Love Your Enemies

"If your enemy is hungry, [then] give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, [then] give him water to drink.In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.'"Proverbs 25:21-22 

Easy to say “love your enemies” but are you really doing it? Who are your enemies? Think about all the junk Jesus endured yet He has no hatred in His heart for his oppressors. None! Whew! 

The love we must have for our enemies is supernatural love which only comes from the Holy Spirit. If you say you love God but hate your brother that is not real love. You have to ask God to help you love others through His eyes and with His strength. 

Ask God to help you not ‘go there’ when it comes to hating. You may get angry with certain people and how they are trying to change our nation into a pigpen, or you may get angry at those who are perpetuating lies being accepted as truth but your job is to love and pray. Period. Just do it. 

PRAYER: Lord I confess that there are those individuals who I may feel justified at classifying as enemies yet you want me to love them. Love is transformative. Give me supernatural ability to love the unlovable. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Don’t Negotiate...Set Your Standard

Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Revelation 2:4

Church not on your priority list? Want to hike instead? Need to sleep in?  May say you don’t need to be in church to be a Christian? You can worship on your own but then do you? There is a game on TV at same time. Whatever the excuse many people don’t get excited about the Sabbath Day and keeping it Holy. Hope you are not one of them.

Embrace God and a higher standard or suffer the consequences. How can you know and grow in the Lord by saying any of the things above? Perhaps it is a heart issue?Excuses don’t get you closer to God and they don’t help you run hard after God. They do make Satan extremely delighted because he likes it when you don’t want to make an effort to have Christian fellowship cause then he and his minions can suck you further away from God and into the worlds idea of truth and make you believe lies.

Your strength comes from your Christian standards. How do you expect to grow as a believer if you have no desire for fellowship with other believers? Stop today and ask yourself what the problem is. Maybe it is time to find a new church home that preaches truth and is dynamic and growing. Keep in mind you are here on Earth for His purposes and it is essential that you stay grounded with fellow believers. What do you need to do to make some changes to get this to happen?

PRAYER: Oh Lord sometimes I give heed more to newspapers and books than in studying your truth in the Bible. Help me make you a priority and I lift up any friends and family who are not desiring Christian fellowship that they would run back to you and you keep pursuing them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Oscar Nomination Does Not Equate Wholesomeness

I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar. I hate all who deal crookedly; I will have nothing to do with them. Psalm 103:1

It is the time of year the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences tries to tell us what movies we should go see. Simply getting a nod for a Golden Globe or Oscar does not mean it is an edifying movie and glorifies God. We as believers need to set a standard for what we watch. And just because Hollywood says it is okay is not your standard. 

Think about it. Your body is the temple of God yet do we treat it like that? Abuse comes in many forms such as in your mind through movies and other media, through your physical body by being obese or drinking too much or smoking. Ponder for a moment how you can make sure your body is a true vessel that can bring glory to the Most High.

Don’t just think seeing everything is okay because you become like what you allow into your heart, spirit, and mind. Everyone needs discipline in order to maintain a close walk with the Lord. It is learning to say no to things even if others mock you. Are you up for the task or do you choose to remain in a desensitized stupor? 

PRAYER: Father I really want to honor you in my entertainment choices. Help me remember to be in the world but not OF the world. Help me be discerning enough that if look upon something inappropriate I will recognize it and be convicted to turn the other way. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

His Praise Shall Continually Be On My Lips!

I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. Psalm 34:1

Did you know that in the Bible it says “In ALL things give thanks” like really? That is what the word of God says. You mean everything? 

It is certainly hard to say “Lord I want to thank you for the death of my spouse or my newborn.” I don’t think this means you are overjoyed but know that God has a way of making things right. Sure it is painful and in many cases you want to crawl in a hole and die yourself. 

