Welcome to God's Lemonade Stand

It is my hope that by reading this daily you will grow in your walk with Christ and knowledge of scriptures and be set free from any struggles in your life that are weighing you down. Be blessed to be a blessing.

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

BLOOM WHERE YOU ARE PLANTED

My next door neighbor at Wright Patterson AFB in Ohio back in the early 90's used to say to me "Becky ,bloom where you are planted." Sometimes we can tend to want to complain about our "lot in life" not realizing God has a plan and a purpose and can use all things. (See Romans 8:28). You can sit and complain and not 'grow' or you can say to yourself "this is the day the Lord has made I will rejoice and be glad in it. "(Psalm 118:24). It is good advice for anyone to say to them "do not sit there and pity yourself but get up and get going and decide to make a difference in the life of other people." Pity parties are pitiful!  "Plant yourself" somewhere where you can make a difference in the lives of others. Do not always be throwing yourself a 'pity party' as no one really wants to come to it. You will be the only guest. Maybe you have been called here "for such a time as this." (See Esther 4:14). God has a plan and a purpose (See Jeremiah 29:11-13) and he wants you to "bloom" in his kingdom and bear fruit for Him. (See Galatians 5:22-23).
In Ephesians 4:1 it says "I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called." Do your roots go down deep in Jesus or are you like a dried up weed that will blow away with the first big gust of wind? God wants our roots to go deep and draw nourishment from the Bible. WIthout strong roots we will blow over at the slightest problems or trials. So sink those roots down deep in Christ and bloom for Him.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus we thank you for those situations in our life that help make us stronger in you. We know we need strong roots so we can withstand the trials of life. Help us Lord to stand strong and bloom whereever in life we are placed or planted. In Jesus Name, Amen!

ROCK AND ROLL

Rocking and rolling was what I was doing  earlier this evening  at about  35000 feet altitude. As I sit here and work on my Monday devotion it has been a day of airports and flying for me. I love to fly. I am blessed with the benefits I get from Delta that allow me to go many places. But there are times I have to truly trust God to get me back on the ground. I consider myself a courageous person but when you are sitting in a hollow metal tube at 35000 feet in a pretty severe wind with a storm going on outside the window you are truly feel helpless and can only pray. Also this is where we count on the skills and  training of the pilot and the first officer in the cockpit.ALso this is where I say thank goodness for radar and the skills of air traffic controllers as well. Right now I can hear the wind really loud outside my living room door as I am typing. It is still very windy. My  weather radio indicates a tornado warning.

Flying is amazing.Those brave men and women who become pilots are amazing. (I have two licensed pilots in my family and one who would if he had time.) Many people are scared to fly. I am not, I love it  but I do get a few frightful moments when unable to see outside the window due to clouds or when the plane is bouncing around a bit. I was thinking about this tonight as I thought about God and his creation. He is all powerful. He is the creator of heaven and earth. He is mighty in power and awesome indeed.  The sound of the wind was mighty. Wind can be good or it can frighten us depending on if it is hurricane force or not. Deuteronomy 10:17 says " For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes."

The lyrics to the old hymn How Great Thou Art say it well. Here they are. This was written by Carl Boberg.
"O Lord my God! When I in awesome wonder Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made, I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
 Thy power throughout the universe displayed, Then sings my soul, my Savior God to thee; How great thou art, how great thou art!"
God truly is all poweful and great. How can people not believe in God when they see the wonders of creation?

PRAYER: Father I thank you for all of your creation and your awesome power. I thank you for your guiding hand in our daily lives. Help those who do not know you Lord look around and see the things you have made on earth for us to enjoy. We are grateful and praise your name. In Jesus name, Amen!

Monday, November 29, 2010

DO YOU KNOW GOD?

(This is writing number two as I accidentailly deleted my first devotion only minutes ago. )

Do you know God? What does it mean to know God? Well to know a person it means you spend time with him to know them better. You go places, talk on the phone and just truly hang out with them.In John 17:3 it says" And this is life eternal that I might know Him the only true God  and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent. "  You can not know someone you do not take time to know. You have to spend time with God. He does not require a special pass or invitation to know Him. We can not really know a celebrity because body guards may not let us close to them. We think we know them by reading the movie star magazines but we do not because we do not truly know them as their friend. But God is our friend and he wants to spend time with us. How do you do this? It is not just on Sunday but every day of the week he is waiting to have you pray and sit down to read the word of God. If you do not have a Bible the Gideons would be happy to provide one for you.  (http://www.gideons.org/)
Challenge yourself to read the Bible as much as you would People magazine.If you do not know where to begin start with the book of John in the New Testament.

1 Corinthians 1:18 says " the preaching of the cross is to those who are perishing foolishness but to us who are being saved it is the power of God". 1 Timothy 2"4 says " he desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. "

PRAYER: Lord God I pray that if anyone reading this does not know you as their personal Lord and saviour you will lift the blinders and help them truly come to know you as their Lord and saviour. Help guide them to a good church where they can grow and come to know you better day by day. Forgive us Lord when we fail to get up daily and spend quality time with you. Help us go beyond Sunday and desire to be with you in prayer and reading the Bible each and every day.Help us desire the word of God so we can fight the day to day battles that come our way. Forgive us Lord when we have not taken the time to get to know you better. For those who do not know you as their saviour I pray their eyes will be opened and you will come into their heart. In Jesus Name. Amen.
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Saturday, November 27, 2010

NO HALLMARK MOMENTS

Around this time of year, depending on how you were raised ,you may get into the mode of trying to make the 'perfect Hallmark moments" and orchestrate in your mind how you hope things will go.  Striving for perfection is a dangerous practice to get into because it can lead to discontent. Things need to flow naturally and just because so and so throws a Christmas open house does not mean you need to do likewise. As a matter of fact I think Jesus is thinking "Why are they stressing so much over putting up lights, going to parties,making gingerbread houses and finding the perfect gift?" Do we stop in any of this commotion and realize what Christmas is really about?

I know when I have wanted the perfect Hallmark moments they backfire and I get disappointed. This is not what Jesus wants I am pretty certain. Peace on earth good will to all men is supposed to be the mantra of the Christmas season but we can tend to make it into anything less. Too many obligations, thinking you 'have to' make cookies when no one needs the calories anyway, lighting the house with "Griswold family Christmas style", comparing your humble abode to say the friend with a humongo home, planning parties or caroling. Christmas should be a joy and a pleasure and a time to reflect upon our saviours birth. I for one decided about 4 years ago to not send the traditional Christmas cards in December and , if you are like me and after several military moves, the list can reach upwards of 200 folks. I decided to not stress myself over this and make my cards New Years or Valentines Cards. This was so you can relax over the normally busy season and enjoy family, friends and festivities without the looming chore of sending cards. People tend to appreciate the cards more in January when life has settled back down to semi normalcy. So in January I design a photo New Years card through my local Wal Mart and leisurely send these out.

