Welcome to God's Lemonade Stand

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

Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Snack or Feast?



Like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation. 1 Peter 2:2

Are you snacking on the things of the Lord or feasting on them? Think about that question for a moment. Snacks are grabbed on the run and normally are not the healthiest thing. A feast, on the other hand, takes time to prepare and time to consume. It is usually the best, especially for company.

Do you desire more than just snack time with the Lord? You have the power to change your schedule and to stop making excuses. If He is really important you will make feast time for Him each day. You make time for other things such as the coffee shop, the gym, shopping, eating out, playing with your pets, doing your hobbies, so isn't God more important? I hope you say yes.

Search your heart today and see if you need some spiritual tweaking to get you on a regular feast time schedule with God.

PRAYER: Help me Lord as I seek to let go of things distracting me from daily time with you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Monday, June 29, 2015

Sit, Stop, Stay!



 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

When our beautiful labrador, Sandy, was still with us we often would have to give her commands to get her to obey. "Sit, Stop, Stay!" If trained properly she should follow the commands and obediently do what we asked her to do. It was a necessary measure to keep her under control and let her know who the boss was. 

In our prayer life sometimes we need to learn to be patient and not give up hope. Literally we could use a dose of 'sit, stop, and stay' in our prayers.  Don't rush into prayer and just make it something you feel you have to do but make a dedicated time to lift up concerns to the Lord. During this time don't forget to praise and thank Him for answers He has brought your way. At times God wants to teach us something through our waiting and being still process. The staying processing would be the part where we do not lose hope. Even something that seems far fetched or way out of reach such as the reunion of an estranged family member or friend, believe me it can happen and does happen. A prodigal child can return to the faith their parents instilled in them as a child. 

What is it you are holding out hope for? God hears your prayers and He is working behind the scenes. His ways are best and He has a plan. 

PRAYER: Lord you are good and thank you for hearing my pleas and my prayers. Help me to remember to get my own life right with God so my prayers are not hindered.(See Isaiah 59:2) Help me not listen to the lies of Satan and be still as I wait to hear from you and see your answers. In Jesus' Name. Amen. 

Sunday, June 28, 2015

Breathe In God, Breathe Out Problems



Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1

Are you feeling worn out or do you remember a time when you were? Maybe you feel problems and situations beyond your control are pressing in on you. Perhaps you feel trapped like it will always be this way and tend to get hopeless. My friend hope is right around the corner. There is always hope so do not lose hope.

I'd like you to do a little exercise for me. First stop and go somewhere quiet. No music. No blaring television set. Just peaceful and quiet. Now sit and shut your eyes and breathe in God. Take a deep breath. When you do this just think of how big God is and how He loves you Yes He loves you. After that exhale and breathe out bad stuff. Give Jesus your cares, concerns, fears, issues, worries and know He does not want you to carry this unnecessary burden. Our enemy Satan is the one trying to pile junk on you. It is not God. Breathe in goodness and breathe out bad thoughts and concerns. Keep doing it till you feel better. I guarantee you will. Praise God and thank Him as you breathe in and forget your troubles breathing out. 

God is good all the time and He is waiting to hear from you. 

PRAYER: It is stupid for me to worry about things I can not control. Forgive me when I have not shared my concerns in prayer with you. I choose to have peace in the midst of things going on and know you are working. In Jesus' name. Amen. 






Saturday, June 27, 2015

Progressive Christian....Say What?


"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:32

I recently saw this terminology, 'progressive Christian'  on a website claiming to be Christian yet more modernized in their approach to topics and world events. Now granted I am not here to judge my fellow man, but there is only one kind of Christian in my humble opinion and that is a 'Christian'. To pick and choose what we think is 'okay' with the Almighty is not our job. And to listen to humans like they know more than God does,  is a bit scary. 

God is love, period. There are a standard set for actions and behavior in the Bible. Many choose to think the Bible is old fashioned. Others may think they are pretty good because they don't engage in 'that sin' meaning the ones God surely said were the ultimate worst ever. If not careful, a person can become puffed up with pride thinking because they don't do 'that' they are pretty good. Well I have news for you. Romans 3:23 says "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." All means all! Yes you and me brother and sister are sinners saved by grace. 

Just remember to follow God's word and not the world's idea of what is correct behavior because our world is greatly misled. We are living in crazy times today. Jesus is still in the business of saving, transforming, healing, and setting free. Don't be deceived by the enemy Satan trying to lure you into a sense everything is permissible. 

