A Wonderful Day

Some of the many things I've learned since being out of the military is how I can never take for granted all of the freedoms I have living in this country. These freedoms I speak of were put into place by men who founded this country on the morals & principles of Biblical truth. Yesterday I was reminded how much I appreciate not only what I have and what I'm capable of doing with my life, but also who I have in my life. God has aligned the right people around me to make me capable of doing whatever it is that I feel like. He has also given you this opportunity. It doesn't matter who you are, or what your current situation is. You determine whether, or not your going to have a positive/negative day. It isn't the mailman, boss, landlord, or any of the above. There isn't a human being on this earth that has the right to make you feel a certain way. What I'm getting at here is that when your always looking at sunshine it's hard to see the clouds. Make sure that you go throughout your day and  take notice of all the positive people, circumstances, and elements God has put into your life. Please spread this word to your neighbors, and let them start feeling the way you do now!

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Merry Christmas

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Sunday night! Christmas is almost here, and the excitement around my house is growing for tomorrow night when everyone gets to come together to celebrate this wonderful holiday. This experience for me is rather new, but nonetheless exciting just to be around everyone I care about. When thinking on Christmas I think on another story in the Bible that is always near to my heart when I hear it, or speak on it. When Christ would come into a village, or would give a sermon I've come to realize he was giving more than just words & cures. He was giving hope, clarity, love, but above all else himself. I wanna believe that Christ knew that just as important as healing that person, or giving direction on what we are to do in this life. He knew that by sitting down, eating, or just exchanging kind words was just as important. I too also believe this when thinking about leadership. This key trait that Christ had undoubtedly made it almost impossible to refuse discipleship. 

Today when I see most leaders in these positions I see almost a complete disconnect with the people that they are ultimately serving. To me it's as if you turned on a switch in these people that puts them a cut above the others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross! (Philippians 2:5-8).When we look at Jesus we see that in every act he performed he did it humbly. Even when he payed the ultimate cost for all of mankind. Why do we feel we should not do the same? In order for good leaders to become lasting, and great leaders this is an art that must be truly mastered.

Give yourself to others as you start your new year. Make it a point to visit that family member you haven't seen in a while, or that friend you feel you should catch up with. Remember that even more than the gifts you give this year there is no substitute for your love, and you.

Merry Christmas!

Speak Up

Today is one that is to me very confusing, but also very painful. When looking at this great nation the United States. I see neighbor against neighbor over rights of which were bestowed upon us by our forefathers. Why is it we feel we must change each other? This is something that from the beginning of time has been a problem, and looking to history has created great turmoil for the parties involved. These issues, and all issues we need wisdom on we must go to prayer, and ask for guidance on all these things. This nation is one that above all else is under God! We are all destined for grand things. We have minds and hearts that cry out to explore and tell our neighbor all of these. Your wonderful in every way, shape, and form. Unique from every other being that has walked this earth. Do something today that helps better your fellow man. It all comes down to the individual not the nation. Everyday you wake up your making a difference in someones life whether that being positive or negative. Above all other things when you close your eyes tonight, and are praying to God let it be something that is grand and satisfying in your heavenly fathers name. One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent." -Acts 18:9. Speak up today whether it being the school, or the locker room. When you give God the wheel he'll take you to places you never thought possible. Let his grand light shine upon you, and continue blessing you.

He Hears All

Tonight I was reached out to by a dear friend who said, "I'm getting frustrated in God not answering my prayers". This is very common in the society we live in today. It's frustrating not because we don't  hear God when he answers, but that we sometimes aren't willing to stretch out of our comfort zone to do what is needed. There is something also to be said about the era that we live in. One that marks itself upon instant gratification, and ease of access. The path that we are led down is sometimes one that to you may look gloomy at first, but in the end is one that God intends us to go down. He's seen your journey, and has seen that if you took your path it would be one that is worth all the punches at first.

We must remember that God knows your heart. He knows what it is you desire, and what you truly want. When praying we must remain true to ourselves. There is no need in saying things your heart isn't believing. Stay true, and let it be known from your heart and soul what it is you are requesting from God. When praying we must constantly be thinking about this. Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 

In all that we do, and all that we have we can't forget that this was given to us by the grace of God. For without we would have nothing, but more importantly would be nothing. I ask that you don't just pray for the material things on this earth, but for also the things that you are unable to put a price on. The things that are willing to be done by giving the gift of yourself, and your time. Laugh, Live, and Love.

