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.

Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Pick Up A Shovel, Dig A Hole

"It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”Deuteronomy 31:8
My title were words spoken by actor Matt Damon as Benjamin Mee in the 2011 Hollywood movie 'We Bought A Zoo' and I thought it would make a fantastic title. In this scene Damon's character was frustrated with his teenage son played by actor Colin Ford, who was moping around about not liking where they lived and blaming his dad for hating him. Mee's wife had passed away. 
Often times when things do get you down you do sort of need to get hopping and do something to get out of your slump. Move on in other words. Moping never solved anything. Believe me I know. 
Whatever it is you are going through know God has not abandoned you and loves you. Sometimes it is necessary to force yourself to get out, get up, and get going. Once you do eventually you feel better. 
PRAYER: Thank you Lord for seeing me through the good times and the not so good times. I know you love me and I love you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Getting Beyond Hurt Feelings


Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath. James 1:19

All of you reading this have probably been there when it comes to being misunderstood or having your feelings hurt. I know I have in both cases.

When you have been hurt, sometimes as much as you want to vent to someone or the person who hurt you probably unknowingly, sometimes it is best to zip your lip and take it to God.If you verbalize hurt you can destroy a relationship or wound someone else.

Believe me it is hard to not be angry, bitter, jealous, and truly hurt but it is best to get on your knees and talk to God. Ask Him to help you love and forgive the one or ones who hurt you
.
PRAYER: I feel angry and hurt Lord but I know I need to have love in my heart for people even when I feel this way. I know many broken relationships can result from when I don't forgive and forget. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Monday, November 28, 2016

Turning Your Back On God


See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. Colossians 2:8

Do you know anyone close to you who has turned their back on God? By this I mean they were once was 'on fire' for the Lord but now due to whatever influences have entered their lives, are behaving differently and believing lies? If it is your adult child it is very hard to understand. We know evil is out there and Satan loves to snatch the word out of a person's heart.

Don't be fooled because bad company corrupts morals it says in 1 Corinthians 15:33. All you can do is continue to stay in the word and turn off sources of confusion such as the nightly news. Continue praying fervently for yourself and for others in your life. Don't be fooled because the enemy is real and he is waging war to try to get people off the path that leads to Christ.

Stand firm, pray, read the word daily and run from evil. Don't nag those in your life as only the Holy Spirit can bring change.

PRAYER: Lord help me never believe the lies of the enemy. Help me be gentle to those who are being lead astray and help me speak the truth in love. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Sunday, November 27, 2016

Persevere


"I can do all things through him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

What does it mean to persevere? First it means to keep going for your goal regardless of what others say. In the 2016 Hollywood movie based on a true story, 'Eddie the Eagle' , the story of Michael 'Eddie' Edwards the British Ski jumper who was told he could amount to nothing but kept on for his dream to achieve greatness becoming an Olympic ski jumper, against all odds,  then participating in the 1988 Winter Olympic Games in Calgary. Yes he persevered!

You have probably heard of other stories of those who were told they would not amount to anything but went on to achieve great success. This is what it takes in a believers life, to keep 'pressing' on for the prize of our Heavenly kingdom. Don't quit. Focus ahead. Don't listen to nay sayers.

What is it you are hoping to achieve? With the right attitude and keeping your eyes on the prize you can do whatever you set your mind to. Don't be afraid to go for a seemingly impossible dream. A positive attitude goes a long way.

PRAYER: Each day brings with it new challenges. I choose to focus on the positive in order to achieve the things in life I want to do. Guide me and direct me Lord to not quit. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Saturday, November 26, 2016

Sunrise, Sunset, Again and Again



This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

On a recent morning as I drove to the gym to workout, the sun coming up over the horizon was a glorious sight to behold. How could people say there is no God? I just said thank you to God for His creation and placing me in it. 

Each day you wake up probably to the same routine and if you allow yourself to, you could fall into a rut just thinking "Is this all there is" and the answer of course is no. Depression, a sour attitude, griping, complaining, and not being appreciative and  thankful are not fruits of the Spirit. 

Perhaps you are in some sort of struggle right now with health,finances, family, or work and sometimes you just want to throw the towel in so to speak. Press on. God is in all this. He does not create chaos and problems but uses them. Continue to pray and praise Him through your storms of life. Don't let the enemy cause you to fall into a pit of despair. Hang on to Jesus!

