Tee Shirt Mania

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.Philippians 2:3

I am not certain because I have not travelled internationally but here in the USA it seems Americans have a love affair with ‘tourist’, catchy phrase,or tee shirts for sports events shot out of a tee shirt blaster. 

If you could design a tee shirt for Jesus to don what would it say? Yes I know he wears robes and sandals but humor me a bit. It probably would not say ‘I Love Jesus’ because he is humble or ‘I Walk On Water’. As a matter of fact he probably would need a tee shirt quilt made representing all mankind he loves. 

Tee shirts are fun and they can be very good way of sharing God’s word, a vacation spot, concert you attended but thing to remember my point being to let your life be your witness.

PRAYER: Lord use me to share your love with those around me be it by starting up a conversation about a tee shirt or some other way. Help me recognize those who are hurting and assist in some meaningful way. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Hurt Feelings And Other Aches

 

 But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:36-37 NIV Bible Gateway

In your lifetime have you been labeled and called names sometimes by friends, teachers, those teasing you or maybe a family member or a person who can’t stomach your personality. 

Some of the glorious titles I have been called over the years have been space cadet, self righteous,  exasperating, narcissistic, energizer bunny, to name a few. Some titles are a honor and tribute and others downright hurt deep down. 

This devotion is not meant to make you feel sorry for me but instead to help realize how teasing sometimes affects people differently depending on where the person is at emotionally.  Why not try to find words of affirmation to build up instead of words that wound often fit a lifetime. Name calling is not cool. 

PRAYER: Father I choose to forgive anyone in my past who maliciously was ugly with their words to me. Also I pray for those who have been wounded by children at school, coaches, babysitters, children on a school bus or anyone who didn’t think before they called out names or titles. Help me Lord be careful with my words. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

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Plunder Hell, Populate Heaven

 

Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.Matthew 10:28

 Pastor Chris Hodges of Church of the Highlands tecent message spoke of plundering hell and populating Heaven or in other words or in other words go about your day spreading light, love, forgiveness, mercy, grace, and truth. Forces of darkness can’t stand those things. 

The present day culture does plenty to try to take mankind away from the kingdom of God. Often we humans act like we are never going to leave Earth when in fact this is just temporary as our final home is in Heaven, and it won’t be boring. You and I need to be doing all we can to live for the kingdom and to help entice others to do so as well. 

The enemy is a destroyer, liar, deceiver, hater, killer, thief, and you need to get in the game and let him know who is boss. Tell him he has no authority over you or your family. Don’t let him win. Stay on your knees and in your Bible as those are two of the weapons you have to destroy the works of the devil. Now go be bold and shout victory in the devil’s face. 

PRAYER: I am not afraid of the darkness because I am walking in the light. I lift up those I know who are caught up on the devil’s team and don’t even realize it. Open their eyes to the truth and Holy Spirit bring conviction. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Do Not Be Afraid

 

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

Fear can absolutely paralyze you if you allow it to. Many things can cause fear but many of the things you may be afraid of will never happen and even if they did fearing the outcomes is certainly not the solution. 

Your faith is being tested. God is not punishing you. You dare not compare to others who seem to glide through life with hardly any troubles. You do not know the whole story. 

Troubles are healers. Yes you heard me. You run to God like you never have before. Many people are praying and trusting and God has a mighty plan in store. He will use your troubles to help others in the long run as well as benefitting you whether you can see that now amid turmoil. Hold the rope, God has the other end! 

PRAYER:It is painful when you hear stories of people dying from diseases or hurting emotionally maybe even by something they brought on themselves. Pain is not fun but Lord I know that there is a silver lining to hurtful things that happen and I trust you for redemption. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Your Best Defense

 





We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV Bible gateway

Every day you wake up and face new challenges depending on what stage of life you are in. Many people who attend church probably think that is it for the week when in fact to be able to ward off attacks of the darkness in this world you have to stay in the word and know it. 

You can talk about right things and know what to do but you have to be obedient to the Lord and follow his teachings. Your best defense is to know and use the word of God to fight your battles. 

