Are You Sinking?

"LORD, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." “Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. Matthew 14:28-29

Do you feel like you are sinking in the muck and mire of daily life and just think no one cares and you will always be stuck? The good news is you can be lifted up and run life to win!

The faith Peter needed to simply get out of the boat and trust that Jesus ‘had him’ and he would not sink is probably the faith most of us need. I once heard someone say “believe receive, doubt do without” which is a catchy way to remember you need to put your trust in God, period. 

Whatever is going on in your life today dealing with hassles surrounding Thanksgiving or Christmas season which zaps your joy or just ordinary issues you are dealing with learn that you can trust God to carry you through just get out of the boat. Are you waiting to be lifted up then lift up the most high God on a daily basis.

PRAYER: Lord God I thank you very much for my life. I realize even problems can draw us closer to you and eventually make me stronger. Help me Lord during this time of year to think of those truly less fortunate and hurting. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Click link for a song of praise and worship which is surely to lift you from your doldrums.https://youtu.be/wOnBO-ZJjSg

Note: Got idea for this devotion from a book by former Huntsville, Alabama  resident Carrye Burr entitled ‘Gray Faith’.

Miracles Can And Do Happen!!

Isaiah 41:20, "I am doing this so all who see this miracle may see and know may consider and understand, that the hand of the Lord has done this." 

God has not closed up shop and He is in the miracle business and sometimes it is not all about you and the miracle or breakthrough you are waiting for but about bringing glory to Him and more people to Christ. Ponder that for a while. Also God has no time constraints like we humans try to put on Him. 

The Bible says in Luke 18:1 to “pray and never give up”. I Thessalonians 5:17 says to “pray without ceasing” and I guess that is because God likes to hear from you and hear you from your heart. 

Some deliverances and breakthroughs may seem pretty far fetched to the natural man but you and I operate in a supernatural realm where nothing, and I do mean nothing,  is impossible. (Matthew 19:26). Go for it my friend. God’s miracle shop is open for business around the clock. Romans 4:17 says “calling things as not as though they were” press on and speak forth Victory to that lie the enemy has tried to get you to believe or well meaning friends and family who may give you strange looks and think you are a bit kooky. God has big plans. Trust Him okay? Some day you can testify, “God did this!”. 

PRAYER: I know you do big things and things beyond human imagination. I know the miracles you perform are to bring you Glory and get others to believe and start hungering for you. I know you do the impossible and I thank you for what you are going to do in the lives of people I have been praying for and for others who are just waiting for a breakthough. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

What Are You Thankful For?

Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our LORD Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:20

It is not necessary to wait until a designated holiday to express gratitude to those you love for your many blessings. You might even want to start a thanksgiving jar where you write one thing a day you are thankful for.

In this divided angry USA of today it is easy to lose sight of blessings if you are not careful. Get away from those things causing you to have pain and anger and run to the goodness of God. Pray for those you know who need a touch from the Holy Spirit.

Not just on Thanksgiving but every day get up and say thanks to God for another day of living. Thanks for friends and family. Thanks for money to spend because even though you may feel poor you are richer than most of the people in the world. I sure am glad the Pilgrims set sail on the Mayflower to a new world where they could get away from religious persecution. Let’s always pray we stay free and not dominated by tyranny. Today as you eat a meal and probably over stuff yourself think of those first Pilgrims who had to grow their own crops, live in harsh conditions and then really be grateful for what you have on your dinner table.

PRAYER: First and foremost I am grateful Lord for being born in a free country. I am thankful for good parents who raised me as many are not as fortunate. I thank you for being able to worship freely and not be arrested. I thank you for my Bible. Help me Lord to look around for those who need a touch of love not just today but the other 364 days as well. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Live In The Light

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the LORD. Live as children of light. Ephesians 5:8

Everyone knows light is equated to goodness and truth and darkness is meant to be bad or evil. That is how movies even depict things. The Holy Scriptures  refer to darkness and light as shown in today’s verse. 

As a believer you should want to remain in the light and stay out of dark areas. Darkness is where people fall into trouble and can get hurt. Without light you can stumble and  fall. 

Jesus is the light and in Him there is not a speck of darkness. Satan is equated with darkness. In your life is light flowing in or are you toying with darkness? This is a question only you can answer. Light and life are found in the Bible. To stay out of the darkness read it daily and ask The Holy Spirit to reveal truth to you. 