In conclusion I say that you must stay the course. The roads that are the toughest, and roughest sometimes. Can be the ones that offer us the most fulfillment, and joy in our lives. I will also say that when praying next time speak to God as if he were a friend that is with you till the very end, and someone that loves you unconditionally. Have a wonderful week my friends.

Note: Say a prayer for all those involved in Hurricane Sandy.

Keep at it

When everything is going down in your life, and when the "stuff" hits the fan who do you turn to? If everyone were to leave you today, and you were sitting alone pondering on this what would you do? Most people today if you asked them this question wouldn't be so quick to provide an answer to this , and that's totally fine, because by the end of this post I'm going to make you feel secure, and comforted by letting you know that there is someone who is constantly making sure we are taken care of. A force that makes us wake up, and get our day fired up in the right direction. Who instilled us with the qualities of not just GOODNESS, but GREATNESS. God has laid out the people, places, and things needed to uncover his plans for all of us. All we need to do his rip the sheet off!

Talking with a dear friend of mine earlier we pondered over the daily struggles that sometimes hinder us in our abilities to stay on the path of righteousness. After just being baptized I believe that I've got to experience first hand what he had been dealing with. We must understand a very simple principle about not just the new believer, or the believer

who spends 90+ hours at the local church. We have to realize were not perfect, and that is OK. Do your very best, and make sure that at the end of the day your still able to look yourself in the mirror with a clear, and loving conscious. 

In conclusion I want you to go throughout this week with a level head, and a open heart. Know that our plan is right there set out in front of us. Open it up, and get started.  You don't owe that to anyone else but yourself. I know your road may be hard, and it at times may seem completely hopeless, but toss those feelings aside. The only person that is going to make your situation bad is you. Keep your positive frame of mind, and remember your plan has already been laid out, and it's your time to play it out!

Extra Note:

Thank You to everyone that has inspired me to continue writing my blog. God has worked through all of you, and has shown me that he still has work for me to do. 

Prayer Changes Everything

I hope you go throughout today and make it so beautiful. Waking up knowing you have a heavenly father that loves, and cares about you is something that there is nothing like, or comes close to. So why not tell him what you think? Why should we not go to him, and tell him how magnificent in all his ways that he comes into our life, and sails us to calm waters when we are going through our storm? Well now is a better time than any to start. There is no formal way to pray in my mind. We simply come as we are to him. He knows your heart, and soul. He merely wants you to speak the things that lie deep inside you. In praying don't be discouraged, and don't be ashamed. When we consume ourselves with the Lord there is nobody that can say we can't do the things we know to be right, and just to us. In looking at the common denominator with some of our most high impact leaders we see that it is found in their daily prayer life. Praying for over 90 minutes a day is certainly not unusual in the study of most of these individuals. In the Bible there are 7,487 promises made and many of these promises involve God's willingness to answer prayer. 

When we are praying we need to be praying big. We should be taking exactly what is on our heart, and offer up to our Lord. In talking about prayer I'm reminded how we should not just pray in times of great prosperity, but also in times when we can't rub two dimes together. We should not just come to him when were healthy, but when we are weak and barely able to stand. I feel that when we do this in our moments of complete despair. I feel Gods presence even closer to me. It's almost like weathering a horrible storm, and that good Samaritan comes up to put a blanket around your shoulders. 

Lastly I want to say that in all your problems, addictions, and shortcomings. Go to God with all of these. If you see yourself slipping in a direction you don't want to be heading in go to prayer. Make it to where you have a chance to truly reflect on what is about to happen, and what a greater power who put you on this earth to flourish, and develop into a wonderful being would think. Were not perfect people, but we still have to be accountable for the things we do. Stay positive. and know there will never be another you. Make it a point to look up, and pour your heart out today!

Note: Please let me know if you need me to pray for you. I'd be more than happy to receive any prayer requests you have for me. 

Contact Info:

Bryantcloud11@gmail.com

817-666-8533

Cast Doubt Away

::Practical Application::

All doubt that you encounter today I want you to push that aside. I want you to focus on accomplishing your goal, or objective. Leave the negatives out of this today. Stay positive, and allow great things to happen for you today. Have a wonderful weekend!