PRAYER: Thank you so much for each and every day problems and all. Help me to stand firm and strong knowing this too shall pass. In Jesus' name. Amen.


Friday, November 25, 2016

Be A Somebody!



"You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor." Exodus 20:17

Do you ever find yourself wishing for fame, notoriety, fortune, and worth in this world? This comes because of the way our society puts folks on a pedestal  who seem to have it all. The penthouse, the foreign trips, the starring role, an Ivy League degree, the fancy car, magazine cover recognition , a special job title. My question is what good is all this if the person who has it is not following Jesus? Not saying that folks in those categories don't but it could be easy to become puffed up. 

This life is so very temporary. Seems so many forget that and live for the hear and now. Comparison is a real killer of joy. For one thing God does not want you to be discontent but to be joyful just where you are. If you are blessed by fame and fortune give God the glory. 

Basically we who call ourselves believers are not to fall into the trap of coveting or desiring what someone else has. A friend gave me a sign once that simply said "Be Yourself. Everyone Else Is Taken." What a wise saying and way to live. 

PRAYER: Help me be happy just where I am in life and not be jealous of others or desirous of what they have. Help me to press on to achieve the goals and dreams in my life you have set in my heart. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Thursday, November 24, 2016

32 Days Of Thanks Till Christmas


            Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love          endures forever! 1 Chronicles 16:34

Today in America families gather round to celebrate Thanksgiving. This marks the time also where many are simply counting down the shopping days until Christmas. I say why not make this Thanksgiving a day for thanks  for the next 32 days. A friend gave me this devotion idea. What a novel way to celebrate this season of Christ's birth with being thankful.

So today while you are dining and undoubtedly eating way too much, stop for a moment and think about what you are thankful for. A warm home, running water, clothes, family, friends, good health. Try to maybe write down something each day until Christmas. Maybe you will want to continue even longer.

Three years ago I started a blessing jar and get a new one each year and on a slip of paper at end of day write down one good thing that happened that day. This keeps you focused on good stuff. It is easy to be negative so why not try being grateful not just on Thanksgiving but every single day of the year.

PRAYER: Thanks for the blessings in my life which are many. Christmas is just around the corner but I choose to stay focused not only on this special time but also on the many areas I have to give thanks for. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Why Can't We All Just Get Along??


Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15

Wow the actions of many people after this historic election of a total outsider winning the Presidency of the United States has struck a cord in many people and caused all sorts of emotions. As a writer who tries to do my best to write from my heart not taking any certain sides, one of my readers of November 9 devotion accused me of all sorts of things that were not true, talking down to me, and insulting me in a round about way. It is hurtful but I move on and forgive this person even if they did not ask for forgiveness. 

Why I ask, can't people state opinions without you having to defend yourself so much?
The Lord of Lords, Jesus Christ, is King over all the Earth. Many were concerned with the way this country was headed and spoke out, as they have the right to do, in a most powerful way. It has been very polarizing. What my point is, is to be kind and don't judge people and accuse them of stuff. God is the only judge. Many are saying "Donald Trump is not a Christian" and only God is the judge of that, not us.

So my brothers and sisters, love one another. Stop judging and accusing so much. Maybe turn off the TV and open the word of God and don't get your opinions from the media so much. Be willing to have different opinions without thinking you are right and the other person is wrong. Above all remember our real fight is not against flesh and blood but against He great divider and deceiver, Satan. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I pray that brothers and sisters in Christ can come together regardless of politics and show love and kindness for each other. I pray for people to be able to turn off the news and tune in to the word of God for there is where truth lies. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Christian Response


Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. 1 John 3:18

Here is a scenario for you and  decide how to react. You are at a rental car dealer at a busy major airport in a very crowded line and wait over an hour only to have to agent tell you there is no car for you. A)Argue B)Punch the agent C)Be patient and relaxed. Obviously C is the correct answer. 
How many people would just lose it especially if it was midnight? This is an opportunity to be calm and let Jesus' love shine through you. There are many things in life that can agitate and upset you but the important test of a believers' walk is staying collected through it all. 
Is there an area in your life that needs a bit of tweaking when it comes to staying cool? Pray and ask God to set you free from an angry spirit. 
PRAYER: All around me I hear complaining and whining. Oh Lord, let me be different. Let me stand out in the chaos of life for your glory. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Monday, November 21, 2016

It's That Time Again



For unto us a Child is born,Unto us a Son is given;And the government will be upon His shoulder.And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Every year about this time it is hard for me to believe Christmas is upon us. Where did the year go? In the rush that the world seems to give this season, it is not necessary to fall into the secular trap of being stressed out. 

