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.

Sunday, July 31, 2011

BE DILIGENT

Have you heard the saying and the verse to 'pray and never give up?" Be diligent when getting to know the Lord. You can not just simply sleep on top of a Bible at night and expect to absorb its' contents. The Bible is not a boring book although many make it seem unexciting. The problem may be that you go to a 'dead church' where things are more 'religious,ritualistic and strict' and not about love and grace. 1 Peter 2:2-3 says "Like newborn infants, long for the pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow into salvation— if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good." Just like these newborn babes we need a longing or a diligence to grow in Christ. A baby will not grow without staying nourished on milk likewise we will not grow unless we are diligent to study the word of God and let is seep into our hearts and change us.

Hebrews 11:6 says"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." What does it mean to be diligent? The definition is 'Earnest and persistent application to an undertaking. A  steady effort or attentive care or heedfulness.' Persistence is the key. Nothing good comes easy. We are not to become lazy and lethargic. Luke 18:1 tells us to "pray and never give up" or in other words be diligent. When you are in the middle of a running race you would not think of just stopping and quitting if your goal was to get a prize. You continue to press on or to be 'diligent' in your efforts to maybe win a trophy. Our goal is to win the crown of life.

James 1:12 says "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." Hang on, keep plugging away and keep looking to Jesus.

PRAYER: My goal is to run with patience the race set before me to win the crown of life. I want to be diligent in what I do and steadfast. With your help Lord I can. Thank you ahead of time for helping me stay the course. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Saturday, July 30, 2011

MORE THAN A 9-1-1- GOD

When do most people think to turn to God? Usually it is when things are not going right or they are in a crisis situation. Sort of a 'fox hole' religion mentality is that people tend to only cry out to God when something is going wrong and they need help ,NOW!. God is waiting for you to call out to Him around the clock whether in a good situation or when things are falling apart. Do not treat him like the 9-1-1- operator. Talk to Him all the time. For instance, get up each day and say "Hello God it is me. I thank you for another day you have given me to enjoy. Thanks for my family and my friends. Thank you for food, clothing and shelter." You get the idea. The 9-1-1 prayer would go something like this. "Help Jesus because Suzy Q has been in a major car wreck and needs your healing touch. Be with the doctors who treat her and help her recover." So the point is we know to cry out to God when we are in distress but why not talk to Him when things are okay too? Ponder that for a while would you. He is not just a God of disasters although many treat him like that.

Try making talking to God part of your everyday existence and do not wait til something awful happens or someone is on their death bed to cry out to Him. Jeremiah 33:3 says "‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." Do you call on Jesus? Besides praying do you read His word, the Bible, which is your guide for all things in life? Proverbs 4:20-22 says "My child, pay attention to what I say.  Listen carefully to my words. Don’t lose sight of them.  Let them penetrate deep into your heart,for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body."  1 Thessalonians 5:17 says simply "pray continually". Do you pray at all times?

Why not try something new? Instead of crying out to God when turmoil is in your life and the bottom is falling out of things wake up and praise and thank him and then just talk to him. Adore him, confess your faults to him, thank him for the answers to prayer and finally tell Him your needs. Remember to pray for others and not just yourself. And remember that God is not a genie in a bottle to grant wishes but is the Almighty and wants to hear from you. Talk to him today.

PRAYER: Father in heaven I thank you that I can pray to you anytime. I do not have to shut my eyes and be on my knees all the time to pray but I can pray while I am driving my car, doing things around my house or as I am taking my morning walk or run. Forgive me when I forget to say hi each day. I am going to try to be better. In Jesus Name. Amen.

http://youtu.be/JmVxRl5bc4Y

Friday, July 29, 2011

CHURCH SIGN WISDOM

Recently I saw a sign on a nearby church that read "The closer you are to the son the less likely you are to get burned. " Another one I saw said 'Your problems are big because you have made me little...God".  Yet another sign read "Under Same Management for over 2000 Years". I just really get a kick out of the wisdom of these signs  and their cute thought provoking messages.

There may be some that think it is goofy to put something up on a sign for those passing by to see but that may be the only way to reach some people. Many people do not bother 'darkening' the door of a church on Sunday so perhaps these catchy little phrases people see as they drive by are a way to impart some tidbit of godly wisdom to  ponder during the week. As long as the comments are not judgmental and condemning then they may be an effective method to get a point across. 

Where are you with your walk with the Lord? Does He hold a prominent place in your life or like the church sign mentioned above, have you made him little? Do you go about your life and think you just do not have time for the Lord?

Matthew 11:28 says "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."   Do you need God back in your life again?  Is it time you allowed Him to be back on the 'throne'? If Jesus were to be right with you now would you have to make excuses for your behavior or activities? If He said " child, why did you shut me out of your life?" how would you answer Him?

Run to Him today.  Read his word and get to know Him and show Him you love him, need Him, and want Him to be part of your daily life.  1 Corinthians 1:18 says " For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."  Do not shut Him out of your life.

PRAYER : Lord I want to let you be first place in my life. I often let other activities crowd you out and for that I ask forgiveness. I am trying to do better. Come in to my heart Lord Jesus. Help me stay away from things that cause me to shut you out of my life. In Jesus name, amen.

Thursday, July 28, 2011

BE CAREFUL LITTLE MOUTH WHAT YOU SAY...PART TWO

How many times during the month or week do you have to wish you could take back something you said or emailed? If you are an impulsive person then it can maybe be a lot. Thank goodness for friends and family who understand we sometimes stick our foot in our mouth. We just need to learn  to ask forgiveness.

The thing to do is to strive to talk less and listen more and love one another.  Part of loving each other is is giving the other the benefit of the doubt and above all do not hold grudges. Learn to move on and forgive. Harboring ill will over something petty does not one bit of good. It is best to just let things go. Say you are sorry and seek to change and move on.

Words can bring joy, encouragement, love, peace or they can cause confusion, misunderstanding, wounded spirits and chaos. I would say God would want us to opt for the first choices in this list. Better to really think before you speak. It is so easy talking  or over email to say the wrong thing or to be misunderstood. If you have a gracious friend or family member they will understand and no hard feelings will result. Let love be your ultimate aim.

Psalm 141:3 says "Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips." There are so many verses on our words and our mouth in the Bible. It is a subject you can never hear enough on. Just like in James Chapter 3 it says "No man can tame the tongue". We can try with God's help. I know I wish I had complete control over mine and I know there are times I have said things I wish I could take back. If someone has messed up and asks you to forgive them do it and restore your relationship right then and there. Forgiveness for a Christian is not an option. In Matthew 18:21-23 it says " Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. “Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants."

Colossians 4:6 says "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." In John 13:34 it says "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." If you love someone you will overlook their faults. We all have messed up at one time or another. Be careful what you say. I know in Matthew 12:36 it says "But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken." I for one do not want to be guilty of hurting people with my words or having what I say be misinterpreted. But it happens. One who truly loves truly can forgive so work on that aspect of your walk with the Lord. Just be aware of what you say and ask God to help you put a guard over  your mouth to think before you speak.

PRAYER: Dear Lord it is so easy to just talk and not think what we are saying. Help me Lord as I do not want to be guilty of being misunderstood or hurting someone I love. Help me keep a watch over my mouth and only say things that are pleasing to the hearer. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

MARRIAGE...MR AND MRS...THAT IS RIGHT!!

Marriage, traditional Biblical marriage, is under attack today. People in the world may say "But don't two people who are in love regardless of if they are a man and lady, deserve to be married like everyone else?" Not if  you believe Gods' word they don't. This is not about 'hate' like the media and radical gay rights groups try to portray. Sure there are those 'loving Christians' who do have an attitude of no mercy or grace for this sin but this is about saying it is OK to enter into Holy matrimony. If you have not realized it by now the media are not friendly to Christians or the body of Christ. They are out to discredit us and make us look like loonies.Some may get offended that I even categorize it as a sin. I am getting this from the Bible and not making it up.

Genesis 2:18-22 clearly states that in the beginning God created woman to complement man and be his helpmate. Two men or two woman are not designed for procreation. It is impossible. Satan is coy. He comes in and deluded people into believing his lies and some even within the Christian community. Hebrews 13:4 says "Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral." The problem is some do not recognize this as being immoral.

