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, February 28, 2018

Oh Hush Up Mouth!


Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. James 3:5

Indeed no man or woman can tame the tongue. It is full of deadly poison that is why it is so critical to attempt to get it under control. How many fights have begun due to misspoken or misunderstood words? Better yet, blurting out  words you did not intend to say. Whoops, too late. Oh my goodness, help me Jesus is all I can say.

There are so many verses in scripture pertaining to words and speaking. I will list just a few here:
Matthew 12:37 For  by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."
James 1:19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,
Proverbs 18:21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
I challenge you to do your own search of the scriptures to find many more verses on  the power of words. There are over 100. If only you could reign in this little hole in your face to only say good things and not feel like you have to add your two cents every time. So many misunderstandings could be eliminated. So many family squabbles would be history. Many marriages would be saved. Also get a handle on your social media ‘words’ as well and try to be kind and gentle and avoid the unfriend monster. Now you have your challenge ahead of you so go spread kindness with your words. 

PRAYER: Thank you for the gift of being able to talk. Thank you for the creation of the tongue where I can speak,shout,sing,taste food. It is quite a miracle but give me the ability to not hurt others with it. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Tuesday, February 27, 2018

Unsubscribing


He says, "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10

I just went through the process of ‘unsubscribing’ from unnecessary electronic junk mail and even some worthy emails. After a while it seems it takes forever to wade through the unnecessary to get to what you really need to see. Your life can get like your inbox too if you don’t keep it in check.

Too many club meetings. Too much volunteering and saying yes to every thing worthy. Too many sports and club activities for children. Too much unorganized clutter to deal with at home. You have to ask yourself if you are allowing so much seemingly good stuff in your life you are not having time to be still and hear God’s voice. Even the hours there are no calendar items, you may have your TV blaring or computer on and once again no stillness. You have to make a choice. If you enjoy this chaos then more power to you bit when is enough activity and busyness enough? Do you desire to be still and have less going on in your life? 

Today step back and take inventory of your daily schedule and that of your children. Is it doing you more harm than good. Really think and pray about this and then maybe make some much needed adjustments and do some ‘unsubscribing’. 

PRAYER:I love you Lord and I love being able to simply be still. The enemy is the master distractor trying to keep me on a treadmill that often leaves you far away. I plan to change things and I need your help. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Monday, February 26, 2018

Go For The Gold!


Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, Colossians 3:23
The 2018 Winter Olympics are now in the history books. They are my favorite as I am a big fan of winter sports. The years of preparation, discipline, sacrifice, money spent adds up to either the ‘thrill of victory’ or ‘the agony of defeat’ borrowing this from the former TV show ‘Wide World Of Sports. The ultimate prize is that coveted Gold Medal although, any spot on podium is good. 

In life are you going for the gold? By this I mean are you striving for excellence in all areas of your life? Not necessarily trying to attain riches but to be an excellent example wherever you happen to be in life. Do you ‘go for the gold’ in your job? If that job is at home are you striving for excellence as a mom and homemaker? When you are in college are you giving it your best? Don’t give up, press on, and know you can do all things with Christ strengthening you(See Philippians 4:13) and do them in a worthy manner. 

Challenge yourself to not be a quitter and call on God to see you through the tasks ahead of you. Ask Him to give you what it takes to finish strong and represent Him well. 

PRAYER: I love being able to shine for Christ no matter where I am. There may be times I have slipped up and done less than stellar but you give me grace Lord and help me as I pick myself back up and charge on. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Sunday, February 25, 2018

God’s Way IS The Highway


Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

You have probably heard the phrase “it is my way or the highway” meaning just what it says, agree or leave in a rude sort of way. Well I am here to say that when it comes to God,  HIS way IS the highway. He is the pathway to eternal life, your ‘yellow brick road’ of sorts. 