Mainly the Lord wants you to know even though He did not cause the calamity you endure be it death, job loss, divorce, bankruptcy, wayward child, child who has made wrong life choices, and more that the years the locust has eaten can be restored. The main thing is to keep your faith. 

Some of the lowest most hurting people in society are those many people think deserve just what they got and I am referring to inmates in jails, prisons, and detention facilities. Prison ministry is flourishing and these men and women who choose to be a part of a prison church fellowship while incarcerated can get closer to God, repent, and get restoration right there when locked up. They praise the Lord in the midst of where they are? Can you? 

PRAYER: Thank you dear Lord for being here for us 24-7 with just a prayer. My heart aches for those who obviously have a valid reason to not feel joyful. Heal wounded hearts of anyone I know suffering. Help them not turn away from you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Morally Bankrupt?

Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter. Isaiah 5:20

Christians in this culture today are fighting against many who try to justify certain actions  by saying if we disagree we are ‘haters’ when really what is happening is Satan is dividing this land, many in families, many friends, by planting seeds of doubt in some to be morally confused. Satan divides and confuses and tries to keep believers who are caught up in certain situations from getting help to leave or justifies things by ‘it’s my right’. 

Being a believer means you follow the word of God but it does not mean we are not without fault but when a society tries to say ‘anything goes’ in marriage, changing to another gender,  or killing a creation of God at any stage of development is okay there is a MAJOR problem. 

We are not to stop loving people, beat them over the head with the Bible, or argue our point but simply to keep praying and to keep loving and let God work the miracle. 

PRAYER: Oh Lord God I hate the devil and how he is tricking and confusing many of those I dearly love into believing modern day lies to try to keep them from you. Take the hatred from hearts of those who refuse to pray for our leaders and let politics control their beliefs. Forgive this nation for killing 60 million babies or more. We ask you to turn evil hearts to good. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Sea Of Tranquility

He must increase and I must decrease. John 3:30

As I was flying back from the Nations Capitol one late afternoon and after punching through clouds the aircraft glided above what almost appeared like a ‘sea’ of clouds. When you fly and gaze out the window it is easy to  get so excited about God’s creation. 

I got to thinking how little we are and how gigantic God is. He is God! The Almighty. The creator of those who love Him and those who reject Him. Looking outside my window at this vast sky from a plane window at 35000 feet is nothing compared to the astronauts view  from the Space Shuttle who gazed at a ‘ball’ from space. How could a person be an atheist with all this beauty out the window? 

Maybe you are scared to fly or don’t fly, but get outside and look up at the vastness of God’s creation. His creation reminded me once again about how great God is. Stop and give him praise for all he has done for you and thank him for where he has you today. His ways are so much greater than ours. 

PRAYER: I stand in awe of you Lord and all you created for us to enjoy. My heart aches for those who reject you. I pray for a fresh revelation of you to those who may not know you or reject you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Peace Be With You Every Day!

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

Has something got you frazzled today? It could be a bad medical report, fear of socialist destruction of democracy, anxiety of job termination, inability to pay bills, loss of a friendship, or many other things.

There are apps designed for purposeful relaxation and in this frazzled world of always busy and being worried and on edge it may be a good discipline to incorporate into your daily routine. Breathing exercises to help relax you and instill peace. Not referring to mind control but simply relaxing on purpose. There are even Christian apps that read scripture to you and help you change your mindset. One of my favorites of called Abide.

Just like the words I AM GOD in the verse for today remember who holds the future. Get to know Him better. Give him the first part of your day and trust Him above all others. Get rid of things causing you to fear and fret and saturate yourself with Jesus!

PRAYER: I love your word Lord and seeking you and bowing down to you and not fear that mere men create. I pray for any others today who may be anxious over things to let you take those concerns and help them have peace and pursue peace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Holy Spirit Junior Not Your Job Description

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."Joshua 1:9

Have you ever been guilty of assuming the role of ‘Holy Spirit Junior’ trying to orchestrate things in someone’s life? Don’t do it! Always backfires and not your job. What your job is to do is prayer, pure, plain and simple.