Added to all this are company parties and school parties if you have children. You have to decide who is Christmas about, Santa or Jesus? When we rush to buy needless gifts that someone does not want it adds to frustration too and gift cards seem so impersonal.When you have small children in the home it is good to start traditions such as making ornaments, attending a live Nativity scene or Christmas play or a Walk Thru Bethlehem, buying gifts for needy families through Angel Tree ministries, donating to Salvation Army  or Toys for Tots,sending packages to troops overseas, doing a shoe box ministry,donating a warm coat to a homeless person  or giving to food banks. This way the children can take the focus off of 'me' and what they are getting and think of the joy of helping others and giving to others. Putting someone else before yourself in other words. A local Christian radio station  here in Huntsville has what they call "Christmas Prayers" where you can put a needy person in for a prayer which is usually a material item they need. " A Wonderful Life" is a great movie to watch each Christmas to show the true joy of giving.

It seems at Christmas we all seem to get nice. People visit nursing homes and take gifts. Meals are donated. Folks help out in soup kitchens. But what happens the other 11 months of the year? The spirit of the Christian Christmas is definitely alive and it does make you feel better to give but why not try to make this giving a year round thing. People still have needs January thru November.

If you sit back and think about it ,who is the author of confusion, comparison and discontent?(See 1 Corinthians 14:33) It is certainly not the Lord Jesus Christ. It is the enemy , Satan who wants us to lose our peace, not feel good enough, put ourselves down, compare our self to others and all the rest. The time of year when we are to be joyfully looking forward to celebrating the Saviours birth should be one filled with love, joy, peace, patience, goodness and self control such as the fruits of the spirit mentioned in Galatians  Chapter 5. Be thankful for what you have and find ways to bless others. This is the true meaning of Christmas, not trying to run up credit card bills that take a year to pay off. Luke 6:38 says "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

To read the account of the birth of Jesus go to Luke 2:1-21.


PRAYER: Lord God as Christmas approaches we once again take time to reflect on its true meaning. We know for many this time of year can bring profound sadness and grief due to being alone or having recently lost a family member or friend. For many they have no happy memories of this most important day. Father we ask you bring comfort to those people and help us look around us and see someone who looks like they could use a helping hand, not just at Christmas but throughout the entire year. In Jesus Name.Amen.

Friday, November 26, 2010

HAVE NO FEAR

The world today gives us alot to be scared about. If we sat around and just watched the evening news we could get ourselves into a major panic. The economy, the threat of takeover and loss of precious freedoms at the hands of our own government,  and nuclear war are some of the major fear producers that come to mind.  God does not want us to fear. He wants us to trust him for all things. He is working behind the scenes in all this because he is still in charge and rules the universe. If you find some Bible verses on not fearing and make it a habit to read them out loud daily and also pray it will help you overcome this area. It is something almost every adult in the USA has dealt with if they were perfectly honest. It is the "what if" game. I am not  talking about fears of things like jumping from an airplane, heights or snakes, but fears of losing your job,getting cancer, not having enough money to pay your bills and things like that. I am going to give you a few verses below to read out loud daily to help you if you struggle with this area.

Isaiah 41:10 in the Old Testament says "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Romans 8:31 in the New Testament says "What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?" Basically do not fear man. Love God and he will help you get through these struggles. In Exodus 20:20 it says "Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning." So sometimes things we go through happen for a reason. To grow us sometimes God allows certain things in our life. He does cause these things.

There are instances in the Bible when an angel would appear and say "Fear Not".(See Luke 1:30).  When Jesus walked on the water, his disciples were fearful to see this man walk on the stormy lake and thought he was a ghost. (See Mark 6:45-56).Genesis 26:24 says "That night the LORD appeared to him and said, "I am the God of your father Abraham. Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bless you and will increase the number of your descendants for the sake of my servant Abraham." It takes practice to become courageous. It is not an overnight process. Do not beat up on yourself if you are having trouble dealing with the battle of a fearful spirit. 2 Timothy 1:7 says" For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."

Above all do not curse God if things have not been peachy in your life. I do not have the answers to why destruction happens, why children die of disease, why God does not stop accidents from happening and all the rest. I just know our ultimate goal is to be with Him in heaven. In this world you will have tribulation but rejoice because I have overcome the world. (See John 6:33).

PRAYER: Father God we ask that you comfort those who are struggling with a fearful spirit. Perhaps they are so overwhelmed by things around them they can not focus on you to know you are there. The world may try to remove God but you are not going anywhere. Laws may legislate against the Christian way of life but we know humans can not take you away from us. You are only a prayer away. Give us courage to meet any fear tests that may come our way and confident assurance that you are walking beside us always. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

ARE YOU THANKFUL?

Today is not just a national holiday where friends and family traditionally gather to eat,be merry, watch parades and football, but it is a time of pausing to reflect about the true meaning of this day and what we are truly thankful for as well. In the United States we can tend to take alot for granted until the threat of losing it is imminent. I am thinking of our freedom for one. That is why the Pilgrims came over here in the first place to this new land because they were under religious persecution and wanted to be free to worship God and read their Bibles and be free without threats from their government in Europe.They did not want to be under tyrannical rule of their time. They paid a dear price for this, crossing treacherous seas to an unknown land and huge wilderness. These brave souls endured disease and suffered death and pain. They celebrated their safe passage over here to a new land and their harvest as well. The modern day Thanksgiving was declared a holiday on 3 October 1863 by President Abrham Lincoln although the Pilgrims came to this land in approximately 1619. Sadly today the world has all but forgotten it's Christian roots and turned it into 'turkey day".

Let's  not take for granted our food, clothing, shelter, running water, electricity, and  living in a free country.Thanks to the military men and women who protect our freedoms in dangerous lands.  In 1 Thessalonians 5:18  it says "to give thanks in all circumstances for this is the will of Christ Jesus concerning you." Colossians 1:12-13 says" and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.  For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves" I am very thankful for friends and family, for good health, for having money to be able to do things we enjoy, for having doctors to go to when we are sick as many countries do not enjoy this luxury and there is so much more. 2 Timothy 3:2 mentions that in 'latter days people will become unthankful and unholy." Perhaps in todays' society we are getting a little bit like that.

So today as you sit down to a feast be thankful not only for the hands that prepared it and the freedom to enjoy it but reflect on thanksgiving as a whole. Do not take for granted what you have. Psalm 100:4-5 says " Enter his gates with thanksgiving  and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.  For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations". Today and everyday pause and say thanks.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus we thankyou for all you have provided. Not just on this Thanksgiving Day but every day of our lives is a true gift from you. Forigve us for when we complain. You have a plan for our lives and a purpose. We thank you for the freedom we have in the United States of America to read our Bibles openly without threat of persecution. Help us not take that for granted as in many countries people are jailed for saying they love Jesus. Father we thankyou for the family and friends you have blessed us with as well. Thankyou for this day we can celebrate with them together. Thanks for giving us life. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

WASH THAT MOUTH OUT WITH SOAP

I am not sure how many of you reading this had the grand discipline as a child of having your mouth washed out with soap. Contrary to the movie "The Christmas Story" it does not cause blindness and can be quite effective. We say things that are not true, hurt people, and a host of others things. So the soap thing is a reminder that inappropriate words need to go and be washed down the drain.

