Respond In A Way That Honors God

Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong. Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.Ecclesiastes 5:1-2

How are you with your mouth, your texts, your emails, etc? Do you often spout off and wish you could turn back the clock? I think all of us have.

Does your mouth need to be washed out with Holy Spirit soap so to speak. Ugly words, cursing, gossip, backbiting, betrayal, divulging secrets, lying, are all pretty much no no’s for those who identify with Christ and follow Him. Our tongue is like a deadly weapon it says in JAMES chapter 3. You can bless people with it then curse them. 

Whatever you say and do it should be glorifying to God, so check your social media posts. Is there anyone who needs to hear you say “Forgive me”. This honoring God should be between marriage partners and the divorce rate and consequently fracturing of families would not be happening so much as well. Kindness starts with you. 

PRAYER:Father I love you and thank you for the ability to speak. The tongue and vocal cords are so amazing. The pattern of each person’s voice being different. Forgive me when I use this gift hastily without thought of who I might hurt. Give me the ability to speak words of love, joy, peace, and ditch the ugliness that may be even innocently on social media. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Covid Relationship Robber

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

This elusive strange new illness introduced to our country in late December of last year has made so many people fearful. If the devil had to cook up a scheme to keep people apart this would be it.  Fear has just invaded so many people’s lives that they can hardly think of anything else.

I am not sure where you are today reading this. News reports constantly bombarding you that you could be a carrier and not know it so what do we do? Fold up and stay at home, no relationships with friends because of fear of the unknown and what could happen. Is this anyway to live day to day with so much uncertainty? Heed cautions of course but don’t obsess over it. Read your Bible instead.

My friend I want you to have peace in your heart. Start positive talking and thinking. Please don’t feed your mind constantly with how many people are sick or dying. You can’t expect to walk victoriously if you are being drug through the media mud of  downcast news reports. Have hope. Pray. Believe. Trust God. Wash your hands. Stay home if sick. But don’t allow fear to take over your life. Live with a can do attitude and embrace life.

PRAYER: Jesus I need you. Everyone needs you whether they know it or not. I lean into at times of uncertainty such as what is going on now. I pray for those people who have no peace and can’t hardly rest because of this disease. Bring healing to our world in all forms. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Feeling Numb Lately?

And now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me, In His tent I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord. Hear, O Lord when I cry aloud; Be gracious and compassionate to me and answer me.Psalm 27:6-7

Wow it is quite an understatement to say our world has been rocked this past few months and the shaking continues with race riots, violence, Supreme Court acting like lawmakers instead of legislators, ministers being misunderstood, social distancing keeping you away from those you love to include attending funerals or celebrations , debates on whose opinion is right. Oh my goodness, help me Jesus! 

Sometimes you may just develop the attitude that you don’t care. Life has to still go on. Day to day activities inside the home continue. The military still protects and defends us sometimes separated from their families. The world is still spinning. The sun rises and sets. The stars twinkle at night. 

The one who helps you go on is God. He loves you. He protects you. He is in control. The enemy is who destroys, divides, lies, deceives, causes quarrels. For just a moment can’t we all unite in the same thing and that is defeating Satan in this huge warfare he is putting us in. Is your Spiritual Armor on? 

PRAYER: Lord help me to stay lifted up even when I may feel down. I know your purposes prevail. Help me discern good from evil and cast out any spirits that are not from you. Help my friends and family stay lifted up as well and give them peace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Have You Said Thanks To God Lately?

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

Often times you may get so caught up with day to day living you don’t even slow down to think how you got here and what your purpose is. Also maybe you forget to give thanks daily to God for allowing you to live, move, and have being. 

Try to have a certain place in your home where you start your day. This should not be in front of the TV unless of course you are watching a TV ministry but instead a place to have communion with the Lord. Tell him what is in on your heart and make some time for Bible reading. 

It is not hard to say thanks when you are out in his creation looking up at either a blue sky, thunderclouds, a roaring ocean, majestic mountains, chirping birds, beautiful farm fields and so much more. Learn to be still before Him. Try prayer walking. Give him the praise and glory in good times and bad. 

