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, July 31, 2018

Stay On The Front Lines...Don’t Retreat!


He said, "The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge; My savior, You save me from violence. "I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, And I am saved from my enemies. 2 Samuel 22:2-4
Since I am in a military family I may think of military related themes more than the average person but did you know there is much about warfare and combat within the pages of the Bible? We here on Earth are in a battle of good versus evil. God versus the devil. No in between or neutral ground. You either stand for truth or against it.
Do you feel sometimes like in this battle you want to run away and hide? Prayers seem to fall on deaf ears. A situation seems to be hopeless. Nothing ever seems to change?  You are not alone as often times when you are in the trenches protecting yourself from the fiery darts of Satan you may just want to give up. That is what Satan wants believers to do. He wants you to doubt God and to throw in the towel. Satan is a deceiver and liar. 
Keep pressing in friend. No matter what is going on in your life or in the life of a loved one God does hear and does care. It is often in these more difficult times you learn the most and grow stronger. Keep praying. Keep reading the Bible. Find a church home to worship in. Don’t allow Satan to turn you into a coward. Stand firm and believe you will see God’s deliverance! 
PRAYER: I know in order to be victorious in battle I can not run and hide and retreat. You want me to stay engaged with my enemy Satan and not allow Him to gain a foothold. I will have victory with your help. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Monday, July 30, 2018

Wean Yourself


Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2

Similar to how a baby needs to be weaned off the bottle or the mother’s breast,  we believers need to wean ourselves off the modern cultural climate. It is easy to start believing things that are against the word of God if you are not careful. This happens when more time is spent in worldly pursuits and events than in the word of God, church, prayer, and personal Bible study. 
If you constantly feed yourself on the morning TV talk shows, celebrity magazines, the news, secular reading material, it is possible your mindset will be altered and shift to thinking like the world. Unless you are ‘armed and dangerous’ because you know the truth in the Word, it becomes all too simple to fit in and be no different than a non believer. 
The devil is roaming around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour it says in 1 Peter 5:8. Study to show yourself approved it says in 2 Timothy 2:15. And parents your responsibility is huge to get your child’s armor on early in life so they can put out the fiery darts in life because they knew the word from a child as it says in 2 Timothy 3:15.  Obviously Satan would love it if you cared little beyond one hour on Sunday then he more or less has you and can throw you off course. Do you part and get weaned off this world and prepared for battle. 
PRAYER: I have a Bible which is the best manual for life but if Satan can get me so busy with worldly pursuits I keep it closed it is of little effect. I choose to guard my heart and keep in an attitude of prayer. Forgive me when I allowed the enticements of the world to become more important than you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Sunday, July 29, 2018

Jesus Every Day



For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. ~ Isaiah 9:6

Christmas may be 5 months away but this verse is not just for Christmas. It reminds us to think of the miraculous birth and miracles daily and who Jesus is.

He is The Almighty, Counselor, Comforter, Redeemer, and so much more. He wants to be part of your life. Revelation 3:20 says “Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.” This is referring to the door of your heart. He is just waiting for you and I to answer and ask Him in.

Have you forgotten your first love or is He part of your daily life? He is here for way more than his birthday party on Christmas but He is an around the clock 24-7 savior just waiting to be invited in.

PRAYER: I need you every hour Lord. I need to be sharing you with others. Forgive me when I neglect to worship you on Sunday but also on the other 6 days when you are waiting for me as well. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Saturday, July 28, 2018

God Teaches Through Troubles



Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. JAMES 1:2-4


What do you say to someone who is really going through testing? Job loss, business failure, wayward children, pending lawsuit, illness, death in family, or  depression? It is hard to ever know what to say and sometimes it is best to just listen. 

Struggles and trials are part of everyones life and God uses them to help you learn his nature, his character, and grow stronger. When you are in the midst of a struggle you often feel hopeless and see no way out. Some may get mad at God treating him like he is a genie who failed to come through. Look at those people on God’s Word who had trials and ended up victorious. 'Job' comes to mind.