PRAYER: Light my way Lord. Whenever I start to play with darkness convict my heart. Guide me Lord and keep me on the path of your Holy light. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Heaven....Bring It On!!

However, as it is written: "What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived" -- the things God has prepared for those who love him. 1 Corinthians 2:9

No pain, no death, no fights, no trauma, no tears, no pain, no depression, no back breaking labor, no holiday drama, no pink slips, no probation,  no doctor appointments, no clocking in. Yes folks Heaven is going to be awesome. Not just the streets of gold you read about but much more.

I get a kick out of people saying someone ‘expired’ kind of like a coupon or the date on the milk carton. Yes we ‘expire’ and then a new glorified body, streets of gold and all the rest basking in the Lord’s presence awaits you. This world does not hold a candle to heaven. So many probably can’t fathom what it will really be like. 

All the problems of this world will be gone. Poof. In the twinkling of an eye. Are you ready?

Do you known beyond a shadow of a doubt that if today you breathed you last breath, got hit head-on and died instantly, had heart failure, got hit crossing the street or riding your bike by a distracted driver that you for certain will be ushered into Heaven? All the things people do that they see as entrance blocks to check off like church membership, going to the only true church or denomination, baptism, attending service, Sunday school pins, and a host more are not what gets you there. Baptism you should do after you become a believer but the two thieves on the cross were not baptized yet Jesus said “tonight you will be with me in paradise”. Say this simple prayer, “Jesus I love you. I need you. Come into my heart and change me. I want to live for you. Amen.” Once Jesus is truly in your heart you will have a hunger and thirst for all things Jesus. Trust me. Now go prepare for Heaven. 

PRAYER:Lord Jesus I thank you for my church background and for prayers for me by relatives I never knew were praying. I thank you for saving me. I thank you for helping me share your love with others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Shake It Off

Remember not former things, and look not on things of old. Isaiah 43:18

Is there something in your life you would be better off letting go and moving on? Problems, misspoken words, arguments, whatever it is dwelling on it doesn’t change stuff but it is much better to shake it off. Believing you know what another person may be thinking about you is also a bad habit because you don’t. 

The devil loves to get us trying to conjure up the darkness and wrong thinking and is a master of past failures and screw ups. Don’t even go there child of the most high! Jesus Loves you, He has wiped your slate clean once you repented and now you need to learn to cast off works of darkness and focus on walking in light and truth! 

Whatever is good, pure, perfect like it says in Philippians 4:8 focus on those things. Sitting around mulling over garbage from the past will make the garbage stink like a landfill. Leave it alone. Don’t listen to the lies of the enemy and run your race focused on the cross of Christ. 

PRAYER:Thank you Lord for the Holy Bible which some days I confess I forget to read and meditate on. I believe it is Satan who tries to keep me from it by the tyranny of the urgent. Lord Jesus I seek to have quality time with you on a daily basis. Help me re order my day to do just that! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Is There A Debris Field In Your Life?

“If you love me, keep my commands.” John 14:15

Children have parents to teach them right versus wrong in their formative years. If they are trained properly, to include discipline where necessary, they can grow up healthy and happy ready to face the world. Children should desire to please their parents since they love them. 

As a believer you love Jesus and should want to do things to please and honor Him. Believers don’t check their ‘God block’ each Sunday then forget about Him for 6 days but every day is supposed to be lived out for Him making a difference in the world. In other words church is not to be a club or lodge where we attend like faithful members until the next meeting, but our love should carry us beyond the doors of the church into the community around us to be salt and light and share His love. 

The debris of life, the ugly stuff, God can take away or use it for the good. You have power by using the word of God to clean up the junk and live joyful and peaceful for the kingdom each and every day. Do you want to clean up your debris field?

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for being able to worship you each and every day without apologizing. I thank you that you can take the ugliness in my life and turn it around. Use me to help others get through their debris in life and trust in you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Divided We Fall

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:12

It does not take a rocket scientist, of which there are may in nearby Redstone Arsenal,  to know America is in the devil’s crosshairs. He is using his minions and demonic forces  deceiving many and formulating lies and tricks to try to destroy this great nation. 