 Do you often speak without thinking? I know I do. Struggling to work on it and it is getting a little better but is an ongoing battle. Do you sometimes talk when you should just listen? Ouch to that one to for me. Do we ever gossip, speculate or add our two bits, whatever you want to call it? Probably if all humans were honest the answer would be a resounding yes. But is it right? No. Words can build up or they can hurt. They can bring joy or they can bring sorrow. In James chapter 3 it talks about the dangers of the tongue and says that 'no man can tame it". Isn't that the truth? But with the Lords help and acknowledging we want to change we can in fact try out best to tame the tongue.

A person can not say they love God then spew out hateful words to their brother or sister in the Lord. It does not make much sense.(See 1 John 4:20). James 3:11 says a spring can not bring forth both fresh and bitter water so neither should our tongue be kind to some but hateful to others. It is kind of like not putting a Christian bumper sticker on your car unless you are going to 'act' like a Christian.

Blessing and cursing should not come out of the same mouth. Matthew 12:35-36  says "A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him.  But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken." Are you ready to tell God why you said hateful things to a friend or spouse or why you told that 'little white lie" or why you gossiped about someone? Proverbs 12:18 says "Reckless words pierce like a sword,but the tongue of the wise brings healing." Proverbs 16:28 says" A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends. " There are so many more verses in God's words dealing with the words we say but I will end on this one. Proverbs 15:1 says "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."

PRAYER: Lord today we thank you for the gift of being able to speak. Forgive us when our words have not been so kind and have hurt someone. If someone has hurt us and not asked for forgiveness help us to try to forgive in your strength anyway so a root of bitterness does not spring up. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Monday, November 22, 2010

SOMETIMES YOU JUST HAVE TO FORGET IT AND MOVE ON

Have you been hurt by someone? Did someone say something to you to hurt you and does not even realize it? Sometimes we just want them to know and want to rub it in their faces and get even but that is truly not what God wants from us. Sometimes we have to make a decision to keep our mouth shut even when we feel justified in talking back and getting our "rights". It is hard to be silent when a loved one has wronged you .You have to ask God to give you the strength to bite your tongue and not fight back.

Ephesians 4:31-32 says " Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.  Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."  Our human nature wants to get last word, lash back, win the argument. But if we continue to demand that we be right the hole gets dug even deeper and there is no victory for anyone, only pain. Furthermore James 1:19 says "  My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." The anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.(James 1:20) A soft answer turns away wrath is says in Proverbs 15:1.

So what is it going to be? Hold your tongue and give up your "rights" or continue the tirade and debates. Give it to God. He can work it out .

PRAYER: Lord Jesus if anyone reading this has been wronged I pray you give them the strength to give it over to  you allowing you to work healing in this situation as only you can.In Jesus Name. Amen.

CHILDREN ARE A GIFT FROM THE LORD

28 years ago today I gave birth to my very first baby, a son ,who we named Matthew which means 'gift of God". He was and is a true blessing and gift from God. Many people struggle to have babies and yet others throw them away like garbage. Life is to be respected. God says the "fruit of the womb is his reward" (Psalm 127:3). There will be many journeys with your children. Sadly I have had some friends whose children died before their time to cancer, accidents, or other illnesses .It is very sad and hard to understand or explain.

We raise our children to love the Lord, respect authority, be kind and honorable, remain pure and a host of other traits. But sometimes even with the best of our intentions things go wrong. a prodigal son or daughter appears on the scene. We pray and do not lose heart(Luke 18:1) that the verse in Proverbs 22:6  about training up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it will be a promise we will see fulfilled.

In your spare time read Deuteronomy Chapter 6 which is about raising up your children. Our children are special to us . We do not want them in the enemies grasp. I know I even prayed from before birth about who they would marry someday and for that person as well.  God hears and he cares. "For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him: Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the LORD. And he worshipped the LORD there" 1 Samuel 1:27-28. That verse basically says our children are not ours, but are on loan from God to raise for Him.Pretty powerful I would say.

I have been in Moms in Touch International prayer ministry since 1996 (http://www.momsintouch.org/) and their key verse is from Lamentations 2:19 which reads, "Arise, cry out in the night, as the watches of the night begin; pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord. Lift up your hands to him for the lives of your children, who faint from hunger at the head of every street." Another group I was never a part of but is vital for moms of preschoolers is MOPS which stand for mothers of  preschoolers.Their website is http://www.mops.org/. Stay connected and stay with other moms for support, encouragement and prayer.

A few years ago when I was out to lunch as a family in Birmingham I had some concerns of my sons following the Lord and God showed me a license plate in the parking lot of the restaurant to give me peace. I do not see this auto tag as an 'accident' but as a "God thing" and as a way to assure me that all was well and things would work out The verse was  3 John 4 which reads "I have no greater joy to hear that my children are walking in the truth."

PRAYER: Father we thank you this day for the gift of life and for the special children you have knit together in their mothers wombs. Help us see our children as true blessings and gifts from you. For those struggling with a prodigal help them to not give up hope and keep praying and believing. In Jesus name, Amen!

Sunday, November 21, 2010

RETURN TO GOD

This morning when cleaning out a purse I  had carried to a wedding last night I found a small plastic card I had never seen before. It had on it the Bible verse "Return to me with all your heart" from Joel 2:12. Wow I said! This is a God thing. Maybe I had seen it before years ago and placed it in there and forgot about it but nevertheless it was a reminder that God does want us to love him with the same love that we had for him when we accepted Christ into our hearts.
How about you? Do you have a zeal and hunger for God and the things of God? In Revelation 3:16 it says "because you are lukewarm I will spit you out of my mouth. " Now that is pretty graphic. Do we punch a Sunday 'go to meeting ticket' and that is that for the rest of the week or are we sincere in loving God with our whole heart"?(See Mark 12:30). Do you hunger for God's word?(Matthew 5:6) Just like physical food which we require to keep our bodies alive, we need spiritual food if we expect to keep God's spirit growing inside of us. How do we get this? By reading God's word and meditating upon it.(See Psalm 119:11).

Psalm 51:10-12 says " Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.  Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. "

PRAYER: Lord God help me today to walk with you and do the things that please you. Help me Lord to hunger for your word and be thirsty for the things that will help me grow in Christ. Remove those things from my life that are hindering my walk with you. In Jesus Name Amen.