PRAYER: Mighty and wonderful is your name Oh most high God. Help me be able to share your blessings and joy with those around me who may not be able to feel joy. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Unforeseen Circumstances



So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.Isaiah 41:10

I had to chuckle as I was deleting old files recently and came across a letter to the ladies in my Moms in Prayer group written in late February about the schedule for the remainder of the school calendar year and it said “barring any unforeseen circumstances this is the plan” and little did we know what was just looming ahead. God knew. 

This whole Coronavirus thing was not caused by God but it did not take Him by surprise. All of a sudden all you may have been used to was stripped away. Even now for people in some states semi emerging from this lock in, things are not normal for many. Fear has taken over. The inability to truly be free and enjoy life trusting God to take care of you. 

You have to decide who you will trust and what you will listen to. Continuing listening to all the ‘experts’ advice on what should be done certainly does not help. Battles between to mask or not to mask have taken over. No one will win this debate. Try to let go of paralyzing fear that everyone is dying and things can never change. God is in the business of deliverance remember? Are you fearful then ask God to put his perfect peace inside of you.

PRAYER: Jesus there are so many opinions dividing friends and family now over this whole issue of Covid 19. Obviously we take no chances with certain categories of people and be respectful. I pray for fear to not reign in believers hearts but little by little saturating minds with scripture many are released from grip of fear. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Note: if you suffer from uncontrollable fear that tortures your daily existence why not try the twice a day prayer from www.unite714.com and walk in peace.

What Is Going On?

"Look at the nations and watch — and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told." Habakkuk 1:5

Evil is all around. Hate is spewing forth. Dissenters are trashing cities. Orchestrated riots are pillaging all parts of the country. Our President's name can’t even be mentioned or some people come unglued. What is going on?

God has a plan and His plans can not be altered by mere men trying to change a scenario. Ultimately God’s purposes will prevail. What is needed is a good helping of kindness, understanding, because so many experts are out there that think their way is right and cause turmoil because of this. Friends are wounded, strangers are belittled and cussed at on social media. Oh dear Jesus we need you so bad.

My friend I want to encourage you to start each and every day with prayer. Listen to worship music. Get your mind geared up for kindness, love,joy, peace and see who you can ‘infect l’ with kindness. Yes ‘infect’,  that feared word nowadays due to the pandemic. Let the love of Jesus flow through you to those you encounter. Now go and be blessed.

PRAYER: God’s mercies never cease they are new every morning. I know I am not here by accident but you placed me here for such a time as this. Help me stay calm when others want to argue. Use me as an instrument of love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Your Umpire



 And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ’s] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always].Colossians 3:15 Amplified Bible #Bible gateway #Biblegatewayblogger 

God wants His peace to rule in our hearts. If you could stay focused on Him, on things above, and not nightly news then you could attain his perfect peace.

This Covid 19 scare even has friends and family  debating on what people should and should not be doing. Those who choose to not wear a mask are often ridiculed by those who mask. Some masking is necessary for those in high risk groups, pregnant, elderly and sickly.

Let’s let God and the Holy Spirit be the umpire in this situation and not lose friends over it. Respect those you are around who want you to wear a mask in their presence. And maskers please don’t assume you are right and your friend is wrong because there are so many opinions and theories out there.

Definitely if the enemy wanted to cause havoc in America or the world for that matter why not strike us with deadly disease because this is not from God. You as a believer have authority over that disease and you can wake up and be calm if you say Holy Spirit I need you to reign in my heart. Step out on faith, not fear. Please turn off the news my friend. You can’t win the fear battle feeding mind with bad reports. Focus on above.

PRAYER:Father God I need you. Our world needs you. Holy Spirit bring freedom to people caught up in turmoil. Help me Lord to pursue peace and common sense and not cave to fear. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Chill Out, Let God Handle Agitators

You will keep in perfect peace  those whose minds are steadfast,  because they trust in you. Isaiah 26:3

Volatile is what I would call the atmosphere the past couple weeks in America.  Many of you may think giving your two cents on social media will make you feel better but all it does is set up a chain reaction that often ends in so much hatred and bickering between strangers. No one wins. Take the high road my  friend. 