Also another way to look at this phrase is we as believers should be taking the ‘high road’ in situations and not an ‘in your face’ unloving hateful mode of operating. The ‘high’ way leads to love, joy, kindness, peace, and even repentance. The ‘low road’ shoves their way and their opinions in other faces and tries to make a point. The enemy loves when we get this way as it sure will never win over anyone and seeks to drive them further away. 

So what is your choice today? Love, kindness, respect, or ruining your witness by shoving unkind Facebook posts in people’s faces or trying to make your point. The High Way is His way. Try it today. 

PRAYER: There have been times when I slipped up and took the low road instead of staying high and lifted up and on the path you desire me to follow. Help me let the Holy Spirit do His work and for me to keep on the High Way. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Saturday, February 24, 2018

Aargh!!



So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves. Galatians 5:16

Does this word above ever describe how you feel in some situations? It is quite human at times to get aggravated and exasperated but when you are attempting to live a spirit filled life you need to get a grip on things of the flesh that could cause you to explode. Step back, breathe, pray. Repeat. 

I often urge my friends to take a DAWG day which means a ‘day alone with God’ and step back and regroup spiritually.  You have to schedule it or it will not happen. Granted, moms with babies and small children may have a difficult time having this time alone. Perhaps while the baby is asleep have you time alone.  

Whatever is bothering you today and making you want to scream, try to sit quietly before the Lord and rejoice in His goodness and the things He has done for you. Let go of any anger, bitterness, and junk from the past. Ask God to help you get healed of a wounded spirit. Continue to press on to the joys that lie ahead. 

PRAYER: I want to be a shining light on a hill for you Lord. There are times things push my buttons and I start to regress into my old nature. Help me break strongholds that do this to me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Friday, February 23, 2018

Whew!


Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.–Proverbs 16:32

All of you probably have days where you say to yourself, I need to schedule a little less and sit and relax a little more whether it is every day life or vacations. When you rush around you can do stupid things like lose credit cards, break your cell phone, misplace a file, drop cash out of your pockets, fall down and worse case scenario is forgetting your baby or toddler is in a car seat in the back seat of your car. Now that is a real red alert. Slow down! 

So what makes people rush and try to do an abnormal amount of activity? When you do work, play, or stay home take time to breathe, sit still, and be realistic about stuff. Think first and foremost.  Force yourself to get organized. Lead an orderly and disciplined life and bring glory to God. When challenges present themselves stay cool. 

It is necessary to above all think. Next be still. Get organized. Don’t let rushing everywhere wreak havoc in your life. Being still is a good thing. Try it sometime. 

PRAYER: When I lose things I get mad at myself but I know part of it is rushing and not thinking. Help me to be still more and be alert. I choose a life of peace. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Thursday, February 22, 2018

Slow Service...Be Kind Anyway


Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness,forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?
Romans 2:4 

Ever feel like you are being tested as a believer to put your faith into action?
Take slow service for instance. It may be a pain in the neck to be polite when you feel forgotten by a waiter or another service person, but hang in there.

So many tests come our way. Kindness to a beggar whether legit or not. Being polite when others are rude. Ignoring a driver who cuts you off. Once I heard you could be righteously indignant but what does that really mean? 

As you go on life’s journey each day new challenges comes your way. Are you going to be able to smile for Jesus in each of them? 

PRAYER: I need your help daily Lord as I face tough situations which may make me want to scream or curse. I know you want me to demonstrate kindness and love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Your Net Worth? Priceless!


For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession. Deuteronomy 7:6

I am a movie buff and sometimes after seeing a movie I might look up info on the actor or actress. Even though I could  care less, usually their bio contains their net worth,  which in most cases is pretty hefty. 

You know what? You may not have a net worth of millions of dollars but your worth to God is much greater. You are a priceless treasure. You are bought with a price. By earthly standards sometimes you may feel little or unimportant. God is not looking at your earthly treasure and fame. He isn’t see struck by celebrity or titles. He wants to use you for his purposes. Earthly wealth may come and if it does He expects you to be a good steward of it. 