This devotion is not about politics but about how Satan tries to divide, destroy, manipulate, con, put out half truths, and twist things to advance his agenda which is destruction of a Christian nation. All is not lost as many prayer groups pray daily for this country, our leaders, and our military. This ‘war’, if won by the enemy,  would destroy America and life as we know it. 

I am not worried because I know who wins in the end and I know who is on the throne. When you have your senses trained through reading of scripture to discern good and evil you can recognize the entanglements and traps this enemy is throwing out and avoid them. You can also have supernatural love for those caught in the snares the devil has thrown out. You can pray for truth to be revealed and revival to break out. Now go save America on your knees. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus we are in a spiritual battle and many see it only as a battle between network news and mankind or a few politicians and a sitting President. Father open the eyes of those blinded by the enemies deception by loyalty to a party and let brothers and sisters in Christ awaken and be on their knees in prayer. May I love those who may disagree or be led astray. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

No God Bubble...Problems Happen

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, James 1:2

Somehow there are those out there who believe if you love Jesus nothing bad  is going to happen to you. Also others I have heard think it is stupid to pray because they know of those who prayed and still really bad junk happened. All I know is if you follow God he is shaping you into the vessel he wants you to be. 

God does help you endure and get through things but some things are for your own good even though it may not seem so at the time. If you keep in mind that our time on earth is so very short then you realize you are on a journey. 

Your prayers are important and loving God is too. You may not understand everything but what is the alternative? A life separated from God for eternity. My friend God loves you and he loves it when you talk to him in prayer each day. Sometimes tough times do bring you closer if you can just hang on to hope. 

PRAYER: Lord I pray for those people who have had tragedy in their life and don’t understand it to not run away from you. Help those who are sad and forlorn to run harder to the cross. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Note: I got the idea for title from a Church by the Glades sermon. 

No Man Or Woman Can Control The Tongue

But  no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. James 3:8

If only there was a way to control the mouth. So much conflict, discord, misunderstanding and hurt could be avoided. The tongue is full of poison as it says in the scripture above. 

Tips on speaking would be to think before you speak. Don’t try to get the last word it does not really matter. Use your mouth to be kind, loving and even say things like “I am sorry” and “you were right”. Also try praising people instead of condemning them. When you want to say an ugly comment pray instead. 

As your momma probably once said “if you can’t find something good to say say nothing at all” is probably a good thing to remember on a regular basis whether with friends, strangers, or at work. Remember to let your words bring joy not pain and anger to others. 

PRAYER: Thank you for the gift of being able to talk. What a blessing it is and there are some who can’t. Forgive me when I have said something I wish I had not. Give me wisdom in my communication with others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Do Overs Available

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.” Isaiah 43:18

Wow do you ever have one of those days you wish you had a time machine and could go back into yesterday and make all things right such as taking back stupid hurtful words or actions?

God is a God of second chances, third chances and so forth. It is the devil who seeks to hurt, destroy, guilt you and make you guilt others. The past is just that, the past. Over, done with, gone! So rehashing it can only create problems and tensions. Let it go and move on.

 Move forward to a new day with new chances to do things right. Be able to say “this is your day Lord, use me and help my words bring joy to others” then march on trusting God to keep you squarely on the path of righteousness.

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for another glorious day in your Creation. Guide my steps today and help keep a watch over my lips that all I say builds up and not tears down. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Getting Along With Difficult People

We love because he first loved us. Whoever  claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And  he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.1 John 4:19-21

Each and every day you will encounter all sorts of personalities. Depending on what is going on in a person’s life may be how they react to things. You as a follower of God need to be ready with a healing or kind word to help diffuse situations which could get heated and ugly.

Believers are called to be salt and light in other words to season the world around you and to light the path of an otherwise dark world. You don’t do this by acting superior, hateful, or judgmental but by being gracious to others and listening to them.

If you have slipped up and lost your cool or acted less than loving God can and does forgive and set your feet to dancing again so to speak. It is the enemy who wants to crush your spirit and get you acting less than Christlike. Stand firm, stay in the word, and run to Him.

PRAYER: Lord help me be kind and understanding to those who may rebuke me, hurt me, get hateful for no good reason. Help me remember in all circumstances I represent you and the Kingdom of God. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Refreshing Others

A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.Proverbs 11:25

Refreshing is not about getting and thinking of only yourself but it is seeing what you can do to help make someone else feel better and have joy and feel ‘refreshed’. 