Who do you think is the instigator of all this unrest? Satan is. Spiritual warfare is a real thing and nowadays so many are so touchy and take offense so easily that often free speech is hampered. 

You are to love one another, period! Trying to go back and rewrite history and all the rest is not the answer. It is resolving in your heart you will be peaceful at all costs. Pray for those people who are hurting others and creating havoc. Pray for safety in our cities. Pay careful attention that you do not get tainted and get sucked into this fray of ugliness. Stand firm and be a witness for the Lord Jesus. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus ever since creation there has been good and evil. Mankind in his infinite wisdom many times likes to assume your role. Help me Lord to reach out to hurting and pray for those who are deliberately creating trouble. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Truth Often Angers People

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:32

Ever since the time of Jesus people have been upset with the truth. They were so upset they wanted to get rid of Jesus. His words were like fingernails on a blackboard to those who apparently thought they were high and mighty. 

This is still going on today. People believe social media, news reports, pop up alerts more than they believe a trusted man or woman of God. Vicious verbal attacks come from expert celebrities in Hollywood who need Jesus so very badly. 

Does your heart ache for these souls? No sense arguing your point let Holy Spirit bring conviction. Satan is loving this present race fiasco and cheering Antifa and other radical groups on as they stir the pot to destroy law enforcement, clergy or anyone who dares speak up. My friend now is the time to be on your knees for peace in our country. Time to educate people the right way and stop the lies. Pray for the truth and for the uncompromised word of God to always be preached. Show love whenever possible. Don’t believe every thing you hear but trust the Word of God.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus mend friendships fractured by the ugliness going on around us. Help me love people even when they are mean to me. Also mend the fractures in our great land. Satan has no authority over us. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Being Still In A Frantic World

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
Covid, race riots, politics, masks oh my! Man is that enough to make your head spin! First of all let me say this disclaimer, this is not a political devotion but it is my hope will instill some peace in those who read whether or not they are Republican or Democrat, black or white, gay or straight, rich or poor, agnostic or a believer. Jesus loves us all, period. He does not condone certain things but says “let he who is without sin cast the first stone” and says to her “now go and sin no more” if you recall from the woman caught in adultery. (John 7:53-8:11)

Don’t let the current atmosphere of craziness make you lose touch with those who love you. Don’t try to debate people especially on social media and I encourage believers to stop the ugliness on Facebook and Twitter cause it only divides and agitates and hurts your witness.

Keep centered on Christ. Get up each day in peace and quietness and don’t run and flip on TV news instead put on some worship music. Stop and get on your knees if you are able and just sing praises to God. Stay off Facebook unless you plan to post something uplifting to build others up. Resist the temptation to debate junk on there and instead pray. Let’s set a new normal of kindness in a mixed up world.

PRAYER: Help me Father as I seek to glorify you in ALL I say and do. Convict those people who have posted not so kind things on social media to take the high road and instead pray and let you handle it. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Don’t Lose Hope Friends

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13)

In the world there is good and there is evil. Satan has really done a con job on people of the United States trying to get rid of law and order and have chaos have become the rule of the day. As we wind down from the shut down of Coronavirus fright another revolution takes over. Even as a writer I have to be careful to not offend people as that is the kind of world we sadly are living in right now. 

You can not believe everything you read or hear from the media as simply put they like to stir the pot. Stirring the pot and reporting patched together half truths and sound bites is how they get ratings never mind the people they destroy on the way to that award. I pray for the media to be set free from any wrong demonic spirits controlling it and pray for Christians in the media to be bold and stand for truth. 

Don’t lose hope my friend. Do a word search in your Bible on hope and another on peace. Both are desperately needed right now. Don’t get into meaningless arguments that lead no where and hurt your witness but be kind and gentle to all. God is still in control never forget that. 