Did we ever think we would see a time when the government of our country has to get involved and change what the Bible says and decide marriage is okay for not just a man and a woman but for same sex couples as well? The world is going crazy!  No one 'hates' these same sex couples but we are trying to keep marriage sacred like God intended.  Our own government is trying to redefine marriage. What on earth would our Founding Fathers say? What is Jesus saying? I will say this and that he is disappointed that man has believed the enemies lies. Our government which was founded on Gods' word is now saying they want homosexuality open in the military too and to give them rights to family housing and all the rest. We have gone too far. Read Romans Chapter 1 starting with verse 22 to see what God thinks about men lying with other men. This is not Becky's words, these are God's words. It is right there in the Holy Bible. It is political correctness or God. You choose. I know who I choose.

Romans 6:12 says " Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires."   Those engaged in this lifestyle do not see it as a sin, that is the problem. When you do not obey and follow the Bible anything goes. 1 Thessalonians 5:22 says "reject every kind of evil."  First the heart of man has to be changed so he or she sees it is wrong. Also condemning Christians need to learn to help by loving all people regardless of their sin. That is the way to reach people. We have all sinned and there is not one sin that is 'worse' than others like lots of self righteous Christians imagine.
Psalm 12:8 says "The wicked freely strut about when what is vile is honored among men." What are we seeing today in America? People who are normalizing this sin and making laws to protect it. God will judge us. He may be loving but he has a plan and a design for marriage. If you are a person struggling with 'same sex attraction' God indeed can set you free. It may take some time and work but you can be set free. By just saying that I have already made some people mad. God designed marriage for companionship and procreation between a man and a woman. We can not change the Bible to suit our needs.

PRAYER:  Lord God we need you to transform minds and hearts before this battle over same sex marriage is won and the traditional family is destroyed. The enemy has clouded the minds of many and lied to them. Father we ask that you open the eyes of the blind and heal those caught in this sin.We know what happens when we continue to reject your word. Save this land Lord and set people free from the bondage they are caught up in.  In Jesus name Amen.

Attached is a song they used to play at weddings allot and I have not heard it in years. Enjoy its' message. The Wedding Song..There is Love..
http://youtu.be/utdPh1Ec1Ws

For help with same sex attraction please go to the following website:
http://www.exodusinternational.org/

NOTE During the writing of this devotion I lost lots of what I had written.Had to recreate it. I do not think enemy wanted this to be sent out

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

GOD IS THERE, HE REALLY IS

NOTE: Today marks one year since I started doing a daily email devotion first entitled Daily Dose of God's Blessing. It was turned into a blog and name changed to God's Lemonade Stand in the fall after my AZ Writer's Retreat.I am recapturing what I wrote about that day and touching it up a bit. (Thanks Denise Carter for prompting me to 'get going' on this journey. I needed a push.)

GOD IS THERE, HE REALLY IS

No matter where you go God is there. You can run away but you can not hide from Him. When He has a task for you to do you can not sneak away and think He will not know how to find you. He is God after all. Think of Jonah and what happened to him when he refused to go tell the people of Nineveh to repent. (Read the book of Jonah in the Old Testament. It is short.) I may have told this story in an earlier devotion but I had a Jonah moment back in late 1996 in Arizona. I was never swallowed by a giant fish thank goodness. After being confronted for 'help' by a stranger when my friend and I left our ladies Bible study at church  in Mesa, I said to myself, "next time I am going to park in a different parking lot."  If God wants you to do something for him he will send his messengers to another parking lot. For all I knew this person who approached us may have been an angel. Hebrews 13:2 says "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it."

We may think God does not care about 'little ole me' but it says in scripture that 'even the very hairs of your head are numbered' it says in Luke 12:7. Also He created you and has a plan for you. Psalm 139 talks about how He knit you together in your Mother's womb. Psalm 139:7-8 says "Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?  If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there." You are special to Him. He cares about the sparrow and you are more important than a bird. Matthew 10:29 says "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father."  Famous people are on the same equal status with God that you are. He is not impressed by titles,degrees, bank accounts or who you know. Knowing Him is what is important.

Do you know the Lord as your Saviour? Are you certain if you were to walk outside today and get struck and killed by a dump truck for instance and die that you would go immediately to be with Him in heaven?  It is not about church membership or a certain denomination but have you asked Jesus into your heart? Romans 10:9-10, and 13 says "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved ... For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." It is there in the Bible. I did not make it up. Baptism alone does not save. You have to ask Jesus to be Lord of your life and live for Him. Do not just join a church and think that is that. There is way more too it. "Going into a church will not make you into a Christian any more than going into a garage will make you a car..(source unknown)". There may be lots of surprises when people die who have rejected Jesus and  simply thought joining a church was a the ticket to heaven. Why not stop now if you are not sure and ask Jesus to be the Lord of your life.
Just know God loves you and He is all around you. He is God. Get to know him better by getting into the word of God.  Most people own a Bible, as it is the best selling book of all time but do you pick it up and read it? It does not belong in the book shelf or as a decoration on your coffee table. It is meant to be used. If you do not know where to begin I suggest the book of John in the New testament. God loves you and is there for you. Let him into your heart and life today.
PRAYER:  Thanks Lord that you are omni present. Everywhere I am there you are. You care about what I do with my life. Help me Lord to live for you each and every day. Forgive me when I have ignored you and done my own thing. In Jesus name. Amen.

Jonah on audio..follow link below.
http://www.biblegateway.com/audio/mclean/niv/Jonah.1

Monday, July 25, 2011

OVERLOOK FAULTS

It is easy to point the finger or correct people. We may feel we know it all and have reason to 'fix others'.  In our families it can be easy if we are not careful to start taking the spouse for granted and kind of bossing them around, criticizing them or treating them like a child. This does not make for a very good 'love potion'. Avoid picking on each other and fault finding. No matter if it is a friend but especially if it is the one you love. Other people may be ugly and mean but you can overlook it and choose to be the 'bigger person' and ignore bad stuff. Give things over to the Lord.

- Hide quoted text -
Psalm 19:12 says "How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults." No one is perfect. People leave socks in the floor, lights on, and dirty dishes in the sink. If we try hard to be like Jesus then there would not be conflicts and fault finding. If we did what scripture told us to do there we could all get along and there would not be problems. Seek to say and do good things and think before you speak as to avoid a confrontation you do not need.

Proverbs 19:11 says "A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense." Do not pick out faults in others. When we look at others and condemn them we have to realize we too  have faults. If you are married it is so important to try to remain best friends. Do not start nit picking and telling the other one what to do. No one likes to be bossed around. When you feel like fault finding try buying a rose to bring home instead. Good idea don't you think?

Ephesians 4:32 says "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Truly seek to be like Christ. Seek to sincerely put the other person first. For marriages you will stay in love and for friendships you will remain friends. Colossians 3:13 says to "Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Do not let Satan get the upper hand. I always say confusion and problems are the way the devil gets in and gets division going and starts to tear apart relationships. Be aware of it and do not let it seep into your relationships. The enemy likes to divide things and destroy them. Tell Satan to take a hike and leave you alone!

Proverbs 14:29 says "A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly." One of my all time favorite verses that I try to live by and I think it is great for newlywed couples to memorize and that is James 1:19 which says "My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry."

Think of ways to build people up instead of tearing them down. I Thessalonians 5:11 says "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." Get rid of a critical spirit and replace it with a spirit of love, kindness, and humility.

PRAYER: Lord thank you for helping me to walk the walk that pleases you. If I am ever critical of any one I am close to please forgive me and help me seek ways to overlook faults and failures of others and focus on good points. I know this pleases you and ask for help doing it. In Jesus Name, Amen!

Assignment: Read 1 Corinthians 13

Sunday, July 24, 2011

EARTHLY THINGS

 Yesterday afternoon I was out showing a friend the path of destruction left by the deadly tornado's that struck this area Wednesday April 27th and it got me thinking again about our 'stuff''. The days I helped various homeowners pick up debris and mementos off their property was sad and also taught me something. We accumulate so many things that sometimes we do not even use and they just sit around gathering dust and cobwebs. I think about the habit I used to have of thinking I needed a sound track to a movie after I saw it or the movie itself then the VHS tapes sit on the shelf or the DVDs pile up and when do you ever really have time to watch them? Sure we are helping the economy when we buy these things but lots of stuff we buy 'in the moment' such as tee shirts at a rock concert for instance or goofy souvenirs. It just dawned on me that day seeing all these homeowners possessions strewn all over their yards and some blown miles away that why do we even bother having some stuff anyway unless we really use it? We will all die someday and our tons of possessions may not be things your children really want to hassle with. I guess this made me think of what I buy from now on. This is not to say I will never make a spur of the moment stupid purchase but as my grandma used to say, "a fool and his money are soon parted." Why not save up money in a fund and start paying cash for big purchases that you really need and do not go into debt charging 'toys' that are not needed to make your life better anyway?