This year why not choose to do things differently? Don't make this a season of obligations and stress but of joy and remembering why we have Christmas to begin with. It is celebrating the birth of our savior Jesus Christ. The world was forever changed. 

Try to do more for others. Angel tree, Operation Christmas Child, adopt a family, and many other avenues of giving to others exist. The familiar Salvation Army bell ringers and red kettle appear after Thanksgiving so try to be generous. If you have children or grandchildren use this opportunity to not spoil them with material possessions but to talk about a babe in a manger. Don't dread this special time of year but embrace it as a time to celebrate the birth of the king of Kings and Lord of Lords. 

PRAYER: O Holy Night a star was brightly shining. Oh Jesus I am forever grateful for your birth and how you set us free from sin and death. I praise your name not just in December but year round. In Jesus' name. Amen

Sunday, November 20, 2016

The Clock Is Ticking


Lord, what are human beings that you care for them,  mere mortals that you think of them? They are like a breath, their days are like a fleeting shadow. Psalm 144:3-4

From the moment you are born you start to die.  I guess you could say we are all terminal. Each day of life is a gift from God. He wants you to use your days to bring hIm glory and not just always do things for yourself. 

Do you often worry about dying? There is really no need to as long as you have asked Jesus to be Lord of your life. Once you do this your name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life. Life really is just like a mist or vapor. You may feel like your life will go on forever but one day your will draw your last breath. 

2 Corinthians 5:8 speaks of being "absent from the body yet present with the Lord." For atheists, agnostics, and those who feel a ritual they did saved them or a church membership roll, there might be some fear. God does not like seeing any of His children go to Hell but you have a free will to choose or reject Him. What do you choose and how do plan to use your life for Him? 

PRAYER: I thank you Lord that you answer the prayers of those whose heart is right with you. I pray for those people I may know who may not understand how to have eternal life. Help use me to speak the truth in love. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Saturday, November 19, 2016

Deleted! Erased! Forgotten! Rewind!



He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. Psalm 103:12

How many times have you really messed up and just wish you could forget the whole thing ever happened?Sometimes something you have done may have repercussions that follow you through life but the actual thing you did can be forgotten and will be forgotten by God if you truly repented of it. 

Misspoken words which could include gossip, lying, slander, cursing. None of those things please God but if you realize you sinned in those areas and repent He forgives you. There may be those reading who are had abortions, killed someone, cheated in some area, committed adultery, stolen something, slept around, went through a divorce, became pregnant and were unmarried, and many other things which often times are sins of our youth.  None of us are perfect, no one! Don't beat yourself up over something God set you free from. Satan is the one who keeps making you remember something God totally forgave you for. 

Sometimes it is during these hard times and errors in our life that God calls you closer to Him. Be assured if you have truly repented you are forgiven. Now is there someone you personally need to forgive for a hurt they caused you too?

PRAYER: I know my sins are forgiven. You took my sins past, present, and future when you died on the cross. Help me Lord to grow and bloom as a redeemed child of God. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Friday, November 18, 2016

Count Your Blessings...They Are Many


Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah. Psalm 68:19

It  is so very easy to get negative and down. Why just the other day I was down on myself and it was my birthday for crying out loud.

There is no one immune from the attacks from Satan that bring discouragement and a host of other feelings not from heavenly places. If you begin to feel this way, step back, stop, and start praising God for what you do have to be eternally grateful for.

If  you woke up today angry, despairing, forlorn, hurt, or feeling sorry for yourself,  I have an assignment for you. First start the day with prayer. Next open up your Bible and read a Psalm or Proverb. Next get a sheet of paper and start listing your blessings. It won't take you long to realize just how blessed you really are.

PRAYER: Your steadfast love never ceases. Your mercies and blessings are new every single morning. Forgive me when I complain and don't say thank you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Thursday, November 17, 2016

Friends


I thank my God every time I remember you. Philippians 1:3

On my birthday each year  I realize just how fortunate and truly blessed I am as birthday greetings pour in. Gifts as well. I am indeed humbled and thankful. 