Satan is not interested in Sunday Christians who coast through life the rest of the week with no desire to read Bible and pray. The Lord is here ready to help you if you call on Him. Pick up the sword of the spirit(The Bible) and fight against the lies of the world. 

PRAYER: Father I love the word and I am ready each day to fight the battles that come at me by using the truth in the word. Stir up the gifts in me to help stand my ground against the enemy. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Bruising Words

 

For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned." Matthew 12:37

Have you ever blurted out words without even thinking of how they will sound to the recipient of them? Hurtful, callous words. If you are on receiving end of a verbal backlash it can be shocking and  disheartening. 

Who messes up with our mouths?  You blast off emails or texts in a fit of anger without thinking. You hurt feelings. Your emotions run high and instead of stopping to pray and give thanks for what you have you upset the apple cart with ugliness and hurt coming from your mouth. 

I often have heard those we are closest to get hurt the most and also I heard hurting people hurt other people without realizing it. So my friend who have you been mean to lately. A family member, friend, clerk at a store, waiter? Stop right now and decide enough is enough and seek to let only good come from your mouth. 

PRAYER: I want to thank you Lord for the gift of speech, singing, cheering and just having vocal cords. Help me to forgive unconditionally when I have been a victim of a word battle and help me not to slip and be ugly myself. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Come And See!

And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.John 1:46

You may or may not be familiar with the mini series entitled ‘The Chosen’ which is preparing for its’ phenomenal 3rd season. It is about Jesus choosing his 12 disciples and is a must see. 

Jesus from the moment he was born was scorned and hated. I like to say the dark forces of evil even back then were trying to take his life and discredit him. Jealousy and anger the most probable causes. After all He says He is a King and can work miracles! 

Unless someone is born again he or she can not discern things of the spirit they are absolute foolishness to them. Once they receive the Holy Spirit a transformation occurs and their mind is able to grasp things it never could. In the verse above, citizenry who were asking about Jesus commented,  “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” The reply of course was “Come and see” so the masses came, miracles occurred, people were set free from all sorts of things. How about you, do you want to come, see, and believe? 

PRAYER: Even today there are people whose minds are seared with hatred trying to do evil and be dictatorial in our free land. I know only you Christ can set them free. Help more ‘blinded’ people encounter Jesus and hunger for him like never before. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Note: The Chosen App is totally free. It looks like this

Wear Your Spirit Screen To Prevent Exposure

Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Isaiah 41:10

When you go out in the sunshine you apply sunscreen to keep the harmful rays of sun from causing cancer or wrinkles. In life so many things come into our heart through our eye and ear gates through what you choose to expose yourself to. This can be anything from pop ups that invade your device or you choosing to get up daily and watch the news out of habit.

You have a choice to what you expose yourself to. What you expose yourself to will determine the choices you make.You need to discipline what you allow into your mind just like you discipline your body to exercise, study if in college, have a quiet time with the Lord, and not overeat. 

So what is 'spirit screen' that I refer to in my title? It is ensuring you have quality time with the Lord with no excuses. The more you make excuses the more you will get 'burned' by this world and its' deceiving culture. This world is NOT your home and you must remember to prepare yourself for your heavenly home and not live for this culture and it's emptiness and lies. 

PRAYER: Father I want to stand strong each and every day and learn to master the emotions that try to control me. I know the enemy will try to invade my thoughts to get me to do and say wrong things and will attempt to steer me away from kingdom living. Help Me Lord recognize these attacks and help me get up and seek  to know more about God and less about this culture through media.  In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Incoming Wounded

He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds.Psalm 147:3

Being in a military family and one tied to aviation in a big way I love the sound of airplanes, helicopters, you name it. I will catch myself saying “Incoming wounded” when I hear the sound of certain aircraft that typically carry injured people as in the old TV show M.A.S.H.  that is what they said when medevac chopper approached their camp. 

Incoming wounded, that could be any one when it would refer to other types of hurts not just visible ones. Walking wounded are people with brokenness in their lives often unseen to the outside world. Wounds that leave emotional scars and often require counseling to deal with. 