Maybe women are more guilty of this malady than men but it is not a good thing to meddle and try to fix things but instead to pray and allow God to be God and take care of things in His time and for His purposes.

Try to not be the fixer of situations and to be still and let the Holy Spirit be in total control.

PRAYER: Father God I am sorry for the times I have not trusted you with a situation and tried to intervene only to have dire consequences. You are in control and I don’t need to be. In Jesus’ name. Amen

Watch Your Mouth

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14

Probably everyone reading this has had a situation where a person you are speaking with tries unintentionally, but yet still doing it, to draw you into negative speaking or gossip about another. I had this encounter recently and I stood strong and listened but did not chime in with my own ugly words. Not going there I said. 

As a believer maybe through ‘praying’ we can get gossipy or even enter into wrong thinking about the prayer request. Example would be praying about fear of the Islamic people in our government trying to take over and destroy America and our democracy where instead you are to trust after you pray that God has a plan and He has this issue as well and after all He is WAY BIGGER than the situation.   Then go further and instead of being angry at these people lift them up in prayer cause they desperately need Jesus in their life. They need deliverance that only Christ can provide. 

So if you know people who are seemingly never satisfied and gripe about church, neighbors, the government, leaders, the weather, their family, and other things in their life just know that deep down inside maybe they are crying out for Jesus to transform them. Set a good example and show love and show love to strangers you may not agree with or politicians who are trying to ram junk through so counter to our founding fathers ideas. Be patient, pray, and love. 

PRAYER:Help me Father to keep a watch over my mouth so I don’t say things I can’t take back and regret or I say things that do not bring glory to your kingdom. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

On The Darkest Nights You Can See The Stars

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. James 1:2-3

Life can have some dark moments sometimes,  those you do not think you will ever be released from. You hurt and bad. You try to give things to God but keep taking them back. What is a person to do?

Just remember on the darkest of nights if you stand out in the countryside on a cloudless night you will see millions of stars in the sky. Shining and flickering and making you see the immenseness of God’s creation. At this moment you can see how great God is and how little we are in comparison. He is not big enough not to care for all of His creations.

You can escape the darkness in your life and run to the light. This is not the end. Just keep getting up each day, have prayer and read the Bible even if you don’t feel like it. Try Psalms. Pray,  which simply put is a conversation with God, no thee’s or thou’s necessary. He hears without those. Believe it or not some day sunshine will come back into your darkest moments. Hang on!

PRAYER:This is the day you have made Lord and I rejoice and thank you for it. I know you care about every hurt or pain I go through. Strengthen me so that someday I will be able to help another get lifted up and see the light again. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Restore To Me Your Joy Lord

Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation and uphold me with a willing spirit. Psalm 51:12

You might be reading this and feel you have just cause to sit around and mope and feel sorry for yourself all day but that is not God’s plan. Tragedy is part of life and pain is part of life. Yes bad things do happen sometimes to good people.  It is how you deal with it that matters. 

Maybe you are mad at God for the death of someone. Perhaps you can’t figure out why your prayers go unanswered. It could be you are just in a blah mood. The main culprit is to take captive your mind and don’t allow it to absorb wrong thinking.

Decide each day what you will allow into your mind. I suggest to leave the morning news shows off and spend time reading the Bible. Start with the Psalms or book of John. Get focused on things outside yourself. Try to find a way to bring joy to another in the midst of your gloominess. Get up, get out, and get going! 

PRAYER: Lord you are good all the time and all the time you are good. I pray for any I may know having trouble staying positive and finding joy. Help their hearts, souls, and spirits and set them free to dance for joy. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Government On His Shoulders

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

Burden Bearer, Chain Breaker, Ruler, King, lifter of our heads, light shiner are just a few or the names of God.Let God be God and his enemies be scattered. 