So no matter what is happening in your life now ask God what he is wanting you to learn and also ask him to help you be strong and have the right response. Joy comes in the morning! 
PRAYER:I thank you for times in my life where I had no other thing I could do but lean on you. I pray for those going through difficulties right now that they wholly lean on you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Friday, July 27, 2018

Time To Ditch The Sippy Cup

gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. 1 Corinthians 3:2

As a infant starts to grow up they go from the breast, to the bottle and on to the sippy cup. From this two handled device for drinking they eventually should progress to a glass. It is all part of development and maturity for the newborn child. 

When you become a Christian you are a ‘babe’ in Christ and at first not ready for solid food. But you eventually have to be weaned from infancy and get some meat into your diet.  You can not or should not want to stay a baby Christian forever similarly parents would do their child a severe injustice if they kept them sucking on a sippy cup and wearing diapers for years and years. 

Are you beyond John 3:16? Once you grow in Christ you should be memorizing many new scriptures to help you with your daily walk with Christ. You should not want to be a babe in Christ but ready to hone your chops and learn to fight the good fight and receive the crown promised to believers upon their death. Babies are cute but they have to grow up. Are you ready grow up in Christ? 

PRAYER: It is easy to let others spoon feed us the scripture by listening to sermons and teaching but I know in order to grow up beyond spiritual babyhood I have to read and study for myself. Help me not be lazy and complacent as I know the enemy is ready to pounce on complacent believers. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Thursday, July 26, 2018

In The Trenches

“So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.” Matthew 6:2-3

It is easy to sit in church hearing sermons about helping others but do you really do it? Do you avoid the beggar on the corner? Do you let someone else volunteer for jobs at a shelter or mission? The sermon is good but it is necessary to go beyond the message and get in the trenches.

Not everyone is going to be able to go on an overseas mission but there are many hurting people in your own community, some obvious and some not so obvious. When you do ‘get your hands dirty’ try to  be quiet about it and not say “look at me how good I am” and you will be much more blessed.

So your job first is to pray, then ask God to open up opportunities and then be prepared. You were meant to be a blessing.

PRAYER: Father open my eyes to hurting people around me and prepare my heart to be able to help. Thank you for sending your ‘angels’ to help me at times also. I know I reap what I sow. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Alignment Needed



“These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.”Matthew 15:8

At times the vehicle you drive may be out of alignment and need to go in for adjustments to keep it operating properly. As a believer you too can become ‘out of alignment’ due to a host of factors.

First you may have lost your first love for Jesus and just become bored with ‘all things Jesus’ so to speak. Secondly you may love Jesus but you have stagnated into a humdrum existence not having the same passion you once did. Third, you focus on  the ‘things of this world’ more than your Heavenly Father allowing situations to overwhelm or perplex you.

Do you want to be aligned with God and have an abundant life? Stop focusing on bad junk and listening to the lies of the world. Get away from technology and social media for a while. Learn to rest in the Lord and if possible get away to a quiet place and meditate on the things of the Lord. Pray on a regular basis. Don’t listen to deceiving spirits and lies of the enemy.

Get up daily and say “this is the day the Lord has made and I will rejoice and be glad in it!”

PRAYER: I thank you that you are with me at all times even when I go my own way. Bring me back to the cross and help me always put you first in everything I say and do. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Tuesday, July 24, 2018

You Gotta Practice


Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6
A medical doctor is said to ‘practice’ medicine. This means he is constantly using his or her many years of skills and learning and getting better. I have a Ukele at home a friend gave me and trying to learn to play it but it won’t just happen if I don’t make the effort to pick it up and practice.

Similarly you can ‘practice’ being a Christian but you really have to put some hands, feet, and heart into it for it to take wings and make a difference. Simply saying you are a Christian maybe cause you were born in America, or your parents took you to church as a child, or you belong to a particular ‘surefire’ denomination does not mean you love Jesus and want to be all in.

Check your heart right now and your attitudes.  Do you love Jesus or just a religion? Something to ponder. Now go and be blessed!

