more time in the library the past week than I probably have my whole semester combined. Students get down to business and blow off their social lives just for these tests that we've all known about the whole time. It is crazy.

Now spiritually, every week should be final week for us. We know that we have a test coming, we just don't know when God plans to give it to the whole world or to me or you individually. Study hard. Be ready. Don't study harder for school than you do for God.

Education is important.. Don't get me wrong. BUT having knowledge of God and what He expects of us is far far far far more important. We can physically survive without a college degree. We will only last a short while without salvation.

Matthew 24:[44] Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh

-Destiny Turner

Outcasts

Psalms 37:11 But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.


Today I was sitting in class and my world lit. professor was talking about the novella Things Fall Apart. If you haven't read it, it is about a Nigerian tribe in Africa. Our professor was explaining how missionaries came to covert the villagers, but they mostly failed. The only ones that were successfully converted were the OUTCASTS. Then, our professor even quoted the scripture above. [Psalms 37:11]. So what does that mean for us today?

Well, let's first begin with what "meek" even means. Meek means 'humble in spirit, mild, tame, lowly'. Someone who is meek does not boast or get puffed up in their pride. Someone who is meek does not brag to others to boost their ego. Someone who is meek cares about others. Someone who is meek puts themselves last. Remember the JOY (Jesus, Others, Yourself). A meek person practices that principle.

Matthew 20:16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

On the flip side, though, the "meek" sometimes end up being the lowest in they eyes of the world. They may be considered 'outcasts'. When this happens, rejoice! It is a good thing. If we don't blend in with the world then we must be doing something right. We are just living in this world, not of the world. Remember that. The differences in us will be what leads others to Christ. Most importantly though, the differences in us will be what keeps us saved and takes us to Heaven. The more like Jesus we become, the more unlike the world we will be. It is far worth it to endure a little ridicule from people for this short while, than to spend eternal damnation because we can't swallow our pride for the Lord.


Psalms 149:4 For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation.




Lord, please help me to not be so concerned with how the world looks at me. Help me to only care about Your eyes and Your judgement- for in the end it is truly all that matters. 

-Destiny Turner

Attention Readers!

Hello all of you faithful blog readers.
I am just now entering Finals Week of my first semester of college. I have been so busy with getting used to college and getting entangled in this new world of mine that I let my priorities get out of line. I hope you all find it in you to forgive me for slacking on my devotion writing. It took a faithful reader to make me realize that we don't "find" time for God. The devil will make sure that we never "find" time for Him. We must MAKE time for God. I am very sorry. Please forgive me. From this day forward I will try my best to pick things back up. I love you all with all of my heart.

-Destiny Turner

2 Cor. 4:[1] Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;