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.

Monday, March 31, 2014

God of the Possible


 
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. Ephesians 3:20

Nothing is impossible with God! That wandering child who wants nothing to do with God will come back and can come back.  God is Able to do all things.

It is so easy to dwell on bad things and lies of the enemy. As a believer we have to make ourselves think on what is good and perfect. God can change a seemingly unchangeable situation. Each and every day you need to wake up filled with hope not despair. Matthew 19:26 also tells us 'nothing is impossible with God".

Don’t put limits on God. A few years ago I heard this saying “Believe receive and doubt do without.” Whatever it is you are praying for and believing for keep on praying. Do not stop. God works in your heart as he works in the hearts of those you are praying for. Do not take matters in your own hands but have faith.


PRAYER: Lord at times I feel hopeless. I know that you hear me and love me. Help me Lord to keep running the race to win and holding on to hope. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Sunday, March 30, 2014

What Do You Say?


Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Sometimes things happen in life to friends or family and there are not words to know how to respond or bring comfort. Recently a longtime friend of mine had the unspeakable happen which there's no need to elaborate on as God knows. In this time of her enormous grief and confusion what can you do to help? Flowers, cookie bouquet, note, phone call? Grief,tragedy,and pain are all part of life and can make us stronger. That makes some angry especially if they have lost a close friend in an accident or in war. Only time and prayer help the healing process.
Grief and trouble are all part of life. In the newly released Hollywood movie,"God's Not Dead" ,an atheist college professor has been hurt in the past and hates God and tries to get his students to do likewise. This movie is a must see in my humble opinion. I have seen it three times already.
What are you struggling to deal with in your own life?Run to God,not away from Him. 

PRAYER: Lord I love you. Forgive me if I have ever been mad or blamed you for my grief. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Saturday, March 29, 2014

Incoming


In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.Ephesians 6:16(NIV)
Soldiers in a battle when the enemy starts to strike will often yell "incoming" meaning they are about to be attacked.  On earth,  those who name the name of Jesus, are in a spiritual war for our very souls. This is a battle of good versus evil. Satan is after pre born babies, children ,teens, college students, marriages and even the United States of America since we are founded on Christian principles and the word of God. Evil has seeped in under the name of tolerance. In not wanting to offend we appease religions that are out to kill believers in Jesus. Absurd isn't it? This is spiritual warfare. 
To be armed and ready for this ongoing battle we can never let our guard down. Just as soldiers don protective vests and helmets and carry their loaded weapon, we on the spiritual battlefield, are armed with the word of God. We have to know the word and arm ourselves with scripture in order to defeat the enemy. Each and every day you will face battles from the enemy, sometimes very deceptive. Be ready to win the battle and thus win the war.

PRAYER: Every day Lord I know Satan is out to trick me and trip me up. I plan to be armed  each day knowing your word. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Friday, March 28, 2014

Service Unavailable




And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

An error message  appeared on my Blogger account one day that said "service unavailable" when trying to post something to Facebook. It was very frustrating to have glitches in trying to get my writing done. Occasionally things happen that cause stuff to be out of order and it can cause frustration or panic. It is how we handle ourselves during this time that matters. In the big scheme of things it is fairly small even though it is maddening.

Getting mad, throwing things, and having a tantrum won't change things so you may just as well seek peace in the midst of this down time. Go one to something else. Get your mind off your trouble. Stuff breaks, friends disappoint, people hurt you, promotions don't come, bills pile up and all sorts of other things. In times when things aren't as they should be trust in God for His peace to see you through.

PRAYER: This is the day you have made and no matter what comes my way Lord help me react in a kind positive way. In Jesus' name. Amen.
       

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Annoying Pop Ups


 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8(NIV)

Anyone who has used a computer knows the frustration of those pop ups that are uninvited but yet seem to continually annoy us as we are busy online with other tasks. They may be for car repair, weight loss, a game. No matter what they try to take our attention off our work to get us to see their offerings. Some pop ups can even be X rated. They are a total distraction trying to get your to succumb to whatever it is they are offering and off the things you had set forth to do.

Pop ups remind me of how our enemy Satan tries to get our mind off Christ and onto worldly pursuits. Thoughts may "pop" into your head that certain things are okay when you know deep down they are not. Pop ups in our mind can cause us maybe to not think of heavenly things. We can become consumed about things and fall into bad habits.