Saturday, November 20, 2010

ARE YOU A C.I.N.O.?

What might you ask is a CINO? Well it is something I just thought up while taking my walk this morning. In the world of politics today there is what you call a RINO which stands for 'Republican in Name Only'. This is a Republican leader who has the name of a Republican but votes totally different. In other words you can never count on them to help their party and can not trust them for their vote. They go back and forth.

So I thought about the Christian life. How many of us may just go to church but nothing more? Punch that ticket for a mere 60 minutes or less one day a week and that's that. No desire for further growth, no desire to get closer to God in daily Bible reading, no daily walk with the Lord. If you were to be arrested for being a Christian would there be enough evidence to convict you?

There is a saying there are "no grandchildren in heaven" or "God has no granchildren". What that means is each of us on our own have to ask Christ into our hearts to be Lord of our life. You do not automatically become a Christian because your mama was or your grandmama was or because you grew up and were baptized in such and such a church. You have to make a decision on your own to live for the Lord and ask him into your heart. Going into church will not make you into a Christian any more than going into a garage makes you into a car."

Phillipians 3:10-11 says " “…that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead." 1 Timothy 2:4 says "who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth".

PRAYER: Father if anyone today does not know you as their Lord and saviour help guide them to the book of John where your love shines through greatly. Father thank you that we live in a country where we are free to read the Bible and free to attend a Bible believing church. Help us not to take that for granted. Many in other countries do not have that privilege or right. Guide those Lord who may not know you today to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. In Jesus name. Amen.!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kTbunTMAGU

Thursday, November 18, 2010

BE GLAD


Do you wake up grouchy or happy? Are you a morning person or a night person or both? Psalm 118:24 says "This is the day the Lord has made we shall rejoice and be glad in it." Are you glad? Do you have the joy of Jesus in your heart? Make a decision to 'choose' to be content. It is easy to let situations get to us or feel gloomy but it is the enemy who wants to steal your joy. John 10:10 says " The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly." You have to purpose to keep good things in your heart. It is easy to let things overwhelm us but we have to let go and give things to God. In Phillipians 4:11 it says "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." It is a spiritual discipline. Now granted there are some medically depressed folks out there who do need to seek professional help. Try to keep your mind focused on positive things. Philippians 4:8 says,"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things." Try to dwell on good positive thoughts. I heard comedian Kevin Nealon on TV once in referring to thoughts saying "Harness the good, release the bad, Harness, release. Harness, release." Kind of comical but there is some truth to it.

Psalm 122:1 says " I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD" . You can receive joy when you are worshipping with others who love the Lord. So if you find yourself down why not try God. He is there waiting for you. Only call on Him.

PRAYER: Father no one wants to be gloomy. Help us put your gladness in our hearts. Psalm 9:2 says," I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High." In Jesus Name. Amen.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

WHERE IS GOD?

Many people may wonder with the state of everything going on in the world and especially the attacks against the American people by our own Government where God is. Why has he abandoned us? Well news flash! God has not abandoned us.

Job 19:25 says "  I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth." God is working behind the scenes. He always is. But God does not want us to roll over but to do our part to save our land. (See 2 Chronicles 7:14).

Some folks may wonder where God is when accidents happen, people die, and wars continue. Psalm 103:19 says "The Lord has established his throne in heaven and his kingdom rules over all." So no matter what,God is ruling over all. People seem to get mad at God, doubt God and just plain do not want to believe. Ultimately God is the Almighty One and creator of heaven and earth.

In Jeremiah 29:11 is says he knows the plans he has for us. Why do some people seem to have it better than others or live longer? Why doesn't God stop the evil in the world and the takeover in this country by an unfair corrupt government? Believe me God will have the final word. Do not fret over this one. Jesus is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. 


PRAYER: Lord we thankyou that you rule and reign over the entire universe. No one man has any authority over you. In the end your kingdom will stand. We thankyou for the promises in your word, the Holy Bible. In Jesus Name. Amen.

SUCH WERE SOME OF YOU

What right do we have to 'classify' sin saying this sin is horrible and unforgiveable and that one is ok. I think of the sin of homosexuality for instance which in our society today is being normalized as normal and ok. No one hates homosexuals but they are in sin. But some folks tend to want to make this sin the worse one ever. Organizations such as Exodus International are working to help homosexuals be set free from same sex deficit problems.  (See 1 Corinthians 6:9).

1 Conrinthians 6:11 says " And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." Sin is sin. Matthew 7:3 says, "And why worry about a speck in your friend's eye when you have a log in your own?" John 8:7 says "When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her."

You do not win people out of sin screaming at them and telling them they are going to die and burn in hell. Romans 2:4 says " Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? " Basically it is saying that being kind leads to repentance. Jesus wouldn't say, get out of here you stinking pervert. He would have open arms and love the person to help them get out of their sin. Where do you weigh in on the compassion and mercy meter?

PRAYER: Lord help us to be more like you in how we react to sins and sinners. We know we have all sinned and none of us is perfect. Give us your heart towards those struggling. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

WHO MADE YOU THE JUDGE?

 

When you point your finger at someone look and see that there are four fingers pointing back at you. None of us are perfect. We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23). It is easy for us to look and judge others. I battled this for a long time. I had a issue once where I used to comment every time someones cell phone went off in church not realizing it may be an accident. I was self righteous in my thinking that 'look at me, I do not take my cell phone in church" then lo and behold one unsuspecting Sunday morning a few years back a ring was heard from a phone. It was New Years break so my sons were home. My younger son said ,"Mom I think that is your phone ". I shook my head no but the tune of Auld Lang Syne continued to play. So I unzipped my purse to realize yes in fact it was me. I shrunk down in my seat as glaring eyes pierced me with the same thinking I used to do to people. I wanted to shout, "It was an accident for crying out loud!" The minister did not know whose phone it was but said to me, "Hey I am getting to the best part of my sermon so hold up your phone so your friend can hear." Oh man that made it worse. I later told him in an email I was sorry. But my point is this. We do not know why a person is doing something or acting a certain way. And even if they are in a sin blatantly or doing something as simple as a cell phone goof up we are not to be judges.
Matthew 7:1-2 says, "“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

PRAYER: Thankyou Father that you alone are the judge. We are not to be critical of others but are to show love and compassion. Help us have an understanding heart and give us compassion for others. In Jesus Name, Amen!

DO NOT TRUST IN MAN

Many people today trust man for money, jobs, their health, and barely acknowledge or give God the time of day. Do you want to thrive or just survive? Do you believe in God  and if so do you live for Him as you should? Is the only time you want to attend church on Christmas and Easter or perhaps you go to church weekly as sort of a way to 'punch a ticket' getting nothing from the service? To be more like God you have to get to know Him and spend time with Him and to "thrive" you have to stay connected to the vine.(see John chapter 15).