You are worth much much more than gold. Don’t strive for earthly treasure as it doesn’t last but seek to be more like Jesus in all you do. Each day get up and say “I am a treasure to God”! 

PRAYER:Lord God I thank you that it isn’t my monetary value that matters but the condition of my heart and soul. I know I am of great value to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Tuesday, February 20, 2018

Laughter Indeed Is Best Medicine


A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22

I was sitting at O'Hare International Airport recently getting ready to board a flight when a funny text came through from a friend and I couldn’t help but truly Laugh Out Loud(LOL). Others around me probably thought I had a medical problem. Thinking of it now as I write makes me crack up.

Isn’t laughter wonderful? Sometimes you don’t feel like laughing but if you can get a good belly laugh every now and then it truly helps. I often times like to read funny, but clean, greeting cards to laugh. I love sending funny cards to people. Everyone could use a good hardy har har every now and then. Laughter is a great healer for the soul. Look at Patch Adams, MD portrayed by actor Robin Williams in the 1998 film ‘Patch Adams’ where he used humor to help heal.

Do you need lifted up from a pit of despair? Try laughing out loud truly. Do you know someone who needs to be cheered up then send them a funny card. Bad stuff happens but eventually smiles have to return. Go laugh now!

 PRAYER: I am thankful for friends who make me laugh and am grateful I can ring cheer to others as well. Help me never stop being joyful. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Monday, February 19, 2018

Be Yourself, Everyone Else Is Taken



Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2

I have sign prominently displayed on a wall at home given to me by a sweet long time friend that says the same thing as today’s title. She knows me all too well and I have to look at this sign periodically to remind myself. (Thanks Henny!) Maybe you have issues with this as well.

The ‘world’ may try to squeeze you into a mold. Why do you have to carry a designer purse, be in a certain club, wear a particular brand of shoes or jeans, have manicured nails or multiple ear piercings. Maybe this issue is more pertinent in a woman’s life than that of men but never the less I know it is a huge issue in a teenage girls’ life. Adult woman can deal with it to. Don’t be comparing yourself to others. 

Be content with who God made you to be and stand up tall with your shoulders back. Stay humble, stay pure, stay engaged in life. Don’t weary yourself over being somebody you are not. Enjoy life and thank Jesus daily. 

PRAYER: I am thankful for who you made me to be and ask that you help me not wish I was someone else. I give thanks for the blessings in my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Sunday, February 18, 2018

All In Favor Of Love Say Amen!



And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Let all the people say Amen. Amen to peace, harmony, genuine love, truth, forgiveness, racial harmony, stable homes, unselfishness, humility, grace, healing, positive attitudes, and so much more.

Are you able to stay positive when negativity is swirling around you? When friends betray you can you remain joyful? How about if you have had a spouse walk out on you? Maybe you thought your job was stable then the carpet of security is yanked from beneath you with no warning. Can you still give thanks and say amen!

Sometimes it is hard to stay joyful through things but God has not abandoned you even when you think he has. Press on. Keep looking up. Don’t let go of the rope and God can and will get you saying Amen again.

PRAYER: I know scripture tells us to give thanks in every situation but sometimes it is difficult. I will continue use to look for the silver lining in a dark cloud. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Saturday, February 17, 2018

Ambassador At Large


We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:20

In the title above delete ‘At Large’ and add your last name and imagine what it would be like to be your countries Ambassador to a foreign land because as a believer that is what your job is here on Earth. You are a representative of Christ and you are to represent Jesus in a good manner. 

Imagine the responsibility to do everything properly and in order so as not to embarrass your nation. You would be on your best behavior and consult necessary authorities in order to do your job correctly. 

As an ambassador for Christ your training manual is the Holy Bible. If you just let it gather dust it does not do much good. If you let a minister spoon feed you it still doesn't do  much good. Daily you need to spend time alone so you will be a good ambassador for others here on Earth who are lost. Are you doing a good job? 