PRAYER: I am so grateful I can rest easy at night because mere men can try to instill fear in people but I know you have more power than puny man. Help me show love to those who are hurting and I lift up those who are creating disorder in cities some not even sure why they are there. Deliver these people from the darkness and help set them free to serve you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Waiting, Trusting, Being Still

 Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. Psalm  37:7
Most people are probably familiar with the story of Sarah and Abraham in the Old Testament where in their advanced years God told them they would have a son. “Yeah right” they both said in modern day vernacular. Unable to be still and trust they took matters in their own hands and Abraham had a baby with Sarahs’ servant girl Hagar. Shortly after this Sarah became pregnant. If only they could have followed the plan.  This is where the present day conflict arises between Arabs and Jews. Isaac and Ishmael were the offspring. (Genesis 21).

Are you having trouble waiting on something in life now or in the past have you jumped in unable to wait cause you were not certain if something was going to happen or not? Probably everyone has. Waiting is terribly hard. Being still, just trusting and resting and not trying to figure stuff out and orchestrate a plan on your own. Just let God have it, period. You prayed, right? Others agreed with you in prayer then get involved in something else and relax.

If you are having trouble waiting turn off all noise, get a journal and just start documenting your thoughts. Have a time of prayer and even add some worship music to get you refocused on ‘things above’. As the old hymn lyrics say “turn your eyes upon Jesus look full in his wonderful face, and the things of Earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of his glory and grace.’

PRAYER: Father forgive me for the times I have charged ahead not willing to wait for your divine answer to a prayer I prayed. Help me Lord to be still and to know you have a plan and no matter how long I have to wait to see the goodness of the Lord it will come. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Are You Settled Yet?

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” Isaiah 43:2

To be settled means many things. To have mind made up. To be at ease. To establish yourself somewhere as in a move. But are your mind and heart settled during this time of being closed in?

You may feel very disjointed, mixed up, lost, lonely and many say it’s the new normal while your heart screams out ‘no’ and you try to gain calmness.

Try this. Just simply sit and be still. Start saying thanks to God as you just rest. Simply talk to him like a friend. No formal linguistics needed. He is your abba daddy. Tell him your fears and then just pick up your Bible and start reading first in Psalms. After a few moments I guarantee you will feel more settled.

PRAYER: I thank you Lord for my life. I thank you I can call on you for peace. Help me discern what I need to eliminate from my day to maintain a feeling of being secure and settled. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Lost Your Weeper?

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Matthew 7:13

Have you lost your ability to weep for those who are lost without Jesus? Do you weep even for evil souls who unless they repent will end up in the lake of fire?Seems there is such hatred on social media even by believers can you resist the urge to chime in and instead offer a prayer?

Why not start this one day. Sit for a moment or two and think of those people who may rub you the wrong way either people you know or don’t know. Purpose in your heart you will extend them grace. If you are tempted to make a hateful comment about a politician in our current politically polarized society stop and pray for them instead. Think of those people who rape, kill, steal, abandon children, do drugs, abortionists, and a host of other things. Remember such were some of you as it says in 1 Corinthians 6:11.

Go into the world with joy,hope, kindness, forgiveness, love and prayer. Pray for those who hurt you or others. Pray for harmony in broken relationships. Trust God can use your new found kindness to win the lost to Christ.

PRAYER: Father God, daddy, I want to represent you well while I am here on earth. Forgive me for ever trying to prove my point or getting too opinionated and ruffling feathers. Still my heart to only share things that build others up. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Who Have You Encouraged Today?

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.1 Thessalonians 5:11

Have you encouraged anyone today? Said a kind word to a friend or paid a compliment to a stranger. Everyone could use a daily dose of being pumped up so to speak.

The news can beat us down so you need to discover ways to lift people out of a slump. Perhaps a deployed soldier’s wife. Maybe a widow or widower missing their spouse. A friend who is out of work. Someone sick or shut in.

Each and every day when you go about your day instead of going right to social media stop, read Psalms and maybe Proverbs and make it your mission to lift someone out of a slump before the day is through.