Additional Notes: Please comment below and share your story of shedding all doubt from today.

Take That Chance

Has there ever been something in your life you've regretted doing, because you didn't want to take that chance? Was this done out of love, fear, or uncertainty to if you could actually accomplish this feat? Is this something that still haunts you today? If you do have something that you still wish you would've done better don't worry about that. Today is a brand new day. It's one that holds promise, and certainty in that you will make the decisions you know that are best for you. Too many times we worry about what everyone thinks on this. I'm not saying forget about everyone else, but I'm saying don't hold back your promise from God. There will come a time when he has everything setup, and ready to go for you. All he's asking is that you commit to this promise he holds in store for you. If we expect to climb the mountain, make the shot, or get the person of our dreams we have to answer our call. 

In the book of Isaiah we learn how Isaiah was able to stand in the presence of God. He was one of the very few people who actually did this. It tells us that he was sent up to talk to God about Israels current state. This place had become corrupt, and riddled with idolitry, greed, and religion without relationship just to name a few."Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying: Who should I send? Who will go for us? I said: Here I am. Send me". (Isaiah 6:8). Isaiah spoke up to his true calling. He took that chance, and spoke up to the Lord. "Send Me", what a Holy sight that must have been to stand in the presence of God, and express your desire to go for your people.

Are you ready to "Take That Chance"? Is now your time to do the things that you wish you would've done 5, 10, 15 years ago. Well now is your chance! Go, and answer your true calling. In conclusion I hope everyone has a wonderful day. Keep Smiling, and being the superb person God has made you to be!

Additional Notes:

Please forward all "Prayer Requests" to: Bryantcloud11@gmail.com

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.(James 5:16)

Make Today Better

When talking with most people, and getting to hear people talk on the subject of making a better life for themselves I hear the same thing. It is always talked about in future tense. It's constructed to be this impossible force that has to be changed at a later date. I say why not start today? Why not begin the rest of your life right now instead of waiting for the rest of the world to catch up to you, or before the time "feels" right. I'll tell you now when your making changes, and contemplating whether, or not you should change something about yourself. The time will never "feel" just right. It's going to be a little uncomfortable at first, but it's totally fine. Keep moving forward, and keep believing in what you want to do. When I listen to the motivational speakers, and spiritual figures of our day I hear them talk about the 3,4,5 step process, but not how it actually feels going through the jungle. These need to be addressed if we want to ultimately make it to our destination. 

YOU don't know where your going til you know where we've been. In talking about stepping up to the plate to make difficult changes about us we need to realize we have to know who has done the things were striving to accomplish. If we can do this we'll have such an easier climb uphill on our journey then if we never checked into some peoples experiences where we aspire to be, or the challenges we will overcome. It's going to be a wonderful adventure climbing to the top just realize that you must take bruises on this way up, and it's totally fine. If you weren't feeling the pangs you wouldn't be going to your ultimate destination.

Don't be afraid to hit the wall. It's going to be alright if you don't do it perfectly the first time. Your going to make mistakes, but just remember we learn from these to get better. If you look back on our history we see that some of the most influential people in our history went through great adversity to get to their final destinations. The difference between them, and the other guy/gal is that they kept on striving to make it to this place. Looking at the story of Job is one that has inspired me throughout my life. Job was a man that had to endure great pain at the hand of the Devil. He lost his children, livestock, and servants. Job had lost everything even his skin. He had developed massive boils all over his skin. To top it all off his wife said,  "Are you still trying to be godly when God has done all this to you?  Curse Him and die" (Job 2:9). So having to deal with all these difficult tribulations he still maintained his loyalty, and love for God. Make yourself someone that your proud of. You're unique, and capable of doing so many wonderful things. Start NOW and I promise you'll "Make Today Better"!