PRAYER: Father help me as I do my job daily to represent you. Help me show kindness, love, and forgiveness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Friday, February 16, 2018

Not Recognized By Bumper Sticker


Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. Philippians 3:17

You are either for or against bumper stickers. Some are funny, some are hateful, some are in your face. No matter where you stand, something to think about as a believer is if you displays bumper stickers about Jesus just remember that does not mean it is your automatic admission to Heaven as your Christian witness goes far beyond the decal on your car or necklace around your neck. Does your life reflect that message of Christ you are displaying? 

So you speed and say “well Christians aren’t perfect just forgiven” and speed on. You pray at a local restaurant then rob the wait staff of a good tip, a Christian tract should be sufficient. You pull into church parking lot embroiled in an argument with your family  then say “praise the Lord” when you enter the sanctuary. The fact is we all mess up and we all have been broken at one time or another. 

Don’t judge another when you see them mess up and forgive yourself when you do. Just trying to give everyone  some food for thought today is all.  



PRAYER: Lord my life is a witness to others wherever I go. Help me to remember as I go about my day to be a good representative of your kingdom in words, actions, and deeds. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Thursday, February 15, 2018

Active Ingredients


The  fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the LORD are firm, and all of them are righteous. They  are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. Psalm 19:9-10

I am one of these people who reads ingredients on food and drug labels. I want to see the sugar and fat content before consuming it mindlessly. Pertaining to medications I want to know what the active ingredients and side effects are. It is very important to know what you put into your body, which is God’s temple,  but even more critical is what you put into your inner man, your spirit. 

Some of the key ingredients in your walk with the Lord should be prayer, Bible reading, Bible study, quiet times, attending a dynamic church regularly, tithing, loving others, communion, and wanting to serve others more than yourself. Perhaps you can add to this list. Your walk with the Lord is one of the most important parts of each day. It. Should not be in a legalistic fashion but you should desire it. 

There are those who may not have their heart sold out to Jesus and that is done by The Holy Spirit coming in and changing them and giving them that desire. If that describes you or a loved one ask God to put the desire for His active ingredients in you today. 

PRAYER: Lord God I want all of you in my life and in every area of my life. I don’t want to put you just in a Sunday box but want you to saturate my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.



Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Do The Unexpected


We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19
Welcome to National Hallmark Card, Zales Jewelry, and  1800FLOWERS Day. As my younger son used to call it ‘Singles Awareness Day’. If married you should be kind and serve your spouse every day not just on this day of designated, mandatory, manmade love. Do the unexpected and make your other half drop over from sheer shock. 

Suggestions men: do the dishes, clean the toilet, vacuum the carpet, mop the floor, change the beds, do laundry, buy flowers for no reason, go to dinner for no reason and get a babysitter. For ladies: wash his truck, organize his closet, make his favorite supper, surprise him with tickets to Monster Truck rally and take ear plugs. It is time you love when love is not expected. Love because Jesus’ loved. It does not always have to be glamorous or romantic. Love can be sheer service to another.  

So on this ‘day of love’ what can you do to show love to those around you?

PRAYER: Love truly does lift us higher than we have gone before. Whenever I feel angry or upset help me cast down that thinking and choose to love regardless. May no unkind thoughts enter my head or unkind words be released from my lips. In Jesus’ name. Amen.





Tuesday, February 13, 2018

Hearing Impairment Is A Bummer


I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint. The the LORD replied: "Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. Habakkuk 2:1-2
For several years now I have had issues with my hearing. Some close to me say I have a selective hearing loss but I do in fact have a very high frequency loss and also low frequency. Only in between do I hear properly. On top of that I have severe ringing in my ears so it can become a struggle to understand others at times even wearing my hearing aids I got through VA. 
Hearing loss is bad but it is worse to have spiritual hearing loss where you may be ignoring the voice of the Lord and Holy Spirit. God speaks but do you listen? Do you ignore His still small voice? He speaks to you through His word, the Bible, if only it is picked up and read. I have had specific issues going on in life and literally a verse jumped right out at me. For instance in Army training I opened my Bible to Psalm 18:29 which says “For by You I can crush a troop, And by my God I can leap over a wall.” Talk about timing. 
Do you think you never hear from God? Try opening up your Bible and just start reading and see if things don’t change. 
PRAYER: Lord I love how your word speaks to me. Help me be still and listen to your still small voice. When I turn off noise around me I am more likely to hear. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Monday, February 12, 2018