PRAYER: I love you Lord but remember a time when I was just a ‘religious’ person and serving you meant little. I am very thankful to be alive in Christ and pray for those I know who may need this born again experience. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Monday, July 23, 2018

Going Beyond

If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Matthew 5:41

I love the store chain Bed, Bath, and Beyond. They have so many cute and interesting things. I especially like the ‘Beyond’ in the title meaning  whatever they want it to mean. Made me think of my walk with Christ if I want and choose to go ‘beyond’ or am perfectly content with the status quo.

It is easy to fit some Sunday mold and do what you think is necessary to win admittance into the heavenly kingdom but life with Jesus is more than checking off blocks of spiritual duty or fitting a particular mold for a selected denomination. It is desire to serve Him not feeling obligated. It is desire to worship Him all the time. It is desire to meet a need if you can and not share it with everyone to feel good about yourself. It is going beyond the norm or expected and being a child of God and loving it!

Are you going ‘beyond’ in your walk with Christ?

PRAYER: Oh Lord I love being in your presence on Sunday but it does not end there. I want to go beyond what is expected. Bring opportunities for that to happen. Also I pray for those in my circle of influence who are content where they are. Make them uncomfortable and help them want more of you in their lives. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Sunday, July 22, 2018

Your Mission Should You Choose To Accept It


“ A 
new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35

In the old Mission Impossible TV show and the more modern film version, there is a saying on a recorder that says “your mission, should you choose to accept it” followed by the given mission. Made me think of our mission as believers. It is not to live for ourselves but every where you go to seek to make a difference in the lives of people you encounter.

If you are a mom your primary mission is to make a difference in the life of that little precious child God entrusted to you for such a short time. If you are an employee it is to work as if working for the Lord. If you are a husband it is to love your wife like Christ loved the church(see Ephesians 5:21-33).If you are a friend it is to be the best friend you can be. If you are a homemaker it is to make your dwelling comfortable and welcoming.

The overall mission is to Put God First in ALL areas of life: Parenthood, work, recreation, home. Share the love of Christ to all you encounter if maybe with a simple smile. Your mission is to love one another. Period.

PRAYER: My mission may not be to necessarily go to a foreign mission field but to take care of the mission ‘field’ right in front of me whether it is family, a job, a volunteer position and always remembering to shine for Jesus. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Saturday, July 21, 2018

Denominations In Heaven?

“But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.“ Titus 3:9
To an unchurched person we must look pretty silly in the 'church' community having all these different buildings and different denominations. It is my firm belief that there will not be a bunch of denominations in heaven. Now there are a couple of these denominations who have felt like theirs was the only one that would get you into the heavenly kingdom. I am not talking cult churches but mainstream Christian churches who perhaps are a tad arrogant thinking their way or the highway. Basically it is ‘Jesus way’ as told in his Bible. Man has gone in and interpreted it in different ways and added to or taken away to come up with churches people can be comfortable in.
Do not dare raise your arms up when the song says "I lift my hands up to the Lord' in some churches. If you do not read out of a certain book in other churches that is bad. Oh now the membership thing. I do not see that in my Bible anywhere yet many churches or Christian organizations want you to be a 'member' to legitimize your service. Don't get me started on baptism as that is a whole new ballgame. Dunk, sprinkle or pour. My gosh. What if you were at a Revival and accepted Jesus and got killed going home from the revival, do you think Jesus is going to say "Nope you can not come in my kingdom. You were never baptized." And then there is the baby thing versus knowing what you are doing. You see what I mean. It is better to believe the Bible and leave the doctrinal wars on the doorstep. I feel that is why there is a huge non denominational movement these days where worshippers can worship God in 'spirit and in truth." Even some of the more formal denominations frown on these type churches as people may be in shorts, sporting tattoos, drinking coffee in the sanctuary and a host of other informal things. I say 'so what." Is your heart sold out to the Lord? 

So when that trumpet sounds or when God calls you home one day I am pretty sure you don’t have to show your membership card or affiliation and there will probably be many who love Jesus but never went to church. Not your job to judge but to simply love, pray, and mind your own business. Just saying.

PRAYER: Lord man many times makes up rules of what is right and wrong in church without reading the word and showing love and grace. Help me love others, share your love with those who my be wandering and leave the rest to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Note: The attached song may be a few years old but listen to the words. It makes a very good point.