You have probably heard the saying "If you want to have friends you have to show yourself friendly" or in other words don't always be waiting for the 'other person' to make the first move or extend the invite. Maybe reach out to someone who looks lonely who may not have a friend. I have done this in the past and as a result have some of my dearest relationships still to this day. 

Do you take the time to develop relationships in your life? You could be missing a tremendous outpouring of love and build a lasting friend as a result. 

PRAYER: I am your friend Lord and I want to extend your love and friendship to those in my world each day. Help me speak up and reach out as I never know when I will make a new lasting friendship. In Jesus' name. Amen.



Sent from my iPad

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Stop Imagining Things That Are Not True


Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
2 Corinthians 10:5


I refer to the enemy allot almost to the point I sometimes remind myself of the late comedian Flip Wilson saying "The devil made me do it" but in fact Satan, aka the devil,  is real and not a laughing matter and evil can seep into your heart if you allow it. Take for instance when you think someone is thinking something they are not and end up saying something and cause a big misunderstanding.

It is necessary to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. When you catch yourself thinking things about something or someone and wondering if they don't like you or are talking about you there is no merit for that. Stop then and there and cast that wrong thinking down and say out loud "Get behind me Satan. You will not cause me to think wrong thoughts." Jumping to conclusions is a dangerous past time and can create much havoc in your life if you don't get it under control of the Holy Spirit.

When a wrong thought crops up counter act it with a positive thought or a scripture. Better yet choose to purposely 'not go there' in the first place and keep your mind on good things that build up.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I know when I have wrong thinking it is not from you. Help me to train my mind with your help to cast away wrong thoughts. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

The Finish Line


Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2
I have enjoyed running some 48 years now. I also like to compete in an occasional 5k. One thing I do is focus ahead on the finish line and not look back. When you look back you get distracted. Keep looking ahead and run hard and with a purpose.
The same is true in life.It is like a race where we have hurdles to jump, obstacles in our path, stuff that slows us down but press on to get to the finish line. The finish line for a believer is Heaven.
My hearts aches and breaks for those who don't believe and just live life like this is it.  If you know anyone like that try to share Christ with them. Pray for opportunities for open doors.
PRAYER: I thank you for moments in life where you may give me chance encounters to speak the truth in love. When this happens give me Holy boldness and take away any fear. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Monday, November 14, 2016

Not JUST A Book!



All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16

You can lead a horse to water but can't make him drink. The same is true of people going to church. You can go and sit in church all day but until the Holy Spirit comes into your heart you basically aren't going to have any desire to really really get closer to God. How does that happen? Reading and studying His word,The Bible.

Even after you fall in love with Jesus and want to live for Him, the enemy may come and try to snatch God's word out of your heart by lies and trickery. You will maybe get too busy to sit down and spend quality time with God. Everything else is more important. Does that sound like you at all? I know I can easily be distracted and then rush out the door without hardly a decent quiet time.

So what plan do you have for making certain time alone with God never gets forgotten and is on your daily agenda?

PRAYER: I need you it life. I need the word of God in my heart. I will not allow Satan to distract me and will insure I give you first place and don't just say it. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Sunday, November 13, 2016

Pleasing God


So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. 2 Corinthians 5:9
As a writer of Christian devotions I try to listen to the Holy Spirit and write the truth in love. I try to not judge or condemn but share hope and joy with others. In this I seek prayer from those also on this Christian writing journey. I pray for God to use what I write in someone's life the day it goes out over the internet. 
Each day all around you there are hurting people. They might not be the obvious ones in a homeless shelter, nursing home,  or on a street corner but those you see every day at work or play. Pray for God to give you just the right words to say to someone or even know what to do in a material way if necessary.
In God's word it even says in Hebrews 13:2 "Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it." You just never know. Reach out and be kind to someone. 
PRAYER: Lord use me to spread love and joy to those around me who may be going through a difficult time. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Saturday, November 12, 2016

Lift Up Your Head


Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Psalm 43:5
I have heard of Bible teachers who use their own experiences to do their teaching. I am no different. Often others profit from things others go through that are similar. You today may be facing something tough and discouraging and it is so hard to get focused on something else. 
When you focus on issues of life that are dragging you down it is hard to be cheerful. The enemy can capitalize on these discouragements. You have to make a conscience effort to stay focused on 'things above' and the blessings in life. Negativity can happen so easily. 
Whatever it is my friend stop now and count your blessings not the bad junk in life. Make a list of good things to praise God for. Turn your eyes upon Jesus and give Him your burdens. 
PRAYER: I have so much to be thankful for and should have no time for being down or throwing a pity party. Forgive me Lord for times I get like this. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Friday, November 11, 2016

Home Of The Free!