Staying Cool When Your Car Door Gets Dinged


Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all. 2 Thessalonians 3:16

It is so very exasperating to come out to a parking lot after shopping, a movie, or staying overnight at a hotel and a car next to you has dinged your car door so hard it left a dent and took paint off. This is a moment in time you have to choose the appropriate reaction. Of course it is terribly upsetting and could have been an accident by the person who did it, but still it makes you nuts if you let it. 

The response you choose shows a little bit of where you are in asking God to help you control your emotions. In the case of a door ding no one is around and even if they were you need to stay cool. 

It is bound to happen to you some time and maybe before it does is a good time to decide the appropriate response. Stay cool. Let it go. Get it fixed if you need to. Move on. Ok now go enjoy your day. 

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for the earthly possessions you have blessed me with. When something gets damaged help me to learn how to respond in a godly fashion. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Sunday, February 11, 2018

Mouth Control


You have been trapped by what you said,
 ensnared by the words of your mouth.Proverbs 6:2

I am not sure how many people suffer what some like to call ‘foot and mouth disease’ where words just come out of your mouth or onto your computer keypad in an email that were not well thought out prior to speaking or hitting the ‘send’ button. Poof, it’s too late,  the damage is done, now to enter the mode of damage control. It could happen between friends or family , at work, but whatever the case it is embarrassing and can create a host of problems in its’ wake. 
A friend of mine always tells me to do the 24 hour rule or when you feel compelled to say something think about it first long and hard and give yourself a waiting period, say 24 hours. A lot of pain, hassles, and lost sleep could be prevented if only you were to think before speaking or emailing something you did not mean to say in the first place. Why is it so necessary to wait? Because your emotions could rule what you are about to say and if you ponder it for a while the outcome may be different. 

Today’s verse says it all! Ensnarement does indeed occur by what words we choose to speak so be thinking more than you speak and you could avoid hurt and pain. Just saying. 

PRAYER: Lord words are so easy to say but much more difficult to rescind. I have had my share of uttering stuff I wish I had not. Help me have self control and be patient before speaking or sending an email. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Saturday, February 10, 2018

Where Is Your Dwelling Place?

Whoever  dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1
Think about that question for a moment. Where, in fact, do you ‘dwell’? You may answer your home, or wherever you hang out most. But for the purpose of this writing my question to you is, “do you dwell in the shadow of the Almighty?”

What does it mean to dwell anyway? I would say are you in His presence daily and desire to be? Do you make it a habit to live for Jesus and cast your concerns and burdens upon Him? If you go on to read the entire Chapter 91 which many use as a safety prayer of sorts you will see that God indeed should be the one who is your dwelling place. Sure you ‘dwell’ in an Earthly home built by man, but indeed if you are a Christian your ultimate dwelling is under the shadow of ‘God’s wings’ where in other words He ‘has’ you if you let Him have you. 

So does that sort of make you think where in fact you do dwell? Do you stay under His wings or get out with no concern of where you ‘dwell’? Let Him be your dwelling place from now on. 

PRAYER: Father in Heaven I know if I stay under your wings you are my protection from the storms of life. I choose to do this. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Friday, February 9, 2018

Don’t Need A Tee Shirt Or Trophy


Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Matthew 6:20

We Earthlings are a funny sort. Why is it necessary to get trophies, tee shirts, pay raises, promotions, a special parking space, a big office, or a gold watch to feel accepted and important? Shouldn’t God be enough? Sure worldly perks make a person feel worthy and sometimes breed egotism and haughtiness, but a person’s real value is not on Wall Street, in a high rise office building, or in their checking account. Your value is from God. 