Friday, July 20, 2018

The Goodness Of Mankind


Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. Hebrews 13:1-2
With all the bad stuff seemingly that you hear about daily on the news there are still good human beings who will help you when you need it. A jumper for dead battery is a good example for our older son recently. “Call USAA” I say as to not inconvenience others but alas a several people offered assistance.
Don’t focus simply on bad stuff and nay sayers in life. It is so easy to get down on everything but there is always a silver lining if you look hard enough. Negativity is in abundance so why not take the higher road and look for good in people maybe even those who you feel uncomfortable around.

Is there a way you can do a good deed for someone today?

PRAYER: There are both good and bad individuals in this world. Help me to share goodness in a hurting world and reach out to those in need. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Thursday, July 19, 2018

Prideful?


Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.
Proverbs 16:18

The bing online dictionary gives the noun definition as “a feeling or deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one's own achievements, the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated, or from qualities or possessions that are widely admired.” This could end up being too proud over something and therefore setting yourself up for a huge letdown or discipline from the Lord for being too haughty. 

When you think of the word pride what comes to mind? Maybe being too proud to associate with a certain group. Maybe the gay Pride movement which can end up getting in people’s faces to prove their point. Perhaps being proud of a child’s achievements. Pride has many connotations. For purposes of this devotion today it is to say to not ever get to the point you feel puffed up or better than anyone. You are one ‘fall’ away from being humbled.

Next time you think of the word pride just remember the humble will be the ones exalted not those beating on their chests over their achievements. 

PRAYER: Father I don’t ever want to feel like I am better than I am because of awards, accolades, schooling, or anything else. Help me never think of myself more highly than I ought to but to always give you the glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Wednesday, July 18, 2018

Confusion Abounds


God is not a God of disorder but of peace-as in all the congregations of the LORD's people. 1 Corinthians 14:33
Welcome to 2018 where what is wrong is celebrated and what is right is condemned and called hateful. It is enough to make a person want to head for the hills and hibernate. Alas God is indeed not the author of all this confusion. The sector of confused individuals that puzzles me the most are those who can’t figure out if they are male or female. That is easy. Whatever sex you are born with is what you are.
Satan is the author of confusion and is working overtime at times getting even believers to buy His lies. God came for freedom and those who the Son sets free are free indeed it says in John 8:36. We as believers are to be in the world but not OF the world or in other words living by a set of standards that is found in one place only that being the Bible. 
Maybe you don’t struggle with confusion per se but find yourself listening to news commentators as your authority more than God’s word. Confusing spirits are everywhere and it is critical to stay grounded in truth so you can be a light in the chaotic world you encounter on a daily basis. Now go stay free from confusion and share God’s love with a hurting world. 
PRAYER:Jesus made the little children. All the children of the world. He made no mistakes. He came to set us free. I choose to walk in this freedom and not let the earthly experts confuse me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Tuesday, July 17, 2018

Spiritually Wilted?

You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion is not from him who calls you. A little leaven leavens the whole lump. Galatians 5:7-9
Do you ever feel spiritually droopy or wilted? Similar to a plant that does not get water to keep it growing.Perhaps you have let your walk with God become too mundane and routine and have no real feeling behind it. Maybe it is your adult children who have drifted away from their faith roots and could seemingly care less about a relationship with the Lord anymore. Whatever and whoever, know that Satan is behind the lethargic attitude you or someone else gets that they no longer passionately love Jesus or feel He is necessary.

If it is someone else you are praying for to get excited and turned on to things of the Lord again, just keep praying. Don’t assume the role of ‘Holy Spirit Junior’ as it is sure to backfire. Most people reading this probably already have a desire to be closer to Jesus or would not have sought out this devotion. Keep on praying, reading good devotions, and reading God’s word. Get things out of your life that interfere with time with God such as maybe Sunday at the lake or on golf course. No guilt intended,  just saying.

The Sabbath day is a day to worship the Lord and meet together with other believers.  Some people may think they are fine and decent people without that but believers need each other. Parents are commanded to teach their children as it says in Deuteronomy 6:6-7.  Find a church you get excited to go to and go! Jesus is knocking on your doors heart. Let Him in.