This is not about being materialistic but this is about asking ourselves why we have so many things we do not really need. Perhaps sometimes even to the point of clutter. Have you seen the TV Show 'Hoarders'? Now that is to the extreme but we need to really ask ourselves why we are buying stuff at times. "Want' or 'need' I used to say to our sons when they were growing up. There is nothing wrong to  treating yourself to fun things or stuff that you truly use like a new bike helmet if you are a biker or new running shorts if yours are worn thin.

Put the 'plastic' away if you can not afford to pay cash or before you know it you will be paying bills for things you do not even want or need or use for that matter. So these poor storm victims now have to start to rebuild. I would venture to say many or most of them will not be accumulating a bunch of things they do not need anymore. We all have that 'attic project' on our agenda. I know I do. Sure we like our sentimental things but what happens if and when you are hit by a storm that takes it all away? What you have left is more important than 'stuff' and earthly things. The things of this earth will all pass away.

Matthew 6:19 says "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal." It goes on in verses 20 and 21  to say "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." 1 Timothy 6:8 says "But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that." Philippians 4:11 says "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." So no matter what happens learn to practice contentment. Do not desire more stuff and bigger homes. Be happy with what the Lord has blessed you with.

Remember the parable of the rich fool where he hoarded all his wealth and in Luke 12:18 it says to him "Then he said, 'This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods." We are not promised another day so enjoy the blessings the Lord has given you and share when possible. But remember as I said before in previous devotions that you never see moving vans following a funeral possession as there is no way to take your stuff with you.

PRAYER: I thank you for the blessings of food, clothing, shelter, good health, family, friends and money to spend. Everything I have is from you anyway Lord. Help me to not buy things I do not really need. Give me discernment before I 'impulse buy' and guide me also to share with those who have a need. Thank you again for all you have done for me. In Jesus Name, Amen!

Saturday, July 23, 2011

BROKEN TOES AND OTHER BLESSINGS

What an odd title for a devotion but today I had a great revelation. Yesterday I made a new friend. Good friends are hard to find. I always say if you want to be a friend show yourself friendly. I have had some 'friend issues' in the past couple years that have been extremely hurtful and 3 close friends have also moved away as well, so to have someone who wants to hang out with me is really cool. The way it happened is a 'God thing' as I call them. Back on 4th of July at a friends home I had the misfortune of bumping my little toe into a metal deck chair. I am quite an active person and nicknamed affectionately the 'energizer bunny' by some so for this to happen slowed me down. At first I thought it was just bruised but it turned out it was fractured 'aka' broken. The only way to mend something like this is to buddy tape it to toe next to it and try to stay off of it as much as possible. There goes my exercise routine of running, biking, elliptical trainers and hiking. I had been a swimmer in the past so a friend suggested I join her for water aerobics at the Army post outdoor pool. I tried this but there was too much of an impact on my  injured toe so I decided to come each day and lap swim instead, something which I had not done in sevreal years. I  began lap swimming as no other choice of exercise so as to stay in shape. I met a girl who faithfully swims who has only been in the area for about  2 years. After talking I found out she too like me in the past was rather 'shell shocked' still from missing the big mountains of Washington State where she came from. Tell me about it. I missed the big mountains of Arizona too and big city when I first arrived. My Moms in Touch prayer group can attest to the fact it took me a while to warm up to living in Madison County, Alabama. So here is this new friend  and we have so much in common. Had I not injured my toe that day I would have never had a reason to go to the swimming pool and would have missed meeting her and missed out on a good friend.God works in great ways huh?

When I first moved to Madison I had two God thing moments the first few weeks that produced two dear friends who now moved away but I have been able to see due to my flying privileges still.  They both know the stories there. I am not saying all my friends are not 'God things' because they are but I am only recounting these miracle type things where you 'just happened' to do something and 'poof' there they were. No coincidences in God's world.

I met a few of my closest and dearest friends in Arizona in 'God thing' ways too. When our youngest son had to be on a waiting list for playing ice hockey he was forced to have to play 'In line hockey' while he waited. I remember complaining to myself. There at the in line rink in Tempe, Arizona,  a suburb of Phoenix, we met two families who we later spent holiday meals with and are great friends to this day. Even our friends the Leonard's know the long drawn out 'God thing' story of how we met them thanks to the idea of an Iowa friend Kim before we moved to Arizona. It would take another chapter to go through that but I am sure they remember.

You can probably look back in your life and things you did not like at the time, be it a job change, a move, a new school that later turned out to be the best thing that could have happened. I am thankful my sons fiancee transferred to the college he was at to go into nursing or they may not have met. You see what I mean. God is good isn't He?

You may have gone through some hurtful friend things like I mentioned I had and they are horrible and painful but be thankful for those dear friends in your life who you do have. Another one of my newest blessings as a friend is my son's fiance's mom. We get along so well and I too and thankful for that as many do not get along with in-laws. Not a problem with us and an answer to twenty seven years of prayer.

So you see count your blessings and friends are one of the biggest. I know my mom says as you get older you do not have as many friends as all your friends die off. I would encourage people of any age to go out and get involved in the community. Volunteer or attend a Bible study. There are people out there lonely just waiting for a friend. If you want have a friend you must show yourself friendly. I did this week and it paid off in a big way with a new buddy. A place with lots of lonely folks is usually in a nursing home. Some of the people there can not communicate well but others would love to just play scrabble.

Proverbs 18:24 says "There are "friends" who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother." The Bible has lots to say about friendships. Proverbs 27:10 says "Do not forsake your friend and the friend of your father, and do not go to your brother's house when disaster strikes you--better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away." Proverbs 18:19 says "An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city. Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars." This one hits home for me. You would think as a Christian you could just say 'hey I am sorry I did such and such and I did not know it hurt you" and then get on with life and live out your life showing love like Christ commands. But the Lord has to deal with the offended persons heart. If you have never experienced it, believe me it hurts.

I am blessed with an abundance of friends, not saying that to brag. The reason is in our travels as a military family I have had the privilege to have close friends in each base, post, city or town usually through Bible studies such as Officers Christian Fellowship , chapel or church and these friends become like your family since as a military person you bounce all over the place. These friends were true friends.One such friend and Air Force wife Anne I met at the OB doctor when our first children were being born and we are still close today.

Today in our Facebook generation some friends are superficial acquaintances. We go to Facebook to peer into others lives but if they are local do we take the time to call them up and go for coffee. Just something to think about. You have to be more than someone who is on Facebook to have a true friendship. Sure Facebook is a good tool but get off the computer and get involved in someones life.

I challenge you to be that friend today. Also in the course of your day you can bring cheer to someone simply sometimes by speaking to them or smiling. Try it sometime. My day today after writing and posting this blog will be picking blueberries with a friend. Have a good day no matter what you do.

PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus one of the best gifts is that of a friend. I love all my friends even those not mentioned directly in this devotion. I thank you for friends to share life with. I even thank you for the hurtful times some friends have inflicted on me since it taught me how to move on and appreciate what I had. Help me Lord to be a friend to the friendless. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Friday, July 22, 2011

GOD IS NEEDED IN AMERICA AGAIN!!

You do not have to go far to realize our country has a moral crisis. We have had it so good and have just kind of 'gone to sleep at the wheel' so to speak while forces come in to try to change the form of government we established with our Founding Fathers. Little by little corruption seeped in and we were so busy we did not care or did not see it. If we do not wake up and go back to our Christian principles we are going to be judged by God. It is in the Bible. Christians and conservatives are made to look like lunatics by the liberal media and many in Hollywood. This is not a Democrat thing or a Republican thing but this is a Freedom thing.

Lying ,corruption,and cheating have become common place and lots of it among those in Washington,DC. What is happening? Who can we trust? Why can't people open their eyes and notice this? It is because the god of the spirit of this world, Satan, has blinded allot of people and they would rather believe a lie than the truth. 2 Corinthians 4:4 says "Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don't believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don't understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God." You can not keep taking God out of this country. Many want to change with the times but "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13:8).