PRAYER: I thank you Father for friends who have done something kind right when I need uplifted. Use me in someone’s life to do the same. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Purify Your Hearts You Sinners

For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, and slander. Matthew 15:19

Oh my goodness this verse says so much and perhaps those it refers to the most don’t understand or desire changed hearts as Satan has deceived them. No one is immune to the trickery and lies of Satan. His job is destruction of your soul and he uses all sorts of tactics to accomplish this even sometimes getting believers to doubt their belief. 

Anger is a common tool in Satan’s tool box to get arguments going and just like this past couple weeks dragging the race issue in and doubling down on his deception and making the races hate each other. Violence, destruction, lies, trickery are all elements from the evil forces of the devil. When mankind feels like a human is his enemy in actuality it is a spiritual battle fought beyond our realm always with the intent of destroying freedom, justice, love, and a democratic society. 

My friend you be the bigger person and show love to those you around you. Make it a point to pray for your enemies as the Bible actually does command that. Trust God is on the throne and his plans will prevail. Do what you can to bring peace to the world and this includes not bickering back and forth on social media to prove your point. If you have done that repent and then don’t do it again. Can people tell you are a believer by your social media posts? Something to think about in this decided world. 

PRAYER:This is the day you have made and I will rejoice in it. You made it for ALL people and you do not have favorites. Help those people who do not know you encounter someone who will share the truth with them knowing it is the Holy Spirit that will draw them to the cross. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

God Is In Charge

“For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light.” Luke 8:17

Why is it so many get their main source of information from the news? Probably because that is what they grew up seeing modeled or they feel it is imperative to be informed. 

Why not try to take a step back from being addicted to your mobile device news feed, nightly news, breaking news, and just resist the urge to even go there. It may take some real discipline if it has become an ingrained habit of yours. 

Let your life be led by Holy Spirit news and truth and rest in the arms of the savior. Don’t run to catch every news  story as a matter of fact try a fast from the news for thirty days. This means ignoring pop ups news feeds that tempt you to click on them. Occupy yourself with something uplifting during the traditional time news is on. Once you take this break you may find you start feeling less anxious and develop a sense of wellness and peace. How about it? 

PRAYER: Lord you are in control of the world and I trust in every thing that happens that you are there in the midst, not having caused it but using it ultimately for my good. I lift those people up who may be addicted to secular news on TV or newspaper that they can take a season of rest and relax in you instead. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Upstream In A Downstream World

If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn't do it, it is sin for them.James 4:17

Do you ever feel you are swimming against a very strong cultural current which may be popular but certainly is not necessarily right?

There was a saying I heard once that what is popular is not always right and what is right is not always popular. Ponder that for a moment. It is sometimes to take a stand for what you know is right according to Biblical reasons and backed up by scripture but when the current world has totally different values you may feel outnumbered.

If you are not careful and don’t stay in scripture you too could easily be sucked into this frenzy of wrong debased thinking. Don’t laugh because Satan is out to trip people up, get them to compromise what they know deep down is right, and one of the biggest keys is you absolutely must spend time in the word of God each and every day. Where do you spend most of your time the first hour of your waking moments? Social media, watching morning news, reading the paper. You can see if you are not immersing yourself in truth from the word it is easy to believe the world’s lies. My friend push hard against that current that seeks to have you drown in cultural lies. Press on for the truth found only in God’s holy word.

PRAYER: Forgive me Lord for the times I have totally wasted my morning and have started caving into the popular cultural and its’ tricks and deception. I pray for anyone I know who is caught up in this or also anyone who loves their denomination more than God Himself and His word. Keep me on the path to righteousness Lord and help me to bring others with me and not deter them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Doing Your Part In Holy Spirit Work

A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come” (Mark 4:26-29, NIV 1984).

You never know what impact your words, kindness, prayers have in another persons life. Each believer should be wanting others to know Jesus. 

This verse above is indicative of the fact that we as believers ‘scatter’ seeds as we go on our journey through life. These ‘seeds’ may or may not take root in a persons’ life and you may not know till Heaven if they did. But each and every day you and I should purposefully be planting ‘seeds’ in another’s life and then praying The Holy Spirit will help those who have been touched have open eyes, and open heart and be changed and set free. 