You don’t necessarily need to go to a spa for a refreshing experience but simply sit down and read the book of Psalms and Proverbs and get good thoughts into your head. Turn on praise music or symphony music. Make a phone call to a friend or family member you have not spoken to in a while. Give an unexpected gift. Send a card. 

When you are having a lousy day or a pity party why not stop and think of how you can send refreshment to someone else and cheer them up?

PRAYER: Lord I want to serve you and serve those around me. Use me to bring joy to those you put in my path. Stir my heart to think of creative ways to refresh another person. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

The Wilderness Can Kill You Or Make You Stronger

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Ephesians 6:12-13

I like to watch outdoor shows about survival and adventure. One thing you quickly learn is you have to have survival skills and common sense to survive the wilderness and its’ elements. Likewise in your life you need spiritual skills to survive the wilderness ‘experiences’ that the evil one, Satan, hopes you will succumb to.

If you are a believer you have the Holy Spirit living inside you. That is that still small voice of right versus wrong which is being muddled by the present darkness of the world of today. Don’t live by feelings, by the worlds view of right and wrong.

The Bible is truth and following it will keep you from the enemies traps which are often well laid like a land mine of sorts to try to destroy your life. Pastor Steven Furtick of Elevation Church says “you can’t  have victory without a battle” and how very true that is. But recognize the battles as stumbling blocks from the devil and keep running the race straight into the arms of Jesus. Whatever lies the enemy has you believing that are being made to seem normal by culture reject them, pray, and run far and fast out of that wilderness.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus help those I know and love who are succumbing to the lies of the enemy have their strongholds broken. Father reveal truth that Satan tries to mask. Help me let the Holy Spirit do the convicting as I pray. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Green Eyed Monster

Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Romans 12:15

Jealousy stinks and should have no place in a believers life yet it is so easy to fall into. It is because the enemy likes division and he gets people comparing and feeling left out. 

It could be various scenarios such as envy of someone’s life and what they own. It could be between in-laws comparing time they get to spend with grown children and grandchildren. It could be trying to read someone’s mind and overreacting to something that is not even real. Possibly a family member seems to have it better than you and you covet their life. Another person has a better job and you feel your life is measly in comparison. Jealousy and comparison are carnal reactions from the bowels of Hell. 

Replace the urge to feel jealous with gratitude, love, joy, peace, mercy, grace, and your life will be much better. Understand Satan comes to tear people’s lives apart and when you start to feel jealous of another stop right then and ask God to show you love instead and say “Satan get away from my mind and heart in Jesus name”. Now go be happy for the person you seemingly were envious of. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I am indeed grateful for what I have and where I am in life. I ask forgiveness for the times I have overreacted and acted jealous and even verbalized it to another. Help me Lord to always be grateful and to show love to those I would tend to be jealous of. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Dramathons

He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven. Psalm 107:29-30

Ever had one of those miscommunications that only seems to get worse especially on text message? As I affectionately call it a ‘dramathon’. When you keep texting back and forth much is lost in translation.

Too much drama is often the way things get talked to death or played up to be more than they actually are. Sometimes it triggers emotions that should never have surfaced and probably wouldn’t have if mouths had been kept closed and last words did not have to be spoken.

If you can identify with this in any way welcome to the club of many. Maybe females more than the guys and sadly our new way of communicating through social media only perpetuates this problem. If you have issues in this area first and foremost pray.Next let things go and let them rest. Don’t keep stirring the pot! Finally rest in the Lord and wait 24 hours before you respond to something you have doubts about. There you have it!

PRAYER: Father I am sorry for the times I have overreacted and spoken words I wish I could retrieve. I pray for healing in the lives of anyone who is going through this drama trauma. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Messed Up...Oh Yeah..Got The Tee Shirt

Don’t be anxious about things; instead, pray. Pray about everything. He longs to hear your requests, so talk to God about your needs and be thankful for what has come. And know that the peace of God (a peace that is beyond any and all of our human understanding) will stand watch over your hearts and minds in Jesus, the Anointed One. Philippians 4:6-7

I am sure you have messed up in something or regretted saying something or texting something. I know the feeling all too well. Many “hey I messed up” tee shirts are in my closet how about yours? 