 Psalm 1:1-3 says " Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers,but whose delight is in the law of the LORD,  and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers. " To be planted firmly in the Lord we are to operate in God's kingdom not being bothered by the things going on around us. God has a plan. He does not want us to just fold up and not pray and not care but He wants you to trust and not be afraid.

In the world today we need God more than ever. I do not see how someone can get through hard times without leaning on Jesus. In Jeremiah 17:5-6 it says" Thus says the LORD,
"Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind And makes flesh his strength, And whose heart turns away from the LORD."For he will be like a bush in the desert And will not see when prosperity comes, But will live in stony wastes in the wilderness, A land of salt without inhabitant."

Where are you today? God is waiting. He loves you and wants you to be with you on a daily basis.

PRAYER: Father today we thankyou for your word,the Bible, where we get insights in to how to live and how to stand up against the evil in our world caused by Satan. Help us desire you with our whole heart. Forgive us when we have ignored you. Give us a thirst for your word. In Jesus Name Amen.
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FORGET THE PAST,LOOK TO THE FUTURE

It is so tempting to continually look back at what was or what could have been particularly when you are in a situation you wish you could change. The Bible talks in several places about not looking back. When Sodom and Gomorah were being destroyed due to their sin in Genesis Chapter 19 Lot's wife was asked to move on and not look back. Well you know the story. She looked back and turned into a pillar of salt. That is enough to bring nightmares isn't it?

Phillipians 3:13 says "No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead," There is nothing you can do to change the past. It is gone and behind you and no "Back to the Future" Delorean time machine is going to whisk you back in time. Isaiah 43:18-19 says “Forget the former things;do not dwell on the past.  See, I am doing a new thing!  Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."

Whatever is troubling you give it to God. He cares for you and wants you to look to the hope of the future and new possibilities .God gives us a new hope so you do not need to despair. The future is in His hands. Jeremiah 29:11-13 says " 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. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.  You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."

PRAYER: Lord Jesus help us to not worry. Worry about the past is futile. It is gone and never can be brought back. Help us look to the future and the things you have in store for us. In Jesus Name. Amen.

ARE YOU WISE?

What is wisdom? Good sense, discernment, proper judgment, a wise decision,a deep understanding of people or things, accumulated learning and the list goes on. The Bible speaks a good deal about wisdom. We pray for our children to use wisdom in making decisions Proverbs 10:5 says "A wise youth makes hay while the sun shines, but what a shame to see a lad who sleeps away his hour of opportunity."  In the past 5 years I have been better able to understand this scripture since we now have a small farm. On this farm hay is one of our crops due to the cows needing it for food. It can not be grown or harvested when it is pouring buckets of rain or when there is never enough sun. So when there is a pretty day and it is ready to 'make hay' you go for it. On these days many farms up and down the highway we live on are doing the same thing, making hay.

Proverbs is full of verses on wisdom. It would take a book to write about them all. Proverbs 10:8 says "The wise man is glad to be instructed, but a self-sufficient fool falls flat on his face." Pretty good word picture and self explanatory. Proverbs 9 in the end of verse 13 says "For wisdom hates pride, arrogance, corruption, and deceit of every kind." So that says basically it is smart to not condone these things. Do a google search of wisdom and you will find much more in the book of Proverbs.

PRAYER: Father we want to be wise and not fools. Guide us. Help us keep our eyes open to the truth and protect us from deceptive spirits. In Jesus Name. Amen.

AVOIDING HURT AND PAIN

AVOIDING HURT AND PAIN

Have you been hurt by a friend or family member, perhaps a spouse? Sometimes people seem to push our buttons and want us to react. We can choose to fight back or we can turn the other cheek and ask God for the strength to diffuse the argument or whatever the situation is.

Romans 12:21 says "Don't let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good." So if someone is treating you badly try to be nice to them regardless. In Ephesians 4:26 it says "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry." Now this is harder to do perhaps at home with a spouse but you have to try your best. Anger and bitterness can fester whether in a marriage or in a friendship. Someone has to be the one to want to be the peacemaker. Satan of course wants fights and disagreements and conflicts to continue. In John 10:10 it says "The thief(Satan) comes only to kill, steal, and destroy ....". We need to realize who the real enemy is and in order to have peace forgiveness is necessary and a decision to forget the offense. Many people seem to not get this and can not let go. I knew of a family once in a huge conflict due to a misunderstanding but even though they were Christians no one could bring themselves to saying, " hey we need to give this up and make peace" It is hard to humble yourselves and even if you are not the one wrong ,you might have to be the one to make peace.

Humaness can get in the way of common sense. Matthew 12:25 says "Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand." If conflicts continue things continue to fester and the only one getting any glory is the devil. Matthew 5:39 says "But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also." So basically we give up our rights to get even. It takes a humble person to end the fight. And it takes prayer.

PRAYER: Jesus thank you that you are here for us no matter what. When friends or family or even a stranger has hurt us you are there and love us and care for us. Thanks for being our true best friend. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

ALL ABOUT NOVEMBER 11th

(posted early)

Today in America we celebrate Veterans Day where we recognize all those brave men and women who have served in our Armed Forces at any time whether for a few years or for 20 plus years. It is a time to say thanks for the huge sacrifice these soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines paid so that we in America enjoy the precious freedoms we have in our Constitution. 2 Corinthians 3:17 says "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom".True freedom only comes with Christ in the center. "There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends."(John 15:13). The military man or woman who has served in combat understands this verse more than anyone. Those who have jumped on grenades to save their fellow soldiers lives for instance. That is truly giving the ultimate gift. Others shot down flying missions over dangerous areas. The men or women tortured in prison camps through the years have paid a great price. Many return alive but with emotional or physical wounds.
How was Veterans Day started anyway you may ask? On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, was declared between the Allied nations and Germany in the First World War, then known as "the Great War." Commemorated as Armistice Day beginning the following year, November 11th became a legal federal holiday in the United States in 1938. In the aftermath of World War II and the Korean War, Armistice Day became Veterans Day, a holiday dedicated to American veterans of all wars. 
Pause today and think about all the things we in America enjoy that some within our own country are trying to take away from us. Then when you see a servicemember in the airport or elsewhere just stop to say thanks.
PRAYER: Lord God we thankyou for the freedoms we in The United States enjoy on a daily basis. Let us never take them for granted. We know evil forces would like to take them away from us. Thankyou for the brave men and women who daily serve in our military all over the world to defend our freedoms. Bless them and watch over them and their families. In Jesus Name. Amen. 
"Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the Lord our God." (Psalm 20:7)

DOG AND GOD BOTH LOVE YOU

I was watching  The Gospel Truth with Andrew Womack yesterday on Daystar TV  and there was a cool song I had never heard before with a good comparison to man's best friend dog and man's real best friend God. Wow it blew me away. It made perfect sense. No matter how we treat our dog whether we shun it, kick it around, neglect it in backyard or do not play with it the dog is faithful and loves us and is there for us no matter what. Same with God our heavenly father. We may ignore him, put him 'on the shelf', get angry at him, blame him, do not spend time with him daily but he is still faithful and is there waiting on us and holds no grudges.