Why can’t a person feel content? Jealously of others is wrong as well as feeling better than others if you have worldly wealth and a fancy job title. Every person has value to the Lord. Many people work hard to achieve excellence and there is nothing wrong with that just make sure if you are in that category to not forget it was the Lord who helped you achieve this worldly greatness and be sure to give Him the glory. 

So do you feel like you need a pat on the back every time you achieve or feel hurt when you go unrecognized? Just remember it is the Lord who is working through you and helping you so give Him the glory. Skip the trophy, but if it comes praise God for it. 

PRAYER: You help men and women achieve human greatness but in this greatness help us not forget you. Satan would love to get me puffed up so help me stay humble and not compare myself to others. In your name. Amen. 


Thursday, February 8, 2018

Cavities


Abstain from every form of evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:22
You probably know what it is like to have cavities in your teeth or maybe you are one of the blessed ones who has never had to have dental fillings. Anyway junk gets in the crevices of teeth and if not cleaned properly and in a timely manner can create painful little holes in your teeth. Eventually you could even end up with dentures. 
Are there cavities in your spiritual life? Are there areas that need attention but you are too busy with life to sit still and pray? If not dealt with expeditiously these little problems could become giant ones! Little problems become unbearable without the Lord and HolySpirit helping you. Under your own power you are helpless to gain freedom. 
Do you need to root out a sin cavity in your life? Turn to Jesus and ask Him to ‘fill’ you with his love, joy, peace, and be like Him in all you say and do. 
PRAYER: I need to give care to my ‘walk’ with you Lord so I don’t get ‘spiritual cavities’ which could allow the enemy to scheme and try to control me. Help me as I seek to do this Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.



Wednesday, February 7, 2018

Shush Little Mouth


“But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:36-37
Is it just me or does anyone else have trouble with mouth control? By this I mean thinking before speaking. Words can get you into so much trouble if not thought out or done in haste. Different personalities receive communication in various ways so that too factors in. What is the solution? 
If you do a search in the Bible you will find many passages in scripture on the tongue, speech, the mouth, and words. It obviously is an extremely important area. Words spoken in haste can create so much trouble and end up requiring just as much damage control. So what to do? 
Be still,think, and if a dicey situation and you wonder if you should add your ‘two cents’ pray first. Your brain needs to get a message to your mouth sometimes to just ‘shush’ and things would be so much better in the long run. 
PRAYER: Lord I need so much help in this area. Wanting to give opinions whether in person or on Social Media can cause so much trouble. Also uttering things I wish I had not said. Give me strength to have self control in this area and glorify you in what I choose to say. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Tuesday, February 6, 2018

Controlling Yourself


 Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.
Proverbs 16:32

Do you consider yourself a patient person or do you easily get aggravated and provoked? Think about that for a while. What does it take to make you ‘pop a cork’ and lose control?

Life would be so less stressful if only anger and outbursts could be controlled. There would be hardly anyone in jail or prison. Some marriages would still be intact. Many friendships would not be broken. Some vehicular accidents may have been prevented too. 

Anger is a demonic spirit that needs to be surrendered to the Holy Spirit. It can get to be a stronghold if you are not careful. The fruit of the spirit mentions ‘self control’ on its’ list. (See Galatians 5:23). If you struggle in this area give the controls to the ‘One’ who wants total control. 

PRAYER: I am so thankful I recognize that anger or lack of self control is not from you Lord. I choose this day to be peaceful and and not allow things to make me lose control. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Sunday, February 4, 2018

Burdens? Blah, Blah, Blah


Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7

We all have burdens at one time or another. You have a choice to make when your burdens come upon you. You can stew over them trying to figure out what to do. You can fret endlessly. Or the best choice is to say “Blah, Blah, Blah” to those burdens and have the attitude it is not that bad and this too shall pass. 