Do you feel somewhat wounded and battered from either a present day or a traumatic past? God does heal broken hearted people and often uses you to help others. Stand strong in the storms of life, seek Christian counseling if you feel unable to go it alone. Above all don’t listen to the enemy who will cause you to feel defeated. 

PRAYER: Father I know you use all things in my life to make good and thank you for restoring me when I have been broken. I pray for anyone today that may be grieving and hurting that you will restore their joy. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Click link for awesome song of restoration: https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=song+about+brokenness&&view=detail&mid=B4D314DDF91F5A483191B4D314DDF91F5A483191&&FORM=VDRVRV&PC=APPL

People Will Take Offense...Why?

 

Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble.Psalm 119:65

Judging, being offended and a host of other earthly issues that separate people is not good. No one is perfect. But why do some people get so offended about things that really aren’t that big of a deal? 

Matthew West Grammy and Dove Award winning artist, Singer,  and songwriter recently wrote a satirical song and said it was just that yet the masses who didn’t care about the why immediately jumped on him and started criticizing him as they were offended so Mr West decided to delete the video from You Tube. It was called ‘Modest Is Hottest’ referring to being father of girls. 

The Bible speaks of in latter days many will be offended(2 Timothy 3:1-5). Before they even have time to understand the ‘why’ they come out like vultures trying to destroy another person for no reason other than offense.  Perhaps if some of these offended people would just be still and not jump to conclusions or get holier than thou things would work out much better. It has happened to me as a devotion writer too. Being misunderstood or judged is not fun. So my friends give some grace next time you want to take offense without knowing the ‘why’.

PRAYER: Lord I come to you today and my heart breaks for those people who are touchy and offended by many things. Lord help renew the hearts and minds of many who need to know you better. Use me too to help spread love and teach mercy and grace. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Falling Off The Content(Joy) Wagon

 

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.Philippians 4:11-13

Life has ups and downs and joys and sorrows. One of biggest killers of contentment is comparison. This is why the less social media the better. 

You purpose in your heart you will start doing things that create joy, such as not dwelling on what if’s and failures and mean people in your life or your past. You give things to God then can’t stay focused on joy. 

Your assignment is to stop what you are doing and think of all the ways you are blessed and follow this with ways you can bless others. Try to not focus on rejection, hurt, lies, but on prayer and being closer to God. Turn your eyes and thoughts on Jesus. 

PRAYER: Being in a slump happens to all of us and it can feel just like I have zero motivation. Help me Lord to turn on praise music and focus on the wonderful ways you are working in my life and the life of those close to me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Stay Focused

 

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.Matthew 6:33

I have the kind of personality that if not careful I can be all over the place whether it is in housework, with friends or family, writing, and even in worthy ministry and social causes and politics. 

Maybe someone else out there can identify. Let’s say your heart is for the nation’s healing and it is good to get with a ministry or two but not everything. I am passionate about praying for my children ,grandchildren,  and schools too but can’t be in every ministry involving that so I pray and decide where to focus. 

Where is your heart leaning today?Busy may seem good but I heard the acronym ‘being under Satan’s yoke’ too because we in the western world see busy as a badge of honor somehow when God wants us to rest too and practice stillness. So friends pray and decide where God wants you to minister keeping in mind every day you are a ‘minister’ for Him. 

PRAYER: I pray for the many Christian ministries dealing with many areas from prison, schools, government, sex trafficking, homelessness, and on it goes. Help me Lord to do a couple things good and not volunteer for everything at the expense of my loved ones. Use me to make a difference but help me also be able to stop and rest. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

F.E.A.R.

For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Isaiah 41:13

False Evidence Appearing Real is what this acronym means. Fear can be disabling. When the enemy can get you fixated on stuff you have no control over unless you can recognize it and counter it with spiritual warfare you find yourself slipping into a pit.

Put down that shovel for digging out of the pit cause you ARE NOT going to let it happen. Pick up the Bible open to the book of Ephesians and start reading. Pray, and make it a point to daily have quiet time with the Lord making it just as essential as that coffee meet up with a friend.