Keep your focus on God and those pop ups from the enemy will become obsolete.

PRAYER: Thank you so much for the word of God which if I hide in my heart on a daily basis gives me the power to ignore attacks from the enemy. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Knee Mail Is The Best


Never stop praying. 1 Thessalonians 5:17(NLT) 
The verse for today is one of the shortest in the Bible yet most profound in content. There's  a song with lyrics "Where do you go when you need a shelter? Where do you go when you need a friend? Where do you go when I need some helping? Where do I go back on my knees again." I know most people probably only think of praying to God in a crisis situation but He is there waiting just for you to chat with Him daily. 
Instead of starting out each day with Facebook and email maybe it should be started out with His book,the Bible and "knee-mail". It is so every easy to do everything else under the sun but when it comes to spiritual matters like getting closer to God and spending time with Him and in His word, often it is the most neglected right behind not exercising our bodies. Yours truly has been guilty of it too. We truly have to discipline ourselves and believe me, Satan will be out there spreading lies and helping you make excuses for why you can't. 
Don't let Satan win. Go to your knees in prayer each day and send God some knee-mail!

PRAYER: I love it that daily I can pray to you when things are good or bad.Thanks for being there. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Spiritual Food


He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. Deuteronomy 8:3 (NIV)
I heard a pastor on Joyce Meyer from a church in Moscow, whose name escapes me at this time, stating we should not eat until we have read the Bible that day.The word of God should be as important as food or we can become  spiritually malnourished. The Bible feeds us the word of God yet many of us who call ourselves Christian are on a severe starvation diet when it comes to devouring the word of God. The Bible ends up being a book of little use or impact that we rarely pick up.
It is easy to gorge on physical food. Some do to the point that it has caused health issues due to excess weight. Imagine if we were to all "eat" of the word of God daily how we would be walking with all that knowledge in how to face each day. There are many countries who starve for God's word because it is forbidden. Satan would love that to happen in America. Now is the time to fatten yourself up on God's word. 

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for my Bible. Help me study it and not just let it gather dust. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Monday, March 24, 2014

Sweet Sixteen


 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23(NIV)
This is time of year here in the United States when college basketball fans get very excited. Welcome to the NCAA Men's College Basketball playoffs capped off by the top 16 teams known as "The Sweet Sixteen."  What a great time for we believers in Jesus to come up with our own "sweet sixteen." It could be 16 attributes of God. Sixteen blessings. Sixteen scriptures that are your favorite. This time of year would be great time to practice this discipline.
For my 16 I chose attributes of God. Wake up each day and say "Hello Jesus" then begin reading your list. God you are mighty, great, powerful, ever present, forgiving, gracious, kind, loving, merciful, all knowing, in control, my Father, Lord of lords, compassionate, truthful, and patient. It does not have to be March to do your sweet sixteen list to God. Any month or every month will suffice.
You can be in a fever pitch over basketball and the "brackets" wondering who is going to win the whole thing. This is temporary and passing, but God's love is never a passing fad or changing crown. 

PRAYER: It is easy to come up with sixteen ways to praise you and thank you Lord for you are awesome and your love endures forever. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Sunday, March 23, 2014

Coffee Shop Encounters


In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16(NIV)
Each and every day we go out into the world, some world, some where. Maybe it is the grocery, the gym, oil change place, a coffee shop,  the big box store, doctors office, the dentist. Wherever it is make sure you are shining for Jesus. I have a good deal of "coffee shop encounters" since I am at various places writing throughout my week. I try to be a good example for the kingdom of God, not in a self righteous way, but in a way that if anyone would ever ask me what I was writing or why I was joyful I  would never be ashamed.
Smiling is pretty important. When I worked for Delta Air Lines as a reservations agent I was taught to smile with my voice on the phone. I am sure some readers may have encountered call center personnel who do not "smile" with their voice. People can tell. Maybe you just don't feel like being joyful. You can have joy no matter what is going on. No matter if you have an encounter in a coffee shop or even at a gas station, try to shine for Jesus by smiling. You will feel better!

PRAYER: I choose this day to make every encounter I  have be one where your love is displayed. in Jesus' name. Amen!