Each and every day are you gardening for the kingdom or are you scattering bad seed of ugly social media posts, anger, hate, and things that don’t really matter? Perhaps it is time to throw away the bad seeds and start with some fresh powerful hopefilled seed. Now go do some planting for God. 

PRAYER: I feel bad when I waste my hours gazing at nonsense that makes no difference in the long run. Help me Father as I seek to draw people closer to you and not further away. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Exhale....Just Try It

But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace. Psalm 37:11

Have you had enough excitement for 2020 yet and only into month number 6. You can not allow yourself to get so caught up in the chaos by constantly feeding on social media and news.

Stop now, turn off your TV, put down distractions, and just exhale. Relax. Do it again. Blow out the anger, stress, tension, worry, and fear.

Now take a deep breath and breathe in the love of God, peace, love, joy, and contentment. You can maintain this if only you can let political chaos go. Let God handle it. Stop the fights on social media. Especially if you are a believer be the bigger person and end it. Let’s charge on into the rest of the year as the new you representing the kingdom of Christ in a mighty way.

PRAYER: Jesus help me not chime in to the debates of the day that are fracturing friendships and hurting families. Help me Lord instead use my energy for good abs help people and be kind. Give me strength to stop posting controversial things on social media and be at peace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Attacks On Every Front

“Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” (Eph. 6:11-12)

Who could have written a script including all the chaos that is going on in our world especially America right now. Ugliness on every front. Social media users need to steer clear of anything too sensitive which includes about everything in this easily offended society. 

The enemy wants our country so he has created so much evil around us. Easily offended people who lash back with name calling who have been easily swayed by wrong information. There is no sense trying to convince anyone. The Holy Spirit is the one who convicts. But the outright hatred is making whoever created this chaos quite happy. 

My friend you must have love for the Lord period. False narratives have been in the news so much people start believing them which is usually the plan of one trying to undermine a democratic society. Today if you hear His voice harden not your heart friend. Don’t name call, judge, hate, Unfriend, but why not spend about as much time praying for your enemies as you do trying to make enemies? Think about that. Basically read the book of John. Stop watching news reports. Pray for those who have called you ugly names. Let God handle it. He is in control of the world, period! 

PRAYER: My heart goes out to those people who have been hurt or had a family member killed and the narrative to create hate for law enforcement has to stop. I pray for those hard hearts to be changed and for Jesus to come into hearts that need hate transformed to love. In Jesus’ name.Amen. 

Do You Trust The Lord?

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green.  Jeremiah 17:7-8

Trust in the Lord, do you have it? If not do you wish you did? Have you prayed for an issue that is yet to be resolved? Ever think that God is working something out in you through this waiting period? It is hard to wait and it is hard to not want to fume and take matters in your own hands as if you could really. 

Think about the word picture given from today’s scripture, a tree planted by water that is living water and stays green. Do you have that ‘living water’ in your life?  When you can relax and trust God you don’t have to keep orchestrating things or overthinking an issue but can simply believe and trust God has your back and cares for you and things will be ok. 

What issues are you struggling with today? How much time do you spend in prayer and Bible reading daily because the more you lean into God the less your anxiety will be. God speaks to you through scripture. Today before you rush off to do less important things make sure your to do list includes ‘time with the Savior’. Maybe get a journal and write your thoughts as you read through verses. End in prayer which is simply just a chat with God. Let Him hear your heart. 

PRAYER: This is the day you have made and I choose to rejoice and try to serve others more than my self. I choose to learn from waiting and trust you for the outcome which may come in a ‘suddenly’ moment. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Respond In A Way That Honors God

And I declare to you that you are Peter, and that upon this Rock I will build my Church, and the might of Hades shall not triumph over it. Matthew 16:18

My heart aches right now over a social media incident that the person who ‘liked’ a post of someone who is controversial because of being conservative and now vultures were waiting in the wings to not only try to destroy him but a very growing dynamic church with worldwide influence and many US campuses as well. The devil is alive my friend and he hates when God’s work is being done and people are being set free. 