PRAYER: I lift up those people in my life who I know are believing lies of the enemy. Please protect me from being caught off guard and deceived. I choose to stay in your word daily and keep praying. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Friday, June 26, 2015

Hot Mike

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



'Hot Mike' is not the name of a movie theater candy nor am I referring to a person named Mike being 'handsome'. The term for purposes of this writing is meaning when a famous person, such as a Congressman or President, does not realize a microphone is turned on and says things they would rather not the public know they said that embarrass them a great deal.We 'not famous' people may not have 'hot mikes' to look out for but we need to still be very careful what we speak and when we speak it. This could pertain to accidental texts and emails too that go to the wrong recipient. 

If we applied the Bible verse in today's reading to every day life it would be easier to do the right thing. First what we think usually comes out of our mouths so if you are aware you have wrong feelings towards someone ask God first to heal that area of your life. We are not to go around hating people and being jealous of them. Nor are we to go around plotting evil. We are to overcome evil with good as it says in Romans 12:21.

In order to avoid the 'hot mikes' in your life try to think good thoughts and take captive wrong thoughts(See 2 Corinthians 10:5) so what comes out of the  mouth is always pleasing to God.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus put a watch of sorts over my heart and my mouth so I only utter things that will bring glory to you. In Jesus' name. Amen.  

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Salvation

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.Romans 10:9

Not everyone who reads these devotions may be 'saved' or 'know' Jesus. I can remember when I lived in California in the mid 1970's the 'Jesus Movement' was going on and a cute campaign entitled "I Found It'.  I was a relatively new born again 'baby' Christian then and did some of the work on this campaign door to door. It was a bit out of my comfort zone. Many people feel they have done their part simply due to being baptized or joining a church. Many surprises await folks at the gates of heaven when a person has not asked Jesus into their heart. 
I just remember how excited I was about the things of the Lord after being born again. I had been raised in church but never had a personal experience until I was a young adult. I wanted to read my Bible. I wanted to go to a vibrant church. I wanted to get away from religiosity and judging and manmade requirements about salvation. Sure I had a journey ahead of me and it was not all a bed of roses, but in these years since that day in 1975 I have stumbled a few times but the Lord has lifted me back up.  I just love sharing about Jesus with others and label me a Jesus freak, that is okay. 

Do you get excited about the Lord? Maybe you have been in same church all your life and really do not feel on fire or excited about Sunday at all. Maybe church is your hobby. It might be time to breakaway and find somewhere that you can come alive and grow in Christ. 

PRAYER: Lord you are good, all the time. I love you and I love your word. Forgive me for ever letting the world shape my thinking and not You. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Authentication Required


Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things that you do not know. Jeremiah 33:3

I am settled into a cozy chair in a coffee shop to begin writing for about an hour. I have a delicious large iced latte in front of me and proceed to log in. This is a place I had been recently and created a log in account. You can probably guess what happened. Nothing I tried got me onto the network so for the next hour I would either do what I could without Internet or be frustrated. The message I kept getting was 'Authentication Required'.

Aren't you glad that when we pray we have direct access to the Father with no error messages? No passwords required to get into church,open our Bibles,listen to Christian radio yet how many people still fail to even have the desire to get closer to God. We have 'all access' passes to the Father in Heaven. How great is that?! Until there is a tragedy or reason to cry out to Him for help He is sadly ignored by many. Maybe you don't mean to ignore Him but other things in your busy life tend to squeeze out a morning quiet time. You used to do it but they sort of went by the wayside when you got caught up in the world and the fun stuff you chose to do instead.

Maybe it is time to come back to the Savior making Him the priority above all else. There is no secret handshake, gold card, or special key needed to access Him. Just open up your mouth and say "Jesus I'm here and I need you."

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I am thankful I can talk to you any time and any where. I thank you that you love me even when I have ignored you. I choose to be still and listen to your still small voice. Help me order my days to make time for you. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Click link for a song of worship:

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Senseless Deaths

Precious in the sight  of the LORD is the death of his faithful servants. Psalm 116:15

With the recent killings of 9 souls in a church in Charleston, South Carolina the question is why? Many people who lose family members say why. When a doctor has to inform relatives in a waiting room of the death of a young accident victim the question is why?

When senseless tragedies occur the first reaction after shock is to hate whoever caused it. There has to be someone to blame. And oh don't forget to blame God because hey, He could have stopped it, right? Unfortunately bad stuff happens but God has a way of bringing light out of a dark situation. If you don't allow your heart to be hardened with bitterness and anger you have a much better time making it through tough times like these.