We are the one who walks away. We are the ones who blame God when someone dies too early. We are the ones who blame God when we lose a job. God loves you no matter what and he does not cause disasters and deaths. He has a perfect plan if we could only trust him.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Psalm 136:1  says to "Give thanks to the LORD for He is good, His love endures forever." -- "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the Lord our God." (Psalm 20:7)


PRAYER: Lord forgive us for when we do not trust you and when we have been mad because of something that happened that we blamed you for. You are all merciful and all knowing. I want to sing your praises. In Jesus Name, Amen!


http://www.godanddog.org/


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H17edn_RZoY

Monday, November 8, 2010

HONESTY THE BEST POLICY

What does it mean to be honest? To do something right even when no one is watching. I think of the 'honor' box at our local state park where you have to deposit an entry fee even when no one is manning the entry booth at the entrance to the park. It is the 'honorable' thing to do. Sure no human may see if you do not put money in the box but God knows. And you will know. Another situation is paying to get in one movie at the local cinema but feeling 'justified' to sneak into a second movie you did not pay for since 'the theater charges too much anyway'. Still it is not right. Do the right thing. Maybe a student who cheats on a test. That indeed is not honorable. Let's say you are at a store and the clerk 'accidentally' gives you too much change.Do you say something or pocket the change saying 'finders keepers losers weepers"? I think we all know the answer to that one. There is alot of dishonesty going on in the business world when corners are cut to garner more money. When politicians lie it is not honest nor honorable. Taking home office supplies such as ink pens and paper clips  is not really honorable. Maybe copying Sunday School papers on the office copier is not the honest thing to do either.

The Bible says in Proverbs 11:3 "a good man is guided by his honesty; the evil man is destroyed by his dishonesty.'  Proverbs 11:5 says "Good people are directed by their honesty;the wicked shall fall beneath their load of sins." Numbers 32:23, "But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the Lord: and be sure your sin will find you out."

Honesty is the quality of being honest, upright, and fair also truthful and sincere. Honesty and integrity sort of go hand in hand.

PRAYER: Lord God help us in the world around us to be honorable in all we say and do and be representatives of your kingdom. Forgive us for when we have fallen short. In Jesus Name. Amen.

CHILDREN ARE A GIFT FROM THE LORD

As the mother of two children I can not think of any better job on this earth than the responsibility of raising two children for the Lord. The world we are in today is so much different than in the early 50's when I was born.(oops now all of you know I am not 39, LOL).The days of innocence, purity, respect, prayer in school, marriage being between one man and one woman, and all the rest are slipping away. As a Christian parent we have to fight upstream against the eroding tide of a sinful culture. When we were raising our two sons I wanted them to not fit in with the culture but to be 'set apart'.Not set apart to the extent they would be 'so heavenly minded they would be no earthly good' but set apart to the extent that Jesus would be their lifestyle. It was our choice in their formative years to place them in a Christian school to get a Biblical foundation and for them to learn the true founding principles of this great nation. The Christian school was not totally free of problems but was a nice foundation.

Children today are being bombarded with all kinds of mixed messages. You can not even watch television without a sexual overtone  on a commercial .Today you fight against the world of the computer too and cell phone as well. I know back in the day we raised our two sons without the use of video games which were highly popular at the time as they are still now.  We went outside a lot to do things .There was rarely a Saturday morning secular cartoon but many Christian videos and Christian shows such as Gospel Bill and Adventures in Odyssey.Christian music was in our home.  It may have seemed we were outsiders but they did fine.The Science Channel and Discovery Channel were a couple of their favorites to watch.  Also for my husband and I we chose to not do Halloween, Easter bunny, or Santa Claus. "Oh my gosh you are denying them the joys and pleasures of childhood." Says who? Says the world. We wanted to plant seeds of goodness and Christ in their head. I remember a time when I was in Wal Mart with one of my sons at the Christmas season and a checkout lady said to my son" Are you looking forward to Santa Claus coming" and his reply was "It is not Santa's birthday but Jesus Birthday". From the mouth of babes.

"Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation."(1 Peter 2:9-12 ).  We are not to always curse the darkness but to light up the world around us. "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. " (Matthew 5:16)"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will."(Romans 12:2)

So moms out there who still have small children at home, do not long to be a corporate executive so you will feel needed and important. The most important job you have is what I like to call 'raising leaders for the future'. Look at it as an opportunity to make a difference in the world around you through your children. This is not to say everything will always be perfect but the foundation will be there. "Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him" (Psalm 127:3). The years are fleeting and before you know it those years will be behind you .

"Arise, cry out in the night, as the watches of the night begin; pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord. Lift up your hands to him for the lives of your children, who faint from hunger at the head of every street." (Lamentations 2:19)

PRAYER: Lord there may be moms out there who were unable to raise their children for the Lord for whatever reason. Help comfort them and assure them that their prayers are still heard even for their adult children. You can restore the years the locust has eaten.(Joel 2:25). Father thank you for the gift and blessing of children. Help our children be guided by the truth and to desire to walk with you and serve you Lord. In Jesus Name. Amen.


http://www.momsintouch.org/  or http://www.mops.org/

Sunday, November 7, 2010

WHAT IS A FRIEND?

Today I am working on my Moms in Touch lessons for November and one attribute of God I plan to highlight one week is about friendship. What does it mean to be a friend? I have been hurt in friendships before and it is painful to be betrayed or shunned and "put on the shelf" by someone who used to want to hang out with you. But we can not hold grudges and let bitterness grow in our hearts for that is what the enemy (Satan) wants us to do. Satan does not want us to attempt to even forgive someone even when they never asked to be forgiven. The Bible says that you can't love God whom you don't see without loving your brother who you can see. (1 John 4:20.) God's friendship is unconditional. He doesn't care if we have money, prestige, if we talk fast or slow, if we can do anything for him, or if we made a misstake. He is there no matter what. He does not hold grudges or blame us for something. He forgets and forgives and never harbors resentment. He does not hold something against you or remember a wrong. Wow those are some pretty big shoes to fill but we are to strive to be Christlike in all things if we claim to be his follower. Instead he is there to love you ,support you, encourage you, lift you up, listen to you, hang out with you and wants to be with you ALL THE TIME.

God says even though a man may hate you you are still to love him. That is a supernatural love only God can give. Often times the person may not want anything to do with you at all. You do not understand it and nagging separates the best of friends so you have to give it to God and let it go. Matthew 5:44 "But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." This is only something you can do through Christ power. I remember thinking a couple years ago I had no 'enemies' and would gladly quote this scripture to my husband when we were dealing with a mean neighbor who was always causing trouble but it never had applied to me til about 4 years ago then I had something occur and since have had 3 other things occur where I had to put this into practice. So then it hit home so to speak and I could truly cherish my 'true' friends and see just how important friends were in my life. So value those dear friends and seek to grow and reach out to others. In order to be a friend you have to show yourself friendly.