Saturday, March 22, 2014

Breaking Through


God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect. 2 Samuel 22:33(KJV) 
To get beyond a problem in your life you have to press on to other things and not dwell on the bad stuff. Consciously make your thoughts focus "above", staying positive and thinking about how much God loves you. I had to do this as a very special friend shut me out of her life. I wanted to dwell on it and try to fix things but realized that was beyond my ability. Only God could set things straight. Sometimes those bad things help us "break through" to better things that lie beyond the hurt and the pain.  
God alone is your strength. He gives you the power and ability to get through every day no matter how tough it may seem. Our enemy Satan, is the character who wants people to continually dwell on hurts, rejection, and pain. God can and does set us free from all the junk swirling around us and provides hope for a brighter tomorrow. You only need to let Him into your life. 
PRAYER: You have great things in store for me Lord and I choose to think about your mighty power and wonders instead of letting issues in life get me down. I choose to look to you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Friday, March 21, 2014

Hurting?


Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 2 Corinthians 1:4(NIV)
Everyone has hurt sometime in their lives either emotionally or physically. It is hard to know what people are going through. In church one Sunday  in front of me were two individuals who appeared to have hurts. One ended up sitting down, got on his phone,  then left ten minutes into the service. This person just looked lonely. The other was with their spouse and during altar prayer went forward. The spouse stayed behind sitting down praying. It is not just us that have bad days. We who call ourselves believers should reach out to and pray for those in despair as we have all been there. I have a mountain I like to go to and get alone with God. Even Jesus went alone to a quiet place and prayed. (See Luke 6:12-13). 
What creative things can you do to reach out to those in pain? We can pray. If it is a friend, you can send a note or a card. Perhaps you can visit lonely people in hospitals, prisons, or nursing homes. Just know you are not the only one who has ever hurt so go beyond yourself to help others.

PRAYER: Wherever life takes me today Lord help me be aware to give encouragement to others even through a smile. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Holy Superiority


The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other people--robbers, evildoers, adulterers--or even like this tax collector.Luke 18:11(NIV)
I am writing this after getting out of church and the message was about Pharisees and the tax collector. This gave me a brilliant idea for a devotion. There are so many different denominations of Christian churches and various ways to worship. To feel our Christian domination is THE way or the only way is wrong. First of all, everyone who names the name of Jesus should be on the same team. If l become prideful  like "my way or the highway" then that is sort of Phariseeish. I am pretty sure there are not going to be denominations in heaven because I feel we will be unified in praising and worshipping God as the Spirit leads us. 
There is not a person I know that does not need Jesus. Churches are not for perfect people because none of us are. No one has "arrived" so beware having that attitude.  Also church membership does not save you. Satan just loves to have Christians arguing about who knows best. Why not just concentrate on praising Jesus and not condemning the unsaved or your brother and sister in Christ?

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I thank you that I know I have not got all the answers. I learn more each day. I want to strive for holiness as you are Holy. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Shout For Joy



 "This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." (NIV) Psalm 118:24
I love songs about joy. The joy of the Lord is your strength. There is joy unspeakable and full of glory. Joy to the world the Lord has come.I've got that joy, joy,joy, joy down in my heart. 
Joy is defined as "great happiness or being delighted." When you sing about the joy of the Lord do you feel joy and show it on your face? I absolutely love praise and worship music. I can't help but raise my hands in praise to the Lord. I do not imagine in heaven we are going to be just sitting there singing and not excited. If you sing a song that says "I lift my hands up" do you lift them up? I imagine up in heaven it is going to be one fantastic praise fest. I mean can you imagine coming face to face with the King of kings and Lord of lords!? You won't be able to contain your joy.
Are you missing that joy in your life? Many who are in churches feel church is enough and don't really feel joyful on Sunday. If this describes you maybe you need to ask Jesus to come into your heart and transform you. 
PRAYER: Lord Jesus I want the joy only you can give. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Green Lights


That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:7( NIV)

Panic set in as I had overslept and realized I had limited time to make my flight. Besides the 30 minute drive to the airport I was not dressed yet.  Amazingly I managed to get out the door in a record ten minutes. Driving to the airport turned out to be pretty smooth as well, as I got nearly all green lights.