Grief is overwhelming and oftentimes takes years to get through. Through a person's sadness though in a strange way another can receive joy and comfort. Pray for the families of those 9 whose lives were tragically cut short in a Bible meeting and pray for atheists who don't believe. Also pray for the family of the shooter. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I know you weep when senseless evil occurs in this world. When school shootings occur, a teen dies in a car accident, a baby dies at birth you are still there to give comfort. I pray those in grief do not turn their backs on you but embrace you even more. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Monday, June 22, 2015

Happily Ever After

"Haven't you read the Scriptures?" Jesus replied. "They record that from the beginning 'God made them male and female.' " And he said, " 'This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.' Since they are no longer two but one, let no one split apart what God has joined together." (NLT) Matthew 19:4-6

Today my younger son and his beautiful wife celebrated three years of marriage. That day was so exciting. I am celebrating still and pray daily for them to fall more in love as each day passes. I also pray for protection from outside influences that would want to destroy their Holy bond of matrimony. 

You don't have to look far to find shattered dreams of happily ever after. Seems the vows are not taken seriously. Almost every family seems to be affected I am sad to say. If you are divorced, I am not standing in judgment by any means, but if you are married, work on staying married with divorce not being an option. If you are in a second or third marriage or beyond that, ask God to help you stay married. Learn to give and take. If you have not asked Jesus to be the center of your marriage do that by all means. If the other person has faults guess what, we all have faults. Learn to forgive, then forget. 

Marriages in this country are under fire in many ways. If you are married find ways to be a blessing to your spouse each day. Learn to turn the other cheek and not have your way. Learn to be still and trust God. Pray daily that God would strengthen your marriage. 

PRAYER: I thank you for the gift of marriage and the significance it holds to Christ and the church. I know it is not to be entered into lightly. I pray for the divorce rate to stop going up and I command Satan to stop messing up strong  marriages. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Sunday, June 21, 2015

Hooray For Dads!


Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4

Today is celebrated here in the United States as Father's Day. On this day dads may think, "Oh no another necktie" but really it is a day to celebrate dads everywhere. Society has done its' best to degrade and belittle fathers in television shows and advertising. Woman is made to look like she can go it alone. In reality God designed the family, a man and a woman, to be the ones who work together as helpmates in life and raising children. 

The many issues in our nation where police were made to look bad while gangs were made to look good, in part stems from a break down in the family. When government rewards single parenthood with money and aid,  of course more people opt to go it alone without dad. But a child needs a dad and a mom to be reared properly. And in saying that, each parent has certain ways their sex impacts the child. The father needs to be the disciplinarian and in many of the cases of police uprising there has not been a male figure in the home to teach respect for authority. Children need to be taught right and wrong and boundaries by both a mom and a dad. When this does not occur chaos results. Proverbs 25:15 states "To discipline a child produces wisdom, but a mother is disgraced by an undisciplined child." 

If you are married, be true to your spouse and let those children see mom and dad live in love. Discipline them. Above all teach them to worship and praise God. The most important task a dad can do is to train a child in the ways of the Lord. It is not the churches job but it is the father. Dads out there, we celebrate you!! 

PRAYER: Thank you for a day set aside to honor our dads living or deceased. We know we would not be here without our dad. I thank you for having been born and for the gift of a father. I pray for those people who were wounded or bruised because of an absent or abusive father. Heal them by your love. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Movie coming out soon to celebrate dads is Faith Of Our Fathers. Www.faithofourfathersmovie.com to be released July 1!
Movie to rent on DVD is Courageous. 

Saturday, June 20, 2015

Sidetracked



For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

We hear of people being 'sidetracked' when they were doing one thing then in process their mind changed or circumstances changed and this person ends up on a totally new course. Have you ever been sidetracked? I know I have. Plans change and you have to adapt to a new situation. It can be quite nerve racking if you let it or you can go with the flow.

Do you know that our Savior isn't surprised when we are side tracked? He knows the plans He has for us. Often times hindsight is better than foresight. Something maybe you did not like at the time,  turns out to be quite positive. When things happen just ask God to help you through this new course that has been set in your life. Be open to learning and growing from whatever it is that comes your way. Sometimes a new course could mean a better job, a spouse, a new friend. You just never know what the purpose is. 

If you are upset or flustered because something isn't turning out as you expected maybe it is God preparing you for a new adventure. Keep looking up!