"A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother".(Proverbs 18:24) "A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends."(Proverbs 16:28)

PRAYER: Lord God today I ask that you heal anyones heart that has been hurt by a betrayal of a friend. I ask you to bring friends to the lonely and downcast. Help us look around to see someone who looks like they could use a smile. Use us to bring your love and joy to others. In Jesus Name. Amen.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMnMN08sv4k

Saturday, November 6, 2010

COMMITMENT

What does it mean to be committed to something?. To keep your word. To say you will do something and be honorable in doing it. Commitment can come in form of saying that you will be committed to losing weight for instance. Maybe you need to be committed to be a regular at church, Sunday School, or Bible study and not just when you feel like it. As a  new parent you can be committed to  raising your child for the Lord and not in the worlds' image by saturating his or her day with things of the Lord. Proverbs 16:3 says to "Commit your works to the Lord and your plans will succeed."

The dictionary defines commitment as loyalty, responsibility, to fulfill an obligation, follow up on a vow. Marriage is a commitment but too many today have taken this commitment lightly. There are Biblical reasons for divorce but in todays' world not being or feeling "in love" seems to be grounds enough for pulling the plug on a relationship. What about the vow and commitment you took before your heavenly father? Many get up there on their wedding day all giddy and 'in love' and do not take seriously the vows they are making before God and man. Some wedding ceremonies today have even deleted the phrase 'as long as we both shall live" from the vows. Sort of a 'way out' humanly. Many churches never talk about divorce or adultery. Don't mention it and it is not there,right? Wrong!

To be committed is to be dedicated to something wholeheartedly no matter what. To be steadfast and true to your principles. To be honorable above all else. Commitment is keeping a promise to something or someone.

In Joshua 24:15 God wants us to be committed to Him. It reads, "Choose you this day who you will serve but as for me and my house we will serve the Lord." Matthew 5:10-12 talks about our commitment to serving the Lord no matter what, "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

"For I hate divorce!" says the LORD, the God of Israel. "To divorce your wife is to overwhelm her with cruelty," says the LORD of Heaven's Armies. "So guard your heart; do not be unfaithful to your wife."(Malachi 2:16) Marriage is the ultimate commitment and should not be entered into lightly. Shattered vows shatter lives. It is evident in our society today.

Commitment is pretty important to God. In a prayer group I lead Moms in Touch we there are the ABC's of  Moms in Touch the 'C' standing for commitment. If you have trouble with this area ask God to help you take things seriously.

PRAYER: Lord God I ask that you help us to be faithful to people and things. Help us Lord to take our vows seriously. Forgive those who may have broken a vow and help them start anew serving you. We want to seek you and walk in ways all the days of our lives. Help us Lord to do this. Help us to not be fitted into the worlds' mold but into your mold. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Friday, November 5, 2010

ONLY BELIEVE

I heard the saying once "Believe receive, doubt do without. "James 1:6  says "But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind." God is not a genie in a bottle or a magician but He wants to hear from us daily in prayer. We are not to just pray and ask for things but to lift up our praises and thanks to Him as well. We are to pray and not give up as well. (Luke 18:1). Sometimes we keep praying and praying and it seems nothing may be happening. Why Lord? God answers prayers sometimes in ways we do not think of. Only trust Him.

Jesus replied, "What is impossible with men is possible with God."( Luke 18:27) Trust God, live for Him, walk with Him and He will hear your prayers. Psalm 66:18 says "If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened." Your heart has to be right too. Do not go to the Lord harboring resentment or sin in your heart.

In Matthew Chapter 6 verses 7 and 8 it reads "And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him." Talk to God like you are talking to a friend. He wants to hear from you. You do not need to use thee's and thou's to get through to Him. He is waiting. Call on Him. "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." (Jeremiah 33:3)

PRAYER: Lord Jesus search us today and know our hearts. Lead us in the path you want us to walk. Forgive us for the times we have ignored you, put you on the shelf, and tried to do things our own way. In Jesus Name. Amen!




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRiTqfqz4zU

Thursday, November 4, 2010

PEACEBUSTERS REVISITED

There are tons of distractions in our day to day lives and our world that can rob us of peace. Unexpected changes in our schedule, spilled milk, lost items, world problems, health issues, phone solicitors, financial issues, losing a job,  and the list goes on. I am sure you can add to it. It is how we choose to deal with setbacks and peace robbers that matters. Staying focused on Christ and what is positive is what we need to try to do.

Isaiah 26:3 states, "I will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee." Situations are basically out of our hands and no amount of fretting or manipulation is going to really matter. All it will do is keep us tied up in knots inside and eventually lead to possible health problems both emotional and physical. In John 14:27 is says,"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." This is a spiritual discipline to practice just like with any discipline you have to keep doing it til it becomes a habit. So training your mind to not fret or worry is a matter of staying in the word of God daily in order to maintain peace and stability in your life. God is ultimately in control and things are out of our hands. Let your mind be filled with good things. Philippians 4:8 basically says "Whatsoever things are good, pure,perfect to think on these things."  In other words focus on good things and not things that you will obsess over or will drag you down into a pit. God does not want us to be in a pit.

PRAYER: Father today we thank you that no matter what happens I know you care and are in control. I choose to maintain a peaceful spirit. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

PRAY FOR YOUR ENEMIES

Now if anything goes against human nature it is loving and praying for your enemies. Human nature wants to lash out and strike back. But that is not God's way. It may not be a real enemy per se. I for one hate no one. I may have been wronged or hurt but  we have to keep our eyes on Jesus.Someone may have wronged  you and not even realized it nor did they ask for  forgiveness but we have to choose to forgive or a root of bitterness will grow."Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled" (Hebrews 12:15).  It makes us feel bad to be mistreated but God wants us to turn the other cheek and love the person regardless of how they are or have treated us.That is one of the hardest things to do. "But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also."(Matthew 5:39)


Matthew 5:44 says "But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."  Humanly we want to say, " Hey you. Why are you acting like this? Why are you treating me this way? I do not deserve this! I did not do anything to you to deserve this!" But we have to choose to move on, forgive and forget. I John 4:20 says "If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen."

 Wow for someone who has been hurt by a friend this whole journey to forgive and move on is very difficult.Whether we have done something to 'deserve it" or not does not matter. It does not bring glory to God to live with with anger or hate in your heart towards someone.  Only with God's help are we able to have victory.