Green lights are great! So is good news! It would be nice if all of life was one big green light but sadly and probably for our own good it does not work that way.

Seemingly bad things in life can help build character. When you are enduring something you aren't so happy but afterwards you can often times rejoice. Dark clouds part and the sunshine will return. There will be another green light around the corner.

PRAYER: I thank you Lord for the green lights in life as well as the red lights and caution lights. I know when I trust you things will work out. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Monday, March 17, 2014

Honorable


Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.Romans 12:13(ESV)
Do you ever think what it means to honor something? The Bible says for us to "honor our fathers and mothers" in Exodus Chapter 20. In the military when a service member is released from active duty they may be given an "honorable" discharge instead of a general or dishonorable discharge. The state park I frequent has an entrance fee. Often no one is at the gate house to collect this fee but there is an "Honor Box" for those entering to deposit their money.
Honor is defined as personal integrity: strong moral character or strength, and adherence to ethical principles.To respect: great respect and admiration dignity: personal dignity that sometimes leads to recognition and glory. I would say it is being kind and respectful and a good citizen. When you are honorable you set a good example for the kingdom of God. You should be honorable whether people see you or not because God sees. 
Do yourself a favor. Find someone to show honor to today and see how good it makes you feel. 

PRAYER: I want to be above reproach in the things I say and do. Satan may try to get me tempted to do wrong things but help me remember I am a child of the King and honor Him above all. In Jesus' name.Amen.

Sunday, March 16, 2014

Vintage



They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green. Psalm 92:14(NIV)

I got a chuckle when passing a sign that read "Vintage Schwinn Bike, $75". Oh my goodness. I could be vintage! That's funny. I may have a wrinkles, spots, and wear glasses, but I guarantee you I do not feel "vintage". Many of my "elders" would laugh thinking I thought I was old. I believe people are as old as they feel. When you are in your twenties you think 50 is ancient, but low and behold if you live long enough you reach that golden age and it is not so bad.

When "things" get old they are considered valuable or collectors items, especially if rare. A good example is 'American Pickers' TV show that travels around the country buying priceless items. Do we place the same value on our wonderful citizens over the age of 65? Those who have lived this long have much to share. There is no reason older persons should feel they need to retire if they enjoy their work. It is refreshing to see many making great contributions to society.

My advice is to love and respect older people and if you are blessed to have parents or grandparents still alive go see them. Don't make them into jokes.

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for the gift of birthdays. Thank you for those who have lived long lives and how they have made a difference. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Saturday, March 15, 2014

Do It Yourself(DIY)



Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15(NIV)

Do It Yourself television shows are very popular. It is really nice to be able to do something yourself without hiring someone. My husband is an awesome do it yourselfer. He was raised learning to fix and build things and is excellent at it! I am a Do It Yourselfer when it comes to exercise. I know to stay fit takes effort not a magic pill so off to the gym or trail I go. Discipline is required.

When it comes to spiritual growth, you must study God's word “yourself” and not wait till Sunday, or not at all, to be spoon fed by the pastor. That is the only true way that a person comes to know Jesus and grow in the knowledge of Him. Sure it is nice to listen to Christian radio or television and you can learn much that way , but teachers, such as Joyce Meyer, encourage you to study the word of God for “yourself” and do it daily.  Make it a habit to Do It Yourself! 

PRAYER: I am very thankful to be able to listen to Christian teaching both on Sunday and during the week on radio and TV but help me Lord to make a habit of reading the word myself. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Friday, March 14, 2014

God Has Not Abandoned You


 
But you, God, see the trouble of the afflicted; you consider their grief and take it in hand. The victims commit themselves to you; you are the helper of the fatherless.Psalm 10:14(NIV)
Every day is a day with things different happening. Bad news or good news may be just around the corner. It is how we react to this news that matters. Some of the news can be worse than others and harder to cope with. For instance the news you may have a terminal illness. Maybe a family member passes away unexpectedly. Life does have both ups and downs.

No matter what happens you can run to God. Do not be mad at Him shouting "If you really loved me you would have let my mother live" or "if you really loved me Lord my dog would not have been hit by a car". God is not the one that made them die. Things in life happen. We all will die someday and the thing is to be ready as we do not know when Just know God is there to comfort you.