PRAYER: Forgive me for the times Lord I was taken off course by an event or circumstances and complained about it. Help me see these detours as the plan you have set for me and praise you for them instead. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Friday, June 19, 2015

Fill Er Up!!



He answered, "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" Luke 10:27

I am a product of the wonderful 50's and 60's the days when prayer was allowed in school. The days when the Ten Commandments were not outlawed. The days before the Bible was more relevant than political correctness. The days of happy innocent television where murders and sex scenes were not viewed on a nightly basis. The days that spanking was not child abuse. The days the Gideon Bible was actually handed out in public schools. The days before it was okay to legally murder an unwanted baby in a mother's womb. Oh my how we have changed.  The times when the gas station had an attendant, who asked when you pulled up to the pump "Fill er up?" He even checked your oil and washed your windshield. 

It is time for a revival in our land. There is nothing 'old fashioned' about living for the Lord or having good morals. The Bible has laid out a plan if we follow it that we can have eternal life. When the things of the world become more important than God therein is the problem. America was established as a Christian nation but not a nation that is supposed to ignore God's word and apply tolerance so as not to offend. We are to love God and love people but sometimes this is tough love. The word of God is clear and unchangeable yet modern man, and even some churches,  have twisted it to satisfy the times.  

Now is the time to rise up and stop calling good evil and evil good. The enemy has deceived many.  It is not too late. Every day call upon the Lord to heal this land. We were not created by God to forget about Him and He has the final say. We are not to ignore His commands. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I know that Satan thinks he has won the battle for America. He has messed with people's minds making them accept wrong as right. Lord you alone can redeem and set the captives free. Set anyone free who I know who is believing lies of the enemy. Stir up hearts to bring revival to this nation.Protect me from deception.  In Jesus' name. Amen.

Thursday, June 18, 2015

The Break Up


Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Revelation 2:4
In your dating life you many of us have experienced breaking up. We no longer 'feel' a certain way thus call off the relationship. Sad to say that many believers have broken up with God too due to disappointment, disillusionment, unanswered prayer, and being captivated by the world instead of the Kingdom of God to come. 

If you have broken up with God the question is "why?" Only Satan receives glory when he can get believers angry at Jesus and God. When we follow vain pursuits and listen and follow worldly culture and what is popular, we have lost site of the savior. For those who have strayed my question would be "Didn't you love and follow Jesus at one time?" Satan will lie and deceive and work through people to get you angry at God. Don't allow that to happen. If you asked Jesus to be Lord at one time maybe it is time to start running back towards him and away from sin. 

Take whatever steps necessary to insure you are looking up to the cross. He will forgive, just ask Him. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus forgive me for ever being upset because I did not get my way. Your ways are higher and greater than mine. I resist the devil and he has to flee. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click link for song of worship:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=iN_DMuahD5o&sns=em

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Our Commands: Cheer Up, Calm Down, Press On.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful. John14:27

Wouldn't life be great and more peaceful if we just paid attention to the word of God more and not use it to catch dust? It is very easy to go through the day and just zone out with busyness so that things of the Lord take a back seat to worldly pursuits.

So what are you dealing with today? We are told in the Bible to be cheerful, to be calm,and to keep pressing forward to run the race to win. Don't wait till you are in a panic mode to cry out to God. I suggest getting up daily, keep the TV off,and pick up the Bible. Start in Psalms and read whatever Psalm corresponds to the date on calendar. Then pray and then start your day's activities.

You can truly have a fulfilled peaceful life when you make God the first part of the equation for your daily routine. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I confess I have put you last on several occasions. I know when I study your word daily I am calmer,cheerier,and can stay on track in life. Help me say no to distractions that take you out of my life. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Trending!!!Let It Be Jesus.



Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong;for like the grass they will soon wither,like green plants they will soon die away.Trust in the Lord and do good;dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.Take delight in the Lord,and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:1-4

When  the local morning news is broadcast here in Huntsville, Alabama on the local NBC station they have a segment called 'What's Trending'. This always make me chuckle because I always wonder why it matters. To many people it does matter that they keep up with what is the latest Hollywood gossip or fashion trends. Media gets us so wound up about staying on top of everything and I wonder why it is necessary. I feel there is enough stuff cluttering up our lives and minds to even sit and give time to something like that. I am not judging you if you are 'into' this but want you to think about why it is important?