Your enemy satan is  a great peace stealer. His job is destruction,chaos, evil, worry, and if you are dwelling on something weighing you down then guess who is victorious? Certainly not Jesus! Friend now is the time to decide how you will react when troubles come your way. Fall apart or stay firm and steady.

Recently I misplaced my military ID but I chose to stay cool and knew that fretting would not bring it back. I could pray then let it go. Had I chosen the other way I would not have peace. Do you have peace my friend? If not truly try to let God be in control and let His peace envelope you. 

PRAYER: Peace is a wonderful thing. Being still in the midst of a storm is even better. The choice I have is crystal clear. Cast my burdens on God and sit still. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

PS I found my ID the next day. 

Saturday, February 3, 2018

Ambassador Miller


We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:20

In the title,  change the last name to your last name and imagine what it would be like to be your countries Ambassador to a foreign land because as a believer that is what you are here on Earth. You are a representative of Christ or to the non believer you are to represent Jesus in a good light. 

Imagine the responsibility to do everything properly and in order so as not to embarrass your nation. You would be on your best behavior and consult necessary authorities in order to do your job correctly.

Well as the ambassador for Christ your training manual is the Holy Bible. If you just let it gather dust it does not do much good. If you let a minister spoon feed you it still does not much good. Daily you need to spend time alone so you will be a good ambassador for others here on Earth who are lost. Are you doing a good job?

PRAYER: Father help me as I do my job daily to represent you. Kindness, love, and forgiveness are the order of the day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Footnote: Posting from my Holiday Inn room near O'Hare International Airport where sadly there are no ‘training manuals’ placed by Gideon’s in nightstand. Used to be in all hotels.


Friday, February 2, 2018

Holy Spirit Does The Transformation....Not Us!


Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Psalm 51:12

For those of you who may have a family member who once loved and followed Jesus and maybe now is lukewarm or worse yet, cold spiritually, there is really nothing you can do or say to ‘transform’ them. Circumstances happened, bad influences came in, wrong teaching and poof, your loved one has no desire for Jesus anymore, at least outwardly. All you can do is pray and keep quiet. Hard to do I know. It is heartbreaking to parents and grandparents alike. 

The world we live in tries to teach God is not necessary. Self is on the throne. When a person has free time on Sunday why on Earth would they want to go to boring old church. “I hate church” some of them say. That is because their heart needs to be transformed and the fire needs to be relit. Perhaps a change of church homes from what they grew up in is necessary. Whatever, God continues to knock on the doors of their hearts and all they need to do is answer.

The more you don’t read the word, the further you grow from God. Maybe you know and were taught as a child but stuff happens and Satan used the opportunity to lie to you and draw you away. Don’t stop praying and believing for the spark and desire to return. Loving Jesus is way more than church and Sunday but those are pretty important to stay on His path. 

PRAYER: Lord I pray for those persons who once loved you and were committed to you then something happened to blow out the spiritual fire. I pray for revival of souls that once thirsted for you and made you first. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

Thursday, February 1, 2018

Staying Cool When You Want To Scream



“The LORD himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” Exodus 14:14

It is best in life to try to stay cool, calm, and collected when the following scenarios occur:
A minor rear end collision on the highway.
Someone cuts in front of you on the road.
Lady in quick checkout has more than 10 items.
You lose your ID or a credit card.
Person steals parking space you had been waiting on.
You are passed over for promotion.
Someone is spreading rumors about you.
You shrink your favorite outfit in dryer.

Getting bent out of shape over things we can’t control only raises your blood pressure and could result in you hurting your Christian witness. If you spout off even if another person is to blame it is not very Christlike. Stay cool, pray, and deal with it.

God wants his children to be at peace. Relax when you feel like screaming. Take a breath. Chill. And pray.

PRAYER: I can think of many times I popped a cork when I should have just been calm. Help me choose calmness when I feel otherwise. In Jesus’ name. Amen.