As it says in our pledge of allegiance "We are one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." There are forces attempting to re-educate our young people to take out references to our Christian founding but the Bible in fact was used in writing the documents that helped to shape America. As long as we followed the Bible we were doing great but there are always going to be dissenters and evil. The USA is like  no other nation and many are jealous of what we have and want to destroy us. Recently there have been too many in DC trying to control everything we in America do. This is not what the Founders intended. A sleeping giant has awoken and said enough is enough. We love our country and we do not want those we elected to take our freedoms away from us.That was not part of the deal. Yes we know God is the one working 'behind the scenes' but He wants us to let Him back in.

John Adams one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and also second President of the United States said "The Holy Ghost carries on the whole Christian system in this earth. Not a baptism, not a marriage, not a sacrament can be administered but by the Holy Ghost.  There is no authority, civil or religious – there can be no legitimate government but what is administered by this Holy Ghost. There can be no salvation without it. All without it is rebellion and perdition, or in more orthodox words damnation." Pretty strong words wouldn't you say? He knew you needed to keep the Lord on the throne and not man. We are to follow God's rules to have a successful country. It was the plan of the Founders to get out from under the rule of tyrants and live in a representative form of government. When our representatives start to not 'represent' ,as in recent times, then we have the power still to vote them out.

Once again this is not about politics but this is about keeping the word of God as supreme and the guide for running the United States of America. Ignore it and its' laws and we will surely fail. God has blessed us but will not continue to bless if we continue on the same destructive path going our own way and ignoring Him.

I have a passion for my country and for freedom and liberty which I am not ashamed of. I love America. I have served my country in the military and am proud of it. I do not want to see it taken over and destroyed because we were all too busy to care and too busy to get on our knees and pray. For those of you who have followed my blog long enough you may have seen this theme repeated in different formats that is because I feel we are at the crossroads and need to pray hard to save America. 2 Chronicles 7:14 which I repeat allot 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." Sometimes when life gets too busy the things to go first sad to say are prayer and Bible reading and next in line would be caring anything about what is going on in the country. When you are busy you just want to go home and let someone else make the phone call or someone else pray about it. Then when it gets serious you may say "Oh my gosh why didn't I do something when I could? Why didn't I care?" Everyone has the ability to pray. And if you can, fast along with it. Somehow when you fast you get more serious about what you are praying for.

Take this day and say your prayers and do not forget to pray for this country and the freedoms we enjoy. History shows us what happens when evil takes over. We certainly do not want to be victims of that. True, God is on the throne but it is time for Americans to wake up, repent, pray  and save this great nation!

PRAYER: Lord we need you like never before. Many do not see what is happening so we pray for a great awakening so that the deceit that is going on and trickery will be uncovered. Satan does not like Christ and he does not like the freedoms we enjoy and would do anything or use anyone to destroy this country. Father forgive us for taking what we have for granted. Help us pray for our leaders daily and pray their hearts are softened and they turn from evil to good. We ask you protect the United States of America from tyranny. In Jesus Name. Amen.

NOTE: When time listen to the attached song that really has a message.
http://youtu.be/KYtCanpBhVg

Also the following website for Wall Builders has excellent information on our founding and faith.
http://www.wallbuilders.com/
Once again if you have about 5 minutes read Deuteronomy Chapter 28. Quite an eye opener.

Be blessed to be a blessing.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

KEEP PRAYING

Do you ever just grow so weary of praying over and over and nothing seems to happen? Not all prayers are answered in our timing and sometimes not like we think they should be. I have had a tremendous burden for the United States lately and concerned that we are becoming more and more like a dictatorship yet I pray and believe God is still on the throne and He is working behind the scenes. There may be a situation with one of your children, perhaps a prodigal, but you just keep plugging away in prayer. Prayer indeed changes things.Maybe you are praying for a job opening since you are out of work.

There are times I rush into my day and say these little 'popcorn prayers' as I have heard them referred to. That is fine but with the busyness in our world and in our families why not try to schedule a prayer break in your day like a coffee break. Get alone with God and cry out to Him. The world will try to squeeze every possible minute out of your schedule leaving you precious little time for God let alone prayer. Make up your mind you have to do it daily and make it happen. I am not talking about the 'God is great, God is good' rote kind of prayer but sincerely communicating with your heavenly Father. Just talk to Him. He is not like the scary wizard behind the curtain in the Wizard of Oz movie but he is real, kind, compassionate and loving. Cry out to Him!! Talk to him during your commute to work. Maybe turn off the radio and you and the Lord can have a talk, what do you think?

James 5:16 says "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." Never give up on prayer. You may feel like your problem is unreachable  and God does not care but He does care and nothing shocks Him. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to "Pray without ceasing." Matthew 6:9-13 is the Lords' Prayer and it reads "This, then, is how you should pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,  your kingdom come, your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread.  And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one."

Now there is one thing to point out. God is not a big ogre but it says in Psalm 66:18 "If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened." So get your heart and your attitude right with God. He loves you and He cares for you. 1 Peter 3:7 deals with prayers of husbands being hindered and it says "Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers." So see there is more than just throwing that prayer out there. We have to do a few things to get our  hearts right as well.

Are you discouraged, scared, lonely, perplexed or just simply want to say thanks to God? He is there in good times and bad times. Not everything in life goes as we would hope it will that is why the Lord is there and wants you to 'talk to Him' in prayer daily. Start your day by waking up and praising Him for another day He has blessed you with. Set aside time in your day to have prayer time with Him. Do more than the traditional meal time prayer but spend some time in sincere heartfelt prayer with the Lord. Just talk.
Start maybe by saying "Hi Lord, its' me again. Thank you for being here and listening to my prayers."  Adore him, confess to him. thank Him and then share your needs and concerns.

Above all do not give up on God for He has not given up on you. Luke 18:1 says "Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up." What is on your heart today? Go to the Lord. He is ready and waiting to hear from you.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I am thankful for the fact I can come to you 24 hours a day and you never shut down your 'prayer hotline'. Thank you for being there for me in times of joy or in crisis. Thank you for the times you have allowed me the  opportunity to pray for others in need. Keep my heart tender to those hurting who need your touch and prayers. In Jesus Name. Amen.

NOTE: I love occasionally sharing uplifting appropriate music videos that go along with my devotion. When you have time to sit and relax listen to this song by the group Third Day. Be blessed.

http://youtu.be/TAk8KBjB6Mo

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

BREAK STRONGHOLDS...GET FREEDOM

What has a grip on you that limits you being closer to God? What lies of the enemy are you believing are normal and really are oppressing you and keeping you blocked from a closer relationship with the Lord? What sin are you caught up in that has you under its power? Until you recognize these are strongholds you will never be free. Strongholds are something that has a 'strong hold' on you. They are things that are against God's word yet may be justified by ignoring scripture and the lies of Satan.

Christ is not in control in the areas that are strongholds. You are being lied to be the enemy, Satan, to believe your sin is normal and you are not so bad. You are being taken down the wrong path in life. You may try to ignore scriptures or keep away from the people of God. A stronghold is just what it implies. You have to be aware you are trapped in one before you can be set free. Denying there is a problem will only keep you in bondage. Often times the enemy lies to you and makes you feel that what you are doing is perfectly okay so you do not seek freedom from its' grip.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 says "For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ".The enemy is a tricky deceiver and he will get people, even Christians, to believe a lie and walk down a dark path. 1 John 4:1 says "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world."

1 John 1:9 says " If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Are you involved in something that you know displeases God? It is time to acknowledge the strongholds that may be in your life and ask God to help remove them from your life and walk a life pleasing to Him.

PRAYER: Lord we know it is easy to believe a lie of the enemy especially in the world we live in today. The word of God is not honored and respected like it used to be and even Christian young people may be caught up in sin that they think is okay. Father I pray you will open the eyes of the blind and help us to stay in the word and walk with you. Help us to know what to say and what to pray if we have friends or family who are bound by strongholds and protect us from not getting sucked into Satan's trap. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

PEACE NEEDED HERE!!! ASAP!!

We live in a chaotic busy world. Seems like everyone  is busy and on the go around the clock. It may not necessarily be a good thing to not have some 'down time'. We all need a little rest and relaxation. We all strive for peace. Note the word 'strive'. That word alone indicates a lack of peace when we are striving for something. God does not want us to be frazzled and anxious and in a state of fret and concern. He wants you to have your mind set on him and learn to trust him with every day details of life.