No matter how much tyrants try to rule and reign all over the world,  without the help of The Almighty God, no worries because  He is on the throne. No matter much politicians try to ignore Him and break his laws or ignore The Bible, He still reigns. 

Don’t let mere men or women enrage you by their actions against this Christian nation or oppress people all over the world. God still holds the future so in that you have peace and confidence. Keep praying. 

PRAYER: Oh Lord you are beautiful and glorious and your face is all I seek. I lift up ‘haters’ to you who may call themselves believers but can’t let go of hate. Heal their wounded hearts. I also pray for many being led astray and those who need you as their savior. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

A World Of Zombies

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:8-10

One day as I sat in my doctor office waiting room I watched as almost everyone in the room was on their mobile device. No one was interacting with others or reading a book or magazine but  just staring at the tiny screen. That little invention sure is nice but it can get to be down right rude and a bad habit as well. I even witnessed a parent at a local park with their toddler in a combo swing for parent child, who was holding on with one hand and clutched the almighty cell phone chatting in the other. I am very thankful they were not around when we were raising our two now grown sons.

The reason for this devotion was not to beat up  on people addicted to their devices but to make a point that maybe if this is a habit of yours, carrying it everywhere like it is a portable defibrillator,  it might be time to give it a rest. Yes I know reading these devotions requires the use of a computer, tablet, or phone, but my point to not allow it to control your life. There is something called FOMO(fear of missing out) and even people carrying them so they won’t miss calls. Newsflash, we did it before this was invented and life went on. Just saying.

So you can engage people and share the love of God or choose to remain in a stupor in what I affectionately call ‘zombie land’. Give it a test run. Don’t carry it in your back pocket unless you are expecting a call from the hospital, nursing home, or a job interview. You might enjoy the new freedom you have.

 PRAYER: Modern devices can be nice but they can become a very bad habit too if used constantly and even to the point we ignore our duties as parents or friends. Help me learn to put it down and take a break and enjoy the freedom as a result. And help me smile after I do so to those around me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Single Awareness Day

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 1 Corinthians 13:7

Today is a national Hallmark holiday or what my younger son, now married, affectionately referred to as ‘single awareness day’. This is a day love is celebrated. 

You can show love without having to have a holiday to force you to do it and many skip this holiday. Be aware that love means the unromantic kind too with friends and family. 

Love is an action we should all try to do  in our lives. The greatest commandment is to love one another and to love your neighbor as yourself. (see Mark 12:30-31). Try to make today and every day a day to show love and kindness to others. 

PRAYER: Father help me to love even those who may be hard to love or those who try to hurt or lie to me or my family.  Love should be my greatest aim. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Have You Prayed For Your Enemies Today?

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

When I go walking or hiking I love to just ponder things. This is a great time to be alone with the sounds of nature and just clear your head. Get away from noise and distractions. Leave the electronic devices behind and just think. 

One recent walk turned into a prayer walk for everything and everyone I could think of. I thought of the state of our country right now and all the people who are Trump haters or those on the other side scared of government take over and communism, which is a real threat if we are not careful. So I started to pray. 

Instead of fretting over a few elected leaders and a one sided media machine who were trying to destroy Donald Trump simply due to jealousy I prayed for them. Sometimes it is super easy to be angry and hate, but we as Christians and believers in Christ are called to love our enemies and pray for those who have wronged us or even are trying to destroy our democratic Christian way of life. 

Who do you need to stop and pray for today? A friend or family member who has hurt you? A boss who you got a bad report from? A person who unfriended you on social media? The person who got the position you were hoping for be it a club office at school or a job? Media giants who can’t tell the truth? Add to the list from your own life but just pray and Let God do His job. 

PRAYER: Father God I get anxious over junk going on in our country and people who are mean and ugly and spread lies people believe. I choose this day to lift them up to you as our battle is not against flesh and blood but against evil in high places trying to bring destruction. I ask you help me remember to pray for my enemies daily and wait and see what happens. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

His Praise Shall Continually Be On My Lips!