PRAYER: Many times busyness of work and play leaves little time for what really matters. Oh Lord I give_____________ to you and ask you draw them to you and convict them of their need for you. Also help me not get wilted but keep nourishing my spiritual roots daily. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Monday, July 16, 2018

Break Camp

Cast all your anxiety on him for he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

For anyone who has ever gone camping once the camping is done you break camp or in other words take down the tents and put your gear away and get ready to go back home. You can’t keep camping out. 

At the gym I go to, in the weight room there is a sign that says “no camping out”.  In other words you don’t stay on one piece of equipment but you move on so as to respect others wanting to use it as well. Likewise you need to stop ‘camping out’ with your problems once you have given them to God. As today’s verse says you want to ‘cast’ or throw your cares onto the Lord. You pray so why not relax and trust He hears you? Waking up fretful every day shows a lack of faith in the Almighty.  Worry will just make you sick. 

What has you weighed down today? Trust and obey and ‘break camp’ after you have given it to God. 

PRAYER: I know that many times I can’t seem to believe that you hear me Lord yet I know you do. I know the enemy is the one trying to get me to ‘camp’ on my fears. I choose to break camp. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Sunday, July 15, 2018

Down Time



After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 1 Kings 19:12

Do you allow yourself time to sit and do nothing or are you constantly on the go? When you are always filling up your schedule with no down time usually what suffers is your quiet time with the Lord. I know it happens to me. 

Being constantly busy is very detrimental to maintaining a healthy spiritual life. Obviously those who work 40 hours or more have to find creative ways to establish a quiet time but it can be done. Many times in the Bible we are told to be still. Being still is essential and a key to hearing from God. 

How are you going to make some down time this week? 

PRAYER: I hear you speak to me in your word when I turn off all the noise. I pray for those who have work schedules that they don’t neglect reading your word. I realize the enemy wants me to get busy then Jesus doesn’t get first place. I choose to make time to be still. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Saturday, July 14, 2018

Loving Your Enemy...A Tall Order


But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! Matthew 5:44

Love is such a buzz word these days but should be our ultimate aim always. It is considered the first and greatest commandment. Do you have people you know in your life who don’t like you or maybe even hate you? Hate such a strong and misused word these days too. Simply when one disagrees they are said to hate. That is not true. 

Is it possible to love your enemies? To turn the other cheek so to speak? How about to commit to praying for those who mistreat you? Your mind has to stay fixed on Jesus in order to be able to accomplish this immense task. God wants you to love.  It is very hard to pray and forgive someone who you know has been talking about you behind your back, spreading rumors and lies, but with God’s help you can fight and win this battle. This is not to say the person is going to come running to you with open arms but your heart will be more peaceful if you can give up what you may see a your right to be ugly back. 

Today try to not dwell on bad stuff and ask God to help you to share his love even with unloveable people. 

PRAYER: I am grateful that I can love and forgive even when the person I am forgiving may not even know I have released them to you. It is not my job to hold grudges and be ugly but to forgive and love. Help me Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Friday, July 13, 2018

Long Lines, Broken Fences, And Other Perils


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


Stuff in life just seems to happen and you have to roll with the punches so to speak. Recently part of our cattle fencing blew over in a storm in a field where there were seven cows grazing. This non farm girl had to run like a crazy person to get them rounded up without the help of DAVE and in a thunderstorm. A few days ago I stood in a line for over an hour in order to get a new military ID.  Most people don’t complain when waiting in line to meet a celebrity which I have also done. The point is sometimes the unexpected or bad happens and you can not let it ruin your day. 

In the military,  soldiers are trained to deal with all sorts of scenarios so you become well prepared for the unexpected. But even if you never were in the military you have to develop coping skills so as to not explode when things in life go haywire. Roll with the punches the saying goes. 

Is something unexpectedly crazy going on in your life right now? Have you taken a breath then prayed and tried to just relax? Give it a try and don’t freak out and each situation that comes along just breathe and say “Ok God you have got this” then go and seize the day ahead of you. 