Keep Fellowship Alive

Tonight, as I was conducting our weekly Bible Study I thought about what we must do to keep our households strengthened. In building up our children, and maintaining that healthy balance we strive for this must be done. It's too often that we allow outside influences to convince us that this is not necessary, but these are not the persons that will be raising your children, and they are not the ones who will be there when your child gets into an altercation that involves the law. In the world we can make so much good if we just start with our own children. I understand that most peoples schedules these days do not permit a time for this fellowship that I'm talking about. In most cases though there aren't too many people out there who couldn't give 10 solid minutes to their child talking about the things that are ultimately going to be the traits they incorporate into their personality. Love, Drugs, Alcohol, Opposite Sex, Religion, Music, Friends. These are just the few things that will be coming up in your young ones life's. There are going to be numerous occasions where just bringing up one of these will trigger talking about the 6 or more. In life we get so chances to make a difference. Make a difference in your child's life. They deserve it, but most importantly they will honor you so much greater when they are older. 

Fellowship is the one thing that when we really share in this experience if only once a week will do wonderful things for our life's. It's intended to make us better people, and to see what others in our family are lacking, or are in control of. When we have a better understanding what are family, and friends are going through we have a better understanding of how we treat, support, and care for them. When sharing in this fellowship with the ones you care about don't hesitate to begin asking for God's help in understanding the situations, and the pitfalls others are going through. As human beings we all feel differently when confronted with adversity. God knows your heart, and only wants to see you push through whatever the adversity is to get through to the bright side. When engaging in fellowship smile to your friend, or family member. Let them know they are loved, and you want the very best for them. I thank God that he has given us such wonderful channels to be able to connect to our friends, and family. So go make the change of being involved for your family & friends. Take an interest in them, because our Lord has taken an interest in you!

 

Love All

I want to touch on a very touchy subject right now. Who thinks that we should be taking a negative stand against our neighbors? Who thinks we should not dine, buy, associate with these people? In reading many blogs, and delving deeper into social media. I'm starting to see a rise who are in favor of totally excommunicating these people from their lives. Are we not in sin ourselves? It is written. “None is righteous, no, not one (Roman 3:10 ESL, 2001).

I tell you now we must stop putting our hands in the air proclaiming to be the one with all the solutions. We may have good advice, and I'm sure it's better than good it's great! I must let you know now though. There is a being that does have all the answers. A being that knows how many hairs our on are heads. One that loves us with love EVERLASTING, and who gave his life so that we may have eternal life. What a blessing it is that we have such a wonderful, and powerful creator. A Lord that knows our hearts, and knows all our imperfections. He is guiding our paths putting you right where he wants you to be. 

There is only one judge that is capable of judging you."You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one. But if I do judge, My decisions are right, because I am not alone. I stand with The Father, who sent Me." (John 8:15-16). Don't allow yourselves to have to put up with the persecution of another. Believe in you, and all your abilities. Encourage your fellow man, because my brothers & sisters we need that encouragement. The world is tough, rough, and hard on Christians, and will do anything to sway their faith. We look at how Christians are no longer going to church as they used to, and the church has been declining in numbers now for the past several years. Build up your neighbors, friends, and family. Let them know your here to support them in the good, but more importantly the bad. Stay the course, because there is goodness in your future!

In conclusion my friends were all at fault. We aren't going to have the right answer 100% of the time. We won't say the things that always need to be said. We won't always honor the Lord like he has instructed us to do. I tell you now though. It is written that, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1John 1:9). Be a beacon of light for those searching for their lighthouse. Instill in your neighbor that to find God all we must do is prey to our heavenly father. He is always ready to hear our prayers. So keep in mind that you must return this blessing to God. Let him guide your heart he will take you to places you'll have never dreamed of. Were all in this together united in Christ. 

Amen.

Run Your Race

Too many times I feel were looking to the side of us, and backwards to see what the people around us are doing instead of going off on our own accord, and running our race. I hear too many times what he, she, or the other is doing rather than what you should be doing to better yourself to finish your race strong. If you've never ran in a race (which is very unlikely, but for the sake you haven't) take a few minutes out of your day to run a couple laps. Believe that you are neck and neck with that someone else that you feel is tying you up, or restraining you from accomplishing what you need to get achieved.


In many cases if your dedicated worker, athlete, student your worst critic will be you. Make sure that your idea of yourself is positive. If mentally your not there. It's going to be ten times harder to reach that finish line physically.


Keep in mind that as we go through our journey in life. There are people who are supporting us to get where we know were going. I thank God everyday for the people he has set in my path. The people that are there to push me to my limit to make me the better man, husband, father. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV). I hope you go through your day happy, and with love in your heart for your fellow man. Stay focused on what is important for you now, and develop that plan for getting the most out of running your race today!