The good thing is you get a second chance, a third chance, as many chances as you need cause God loves you. People can get angry and irritated with you and may treat you poorly or snub you but God will never do that. 

Pray for those people who may not like you or who are mad at you. Even ask God to bless them, yes you heard me right. The more you do this the more healing in your heart you will receive. 

PRAYER:Father I hate it when I mess up and have conflict with someone or am misunderstood and can’t seem to gain ground being welcomed back into the fold so to speak. I know you are with me when I have goofed up and you love me. I I pray for those in my life who may not have understanding and kind hearts  to be blessed. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Are You Thirsty?

Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water." John 4:10

My title today asks a simple straight forward question. Are you thirsty? I mean thirsty not for a drink of fresh clean water but for living water, the word of God. Sadly many are not and  maybe some people you love dearly are not. 

No one can force a person to be sold out to Jesus. Many are quite content saying “I am a Christian” yet do nothing more than make the statement. I mean Jesus doesn’t require you do a bunch of manmade things but He would like to talk to you sometime or want you to grow closer and hang out with like minded people in a place of worship. 

If you love Jesus you thirst for Him, truly thirst for Him. That means wanting to be with people who love the things of the Lord. You may think you can be a secret service Christ follower but if you don’t get into fellowship and grow in Christ the things of the world will soon captivate you and take you away from things that matter for eternity. Don’t wait till your death bed to cry out for Jesus. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus use me to help draw people to you and not away from you. I pray for those who think saying they are a Christian is enough and don’t hunger for you regularly. Make them hungry and thirsty Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Turn TV Off, Turn To God!

“Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.” Hebrews 2:1

I have many friends who either don’t have a TV or don’t take cable. More power to them for avoiding this object that can be a major time waster and monopolize family time. I guess you could add the small screens in your life as well as they are time wasters as well. True both can be used to watch Christian things but my point being is how much time do you give to The Lord each day?

Now not meaning to guilt anyone. Was told recently I do guilt over things at times and never intend to intentionally. Just wanting you to take inventory of things you do in your life and their value for eternity. Not wanting to make your day into the type of day you feel obligated to give Jesus time but to hope your heart is changed and you truly want to. 

Perhaps you don’t know where to begin and the Bible seems overwhelming. My recommendation is to read the chapter in Proverbs that corresponds to the day of of the week it is since there are 31 days. Whatever you do just know God is not there standing over you saying “that is not enough” but just loves to have your attention. Do yourself a favor and make tomorrow the day you put King Jesus first.

PRAYER:This is the day you have made and often I forget to even say thank you for all my blessings. May the Holy Spirt convict my heart daily and regularly about giving you first place. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Blessed To Be Free

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13

As I one on a flight one day the flight attendant seeing there was an empty seat in first class moved a soldier up to the front. Those serving our country are humble and do it expecting nothing in return.

As I watched this occur I was thinking of all the freedoms we Americans enjoy because of the selfless sacrifice of men and women past, present, and future just like this young officer. America is unique and what we have is special that is why so many emigrated here years ago and still want to.

Freedom is always in jeopardy depending who you and I elect to govern this democracy. Many politicians who get elected may cut funds for these brave men and women and defund programs critical to national security. Elections have consequences and in America’s case it is keeping us free from tyranny, socialism, and communism and securing freedom of religion. When you get a chance thank a vet and those serving now. Freedom truly is not free!

PRAYER: America America God has shed His grace on thee. I am thankful to have been born here. Many are not. I pray for those serving for safety and for those leading to do the right thing. Root out those in public office who somehow got elected but don’t put America first.  In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Your Mind Tends To Wander

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. – Isaiah 26:3

If and when you and I could tame both our minds and our tongues we would almost be perfect people. But alas that is a pretty tall order but it can be worked on and achieved with discipline and lots of it. 

Stinking thinking is a term I heard years ago from Joyce Meyer and when your mind tends to ‘go south’, sorry Southern friends, then you have to snap out of it and realize the enemy loves to try to capture your thoughts on the wrong things. For instance If you constantly feed your mind on news media who obviously hate our sitting President for no good reason, then your mind will be come tainted with untruths. The enemy has worked overtime on this one and some of you no doubt have family members you are trying to pull from the pit of lies and hate by constantly praying. 