I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. Psalm 34:1

Did you know that in the Bible it says “In ALL things give thanks” like really? That is what the word of God says. You mean everything? 

It is certainly hard to say “Lord I want to thank you for the death of my spouse or my newborn.” I don’t think this means you are overjoyed but know that God has a way of making things right. Sure it is painful and in many cases you want to crawl in a hole and die yourself. 

Mainly the Lord wants you to know even though He did not cause the calamity you endure be it death, job loss, divorce, bankruptcy, wayward child, child who has made wrong life choices, and more that the years the locust has eaten can be restored. The main thing is to keep your faith. 

Some of the lowest most hurting people in society are those many people think deserve just what they got and I am referring to inmates in jails, prisons, and detention facilities. Prison ministry is flourishing and these men and women who choose to be a part of a prison church fellowship while incarcerated can get closer to God, repent, and get restoration right there when locked up. They praise the Lord in the midst of where they are. Can you? 

PRAYER: Thank you dear Lord for being here for us 24-7 with just a prayer. My heart aches for those who obviously have a valid reason to not feel joyful. Heal wounded hearts of anyone I know suffering. Help them not turn away from you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mean People...Why?

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.Be  kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:31-32

All kinds of people make this world go round. Some are nice and some are not so nice. Some hate Americans and some hate freedom. Some people may even hate you or are just mean to you. That hurts. Having a relationship with Christ should make a difference in how you respond to mean people. “Take the high road” as my dear friend Becky in Michigan told me. 

As a Christ follower we are commanded to do one thing and that is to love everyone. We don’t have to agree with everyone but we are to love them even when they don’t choose to love us back. This whole Facebook friend thing to me seems so artificial at times especially when you get unfriended. Ouch. What is up with that? 

The role of the parents in teaching love and kindness can not be overstated. The family is the backbone of life and society.  There is a saying “the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world” so moms out there remember you have the major most important  job ever, embrace it! Not everyone will be nice back to your child so teach them to forgive. Now go have a blessed and love filled day. 

PRAYER: Mean people are hurting themselves or they would not be mean. Help me to love those people that cross my path and remember to pray for my enemies and us even pray for those who are rude, cruel, hurtful and many times unaware of it. My job is to love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.  

Don't Boo God

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance.Psalm 33:12

Lots of stuff is happening in the United States and many are clueless about it due to a news blackout of sorts but when Congress tries to remove God from an oath look out or when  another politician takes her oath on a law book instead of the Bible. America has been a blessed nation because God and The Bible were always in the founding and in the make up of its’ laws.

“Woe to the man who calls evil good and good evil” it says in Isaiah 5:20. People have to decide if they are going to follow a political party that disses the things God holds dear and stop compromising because of manmade culture or family tradition.

Keep praying for those so called leaders who are slapping God in the face by their arrogance and actions. Take the high road and pray for people perpetuating sheer evil. Don’t fear man. Pray that these people have a fear of God and develop a true love for God and country.

PRAYER: Oh Lord forgive us as a nation for electing people in office who want to remove you from public life. Help those doing this be convicted and repent. Pray for cold calloused hearts to be softened. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Upkeep

 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21

Fences, cars, homes, physical body, highways, and almost everything needs upkeep to stay in good shape and workable. Upkeep is also very critical in your walk with the Lord. 

There is not a set formula to follow but in order to grow and stay strong in the Lord and be able to do battle with your enemy Satan you have to be equipped with knowledge of the word of God and make being a Christian more than just a title you assume. Setting a time of day to get some nourishment or ‘upkeep’ by reading God’s word and prayer is vital to growth in Christ. 

Hard times will come and you can better stay prepared to deal with junk when you are grounded and fixed up by staying glued together with growing in Christ. 