PRAYER: Father I know you want me to be still. Also I know sometimes many things happen for a reason. You work all things together for good so help me be calm in the midst of a storm. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Thursday, July 12, 2018

Sarcasm 101





It is to one's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel. Proverbs 20:3
How do you respond when someone is sarcastic to you? I am sure you have had some one dish it out sometime in your life. You probably just need to let it go and not enter into debate or getting the final word. 
First don’t lash back and stoop to the level of person making ugly comment. Someone recently was sarcastic to me on my blog about my writing with a cutting remark. Ouch. I could choose to engage in dialogue or pray for the person and let things go. The latter is the wisest choice. Being ugly with your tongue is not a good trait. Some folks may not even know they are sarcastic.

Each of us needs to be very careful with what we say. Your mouth and words can get you into a heap of trouble. Being still is the key. Hard to do as yours truly knows but necessary to develop the ability to. Our words should build up not tear down. Your mouth should cheer others up, not ridicule them.

Who can you say something kind to today?

PRAYER: Lord you gave me the ability to speak with wisdom and the ability to forgive. Help me do both and learn to be careful with what I say. Let my speech be seasoned with salt like it says in scripture. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Wednesday, July 11, 2018

Labels

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths,but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29
Exasperating, annoying, obsessive, flighty, spacey are all labels placed on me by various people throughout the years. Labels hurt. They are hard to shake. Whether the label is accurate is besides the point. Don’t label people. Especially to their face. It is easier to recall ugly hateful words than the beautiful ones. 

These words are not terms of endearment and they hurt when you are labeled as such  by friends, family, teachers, bosses, or strangers. They wound like a knife. You may have been called fat, stupid, lazy, irresponsible, ugly,skinny, obsessive, aggravating, whatever the word it does not please our Heavenly Father. 

You can shake off ugly words and forgive those who labeled you as such but all of us need to be extra careful to never accidentally label anyone. Be careful parents what words you might utter in  frustration. Moving on beyond hurts and rejections in life is essential to have a strong walk with the Lord. You can’t continually go back to the past revisiting this ugliness. Let it go. God has lots of good stuff to say about you so remember that instead. He loves you. He created you. You are not here by accident. God has a plan for your life. 

PRAYER: I know I am beautiful and am created in God’s imagine for a reason. I forgive anyone who ever knowingly or unknowingly wounded me with words. Help me to be careful what comes out of my mouth. In Jesus’ name. Amen.  

Tuesday, July 10, 2018

The Enemy Of Contentment


Better one handful with tranquillity than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind. Ecclesiastes 4:6

Do you ever find yourself discontented? I guess we all do if we are truly honest. Here in America most of us have it so good and blessings are in abundance but yet how many times do you find yourself dissatisfied with your house, your job, your wardrobe, your car, your looks. Comparison is at the root of this dissatisfaction for it truly is the enemy of contentment. 

Make a list on paper of your blessings. You may have heard the old hymn ‘Count Your Blessings’ where the lyrics say “count your many blessings name the one by one, then you will discover what the Lord has done.” Writing down all the good things you are blessed with will help you stop doing the comparing. God delights in a contented soul not one complaining and jealous of what others have. 

Stop today and realize your life is pretty wonderful just the way you are! 

PRAYER: I delight in the many ways I see you working in my life Lord and say thanks for my many blessings. Forgive me for ever acting less than grateful. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Monday, July 9, 2018

Take Cover!



In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Ephesians 6:16

Storm season seems to be 365 days a year in the southeast where I have lived for almost 19 years. When you are driving and unsure of the nature of the storm it is best to pull over and take cover. Even in a building you need to seek shelter. 

There is something else you need to take cover from and that is the flaming fiery darts fired by Satan and his entourage of demons. They are real so don’t be fooled. The way you do it is to know the word, quote scripture, pray, and take walking with Jesus seriously.

Don’t laugh off demons and attacks by your enemy Satan because he loves to get believers who are complacent and off guard and not really ‘in to’ this Christian ‘going to church thing’ after all they say “I believe in God I don’t need church.” Today take your battle positions and get serious about warding off the enemy and also lift up family members who may be a tad complacent in this area. Now go into battle armed with strength! 