Never give up on anyone. It is necessary for each of us to be careful what we take into our minds. Let’s say you go to the movie theater and the only choices are slasher films, horror movies, and other R rated delicacies perhaps you should go home instead and read a book. Ask God to lead you to the truth. Ask Him to keep your words gracious and your thoughts loving and pure. Now go have a jolly good day. 

PRAYER: Father I thank you for the gift of speech, thinking, and all the rest you have made for humans to e able to communicate and get along in this world. These gifts are miracles. Help me to be a good steward of my mind and my words. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Reality Check

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

Life is a journey. Personalities are different. Lives are different. Here is a checklist of things to do to stay in tune with God and in reality.

Don’t take yourself too seriously.
Do your part to bring joy to those around you.
Forgive those who have hurt you or misunderstood you.
Talk to God daily.
Let go of grudges.
Don’t seek revenge.
Pray for your enemies.
Help those you can.
Stop gossiping.
Stop hating.
Read your Bible daily.
Don’t be Holy Spirit junior.
Take a walk in a park and get away from media.
Exercise.
Do an unexpected good deed.
Smile.
Be thankful.
Call your mom if she is still alive. 

This is just a short sampling of ways you can stay in the moment, be kind, live real, and find the joy of the Lord. 

PRAYER: Lord it is my consuming desire to not allow the enemy and his demons to touch me or my family. We are covered with the blood of Jesus and none of Satan’s weapons will prosper against us. Help me live to make a difference and spread love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

I Just Like Smiling...Do You?

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

Sometimes it can be easy to slump into a pity party. Your thinking is messed up or as Bible teacher Joyce Meyer calls it, ‘stinking thinking’ and you can easily get into a rut. I have the perfect solution. Start smiling! Yes you heard me. 

There is always someone worse off than you are and not that makes your situation any less hurtful but smiling can certainly make you feel better and those who you happen to give a smile too. I sat recently at Kroger’s in my local community at the Starbucks watching employees getting off their shift. I just kept smiling at them as they left. Maybe some thought I had a mental illness but I would say yes, I am mentally happy and have the joy of the Lord. The man or woman who cleans the bathrooms probably doesn’t feel much joy so lift them up with a smile. Do what you can to make people’s jobs easier. 

Smiling is a gift from God and He never intends us to stay bowed down and depressed. Junk happens to make people sad and it is a normal emotion but for those of us not going through horrendous losses and hurt right now why not crack a smile on that beautiful or handsome face God created and and make someone’s day a little more happy. 

PRAYER: I am thankful for emotions. I have had rough days and others have lifted me up so help me to remember the simple gesture of a smile might change someone’s day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Kindergarten Rules For Adults

Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God likealittle childwill never enter it." Luke 18:17

Years ago there was a book called All I Really_Need to_Know I_Learned in Kindergarten by Robert Fulghum which has so much truth within its’ pages. Hopefully kindergarteners of today are still learning basic life skills about being courteous, sharing, not cutting in line and the rest. Many of the so called things they learn have a Biblical base to them. Morals and kindness can not be separate from a Biblical worldview. 

Many people today could probably stand to return to the basics of kindergarten hopefully with a dose of The Ten Commandments not banned and thrown in to make it extra helpful.  There are so many mean vindictive souls out there who really seem lost. Maybe they were not loved as a child or grew up not knowing how to be kind because of the environment they grew up in. 

Be nice to those people who you feel need kindergarten lessons again. Pray for them. Show kindness to people who are mean. Again pray for them and pray some more. Don’t judge and reach out to help if the opportunity presents itself. Kindness can change the world. 

PRAYER: Father my heart aches for those adults in society who were not loved during developmental years or who had a lopsided upbringing. Satan wants to divide and he loves broken homes and the products of them because he is a thief and wants to steal joy and wreck lives. Jesus you are more powerful and I pray for healed lives and restoration for those who need a healing touch of kindergarten love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Being Still In A Frantic World

“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

Recently I awakened to right jaw pain and mild chest pain, searching frantically for my Bayer baby aspirin I keep with me at all times for episodes such as this. I got a tad freaked out then I sat and rested and was fine.

As much as a person with chest and jaw pain fears a heart attack and searches for their ‘calm pill’ so much more you and I need to search for God and dive deeper into a relationship with him. The world and its distractions can wait. What if you gave as much time being with the Lord as you do mundane things that are not important for eternity.