Wouldn't it be wonderful if we sprung out of bed in the morning and did not run to the television or newspaper and instead grabbed a cup of coffee and the Bible. From there you could start your day 'trending' with the King of kings and Lord of lords. Nothing else will matter in the end except what is done for Christ anyway. Of course we have to be aware of what is happening in the world to some extent but not get saturated to the point we structure our lives around what the media tries to put in our heads. Marketing geniuses come up with snazzy commercials to capture us and lure us into buying a certain product, a 'must have' they call it. 

I challenge you to re-order your day making Jesus Christ truly first place, not just lip service. It may take some self control and discipline to get started on the right track if your habits have been otherwise. What do you want in your head first thing in the morning, Hollywood news and things about eternity? 

PRAYER; Father God forgive me for many times when I have neglected you and your word and rushed out into my day without so much as reading one Bible verse to sustain me. Help me Lord as I seek to restructure my day to make you first place. In Jesus' name. Amen. 
Click link for a wonderful song of praise to start your day. 

Monday, June 15, 2015

Parents Are The Gatekeepers



I will not look with approval on anything that is vile. I hate what faithless people do; I will have no part in it. Psalm  101:3

A gatekeeper is a human who controls access to something. For any parents out there, one of your primary duties as a responsible parent is to be their gatekeeper as they grow up and learn right versus wrong. You guide them by helping them make healthy and wise choices for what is appropriate in their life, based on God's standards found in the Bible. I heard a television Christian pastor, Jimmy Evans, refer to the job of parents as a gatekeeper.

In this very important role, mom and dad decide ultimately what is good for the child. You would not allow pornographic posters on the wall of their bedroom although once I visited a home years ago where the pre teen boy had centerfolds on his wall. Another area is video games and choice of television programs.  Just because everyone is doing it does not make it right and parents it is your job to be the example. Music needs to be monitored due to questionable lyrics. 'Plugged In Online' is a great source for monitoring the content of Hollywood movies as to their morality and values.  

The modern culture tries to lure and trap our children into believing their ways are better than the parents or God's ways and that is why it is essential, while they are under our roofs, we do the best job possible training them in the ways of the Lord. Now this is no guarantee that college is not going to make every attempt to turn them the other way, but that is when prayer comes in and in a big way.  If you are not taking charge and giving your child discipline and guidance it is not too late, do not allow the world to mold your child. If you have an adult child who has gotten off course after you did your part in his youth, just keep praying as God is in control and hears the cries of a praying mom and a praying dad. 

PRAYER: Father I need your help daily to walk the walk you have set before me. Guide me as a parent and help me to do what is right and trust you for the outcome. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Sunday, June 14, 2015

Do Yourself A Favor. Forgive and Forget!


 
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 "No not seven times, but seventy-seven times." Matthew 18:21-22
 
 Have you ever had a misunderstanding or miscommunication with someone that ended your friendship? I have, and  it is not something I would want anyone to go through. Even though trials and tests are good for growing us up to be more Christlike, no one wants these 'tests'. Winning an offended 'brother' is most difficult to do and it even says this in Proverbs 18:19. Read it and see.
 
You may be the one who has done this to someone either knowingly or unknowingly. As a Christian, it is not good to harbor ill feelings, resentment, anger, and bitterness in your heart. For sure you will not grow closer to Christ if you are. And when you forgive someone, act like it. If you are on the receiving end of the lack of forgiveness just keep praying and hoping that this individual will feel a touch from the Holy Spirit to allow you back in their life. Learn from your mistakes and move on.
 
 Relationships  here on Earth between family, friends, acquaintances, or husband and wife are meant to be cherished and nurtured. The enemy, Satan, of course loves destroying things and breaking relationships. Do NOT allow this to happen. If there is someone in your life who refuses to forgive you can secretly forgive them in your heart anyway. Believe me, you will feel better. Then let it go.


 
 PRAYER: I love my family and my friends and do not want to do anything to have them not like me. Show me the way Lord and teach me when to move forward and when to back off. Show me how to pray. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Saturday, June 13, 2015

Lonely Epidemic

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? Romans 8:25

As I sat in a local coffee shop writing one day I noticed an elderly gentleman asleep in one of the chairs. I had seen him here before always alone. Maybe he had no one to hang out with or no where to go. He does not look like a bum, just a lonely old man. No one has said anything to him as he snoozes away in a chair. 