PRAYER: I thank you for the blessing of another day. When I feel sad Lord help me to learn to reach out to others in my pain. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Thursday, March 13, 2014

Passions


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. 1 Corinthians 1:18(NIV)
TAGME, SKPTKC, EIEIO, RUNR, JER2911 are just a sampling of the vanity license tags I have seen in recent days. I have had these type license plates on my car in the past. Several years ago I had GODSGR8. In the state I live in we are not required to have a front tag so my vanity tag from Arizona remains on the front of my car and it reads N2FLYIN. It shows one of my passions. 
What are you passionate about? Perhaps a sport, a hobby, a cause, a school? It is not necessary to place this on a tag but your life speaks volumes about what is important to you. If you are a Christian, the things of the Lord should hold a very high priority in your life and not just reserved for one hour each Sunday. 
I love Jesus and I consider Him first place in my life. The things I do I want centered around Him. I do not want something to become more important than the Lord. He gave me my passion for running, freedom, the outdoors, writing, people, movies, reading and other things but I never want any of those to be on center stage more than Him. Also when I do those things I want to be a good representative of the kingdom of God.
Is Jesus your first passion?

PRAYER: Lord Jesus help me to remember to not put something else above you. I have time for everything else in life so why not you? Forgive me when other passions have caused you to be forgotten. In Jesus' name Amen.

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Jesus



That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth. Philippians 2:10(NIV)

I'm kinda like, she's like, it's like. Aargh. As I sat writing one day I sat by three women who kept overusing the word "like" and "like" it was driving me bonkers! But leave it up to me to come up with a creative way to weave that into my devotion. There are things in life that will drive us nutty and overusing a word is one of them. I am sure there are English majors or creative writing majors who may read my blog and go "this drives me nuts". Hopefully not. I am sure everyone has heard people who keep saying "you know" and 'you know" I have done it too. Ha!

One word that is never overused is the name of Jesus. It can be used in the wrong way as in cursing and taking the Lord's name in vain but basically the name of Jesus is the name that is above every name. At the name of Jesus miracles happen. People are set free The blind walk. The deaf hear. 

The name of Jesus is a word our modern media does not like people to use and shudders  probably when Daddy Phil gives the evening prayer on the Duck Dynasty TV series and says "In Jesus name". There is power in the name of Jesus to break every chain. It is one word that is rightly spoken that can do wonders. 

PRAYER: There is power in the name of Jesus. It is not just a word but a name above every name. I thank you Lord for being able to pray in your name. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Bark Less, Pray More




Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:6(NIV)

There is a bumper sticker I have seen quite a bit and it says "Wag More, Bark Less". Very good example of really what life should be like. It entails loving and being kind. There have been times maybe I "barked" when I wish I would have ''purred". When you see  a dog wagging his tail it indicates they are happy and playful. 

Griping, arguing, and being hateful is what the enemy Satan wants us to do. This does not mean we can not disagree with something evil in our world. But we speak up in love and be a representative of the Lord Jesus Christ. In general though if we would do more praying and less barking life would be much better. Barking does not always get the job done but entrusting a need to Jesus in prayer and then letting Him have control is what we should do.  Barking could be talking ugly, cussing, judging, condemning, judging, or just being mean. Try instead to show love in your speech and pray and ask God to help you bark less.

PRAYER: I want to show your love through my words Lord. Help me to be kind and loving when dealing with all people. In Jesus' name .Amen. 

Monday, March 10, 2014

Spring Ahead Always!



Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17(NIV)

This past weekend most of the United States set their clocks ahead for daylight savings time. This ritual is dreaded by many, but never the less, we have to do it. It is an opportunity to perhaps have a new outlook on life coinciding with having to change all your devices to the new time.

Spring is coming and with it a freshness and newness. A time to branch out and grow and similar to new blooming plants we can bloom for Jesus. Before spring arrives normally if we want our plants to be nice and lush we clip them back. They may look ugly initially but afterward with water and sunshine they look wonderful. It is nice to look forward to flowers, plants, and blooming trees.

 Do you get excited about Jesus and doing things of the Lord or are you satisfied just going to church each Sunday? Jesus can give you that newness of life. All you need to do is ask Him into your life to be your savior. Then start a regular habit of growing up in Christ by getting into the word of God.