When you allow Satan to distract your faith walk with fear he has you so DO NOT let him. The way to win the battle over fear is to get up daily and say “This is the day the Lord has made I will rejoice and be glad in it!” Now go seize the day for God!

PRAYER: I am grateful for caring friends and family and prayer lines that are there when I need a pick me up from the pits I get myself in. Better still I am thankful for my Bible. Forgive me when I rush into the day without my ‘armor’ on. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Beware Of Success

 

Therefore let the one who thinks he stands firm [immune to temptation, being overconfident and self-righteous], take care that he does not fall [into sin and condemnation].1 Corinthians 10:12 AMP Bible Gateway

Many times learning and growing comes through struggles and hardships but when and if success comes remember to not forget God who let it happen. 

It can be easy to be tempted to think success is all about you when in fact as a believer you should know God is the one that helps you succeed in all that you do. When you get too into yourself and puffed up thinking more highly of yourself than you should (Romans 12:3)watch out. The enemy is right there to cheer your boastful spirit on. 

So my friend no matter what accolades, degrees, promotions, awards and such you receive give God all the glory. 

PRAYER: Guide me each day so I never get too big for my britches. Help me remember to let others praise me and not praise myself. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

#Biblegatewayblogger

What In The World Is God Up To?

 

Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3

Many in our world are hopelessly lost and living like there is no eternity and their thoughts and actions don’t matter. God is not surprised as from the beginning of time sinful man has tried to be in charge of the narrative of life and eternity. 

Satan has blinded even the minds of ‘church goers’ who feel their denomination is the key. Politics has ripped this nation apart also as those who don’t like our ‘founding’ try to wreck it or rewrite it and control it. History will stand and all of it had a purpose even the horrible stuff like the Holocaust.

Today do not forget to start your day giving praise to God as that is the key to victory over your enemy and wrong thinking. Get ugly thinking and hate out of your heart and pray for those you know or even don’t personally know to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Give praise in the presence of your enemies! 

PRAYER: Lord I thank you for shining your light in the darkness so that people can find their way to truth and be set free. I know you have many good things in store. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Don't Bow To Idols

Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, "Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!" So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire, and the satraps, prefects, governors and royal advisers crowded around them. They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them.Daniel 3:26-27

Most raised in church know the story of these three young men who refused to bow to an idol so were flung into a very blazing furnace only to emerge unscathed. So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego would not bow down to this giant statue. For defying idolatry, they were thrown into the fire.

What idols do we face today? It may not be a gold statue but it could be a host of other things that subtly Satan has made seem culturally ok. But things the devil tricks you with are never ok. (Read the article I attached. Kind of creepy in my opinion.)

Walk in spirit of truth and love being alert to Satan’s tricks to seemingly want humans to exalt themselves over God. Run your race with God out front!

PRAYER:I choose Lord to stay away from idols so help me always be discerning but to never guilt others to convict them but to keep prayer alive. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Note: https://www.azcentral.com/story/entertainment/arts/2021/05/06/the-giant-worlds-tallest-moving-statue-phoenix/4947964001

Taking A Peace Break

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.John 14:27

Do you ever intentionally just sit down alone and rest and ponder. I did that recently at our local Starbucks patio in the shady breeze. I was there writing, pondering, and listening to late 60’s hits on the outdoor audio system. It was quite pleasant but at times I wondered how many people can make themselves do this routinely or even take a nap. 

At times do you catch yourself feeling guilty by resting or not having a full ‘to do’ list? In America especially it seems as though humans are compelled to stay busy so probably the isolation of the pandemic shutdown was difficult for many. 

Why not make your schedule to not only include quiet time with the Lord and prayer but stillness too. 

PRAYER: I need to take care of the ‘temple’ which is my physical body and part of that is rest, so Father help me not schedule my day so full I can’t take a ‘peace break’. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

That's A Tomorrow Problem

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34

I give credit for my title to Nashville WAYFM radio personality Bekah. Think about how much unnecessary time you may waste by unnecessary fretting over things that in all actuality may not be that drastic. Instead of grasping at straws and trying to figure out problems that have not even happened relax. 