I have witnessed things like this in big cities such as Washington, DC where homeless sleep covered by garbage bags on benches or even just lonely looking people sitting on park benches. They are not begging but simply look sad. Some in fact could be mentally ill but we are not sent to judge but to love. My heart always aches but yet how many times have I approached them. Maybe as a lady alone I am cautious. But look around you today and you are bound to see someone who fits into the category or extreme loneliness. 

Do yourself a favor if you want to feel joyful. Find someone you can bring joy to today. Look around you. Maybe pay for the person behind you in line at a drive through. You never know what they are going through. Smile and say hi to a lonely looking person. Visit a nursing home and sign up to be a buddy to someone. Whatever it is shine the love of God to those the world may have forgotten. 

PRAYER: Dear Lord God I am at fault for sometimes seeing a need but not meeting it. Awaken me to the needs of those I come across and make a way for me to share your love. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Friday, June 12, 2015

Friends...True Friends


One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24
Friendships are very important to me. I value every close friendship I have ever made and grieve the loss of those who did not work out. Friends help us grow. They cheer us up. They listen to us. I just can't imagine a world without friends. 
When we rely on Facebook as our source of 'friends' that is not a true and meaningful friendship. I am not saying you don't have 'real' friends on this popular social media site, but how many friends on Facebook locally have you called up to hang out with? Just giving you something to think about. When someone clicks the 'like thumbs up' icon on Facebook do you put tons of weight in that thinking "they like they really like me." (Former Academy Winner Actress Sally Field said something similar after winning her second Oscar in 1984 for 'Places In The Heart.'
The best way to get friends is to be a friend. Don't be a friend only if someone can do something for you. See if there is someone you could do something special for today. Perhaps drop an actual snail mail note, with a stamp, to a friend in a different state or country. Get away from all the wired media and tune in to those friends out there. You will be better for it. 
PRAYER: Thank you so much for my friends of today, yesterday, and those I have not even met yet. Help me to be an awesome friend to those people you have placed in my life. Help me to not wait for someone else to make the first move. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Click link for a song of worship:

Thursday, June 11, 2015

Sit Down Martha!!


As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”"Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42
There may be readers who struggle with this area of just relaxing and being calm and not fretting if a friend drops by. Proverbs 15:17 always struck me in my journey to just relax and it says "Better a small serving of vegetables with love than a fattened calf with hatred." The 'Becky interpretation' was "it is better to rejoice over hot dogs than to try to wear yourself out cooking filet mignon."
Nowadays, sad to say, I do not think in many places people just drop by. If Jesus were to knock on your door would you get all hyper and say "Sit down here Lord while I go cook?" I think not or hope not. The better thing that Mary chose in the opening verses was to sit at Jesus' feet. This made hyperactive Martha a little bent out of shape but Jesus point was just to 'be still'.
Are you able to just 'sit down' and trust God to help you be content and peaceful?
PRAYER: Lord I thank you that you desire peace and stillness not over activity or trying to impress. Help me in any area of life where I struggle with this. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

I Think I Can. I Know I Can!!


But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23
Self control is an important fruit of the spirit to develop in life as well as a 'can do' 'don't quit' attitude. Many of my readers today may be familiar with the children's classic book 'The Little Engine That Could.' The little train engine was huffing and puffing going up a mountain grade all along chanting "I think I can, I think I can". And he could and he did!
Pushing ourselves to achieve something and developing a 'can do' positive attitude is essential for a life with purpose and success. Things such as not giving up on finding a job. Going the extra mile when working out to lose weight. Shooting for a goal such as saving for a vacation or special gift for someone. Attempting to become sober, cease foul language, stop smoking or gambling. Breaking the bad habit of chewing fingernails or chomping chewing gum too loudly. These all require self control in training self to keep plugging away. 
What is it you are trying to accomplish and need an extra dose of self control in order to master and meet your goal. Include God as part of the equation to conquering the giant in your life. You can do it! I know it!
PRAYER: With your help in my life Lord I can indeed do all things. At times I have not had self control and I know this makes my enemy gleeful. Help me to run to you in times of my weaknesses. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

I Am Not Ashamed


For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. Romans 1:16

Ever heard of the 'headache prayer'? That is when you are in a public place and want to pray or feel 'obligated' to pray, and slightly bow your head, one eye open, and kind of hold your head. I am ashamed to say I have done it in the past. Why? What is to be ashamed of? We are either for God or against Him. What is to be so shy or ashamed about? Nothing! 

In another verse in the Bible, Mark 8:38 it says "If anyone is ashamed of me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when He comes in His Father's glory with the Holy angels." Whew. Are you ashamed to publicly declare Jesus is Lord or just in comfortable 'holy huddle' or in church locations? 