PRAYER: I thank you for spring and the opportunities it brings. I thank you for a new freshness and beauty. I want more of you in my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Sunday, March 9, 2014

Choppy Air




You are my hiding place,you will protect me from trouble
and surround me with songs of deliverance. Psalm 32:7 (NIV)

On a recent flight to the windy city of Chicago, an announcement was made from the cockpit to alert us that there may be “choppy air” during this flight and indeed there was .Nothing too drastic thank goodness. As I gazed out the window at 37,000 feet the sky was clear and sunny and I could see the snowy tundra below through the frost building up on my window. My mind was focused on God, not fear.

Situations in life can happen when we do experience “choppy air’ but we keep our eyes on our “pilot” Jesus to see us through. 

PRAYER: Lord God I thank you for another day. I thank you for seeing me through trying times. I thank you for growth I experience as a result of difficult times in life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Saturday, March 8, 2014

The Rotten Tree



Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers,but whose delight is in the law of the Lordand who meditates on his law day and night.That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.Psalm 1:1-3 (NIV)

Have you ever seen a rotting tree? On my numerous hikes upon a local mountain I have seen them and hope I get by them before they topple from having no life in them anymore. There are numerous things that cause trees to die. Diseases, insects, lack of water and fertilization. 

Our life can sort of be like a rotting tree. If we take time to do the things necessary to 'grow in Christ' then we flourish. Our fertilizer and water is the word of God. By reading the word of God, the Bible, we become more like Christ and take on His character. There is no way we can wither away if we are strong in the strength only Christ can provide. Let His word grow you up today.

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for the word of God that if I read it and study it can become more like you. I choose to flourish  and not rot. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Friday, March 7, 2014

Time For God?


He must become greater; I must become less. John 3:30(NIV) 
How does your day begin? Maybe grab the newspaper or turn on the news. Next hop in the shower, check Facebook, then eat and off you go. Is time alone with God in there anywhere? Why is it it is so easy to do everything else but the one thing to help us grow spiritually we neglect. Many are great church members but after that one or two hours each Sunday sort of put God on the shelf for the next six days. This makes Satan so gleeful as he can trick you into thinking Sunday is enough. Believe me, there are many people who go to church who are no different than the world. There are many in church who do not really know Jesus. Perhaps they have been tricked into believing Sunday church attendance is the thing to do. Oh my goodness, doing anything else is fanatical.
 I am happy to say I am a fanatic! I wasn't always. I too was like that. I thought my childhood baptism and joining church was enough. I found out otherwise and on 19 March 1975 became a "new creature" and born again. Do you want to grow closer to Christ! Spend time with Him. He is there waiting for you. 

PRAYER: I need you in my life not just on Sunday but 24/7 around the clock. Forgive me for making excuses. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Thursday, March 6, 2014

Love Wins



Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs. Proverbs 10:12(NIV)

A few days ago I saw a bumper sticker that simply said "Love Wins". What a great topic to write about I thought! Much wisdom can come from both church signs and some bumper stickers. Love, in fact, does win in the end. Songs sing about "what the world needs now is love, sweet love" and indeed we would be much better off if everyone could truly love like Jesus loved.

Since the fall of man there has been hatred and evil. It is found everywhere. Believers in Christ are to help combat that in our world but some of us get sucked in to hating, backbiting, gossiping, judging, condemning, and a host of other unloving activities. Why? Because of a sin nature. But, if each day we rise up out of bed and say "Lord help me to show your love to all I meet today" then things might improve. In Romans 12:21(NIV) we are told 'Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.'  When someone hurts you and you feel like getting back at them instead try to love.

PRAYER: Love can lift a person out of despair. I know there are those who need some of your love Lord. Use me to show this love to others. In Jesus' name.Amen.

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Help Me Lord!