What has you frazzled today? Maybe it is an upcoming major event such as a graduation or a wedding. Perhaps it is looking for a new job since you were let go due to economic hardships in the country. The world situation particularly in the United States can sure cause us to have a lack of peace. Perhaps a deadline at work is looming and you have put things off and are playing a catch up game to make it on time. You are in school and have not studied for a big test so therefore you are 'freaking out' and lack peaceful. Your car needs new tires but even though your folks told you the value of saving for a rainy day fund you did not listen and now are losing peace since you do not know where the money will come from. Oddly enough during the writing of this blog the enemy must have not wanted it to go out because I lost a good portion of it before it was saved that I had to recreate. That alone started to take away my peace. How odd to write on peace and be tested like that. Anyway things in this world can send us into fits if we let them. It is important to schedule a quiet time and prayer into your day and let the Lord take your burdens. You can not keep going non stop without the Lord at the controls. You may say "I have too much to do at work. I can not take a break." Make yourself go on your lunch break if for nothing more than to talk and walk with the Lord.

Isaiah 26:3 says "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you." Set your mind on the Lord and let him take your concerns. Psalm 55:22 says "Cast your cares on the lord and he will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall." You can not keep harboring concerns and worries without it taking a toll on you. Colossians 3:2 says "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." In John 14:27 it 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." You can have victory over this stress in your life. Worrying about things will not solve anything. It is one of the hardest things to do is to let go of worry. It is a discipline to daily ask the Lord to help you with. If others are confusing you with their opinions and that is causing you a lack of peace just give that to the Lord. Maybe you lose peace due to saying the wrong things you wish you could take back.

John 16:33 says "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." All things will eventually be over and be solved and when you are needlessly fretting over something it is only going to make you unrelaxed. Give God your concerns and ask him to give you his perfect peace.

PRAYER: Lord there is nothing I can do about lots of the things I sit and think about. All I do is cause needless worry and fretting. I do not like to not be at peace and continually have to seek to be on a 'peace walk' and allow you to take the controls. Give me your strength to let go and let you take my concerns. In Jesus Name.Amen!

Enjoy the following song of praise and worship as you focus on the Lord.


http://youtu.be/J95rAr0gOFU

Monday, July 18, 2011

IN GOD WE TRUST

This is our national motto and on all of our coins but what does it mean? No nation can be strong except in the strength of God, or safe except in His defense. We trust in Him. He is the Supreme being. It has been on coins since about 1864 and adopted as the national motto in 1956. Proverbs 18:10 tells us "The name of God is a strong tower and the righteous run to it and are safe."  The name of God and Jesus scares Satan and those that follow him. Evil forces have been trying to remove God out of everything. There is good in the world and evil. There is God and there is Satan. Nothing in between. You are either for God or against Him. It is amazing to me the onslaught of anti Christian voices in our world today trying to remove God from the public arena when that is how this country was founded. All I can say is 'unbelievable'!

There is no doubt that evil forces are at work to try to remove God and his name from the United States of America. There is power in a Christian nation. The founders came here so they could openly worship the Lord Jesus Christ. I find it odd that this country was founded that way and people who do not like it try to remove God when in my opinion if they do not like this great land then move on to somewhere and leave our Christian nation alone. Not saying that to be mean but we have a unique system of government based upon the scriptures. There is no disputing that. Satan does not like things of the Lord so his henchmen come along and try to ruin this land for everyone else. The word of God is removed from the public square and even laws made to protect the Bible are used against it. It is bizarre how things have turned around. People are being 're-educated' to believe the nation was not founded on Christian principles and to even fabricate a new meaning to the church and state clause. We are taught to tolerate religions some of which are out to destroy Americans they call 'infidels'.

 Back in pioneer days the boys and girls read the Bible to practice their reading. You would not see that in classrooms today. Prayer was offensive so someone took it all the way to the Supreme Court and got it removed from school. The Ten Commandments were next. There have been battles to try to remove 'In God We Trust' from the money.People sue to keep valedictorians from saying anything about God in their graduation speeches. Even at a recent sporting event, The US Open, NBC TV omitted 'under God' from the pledge of allegiance. Coincidence or intentional? Who is to know. But the name of God is offensive to evil forces who want nothing to do with Jesus. To non believers it is like fingernails on a chalkboard. Those of you old enough can identify with that horrible squeaking sound.

Our own President once declared we are no longer "just a Christian nation" and often times omits the word 'creator' from the Declaration of Independence. This is a slippery slope to be walking on taking God away. Many Scriptures warn about the outcome of that. Psalm 33:12 says "Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance." If we keep cutting Him out of the public arena He will not continue to bring blessings upon this land.  First Supreme Court Justice John Jay (served from 1789 to 1795) said “Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers, and it is the duty, as well as the privilege and interest of our Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers.” Wow you do not hear that much today now do you?

America is fast running away from our creator and  leaving God out and by this welcoming Satan and his demonic forces in. Marriage which is to be held in sacred honor between a man and a woman is now being redefined to say two men can marry and two women can marry.That is not what my Bible says. Immoral lifestyles like this are being protected by laws! If a young person wants to escape this lifestyle heor she  is told they were born this way and ridiculed thus getting sucked deeper and deeper into the deception and lies. When a nation turns its head on killing innocent babies in the womb we have gone too far. The Bible is being reinterpreted to suit the needs of its readers at the time.

Proverbs 29:25 says "Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe." This country is thumbing its nose at God and his laws and thankfully we still have the freedom to worship and read our Bibles in public but do not fall asleep as it could be taken away too.

The all familiar verse of 2 Chronicles 7:14 is being preached but are we doing what it 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." This land needs healed in a bad way. You can not continue to remove God from the land and expect it to prosper. America we have to get serious about prayer!

We can not continue to be blessed when our own leaders deny God and even do not allow National Day of Prayer to be celebrated. What is happening America? This is not about a Republican or Democrat but this is about the freedom to proclaim Jesus is Lord over the United States of America. We are free to worship as God gave us those freedoms and man is trying to remove them and put us under bondage to government more each day.

Psalm 37:7-9 says "Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him;do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. For those who are evil will be destroyed,but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land."

Remember daily to pray for this great nation and its' leaders. I have shared it before but will share it again and that is the website for the presidential prayer team out of Scottsdale, Arizona and it is http://www.presidentialprayerteam.org/. You will find many helpful tools to help you pray with a heart like God for those in authority over us.

2 Corinthians 3:17 says "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." I have attached another praise song below. Listen to it in free time and your assignment is to read Deuteronomy 28 about what happens when a nation follows God and what happens when a nation turns its back on God. Be blessed.

PRAYER: Father this great land was founded on you but the enemy is coming in and using people to try to destroy and change the fabric of America. Many are deceived and do not see this happening. Father we pray for those leaders who you have allowed to be in office. Father we ask that you change the hearts of any with evil intent to destroy this great land and turn them from evil to good. This country needs you back on the throne again. In Jesus Name, Amen!
http://youtu.be/wIg6RIbLz1c

Sunday, July 17, 2011

MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS

It is tempting to want to help people, especially family members,  who we feel compelled to give our 'two cents' to. The thing is if the family member is on his or her own they may not always want the advice we have to give. We have to learn to keep our nose in our own business. When we start giving advice we start causing tension and division and trouble 'is a brewing'. In this new Facebook generation it a challenge to keep that nose of ours in our own business with both friends and family and oft times mere acquaintances. We will know what we need to know and don't have to know it all.

Why do we feel we have to give our opinion and know it all anyway? Especially when it involves a family member talking to their adult children? If you are a parent of a small child start now knowing that someday you will have to cut the apron strings. Start now with the release process and later not be so ready to always try to tell your adult children what to do. As a matter of fact they may resent it and it can cause a huge rift in your relationship. Especially when the adult child is engaged or married then you really need to be respectful and 'butt out' and let your children decide things on their own without orchestrating their lives for them. They still love you but they lead their own life now. When we try to tell adult children our opinion on what they should do when not asked we will not be received in a very good way and you can cause hurt, pain, stress and possibly an irreparable breach. When you force an adult child to accept your opinion over that of a fiancee or spouse that is not a good thing either. So this all can cause much strife if not handled properly.

First, moms and dads let your adult children be adults. Do not give advice unless asked. It is a learning process but if you expect to have a good relationship with your adult children and their family you should not try to micro manage their life for them. They are highly capable of adult decisions on their own. Back off. You raised them now let their roots grow deep and let them sprout those wings. Mistakes  will be made but that is part of the growing process. It is not about you but about them. Love your adult children unconditionally and continue to pray for them. As we say in Moms in Touch prayer ministry, never doubt the power of a praying mom.
"The beginning of strife is as when water first trickles [from a crack in a dam]; therefore stop contention before it becomes worse and quarreling breaks out."(Proverbs 17:14).