There are those individuals who judge growing non denominational churches and love it when stuff like this happens to try to close them down. This incident speaks loudly of why it is essential to stay off social media especially if there are people waiting for you to mess up. It also shows why it is critical for the body of Christ to keep their pastor and ministry team lifted up in prayer as the enemy is always looking for an opening to destroy a vital growing church that wins thousands to Christ.

You may not be a preacher, Sunday school teacher, prayer group leader, or group leaders in your church but do the things you say and do bring people closer to Christ or draw them away. Yours truly has to ask this question and often deletes things. You may feel passionate about something but better to put the lid on this before an outburst on social media causes anger and disruption. Seek for what brings peace and love one another. Don’t try to win every battle. Pray for the wounded too. 

PRAYER: Help me Lord as I seek to draw people to you not to prove a point. Help me know when to remain silent and when to speak up. Your love is all that matters. Forgive me when I have hurt my witness by debating people. Let me walk in love towards all people. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Come Lord Jesus!

I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.Psalm 27:13

Have you ever just wished Jesus would come back and you could be beamed up? Your heart aches over a loss, a misunderstanding, the state of the world, violence and angry eruptions.

Each of us is here not by accident even though sometimes you may feel you are but God ordained us to be here for such a time as this. He knew all about this chaos before it happened. Atheists would say then “why didn’t your God stop it” and I say because he can use it for His greater purposes.

These times have been very different and unexpected but God has a plan and His purposes will prevail. When you are feeling down why not go somewhere and spread joy. Things like writing your mom a letter if she is still living. Treating a friend to coffee. Serving another when unexpected. Helping others gets you out of the deepest pit you may be in. Keep praying as God is on the throne.

PRAYER: Father the times we are in are super divided and only the Holy Spirit can cause hearts and minds to change. Bring healing from those wounded by someone or hurt by words. Help me Lord as I seek to be an instrument of peace not division. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Who Is In Control Anyway?

“You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today. Deuteronomy 8:17-18

Who exactly is in control of life anyway? Maybe up until Covid 19 2020 you thought you were. All of us found out otherwise. Freedom loving people were told to shelter in place. Say what? 

Through this, hopefully you have used your down time wisely and you may have been one who worked remotely from home so no real free time to speak of. My prayer is you were able to gain good things as a result of sheltering in place as well. 

There are those  people,  I am sure,  who had no appreciation of the good things we enjoy here in America and hopefully this was their wake up call. Don’t assume anything cause you just don’t know. My hope is that your trust is in the Almighty God even more. 

PRAYER: Worthy is the name of the Lord and I thank you for his gifts and goodness. Forgive me for thinking things were ever all about me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Renewing Your Mind

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

When you renew your mind it is not like renewing a library book, a club membership and the like that only takes one moment in a certain select period of time. Renewing of your mind is a DAILY process you must do as a follower of Christ in order to recognize lies of the enemy.

So you are wondering how you do this? You have to get into the word of God in a version you can understand. The Bible is the best tool in your arsenal for fighting spiritual battles but if you don’t hide God’s word in your heart and know some verses by memory how will you engage in battle with demonic forces all around you?

May I suggest to do a word study on the mind? It will produce many good verses and some you may even want to commit to memory. When you toss and turn with all sorts of mental turmoil ask yourself are you really trusting God and release your issue to the Almighty and let your mind get renewed.

PRAYER: I am lost without the daily dose of the Word to strengthen me, renew me and keep me going on the right path. When I have doubted I start to sink and I know what I need to do and that is run to the throne of God and get into the word and prayer. This Covid 19 time has been mental torment for many and I pray for those people who need to trust in God and let fear stop dragging them down. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

You Will Bear Much Fruit

                    

No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God's seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God.1 John 3:9

Seeds of joy, do you plant many of them? How about peace seeds?

As a believer we are to be bearing ‘fruit’ for the kingdom but that is difficult to do when knowingly engaging in wrong thinking, attitudes, and behavior. (See Galatians 5).