Do you believe God is going to handle your problems? Sometimes the enemy may get you so confused and fretting it is hard to relax and trust God. This is where your Bible comes in as the most important tool for mental, physical and spiritual health. 

So are you going to fixate on stuff that may not that happen? This is up to you to ask God to help you control your thoughts then meditate on God’s word to calm your mind. Get settled in and don’t always expect bumpy roads every day. 

PRAYER:Lord it is so easy to fall into old habits of habitual fretting and all the unknown what if’s in life. I know you want me to get beyond that and realize Satan wants to disable me and he has to flee. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Note: Link to Bekah’s article. https://www.wayfm.com/content/bekah/how-a-car-crash-helped-my-anxiety/

Who Are You?

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

How would you describe yourself if you were asked “Who are you?” Would you say your ‘titles’ such as wife, husband, friend and in that list would ‘child of God’ be included in the list? 

Child of God should be the most important title as God did create you 
for a purpose so that in your life you could bring glory to Him. Problem is many live for themselves and don’t have a personal relationship with the Lord.

Perhaps you were raised in a denomination that never emphasized that or even mentioned it. Church and religion yes, but a relationship with Jesus? What’s that? Friend Jesus is at your hearts door knocking and he wants to have you open that door and invite him in. Have you done that? Do you want to? 

PRAYER: I love learning scripture and having the peace knowing Jesus is my Lord. When the enemy tries to get me off course or have me get disinterested I choose to press in and run my race to win. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Note: in the busyness of life sometimes you might repeat yourself well I did just that this past week. Friday and Saturday God’s  Lemonade Stand was the same one so I wrote one to replace Saturday’s. Be blessed. 

I Choose To Keep Positive

 

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.Ephesians 4:29

This world can be quite negative so it is essential that positive people remain lifted up and hopeful. More ‘Debbie Downers’ need not apply. 

Complaints, you hear them everywhere ranging from the weather, your family, travel issues, rude clerks,  politics, mean people hurting America, judging others, and on and on it goes. What can you do about it? 

Don’t chime in but be different and set apart from a world that wants to be ugly and vindictive. You can pray and be hopeful. Let encouraging words come from your mouth and be in your emails and texts. If you can’t say a kind word then be still. Now go shine a positive light wherever you are today. And smile! 

PRAYER: Thanks for a free world and for all the wonderful things I enjoy and often take for granted. I choose to be a positive example especially when I start to hear others griping. Let me be a good Christian witness and draw others to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Need Comforted?

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any [a]trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Have you ever found yourself really in a bad place and unless it had been by the grace of God and a Christian mentor, family member, or friend who intervened with prayer you felt hopeless? There is good news at the end of the hopeless feeling you have temporarily! 

God can use you to help comfort others who are struggling maybe in a similar area. Say a person doesn’t understand spiritual warfare and the attacks of the enemy, you can help by explaining and praying over them. 

If you have the experience with the death of a close friend, infant or pre born, or a older child you would certainly be able to help another suffering soul get through one of their darkest times in life. So the pain often has a purpose. 

Stand firm! There is light at the end of the dark tunnel. 

PRAYER: My heart aches for hurting people. All of us have hurt to a certain degree because pain is part of life. Use me Lord to bring comfort to a hurting friend. It could be a host of issues that bring them pain. Thanks for those who have lifted me up when I was down. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Need Comforted?

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any [a]trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Have you ever found yourself really in a bad place and unless it had been by the grace of God and a Christian mentor, family member, or friend who intervened with prayer you felt hopeless? There is good news at the end of the hopeless feeling you have temporarily! 

God can use you to help comfort others who are struggling maybe in a similar area. Say a person doesn’t understand spiritual warfare and the attacks of the enemy, you can help by explaining and praying over them. 

If you have the experience with the death of a close friend, infant or pre born, or a older child you would certainly be able to help another suffering soul get through one of their darkest times in life. So the pain often has a purpose. 

Stand firm! There is light at the end of the dark tunnel. 