It is not necessary to pry into every one's life. Pray for your children when small or grown and know God loves them even more than you do. When they marry they are to 'leave and cleave' according to Genesis 2:24.

Our children are gifts from God and really only on loan to us to raise anyway. 1 Samuel 1:27-28 says "I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him.  So now I give him to the LORD. For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD. And he worshiped the LORD there." 

1 Thessalonians 4:11 says "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you." See it is right there in God's word.  So whether you have grown children or you are a single person it is still not good to pry into lives where we are not welcome. It is my hope this devotion would reach both married and single with the important message of not being a meddler.


PRAYER: Thank you Lord for the means we have to stay in touch with friends and family. Give me the ability to not be nosey and to love my friends and family unconditionally. Help me to control my mouth and not always be trying to find out details. Help me share my knowledge or advice when asked and have self control otherwise. It is difficult and I need your help to control my tongue. I want what I say to bring glory to you.  In Jesus name, amen!

Saturday, July 16, 2011

SLIPPING AWAY FROM GOD??

If you are not for something you are usually against it. There is really no sitting on the fence in between. You either have a passion for the Lord or you are running away from him. To just simply say you are Christian is not enough. The more you compromise your walk with the Lord and do things you know displease him the more you are separated from him. Little by little your love for the Lord grows cold and before you know it the fire you had has gone out completely. Things of the world that are wrong or evil do not seem to bother you as much. In actuality the things of the world should have little attraction to you.

Maybe you do not feel close to God because you are in a lifestyle you know in fact displeases God. Perhaps your are compromising  what you are doing in your personal or business life and it is dishonoring to him. You may be convicted but not enough to quit and run back to God.

To be with the Lord and turn back to Him is not to say you have to be doing things of the Lord around the clock but your desire should be to please him and in every thing you do you should ask yourself if it would bring you closer to the Lord or further distance you from him. No matter what you do the Lord still loves you but He is waiting for you to come to him daily and talk to him in prayer and read the Bible. Do you still do this? Are your prayers more of the memorized kind or are they truly from the depths of your heart? Cry out to Jesus. He is there and he is ever present. Don't ignore him.

Do you want to be back in love with Jesus again and get excited about the things of the Lord? Do you want to desire Jesus more than gold? Do you desire to make Him first in your day? It can be done. You have to 'put off' things keeping you from a closer walk and hindering your faith. Colossians 3:8 mentions a list of things to 'put off' which include anger,wrath,malice, blasphemy, filthy language and lying.

One of the things we deal with are imaginings where the enemy puts thoughts in your head that get you confused or make you think you are okay the way you are. Satan is a master deceiver of keeping you in a lukewarm state. Revelation 3:16 says "if we are lukewarm he will spit us out of his mouth."

Romans 12:2 says "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.". This does not mean we have to go out and become monks but we are not to get sucked into the worlds' ways but to be a representative of the Lord here on this earth. You can still have fun and enjoy life, just follow Gods' guidelines.

PRAYER:  Lord today I choose to live a life that pleases you. I desire to 'fall back in love' with you Lord. Help everything I say and do please you. Give me strength to get rid of things in my life that do not bring me closer to you. In Jesus name, amen!

(Enjoy this Rush of Fools praise song when you have time to listen. Click on link below.)

http://youtu.be/b-oZbBS_OhM

Friday, July 15, 2011

HONOR AND MORE HONOR

What does it mean to give honor?  We think of honoring dignitaries or world leaders or better yet the king of kings and lord of lords.We are to honor the elderly, moms, men their wives, children their parents. Also it is an honorable thing to give up your seat to a lady on a bus or subway. I have ridden allot of subways and it is very rare I see this happening .Honor is to do something when no one is looking...the right thing to do.When you go someplace and it says instead of an admission price there is a suggested donation do you skip by and go in for free or do you put in the suggested amount? That too is an honorable thing to do to obey when no one is looking, after all God is looking. It is an honorable thing to put your grocery cart back instead of having it roll into someones car in a parking lot. It is honorable to put others before yourself.

Romans 13:7 says "Pay everyone whatever you owe them-taxes to whom taxes are due, tolls to whom tolls are due, fear to whom fear is due, honor to whom honor is due." Romans 2:10 says "But there will be glory and honor and peace from God for all who do good--for the Jew first and also for the Gentile." 1 Timothy 1:17 says"Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen."  Matthew 15:8 says 'These people draw near to me with their mouth, and honor me with their lips; but their heart is far from me." 1 Peter 2:17 says "Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king."

When you are honored  you are usually given the best seats and get to be first in line. People notice you. Yesterday I got to hear the Governor of Tennessee speak and noted how doors were opened for him and people stood when he came in the room. Once again a form of honor.

God is the one deserving of the highest honor possible. What does the word honor actually mean or imply? Personal integrity, respect and dignity came up in the dictionary under honor. We are to honor our parents even if we are adults. We are to honor those in authority over us such as teachers, police officers, bosses, and leaders of our city, state and country. Some may not be deserving of honor but as they may be tyrannical and dishonest but unless telling you to do something illegal or immoral let God deal with them.

I am a proud military veteran and in the armed forces there are honor guards for lots of ceremonies. One of the most well known honor guards is at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington, DC at Arlington National Cemetery. At this solemn ceremony occurring four times hourly rain or shine bystanders are to not even chew gum out of respect. There is no jogging allowed in Arlington National Cemetery either.  The militarys' highest award often given posthumously is the Medal Of Honor given for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty."  At ballgames and other events when pledge of allegiance is spoken or National Anthem sung people are to stand a and be silent and men are to remove their hats. This too is a form of honor.

The most honorable thing to do is to honor the Lord God Almighty by obeying his commands and following his guidebook, the Bible. It is our manual for a successful life if only we would do what it says.  So today do you honor the Lord by giving Him first place in your life? Do your honor his word, the Bible, by reading it and abiding by it? If not start today to really give the Lord the honor He is due. 


PRAYER: To you oh Lord we give our highest honor. We thank you for loving us even when we disobey you and ignore you. Thank you for giving us a second chance and even a third and fourth chance. Lord I desire to follow you so help me make it a priority to put you first before anything else. In Jesus name, amen.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

NEGATIVE OR POSITIVE: YOUR CHOICE

You can choose to think on good things or bad things. It is your
choice. You have to discipline your mind to think positive uplifting
thoughts and do away with negative thoughts that occasionally pop into
your mind. A mind set on the spirit is a life with life and peace.
Romans 8:6 says "The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind
controlled by the Spirit is life and peace." Do not ponder that 'what
ifs'  of life or sit around speculating or jumping to conclusions. You
can create scenarios in your mind that are not even true and certainly
bring no glory to God.

It is easy to dwell on bad things so that is why it is ever so
important to really decide to think on good things that build up. Our
world is so full of negativity. Sometimes you just need to take a bad
news break. It is not necessary to dwell on the doom and gloom in our
world. Instead try praying for the nation and for those in your circle
of influence. Also if there are situations in your own life that are
beyond your control try giving them to God. 1 Peter 5:7 tells us to
"Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you."
Matthew 6:27 says "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his
life?"

So bad thoughts and wrong thoughts can cause unnecessary stress and
worry. Practice the presence of God instead of the atmosphere of
worry. You will experience peace and more joy as a result.

PRAYER: Lord thank you that I do not have to stay focused on bad
things. You want me to focus on things that are good and I plan to
start right now lord to say thank you Lord for another day and for the
blessings of life you have given me. In Jesus Name,amen!

I have included a very uplifting praise song for you to listen to when
you are able.
http://youtu.be/KSlqM_0BrHc

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

CELEBRATE....BE HAPPY!!

 Do the following statements sound vaguely  familiar? "Thank goodness it is Friday! "  "I'm just barely getting by."  "I am living pay check to pay check." "I am staying busy." "It's a job." Why do we talk in a negative tone like that? Why not speak with victory and power?

 I live in an area that is about to majorly be hit by severe unemployment due to the end of the Space Shuttle program. Many brilliant minds of rocket scientists will go dormant unless something is done. It is quite sad and humanly scary. These men and women love their jobs, at least most of them do, and want to go to work. Instead of saying, "I have to go to work" why not say "I get to go to work!"