Just Natural

I want to put a visual in your mind right now. Imagine that you have everything that you've ever wanted, and could ever dream of. You've set your goals, put in the plan of action, and now are able to reap the benefits of your hard work, and dedication to your purpose. What does this look like for you? Do you have that sports car you've always wanted? The house that looks like it could give the "White House" a run for its money? Maybe it's the expensive watch that feels like your wearing a stapler on your wrist? Just maybe though it's none of those things. Perhaps it's not the materialistic things you set out to acquire, but really it was the things you never really thought about until they came to be. The sweet scents you first smell( the pleasant ones) when waking up next to the person you love. The smile on your little ones face when they see your there to rescue them in the morning from their play pen, or just knowing every morning you wake up that your heavenly father has given you another wonderful day to experience his beautiful world.

I understand that beautiful and world may sound extremely strange when these two are put next to each other, but it's true. We need to not focus on negative things that we see on a daily basis, but rather on the positive. Do you really need to watch the full report, and in-depth analysis on something that is completely out of your control, and 9 times out of 10 does not effect you in any way.....Readjust your vision, but more importantly readjust your thinking. The things we surround ourselves with we ultimately become like, and feel like. The report that is depressing, the child that is missing, the terrorist the media labels as the #1 bad guy...Do yourself a favor and exclude yourself of this stupidity that is running like a cancer in this nation. Think, and surround yourself with the Good, the Clean, and the Natural! 

In taking into account what we feed into our minds. Let's also think about the people we surround ourselves with. Is Tom, Dick, and Sally helping you become a better mother, husband, father, provider, or businessman? Are they contributing to the success of you? In sharing our aspirations, and goals we need to be especially cautious with sharing this information with the wrong people. Who are the wrong people you ask? Simply put anyone that hesitates to say something positive to you about your dreams and hopes for this better future. If nobody has said it to you today. I'd love to be the first. "Yes you can, you will, and your going to look Great while you do it! 

In life were going to
hit bumps, and we'll sometimes get worse than just bruises. We'll feel almost broken. When we feel like this that is when we need to open our eyes the biggest, because this is when it's going to matter most. "Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”(Deuteronomy 31:6, ESV 2001).

Keep your head held high, and do not fret for our Lord is with you. He knows you better than you do. He's always waiting, and looking forward to your next discussion with him. Leave your worry behind, and go jump into your beautiful life!

New Tomorrow

When I look at what is going on in society today I see a great panic. An outcry for wanting to be a nation that is united together rather than divided against one another. It's not what the grand design for us was intended to be I don't believe. We are a people that want to see good come from bad. Watching my son take his first steps reminds me of what I think we all aspire to feel if only for a couple seconds. It's the feeling of great anticipation of what could be, and what might..Looking to the presidential election all I see are two men talking such horrible things about one another. We need to not worry so much about pointing the finger at each other, but rather point our fingers at the problem to which we must fix. It is nothing I feel more than just a slight tweak to get us to where we need to be. Instead of focusing on what "He or She" is doing we must think first on what "I" am doing. Taking a personal inventory would have tremendous long-term success for what I'm talking about. 

We must make ourselves a nation that is not worried with what others think, feel, need, hope, or wish us to be. To be the strong nation we were I feel we must get back to a time where we treated our neighbors like we did our family. We respected our families like they were not meant to be on this earth, but rather a place much more enlightened. Our children were reared in the way that it is written in the Bible. A way in which it's done out of pure love, and aspiring hope for their bright future. We were cut from perfection in such a way that no other being on this earth was. Yet we feel like inadequate spirits wondering aimlessly without a goal, or even a dream that would very well come true if we wanted it, or even needed it. "So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them." (Genesis 1:27, New World Translation 2007). After examining that it is made quite clear that we were intended for something so much greater.

I feel that in so many instances these days we allow society to put chains, and tape over our mouths to censor the "good" that comes from even the smallest voices. For being placed on this earth your odds were around 23 billion to 1 that you would come into existence(given the genetic combinations a couple can produce) it would take around 600 years just to count that high.Make the most of your beautiful life today, because there will never be another you. We were designed for greatness, and meant to shine as bright as we will allow ourselves to. So shine bright, and make everyday a wonderful one!