Let go of junk you know is not good. Wrong thinking. Bitterness. Bad friends. Wanting everyone to like you. Obsession with social media. Telling innocent lies or stretching the truth. Being dishonorable. Your fruit will only grow when the ‘soil’ of your heart is prepared by leading a life to glorify God and not Satan.

PRAYER: Father I need to ‘weed’ the garden of my heart tearing out those things that make me want to slip into wrong behaviors and wrong thinking. Help me gain discipline to not  say I glorify you when in fact I immerse myself more in secular things than in your word. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Easy Terms, Free Delivery

"No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day. It is written in the Prophets: 'They will all be taught by God.' Everyone who has heard the Father and learned from him comes to me.John 6:44-45

Somehow there are those folks who probably think living for Jesus is boring and no way do they want to mess with going to Heaven as it will probably just be angels, people in choir robes, and a pipe organ playing. 

You may be in a denomination and because of certain ‘rituals’ think you are going to Heaven. That is how I was until an experience with the Holy Spirit opening my eyes to the truth on 19 March 1975. I grew up ‘churched’ doing all the right things in my denomination to say I was a Christian and indeed I was but I was not ‘following’ the Lord nor on fire for Him. 

There are ‘easy terms’ to being saved and set free and ‘free delivery’ into the Heavenly kingdom upon taking your last breath here on Earth when God has called you home. Are you certain beyond a shadow of a doubt if you died today you would be in Heaven? Many people are scared of dying more than ever now due to fear from this pandemic. You don’t have to be scared. Say “Jesus come into my heart and set me free. Forgive me of my sins. I want to live for you.” Now go enjoy your day and be a blessing in someone’s life. 

PRAYER: There are  days the enemy tries to torture me with getting my mind off Christ and causes me to cave to fear. Even as a child of God it happens. Help me be alert to enemies tricks. Help me be able to share Christ of someone were to ask me how I can have hope in troubled times. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Humility, Honor, Respect

Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'”1 Peter 5:5

Humility, honor, and respect can all be lumped together when speaking of those who are younger being kind and respectful to their elders. In this self sufficient time it may be easy to put ‘self’ out in front. 

Older people who have been there, done that, got the tee shirt so to speak are worth talking to and learning from. If you are in your 20’s, 30’s, and 40’s don’t be so quick to write off those above 50. There is so much wisdom to be gained from their experiences and work. 

When it comes to humility do you seek the glory or do you give credit to God who makes all things possible. Just something to ponder.

PRAYER: Oh Lord I know in the past I may have shown dishonor or disrespect to those who I thought were ‘old’ forgive me. Also Lord when I do something help me not seek my own glory and fame but know it is you who has given me power to do what I do. Help me remember that inside of every person who looks old or elderly is a young person screaming to be loved, cherished, and respected. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Why Do The Heathen Rage?

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the LORD, and he will lift you up.James 4:7-10

Riots, killings, looting, fires, tear gas, racial division, political hatred, where does it come from? I will tell you where. The pit of hell! Satan is having so much fun watching America tear itself apart. At one moment we were all united watching the launch of Spacex then next we see America falling apart.

Brothers and sisters there is so much misinformation out there. False news reports, social media, viral posts, even ministers of the gospel get ridiculed. What is going on? Why do even believers get caught up in it and chime in and not try to stop it? How do you do that? Self control,prayer, and get secluded with God and your Bible and let Him speak to you.

How do you expect to have things change if it is all a passing fad or joke? The sheer hatred and blaming our President for everything is even coming from believers. Friend, the devil hates America and he uses all kinds of lies, deception, and evil schemes to do His work. Are you in his camp if so my prayer is you are set free to get off social media, allegiance to a political party, turn OFF the news, put down the newspaper and fall deeply in love with God Almighty! Who is with me? Who is with God?

PRAYER: Jesus this world is lost without you. I am sorry for times I have gone crazy on social media and not first prayed. I ask you to open the eyes of those in my circle of influence who may be captivated by lies from Hell and not even see it. Guide my speech to not utter anything negative about anyone. Come Holy Spirit and fill the atmosphere. In Jesus’ name. Amen.