PRAYER: My heart aches for hurting people. All of us have hurt to a certain degree because pain is part of life. Use me Lord to bring comfort to a hurting friend. It could be a host of issues that bring them pain. Thanks for those who have lifted me up when I was down. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Honing In And Maintaining Focus

 

Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things,  but few things are needed—or indeed only one.Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42 NIV Bible Gateway

It is easy for some people to stay focused but if you are like me many causes can sound worthy making me be ‘all over the place’ so I have to hone in on something and do it well. That is what my editor also told me a few years ago that even in writing I was going ‘all over the place’. Hopefully not anymore. 

So what cause are you passionate about and is it kingdom building? You can sign up for many worthy things because of being afraid to say no but do you have a couple you can concentrate on to become efficient in? Maybe you don’t even have a true passion for any area. 

Relax and pray. Maybe your passion is something inward not seen by others. You don’t have to do things to be seen by others. Think about what your focus is and decide if anything is suffering because you are ‘all over the place’ and rest and let Christ lead you not worrying about turning people down. 

PRAYER: Guide me Lord in what is useful and worthy for your kingdom purposes not letting any spirtual gifting dry up for lack of us but help me maintain clear focus on the main area you want me to focus on. In Jesus' Name. Amen. 

Be Very Still

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

1 Peter 5:8-9

An erratic mouth, loose lips, excessive need to chatter can wind up in a bad way for you when instead stillness and an extra measure of patience is required. I believe Satan loves to get you in a frenzy over deadlines, what if’s, and a host of other seemingly important things.

Just think if you don’t exercise a calm spirit you could rush into business deals and end up making terrible mistakes. Today’s verse speaks of resisting the devil and compares this ugly creature to a roaring lion looking for his next meal.

Friend don’t allow an impulsive spirit to cause you to fall into the pit of premature thinking and huge mistakes. Consistently in the Bible is the theme of peace and stillness not jumping up and deciding stupid regretful things. So brother and sister lean in to the savior, pray, be still and wait on God. 

PRAYERS: Lord I thank you that you are there for me 24/7 and forgive me when I allow the demons of darkness to torment me only because I wasn’t meditating on your word and promises. Help me stay on the path that leads to victory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.  

Need Protection?

 

If you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! 1 Corinthians 10:12

By protection I am not referring to a hat, sunscreen, visor, sunshade, umbrella, lockbox, or a body guard but the word of God. You have weapons at your disposal more powerful than any mighty men here on earth or any conjured up Super Hero from a comic book. 

The attacks on believers come from the enemy and we have weapons to help pull down strongholds. One of the mightiest weapons is speaking and reading scripture verses. Satan could care less about Sunday  Christians who have done their ‘duty’ and leave each Sunday unchanged with no hunger for the word.

If you are reading this today and feel unexcited about your walk with Jesus and more into your denomination than the Lord Jesus there could be an issue. Remember this world offers no protection, your 401k offers no protection, your home although well built also offers no protection from the storms of life that are bound to beat at you trying to make you collapse. Jesus is your 24-7 security from all of life and it’s hassles. Lean in and latch on!

PRAYERS:I remember a time I was what I call a ‘churched’ believer with little or no excitement about all things Jesus. The Holy Spirit woke me up and I pray for those reading today who need you on their life to receive you as well. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Fallen World....Standby

 

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.Ephesians 6:10-12 NIV Bible Gateway

The current world we are in is confused, stumbling, believing lies, and arguing with those who don't see things the way the world says they should. As a believer you are to not lose hope but to press on and know God is using all this garbage going on to help redeem and set free many who are lost and wandering in the lies of the enemy. 

Let the Holy Spirit work, continue to pray. Praise God for those people who decided to block you on Facebook, or not want to be your social media or real friend because God is clearing the path for you to walk in victory and some baggage you don't need to be carrying with you. Instead of being sad because a certain individual does not want to be in your circle of friends anymore simply pray for them my friend. 

 

The evil one is trying to destroy not  only America but any people who believe the truth. You don't need to fret over the news, turn it off and get on your knees. God is alive, He loves you. He is sad by the darkness blinding many. Continue to press into prayer and pray for those who are putting stumbling blocks in front of people you know and love. 