The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.Psalm 34:18
Some hurts feel like they will never go away. Death of a loved one, rejection by a friend, being fired, divorce, regrets,  betrayal, estrangement from a family member, failure at a task. Whatever it is you are dealing with God does care. The rejection by a friend is an issue I have had to deal with and it is very hurtful and confusing. I know people cut off from a family member who refuses to let then into their life. I can not even begin to imagine the pain of losing a child but have had friends who have walked that awful path. 
At times many blame God on their hurts. Guess what? That is the enemies mind game making you feel God could have stepped in, after all he is God. All I know is God can work through situations and bring you hope for tomorrow. If you have shut Him out of your life why not ask Him to forgive you. God is not responsible for the bad junk in your life. Get on your knees and cry out to Him. Ask Him to help you mend your broken heart. He will.
PRAYER: Another day is here and another day to experience comfort only you can give. Thank you for hearing my cries and being there at all times. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Famous Faces


  And all we who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into His image with ever increasing glory, which comes from the Lord who is The Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:17(NIV)
A few weeks ago while waiting on a flight in Huntsville I thought I saw a gentleman who looked like actor Ricky Gervais. For those who do not know him he is in the upcoming Muppet movie releasing this spring. This is only little old Huntsville, Alabama but it is possible a celebrity could be in our midst. I saw his face and it turned out to not be him but he could have been his stunt double.
Why are some people so caught up by "famous people"? Concert halls are packed out to see Taylor Swift or Tim McGraw. Why aren't we as excited about the King of kings and Lord of lords? He is the most famous ever. These people who are mega talented got their gifts from God and still put their pants on the same way we do. We are not to be idolizing them, but we do. Look at the sales of celebrity magazines. Why do we care? 
I challenge you to turn your eyes upon Jesus and look full in His wonderful face!

PRAYER: It is my desire to start looking to you more than to look up to "famous people". Forgive me when I give more attention to fame than to you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Monday, March 3, 2014

Rich Man?


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. 1 Timothy 6:17(NIV)
Money worries can consume a person. The cure for some is to get a credit card or play the lottery. That certainly will end problems. Not! Some get desperate and go to illegal measures to obtain wealth. You can always be sure your sins will indeed find you out. 
The Bible speaks allot about money. It tells us not to trust in riches. Many times a person may feel secure then a job loss, unexpected medical bill, or stock market crash can cause them to lose it all. If you rely on wealth for security what happens when the cash is not there?  God indeed takes care of the "birds of the air" so He will provide for us. We are not to be desirous of another’s riches but to work hard to get our own. Somewhere the Bible talks about not being lazy and providing for your own household as well. 
Be able to get to a point where you have true joy whether in a mansion or a tent.

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for the many blessings in my life. Help me not complain about things I do not have as I have you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Sunday, March 2, 2014

Potholes



Dear friends, do not be surprised by the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you as though something strange were happening to you. 1 Peter 4:12(NIV)

 In life there will be bumps in the road where maybe you just feel you are not doing the right thing. You try and try and things seem to not change. When I am driving and do not see a pothole up ahead then all of a sudden, kerplunk, I crash right into it, I feel a sense of frustration at myself. Why can't the road crews do a better job fixing these things you might think. This is often how we might feel when things are not going the way we wish they would. It is like life is one big "pothole" and we keep driving right into it.
God is there beside you all the way, even when you fall into these little holes. He wants you to be strong in these situations and uses them in a way to prepare you for even more things that may happen. He is not bringing these bad things into your life but in the end they can indeed strengthen you.
PRAYER: Forgive me Lord when I have whined and complained about bad things that may happen to me. Help me to be able to praise you no matter what because I know you are with me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Saturday, March 1, 2014

Never Underestimate The Power of Tomorrow


Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Proverbs 4:25(NIV)

Has there ever been a  time in your life when you just simply were overwhelmed? I know there have been many times for me. A project is due and you may feel there is just no way you can have it done. Often times in college I felt that way especially if I had waited until the very last moment to do a paper. This  feeling can overcome housewives, Fortune 500 executives, students, ministers, and everyone in between. Our enemy,satan, likes to take advantage of moments like this when we allow circumstances or others opinions to get us fixated on defeat or failure. We must not allow him to get our thoughts captivated on the past or things that are in the future.

A simple message on a church sign gave me today's title. It makes a lot of sense. Tomorrow there is always a new start. Old stuff has passed away and we are to leave it alone. Continuing to worry and allowing pressure to come in on us robs us of trusting in Jesus to see us through.

PRAYER: Today let me concentrate on today. I know with your help I can do all things as it says that in your word. In Jesus' name. Amen.