PRAYER: Lord God you are mighty to save. I get sad for those who believe in you but think that all the other stuff is silly. Oh Lord touch hearts today of family members, friends and others who need to take up the shield of faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Sunday, July 8, 2018

Stand Firm!


"Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil." Ephesians 6:11

What does it mean to stand firm? Having conviction. Not backing down in face of peer pressure. Being the lone ranger at times to stand up for truth. You many have heard the saying “if you don’t stand for something you will fall for anything” and there is wisdom and truth in that. 

When the Bible says something is truth and popular culture disagrees, who do you stand with or what do you stand for?To be firm is to be  like cemented in to the ground where if a violent rushing wind or flood waters came you will not fall down under that pressure.  You know the truth so why do you let mere men or the news media lead you astray from what you know is right? 

You are in a battle of good versus evil. God and the devil. No in between neutral ground. You are either for God or against Him. You either love Him wholeheartedly or you are ice cold because lukewarm is never a good place to be nor is it an option in your life of being sold out to Jesus. You decide. Stand firm or be like a limp piece of spoiled celery only good for the garbage heap.  

PRAYER: Lord I love you and I want those close to me to love you and be sold out to you. The Bible says to resist the enemy and he has to flee. I pray for my family to have love for you and for me to never waiver in my standing firm for you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Saturday, July 7, 2018

Love In This Crazy World



 “Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us” 1 John 4:11-12.

It is a crazy world we live in today when what was right is being called wrong and many are being deceived and sucked into this wrong politically correct belief system which is far from God’s word. People get ugly and mean and attack. My friend this is not of God but straight from the pit of Hell. 

When a sitting Congresswoman encourages hatred by asking her followers to attack those leaders who don’t believe as she does that is indeed the epitome of evil. What we believers need to do is not chime in with the vitriol and hate spewing forth but pray and show love. Keep in mind deceiving spirits have captivated many, some maybe in your own family, to not hear the truth. It is a battle of good versus evil, spiritual warfare, don’t be fooled. 

Psalm 35:20 says “For they do not speak peace but they devise deceitful matters against  the quiet ones in the land.” Are you able to love and pray for your enemies?  I am talking about people wanting you to trip and fall. Those crooked people who seem to get by with doing wrong. My friend now is the time for love and in a big way. Don’t let the forces of darkness keep you from praying and loving. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus we are commanded to pray for our enemies and to love those who are against us. A tall order for sure when humanly I feel like being ugly. Calm my heart Lord and help me remember you are indeed in control. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Friday, July 6, 2018

Rise Above



You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast,  because they trust in you. Isaiah 26:3
Pilots and others who have flown know when flying in the clouds in order to see you pass through clouds and rise above to sunshine. In life it is often time necessary to 'rise above' your circumstances in order to get what God has for you.

Are you in a situation where you need to ‘rise above’ and see the goodness of God? Often times focusing too much on problems simply keeps you hopeless. You have to believe God is in fact working and will keep you in peace if you truly want to be peaceful.

Today tell God thanks for ‘having your back’. Stop using the excuse that ‘you are just a worrier’ as believers are supposed to be giving worries to the Lord. Trust Him. Relax. Pray. Let it go. Now go have a good and blessed day.

PRAYER: Many times I have sunk into a pit and stayed there and made the devil very happy. I had to get out so I could 'rise above' and know you were in control. Help me remember that. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Thursday, July 5, 2018

No Video Signal


Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. John 15:4
Recently I woke up and wanted to watch one of my favorite Christian programs to start my day that being Paul Daugherty followed by Joyce Meyer. One TV was totally dead and the other I could not get the satellite signal to function. So here I am maybe forced to not suck on the ‘baby bottle’ of Christian TV and instead feed myself from the word. Hmmm. Interesting huh?

Technology can often trap us. Being so dependent upon a ‘connection’ that one can become annoyed when they are unable to stream video, chat, check status of friends etc. Actually a vacation from connectivity may be just what the doctor ordered. Not just TV but try not looking at your phone and see if you can do it for say three hours. Granted some who work need to.