Things happen in life, both good and bad, and it is how we react to them that matters. Sometimes 'bumps in the road' lead to better things in the long run.You have heard when God closes a door He opens a window?  Instead of having a 'woe is me' attitude if you are going through a trial right now be it loss of a job, foreclosure on a house or some other devastating thing in life ask the Lord to show you what he wants you to learn through this. Keep the faith and know that God is there when the world runs out. Try as hard as you can to speak positive words from your mouth. It is not easy when something has you down to stay upbeat. Do not allow Satan to get you into his pity pit. Know  that things will be better.
Sometimes we do not appreciate something until we have lost it such as our health, for instance. We freely flit about and then all of a sudden a major illness sets us back. Perhaps you are a runner and you sprain your ankle. There goes your fitness routine. Truly most of us have lots to be thankful for if we would just stop and think about it. You plan to take a trip but an unexpected problem happens and you need your money for something else. Life can throw you a curve ball at times. You complain about your job then are laid off and wish you could have the job back.

Be thankful for those things you have. Wake up and say "Lord I thank you this day for the job you have given me to do. Help me to work at it with all my heart and look for ways to be an example for you in my workplace." Colossians 3:23 tells us " Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." If you are the only believer where you work what type witness are you going to be if you are always gloomy and complaining? Think about it. You represent the king of kings and Lord of Lords. It is easy to get in a grumbling mode. I for one grow weary being around people who are constantly gossiping, complaining and putting others down. You can get sucked into this habit very easily if you are not on your guard. Try to be different and set apart. Praise God even in the storms of life.

James 5:9 says "Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door." Are you guilty at not finding joy in your journey? As a reminder it is the enemy who wants to have you all down in the dumps. Refuse to let Satan take you down his path of defeat and anguish. Revelation 3:8 says "I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name." God is there so reach out to Him.

Keep looking up. God is never far away. He is only a prayer away. Call out to him.

PRAYER: Father I thank you for both the good and bad things in life because they help us grow into being more like you . Help me hang on when things come my way that end up being a storm of life. I look to you for my hope and strength. In Jesus Name. Amen.

http://youtu.be/uHdcyue0bSw

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

PRAY FOR GOD TO GUIDE YOU BUT THEN GET OFF THE COUCH

How many of us  pray for God to direct our steps and show us what he wants us to do? There is a key ingredient missing. You have to get up off the couch. You can pray all  you want but you have to set things in motion and take some action. Just like the person who intends to get fit. You can talk about it all  you want but until you go to the gym and start being proactive nothing will change. You can say "God show me". He may put all kinds of hints in front of you but you do not pick up on them. Decide what it is you want to do to help someone and then just do it.

Hebrews 10:24-25 says "Let us consider how to inspire each other to greater love and to righteous deeds, not forgetting to gather as a community, as some have forgotten, but encouraging each other, especially as the day of His return approaches." Has a friend mentioned something they think they would like to do such as help in a nursing home, feed the poor,  or tutor children for instance? Encourage friends and family when they are trying to stir up the gift of God inside of them. 2 Timothy 1:6 says "For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands."

The church, not the government, should be the ones to take care of the needy. Psalm 82:3 says "Defend the weak and the fatherless;
uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed." The government tries to come in an replace something we as believers should be doing. That is not the governments job. We have been led to believe it is.

God has given us each gifts to help others. When you do it do not act haughty and show off. 2 Corinthians 3:5 says "Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God." Remember to give God the glory for all things. 1 Peter 4:10-11 says "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever."

Isaiah 6:8 says "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!" Do not wait on others to always do the helping when it is within your means to help. Find a way to minister and go do something for the kingdom of God. Do not do it to prove anything or show off. God knows. That is all that matters.

PRAYER: Father get me up off the couch and stirred up to go into the world or in my own community and find a need and meet it. Help me not just pray but to do something. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Monday, July 11, 2011

SPIRITUAL WARFARE

Many churches do not spend enough time on this subject or anytime at all for that matter. It seems to far out there and they avoid it. But here on this earth we are in a battle against good and evil and there are spiritual forces in high places trying to take us down, so to speak. When we are in a spiritual battle we have to recognize the enemy Satan comes to deceive, to trick and to lie. He can twist the truth. He likes nothing better than to 'disable' a believer and by this I mean to make you believe you are no good or unworthy. You have to resist him and take authority in the name of Jesus.

 In our families there will be many spiritual battles. Let's say you have raised your child for the Lord and he has walked with him and been faithful to Bible study and Christian growth but then somehow as he grows up he gets in with a group that sort of changes what the Bible says, call it a cult if you would, or maybe a group that draws him away from the things he was taught as a child and knows are right and true. A powerful deceiving force gets him to believe a lie and forsake what he knows was the truth of God since a child. The enemy is powerful. He loves to deceive Christian children and he loves to make their parents feel like it is their fault.

John 10:10 tells us that "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." The enemy especially likes to attack Christians who are doing something for his kingdom or growing in Christ. He puts lies in your head and you start believing him. You have to resist the enemy and he will leave. James 4:7 says "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 says "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought
into captivity to the obedience of Christ." We have to realize we are truly in a battle here on earth. Ephesians 6:12 says "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." It is only when you acknowledge your enemy is Satan that you can start defeating him and having victory. Do not cave in and become weak and weepy and let Satan win over you. You have a mighty weapon, the word of God. Speak to the devil in Jesus name and tell him he has no authority over you or your family and tell him to leave. It may take some warfare but hang on. Do not give up.

There will be trials in life and this is where the rubber meets the road so to speak. It is how we get through those trials. We know the devil will try to keep us down in a pit and make us feel this trial will never end. James 1:2-5 says "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."

1 Timothy 4:1 in reference to latter times "The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons." It is hard to fathom how a child of God who knew the truth could start following the lies of Satan but Satan is a big lying deceiver and a powerful delusional force and we can defeat him with the word of God and prayer. So there is hope for that lost family member or friend. Do not despair. Get in to the word and do battle with the enemy.

You must keep praying. Praying is half the battle. There will be times when you feel like it is not working and nothing is happening. Keep going. Do not give up or give in. Luke 18:1 says "Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up."

Remember to keep your 'armor of God' on daily. Ephesians 6:11-3 says "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."

Just remember Satan is defeated and Jesus is Lord!!

PRAYER: Lord there may be some out there struggling with an immense burden you never intended for them to bear. You know Lord the enemy is a liar but he can make us feel unworthy if we do not defeat him with the word of God and praise. The enemy detests it when we praise God. Help us to keep praising you and trusting through good or bad. In Jesus Name. Amen.

I have included a rather old song but it still has a good message. When you get a chance sit and listen to its' message. Be blessed today to be a blessing.
http://youtu.be/Hw4e397mBjM

Sunday, July 10, 2011

THE BOILING FROG

What has happened to America? Today's generation doesn't really know what it is like to blush. They are exposed to an onslaught of political correctness and tolerance. And little by little they are shrugging their shoulders at sin and accepting things as alternate lifestyles. Desensitization is in full swing. This is sad and disheartening but God still reigns and good Christian parents are still out there to fight against this moral corruption and raise the next generation for the Lord. The commercials on TV and some of the programs today would have been X-rated back then and folks say "times change". Why do they have too? Even Christian young people are being sucked into modern culture. And I thought 'Dungeons and Dragons' game was bad. As the saying goes "You haven't seen anything yet!" When todays' society tries to say homosexual activity is normal something is terribly wrong. The enemy has lied to many to make them feel they are perfectly normal having same sex attractions. This is not God's plan. And Christian young people are some of the victims.

There is a word picture I have heard where you take a frog and place him on the stove in a pot of water and slowly turn up the heat. The poor frog is unaware he is being 'cooked alive' and eventually dies. That is how I picture society today. Little by little when we have removed God from everything our culture has eroded. We see what happens to nations that forget God. They do not survive. There is scripture to back this up. Little by little voices who do not like the Bible try to come in and change everything. You can not take God and the Bible out of a nation and expect to survive. There is no moral compass to guide us anymore and no standard for right and wrong. Evil is made to seem normal.  Isaiah 5:20 says "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter." John 17:15 is a good prayer to pray for your children whether small or adults and it says "My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one." There will be evil around and deceptive spirits that will try to get us to believe a lie. That is the way the enemy works. Like the frog in the pot of boiling water he, the enemy, tries to get us to believe lies and tricks us and gets our hearts 'cold' towards things of the Lord. We think church is for 'old fogeys' or that we do not need it. No longer do we read our Bibles. We may be a Christian in name only with no real power. We have to stand strong against the tricks of the devil.