He said: "Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's. 2 Chronicles 20:15

Those of your reading from other nations, there are a few, bear with me as I talk about a US Holiday to honor those men and women who have served in the Armed forces at any time, not just in war time. This is about sacrifice and honor for those brave souls who took the oath to protect the United States from enemies both foreign and domestic. When that oath was taken there is no guarantee the individual will not serve on a battlefield or in a dangerous area. You can't just quit.

When a soldier goes into battle he needs to be equipped with protective gear to keep him from bullets, gas, and projectiles. If not having the proper equipment the results could be dire.

On the battlefield of life we are fighting Satanic forces who wish to destroy us and shut us up. We are to wear the armor of God basically be armed with the word of God. And as today's verse reminds us the battle is not ours but God's. So as we honor those who served our nation today let us remember we are all soldiers in God's Army.

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for freedom. Forces of evil always try to take it from us. Thanks for the Bible to help me fight the spiritual battles. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Thursday, November 10, 2016

Spot Free


For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 1 Peter 1:18-19

When a person begins to age, all of a sudden these spots sort of just appear overnight on your arms, legs, face, hands, chest. I say "Hey how did this happen". Beauty companies do a whopping amount of business on women trying to be spot free. Who wants to look old right?

Anyway age spots are a part of the maturation process. There may be those people who don't get as many. They are nothing to freak out about. Another type of being spot-free is the spotless lamb of God, Jesus, who took away the sins of the world. He is perfect without blemish. He sacrificed His life on the cross so we might have life. He took the weight of your sin and mine, past, present, and future.

Part of being spot free is trying to lead a Holy and blameless life. We know only Jesus was without sin even though tempted, but we who follow after Him are to try to walk as He walked and to keep ourselves pure unstained from the world around us.

PRAYER: Each day as I awake help me to use the best spot lifter ever and that is the word of God. I know when I strengthen myself with scripture I am better able to cope with situations that come my way. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

Time To Be The 'United' States!



Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice. Proverbs 24:17

This Presidential election season has been anything but peaceful. It was proven that paid operatives were disrupting Trump rallies to try to make him look bad. Family members disagree on things. Friends are at odds and even those of a certain race were made to think because of the color of their skin they were to vote a certain way trumping anything Christian. The enemy has deceived so many people. Our choices were clear. Socialism or Freedom. 

Now that it is over don't go running around gloating. We are Americans and are supposed to be united. These past 8 years, I am sad to say, that our President has tried to divide us and make us go at each other instead of fighting the real enemy trying to destroy our country, ISIS and fulfilling his most important duty that being defending the US from enemies both foreign and domestic. 

God has given us another chance. We cried out to Him and He listened. But now we must not just go back to sleep. Wake up and be kind to those who may oppose you. America is a young country, unique in what it stands for and naturally when an enemy from within tried to infiltrate we almost collapsed. It is time to rise up and stay on your knees in prayer. The thing to remember is to not put your hope in a man or a political party but in the Almighty who reigns on high. Sometimes He allows evil in order to rebuke us, in my own opinion. Freedom indeed is not free. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus we cried out to you and you heard us. Lord Jesus let the truth be proclaimed from the mountaintops and rooftops. You are Lord! In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Tuesday, November 8, 2016

What Do You Need To Let Go Of?


Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one
thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what liesahead, Philippians 3:13
There are many issues in life that can pop up in our mind periodically and
make you crazy if you keep thinking about them. I am sure many of you have
had to discipline your thinking to let certain things or people go. It is
hard but can be done. Your enemy of course is Satan and he loves to keep
believers distracted and confused.