PRAYER: Lord God I pray you will give strength to those who need it to be able to forgive someone who has wronged or hurt them. This person may not even realize they hurt someone so that is even tougher to give it up and let go. Father I ask for your power to be able to do this and move on in life. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

DO YOUR PART

(Wow my journey to get started writing and to write 30 devotions for friends has expanded and lo and behold I stand on the verge of completing number 100 tomorrow. Thanks to all my guineau pig friends who are willing to get these daily and thanks for your comments as well. I appreciate it. I hope you have been blessed.)

DO YOUR PART

Today is a very important day for freedom. We citizens of the United States get to go vote. Many decide their vote does not count and choose to just stay home but this is a privilege.How are we to have any hope to change things if we do not exercise this right and privilege? Currently we enjoy a democratic form of government. If we do not speak up and go vote we may not always be blessed with this freedom. Many nations are under dictatorships and do not get to choose. Right now thankfully that freedom still exists. Go exercise your right to vote and pray that God would direct you to men and women of honesty,integrity and good moral character and pray that men and women who are cheats and deceivers will be uncovered.

Right now we  have a moral crisis in our country more than ever. What is good is being called bad and what is bad is being called good. We have gotten away from the way the Founding Fathers intended it to be. Proverbs 28:2 says , "When there is moral rot within a nation,its government topples easily, but with honest, sensible leaders there is stability." When you cut God out of the equation your society is not going to stand for long. But we have started doing it through the years and this nation has broken down and suffered as a result. When schools can not even display the Ten Commandments or allow the Gideons to bring the New Testaments in to give students then we are taking away the ability to teach right ad wrong according to God's word. Evil forces would love to take this nation out and they are within us. It is our duty as Christians and as citizens to stand up and save this land we love.

Proverbs 17:15 says "The Lord despises those who say that bad is good and good is bad."  This past year we have had government leaders who have ignored 'we the people' and shoved through legislation, that if not repealed, will  hurt this country and its' people. We said we do not want it but they chose to look the other way. They even admitted they did not know what was in a couple of the bills as they were so large. Proverbs 18:13 has something to say about that. "What a shame-yes,how stupid!-to decide before knowing the facts!". Lies have been told yet  many believe the lies. That is because Satan is the great deceiver. It is the enemy who wants this country and he is working through people to tear it down. Tea Party citizens have risen up and said "stop it' we love this country and we are not going to let you take our freedoms away from us.

Proverbs 19:9 says "a false witness shall be punished and a liar will be caught." God is ultimately in control and he allows some things to happen for a reason. Maybe it is to wake us up as we have been in a slumber enjoying the freedoms we have ,not realizing little by little they are being chipped away at. Even preachers in the pulpit sometimes do not speak up against tyranny. Men and women who believe God's word have a right and duty to speak up. Proverbs 21:18 says , "The wicked will finally lose, the righteous will finally win. " See so we know in the end who wins.Never in my lifetime have I seen the assualts on our country from within our own government. It shocks me and saddens me. Proverbs 22:8 says "The unjust tyrant will reap disaster, and his reign of terror will end. " Hallelujah. We are not to rejoice and pray for them to be hurt or anything. Proverbs 24:17-18 says "Do not rejoice when your enemy meets trouble. Let there be no gladness when he falls-for the Lord may be displeased with you and stop punishing him."

So it is your choice. Many are praying and fasting today if they are able. 2 Chronicles 7:14 says "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. " Lets do it. Take time today out of your busy schedule to lift up your hands to the Almighty asking him to save this land. Do not take your freedoms for granted. (http://www.praythevote.com/)

PRAYER: Lord give us wisdom today as we go vote. Open the eyes of the blind and deceived to see what is happening in this great land. We want our country back. This country was founded on a solid Constitution written by Christian men who loved this land and loved God. Lord God we pray our Constitution will be restored as you intended it. In Jesus Name, Amen!

Monday, November 1, 2010

Devotion Correction 10-30-10

My devotion on Oct 30th said All Saints Day was Oct 31. I was told it was Nov 1st. I am sorry for any error or confusion. Writers dilemna  not checking facts first. Thanks to those of you who helped me see this error.

THE WORLD IS IN A MESS

Today in America we are on the brink of a historic election where our very freedoms are at stake. This nation was in fact founded on the Bible and Christian principles no matter how hard educators and others try to brainwash us otherwise. The US is unique. We have been blessed all these years in our young nation because we have acknowledged God and followed him but now little by little we have taken our eyes off him, taken things for granted and in many cases pastors in the pulpit forget to pray for the nation. We coast along like everything is hunky dory and do not seem to see the threats of decay and collapse all around us. It is time to awaken from the slumber. We are like the proverbial frog in pot of water on the stove where the heat is slowly turned up and we do not realize we are being cooked alive.

"Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance. "(Psalm 33:12)" Yes, joyful are those who live like this! Joyful indeed are those whose God is the LORD. (Psalm 144:15).Our national monuments in Washington have engraved in granite  "In God We Trust" in one form or fashion all over them.  Our money still thankfully says " In God we Trust." 

When a person is silent and does not speak up for evil and tyranny he is either blinded or more or less saying by his silence that he must in fact agree with it. Men and women for years have given their lives for the defense of these precious freedoms which are God given. Joyce Meyer said today on her show Enjoying Everyday Life, "Wouldn''t it be great if just one of our godly leaders in DC would speak up and say I think we should pray for 3 days." Wow that would be something else. Or wouldn't it be great to have a president that would say "Jesus is Lord'! Another big wow! But we sadly do not have the kind of leader right now that acknowledges the sovreignty of God. When a nation forgets God look out. (Read Deuteronomy Chapter 28 when you have about 5 minutes today. )

We are either for God or against him. No in between. In Revelation 3:16 it says "because you are lukewarm I will spit you out of my mouth. " That is pretty graphic and to the point. But we are not to despair. In the last election it depicted a candidate for president with the words 'hope' under his picture. Well we are to not place hope in any human man or exalt them to the level of saviour of the world. Only God is our hope and only he can save us. Acts 4:12 says "There is no other name in heaven by which men can be saved. "
Psalm 46:1 says "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." 

We need revival in this land. We are on the brink of losing our God given freedoms because we have let leaders who seemingly do not follow God to bully us and lord over us. There is either the power of God or the power of Satan. We are not to be angry at men but to be angry at the devil. This is a spiritual battle we are fighting. We all need to be armed and ready for battle.

Ephesians 6:10-18 "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints."

Nov 1st and Nov 2nd are being called days of fasting and prayer for the nation. Check the website http://www.praythevote.com/ for helps. And remember what it says in 2 Chronicles 7:14,"if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

This is not about Democrat or Republican. This is about freedom and liberty and letting Jesus be Lord of this land again.

PRAYER: Dear Lord open our eyes to see the dangers lurking around us. Turn our hearts back to you 100%. Forgive us for not praying for this country and thanking you daily for the freedoms we enjoy. Help us Lord to put our trust in you and not man. In Jesus Name. Amen.