Today get your Bible out, the paper kind, and read whatever Psalm and Proverb corresponds to the date so  Psalm 5 and Proverbs 5 then stop and meditate on what they mean. Take notes. Say a prayer. Get real without the help of being ‘tuned in’.

PRAYER: It is a blessing sometimes when I lose my dependency on technology. Help me Lord learn to tune into your word first each day. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Wednesday, July 4, 2018

Happy Birthday America!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸


Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17

Today this young nation turns 242 years old. This country was an experiment in liberty and freedom based on God’s word. Evil forces will always try to distort the true founding of America but we indeed are one nation under one God.

Liberty does not come without a cost. Besides the brave pioneers who journeyed here over treacherous oceans many not making the journey or succumbing to disease later, the Founding Fathers wanted a new land free from tyranny. Battles were fought, lives were lost, and a country was born. 

I am indeed on this day thankful to those brave men and women who caught the vision to risk everything for a new land free from Kings lording over them and where they could worship God. The enemy has been at work to distort the truths but rest assured Jesus is Lord and His  kingdom will stand.

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for America. This land has been so blessed primarily because we followed your word. Forgive those who got into power and distorted your words and allowed for sinful behavior to take hold. Turn evil hearts to Good and let Freedom ring. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Tuesday, July 3, 2018

U Turn



You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth?Galatians 5:7

Some of you reading this may have adult children who no longer seem to run with Jesus but have lost all interest in things of the spirit and opted to fit in with the world’s ways. Maybe some of you fit this definition too and may not want to admit it. The pleasures of this world have captivated you to the point you no longer are excited about Jesus nor Christian activities or even reading the Bible.

You ran the race to win at one time but the Satan lied to you and deceived you and you took his bait. It is time to make a U Turn and run back towards the loving arms of our Father. You make time for everything that is important in life and think God does not matter. “I believe” you may say. I don’t want to go to church when there is so much fun stuff to do on Sunday. If you believe and love Jesus then prove it by finding a church home on fire for Jesus where you can grow closer to God. 

If you are not following after the things of the Lord the things of this world will have power over you and it becomes easier and easier to write Jesus off. He has not written you off and is waiting for you to return. Make that U Turn and do it now!

PRAYER: My heart breaks for those people who have been captivated by Satan and don’t care about you anymore like they used to. Their love has grown cold and they don’t bother stoking the fire by even having prayer or reading scripture. I pray my love never grows cold. I pray for people who fit this category that conviction would come upon them that they need more of you in their lives. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Click link for a worship song that goes along with this:

https://youtu.be/Jo8dgK4RvWM

Monday, July 2, 2018

Junk Food


Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. John 6:35
If you are not careful when you travel it can become very easy to load up on junk food, high in calories, but low in nutritional value. Donuts, cookies, soda pop, sweet tea, candy, potato chips. None of it will help you maintain healthy weight and in long run are not the best choices.

‘Junk food’ you can take into your mind instead of a daily dose of God’s Word would be movie star magazines, tabloids, daily newspaper, novels, just anything that really has no edifying value. It can create wrong thinking and does little to grow you up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Does your mind need to be purged of ‘junk’ and filled up on Jesus instead?

PRAYER: It is so easy to get caught up in innocent magazines reading about everyone’s life, or get upset over a news story. I want to pursue peace and joy and give you equal time Lord. Convict me of what I need to let go of. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Sunday, July 1, 2018

The Filling Station


Having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:11

When a vehicle needs gas you take it to what we boomers called a ‘filling’ station. That is where an attendant pumped your gas, checked the oil, and washed your windows. Your vehicle was taken care of and ready for the journey whether short or long.

As a child of God the Bible is your ‘filling station’. Between gaining valuable knowledge and insight by staying in it daily you learn how to navigate life and are prepared. Just like your car was prepared at the ‘filling station’ so you will be prepared for life when you are filled up with  God’s Word.

Are you going to your ‘filling station’ daily? If not what needs to be done to make it a priority?

PRAYER: Your Word is my daily bread from where I get spirituality nourished and ‘filled’ up with what I need to go through life with hope and joy. Help me Lord to keep the enemy from giving me excuses why it is unimportant. In Jesus’ name. Amen.