You can plan today to start forming a new habit and that is controlling
what you think about. Yes it is in fact possible. Cast down wrong thoughts
it says in 2 Corinthians 10:5 where it says to capture all thoughts to the
obedience of Christ. When your mind is filled with the things of Christ you
automatically can gravitate to thinking good things but if you have not
stored up scriptures in your heart it is difficult to pull them out of thin
air.

You live in this world but are not to be of the world. Turn off the news as
it puts bad thoughts in your head. Don't read certain magazines that try to
make you become a Diva or celebrity addict. Give the television a rest too.
I am sure you can think of ways to structure your day that help you let go
of the past and wrong habits or thinking. Give it a try.

PRAYER: I love your word Lord. I know the enemy would try to get me to not
sit down with my Bible daily for when I do I have peace and am able to face
my day. I choose to make my schedule where you come first. In Jesus' name.
Amen.

Monday, November 7, 2016

Fear Man?


The LORD is for me, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me? Psalm 118:6
Americans have been blessed for over 200 years now to live in a fairly democratic peaceful country mostly free from tyranny and danger until the past few years. It is evident when a nation forgets God what can happen, yet as the verse above says we are not to fear man. Some versions say 'puny man'.
Our system of government was written using God's word, the Bible. We were, and still are, a unique nation where because we honored God we flourished. The problem has been that sometimes when something is really good you become complacent and take it for granted. When people did this in the US and let their guard down, evil swooped in. A little bit here and a little bit there. No longer was it just offshore but landed right here amongst us and some even made it into Washington, DC.
It is time for all people to take democracy and freedom seriously. Don't stay home on Election Day. Too much is at stake. Pray for America to wake up and return to it's moral God fearing roots. We can be the shining city on a hill again if we truly are serious about saving America.
PRAYER: Thank you for freedom Lord. Some may be reading this from countries who do not enjoy freedom. Thank you for the ability we have to go where we want, when we want, and pursue dreams. I am not ignorant of Satan's devices and I choose to speak up against evil when I see it. In Jesus' name. Amen.
PS....Go Vote Tomorrow!
click link for a song of worship:
My second church project for July 4th; This video simply explains why we need God in America Again!

Sunday, November 6, 2016

Anxious? Don't Be!



And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

In just a few days Americans will go to the polls and cast their votes for President, Senators, and Congress. We are at a crossroads in America and it makes many believers nervous and fearful. Please don't be. By all means, be on your knees in fervent prayer. Don't take this responsibility lightly. Statistics showed that in the last presidential election 25 million voters who identified as evangelical did not vote. 

God is the ultimate authority no matter who gets in office but Christians need to get serious about their responsibility to bring America back to God. Because many did nothing we are where we are today. Marriage, which is the cornerstone of society,  has been turned into a mockery. God will not be mocked. 

You live in the world but are not to be of the world. Every believer has a responsibility to speak up for righteousness and to speak the truth in love. 

PRAYER: It is so very easy to get sucked into the modern culture and start believing it's lies. God's word has never changed. At times I have been led to believe lies. I choose to do my part to turn this nation back to God. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Saturday, November 5, 2016

Peace Be With You


You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Isaiah 26:3

We are living in chaotic times. People seem to be hoping for a quick fix after the election if the right person wins. Unfortunately we have ignored God's warnings so we may be in for judgment too. Regardless, God is omnipotent and isn't going anywhere. He wants His people to love Him, serve Him, love people, and obey His word. 

What causes you to lose peace? Fear of a dictatorship.  Financial trouble. Loss of insurance coverage. Loss of a job. Sickness. Family problems. Wayward children. Fear of bad weather. Maybe you can add some I have not listed. Peace isn't something automatic. You need to decide to not be fearful and rattled.  If you say "Well I'm just a worrier" just stop worrying. Worry won't change a situation so you are wasting energy all wrought up. 

Try today to make up your mind that you know God cares about even the sparrows so why wouldn't he handle your problem. Don't just go crying to Him in troubled times but  prepare your heart daily to fellowship with Him. Get up and start each day with at least a Psalm perhaps corresponding to what day it is. Don't let Satan rattle you. Just tell him to get off your back because you are a child of God.  