Sit and be still. Take a breath. Breathe in, breathe out. Clear your mind. Stay off social media. Relax. Grab your Bible. Read Psalms. Now don’t you feel better?
Now go out and make a difference in the world around you. 

PRAYER: Thank you for the many ways I can achieve peace in a chaotic world. Sitting by a stream, going to the countryside, taking a walk, watching birds, your creation abounds with peaceful scenarios which you created. Give me the ability to be still when the world wants me to go crazy. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Moving Beyond Social Media...Have You Been Hurt?

Making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:16

In 2019 there is a new kind of hurt and pain and it is caused by social media. Even family and seemingly once close friends have fallen victim to this curse. Have you? I heard someone say that a new kind of therapy will no doubt be introduced and that is loss due to social media. It seems silly but rejection is painful. 

I feel Satan is a great divider of families and friends through mostly politics and religion these days. Satan comes to kill, steal, and destroy it tells us in John 10:10. Recognizing this dark force permeating our lives is necessary so you know how to conquer it and come out victorious. Words are misunderstood through texting and such and often times allowing Satan to get control leads to loss of once valuable relationships.

Today stand firm against the tricks of the enemy. Don’t be mad at people who have hurt you through their insensitivity but be angry at the prince of darkness the devil whose main job it is to destroy relationships. Start asking God to help you be released from the need to look at Facebook and such every day. Forgive those who hurt you even though they may not realize it. Start running towards a higher call and that is your status with The Almighty. You are five stars in His eyes and nothing else matters.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I pray for those people hurt by others through social media. I pray for those people who need to be able to let it go and let God. I pray for families with young children to right now be able to nip this in the bud by managing screen time. Give me the ability Lord to let things go and move on. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Grumpy Is As Grumpy Does

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.John 14:27

Recently on an early morning flight and in process of conversing with the female passenger in seat beside me an irritated woman in the row behind us asked us to not talk so loud then went on to say out loud “I guess I need my ear plugs” which floored both myself and girl I was next to.

There are different personality types and everyone is not going to be your best friend. Some folks are not people persons so chattering at any time irritates them. Not hearing that well, but think the girl next to me said “we need to pray” as apparently this was a first for her as well. Instantly a devotion on getting along with others came to mind.

By no means should we intentionally irritate someone and in this case even though no rule was being broken during this pre flight scenario at o dark thirty, I felt it my Christian duty to settle down and let lady have her way. Particularly since I was a standby and in a round about way represented the airline. It is our job to diffuse anger and not let it boil over. Even in your personal life you may have situations where you feel like putting on the boxing gloves and going at it but my friend it is essential you be still. So today if you encounter an angry person be the bigger person and be still.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I know at times I do things to irritate others so help me learn from mistakes and move on. Help me be kind to others who may be bothered by me and simply pray for them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

What Is Hanging In Your Spiritual Closet?

 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.Colossians 3:12

Each of you probably has a room for your clothes. A room known as a closet. There you stuff many things you may have not worn in years. 

You also should have a spiritual closet where the gifts of the spirit are that you should don each and every day if you are walking with the Lord. Love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, self control, compassion, forgiveness, grace should be in your ‘Jesus wardrobe’ and daily you need to remember to intentionally put them on. 

Don’t go out into your day spiritually naked unprepared for the battles that are sure to come. Put on that armor and those spiritual clothes in order to deal with the enemy head on. 

PRAYER: Lord I need you every moment of my day. Often times I confess I get caught up in the pleasures of this present world and forget why I am here and that is to make a difference for the Kingdom of God letting go of any hindrance and running my race with the spiritual dressing you have given me if I only call on you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

God’s Brushstrokes

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10

Did you know you are on God’s easel and he is designing you brush stroke by brush stroke into the person of God you are to be? A stroke here, a dab there, and voila.

You are made in the image of God. All mankind is made in His image although many choose to go their own way and not acknowledge the goodness and glory of the Lord most high.

You are very special to God. He designs and gifts each of his creations with a special purpose and gifting and each person is unique. If you don’t feel unique then stop listening to the voice of the enemy. God’s painting the very special life He wants you to lead and then positively effect those around you each and every day. Stay on the easel and don’t go your own way.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus thank you for making me just like you did. I know you are still working on me as I am a work in progress. Help me learn to flourish in the gifting you have blessed me with and shine your light on others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.