PRAYER: I don’t want to fall apart and be so far gone I need a major overhaul to get back together for the kingdom. I choose to follow you and not let distractions of things of the world lure me away into a broken up trap. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Aversion To Truth

Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. 2 Peter 3:3

Know anyone who is afflicted by this disease of not believing obvious truth? Satan has deceived so many people even some who claim to be Christians.

The ‘culture’ has drawn them right in hook, line, and sinker and all we can do as a friend or family member is pray for deliverance and stand firm lest you be sucked into this abyss of lies. Evil has permeated society and yet so many are totally aloof at its presence. If you dare speak out you are a hateful bigot.

Certain things in God’s eyes never change. We can love all people but that does not mean we agree to pass laws that protect immorality, murder,  and perversion. You all know what I am referring to I am sure. Righteous exalts a nation but sin is a reproach to any people it says in Proverbs 14:34. God’s word is true, he does not change to meet modern hedonistic culture. Keep praying, living, and standing firm.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus many have been sucked into the devils playpen as I call it toying with evil desires and actions. Father set those people I know free to know the truth and run back into your arms of deliverance. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Not On My Watch

Anyone  you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven-if there was anything to forgive-I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes. 2 Corinthians 2:10-11

Freedom of religion and speech has been greatly under attack these days. A country like the US founded on biblical principles is on a slippery slope of judgment when evil forces try to shut the mouths and thoughts and prayers of a God fearing people.

When people start caring more about a political party than they do righteousness and the truth in the word of God there is a problem. A shift in culture allowing so many unrighteous things to happen does not make them right in the sight of God

The mastermind behind all this is Satan who seeks to divide, separate, and conquer the US and take it away from it’s Christian roots and beliefs. Many young people of voting age have deceived into believing wrong things about America so we who know the truth need to keep praying and loving and standing up for the truth lest this great democracy fail. Be on your guard, stand watch, and continue to pray.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus help me be kind to those who oppose America and pray for those who are trying to turn us away from the truth and the those who may not see eye to eye with my beliefs. Help me love those who may not love me or this country. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Day 22

Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Philippians 3:12

The start of the new year brought with it resolutions for some and perhaps a 21 Days of Prayer similar to what my church had. You could go for the 21 days and not miss a day but what happens on Day 22? 

Each of us needs to purpose in his or her heart to continue to reach forward and press on for the goal of keeping prayer and Bible reading first. Rearranged schedules may be necessary especially for those working a full time job but you can do it if you want to. 

Each of us makes time for things that are important so how important is getting closer to God going to be in 2019? 

PRAYER: Lord God I thank you for the opportunity to participate in 21 Days of Prayer but I don’t want it to stop. I pray perseverance and desire to continue and any distractions this enemy may throw at me to be taken away. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Straying Into Enemy Territory

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Matthew 5:44

Who is our enemy? It is not a man or a culture who is trying to destroy America but it is Satan. It is hard to love people when they do bad and hurtful things or even when they try to hurt America or kill babies before they are born but newsflash. God Loves them and he wants us to love them and pray for them too. 

Each of us needs to be aware of the darkness around us and shine even brighter in dark places. Don’t be ugly and hate people back but pray for them and pray for evil to cease. Pray that God will protect you as you seek to minister to the lost.

Satan has deceived many and caused spirit of anger and hatred to flow through many people. Pray for those you may know who are being held captive to seducing spirits of lies and hate. Get that armor of God on before you enter enemy territory. 

PRAYER: We are to love our enemies and sometimes that is very hard to do. Help me Lord to be able to pray for those doing bad stuff and trying to hurt my country. Help me also to learn to share your love and lead others to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Shore It Up.....Don't Cave In!

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, we must get rid of every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and run with endurance the race set out for us, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy set out for him he endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2

As I was hiking at a local park, there was a road that had caved in and recently had been ‘shored up’ as to not have it get  worse and be totally destroyed. I have hiked this particular closed road for several years now and I had watched as the road pavement broke off and slowly slid down the mountain to the point that at one time it was not a two lane trail anymore so this improvement of repairing this made me smile. 