Romans 12:1-2 says " Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.  Do not conform 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." The world will try to get you into its' mold. This world is not our true home. We are to resist the enemy and not be sucked into his schemes. 
James 4:7 says "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." The devil has his tricks and plans. He makes wrong seem right and evil seem good. He gets well meaning Christians to compromise their values and not speak out against evil. He is here only to kill, steal and destroy as it says in John 10:10. 2 Timothy 3:2-6 talks of the last days and it  says "For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these. For among them are those who enter into households and captivate weak women weighed down with sins, led on by various impulses." When you remove the Bible and the standard for right and wrong and good and evil chaos is the result.

It is a challenge to us to keep praying for this great nation which is like none other. Pray for your family. Pray for the truth to be evident and lies of the enemy to be revealed. Do not allow yourself to be tricked by the enemy and placed in that 'boiling pot of water.'

PRAYER: Father we thank you for your word, the Bible which is our standard of truth and where we get the knowledge of right and wrong. Father we ask that the lies of  the enemy be uncovered. We pray for anyone we may know whether friend or family that may be deceived by Satan that you would lift the blinders from their eyes and help them desire you and your word with all their heart. We pray this in Jesus name. Amen.

Saturday, July 9, 2011

HOW LARGE IS YOUR FOOT?

What an odd title for a devotion. Well this one has to do with that every present mouth of ours that if not properly checked can get us into trouble we do not want to be in. It is so easy to just jibber jabber and not think of what we are saying. We may not be gossiping per se, but then is what we are saying and to whom we are saying it really necessary? So the size of my foot is the size of my mouth as that is where my foot ends up allot. You know the saying, 'open mouth insert foot?'
I put my foot in my mouth allot. It is so easy to speak or email without thinking what we are saying or how it is going to affect the receiver. The fruit of the Spirit of self control needs to come into play and if words are your weakness then ask the Holy Spirit to help you gain control over what you speak and say. You do not always have to comment on everything or speak what thought comes into your head. Sometimes the thoughts are from the enemy and once they are spoken you have to spend lots of time apologizing and digging yourself out of a hole.
James 3:1-10 has lots to say about our 'tongue' "Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.  We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.  When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal.  Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.  All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind,  but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.  With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness.  Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be."
Just be careful what you say because once words are 'out there' they can not be taken back.  The childrens' song tells us "Be careful little mouth what you say. Be careful little mouth what you say. For the father up above is looking down below so be careful little mouth what you say."
PRAYER: Father this day help me think before I speak. Help the words I say build up and not tear down. Give me the power to not always be talking and give me self control. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Friday, July 8, 2011

HUMMINGBIRDS DO SIT AND REST

 

I have a hummingbird feeder on my back porch and these frantic tiny little birds, who seem to constantly scurry about, do in fact sit down and sip their red colored sugar water every now and then. It is rare to see it and when it happens you have to remain perfectly still lest they see you and flit away into the air again. My nature is pretty high energy and I have been told I am like a hummingbird or an energizer bunny. Guess it is good as I get lots done but even hummingbirds and energizer bunnies need to sit and smell the roses every now and then.

Well this past week a tiny accident forced me to sit and smell the roses for a while. I fractured my little toe so I have to be off my feet as much as possible while it heals. Instead of high energy running I like to do I will go for the milder yet effective water aerobics for now. No hiking either til the toe heals. But I hope you do not have to get hurt in order to force you to slow down and enjoy life. I heard someone today talk about taking a technology break too. That is a good idea along with putting some things on hold if you are able and just enjoying time without a cell phone on your hip and noise everywhere. I have to admit we all need to do it ever so often.

Back to these birds. These little creatures sat down allot during the writing of this devotion. Perhaps God was allowing them  to do that for me to use as my 'word picture'. Take a lesson from them. You do not have to always be wound up and flurrying about. The Bible says in Psalm 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

In life it is good to stop every now  and take a break. If you get breaks at work go outside and get some fresh air.  Take a drive in the country. Get out for a walk. I may be  a high energy person but I still do know how to sit and rest and listen to God. It is very enjoyable and renewing for me to have an occasional 'day alone with God' or DAWG day. Even the tiny hummingbird does in fact sit down occasionally on his perch on the feeder we humans put out for them and just suck the juices. Those tiny wings do in fact become still ever so often. It is amazing to witness.

Matthew 11:29 says to "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."  In other words rest in God. Let Him shoulder your burdens. Psalm 55:22 tells us to "Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken." Here he is saying, give me your cares. Go find rest for your weary souls.

Are you able to take some time out and just slow down a bit today? You may work in a Fortune 500 company, on Wall Street, in Los Angeles or be a business person with much responsbility. You still need time to slow down, rest and renew. Take care of the temple of God which is your body. Be still and just slow down a bit and listen to God.

PRAYER: Thanks for giving me time Lord to rest and renew and refresh. Forgive me if I fail to take care of the body you have given me by resting ever so often. I thank you for time each day which I can plan a refreshing break. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Thursday, July 7, 2011

FINANCIAL CALMNESS

In our country today there is much talk about raising the debt ceiling and fear the United States is going to financially collapse because of poor financial management by leadership in the White House and elsewhere. Even with the fear mongers out there we know where our real hope and trust is. It is not in riches. Yes this is a vitally important time and the stupidity and selfishness of a few men and women could get us into a huge amount of trouble but our ultimate trust is not in man but in God. Our current leadership is trying to pit the classes of people in society against each other in an attempt to say it is not fair for rich people to keep their money. Tyrants are the ones who do things like this not a democracy where we are supposed to have freedom. Never the less it is God who is ultimately in control of everything. We may have to go through some difficult times to make up for our ignoring Him for so long, who knows. I hope not but we will see.

Proverbs 23:5 says "Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle." 1 Timothy 6:17 continues and says "Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment." Then there is Proverbs 27:24 which says "for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations." There may be evil in this present world trying to destroy the purse strings of the greatest nation on earth in order to disable our economy and way of life but God is on the throne. He is really in charge anyway. Do not let your heart fear.

Fear will defeat you. It is from the enemy Satan. The devil would love us to be weak and pitiful and powerless. Fear, lies, discouragement, and worry are from the enemy not from God. The Lord is our hope and strength. He will not let the righteous be forsaken or our seed beg bread. (see Psalm 37:25). In John 14:1 tells us to 'not be afraid.'

Money is spoken of lots in the Bible. People can get mad at preachers for talking too much about money or get mad at those preachers who seems to preach what folks call 'prosperity' preaching. But the money we have is all really God's anyway. We are not supposed to squander it, gamble it, get in debt, borrow needlessly and use it for ill gotten gain but we are to share it with others and take care of our family.  We are not ever to trust in wealth. It can be gone in an instant.God is not pleased with the evil men who are doing things to hurt us but sometimes he may allow things to happen to wake us up as a nation too. Psalm 52:7 says "Here now is the man who did not make God his stronghold but trusted in his great wealth and grew strong by destroying others!" God will ultimately take care of the evil man in this world. Our job is to keep praying and trusting.

Money can make us or destroy us. Do you share the things God blesses you with or do you hoard things? Share what you have with others. Proverbs 11:25 says " A  generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." Do not be greedy. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 says "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." Do you hold on to what you have too tight? It is all God's anyway. We are only stewards of what he has blessed us with. Ecclesiastes 5:19 says "Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God. "

So when you earn more money in the stock market or get that bonus check at work do not place your hope in that. Psalm 62:10 says "Do not trust in extortion or put vain hope in stolen goods; though your riches increase,  do not set your heart on them." Your wealth is only temporary. When we leave this earth someday we do not take a Wells Fargo bank truck with us to the cemetery. What good would it do?

So you are worried about what is going on in Washington DC right now? These mere men and women are messing with our lives you say. Just remember Proverbs 11:8 says "The righteous person is rescued from trouble, and it falls on the wicked instead." Also remember in Proverbs 11:28 it says "Those who trust in their riches will fall,  but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf." Do not let human fear of financial failure ruin your day. God is not going anywhere.

PRAYER: Father this world will one day pass away but your word will never pass away. Men may fail us, bank accounts may fail us, humans may fail us but your word is our strength and in it we trust. We know we need not fear what mere men can do to us. Father thank you that you are watching over us and protecting  us. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Here is a song I attached which may help encourage your heart today.

http://youtu.be/_mX6Ez5wFJM