PRAYER: Thanks for another day to make an impact for the kingdom. use me today Lord to not sow discord but to sow joy and peace. Help me run my race to win not looking back at the past but to charge ahead full of faith. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

#Biblegatewayblogger

Glory, Glory, Hallelujah His Truth Is Marching On

 

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners. Isaiah 61:1

 

Happy Independence Day my beloved friends. It is truly a day of rejoicing especially for those who were immigrants after the founding and realize the true sacrifices for freedom.

 

This is a day for a gigantic birthday party. There have been false teaching and 'Debbie downers' who have crept into society to try to indoctrinate an 'alternate truth' and to teach it in schools and even preach it from some alternate pulpits who do not truly love the Lord. 

This nation and its history were ordained by God, the good, the bad, and the ugly. When people get away from God’s word and break his laws is when this world gets tossed into confusion. The Founding Fathers were gifted by the Almighty. Pray for those who would seek to destroy and overthrow this great nation, as evil is always lurking trying to destroy freedom. 

PRAYER: Jesus you are Lord and I praise your name. I praise you for the United States of America and for it’s Christian founding that many despise and try to collapse our government. Protect us Lord and bring us God fearing Leaders to help us have liberty and justice for all without throwing in their own versions. Release people who are captive to deceiving spirits who have sown lies into their hearts. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

No Grit, No Pearl!

 

But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world.1 Peter 5:9

I love motivational signs and recently saw this one on a local counseling center here in Idaho and it is now borrowed for my title.

A drill sergeant in the military may yell commands about tough training building character or a fitness coach may say “no pain no gain” but really all that is true. Trials build endurance and endurance builds character. Not sure why that is God’s method of developing you spiritually but it is.

So the pearl became a valuable jewel after the grit and dirt got in a mollusk or oyster and secretions released to protect the living creature from the irritant. Are you feeling worn down by trials, bad news, or struggles? God truly can use all things to grow you spiritually preparing you for his kingdom work. 

PRAYER: Trials and tests are not fun but in the end when it is all said and done I am stronger for what I endured. Give me strength for any challenges that await me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Groaning?

 

When I kept silent, my bones became brittle from my groaning all day long.Psalm 32:3

Are you a groaner? Not a complainer but someone who groans about situations or their ‘plight’? Or you groan in prayer almost as if saying “enough already God!”

Groaning is defined in the dictionary as denoting a deep inarticulate sound conveying pain, despair, pleasure, etc.. such as "he made groaning sounds and took labored breaths.” So when you groan I guess you could say you are almost exhausted in prayer but keeping on wondering when will victory come. 

Do you feel in bondage to something that has kept you from a pure Holy walk with the Lord? Have you cried out for release and maybe groaned upon your pillow at night? God is here. He hears you. Do not despair my child. Help is on the way! 

PRAYER: Hear my cry oh Lord forgive me for wrong  thinking or lack of faith. I thank you for how you have redeemed me and set me free. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

S.F.T.

 

“When you go out to battle against your enemies and see horses and chariots and people more numerous than you, do not be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, who brought you up from the land of Egypt is with you. Deuteronomy 20:1

In the movie Seven Days In Utopia starring Alabama grown actor Lucas Black as a hot headed professional golfer,  the see, feel, trust SFT letters on the golf ball actor Robert Duvall used as a reminder that God is everywhere. 

God is everywhere. He is on the golf course, the tennis court, the running track, the classroom, your bedroom, in the waiting room of a car repair shop, at the doctor. You get the picture. You don’t see Him yet you believe. You feel his presence. Trust is the ultimate goal. 

Are you broken??Guess what friend no one is beyond repair. The hot headed golfer whose car wreck damaged a fence of former PGA golfer played by Robert Duvall who used 7 days needed for car repairs to teach this young golfer some life lessons. Even though a fictitious movie it has many good points and I recommend checking it out. Let God handle your battles big or small.

PRAYER: Jesus I need you in my life in good times and in bad. I need to stop leaning to the flesh and be guided by the spirit. Give me strength. In Jesus’ name. Amen.