PRAYER: Lord you are good and you want me to trust you. It is so easy to fear and fear is from the pit of hell. I choose peace and trust. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Friday, November 4, 2016

Pain..Real People, Real Problems


Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
In writing devotions each day my attempt is to get my readers into the Bible and off their problems. I realize there are some major issues facing many people and it is not all one happy go lucky world out there. Real pain, real people, real hurt. You may be one of those with real painful issues you are in the midst of.
It is such a pat answer that often angers people to say "God cares" and go on about your day. But He does care. Caving in and getting mad at God only gives more ammunition to your enemy Satan. He wants you to totally give up on this thing we call life. Life is worth living so don't be led down a doomsday path by the great deceiver. 
As the saying goes "Buck up little cowboy." Hang on. The ride may be bumpy but it won't last forever. Fasten your seat belts and get ready for God to carry you through. 
PRAYER: As I start each day I realize many smiling faces might be masking hurt, pain, and major issues in their lives. Sometimes I get overwhelmed by stuff too. I am trying to lean on you and trust you Lord. I know there is light at the end of the tunnel. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Click link below and take a moment to listen and reflect on the words of this song:
Forever - Kari Jobe The moon and stars they wept The morning sun was dead The Savior of the world was fallen His body on the cross His blood poured out for u...

Thursday, November 3, 2016

Spot Free


For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 1 Peter 1:18-19

When a person begins to age, all of a sudden these spots sort of just appear overnight on your arms, legs, face, hands, chest. I say "Hey how did this happen". Beauty companies do a whopping amount of business on women trying to be spot free. Who wants to look old right?

Anyway age spots are a part of the maturation process. There may be those people who don't get as many. They are nothing to freak out about. Another type of being spot-free is the spotless lamb of God, Jesus, who took away the sins of the world. He is perfect without blemish. He sacrificed His life on the cross so we might have life. He took the weight of your sin and mine, past, present, and future.

Part of being spot free is trying to lead a Holy and blameless life. We know only Jesus was without sin even though tempted, but we who follow after Him are to try to walk as He walked and to keep ourselves pure unstained from the world around us.

 PRAYER: Each day as I awake help me to use the best spot lifter ever and that is the word of God. I know when I strengthen myself with scripture I am better able to cope with situations that come my way. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

Spiritual Warfare Is Real



For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the throwing down of strongholds. 2 Corinthians 10:4

We are in a battle of good versus evil, God and the devil. Make no mistake, our real enemy is not a human but it is Satan working through some people to aggravate you and intimidate. The thief, Satan, comes to kill, steal, and destroy it says in John 10:10. 

This wonderful United States of America which I and maybe you if reading this from America, are blessed to live in, is under immense attack by spiritual forces trying to destroy what we were founded upon, the Bible. It has been subtle and building for years now. Satan spreads his lies and deceit and many fall for his tricks hook, line, and sinker. 

Don't be led astray by the demonic forces trying to tear you or this country apart. Stand strong and stay in the word of God and in prayer. No weapon formed against us shall prosper it says in Isaiah 54:17. Believe it and stand strong. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus help me always stand up for the truth. Protect me from being led astray by the lies of the devil. I choose to guard my heart so it is attuned to you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Mind Your Mind



 For, "Who can know the LORD's thoughts? Who knows enough to teach him?" But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:16

Do you realize how important it is to be careful what you allow to enter your mind? Let's say you make it a habit to go to movies that constantly say the F word like it is no big deal. You could easily start doing it yourself or being desensitized to the fact it is a cuss word not just slang. Or you feed your mind on sex scenes and violence in TV or movies. Once again soon you begin to see nothing wrong with this. I am the first to say I have been guilty of sitting through a movie that Jesus would certainly not like to see. 

If you are a follower of Christ, that little voice inside of you should sort of speak to you when you are places you should not be or watching or reading things that compromise your Christian values. If invited to a movie that you think may be a little racy,  just politely decline without getting holier than thou. 

No one is perfect. We all mess up, but as a believer it is important to try to develop the mind of Christ and keep you your mind on things that are edifying and lift up not tear down.  Satan loves to mess with our minds. A mind set on the flesh is fleshly but a mind set on the Spirit brings life and hope. Which do you choose? A mind is a terrible thing to waste. 

PRAYER: I know how important it is to keep good healthy thoughts in my mind. I know how important it is Lord to focus on your word and things 'above'. Give me strength to do the right thing when the world is tugging on me to go the other way. In Jesus' name. Amen.