Reminded me of our spiritual walk. If you go on day to day with the cares of this world weighing down on you, or listen to the culture instead of God, pretty soon you will ‘cave in’ spiritually. That is why it is vital to get up each day prepared to meet the enemy, Satan, in spiritual warfare. 

Shore yourself up so to speak with a good dose of prayer and reading scripture so you will be able to stand strong in a world getting more and more hostile to believers.  Are you repairing the little cracks in your spiritual life so you don’t have a major cave in?Don’t go into you day not protected by God’s armor. 

PRAYER: I truly want to always stay strong Lord. As our culture seems to give out more and more lies help me stand up for truth and let the light of Jesus’ shine. Also I pray I am never discouraged in this task. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Commit

“And He said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men. "Matthew 4:19

What are you committed to? Your marriage? Your children? Your job? Your exercise routine to stay in shape? Reading your Bible daily? 

It is good to have and keep commitments. A commitment is defined as a pledge, dedication to a cause, an obligation. Commitments are not to be entered into lightly as you often hear in Christian marriage vows. Commitments are not valid only in good easy times but they are there for the long haul, the rough patches and bumps in the road. 

In today’s verse Jesus was asking us to follow Him. That is a commitment. Are you committed to Jesus and His kingdom and serving Him where He has placed you on this Earth? That could be at work, with those babies and children at home, in your home as a homemaker, wherever life takes you. I challenge you to run your race to win and don’t let Satan deceive or lie to you and take you off course. Charge on!

PRAYER: Thank you that you are with me Lord. I will not allow the enemy to make me shirk my commitments to you or to those you have placed in my care. I choose to lean in each and every day and run my race to win. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Heavenly Goals?

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.2 Corinthians 4:18

I was recently reading a devotion from Christian Medical Dental Association which asked the question are your goals each day earthly or heavenly ones? That is an excellent question to ponder. Do you live mainly to reach success here or are you focused on what you do ultimately in the kingdom of Heaven?

Everything here on this beautiful Earth God created is great but we are only temporary residents in this gorgeous dwelling place. The goal is not to get too attached accumulating stuff down here but to live each day as if it may be the last. Are you making a lasting impact or building into the life of anyone? For instance, for young moms this means those little babies God entrusted you with as the most important job you will ever have even though the world screams go back to a more ‘important’ job.

There is much pressure to conform to this world but you as a believer are not to be conformed as it says in Romans 12:2 but to be transformed. Don’t let others opinions try to shape you. Let the word of God dwell in you and let it have the most power and effect in your day to day life.

PRAYER: Thank so very much Lord Jesus for being my guide in life and the ultimate role model. Help me daily as I seek to look to you and not the world for how to live. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Geez, Not Again!

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33

What has you frustrated right now? A baby who won’t take a nap?   A car that won’t start? A computer that doesn’t want to start? Dishwasher broken? You get the idea.

Recently I had a perfect morning  which included early morning prayer service, two mile run, gym workout and was on my way to enjoy coffee and do some writing. Even got high fived which is always awesome. I sit down to write and my I-pad  doesn’t feel like it wants to write. Malfunction. Time for a visit to a tech guy.

Life throws curve balls and unexpected delays at you and it is how you react that matters. Staying cool and peaceful should be your marching orders for the day. Not only when things go right but when they go haywire.

Are you able to maintain a peaceful spirit amidst the chaos that may be in your life right now or would you rather rant and complain. Stuff happens. Life goes on. Take a deep breath. Say a prayer. Let go of any tension and move on.

PRAYER: God you are so good and  I give you thanks for my life and the many blessings I have. Help me Lord stay calm in a crisis and not meltdown. Use me to help another who may have struggles. In Jesus’ name. Amen.