Why not start today and not worry about what anyone else is thinking cause it does not matter and you do not know the others around you anyway. Stop and give thanks for your food and who knows, you might actually make others think about doing the same thing.

PRAYER: Forgive me Lord if I have ever acted ashamed of you when I am out and about in the world outside church. Help me to act like a Christian in love with you 24/7. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Monday, June 8, 2015

Are You A Person Pleaser Or A God Pleaser?


On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. 1 Thessalonians 2:4

Each day we have choices to make. We can choose to do the things we do on a daily basis keeping in mind we are doing things for the glory of God, or scratch that, and do things to try to be popular. Kind of like some politicians who only say certain things not out of conviction in their heart but to win the approval of potential voters. 

When your time here on this Earth is up, and it will be one way or the other,  and you stand before God, will you be able to say you were pleasing Him or trying to fit in and be popular? The crowd is not right most of the time. There is a saying "what is right is not always popular and what is popular is not always right". Think on that statement awhile in light of things going on in the world. 

Whose voice do you listen to and who is it you serve? 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I know the best thing in life is to always follow you and not get sucked into the crowd pleasing mentality.  Help me be strong and stand up for what is right and do the right thing. In Jesus' name. Amen.



Sunday, June 7, 2015

Times Change But Not God

"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:32
Does today's world perplex you? Perhaps if you are under 45 it does not, but for those of us who have been around a bit longer, we have seen great immoral slides in these great United States of America. Elections, as we know, do have consequences. There may be many people, even Christians,  who do not see Election Days as important, but they are indeed. The enemy, Satan, has deceived many into believing lies and being desensitized to sin. Things that would have been appalling just a few years ago are now condoned and even legalized by the government, which originally was founded on God's word as a guide. We have drifted far from that.

What do we need to do to regain our moral compass? First, believe God's word and study it faithfully. Do not make God a hobby you do for one hour then forget about being a Christian till the following Sunday rolls around. Next, become entrenched and dedicated to getting closer to God. If you don't want to, then maybe your heart was never right in the first place.Third, pray for the truth to be revealed to those who are believing lies.  Finally, ask God to restore this marvelous country and bring revival in the heart of man.

It is time to rise up and restore this nation to the principles found in God's word. "Each one reach one" was a saying I heard a few years ago. Everyone does his or her part to share God's love and speak the truth in love. Together we can turn back evil and defeat the enemy.

PRAYER: It breaks my heart to see people I know and love get caught up in Satan's lies and the secular worldview instead of a Christian worldview. Protect me Lord from being deceived by the enemy as I know he roams around trying to capture people. Guide me into seeking the truth. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Saturday, June 6, 2015

Pray On And Then Some!!!!


Search me, God, and know my heart, test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me,and lead me in the way everlasting.Psalm 139:23-24

Do you have someone you are praying for? Your prayers could be specific or just general. I feel it is good to learn to personalize our prayers for people. I learned this valuable prayer tool over the past 19 years I have been a part of Moms In Prayer International. For instance on the verse above, say you are praying for a specific issue for a child or friend, insert their name.
Search ____________________God, and know_________________heart, test __________and know _______________anxious thoughts.See if there is any offensive way in ________________and lead _______________in the way everlasting. 

Sort of packs a punch to cry out to God this way. When we are praying for someone else too, and not just ourselves, somehow our own issues become insignificant. I like to occasionally get away and go to a mountain, in my case a nearby Alabama State Park, to have a peaceful place for prayer. It is a good way to focus truly just on the Heavenly Father. If you are able, and it is safe, go somewhere to be alone and pray. I have even heard of a literal 'prayer closet' set aside not for clothes but for prayer and Bible time. A friend of mine who may be reading this has a 'prayer garden' at the side of her home. It too is a peaceful alone spot. Try to put your cell phone away and really be by yourself.

Make an appointment with God each and every day but try to schedule a truly alone DAWG day
(day alone with God) where dedicated time is used to focus on the savior. 

PRAYER: I need you every hour. You alone are mighty. You alone can save. You Lord care about the issues I am praying about more than me. I know you work things out in your time and for your glory and purposes. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Friday, June 5, 2015

Send A Smile Today



A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed. Proverbs 15:13

You may be feeling pretty perky today but not everyone wakes up cheerful. Depending on where you will be today you might be the only chance for someone to receive kindness. 
This kindness can be in a compliment, a smile, paying for person behind you in drive thru, holding a door open at a store for the next person. Little acts of kindness can do a good deal for bringing cheer.

Perhaps you yourself don't feel all that cheerful. Well then smiling is just what you need too. Do something that makes you smile. Maybe even buy a gift card for a friend for no reason. Send a card to someone. You can not help being more alive when you show kindness to others. 

Go out into your little corner of the universe today with a happy face and a good attitude. You will be a better person for it. 

PRAYER: Lord direct my steps today so that I can purposely bring a smile to someone. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Thursday, June 4, 2015

Worry Is A Waste Of Time

Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. Psalm 55:22

There are many things in life that can cause us to worry. You lost your keys. The alarm did not go off and you will miss your flight. Your child just let you know they were quitting college. A terminal illness was diagnosed. Somehow you misplaced your credit or debit card. 

I have news for you if you don't already know. Worry will not change one of those situations and in fact can exasperate it due to the stress it creates. The best anecdote for bad news is to go to the Lord in prayer and ask Him to keep you peaceful. Don't even 'go there' as the saying goes but instead as the verse for today says "cast" or throw your burdens on the Lord. "But I can't help it, I'm a worrier." Nonsense. Break that bad habit right now and purpose in your heart to not allow the devil to weigh you down with cares you can do nothing about. 

Start out each day praising God and you will have little time to fret.

PRAYER: Jesus is the answer to the cares of this world. He wants our burdens. Help me let go of unnecessary stuff dragging me down and free my mind to be peaceful. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Following

And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Matthew 4:19
The term on Twitter is 'following' meaning you have tweeted some person or organization to stay up to date with and get all the latest news. Many can not start their day without checking in on someone's status. Why is this so interesting? It doesn't provide anything beneficial in the long run. 

Are you following Christ? Do you desire to be in His presence daily? Do you want to grow to be more Christlike? Do you give as much time to getting to know Him as you do to getting to know celebrities? I am not asking all these questions to guilt you or judge you but to make you think deep down what really matters in the big scheme of things. When you follow Jesus and get to be more like Him you can't help but want to draw others closer to Him as well. 

Today before you get all caught up with numerous things that don't really matter, stop and give God some quality time. 

PRAYER: I need you daily Lord. Forgive me when I let things of this world become more important than you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Tuesday, June 2, 2015

The Ever Changing Sunset



And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the LORD has spoke. Isaiah 40:5
As I sat in the Tulsa International Airport recently at dusk I watched through the giant plate glass windows the glory of God. About every few minutes the sky was a different color and the clouds had taken on a new shape. God's creation is truly magnificent!
Storms had raged nearly all week and now we were left with a gorgeous sunset!!!

There are many wonders of nature to praise our Creator for. Stop a moment from the hustle and  bustle of life and breathe in God's goodness. Whatever burdens you may be carrying just stop a moment and pray. God truly is good all the time!

Don't harden your heart but instead stop and just listen to the birds. Feel the breeze. See the sunsets. God has made us a wonderful world to enjoy!

PRAYER: I thank Lord for your goodness to me and for the wonders you have created around me. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Click link and worship the Lord in song:
https://youtu.be/46ExcpsmDBc

Monday, June 1, 2015

Discouragement

Cast your burden upon the Lord, and He will sustain you, He will never permit the righteous to be moved. Psalm  55:22
We have all probably felt discouraged.  You have a dream in mind you feel things are not going the right way for it to come to fruition. It is easy to become downcast when we get our eyes off Jesus and onto ourself. When we fail to call out to Jesus for Him to see us through, worry and disillusionment  can set in. Often times I get dispirited on my journey to be published in book form, but try to not stay there and just keep on keeping on.
Being 'cast down' is not from God. Maybe you are looking for a job and doors are shutting right and left. Perhaps you have tried to get accepted into a certain school and failed to make it. You are trying extremely hard to do well on a test but the end up with poor scores. Whatever it is God has had feelings of discouragement too. (Read Hebrews 4:15). Think about Him hanging on a cross or when friends deserted Him or said they did not know Him. 
Your hope is in Christ. He loves you and can see you through anything and help you with any battle you are facing in your life. Just pray to Him, which is simply just talking, no eloquence required. Why not today let Him hear from you and see if you do not feel better?
PRAYER: You are great Lord and greatly to be praised. Help me when I start to feel down to know I need to get my eyes back on you and off my problems. In Jesus' name. Amen.